Saturday, 12-7-2024, Pearl Harbor Day: Hawkins County Trip & SEC Championship (published 12-11-2024; article #504)

Photograph by M. Fearghail on Saturday, 12/7/2024, at 1:14 PM. The view looks north.

Introduction

On Saturday, December 7, the 82nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, this Appalachian Irishman and his reliable 2006 Frontier took a road trip to Hawkins County, Tennessee! We returned home about midway into the first quarter of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship game. In all, it was a good “man day.” Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had the invitation to accompany me, but she declined. Her priorities were doing three loads of laundry and visiting with her father and sister.

Welcome, dear reader, to the 106th article in the Heritage topic section, which is also the 17th entry in the Sports section. The story begins with stops and visits in Hawkins County. Transitioning, it ends with the SEC championship game.

Saturday's weather, unlike today, was seasonably cool and sunny, perfect conditions for a “man day” adventure! Today's weather is cool, windy, and blustery. The morning dusting of snow melted quickly. Coming down in big flakes, the falling snow was enjoyable to watch.

Picky Aside

As a picky digression, the Imperial Japanese air force struck Pearl Harbor early on the Sunday morning of December 7, 1941. Last Saturday, therefore, was the 82nd anniversary of that infamous attack, not the 83rd as several online articles state incorrectly.

The first anniversary was on December 7, 1942. Last Saturday marked 83 years since the attack.

Trip to Hawkins County

Moving past that picky aside, let's hit the road and drive up to Hawkins County! Wanting to leave the house by 8:45 AM, I cranked my truck at 8:57 AM to start the trip.

What delayed me? I guess it took 12 minutes to thoroughly “mow” (trim) my unruly beard and mustache hair! Those wild hairs wouldn't trim down without a fight!

Homeplace

The first stop was at the homeplace, included in the previous photograph. Arriving at 10:03 AM, the roofing contractor was already waiting on me. A few minutes after I arrived, the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractor arrived. I had arranged to meet both contractors at 10 AM.

My wife and I had visited with my youngest brother and his family on Saturday, November 30, which was also Granny Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell's birthday in 1892. After a fine meal and great visit, we checked on the homeplace. The condensate removal pump for the furnace was not working. A small amount of water had drained onto the basement floor.

The local HVAC contractor, whom I consider to be a friend, replaced the defective pump. Thankfully, the pump had not leaked more water onto the basement floor. Whatever tinkering that I had done to the old pump the previous Saturday must have fixed it temporarily.

Farther back, on Saturday, October 12, my wife and I met my youngest brother and his family in downtown Rogersville for Heritage Days weekend. As usual, Main Street was crowded with vendors and bipedal shoppers. I didn't recognize anyone. For my wife and me, we bought chicken sticks and lemonade from a food vendor, paying $13 each for two chicken sticks and $8 for one 32-ounce lemonade, which we shared. That was $34! The shock of that expense thwarted any interest in further vendor shopping. The six of us, however, enjoyed the sunny and warm weather. Standing near the old White Store building, we had a good, long visit.

Afterward, my wife and I drove to check on the homeplace. At least one shingle on the northeast corner of the roof had blown off, due to the remnants of hurricane Helene that blew through the area from September 25-30.

The roofing contractor, a new friend, who had arrived before me, had already inspected the roof. He and I are the same age. Looking eye-to-eye and shaking hands, we agreed on the roof work that is being scheduled as of this article's publication date.

Just before the two contractors left, the man, who mows the field behind the house and harvests the hay, dropped by. The four of us conversed on various topics for a while. Thankfully, this fine man keeps the field looking great.

As I was finishing several chores outside, in the basement, and inside the house, our good neighbor from across the road knocked and came inside to greet me. Standing in the kitchen, we talked about recent and upcoming life events. He said that his wife, who remained at home, was doing well. We swapped yarns about trivial domestic disputes with our wives. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, by not being present, missed a chance to defend herself! His wife did too!

Just before leaving, I called my good friend, Bill, and photographed the house and land in the previous image. The house has some age and wear and tear, but it's still standing, just like me!

My Friend, Bill

The article from 6/20/2024 mentions Bill, my friend since grade school, and his mother. His mother attained the spry age of 90 on Saturday, June 29. My wife and I drove up and spent time with Bill and his mother on her birthday. Still able to get around and drive locally, Bill's mother still has that look in her eye that used to tell us boys that we were in trouble! We reminisced about childhood memories and enjoyed cake and ice cream.

Bill and I visited for a good, long while, and we conversed openly on several topics. I always enjoy seeing Bill. Since we talked for so long, and I wanted to visit my youngest brother and his family, Bill said that he would tell his mother, who lives next door, that I didn't want to bother her with my glib, Irish tongue! In honesty, Bill said that his mother would talk with us for so long that I might not get to visit my brother and family.

Youngest Brother's House

Leaving Bill's, I paused along the side of the road to call my youngest brother. Unable to reach him, I left his wife and him voicemails. I almost decided to drive through downtown, on Main Street, to reach their house. I'm glad that I didn't.

Knocking on the door, upon my arrival, I found no one home. A neighbor's dog came into their yard to greet me. I could hear their two dogs barking from within their sheltered pen behind the house.

Later on, my youngest brother returned my voicemail. His wife, their two daughters, and he had gone to the Christmas parade, which started at 4 PM. It's a good thing that I chose to take the bypass, instead of driving through Main Street! Downtown would have been blocked to traffic for the parade.

Leaving their house, my truck decided to drive through St. Clair and Morristown, to reach Highway 25E. From there, I got onto Highway 11W at Rutledge.

Hungry and with the need to clean bird droppings that splattered directly onto the driver's side windshield, I stopped at a local convenience store. A damp paper towel cleaned the bird splatter. The Coke and corn dog, which cost just over $3, held me over until supper.

SEC Championship

My ol' truck and I returned home about 4:40 PM. The SEC championship football game had started at 4 PM. My “long-suffering” wife knew to have the television on the game.

After playing with and petting Molly, our nine-year-old “puppy,” I went inside, washed my hands, and did a few other things. Once I'd settled down, I started watching the game. Eventually, after supper, Molly joined us inside. The three of us watched most of the game.

Who won the game? Georgia defeated Texas in overtime, 22-19! Great win, Bulldogs! I wish, however, that you would learn how to play a consistent game. Coming from behind in the second half or winning in overtime is getting old.

Up next are the College Football Playoffs! If interested, check out the College Football Playoff: News: “College Football Playoff Selection Committee Announces Final Top 25 Rankings of 2024,” 12/8/2024! In the first round, 9-seeded Tennessee goes on the road to take on 8-seeded Ohio State on Saturday, December 21. On New Year's Day at the Sugar Bowl, 2-seeded Georgia takes on the winner of the Indiana at Notre Dame game. I'm excited! Go Vols! Go 'Dawgs!

Conclusion

Well, that's a wrap, sports fans! Further, I trust that those, who find value in family heritage, enjoyed the story about my trip to Hawkins County.

After my mother went to see Jesus, my father said, “Boys, we're just trying to keep things going here.” He was speaking about life at the homeplace without his wife.

Mom and Dad, I'm still trying to keep things going there. I love and miss you both, but I will see you again.

Worldviews in Conflict: 2024 November Election Day Results (published 11-29-2024; article #503)

Photograph by Janine Robinson on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Twenty-four days ago, it was finally over. On the day after Thanksgiving, I am thankful that it is behind us now. I am relieved.

The recent presidential election result was better than four years ago. Lord willing, Donald Trump, the 45th president, will become the 47th president next year on Monday, January 20. I held my nose and voted for him on Election Day, November 5th.

Welcome to the 25th entry in the Worldviews in Conflict topic section, dear reader. This article is a follow-up to the three-part series from last month.

What is the origin of the phrase “Don't let the camel get its nose under the tent”? The conclusion will explain. Further, it will share my Black Friday humor from yesterday, on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone except a first cousin of my wife understood it.

Last Month's Three-Part Series

Late last month, I published a three-part series on the then-upcoming election day. The focus was on political worldviews in conflict. The lofty goal was to encourage this nation and every nation to unite under the biblical worldview.

Part one, on 10/29/2024, focused on the ground view and then the aerial view of the political worldviews in conflict. Part two, the next day, contrasted the 2024 Republican Party platform with the 2024 Democrat Party platform. The final part on Halloween contrasted the positions of former President Trump and current Vice President Harris on key issues.

The noble efforts by many Christian commentators, orators, and writers that encourage political unity based on the biblical worldview may continue to fall on deaf ears. Perhaps enough are being persuaded.

2024 Election Results

President

The November 5th presidential election marked the sixtieth presidential election cycle, since President Washington became the first president in 1789. Thankfully, former President Trump defeated Vice President Harris.

The electoral college votes were 312 for Trump and 226 for Harris, with 270 needed to win. Trump won the popular vote with 76,838,984 votes (50%) to Harris' 74,327,659 votes (48.4%). Trump carried 31 states. Harris won 19 states plus the District of Columbia (DC). Source: Google: 2024 US elections: Results: Presidential.

For recent perspective, National Archives: Electoral College Results shows the following electoral college results:

2016: Donald Trump, 304. Hillary Clinton, 227.

2020: Joseph Biden Jr., 306. Donald Trump, 232.

The previously referenced source shows upcoming “Key Dates and Events” as follows:

● By December 11, 2024, electors are appointed: “The State Executive of each State signs the Certificate of Ascertainment to appoint the electors chosen in the general election.”

● On December 17, 2024, electors vote: “The electors in each state meet to select the President and Vice President of the United States.”

● On January 6, 2025, “Congress counts the vote: Congress meets in joint session to count the electoral votes (unless Congress passes a law to change the date from a Saturday or Sunday).”

● January 20, 2025, is Inauguration Day: “The President-Elect is sworn in as President of the United States.”

Let us hope, trust, and pray that all goes well between now and Inauguration Day. May the incoming administration govern by and influence this nation to follow the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. That is my hope and prayer. Those noble documents are based on the biblical worldview.

Senate

The Senate, composed of 100 senators, flipped to a slim Republican majority. With 53 seats, Republicans gained four seats and took control of the Senate. The four seats that flipped Republican were in Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Democrats gained one seat in Arizona. Democrats hold 45 seats, but two independent senators caucus with Democrats, giving Democrats 47 seats.

Thirty-four Senate seats were up for election, including 19 held by Democrats, 11 held by Republicans, and four held by Independents. Of the 34 seats, nine were open, since the incumbent did not seek reelection. Republicans won 15 seats, gaining the four stated previously. Democrats won 17 seats. Independents won two seats. The two independent senators that caucus with Democrats won reelection in Maine and Vermont. Sources: Ballotpedia: United States Senate Elections: 2024; Google: 2024 US elections: Results: Senate; Politico: 2024 Election: Results: Senate; and 270toWin: 2024 Senate Election Live Results.

I cast my vote proudly for incumbent Senator Marsha Blackburn. She defeated her rather raucous and obviously socialist-Democrat opponent by a landslide.

Partisan bickering may continue. Republicans lacking backbones may give in to socialist agendas. I hope not. Instead, I hope that the Republican majority has a collective backbone, does not waver, and advances an agenda that follows the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Those impressive documents align with the biblical worldview.

House

Elections were held for all 435 districts of the House of Representatives. Before the election, the Republicans held a slim majority by seven members over the Democrats, 221 to 214.

Amazingly, twenty-four days after the election, one House race in California is yet to be called! After Election Day, the Republicans still hold a thin majority, by six members, 220 Republicans to 214 Democrats. That totals 434 members, with one race still undecided but leaning Democrat. Sources: Ballotpedia: Election results, 2024: U.S. House; Google: 2024 US elections: Results: House; Politico: 2024 Election: Results: House; and 270toWin: 2024 House Election Live Results.

I was honored to vote for incumbent Congressman Tim Burchett, who represents the 2nd District. The Democrat opposing him didn't have a snowball's chance in an extremely hot location.

Presumably, the divided House of Representatives will continue to play tug of war. Republicans should be strong and united enough to pull Democrats into the mud pit most of the time. Perhaps Republicans will be able to pull Democrats through the socialist mud pit and onto their side, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are upheld. Those impressive documents hold true to the biblical worldview.

Conclusion

On the day after Thanksgiving, I decided to finish and publish this article. I had shelved it for several days. Concluding thoughts focus first on the origin of the phrase “Don't let the camel get its nose under the tent.”

Research indicates that it is an old Arab proverb. A man takes shelter in his tent from a sandstorm. Outside, his camel endures the sandstorm, as it is designed to do. The camel, seeking to be more comfortable, asks polite permission to place his nose under a tent flap, to better protect it from the blowing sand. Sympathetically, the man agrees. The camel progressively and so politely continues to ask to allow more of his body to enter the tent. The man proceeds with his compassionate allowance. Eventually, all the camel's body is in the tent with the man. The small tent is now cramped. The camel, being larger than the man, aggressively forces him out of the tent and into the sandstorm.

On the day after Thanksgiving, I am thankful that a slim majority of voters had enough sense to keep the socialist camel from slipping further into the tent. Moreover, I hope that the socialist camel will be pushed completely out of the tent. It can stay outside in the sandstorm, where it belongs.

Final concluding thoughts focus on my Black Friday humor from yesterday, Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday, eight family members and a family friend gathered at my father-in-law's home. I wanted to hike House Mountain, before the traditional meal, but the damp, windy, and cloudy weather prohibited me. After the delicious meal, over which my father-in-law gave thanks, various conversations flowed like gravy over slices of turkey.

Some of the ladies were discussing their shopping today on Black Friday. I had the opening. I took it! In sarcastic humor, I complained that the term “Black Friday” was offensive. In jest, I suggested that today should be called “Person of Color Friday,” so as to not offend those, whose skin is much darker than mine. Everyone except a first cousin of my wife understood my satire. I even stated that I was speaking in humor, as if I held a so-called “woke” mentality.

I left before my wife, who had arrived earlier and stayed later than me. After I departed for home, I learned that, in total seriousness, this cousin-in-law had accused me, behind my back, of being racist! The man made the accusation, while outside with my wife and our niece. My wife told me, once she arrived home.

In loving kindness as a Christian, I may need to confront and correct my cousin-in-law, if he persists in his false accusation. Articles from last year offer my statements on the “woke” mindset (1/22/2023) and on racism (3/17/2023). I suggest that my wife's cousin read those articles.

In final close, on this infamous shopping day after Thanksgiving, what did my wife and I do? Well, she visited with her nearby family. I hauled off the trash and recycling and did a few household errands. This morning, the weather was cloudy. The afternoon, while I was about my chores, had turned sunny, cool, and breezy. I should have gone hiking, as I did on this day last year!

Belated happy Thanksgiving to you all! Please don't tell me that you endured the mass hysteria of shopping on Black Friday! By the way, the article from 12/1/2023, about my hike on this day last year, includes the following:

. . . Black Friday started, in 1869, when two investors caused a market crash of 20%. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, changed the meaning of Black Friday, to mean tourism and shopping. In the late 1980s, Black Friday became widely known as the frenzied shopping day after Thanksgiving. It's called Black Friday, not Red Friday, since accountants use red ink for financial losses and black ink for financial gains.

Molly's Reflections from Her Ninth Birthday: Belated Happy Halloween! (published 11-21-2024; article #502)

11/14/2023 photograph, by M. Fearghail, of Molly on House Mountain. Originally included in the 11/19/2023 article.

Introduction

I'm sorry, Molly! I wanted to publish this article on your birthday.

In late October, the three-part series about the then-upcoming presidential election was on my mind. In October, the articles were published on the 29th, 30th, and 31st (Halloween). Later that week on my Substack platform, I published the following synopsis of that series: Worldviews in Conflict: 2024 Presidential Election (published 11-2-2024; article #39), Appalachian Irishman: Substack.

Molly is our ol' puppy. She has been a part of our lives for nine years as of today. She decided to settle in with us on Saturday, 11/21/2015. Molly was about eight months old then, so she was likely born in March 2015. Molly, however, prefers to celebrate her birthday on Halloween. This fifteenth entry in the Pets topic section includes Molly's reflections, in her own words, from her ninth birthday. Take it away, Molly!

Molly's Reflections from Her Ninth Birthday

Woof, woof, sniffy, sniffy, and tail-waggy greetings, y'all! The man has turned the keyboard over to me now. I learned how to type words in English. I can't speak the language yet, but I understand spoken English fairly well. The man understands and speaks dog language well enough.

This is the third time that I've written a section in an article for the man. The first time was on my birthday last year, when I wrote most of “A Dog's Perspective, on Her Birthday (published 10-31-2023; article #439).” The next month, I wrote under the section “Hike #183 (11/14/2023): Molly's Hike #8!” in the article “House Mountain: 3 Hikes in 3 Days! (published 11-19-2023; article #442).” I'm a paid writer. The man pays me with delicious and healthy treats and snacks.

Speaking of treats and snacks, the woman lets me out of my basement condominium about 6:20 every morning. She replenishes my water bowl and fills my food bowl with breakfast. Occasionally, I eat breakfast or most of it. I prefer, however, the early afternoon treats and snacks that the man places in my front porch food bowl! Beforehand, he and I play a few games with what the man calls my exercise toys. I like “ol' favorite,” “poofer,” and “plastic bottle” the best.

For my seventh birthday, a couple of years ago, the man recorded the first episode of “Molly-TV.” We were playing the plastic bottle game! The episode, of just over a minute, is embedded in the article “Molly's Birthday Fun at Age Seven! (published 10-31-2022; article #369).” Do you want to see it here? Here it is again!

I need to stop writing now. I want to go out to the front yard and bark at a neighbor's house! One of their dogs, nicknamed “Brown Puff,” is doing something interesting! The man will see me and hear me barking. I hope that he comes outside and hangs out with me for a while. We may play a few exercise games!

Conclusion

Wow! Molly quickly bounced away from my computer desk, out of my home office, and to the front door! At the door, she whined to go outside. Of course, I let her out! Now, she is outside, barking toward a neighbor's house! Of course, all our neighbors know Molly and her antics. They like Molly. A couple of neighbors, while walking for exercise, stop by to give her treats.

Going back in time, a couple of articles that Molly didn't mention are from 6/19/2021, when I told the story about our “super puppy,” and from 10/22/2022, when I spilled the beans about Molly's illegal border crossing.

I'd better stop writing! I must go outside to have some fun with Molly! This article is published exactly nine years to the day after we got Molly.

Finally, this article remembers that Papaw Marion Ferrell passed away on this day in 1970.

House Mountain Hike #194, 11-13-2024: Centered at the West Bluff (published 11-16-2024; article #501)

Introduction

This area needed the rain, which started about 10 PM on Wednesday evening. The weather had been unseasonably warm and dry. Thursday was cloudy and rainy. Yesterday the clouds lingered.

Today is perfect hiking weather! Why am I not hiking? I am prioritizing the completion of this article while glimpsing at college football. I would rather be hiking!

Tuesday's weather was also perfect for hiking, but my monthly chiropractic adjustment was that morning. Knowing that I should take it easy after a routine adjustment, wisdom dictated that I not hike that day. I still had the itch. I scratched it the next day!

On Wednesday afternoon, before the late evening rain, the weather and my soulful maxim, the mountain was calling, and I had to go, beckoned me to House Mountain for my 194th hike along those steep and rugged trails.

Welcome to the seventy-first entry in the hiking topic section, dear reader! This article takes us up to the west bluff, enjoys the solitude at the west bluff, and leads us back down on the same trail. The temperature was in the upper 60s Fahrenheit. The weather was mostly sunny with a light breeze. These indicated the oncoming rain, which started late that evening.

Hiking Up to the West Bluff

Arriving at the main parking lot about 12:40 PM, I didn't start hiking up the west trail until 12:52 PM. What took me so long? Hydrating before hiking is wise. I had hydrated too much. A few yards along the east Sawmill Loop Trail, near the parking lot, provided cover. Need I say more? I didn't want to use the men's side of the fancy outhouse. The odor is unpleasant in there!

Relieved and refreshed, the west trail called me upward. I had to go.

The article from 10/19/2024, about my 192nd hike on House Mountain on October 9, concentrated on the fallen trees brought down by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. It includes twenty photographs. I had counted at least nineteen trees down that blocked areas along three trails. At least twelve of those trees had fallen across areas along the west trail.

That previous article includes a photograph taken from just below the third lower switchback. A downed tree or trees had completely blocked that switchback. On Wednesday, the following photograph, taken at 1:08 PM, from just above the same third lower switchback, shows that the blockage had been cleared.

I wonder if employees from the Knox County Parks and Recreation Department cleared the trails. Someone had, for which this avid hiker is thankful! All twelve areas along the west trail, which fallen trees had blocked, were cleared.

At 1:12 PM, having hiked up the lower area, I started hiking up the six upper switchbacks. Not in a hurry, I stopped at times to fill cutouts near switchbacks with fallen branches. Hopefully, that effort will dissuade unthoughtful hikers from taking those cutouts.

The next photograph, taken at 1:40 PM, shows the steep and rocky outcroppings on the trail that leads west and below the ridge.

A huge rock formation is above me. It is partially visible in the upper right corner of the image. How do hikers negotiate this steep and rocky area? Carefully hike up and right, using hands and feet! Hiking theology encourages everyone to hike up and right in life.

Reaching the top of one set of rocks, a thorn bush, growing between two boulders, tried to prick my face. I took out my sheath knife and cut the thorn bush. It won't be in anyone's way now!

Just after I had cut the thorn bush, I heard and saw a young lady, who was hiking down. Seeing my knife out surprised her. Calmly, I assured her that I had cut a thorn that almost got me. Wiping off the blade on my pants, I secured the knife back into the sheath. We continued to talk about hiking, the fallen trees that had been cleared, and trail maintenance. We didn't exchange names or contact information, but I hope that the young lady continues her love of hiking and interest in trail maintenance.

At the West Bluff

Continuing upward and west, I reached the west bluff at 2:02 PM. Alone, I sat on a rock, stood, and walked about. Turkey buzzards flew overhead. I didn't see a hawk. Clouds were rolling in gently, but the sky was still mostly clear and sunny. The gentle breeze refreshed me.

I took the photograph below at 2:15 PM. I was standing a few yards behind and above the west bluff. Trail markers are visible in the image.

Silently, I listened to the sounds of civilization below me. Far away, someone was using a chainsaw to cut wood. I heard a few vehicles on the roads below me. Around me, squirrels and birds rustled leaves as they moved about. It was a perfect moment in time.

I thought about recording a new episode for Appalachian Irishman – Podcasts (YouTube). I have recorded fifteen episodes in the Hiking Playlist and two in the Hiking Theology Playlist. The episode that I didn't record would have focused on the silence and the sounds below and around me.

I centered myself at the west bluff. The trappings of modern life were below me. Natural life was around me. God was above and around me. Quietly, I centered myself. Fellow hikers understand that kind of moment in the woods.

Unfortunately, a couple of groups of hikers reached the bluff. My perfect moment alone with God and nature was over.

Hiking Down and Out

The only photograph, which follows below, that I took on my hike down and out on the west trail was at 2:32 PM. Moments before, I had slowly and carefully scaled down, in crab-like fashion, the steep and leaf-filled ascent to the bluff.

Looking north, the bluff is above me. I enjoy the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet while hiking. Step carefully though! Unseen, loose rocks and twigs can roll a footstep. Leaves can cover a divot in the ground. I step lightly and carefully, before placing full weight on each step.

A group of female hikers and I shared a humorous moment somewhere near the steep and rocky outcroppings on the trail below the ridge. They were hiking up, as I hiked down. One lady, perhaps in her 40s, had hiked House Mountain once, years ago. It was the first time for the other ladies to hike “my mountain.” They asked me a few questions about the trail, which I answered, sharing that this was my 194th hike on the mountain. One lady asked, “Where is the trail?” I answered, “Just keep going up and right. You'll find it and stay on it.” Once again, my hiking theology encouraged the group to hike up and right in life. The ladies seemed to enjoy the humor that I laced with theology.

Continuing down, near several of the six upper switchbacks, I paused to cover cutouts with fallen branches. Having done this many times over the years, I disdain thoughtless hikers, who cut out around switchbacks! Kindly, I have educated several through the years.

Conclusion

At 3:52 PM, I touched the sign near the covered picnic area, to mark the end of my hike. That was exactly three hours in the woods! Any day or a few hours of a day spent in the woods is better than not having been there!

On House Mountain, I have six more hikes to take, before reaching my 200th hike there. Lord willing, I plan to hike “my mountain” six more times before year-end. Everyone needs to set good goals in life. That's one of mine.

What is the ultimate goal in life? In the first century, the inspired apostle Paul framed it well, in his letter to the brethren at Philippi. The context is Philippians 3:1-14. Verse 14 (NIV) concludes as follows:

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Shifting gears in closing, let's end with a sports goal. The Georgia Bulldogs host the Tennessee Volunteers this evening. Game time is 7:30 PM. Will Smokey the bluetick hound dog beat Uga the bulldog? Will Uga triumph against Smokey? We will see, beginning at 7:30 PM. Go Dawgs! Good luck, Vols!

Worldviews in Conflict: 2024 Presidential Election (Part 3): 2024 Trump versus Harris on Key Issues (published 10-31-2024; article #500)

“A bench with a message written on it: street art on a public bench. Our differences don’t have to divide us.” By Nick Fewings, Brighton, UK, Unsplash, 3/2/2022. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Yes, our differences don't have to divide us. If every person followed the correct worldview, then our minor differences could be resolved fairly easily. The purpose of this three-part series has been to focus our attention on the correct worldview. The goal is to unite this divided nation by encouraging everyone to stand solidly on and follow the biblical worldview.

This series is focusing on the forthcoming 2024 presidential election. Election day is next Tuesday, November 5th. Part one, the article from two days ago, centered on the ground and aerial views of the conflicting political worldviews. Yesterday's article contrasted the 2024 Republican Party platform with the 2024 Democrat Party platform and concluded that the Republican platform is more in line with the biblical worldview.

This final part three contrasts the positions of former President Trump and current Vice President Harris on key issues. This is the twenty-fourth entry in the Worldviews in Conflict topic section. The conclusion will explain why I am voting for which candidate next Tuesday.

Trump's Key Issues

The Donald J. Trump: Platform is succinct (three-page printout) and includes the following 20 core promises (key issues):

1. Seal the border and stop the migrant invasion.
2. Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history.
3. End inflation, and make America affordable again.
4. Make America the dominant energy producer in the world, by far!
5. Stop outsourcing, and turn the United States into a manufacturing superpower.
6. Large tax cuts for workers, and no tax on tips!
7. Defend our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms.
8. Prevent World War Three, restore peace in Europe and in the Middle East, and build a great iron dome missile defense shield over our entire country -- all made in America.
9. End the weaponization of government against the American people.
10. Stop the migrant crime epidemic, demolish the foreign drug cartels, crush gang violence, and lock up violent offenders.
11. Rebuild our cities, including Washington, DC, making them safe, clean, and beautiful again.
12. Strengthen and modernize our military, making it, without question, the strongest and most powerful in the world.
13. Keep the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency.
14. Fight for and protect Social Security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to the retirement age.
15. Cancel the electric vehicle mandate and cut costly and burdensome regulations.
16. Cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children.
17. Keep men out of women's sports.
18. Deport pro-HAMAS radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again.
19. Secure our elections, including same-day voting, voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship.
20. Unite our country by bringing it to new and record levels of success.

The website directs to the 2024 Republican Party Platform, which my previous article referenced.

Harris' Key Issues

The Kamala Harris: Issues are more verbose (seven pages in original, expanded format) and include the following four key issues, each with bullet point specifications:

Build an Opportunity Economy and Lower Costs for Families.

• Cut taxes for middle-class families.
• Make rent more affordable and home ownership more attainable.
• Grow small businesses and invest in entrepreneurs.
• Take on bad actors and bring down costs.
• Strengthen and bring down the cost of health care.
• Protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare.
• Support American innovation and workers.
• Provide a pathway to the middle class through quality, affordable education.
• Invest in affordable child care and long-term care.
• Lower energy costs and tackle the climate crisis.
• Trump's Project 2025 Agenda.

Safeguard Our Fundamental Freedoms.

• Restore and protect reproductive freedoms.
• Protect civil rights and freedoms.
• Trump's Project 2025 Agenda.

Ensure Safety and Justice for All.

• Make our communities safer from gun violence and crime.
• Secure our borders and fix our broken immigration system.
• Tackle the opioid and fentanyl crises.
• Ensure no one is above the law.
• Trump's Project 2025 Agenda.

Keep America Safe, Secure, and Prosperous.

• Stand with our allies, stand up to dictators, and lead on the world stage.
• Invest in America's sources of strength.
• Support service members, veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
• Trump's Project 2025 Agenda.

I didn't expand the twenty-three bullet points for this article. Online, each is expandable. I read the introductory material to the four key items and each bullet point under the key items.

The introduction to the first key item includes a link to New Way Forward for the Middle Class, an online, 82-page PDF file. The Table of Contents, on page 3, includes thirteen chapters in two sections. Glancing through the document, I was put off by the citing of so-called experts that are claimed to support Harris' economic plan over Trump's. I wondered why Harris, as sitting Vice President these last four years, has not already implemented her plan.

“Trump's Project 2025 Agenda” is the final bullet point under each of the above four key issues. Claims that Trump has a “Project 2025 Agenda” have been debunked several times. See, for example, “Project 2025 is an effort by the Heritage Foundation, not Donald Trump | Fact check.” USA Today, by BrieAnna J. Frank, 7/10/2024, and The Truth About Project 2025: The Heritage Foundation. Harris' statements about “Trump's Project 2025 Agenda” are false on the face of it.

Trump versus Harris on Key Issues

I am concerned about the size, redundancy, waste, and competence in the federal government. It should be downsized dramatically. Wasteful federal spending should be eliminated. The federal budget should be balanced every year. The national debt should be reduced and eliminated. The national economy needs to be strong. National borders must be secured. Giving illegal aliens free transportation, phones, lodging, and so forth is something that the federal government should never have even imagined doing. These and other issues are on my mind.

As a Christian and adherent to the biblical worldview, key issues for me are abortion (the killing of an unborn child in the mother's womb) and all efforts (i.e., critical race theory, cancel culture, so-called gender fluidity, and so forth) that contradict my worldview.

Former President Trump stands for the right of an unborn child to life outside the womb. In contrast, Vice President Harris, under “Safeguard Our Fundamental Freedoms: Restore and protect reproductive freedoms,” using euphemisms, affirms her desire to allow the killing of unborn children to continue. Remember, “reproductive freedom” and “a woman's right to choose” are euphemisms for killing an unborn child, for reasons other than to save the life of the mother.

Agendas such as critical race theory, cancel culture, so-called gender fluidity, and so forth are not in line with the biblical worldview. Former President Trump stands against those alternate worldviews. Vice President Harris, in contrast, under “Safeguard Our Fundamental Freedoms: Protect civil rights and freedoms,” touts her stand and actions that promote same-sex marriage and the LGBTQI+ lifestyle. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary: LGBTQI (abbreviation): “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (one's sexual or gender identity), and intersex.”)

Conclusion

On election day next Tuesday, Lord willing, I plan to hold my nose and vote for former President Trump. The reason is clear. The Republican Party and Donald Trump are more in line with the biblical worldview than the other choice.

Both candidates and parties need to tone down the rhetoric and display true statesmanship. I am not fond of Trump, but he is better than the other option.

If this nation and all nations could unite by following correctly the biblical worldview, then there would be unity and peace. A nation divided cannot stand. To be truly united, this nation and every nation need to unite under the biblical worldview. This three-part series ends with that hope in mind.

Happy Halloween!

Worldviews in Conflict: 2024 Presidential Election (Part 2): 2024 Republican versus Democrat Platforms (published 10-30-2024; article #499)

“A bench with a message written on it: street art on a public bench. Our differences don’t have to divide us.” By Nick Fewings, Brighton, UK, Unsplash, 3/2/2022. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Yesterday's article introduced this three-part series that focuses on the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Election day is next Tuesday, November 5th. This part two is the twenty-third entry in the Worldviews in Conflict topic section.

This article contrasts the 2024 Republican Party platform with the 2024 Democrat Party platform. Which platform is more in line with the biblical worldview? The conclusion answers that question.

Definitions

First, let us take a moment to see how the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Republican and Democrat or Democratic. This may seem like an elementary exercise, but defining terms points out contrasts.

According to Merriam-Webster: Republican (noun and adjective), a Republican is a member of the Republican Party, also called the Grand Old Party (GOP). The Republican Party is “associated with reduced taxation, with limited government regulation of business, finance, industry, education, and policing, with strong national defense, and with opposition to abortion, affirmative action, gun control, and policies and laws that are viewed as challenging traditional social and family hierarchies and structure.”

Merriam-Webster: Democrat (noun) and Merriam-Webster: democratic (adjective) state that a Democrat is a member of the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party is “associated with government regulation of business, finance, and industry, with federally funded educational and social services, with separation of church and state, with support for abortion rights, affirmative action, gun control, and policies and laws that protect and support the rights of workers and minorities, and with internationalism and multilateralism in foreign policy.”

These dictionary definitions present several contrasts. A direct contrast is on abortion. Abortion, a euphemism, is killing an unborn child in the mother's womb. Republicans oppose abortion, with rare exceptions, and protect the lives of unborn children. Democrats support a woman's so-called right to kill her unborn child and do not protect that child's right to life. Another contrast is that Republicans support traditional family and social values. Democrats, as will be shown more fully, promote alternative lifestyles.

2024 Republican Platform

The Republican Party has two official websites: Republican National Committee (GOP.com) and Republican National Committee (RNC.org). The sites mirror each other. The party formed in 1854, initially to abolish slavery. The “principles of the Republican Party” affirm “God-given liberties.”

The 2024 Republican platform is online at the 43rd Republican National Convention: The 2024 Republican Platform: Make America Great Again! (RNC.org). It is a 28-page document. The Preamble, pages 4-7, includes twenty promises. The Table of Contents, pages 11-22, includes ten chapters. The light font on a white background is hard on the eyes.

Reading the 28-page platform, I found interesting or agreed with most of the contents. Of humorous interest, on page 14, the conclusion to Chapter 3 expresses the Republican desire to return astronauts to the Moon and send them to Mars. They even want to build an orbital manufacturing industry above the Earth! Those are pipe dreams, Star Trek-like fantasies, considering the ever-increasing federal deficit.

A point of serious interest is on page 18, under Chapter 7.9: Return Education to the States. It indicates that the Republican Party wants “to close the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. and send it back to the States, where it belongs, and let the States run our educational system as it should be run.” That is a good idea. Just ask my wife. As an educator, she despises the federal Department of Education.

At the bottom of page 18, I firmly agree with Chapter 8.1: Empower American Families. It states, “Republicans will promote a Culture that values the Sanctity of Marriage, the blessings of childhood, the foundational role of families, and supports working parents. We will end policies that punish families.” Marriage is the union between one man and one woman, nothing else. The article from 12/15/2022 addresses this topic.

Most importantly, on page 20, I wholeheartedly agree with Chapter 9.4: Republicans Will Protect and Defend a Vote of the People, from within the States, on the Issue of Life. That section affirms, “We proudly stand for families and Life. We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied Life or Liberty without Due Process, and that the States are, therefore, free to pass Laws protecting those Rights. After 51 years, because of us, that power has been given to the States and to a vote of the People. We will oppose Late Term Abortion, while supporting mothers and policies that advance Prenatal Care, access to Birth Control, and IVF (fertility treatments).” My full statement affirming the pro-life position is in the 6/30/2022 article.

In further agreement, on page 21, is Chapter 9.5: Republicans Will End Left-wing Gender Insanity. It states, “We will keep men out of women’s sports, ban Taxpayer funding for sex change surgeries, and stop Taxpayer-funded Schools from promoting gender transition, reverse Biden’s radical rewrite of Title IX Education Regulations, and restore protections for women and girls.” There are two genders, male and female. The unbiblical notion that men can “transition” to become women, or vice versa, is truly appalling and insane.

2024 Democrat Platform

The Democrat Party has one official website, the Democratic National Committee. Founded in 1848, the Democrat Party is “the oldest continuing political party in the United States.”

The '24 Democratic Party Platform is a 92-page online document, over three times larger than the 2024 Republican Platform. The brief Preamble is on pages 2-3. The Table of Contents, pages 4-19, includes nine chapters. The brighter font on a white background is easier to read.

Reading the 92-page platform, a couple of general thoughts came to mind. First, fact-checking the accuracy of the accomplishments claimed is needed. The platform reads as if, in the last four years, much has improved and that all is well. Why do many Americans, including me, not feel that way? Further, the platform frequently demonizes and attacks the previous president, Donald Trump. Being no fan of the former president, I was put off by that negativity on the platform.

On pages 30-38, Chapter Four: Tackling the Climate Crisis, Lowering Energy Costs, & Securing Energy Independence, drew my attention. Man-made global climate change is a hoax, perpetrated by global socialist propaganda. I can unpack and prove that statement, if anyone challenges me to do so.

Strong disagreement is found on pages 48-50, Chapter Six: Strengthening Democracy, Protecting Freedoms, & Advancing Equity: Reproductive Freedom. Except in rare circumstances, killing the unborn child in the mother's womb is murder. The unborn child is not granted the right to choose life.

Still under Chapter Six: Strengthening Democracy, Protecting Freedoms, & Advancing Equity, an entire section on pages 56-57 is titled LGBTQI+. “LGBTQI+” is found 32 times in that section. In contrast, the 2024 Republican platform does not include the acronym “LGBTQ” or any variations of it. Merriam-Webster Dictionary: LGBTQI (abbreviation): “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (one's sexual or gender identity), and intersex.” There are two genders, male and female. Only in marriage, between one man and one woman, are sexual relations allowed. In loving kindness, Christians wish to and do help those, who are engaged in unbiblical lifestyles, to understand the truth and change their lifestyles. The Republican platform aligns with these ideas. The Democrat platform does not.

Conclusion

Taking time to read the 2024 platforms of the Republican and Democrat parties and to write this article was cumbersome. I would rather have gone hiking.

Both platforms present agendas for border security, the economy, and similar topics. The border needs to be secured. Inflationary prices need to return to previously lower levels. Both parties need to become more civil in their discourse.

So, which platform, the Republican or the Democrat, is more in line with the biblical worldview? The Republican platform is, of course. This article has highlighted key areas.

Tomorrow, Lord willing, the final part three in this series will point out differences between the worldviews of Trump and Harris on key issues. Stay tuned!

If this nation and all nations could unite by following correctly the biblical worldview, then there would be unity and peace.

Worldviews in Conflict: 2024 Presidential Election (Part 1): Ground and Aerial Views of the Conflict (published 10-29-2024; article #498)

“A bench with a message written on it: street art on a public bench. Our differences don’t have to divide us.” By Nick Fewings, Brighton, UK, Unsplash, 3/2/2022. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Yes, our differences, political or otherwise, don't have to divide us. They often do.

This article begins a three-part series that focuses on the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Election day is next Tuesday, November 5th. Early voting has already begun. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman voted early last Saturday. I plan, Lord willing, to vote on election day.

This three-part series, with articles published a day apart, will be the twenty-second through twenty-forth entries in the Worldviews in Conflict topic section. This is the twenty-second entry in that section.

After defining key terms, this part one focuses on the ground view and then the aerial view of the political worldviews in conflict. The forthcoming part two will contrast the worldviews of the Republican and Democrat platforms. The final part three will point out differences between the worldviews of Trump and Harris on key issues.

Political divisions are one aspect of opposing worldviews in conflict that divide this so-called United States. A nation divided cannot stand. To be truly united, this nation and every nation need to unite under the biblical worldview.

Key Definitions

Reviewing the previous twenty-one entries in this topic section, from 6/7/2022 to 5/29/2024, I realized that I have not yet defined worldview. Merriam-Webster Dictionary: worldview defines worldview as “a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world, especially from a specific standpoint.” I understand “world,” in the definition, to mean human society.

By analogies, a worldview is a frame of mind through which a person views the world. It is a lens that sees, focuses on, and contextualizes human thought and events. Ultimately, our worldview is a compass that guides our values, thoughts, and actions, either in the wrong or right direction. Everyone has a worldview, even if it is not realized or articulated.

Further, Merriam-Webster Dictionary: biblical states that biblical is “of, relating to, or being in accord with the Bible.” The Bible is the divinely and exclusively inspired and authoritative scriptures, consisting of 39 Old Testament manuscripts and 27 New Testament writings. The correct hermeneutical understanding, interpretation, acceptance, and application of the Bible is to be biblical.

Thus, having a biblical worldview is when a person follows the Bible properly and guides his or her values, thoughts, decisions, and conduct accordingly. Such a person is not sinless and will make mistakes. He or she, however, will check the compass to stay on or return to the biblical path.

Ground View of the Conflict

Viewed from the ground, military battles are chaotic, bloody, and violent, to say the least. The daily media onslaught about the 2024 presidential election cycle is similar to a battlefield. It is frequently aggravating, childish, and frustrating. The constant barrage of coverage is similar to salvos of cannon fire on a battlefield.

My father, if he were still alive, would be proud of Mrs. Appalachian Irishman! Dad enjoyed watching the 24-7 news channels. Eventually, he preferred to watch C-SPAN. He liked the ground view. My wife seems to enjoy the same view of the current election cycle. Political events, conflicts, statements, reactions, and opinions intrigue her.

Not me. It sounds like a bunch of chickens crowing and cackling in a chicken coop. I keep up with important and relevant facts. Otherwise, I focus on the aerial view of the political conflict. This current presidential election cycle started too soon. I will not end soon enough.

Aerial View of the Conflict

Aerial surveillance of a ground battle provides an overview of the fighting below. It gives perspective. Similarly, a person's worldview sees the overarching and conflicting worldviews that are guiding each party and candidate. A person's worldview determines how he or she votes. The party and candidates that align more closely with a voter's worldview get his or her vote.

From an aerial view, neither the Democrat nor the Republican Party is completely aligned with the biblical worldview. Which party is more in step with the biblical worldview? How is one party more oriented to that worldview than the other? The next two upcoming articles will answer those questions.

Conclusion

Political differences don't have to divide us. If every party, candidate, and voter followed the biblical worldview, then minor differences about political minutia could be easily resolved.

Divisions, whether political or otherwise, are discouraging. The pericope in the Gospel of Mark 3:20-35 describes Jesus' response to the irrational conclusion that teachers of the law drew from his miracles. A part of Jesus' reply is in verses 24-25 (NIV):

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

On June 16, 1858, then senator-elect Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, spoke at the close of the Illinois Republican State convention in Springfield, Illinois. Having been named the Republican candidate for US Senator, Mr. Lincoln addressed the divisive problem of slavery. In that context, paraphrasing Jesus' words, he stated, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” [Source: Abraham Lincoln, “A House Divided'' Speech at Springfield, Illinois, June 16, 1858: “Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 2 [Sept. 3, 1848-Aug. 21, 1858].” Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections.]

Thankfully, this nation, once divided by the evils of slavery, united against that immorality, having endured unspeakable conflict. What now divides the so-named United States of America? What is the root cause of these divisions?

The root cause is opposing worldviews. Published tomorrow, part two of this series will contrast the worldviews of the Republican and Democrat platforms. On Halloween, the final part three will point out differences between the worldviews of Trump and Harris on key issues.