Bible and Faith Discussions: Christian Viewpoint (published 1-31-2021; updated 9-17-2022)

 

Introduction

On 9/7/2016, I joined the website discussion board Bible and Faith Discussions – Christian Viewpoint. Recovering, I was still trapped at home, unable to return to work yet. I had to find ways to entertain my untrapped mind and spirit. I posted three comments on the discussion board. I read several comments by others.

Two days ago, I posted the following on the discussion board:

I have stopped by here many times over the years. I haven't visited, to drink coffee with y'all, in a while. My website, which I own, will catch you up on my 'life, such as it is.' https://www.appalachianirishman.com. I'm working on my book to be published, 'Light at the End of the Tunnel.' My website tells you how to contact me directly. Otherwise, I may stop by again in a few weeks or months.

The post had views. It has received one comment so far. I replied. It was a fine comment.

1/31/2021: Βαπτίζω in the Context of Grace

Yesterday, the website administrator posted an article to start a new discussion topic. The post is titled, “Do we need to be baptized to be saved?” The article drew my interest.

Today, I posted my following reply:

I am honored to be the first to comment on your 1/30/2021 post.

On 3/7/2009 on my website, I wrote “Why I Left.” Over the last almost 12 years, I have reread my article many times, such as today. I still would not change one word. My unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” expands greatly on my 3/7/2009 article. I plan to publish my book.

The CoC had the formula: faith + repentance + confession + immersion (to be saved, not after one thought he had been saved) + faithful living = salvation. The implication is that a Baptist, whose faith glows by example in life, as my mother's did, wasn't “saved,” if immersion came after thinking to have been saved by prayer. I know. I remember, even in my own sermons from decades ago. The CoC had that formula. I hope the CoC has matured in the last couple of decades.

The formula is not 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5. The formula is 1 (faith that includes the others) = 1 (everlasting salvation).

The formula is genuine and active faith in response to God's grace. That faith includes repentance, confession, βαπτίζω, and living in appreciation of God's gift. God doesn't demand perfection. He expects faithfulness. This is the faith that takes us to heaven!

Βαπτίζω is defined as “I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize” (https://greeklexicon.org/lexicon/strongs/907/). My God is bigger than the quibble on the mode of “immersion” or “baptism.” I know many fine Christian examples who were “sprinkled” as adults. That was their genuine and active faith response to God's grace. Their lives demonstrate the Lord living in them. They are saved by their genuine and active faith, despite any doctrinal imperfections, such as the mode of baptism. The correct mode of baptism is immersion, as per the Greek and New Testament examples, but I digress.

My God honors a Christian's genuine and active faith response to his grace through his Son. If that person's faith is incorrect on certain precise doctrinal details, then my God is bigger than that!

An earthly father instructs his son, “If you dig up weeds in the garden, mow the yard, pick ripe corn from the garden, bring it inside, and take a bath, then I will give you your allowance for the week.” The son, eager to honor his good father, digs up weeds and accidentally a few beans. He mows the yard, including some of his mother's flowers. He picks corn, several ripe, but a few not ripe. Outside, he takes a garden hose and douses himself with water over his head and down his face. (He is hot and sweaty.) His father comes outside just as the garden hose shower is done. His earthly father, a good man, says, “Well, you did a good enough job. You tried. You honored me. Here's your weekly allowance, son. Now, let's go home.”

If a good, earthly father would do that (as my father did, similarly), how much more will our perfect heavenly Father do? (Dad didn't have the extra money to pay me an allowance, as a side note for humor.)

God expects faith, not doctrinal perfection. Faith should guide us to be as exact doctrinally as we can be. Salvation is based on faith, not perfection in doctrinal understanding. I rest my case. My case is biblical. I can prove it. My God is bigger than that!

By the way, my website, https://www.appalachianirishman.com, will include my remarks on this topic. Your name will not be mentioned. My website protects privacy. I see numbers of readers only. I do not know who they are or where they are. You are welcome to comment on my website. Thank you for administering this discussion board.

Kindest regards, in Christ,

Marion W. Ferrell (aka M. Fearghail as “the Appalachian Irishman”)

Conclusion

On 9/17/2022, the anniversary of my father's birth, I updated this article by improving the formatting and by adding this conclusion only.

Today, I still affirm my words in this article from 1/31/2021. I am not very active on the website discussion board Bible and Faith Discussions – Christian Viewpoint. I write articles here.

1/30/2021 REVIEW: MY 12/29/2020 ANNUAL PHYSICAL COST BREAKDOWN

Introduction

At 5:38 PM on Saturday, 1/30/2021, I begin to write. Didn't you love the clouds today? What about that snow that fell for a few minutes, before turning to rain? Those were great! It was wonderful hiking weather. I am joking, of course.

I'll probably have another article tomorrow. It will include additional commentary on several topics. Until then, I thought that you might enjoy this brief article, just for fun!

My 12/29/2020 Annual Physical

I mentioned my annual physical in the 12/29/2020 article. I hope that my good personal care physician (PCP), who is a friend, and his wife decide to hike House Mountain with me soon! It's up to him. He knows that he may call me at any time!

The following is my financial commentary on my 12/29/2020 annual physical. It is not pretty.

MARION'S 12/29/2020 (Tuesday, 8:15 AM) ANNUAL PHYSICAL

12/29/2020: I paid the $25.00 copay by check.
1/09/2021, Sat., rcvd. BCBS EOB: $520.00 billed - $289.29 BCBS discount = $203.72 BCBS paid.
1/16/2021, Sat., rcvd. BCBS EOB: $412.54 billed - $378.19 BCBS discount =   $34.35 BCBS paid.
1/30/2021, Sat., rcvd. BCBS EOB:   $75.00 billed -   $63.65 BCBS discount =   $11.35 BCBS paid.

The calculation is: $1,007.54 grand total billed - $731.13 BCBS discounts = $276.41 balance due to my PCP - $249.42 BCBS paid - $25.00 I paid by check = $1.99 balance due to my PCP.

I wonder if my good PCP and friend will send me a bill for $1.99.

Conclusion

My doctor and friend does well. He is an old-fashioned doctor. He hears and listens. Additionally, he does the type of thorough examination that doctors used to do years ago. Many don't do that now. Still yet, however, my doctor has to play the “modern insurance game,” which is insanity, as I see it.

My doctor and I both know that an annual physical should not cost $1,007.54. We both know that $274.42, which he was paid ($249.42 BCBS paid plus $25.00 I paid), is too much. An annual physical should not cost more than about $50.00.

I see how much was charged for every little detail. For example, the audiology charge for my hearing check was $75.00. BCBS discounted $55.14. BCBS paid my PCP $17.87. I was there. The young female assistant checked my hearing. It took about 30 seconds. She was surprised, when I could hear the tone that a human was not supposed to hear. I had some fun. Thirty seconds of work by the assistant earned my PCP $17.87. You can figure the hourly pay rate, if you want to do so.

At 6:01 PM, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman stated, “Alright, it's ready.” Okay, I'll stop. It's supper time, y'all!

Look for another article tomorrow, especially if the weather hinders a hike.

DAD, 9/17/1927-1/25/2008, AGE 80: I REMEMBERED (published 1-25-2021)

My father, Earl Ferrell, was the youngest child of his parents, Marion Ferrell and Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell. Dad was born on 9/17/1927. Born on 7/17/1960, I am the oldest of the four sons of Earl and Betty (Wood) Ferrell.

My father joined my mother in heaven thirteen years ago today, on 1/25/2008. Today, I remembered. I recall every detail that involved his passing. I do not want to dwell on them in this article. They are not pleasant. I still remember.

Dad, with his eighth-grade education, did well enough in life. He provided for the six of us by continuing Ferrell's Well Drilling, the business that Papaw Ferrell started in 1901. The image below is a business advertisement that my father had placed in The Rogersville Review. I do not know the year, but I do have the clipped-out image.

By the way, the phone number is no longer active. If you need a well drilled, please don't call my father. He is no longer in the business.

The next image is an invoice that my father wrote on 1/18/1958. That was before my mother and father were married, on 9/3/1959, and before I was born. I thought that you would like to see the image.

Dad was always thankful. He had a hard life. Many of us do. I do. Today, Monday, 1/25/2021, I worked from home. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman drove to and from the school where she teaches. We endured this rainy day.

In the midst of my work insanity, I thought that I heard my father say, “At least you didn't have to work outside at the well machine in the rain, son!” Yes, Dad, I know. You did it more times than you could have counted. I was at home, trying to work through the insanity of my job. I have it easier than you ever did. Still, I don't care for what I do. You enjoyed your self-employed job. I remember.

Dad would say in reply, “It's life, such as it is, son.” He would be right. I know. At 5:45 PM, as the evening falls, my wife is busy with supper leftovers. I hear her. It is still cloudy and rainy.

Dad, I know that men don't drop the “L” word, so I'll just say that I miss you! You were and still are a fine father. Tell Mom and so many others that I will see them again in time once I am with you in our heavenly home!

MY MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY, 1/21/2021, AT AGE 91 (published 1-24-2021)

Introduction

My Mom is Betty Lou Wood Ferrell (11/24/1932 – 12/27/2000). She is my biological mother. She was the finest Christian example that I have ever known. I have known many fine examples.

My Mother's Birthday

My wife and I lived in Charleston, Missouri, from 1986 to 1992. I have written about it. I moved to Charleston, in January. We married, on 5/16/1986. I was an engaged but still single “preacher boy,” for those first four months. I could cook well enough to keep me from starving. My new family, in Charleston, kept me alive, by feeding me well! I didn't have my plate broken! (That is a family joke. If you are family, you know it.)

My Charleston family started, in January. We are not related biologically. We are related spiritually. They are my family. We “adopted” each other!

I always called Mom “Mom.” I did not call her “mother.” My sister calls her mother “Mother.” My sister's Mama was and still is her mother's mother. You would have to know them and me well, to understand. I understand perfectly. I call my mother “Mother.” (She is my second mother.)

My sister and I have a “Mother.” She is Ozella Scott. She was born on 1/21/1930. She attained the age of 91, on 1/21/2021. I am in east Tennessee. My Mother and sister are in Missouri. I could not see them in person, sadly.

After work (at office), I called my sister's phone. She answered. I spoke with our Mother and with my sister. We had several long minutes of wonderful conversation! I love my Mother. I love my sister. They love me. We are family. I am glad to know that they are doing as well as they can. We each have Irish roots, primarily. Our glib Irish tongues, inspired by God's grace, waxed wonderfully well.

My Mother, Ozella Scott, is also the finest Christian example that I have ever known. (I can have two, my Mom and my Mother. They are equally the finest!)

Photographs

The best that I could do was to find two photographs. The first, below, is Charleston, Missouri, main street. I remember.

The next is the Charleston Church of Christ, where I served as minister, from January 1986 through about August 1992. The six years there were wonderful. As a “young preacher boy,” I grew and matured greatly. I had help from my family there. Our time there helped prepare us for Russia (1994 through 1999).

The building looks about the same now. The church, however, is not the building. It is the people. Hey, Mother and sister, tell the church that I said hello! I remember. I still love them!

Conclusion

Isn't this a better article than my first one today? We must keep this temporal life in the perspective of everlasting life. If we do, then we endure. If we don't, then I don't know how those folks endure. I endure, day by day, by God's grace – in assured hope of everlasting life at Home.

My Mom is at Home. Dad is at Home. Many others are Home. Until I get Home, I will continue to try to be one poor beggar who helps another poor beggar find Bread – the Bread of Life.

If you need Bread, my e-mail address is on my website. E-mail me! I can help you!

1/24/2021 Reflection: Inauguration of the First President of the USSA on Wednesday, 1/20/2021

Introduction

On this cloudy Sunday afternoon, I must have a bit of writing fun. I trust that you will enjoy my sarcastic humor. It helps me endure the ongoing “Corona Myopia Psychosis,” as I call it. Try sarcasm! It should help you cope, too!

The Ununited Socialist States of America (USSA) started on Wednesday, January 6, 14 days ago. The first president of the USSA was inaugurated on Wednesday, January 20, four days ago. I worked from home on the 20th. Last week, I worked from home on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. I worked at the office on Wednesday and Thursday, doing the same job, but with the extra 16.4-mile, one-way drive. I digress, however.

Please forgive the first two segments below about fact checks. I had to get these off my chest. My reflection on President Biden's inauguration follows the fact checks.

Fact Check #1

Starting on January 20th, a “Farcebook,” as I call Facebook, post was recirculated a few times. I don't know who posted the original. Yesterday, I thought that I would fact-check the post to help “Farcebook.”

Post: Gasoline is currently $2.35 per gallon.
Fact-check: $2.379 USA national average on 1/18/2021. The post is about right. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): Petroleum & Other Liquids, as of 1/24/2021.

Post: Interest rates are 2.25 percent for a 30-year mortgage.
Fact-check source: “30-Year Interest Rates for January 21, 2021.” MSN, 1/21/2021. The article, with my emboldening added for emphasis, states, “The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is 2.88 percent, dropping 2 basis points over the past week. This time last month, the average interest rate on a 30-year mortgage loan was worse, at 2.92 percent.” The incorrect post is 0.63 percent too low.

Post: The stock market closed at 30,829.40.
Fact-check source: “Stock Market News for Jan. 20, 2021,” Yahoo Finance, by Zacks Equity Research, 1/20/2021. It states, with my emboldening added for emphasis, “The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) gained 0.4%, or 116.26 points, to close at 30,930.52. Notably, 18 components of the 30-stock index ended in the green, while 12 [ended] in red. Moreover, the Nasdaq Composite finished at 13,197.18, surging 1.5%, or 198.68 points, due to strong performance by large-cap tech stocks. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 advanced 0.8% to end at 3,798.91.” The post is fairly accurate.

Post: GDP growth for the 3rd Qtr. was 33.1 percent.
Fact-check source: “Gross Domestic Product (Third Estimate), Corporate Profits (Revised), and GDP by Industry, Third Quarter 2020.” U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 12/22/2020. With my emboldening added for emphasis, it states, “Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 33.4 percent in the third quarter of 2020.” The post is fairly accurate.

Post: We have not had any new wars or conflicts in the last 4 years.
Fact-check: From 2016 to 2020, I don't know of any new wars or “police actions.” Do you?

Post: North Korea has been under control and has not been testing any missiles.
Fact-check: Well, North Korea has launched several missile tests from 2016 to 2020. The last one was on March 2, 2020. Note that one source is Wikipedia: “List of North Korean missile tests.” I don't rely on Wikipedia for completely accurate details, but many other websites show the same facts. The Wikipedia listing sums up the details fairly accurately.

Post: ISIS has not been heard from for over 3 years.
Fact-check: Well, ISIS hasn't called me. I don't find anything about ISIS in the news from 2016 to 2020.

Post: The housing market is the strongest it has been in years.
Fact-check: Well, I don't doubt that. I have fought and won a tie with Knox County on our property value. I have records to prove it.

Post: Homes have appreciated at an unbelievable rate and sell well.
Fact-check: See my last comment. This is redundant.

Post: Peace deals in the Middle East were signed by 4 countries.
Fact-check: Well, supper is almost ready. I will grant that this is correct. I will not take time to research it. At least the Middle East has been quieter from 2016 through 2020.

Post: Unemployment at 6.7%.
Fact-check on unemployment rate:
  Jan. 1, 2016 4.90%  Jan. 1, 2017 4.70%
  Jan. 1, 2018 4.10%  Jan. 1, 2019 4.00%
  Jan. 1, 2020 3.60%  Nov. 1, 2020 6.70%
Fact-check source: Multpl.com: “US Unemployment Rate by Year.” The breakdown by month is also available. 2020 had high monthly numbers that decreased until November. The myopic reaction to the new cold virus caused the November increase.

Whoever wrote the original post was close to exact. Oh, well, I have this article. It will be available to compare to data in the new USSA (Ununited Socialist States of America) that is coming soon to a gulag (Glavnoye Upravleniye Ispravitelno-Trudovykh Lagerey; Chief Administration of Corrective Labor Camp) near you! We must remember: We are still in the “good economic times.” Wait for the economic disaster. It will come in a few months.

Fact Check #2

In my effort to help “Farcebook,” I will “fact-check” another repost. Today, I saw an original article recirculated several times. The original article is “Biden ‘Stepped Up Basis’ Facebook Post,” Truth or Fiction? By Kim LaCapria, 12/18/2020.

I found two articles from socialistic media sources that appear to agree. The first article was “The Potential for Major Estate Tax Changes during the Biden Administration,” Daily Herald, 1/18/2021. The second article was “This is how Joe Biden will tax generational wealth transfer,” CNBC, by Darla Mercado, CFP, 3/13/2020.

In time, we will see if the first president of the USSA acts on his promise. The increased redistribution of wealth is the main goal in the early days of this new socialist order. Of course, the redistribution of wealth in the former USA had been taking place since the 1930s.

USSA's First President

I expect nothing more than the realization of his agenda. The socialists control the federal executive and the legislative branches. They plan to control the federal judicial branch.

The 2020 Democrat (not Democratic, as they are not) Party Platform is a 92-page document. I have downloaded it and saved it on my computer. The source is PARTY PLATFORM: The 2020 Democratic Platform. I will not take the time to read it. I know the agenda.

The former Soviet Union socialists had their platform. I wrote about it in my January 11 article, earlier this month. The USSR had its agenda. The USSA socialists have their platform and agenda.

The first USSA president is a puppet. Others pull his strings. The first USSA vice president will unfold his agenda to the economic demise of this once-great nation. It will take time. I give the USSA about 70 more years before it falls.

Conclusion

The USSA is at least 100 years behind the former USSR. We, who affirm biblical values that inspire our conservative mindset, are in the minority. The first-century Christians were in a similar minority. We must stand as they stood.

Once we are at home in heaven, this temporal aggravation will be placed in an everlasting perspective. Until then, we endure the temporal. We have a sure hope in the everlasting future!

Anyone may challenge me, but I know I am right. I will be glad to educate any challengers brave enough to seek me out.

Please wait, however! I have a second article today. It will be much better. I promise!

1/18/2021, A Year Later: Uncle Bobby and Aunt Mona, with Consideration to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Introduction

Last year, 1/18/2020 was a Saturday, and 1/20/2020 was Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Another year has come and gone.

Last year, on 1/26/2020, I published “Memories: Aunt Mona and Uncle Bobby, 1/18/2020; Dad, 1/25/2020; But Life Goes on with a Touch of Humor!” I published 55 articles in 2020. The article from 1/26/2020 was the final of three that I wrote that January. Looking back to last year's article, I would not change one word, except I would add a comment about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Sidenote: The article from 1/26/2020 states, “1/24/2020, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I both came home feeling a bit sickly. That’s not good. It’s not the flu, so we win!” I wonder if that was when we had the new cold virus. If so, and if we ever get tested, which we will not, I suspect that we will both join the “positive test numbers.” We will not be statistics for the socialist propaganda machine! Wisdom: If you are not sick enough for your doctor to test you, then do not get tested just because bullies want you to be tested! I, however, have digressed from my main point.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968)

On August 28, 1963, before a huge crowd at the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a great speech. I was three years old. I have heard it many times. The following is from the middle section and his conclusion.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

His speech still inspires me. I have spoken before large gatherings in this country, India, and Russia. A gifted orator with a great topic can be inspiring. Dr. King, Jr.'s words still ring true. Truth is timeless.

Sadly, I regret that many of the prominent “leaders,” who claim to follow Dr. King, Jr.'s legacy, are not doing so. Moral character matters. Skin color is not relevant. All lives, each created in God's image, matter equally. Lives must be lived in honor of the Creator. Lives that are not are wasted. Too many folks of various nationalities and skin colors are wasting their lives today.

Shall each creation of God not live up to the standard of our Creator? That is the only way that people can stand together in unity. I have spoken.

Uncle Bobby

My mother's younger brother was my Uncle Bobby. His full name is Robert Allen Wood. He was born on 5/14/1939. Mom was born on 11/24/1932. Uncle Bobby “went to see Jesus” on 1/18/1941. That was 80 years ago today. He could be my living uncle now. He is still my uncle. I will meet him for the first time once I join him.

I love you, Uncle Bobby!

Aunt Mona

My father-in-law's older sister, Mona (Gordon) Beckner, reached her 99th year on 1/18/2021. She was born in 1922. I haven't seen her since 7/18/2020, which was Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's birthday. I have spoken with her a few times since by phone or on those “Internet tele-chats.” Those, who continue to suffer from “Corona Myopia Psychosis,” keep us apart.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman took a birthday card for her aunt to the front door. Her cousin, Aunt Mona's son, greeted her at the door and received the card. That's the best that my wife could do, given “these challenging times.” My wife is still restricted from seeing her family, unless she stands outside and sees them for a few minutes. The “mask mafia” is in control. I think that the “mask mafia” leaders have swallowed the socialist Kool-Aid. From what I gather, the leaders are proud of the recent “vote early and often” election results.

I wonder if Aunt Mona will publish her book next year, when she turns 100. I wonder if she will publish her book, before I publish my book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel.” We will see.

Happy birthday, Aunt Mona. I hope that you read this. Wait, however! My wife received a text from the “mask mafia!” An “Internet tele-chat” appears to be in the works! Aunt Mona, I expect to “tele-chat” with you in a while! We keep up the spirit!

Conclusion

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are both off from work today. Why was it cloudy and not good hiking weather until about 4 PM, when the sun started shining and the clouds started to roll away? I wonder if that was not God's sarcastic sense of humor to this hiker!

Of course, it could have been God's way of encouraging me to publish two articles today. I don't know. I speculate. At about 4:45 PM, I am going 10-10 on the side until next time.

CDC ACTUAL NUMBERS: 2019 & 2020 (published 1-18-2021)

Introduction

Today, Monday, 1/18/2021, I am publishing this follow-up to my article from yesterday.

The following is the official information from the Data.CDC.gov website. The data is for the “United States.” The exact source is Weekly Death Counts by State. I selected “Jurisdiction” and “United States.” That provided 105 rows. Those rows included weekly totals from 1/5/2019 through 1/2/2021. (You can find the same information.)

The Data with My Notes

2019: 52 weeks from week-ending 1/5/2019 to week-ending 12/28/2019.

– Total deaths by all causes: 2,852,609. (My note: the various causes are parsed out on the website. I downloaded the complete data from the Data.CDC.gov website. I have it.)

– Deaths by COVID-19 Multiple Cause: 0 (none).

– Deaths by COVID-19 Underlying Cause: 0 (none).

My note: Total deaths by all causes average 54,857(.865) deaths per week.

2020: 53 weeks from week-ending 1/4/2020 to week-ending 1/2/2021.

– Total deaths by all causes: 3,258,883. (My note: This was 406,274 more total deaths in the 53-week 2020 than in the 52-week 2019.)

– Deaths by COVID-19 Multiple Cause: 327,847.

– Deaths by COVID-19 Underlying Cause: 299,962.

My notes:

Total deaths by all causes averaged 61,488(.3584905) deaths per week. That is 6,631 more weekly deaths by all causes than in 2019, with rounding.

Deaths by COVID-19 multiple cause averaged 6,185(.79245283) deaths per week. (This is 10(.060103415)% of total 2020 deaths. COVID-19 was not the main cause of death. The deceased had tested positive for COVID-19, but it was not the main cause of death.)

Deaths by COVID-19 underlying cause averaged 5,659(.66037735) deaths per week. (This is 9(.204442135)% of total deaths. COVID-19 was the main cause of death.)

Conclusion

In yesterday's article, I wrote:

USA 2021 total deaths (as of 1/17/21, about 2 PM): 130,145 not by COVID-19 + 49,919 by COVID-19 = 180,064 total deaths. That means 27.7% of all 2021 USA deaths have been due to COVID-19—that is, if you believe the counts. I am skeptical.

Today, I remain skeptical. The CDC verifies that 9% (rounded) of total 2020 deaths were by COVID-19 as the main cause, as today's article verified. I repeat for emphasis, today, I remain skeptical of the 2021 COVID-19 numbers.

Heart disease:

– In 2019, heart disease was an annual cause of “United States” deaths. The 2019 52-week total was 658,761. That was 23(.093280572)% of all 2019 deaths.

– In 2020, heart disease was an annual cause of “United States” deaths. The 2020 53-week total was 675,068. That was 20(.714705007)% of all 2020 deaths.

In this once-great nation, we had better start focusing our myopic obsession on heart disease. I suggest doing so now.

I hope that this short entry helps readers. It should help you remove your Corona Myopia and see clearly, if you haven't done so already. Mainly, it should give you “ammunition” to help those who are still Corona Myopic (e.g., family, friends, coworkers, etc.) see clearly.

Socialist media propagandists will not place the new cold virus in this context. I have done so for them, once again, in this article. We should treat this new cold virus as seriously as we would any cold virus. It is a serious new cold virus. We should not continue to be so Corona-Myopic, as we are in this once-great nation.

“Mask mafia,” will you read this? Will you become educated? I doubt it.

SHOT DOWN BY A BLAZE OF CORONY (published 1/17/2021)

Introduction

Once again, the weekend weather pattern forestalled any hiking, unless it had been another muddy hike. Yesterday, 1/16/2021, Saturday, the weather was snowy, cloudy, snowy with sun, and windy – in various stages. Today, we have clouds and wind. The ground is muddy.

I will, therefore, exercise my brain. I will place color on this blank canvas.

Blaze of Corony

My youngest brother, his family, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, and I were “shot down by a blaze of corony” today. While my brother and I talked by phone, Bon Jovi's song "Blaze of Glory" came to my fertile mind, in my futility. My personality improvised the title to fit the situation. We were “shot down by a blaze of corony” – unfortunately, but only temporarily.

No one in the Fearghail clan has the corony, unless one of us does, with no symptoms. I will not go into the details. “Out of an abundance of caution” – as the phrase of choice is “in these challenging times” – we decided to delay our family get together that we had planned for this afternoon. We're all becoming very tired of this “new normal.” Aren't you?

Our clan gathering is delayed, but we will adapt, improvise, and overcome. It may take us a week or two. We will do it. The stubborn Irish is in us.

Rant by Topic

Since the Fearghail clan gathering is delayed, and the weather declined my strong desire to get into the woods, I have decided to rant. The following rants are by topic. I hope that you enjoy them. I did not. This writing, however, gets them out of my system!

USSA: I must revise slightly my most recent article. It is not the “United Socialist States of America.” It is the “Ununited Socialist States of America” (USSA). Ununited is a valid word, but it is not pleasant to the ear. Either “not united” or “divided” would be better. I wanted to keep the letter “U.”

Many “Republi-cants” are yellow (i.e., cowards). The majority of “Demo-rats” are red (i.e., socialist). The moral backbone and biblically constitutional values are almost gone, from the “leadership,” of this once great nation. A minority still stands. Many, of “we the people,” still hold dearly, to those values. We, apparently, are now the minority. The “vote early and often” gang has won.

Forget July the 4th, Independence Day. (The year was 1776, for future readers – uneducated, by the socialist agenda, in USA history -- who may find this article.) Sadly, the many men and women, who suffered and died, for USA freedom, are a fading memory.

Independence Day for the USSA is 1/6/2021, or January the 6th, annually. The socialist propagandists will change the date and the name of this once great nation. Mark this article date. I predict the change will happen. Just give it time.

Healthcare (i.e., illness insurance): I have done the math before. I did it again. My health insurance costs $698 monthly. I pay $140 monthly, or 25%. My employer pays the other 75% for me. I should be pleased. I am not.

$140 a month should be enough for one person, not $698 a month! I have calculated that the unreasonable price of healthcare costs me 15.3%, of what my annual gross income should be. In other words, I make 15.3% less annual gross, because of the inflated cost of healthcare.

Of course, the coming socialist “utopia” will provide “free healthcare to all.” If you believe that lie, then you must also believe that pigs can fly!

Corona Myopia Psychosis: I checked the websites that I have used, for data in my 2020 articles, on this sad topic. The websites are: Indexmundi USA deaths -- not including COVID-19 deaths, Indexmundi USA COVID-19 only deaths, and Tennessee's COVID-19 website.

I will not parse out my calculations. You can check the websites and do the same math. The website data, if you can believe it, indicates the following:

USA 2021 total deaths (as of 1/17/2021, about 2 PM): 130,145 not by COVID-19 + 49,919 by COVID-19 = 180,064 total deaths. That means 27.7%, of all 2021 USA deaths, have been due to COVID-19 – that is, if you believe the counts. I am skeptical. Of course, the mask wearing and physical distancing, with the economic and mental damage tossed in, do not appear to be “slowing the spread” of this new cold virus.

Tennessee 2021 total deaths (as of 1/17/2021, about 2 PM): 3,088 not by COVID-19 + 1,448 by COVID-19 = 4,536 total deaths. That means 32%, of all 2021 TN deaths, have been due to COVID-19. The other 68% have been due to other reasons. I still recall the news, about the man who died of a gun shot wound. The autopsy tested positive for COVID-19. Death was listed as COVID-19. The gun shot wound had nothing to do with his death, apparently.

Is this the dark ages? I hear the funeral morticians in our area. They drive around in large box trucks. They call out, “bring out your dead; bring out your dead!” That is how it was, during the black plague, in the dark ages. The same is happening now. Do you not hear their cries, “bring out your dead; bring out your dead?”

I do not diminish the illnesses and deaths that occur legitimately, by the new cold virus. I know one neighbor and one friend, both of whom had the virus. Both had short hospitalizations. Both are well again. I know some, who tested positive with no symptoms. I know some, who tested positive and felt a mild cold a few days. If 32%, of all 2021 deaths, in Tennessee, are by the new cold virus, then I wonder why I don't know of any more than two people, who recovered from it, and none, who died from it. The odds are that I should be aware of many, who died by the new cold virus.

The media state only the number of deaths, by this new cold virus. The names and details are hidden. I understand privacy. My point remains valid. Thirty-two percent of 2021 deaths, in Tennessee, by the new cold virus, in the mind of this skeptic, appears inflated, suspiciously.

Conclusion

Yes, I know that this article was not fun to read. I didn't enjoy writing it. I had to write it. The writing helps me overcome my Corona Myopia Psychosis (which everyone has). The Fearghail clan was “shot down by a blaze of Corony” today. We will not stay down. We will rise again.

Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I am off work, for the holiday. A planned article, for tomorrow, is in my mind today. It will be a better one. Please wait for it!

Thanks, y'all, for stopping by, to drink some coffee with me and to read a while. At 5:36 PM, this website's view statistics were: all time 76,281; today 182 (so far); yesterday 224; this month 5,435 (so far), and last month 8,935. Thanks, also, for guiding other folks to this website. We are doing our best to stand, as free people, in a once free and great nation! Who knows? We could turn around the upcoming fall, before it happens. We will see.

As the clock gets close to 9:50 PM, I am posting this article today, finally. I had to finish it today. My article tomorrow will help you understand why.

Status of a Once Great Nation: Inflation, Debt, Socialism, & 1/6/2021 White House Attack (published 1/11/2021; updated 10/4/2022)

On CB Day (10/4/2022), I updated and clarified some reference links, updated the title, and improved my original grammar and style. Yes, we all need to improve how we write and speak. My written words remain “spoken” here.

Introduction

On Saturday, 1/10/2021, as I started writing yesterday, I wished the change from clouds to sun had happened sooner. I need to hike! Instead, here I'd “sot,” as my father would say, writing. Since my last article, “1/1/2021, New Year's Day Update,” life, such as it was, went on. By way of further introduction, I will regale you.

Don't let that bore you, however! I'll get to the meat and potatoes on inflation, national debt, socialism, and the 1/6/2021 attack on the White House in historical context.

Life, Such As It Was, by Way of Further Introduction

Sunday, 1/3/2021, was cloudy and still damp. I worked on my book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel.” I may publish it in a year or two.

On Wednesday, 1/6/2021, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had to start “hitting a lick” at work. Her Christmas break was over. That day and the next, I worked at the office. Yes, I worked at home, doing the same job, on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. It's insanity. I know. My employer has this month to set up the five of us to each work at the office one day a week, with the other four days working from home. Otherwise, I will retire from my state job.

Something else happened on 1/6/2021. I'll get to it below. The event was very sad. I mark January 6, 2021, as the day that the once-great USA became the USSA (United Socialist States of America). The term “united” may need to be “ununited,” since the USA is not united. It has not been for many years.

On 1/7/2021, I received a mailing from a local nursing home. They want me to consider assisted living at their location. The incentive was that I could get a new cold virus shot! I was underwhelmed. For fun, I called the number on the mailing. The lady understood very clearly that I am very healthy and not in need of a “rocking chair” anytime soon. I doubt that nursing home will mail me anything else again.

On 1/8/2021, we had a “blizzard.” A dusting of snow turned to rain. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had a “snow” day off from work.

On Saturday, 1/9/2021, I got a new cold virus “compliant” haircut from my fine barber and friend. His listing is on my business recommendations list. Next, my 2006 Nissan Frontier received a good handwashing. The listing is on my recommended list. Afterward, I bought Molly, our ol' puppy, several items, which were in stock, at the Tractor Supply. We are getting close to the rationing during the former Soviet Union. Many items were not in stock.

On 1/10/2021, I replaced four of eight smoke detector batteries. Two more need to be replaced, before they start beeping at 2 AM. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, being “vertically impaired,” helped as best she could.

Now, let's get to the meat and potatoes. I assume that you are still with me!

USA Inflation

“A dollar ain't worth much nowadays, boys,” as my father would say. The following are the facts with my comments added in parentheses and blue ink.

Via Inflation Tool, Inflation Calculator - US Dollar:

-- $1 in September 1960 is equivalent to $8.75 in September 2020.

-- $10 in Sept. 1960 equals $87.51 in Sept. 2020. (No wonder groceries cost so much.)

-- $5,000 in Sept. 1960 equals $43,755.05 in Sept. 2020. (That's why cars cost so much.)

Via in2013dollars.com, a “reference website maintained by the Official Data Foundation:”

-- On their specific link: $1 in 1960 is worth $8.74 in 2020.

-- On their Inflation by Country link:

UK £1.00 in 1960 is equal to £23.46 in 2020, a cumulative devaluing of 2,246.00%.

Canada CA$1.00 in 1960 is equal to CA$8.81 in 2020, a cumulative devaluing of 781.23%.

Comparing the UK and Canada to the USA, “overall absolute change of $7.74 and total percent change of 774.36%.” (At least, the USA is doing better than the UK and Canada.)

USA Debt

The following appears to be from so-called “experts.” I thought that an “expert” was what you did after you ate soup beans! It's a joke, folks! These “experts” seem to have verified numbers.

The Balance article from January 2021 was updated. That article is “U.S. National Debt by Year: How the Debt Compares to GDP, Plus Major Events That Impacted It,” by Kimberly Amadeo, updated 5/17/2022, reviewed by Robert C. Kelly, fact-checked by Emily Ernsberger.

The article includes a table, excerpts from which I cite below.

End of Fiscal Year Debt (in billions, rounded) Debt
                                                                        -to-

                                                                        GDP
                                                                        Ratio

  1929                    $17                                    16%

  1960                    $286                                  54%
  1980                    $908                                  32%
  1990                    $3,233                               54%
  2010                    $13,562                             90%
  2014                    $17,824                             101%

(Note: 2014 was when the USA started spending more than it brought in.)

  2016                    $19,573                             105%

  2020                    $27,748                             129%

The following is “straight from the horse's mouth.” Fiscal Data, by the USA Department of the Treasury, on Historical Debt Outstanding shows:

-- 06/30/1960: $286,330,760,848.37 national debt. ($286 billion and change.)

-- 09/30/2020: $26,945,391,194,615.15 national debt. ($26 trillion and change.)

If you watch the US Debt Clock, you will see the current USA national debt increasing by the second.

Socialism in the USA is behind Socialism in the Former USSR

The 12/5/1936 Constitution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) is available on several websites. One is The Marxists Internet Archive: “Constitution (Fundamental law) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics: with Amendments and Additions adopted by the First, Second, Third, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. Kremlin, Moscow, December 5, 1936.”

Bucknell University still has the 1996 Robert Beard source “1936 CONSTITUTION OF THE USSR,” which includes links to 13 chapters.

Of course, 12/5/1936 was before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and after the Russian Revolution in 1917. The former Soviet Union tried socialism. It lasted 74 years. It did not work. It will not work in the USSA (Ununited Socialist States of America). Anyone with any sense knows it. Of course, the proper education in history is not a part of this nation's socialist propaganda agenda. The agenda may not be stopped, until about 70 or so years in the future.

On Sunday evening, 1/3/2021, I decided to watch Mark Levin's “Life, Liberty, and Levin” on Fox News. It was a repeat of his Halloween, 10/31/2020, episode. The Independent Sentinel LLC article, “Biden-Sanders plan for America compared to 1936 Soviet constitution,” by M. Dowling, 1/4/2021, includes a link to the “Life, Liberty, and Levin” episode from 10/31/2020.

Mark Levin's 1/3/2021 repeat of his 10/31/2020 episode was interesting. Levin presented historical depth about the former Soviet Union. He compared it to the current “new normal” in the USA.

Attacks on the White House

On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, drama unfolded at the White House. As I have stated, I consider that day as when the once great USA became the USSA (Ununited Socialist States of America). The next two links include historical details. They are intriguing.

An ABC News article contains details with a socialist propaganda spin. It is “Capitol has seen violence over 220 years, but not like this: In more than 220 years, the U.S. Capitol had seen nothing like it: a roiling mob, forcing its way past its majestic marble columns, disrupting the passage of power, desecrating the seat of the world’s greatest democracy.” ABC News, by Jerry Schwartz, 1/6/2021,

History.com, A&E Television Networks LLC, has the following article: “A History of Attacks at the US Capitol: Over its 200-year history, the nation’s legislative seat has withstood multiple episodes of violence.” History.com, by Becky Little. Updated 1/5/2022. Original 1/7/2021. The article places the events of January 6, 2021, into historical perspective.

Conclusion

What is the status of this once great nation? The USSA (Ununited Socialist States of America) will fall in about 70 or so years. Sadly, this once great nation is that far behind the former Soviet Union.

As a final example of how I keep my sanity, don't forget to:

– Wear your mask (unless you are playing sports, with coaches and officials wearing theirs);
– Keep six feet apart (unless you are playing sports);
– Touch your mask, while wearing it, so you can breathe;
-- Don't pick your nose, as those boogers might have the virus in them;
– Don't attend church but attend a pub or strip club until 10 PM only;
– Vote early and often, if you are a socialist;
– Don't vote if you are a conservative, since your vote is irrelevant;
– Continue to stand as a free person in a once free and great nation, until the Good Lord calls us everlastingly home, or until we die and go to our everlasting home before He returns.

The latter is what I'm doing. Join me? Supper was in five minutes yesterday, as I concluded this article. Thus, I delayed publication until today. Today, January 11, 2021, the weather changed from snowy to rainy. I worked from home. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman drove to and from work. She had a fairly good workday. I'm buried in work. My employer wants me to do the job of at least three people. I may retire to teach them a very articulate lesson, verbally and in writing, as if they care. At 5:47 PM, I'd better publish this!

Y'all keep turnin' right and goin' straight out there!

1/1/2021, New Year's Day Update

Introduction

2020 did not provide 20/20 vision to this once great nation. Those of us with 20/20 vision know it. We have entered 2021. What will happen? God only knows. I'm glad of that. We can always live in hope . . . (Those of you who know me well can finish the sentence.)

The warm and rainy day was not hiking weather. Family and friends are “laying low,” in the context of the new cold virus. (I will not tempt myself to write more about Corona Myopia or Corona Myopia Psychosis. I see it in my rear view mirror only.)

Website Business Listings / My Book

I decided to work on my website and my book. I updated my website to add (right side) “Business Recommendations: upper east Knox County, TN.” You will find seven: three auto, one barber, one computer, and two medical. We must keep this economy going, if we can, in “these challenging times.” I am doing my part. If you live in the Knox County, Tennessee, area, I recommend highly each of these businesses to you.

I worked on photographs, the index, and the appendix to my book, which I hope to publish eventually. I need to write the conclusion. December 27, 2020, Sunday, was the twentieth anniversary of when Mom went “to see Jesus.” I have both enjoyed and been troubled by working on my book, which will be published in her honor and memory.

Rocks from House Mountain Hikes #125, #150, #175

In “these challenging times” of Corona Myopia Psychosis, as we watch the continuing fall of this nation, I have to have a little fun! I will explain the next photograph.

I am sitting in my home office, at my computer desk (not my work-from-home desk, which is to my right). I'll explain a few of the other items in a while.

First, I must draw your eyes to the three rocks. From left to right, the first rock is from my House Mountain hike #125 (pre-”bionic” days, on 10/18/2015). The middle rock is from my House Mountain hike #150 (“bionic” days, on 10/18/2018). (It looks a little bit like a swollen foot. That's why I picked it.) The biggest rock is from my House Mountain hike #175 (on 12/30/2020). I have my House Mountain hike #100 rock on a wooden plaque.

Are you interested in the other items? The empty box of Irish Spring soap is self-explanatory. The empty Sun Drop can is because I drink one ever few months. The happy guy in the middle is from Russia. The CD is by the True Light Quartet. My uncle Paul Ferrell sang bass in that gospel quartet many years. I listen to it at times. I honor uncle Paul. My new desktop computer (by Data Tech 11) is below my desk. (The monitor shows that it is serving me very well.)

Conclusion

At least my Georgia Bulldogs managed to win their bowl game, at the very end. What has happened to the “Vowels” all these years?

These are my highlights at twilight. God, please bless us each with a good 2021. We need it. Thank you for your finished work in our salvation. Amen.