“Supper” Bowl Reactions: TN State of the State Address (2-6-2023) and State of the Union Address (2-7-2023) (published 2-12-2023, article #389)

4/17/2021 Photo by Elisa Stone on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Imagine, based onthe above image, that several other skunks are with that one in your front yard. That image is fitting, as the final conclusion will explain. Yes, skunks invaded our front yard.

Greetings, dear reader. I trust that you are well. It is a warm and rainy Sunday afternoon in this neck of the woods. There are no skunk sightings today.

I apologize for the need to write my sixty-fourth article on “poly-ticks” (Greek πολύς, meaning “many,” and “ticks,” or blood suckers). I prefer to continue working on the sixth article in my Christian Evidences series. I, however, will remove these “many ticks” from my thoughts by writing this article, if you will indulge me.

The news media—specifically, the 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 weeks a year type—present the “reactions” of various pundits to trending news topics. I don't care to know the reactions of pundits. I have my own reactions. I am not a pundit. The news media simply need to state only the facts as verified by accurate information. If they did only this, they would not need to be on constantly.

This article denotes my public “reactions,” first to the Tennessee State of the State Address on 2/6/2023 and then to the State of the Union Address on 2/7/2023. I did not listen to either televised live address. Instead, I read each address, based on the references listed below.

TN State of the State Address (Monday, 2/6/2023)

The Address

The complete text of Governor Bill Lee's address is found at TN, Office of the Governor, 2023 State of the State Address, 2/6/2023. (The spending details—of a billion here and a million there, in nine spending categories—are found at TN Office of the Governor: “Gov. Lee Delivers 2023 State of the State Address – ‘Tennessee: Leading the Nation,’” 2/6/2023.) The televised live record is at “Governor Bill Lee – 2023 State of the State Address” on The National Governors Association (YouTube).

The governor spoke for 59 minutes. I read his address. I didn't watch it, since I preferred to watch an episode of Gunsmoke. Four of the governor's five main topics by section were on:

Good Jobs + Opportunity

Great Schools + High-Quality Education

Safe Neighborhoods

Brighter Future

My Reaction

My general reaction to those four topics was nominal interest. Tennessee by law must balance its budget—unlike the USSA (Ununited Socialist States of America). The bureaucratic details bored my mind. The governor wants to spend money on stuff.

I hope that his “choice lanes” idea will repave roads near us—not just repatch the patched potholes again. The immorality of citizens causes unsafe neighborhoods. Good and moral neighbors—with my weapons to stop a threat if it arises—keep Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me safe at home under the Good Lord's provision. Apparently, the “brighter future” involves a cleaner, greener, and more nuclear environment.

As long as the governor plans to restrict further government intrusion into my life, maintain a balanced budget, and not increase taxes, whatever he said is of mundane interest. Bill Lee is doing well enough. Regrettably, he knows too well how to write and speak like a bureaucrat.

The governor's other topic was on Strong Families, on which he stated in part:

There was a significant shift in this country last year when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn. We now all have an opportunity and a moral obligation to support strong Tennessee families ....

... Tennessee has the opportunity to ease one of the biggest financial burdens on mothers. We are going to propose covering the cost of diapers during the first two years of a baby’s life for mothers on TennCare.

My article from 6/30/2022 referenced the Supreme Court's 6/24/2022 decision and affirmed the pro-life position. In general, I agree with the governor's remarks under his Strong Families topic, the bureaucratic minutiae notwithstanding.

Individuals, families, and churches have the primary moral obligation to support families. Fathers should not be absent. The government usually “supports” families by funding programs.

Amazingly, the governor's plan proposes that TennCare buy diapers for babies. Is that a moral obligation? The governor, apparently, thinks that it is.

Mom washed cloth diapers (in an old washing machine or the bathtub) for us four boys, when we were young enough to need them. Those diapers were reusable. By the way, my father was, of course, in the home.

In his closing remarks, the governor stated, “In many ways, our country is off track. But America’s best days are not behind her.“ Generally, I am a realistically optimistic person. Unlike the Governor, I am not optimistic about America (the USSA). I wish that I could be.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I, however, are glad that we live in Tennessee. The state government is bloated by layers of bureaucracy, lack of common sense, incompetence, waste, and inefficiencies. I know, based on my ten years as a state employee and on my recent interaction with the Tennessee Department of Revenue (which my 12/5/2022 article highlighted). My 9/3/2006 article on the “Big Dig” denoted wasteful spending. We don't ever plan to move to California, for example.

State of the Union Address (Tuesday, 2/7/2023)

The Address (including my efforts to read and watch)

The televised audio and transcript of President Joe Biden's live address are found at The White House: February 7, 2023, State of the Union Address. The address as prepared for delivery is found at The White House: Remarks of President Joe Biden – State of the Union Address as Prepared for Delivery, on 2/7/2023. I wonder who prepared the remarks. The president spoke for one hour, twenty minutes, and seven seconds.

The president's remarks as prepared for delivery are not organized by topic, as Governor Bill Lee's were. Initially, on 2/8/2023, I started to read every word of the prepared remarks; however, the political spin was so fast and furious that I became dizzy! Thus, I glanced for key topics and phrases. That was all that I could endure. Finally, with reluctance, on 2/9/2023, I printed President Biden's prepared remarks and read them more closely.

On 2/7/2023, I did not listen to the president's televised live address. (I preferred to watch an episode of Star Trek.) On 2/10/2023, I listened to much of his address from the first website reference listed above until I could endure no more. I did not compare the transcript of the president's live address to the prepared address.

My General Reaction

From what my closer attention could determine, the president jumped, fairly randomly, from topic to topic. An organized outline, by topic, would have been better. The political spin was intense and obvious. President Biden spoke from a teleprompter on the following primary topics, as underlined. (My reactions, notes, and comments are included in parentheses.)

His “accomplishments” in two years (which are rife with spin and do not mention the Biden family investigations that are being conducted in the House).

COVID-19 (including his spin. I have written 30 articles on “Corona Myopia.” I am done with the new cold virus. I have moved on.)

The events of January 6, 2021 (with his abundant spin).

The Slavic war, or the Russian invasion of Ukraine (as I call it, not “Putin's war,” which did not cause economic decline in this nation. I have written five articles on the “2022 Slavic War,” which began on 2/24/2022.)

American assistance to Ukraine (i.e., spending federal Monopoly money on weapons to give to Ukraine).

The economy (with several pages on inflation, jobs, manufacturing, wages, imports and exports, infrastructure, supply chain, and so forth with an abundance of socialist spin).

Veterans (with proper emphasis on their care, often and unfortunately through the improved but still too bureaucratic, wasteful, and inefficient VA).

The “Respect for Marriage Act” (but see my 12/15/2022 article on that act).

Healthcare and health insurance (in the context of the socialism that monopolizes both with abundant socialist spin).

“Clean” energy and electric cars (in the context of the global climate “crisis,” which is a cover phrase for a propagandized and socialist agenda).

Border insecurity (which is obvious, despite the President's spin) and “immigration reform” (i.e., the “pathway to citizenship” for illegal alien invaders).

Drug trafficking (especially due to border insecurity and human immorality).

The federal government's Monopoly money spending (as I call it; see my most recent, 1/23/2023, article on the topic).

The national debt (which is huge), debt limit (which is too high already), and budget (which continues to spend more than it receives).

The federal tax system (i.e., taking more from the haves to punish them and giving to the have-nots to keep them dependent on socialist government programs).

Big corporations and “Big Oil” (with emphasis on taxing more of their “exorbitant” profits, which will raise prices for consumers).

Public (i.e., socialist) housing and public (i.e., socialist) education.

Public safety (or the lack thereof, due to the moral decline in the nation).

“Gun control” (i.e., again about banning so-called “assault weapons” with no comment on the moral decline in the nation).

A cure for cancer by a “Cancer Moonshot” (whatever that will be and cost).

“... to protect every woman's constitutional right to choose” (i.e., to murder their unborn babies, which is not a constitutional right.) See my 6/30/2022 article on the topic. The President, once again, did not say what is chosen, which is usual for those who advocate the moral evil of murdering unborn babies. To choose what, Mr. President?)

Ensure the “safety and dignity” of LGBTQ citizens (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer.) Not for safety and dignity; this is the forced acceptance of those immoral lifestyles. See my 6/26/2022 article under the “LGBTQ Pride Month” section.

China (and its military and economic domination, with only a mild inference to their recent spy balloon).

Voting (with spin and labeling against those who want only fair elections).

My Specific Reactions

In his introductory remarks, President Biden stated his “vision for our country,” which included “to restore the soul of the nation” and “to unite the country.” I doubt that the president's vision is based on biblical values and the biblical worldview. (See my eight articles so far under the Worldviews in Conflict topic section.)

Early into his remarks, the president stated in part that he “ran for President to fundamentally change things....” That was a very vague statement, but the president revealed his change agenda throughout his address. The change should be to return to founding constitutional principles, not to further advance socialism and immorality.

Later, but still into his early remarks, the president stated in a single paragraph, “I’m a capitalist. But just pay your fair share.” I simply had to laugh out loud! I assume that the president was joking by stating that he is a capitalist. “Fair share” is the commonly used and euphemistic expression for taxing the haves more to give to the have-nots to further expand the socialist federal government.

In his closing remarks, the president stated in part:

My fellow Americans, we meet tonight at an inflection point.

We are a good people, the only nation in the world built on an idea.

That all of us, every one of us, is[sic] created equal in the image of God. A nation that stands as a beacon to the world.

Because the soul of this nation is strong, because the backbone of this nation is strong, because the people of this nation are strong, the State of the Union is strong.

I have never been more optimistic about the future of America.

Those words did nothing to inspire me. The inflection (or turning) point should be to repent as a nation and to return to godly and moral living under the original intent of the Constitution, which is based on biblical values. The president, of course, believes that some of us are more equal than others (i.e., the socialists are elevated, while the conservatives are relegated). He, of course, does not affirm the equality of the unborn child. This once-great nation needs to return to the Beacon to the world in Christ. The souls of true followers of Christ are strong. The national soul, which, in majority, does not follow Christ, is morally weak and corrupt. The State of the Union is at best continuing to weaken ever so slowly.

I am a realistic optimist. I, however, am very pessimistic about the socialistic future of America.

The Blackburn Report: Responding To The State Of The Union

Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn's The Blackburn Report, which I received by email on 2/10/2023, is the title of this section. I subscribe to her weekly emails.

Senator Blackburn's introductory paragraph is as follows. (The website links are in her original paragraph.)

This week, President Biden delivered his second State of the Union address in front of a weary nation. On the day Biden walked into the Oval Office, inflation sat at 1.4%, border encounters were three times lower, and our adversaries feared us. Two years later, inflation is at a 40-year high, our national debt has exceeded $31 trillion for the first time ever, 4.6 million immigrants have illegally crossed the southern border, and Chinese spy balloons are violating U.S. airspace. The Biden administration has intentionally implemented policies to further a destructive left-wing agenda, and the American people are paying the price.

The inclusion of Senator Blackburn's response to the president's State of the Union Address, is added to this article simply to strengthen my own response.

“Supper” Bowl Sidenote

Apparently, today is “Supper” Bowl Sunday. It is the 57th “Supper” Bowl. The football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles starts at 6:30 PM.

About that time, our supper should be finished, and Molly (our “old puppy”) should be inside with us. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman will probably be washing dishes. An episode of Gunsmoke will most likely, as usual, be my television selection.

Previous notes about the “Supper” Bowl are in my articles from 8/8/2021 and 2/20/2022. Roger Goodell never did reply to my 7/19/2021 email to him.

Conclusion: Balancing the President's Spin

Apparently, I was one of millions who chose not to watch the president's 2/7/2023 State of the Union address. See “27.3 Million Watched the 2023 State of the Union Address,” Nielsen, 2/8/2023. The article states that viewership was down 29% from President Biden’s 2022 State of the Union address. The article includes historical audience data for State of the Union addresses from 2/17/1993 to 2/7/2023.

The latest Gallup poll, “Presidential Approval Ratings—Joe Biden” (1/2-22/2023), shows that 41% of Americans approve of his job performance.

The viewership and approval ratings, which I have cited, place into context President Biden's political spin and propaganda in his 2/7/2023 address. I do not understand how even 10% of Americans could approve of the president's job performance. At least 41% of Americans, apparently, are drinking the poison-laced, socialist Kool-Aid.

Final Conclusion

What about the skunks, which the introduction mentioned? Why did I select the above photograph for this article? I will explain as I close.

Last Sunday night into Monday morning, the skunk invasion of our front yard occurred! Early in the morning darkness on Monday, 2/6/2023, when Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was leaving for work, we both smelled the pungent odor of skunk spray, even before she opened the garage door.

Later that day, I noticed several diggings in and around our front yard. I spoke with a neighbor a few days later. He had spoken with other neighbors. The conclusion was obvious! Numerous skunks had entertained themselves in at least three yards by having a skunk war! The spray lingered for two days. The diggings are still present in our yard.

Thankfully, Molly was not sprayed. She did, however, do a lot of barking and sniffing around the skunk diggings.

Beware of political skunks. Their stinky spray is unpleasant. We can't keep from smelling it. Just don't let them spray you directly.

Windows 11, version 22H2: My Public Complaint to Microsoft (published 2-2-2023; article #388)

12/11/2020 photograph by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Groundhog Day greetings to local, regional, national, and international readers, especially to you, dear reader. The groundhog didn't see his shadow around these parts, if it matters.

On this cloudy, damp, and cool winter day, I will regale you with my public complaint to “Microcrap” (as I call them). This is my 94th article in the Life (such as it is) topic section.

My desire had been to finish the sixth article in the Christian Evidences series. Lord willing, the article will be about the inspiration of the Bible as verified by its accuracy. I have been working on the article on and off since 12/18/2022.

On Friday, 1/27/2023, however, “Microcrap” had other plans! I will vent my temporal and technical frustrations in this public complaint to “Microcrap.” I wonder if “Microcrap” will stumble across my complaint and, if so, even care. That monopoly needs to be partitioned.

Don't be concerned! This Appalachian Irishman found a solution.

“Winders” 11, Version 22H2

Ever since 9/22/2022, “Microcrap” has been wanting me to install the optional Windows 11, version 22H2 (otherwise known as the “dreaded 22H2”). In brief, I had to roll back that optional installation from 9/22/2022. The dreaded 22H2 did not allow the Windows Live Mail 2012 (email software) to work properly, as it had been doing for years.

Yes, I know that since 1/10/2017, Windows Essentials 2012, which includes Windows Live Mail, has not been “supported” by “Microcrap.” The email software, however, had been working fine, before the dreaded 22H2.

Early on Friday morning, 1/27/2023, I awakened my desktop computer as usual. I went to the kitchen to start coffee brewing and to make a bowl of cereal. I wasn't gone long. When I returned to my home office, I was shocked! The “Winders” 11 software had already started a forced installation of the dreaded 22H2! The installation had been optional, which I had been ignoring for four months.

In expected fashion, once completed, the dreaded 22H2 did not allow Windows Live Mail 2012 (email software) to work correctly.

My public complaint to “Microcrap,” specifically, was that updates should always work with older “Microcrap” software, such as Windows Live Mail 2012. Six full days of my life, off and on from 1/27/2023 to 2/1/2023, were wasted in frustrated efforts, until Thunderbird worked!

New Thunderbird

With the need to use other email software, I began to seek options. I require software that will store emails on my desktop computer. Emails are also backed up on an external drive and on a secure website storage platform.

Initially, I selected eM Client software. Unfortunately, after five days (1/28–2/1/2023) of various attempts, that software refused to cooperate completely with my one “Comcrap” (another monopoly that needs to be segmented) email account and two Juno email accounts. On 2/1/2023, the kind gentleman, whom I had allowed access to my computer, indicated that not even he could get eM Client to work properly. Thus, eM Client lost the chance to earn $59.95 after my 30-day trial period.

Thunderbird had been my second option. It became my choice late yesterday afternoon. The appearance is not as pleasant as eM Client, but Thunderbird cooperates with my “Comcrap” and Juno email systems. Thunderbird is a product of Mozilla, which is also the owner of the Firefox web browser that I prefer. The software is free.

Conclusion

As of 4:12 PM today, this website's analytics show that, in the last seven days, this website had 586 total views. The total views by nation were as follows:

United States 180, Russia 126, Belgium 74, Germany 71, United Kingdom 32, Iran 23, Poland 15, Netherlands 13, France 8, Sweden 7, Belarus 6, Spain 3, Japan 3, Nepal 3, Ukraine 3, Argentina 2, Canada 2, Iceland 2, Guernsey (an island in the English Channel off the Normandy coast) 1, and other (unknown) 12.

For the last six days, “Microcrap” frustrated me due to their forced installation of the dreaded 22H2. Thankfully, Mozilla's Thunderbird email software came to the rescue.

God created the universe in six days (Genesis 1:1–2:3). Could “Microcrap” make another update that would allow even their outdated software, such as Windows Live Mail 2012, to work as it had been doing? I doubt it. “Microcrap” is not that competent.

Readers are welcome to share the content of this email in an effort to educate “Microcrap.” They need to be educated.

This 388th article reminds me of my third article, “Give Me a Horse and a Dirt Road (published 3-9-2006; article #3).” I think that I'll go read that article now.

House Mountain Hike #132 on 1-23-2016 (published 1-24-2023; article #387)

Introduction

I published only three articles in 2016. They are as follows:

I’M STILL ALIVE – WHY? (published 8/26/2016), which has 352 total views and two comments as of today. The article includes remarks about the accident on 3/29/2016 that almost killed me.

PEARL HARBOR at HOMEPLACE (published 12-8-2016), which has 192 total views as of today, with no comments. The article is about my first visit to the homeplace after 3/29/2016.

HOUSE MOUNTAIN, #137 (published 12/22/2016; updated 10/3/2022), which has 191 total views as of today without comments. The article marks my first “bionic” hike on House Mountain, at least on the loop trails.

Today, I was reminded of my Saturday, 1/23/2016, hike on “my mountain.” This article is the publication, seven years delayed, about that hike. Seven years late is better than nothing. First, however, I'll talk about my hiking records on House Mountain in 2016.

2016 House Mountain Hiking Records

From my hiking records and memory, I hiked House Mountain eight times in 2016. The dates were as follows: In January on the 3rd, 18th, and 23rd. In February, I hiked once on the 7th. Hikes in March were on the 16th, 20th, and 26th. After my “sabbatical,” I hiked on December 22nd.

I took nineteen photographs, which I have saved. Three were on 1/18/2016, which was also the day that Uncle Bobby died in infancy in 1941 and when my wife's aunt Mona celebrated her 94th birthday. I took eight on 1/23/2016, which are included in this article. I have one from 2/7/2016, one from 3/20/2016, and one from 3/26/2016. I took five photographs on 12/22/2016, which are in the article from that date.

In 2016, Molly, our doggy, went with me on four hikes: on January 3rd, February 7th, and March 6th and 20th. That was Molly's third through sixth hike with me. My next-to-youngest brother also hiked with Molly and me on 3/20/2016. That was his first and only hike so far. Two now-former coworkers hiked with me on 3/26/2016. I hiked alone on January 18th and 23rd and, after my “sabbatical,” on December 22nd.

House Mountain Hike #132 on 1/23/2016

I recorded, in my hiking records, that I had hiked up the west trail in 35 minutes, delayed by the need to hike carefully in the snow and to take two photographs. I had then hiked across the ridgeline and down the east trail to come out.

The temperature, on that cloudy day, was about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, with a crisp wind. About 1.5 inches of snow were on the ridge. I saw rabbit, fox, dog, and bobcat tracks. Enjoy the following eight photographs with my comments!

I took the photograph above at 3:15 PM. I was nearing the west bluff, hiking up. The image looks north and up toward the ridgeline.

The above photograph, taken at 3:16 PM, was near where I had been a minute earlier. The view still looks north and up toward the ridgeline. I wanted to photograph the icicles!

After removing my outer layer, hiking cap, and canteen, I took the photograph above at 3:27 PM. The exertion on the hike up had warmed me too much. I kept my T-shirt and sweatshirt on to let the crisp air cool and dry out the sweat. The image is on the west bluff, looking east toward the ridgeline.

A minute later, at 3:28 PM, I took the above photograph from the same west bluff. The image looks down and southwest toward Knoxville.

In this 3:45 PM photograph, I was heading east on the ridge trail. Several years before, a Boy Scout had built and placed the bench at the location. The marker on the bench denotes by whom and on what date the bench had been placed there. Those are my footprints.

At 4:35 PM, I took the above photograph at the upper-middle bluff, after having hiked the ridgeline farther eastward to arrive there. The image looks northwest, as the sun was close to setting. The west bluff is visible in the upper left of the image. The human tracks are mine, since no one else hiked that day. I also saw animal tracks. I never did see other human footprints, except mine.

A minute later, at 4:36 PM, I photographed the view from the bluff, looking northeast. Again, the human tracks are mine. I also saw animal tracks here.

It took me just under an hour to hike the short distance west on the ridgeline and then down on the east trail. At 5:24 PM, I took the above photograph of my 1995 Nissan pickup, which was awaiting my return. Only one other set of vehicle tracks was visible after my hike. No other vehicle tracks were present before my truck and I had arrived. I never saw another hiker. Sadly, my 1995 Nissan pickup died, saving my life, on 3/29/2016.

Conclusion

This article, about my 132nd hike on House Mountain on 1/23/2016, is finally published today. Seven years was a long time ago. My article from 4/25/2021 was about my 178th House Mountain hike on 4/18/2021. That article included my tribute to a classmate and friend, who passed away at age 61.

I have taken a long hiking sabbatical since 4/18/2021. My “bionic” left shoulder, right knee, and right foot have each improved. My right knee and foot, in particular, could still take the pounding, even easier now.

Lord willing, I anticipate that the urge to hike, which sparks in me at times, will ignite fully. Other interests, such as the 177 articles that I have published on this website from 4/28/2021 to yesterday, 1/23/2023, have been my greater interest. Still yet, today would have been a good day for a hike!

Raise the Debt Ceiling, Increase Income, or Lower Spending? (published 1-23-2023; article #386)

2/21/2017 photograph in Melbourne, Australia, by Alex Knight on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

If I look too long at the high ceiling (surrounding and above the tower in the photograph), I start to get dizzy. I'll stop looking and continue to write now.

The media were a buzz on 1/19/2023. They are still buzzing. Aside from the buzzing about the insecure southern border, President Biden's classified documents, former President Trump's classified documents, and ad nauseam, this spin is about the Ununited Socialist States of America (USSA) debt ceiling. One of several sources is “House conservative leader rips media for ‘irrational’ debt ceiling coverage, vows ‘serious fiscal reform.’” Fox News, by Peter Kasperowicz, 1/19/2023. The article states in part:

The U.S. hit the debt ceiling on Thursday, which means the government cannot borrow anything above the $31.381 trillion it has borrowed so far. House Republicans have said they would require deep spending cuts as a condition for raising the ceiling, but the Biden administration has said it will not negotiate.

The USSA reached its dizzyingly high debt ceiling limit on Thursday, 1/19/2023. As an aside, on that same day, Dolly Pardon turned 77 years young. Happy belated birthday, Dolly!

I am a practical man who thinks logically. This article places the USSA debt ceiling buzz in the context of recent household income and expenses for Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and me. Do we raise our debt ceiling, increase our income, or lower our spending?

Every member of Congress needs to read this article, which is published as sage advice as a public service announcement. What should we (as a household and as a nation) do? The conclusion answers the question.

Raise the Debt Ceiling?

Household: My wife and I still have a mortgage debt. It is the only debt that we have. Our household income is sufficient to meet household expenses with a sufficient surplus. Our surplus, built up in savings over several years, could pay off our mortgage debt and leave a lower surplus. This is not bragging. It is God's grace, our health, and our work ethic.

If, God forbid, our household debt were to increase above our combined annual income or our surplus due to an unexpected and large expense, we would have to either spend down our surplus or borrow money (at interest with monthly payments). If, God forbid, that should occur, we would develop a plan to pay off the new debt.

In short, we might have to raise our debt ceiling temporarily. Further, we would plan, Lord willing, to reduce our debt. Finally, we would not continue to raise our debt ceiling, which would be irrational.

USSA: The Fox News article, cited in the introduction, states that the debt ceiling is 31.381 trillion dollars. That's $31,381,000,000,000.

How many times has Congress raised the debt ceiling? The official answer is available at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Debt Limit:

Since 1960, Congress has acted 78 separate times to permanently raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit—49 times under Republican presidents and 29 times under Democratic presidents. Congressional leaders in both parties have recognized that this is necessary.

Necessary? Really? Yes, both parties are at fault, especially Democrats—as a study of congressional debt ceiling votes by party since 1960 will surely prove. Presidents can't raise the debt limit.

Born in 1960, I am 62 years young. I have not needed to raise my debt ceiling limit 1.25 times a year for each year of my life. I have never had that kind of income versus spending problem. Dad taught me that money doesn't grow on trees. You have to make it to spend it. Don't spend more than you make. If you need to borrow, get out of debt as fast as you can.

The “guvrmint,” however, has had to raise its debt ceiling limit 1.25 times a year for each year from 1960 to 2022–62 years. It has a definite income versus spending problem. The “guvrmint” must think that money grows on trees—or is devalued, causing inflation, by printing more almost worthless Monopoly money.

In short, the “guvrmint” must stop raising its debt ceiling and devise a plan to reduce its debt.

Increase Income?

Household: We have sufficient income for manageable expenses. I draw retirement income. My wife, bless her heart, is <deleted by Mrs. Appalachian Irishman> years younger than me, so she must work for another year or so. By God's grace and our wisdom, we manage the best that we can to keep expenses below our income.

If our household expenses at some point require additional income, I could find a part-time job. I know how much the “socialist insecurity administration” states that I could earn without reducing the amount of money that they owe me on a monthly basis. At this point, I have toyed with attempts to find the right part-time job, but I haven't found a position that would serve my interests. I could become less picky, if inflation continues to be so uncontrolled.

USSA: The “guvrmint” has sufficient income but unmanageable expenses. The Fiscal Data on Treasury.gov section is “How much revenue has the U.S. government collected this year?” (Note: Scroll down to the “Federal Revenue Overview” segment.)

That segment states that in fiscal year 2022 the USSA “guvrmint” collected $4.90 trillion ($4,900,000,000,000) in revenue. It spent $6.27 trillion ($6,270,000,000,000). The deficit, thus, was $1.37 trillion ($1,370,000,000,000). Note that it reports a $1.38 trillion deficit, but $1.37 trillion is correct according to math.

Isn't $4.90 trillion ($4,900,000,000,000) in revenue enough? The “guvrmint” may try to increase taxes. Wisdom dictates, however, that it must control and reduce its runaway spending! This leads to the next question.

Lower Spending?

Household: My wife and I are thrifty. We don't just “blow money.” We limit our so-called “discretionary” spending.

Unfortunately, runaway inflation (caused by federal spending) forces us to pay more for groceries, utilities, gasoline, household supplies, home and vehicle maintenance, and so forth. We track and budget our costs. My article from 9/2/2022 was a snapshot on how grocery costs have increased.

In a recent ten-day period (1/11/2023-1/20/2023, Wednesday through Friday), we endured a “perfect storm” of expenses. On 1/11/2023, my wife had her six-month dental cleaning, which we knew was coming up. Later, on 1/12/2023, we had to replace our garbage disposal, which we didn't expect. Also, on 1/17/2023, my wife had a follow-up dental appointment, which we didn't anticipate. Further, on 1/19/2023, our propane tank was filled, which we would rather have put off until next month. Finally, on 1/20/2023, Molly (our “old puppy”) had her dental cleaning, which we were expecting. Interestingly, Molly's dental cleaning cost the same as my wife's! In that ten-day period, we had to spend over $2,200.

Up next, we know that our 2012 Nissan Sentra needs new struts, estimated at about $1,100 in total cost for parts and labor. Property tax must be paid before 2/28/2023. Thankfully, we have managed, and we should be able to manage those expenses. Our surplus, however, will be lowered at least for a while.

In this period of inflation, we are unable to lower total spending. We, however, reduce costs by dining out rarely and by not “blowing money.” By God's grace, we will survive. Jesus' words, in Matthew 6:25-34, assure us.

USSA: The “guvrmint,” in contrast, is not thrifty. It, apparently, spends money like a drunken sailor, with an apology to all sailors. Yes, certain outlays are necessary. Others are certainly not. I could unpack my thoughts on necessary versus wasteful spending, but I will not take the time to do so in this article. Anyone with any fiscal common sense should know what I am thinking.

Any “guvrmint” that has had to raise its debt ceiling limit 1.25 times a year, every year, from 1960 to 2022 has an obsessive spending problem! That's what our “guvrmint” has been doing.

My article from 1/11/2021 cited a credible source, which indicated that in 2014 the “guvrmint” started spending more than it brought in. Could you imagine spending more than your income for nine inclusive years in a row? That's what our “guvrmint” has been doing under different presidents and congresses.

3/2/2022 photograph by Alan Roberts on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

The “guvrmint” needs to remove some “piglets” that are sucking on the “tits.”

Conclusion

Searching this website for “debt” finds the following six articles in chronological order. This is my seventh article on the subject of national debt.

“ELIMENTRY” LESSONS for the “GUVERMINT EDUKATED, SO$IALIST” FOLK (published 2-24-2013; updated 8-28-2022). The article notes that the 2012 national debt was $16.6 trillion and change. Of the six articles, this one is my favorite.

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

Sunday, 5/2/2021: Poly-ticks Smorgasbord Catch-Up (#2)

An Invitation to the First President of the USSA to “Show Me the Money” Tree (published 5-22-2021)

PRESIDENT BIDEN'S REPLY TO MY LETTER – Over a Year Late (published 7-27-2022; article #341)

STAGFLATION & MONEY TREE: “Engine Air Intake Hose” Story (published 8-28-2022; article #350)

Should the USSA raise the debt ceiling? No! If the house is full of garbage spending, raising the roof will only add more garbage spending. Instead, haul off some garbage spending.

Should the USSA increase income? No! Who wants to pay Uncle Sam more to feed his addiction to reckless spending? Uncle Sam needs to undergo rehabilitation for reckless spending.

Should the USSA lower spending? Absolutely! Remember, the national debt is available on at least three websites: Fiscal Data on Treasury.gov, an official website of the U.S. government (Total Public Debt Outstanding); USA Debt Clock; and US Debt Clock—which also records debt per citizen ($94,200 debt per citizen as of 1/23/2023, 2:45 PM).

I can't look up at a high ceiling for too long without getting dizzy. Further, I can't watch the numbers increase by the second on USA Debt Clock and US Debt Clock without getting dizzy.

Wake up, not woke up, America! Come down from the dizzying heights of spending, which is increasing by the second! My wife and I know how to manage our household budget. Does Congress know how to manage the federal budget?

You are welcome, dear reader, to share this article with anyone—especially with any member of Congress. Those folks need our common-sense advice if they will listen.

What Is “Woke?” - on Chinese New Year & National Sanctity of Human Life Day (published 1-22-2023; article #385)

 

Computerized “artwork” by M. Fearghail, 1/22/2023.

Introduction

The need to blow my nose woke me a little early this morning, about 5:30 AM. That didn't inspire this article. The inspiration for this “woke” article is followed by my definition of “woke.” (This is my eighth article, in “Worldviews in Conflict” topic section.)

A mundane note and another important note will precede the inspiration for this article and my definition of “woke.” Please reflect on the important note. It is profound.

I trust that you are doing well, dear reader. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I are doing well enough. The conclusion will trust that you are “woke,” by my definition.

Mundane Note and Important Note

Before continuing the “woke” theme of this article, I will make a mundane note and an important note. First, the mundane note is that today is Chinese New Year. Apparently, 2023 is the “Year of the Rabbit.” I like rabbit stew. I'm certain that the Chinese are excited today. I wish them moral goodness and blessings in their new year, in hope that they know or will know the one true God of the Bible.

The important note is that today is National Sanctity of Human Life Day. The National Day Calendar® entry -- “NATIONAL SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE DAY – January 22,” last updated 1/18/2023 – has further information. Please pause to read that entry.

In a section of my 6/26/2022 article, I wrote (as emboldened in that article):

On 6/24/2022, Friday, the “Supreme Court” decided in agreement with God's SUPREME COURT! I pause, to bend my knee, in a prayer of thanksgiving to the Good Lord!

My article of 6/30/2022 affirmed the pro-life position. Today, I continue to rejoice that the morally evil decision (in majority) by the “Supreme Court” -- on 1/22/1973, in Roe vs. Wade – has been overturned by a morally good (in majority) “Supreme Court” decision. Forty-nine years were required to decide correctly. God's Supreme Court has not flip-flopped.

Inspiration for This “Woke” Article

ILEANA JOHNSON, by Ileana Johnson, is one of five websites, listed in my “Folks, to Whom I Subscribe” section. Early this morning, I read her article of yesterday, “St. Simeon and His Pillars.” The article is quite interesting. In it, Mrs. Johnson mentioned “the cult of stylitism.”

Using Norton Safe Search, I started to type “what is stylitism?” -- even though Mrs. Johnson's article described it in detail. Before I could type “stylitism,” the search provided several options at “what is . . . .” The second search option was “what is woke.” I finished my search on “stylitism,” but that second search option inspired this article.

Apparently, a bunch of folks want to know what “woke” is. This article will help them.

My Definition of “Woke”

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (ol' man Webster) defines “woke” as:

woke: past tense and past participle of wake.

woke: adjective (first known use in 1972): 1: chiefly US slang: aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice). 2: disapproving: politically liberal (as in matters of racial and social justice) especially in a way that is considered unreasonable or extreme.

Ol' man Webster has accommodated himself to a current and ongoing political and socialist agenda, in my opinion. (Feel free to make it yours.)

My definition of “woke,” which is the only meaning, is to awaken from sleep. I've already used the word, correctly, by having stated, “the need to blow my nose woke me a little early this morning.”

I only use “woke” by my definition. I will not use the word as ol' Man Webster has defined as an adjective. I will not allow the propagandists to determine my choice of words. As a further example, I say that I am “pro-life,” not “anti-abortion.” An induced “abortion” is a euphemism for the murder of an unborn child.

Conclusion

In his two concluding chapters, the apostle Paul encouraged the Christians at Ephesus to “follow God's example” (from Ephesians 5:1). In those two chapters, the apostle Paul wrote, by inspiration:

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:14-17, NIV)

In both my 7/22/2022 article and 7/22/2022 podcast, my written and spoken conclusion was:

Wake up (not woke up), America! Do not go to the devil! Turn to the Lord! I have spoken.

America still needs to wake up spiritually. God woke me back in 1981, when I accepted his gift of grace, by my active (and still active, even if imperfect) faith response.

Are you “woke” by God's grace? I trust that you are, dear reader. If not, and if you would like to converse with me, please use my Contact Form. I will be glad to reply and to continue our conversation.

APPALACHIAN IRISHMAN: 2022 RECORDS (published 1-1-2023; article #384)

“Pencil on system of equations” (10/28/2017), by Antoine Dautry, on Unsplash.
Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

New Year's Day greetings to local, regional, national, and international readers, especially to you, dear reader. Has it been a year since the most recent article from two days ago? My, how time flies! I hope that everyone, even if not a legal resident in Tennessee, voted early and often, as I did, for “No More, Mr. Ice Guy!”

Last evening, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was in bed at about 9 PM, as usual. I joined her, about 10:30 PM, at my usual time. We enjoyed “sleeping in the New Year!” I'd seen enough of the #1 Georgia versus #4 Ohio State college football playoff semifinal game. The game should have started before 8 PM. Early in the third quarter, Georgia was behind by eleven points (24 to 35). This morning, I was amazed to learn that Georgia won (42 to 41)! The championship game, on 1/9/2022, between Georgia and TCU starts at 7:30 PM. Go Dawgs!

The 12/31/2021 article focused on this website's records in 2021 and since 3/6/2006 (my first article). I record this website's analytics on the first of each month to track total views for the previous month. On this cloudy to partly sunny spring (in winter) day, I might as well write about the 2022 records.

You, as a reader, are appreciated. May God's richest blessings be bestowed upon you in 2023 as you serve Him.

2022 Statistics and Total Viewers by Nation

In 2022, I published 96 total articles, which are 25 fewer than in 2021. (“Website Archive” shows articles, by year and month.) Total views, in 2022, were 26,360. I started publishing more articles in 2019. Since my retirement, on Friday, 5/13/2022, I have had more time to write better articles on topics of interest (under “Topic Sections”). Some articles are very serious. Some are on “life, such as it is.” Some are humorous. Some are a mixture of topics. I will always affirm the biblical worldview and the good in Appalachian-Irish heritage!

As of this morning (1/1/2023), at 8:22 AM, this website had 163,058 all-time total views, since 3/6/2006. Since I've been publishing more articles, viewership has increased. Last month, I published nine articles, and this website had 2,646 views. In 2022, this website received 45 comments. Since 3/6/2006, my first article, this website has drawn 212 comments. (Some comments are mine, either as replies to comments by others or as additional notes to an article.)

In the last twelve months (January - December 2022), annual viewer totals, by nation, were: United States 11.9K, Russia 3.34K, Germany 2.09K, Netherlands 1.1K, China 503, United Kingdom 497, Belgium 462, France 451, Canada 437, Sweden 400, Turkey 374, Ukraine 191, India 190, Estonia 159, Poland 110, Hong Kong 85, Norway 77, Romania 73, Japan 72, Other 3.86K. (I hope that Ireland is included in “other!”)

My public journal and commentary continues to draw local, regional, national, and international viewers. Analytics show me these data only. Your identity is secure on this website. I see only numbers, not names. If you are a subscriber to this website, then I don't know anything about you. I do not know the number of subscribers, their names, or their email addresses.

While I'm pleased that my website maintains viewers, I wish that more folks would comment now and then. Of course, I also read websites, often without leaving comments. I comment on certain websites frequently, since I enjoy the articles. The “Folks, to Whom I Subscribe” section lists five websites. I comment on at least three of them regularly.

2022 Top Ten Most Viewed Articles

I thought that I'd share my 2022 list of the top ten most viewed articles. Analytics give me some idea as to why articles are being viewed, often based on the title. The following is my top ten list for 2022, in order from number one to number ten.

Four articles are from 2022. Three are from 2021. One is from 2014. Another is from 2009. My inaugural article, of 3/6/2006, was the eighth most viewed in 2022. That article, in which I was just having a little sarcastic fun, remains my most viewed article of all time.

5/15/2021, SATURDAY: FEARGHAIL CLAN CONTACT, “MASK OFF” CONTINUES, UNCLE BOBBY, & ARMED FORCES DAY (published 5-15-2021)

“IF I WERE THE DEVIL” – Inspired by Paul Harvey (published 7-22-2022; article #340)

ROGERSVILLE IS THE SECOND-OLDEST TOWN IN TENNESSEE, NOT DANDRIDGE! (published 8-7-2021)

HOW TO PRONOUNCE "APPALACHIAN" - REVISITED (published 12-12-2009; updated 11-20-2022)

DENOMINATIONALISM: 2012 Discussion Continued (published 10-12-2022; updated 10-26-2022; article #364)

Devil's Nose, 11-29-2013 Hike (published 1-1-2014)

BIBLE and FAITH DISCUSSIONS - CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINT (published 1-31-2021; updated 9-17-2022)

HOW TO PRONOUNCE "APPALACHIAN" (published 3/6/2006; inaugural article)

9-17-2022 Football Review: Georgia Bulldogs compared to TN Vols (published 9-18-2022; article #358)

BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW - BOOK RECOMMENDATION by BARNA: “American Worldview Inventory 2021-22: The Annual Report on the State of Worldview in the United States” (published 6-7-2022; article #332)

I'll keep writing, as folks keep reading. Thank you for stopping by, now and then, to drink a cup of coffee with me!

My public journal and commentary is a means by which I attempt to serve the Good Lord. I record family history and heritage, uphold the good in Appalachian culture, affirm the biblical worldview, critique "poly-ticks" (as I call it), record some of my hikes, and enjoy a bit of sarcastic humor. I am a minister, writer, public speaker, and conversationalist. This forum is a way that I express myself.

Conclusion

The evening is approaching as the sun sets. Supper will be within the hour. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I pray that 2023 will be a good year. We could all use one.

Please remember to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness. Do not worry. God provides what we need when we need it, until we meet Him. See Matthew 6:25-33.

Good New Year's Day evening, y'all. Thanks for reading. Don't be too shy to comment!