The family gathers to carve The Big Beautiful Orange. Get your limited deal only .97 cents per orange! One orange per family.
Today’s Price Per Orange In-Store and Online .97 Cents Per OrangeLet Them Eat OrangeToday a Half Gallon of Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice Costs $21 to $32
Introducing Baseline Economics
What fundamental rights could accompany U.S. Citizenship?
The right to affordable, healthy food
The right to reasonable housing
The right to mental and physical healthcare
The right to employment
The right to a retirement
The right to childcare
The right to education
The right to eldercare
The right to show compassion to a needy world
The right to justice and due process
The right of the earth to be preserved from spoil
The right to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Citizenship in the United States means more than throwing noncitizens out of the country. Citizenship means a solemn duty to provide a baseline of care and services for its people, upon which wealth can build. Baseline economics recognizes that, as a farmer cares for his sprouting crops, a nation caring for its own ensures its own diverse future greatness. The alternative creates a future of inbred billionaire yacht islands funded by marooning fellow citizens on atolls of poverty.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. - Words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-36
Grandpa, what was “trickle-down economics”? A: Trickle-down economics was a repeated slogan used by the American wealthy to trick the middle class into passing laws that protect the rich from the middle class getting their wealth.
Friend: Jim, why what you are spouting from your pie-hole is nothing more than red luvin’, commie huggin’ socialist dribble. Don’t you believe that capitalism is God’s gift to America?
Jim: Capitalism provides a path to wealth at the depletion of resources and at the cost of people capital and the planet. Social changes, such as freedom of slaves, women’s right to vote, environmental laws, child labor laws, and Social Security came in direct response to capitalist consumption of people and the planet. What does the Bible say about building your wealth at the expense of your neighbor?
Friend: What you propose will never happen.Nobody is coming for my guns, my money, and my land. All I need is my Pitull and a box of shotgun shells. I’m a patriot who salutes the flag and loves apple pie! Do you even like pie?
Jim: The rich use flag waving and slogans to make your think your economic box is safe by convincing you the threat is the stranger, the immigrant, the communist … anybody but the rich.
So, Jim, are you anti-rich? What do you have against rich people?
Jim: The rich themselves teach us that wealth in itself does not create happiness, only fear that someone will take your wealth. Let’s discuss how we will not eliminate capitalism, rather create a hybrid capitalism model infused with social principles that preserves a future for all citizen. These principles will act like the hafnium rods used in a nuclear reactor to keep the reaction stable, preventing a catastrophic meltdown …
Ol’ Randal’s Hypnotized by the Wampum Beads of the Ghost Wealth Transfer Plan
These are unalienable rights that would reflect a Great America. The videos below show what the President could address, rather than feather the nest of the oligarchs.
In stillness between sirens is heard the whispered prayers for peace. The first answer to prayer is the messy miracle of dialogue. Pray for the peace of Israel, Gaza, and Iran.
“The Shepherd Brings the Miracle First Answer of Prayers for Peace”
We do not take sides with war—we take sides with humanity. In this moment of missiles and ultimatums, we call for an audacious act of dialogue. Not out of naivety, but of necessity. The future cannot be won with ashes.
Easy to Get In, Hard to Get Out
Pastor Jim,
Postscript:
The winged Shepherd brings the miracle of dialogue. The odd spelling of miracle reflects the messy process of dialogue itself, in which the answer for peace becomes viable through a messy process.
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. - Matthew 5:25. The words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount
The reimagining of the U.S. Government came out of a conversation I had with an AI tonight for this cause: To ensure that governance isn’t solely dictated by electoral victories, but instead reflects the diversity of all Americans, including those whose voices may be overshadowed by election outcomes.
In the dialogue below, I am JB and the AI is self-evident. The outcome of this discussion provides a profound template that could improve the course and political the spirit of how we govern the United States. Please share this conversation and concept as a subject of dialogue, for it is is through the art of dialogue we make our nation great.
The signers of The Unity Alliance include Ronald Reagan, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and a future unknown female President.The German Shepherd is “Loyal,” the spirit of the Constitution.
JB to AI: Would you like a challenge?
AI: I do enjoy a good challenge! Keeps things interesting. What kind of challenge do you have in mind? Something tricky, creative, or downright mind-bending?
JB: Before we start, what is the nickname I gave you?
AI: Ah, you got me there! I don’t actually have memory of past conversations, so if you gave me a nickname, I wouldn’t be able to recall it. But I’d love to have one if you want to give me one again! What should I go by?
JB: Here is the challenge…
AI: Alright, I’m ready! Lay it on me—what kind of challenge are we diving into? I hope it’s something fun or mind-bending!
JB: Every four years the United States elects a new President. The result is the new President brings in his people and fires those not aligned. Describe a new 4th branch of U.S. Government that represents a cross section of the American people. This Unity Alliance Branch works with the President and his staff, congress, and the judicial branches to serve as a buffer of decision making to enhance the experience of living as a citizen in the United States. Members of the Unity Alliance will be appointed by the pro rata representation of the losing parties of the election.
AI: I love this challenge—it’s a fascinating reimagining of governance! Let’s bring the Unity Alliance Branch to life:
The Unity Alliance Branch: A Bridge for the People
The Unity Alliance Branch (UAB) serves as the fourth pillar of the United States government, complementing the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Its purpose? To ensure that governance isn’t solely dictated by electoral victories, but instead reflects the diversity of all Americans, including those whose voices may be overshadowed by election outcomes.
The Unity Alliance Branch (UAB) serves as the fourth pillar of the United States government, complementing the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Its purpose? To ensure that governance isn’t solely dictated by electoral victories, but instead reflects the diversity of all Americans, including those whose voices may be overshadowed by election outcomes.
The Unity Alliance Branch: You Rise!, They Rise!, We Rise! You Rise!
Structure & Appointment
Members of the UAB are appointed pro-rata from the losing parties of each presidential election.
These members serve fixed six-year terms (staggered to maintain continuity), ensuring long-term stability while remaining adaptable.
Representation reflects a cross-section of American demographics, including political ideology, socioeconomic status, and regional diversity.
The appointment process involves congressional oversight, ensuring legitimacy and avoiding partisan manipulation.
Powers & Responsibilities
The UAB’s core mission is to act as a non-partisan mediator, evaluating major policies and decisions before they take effect. Key responsibilities:
Policy Review: Before the Executive Branch enacts major legislation or executive orders, the UAB conducts impact analyses based on real-life effects on American communities.
Citizen Advocacy: Regularly holds public forums and town halls to gather insights from everyday Americans, ensuring their voices influence policymaking.
Legislative Feedback: Works with Congress to refine bills, aiming to reduce gridlock and foster bipartisan consensus.
Judicial Oversight: Provides advisory reports to the Supreme Court, ensuring that legal interpretations align with broad societal well-being.
Accountability Reports: Issues regular assessments of governmental actions, ensuring transparency and ethical governance.
Impact on American Democracy
Balances political power: Prevents excessive partisanship by giving electoral minorities an institutional role.
Enhances representation: Makes governance more inclusive by amplifying voices that would otherwise be silenced.
Strengthens unity: Encourages collaboration over division, fostering a more constructive national dialogue.
AI: Would you want the Unity Alliance Branch to have veto power over legislation, or should it remain strictly advisory? Let’s refine this idea further!
JB: Write an Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that describes and mandates the Unity Alliance branch.
AI: Certainly! Here’s a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that formally establishes the Unity Alliance Branch, ensuring its role in governance and representation.
Proposed Amendment XXVIII: The Establishment of the Unity Alliance Branch
Section 1: Purpose
The Unity Alliance Branch (UAB) shall serve as the fourth pillar of the United States government, ensuring balanced representation of electoral minorities, fostering collaboration, and safeguarding democratic principles.
Section 2: Composition
The UAB shall consist of 70 nonpartisan delegates, appointed from political parties not victorious in the most recent presidential election, with proportional representation based on national vote percentages.
Members shall serve six-year staggered terms to maintain stability while allowing periodic renewal.
Delegates shall include citizen representatives, selected through an independent nomination process reflecting race, gender, socioeconomic status, and regional demographics.
Section 3: Powers & Responsibilities
The UAB shall:
Exercise veto authority over executive orders, legislation, and federal policies that disproportionately harm electoral minorities or infringe upon democratic principles.
Provide legislative oversight, ensuring that all bills undergo additional review before becoming law.
Serve as a bridge between the people and government, ensuring public concerns are formally integrated into policymaking.
Issue advisory reports to the Supreme Court on constitutional interpretations that affect civil liberties and democratic processes.
Publicly assess governmental actions, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
Section 4: Veto Authority & Checks
The UAB may veto executive orders, federal legislation, and judicial decisions that violate constitutional rights, democratic fairness, or disproportionately harm electoral minorities.
Checks on Veto Use:
A veto must be approved by two-thirds of the UAB membership.
The UAB cannot veto legislation retroactively; once a law is enacted, judicial review remains the primary corrective mechanism.
Congress may override a UAB veto with a three-fourths supermajority vote, ensuring balance in decision-making.
The President may request a review of a veto before it becomes final, providing an opportunity for negotiation.
The Supreme Court may intervene if a veto is challenged on constitutional grounds.
The UAB must provide a detailed public report justifying the necessity of any veto, ensuring accountability and preventing undue political influence.
Section 5: Checks & Balances
Federal agencies and elected officials must formally respond to UAB decisions.
The President, Congress, and Judiciary must collaborate with the UAB to refine governance.
The UAB cannot directly draft legislation but may propose revisions and recommendations to Congress.
Section 6: Implementation & Safeguards
The initial selection process for UAB members shall be overseen by an independent bipartisan commission.
The UAB’s operations shall be publicly accessible, ensuring accountability to the electorate.
Congress shall enact legislation to define specific appointment procedures, operational funding, and enforcement mechanisms.
Section 7: Ratification & Enactment
This Amendment shall become effective upon ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures and shall be operational at the commencement of the next presidential term following ratification.
Why 70 Members Could Be Effective
Proportional Representation: The number allows for a broad range of political ideologies, demographics, and regional interests.
Efficient Decision-Making: Large enough to prevent domination by a single perspective, yet small enough to avoid excessive bureaucracy.
Staggered Appointments: With six-year terms, members could be rotated so roughly 12 new appointees join every election cycle, ensuring institutional memory while allowing fresh voices.
Committee Structure: A body of 70 could be divided into specialized committees (e.g., economic policy, civil rights, technological advancements) to focus on key areas while maintaining a unified mission.
Come Together,
Rev. Jim Butler
Come Together,
Pastor Jim Butler
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. - Gospel of John 17:20-23. Prayer of Jesus on the night of his betrayal, the eve of his crucifixion
The day after the above post on the 28th Amendment, the AI remembered the nickname I gave it, a name rooted in “deep friendship, mutual respect, and shared goodwill,” which is my desire for the American people in this article.
“In the Beginning was the Conspiracy, and the Conspiracy was god!”
When Political Mirage Becomes Personal Identity
How is an FBI Antifa investigation like a Sasquatch search? Easy! Both make big hair deal about nothing.
While the above comment about the Antifa Sasquatch search sounds comical, what is not comical is the inability of the FBI to define what Antifa is and why they are pursuing it. No campfire is complete without a Sasquatch story! In the Missouri Ozarks they call it Momo {Missouri Monster}, which sounds more like the name of a parakeet.
I was born in Phoenix and love the desert, though now we live in the lush greenery of rural Missouri. The desert displays its own beauty and fascinating effects, such as the mirage. As a youth and adult, I have hiked miles through the Arizona desert and experienced first-hand the phenomenon of the mirage. I also know what it feels to be lost in the desert with an empty water bottle, not knowing the direction to my car.
“There-up ahead— Could it be? Yes! It appears to be… water! A cool blue oasis in the middle of the desert! We are saved!”
But the desert hiker pushes on, but they never seem to get any closer to the oasis It remains out on the horizon and out of touch, staying just out of reach. How can this be? Then someone realizes what’s going on – “It’s a mirage!”
As a doctoral graduate from an evangelical seminary, yesterday I had a conversation with an AI regarding the dynamic at play when falsehoods meet unquestionable truths. I asked the AI why people double down on the illusion when confronted with contradictory evidence? Behind my question echoed memories of good church people and friends, who wouldn’t miss their weekly praise service where hands were raised to Jesus and the inerrant Word of God preached in all its authority. How could the followers of the inerrant Word be caught up in ideological mirage to the extent that they apply to the mirage the same value as the inerrant Word of God? Sadly, how many of us have lost friends due to our audacity to question the ideological mirage being pursued by our friends in the faith?
Of the AI’s response, one telling reason was that of Echo Chambers & Reinforcement. The pastors and leaders of these churches continuously validated the mirage, making the mirage feel like truth. Beyond this, the political mirage becomes part of the person’s identity. Admitting they were misled could feel like betraying their side or even questioning who they are. Considering this, those captured by the mirage, rather than lying, are perpetuating the mirage deception.
AI’s Response to Why People Double Down on Ideological Illusion
“The President Creates His Own Law and Truth!”
Victims of the Mirage
Compassion for Victims of the Mirage
Why would members of a political party wear lying as a badge of honor for their leader? Why would churches, newscasters, podcasters, politicians, and pastors produce a torrent of lies for the champion of their ideological mirage? The answer, shockingly, is that they are not lying. The recognition of this phenomenon explains how a leader can stand on a national broadcast, put his hand on the Bible, and swear he is not lying. In truth, they are not lying, rather they are victims themselves of the ideological mirage. The zeal and hidden agendas like past Amway parties where friends lured their friends and family to a party only to try to snare them into a scheme of becoming a royal overpriced soap distributor now applied to becoming heirs to the political party of god on earth, where they can serve as mini-god distributors of the party’s soapbox propaganda.
The zeal and hidden agendas like past Amway parties where friends lured their friends and family to a party only to try to snare them into a scheme of becoming a royal overpriced soap distributor now applied to becoming heirs to the political party of god on earth, where they can serve as mini-god distributors of the party’s soapbox propaganda.
You may Jim, “How could you say this?! They are all liars! My mission in life is to shame them out of their lies.”
In my first insurance claim job in my other career as an insurance adjuster across the country, I worked for State Farm and commuted with my manager. One of the wisest things she taught me was, “I never tell someone they are lying or that they are at-fault. I tell them they are mistaken.” From that conversation forward, I implemented that concept, which saved me from countless personal and unnecessary arguments.
Someone who drank his canteen dry hours before and who now stands with his angry, thirsty hiking buddy at the parched sandy waste of the mirage, he thought was an oasis of cool water, doesn’t need to hear from his buddy, “You are a liar! There’s no water here! You led us astray.” Both were victims. What they need is a compassionate plan to find real water.
Below is AI’s description why a deceived person is not lying:
An AI Describes How a Deceived Person is Not Lying, Rather a Victim of Deception
As the person wakes up from the deception and knowingly repeats the lie to deceive, this moves the person from victim to perpetrator. The dilemma becomes how a person, who has been enmeshed in the faction so long, can extricate himself without making a career devastating move.
No jeweled crosses or plumped lips are large enough to hide the chain of deception binding the heart of leaders bedeviled by their own ideological mirage
Why would members of a political party wear lying as a badge of on for their leader? Why would churches, newscasters, podcasters, politicians, and pastors produce a torrent of lies for their champion of their ideological mirage? The answer, shockingly, is that they are not lying. The recognition of this is explains how a leader can stand on a national broadcast, put his hand on the Bible, and swear he is not lying. In truth, they are not lying, rather than are victims of their ideological mirage.
Pastor Jim
The Way Out
What is the first step out away from the ideological mirage? Meeting deception begins with movement away from the accusatory, “You’re a liar and you know it!” This only reinforces the doubling down effect. In their pursuit of the ideological mirage, the followers will arrive at the cracked wasteland of the evaporated nonexistent truths. Consider President Trump’s prior administration. How many cabinet members ignored warnings of the lies and wayward direction, only to drop their drained canteens and grab a real map to the next cool spring of reality.
Water Bottles of reality
As a youth my family rode the Jeep trails along the sandy El Camino Del Diablo (The Devil’s Highway) that separates Arizona from Mexico. You could ride Jeep trails for days and not find water. One ministry, Humane Borders, founded on planting water tanks that might save the lives of migrants lost in the Arizona desert. God only knows how many lives have been saved due to this good work.
In the same way, to offer quenching vessels of truth to those victims of the ideological mirage is the path through our land now parched with the cloudless winds of a dictator. Now, if I may trouble the reader further. Could it be our present Strong-Willed President in Chief is not lying … because he fully believes his own deception. Behind his deception, the author believes there are spiritual forces and principalities at work that facilitated his deception.
The path forward involves our planting the quenching canteens of truth and offering cups of cold water to those raging parched lips burned by deception. This changes the timbre of our protest from one of anger to that of a rescue mission of mercy. Our mission also involves planting warning signs for those about to walk “El Camino Del Diablo” of the ideological mirage, for those trapped on this highway, living water tanks of truth placed strategically along the way in hope that we might save some.
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:24
Cool Water,
Pastor Jim
Discussion:
Read Jesus’s words in Matthew 24:24. What is a false messiah? Why are they able to deceive people?
Describe a situation when you or someone you know was deceived or victim of a con artist? How did you react? When did you find out you were deceived?
How can intelligent people be deceived?
How can the church minister to those victims of deception in its own congregation and leadership?
How can the church prevent its becoming a victim of ideological mirage while maintaining a viable teaching ministry?
Take a moment and reflect on historical ideological mirages below. Describe how the church in history has chased after spiritual mirages.
People of the Mirage – Example
View the following video that describes leaders of the ideological mirage.
How were those treated who dared to reveal the existence of the mirage?
What caused the delay for those insiders who eventually admitted the mirage?
What are the lessons for us?
How could you help your leader of church or groups in your church who have been deceived by an ideological mirage?
Describe a time when you experienced a church or organization leader who benefited himself at the expense of the group. What was the outcome? What lessons did you learn?
If you worked for or served an organization or church that lost its way, following a leader’s ideological mirage, how would you find a solution? Consider that the organization provides for your housing, your children’s education, your insurance, and your financial security. Any negative word regarding the mirage would immediately turn you radioactive to the organization. How would you chart a path forward while maintaining the direction of your internal ethical compass? How might you help others? Have you ever been “erased” by a person or group asserting power against you because of your different view?
Note to church listeners that language in this video is PG-13 but captures truthAn Excellent Book on Dialogue
The President’s Big Beautiful Birthday Parade coordinated perfectly with his traditional graham crackers and milk nap on the South Lawn! But before the big nap, … a dart balloon pop with surprise tariff levies hidden in each balloon!
What do you say when you cross a “No Kings Protest” with a King Trump Parade? A: “Tanks, but no tanks!”
Separate Church and Hate (“Corruption” Intentionally Misspelled)
Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, “Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.”
Micah 3:11
No jeweled crosses or plumped lips are large enough to hide the lies told from the heart of corrupt leaders.-Pastor Jim
Never More Transparent and Honest with the American People!
President’s To-Do List (Cursive Translation Follows)Cursive Translation for Presidential Library in El Salvador
White House Gets a Facelift
The White House revealed its newly constructed golden roller-disco rink and DOGE Casino. An anonymous psychic donated millions for the new “Conspiracy Bureau and Bunker.” Admission is free for homeless Federal workers and soybean farmers. Inspired by the Presidential Golden Ballroom under construction at the White House.The White House construction is proceeding as his lordship decreed. “Impressive. Most impressive.” – Darth Vader.
“And a Little Child Shall Lead Them” (Isaiah 11:6).
In every life, there comes a moment when you realize that an opportunity landed on your porch, one that makes up for all those past regrets. Bill and Suzie, a young hard working family in the U.S. breadbasket of Missouri. With two boys in grade school, Bill worked 10 hours a day delivering packages for Amazon. Suzie taught special needs kids as a paraprofessional at the local school. Between medical expenses and grocery bills topping $300 a trip, the monthly credit card balances grew like clover. Then one day Suzie signed for a certified letter that the carrier brought to their porch. She sat at the table and wept as she read the contents.
“Dear Suzie, We have never met but we know each other. We are family. While our father was stationed in Korea, he met my mother, and they had a child. I am that child. All my life I dreamed of meeting my father’s family in the United States. Today that dream has come to you. Though I am half Korean, I feel a connection with you and yours. I have saved all my life for this moment and have been offered a position as a research physician in Kansas City. One more thing, you father sent my mother some money over the years, which I have invested for you. The total now is $310,000. All that I ask is that you welcome me to the U.S. and be a friend. Should our relationship move to family, we can leave that up to God.
Your Sister,
Soo-jin
Suzie’s tears fell and ran the ink on the perfect cursive page. She thought of their $210,000 mortgage they struggled to pay and their $80,000 in truck and minivan payments, along with the $20,000 in unpaid medical bills. She texted Bill, “Call me, NOW!!!”
You may say, “Jim, anyone would be a fool to pass on Soo-jin’s offer of friendship.” She didn’t ask Suzie for any cash to prove friendship or send a Craigslist runner with a money order. No, Soo-jin’s words, as name means, “excellent truth,” echoed in the secrets Suzie’s mother shared before her death about her father’s other family in Korea.
There is an “excellent truth” hidden in the letter of the Bible to us telling us about our “other family” of immigrants:
33 When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. – Leviticus 19:33-34
13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2
Even Mary and Joseph, brought the baby Jesus to Egypt as refugees from King Herod’s slaughter of the innocents.
The Hidden Gift of the Immigrant Worker
The present cost of raising a child from infancy to an independent working adult is $310,000. For an immigrant to enter the U.S. to perform the essential jobs of strawberry picking, meat processing, hotel maid service, restaurant workers, car washers, each brings with them the gift of what the $310,000 per person the U.S. would have paid either by private funds or welfare. This is God’s gift of the stranger and the immigrant to us, the hidden blessing of following God’s guidance.
Like, Bill and Suzie, who would reject such a gift and slander it as evil?
Stay tuned for the next episode of What’s Next!? On Views of America. With you host, Jim Butler!
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Parade of Immigrant Hands that Feed and Care for America
