Day: February 9, 2025
Populism Vs. Socialism :: By Daymond Duck
From raptureready.com
Populism can be defined as a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that established elite groups disregard their concerns.
Socialism can be defined as a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.
I have not been schooled in political science, but it seems to me that America (and several nations on Earth) has been involved in a struggle between populism (the concerns of ordinary people) and socialism (the concerns of the so-called globalists or international community.
I see it (in part) as a struggle between Make America Great Again (MAGA) and world government (The surrender of America’s sovereignty to the New World Order; The Great Reset; The Common Good; etc.).
According to my understanding of Bible prophecy, MAGA is populism, it is temporary, and it will be replaced by socialism (world government), hopefully after the Rapture.
Socialism is also temporary, and following seven terrible years of that (The Tribulation Period), it will be replaced by the Millennial reign of Jesus on Earth.
Here are some recent events that seem to bolster my view.
One, concerning populism: during the first ten or so days after his inauguration as Pres. of the U.S., Trump signed a flurry of executive orders that were extremely popular with the majority of ordinary people.
Just a few examples are:
- Trump ordered the arrest and deportation of illegal aliens that have committed crimes (theft, rape, murder, assaulting the police, etc.) in the U.S.
- Trump cut off funding to groups that were assisting foreigners to enter the U.S. illegally.
- Trump ordered the deportation of foreign students that belong to pro-jihadist groups that hate the U.S. and Israel, demonstrate, riot, threaten Jewish students, destroy public property, etc.
- Trump said there are only two genders, male and female, and he ordered all male criminals that claim to be a female that were jailed in female prisons to be transferred back to male prisons.
- Trump stopped the funding of child sex transitions.
- Trump pardoned most of the J6 demonstrators.
Trump has done a lot more, but my point is that Trump is a Populist because he has done many things that are popular with ordinary people, and it has resulted in a rise in the public opinion of him.
On the other hand, the socialists are critical of everything that Trump has done, and here are a few examples of things they think should be forced on society (regardless of what ordinary people want).
- Trump has closed the border, but socialists want a borderless world, and they put that above what the ordinary people want.
- Trump said refugees can still enter the U.S. on a case-by-case merit basis, but socialists put very little value on merit.
- Trump has pulled the U.S. out of the several UN groups (WHO, UNWRA, WEF, etc.), but socialists want ordinary people to finance and be under the control of those groups.
- Trump ordered an increase in the production of oil and natural gas to slow inflation and grow the U.S. economy, but socialists want to limit the production of oil and natural gas to force people to drive electric vehicles that they don’t want.
I believe it was former Pres. Obama that said elections have consequences.
How people in a free country vote impacts their lives.
(More: On Feb. 4, 2025, Gary Bauer – Campaign for Working Families – wrote Trump 2.0 is better than Trump 1.0. In his first term, Donald Trump thought he could trust the people on his staff. He thought he could make deals with the Democrats. I believe that everything he suffered through — the Russia hoax, the FBI raiding his home, the attempts to destroy his businesses and throw him in jail — created Trump 2.0, and it is an even better version than Trump 1.0.)
Two, concerning socialism: on Feb. 3, 2025, it was reported that:
- Anti-globalist European forces are attempting to replicate the political dominance of Donald Trump’s MAGA movement.
- At the Make Europe Great Again (MEGA) international conference at the European Parliament, over 500 politicians, staffers, and NGOs gathered for a two-day event to game-plan how to “red pill” all of Europe.
- Organized by the European Conservatives and Reformist Party(ECR) and the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), the event was the second annual gathering.
- Attendees seek to unify Europeans who want to see an end to mass migration, socialism, green deal climate scam policies, and endless wars.
Three, concerning the rise of populism: on Jan. 28, 2025, Trump’s new Press Sec., Karoline Leavitt, announced that two front-row seats in the White House briefing room would be reserved for independent journalists, podcasters and social media influencers who meet Secret Service requirements.
According to the article,
- The fall of the mainstream media coincides with the rise of populism.
- Americans’ trust in the mainstream media has fallen to a record low.
- Millions of Americans, especially young people, have turned from traditional television outlets and newspapers to consume their news from podcasts, blogs, social media, and other independent outlets.
- Many want real news, not fake news.
- The decline of the mainstream media and rise of the alternative media is good for all Americans that are interested in national sovereignty, truth, transparency, and liberty.
(More: On Feb. 2, 2025, Trump’s Sec. of Defense, Pete Hegseth, said the Pentagon will no longer celebrate Identity Months; no longer celebrate Gay Pride Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, etc. Hegseth called the Identity Months unnecessary distractions that hindered the fighting capabilities of the military.)
(More: On Feb. 4, 2025, Hegseth ordered several mainstream media [The New York Times, NBC News, NPR, and Politico] organizations to vacate their press offices at the Pentagon to make room for conservative news outlets [New York Post, One America News Network and Breitbart News Network].)
Four, President Donald Trump announced he will implement 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% tariffs on imports from China beginning Feb. 1, 2025, pointing to illegal immigration, significant trade deficits, and the flow of fentanyl as primary motivators.
Trump mentioned that he is undecided about exempting oil imports from the two countries.
(More: Trump said he will delay the tariffs on Mexico for one month to allow for negotiations on the issues.)
(More: On Feb. 3, 2025, Mexico’s Pres. said she will send 10,000 Mexican troops to protect the U.S.-Mexico border.)
(More: On Feb, 3, 2025, it was reported that a new survey found that 48% of Canada’s businesses are actively planning to move their production to the U.S.)
(More: On Feb. 3, 2025, Canadian Prime Min. Trudeau said he will send 10,000 Canadian troops, choppers, and technology to protect the U.S.-Canada border.)
(More: On Feb. 3, 2025, Pres. Trump paused the tariffs on Canada to allow for negotiations on the issue.)
Five, concerning America’s wide open border with Mexico, on Jan. 31, 2025, Pete Hegseth, the new U.S. Sec. of Defense, said all options are on the table, including military strikes against the cartels.
Border czar Tom Homan recently said Trump intends to use the full might of the U.S. Special Operations to take them out and to take them off the face of the earth.
Six, on Jan. 30, 2025, Trump’s Special Envoy to The Middle East, Steve Witkoff, visited Gaza.
Witkoff said there is no water, no electricity, almost nothing left, and it will take 10-15 years to rebuild the place.
Trump wants Egypt and Jordan to take the Gazans, but they are refusing to do so at this time (and several Arab nations are opposed to it, too, because they are using the Palestinian issue to try to divide the land of Israel).
Despite the opposition of Egypt and Jordan, Trump says they will do it because the U.S. gives lots of money to the two nations).
(More: On Feb. 2, 2025, it was reported that Pres. Trump has invited Jordan’s King Abdullah II to visit the White House on Feb. 11, 2025, to discuss the relocation of some Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan.)
Seven, concerning peace and safety in the Middle East: on Feb. 2, 2025, Israeli Prime Min. Netanyahu boarded a plane to come to the U.S. for two meetings with Pres. Trump on Feb. 4, 2025.
Before leaving, Netanyahu said,
- I believe that in our meetings, we will also discuss the critical issues before us – the defeat of Hamas, the return of all our hostages, and confronting the Iranian axis in all its forms – an axis that threatens not only Israel’s security but also the Middle East and the entire world.
- We have the opportunity to strengthen Israel’s security, expand the circle of peace, and usher in an era of prosperity, security, and peace through strength.
Eight, concerning Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu and a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia: the first meeting on Feb. 4, 2025, was mostly about phase two of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal, but Trump said:
- The Saudis are no longer demanding a Palestinian state.
- Displaced Palestinians in Gaza should be permanently resettled outside the war-torn territory.
- It’s all death in Gaza.
- Right now you have a very dangerous situation there.
- They’re living in hell.
- If they have an alternative, they won’t want to go back to Gaza.
(My opinion: Trump calling for a permanent resettlement of the Gazans is a major change, and several prominent Jewish and Christian religious leaders have endorsed his recommendation.)
(More: At a press conference after his meeting with Netanyahu on Feb. 4, 2025, Trump said the U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip and be responsible for dismantling unexploded bombs and other weapons, demolishing and leveling destroyed buildings, and creating an economic development zone that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.)
(More: On Feb. 5, 2025, it was reported that Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner said regarding Trump’s statement that the U.S. will take over Gaza – Israeli Prime Min. Netanyahu has not asked the U.S. to do that.)
Nine, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog in the latter days and latter years: on Jan. 31, 2025, it was reported that Iran is concerned that Pres. Trump will give Netanyahu permission for Israel to attack Iran’s nuclear sites when they meet on Feb. 4, 2025.
Hence, Iran said an attack on its nuclear sites would start a regional war.
Iran added that even if its nuclear sites are attacked, Iran could still build a nuclear bomb.
(More: On Feb. 3, 2025, Iran announced that it now has a new ballistic missile that can hit Israel with a nuclear warhead.).
(More: On Feb. 4, 2025, it was reported that Trump intends to restore his maximum-pressure economic sanctions on Iran. Iran called it futile.)
Ten, concerning Israel expanding its borders at the end of the age and there being Jews in Judea during the Tribulation Period: on Feb. 2, 2025, it was reported that Israel’s finance minister is pushing Prime Min. Netanyahu to get Trump to renegotiate Israel’s hostage deal with Hamas and to promote an annexation plan for Judea and Samaria during his meetings with Trump.
Whether or not Netanyahu will do it was not said.
(More: On Feb. 2, 2025, it was reported that Republicans in the U.S. House of Rep. are finalizing a bill that will prohibit government use of the term ‘West Bank.’ All official government documents and conversations will have to call the area by its Biblical name, which is Judea and Samaria. It may not pass in the U.S. Senate, but Trump and Sec. of State Marco Rubio could make it happen.)
(More: At a Trump-Netanyahu press conference on Feb. 5, 2025, Trump was asked about Israel annexing Judea and Samaria. Trump responded, “People do like the idea, but we haven’t taken a position on it yet. But we will be making an announcement probably on that very specific topic over the next four weeks.”
Eleven, concerning a possible Psa. 83 war with Egypt and others attacking Israel before the Battle of Gog and Magog: on Feb. 2, 2025, it was reported that Israel’s ambassador to the UN said Israel needs to ask the U.S. why Egypt is building up its forces in violation of the Camp David Accords.
Channel 14’s military correspondent said Egypt trains its military for one purpose: war with Israel.
Twelve, concerning deceit and corruption in the U.S. government: in early Feb. 2025, it was reported that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been turned into a CIA slush fund that was helping finance the Deep State with no government oversight.
Trump and Musk have decided to strip USAID of its independence, reduce its staff, and place what is left under the State Dept. where the spending can be monitored and controlled.
This will be a major blow to the shadow government and save taxpayers a lot of money.
(More: On Feb. 3, 2025, a group of House and Senate Democrats that opposed the decision to shut down USAID tried to enter the USAID headquarters building, but they were blocked by security forces.)
(Unreal: It is hard for me to fathom how Congress could give an agency $50 billion a year with no oversight. The swamp truly needs to be drained.)
Thirteen, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog (Russia, Iran, Turkey, and others moving through Syria to attack Israel in the latter days and latter years): on Feb. 4, 2025, Syria’s new interim president visited Turkey to discuss a mutual defense pact, which could lead to the establishment of Turkish military bases within Syria and Turkish forces training the new Syrian military.
The location of Turkish military bases in Syria would not set well with Israel.
Fourteen, concerning Trump’s salvation: on Feb. 4, 2025, it was reported that Trump’s lifelong friend and supporter, Dana White, urged Trump to withdraw from the presidential race following the assassination attempt on him at a speech in Butler, PA.
According to the report,
- Trump said, “I can’t quit. You don’t ever quit. You never quit.”
- White said, “He believes in God, and he’s very religious. He believes that, to his core, that God has spared his life to be the president and do the things that he’s going to do over the next four years.”
(For whatever it’s worth: The Bible teaches that God raises up leaders, and God brings down leaders as it pleases Him; Dan. 2:21.)
Sixteen, concerning natural disasters increasing in frequency and intensity at the end of the age: on Feb. 4, 2025, Obihiro, Japan, received a record-breaking four feet of snow in twelve hours.
Seventeen, concerning world government: on Feb. 4, 2025, Pres. Trump said the UN is not being well run.
This is significant because the UN must be restructured to fit before the Antichrist rises to power (Ten Kings, leaders, czars, little horns will rise first).
FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).
Finally, are you Rapture Ready?
If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.
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Bible Study and Prayer Part of Super Bowl Prep for Chiefs and Eagles
From breitbart.com
It is not uncommon to hear NFL players give “all glory to God” in their post-game television interviews before commenting on a touchdown pass but when it comes to Sunday’s Super Bowl, the Christian commitments of both teams are anything but casual.
“We pray before every game as a team together. There’s Bible studies on Fridays, chapel and mass before the game Saturday evening, and coach (Andy) Reid leads an Our Father prayer after every game,” Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker told AFP.
“So there’s definitely a big Christian feel, and I think that starts with our owners as well, Clark and Tavia Hunt.”
To non-Americans it can be surprising to hear top stars talking so willingly about religion, something rare among international footballers.
Although several players, including those from South American and Islamic countries, may make religious gestures, it is rare to hear players in the Champions League or Premier League talk the way NFL players do about their religious beliefs.
Both the starting quarterbacks in Sunday’s game have spoken during this week’s Super Bowl build-up about their Christian commitment.
“My strength comes from God. I know my points of faith. I know what my foundation is with my faith,” said Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes has talked frequently of his beliefs and their place in his daily life.
“It is important to me every single day — it’s not about football, it’s just about giving glory to God for being able to live my life, have a beautiful family and be able to have impact on others,” the three-time Super Bowl winner said.
“I’m going to use that platform, win or lose, to give glory back to Him, to hopefully bring others closer to Him so that they can have the same love for life that I have because of that,” he said.
Both the Chiefs and the Eagles have team chaplains to help players with spiritual matters, something which is not unusual in the NFL.
While most of the religious talk from players focuses on faith helping them deal with the challenges they face in sport and life, there has been some controversy, however, when talk turns to social issues.
Criticism
Butker faced criticism after a commencement speech he delivered last year at Benedictine College, a private Catholic college in Atchison, Kansas.
In the speech, Butker said many of the women present at the ceremony would be “most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world” and he was also under fire for touching upon abortion and “disorder” in society.
The NFL distanced themselves from Butker’s comments, saying his words were in a personal capacity and “his views are not those of the NFL as an organization.”
But Butker says he has no regrets about what he said.
“Obviously I said things that some people in this country don’t want to hear, but I’ve given many speeches before that, said similar things, so I think the odd thing was that why did this speech to a couple hundred students at a small Catholic college in Kansas, why was that the one that went viral?” he said this week.
Butker says he has been pleased to see teams such as the national college champion Ohio State University be vocal in expressing their faith and says he has noted a recent rise in such behavior.
“Maybe it was post-Covid, people were just wanting to lean on Jesus in a time of anxiety and pressure,” he said. “But it’s great to see — thinking of Ohio State, their whole team. I think it’s great that God is using a lot of people with their platforms to speak about Him.” source
HALLELUJAH AND PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!
HOW CAN I BE SAVED?
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Prayers for Brother Bill
Brethren……I had not heard from Brother Bill for a while and I sent him an email to make sure he is okay.
All of us love his wonderful Scripture-based teachings!
He wrote today and said that things are a bit unsettled there and could we pray? I am asking for the Absolute Truth family to please lift up Brother Bill and his family to God in prayer.
In case you would like to drop him an email:
bboldham@sbcglobal.net
Thank you so much!
