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How to Turn Your Backyard into a Home For The Homeless

CL, you and your husband are amazing. You and your husband are the epitome of looking out for fellow mankind.

» Posted By twilson117 On March 3, 2025 @ 6:37 pm

I Believe in God, But I Hate Religion Part 2

Nonpartay,

I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.

Your response to Handyman was interesting and funny. It was interesting because you picked up on the nuance of what I was writing, with a touch of recognition that I did not state I was an Atheist or an Agnogist. I do believe in God, but religion is something else for me.

I recognize religion is a private and personal thing for many. It is for my wife and for many people I know. But as I stated in this post, it’s not for me for many reasons outlined in the article.

I don’t know if Handyman is an Atheist or an Agnostic. It doesn’t really matter. Everyone has to deal with their beliefs in their own way. My objection centers around those who run around clamoring for this to be a Christian when founders were dead set against that based on their own experiences from the countries they came from to settle in what they called the new world.

I could say more, but time doesn’t permit. Thank you again for reading and commenting.

Respectfully,
Tim

» Posted By twilson117 On December 10, 2024 @ 5:55 pm

Handyman, thank you for taking the time to read the article. Your opening sentence caused me to burst out in nonstop laughter. The funny thing is, I get your point. I can’t entirely agree with it, but I understand what you are trying to say.

You stated I am operating from a presupposition that God exists. I cannot deny that since both of my parents were relatively strong in their religious beliefs and since I lived in their house, I had to abide by their rules. Something I think most people would agree with. I suspect even you would concede that point.

While your contention that God doesn’t exist does not negate my belief, I have concluded that God exists for me.

I believe there is a higher power, which many have chosen to call God. This belief is not a product of brainwashing. It’s a product of accepting that something might be more significant than ourselves.

However, there is a spectrum of reality around your statement of brainwashing from the standpoint of how people in this country are pushing for a declaration that we are a “Christian Country.”

From my viewpoint, this type of statement comes from their supposed belief in God but more from intolerance of differences and wanting to make this country something that it is not and has never been, one-hundred percent Christian and maintaining only Christian beliefs, and for me, that comes from the tenants of “their misguided religious beliefs” ignoring and discounting all the others in this country. I can say more, but I will leave well enough alone.

I appreciate your comment and your taking the time to share it with me.

Respectfully,

Tim

» Posted By twilson117 On December 9, 2024 @ 6:24 pm

People Are Stupid

Murph, thank you for reading this piece and contributing your valuable insight. I have always found your views insightful and thought-provoking as they make me think and look deeper into what I have chosen to write about.
Your encouragement persuaded me to enter the world of public opinion by joining Yabaz and PlanetPOV.

When Yabaz moved to Medium, I decided to stay and see what would happen if I continued to write if they would accept my work. Well, there are several “magazines” I contribute to, and I occasionally make enough to buy coffee and a glazed donut.

Both PlanePOV and Medium have been kind to me by accepting my work, and Ad, like you, has also been helpful in many ways in assisting me in becoming a better writer. So, I will keep at it until I get it right. Also, there is something else I’ve learned from you and CL, which is that if either of us mentions and cites a book you’ve read, it is something I should add to my library, so How Propaganda Works will be added to my Kindle library as it seems like a good reference source.

Again, thank you for reading and commenting on this piece.

Respectfully,

Tim

» Posted By twilson117 On March 1, 2025 @ 12:40 pm

Boebert Gropes The Bottom of the Barrel

What you say is spot on. Clinton and Boebert are grown and should have known better, and there is no justification for what they did. Both let their positions go to their heads and thought they could escape their situations. But, as we know, that didn’t happen for Clinton, nor will it occur for Boebert.

Boebert will lose her reelection; she only won by 600 votes, and her opponent ran out of money. He couldn’t keep the recount going, so he decided to fight another day, and I believe he would walk away with the seat. There should be some level of inquiry and investigation into what she did. I did read the theater was thinking of having her date charged with lewd behavior in a public setting. This happened with children around them, but they decided against filing those charges.

Every Senator and Representative needs to understand they have a moral obligation to conduct themselves professionally. Far too many on both sides of the aisle seem to forget that and think their title gives them the license to manifest abnormal behavior. They need to be reminded they were placed in the job by the will of the people. And the people need to hold them accountable for their actions. But we both know that means people need to pay attention throughout the year, not just during election time.

Thanks for commenting.

» Posted By twilson117 On September 27, 2023 @ 4:29 am

Racism is Strong in the U.S. And Tim Scott Is Lying About It

Ad, I can’t say I disagree with your assessment of Tim Scott. He certainly is a member of a party that no longer seems to have the country’s interest at heart, and as I said they (the Republican Party) are far more interested in power and continue to pretend to be an open and welcoming party. They’re not.

Scott would have us believe his party is open and welcoming to all, but time and again, they prove they are not. This party is in denial of the history of this country regarding chattel enslavement and the systemic racism that has infiltrated and settled in the overall behavior of people in how they treat non-white individuals.

As I said, for Tim Scott to say the US isn’t racist is inaccurate.

» Posted By twilson117 On September 2, 2023 @ 12:03 am

Glenn, First, thank you for your kind words on the article. I’ve decided to keep at this writing thing until I get it right. Second, I had to write it because I’m so tired of people like Tim Scott, who ignores the world’s reality. Third, well, see one and two. :-).
Again, thanks for reading, and I will see you on the forum tonight.

Tim

» Posted By twilson117 On September 1, 2023 @ 2:23 pm

I Believe in God But I Hate Religion

Khirad,

First, thank you for taking the time to read this piece. Second, your comments are insightful and interesting. Third, stay tuned, as I have a more in-depth response I’m working on. I hope to have it in a few days, which you might find interesting as to how I got to where I am with religion.

Again, appreciate your comments.

Tim

» Posted By twilson117 On July 13, 2024 @ 6:51 pm

I appreciate you taking the time to read the piece and comment.

Yes, you did indeed make a significant decision for yourself. I hope it brings you the comfort and peace you were seeking.

I understand that for many, religious fellowship is essential for them, and that is a good thing. After all, Christ said he would be with them even if only 2 or 3 gathered in his name.

My objection to religion, and I have many, is what people do in the name of their religion while professing to believe in God.

Overall, people should do what is comfortable regarding their faith and beliefs. If that is part of a structured religion, they should do it and not worry about what people think.

From your comment, you have found that, and that is a good thing. That you read what I wrote and replied, not knowing what I would say or how I would react, means you have found what you are looking for, and I’m happy for you.

Again, thank you for reading and sharing.

Respectfully,

Tim

» Posted By twilson117 On December 28, 2023 @ 2:24 pm

First, jjgravitas, thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Second, I understand what you’re saying. When we are young and brought to the family place of worship, we follow and do what our parents instruct and listen to what the Priest, Minister, Rabbi, or Iman tells us and accept it on blind faith. After all, it’s what is expected, and at that age, what does one know?

So, as we get older, our knowledge and ability to ask questions will become a problem for our parents and religious elders they don’t want to or can’t answer. So we’re told something that doesn’t make sense, but the message is given in such a way we know better not to be overly persistent with our questioning, so we leave it alone with the idea we’ll get back to it, but something gets in the way, and we never do. But, the knawing feeling of wanting those answers never really leaves us. One shouldn’t give up trying to see if they can provide some level of response, but after a while, one seeks out other reasonable and reliable sources, and we manage to figure things out reasonably.

Second, as one researches to find the answers, a strange thing happens: their knowledge base grows along with their overall knowledgeability to process data in a far more logical and functional manner, providing us with the ability to structure and ask more probing questions of those religious teachers. Religious leaders can answer the more probing questions to our satisfaction, but most will not and try to make a guilt trip on you; when that happens, you know it may be time to move on.

And finally, those who are on the path of taking dogma to a level that is unhealthy, that’s when it’s time to exit stage right because nothing good is going to come of what they will start saying and doing in the name of their religion in their misguided belief they are doing the will of God.

Again, thank you for reading and commenting. I hope my response was helpful.

Take Care,

Tim

» Posted By twilson117 On August 25, 2023 @ 2:53 am

Payton Gendron Deserves The Death Penalty

Adlib,

Appreciate you posting this piece. Writing it wasn’t easy, but I needed to add my voice to the discussion.

As a way of setting the stage for what I’m about to say, I have a close friend who shares many of your beliefs about the death penalty and its application. He made it known to me when I wrote about Dylann Roof.

Let me say I don’t come to my view around this lightly. And I would not be entirely truthful if I was to say the racial aspect of this isn’t a factor in my writing of this piece, for that would be an outright lie.

I’ve never understood this racial hatred, especially toward people who did nothing to Roof or Gendron but live their lives. In the case of Roof, the people he murdered were at their Bible study and welcomed him to pray with them. With Gendron, they were shopping at the only market they had seen in years because their community had been in a food desert for years. These were ordinary people going about their business in each of these situations. But to Roof and Gendron represented some made-up racial threat they felt they needed to rectify.

These acts were deliberately carried out because of racial hate. These individuals racially radicalized themselves for reasons I do not believe anyone will truly understand. Their actions were wanton and deliberate, and both were determined to kill as many people as possible. They decided Black people were who they wanted to kill because they perceived them as some threat.

Yes, they were radicalized by racist propaganda they read and watched. Yes, they fell under the influence of what they read and consumed on the internet, and yes, the slimeballs who post this filth are guilty, but Dylann and Payton are the ones who pull the triggers of their weapons.

Kant wrote, “Everyone must admit that if a law is to have moral force, i.e., to be the basis of an obligation, it must carry with it an absolute necessity .”

The state has an obligation to carry out, not do so; otherwise, our laws against murder are meaningless. If the state – the Feds – decides on a life without the possibility of parole, and Payton Gendron serves that in a Federal Prison, I suppose that would be a death sentence. As those in Federal prison do the majority of their sentence.

» Posted By twilson117 On February 24, 2023 @ 8:32 pm

Glenn, I appreciate you reading my piece and your comment. As you can see, I wrote a lengthy response to AdLib, but here is where I landed: Kant wrote, “Everyone must admit that if a law is to have moral force, i.e., to be the basis of an obligation, it must carry with it an absolute necessity .”

The state has an obligation to carry out, not do so; otherwise, our laws against murder are meaningless. If the state – the Feds – decides on life without the possibility of parole, and Payton Gendron serves that in a Federal Prison, I suppose that would be a death sentence. As those in Federal prison do the majority of their sentence.

If he does receive life without the possibility of parole and serves in federal prison, that would be the same as a death sentence, as those in Federal prison serve the majority of their sentence.

» Posted By twilson117 On February 24, 2023 @ 3:29 pm

Religion, Kept Me from Voting!

Glenn, thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

» Posted By twilson117 On January 20, 2023 @ 12:56 pm

You Only See My Skin Color!

Murph, thanks for taking the time to read the story and sharing your experience.

As I said to AdLib, this story resulted from my struggle with a different story. It provided the distraction I needed to get the clarity I needed for the other story currently in the development stage.

As I told AdLib, I sent this story to a friend who invited me to a Zoom meeting to watch a presentation, The Evolution, and Meanings of Human Skin Color, by Nina Jablonski. Here is the link, and I highly recommend it, here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc4OFcT5m1Y

Again, thanks for taking the time to read it and sharing your comment. The next time we talk, remind me to tell you about my Stats class experience.

» Posted By twilson117 On March 18, 2022 @ 4:53 pm

AdLib, sorry for the lateness of my response. I’m trying to organize my thoughts on another article (actually two) I’m working to organize. When I get in that mode, my attention is fragmented as I look at numerous sources, determining what I should include and keep for another day. It’s a long way of saying I’m still a rather undisciplined writer.

This piece is a compilation of personal experiences and a dash of literary license. Not to mention a distraction from another article I was wrestling with as I was not too fond of its flow. Writing this helped in sorting out the problems.

I sent this article to a friend who invited me to a Zoom meeting where we watched this great video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Again thanks for posting, reading, and commenting on the piece.

» Posted By twilson117 On March 18, 2022 @ 4:19 pm

In Memory of Fergie

While I did not have the privilege and honor of meeting Fergie on this forum, I have had the privilege of meeting her through you. I humbly ask you to accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your life partner.

One may leave us because they have another journey, but they leave us fond memories that will always be ours to recall and cherish.

Again my sincerest condolences.

» Posted By twilson117 On October 22, 2021 @ 5:29 pm

Piers Morgan Needs To Shut Up About Simone Biles!

Nonpartay, thanks for taking time to read this article. I agree, Morgan and all the the others who are critizing her should reamain quite.

Most people have little idea on what it takes for someone of her skill to do what she does and how the mind and body have to be in sync to carry out the routines she performs. She is the only one who knows what she is dealing with on both an emotional and physcial
level. Not Piers Morgan or anyone else who may be critiizing her.

Nopartay thank you for taking time out of your day to read this piece and commenting.

Respectifully,

Tim

» Posted By twilson117 On August 3, 2021 @ 7:39 pm

See Me, for I Too Am Made In God’s Image!

AdLib, as I always appreciate your kind words regarding my writing, I will keep at it until I get it right. I have three points to make in regards to your thoughtful response.

First, I agree with your statement it would be wrong to label all police officers as bad apples. I agree; there are far more thoughtful and well-meaning individuals who make up most police forces throughout the US. In addition, those police officers who live in the neighborhood are a deterrent to any who would think to cause problems. This is why many cities and towns make it a requirement for members of their police force to live where they serve.

Second, you described a courtesy that reminded me of an incident that happened to me some years ago. I was cleaning my office when I did something to my phone, which triggered a call to the local police station.

I heard a loud banging on my door and saw someone peering into the cellar window. I went upstairs to answer the door; I was confronted by two officers, one in plain clothes the other in his uniform. Frankly, I was scared because I had no idea why these two officers were at my back door.

Evidently, in the process of wiping down my phone, I pushed some buttons that triggered a call to the police station, and when they got no response, they sent someone out to my house, thinking someone might be in distress.

I assured them I was fine, and it was a dumb mistake on my part in my once-a-quarter office clean-up. I thanked them for their concern.

But having two police officers pounding on my door was an unsettling experience.

However, it did cause me to adjust my office clean-up process. Whenever I wiped my phone down, I unplugged it to avoid pushing any random buttons.

Third, your statement around reforming the way police conduct themselves is at the crux of the current problem.

AdLib, I often wonder about the social dynamics of policing. Specifically around encounters of white police officers with non-white individuals. For example, so many stops by police, with the police officer beginning the escalation. Also, the inevitability once an officer draws their weapon, the result often is someone will die.

What is taking place in their training where the use of deadly force is often the first response. And how is it they cannot distinguish a gun from a cell phone or have the upper hand with a knife and their drawn weapon?

Most police officers go their entire career without ever having to draw their service weapon. Often they are the ones who behave in the manner you described. Then some make it harmful for the rest—the rotten apples that spoil the entire barrel.

» Posted By twilson117 On May 8, 2021 @ 5:56 pm

AdLib first, sorry for taking this long to respond to your insightful comment on this piece.

It took a bit of soul searching on my part to decide to write this. Especially when it comes to my overall views around religion in general. However, any attempts on my part to explain why so many encounters between Black men and women often end badly trying to understand why cops are so quick to pull and fire their weapon remains the question to be answered.

As I wrote, I’ve interactions with the local police for the most part they’ve been ok, but there is always the one who has an attitude.

Again, appreciate your insights and the ability to post your platform.

» Posted By twilson117 On May 7, 2021 @ 3:19 pm

A Proposal: Mitigating the Damage From Climate Change

AdLib, I finally had the chance to review your proposal. I learned a lot and wished I could add some intelligent comments, but I have to admit what you’re talking about is out of my ballpark.

I guess the question is, with all the money some of these billionaires have, why can’t they be coerced into getting behind the science to help with the issue. Bezos ex is giving away her money; why not help fund some of this research.

» Posted By twilson117 On September 18, 2021 @ 12:11 pm

The Commission On The Insurrection Must Take Place

Well, AdLib, I don’t think I can add to what you said, other than I agree. The filibuster must go.

» Posted By twilson117 On March 19, 2021 @ 6:21 pm

AdLib, the filibuster, is the ugly piece of furniture or knickknack that has been in your side of your wife’s side of the family for years and passed down to families for generations. The only value it has is its ability to conjure up family folklore which may or may not be accurate.

Every year you get together someone, spots it, and start lobbying to discontinue the tradition of ending up with it because they are about to engage in the event, which will trigger the process of them receiving this hideous thing. They come up with all sorts of ideas and, a lot of them have merit and gain favor and support.

But suddenly, all discussion is stopped. Why? Because the Patriarch or Matriarch proclaims, this thing has been in the family for generations. They will not allow any change in the family custom. So what does everyone in the family do? Nothing. Why? Especially since they know, it’s something no one wants. They keep passing it on because of tradition, which is suspect?

Well, we have a situation where Mitch has threaten a scorched earth policy if Democrats dare to make any changes to his beloved filibuster. Well, Al Franken and Norm Ornstein have a plan that would solve the problem. They should implement it and then tell Mortimer Mitch to go F himself and the turtle he rode in on, along with opening up an ethics investigation into him and his wife. There is dirt there to be found, I’m sure of it.

Thank you for posting and commenting on my piece.

» Posted By twilson117 On March 18, 2021 @ 1:20 pm

Panels at CPAC That May Surprise You

AdLiB excellent, just excellent.

» Posted By twilson117 On February 26, 2021 @ 4:45 pm

Remember Jan 6, We Almost Lost Our Democracy!

Thanks AdLib appreciate your kind words.

We have a problem within our political structure I believe most people are completely ambivalent to.

Both parties have their issues. However, those who have sway within the Republican party have moved it away from any sense of democratic governing. It all about control for them. Total control. Snyder writes:

“To abandon facts is to abandon freedom. If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power, because there is no basis upon which to do so. If nothing it true, then all is spectacle. The biggest wallet pays for the most blinding lights.”

Reading about the push by Republicans moves to pass more restrictive voting laws, so they can control the vote of their non-white voters, seems to fit with what Snyder is writing about.

Instead of giving people a reason to vote for them they have decided it’s easier to restrict voting all together. The truly fear the diversity of thought, free thinking and the change such thinking inspires.

Look at the people who are drawn to the Republican party, conspiracy nuts, climate deniers, wannabe dictators, along with your every day cadre of fools who will turn over their money gladly if they can a steady diet of white supremacy rhetoric spew on TV and radio rabid dogs like Hannity, Ingraham, Carlson and Levine.

The GOP – Grand Old Party needs to change its name to Gullible Only Party, because it members have definitely shown their gullibility, with all the QAnon nonsense, along with believing all the lies Trump** has fed them.

» Posted By twilson117 On February 23, 2021 @ 11:35 am

My Vote Counts!

AdLib, appreciate your response. I agree the Lewis Voting Rights bill need to be passed immediately. I’ve written to both of the my senators, and will be writing to my Congressional reps as well.

At the moment I believe they have their hands full with the impeachment and the new stimulus bill. But, it doesn’t mean they can’t walk and chew gum at the same time.

But let me say this, I have a lot more to say on this and other subjects. As always I appreciate your comments and allowing me to post here on your platform.

» Posted By twilson117 On February 11, 2021 @ 6:49 am

War Is Peace; Freedom Is Slavery; Ignorance Is Strength – 1984

Adlib, I want to thank you for posting this piece in PlanetPov. I know I’ve mentioned about writing more articles, and Trump* provides ample material, but it takes a minute to suss through things to develop a theme. As a writer yourself, you no doubt understand what I mean.

The thing about politics I find interesting is how easy it’s to manipulate the populace. This is because of people’s need to be loyal to their tribe, regardless of how the tribe behaves. So a person or group of people – bent on power, wealth accumulation – who can weave a good story have no problem acquiring believers to whatever cause they choose to promulgate. The process is astonishingly simple. Eliminate, asking a simple question, “why.”

By keeping his supporters from asking “why” gives him control; this is done by fanning the flames of fear among his base. So when enough related things take place that seem to verify their fear, they don’t take the time to ask or consider why they are afraid or why they should be in fear. Hearing their call to action words, they respond accordingly. Which why my reference to Orwell’s 1984.

I think we both agree, the Trump* diehards are with him regardless of what comes out about him. They will find a way to accept his actions and react accordingly. Loyal to the crown to the bitter end.

» Posted By twilson117 On September 12, 2020 @ 3:18 pm

The Power of Propaganda on Display

Unlike the Democratic convention, I did not watch any of the Trump* reality show. Instead, I went out to watch the grass grow, far more informative and entertaining.

However, I did read your running commentary, and for that, I wish to say thank you for putting yourself through what had to be a stomach-churning process.

What you and others have pointed out is something the American public should be extremely concerned about, but I fear they are not. Based on the clips played in various report outs, what was on display was Trump* and all his minions, moving to turn the Republic in a autocratic form of shame democracy. Which is why I feek these words from Julis Ceaser fitting:

“So is he now in execution of any bold or nole enterprise, However he puts on this tardy form. This rudeness is a sauce to his good with, which give men stomach to digest his words. With better appetite.” – Julus Ceaser

Trump* with the display last week, has declared, without uttering the words but with deeds, je suis l’etat – I am the state.

» Posted By twilson117 On August 30, 2020 @ 9:18 am

The Question Mike Pence Couldn’t Answer: Is it harder for black Americans to make in this country?

AdLib, appreciate your kind words on my post.We truly live in interesting times. I will be writing something soon.

» Posted By twilson117 On June 27, 2020 @ 9:17 am

TOCB, good to hear from you. I appreciate your insightful comments on this post.
While it’s not unexpected, Pence skirted answering the question. It does place a spotlight on how many like Pence will do all they can to ignore the issue.

I believe it’s because to state the truth, they will have to acknowledge the continuing ugly history of racism. It’s like a musty smell one attempts to get rid of with air fresheners to no avail, so it lingers, and one becomes inured.

Your Condi Rice reference to the 3/5th rule reminded me of this statement made by Justice Taney in his Dred Scott ruling, “no rights or privileges but such as those who held power and the government chose to grant them.” 

Both these were rectified by the passage of the 13th 14th and 15th amendments. While these amendments were crafted to correct the wrongs of slavery and racism, they didn’t remove its lingering stench.

I will have more to say. Thanks again for taking time to read and comment on the piece.

» Posted By twilson117 On June 24, 2020 @ 12:46 pm

Steppenwolf, as always a very thoughtful response.

Your provoking questions cause one to reflect and think. Something I wish more would do when this topic of racism.

For such a complex and painful topic, the ultimate solution is rather simple, yet people dance around it. Just get f**k out of the way. Let people work. Let them be what they’ve always waned to be contributing members to the society they are part of. Trust that they will live by the laws that society deemed necessary.

Stop inhibiting their ability to start and grow a business, own a home, and send their children to good schools, that theri tax dollars pay for.

Why is that difficult for so many white people?

As always I appreciate your comments and thanks for reading the article.

» Posted By twilson117 On June 24, 2020 @ 10:32 am