Tuesday, May 3, 2016

We're praying for you


It should embiggen if you click it. This is Kurt Schlichter retweeting something he likes, presumably. It is little pictures of people praying like mad for Ted Cruz. It agrees with his previous tweets and his writing on Town Hall. It's been like this on Twitter all night. Sensible people and religious people praying for Ted Cruz to win in Indiana on Tuesday, today.

Tell me, how that prayer goes, "Dear Lord please make Cruz win" or "Dear Lord, your will be done." 

"Dear Lord, please enter into the hearts of these wound up conservative voters and make them do the right thing by voting for the person we smart politicos know best. Please do that." 

I have a anecdote about this that is very long and deeply personal and 100% not cogent because it all occurs under the influence of hospital drugs and hallucination and that is such a bummer because it is more real than anything else and it changed my life and it means the world to me.


This happened when I first developed pneumonia and was wheeled into hospital for the third time and my prospects appeared grim to all. A very kind and soft-spoken nurse of negroid persuasion knelt down to eye level with me in the wheelchair and asked me quietly if I prayed. I told her yes, but now I don't know what to pray for. Should I pray to help me live longer or should I pray to help me die well? I did not know and that stopped me from praying. I don't know how to start. Without hesitation, conversation style she told me, "maybe try praying for His will to be done whatever that is." I thought in that moment, "Jesus Christ! Surely an angel for me specifically to tell me this precisely. Brilliant! The standard Christian answer. Why didn't I think of this thing so simple myself?" It's reinforced in the Lord's prayer every time it's said. Honestly, how can I be so thick to not see that immediately? I really am stupid sometimes. That was my new thing that night. Whatever it is you want with me, live or die. It's not up to me now. I am tired. I am indifferent. Do with me what you will. 

And the most remarkable thing happened that night. An astounding story so real there is no way to accurately convey it because as it ended the whole thing stepped down to lower energy, lower vibration, heavier slower existence, thicker and slower and less and less real until as the arena sized crowd of real people dissipated, leaving as they do in all directions, down, stepping down to viscosity of  molasses, the heaviness of breathing, the weight of existence,  and the sound of actual footsteps to this reality that we know as real, 

"You're human, aren't you? I can tell." 

The nurse was amused. "And how did you you figure that out?" 

"You're the first person in hours and among thousands with weight of footsteps." 

That's how. I guess I'm to live. 

The part that is too long to tell  is a tale of healing that begins with a Catholic group poking their heads into ICU room that I was transported by emergency maneuvering, a rather fun ride on gurney, and asking my permission for them to pray for me. 

"Sure." What the heck. They did and then left. Catholics. Weird, huh? 

Then my parents came in and visited. They stayed awhile, cried, prayed,  then left. 

Then coworkers showed up. They read biblical passages, cried, prayed and then left. 

A biopsy was planned for later but events took me first night to ICU and they decided to do it right then that first night. My report of events that night overlap with reports of an actual biopsy being performed on me. There really was a small crowd of people in the room. They really were talking directly to me, they really were instructing me how to heal. Actually, they were telling me to stop talking, that my constant chattering is interfering with their equipment. They had to go through my nose to my lungs because I wouldn't shut up. Going the right way through my mouth  risked me gnawing their equipment. They had not seen the likes of it, a patient that will not cease talking even under anesthetic. I would not stop talking the whole time. This nurse told me this the next morning.

During the night an entity appeared and took to communicating directly. A being of light in the shape of an egg. Laugh if you like. I don't care. He brought with him associates, also light, lesser lights, who assisted and who learned at his side. Their very presence invited the presence of any and all interested as onlookers and as group energy focusing assistants. The tiny room became packed with more personalities than can possibly fit into the physical space. My physical body is the center of attention. It is impossible to fit a concourse of observers into the physical space of one tiny ICU room but they did.  It is a mind blowing compression. A mind blowing interest, this entity that does this when allowed, but they didn't care about fitting into space. That reality is more real than this one. Personalities in that reality step down energy to connect here.  

"I cannot process all this, my brain is not capable. I cannot remember all this. It's way way way too much for me." 

"We know that. We're talking to your body, not just to you." 

"How? My body is dumber than I. It doesn't think." 

"We know that. We're instructing your cells how to heal."

"What?" 

"We're bringing molecules to agreement." 

"Oh." That satisfied me somehow. I relaxed. Stopped talking. They really do have this covered and I can now shut up. 

When the nurse explained to me in the morning  that my report of events that night matches actual events in the room, that I'm describing what the doctor  actually did, with his team, and not with the cast of thousand spirit personalities and ten thousand more spirit parties interested in the art of cross dimensional healing when it is allowed and when all channels are opened this way through prayer, my vision could not be deflated.

"Aw, shit." 

"What?" 

"This is how science centric deny my reality. The healing activity in this world overlap the healing arts of that one.  Back in the physical world, now focused in this energy, the spiritual portion is denied. Completely. The greater portion is rejected in favor of the lesser portion, physical reality, life. 

 I know what happened to me in reality that's more real than this one. That's a gift! It will not be taken just because that healing exercise overlaps precisely with this lower level physical healing. No way. I know what happened to me. That cannot be taken. 

Just because it was drug induced. Shut up. 

None of that is possible when it is my will being done. Or your will being done. I'm convinced what happened that night is because it is His will being done. That is allowed. IT is permitted. Permit His will to be done. Permit your will to match whatever His will is. That is what his will being done looks and feels like. 

The nurse came back with a Christian book on spiritual healing that was trite compared to the experience I just had. Bless her heart, it happened again, the book I am given to help me cannot possibly help. I can write one better myself. 

These people are praying for Cruz to win. They should pray for His will to be done. I'm sensing His will overlaps with the people's will this time. But I never do know anything like that for certain. I have no idea why His will would be for me to continue being alive. Maybe His will is lighthearted as, "Well, ride this out to the end far as you can, will you,  and see for yourself what happens."  I honestly do not know. I am baffled. 

101 comments:

edutcher said...

Religious people can be sensible people.

It's people that think the One True Ted is God's messenger that go off the track.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Mock Cruz all you want.

In the end, Trump hands it to Hillary. His old pal.

chickelit said...

These people are praying for Cruz to win.

I thought they were praying for Trump to lose. They never cite Cruz's virtues; they only cote Trump's faults.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

No one wants to listen to Cruz's virtues, Chickl. He's Lyin' Ted, and that's the end of it. Never-mind that he is hated by the establishment. And, somehow, because I don't support Trump with blind faith, I'm an establishment stooge.

Good news - Trump and Boehner are good buds.

chickelit said...

AprilApple said...No one wants to listen to Cruz's virtues, Chickl. He's Lyin' Ted, and that's the end of it.

No, I'm talking about #NeverTrumpers. Surely you didn't mean them in response. If they are as mean and nasty against Cruz as they are against Trump, then maybe they do want Hillary.

chickelit said...

"cote" was supposed to be "cite" and not "quote" above.

ndspinelli said...

I played football and baseball on a Catholic HS team. One of the things I respected was that the prayers led by our priest NEVER mentioned winning. The prayers were about no one on EITHER team getting injured and we playing up to our potential. The great John Wooden never talked about winning, or even the other team. He coached about playing your best game and letting the chips fall as they may.

ndspinelli said...

April, You got the 'B' team Trumpaholic on you this morning.

ndspinelli said...

LOL! The Trumpaholic loves to correct others grammar/spelling and is anal about his own as well.

edutcher said...

AprilApple said...

No one wants to listen to Cruz's virtues, Chickl. He's Lyin' Ted, and that's the end of it.

Depends on what virtues you have in mind. Seems like The Donald's been vindicated in a lot of what he said.

Never-mind that he is hated by the establishment

He is? Then how is it McConnell's PAC has been funnelling money to him? How is it establishment figures like Bill Kristol and George Will are pleading his cause?

And, somehow, because I don't support Trump with blind faith, I'm an establishment stooge.

You said it, not us.

In the end, Trump hands it to Hillary. His old pal.

So, we come back to the old, original line. In the face of how he's already disarmed her.
You need help.

ndspinelli said...

Interesting how these interwebs track you. A couple days ago I mentioned how I like Open Table over Yelp when it comes to reviews. And I have an Open Table ad popping up here on Lem's.

ndspinelli said...

April, There WILL BE NO DISSENT!!

edutcher said...

Apparently, the whole Cruz religion is in well, you know...

Beck says if Cruz blows it tonight (and it looks like he will),he’ll be on suicide watch.

But fear not, the One True Ted tells TheHill he's in for the distance.

edutcher said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
edutcher said...

PS chick, I used to frequent Insta all the time. I'd give somebody a Like if they said something apt or witty or raised a point nobody had mentioned or even just made an intelligent point.

The blog began going downhill the day Reynolds took Driscoll on as associate blogger (he'd have been better off with, uh..., somebody else). Then the trolls from TOP started showing up.

The Like thing turned the place into FB. I'm glad you got your point across, but stay out of the echo chamber.

It'll only make you crazy in the head.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Once again ed- you make me #never Trump. Your obsession with Cruz is sick. YOU need fucking help. How do you spend your Hillary checks?

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

ed arrives on the slow bus each morning. then again, his ass is connected to his seat.

Dust Bunny Queen said...

I find it bizarre beyond words that people think that they should pray and fast and beg God to "make" someone win a political race. Bizarre and somewhat scary. Do we really want to have a fusion between a weirdo evangelical snake handling religion and the President of the United States? I would be just as creeped out if it were the Catholic Church getting involved in politics and trying to sway the election. That will never happen though.........oh....wait.....nevermind....already happened.

Creepy.


Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

What are you all worried about? Trump has this thing in the bag.

Drudge's trashing of Cruz is what is creepy.

edutcher said...

The American people seem to agree with Drudge.

Once again ed- you make me #never Trump. Your obsession with Cruz is sick.

As I've said, there was a time I thought he's make a good VP. Then I started doing my homework.

Too bad you never did.

Dust Bunny Queen said...

I find it bizarre beyond words that people think that they should pray and fast and beg God to "make" someone win a political race. Bizarre and somewhat scary. Do we really want to have a fusion between a weirdo evangelical snake handling religion and the President of the United States?

In all fairness to Cruz, what his religion says is his business. You can go after Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus on the same ground.

The idea that people can get God to do something is, and I may be wrong here, something unique to some evangelical Protestant sects, not unlike the way some people in the Carter circle thought material success was their due for being good churchmen.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Ed does his homework on the slow bus reading the National Enquirer and Drudge. smartz.

ndspinelli said...

April, For some, this isn't about politics. This is about issues of control, anger, and other shit, w/ politics being the pretext. Trumpaholics are against others, they are not for Trump. He's their middle finger. It will work against Cruz tonight. And some of the Trumpaholics will be gloating. Then it will be on to Hillary. Neither Cruz and certainly not Hillary are anywhere in the time zone of likeable. But, these Trumpaholics think that he feels their pain just like Bubba told his followers. When you are normal, not consumed w/ anger, control issues, etc. it is so fucking apparent. What we see here w/ some Trumpaholics, not all but some, is the need to demonize. Bags was demonized and run out of their Potemkin Village. They're trying to run you out. WTF are they going to do when Cruz is out and we are all anti Hillary? You see, they think they want everyone in lockstep, when in reality is they want someone to punch. When our son was dealing w/ anger we got him a heavy bag and boxing gloves.

Dust Bunny Queen said...


In all fairness to Cruz, what his religion says is his business.

This is true. People can believe all sorts of irrational things when it comes to religion and they have every right. However the fusion of religion and a political campaign is just unsettling. I know it has happened in the past. I know you can't stop people from expressing, on their own, their religion or political preferences. However, when it becomes a PART of the campaign it is a trend that we should not allow to continue.

Ted Cruz's father's assumption that GAWD wants Ted to be the anointed one, destined by GAAAAAWD to become President is just creepy. Beck, acting as Cruz's surrogate, crying, groveling and begging GAAAAAWD to push Cruz over the finish line......strikes me as being demented. What next? Sacrificing small animals and reading entrails. Burning the corpses and sending the sweet smoke up to GOD as a bribe?

If you want Cruz, then say why. Something other than he isn't Trump. What will Cruz bring to the table? What are his positions. Be FOR something and not just against it. I have my reasons for not considering Cruz anymore, as I once did. I was willing to consider that Cruz might be a good choice, however the more I see him, listen to him talk, watch him obfuscate, cheat, lie, steal, preach at us, the less I think of him as a person.

Also the more the never Trump people and the Cruz fanatics attack without any logic to their positions, the more I think that Trump might be the answer to change the path to perdition that we seem to be on. We need to do something else. What has been the standard mode of operation IS NOT WORKING.

edutcher said...

nd, you make an awful lot of unwarranted assumptions simply because the Cruzzers seem to feel that way about their boy. Sure there are Trump supporters that think we'll never see another cloudy day, but most, certainly here, have their feet on the ground and see somebody who may be able to get a few things done.

Not sure why bag left, but he wasn't saying much that added to the conversation. We all knew what he disliked, but he was a little short on what he wanted and how he was going to get it.

They're trying to run you out.

Now you know that's a lie. When April went missing, Lem was the first to ask did anybody say something mean to her. She makes her statements, sometimes she gets rebutted.

Or have we gotten to the Katha Pollitt state where disagreeing is denying her the right to speak?

What we see here w/ some Trumpaholics, not all but some, is the need to demonize

Also applies to April and you, dude.

AprilApple said...

Ed does his homework on the slow bus reading the National Enquirer and Drudge.

Right, sweetie, that's where I found out about his first year Senate voting record and his resume.

You're doing the Ritmo thing.

Always a bad sign.

ndspinelli said...

I agree, the religious shit is over the top w/ Cruz. But WTF does it matter. He is beaten. He is imploding. When an opponent is beating himself you STFU, stand out of the way, and let him do it. That is unless winning and beating the opponent is not enough. If there is some other need.

edutcher said...

DBQ, good comment; excellent, really.


Ted Cruz's father's assumption that GAWD wants Ted to be the anointed one, destined by GAAAAAWD to become President is just creepy. Beck, acting as Cruz's surrogate, crying, groveling and begging GAAAAAWD to push Cruz over the finish line......strikes me as being demented. What next? Sacrificing small animals and reading entrails. Burning the corpses and sending the sweet smoke up to GOD as a bribe?

That's where the thing goes off the track. The idea anybody is God's chosen for public office strikes most people as off-putting. And imagine the fun the media would have with it in the Fall.

I could conjure up a couple of examples from history to prove what a bad idea it is, but I'll just say, had Cruz prevailed, the idea God's grace on him gave him the right to pull all manner of dirty tricks would be scaring the Hell out of a lot of people right now.

ndspinelli said...

I have long thought one of the problems w/ politicians is most have never played a team sport. You learn a lot about winning, losing, winning and losing W/ DIGNITY, from team sports. Think of the assholes who were the politicians in high school and college. Well, it's the same assholes, just older. Projecting people back to their high school years helps me understand some folks.

edutcher said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
edutcher said...

nd, all I said to April was that I seriously considered the guy until I looked into his background.

If you're referring to my saying "the whole Cruz religion", I meant the echo chamber set up by the people at Insta and the Glenn Beck "anointed" nonsense.

I will say this, however. You and I may know he's done, but he was still colluding with John McCain (the guy who called him a "wacko bird") and his machine to poach delegates last weekend. Cruz may fully intend to take this down to the deck and may have the money to do it. If so, it's about as over as when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor.

YMMV

ndspinelli said...

ed, Here's something I've learned dealing w/ egotistical men or just regular guys as they are losing a game, argument, confrontation. You allow them to save face. You don't rub their faces in shit. It's the Christian and the SMART thing to do.

edutcher said...

I know exactly what you mean.

Are we in that situation or the one at the end of WWII (I'm not kidding) where it has to be brought home that it's over, time to move on?

I've avoided the Insta's and similar places for months now. As far as I'm concerned, it was over when Cruz couldn't get 50% + 1 in TX. What has made me mad, and I make no bones about it, is the duplicity we've seen from him.

He drops out tonight, OK, fine, that's it. The I-hate-Trump crowd wants to drag it out for another month, I can point out just how hopeless it's going to be.

I think I know where you're coming from, but, when I tote up just how many primaries are out there, how many delegates, and who's got what kind of lead - or all this favorables nonsense if somebody wants to go there, all I'm doing is saying it's done, let it go, the old arguments don't fly.

Frankly, I can't wait for the main event. If the PJMedia crowd wants to nurse their grudges, well, I just don't go there anymore.

Dust Bunny Queen said...

Here's something I've learned dealing w/ egotistical men or just regular guys as they are losing a game, argument, confrontation. You allow them to save face. You don't rub their faces in shit.

What I have learned in my career as well. When your opponent is losing, sure....don't pile on. Don't just stand back and let them self implode. They may still need some imploding assistance :-) Make sure that he/she has thoroughly lost the game, argument, deal, whatever, and he is totally defeated for that turn. There will be another turn you know.

And yes. Don't rub their faces in the defeat because at some point you might need that person to be on your side. If you create a permanent enemy you have made yourself a bit weaker. That doesn't mean that you are now going to be BFFs. Just that you "may" need to work with them at some point.

It seems to me that Trump follows this strategy. This something that everyone in business knows and follows. Once he had defeated Jeb Bush, there is no more conflict. Same with Carson. Christie. There may be some people who will never ever work with you again even IF you did the "Christian" thingy. Like Jeb. Can't imagine him compromising with Trump, Cruz or anyone else. You made an enemy. So be it. Their loss. Watch your back.

Rabel said...

Bags gave as good as he got. But, ya know, I miss the old Bags. He was a terrific commenter, smart, funny and reasonable for the most part. Then the Trumpophobia fever took him and turned him into a newt. Maybe he'll get better, it happens.

I, for one, certainly hope so. Tonight's Indiana result could be a crisis point that puts him out on an LA street corner with a bottle of Thunderbird and a Mexican flag. So let's rally round our old friend and give him the love and support he deserves. It's never too late to pull back from the edge.

Make Bagoh20 great again.

Evi L. Bloggerlady said...

Here is a better refrain for the day...

edutcher said...

Dust Bunny Queen said...

And yes. Don't rub their faces in the defeat because at some point you might need that person to be on your side. If you create a permanent enemy you have made yourself a bit weaker. That doesn't mean that you are now going to be BFFs. Just that you "may" need to work with them at some point..

It seems to me that Trump follows this strategy.


One thing that interests me about Trump is he has a falling-out with somebody and they turn up on his side later on.

Look at Roger Stone. Or Ivana. How many guys can get a good review from their ex-wife when it's important to them?

The sad thing is all of this hurts nobody more than it hurts Cruz. He's really lost his rep in the eyes of a lot of people and I'm not kidding when I think he'll have a real fight on his hands in '18, should he decide to run for re-election.

Rabel said...

Hope this isn't old but I heard Pat Buchanan quote a joke from Biden on Hannity yesterday:

"Obama should appoint Cruz to the Supreme Court. Pretty soon he'd have eight vacancies to fill."

Dust Bunny Queen said...

CREEPY

Is this what we want? Nope nope nope.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

ND -
Trumpaholics are against others, they are not for Trump. He's their middle finger.

Yep. I'm still waiting from someone to make the case FOR Trump beyond "the wall",(which will never happen) and "he's anti-PC."

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

I don't pay any attention to Glenn Back. Glenn Beck doesn't speak for me - and there's a reason he has been relegated to his own network.

Also, since Trump cannot be to blame for his KKK support - is Cruz to blame for his Beck support?

Dust Bunny Queen said...

since Trump cannot be to blame for his KKK support - is Cruz to blame for his Beck support?

I understand your point April. The candidates can't be responsible for every crackpot and wackabilly that supports them. Trump isn't responsible for the protesters who create violence at his events or if someone who supports Trump retaliates. Everyone needs to get a grip and stop being violent. You can't stop morons from endorsing you.

However, Trump doesn't attend Klan meetings. Cruz and Beck get on their knees and pray together before the 'show' and are actively campaigning TOGETHER. So yes. Cruz gets to be tarred with this brush.

edutcher said...

AprilApple said...

Also, since Trump cannot be to blame for his KKK support

you are talking about Hillary, right?

I know David Duke, as opposed to the Klan, has endorsed Trump, but so has Louis Farrakhan, which would seem to even things out.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Well, I hear from my lefty pals here in town and they are terrified of Cruz Theocracy... so - I suppose all that praying only feeds the fire. At this point Cruz needs a miracle to win.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

ed - go piss up a rope.

MamaM said...

I can write one better myself.

And you did. A story within and beyond a story. Thank you, ChipAhoy.

The Dude said...

Healing is a miracle. Indeed it is.

Michael Haz said...

Hi Chip.

Let's talk a bit while the others are yapping about the politicians. I read your story twice and was moved by it. I am glad that we didn't lose you!

The power of prayer is astonishing. I have experienced it. Equally astonishing is the feeling of peace that comes with acceptance of God's will. It's like spending years, decades, pushing against a door that will not open, then *finally* seeing the small sign that says "push to open". And you push it open and go through, and the other side is just inner peace and satisfaction. And then you put whatever happens into God's hands, and understand that His will directs your life.

Things will happen, not all of them good. The loss of a loved one, illness, financial troubles, and so forth, and they are challenging to deal with. But still, there is comfort in the acceptance that it was God's will, part of larger plan we may not understand.

What comes with this is understanding that we have been given free will to do as we would choose, and that free will must be exercised carefully, with thought and with clear intent. To do good, never to do evil.

By the way, have you noticed how sometimes people who say they are religious swear, lie, and insult others? Weird. It's like the religion switch clicks "on" Sunday morning, and then "off" by about 3 PM Sunday afternoon.

Anyhow. Really enjoyed your post. It was a personal story, and thanks for sharing it.

Chip Ahoy said...

I'm still waiting from someone to make the case FOR Trump beyond "the wall",(which will never happen) and "he's anti-PC."

1) the wall, as talking point if not reality
2) he's anti-PC
3) his campaign is self funding
4) as such he is not beholden to lobbyists
5) not being beholden to lobbyists rids their influence
6) career wise he is looking back to low level work to do from a place of tremendous success
conversely
7) career wise all his opponents are looking forward to high level work to do from a place of ambition and personal success attainment.
8) This is fundamental and shouldn't count but instead it counts heavily. His tone, now that he's squashing, and now that he's incisive but not so pruriently vicious, is actually comforting to listen to. He says the right things. He is easy on the ears. I realize this is impossible to accept, but it's true. He is amusing, entertaining, actually comforting in his self assuredness. His voice, the sound of his voice says and his followers believe it, "I got this."
conversely
9) Cruz is nearly impossible to listen to. His voice is edgy, high-pitched, cast to the front of the mouth and under pressure. He stutters. His tone is ever prosecutorial. He speaks to your intellectual self and only the intellectual lawyer in each of us. His voice is a pick that jabs at you. Every conversation is debate. He is lawyer first and foremost. He's the "read §14 ¶4 sub¶2.2" guy, a less likable Data who want to be president, a guy who gives you the chills watching him gather his family for a loving warm Christian photograph, as it's clear that's the first time they've done such. Un-cuuuuum-ter-buuuuuuul.

Chip Ahoy said...

So that's seven without the converses. And thats f've more than two. And they're good ones too. And that comes from observing not from supporting. I happen to believe Cruz will make a fine president. One more in line with everything that precedes him. One more conservative. Cruz is the better conservative option.

Then I think back over all antitrumers say. They make very good points all along. The points have to do with protecting Republican party as viable entity. Their points have to do with saving the nation from an out of control dictator.

Their arguments cast back to constitutionalism and to what founding fathers had in mind. Their arguments bear on founders concern the country can be ripe for such takeover. They are strong debaters and they make powerful arguments.

While eliding what founders did not have in mind that is the development of political parties. Washington warned of political parties in his farewell address while conceding their avoidance well nigh impossible. Political parties set brother against brother. That is our founder's attitude. And yet guild-like parties developed, and both fail presently to represent their respective citizens. Too many citizens left out of having representation. Both parties failed their citizens.

Founders developed a government by the people for the people, they actually did envision populist presidents. Populist leadership. The top of the popular candidates. That Trump is populist candidate and not elitist guild-member desirous to exclude representation, as Republicans do, type of candidate is good not bad, and they say so outright this cycle has pushed Republicans party loyalists to say this, they'd rather not represent at all than represent you.

It's not so much giving the finger as smashing with Thor hammer. Republican party has said, is saying, says today, they'll drop out instead of go along with popular conservative candidate with potential to smash wreck and destroy, the party, government agencies, bad treaties, lousy deals, such as they see by his very presence. Without this deus ex machina's sudden appearance I'm certain they would all rally behind Cruz. So long as Cruz shuts up much as possible. Unseen and unheard for the most part, doing technical things, as presidents should be. He's hard on the ears.

This is the part in the movie First Contact where the Borg queen and remade Data regard Picard on his destroyed and converted ship. Data says of Picard who could have had it all in the Borg universe, "He'll make an excellent drone."

No it's not.

But it's kind of like that.

Trooper York said...

Chip I was also moved by your story. Being very sick and facing death can focus your thoughts to a degree that is simply not available in everyday life. That nurse that brought you solace is typical of the many medical professionals who heal and help people every day. The nurse and especially the orderlies have a tough thankless job that they have to do every day. They don't get paid enough for the kind of stuff they have to do.

Thank you for sharing that story. I hope your health is good and you continue to share your stories with us for many days and months and years to come.

Evi L. Bloggerlady said...

Hey Chip, I am glad you are with us. You are a good egg and those eggs were good eggs too.

edutcher said...

All I can say is April needs to learn rebuttal can be a good thing.

I've learned a lot from people here who had insights or facts I didn't.

Trooper York said...

Chip I was also moved by your story. Being very sick and facing death can focus your thoughts to a degree that is simply not available in everyday life. That nurse that brought you solace is typical of the many medical professionals who heal and help people every day.

Too many people have their opinion of nurses formed by soap operas. Also, black people do tend to be quite empathetic to those in medical distress.

In both cases, Chip, glad you got one of the good ones.

The Dude said...

When I awoke after being under anesthesia for 24 hours I saw 2 brunette nurses. I knew right then I had died and gone to heaven - they were angels. Sure wish I could find out who they are and thank them. ]

Had they been redheads then I would have known that Troop's prediction had come true.

edutcher said...

Ya never know, you might have been transferred to the Irish wing of Heaven where beer and whiskey are free and the redheads are all sweet-natured.

Trooper York said...

When I was ill I was especially thankful for the orderlies and nurses aides. They did the really disgusting work with a smile and were always willing to do something to help me be more comfortable. Get an extra blanket. Change my bedding. The nurse did a lot of that too but the orderlies really have it tough and don't make anywhere as much money. Plus the hospital I was in was failing and they were going to be out of job soon. Still they were so diligent and caring and wonderful. I will never forget how they treated me.

That nurse that Chip describes is so typical of the type you encounter when you are ill. I know that medical professionals get a bad rap all the time and it is important to acknowledge the good that they do every day in small unnoticed acts of kindness.

The Dude said...
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The Dude said...

Sign me up! This is in response to ed - I know enough about the orderly business to avoid that altogether.

edutcher said...

The Blonde says she'd love to take care of me if I got really sick.

Something about that always reminds me of this weird Polansky move, "Bitter Moon", where the guy wakes up in the hospital after a ghastly accident to see the girlfriend that he dumped.

She says, "There's bad news and there's good news. You're paralyzed from the waist down - permanently". He says, "Let's have the good news". "That was the good news", she says. "The bad news is that from now on, I'm taking care of you.".

ndspinelli said...

April, The Wall. That motherfucking wall! You know who gets real hardons about this motherfucking wall? It's the same imbeciles who think you can keep drugs out of the country by using military forces. They are simply WRONG. Not just plain, ordinary, wrong. They are FUCKING wrong on a metaphysical level!

The Wall. I have thought for awhile that Trump should be playing Pink Floyd's The Wall. It's got little to do w/ his fantasy wall but most Trumpaholics would never know that. Here's the reality. You can't keep drugs out of this country as long as there is demand. I worked in a maximum security Federal Prison. Inmates have NO 4th Amendment rights. You can strip search them whenever you want. You can tear apart their cell and everything in it @ any time. And you know what, there are every drug known to man available withing those WALLS. Can more and better walls be built on the borders. Yes. Should they be built. Yes. Should more manpower be spent policing the border. Yes. Should we be deporting ALL illegals who commit a crime including DUI. FUCK YES! Can you get rid of all illegals? I won't even grace that retarded question w/ an answer. We could, w/ better security and deportation cut illegal immigration in half. That's a generous estimate.

edutcher said...

Things is, walls have worked.

Ask the Israelis. Ask the Saudis

Lots of countries have built or are building walls.

They see it as a good investment.

Evi L. Bloggerlady said...

Nick, it's negroni time again and here's a tweet for you.

Evi L. Bloggerlady said...

Truth is ed and Nick are both right. Walls can work, the shorter the better--a 1500 mile border is a bit tough, but walls are almost never impregnable. Except that one in Escape from New York!

You want to really control illegal immigration, visa exit checks (40% of illegals are here on over stayed visa), and enforcement and fines making it not economical for employers to hire illegals. Most illegals are here for work. You do that and the problem goes away. You can focus law enforcement on terrorists sneaking in. You can still have a wall, but really it would not be that big a deal anymore.

So if employers don't have illegals, they have to offer wages to attract workers to take their place. Win win.

ndspinelli said...

ed, Then there's the FUCKING OCEAN! Do we build floating walls? What about these new things I've heard about..TUNNELS!! They're these long holes in the ground that go under walls. You can mitigate, to a limited extent, illegals entering this country w/ walls and increased security.

ndspinelli said...

Israel is the size of New Jersey. So, there's that.

oopsy daisy said...
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Dust Bunny Queen said...

There are all sorts of walls. Literal walls that make it hard or impossible for people to pass. Virtual walls that put impediments in the way of people.

I advocate BOTH kinds. Real substantial walls that would either halt the illegals flooding over our borders or would channel them into areas where they can be more easily caught. Like a fish weir.

The virtual walls would be to
1. Enforce our G Damned existing immigration laws.

2. Deport immediately any illegal alien who has committed any crime of any kind. I don't care if you are shoplifting candy bars, driving drunk, committing identity theft by using a fake SSN, raping or murdering people. As Trump says. Get 'em outa here. This should be the easiest step because we have them in custody and they should not pass GO but go directly to jail and then deported.

3. Eliminate all the honey pot that is drawing these criminal illegal aliens....they are criminals by the very fact that they are here. Unless you are a US citizen or have gone through the legal process to become a citizen...no food stamps, no welfare, no housing subsidies, no free ANYTHING. Take a way the freebies and people will not continue to come here.

Here is the deal. If we don't legally get a handle on the immigration crisis, it will be handled by the people directly who are fed up with being overrun by illegals, fed up with having to work and pay taxes to support the illegals, fed up with being called racists for not wanting to continue to be a cash cow, fed up with losing their jobs to illegals, fed up...to the teeth. Trust me. You do not want that.

rcocean said...

Walls work - but only if you're serious about enforcing the law. The vast majority of the US border with mexico is desert and rough, desolate country. So you don't need a continuous 1500 mile "Great wall of China".

It seems to be the position held by "respectable" people that we can't have a wall because walls are "icky" or "won't work". They worked in east germany, they work in North korea, and they work in Israel.

The fact that all the "respectable people" - most of whom support open borders -for the last 20 years have been laughing or getting angry about building a wall, makes me think we should build one.

ndspinelli said...

I drive along the southern border sometimes when I come out to California. I talk w/ people who have to live w/ this horrible problem. I have absolute empathy. I have worked cases of illegals raping children, killing and maiming while driving drunk. I'm as tough as they come on those shitbirds. I'm sorry, but I don't do stupid, and I don't abide lies. People are buying snake oil from a reality TV star telling them he is sending 12 million people back and will build an impenetrable wall. It's not just a lie, it's a stupid lie.

rcocean said...

BTW, the whole point of building a wall is not to keep out 100% of illegals. But just because you "only" keep out 95% doesn't mean its a failure.

rcocean said...

"People are buying snake oil from a reality TV star telling them he is sending 12 million people back and will build an impenetrable wall. It's not just a lie, it's a stupid lie."

The money and law to build a wall has already been authorized. Its just that no one actually wants to build it. Trump will build it. And there's no reason why we couldn't pressure Mexico to help pay for it.

As for sending 12 million back - no one going to go door to door dragging illegals out to nearest ship or bus. Just start enforcing the laws, including punishing companies that hire illegals and sanctuary cities and the illegals will start self-deporting. Of Ike deported 2-4 millions in "operation wetback". So it can be done.

Michael Haz said...

Walls work. Prisons have walls. They work.

The Dude said...

Kasich has a plan - never win a primary, but become the nominee - you know, lose a little on every sale, make it up in volume.

ndspinelli said...

rcocean, Don't get a hernia building that strawman. Or that super wall. What about the ocean? They are landing on San Diego and Texas beaches all the time. The Berlin Wall was only 87 miles and urban. Yet, thousands got through. Israel is only the size of NJ, yet
Palestinians get through. We can curtail illegal immigration. We MUST enforce the laws, We MUST deport criminals. We MUST plug the work visa abuses. We MUST eliminate sanctuary cities. Your guy is lying to you. He can't do what he says. But for Chrissake, be happy. He just won Indiana.

ndspinelli said...

LOL! Are they passing out stupid pills @ Trump rallies? A prison is the size of several blocks. Look @ a map of the US. You Trumpaholiocs are just like Jim Jones followers. Only not as religious.

ndspinelli said...

Oh, and people escape prisons. WTF is going on here?

ndspinelli said...

Haz, Do you think we can keep drugs out of this country?

ndspinelli said...

Congrats to all Trump voters. He will be the nominee.

ndspinelli said...

If Trump is the nominee I will vote for him. Hillary must be defeated by any means necessary. But, Trump is a buffoon, liar, and snake oil salesman. I won't change your mind, you won't change mine because I love truth.

edutcher said...

ndspinelli said...

ed, Then there's the FUCKING OCEAN! Do we build floating walls? What about these new things I've heard about..TUNNELS!!

The Israelis face the same problems.

They seem to have surmounted them. If they can, we can. We have a Navy and a Coast Guard. We also have an Army and an Air Force. There's a Border Patrol.

The issue is one of will. The people have it. It's the Whigs and the Demos who don't.

Thing is, you can't see any country but the one run but the McConnells and the Hillarys.

Maybe the country's about to change. It did when it elected Lincoln. It did when it elected Jackson. It did (not for the better) when it elected Franklin Roosevelt.

Maybe we're overdue.

Congrats to all Trump voters. He will be the nominee.

when I see him give his acceptance speech, I'll believe it, not before.

Michael Haz said...

"The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe.

Several walls were being built as early as the 7th century BCE; these, later joined together and made bigger and stronger, are now collectively referred to as the Great Wall. Especially famous is the wall built 220–206 BCE by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Little of that wall remains. Since then, the Great Wall has on and off been rebuilt, maintained, and enhanced; the majority of the existing wall is from the Ming Dynasty."

I've never taught history, but I'm pretty sure the Great Wall has been effective in protecting China from centuries of land-based invaders.

rcocean said...

Great story Chip!

rcocean said...

"Your guy is lying to you. He can't do what he says. But for Chrissake, be happy. He just won Indiana."

Maybe Trump is a liar and maybe he isn't. I'd rather take a gamble on some one who might do what's right than vote for someone who I know will do wrong.

ndspinelli said...

I think we could do a fairly good job keeping illegals out of NJ. Maybe a 80-85% rate. The US is exponentially larger than Israel/NJ. Consult a fucking map! You are someone who thinks if we had the will we could keep drugs out of this country. I have discussed this w/ you previously and your mind is made up, facts be damned. You just feel it could be done. So why don't we just agree to disagree.

ndspinelli said...

rcocean, As I've said. Your guy has my vote if he is up against Hillary. For some, that's not enough. But, I won't drink the Kool-Aid. He is a liar. All pols are. You are smart enough to know that. Don't lie to yourself. You're much better than that. Again, a sincere congrats. I know this means a lot to your folks.

ndspinelli said...

The Great Wall has been effective in thwarting land based invasions. However, illegals come over in small groups, not mass invasion. Coyotes are crafty @ finding weaknesses. I again encourage all to read my 4:50p comment. I support walls. I just know they are not magic. Sorry for using logic and not emotion. Shit..I'm not sorry. That was a lie.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Trump won't beat Hillary (probably), a wall won't be built, if it were to be built the idea that Mexico would pay for it is hilarious. Mexico is not North Korea or East Germany or the USSR. Mexico is happy to see people leave who think they can do better outside of Mexico. I've kept silent for a while on all this, but now's the time for predictions and to have the decency to at least try to let a little bit of reality sink in. Name all the countries that paid that much just to keep people in. Right. Mexico isn't even one of those. Most countries have the sense to realize that if you don't want to stay there, it's a pretty stupid lost cause to try to hem you in. The only exceptions are tyrannies of personality - commie cults that had a massive existential investment in the power of their own crazy propaganda. Again, Mexico is not one of those countries - much as you seem to hate it. But good luck anyway; at least your team got to have its populist this year, and it's not ALL bad. So enjoy it while it lasts. At least you're not Hillary-opposing Democrats. In November my pain will just begin. Let's hope you can then focus your efforts on weakening her at least as intensely as you did to Obama. I'll be cheering you on every step of the way. And your job will be easier the more credible a candidate and a campaign you run. So please, please, please with sugar and a cherry on top: Don't fuck it up.

Thank you.

ndspinelli said...

Cruz just dropped out of the race. edutcher can hopefully end his paranoia. Congrats Trumpaholics.

The Dude said...

And they say there is no good news. So long, eh?

Rabel said...

If I were The Donald I'd keep a close eye on Daddy Cruz.

Actually, that's not true. If I were The Donald I'd be on my private island with a bevy of 11's sucking on my toes or my whatever, but that's just me.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

What is the ed troll going to whine about now without cruzzer one true ted?

Michael Haz said...

Don't blame Trump for winning. That's foolish.

Blame your favorite candidate for not winning. His or her campaign was ineffective.

ndspinelli said...

Again, I'll vote for your hero. But, I just watched his speech. Instead of Start Me Up, he should have played Ramblin' Rose. Just saying what needs to be said. It was a horrible speech. You love him. I know. Again, I'll vote for your guy. I often have to convey bad news to clients. But, only myopic, emotional people blame the messenger. That's why I prefer male clients. Women are much more likely to blame the messenger.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Everyone thinks Trump will be as nasty to Clinton as he was to fellow R's. I doubt it.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

My favorite candidate dropped out a long time ago.

Michael Haz said...

As did mine, April. But we have to play the hand we're dealt. So we suck it up and vote Trump, or say goodbye to the supreme court and the constitution.

That's the choice.

rcocean said...

Like some of our other nominees - McCain, Bush I, and Dole come to mind - Trump is better at answering questions than at making speeches.

He seems to just free associate at times. I hope he gets better. OTOH, people seem to love it. He gets 25,000 to show up at his rallies, and he's been doing them since August.

And luckily, Hillary is not exactly a silver tongued speech maker either.

rcocean said...
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rcocean said...

s for Hillary, I can't think of another winning candidate who's talked so little with so little substance.

What does she have to offer America? What is her Vision? Just 4 more years of Obama and Lewinskys for Bill.

Who can do handstands over that?

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Like that time Trump answered the Crissy Matthews abortion question? and then everyone hated him...

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Hillary offers vagina. First vagina.

Feel the power.

ndspinelli said...

This is not a revelation to your savvy political movers and shakers. But it needs to be said. The regular season is over. It's now postseason. Different tenor. Different rules. Only one winner. Expect a VERY nasty postseason.

chickelit said...

AprilApple said...Hillary offers vagina. First vagina. Feel the power.

Win one for the gripper.