Traveler

The turnaround at Twitter by Musk undercut every intent of Truth Social to create an internet platform based on the principles of free speech. As per COVID and real estate (in which I am also heavily invested) – real estate still outperformed stocks, bonds and most other investments – with some exceptions. I am of the age where long term (in fact anything over 5 years) may not give the highest returns in my lifetime. To succeed in real estate requires lots of attention to certain details. I will be investing less and less in our future. The Traveler

It was my impression that Boing was ahead with wing design (supercritical wing) and was able to produce planes that were more stable, less drag and better lift, resulting in cheaper to fly, less maintenance and greater range. So, it was not so much that the DC10 was unsafe as it was that the Boeing plains were faster, more stable, cheaper to operate and thus generally safer. Of course, there are other considerations and history behind all this but until recently Boing was a head of the curve in avionic design. When I worked for Boeing, it was the best company to work for. Besides leading in design Boeing was considered the destination for the best engineers. Engineers were expected to spend on average, a month per year in training. Their compensation for top engineers is the best I have ever encountered – which means that the concept of equal pay for equal work was considered nonsense. When I went to work for Boeing I was offered a 50% raise from my current position where I was working – within 3 months I was given another 25% raise. The Traveler

I am grateful for your input and point of view. I would like to drill down a little into a couple of things you have said – mainly because I have some experience and personal research. In 1960 the USA conducted the most extensive census ever attempted. Some political pundits review that census determined that if just 2% of our GDP was funneled to the poor that poverty could be eliminated in the USA. The sound was so noble there was little opposition – and what there was, was easily overcome. It was mostly the democrats that pushed through reforms to establish what was called the “Great Society”. The reforms targeted social programs for the poor and environmental concerns. It is interesting to note that it was argued that science had determined that without reform of human pollution that the earth would become uninhabitable to humans in as little as 15 years. It is now 50 years later. Currently we are funneling close to 30% of the GDP into various social programs for the poor. Sadly, poverty in the USA can be argued to be worse in 2020 than it was in 1960. Simple math tells us either the theory of funding to end poverty is grossly flawed or that over 90% of our social funding is completely wasted (diverted into pockets of the wealthy – because the gap between the wealthy and those in poverty has increased – despite that fact that the wealthy are taxed more now than in 1960). We can no longer assume that we can relieve poverty by increasing funding. We have enough experience to realize such efforts are worthless failures. We do have other options that look more promising but for whatever reason no political party on the planet are willing to even give recognition for any possibility. For the record I believe every citizen should be taxed – especially if they are receiving government subsidies. Otherwise, citizens will vote themselves more subsidies and create more inflationary government debt. It is also important to note that that non-citizens entering into the USA claiming asylum can be awarded Social Security funds for support – for the rest of their life. Under Biden we have had over 10 million asylum seekers. I contend that this is the primary reason that Social Security is projected to run out of funds within the next 10 years. I worked for Boeing in the 70’s and 80’s. The testing and care given into the development of new products was far greater than any government regulations. At that time Boeing was the #1 commercial airline producer in the world – Boeing was also a leader in military and space applications. There are a lot of problems currently with Boeing – and I would say part (not all) reside in government regulations. Some come from tax structures and some from corporate changes (some of which is corporate greed – but not quite in the way many would think.) I have also worked in various industries as an expert in automation and robotics. Sadly, the relationship between industries and government regulators has become greatly non-cooperative. I personally believe that the primary reason for this is because of an element in government that believe corporate profits and industrial production to be a cash cow for unlimited government spending – especially on social services. I strongly believe we can improve both life styles and opportunities for all citizens of the USA through intelligent applications of government programs – but we have become addicted to the lure of quick fixes from subsidies that inevitably result in waste and corruption.

I would be interested in why you think Trump made money when his net worth diminished. Even, (and especially) using the methods to determine net worth referenced by democrats in his trial in NY. I am very saddened by methods used by B. Sanders and others with so called legal means of transferring up to 20% of campaign contributions directly into personal bank accounts. Though it is not necessarily political – that even in excess of 90% of charitable contributions can be transferred into personal bank accounts free of being taxed. It irks me to the core that democrats that do this (Clinton’s for example) that then complain that the rich are not taxed enough. It is not a service, nor do I believe it is charity to use force or use other means to acquire other’s money to help the poor. It is only a service or charity when one uses exclusively their own money, obtained by their own labor for such things. The Traveler

You are correct – I should have said indirect. The Traveler

I would question your conclusion: Polytheism is defined (at least in part) in the belief that there is more than one g-d (regardless of who you worship). 1. If you give any account to the song “Oh My Father” -- Truth is reason - - - tells me, I’ve a mother there. 2. If you believe that men and women are created in the image and likeness of G-d – which has some reference to #1. 3. If you believe that Jesus was one with the Father or that through Christ we can become heirs of G-d and/or one with G-d. 4. If you believe Jesus was correct when he said, “Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are g-ds?” In our last general conference, Sunday morning, Elder Rasband centered his talk around the theme that “Words Matter”. Without question we worship our Father in Heaven as the one and only “True and Living G-d”. I would also add that we do not believe in the trinity, but we do believe in G-d the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. That they do constitute a council of 3 separate and distinct individual G-ds that we refer to as the G-dhood by which all things concerning the Great Plan of Salvation are governed and are spoken of in sacred scripture. Concerning the Father, Son and Holy Ghost - there seem to be two possibilities one being the Trinity - meaning one individual is playing out multiple roles or that there are 3 individuals playing out one united divine purpose. The Traveler

Welcome back. I have received your input and enjoy your contribution - I plan to use it myself. Thanks! Hopefully we can continue our discussions further. The Traveler

Things that I think Trump did or attempted to do that I support and believe were a benefit. 1. The Abraham Accords. 2. Attempted to close the border until we get a hand on illegal immigration and how we could benefit by changing immigration laws. 3. Control our supply chain essentials. Either by developing our own sources or obtaining needed elements exclusively from countries with whom we had good and stable relations. 4. Grow the economy by limiting government spending and incentivizing in house development of resources (including and especially energy – both existing and possible) and manufacturing. 5. Encourage (economic incentives) lost jobs to foreign countries (especially those that are difficult and do not respect our laws) to return to the USA or countries with whom we have favorable relationships (especially countries that are not at war against an alai). 6. Extend foreign aid only to those organizations that are not hostile towards the USA or those that do not aid any principality hostile towards the USA or our allies. Maintain sanctions against hostile (bad actors – supporters of terrorism) entities. 7. Keep corporate taxes below the magic economic number of 23%. Things that I think Biden did or attempted to do that I support and believe were a benefit. 1. ??? (I am open to any discussion to persuade me otherwise). I do not consider the creation of a commission to investigate and report on anything as something that is done. Things I would like to see our president support and government do. 1. Return control of education to the States. 2. Make the deliberate targeting of government officials (including police, judges, and agents) with lethal force a capital crime (death penalty). 3. Any targeting of government officials (including police, judges, and agents) in any way that can cause harm a felony under the law. 4. Protest that causes or endanger harm to citizens or officials; or causes destruction of property a felony under the law. 5. Pay elected officials (salary and benefits) on a scale directly linked to their household income. Limit all benefits to equal or less than veteran benefits. 6. Make all calendar entries of elected officials a matter of public record (this includes listing all in attendance at nonpublic meetings. List of all gifts. 7. Require that before any legislation is presented for vote in congress that all contributors (especially lobbyists) to the legislation be listed as part of the legislation. Failure to do so will result in nullifying the legislation and fines against the congressmen and their staff that sponsors that legislation. Enough for now – hopefully the just of my thinking is sufficiently represented. The Traveler

I firmly believe that if you only know one way to spell a word, you are uneducated. The Traveler

What I have learned about appliances and other things: Dishwashers. The big problem in this modern age with dishwashers is the motherboard. I wonder if obsolescence is designed into the motherboard to expire shortly after the warranty runs out. In most cases the motherboard is a simple process to replace but the problem is that China floods the market with cheep electronics that will fail – sometimes as soon as their used. A Chinese motherboard can cost like $150 compared to factory replacements costing $500 – to $600 (which is the price of a new midrange dishwasher). It is my opinion that this is the result of higher corporate taxes in the USA inspiring manufacturing to rely on foreign silicon manufacturing for things like motherboards. Do not plan on a new dishwasher lasting more than 5 to 8 years max. Refrigerators: There is a similar problem with refrigerators and China manufacturing. The most critical part of a refrigerator is the compressor. Asian companies like LG and Samsung purchase their compressors from China – and they are pure crap. Often these compressors will not last the warranty. The replacement part will be free, but the installation cost will be about $1,000 and the replacement is not warrantied – so when the replacement fails (which can be a matter of seconds) a new replacement will include the cost of the part as well as the installation. My advice – purchase refrigerators from a US company like GE or Whirlpool and write to your congressman to not increase corporate taxes and inspire cost saving oversea manufacturing. Better yet never vote for a Democratic congressman and do you best to convince individuals like @Phoenix_person to become more informed about what Democrats are causing with corporate tax increases (and other things). Newton's 3rd law about opposing forces - actions and reactions. Delivery services: This is becoming an unbelievable problem. I am suspicious that this is a direct reflection on our border policy because my most recent delivery nightmare involved a delivery crew that did not speak English. Lucky for me I have a son that speaks fluent (what they spoke) and he happened to be here when the delivery happened. They were delivering our cabinets for our remodel and refused to bring the cabinets into the house. They said they would deliver to the garage, or I needed to pay them an extra $150. I said okay; I will go with the garage delivery but I would charge them $150 to park in my driveway near the garage. This really upset them because there is a bit of an uphill walk from the street to the garage and all the parking in front of our house was used up by my contractors working on the remodel so they would have to park and carry the loads about 4 times the distance than just cooperating and taking to load inside the house. They did the house delivery. I would add that the problems I am posting about have all become much worse problems in the last 4 years or so. The reason I know this is because I use to own rental property which requires various replacements and deliveries of some sort every 3 to 4 months. All this stuff has become such a hassle we decided to sell most of our rental properties. Anyone want to know why rental costs are increasing faster than standard inflation? And at the same time service and quality is dropping? To quote a prominent Democrat, “Elections have consequences.” One more note: - Things have been continually getting worse for some time – thanks to cooperation between democrats and republicans. It is true that Trump has his problems, but he seems to understand the economics of competitive businesses that professional politicians seem to lack any clue. I am now retired and figure I have about 15 to 20 years left of some kind of awareness of things. I am to the point that it has become far to difficult to contribute much – especially things that require physical labor. Sorry to leave such a screwed-up society to you up and coming generations. I started working at the age of 8 to purchase my needs and wants. My parents required that I purchase my clothing, contribute to food and vacations. When I say work – it did not include chores around the house – it was for working outside the home like working in fruit orchards and farming fields (now done by foreign workers). I have hunted to supplement my food sources. I got through college with academic scholarships and working (no student loans or debt). I fulfilled a military obligation during the Vietnam conflict. Saved and paid for my own Church mission. I have eaten insects, worms and grubs to survive – all of which (in today’s society) makes me a recipient of white privilege. It looks to me that the upcoming generation (regardless of race) has it easier today – you all will see how long it all will last. It is interesting to me that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seems to be going in the exact opposite direction. I used to work weekly at the welfare farm in the summer, pay into a building fund, ward budget fund, ward missionary fund, fast offering, Tithing, temple fund and food storage. The Church had great difficulty having enough funds to cover needs. Now days members seem much more prepared and educated. Leadership burdens are more distributed and church finances are not suffering anywhere. There are still many opportunities for service and helping of others and there is a lot of temple work getting done. It seems to me that the Church is quite ready for the millennium and that the world in general is quite ripe and settled upon the things that don’t matter or help. The Traveler

Isaiah purports the notion that we learn line upon line upon line and precept upon precept upon precept. It appears to me that G-d speaks to us in ways that we have understanding and can perceive. Let me provide a scriptural example of what I am talking about. Abraham chapter 3 covers some things about our universe and this revelation was given to Abraham while he was in Egypt. The great scientist and thinkers at that time of Egypt understand and believed that all thing that existed are related by ratios. If one understood the ratios they would have great power and control of things. They understood the ratios of sound and were the first (as far as I know) to divide sound into ratios and establish harmonic ratios as well as destructive rations of sound. I could explain much more in detail – the ancient Egyptians were quite advanced. Note that in Abraham 3 there is a lot of explaining things (relationships) according to ratios. For example: If two things exist one will be greater than the other. Then it is explained how all things are related to G-d. I believe that Doctrine and Covenants section 88 explains basically the same revelation but according to Newtonian physics that was common in the days of Joseph Smith. The parallel example to what I referenced above we see “37 And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom. 38 And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions. 39 All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified.” I would really like to see these revelations given with relativity and special relativity in mind. And also with what we have discovered with James Web Telescope some updates. We are told that in the last days that knowledge of the universe will expand (the example is like the unrolling of a scroll – maybe we could think of it as watching a youTube video. I am looking forward to many more revelations. The Traveler

I sort of understand – not even Fox News says anything about the Abraham Accords, and it is never a question brought up in the presidential debates or campaign speeches or literature. I do not think it is a matter of passion as it is ignorance, and I cannot figure out why; especially since the two major parties seem to be so divided over it. When I bring it up – many republicans act like a dear in the headlights (What the?) and the democrats act like they have never heard of it. Likely because Biden has screwed it up so badly. I have a theory that the hawks (both parties but mainly democrats that tout various levels of anti-military) behind the military industrial complex that blame everything on Russia or wild conspiracy theories. But then, I have been amazed that there are among the common folk (not among societies billionaires) anyone that thinks compound interest is a good economic idea. The Traveler

Just wondering – the escalation and emanate threat of nuclear war is totally irrelevant to who? The Traveler

My party status is complicated – though I have attempted to be active in several possible parties (I have also registered and worked without any compensation as a lobbyist for various causes), there is just far more critically important issues (not so much for what is claimed during the election process but for what legislation is voted for and passed) that I disagree with than what I can find to agree with. Because you are a voting Democrat, I am glad you are posting on our forum, but if I may, I have one question that haunts me about those that support Democratic candidates. I do not know a more important issue on the world state than the Abraham Accords. Why would you (or any other voting Democrat) vote for someone that does not support the Abraham Accords? I do not know of a single Democrat in all of congress that supports (not by political speech but by vote), the Abraham Accords – Why????? The Traveler

It is my opinion that the best option would be Rober F Kennedy Jr. That is, if anyone is looking for someone that could bring both sides of this country together – a Democrat that would have an appeal to Republicans. But then the divide may have come to the point that many would rather have a civil war than any kind of compromise. The Traveler

Since there was a criticism concerning the doctrine of exaltation (the greatest blessing for mankind to become one with G-d – an heir of all the Father has – which we LDS believe is a being like unto G-d in his image and likeness), I wanted to address the strawman argument that becoming like G-d was the downfall or great sin of Lucifer (Satan). The reason this is a strawman argument is that Lucifer never intended to be one with G-d but rather intended to remove G-d from heaven via a coup. All that Satan desired was the power and Glory of the Father. It is obvious that Satan wanted to eliminate love, compassion, mercy and forgiveness (atonement) as an intent or characteristic of G-d. The Traveler

My impression is that things are about to get worse. This summer will change some things both in our country and the world. The Traveler

What is the secret for tagging a user when there is a space - usually several names show up before the tag is complete so a selection can be made. The Traveler

I mostly prefer lean cuts - round steaks and roasts (like eye of round, top round, bottom round and round tip) also top loin, top sirloin, chuck shoulder, arm roasts, and filet mignon. If it is a beef steak – I prefer medium rare to medium (pending on who is cooking and what they think is medium rare). If the steak is game (deer or elk) I am a definite medium, broiled with added steam (water). More than stakes I prefer slow roasted beef roast – cooked with vegetables and mushrooms. The Traveler

As always, I am greatly impressed with your input @prisonchaplain . At the same time, I have to admire someone like @little Nipper that is willing to post their alternate ideas on a forum stacked with those firmly convinced otherwise. I hope they are up to the challenge and open to discussion. I am a little concerned that their handel does not link when I include it. The Traveler

Greetings : A study of Bible scripture does indicate that there are multiple G-ds. Let’s start with Genesis where we are clearly told that man was created in the image and likeness of G-d. In the same verse we are told that both male and female were created – the structure indicates (ancient Hebrew structure) that both male and female are created in the image of G-d. Now there is a logic problem. If G-d is both male and female that man was not really created in the image of G-d because man is not both male and female. The only other logical conclusion is that that there is at least one male and one female G-d which was used al the model for the image and likeness of G-d. Let’s explore another bit of scripture. Whenever there is a reference to “one” G-d in Biblical scripture the ancient Hebrew word used is “ehad”. Ehad is a plural word that connotates more than one involved in a union. Ehad is also used to designate that a man and woman married before G-d is one “ehad” flesh. There is a Hebrew word that designates a uniquely single individual. That Hebrew word is “yhead”. Yhead is never used in scripture to designate that G-d is a uniquely single individual. I will give you one additional Biblical scripture in the Book of John starting with verse 30. When Jesus said he was “one” (ehad) with the Father, the Jews took up stones to stone Jesus. As we read through this exchange the whole problem is that the Jews did not believe anyone could be one with G-d because that would make them G-d as well. Consider carefully the response Jesus gave to this conundrum discussion. Jesus said that it is written in the law that ye are g-ds. One final scripture is again from the Gospel of John – this time chapter 17 when Jesus was praying in Gethsemane for his disciples. Note that in verse 21 Jesus prays that the disciples will be “one” with the Father in the same was that Jesus is “one” with the Father – and to be “one” with both The Father and the Son. Remember that this is the same becoming G-d for which the Jews claimed Jesus should be stoned. The main point that I wish to make is that there is reference in scripture that man was created to be like G-d and “one” – ehad with G-d. The Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy because to be “one” with G-d requires that both are G-d. I would also point out that often things are not spoken directly in scripture but are spoken specifically so that those with eyes to see and ears to hear will hear and see. I have given more than one witness in Biblical scripture – there are more that I have not referenced but if what has been provides is not seen nor heard – what is the logic to continue? The Traveler

Greetings @CommanderSouth : I would respond with my understanding – both of scripture and personal experience. Having been trained in physics I have a background in the science used to describe our universe with dimensional space time. I also consider myself well versed in LDS doctrines. A Russian scientist developed a theory concerning advanced civilizations which are now referred to as the Kardashev scale of civilizations. There has been some enhancements to this scale but in essence the highest-level civilization is able to manipulate and control all the energy of the universe. What I am putting forth is that there is another theory, beyond what you presented, concerning possibilities for G-d or G-d like civilizations that are theoretically possible within our universe. Such a civilization would be able to harness blackholes and with such technological ability, able to control and manipulate our universe of dimensional space time. Let me break this down with a symbolic example. No creature as we know and define as living (to exist in our universe of space time) is able, of their own resource, to travel faster than the speed of sound. However, mankind, with the ability to invent and manipulate technology, is able to travel faster than sound. Which, BTW, puts us somewhere between 0 and 1 on the Kardashev scale. We have already proven special relativity which demonstrates time is not constant. In other words, we know how to manipulate time without requiring that we somehow transcend beyond space time. It is my understanding and belief that evil exists independently from G-d. I like the explanation by @zil2 but I would add some things. No unclean thing can exist in the presents of G-d. This idea is a little ambitious and difficult to understand but in part because we are subjected to evil that we might know by experience the difference between good and evil and through agency make choices concerning the possible outcomes related to good and evil – and this must exist beyond the light or presents of G-d in order to allow that we repent and avoid the inevitable outcome of evil. It is obvious that modern science (as well as Latter-day revelation) is capable of thinking beyond the possibilities of traditional Christianity and ancient philosophy. The Traveler

The scientific definition of intelligence is the ability to learn and alter one’s behavior. I do not think there is an intelligent dog in this fight even though there are stark differences in intent. I do go back to Trump best accomplishment in the Abraham Accords which in contrast is Biden’s greatest blunder in not following up. I am concerned with those that think Biden’s great accomplishments are border security, stable economy and brilliant foreign diplomacy. Current border policy looks more to be a throwback to human trafficking and the slave trade. The Traveler

Welcome. I hope to see specific input from your studies. I am an amateur student of ancient text and an ardent believer in G-d, logic and science. I am of the mind that those that converse only with others of the same opinion – will not learn. Realizing that there are many interpretations of Biblical Scripture – I am more curious why and how particular interpretations are achieved - not so much the interpretation. If I question your view it is intended to give you the opportunity to explain your logic rather than to defend your result. I look forward to learning from you and your discoveries. The Traveler

I think many Trump supporters will be surprised how well those that oppse him can script this. Biden supporters will be convinced that Trump is even more evil than expected. The Traveler