Traveler

My guess is that the war is not coming to an end - yet. The Traveler

The lies told by others in some effort to deceive me are not nearly as deadly to my character and well-being as are the lies I tell myself in order to believe it. The Traveler

The 3 most deadly ways to die from an automobile accident are from speeding, intersections and lane changes. The main problem is that over time it is not just those with insufficient intelligence that are eliminated from the gene pool but others willing to live in a society that fosters such inferior intelligences. Perhaps it is all for the best. Perhaps this is the reason that we have never discovered in this universe a civilization more advanced than our current civilization. The Traveler

How can I make this short enough to maintain interest on the internet? There is a great deal about humanity and our past that has been lost (hidden and forgotten) and that we do not understand. As for our ancient scripture (Old Testament), my impressions is that very little is literal but that such sacred teachings are both spiritual and symbolic and cannot be understood except by covenant and through the holy spirit. This is why the temple covenant (endowment) begins with the Eden epoch where we are taught to think of ourselves as Adam and Eve. I speculate that Adam (Michael) and Eve, symbolically represent all of humanity in the Garden of Eden (which is a pre-mortal existence). I have entertained the idea that Adam and Eve were created physically in the same manner as we all are – born from a physical union of a male and female into which the first spirits of the spiritual children of G-d were placed. In other words - Adam had a billy button. That the technology and knowledge of the antediluvian period was a genuine Kardashev scale type I+ civilization whereas currently we are a sub type -I civilization. That we are currently living in a period of restoration and not a new understanding of anything (See Ecclesiastes 1:9-11). I am quite sure that Shem had a name change through covenant with G-d and became known as Melchizedek. That he was educated and grew up in the advanced antediluvian period and maintained a great library of spiritual and physical knowledge that was taken with Salem. According to traditions, Abraham left home as a youth and lived with Melchizedek where he was educated. We know some of Abraham from the restoration of the Pearl of Great Price when Abraham returned home and confronted the pagan rituals of his father. During the time that Abraham spent in Egypt – there was a significant advancement in science and mathematics. Joseph Smith gave indications that Abraham was well educated and understood advanced mathematics. Historically we have discovered that ancient Egypt knew about harmonic triads, the golden ratio, the mathematical value of “e”, the ratios of colors (light) and complex number theory. The second son of Noah (Japheth) went east from where the Ark settled and became the founder of what would become known as the Gentiles. He also grew up and was educated during the antediluvian period. Perhaps it is possible that the pure genetics of Adam and Eve are not the only genetics in current humanity. I only suspect such without sure knowledge that it is so. I suspect that it is quite possible that when the Messiah returns there will be a great deal of knowledge revealed that will greatly surprise us all and end the prejudices and mistrusts between our current understandings of both science and religion. I wonder that it is probable that our society of the millennium will be a Kardashev scale type II civilization. The Traveler

I wonder if the French think that this expresses the best of their culture to which the world ought to be aware? If the French are okay with it, then those that are responsible gave an honest insight to their culture. There are things the French are indeed famous for. The Traveler

I stand corrected. There are some good people amidst corruption – apparently. The Traveler

I have posted before that I spent some time in the military attached to a military intelligence company that specialized in integrating and brain washing POW’s. Joseph Goebbels is considered the expert of this dark art. He suggested that the best method of mass brainwashing was through the use of entertainment – especially humor. He claimed (and I think he was correct) that anything you could get people to laugh at, eventually they would embrace and think that they have always believed so. I have since believed that what a person finds entertaining and amusing (both in what they engage in and how they respond to and use what they learn) is the best indication of their character and the context of their intent. The Traveler

BYU is unique among educational institutions in that it centers more on education than research. I have to wonder what medical research funding for BYU will rely on – not to be dependent on government grants (in other words politics). These times they are a changing. The Traveler

I decided to wait a while to respond to your post. I have spent most of my professional life working at the corporate level. I am not sure what your experience is with your relative’s business, but it sound more like what we label in the USA as a small business rather than an element of the corporate world. I would bet that their business does not sell corporate shares of their company. Mostly because of your comments about bonuses – I would guess that they have control of their company and do not have to run anything past a board of directors – that in turn is liable to the shareholders. Up until recently, my wife and I have run 4 LLC companies that run more like you described. We were able to keep our people employed during COVID but had to cut back on their hours. During that time, we took no profits or even a dime for ourselves. This was not really a big deal for us because the primary reason we have LLCs in the first place is for investments and tax advantages. I have worked for 4 separate corporate entities. When I went to work for them, they all were the top companies in their marketplace with close to 90% of the market share. For all but one, there was a merger that took place – it is sometimes called a buyout and sometimes called a hostile takeover. I am quite sure that a takeover or buyout was not an obstacle your relatives worried about or did not have control over. Likely their only problem with such a thing is if they defaulted from a loan. Back to what I have experienced in all but one of the mergers I was a part of. After some time, massive layoffs are announced. The excuse is that the board of directors has determined that the company has redundancy and needs to “right” size for the current market. What is always overlooked is that as soon as a massive layoff is announced a critical number of top performers take opportunities to work elsewhere. One particular merger, I had enough inside information to realize that the actual reason for the downsizing was twofold. First because a debt was incurred in the purchase of a competitor and with a change in the marketplace, they had to make some changes. This brings me to the second reason. In order to meet their projections and maintain their multimillion dollar bonuses (that are sometimes 10+ times their salaries) they had to adjust their bottom line which could only be done with layoffs. As silly as this may sound it becomes quickly obvious that that without the personal (especially the most paid top performers) there is no way to maintain their market share. By time the writing is on the wall (which the board could see before anyone else) things begin a downward trend – at which point the CEO and his management team move on to “help” other corporations remain profitable. Though it did not happen while I was employed with Boeing – it has happened there as well during my lifetime. The problems that are occurring now would have never happened when I was at Boeing. How do I know this? Because I know what it took to get on at Boeing and what the environment was like. As a side note: The employee union gained more control over the company. Weather or not that is the reason for Boeing’s current problems – I could not say but I am doubtful that it did not have any impact. The Traveler

You make some very good points in your post. However, you do realize that DEI by intent and implementation, has a focus, primarily of gender and race. As for the comparison of Condoleezza Rice and Kimberly Cheatle, we need only look at two very important elements. First – Were established procedures followed? Second – Was there any effort of coverup or shive blame for not following procedures? As a side note – in most cases a coverup causes more problems (eventually if not immediately) than the initial issue. Our corporate structure is in horrible disarray. I can give many examples, but I will give a counter example. In Japan, it is required, both by law and tradition that if a company has a layoff that no one in management receives a bonus. In the USA most layoffs take place so that (insure that) upper management and investors can receive bonuses. Because of such incentives – US corporations tend towards corruption – which bleeds over into politics. Everyone wants to work with those they trust and to force otherwise with the power of law is both offensive and ineffective. The best success come from incentivizing the individuals most qualified. It really is not that difficult to discover the most qualified. Let me give an example. Take at random 10 individuals in any endeavor – be it sports, business, politics, doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, plumbers, electricians, artists – whatever. There is an amazing difference in production and quality of production. DEI demands equal compensation for equal work. That is not a good idea because there is only an appearance of equal work – the work is never equal. For example, I was a welder in the army. A very good welder BTW. On my mission I met a fellow that worked 6 months out of the year and yet was a multi-millionaire welder. I could not believe he could make so much money welding – so I asked. He responded that he was the best welder in the world and when no one else was able to complete a job – he was called. What we want to do to help society prosper is to incentive those that are the most productive. Things like minimum wage, equal pay for equal work and DEI do not incentivize the most productive. But there is another consideration. That is to incentivize the less productive to be more productive. To do that – we need to allow those that give more effort the opportunity to do so – and my experiences with government is that when the government gets into the dog fight – what we seem to discover is that career politicians really do not have any skin in the game. The Traveler

Regardless of the law, there will always be exceptions that are worthy of an argument. Here is something I would suggest. A repeat offender that has been convicted previously of a felony crime (pick a number between 1 and 3) with the use and intent to use lethal force that endangers or ends another’s life – is put to death after previouos convictions. During the trial - previous convictions cannot be made known to the court nor for consideration for appeal. I would favor the method of death punishment be by the same lethal force that was used with the crime but can accept whatever method a majority of our society can fathom as reasonable. As a side note – I would rather execute one innocent individual than convince 99 guilty of murder that they can exist in our society without recourse – even if (especially if) the one innocent is me. The Traveler

I cannot ever figure out who will win a football game without my personal bias messing it up. But I would disagree with a couple of conclusions drawn by @JohnsonJones . Though I agree that there are a lot of historical great men that worked to hinder Zion – I also believe that many (all?) of histories “Bad Guys” had good sides. No one is pure evil or pure good – the exception is Christ being pure good, but he was very different than the rest of us. As for Trump? I can say I have a problem with his demeanor and presentation. That is obviously the evil that is in him. But his projects and agendas? Just taking the Abraham Accord – That was amazing, and I cannot think of a single reason to oppose it, discontinue it or even critize it. It bothers me no one is talking about that and that the democrats hate Trump so much that they are shutting it down??? The border? Trump was the first president in I do not know how long that took the power from the cartels from operating movements at the border – both directions. Trump could be Anti-Christ, but I think other life long professional politicians fit the description better. The Traveler

Greetings @ShanShan and welcome to the forum. In another life – after college I went to work for a company that contracted with the government. Initially I worked for the Anti-submarine Warfare division then changed companies and moved to mostly Air Force projects. If you think about it – just about everything the government does meets the criterion of a conspiracy – especially when money is involved – directly or indirectly. If anything looks fishy, strange, out of place or inconsistent, you can bet the farm there is a conspiracy far deeper, wider and more nefarious than you can imagine. Consider the scripture – Doctrine and Covenants 121:39 Never-the-less I got to love it that you default to thinking the best of people. Looking forward to hearing more from you. The Traveler

Has he ever functioned as "THE PRESIDENT"? With ambiguous symbology - it can be purty much be molded to fit any orifice – I mean office. The Traveler

Abraham 3:19 By whatever means that one is able to measure intelligence there is (among the children of men as well as all creatures of heaven) none more intelligent than Jehovah - G-d. We are also told what intelligence is - Doctrine and Covenants 93:29 It would appear that our intelligence is something that exist and was not created. It is my personal thought that as mortal humans we do not have much of a handle on what intelligence is. I am also of the mind that what we can glean from revelation and scripture there is more to intelligence than what we mortals are told. I speculate that we are not stuck with a particular level of intelligence. That it can be added upon as well as diminished. Having dealt with industrial artificial intelligence – applications in manufacturing automation and robotics – I have come to appreciate the concepts of distributed intelligence over a super intelligence that governs and instructs intelligence throughout a system. This includes the concept that all data relevant to complete a task resides at the level that task is done. The full extension of this concept is what is called the “hive mind”. It is somewhat similar to a beehive but different in that all pertinent information is communicated and available throughout the system. This seems to me to be the desired purpose of the Plan of Salvation – to me. The Traveler

Since I am dyslexic, I often think I hear (, read or see) something that does not make logical sense to me. I have come to believe that if something does not logically fit its paradigm that it is not true or real. Science tells us that we do not see anything but rather the brain takes information (electrically from nerves) and forms the images that we see. Astronauts in space often bumped into tools floating around because their brains kept such things from view because we humans have learned that gravity does not allow heavy tools to float. But again we must be careful because there is no difference to an individual between what they see or hear from what they think they see or hear. I believe that Satan is smart enough and has knowledge to use our individual follies against us. This is why no one can resist temptation or deception without divine help. For me this is the logical reason not to challenge, in any degree, the ability to be deceived by Satan. I personally live with the possibility that somewhere, somehow – I have fallen into a demonic trap designed specifically for my arrogance. This is another reason I like to see what others think of my thoughts and concerns. It is another check for something I did not consider. Unfortunately, many take my questioning of logic as my determination that their logic as a threat – when I am just making sure I understood them correctly and that there is solid logic that I can relate to. The Traveler

I have posted a number of times that despite what @mikbone claims – word do matter (see last conference talk – Sunday morning by Ronald A. Rasband). The Hebrew word always used for “one” G-d is the exact same word used to designate “one” to describe the individuals (many) involved in a divine marriage. The word person has some troubling extensions of meaning. For example we can define one person (singular) with multiple person”alities”. Because multiple persons can be defined for a single individual this word “person” has ambiguity – one reason that I personally do not like the Trinity Creeds. The word “individual” – especially with the adverb “unique” as a modifier is entirely unambiguous, in my opinion. If the one G-d (monotheism) is the intent of a single unique individual then our LDS theology is false (in my mind). Note that Celestial Glory requires marriage, which also implies that there is at least a Mother in Heaven that explains why men and women are created in the image and likeness of G-d. Even the term G-d or g-d has some ambiguity (especially in English) as to plurality. I would point to the ancient Middle Eastern Suzerain Vassel treaties that define “Kingdoms”. Please note that the society of heaven over which The Father resides is called a “kingdom” and that the organization here on earth is called both “the church of G-d” and “The Kingdom of G-d”. Also note that sacred scripture refers to Satan as the g-d of this world (which world has been overcome through Christ). I honestly do not understand how a knowledgeable person (individual?) can claim that they are Jewish or Christian that is monotheistic. I think that @HaggisShuu is spot on with his assessment and understanding and specific intend (not extension) of the term “monolatry” and that others are relying on extreme extensions rather than obvious intension of word definition (keeping in mind that context is an important part of word meaning and points to intented meaning). The Traveler

I like your post because I think it opens the door for some fun conversations. From what little I know about the human brain pattern recognition takes place in the neocortex. Two things are necessary to complete the process, and both can be defined as learned or acquired. The first step is a memory storage step. This step in essence decides what to remember and what to forget. The exception, as I understand, is the forgetting part but there is a caveat. Things remembered but not referenced or recognized, over time, can be cataloged to forget. The main point I intended to make is that very little is “hard-wired”, much of what we intelligent humans think is derived from the various parts of the human brain are capable of wiring itself as a learning process. In essence, brain washing is the process of introducing stimulus to the brain in a manner to prevent the override to forget. It is most important to understand that anything in the human brain that recognizes or catalogs for preference requires a learning or acquiring process. I will take this one more step further and say that all cognitive responses (responses to something recognized or aware) are learned responses. A term often used are triggered responses. The research by both Pavlov and Skinner have demonstrated this learning process in humans – I am unaware of any research to demonstrate otherwise. If someone says or thinks that G-d made them a certain way of preference – it simply is not backed up by science. From what little training I received while in the military - I can say with authority that the shooter in the Trump incident had no serious combat training. There are so many problems with that incident that it is very easy to conclude that even though the individual had some skills - they had no clue what to do to be successful. But they did plan and think they would succeed and get away with it – which is most difficult for me to understand. If the shooter had any collusion within the government – I believe that collusion planned that the shooter would not survive. As to the Secret Service preparation and execution – again it was extremely unprofessional. I am certain that the director has resigned with the agenda of a coverup (for themselves and others involved in a possible conspiracy). In essence, to protect what was really going on beneath the surface. For example, the director said their funds were limited. My question would then be, “how much is the Secret Service cost for the former president Trump? And how much is the Secret Service cost for the former president Obama?” This will indicate if there is a political agenda. This should be part of the public record (no reason that I can think of to classify it). But I will guarantee that no one will be able to get this information before the election. Like so many things that we are learning – there sure seems to be a conspiracy that was planned with enough foresight and intelligence for the important individuals involved to have plausible deniability. There seems to be a pattern of deniability for our borders, our economy, our health care (COVID-19), our climate or whatever is popping up as a means to declare an emergency for more learned minds in positions of power in government can access greater control. If there is a conspiracy, I would guess it must involve someone(s) with access (but perhaps for deniability not direct control but higher up in the chain of command) to all these little bits and pieces of problems causing concern. The Traveler

The democrat nominee for president has to be Kamala Harris. She is the only democrat candidate that can use funds collected by Biden and also the funds that are now powering in. It usually turns out that in the USA we get the best candidate that money can buy. The spinning of news concerning a democratic candidate has already started. There is nothing so far that I saw coming as it has been presented. I do not think that anything is off limits for this election. I do not see the losers of this election in any way getting along with the winners – at any level. The Traveler

Agreed. However, it would seem that our political arena has perfected the art of plausible deniability. And as long as one’s favorite political party is called with the foul – it becomes a defend the foul as though life depended upon it. Just as in sports – it does not depend on how flagrant the foul as much as who it is being called on. There is an old saying, “Don’t count your chicken before they hatch.” I think republicans underestimate the extent democrats will employ to maintain power – especially if it is obvious that they are about to lose. The Traveler

I believe that if we understand and apply D&C 84 (specifically beginning with verses 33) that your question is not necessary. How can I explain this? A very important principle I learned while in the army - If my commanding officer said take your patrol and hold the west side of our position from the advancing enemy – that anything I do anything other than take those that follow me and hold as best as we can the west side of our position – that the outcome will result in something worse. It does not matter how wrong the officer is– the outcome will be worse if trust is lost and teamwork fails. I do not know what you expect as a doctor but if those under you question the validity of what you ask of them, especially in front of your patients – how effective of a doctor are you? The Traveler

I would say some things about why I believe everyone should read the book, “Jesus The Christ” by James E. Talmage. 1. James E. Talmage was called and ordained an Apostle of Jesus Christ. The calling of Apostle is a divine calling to be a special witness of Jesus Christ to the world. 2. When Elder Talmage wrote the Book “Jesus The Christ” he did so with the attitude of fasting and prayer – exclusively in the House of the L-rd (Salt Lake City Temple). 3. Elder Talmage was specifically asked by and directed (called) by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to write the book. 4. After the book was completed, it was read by the First Presidency and published from the Church’s press by the approval of the First Presidency. 5. All financial proceeds and profits acquired from the sell of the book are donated to become sacred funds in the Kingdom of G-d on earth 6. I know personally 4 general authorities during my travels here on earth. All of them have the book, “Jesus The Christ” as an integral part of their sacred library. Not recommending that missionaries read “Jesus The Christ” while on a mission, does not mean that it is recommended that missionaries not ever read “Jesus The Christ”. I would like very much to hear an explanation in more detail (like in case like Ammon and Arron) of why you seem to be rejecting a witness of an Apostle of Christ. The Traveler

I think that the term “perfect” is often used imperfectly. Anciently the term used is different from our more modern terms as the ancient term translated as perfect conveys the meaning of complete rather than without ever having a flaw. What I think it is interesting that both Aaron and Ammon came to a more complete understanding and conclusion by expressing their understanding. In such attitude of communicating that both completed the spiritual thought and put aside the possible flaw. The Traveler

I believe that like an onion there are layers in scripture and revelation. Or as Isaiah said, “Line upon line upon line and precept upon precept upon precept. To me this indicates that as a person become more spiritually aware or grows in keeping the covenants that the meaning of sacred things can change drastically. I will use your reference of Mormon 8:17: “And if there be faults they be the faults of a man.” I have thought for many years that this means that those prophets that contributed to various passages in the Book of Mormon (including its translation into English and other languages) are flawed individuals and possibly made mistakes. I do not think that this is actually the case or what Mormon was spiritually conveying. I am now of the opinion that what Mormon was saying is that if someone finds fault in the Book of Mormon that the fault lies with the reader (the natural man) and that if they sought the spirit by covenant with G-d they will have a spiritual experience void of or without any fault. In summary, the fault is not in the Book of Mormon but in that person (man) that thinks there is a fault. Especially in such a “man” that thinks and searches believing that there is a fault to be discovered. I find great symbolic parallels to your thinking here and with the principle of repentance. In essence, there is an element of repentance and being redeemed from sin that changes a natural man from “being loathsome” a creature into a delightful creature. Note that in both your example and in spiritual principle that repentance and redemption is not totallly the work of an individual themselves but rather more of allowing others (in a spiritual case – Christ) to have influence in a life and bring about change. I would note that there is a great difference between allowing spiritual growth and the attitude of – G-d made me this way – why should I change (repent and spiritually grow)? The Traveler

Actually, it fits well with ancient Hebrew expressions and is proof that the Book of Mormon is an ancient document translated by Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is written in Egyptian (reformed) but with Hebrew expressions. The Hebrew word “ehad” is translated as one in English but it is a plural term that designates many united as one. The word “yhead” is the Hebrew word to designate a single individual. Both are translated into English (and many other languages) with the word one and does not specify a difference. The word “ehad” is also used to describe a marriage before G-d as one. Thus, the meaning of marriage is not just a union between a man and a woman but also with G-d – or more properly G-ds. The Traveler