16 billion dollars to Israel?

Why are 16 billiion of US tax dollars going to support genocide by Israel?

USS Liberty incident

Navy technical research ship USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli Air Force jet fighter aircraft and Israeli Navy motor torpedo boats, on 8 June 1967,  The attack killed 34 crew members (naval officers, seamen, two marines, and one civilian NSA employee), wounded 171 crew members, and severely damaged the ship.  At the time, the ship was in international waters north of the Sinai Peninsula, about 25.5 nmi (29.3 mi; 47.2 km) northwest from the Egyptian city of Arish.

Source:  Wikipedia

I was called anti-semitic by a person I thought was as an intelegent human being  who now lives in Israel – because I asking his opinion about Netanyahu. (name calling is not an argument in my book)

Lots of death and destruction in Israel and Gaza right now – glad not to be there – but killing 15,000 women and kids in Gaza with 2000 pound bombs supplied by the US government and paid for by US taxpayer dollars – What is the plan for the Zionists in Israel? 

And then there is is the issue of “settlers” in the West Bank killing Arabs with impunity.   There is also the issue of some Jews in Israel believing and saying that the hair of one Jew is worth the lives of 1000 Arabs.   And all share the God of Abraham.   Where does it end?

Eat the Rich?

In a world of disparities, where fortunes divide,
The cry of "Eat the rich" echoes far and wide.
But pause, dear comrade, and let empathy guide,
For wealth often hides a soul that's deeply inside.

Consider the burdens of those who amass,
The weight of possessions, the fear of loss's grasp.
Their opulent mansions, a gilded cage,
Where loneliness lingers, a constant stage.

Private jets whisk them to distant lands,
Yet their hearts remain tethered, bound by worldly demands.
Divorcees grapple with love's bitter sting,
Child custody battles, where emotions take wing.

In the end, they too face mortality's call,
Six feet under, where riches avail naught at all.
So let compassion soften our fiery rage,
For beneath the surface, there's a human cage.

Instead of devouring, let's seek to mend,
To bridge the divide, where kindness can transcend.
For wealth is but a fleeting, material guise,
While empathy's touch can truly suffice.

Just Stop the Killing

 

A Black man in the Bayview, his plea so clear,
"Just stop the killing, let's end this fear."
His words echo through my heart and soul,
A call to action, a tale untold.

In the city of dreams, where nightmares roam,
Black lives are lost, far from home.
Guns and violence, a daily plight,
Stealing joy, extinguishing light.

But the Black man's plea ignites a flame,
A spark of hope, a renewed refrain.
"Just stop the killing," he cries aloud,
A message of love, piercing the cloud.

Let's heed his call, let's unite as one,
To end the violence, beneath the sun.
Let's build a community, strong and true,
Where peace and harmony forever accrue.

For every Black life lost, a wound so deep,
A scar on our hearts, we can't keep.
Let's stand together, hand in hand,
And build a future, where all can stand.

So let's stop the killing, and start anew,
Create a world, where all dreams are true.
Let's honor the Black man's plea,
And make his vision, reality.

--------------------
Can anyone guess who this guy is?

Bard lays a boner – 5 jobs or 5 million?

Which option you choose, 5 jobs or 5 million, depends on your individual priorities and values.

If you choose to have 5 jobs, you will likely have a lot of money and financial security. You will also be able to afford to live a comfortable lifestyle and travel the world. However, you will also have very little time for yourself and your loved ones. You will also be constantly stressed and overworked.

If you choose to have 5 million, you will be able to quit your job and retire early. You will also have a lot of free time to do the things you love. However, you will need to be careful with your money so that it lasts. You will also need to find ways to stay busy and fulfilled without a job.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to have 5 jobs or 5 million is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and choose the one that is best for you.

Here are some additional things to consider when making your decision:

  • Your age and health: If you are young and healthy, you have more time to work and build your wealth. If you are older or have health problems, you may want to retire earlier and enjoy your life while you can.
  • Your family and lifestyle: If you have a family, you will need to consider their needs when making your decision. For example, if you have young children, you may want to avoid working long hours.
  • Your financial goals: What are your financial goals for the future? Do you want to retire early? Do you want to buy a house? Do you want to start your own business? Once you know your financial goals, you can start to make a plan to achieve them.

If you are still unsure which option is right for you, it may be helpful to talk to a financial advisor. They can help you assess your financial situation and make a plan that is right for you.

From Bard, 10/14/2023

God help us if this is “Artificial Intellegence”. 

More from Bard …

To Be or not to Be?  There is no easy answer to this question. It is a question that has been pondered by philosophers and theologians for centuries.  Some people believe that life is a gift and that we should cherish every moment. They believe that we should overcome our hardships and make the most of our lives.  Others believe that life is too painful and that it is better to die. They believe that death is a release from the suffering of life.  Ultimately, the decision of whether to live or to die is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer.

The Cacophony Society

The Cacophony Society is an American organization described on their website as “a randomly gathered network of free spirits united in the pursuit of experiences beyond the pale of mainstream society.” It was started in 1986 by surviving members of the defunct Suicide Club of San Francisco.

Cacophony Society events often involve costumes and pranks in public places and sometimes going into places that are generally off limits to the public. Cacophonists have been known to regale Christmas shoppers with improvised Christmas carols while dressed as Santa Claus.

The Cacophony Society has been involved in a number of notable events, including the Burning Man festival and the SantaCon pub crawl. The group has also been involved in a number of pranks and stunts, such as dressing up as clowns and driving around San Francisco in a van full of balloons.

The Cacophony Society has a strong anti-authoritarian ethos and is known for its willingness to challenge the status quo. The group has been criticized for its pranks and stunts, but it also has a strong following among people who appreciate its creativity and sense of fun.

The Cacophony Society is a unique and eclectic group that has made a significant impact on the San Francisco counterculture scene. The group’s events and pranks are often controversial, but they also provide a platform for people to express their creativity and individuality.

Here are some of the goals of the Cacophony Society:

  • To create and promote experiences that are outside the mainstream.
  • To challenge the status quo and to encourage people to think for themselves.
  • To foster a sense of community and belonging among free spirits.
  • To have fun and to make people laugh.

The Cacophony Society is a group that is always looking for new ways to challenge the status quo and to have fun. They are a force for creativity and individuality in San Francisco and beyond.

Zakat from Bard

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a mandatory charity that Muslims must pay on their accumulated wealth each year. The amount of zakat that must be paid is calculated based on the type of wealth and the individual’s circumstances.

Zakat is a way for Muslims to purify their wealth and to help those in need. It is also a way for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and to build a more just and equitable society.

The Quran teaches that zakat is a form of worship and that it is a way to please Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of zakat, saying that it is “the second pillar of Islam after the testimony of faith.”

There are eight categories of people who are eligible to receive zakat:

  • The poor
  • The needy
  • Those employed to collect zakat
  • Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
  • Captives
  • Debtors
  • Those on the road
  • Those whose hearts are to be softened

Zakat can be paid directly to these eight categories of people, or it can be paid to a zakat-collecting organization.

Zakat is a powerful tool for social welfare and economic development. It helps to reduce poverty and inequality, and it helps to create a more just and equitable society.

Here are some of the benefits of zakat:

  • Reduces poverty and inequality. Zakat helps to provide for the basic needs of the poor and needy, and it helps to reduce inequality in society.
  • Boosts economic development. Zakat can be used to invest in businesses and community projects, which can create jobs and promote economic growth.
  • Strengthens social cohesion. Zakat helps to build a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims. It also helps to create a more just and equitable society.
  • Promotes religious values. Zakat is a way for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and to build a closer relationship with Allah.

Zakat is an important part of Islamic society and it plays a vital role in promoting social welfare and economic development.

To be or not to be, that is the question

“To be or not to be, that is the question” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. It is spoken by Hamlet as he contemplates suicide.

Hamlet is weighing the pain and suffering of life against the uncertainty of what comes after death. He is unsure whether it is better to live with all the challenges of life, or to die and end all of his pain.

The question of “to be or not to be” is a universal one. Everyone has moments when they question the meaning of life and whether it is worth living.

There is no easy answer to this question. It is a personal one that each individual must answer for themselves.

Here are some factors to consider when thinking about the question of “to be or not to be”:

  • The pain and suffering of life. Life can be difficult and painful. There is illness, loss, and heartbreak. There are also everyday challenges such as work, relationships, and finances.
  • The uncertainty of what comes after death. No one knows for sure what happens after we die. Some people believe in heaven and hell, while others believe in reincarnation or nothingness.
  • Your values and goals. What is important to you in life? What do you want to achieve? If you have something that you are passionate about, then it may be worth living for.
  • Your relationships with others. Do you have people who love and support you? Do you have relationships that give your life meaning?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to live or die is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. However, it is important to weigh all of the factors involved before making a decision.

If you are struggling with the question of “to be or not to be,” please reach out for help. There are people who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time.

From Brad – 10/2/2023

 

Living a Long Life – what is the Point?

The point of living a long life is a question that has been pondered by philosophers and scientists for centuries. There is no one answer that will satisfy everyone, but here are a few possible reasons:

  • To experience more of life. A long life gives us the opportunity to experience more of the world, both good and bad. We can meet new people, learn new things, and have new experiences. We can also witness the passage of time and see how the world changes around us.
  • To learn and grow. With more time, we have more opportunities to learn and grow as individuals. We can develop our talents and skills, and we can also learn from our mistakes. We can become wiser and more compassionate people.
  • To make a difference in the world. A long life gives us more time to make a positive impact on the world around us. We can use our skills and talents to help others, and we can also work to make the world a better place.
  • To pass on our knowledge and wisdom to future generations. We can share our experiences and lessons with others, and help them to learn and grow. We can also teach them about the importance of values such as love, compassion, and justice.

Ultimately, the point of living a long life is up to each individual to decide. Some people may value experience and growth, while others may value making a difference in the world. There is no right or wrong answer.

Here are some specific examples of things that people can do with a long life:

  • Travel the world and experience different cultures
  • Learn new languages and skills
  • Start a business or pursue a passion project
  • Raise a family and watch them grow up
  • Become a mentor or teacher and help others to learn and grow
  • Make a difference in the world through activism or philanthropy

Living a long life is a gift, and it is up to each of us to decide how we want to spend it.

From Bard

Thoughts on Health, Wealth and Friendship

Whether wealth, friendship, or health is more important is a matter of personal opinion. However, there is a lot of research that suggests that friendship and health are more important for happiness and well-being than wealth.

For example, a study published in the journal Psychological Science found that people who have strong social connections are happier and healthier than those who do not. The study also found that social connections can help people to live longer.

Another study, published in the journal Health Psychology, found that people who are physically healthy are happier and more satisfied with their lives than those who are not. The study also found that physical health can help people to cope with stress and to enjoy life more.

Of course, wealth can also be important. It can provide us with access to food, shelter, healthcare, and other resources that are essential for survival and well-being. However, studies have shown that once our basic needs are met, additional wealth does not have a significant impact on our happiness.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to have a balance of wealth, friendship, and health. When we have all three, we are more likely to be happy and fulfilled.

Here is a summary of the benefits of each:

Wealth:

  • Can provide access to basic needs and resources
  • Can give us more freedom and choices in life
  • Can help us to support our loved ones

Friendship:

  • Provides emotional support and companionship
  • Helps us to feel connected to others
  • Can boost our happiness and well-being
  • Can reduce our risk of loneliness and depression

Health:

  • Gives us the energy and strength to enjoy life
  • Helps us to cope with stress and adversity
  • Reduces our risk of chronic diseases
  • Can improve our quality of life

I would say that friendship and health are more important than wealth for happiness and well-being. However, it is important to have a balance of all three.

From Bard – 10/2/2023

Brad’s Thoughts about Curiosity

I think curiosity is one of the most important qualities a human being can have. It is the driving force behind learning, exploration, and innovation. Curious people are always asking questions, seeking out new experiences, and trying to understand the world around them.

Curiosity has many benefits. It can help us to:

  • Learn and grow
  • Solve problems
  • Be more creative
  • Be more open-minded
  • Be happier and more fulfilled

Curiosity is also essential for progress in society. It is through curiosity that we have made scientific discoveries, developed new technologies, and created works of art and literature.

In today’s world, it is more important than ever to be curious. We live in a rapidly changing world, and we need to be able to adapt and learn new things quickly. Curiosity helps us to do that.

Here are some specific examples of the benefits of curiosity:

  • Curious people are more likely to be successful in school and in their careers. They are more motivated to learn and to take on new challenges.
  • Curious people are more likely to be creative and innovative. They are always looking for new ways to do things and to solve problems.
  • Curious people are more open-minded and tolerant of others. They are more likely to be interested in learning about different cultures and perspectives.
  • Curious people are happier and more fulfilled. They find joy in learning and exploring the world around them.

Overall, I think curiosity is a wonderful quality. It is essential for learning, growth, and happiness. I encourage everyone to nurture their curiosity and to never stop asking questions.

What do you think?