This video clip is totally awesome:
David standing up to and killing Goliath.
Faith over fear.
With G-d, anything is possible! ;-)
Showing posts with label Enemies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Enemies. Show all posts
July 13, 2022
June 20, 2021
@Torpedo Factory
March 28, 2019
Who Is The Most Dangerous?
I'm in the middle of Season 2, and it is a brilliant and mesmerizing show that depicts the battle between the CEO of a Wall Street Hedge Fund and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of NY.
Ands it is a true battle of wits, might, and it gets ugly in every way.
(I won't spoil the show...)
But there is one line from the show that came out in the heat of an exchange between the two at the end of Season One that I wanted to share:
The only thing more dangerous than a person with unlimited resources is a person who has nothing to lose.
When you think about it, there is tremendous wisdom and truth in this, and a poignant lesson to be learned for every person, organization, and even nation of great power.
No matter how much money, people, and assets you may have to fight...
...if the other guy has nothing to lose and is willing to go do the unthinkable then we have a very big problem indeed.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
From those desperate and willing to act as suicide bombers to those that would actually push the button on a nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack, there is no winning even if you are the last one left standing.
The other guy who feels he has already lost is willing to take you with him by any and all means.
Therefore, we cannot and should not ever think that the battle against evil is won, because even when the opponent appears in all respects to be defeated that may be when they become even more dangerous to us than ever. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 24, 2018
We Have Become Our Own Worst Enemies
Since 2008 and Obama's left-wing tilt followed by Hillary's election debacle and Donald Trump's upset win, what have we seen:
- Resistance
- Violent Marches
- Extremism From Nazis And ANTIFA
- Photos Of Decapitation
- Threats To Blow Up The White House
- Chasing Politicians From Restaurants
- Stealing Questions From Debates
- Secret Dossiers
- Smear Campaigns
- Special Counsels
- Sanctuary Cities
- Lies and Obfuscation
- Endless Challenges and Lawsuits
- Pay Freezes
- Government Shutdowns
- Stalled Legislation For Healthcare, Immigration, And more
- Screams for Impeachment
- Possible Planning of a Coup
- Endless Challenges and Lawsuits
- Pay Freezes
- Government Shutdowns
- Stalled Legislation For Healthcare, Immigration, And more
- Screams for Impeachment
- Possible Planning of a Coup
- Talk of states seceding or even of another Civil War
Folks, what are we doing?
You're gonna justify the means with the ends?
However, what are the ends so far and in the foreseeable future.
Nothing productive can get done politically or otherwise this way.
One side wins and the other throws a temper tantrum and stonewalls and then in reverse.
There is world instability from Russia to China, North Korea, and Iran, as well as violence and refugees from Syria to Sudan, Somalia, Myanmar, Iraq, and Afghanistan
The economic boom may very well end up an economic bust when it comes time to pay the humongous national deficit bill.
We are eating each other alive instead of creating a better world order.
Extremism begets extremism.
Hate begets hate.
You can tell yourself that you are fighting for what is right--both sides do--but perhaps you are destroying much more than you are building.
Things have gone too far and this country is self-destructing with or without Russian intervention.
We have become our own worst enemies. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Folks, what are we doing?
You're gonna justify the means with the ends?
However, what are the ends so far and in the foreseeable future.
Nothing productive can get done politically or otherwise this way.
One side wins and the other throws a temper tantrum and stonewalls and then in reverse.
There is world instability from Russia to China, North Korea, and Iran, as well as violence and refugees from Syria to Sudan, Somalia, Myanmar, Iraq, and Afghanistan
The economic boom may very well end up an economic bust when it comes time to pay the humongous national deficit bill.
We are eating each other alive instead of creating a better world order.
Extremism begets extremism.
Hate begets hate.
You can tell yourself that you are fighting for what is right--both sides do--but perhaps you are destroying much more than you are building.
Things have gone too far and this country is self-destructing with or without Russian intervention.
We have become our own worst enemies. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 17, 2018
That Smug Face, Evil Haman
That Smug Face, Evil Haman.
Reclining back with legs crossed.
Know-it-all, interrupting others rudely.
Abusive, hurtful words.
Violent, loud, aggressive actions.
Narcissist, my way or the highway.
For their power and desires only.
They believe that might makes right.
In every generation, they rise to perpetuate suffering on others.
But G-d stands supreme.
He will evoke his judgment and rain His fiery wrath on the oppressive, evil, and haughty.
And He will restore good over evil in the world.
His faithful will praise His holy name forever.
February 1, 2018
Happiness Is Serving G-d
Times may be tough.
But I have faith in G-d.
I turn to Him in whatever challenge or enemy arises.
My heart is singing to Him.
Hashem Melech.
Hashem Malach.
Hashem Yimloch L'Olam VaEd
In English:
G-d is king.
G-d was king.
G-d will be king forever.
What other reassurance in life could we ever want or need.
My heart is singing.
Hashem is G-d.
Hashem is One.
Yes, it is singing.
I have faith that all will be well.
- Peace, Health, Happiness, Prosperity.
Because it is G-d who rules now and forever and ever! ;-)
January 24, 2018
If G-d Is With Me
Basically it translates from Hebrew as:
"If G-d is with me
Who can stand against me."
And it's a picture of someone walking through the split sea like in the exodus from Egypt.
G-d can truly make miracles.
What G-d decrees no man can stand against it.
We need to merit G-d's standing with us.
You have to do right, speak right, and have the right intentions.
Only G-d can judge whether we are there!
But how amazing things can be for us if we look to the Heavens and merit G-d being with us.
Then no man can stand against us! ;-)
(Source photo: Tali-Cohen Saban)
January 23, 2018
Until My Last Breath
Hear O' Israel. The L-rd our G-d. The L-rd is one.
The most sacred and fundamental of prayers in Judaism.
Declaring our monotheistic belief and faith in the One Above who has created and sustains us daily.
These are words we call out from the depths of our heart and soul--in joy, in suffering, in life, and ultimately as we leave this world.
No one can take this from us.
Only G-d decrees who shall live and who shall die...who shall be exalted and who shall be made low.
Hear O' Israel.Everything is life is given true perspective by this.
The L-rd our G-d.
The L-rd is one.
People may rise against us and situations may look dire.
But in the realm of G-d, these are all fleeting like the dust that blows in the wind.
So too shall G-d remove our troubles and bring us comfort.
It is a test; it is all a test--remember, Hear O' Israel--and pass it with flying colors. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 11, 2018
Bringing Down The House
And one of my favorite stories and Biblical characters.
Samson was dedicated to G-d from birth and was an enormous warrior.
Even when he was betrayed, blinded, and bound, he maintained his ultimate faith in G-d.
He prayed that he be given the strength one more time to bring justice to G-d's enemies.
And that's when he pushed against the pillars and brought the house down on them.
On one hand, a tragic figure that trusted and was fooled by the beautiful Delilah, but a completely heroic man of great integrity, who believed in G-d and in vanquishing his enemies.
Look to the Heavens for your strength and G-d can grant you the ultimate strength to achieve your mission in life and even in death. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
December 19, 2017
What Do You Do With Fear?
"You have two options:
Forget Everything And Run
Or
Face Everything And Rise"
It the old fight or flight!
- Running may be good when you can avoid a devastating fight and get yourself and your loved one to safety.
- But sometimes you don't have that option and you have to "fight the good fight" and overcome the devils you face.
Everyone is afraid of something(s) and/or somebodies.
If someone isn't afraid then they are brain dead!
Strengthen yourselves, ready yourselves, and pray.
What do you fear and how will you face it? ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
December 18, 2017
Shower Us With Peace
A peace of mind, spirit, and body.
A peace that permeates every aspect of our being and knows no limits to time and space.
May You grant us a complete saving and healing.
As threats loom large on the horizon, we look to the Heavens to ask for your merciful saving grace.
Enemies rise against us, and only you can reach down and lift us up.
We stand in your presence, naked and humbled.
As the winds blow and clouds gather, only you can protect and save.
While some men look arrogantly at their own strength and smarts, these are nothing to the Master of the Universe.
G-d uproots the wicked and plants his faithful children in their stead.
Peace is the ultimate blessing, and only G-d can grant it. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
December 11, 2017
The Eyes Give It Away
Even for the best poker-faced folks out there--the eyes are the conduit to the soul.
Here's how it works:
- When someone is plotting to do you harm, they avoid looking you in the eye.
Why?
They are afraid, they are going to give themselves and their evil intentions away.
And so they attempt to hide their evil intentions behind closed eyelids, turned heads, and avoided gazes.
They think by avoiding eye contact, you won't be able to read them--seeing into their eyes and their malevolent thinking and planning.
Probably also even the worst of them may actually feel a little guilty (somewhere in there is a soul even if it's mucked up in dirt, corruption, and absolute sin).
- Yet the opposite is true when someone is executing their evil plans--attacking you and wanting to severely hurt you or worse.
Then, they look you straight in the face and in the eyes.
They are staring intently and honing in for the kill.
And in their wide open eyes, rage and evil burns, as they raise their voice and their clenched fists.
Seeking to execute their plots, their eyes come at you, tracking you, targeting you, and attempting to shoot/hit you first and hard.
When evil is there--the eyes are the giveaway--and the person's soul burns dark and deep.
But remember, G-d--the King of Kings--is forever light and He will chase the darkness away.
The L-rd executes darkness.
The L-rd will blind the haughty.
The L-rd will render a mighty justice.
The L-rd will save his faithful. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
December 7, 2017
Hashem Has A Plan
In every generation, "they come against us."
But the Holy One Blessed Be He watches over his children.
He neither slumbers nor sleeps.
When the wicked arise in arrogance and evil to hurt us, we must turn to the One Above.
"I will not fear, because G-d is with me."
Only He directs the course of the world.
Only He determines who will succeed and who will fail.
The evildoers plot their sinister ways.
But G-d sees and hears, and will disturb their evil intentions.
G-d, my soul crieth out to you in the times of my trouble and affliction.
My mouth begs you for your mercy and your just and swift hand.
Please G-d intervene and thwart the evil plans of those that hate you and your children and seek them harm.
L-rd arise. L-rd arise.
L-rd save us. L-rd save us.
L-rd make us successful. L-rd make us successful.
Vanguish our enemies and let your faithful servants prevail.
Make G-d turn his fiery and his sword on the enemies of His children.
May He exact ultimate vengeance and bring great discomfort, torment, and travail upon those with evil intentions and doings.
L-rd hear my cries, and swoop down from your Heavenly palace and save your people.
And the evil will be eradicated and the L-rd will bring final justice.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 25, 2017
Ever Feel Like You're Target Practice
The knives get sharpened and readied.
At some point, they come flying out of nowhere.
Often, from all directions at the same time.
When it rains, it pours.
Some people latch on to the opportunity to try and make a kill.
You do your best to duck this way and that and survive the onslaught.
Hopefully, you were adequately prepared.
The big question is--can you hold unto your cheese?
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 18, 2017
Classified Nuts
"I didn't realize these nuts were classified."
So said the chipmunk.
This was posted the same week that intelligence about ISIS was shared with the Russians from the oval office.
The Prez is entitled to share whatever he wants and maybe he didn't realize "these nuts were classified."
My bet is this was all sort of innocent, but either way we don't want to jeopardize critical intel sources and methods in our fight against our enemies and terror.
It's their nuts that should be on the line and not ours. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 3, 2017
Easy Solution to Axis of Evil
North Korea and Iran are sworn to the destruction of the U.S. and it's allies.
Repeatedly, they sponsor global terrorism, abuse human rights, violate agreements against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, conduct nuke tests, and missile launches.
Instead of destroying the missiles immediately upon launch or on the launchpad, which is a nice start...
Let's just do this:
- When North Korea launches, let's redirect the guidance system on the missile to Tehran.
- And when Iran launches their missiles, let's redirect it toward Pyongyang.
We don't have to fire a single volley.
Let the evil ones destroy each other and have a gangbusters time doing it. ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to Pixabay)
April 3, 2017
Under The Feet Of Haters
"You know you've made it when you have your haters."
This is a very political town!
But more than that, a leader has to take a position.
You have to stand for something.
There are oodles of constituencies and no matter how hard you try, you will never satisfy everyone.
Yes ideally, we always want to create a win-win situation.
However, every give, usually has a take, since the pie isn't infinite.
Compromise where possible, but hold your ground where necessary.
The key is to choose a direction from your conscience and follow your moral compass and do the most good for the most people and what's right in the eyes of G-d.
Unfortunately, some people will declare themselves your mortal enemy and try to stamp you out of existence just for being and following who you are.
Many of us who have experienced racism, discrimination, slavery, and even genocide know this senseless hate all too well.
Be strong of of good courage and do righteousness.
G-d is our rock and shield.
Psalm 27: "The L-rd is my light and salvation--whom shall I fear? The L-rd is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid."So as your enemies advance to step on and try and crush you, remember that G-d will decide where their feet actually land and how they will fall. :-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 4, 2016
The Evil Stink Eye
This is the idea that people who are jealous of you or simply don't like you, can wish bad (or evil to befall) on you.
And the more people or the more merits these people have in life that cast this evil wish (in mystical terms, some may call it a spell), perhaps the stronger the potency of it on you.
Superstition or real? This is a matter of what you believe in and maybe experiences you've had in life have taught you to beware of when others don't wish you well.
This is why many righteous people try to avoid the limelight--they don't want others to focus on them and harbor bad feelings toward them.
Better in a sense to remain more private and discrete than suffer the evil eye of others.
If we understand that there are not only physical powers in the universe, but also spiritual and metaphysical ones, then we may choose to protect ourselves by shielding ourselves from the public eyes of jealousy and hate.
Others may choose to do extra charity, prayer, and good deeds in an effort to protect themselves from competitors and antagonists in life.
It's funny, but when my wife sees someone she perceives giving another the evil eye, she calls it, "The stink eye!"
And truly, it does stink that people can be so mean and hateful to others, but unfortunately, not everyone in life is nice and good.
It takes all types, and that is why it's critical to avoid those evil glances, feelings, and thoughts of others.
Hurt can take many forms--words and deeds are the two that we recognize most often.
However, we shouldn't discount the harm that thoughts and feelings can cause as well.
The mind and spirit of humans can reach out and up to the Heavens, and so we must live our lives good to G-d as well to people, and Bli Ayin Hara (without the evil eye) for blessings and not for curses.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 14, 2014
Guns And Roses
On the face of it, is a computer screen "head" with pictures of a drone for surveillance and a fighter jet for carrying out battle.
In the right hand is a rose for the friend, and in the left hand is a gun for the foe.
On the bottom, it says "You Decide" with little pieces of hanging paper marked "Friend"or "Foe" and you pick one.
To me, the kid that designed this is pretty smart--smarter than a lot of adults today,
Why?
To many people, everything is black or white--for example, liberals may default to everyone as good and trustworthy until shown otherwise, while conservatives may take the alternate track where they assume people are bad and we should be cautious with them and be prepared to defend ourselves.
Neither is simply right or wrong--it's just how we approach things--although for me, it's definitely you have to earn trust, and still it's important to verify!
The kid that made the friend or foe robot apparently realizes that we have to discriminate between those people that are friends and those that are enemies--and act accordingly.
Surveillance is a good thing and being ready to defend ourselves is a very good thing.
Sometimes, those that masquerade as friends are really foes, and those that challenge us may really be our best friends.
We must be very discriminating in determining who is who--and be ready with both rose and gun. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 12, 2014
On Friends and Enemies
1) The first was from Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal where she reminds us of a political rule that "Friends come and go, but enemies accumulate." Really this applies in all of life, a few real friends may last over an entire lifetime, but most others are transient, such as in school, at work, or in a community, but when you leave that place or circumstance, the friendships often do not persist. However, enemies seem to last forever, where people never forget when they feel they've been wronged and these people may actually seek each other out and even join forces to get their contemplated revenge. The fight is not always fair or just, but people's feelings when they think they've been wronged, hang in the air, like the stench of decaying carcasses. Something to beware of.
2) The second was from a martial arts movie called Ninja 2 where one of the characters says to a martial arts expert, whose wife was brutally murdered, "The man who seeks revenge should dig two graves." Upon which, the martial artist wittingly responds, "They'll need to dig a lot more than that," and in the movie, the Ninja exacted his revenge on the drug lord and his gang for the murder they committed.
My impressions are that we should try to be good people and have a broad positive influence in the world. With some people, we will find true friendship--and very often, there is an almost unexplainable chemistry to this, where it just clicks--and it's as if we've known this person not only in this lifetime, but in prior lifetimes as well. In other cases, the friendships are more temporal based on shared circumstance, camaraderie, or even an alliance or sorts, and these really are not sustained when one or both parties move on. And that's okay, not every friendship is deep and forever.
In terms of enemies, you know it when you have it. Again, chemistry may play a role or one person may have indeed wronged the other. Sometimes, people can learn from making a mistake, they can apologize, commit to do better in the future, and there can be forgiveness. In other circumstances, the blood between people is bad and won't get better, because there is scarcity, misunderstanding, bias, or even blind hatred. In these cases, it often seems as if no amount of communication, negotiation, or bending over backwards will resolve it. You can try--it's always worth a try--but be prepared to circle the wagons and defend yourself, if all else fails.
Finally, a wrongful act can be so brutal and egregious that at times it seems that only a "joust to the death" will do, but revenge in the end, does not bring anybody back or undue the harm done. Yes, when justice is done, the world seems somehow righted and the fallen can be released from their painful throes and go on in peace, and maybe the evil aggressor will be prevented from hurting others in the future. In the end, the smell of peace is the sweetest of all, when we can live and let live. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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