Laura,

I actually think he nailed it right at the start.

His first sentence was, "America is not a Christian nation."

Then, he spent the rest of the video building an argument that America should be, and shaming Christians who don't agree with him.

Really?

If we're going to turn America into a Christian nation, you don't get to cherry pick which parts of Christianity apply. You either take the whole thing, cross and all, or admit you're just using Christianity to push a political agenda.

Honestly, he should've just stopped after the first sentence.

It was the only honest thing he said, before trying to gaslight Christians into doubting their faith.

Mad,

You guys understand the new budget better than me.

My original post was about historical tariffs numbers I've found, just about this year, since January.

I'm more of "historical" numbers kind of person, than "projected" numbers that I take with a grain of salt.

Lamp,

The increase in tariff revenue wasn't intended to offset a $3 trillion projection over 10 years.

Lamp,

I looked at what total tariff expense for previous years was and Yales estimate for this year doesn't appear "reasonable"

Jp Morgan estimated additional tariff expense since Jan this year 82 billion.

Yale est 300b additional tariff exp which is ridiculous for same period.

Same period estimated additional tariff revenue 75 to 95 billion

Lamp,

82 expense offsets the estimated 75 to 95 range in revenue

Lamp,

Of course Yale will estimate high. Of course. Why stop at 300b..why not say 600b?

Lamp,

300 is Yale's est of additional tariff cost for this year. That think tank of liberals is way higher than jp Morgan est of 82..

When you look back at est tariffs cost over last few years, the 82 is more believable.

Lamp,

"tariffs a transient thing that will go away once manufacturing is reshored?"

I guess.

Corky,

"U.S. employers would face a direct cost of $82.3 billion from President Donald Trump's current tariff plans."

Let's talk facts, not fear.

Since January this year, the US has brought in estimated $75 to $95 billion in additional tariff revenue. Meanwhile, estimates of the additional tariff cost vary from Yale's liberal think tank claims over $300 billion (yeah right), while JP Morgan, a bit more grounded, puts it at around $82 billion.

So...per Trump's own plan, the tariffs are largely offsetting. That's how they were designed to work and what he was saying he wanted from the beginning.

And Trump's tariffs are targeted, not random. They're aimed at pressuring specific industries to reshore production and rebuild US manufacturing.

That strategy is showing results.

Seems it's working as planned so far.

I had it right in the first place.

Nevermind.

thessalonians not Thessalonica...---- spellchecker

John,

A lot of people believe Christianity is about forcing the government to take money from working people and give it to those who've chosen a lifestyle of dependence.

But in one of Paul's New Testament letters to the church in Thessalonica, Paul addressed believers who were refusing to work and relying on others to support them.

Paul's words were clear. He wrote, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

That's not just a suggestion.

It's Christian teaching, written by Paul, who shaped much of the New Testament.

John,

"The Pope runs nothing. He is the frontman and shill for the College of Cardinals, a cabal if ever there was one!"

In many Protestant churches, pastors derive their authority from "congregational governance" meaning their position depends heavily on popularity with the congregation.

The Pope, on the other hand, derives his authority from the office itself. He holds supreme and universal power over the entire Roman Catholic Church in matters of doctrine, governance, and discipline, and serves as the final interpreter of Catholic faith and morals.

To say the Pope "runs nothing" isn't just inaccurate. It's absurd.

(And yes, wah wah wah...cue the inevitable deflection "But what about all the abusive priests and coverups?" Let's not derail the thread.

Donner,

I don't see you.

Snoofy,

"When are you going to forgive yourself for being gay?"

I'm fine with that.

Actually, I'm having a harder time with the years I thought I was liberal.

Snoofy,

"Huh? I was not aware the Pope runs a mega church."

Are you saying "mega church" only applies to flashy, Protestant, televangelist, style churches with rock bands?

Sounds like you're playing semantics now because your blanket statement backfired.

Either walk it back or double down. Just don't pretend it made any sense.

American,

"Twice. He did it again after getting caught the first time."

I already knew that.

You think sinners don't backslide?

Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother? Seven?"

Jesus replied, "Seventy times seven."

(Hint...not literal..but meaning over and over)

If that's how many times He expects us to forgive each other, don't you think God forgives the same?

Snoofy,

"Anyone who runs a mega church is a swindler."

So just to be clear, you're saying the Pope isn't a Christian, just a swindler?

Legal,

"He believed in swindling the rubes, fleecing the flock, and ------- whatever moved.
You idiot."

He was a sinner, not a swindler.

Christians fall. That's the whole point.

Swaggart wasn't hocking "miracle" prayer cloths, pocketing the cash, and dumping prayer requests in the trash like Tilton.

Yes, Swaggart preached about healing but he didn't stage fake miracles like Benny Hinn (or Benny Hill more like it), and he didn't beg for $65 million jets like Creflo Dollar.

He preached the gospel, fell hard, and didn't hide from it.

Most Christians saw his confession and remorse as genuine.

That makes him flawed, not fake.

Right,

"I've known a few preachers in my day. They all have some sort of showbiz ambition."

Sounds like you never really knew any real preachers then...just the storefront showmen.

Most folks can agree there are plenty of charlatans out there.

But don't confuse those with the ones who are doing real ministry without a lot of fanfare.

Snoofy,

You did list some of the ones I think are in it just for $$.

Snoofy,

"For me to believe you"

Why would I lie about what I believe regarding Swaggart?

Now, if what you mean is you don't agree with me...why would I care?

Out of all the TV preachers, there's only a few I think are sincere believers.

Swaggart was one of them.

He understand the fraility of man, being saved by grace, and he shared a genuine remorse with the world.

btw....if you haven't seen him play, check out Swaggart play the piano.

Would have loved to watch him and Jerry Lee Lewis (his cousin) play together.

Db,

"I've got two kids in their 30s. Their political memories start around 9/11. They and many of their peers are turning into democratic socialists. Capitalism sucks, and they are seeing it."

You appear to be saying that economic opinions are the only defining differences between liberals and conservatives.

According to Newsweek, younger people are moving toward the Republican Party.

Not because they love capitalism, but for other reasons basically watching liberals and how they conduct their lives.