How to Further Divide People: Discussing the Current Climate of Divisive Politics in America

Bill

Talking Politics with ChatGPT

I had an interesting conversation with ChatGPT this morning, because I know you shouldn’t talk politics with friends or family. It was a nice conversation and nobody threatened to disown the other or refuse to speak to them again or anything like that, so it’s all good.

What prompted this post was this article by Clay Risen. I’ve also been listening/watching the Unbiased podcast/youtube channel of Jordan is my lawyer, which is a very good and maybe only source of truly unbiased political reporting on current events.

TikTok was down on my fire tablet so I started thinking for myself again, and was trying to understand the current president and how it seems he makes decisions that serve his best interests more than the country’s interests. Here is how our conversation went: (I readily admit that I am very naive about a lot of things, and politics is one of them)

MY INITIAL PROMPT:

Good morning. I want to talk to you about politics, and specifically about the US Constitution and who the president should be working for. It is my understanding that the government (including the president) work for me, the taxpaying citizen. Is that a valid assumption?

ChatGPT’s RESPONSE:

Good morning! Yes, that’s a valid assumption. In the U.S. system of government, public officials, including the president, are elected to serve the people. The Constitution establishes a government that derives its power from the consent of the governed, meaning that officials are accountable to the citizens.

The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with “We the People,” which reinforces the idea that government exists to serve its citizens. Additionally, elected officials take an oath to uphold the Constitution, which outlines their responsibilities and limits their powers.

That said, while the president and other officials work for the people, they don’t take direct orders from individual citizens. Their duty is to uphold the laws, protect rights, and act in the best interests of the country as a whole, which sometimes means making decisions that not everyone agrees with.

Are you thinking about this in the context of a specific issue?

Are you thinking about this in the context of a specific issue?

MY RESPONSE:

You mentioned government and the president should “act in the best interests of the country as a whole”. How would rebuilding Gaza align with the best interests of the country when we as a country currently have serious mental health issues with the population that go unnoticed and/or ignored?

ChatGPT’s RESPONSE:

That’s a fair question, and it touches on the broader debate over government priorities—whether resources should be spent domestically or internationally, and how decisions align with the national interest.

From a policy perspective, those who support U.S. involvement in rebuilding Gaza might argue that it serves strategic interests, such as maintaining stability in the Middle East, fulfilling humanitarian commitments, and preserving alliances. They might also see it as part of diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict, which could ultimately impact U.S. security and economic interests.

On the other hand, critics argue that taxpayer dollars should first and foremost address domestic concerns—like mental health, infrastructure, homelessness, and other pressing social issues—before being spent abroad. Mental health, in particular, has been a long-standing crisis in the U.S., with underfunded programs, lack of access to care, and growing concerns about conditions like depression, addiction, and PTSD among veterans and civilians alike.

Ultimately, it comes down to how people define “the best interests of the country.” Some see global involvement as a necessity, while others prioritize fixing domestic issues first.

What’s your take—do you think foreign aid should be cut back significantly, or do you see a balance that could work?

MY RESPONSE:

I’m not a politician but I do think there can be a compromise that would serve both sides. By allocating funds from recently eliminated wasteful government programs to, for example, mental health, you could start to reduce crime and homelessness, and probably at the same time work on improving infrastructure. Foreign aid is not a bad thing, but I would like to see this country spend more on the pressing needs of our own.

ChatGPT’s RESPONSE:

That’s a reasonable and pragmatic view. If wasteful spending could be identified and reallocated to critical domestic issues like mental health, crime reduction, and infrastructure, it could address major concerns without necessarily eliminating foreign aid altogether.

Many people share your frustration that while foreign aid has strategic benefits, there are urgent problems at home—homelessness, mental health, veteran care, and crumbling infrastructure—that don’t seem to get enough attention or funding. A compromise approach could involve:

  1. Identifying and cutting wasteful government programs – Auditing federal spending to eliminate inefficiencies and redirect funds where they’re most needed.
  2. Investing in mental health services – Expanding access to treatment, crisis response, and prevention programs to reduce crime and homelessness.
  3. Maintaining foreign aid but prioritizing efficiency – Ensuring that funds spent abroad serve a clear U.S. interest and are used effectively, rather than being mismanaged.

The challenge, of course, is that government spending is highly political, and reallocating funds often faces resistance from entrenched interests. But in theory, if politicians focused on efficiency and accountability, it could be a win-win.

Would you support legislation that required Congress to audit and justify all foreign aid spending before approving it?

MY RESPONSE:

I would absolutely support legislation that required Congress to audit and justify all foreign aid spending before approving it. Which brings me to the issue of lobbying. But let’s save that for another day.

ChatGPT’s RESPONSE:

That makes sense, and I think a lot of Americans would agree with you on auditing and justifying foreign aid spending. Transparency and accountability should be a priority when taxpayer dollars are involved.

Lobbying is definitely another big topic, and I’d be happy to discuss it whenever you’re ready. It plays a major role in how policies are shaped—including spending decisions—but it’s also a controversial issue.

Let me know anytime you want to continue the conversation!

Dog Log Day 1

Mya Hall

by Mya the Pittie

I’ve been wanting to share with all of you what has been going on in my life recently, and my dad was kind enough to share some space on one of his blogs to allow me to do that.

First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Mya, and I am a 6 year old female pit bull, whatever that means. I found the best man ever in January, when my dad decided he needed a dog. I say best man because I feel like he saved my life. You see, I was on death row at the bad place (the animal shelter), and I would have been put down (nice way of saying dead) had he not showed up when he did.

I had been there for about three months in people time; but it was close to forever in doggie time. Anyway, dad showed up and took me out of there, just like that! And he took me on the road with him in this big truck. The only thing I really don’t like is that he has to pick me up to get me in it. Oh, and that he left me at the doggie day care for almost a month because I couldn’t go with him for training. But he came back!

Where to start…

I’m not the best at math, but I will do my best to convert time to people time, since I doubt many dogs are reading this. If you are reading this and have a dog, you can just reverse calculate to doggie years so they understand. Ok, so for the past few months I have been riding with my dad in the truck, and I really enjoy all the sights and smells that I have experienced so far. I’ve also gotten to know myself a little more as a result of this experience.

Turns out, I’m afraid of a lot of things. Thunderstorms, and especially thunder. Storm water grates. Guys in hoodies that walk by us at night. Dad leaving the truck for any reason (though I’ve gotten much better with my separation anxiety).

I have also discovered some new likes, like bananas. And ice cream! I really like that stuff, even though it gives my tongue the tingles. And the smells, oh the smells! I’ve smelled boy dog pee in I don’t even know how many states so far. And fresh poop! Sometimes I pee on it, but sometimes it reminds me that “Oh, I need to do that too!”. My dad wonders how I figure out how much pee I need for each outing, and I understand this is confusing for humans, so let me explain.

The doggie bladder holds just enough pee to: .

  • 1. Do my stuff when I have to go
  • 2. Pee on really strong smells
  • 3. Pee on random things
  • 4. Pee on bushes that need watering but nobody knows it
  • 5. Pee on other dog’s poop

I’ve had people ask “Where do you spend most of your time when in the truck?” The answer to that is: on the floor between the seats. I have a puppy bed there that also has an electric blanket and dad’s hi-res raincoat on it. I ride there becauseI have fallen out of the seat when dad hooks up trailers and does a tug test without letting me know ahead of time. Plus, the bed is for sleeping after work, and is too far from dad when he is driving (if you want to call it that).

That’s a little bit about me, but feel free to contact me if you want to know more. Have a nice day and be safe on the roads. Oh, and a shout out to these fellow dog riders: Pom with Roadrunnania, Mustard with Bandita Drive, Buddy with Bethany, and Angel and her dog, and all the other truckers out there who have doggies along for the ride!

Pit bulls: Dispelling Misunderstandings One Tail Wag at a Time

Bill

Hello, fellow canine enthusiasts! Today, I’m eager to share my heartfelt journey as a recent dedicated pit bull caregiver and champion. Having relished the joy and companionship of these remarkable dogs, it’s high time to correct the misconceptions surrounding this special breed dear to my heart.

Mya the Pit bull was adopted from a local shelter

Pit bulls, renowned for their trademark grins and steadfast loyalty, have unjustly carried the weight of negative stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream media. However, beyond the sensational headlines lies a truth often overlooked – the limitless love and affection these four-legged friends bring into our lives.

From exuberant romps in the backyard to watching (mostly dog related) movies on the sofa, each moment shared with my pit bull companion, Mya, has underscored her gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment. She’s not a mere pet; she’s a cherished member of my family.

Despite her undeniable charm and affectionate nature, Mya still encounters prejudice and breed-specific legislation driven by fear and misinformation. It’s time to rewrite the narrative and illuminate the reality – that breed does not dictate temperament.

We can educate people about the sweetness of pit bulls through positive exposure, sharing heartwarming stories, and organizing educational events. Encouraging interactions with well-behaved pit bulls, providing accurate information, and debunking myths can help foster understanding and appreciation for these loving and loyal companions.

Through education, advocacy, and empathy, we can dismantle stereotypes and pave a path toward a more inclusive and compassionate society. Let’s honor the love and happiness that Mya brings into my life, striving together to build a world where every dog is judged not by appearance, but by the depth of their affection.

Behind Her Eyes

Bill

I haven’t posted here for a while, but felt the need to get back into posting more regularly. Here is a poem that came to me recently, that I’d like to share.

Photo by takwa abdo on Unsplash

For me, writing is the best way for me to express myself, as I’m not good at relaying what’s going on in my head verbally. I created a web page for a friend of mine recently, and shared what I was thinking about our friendship, and after she read all of it, she commented that I think too much.

And she’s right, probably, but I can’t help thinking about things, and especially when it comes to relationships. Do you remember the show “In living color”? The guy that always wrote songs about everything? That’s me; except that I wrote a poem about it. “Wrote a poem about it, wanna here it, here it go”:

Behind her eyes...
	 there exists a depth of knowledge
	 of hurt and pain and abuse

Behind her eyes...
	is hate and love, 
	anger and peace, 
	fear and joy

Behind her eyes...
	is also this unimaginable beauty that,
	for now, remains hidden from her

Behind her eyes...
	is kindness and compassion and 
	understanding and forgiveness 
	and God, and all things wonderful

Behind her eyes...
	despite all that she has experienced 
	that she never deserved,
	is this light that will not ever be extinguished 

Behind her eyes...
	I can clearly see God in all His beauty,
	and it's overwhelming to me

	When, oh Lord, will You introduce her 
	to the incredibly beautiful woman
	that lives 

Behind her own eyes





Copyright @ 2022 William H. Hall III

Labels

Bill

Labels are used to identify everything, from artichokes to Zenith Tvs. Labels identify, inform, educate, warn, …etc. They can be used for anything and everything, and often are. They can also be used to identify people and people groups. I’ve been meaning to write about labels for quite some time, but recent events have made me want to write about them today.

Most labels are not permanent

This past Tuesday was my three year anniversary of being released from prison. I call it my release “into the wild”, and that’s kinda what it was. Luckily, I hadn’t been in captivity as long as some other people I know, and some are still in captivity. I was very glad to be out, but I also came out with a label; and not a flattering one. In fact, not only is it not flattering, it is downright despised, due to the fear and ignorance propagated by American society.

So, what is the label? We’ll get to that. But first let me ask you what “label” you despise. You have one, right? It’s tied in with racism, hatred, ignorance, fear, anger, jealousy, ..etc; and whatever other negative thoughts we have about others that are not like us. What “label” do you hate? In Jesus’ day, the most feared label was that of “leper”, I think. Regardless of whether or not it was the most hated, it had to be one of the most feared.

Today, it is probably “child molester” or “sex offender”, right? Notice that those are two different labels, but due to ignorance and fear, most people think all “sex offenders” are child molesters; which, by the way, are not the same.

The infamous Limburger cheese

What if something is mis-labeled? For instance, what if you find a container in the cupboard or fridge that says “Limburger cheese”? You’d probably avoid it like the plague, wouldn’t you (if you know anything about Limburger cheese)? I know I would. What if your elderly relative was the one who labeled it? You know, your sweet Grandma who is suffering early onset Alzheimer’s, or who just forgets things sometimes? What if what was in the container is actually chocolate? And what if you trusted the label, rather than actually looking inside to see what was actually in there?

You would miss out on something really good. Yet, that is what we do as a people every day, without even thinking about it. Even though, and despite the fact that labels are temporary, and the people we attach those labels to are a lot of the time people who have done prison time. These are people who have done wrong, sure. In fact, sometimes they haven’t even done what they are accused of. But they have also paid their debt to society according to the law.

That should be the end of their punishment, but in the case of a “sex offender”, the punishment continues on for a lifetime. Try getting a job as a “sex offender”. Yeah, good luck with that.

What about this label? What if, like many of those in prison, they were a child of God prior to being incarcerated, or they came to know Christ in prison? What if, like the cheese example above, you missed out on having a great friend because you see them as a label, rather than taking the time to get to know somebody? What if you saw them as Jesus sees all of us that are “in Him”? As perfect because of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf?

What if?

I challenge you today to let go of your negative stereotypes in regards to people you feel are “less than” or not like you, and get to know somebody new. Let me know how you do and who you meet. I’m curious.

Tickle Me Pastor

Bill

Tickle Me Elmo was a popular Christmas gift back in the late 90s, and in fact is still popular today. Did you know the Bible talks about being tickled? Yep, in 2 Timothy 4:3 it says: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,” (NASB). In other words, they will find pastors that will confirm what they think, based on what they want. The question is “Is that what God says”?

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful

Colossians 3:15 Nlt
Elmo

In terms of forgiveness, what does God say? “Um, Bill, God says a LOT about forgiveness. Are you going to refer to all of the verses in the Bible? I don’t have that kind of time to read all that”. No, I just want to refer to a couple. First of all, how does God forgive us? 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (ESV), and “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12 ESV). So, He forgives us in the truest sense of the word; He forgives and forgets.

In Matthew, we see Peter struggling with the question of how to forgive others. At that time, the Rabbis taught that forgiving someone more than three times was not needed, based on Amos 1:3-13, which starts “3 Thus says the Lord: ‘For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,…”‘. In Matthew 18:22 Jesus says, when Peter asks about how often his brother will sin against him, and how often Peter should forgive him, Jesus says: “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven times”.

The implication is that, as fallible humans, we will sin against each other multiple times. And each time we are to forgive them. That’s not easy, especially if what they do triggers something in your past, and you see that person not for who they are but as who caused the original hurt. But I will tell you that if someone forgives me as Jesus forgives us, I will be much more unlikely to further injure that person, because I will see God’s amazing love through their action. And I believe that because they loved me the way God wants them to, especially as a fellow believer, that they will be blessed too.

In summary, pray for discernment in who you listen to when it comes to how you feel, particularly when you are in a place of hurt and pain. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and can certainly do that from the pulpit. He has certainly killed the relationship between my Christian neighbor and myself, and he will do it to your relationships as well, if you let him. If my pastor always says what I want to hear and not what God says, I need to find a new pastor.

No Paper People

Bill

Today, as I was visiting with my neighbor and helping her with her Bible study, a thought came to mind. Actually, many thoughts have been running through my head for the past few weeks, as I continue to try to understand people, especially a friend who claims to be a Christian, and how they have treated me recently. The Bible clearly says to love your neighbor as yourself, as I have written about in my last post.

drink and fast food
Photo by Sidral Mundet on Unsplash

Another friend of mine came to visit today, and he treats me much better than said alleged Christian friend mentioned above. So, the question becomes, for me at least, what happens when one Christian transgresses against a Christian friend, when the transgression is related to the other person’s past that hasn’t been dealt with? Is that what is meant to not cause others to stumble? I don’t know, I’m asking.

As I was leaving my friend’s house earlier, she mentioned that she had to do dishes, and that she prefers to use paper plates. What I’m pretty sure of is that we aren’t to treat people like they are disposable. If you don’t like what someone has done or said, you don’t just “want nothing to do with them.” That seems to me to be a very worldly view at the least, and a very destructive view at best; and certainly not the attitude we, as Christians, should adopt.

Jesus says “Love your neighbor”. This isn’t a suggestion, and He doesn’t add the caveat “if they do what you think they should do, and act like you think they should act.” No, we are to show them love because of the great love that God shows us. My concern for my friend who has shunned me from having anything to do with her is that all that anger and lack of compassion and all that negative stuff she has never dealt with in her life will grow and compound and destroy her.

As a friend, and especially a Christian friend, I want to reach out to her and let her know that I am not a paper person. I’m a unique person, and God has put me in her life for a reason, and it’s not that she throws me away. It’s challenging to like her at this point, but I do love her, as Jesus has commanded me to do that.

Every single person on this planet is unique in their own way, and if that’s not enough for you to believe in God, I don’t know what is. My point is that we are not, as people, able to be replaced. Paper plates that you buy all look the same, and are interchangeable with each other, whereas people are not. My hopes, dreams, desires, feelings, …etc. are different from yours, but to negate my feelings because I have made a mistake is not a valid reason for her to throw me away. I am experiencing hurt from someone that I trusted and considered a friend, so please pray for me. And her.

How Do You Love Your Neighbor?

Bill
man with "love your neighbor" hat
Photo by Nina Strehl on Unsplash

As a human, I see people for who they are through my eyes and my life experiences. I tend to treat people well regardless of how they treat me, and this is the standard that Jesus set for us; to “love your neighbor as yourself”. (Mark 12:31).

But what does that mean, really? To me, if I love myself, it means that if I make a mistake, I repent and ask God for forgiveness, forgive myself, and move on with my life. It doesn’t mean that I give up on me, and want nothing to do with myself. It also means that I don’t treat my neighbor that way.

If my neighbor were to make a mistake and sin against me in any way, I realize that that sin is against God first, and my neighbor will have to make it right with God before dealing with me. If I am a true friend, I will make an effort to reconcile with them (regardless of the severity of the sin against me).

Recently, I’ve had an experience with someone I thought was a friend, and who is a Christian, that was anything but loving. I readily admit that I made a mistake and sinned against them; and I asked God for forgiveness, and apologized to the person. They have forgiven me, allegedly, but they want nothing to do with me now, and won’t even talk to me.

How would you, as a Christian, deal with this situation?

In the Midst of Pain

Bill

Lord, You are glorious, and Your ways are higher than my ways. You are amazing and wonderful and all-knowing and all seeing. Lord, You have the solutions to all my problems before they even become problems for me. Lord, I come humbly before You this evening and ask for Your help in my current situation.

Lord, You know what I am going through, and the hurt that I am experiencing. First of all, I thank You for making it very clear to me where I’m not supposed to be. Lord, I ask for guidance and discernment in finding work. I want to be doing web development, but I can’t seem to find enough discipline to make that happen.

I thank You for my neighbor, that she fought so hard to get me hired at my former job, and that she has been a friend. Lord, I pray that you would restore that relationship. Lord, You know what she has been through, and how hard I have tried to be there for her in an appropriate, respectful way. You know the truth of what happened today, so I trust in You to speak that truth to her heart.

Thank you Lord! In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Love Letter to God 3

Bill

This love letter to God originally written on 10/19/2016

Dear Lord,

Thank You for an other day of life on planet earth. I try to imagine You and Your Kingdom, and how perfect and beautiful You are; but I can’t even begin to understand Your awesomeness and mighty power!

Open my eyes of understanding today, and help me to walk in Your Kingdom, in Your righteousness, and in Your glory. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who lives in me and guides me daily. Lord, let me love You and others the way that You love me, and give me wisdom and understanding in dealing with other people today.

I love that You love me unconditionally, and that I have Your promise of everlasting life in Your glorious presence! Lord, I apologize for the interruption when I was called out for work early; but I know You understand. Let me speak of Your word boldly to others, and use me as You wish for Your purpose. Thank You for calling me to service for You.

Love, Bill

hands on bible
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

My love letter for today:

Lord, You are amazing and powerful and all-knowing, and oh so glorious! I come before Your Holy Presence today as Your humble servant, in thanksgiving and praise for who You are and who You are making me to be. Lord, You have given me the gift of encouragement, and I ask that You continue to give me the words to say to my friends, strangers, and co-workers today, that Your love may clearly show through me.

I thank You also for the women in my life, especially SW and NC. Lord, You have put me in their lives, and them in mine for a time such as this, and I am so grateful for both of them. I lift them up to You today in prayer, that You work in S’s son’s life, as well as her sisters’ lives, that they will come to know and love You. Also, I pray for S’s health, that you continue to encourage her to keep walking every day.

I pray for NC today, that You protect her and provide for her all her needs, Lord. N is such an inspiration to me, that she is so in love with You! She brightens my day every day, and I am so grateful for her in my life. Thank You! Lord, help her to continue trusting in You even when things don’t seem to be going the way that she thinks they should go.

Thank You so much, Lord, for who You are!

Love, Bill