~Concerned Citizens~

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Wisconsin State Patrol director, wife shot and killed by son, authorities say
'Another disturbing, heart-rending story that continues to plague society.


2764 (1).png2764 (1) - Copy.png2764 (1).png
 
80413535cc3b492864d7894dd5e305fb.jpg 2764 (1).png 56c5b54ba524a_12198090302006169125female20silhouette_svg_hi-Copy(9)-Copy-Copy-Copy-Copy-Copy-C...png

**Causes of hate and resentment in today's society are multifaceted, stemming from psychological, socioeconomic, and political factors.
. These issues are exacerbated by social media, which often promotes division rather than dialogue.

Psychological factors

"Fear of 'the other": People often fear and mistrust those who are different from them, leading to an "us-versus-them" mentality. When people feel threatened by perceived outsiders, they instinctively favor their own in-group as a survival mechanism.

"Projection": Individuals may project undesirable parts of themselves onto others, blaming and hating external groups for things they fear within themselves. This defense mechanism allows them to protect a fragile ego by attacking the "badness" they've projected outward.


"Need for belonging": Isolation and loneliness can make individuals susceptible to extremist ideologies and hate-based groups that offer a sense of community and purpose.

"Dehumanization":
As a form of extreme bias, dehumanization is the process of stripping people of their humanity.
This makes it easier to justify hatred, cruelty, and violence toward them.

Socioeconomic factors

"Economic inequality": Rising income and wealth inequality create social discontent, especially when people perceive that opportunities are not available to them. This can weaken trust in institutions and lead to anger and frustration, which can be directed toward other groups.

"Competition for resources": When people perceive or experience a threat to their economic status, they may come to resent other groups for supposedly taking jobs, resources, or opportunities.

"Place-based resentment": Inhabitants of economically struggling or "left behind" areas may harbor resentment, believing their communities are ignored by political elites and disrespected by those in more prosperous cities.


Political and systemic factors

"Political polarization": The widening ideological gap creates an "affective polarization" marked by hostility and hatred toward opposing political parties. This demonization of opponents erodes democratic norms and can make political violence seem more acceptable.

"Erosion of institutional trust": Declining trust in government, media, and corporations creates a fertile ground for anger and resentment. When people feel that institutions have failed them, their frustration can manifest as anger toward other groups.

"Systemic inequalities": Long-standing social issues like systemic racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination reinforce existing power structures and can contribute to resentment among both dominant and marginalized groups.

Role of social media and misinformation

"Algorithm amplification": Social media algorithms are designed to maximize engagement by promoting emotionally charged and divisive content, including anger and outrage. This creates a cycle where extreme and hateful ideas are continuously reinforced.

"Echo chambers": Platforms make it easy for people to block or unfollow those with different views, creating "echo chambers" where individuals are only exposed to information that aligns with and reinforces their existing beliefs.

"Misinformation and disinformation":
The spread of fake news and conspiracy theories, often with xenophobic or discriminatory undertones, can fuel hatred toward specific groups. This is particularly dangerous in times of crisis.

"Anonymity": Online anonymity emboldens some users to express hateful and prejudiced views without accountability, normalizing hostility and making it more pervasive.

**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subjects to reflect on.)

376283657_2460515167442330_2333023406385091927_n.jpg
Truth of it all. No more, no less.
 

Attachments

  • 2764 (1).png
    2764 (1).png
    436 bytes · Views: 0
Dearborn’s Muslim Mayor Tells Christian Citizen He’s “Not Welcome Here”
3 Comments / By Keith Burns / September 17, 2025

Tensions erupted at a Dearborn City Council meeting last week after Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud told a Christian resident that he was “not welcome” in the city for objecting to new street signs honoring Arab American News publisher Osama Siblani.

The exchange occurred when Edward “Ted” Barham, a Dearborn resident, voiced concerns about Wayne County’s decision to place signs at intersections along Warren Avenue bearing Siblani’s name.

FOX 2 Detroit reported that the signs were authorized and installed by Wayne County, not by the City of Dearborn.

Barham introduced himself as a city resident and explained his opposition to the designation.

“He’s a promoter of Hezbollah and Hamas,” Barham said, before citing past remarks from Siblani.

He quoted one of Siblani’s statements: “He talks about how the blood of the martyrs irrigates the land of Palestine … whether we are in Michigan and whether we are in Yemen. Believe me, everyone should fight within his means. They will fight with stones, others will fight with guns, others fight with planes, drones, and rockets.”

Barham compared the decision to naming a road “Hezbollah Street or Hamas Street,” describing it as provocative and contrary to the values he wanted to promote as a Christian.

He closed his remarks by quoting scripture: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

One clarified, “The sign that was placed on Warren Avenue which is a County road and that was done by the Wayne County Executive.”

Still, Barham maintained that the issue was significant to Dearborn residents because the signs were located in their city.

Mayor Hammoud then issued remarks that quickly drew attention and criticism.

“The best suggestion I have for you is to not drive on Warren Avenue or to close your eyes while you’re doing it. His name is up there and I spoke at a ceremony celebrating it because he’s done a lot for this community,” Hammoud said.

The mayor escalated further, directly attacking Barham.

“You are a bigot, and you are racist, and you’re an Islamophobe,” Hammoud stated.

He concluded, “Although you live here, I want you to know as mayor, you are not welcome here. And the day you move out of the city will be the day that I launch a parade celebrating the fact that you moved out of this city.”


https://wokespy.com/dearborns-muslim-mayor-tells-christian-citizen-hes-not-welcome-here/
 
  • Like
Reactions: Eli1
1000_F_451841680_QNsENOpwQNH5rYLguuqRKHitfKtqPvFk.jpg BIBLE AND PPOLITICS.jpg

**Religious conservatism wants to apply the teachings of a particular religion to politics.
Sometimes, this is done by simply proclaiming those teachings;
at other times, people try to influence laws to reflect these teachings.


https://christianchat.com/threads/this-side-of-the-glass.182929/post-5579551

**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subject to reflect on.)
 
being-spiritual - Copy - Copy (2) - Copy - Copy.jpg

**A person becomes a victim of racialization when a dominant society imposes racial identities and meanings onto
them to reinforce systems of power and control. Racialization is a process, not a natural phenomenon, and creates victims by producing negative and unequal social outcomes for those assigned to a marginalized racial group.


How individuals become racialized

For an individual, the process of racialization is an outcome of social, historical, and political forces that categorize and define people based on perceived characteristics. A person is racialized through a multi-step process:

Identification:
Society identifies and labels individuals based on visible traits, such as skin color, hair, or ancestry.

Classification:
The identified traits are then used to sort people into socially constructed racial categories.

Stereotyping:
Specific characteristics, behaviors, and roles—often negative—are attributed to the classified racial groups.

Discrimination:
Individuals are treated unfairly based on their assigned racial category, leading to systemic disadvantage.

Why racialization creates victims

Racialization creates victims because it justifies and institutionalizes racism through the following mechanisms:

Hierarchy and power:
Racialization emerged from and is used to maintain hierarchies that allow a dominant group to exercise power and control over marginalized groups. For example, colonizers used racialization to justify their oppression of Indigenous peoples and Africans.

"Othering": The process of racialization constructs an individual or group as "other" or "abnormal" relative to the dominant group, which is often seen as "normal" or "raceless".

Essentialism: Racialization treats perceived differences as fixed and inherent, rather than acknowledging race as a fluid social construct. This essentialist thinking creates permanent divisions and justifies unequal treatment.

Systemic racism:
The stereotypes and discriminatory practices arising from racialization become embedded in society's institutions. This leads to systemic racism, affecting areas like policing, education, housing, and the justice system.

Intersectionality: A person's racialization can intersect with other aspects of their identity, such as gender, class, and religion, creating more complex experiences of marginalization and social exclusion.


The lasting impact on individuals

Becoming a victim of racialization can lead to long-term physical and mental health consequences, described in the concept of racial trauma.
The effects include:


Psychological distress: Victims may experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


Physical health problems: The chronic stress from racism can elevate blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease.

Internalized racism: Individuals may internalize the negative racial messages promoted by the dominant culture, leading to a damaged sense of self-worth.

Reduced opportunity: Systemic racism limits access to resources such as employment, housing, and healthcare, disproportionately harming racialized groups.

Distorted self-perception: Racialization shapes how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others, often forcing them to navigate environments that hold prejudiced views about their racial group.

**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subject to reflect on.) ®

548121281_24588628200799342_4278408494457723151_n.jpg
The vulnerability of society today appears at an all-time high.
Modern technology ensures no one shall be immune to the consequences unfolding.
 
CAME TO SHARE.jpg

**Cultural desensitization is a societal trend where repeated exposure to certain stimuli, such as ethically weighty issues or acts of violence, leads to a reduced emotional and behavioral response over time, diminishing shock and making previously unacceptable behaviors or situations seem like the "new normal". This process is often influenced by cultural norms and prolonged exposure to media, leading to decreased empathy and increased tolerance for such stimuli within a population.

Key Aspects of Cultural Desensitization:

Societal Scope: It is a broad trend that affects populations within a shared cultural context, rather than
being solely an individual experience.


Reduced Responsiveness: Individuals show less emotional reaction (blunting) and a decreased inclination to act or intervene when faced with certain stimuli.

Stimuli with Ethical Weight: The process often involves stimuli that carry significant societal or ethical importance, such as depictions of violence, social inequality, or environmental crises.

Role of Culture and Media: Cultural norms and prolonged exposure through media narratives play a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing this diminished sensitivity.

Diminished Empathy: As a result of desensitization, the ability to empathize with victims of violence or others suffering from social issues can decline.

Increased Tolerance: Repeated exposure can make previously unthinkable or rare things seem acceptable, leading to a more normalized view of behaviors or situations that were once considered severe.

A common example is the desensitization to violent media, like movies and video games.
With prolonged and repeated exposure to violent scenes, people may become less emotionally shocked by such depictions.
Over time, aggressive behavior might appear more acceptable, and the perceived severity of real-life violence could decrease.


**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subject to reflect on.) ®

istockphoto-1267497817-612x612 - Copy.jpg
This thread surely reveals more truths that are upon the land.
Modern technology is not always compatible with the woes of mankind.


The "woes of mankind" refer to profound suffering, sorrow, calamity, and misfortune that afflict humanity,
often linked to human sin, rebellion against God, and the resulting divine judgments or the inherent troubles of a fallen world.
 
flagbar (1).gif

**Affective polarization, characterized by an intense dislike of those in the opposing party, has been increasing on both sides of the political spectrum in the U.S. and abroad.
This is distinct from policy-based disagreement and is rooted in emotion and identity.
Political messaging is increasingly designed to elicit strong emotional responses like anger, fear, and disgust toward the "other" side, portraying opponents as immoral or threatening.

-Within this broader context, some research suggests that disagreements on cultural issues, which are often central to left-leaning discourse, may intensify feelings of animosity more than economic issues.


Role of social media and information silos

The current media landscape, which includes social media, contributes to polarization and negative emotions across all political camps.
Echo chambers created by selective news consumption reinforce pre-existing views and minimize exposure to alternative perspectives.
Emotionally charged messages on social media can be compelling at generating emotional responses.
This environment can lead to exaggerated and distorted perceptions of the opposing side, portraying them as more extreme than they actually are.


flagbar.gif

**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subject to reflect on.) ®
 
being-spiritual - Copy - Copy (2) - Copy - Copy.jpg

"Upheaval in society on the horizon" refers to significant, often disruptive, changes to a society's existing structures that are anticipated in the near future.
. These shifts can manifest as changes to cultural norms, economic systems, and political structures.
This "horizon" can be seen as the foreseeable future in which existing systems face challenges that may lead to profound, fundamental alterations.

Characteristics of a societal upheaval

Widespread disruption: Upheavals are not minor adjustments but are large-scale disruptions that alter the lives of many people.

Systemic change: They bring profound changes to fundamental societal structures, including political,
economic and cultural systems.

Origin in tension and dissatisfaction: Upheavals often arise from growing discontent, tension, and dissatisfaction with the status quo. This can stem from political oppression, economic inequality, or social injustice.

Challenge to established norms:
Upheavals lead to movements that challenge existing authorities and
long-held traditions and values.

Potential for conflict: While not always violent, societal upheavals frequently involve protests, unrest, and conflict as groups challenge existing systems.

Catalyst for lasting transformation: The outcomes of an upheaval can lead to lasting changes in
laws, policies, and a society's core values.

Driving forces for future upheaval

Today's "horizon" of upheaval is shaped by several powerful and converging forces:

Technological shifts: New technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are altering labor markets,
raising ethical questions, and reshaping how people interact and organize.

Environmental crisis:
Climate change and its effects, including resource scarcity and natural disasters, are creating massive disruption and could displace large populations.

Economic inequality: The widening gap between the wealthy and the working class, a historical trigger for unrest,
continues to fuel widespread dissatisfaction.


Political polarization: Deepening divisions along ideological, racial, and social lines challenge the stability of existing political institutions and norms.

Demographic changes: Shifts in population dynamics, including migration and aging populations, place new stresses
on resources, social services, and political systems.

**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subject to reflect on.) ®

flagbar.gif

Profound reality upon the land.
No more, no less.
 
442501187_2615337188626793_3015011649663013599_n - Copy.png

Christian discord

**Discord generally means a lack of harmony or agreement, causing tension and conflict. Within a religious context, it refers to division among fellow believers. The Bible and many Christian leaders condemn sowing discord, portraying it as a wicked action that harms fellowship and distracts from the gospel.

Christian discord can manifest in several ways:

Theological disputes: Intense disagreements over doctrine or the interpretation of scripture can cause significant rifts within churches and denominations.

Internal fighting: Gossip, backbiting, and negative criticism among members can create a hostile environment
and lead to church divisions.


Cultural and political arguments: When Christians allow secular political and social issues to define their interactions,
it can create internal divisions based on differing viewpoints rather than focusing on shared faith.

"Precisely what is happening on the streets across the land"

This part of the phrase draws a direct comparison between the internal issues of the church and the external conflicts of society.
It frames the unrest seen in public protests and civil discourse as a visible symptom of a spiritual or moral failing within the Christian community.


The full statement's meaning

By connecting these two ideas, the commentary makes a powerful and specific critique:

The hypocrisy critique: It suggests that Christians have failed to maintain peace and unity within their own ranks.
As a result, they lack the credibility or spiritual authority to be a transforming influence on society.


The failure of witness: The phrase implies that the church has allowed worldly divisions to infect its own members.
The "discord on the streets" is therefore a reflection of the "discord within the church," hindering its ability to offer a compelling, unified witness to a troubled world.


A call to introspection: For Christians, the phrase serves as a call for self-examination, arguing that they must first
resolve internal divisions before they can effectively address the problems of society.

**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subject to reflect on.) ®

cropped-hands-person-gesturing-against-cloudy-sky-sunset_1048944-9154786 - Copy.jpg
To be an example and not the problem is a sound assessment to
ponder carefully. Then many heed not.


-Perhaps this should be a "daily flyer".
 
DIVIDED HOUSE.jpg


Disturbing as it is, the reality of this "warning" is surely being witnessed across the 'land".
No more, no less.
 
593624167_3148092152017958_126997528668123514_n - Copy.jpg

-Considering that I am a relic living in a world far removed from the "hay days" growing up in the 50's and 60's, it leaves me with fond memories of the "good old days," and surely they were, there are no words sufficient to describe the drastic change that has come about, and true as it is, certainly not all is good.

-From then to know as shared somewhere before, "poof, I have arrived in the Twilight Zone", and for those who missed this TV program, October 2, 1959 – June 19, 1964. Sorry, you missed a phenomenal series of great intrigue, leading viewers into a "fifth dimension" of existence.

-The "fifth dimension" is often depicted as a realm of all possible futures, where every choice creates a new timeline (parallel universes). A separate universe or world that coexists with our known universe but is very different from it.
Some traditions view the 5th dimension as the realm of God's grace, accessed through the Holy Spirit, enabling a higher, spiritual life. This is a novel concept beyond human understanding.


-God is infinite, while humans are finite, making a complete grasp impossible.
God's thoughts and ways are described as "higher than the heavens" and "unsearchable". God exists outside of time and human categories, making full comprehension difficult.

That is all the rambling for this thread today.



( Certain articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subjects to reflect on.) ®

426137663_2549966698497176_4064306650372611268_n - Copy - Copy (2).jpg
 
TODAY new.jpg

-There are no sufficient words to describe the family tragedies that have become all too frequent across the news media.
Prominent, wealthy families are surely not exempt from internal turmoil. Substance abuse has no mercy or preference.
Substance abuse is a significant public health crisis, often described as an "epidemic" or "plague" due to its

widespread and devastating impact on individuals, families, and society. It is a complex, chronic brain disorder,
not merely a lack of willpower or a moral failing.


-Awareness of some of the " events that may take place" described in certain scriptures should never be taken lightly.
God's wisdom surely should not be ignored, and/or tampered with.


ANIMATED.gif
 
256416348_1954531038040748_3734632522665924806_n - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy (7) - Copy - Copy...jpg

**
-We're living in an era where technology drives significant cultural shifts, altering how we communicate, work, access information, and form communities, leading to changes in privacy norms, social structures, and even our understanding of humanity, creating both unprecedented opportunities (like global connection) and challenges (like digital divides and bias). This isn't just about gadgets; it's a fundamental reshaping of values, behaviors, and societal organization, often referred to as the Digital or Information Age.

-Technology profoundly impacts society by revolutionizing communication, education, healthcare, and work, boosting efficiency and access to information, while also introducing significant challenges, such as social isolation, privacy risks, job displacement, addiction, and deepening the digital divide. This necessitates a balanced approach to harness the benefits while mitigating the harms. It reshapes daily life, creating interconnected global communities while raising ethical questions and altering human interaction.

-The digital world has democratized access to a wealth of Christian resources, including countless Bible translations, commentaries, ancient texts, sermons, and devotional content via apps, websites, and podcasts. This allows for deeper personal study but also emphasizes the need for trusted leaders to help discern good doctrine amidst a vast amount of available information.

-While digital tools can build faith, they also bring challenges like constant distractions, the temptation to engage with unhelpful content, and the potential for a "just me and Jesus" mentality that dismisses the need for the wider Christian community.

-Ultimately, Christian culture has adapted by leveraging digital tools to enhance its mission and connectivity, while simultaneously grappling with the challenges of maintaining authentic, embodied community and focusing on discipleship in an increasingly fragmented, fast-paced world.

-When God's word becomes fragmented, it leads to spiritual confusion, internal division, distorted truth, and a loss of wholeness, manifesting as broken relationships, hiding, blaming, and a disconnect between belief and behavior; however, the hope lies in gathering these "fragments" through God's mending power, acknowledging His preserving promises, and seeking spiritual wisdom to become whole again.

NEW SIZE - Copy (2).jpg
Denying this truth surely is denying the "wisdom of Jesus Christ's inspired teachings."
No more, no less.



**( Certain articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subjects to reflect on.) ®
 
256416348_1954531038040748_3734632522665924806_n - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy (7) - Copy - Copy...jpg

Taxpayers could foot 'historically unusual' pension for Biden, report finds

Normally, I tend to exclude myself from the news media's political rhetoric that continues to
surely be bringing about great unrest within society collectively and as a whole, which can be
described as a state of pervasive and significant instability, dissatisfaction, and tension among
a large portion of the population.


There is always certain news that is offensive and hard to accept, and only generates more discontent.
Struggling taxpayers surely do not want to hear that their money is enhancing a politician's wealth,
already accumulated from helping themselves to taxpayers' money.


Legal thieves obviously have no conscience of wrongdoing. And what is happening in all places, as in Minnesota
is experiencing a nightmare of corruption, which happens when undesirable entities filter into the political arena.


Disturbing political change began some seventeen years ago, which has brought about a sinister influence on
parts of the overall government apparatus. One must seriously wonder what causes one side of government
to abandon its obligation to defend and uphold the security and sovereignty of the citizens of this nation.


Romans 7:21–23

(Intended solely as informative
and subjects to reflect on.) ®
 
Code of Federal Regulations
Title 32 - National Defense
Volume: 3Date: 2007-07-01Original Date: 2007-07-01Title: Section 501.3 - Command authority.Context: Title 32 - National Defense. Subtitle A - Department of Defense (Continued). CHAPTER V - DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. SUBCHAPTER A - AID OF CIVIL AUTHORITIES AND PUBLIC RELATIONS. PART 501 - EMPLOYMENT OF TROOPS IN AID OF CIVIL AUTHORITIES.

§ 501.3 Command authority. (a) In the enforcement of the laws, Federal Armed Forces are employed as a part of the military power of the United States and act under the orders of the President as Commander in Chief. When the commitment of Federal Armed Forces has taken place, the duly designated military commander at the objective area will act to the extent necessary to accomplish his mission. In the accomplishment of his mission, reasonable necessity is the measure of his authority, subject, of course, to instructions he may receive from his superiors.

(b) Federal Armed Forces committed in aid of the civil authorities will be under the command of, and directly responsible to, their military and civilian superiors through the Department of the Army chain of command. They will not be placed under the command of an officer of the State Defense Forces or of the National Guard not in the Federal service, or of any local or State civil official; any unlawful or unauthorized act on the part of such troops would not be excusable on the ground that it was the result of an order received from any such officer or official. As directed by the Army Chief of Staff, military commanders will be responsive to authorized Federal civil officials.
 
NATO.png

I hope our 'government' gives serious thought to anything that could disrupt NATO.
 
~**~ "Today, Americans would be outraged if UN troops entered Los Angeles to restore order. Tomorrow, they will be grateful." -- Henry Kissinger

These are the conditions that are painfully self-evident today.

International Banking Cartel - a conspiracy accomplished a long time ago.
  • Corrupted Politicians running the show to the dictates of the Cartel.
  • A twisted and perverted Judiciary protecting and hiding the fraud of the Cartel's conspiracy, instead of serving Justice and defending the Nation and the Constitution against all enemies as their Oath requires.
  • Appointed dictatorial bureaucracies serving the interests of the Cartel and not responsible or accountable to the will of the people.
  • Taxation without representation slowly starves the people to death or submission.
  • A Gutless Media whose interest in making money, providing illusion to serve the interests of the Cartel, is more important than the truth.
  • Professionals --- system-compliant doctors, lawyers, cpa's, etc., amongst others.
  • Morally Bankrupt Religions preaching myth instead of truth to the gullible and ignorant.
  • People in all walks of life are devoid of decent morality and ethics as a result of the above.

**( Certain articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subjects to reflect on.) ®