“Following the Data with Dr Frank”

I like to immerse myself in data, because it guides my intuition, keeps me connected to reality, and helps to expose propaganda.

For example, I just posted a series of graphs that clearly show that the Republican Party is losing influence in a large majority of states across the country. Because of this, they are losing more and more elections (remember the ‘red wave’) and increasingly failing to represent traditional conservative and constitutional values (I’ve shown graphs for this too).

Trump’s recent win is despite the RNC, not because of it. (Again, I’ve posted the data to support this position.)

So, what to do about this?

First, stop buying their horsesh*t. The data show that they are failing nationwide.

Second, drain the GOP swamp by getting involved in the GOP at the local level (there are far too many precinct vacancies). This is already happening in several counties and states across the US. (See precinctstrategy.com)

Third, take over the leadership of the party, so that you can start putting forward candidates who truly represent your values, so you’re not always having to vote for the lesser of two evils.

America is an experiment in self-government. We need to start behaving like it.

"Nellie's Birthday"

Nellie turned 27 yrs old today. We had a party at home with the family for her, and Daddy gave his princess some live flowers for her desk. It made her very happy!

If you’re ever with someone who has Down Syndrome, and you don’t know what say, ask them about their birthday. It seems to be a common theme for folks with DS. Nellie countdowns the days every year… for months. Tomorrow, the countdown begins to 28.

One of my favorite movie lines ever was from the movie “Peanut Butter Falcon,” where a young boy with DS is trying to become a professional wrestler, but he just can’t be ‘mean’ enough. His teacher coaches him, “Say something really, really, mean. Mean as you can…”

After some thought, the boy says, “I’m not inviting you to my birthday party!”

“The War Rages On”

The war for the future of America rages on, despite some of our recent election victories. I liken it to WW2, on the beaches of Normandy. We’ve taken huge losses, but established a beachhead. Now, it’s on to Berlin, and I’m expecting things to really heat up.

There are shorter- and longer-term challenges looming. We still have certification and inauguration pending; it ain’t over ‘til it’s over, and the fat lady hasn’t yet sung. And despite our national efforts, our elections are even less secure today than they were in 2020.

Longer term, you will recall how challenging Trump’s first term was despite a similar majority in the Senate (52 then, 53 upcoming) and a *larger* majority in the House (241 then, 218 now).

And as my graph illustrates, just because a Congressman has an “R” in front of their name does not mean that they will represent traditional values, support Trump’s agenda, nor honor their oaths to defend the Constitution.

The next few years will decide the future of our country. Now, more than ever, each of us must accept our civil responsibilities and fuel new efforts away from centralized government and toward more local control. America is an experiment in self-government, and the experiment has been failing in too many categories.

Our Founding Fathers also made a covenant with Almighty God, another category where we are failing miserably. We murder our babies, castrate our children, and traffic in humans. Corruption runs rampant in our courts and in our government. America can only be great if it is good, and only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. We need to turn our hearts toward Heaven.

Now, more than ever, is the time to clean house. Literally. It may be our last chance. Time to step up.

"Fall Softly, Snow"

I woke this morning to a gentle snowfall. My first snow this Winter, and it was lovely. It brought to mind the lyrics for this profound choral work, that seemed so appropriate for our country today:

Snow, fall softly on the scarred earth,
Fall softly, snow.
Cover us with thy pure white;
Cool our fever'd face tonight.
Snow, fall softly at the Savior's birth.

Star, shine steadfast on the inconstant land;
Shine steadfast, star.
Keep the plain path clear to find;
Shine, e'en though our eyes are blind.
Star, shine steadfast for the lonely band.

Maid, sing sweetly on this noisy sphere;
Sing sweetly, maid.
'Neath the thundrous wars increase,
Let thy low voice whisper, "Peace."
Maid, sing sweetly that the world may hear.

Boy, grow quickly in this searing clime.
Grow quickly, boy.
Overcome sin's bitter loss;
Hasten thou t'ward the cross.
Boy, grow quickly and redeem our time.

https://soundcloud.com/drew-collins-20/fall-softly-snow-composer-daniel-moe

A lively discussion in five short segments, emphasizing Oregon elections and the need for every citizen to engage in their local government.

https://youtu.be/dZSMX0Ue0J0

Part 1 of 5 10 minute segment of a recent lively interview with Rob Taylor.

https://youtu.be/s-QuGnIScIw

My thirty-minute opening presentation in Coos County, Oregon, with slides superimposed for easy viewing. A lively debate took place during the work session, which lasted three and a half hours.

https://youtu.be/PpXDs-MXFQ0

Part 2 of 5 part interview with Rob Taylor (10 min segments)
https://youtu.be/Hq1rfniuXJI?si=8UozyLl38QxS7CrV

Part 4of 5 part interview with Rob Taylor (10 min segments)

https://youtu.be/zpMvZc-PSbo?si=l3eNMXWhV5mHaOaH

Part 5 of 5 part interview with Rob Taylor (10 min segments)

https://youtu.be/XkfKf05xT_A?si=OVYsi9haPlLTwpzq