Volume XXXVI Issue IX September 2017
Last Trumpet Ministries, PO Box 806, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Phone: 920-887-2626 Internet: http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."
Proverbs 15:1-3
"An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression."
Proverbs 29:22
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
In this issue of the Last Trumpet Newsletter, we will once again consider the events unfolding around us in these days of upheaval and uproar. It is no secret that the United States of America is a sharply divided country today. The widespread acrimony in America has been spurred by reports from the mainstream media, which are designed to tell the American people what to think and how to feel. For example, recent news stories have suggested that radical extremist groups on the so-called "alt-right," such as the Ku Klux Klan and the neo-Nazis, are thriving under the Presidency of Donald Trump. Yet, these hateful groups, which have little in common with genuine conservatives, represent an infinitesimal portion of the American population. According to a report by the liberal news outlet known as Alternet, the Ku Klux Klan, or KKK, is estimated to have between 5,000 and 8,000 active members in the United States today. (1) This is a tiny percentage of the 323 million people who live in this country. In reality, the organization has shrunk drastically in recent decades, a fact which prompted the Anti-Defamation League to publish a report in 2016 entitled "Tattered Robes: The State of the Ku Klux Klan in the United States." This report declares the following: "Despite a persistent ability to attract media attention, organized Ku Klux Klan groups are actually continuing a long-term trend of decline. They remain a collection of mostly small, disjointed groups that continually change in name and leadership. Down slightly from a year ago, there are currently just over thirty active Klan groups in the United States, most of them very small. However, the association of Klan members with criminal activity has remained consistent." (2)
When we see news reports regarding hate groups in America, it can sound frightening. For instance, the aforementioned article from Alternet cites data from the Southern Poverty Law Center, or SPLC, which indicates that there are 917 active hate groups in the United States. (3) This same data was also used in a report by CNN which was published in August 2017. (4) It is important to realize, however, that the SPLC's list of hate groups include groups that are very small in size. In some cases, the so-called hate groups listed are not hate groups at all, but are simply included because they oppose homosexuality and abortion. (5) Yes, there certainly are hate groups in America, and they do have repulsive beliefs. However, the impact of these groups is greatly amplified by the media, and you can be certain that members of these offensive organizations revel in the attention.
On the days of August 11 and August 12, 2017, protestors descended upon Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia, to demonstrate against the planned removal of a statue of General Robert E. Lee, who served the Confederate Army in the American Civil War. The planned event was attended by numerous alt right organizations, including Neo Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan, amongst others. (6) Conversely, counter-protestors also attended the rally, which included members of a far-left anarchist group known as Antifa, (7) the Revolutionary Communist Party, (8) and numerous other associations. As the event unfolded, it became obvious that numerous individuals came looking for a fight, and brutal and frequent brawling ensued. Oddly enough, reports indicate that police officers stood by and silently watched as many of these skirmishes occurred. (9) After the rally was finally quashed on August 12, 2017, a protestor reportedly rammed his car into a crowd of counter-protestors, which resulted in the death of a 32 year-old woman and injuries to 19 other individuals. (10)
In the aftermath of this hate-driven spectacle, blame was passed around like a hot potato from group to group. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and the state's Secretary of Public Safety, Brian J. Moran blamed the American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, because the civil rights group had sued the city of Charlottesville to allow the protest to take place at Emancipation Park. "We were unfortunately sued by the ACLU, and the judge ruled against us. That rally should not have been in the middle of downtown: to disperse all those people from the park where they were dispersed all over the city streets and it became a powder keg," Governor McAuliffe stated. (11) In response, the executive director of the Virginia branch of the ACLU, Claire Gastanaga, placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of the Charlottesville Police Department. "The situation that occurred was preventable and our lawsuit challenging the city to act constitutionally did not cause it," Gastanaga insisted. She further went on to write, "The lack of any physical separation of the protestors and counter-protestors on the street was contributing to the potential violence. They did not respond. In fact, law enforcement was standing passively by, waiting for the violence to take place, so that they would have grounds to declare an emergency, declare an 'unlawful assembly' and clear the area." (12)
American President Donald Trump famously blamed "many sides" in a statement given on August 12, 2017. "We condemn in the strongest possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry, and violence on many sides. On many sides," Trump declared. (13) This statement was swiftly criticized by politicians and the news media. "The President's talk of violence 'on many sides' ignores the shameful reality of white supremacism in our country today, and continues a disturbing pattern of complacency around such acts of hate," said House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Former American Vice President Joe Biden also weighed in on the controversy and declared, "There is only one side." (14) Facing mounting backlash for a statement deemed to be too unclear, President Trump issued a more succinct enunciation on August 14, 2017. "Racism is evil. And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans," Trump stated. He also told his audience, "To anyone who acted criminally in this weekend's racist violence, you will be held fully accountable. Justice will be delivered." (15) The following day, on August 15, 2017, Trump repeated his belief that both sides were responsible for the chaos in Charlottesville. "I think there is blame on both sides. You had a group on one side that was bad. You had a group on the other side that was also very violent. Nobody wants to say that. I'll say it right now." (16) Outrage ensued again, and whether you love or hate Trump, it is certainly true that he is unafraid to speak his mind, despite the political cost.
In pondering the recent events in Charlottesville, I have a nagging suspicion that this event was intentionally staged to elicit a fervent response from the American population. There are elitists, such as George Soros, who love to create chaos as they work to reshape the United States according to their desired specifications. Here let it be noted that in some cases, protestors in these angry crowds are paid to be there. In June 2017 it was revealed that an advertising company in San Francisco, California, known as Traction is now offering their employees paid time off to attend protests, rallies, and marches. (17) Facebook also gave their employees paid time off to attend protests in May 2017. (18) In some cases, people do not just get time off from their job to protest, but rather, protesting is their job. In fact, a company known as Crowds on Demand states on their website that you can hire their actors for protests and rallies. "Whether your organization is lobbying to move forward a healthcare, financial, or other social initiative, we can organize rallies and get media attention for your causes and candidates. We also assist individuals, companies, and political organizations with protests and picketing campaigns. We've protested governments, corporations, and everything in between," the website informs. It further goes on to describe one of their deceptive campaigns and how they were able to manipulate the public. "A foreign government hired Crowds on Demand to help generate a positive reception for its newly elected leader during the UN General Assembly. The concern was ensuring that the leader was well received by a US audience and confident for his work at the UN. We created demonstrations of support with diverse crowds. We also used the media, primarily local and national outlets, to bring more attention to these demonstrations which led to a mostly positive portrayal. The crowds that we deployed drew in more supporters creating a strong presence for this leader at the UN and improving perception of him by the American public." (19) Thus, this company can create a positive or negative response to events, and you can be certain that Crowds on Demand is not the only firm engaging in this behavior.
As it stands, the United States of America is a fractured nation, and a recent article published by The New Yorker suggests that this country could soon be engulfed in a second Civil War. The article cites a historian from Yale University by the name of David Blight who was quoted as saying, "We know we are at risk of a civil war, or something like it, when an election, an enactment, an event, an action by government or people in high places, becomes utterly unacceptable to a party, large group, [or] a significant constituency." Blight then referenced the contentious and disputed Presidential election of the year 2000. "It did not happen with Bush versus Gore, in 2000, but perhaps we were close. It is not inconceivable that it could happen now." (20) Only God knows what the future holds, but it does seem that there are efforts underway to incite the masses.
What Is Antifa?
In the days immediately following the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, there were many protests and riots. Quite often the rabble rousers who took part in these violent demonstrations belonged to a militant leftist group known as "Antifa," which is shorthand for "antifascist." While this group is well-known for opposing white supremacists such as the KKK and neo-Nazis, they are by no means a virtuous association. In fact, according to a webpage published by the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security, Antifa is a dangerous anarchist movement. (21) A report published by NBC News in August 2017 also acknowledges the violent nature of Antifa. "Violence begets violence. One of these groups is coming out with this violent message of hate, and the other has responded with a violent reactive message," said sociologist Dana R. Fisher, who was quoted in the article. She further went on to say, "These men and women are basically deciding that there's a violent alt-right that's threatening people, and that they should arm and defend the left." (22)
Antifa had a heavy presence at the recent rumble in Charlottesville. Because they were on hand to fight against neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan, they have been portrayed as an almost heroic group by liberals and the mainstream media. However, there is no mystery about what Antifa is and what they are hoping to accomplish. The Boston branch of the movement posted on the social networking website known as Twitter on August 19, 2017, declaring that there is, "No room for capitalists, conservatives, libertarians, 'classical liberals' or supporters of the US Constitution in our city." (23) In another message posted the same day, Antifa wrote, "Let's get one thing clear, Antifa is an Anarcho-Communist cause. Those on the left who call us 'patriots,' step the (expletive) away." (24) Anyone who can read these statements and think that Antifa is still a good movement is entirely devoid of common sense and spiritual discernment. Yet, young people are flocking to this group, galvanized by their disdain for the current American President. What they really want is a Communist Revolution in the United States of America. I cannot help but think of the Scriptures we find in Proverbs 4:16-17 which say, "For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence." There are dangerous days ahead.
The Racist Institution Of Planned Parenthood
A lot has been said about racism in America in recent days. There has been much controversy over statues and monuments dedicated to Confederate soldiers because many people find them to be racist and offensive. Yet, there is a prominent organization in the United States that was founded by a flagrant racist who sought to exterminate black people. Planned Parenthood, which is the most well-known abortion provider in the United States, was founded by a woman named Margaret Sanger. This woman was a proponent of eugenics, a belief system that was also embraced by Nazi Germany and called for the purification of the human race by disallowing "undesirable" people to reproduce. This despicable woman, who used to work with women's groups associated with the Ku Klux Klan, is lauded by liberal Americans today. In fact, former Presidential candidate and First Lady of the United States, Hillary Clinton, considers Margaret Sanger one of her heroes. "I admire Margaret Sanger enormously, her courage, her tenacity, her vision… And when I think about what she did all those years ago in Brooklyn (New York), taking on archetypes, taking on attitudes and accusations flowing from all directions, I am really in awe of her," Clinton said in 2009 as she received the Margaret Sanger Award from Planned Parenthood. (25) In 2014, Nancy Pelosi, who is the current Minority Leader for the U.S. House of Representatives, also received the Margaret Sanger Award. (26)
About two years ago in August 2015, a coalition of black ministers wrote to the Director of the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. In this letter they specifically asked for the removal of a bronze bust of Margaret Sanger that sits in the "Struggle for Justice" exhibit at the Smithsonian. "Perhaps the Gallery is unaware that Ms. Sanger supported black eugenics, a racist attitude toward black and other minority babies; an elitist attitude toward those she regarded as 'the feeble minded;' speaking at rallies of Ku Klux Klan women; and communications with Hitler sympathizers. Also, the notorious 'Negro Project' which sought to limit, if not eliminate, black births, was her brainchild. Despite these well-documented facts of history, her bust sits proudly in your gallery as a hero of justice," the ministers wrote in their letter. (27) The letter also draws attention to the fact that 70 percent of all Planned Parenthood clinics today are built in neighborhoods mostly populated by black people and Latinos. (28) In a letter responding to the request, the gallery director, Kim Sajet, informed the ministers that the bust of Sanger would stay in place despite an acknowledgement of Sanger's history with the eugenics movement. "Her association with the eugenics movement shadowed her achievements in sex education and contraception, making her a figure of controversy, one whose complexities and contradictions mirror her times," Sajet wrote. (29) Amazingly enough, the signage accompanying Sanger's bust at the gallery also acknowledges her involvement with eugenics. "During her campaign, Sanger became associated with the eugenics movement - which promoted, among other practices, the forced sterilization of those deemed mentally unfit and for a time was endorsed by many of the era's prominent thinkers," the signage says. (30)
In a recent interview with the Turning Point Pregnancy Resource Center, professional football player Benjamin Watson lamented the impact that Planned Parenthood has had on black people in the United States. "I do know that blacks kind of represent a large portion of the abortions, and I do know that honestly the whole idea with Planned Parenthood and [Margaret] Sanger in the past was to exterminate blacks, and it's kind of ironic that it's working," Watson said. Regarding black people, he further went on to say, "We support candidates, and overwhelmingly support the idea of having Planned Parenthood and the like, and yet, that is why she created it. We are buying it hook, line, and sinker, like it's a great thing. It's just amazing to me and abortion saddens me period, but it seems to be something that is really pushed on minorities and provided to minorities as something that they should do." (31) Watson is absolutely correct in his assessment. If Democrats, liberals, and leftists really want to convince us that they are opposed to racism in America, they should eliminate Planned Parenthood.
Something That's Coming
If you are a regular reader of this newsletter, you know that numerous countries around the world have been implementing cashless payment systems as the world advances toward a cashless society. In last month's issue of this newsletter, we reported that a company in River Falls, Wisconsin, known as Three Square Market, is now offering its employees microchip implants in their hands. The company held an event that they called a "chip party" on August 1, 2017, and even handed out t-shirts to their employees emblazoned with the words, "I got chipped!" (32) Speaking of this development, Three Square Market president Curt Giles was quoted as saying, "We want to be on the forefront of this. This is something that's coming." The company operates 2,000 self-checkout systems for companies in 20 countries. As such, it seems likely that Three Square Market is conducting an in-house test which they hope will enable them to release this technology to the general public in the not too distant future. Of the company's 85 employees, more than 50 of them received a microchip in their hand. (33)
Meanwhile, select Walmart stores in the United States have rolled out a new technology called "Scan and Go." This new system enables shoppers to scan items with their phones as they shop, press a button on their phone to pay, and simply walk out the door with their items. (34) The technology was first used at Sam's Club locations, a chain of member's only warehouse clubs owned by Walmart. This development comes even as a new report surfaces indicating the demise of the cashier position in the United States. According to a firm known as Cornerstone Capital Research Group, as many as 7.5 million cashier jobs are at risk of being lost to automation. (35)
Even as consumers in the United States become increasingly accustomed to using cashless payments to procure goods and services, a similar trend is happening in Canada. Although cash is still frequently used in the United States' neighbor to the north, its usage has been falling. In 2013, it was determined that cash was used for 44 percent of all transactions in Canada. This is a decrease of 10 percent from the year 2009. It has been predicted by the Canadian credit card processor Moneris that only 10 percent of all transactions in Canada will be conducted with cash by the year 2030. (36) Some restaurants are even declining to accept cash. "I don't think you have to anymore. There's very few people who don't have a debit or credit card, or both, in their wallets," said the owner of two restaurant locations in Ottawa, Ontario. He further went on to say regarding the global trend towards a cashless society, "In five years, I don't even think this will be a topic of conversation. I just think this is the way the world's moving." (37)
Following the lead of other countries such as China, the city-state of Singapore has announced plans to implement a cashless society. Located directly south of Malaysia, this sovereign territory is both a city and a country, and thus a logical testing ground for new technology, including advanced robotics and self-driving buses. (38) On August 20, 2017, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a new initiative to drive adoption of cashless payment systems. "We have a natural advantage. We are compact and highly connected. Our people are digital-literate and our schools are teaching students basic computing and robotics. But, while we have the right ingredients, we lag behind other cities in other areas," Lee declared. Noting that six out of ten transactions in the city are still conducted with cash or checks, Lee blamed the many competing electronic payment systems in Singapore for slowing the adoption of cashless transactions. (39) Efforts are underway to rectify this perceived problem, and plans are already in place to convert the city's mass transit services to completely cashless payment systems. "Our aim is to become a fully cashless public transport system by 2020 and we are determined to do so by enhancing the cashless ticketing experience for all commuters," said Mr. Lam Wee Shann, a director at Singapore's Land Transit Authority. (40) Of course, one of the most effective ways to ensure that a cashless society is adopted is to teach children to go without cash. As such, some schoolchildren in Singapore are now being given free smartwatches, which they can use for cashless payments at their schools and select retailers. (41) As early as 2018, these same students will also be able to make biometric payments with their fingerprints if all goes according to plans. (42) Could implantable microchips be next? Without a doubt, the whole world is on the verge of becoming a cashless society. Those who refuse to participate may soon find that they are unable to buy or sell.
In closing, we live in a world today that is filled with great turmoil and strife. It is obvious that there is a lot of anger in the world, including and especially in the United States. As tensions flare and tempers rise, the dire condition of our country worsens. We have an adversary who would love for us to be caught up in this anger and hatred that is so prevalent today. The Scriptures warn us in Proverbs 29:22, "An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression." Conversely, we are told in Proverbs 15:1-3, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Rest assured, regardless of what happens in this world, God sees everything, and ultimately, He is in control. Despite the ugliness of the world, we can have peace in our hearts today. For as the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." If you have not yet repented of your sins and dedicated your life to God, I urge you to do so now.
Thank you all for your kind support of this ministry. Be assured that we will endeavor to serve you to the best of our ability in the days ahead. If you have any prayer requests, our intercessors are ready to receive them and carry your petitions before the throne of the Almighty. We always give each request individual attention. Grace and peace be unto you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Samuel David Meyer
Acknowledgements
01. Alternet, August 16, 2017, By Julia Flasphaler, http://alternet.org.
02. Anti-Defamation League, http://adl.org.
03. Alternet, August 16, 2017, By Julia Flasphaler, http://alternet.org.
04. Life Site News, August 17, 2017, By Claire Chretien, http://lifesitenews.com.
05. Ibid.
06. The New York Times, August 12, 2017, By Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Brian M. Rosenthal, http://nytimes.com.
07. Ibid.
08. Politico, August 13, 2017, By Ben Schreckinger, http://politico.com.
09. ProPublica, August 12, 2017, By A.C. Thompson and Robert Faturechi, http://propublica.com.
10. The New York Times, August 12, 2017, By Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Brian M. Rosenthal, http://nytimes.com.
11. Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 14, 2017, By Robert Zullo, http://richmond.com.
12. Ibid.
13. The Washington Post, August 12, 2017, By Jenna Johnson and John Wagner, http://washingtonpost.com.
14. Ibid.
15. The New York Times, August 14, 2017, By Glenn Thrush, http://nytimes.com.
16. The New York Times, August 15, 2017, By Michael D. Shear and Maggie Haberman, http://nytimes.com.
17. Fox News, June 27, 2017, By Claudia Cowan, http://foxnews.com.
18. Ibid.
19. Crowds on Demand, Official Website, http://crowdsondemand.com.
20. The New Yorker, August 14, 2017, By Robin Wright, http://newyorker.com.
21. New Jersey Department of Homeland Security, June 12, 2017, By New Jersey Department of Homeland Security, http://njhomelandsecurity.gov.
22. NBC News, August 16, 2017, By Chelsea Bailey, http://nbcnews.com.
23. Twitter, August 19, 2017, By Boston Antifa, http://twitter.com.
24. Twitter, August 19, 2017, By Boston Antifa, http://twitter.com.
25. The Weekly Standard, April 15, 2009, By Kevin Vance, http://weeklystandard.com.
26. Washington Examiner, March 27, 2014, By Ashe Schow, http://washingtonexaminer.com.
27. Ministers Taking a Stand, August 7, 2015, By Ministers Taking a Stand.
28. Ibid.
29. The Smithsonian, August 19, 2015, By Kim Sajet.
30. CNS News, August 20, 2015, By Penny Starr, http://cnsnews.com.
31. CBS Sports, August 7, 2017, By John Breech, http://cbssports.com.
32. Fox 11 News, August 1, 2017, By Ivan Moreno - Associated Press, http://fox11online.com.
33. Ibid.
34. Business Insider, August 7, 2017, By Hayley Peterson, http://businessinsider.com.
35. The Guardian, August 16, 2017, By Julia Carrie Wong, http://theguardian.com.
36. Global News, August 13, 2017, By Leslie Young, http://globalnews.ca.
37. Ibid.
38. Fortune Magazine, October 18, 2017, By Fortune Magazine, http://fortune.com.
39. ZDNet, August 20, 2017, By Eileen Yu, http://zdnet.com.
40. Channel NewsAsia, August 11, 2017, By Channel NewsAsia, http://channelnewsasia.com.
41. The Straits Times, August 17, 2017, By Daniel Ong, http://straitstimes.com.
42. Channel NewsAsia, August 21, 2017, By Channel NewsAsia, http://channelnewsasia.com.
To learn more about the history of our ministry and our founder, Pastor David J. Meyer, please visit http://pastormeyer.org.
Comments regarding this newsletter or topic suggestions may be submitted to editor@lasttrumpetnewsletter.org.
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