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‘Prostituting himself,’ within this context means to place that demon in a position that only The Lord Almighty should occupy. Worship and Homage are due to God alone through Jesus Christ. When Satan appeared to The Savior, in the wilderness of temptation. He made no attempt to disguise his high ambition, “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.^‘ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Matthew 4:8-10. (NKJV). He came to the Son of God directly. For that was an ordeal through which Christ had to pass to save humanity. However, he invariably disguises himself when he approaches the children of Adam. The devil and his angels never approach anyone to announce that, “I am a demon and I want you to listen to me.” On the contrary, they employ the art of deception. Working through human mediums or other media to accomplish their nefarious goals. Any communication with the kingdom of darkness is as addictive as cocaine or marijuana. After a number of episodes it’s impossible to stop. In this manner Satan binds his victims, and it’s an insurmountable feat for any human to extricate himself from the grasp of the devil. This is the manner in which demonic possession begins. Thereafter, only divine intervention can save anyone who falls into this trap. We are warned, “And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.^‘ Then Jesus answered and said, ‘O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.’ And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.” Matthew 17:14-18. (NKJV). The person who called to me had a musical and pleasant voice. Initially, I thought that it might be a member of one of the churches in the area that I frequented. But the voice was unrecognizable. As I continued on my journey I eventually concluded that the voice I heard, belonged to no one that I knew. It was still dark but that part of the road was well lit. I walked until I came to the first immigration post. At that point there was a large gate stretching half way across the road. The officers on guard weren’t visible. Therefore, I concluded that they were fast asleep in the dark corner at the back of the shed that was stationed nearby. There was also a pungent odor of urine. Present because there was no nearby urinal for those employees to use. After passing that station I proceeded to the second one. My desire was to ensure that I completed my six mile morning walk. I was accustomed to walking eight miles previously. But reduced the distance, and the time spent. Because I felt that six miles daily was adequate. After all, I was merely trying to maintain my health and strength, not commit suicide. Eventually I arrived at the entrance of one of Ghana’s primeval forests. Through which the road from the town of Berekum to the Regional Capital of Sunyani had been cut. Everything had to pass this way. Taxis, buses, private cars and all trucks. Every now and then a cyclist riding a bicycle without lights or reflectors would whizz pass me in the dark. I wondered how anyone could be so reckless? There were absolutely no lights anywhere on this section of the road. There was a shroud of darkness everywhere. Nothing could be clearly seen. Only shadows of the night. The very tall trees towering towards the sky seemed to be malevolent giants hovering in the dark. Feelings of foreboding danger haunted me. I started to scold myself for even coming this way. I was afraid, but I continued my walk. A large sixteen wheeler lorry passed me slowly and then stopped. The driver got out and went to the side closest to the steering wheel to examine the wheels. He walked around the vehicle looking carefully at every part as if there was something wrong. Eventually, he got back in and continued on his way. I reached the second immigration post but there was no one there. Then I turned around and begun to retrace my steps. The overwhelming darkness and the silent trees standing like monstrous sentinels in the dark, were still there to greet me. This was approximately a ten minute walk each way but because of the midnight blackness it seemed like an eternity. Eventually I came to a section in the road where I paused to peer into the bushes. I have no rational explanation for my action. I just stood there and gazed and I saw a large male lion standing beside the massive trunk of one of the trees. Needless to say I was terrified. My violently throbbing heart almost reached into my mouth. I continued looking and to my great relief and consolation, I noticed that he was shackled to the trunk of the tree with a massive chain that encircled his neck and also his torso. Then for some strange, inexplicable reason he just vanished. I shone my light into the dark and looked very carefully. But he was gone. Then I realized that I had seen a vision. My mind turned to the passage of scripture which states, “And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.” Jude 1:6. (NKJV). I really don’t know what was going on. Maybe the same person that had passed me earlier, called to me upon my arrival in the Village of Kato, was still trailing me. No harm came to me because as we read in scripture, “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” Psalm 34:7. (NKJV). I promised myself that I would find a new walking route. After that experience I never walked through that forest in the dark again.

For a period of time, I routinely left my apartment at around 4:30 A.M. to do my six-mile morning walk. I descended the narrow, winding, deserted and broken road leading from Sofokyere. The large residential subdivision where I live. On my way to the village of Kato. I always carried a flashlight and they were inexpensive since I only paid 5.00 GHS (US$0.80) for the one I owned. The light proceeding from my torch illuminated my path and facilitated the avoidance of holes, ditches, water-made trenches, and depending on the weather, mud puddles. Occasionally, I passed a herd of cows huddled together on an open piece of land, just a few feet from the road, chewing their cud, resting in the dark, and taking comfort in their seemingly communal fellowship. Even beasts enjoy the companionship of their own kind. Most times I would run into a flock of goats. But they were different from the cows. They preferred to linger on the surface of the road in several small groups. As I approached, since they were directly in my path, they would get up and scatter to the left or the right in their attempts to avoid me. I passed many houses on my journey. Some of them were well lit with very bright lights shining brilliantly on the road, and others were shrouded in darkness. Periodically, I would switch my flashlight off, to save my battery. But whenever I arrived at a dark or poorly lit area, I would switch my flashlight on again. Eventually, I arrived at the foot of the hill that I would have to climb to get into the Village of Kato. Believe me, mounting that steep incline, was certainly not a piece of cake. First of all, there were always three dogs there. Waiting in the dark. Whenever they saw me they would start to bark and I responded by pointing my flashlight directly into their faces. Thereupon, they would cringe and withdraw like shrinking violets. While ascending the hill one morning with my flashlight turned on, someone passed me. Although I saw no one approaching me. But I felt the gust of air between us, as the being passed. I turned around to look behind me and I saw what appeared to be the figure of a woman, dressed in white, rapidly walking away from me. I was surprised at the distance between us, since she had just passed me. I continued on my journey. As I entered the village of Kato the usual traders were there preparing food for their patrons. Their wood fires were burning ferociously and their large pots were sitting in place to receive the food to be deposited and cooked within them, that hundreds would eventually consume for breakfast. As soon as I placed my feet on the Berekum to Kato main Road I heard the voice of a woman calling to me, “Brother James, brother James.” I looked to the north, south, east, and west, and also in every other conceivable direction. I even shone my light into the nearby trees. I crossed the road and looked in between the sheds closest to the road. But I saw no one. It finally dawned upon me that I was being called by a spirit. Presumably, the same person that had passed me earlier had turned around and followed me. Apparently, she had plotted to trick me into following her, by passing me the way she had. But since I wasn’t a teenager, I wouldn’t fall into that trap. Just like vampires, evil spirits are denizens of the dark. Once you leave the road, and the light. To go to any place where you are not supposed to be. That’s when you forfeit the protection of God’s holy angels. Giving agents of the devil permission to overpower you. They never announce their true identity. Instead, they try to trick you into some form of association but the ultimate result is tragedy. We are warned in scripture, by divine decree, to have absolutely no social intercourse with such familiar spirits, “Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31. (NKJV). Because that’s what they are. They invariably seek out human associations and companionship. During my college years I saw multiple examples of the disastrous consequences of such associations. The great satanic objective of such clandestine interactions is to usurp your will and take control of your body and your life. Few people know that Ouija Boards, seances, and summoning. Are merely methodologies to communicate with the kingdom of darkness. Modern Occultism is nothing new. It has existed since ancient times. From distant antiquity Satan’s goal has been to usurp the place within the human heart and mind that belongs to Christ alone, and to enthrone himself therein. There are multiple warnings in scripture against being ensnared in this demonic plot. “And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. Consecrate^[d] yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the Lord who ^[e]sanctifies you.” Leviticus 20:6-8. (NKJV).

(TO BE CONTINUED)

The 2020 General Election in the U.S.A. will not only be long remembered, by those of us who lived through the nerve-wracking experiences, of claims and counterclaims of election and voter fraud. It will also be commemorated as the year during which a mad man, failed miserably. To steal an election in which he was soundly rejected by a majority of over eleven million American voters. During this dark episode of The Republic’s history, Trump’s insanity, immaturity, childishness, instability, selfishness, and criminal propensity were on full display before the nation, and also before the civilized world. Isn’t there something in scripture to this effect: “But know this, that in the last days ^[a]perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  unloving, ^[b]unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,  traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” 2Timothy 3:1 (NKJV) The disgraced general Michael Flynn made several trips to The White House. Presumably at the President’s invitation, and suggested to him that he could declare Martial Law and have the U.S. Army conduct free and fair elections. Understandably there was a lot of pushback, not only from Trump’s advisers. But also from the military. Whose representatives stated clearly and categorically that there was no role for the army to play in the adjudication of political issues. The multiple court cases filed by the president’s lawyers. Seeking to overturn the results of legitimate elections, in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. Were additional performances in the circus scenario staged by Trump and his attorneys. Moreover, the president did everything that he could to obstruct, frustrate, impede and possibly prevent the smooth transfer of power. Relenting grudgingly only after the most powerful organizations in the country publicly rebuked him for his folly. Since his conduct was only endangering the national security of the country. Never before in modern history was the USA subjected to such a political, social, and emotionally wrenching ordeal. We might be surprised, to say the least, at Trump’s conduct after his election loss. But we should definitely not be shocked at any of the irrational things he said and did after his defeat. Because we were forewarned by prominent Republicans. “Many longtime Republican foreign policy and national security officials have issued their most vociferous repudiation of Donald Trump to date, saying the GOP presidential nominee, if elected, “would be the most reckless president in American history.” An open letter released on Monday and signed by 50 fixtures from decades of Republican Pentagons, state departments, White Houses and treasuries rejected Trump’s “alarming ignorance” of basic international affairs, his competence at understanding US national interests and his temperament.” (International Edition of The Guardian, by Spencer Ackerman and Sabrina Siddiqui, August 8, 2016). Just like the prophet Jeremiah (670 BCE – 570 BCE) of ancient Judea, who warned the Jews of old, of impending disaster, but was ignored. The warnings issued to this nation against Trump by men of experience and wisdom were completely overlooked by the Republican party base. As if the blunders, incompetence, irresponsibility, lies, immorality, corruption and despotic tendencies of Trump. Displayed, during four years of his administration, were insufficient. His lawyers trumpeted massive pieces of false information never before unleashed in any Western Democracy. For example, one of Trump’s lawyers, “Sidney Powell falsely stated on television and in legal briefs that Dominion machines ran on technology that could switch votes away from Trump, technology she said had been invented in Venezuela to help steal elections for the late Hugo Chávez. Those lies were built on empty claims that apparently originated in anonymous comments on a pro-Trump blog, only to be amplified on a global scale by Trump himself in a 12 November tweet in which he wrote in part “REPORT: DOMINION DELETED 2.7 MILLION TRUMP VOTES NATIONWIDE.” (International Edition of The Guardian by Tom McCarthy March 23, 2021). Concurrently, with these false claims were cynical efforts to raise large sums of money purportedly to fight ‘election fraud,’ in court. These efforts were largely successful because Trump was able to raise approximately two hundred and fifty million dollars, from the party faithful, and others who bought into this gigantic fib. Predictably, after the election outcome was certified, and the political dust had settled, Dominion (a Canadian company founded in 2002 with headquarters in Toronto and Denver). In an attempt to set the record straight and vindicate its own name. Filed several multibillion dollar lawsuits against Sidney Powell, and several echo chambers. Such as Rudy Juliani, Fox News, Lou Dobbs, News Max and others. Seeking damages for defamation.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Poverty has existed since ancient times. It was present in ancient Egypt, and the lowest socio economic group within that empire was also the poorest. They were the Hebrew descendants of Abraham also known as Israelites, who were enslaved. Although the Israelites labored in hard bondage. They were impoverished because they were uncompensated. When the time for their deliverance from Egyptian bondage arrived. The Lord ordered reparations for their four hundred and thirty years of brutal oppression. We are informed: “Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold. And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.” Exodus 11:2-3 (NKJV). It seems reasonable for us to conclude that when the Israelites marched out of Egypt they were rich. They also inherited great wealth upon their conquest of Canaan. We read: “So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He ^[c]swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full ^– then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” Deuteronomy 6:10-12 (NKJV). One would think that with the accumulation of such great wealth. Everyone in the nation of Israel would be prosperous indefinitely. But apparently not. For some strange, inexplicable reason. Poverty persisted in ancient Israel even while they enjoyed the manifold benefits of a Theocratic government. The divine king made provision not only for the stranger but also for the poor. They were not to be exploited or oppressed. We are instructed:  “If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest.  If you ever take your neighbor’s garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down.  For that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What will he sleep in? And it will be that when he cries to Me, I will hear, for I am gracious.” Exodus 22:25-27 (NKJV). When crops and vineyards were being reaped the poor had to be remembered. Such fields and their produce were not to be regarded as the exclusive property of the owner, because it was The Lord Almighty who gave the increase. We are counselled: “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:9-10 (NKJV). The primary source of these rules of benevolence and beneficience was identified by the title: I AM THE LORD: Creator, Redeemer, Deliverer, Sustainer, and Friend. The All Mighty Benefactor and Protector of the downtrodden and the poor. Every seventh year the land was neither to be ploughed, planted, nor reaped. So that the poor and the stranger would have the opportunity to enjoy its bounties. We are commanded: “Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your ^[b]olive grove.” Exodus 23:10-11 (NKJV). During the Jubilee year, which came once every fiftieth year. All those who had lost their freedom, property, or were insolubly indebted had all of their civil rights and lost property restored, and all of their debts cancelled. We are enlightened: “And you shall count seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years; and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years. Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family. That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine. For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat its produce from the field.” Leviticus 25:8-12 (NKJV). One of the reasons that resulted in the Jewish Babylonian captivity for seventy years, was the brazen disregard of the rights of the poor, by the Judean ruling aristocracy. Historically, politically, socially and economically the consequences were calamitous. We are warned, “Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘You have not obeyed Me in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother and every one to his neighbor. Behold, I proclaim liberty to you,’ says the Lord—‘to the sword, to pestilence, and to famine! And I will deliver you to trouble among all the kingdoms of the earth… And I will give Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes into the hand of their enemies, into the hand of those who seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army which has gone back from you.” Jeremiah 34:17-18, 21. (NKJV).   Not withstanding the laws of compassion, mercy and justice which were given to ancient Israel by the divine potentate. Its amazing that by the time of Christ, poverty was widespread throughout Judea. We read: “Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. ^{Matthew 11:4-5 (NKJV)}.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

<p class="has-drop-cap" value="<amp-fit-text layout="fixed-height" min-font-size="6" max-font-size="72" height="80">HOMOSEXUALS AND LESBIANS ET CETERAHOMOSEXUALS AND LESBIANS ET CETERA

HOMOSEXUALS AND LESBIANS ET CETERA

The sexual orientation issue is a vexing one. Since time immemorial the world has wrestled with this conundrum. Even though we have divine decrees to guide human sexual conduct. Mankind seems determined to pursue its own downward path. One of the conditions mandated by Jehovah to ancient Israel was that in order to inherit the promised land they would have to adhere to all of His laws: “The Lord said to Moses, ² “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. ³ You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. ⁴ You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the Lord your God. ⁵ Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 18:1-5. Unfortunately, it seems that humanity just cannot be bothered with the challenges imposed upon them by divine discipline. Because there are all kinds of sexual orentations in our world today. Governments do not only face the possibility of invoking the displeasure of the Church, both Catholic and Protestant. They also have to contend with the various political pressure groups. Progressives included, who want LGBTQ rights to be given an equal footing with regular civil rights. Modern society is in turmoil at present. Since we live in an age of dissolving certainties. During the Obama Presidency marriage laws were changed to accommodate Homosexual unions, in the United States. But this is nothing new. During the 1960’s when Harold Wilson was Prime Minister of England, legislation was passed in the British Parliament making it legal for Gays to marry. While growing up in England during my pubescent and adolescent years. I was not only intrigued when I saw two men embracing passionately during their public displays of affection; or holding hands as they walked on the pavement; or crossed some busy public thoroughfare. Such scenes stirred powerful feelings of revulsion within me. After hearing stories of different forms of sexual misconduct. Perpetrated against minors by homosexuals, my psychological and emotional alienation from that group crystallized into permanent prejudice. I ran into a variety of different homosexuals over the years. Some of them were music teachers that taught piano lessons to the children of colleagues. Others were church organists or people that I encountered from time to time. While working on my first graduate degree during extension classes on the Island of Jamaica, I ran into a closet homosexual. Most people who practice that lifestyle are easily identifiable because of their distinctly different demeanor. Closet homosexuals cannot be easily identified. The truth however is difficult to hide and it invariably surfaces in the most unexpected circumstances. I wrote a research paper in which I contended that homosexuality was a chosen lifestyle. My professor who was lecturing in Philosophy at a prominent North American denominational school. Could not conceal his rage and disdain at my naievete. He passionately argued that individuals categorized as LGBTQ’s were DNA victims. He rejected my paper outright and warned me that I would fail that class. Unless I submitted a different paper reflecting more thorough research and a deeper understanding and appreciation of the issue. I understood perfectly. I had unwittingly unearthed a queer. I either failed that class or I earned an Incomplete. Why providence would place me in circumstances wherein I would be subjected to an individual belonging to a group that I despised, was deeply perplexing. For about nine months I lived in a hostel in Chicago that was populated almost exclusively by Gays. Interestingly enough women were not permitted to enter the confines of that hotel at any time. I ran into many people there who openly admitted that they practised an alternative lifestyle. I treated them with respect and discovered from personal experience that most were courteous, humane, and compassionate people. If there were any delusions about them in my cranium, my mind was soon disabused of such misunderstandings. Every single night I heard them practicing their lifestyle. Not only the loud groans and breathless pants of powerful men gasping for air. But also the creaking, heavings, and shuddering of the beds as they supported the formidable manouvers and weights that had been placed upon them. (To Be Continued).

Like a group of shy and jittery high school girls. Climbing a high staircase, during an electrical blackout on a dark and stormy night. A majority of Republican Senators voted to acquit Trump, at the end of his historical and second Impeachment. Forty three of them to be exact. Every one of them seemingly castrated by their terror of the party base. Have they lost their moral compass? Don’t they know the difference between right and wrong? Have they no fear of God? All of them are psychological prisoners as it were of their fear of Trump! His absolute control of The Grand Old Party. Will guarantee their political demise (they believe, misguidedly), if they dare to stand up for the TRUTH. Or if they are courageous enough to show some balls by embracing morality, and standing on the side of decency and right. Is this what America has come to? The most powerful nation in the history of human civilization. The national currency, the dollar, has emblazoned on each note, “In God We Trust.” Yet in a moment of national crisis, it’s easier for several political leaders of the nation to cringe in fear, before the monster of partisan politics. Rather than to ‘Trust in God and do the right.’ I’m appalled, at the extent to which educated, cultured, talented, and privileged, men and women. Were willing to turn their backs on morality, suppress right principles, and trample the truth in the dust. All in the name of political expediency. What a shame? What a disgrace? That America, wonderfully blessed by The Lord Almighty, would disrespect His sacred Law, and refuse to hold Donald John Trump responsible for his crimes. All hope is not lost, however. I read this morning that there is a current investigation being pursued by The Department of Justice. Into the events leading up to, and including the insurrection of January 6. So much so that even the remorseless and infamous Trump, is now worried, that he could face criminal prosecution for his nefarious actions.

My first week in Cheribaa was spent sleeping and recuperating from the jet lag. Imposed upon me by my long journey from North America to West Africa, and the corresponding change in time zones. Depending on the prevailing season in the USA, Ghana is four or five hours behind the State of Wisconsin, which is on Central Standard Time. I gradually had an opportunity to get to know most of the tenants living around me on the same property. They were all very friendly, courteous, and respectful. All of them at one time or another invited me to fellowship with them while they were dining. In all cases I respectfully declined their invitation. One reason is that all of them ate Fufu, or Banku. Very popular dishes for the poor in Ghana. But each dish is made from a combination of at least three starches, beaten together, with a large mortar stick, in a wooden mortar. Generally, I never eat more than one starch at any time. Because doing so is inadvisable for health reasons. I couldn’t help observing that during each meal, the diners sat on the floor in a circle consisting of four or six people. They all dipped their hands in the same bowl and with that same hand each person delivered the food to his mouth. This procedure was repeated tirelessly until the bowl was emptied. Only the starchy meal was in the bowl along with some gravy. Usually there was neither protein nor vegetables. Unsurprisingly at present, there is a Diabetes epidemic raging in Ghana. Every day except on weekends, I left my room at approximately 5:00 A.M., to go walking. Something I enjoyed immensely not only because it facilitated my health and longevity; but it also gave me an opportunity to increase my knowledge and understanding of the area. Most of the tenants on the property including Edith were very uncomfortable with my roaming activities. They warned me not to walk as far or as frequently as I did. However, I paid no attention to them. I walked for several miles and visited surrounding areas and villages including Kato, Nyame Nnae, Brenyekwa, Sofocherry, and Kutre numbers 1 and 2. The realization gradually came to me that most Ghanaians don’t trust each other. My friends on the property were trying to protect me from what they perceived to be imminent dangers. I was staying out in The Brong Ahafo Region. Far from the snares and corruptions of the city. I discovered repeatedly that except for a minor number of variations, Ghanaians by and large are courteous, God fearing, compassionate, and very accommodating towards foreigners. At least that was the attitude of those who live out in the remote countryside regions. The large cities are a horse of a different color. To satisfy my overwhelming curiosity, I stopped at several hotels in the areas visited. Not only to be given a tour of their rooms but also to find out their varying rates. I had to make several educational trips to Prestea, Kade (Eastern Region), and Tarkwa (Western Region). On each trip I stayed either at a hotel or guest house. In contrast to the rates charged in North American hotels, the rates in Ghana were inexpensive. The food was always good. What was always questionable was the arrangement for wash rags and towels. Thereafter, whenever I went anywhere in Ghana, that necessitated staying at a hotel or guest house, I always travelled with my own wash rag and towel. At the end of my first week on the property in Cheribaa, a certain gentleman came to visit Ms. Edith and she introduced him to me as a friend. I also observed that whenever she needed to go anywhere he would bring his motor cycle and transport her to the desired destination. She always gave him dinner if she was cooking, whenever he stopped by. Frequently they would both disappear into her room. Which was opposite mine on the other side of the tenement yard. Nevertheless she consistently insisted that their friendship was nothing more than casual.

The taxi ride from The Berekum Station to the Cheribaa district was uncomfortable. But it took me a few days to find out exactly why. The road was poorly constructed, strewn with stones, rocks, and full of many trenches and man holes. When I actually walked along that same thoroughfare during daylight. I wondered how any driver was able to negotiate such a precipitous and treacherous lane in the black darkness of night. Especially since there were no street lights. The driver travelled there routinely, accordingly, this journey presented him with no challenges. My new acquaintances wouldn’t permit me to lift a finger, to help them remove my luggage from the trunk of the vehicle. But there was absolutely no objection from anyone when I reached into my pocket to pay the taxi fare. I saw one large building situated on a quarter acre of land. When we got out of the taxi we had to walk a short distance to leave the road and get onto the property. As I followed my newly found friends into the open yard, it gradually dawned upon me. That this building consisted of several individual rooms, inhabited by a multiplicity of tenants. Thus, my arrival at my female friend’s residence was a massive let down. She didn’t live in a mansion after all. She was a pauper and not a princess. She feverishly guided me into her single room. It seemed spacious. The floor was covered with linoleum. There was one bed, a small wardrobe, two inexpensive verandah chairs, a television, a cabinet in which she stored her beautiful pots and china wares, a poorly functioning refrigerator, a fan, and a propane stove. I played the hypocrite, camouflaged my disappointment that she had told me a pack of lies and proclaimed, “Wonderful, this is very nice.” The fact that there was no bathroom did nothing to improve my mood. I eventually retired to bed. My female friend bid me a good night, left my room, descended from the concrete verandah, crossed the spacious yard and disappeared into another room on the opposite side. Her two so called brothers had to travel a little farther to get to their place of abode. The following day my female friend, and from now on I will call her Edith, was up by 5:00 A.M. She swept the yard. A chore that all the women on the property took turns to complete. Then she cleaned my room. Thereafter, she prepared me breakfast. Before breakfast I took a well needed bath, which was arranged by Edith. There was a small, concrete, one room, roofless, four walled building about thirty feet from my room. I was told by Edith to take the bucket of water she handed me and proceed there to bathe. I quietly did as I was told. After my bath she fed me with egg sandwiches. Which was all washed down with my favorite beverage, ginger tea. Soon it was time for me to go to the rest room. I took a roll of paper tissue and was pointed in the direction of the three out houses on the property. The first one that I saw looked like a complete wreck. There were lizards running all over the place, so I felt that it was best for me to pass it. The second one was a solid concrete building, but there was fecal matter scattered all over the floor, so I avoided it. The last one was on the very opposite side of the property. It was a spacious, wooden structure with a decent roof. I went inside and discovered that there were two open holes on the floor. There were also lizards on the walls. Having lived previously in the United Kingdom, and also in the West Indies. I was not unaccustomed to pit latrines. In England and Jamaica such out houses are well organized. You simply cant see into the pit, unless you want to. It is concealed by a box like enclosure. Which affords the occupant a comfortable seat and a hygienic lid covering. Not so in West Africa. Out houses here are a disaster. The very best I can observe is that there is a concrete slab over the pit. Within that slab there are usually one or two uncovered holes, depending on the size of the enclosure. Each hole is approximately twelve, to eighteen inches squared. The very best the occupant can do is that once he is ready, he positions himself, aims and fires. The unbearable stench, large swarms of flies in the holes, and crawling reptiles on the walls, were enough to drive me out of that room within a few minutes. After my exit the door swung shut behind me, and as I approached the house where Edith’s two purported brothers lived, three beautiful young ladies encircled me and demanded my roll of paper tissue. I surrendered it. Because I understood that since they were poor they were forced to use newspaper whenever they visited the out house. When I got back to where my room was located, Ms. Edith was dutifully waiting on me with soap and water to wash my hands. (TO BE CONTINUED).

Most people would consider all of the aforementioned infractions to be criminal in nature. Prominent mental health professionals have publicly warned the nation and even written a letter to Congress. Advising our elected representatives that Trump is a clear and present danger to the well being of this country. “We are convinced that, as the time of possible impeachment approaches, Donald Trump has the real potential to become ever more dangerous, a threat to the safety of our nation,” (said Drs. Bandy Lee, a Yale psychiatrist, Jerrold Post, a former CIA profiler, and John Zinner, a psychiatrist at George Washington University). For some strange reason best known to themselves, The Republican Party, would have us believe that they know better than trained, qualified, licensed and experienced professionals. The Grand Old Party’s elected representatives, with the exception of Senator Mitt Romney, voted to acquit Trump at the end of his first Impeachment. Apparently, his acts of immorality, obstruction of justice during The Mueller Investigation, brutality and cruelty against refugees and their children, flirtation with dictators, blatant totalitarian tendencies, outright lies, and obvious corruption. Caused the leaders of his political party, no hand wringing or pangs of conscience. Whatever happened to the great Pauline injunction embraced by the Pilgrim Fathers who founded our Nation? “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 4:8. The former American President, is the very antithesis of these Christian ideals. Although during the years of his administration he should have made himself a great examplar of these virtues. Despite his blatant imperfections he is still cherished by the loyal party base. Since true to historical precedent, they have rejected Christ and have chosen Barrabas instead. One of the greatest citizens of India observed, “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.” Mahatma Gandhi. In all of America’s recorded history, no elected politician has told more lies than Donald Trump. Whom, during a period of five years uttered over twenty thousand falsehoods. Of course the Crème de la crème of all his spurious allegations was his claim that “He (Joseph Biden) won because the election was rigged.” An allegation which has no basis in reality. The seditious and treasonous attack upon The US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Perpetrated by Trump’s enraged supporters. Was most likely designed to halt the certification of President Biden’s electoral victory. All of this happened after Trump addressed a crowd summoned to Washington DC by the President. In that address he clearly stated: “All of us here today do not want to see our election victory stolen by emboldened radical left Democrats, which is what they’re doing and stolen by the fake news media. That’s what they’ve done and what they’re doing. We will never give up. We will never concede, it doesn’t happen. You don’t concede when there’s theft involved.” Although the rest is history. It is crucial to note that during the invasion of the capitol, Trump’s advisers pleaded with him to call off the mob. But he refused to do so during a period of two to three hours. Since having the Capitol under siege provided the president with a rare moment of schadenfreude. At present Trump is the target of several criminal investigations. If only twenty five percent of these inquiries get before a federal judge, Trump will be convicted and will be ordered to go to prison. Recently, the former president generated a great deal of excitement as he addressed the CPAC gathering, in Florida. He publicly flirted with the idea of running for president again in 2024. Much to the great delight of his supporters and admirers. They even made a golden statue of Mr. Donald Trump. Which I’m sure was a major boost to his severely damaged ego. A psychic injury he sustained after he lost the presidency to Joseph Biden. But I’m afraid that all of this excitement and happy talk, was all make believe and much ado about nothing. Because Trump will NEVER be reelected president of the United States. The American people are not about to forget his lies, corruption, immorality, cruelty to refugees, or incitement to insurrection. Nor will they forget the fact that many prominent Republicans aided and abetted him during his tenure. They can keep Trump at the head of the party for as long as they want. But they should understand that as long as they have him there, The Grand Old Party will never win another national election. Having Trump as the captain of the Republican ship, as they attempt to navigate the unseen rapids of the future. Is nothing more than a voyage straight into the jaws of catastrophe. There is an invisible moral order upheld by The Lord Almighty. There is no letting off of the hook. We all must suffer the consequences of our folly. He has declared: “For I raise My hand to heaven, And say If I whet My glittering sword, And My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, And repay those who hate Me. Deuteronomy 32:40-41

A significant number of beautiful, professional, American women, 26 if my memory serves me correctly. Have accused Donald John Trump of some form of sexual misconduct. These accusations range from groping, kissing, to unwelcome close physical encounters and rape. One of Trump’s accusers is a former spouse, Ivana, and mother of three of his children. She actually claims that ‘he raped her although not in a criminal sense,’ whatever that means. During that episode he actually yanked out a large portion of hair from her scalp. Other women specifically E. Jean Carroll for example, have accused Trump of rape. These allegations cannot be easily brushed aside as a once in a life time occurrence. Since they have occurred repeatedly since the 1970’s. The former American President has denied all of these allegations and even threatened to sue the women making those claims. Although there is no public record that he has ever made good on such threats. Any purportedly sensible person, who has heard these many haunting stories. From such a large constellation of witnesses, and carelessly dismisses them as fables, needs to have his head examined. As we read in scripture: “One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed… A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Deuteronomy 19:15 (NIV). The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines corruption as, “dishonest or illegal behavior especially by powerful people (such as government officials or police officers). During his four year tenure as U.S. President, Mr. Trump allegedly pressured the then President of Ukraine. To find dirt on Mr. Joseph Biden (his political opponent). Pending foreign aid, already approved by Congress, was dangled as a reward for compliance. The with-holding of such aid was threatened for non-compliance. All of these illicit manoeuvers by Trump soon became public knowledge. An investigation was initiated by Congress, thereupon, the President ordered his cabinet not to cooperate. Consequently the President was Impeached. Several civil servants who facilitated the uncovering of these corrupt practices by Trump. Were sacrificed upon the Altar of Political Expediency, by being fired from their positions of public trust, by the perpetrator himself. The 2020 U.S. General Elections were attested to be free and fair by a multiplicity of foreign observers. Mr. Christopher C. Krebs who served at the time, as the first Director of The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISCA). Asserted that the 2020 General Election was the most secure in U.S. history. President Trump demanded his resignation, and he complied. The U.S. Attorney General, Mr. William Barr (one of Mr. Trump’s most formidable enablers). Contended, that there was no fraud that could have effected the resulting outcome of the 2020 General Elections. Yet, after his electoral loss, Mr. Trump refused to concede defeat and vehemently claimed that he was defrauded of victory. Not only did his false rhetoric inflame the passions of the extremist fringe groups of the Republican Party, it also enabled the former president to raise large sums of money. Moreover, he did everything that he could to impede the smooth transfer of power. Only relenting half heartedly, after public and private pressure, by powerful individuals and organizations. Furthermore, not only did Mr. Trump’s lawyers fail repeatedly in court, in over 50 legal briefs filed. To demonstrate the fraud they claimed he suffered. But they infuriated Republican Party supporters with a long litany of conspiracy theories. None of which has ever been substantiated. (TO BE CONTINUED).