November 26, 2024
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Deep Something

The site for ranting and reporting by John Masters

Author: B. John

Featured Fun Stuff Kings Mountain Places 

First Snows

B. John 35 Views 0 Comments , ,

The Western North Carolina Mountains had their first snow day today. Watching the webcams from time to time during the day brought back many great memories. There’s a magic to the first snow that roots itself deep in memory, stretching across years and places. In Kings Mountain, NC, where the winters were mild and snow was a gift rather than a certainty, the first flakes meant the world was about to change. As a kid, waking up to a white-coated street was like waking up on Christmas morning. School would call it a day, and we’d pile out of the house, sleds in hand, to the steep street just beyond our driveway.

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Culture Election Featured Politics 

Mourn The Time But Stand With Resolve

B. John 63 Views 0 Comments ,

To foster hope, we must remember the countless individuals working tirelessly for justice, unity, and compassion. These voices may seem drowned out by anger and division, but they are there—teaching our children better ways, forging connections across divides, and laying the groundwork for the future we long for. Change starts small, often unnoticed, but it accumulates and eventually becomes unstoppable.

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Justia
Congress Election Featured Gay Issues Hate Groups Politics Racism Religion Society 

The Call to Justice is Urgent

B. John 36 Views 0 Comments , , ,

Progressives stand at a critical juncture where the call for justice is louder and more urgent than ever. My faith compels me to see the injustices that surround us and act against them with conviction, guided by Christ’s example of righteous defiance in the face of oppression. While persistence is essential, there are moments when persistence alone is not enough; sometimes, our witness demands a more forceful resistance, a willingness to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality and cause harm actively.

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Economy Election Featured Politics Presidency 

Election 2024 – Hope for Better is All I’ve Got

B. John 81 Views 0 Comments , , , ,

One of the most frustrating aspects of this election has been watching Republicans continuously out-message Democrats. The GOP has mastered the art of stirring up fear and resentment, delivering simple but powerful narratives that resonate deeply. Instead of speaking to unity and progress, they speak directly to anxieties and frustrations, offering voters someone to blame for every challenge and setback.

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Friendship
Deep Thoughts Featured Society 

My Creed

B. John 337 Views 0 Comments , , ,

I want there to be hearts that beat a little lighter just knowing I exist and there are smiles that bloom like sunlight when I cross their thoughts. I want my presence to bring a little warmth, ease, and joy to others’ lives. Friendship, to me, is a sacred bond, a quiet promise to be the reason someone feels seen and valued. I hold onto the knowledge that my existence makes a difference, and in turn, I strive to be someone worth remembering.

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Photo of Cathy Castor and Rocky Rochford.
Congress Election Featured Politics 

Castor-Rochford U.S. House District 14

B. John 422 Views 0 Comments , , , ,

Deep recommends Cathy Castor for U.S. House District 14. Rocky Rochford’s campaign warns against socialism, but many of his policies ironically lead to the kind of oligarchic control that limits freedom for most Americans while benefiting the wealthy. Democratic policies, led by Cathy Castor, seek to build a fair society where people have access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunity without being subjected to corporate overreach or authoritarian control. Rather than pushing toward socialism, these policies aim to protect the middle class and uphold democratic values against the real threats of corporate dominance and rising inequality.

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Photo of Andrew Warren, Hillsborough State Attorney
Cafe Con Tampa Crime Featured Places Society Tampa 

The Case of Robert Dubois as Told by Andrew Warren

B. John 220 Views 0 Comments , ,

On Friday, September 6, 2024, former Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren gave a compelling speech at Café Con Tampa, recounting the case of Robert DuBoise, a man wrongfully convicted of murder. Warren’s speech highlighted the importance of justice, the flaws in the criminal justice system, and how his office worked tirelessly to correct an egregious mistake.

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Featured Legislature Politics 

Who Supported the Roll Back of Child Labor Laws in Florida?

B. John 226 Views 0 Comments , , , ,

The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) Played a key roll in the roll back of child labor laws in Florida. They are a conservative think tank based in the United States that focuses on welfare reform, healthcare, and workforce policies along with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. And yes, they are aligned and have received favorable treatment from the DeSantis Administration in regards to disaster relief.

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Dark Money Image
Featured Legislature Politics 

The Concealed Hand: Why Donors to Conservative Causes Like the Foundation for Government Accountability Prefer Anonymity

B. John 209 Views 0 Comments , , ,

In the world of political donations and nonprofit funding, transparency often takes a backseat to privacy, particularly among those who fund conservative organizations like the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA). While public records show that millions of dollars flow into these groups from donor-advised funds (DAFs) and other anonymous sources, the lack of transparency raises a crucial question: Why do contributors choose to remain in the shadows rather than proudly stand by the work they fund?

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Hyde Park UMC, Tampa, FL
Culture Featured General Kings Mountain Methodism Places Politics Religion Tampa 

Resuming Rants

B. John 101 Views 0 Comments , , ,

There was a brief restaurant review posted earlier this year. The last post before that was a movie review (The Whale). A lot has transpired in my world over the past few months, and I think I am ready to get back to trying to post more or less regularly. The highlight reel looks a bit like this:

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