Tag: Random Thoughts

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Embracing Inclusiveness, Compassion, and Tolerance: Building a More Loving and Accepting World


Greetings, my friends,

Today, I want to talk about three essential values that can transform our society and create a more compassionate and inclusive world. These values are inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance, and they are the building blocks of a harmonious and thriving society.

Inclusiveness means embracing diversity and recognizing that each person has a unique and valuable contribution to make. We live in a world filled with different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds, and when we embrace this diversity, we create a sense of belonging for all. When we are inclusive, we uplift each other and foster a spirit of unity.

Compassion is about empathy and kindness. We all experience hardships and difficulties in our lives, and when we show compassion to those who are struggling, we help them to feel supported and understood. Let us never forget that everyone is fighting their own battle, and a little kindness can make all the difference.

Tolerance is about respecting and accepting others, even when we disagree with them. We all have different opinions and beliefs, but when we approach each other with an open mind and heart, we can learn and grow from each other. Tolerance means recognizing that every person is valuable and deserving of respect, regardless of their differences.

In our fast-paced and often self-centered world, it can be easy to forget the importance of inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance. But if we want to build a better world, we must embrace these values with all our hearts. Let us see the goodness in others and work towards creating a more harmonious and loving world.

May we all strive to live with an inclusive, compassionate, and tolerant spirit. Let us spread love, joy, and peace wherever we go.

In conclusion, the values of inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance are essential for building a healthy and harmonious society. By embracing diversity, showing kindness and empathy towards others, and accepting and respecting others, we can create a more loving and accepting world. Let us remember the Bible verses that remind us of the importance of these values and strive to live with an inclusive, compassionate, and tolerant spirit. May we all work towards building a world where everyone feels valued and appreciated, and where love and kindness are the guiding principles.

Now that we have reflected on the importance of inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance, it is time for us to take action. Let us commit ourselves to practicing these values in our daily lives and in our interactions with others.

Let us challenge ourselves to be more inclusive, to listen to those who have different perspectives, and to learn from them. Let us show compassion to those who are struggling and offer them support and encouragement. And let us practice tolerance by accepting and respecting others, even when we disagree with them.

We can also take action by advocating for these values in our communities and workplaces. We can encourage others to embrace diversity and create a culture of compassion and acceptance. By working together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and tolerant world for all.

So let us go forth from here with a renewed commitment to inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance. Let us be the change we want to see in the world and work towards building a better future for ourselves and for future generations.

Here are a few Bible verses that relate to inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance

Inclusiveness

  • Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you, are all one in Christ Jesus.”
  • Romans 10:12 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”

Compassion

  • Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  • Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Tolerance

  • Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
  • Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

These verses remind us of the importance of treating others with love, respect, and kindness, regardless of their differences or beliefs. Let us hold these values close to our hearts as we strive to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and tolerant world.

Blessings to you all, and may your heart guide you through this life.

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Ray Barbier

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Will we move forward or will we move backward in our society?


Children are exploited and forced to work jobs that are dangerous and should only be worked by adults. A sheriff and others spouting racist remarks and talking of murder or assassination of a reporter. Immigration problems and mass shootings are being sidelined for partisan politics and profit.

Ukraine, Russia, and China being a thorns in the side of the West, a battle of powers for what each side thinks is right. Countries raising the age for retirement which only adds to the suffering of the older population. Taxation is geared to make the working class shoulder the burden as the wealthy pay less.

Once again a security leak puts many in danger and all for an ego boost for a lost young soldier. We suffer severe weather, yet there is still disbelief in global warming and the science behind it. Book banning brings back fears of censorship and information control. The freedoms and rights of one group are attacked for the fears of another.

Compromises are rare due to the polarization of politics and the partisan agenda of both parties. Moderates of both parties are becoming rare and those who are moderate, keep quiet as the political divide grows. It is a time of rebirth it seems, and with birth comes great pain and disturbances.

The question is, Which way will humanity go? Will they seek out the path of inclusion and progress or one of status quo and stagnation? Will we move forward or will we move backward in our society? Can we come together for the betterment of all humanity or will we fall apart as a society?

The choice is in each individual’s hands and it is something we all have to take part in. Raise your voice to be heard and let your vision of what our future should look like be heard. Silence only allows others to make the choices that you will have to live with.

Be heard, be seen, and be open to compromise and new ideas my friends. Grow as an individual and contribute to the growth of the world and society we live in.

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Ray Barbier

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Learn to love unconditionally, be compassionate and find understanding for your fellow humans


Hate is a very infectious and overwhelming emotion, it consumes you when it is in your heart. It blinds you to the love around you and it keeps you from being able to love those around you. Hate can come from fear, it can come from the feeling of not being in control, it has many sources but only love can help stop the hate.

We as humans get too wrapped up in our own minds to listen to our hearts sometimes. We tend to join in with what our peers think or do too quickly and without thinking about how it will affect others and ourselves. We also tend to like to rally against a common enemy or cause, it makes us feel like we are a part of something. We forget to look and think for ourselves when we get too focused on the moment.

Most religions teach us to love each other and embrace forgiveness. Unfortunately, some people get too wrapped up in seeing the sins of others instead of seeing the actual person that is sinning. They should love everyone for who and what they are, for no one is perfect and no one can live life without sinning in one way or another. You do not have to agree with how everyone else chooses to live their life, you however should respect everyone’s right to choose how they want to live.

I believe and have been taught that we all have been given the right to choose our paths in life, free will, and all. Who are we to say how another person must live or worship? We are not here to judge one another or to dictate how others should live or behave, we are here to help and love one another. Look beyond a person’s mistakes, sins, color, religion, or any other thing that you may want to dislike and see the person beneath all of that.

That person you are persecuting, hating, or harassing because of the choices you dislike is a human being. They are someone’s father, mother, sister, brother, daughter, or son. They could have been your friend or the person who could have helped you down the road when you needed help.

This world is already hard enough to live in, so why create more anger and pain in it when you could find love for your fellow human beings? We have much more pressing issues in this world than a lot of what people are getting worked up about. We have a world war looming around the corner if we are not careful, and it won’t be one any side will come out victorious and without tragedy.

Regardless if you believe in global warming or not, there has been an increase in disastrous weather events across the world. Viral outbreaks, food shortages, and clean water shortages have become more commonplace as well. On top of that, it seems that we are experiencing an uptick in mental illness which in turn adds to the current problem of violence and crime in the world.

Too many voices out there trying to divide, confuse and spread hate along with chaos. Not enough voices out there trying to spread love, compassion, and understanding. Too many people believe conspiracy theories over facts and science. Too many people have lost faith and trust in our governments and news agencies. Hard for many to know who or what they can believe nowadays.

And still the poor are getting poorer and the rich are always getting richer. The homeless, elderly, and childless are forgotten or cast aside in this world. People point fingers at one another instead of offering a hand to help. Some hold on to the past and won’t let go of either what they saw as the glory days, then there are those that can not let go of the mistakes and pain of the past.

We have so much to address as a species, but first, we must stop the hate and division so we can work together to make this world a better place. Learn to love unconditionally, be compassionate and find understanding for your fellow humans.

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Ray Barbier

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Random Thoughts 4-5-2023


I was just sitting here thinking this morning about how politicalized news has become and how it has spread politicization into the everyday lives of Americans and others around the world. Too many people spend way too much time in front of the tv and computer screen binging on news, conspiracy theories, politically biased opinion shows, videos, and other types of media. When you constantly watch such things it tends to sway you towards the idealism and mindset of those putting out such media. Critical thinking, forming your own opinion, and remaining objective will become harder to achieve or maintain when you are constantly being bombarded with the opinions of others.

We need to take more time to process the information that we are receiving and also we should try and make sure that we get said information from a variety of sources, we also should try to remain open-minded and not limit ourselves to sources of information that tends to be the most aligned with our own beliefs and mindset. If you seek the truth, and absolute facts then do not just accept what you are given by others without verifying their sources and the information they provide. Also, you need to put aside all of your bias and personal feelings and look at the information you’re receiving objectively and fact-check everything.

Life is far more than sitting around and listening to/watching politically biased news and opinion pieces. There are far more important things in life to be concerned about. We should be enjoying our time with our family and friends. It does not matter if you are red or blue, you’re a human being and so is everyone else around you. Do not allow something as corrosive as politics to erode your relationship with others, just let your political differences become background noise and put both those around you and yourself at the front of your mind and enjoy the moment.

We need to find some way to bridge the gap between the political parties, close that divide and once again work together towards a better nation and world. If the divide continues to grow it will not bode well for either party. As it had been said, A divided house will fall and that said I feel that a nation divided will eventually fail. Personally, I think we need more moderates in politics, those near the center to help balance out the more extreme elements in both political parties. It takes all sorts of people, political ideas, and so on to make a successful society and nation. We all are in this together even if we all may have different ideas and views. Let us focus on the things that we have in common and build on that.

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Random Thoughts 3-28-2023


Thinking back to my years in Jr. high school and high school itself, I can remember all the emotional trauma and mental stress of being a teenager. Back then we did not have the internet, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and other social programs, but we still had to deal with bullying, body shaming and stereotyping, and so on.

I can recall kids being picked on if they were too skinny and boney if they were chubby, or if not as developed as most. The way you wore your hair, the clothes you wore, and even the neighborhood you lived in played a part in the whole thing. Girls, I think had it the hardest, if they were late bloomers or plain jane with average looks due to puberty, they suffered attacks from both girls and boys.

Boys dealt with similar, but it was more focused on how cool you appeared, the clothes and car you had, and if you were athletic and or a so-called tough guy. Hormones and social pressures were murder for all of us during those years, even those who were on the cool person’s list had issues to deal with, so easily one could go from cool to the outcast.

Some teachers may have tried to help students deal with issues, but most chose to just keep out of it all, thinking any intervention by a teacher may worsen the situation. Unfortunately, not doing anything only lead to bullying becoming worse since there were very little to no repercussions for such bad behavior. The Bullying issue is something that needs to be addressed at home first, parents need to apply some sort of discipline when it comes to their children being aggressive toward others. Schools and teachers only can do so much and to be honest, it really is not the teacher’s place to discipline someone else’s child. Teachers are there to teach academics and skills to the students, not parent them.

The Shcool though does have the responsibility of keeping each student safe, and reporting any if not all unwanted behavior to the parents. Sometimes The parents are not even aware that their child is being bullied or being a bully in school. So if they do not inform the parent then no sort of corrective action can be taken from the parent’s side. Then there are the very rare cases where parents either do not care or they support their child’s behavior.

So now, not only do kids have to deal with the face-to-face bullying in school but they come home and get bullied online. Cyberbullying is far easier to commit than face-to-face due to the possibility of anonymity and not having to personally face the victim of the bullying. So I believe that has helped in increasing the amount of bullying experienced by kids.

What is the Solution? well, there is no single solution, It will take a whole lot of different policy changes, parental participation, and probably a bit of counseling thrown in. I am not sure what all is needed to be done, that is for the experts to figure out. All I know is that bullying can scar some people for a lifetime, and there is really no reason to allow bullying to continue.

Only if it was like in the comic books, The strong protecting the weak, The wise guiding the people and so on. But life is not a fairy tale or a comic book, so we all have to do what we can to promote better behavior and discourage unwanted behavaior in what ever means we are able. Unfortunately Bullying does not stop in highschool, it carries on into adulthood, and into the real world. You can see it all around, in the work place, in social gatherings and even in politics.

Well thats my Random thoughts for today

Till next time, Be excellent to one another as they said in Bill and Ted.

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Ray Barbier

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Online Families, Real and Important


In this modern age, the old practice of writing letters between penpals has pretty much faded into the anals of history. Now it is all social media, online communities, email, and chat programs. Sometimes you get lucky and find yourself extended family online, and if you are really lucky you will find someone who is like a real family member. Just because you never meet physically does not mean the friendship you built is any less valid or important to you.

I have been fortunate enough to be a part of one such family, I belong to a community on a 3d environment platform called Activeworlds (www.activeworlds.com) and have been building 3d cities and worlds for decades along side some of the most unique individuals I have ever known. Sure the community is like a somewhat dysfunctional family at times but I love everyone there. Even those who probably do not like me very much.

Just like in real life, I have lost quite a few people who were like real family to me, most of them to death a few to circumstances or they just moved on for one reason or another. Each one of them as they left our community took a piece of me and the community with them. Currently, I am praying for a few of those people in Activeworlds that are dealing with some medical issues of their own. I also worry over one or two that decided to either leave the community or just decided to no longer communicate with me.

The point is, does not matter if it is online, or if its in real life. Friends are friends, and they all mean something to your heart and soul. Just don’t forget those friends online are real people and need your support and deserve respect as well. Cherrish them for there is no guarantee of how long any of us are here on this shiny blue marble we call home. That really goes for both online and real-life people, life is short so forgive, forget and embrace those in your life that you have been blessed with to have as family and friends.

Be good to one another, rememebr to be kind and respectful.

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Ray Barbier

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You, Your Opinions, and Your Voice Matter.


Everyone’s voice is important, every person’s opinion counts in this world. There are many out there that try to make you feel unimportant and insignificant but do not allow them to succeed in doing such things. Learn to speak your mind, but do so with respect for others. If you are the type of person that can not speak up alone, then find like-minded people to help you to get your message and voice heard. As they always say, there is strength in numbers.

Unfortunately, you will occasionally run across bullies in life that want to suppress you out of fear of you and your message and abilities. Most of the time people bully others out of fear of either being bullied themselves or to prevent others from succeeding or surpassing them. But if enough like-minded people join together it becomes harder for the bully to accomplish their goals through intimidation.

Fear can be beneficial, but if you allow it to control you then it is something of a roadblock. Fear is there to prevent you from being seriously harmed by a predator or severe catastrophe. But sometimes we allow fear to keep us from stepping up or speaking up and even worse sometimes we allow our fear to keep us from living and enjoying our lives. So do not let fear control you, speak your mind and live your life to the fullest.

It takes every voice to make a choir sound good, it takes every one of us to make this world better. Many want you to believe that they know what is good for you and that your opinion means nothing. They are not motivated so much by your well-being as much as they are by their greed and lust for power in the end. Sure some may have good intentions but a great number of them are all about being in control and monopolizing wealth.

This is why we need more people to speak up and stand up for all of us, the common people. Write those congressmen/congresswomen and get them to do the job we voted them in to do. They are there to protect and serve us citizens more so than to play to the base of just their political part and spew out rhetoric. We need to also stand up against the powers of big business, big pharma, and their greed.

It is quite disturbing how much more U.S. citizens have to pay for prescription drugs compared to other countries and how many advertisements from pharmaceutical companies we have to endure on television and radio nowadays. They can afford to blast advertisements every 15 minutes on television but yet they claim they have to keep their drug prices high due to research costs. Sounds a bit fishy to me lol.

Well, get out there and let your opinions be known and get your voices heard. Think for yourself and don’t follow anyone or anything blindly.

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Ray Barbier

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Life is short so we need to embrace life and love full-heartedly


As we age, most of us face times when we feel as if we are burdens on others, that we are not wanted, needed, or loved. This is pretty normal I believe, we tend to value our own worth by the actions, reactions, and words of others. As much as we all know that we shouldn’t rely on others to establish our self-worth, we still do to a degree. So when life gets hectic, overwhelming,, and full of distractions, those we love don’t always show us attention, and become irritable and stressed. We sometimes get the end of all the stressors in our loved ones’ lives, they unintentionally unload all the frustrations and stress on us.

This can lead us to believe that we are no longer loved, wanted, or needed in their lives. We must remember that everyone has stress and life can be challenging for us all. We need to put away our insecurities and help our loved ones. Once we are able to stop worrying over if they do or don’t love us or need us etc., then we can work on helping them through the turbulence that life loves to throw at us all. We love them, and more than likely they love us as well, they chose to be with us in the beginning or are our blood relatives and will continue to be by our side.

Wasting so much time and energy worrying about if you are loved, wanted, or if someone sees you as a burden is pointless. Instead, we should use all that time and energy on making life easier and happier for everyone involved. Love is supposed to be a shared experience, unconditional and selfless. Though it may occasionally dip and sway off track it should always return to its course. I say just love the person you love with all your heart and let the rest take care of itself, don’t waste your precious time on worry or doubts. Life is short so we need to embrace life and love full-heartedly.

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Ray Barbier

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Equality, Capitalism, and Social Programs.


Equality refers to the idea that all individuals should have equal opportunities and rights, regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. Capitalism is an economic system where the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit. Social programs refer to government initiatives aimed at providing support and assistance to individuals and communities in need, such as health care, education, and unemployment benefits.

The relationship between equality, capitalism and social programs can be complex and sometimes conflicting. Capitalism is often criticized for perpetuating inequality, as those with more resources and wealth tend to have greater opportunities and advantages. On the other hand, social programs aim to address inequality and provide support to those in need, but they can also be seen as a threat to capitalism by some who view them as government intervention in the market.

Ultimately, the balance between equality, capitalism, and social programs is a political and societal question that can vary greatly depending on cultural, historical, and ideological factors.

Democratic Republics and Equality

A democratic republic is a form of government where power is held by elected representatives and the system of government is based on democratic principles. Equality, as I mentioned earlier, refers to the idea that all individuals should have equal opportunities and rights, regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.

In a democratic republic, the principles of equality and democracy are often seen as intertwined and essential to the functioning of the system. The idea is that by having equal representation and equal voting rights, the government can better serve the needs and interests of all citizens.

However, the reality of equality in a democratic republic can be more complex. Issues such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and voting rights can still exist, and there may be groups that face systemic barriers to equal representation and equal treatment under the law. As a result, ongoing efforts to address and rectify these inequalities are often a central focus of democratic republics.

Democratic Republics and Capitalism

A democratic republic is a form of government where power is held by elected representatives and the system of government is based on democratic principles. Capitalism, as I mentioned earlier, is an economic system where the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit.

In a democratic republic with a capitalist economy, the government typically plays a role in regulating the economy and ensuring fair competition, while also protecting the rights of individuals and businesses. The democratic process allows citizens to have a say in these regulations and protections through their elected representatives.

However, the relationship between a democratic republic and capitalism can also be complex and sometimes conflicting. The pursuit of profit in a capitalist system can lead to economic inequality, which can undermine the principles of equality and democracy in a democratic republic. Additionally, regulations and protections put in place by the government to address these inequalities can sometimes be seen as interference in the market and can be opposed by those who prioritize capitalism.

Ultimately, the balance between a democratic republic and capitalism is a political and societal question that can vary greatly depending on cultural, historical, and ideological factors.

Democratic Republics and Social Programs

A democratic republic is a form of government where power is held by elected representatives and the system of government is based on democratic principles. Social programs, as I mentioned earlier, are government initiatives aimed at providing support and assistance to individuals and communities in need, such as health care, education, and unemployment benefits.

In a democratic republic, social programs can be seen as a crucial component of ensuring equal opportunities and promoting the well-being of all citizens. Through the democratic process, citizens can have a say in the creation and implementation of these programs, and elected representatives can be held accountable for their impact.

However, the funding and sustainability of social programs can also be a point of contention in a democratic republic. Some may view social programs as necessary investments in the well-being of society, while others may see them as burdensome and unnecessary government spending. The balance between these views can vary greatly depending on cultural, historical, and ideological factors.

Ultimately, the relationship between a democratic republic and social programs is complex and shaped by a variety of factors, including political and economic conditions, public opinion, and the priorities of elected officials and the citizens they represent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the relationship between democratic republics, capitalism, and social programs is complex and multifaceted. While these systems and principles can be seen as essential components of a functioning society, they can also be in conflict with one another.

Equality is often seen as a fundamental principle of democratic republics, but it can be undermined by the pursuit of profit in a capitalist system. Social programs aim to address these inequalities, but they can also be seen as a threat to capitalism and a burden on the economy.

Balancing these competing interests and ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities and protections is a continuous challenge in a democratic republic with a capitalist economy. The role of government and the interplay between these systems will continue to be a subject of political and societal debates, shaped by cultural, historical, and ideological factors.

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Just some thoughts on U.F.O./U.A.P. and E.T.s


I always thought as a child that there was more out in the universe than just us humans far as life is concerned. I was an avid believer in UFOs / UAPs as well as a child. As I grew older I of course kind of put away such things as believing in little green men or at least I stopped thinking about that subject. Now as I am getting up in age my mind has begun contemplating the idea once again.

My way of looking at it is that with such a vast universe, having only 1 small blue planet with sentient life would be such a waste of space, and also believing we are the only intelligent life forms in the said universe is a tad bit arrogant. Far as the ancient alien theory goes, I do not totally subscribe to the notion that humans are so helpless they could not build anything on a grand scale like the pyramids. There is no reason for me to believe that we required help from some extraterrestrial source to build or achieve what we had in history.

I can not rule out the possibility that there was some influence or help from an extraterrestrial race, but I have not seen anything that proves to me that there was at this time. Sure some of the things humans have done in the past can be a bit perplexing due to the known technology that ancient people possessed during the time of such megalithic builds like the Egyptian pyramids. I believe we do not possess all the knowledge of what technologies and techniques the ancient humans may have had, I believe we just have a general idea of what they may have had.

I believe as we discover new technology and further our scientific knowledge we may discover how humans achieved what they did back in history. We also may discover life outside of our solar system and maybe even outside our spiral galaxy. Some want to think if there are other living beings out there in the universe that somehow would cause conflict with the religious community and their belief systems.

From one Christian’s point of view, I have not found anywhere in the bible where it says that there are no others in the universe, nor have I found where it had anything in it saying that there are others either. I just do not see what difference it would make if God were to have more than just one planet he created life on. Some may disagree with my opinion concerning this, but I still feel it is quite arrogant to think we are the only ones in the universe.

Now that the U.S. Government released videos containing what they call UAPs, it at least gives some credibility to the subject. You tie that together with the privatization of space exploration, we may see more money being available for scientific research of UFOs/UAPs and related subjects. Maybe the age-old stigma associated with UFO sightings and so on will be finally put behind us.

There are so many possibilities for the origins of the UAPs in the Videos released to the public. They could be extraterrestrial, Interdimensional, time travelers, or possibly even from earth. Experimental technologies of one nation or another, that either our government wishes not to disclose or is not yet aware of. The origin and purpose of the UAPs has yet to be determined or yet to be revealed to the public. One last possibility is that it is no more than a missinformation camaign by our governmet.

Just some thoughts on the subject from a average person, and just what was on my mind at the time.

Blessings and peace to all

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Ray Barbier

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