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America’s premiere nineteenth century folk songster was, hands down, one Stephen Collins Foster. He died a pauper as have many folk songsters before him, but in 1854, Firth, Pond and Company published one of his songs entitled -Hard Times Come Again No More- and it became popular both in America and across the continent of Europe.

Nation founding and pioneering were at their height across the globe, but never so much as in America. Songs of struggles and scarcity were common and Europeans found them interesting in their fully developed nations where poverty was limited to certain cities or regions, but the general welfare of most European citizens was stable.

Foster’s songs invoked the sense of struggle and hard times, but were often misinterpreted as a sign that America was weak and could barely stand to her feet. In fact she was never stronger. Enduring hardships is a cleansing and purifying element that has long gone, and now it may be only the absence of the latest handheld gadget or the money to lavish on entertainment that is considered a hardship.

Difficulty has never made anyone weak if they refuse to move forward conjuring the best attitude and sense of resolve as they go. Was it a prayer or simply a mournful cry for hard times to come no more – in any sense, it was the call for better times that is generated from a belief that they can and will come.

Let us pause in life’s pleasures and count its many tears, While we all sup sorrow with the poor; There’s a song that will linger forever in our ears; Oh! Hard times come again no more

‘Tis the song, the sigh of the weary, Hard Times, hard times, come again no more Many days you have lingered around my cabin door; Oh! Hard times come again no more

While we seek mirth and beauty and music light and gay, There are frail forms fainting at the door; Though their voices are silent, their pleading looks will say Oh! Hard times come again no more

America sees her hard times as far behind with little chance of re-emergence in these times. This is the juncture where premiere old folk songs and premiere new false beliefs meet.

This writer is not guided by the latest trend in Christian journalism or the latest fad in doctrinal emphasis. Generational curses, prosperity gospel or any other fad of the church is taken for what it is worth, but will take no precedence over declaring the whole -counsel of God- as the Apostle Paul declared.

It is what I have -heard in the ear- (Mt 10: 27) that I must declare on the housetops, not what passes muster in today’s rapidly oncoming pop-culture gospel and trendy Biblical interpretation. So, exactly what have I heard?

America is heading toward hard times.

The short version is easy to declare, the causes require far more detail and that is what I write about endlessly.

America is prone to idol and hero worship and that is where the subtle error first makes its debut. Politicians, political pundits, news anchors and celebrities all have their place in the American scheme of things, but they rarely see the larger picture without some kind of compromising mistake that may look small, but in the light of biblical truth is major.

The seemingly invincible Fox News now hires homosexuals, has its top voices (Bret Baier) dismissed from speaking engagements because they have gone soft on key issues or succumbed to PC pressure of the day. The daily and morning shows host celebrities that have introduced sleaze into America through media which is generally looked at with snickers, laughter and curiosity.

Heroes like Bill O’Reilly are seen as the last and best voices even while their views of the nation may be generally correct, their solutions are almost non-existent or ignored. Hard work, lower taxes, economic responsibility all have their place in the old America but do little to help a nation that is plunging into moral reprobation.

We see in the last chapters of O’Reilly’s first best seller -Culture Warrior- a cavalier approach to the onset of the militant gay agenda. He concludes that it is a passing culturally faddish and unimportant part of the changes in the nation. What some are now calling the -Gaystapo- is today making our foibled impresario of the fallacious – look a bit foolish.

As if the hero was not sufficiently exposed, we all rush, not to read the bible, but O’Reillys book about the bible’s key figure -Jesus of Nazareth. O’ Reilly insists that only his trusted researcher Martin Dugard and a library of history books along with Bill’s high level of commonsense can discern the veracity and the importance of the man Jesus. Leaving the authority and God given fullness of the bible behind; our hero runs ahead at gallop speed with America’s conservative hoards running fast behind trying to keep up.

It should be embarrassing to see the nation falling even as the trumpeter calls the troops to the charge. As for Fox and O’Reilly the word for the day is -braggadocio.’ When writing to us, don’t use this word as a substitute for the truth and for mis-leading a nation about what is causing it to fall. A tilt has been discovered in the no spin zone.

It was never just about the killing of Jesus – it has always been about the life of the resurrected Christ carried on in the Holy Spirit empowered daily lives of the believers. It was never about how, where or when Christ died – it was always about for who he died.

-For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.- (Ro 5: 6)

But as soon as possible research this, forget its historicity, it emerges from the Divine who resides in the eternal. To wit:

-In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.- (Pr 10: 19)

We use SNL for parody, spoof, sarcasm and satire about daily events in America much like the French use Charlie Hebdo. We get a laugh out of it, but little more. There is no relief, change or meaningful reparation to our ills following our laughter.

Here is where it behooves us to realize that hard times come at the -backend’ of a nations run for a reason. The reason is blaringly simple – it is so, that nation, will not fall as all the other nations throughout history have fallen like so many dominoes in a row.

God is not a whip toting angry taskmaster, but a loving Father who cares about our future as individuals and for our nation as well. Consider this:

-For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.- (1Co 11: 31-32)

Politicians, news anchors, celebrities and the best of the best all have their significance, but if we are ignoring the admonishments of the Lord we will still have to pass through chastisement. Those are the days when laughter ceases.

Almost in a prophetic sense Stephen Foster’s sad song ends with a picture of an old woman who, after all, could find no relief and, in fact, the dirge is carried right to the edge of the grave – is that woman America?

There’s a pale drooping maiden who toils her life away, With a worn heart whose better days are o’er: Though her voice would be merry, ’tis sighing all the day, Oh! Hard times come again no more

‘Tis a sigh that is wafted across the troubled wave, ‘Tis a wail that is heard upon the shore ‘Tis a dirge that is murmured around the lowly grave Oh! Hard times come again no more

Michael Bresciani is the publisher of American Prophet.org since 2005. The website features the articles and reports of Rev Bresciani along with some of America’s best writers and journalists, news and reviews that have earned the site the title of – The Website for Insight. Millions have read his timely reports and articles in online journals and print publications across the nation and the globe. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

As I watched the Trump supporters and rioters wave their flags and break windows and climb the walls of the Capitol building on Jan 6, I wasn’t surprised at all. I have suspected that a certain segment of Trump supporters were fully capable of such behavior for many different reasons.

If you study the footage inside the Capitol you will see one person carrying a huge Confederate flag and many others carrying printed signs saying, ”Stop the Steal”. One huge homemade banner says, ”Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President”. Smaller signs, symbols and pieces of clothing display Qanon, MAGA, and Militia symbols. Many men are in military garb with backpacks and helmets. Many are using their Trump and US flag poles as weapons against the small force of Capitol Police who are NOT in riot gear and have tiny cans of pepper spray or mace. They seem afraid to draw their weapons because they are outnumbered by at least 100 rioters for each policeman.

It is clear that a man tattooed and painted from head to toe and wearing a Viking helmet with sharp bull horns and carrying a huge spear, is screaming and chanting. This man has since been arrested so we know that he claims to be a Qanon Shaman who now has a lawyer who claims that his client is mentally ill.

The FBI will continue to arrest people who are easily identified by the video footage and cell phone pictures which are numerous and have date, exact time and location printed on them. Rioters tried to beat up journalists and steal cameras but many people, including the rioters, also took pictures. Some people may have looked like thugs but they were proud of what they were doing. They obviously came from many different backgrounds and places. They were all there because of one man: Donald Trump, who had given the order to get to the Capitol and fight, just before the crowd rushed toward this very building.

We may never fully understand what motivated EACH one of these people to come to Washington DC prepared for a riot or revolution, but it is already clear that many have said that they were,” Taking their country Back” by keeping Donald Trump in power.

People said that the election was fraudulent and they believe Trump won, because that was declared by him repeatedly. Some screamed, “ Kill Mike Pence”, who at that very moment was being rushed to safety by the Secret Service and Capitol Police. Others were looking for Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders who were also evacuated moments before rioters broke into the House and Senate Chambers and several offices of key Democrats to steal things and photograph documents.

Since WWII, we have never seen a riot like this on US soil. We have seen individuals (like Timothy McVeigh) bomb or attempt to bomb government buildings. We have seen criminals commit arson and kill policemen. We have seen many mass shootings at schools and public spaces. Each time we have been shocked, but at the same time somewhat relieved to discover that these people appeared to be insane and usually acting alone. KKK violence and more recently the Charlottesville events are revealing that more organized hate groups are forming more frequently. We have failed to realize that crowds of people could be incited to not only riot, but to attempt to kill elected officials and their security personnel. There have been many more killings of US citizens carried out by white male Americans than by foreign born individuals. How do we end this increase in domestic terror and its threat to the “unalienable…rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for all Americans?

We need to arrest these rioters, but are they the only ones that we must hold accountable? If most of them are mentally ill and delusional, we must ask ourselves why and how did they all gather at the Capitol steps on Jan 6 ? Why were police and security officials and journalists threatened and beaten by so MANY different people? What was motivating these people? As people are arrested and interviewed, we will gather more information and we must analyze it carefully to understand the answers.

Would any if this riotous and criminal behavior have happened if Trump himself and other Republican leaders had admitted that Trump lost the Election and Biden had won fairly by over seven million real votes cast by real US citizens? We need all forms of media to report the actual statements of rioters. We need to demand facts about the actions of their leaders. We need to demand honesty and integrity from all our government officials. Every citizen must think about how to prevent more violence, so here are a few suggestions:

First – Two recounts done by Republican officials in Georgia showed NO voter fraud and only minor differences of a few hundred votes. Also more than 55 court cases were filed by Trump and his lawyers and these cases found ONLY small numbers of voters who cast ballots fraudulently. There were NO instances of poll workers making errors in counting or reporting or shredding the votes in any states that Biden won. We need transparency and truth in government AND in any media that is charged with reporting these facts, so we can know the truth and not be confused by misinformation. This is how democratic governments retain their legitimacy.

Second – State republican officials repeatedly refused to change the vote count in GA after 2 recounts and officially certifying the vote for that state. Weeks later Trump tried to convince these officials in a taped phone call, to “add 11,000 votes” for him and to “change the official vote count”. We need to hold Trump accountable and anyone else who commits any attempt to commit massive election fraud accountable. This is how we establish faith in our voting system and faith in the certification of election results at all levels of government. Otherwise the media and losers who refuse to concede, can confuse the public and take power away from the citizens who vote. Democracy starts to die when this happens.

Third – Trump and Republicans used voter fraud claims in order to raise money for their future campaigns. Campaign finance laws allow Trump (and the Republican Party) to keep much of this money for personal use. We need campaign finance laws that encourage candidates who want to be public servants and discourage candidates who desire wealth, power, and fame and who listen only to their wealthiest donors.

Fourth – Trump and several other Republicans repeatedly asked their supporters to come to the Capitol and “stop the steal”. Anyone who uses their position and power to stop the peaceful transition of power over to a newly elected government official, must be held accountable for this undemocratic act. If this is allowed to happen, the will of the Majority of voters is Thwarted and democracy ends.

Fifth – So far at least one Jan 6 rioter has been arrested and his lawyer has stated that he is mentally ill. What if a large majority of the people arrested and charged with criminal trespass or more violent behaviors on Jan 6, plead not guilty due to mental disabilities? Service men and women who have suffered head trauma and other injuries during combat must be given more effective healthcare and immediate access to ongoing and effective therapies and supervision if they exhibit violent tendencies. People who apply for security jobs or gun permits must be given thorough background checks before they are hired or trained. (In most states, substitute teachers must get background checks to make sure they are not going to do harm.) These types of security checks ought to be expanded so that jobs that require individuals to have fast and effective reactions in violent or emergency situations, are mentally fit for their jobs and able to be trained to carry out effective non-violent responses.

Sixth – Every year Innocent people are killed by gunfire and are severely injured. Anyone who thinks that carrying a gun is the best way to be safe from harm needs to be frequently reminded that a gun that you own or carry can easily be used to kill you. If we do not sensibly restrict the ownership and purchase of rapid fire weapons, we will continue to have the largest number of gun deaths per capita of any nation in the “civilized” world. We will have more violent crime, not less, because security officers and innocent bystanders will be killed more often. Gun ownership does not promote safety and the freedom to carry guns takes away the ability to have peaceful protests and other public activities. FACT: US states with the most restrictive gun laws have the least shootings.

Seventh – Those rioters who go to prison for less than 25 years must receive rehabilitation so that they learn how to be workers and healers, not haters and fighters. Many of them are so confused by falsehoods and trauma that they view Democrats and people of color as enemies and evil. They need programs that enable them to rebuild their lives. There are many model prison programs such as the Bard College program run in New York State. Some programs help prisoners overcome addictions and mental disabilities by meditating, growing and preparing their food and doing community service work. We must fund these programs, carefully oversee and train prison guards, and measure recidivism and success, so we can tweak or expand programs that heal anger and hate and give purpose to prisoners so that they can return to society successfully.

Eighth – The documentary film “Healing From Hate” demonstrates very well the type of help that is needed. When I viewed this documentary, I realized that it is possible to change the hearts and minds of men and women who have been radicalized by trauma, obuse, anger, hate, and lies. View this film if you know someone who is falling prey to lies told for power and profit and you may discover ways to help that person.

It is my hope that we will study and consider some of these solutions over the coming months. Sometimes we trick each other and the media into only fretting and worrying about the future, instead of becoming effective and knowledgeable citizens. Let’s spend less time debating or reading about conspiracy theories. It is not OK to think people are inherently evil or to assume that nothing can help them change. We all can strengthen democracy, root out corruption, and focus on solving our most serious problems: climate chaos and social and economic injustice, by becoming aware and active citizens.

CardioFlex Therapy enjoys supporting mission-focused causes by participating in fundraisers and local Davie community events throughout the year. We would like to continue raising awareness of these causes and community organizations, and the people that they are trying to help.

Here are a few community events to participate in and support this season!

American Lung Association

Fight for Air Climb

March 6th, 2021 at 8:00 am- Hard Rock Stadium

Join the American Lung Association outside for a re-imagined Climb. All are welcome to share in this adventure, whether you’re new to the event or a veteran Climber.

Just like their indoor event, how you climb outdoors is up to you. You can race to the end or take it at your own pace. There’s even a Climb Your Way virtual option for those who can’t make it to the event.

Visit this page for the most up-to-date information about the event.

Learn more here.

American Heart Association

2021 Broward Heart Walk Digital Experience

Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 9:00am- Virtual Event

This year’s Heart Walk will be the biggest ever as over 1 million walkers across the nation move as one.

Heart walk is about coming together, getting hearts pumping, honoring survivors, raising lifesaving funds — and having fun along the way.

This year’s donations will help fast track COVID-19 research and train front-line workers while they continue the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Learn more here.

Autism Speaks

2021 Autism Speaks Miami Gala

March 20, 2021 at 7:00 pm — 9:30 pm -Virtual Event

Every year, the Autism Speaks Miami Gala brings together philanthropists, business professionals and influencers from the South Florida community, all join to honor and support the individuals with autism and their families.

Learn more here.

Relay for Life

Relay for Life of Davie-Cooper City

Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 3:00 pm — Cooper City High School

Cancer won’t quit. So neither can we.

Relay For Life is all about joining together as a community.

Survivors and caregivers are the heart of every Relay For Life event. By participating, you can connect with other survivors and caregivers, inspire someone newly diagnosed, lend an ear to someone with a similar situation, and be part of a community where cancer is faced together, not individually.

Learn more here.

We invite you to visit our blog to stay up to date on the latest events in which we participate, promote, and support in the South Florida region.

The 1970s has been marked in history for being one of the grooviest time periods known to man. Best known for Bell bottoms and the rise of disco, but during this time there was also a rise of cultural change, different social norms, economic and political struggles, and the innovation of new technology.

The 70s decade was very much a continuation of the late 1960s. The crusade for social justice prevailed. Activist were fighting to gain equality for African Americans, women, the LGBT community, and other marginalized groups. Many of the protest during this time were peaceful, it was only after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 people began to riot.

Many people would best describe the 70s as A time to be alive . These were simpler times when kids played in the streets all day, the neighborhood were like a big family, and people interacted and spent time face to face. Without the advanced technology we have today, people had no choice, but to talk and spend time together. During this time, Baby Boomers unquestionably tested the waters not only with fighting for equality and social justice but normalized latest trends such as men wearing platform shoes, tight shirts, and short shorts without it being thought of as unmasculine. Women were able to wear what they pleased without being sexualized.

The 70s also marked the start of this first economic crisis since the Great Depression. After the

The 70s also marked the start of this first economic crisis since the Great Depression. After the

Deborah Rush, a New Jersey native, describes having to sleep on the floor during the riots because bullets would bounce off her house. We family couldn’t leave the house except to go to work and even then we couldn’t leave until national guard checked our vehicles

The 70s birthed some of the modern technology used today. One of the most popular inventions was the Sony Walkman, which was a portable cassette player so you could listen to your choice of music in private. Another interesting invention was the Apple computer. Of course, it was not as advanced as people have today, but it was the beginning of technological evolution and nonface to face interaction besides the telephone.

The 70s birthed some of the modern technology used today. One of the most popular inventions was the Sony Walkman, which was a portable cassette player so you could listen to your choice of music in private. Another interesting invention was the Apple computer. Of course, it was not as advanced as people have today, but it was the beginning of technological evolution and nonface to face interaction besides the telephone.

Vietnam war, the economy began to wane due to paying the cost of war, competing with international forces, and the decline of manufacturing jobs. Unemployment also began to rise, and the people went into a period of stagflation. President Nixon tried to resolve this issue by decreasing the value of a US dollar, and declared wage and price freezes. When President Nixon came into office in 1968, he immediately dismantling the welfare of the states. He opposed mandatory desegregation of schools, and diminished many parts of former president, Lyndon Johnson s, war on poverty. Although, Nixon did have some positive reforms such as government assistance for families, it was overlooked. He undermined the faith Americans had in a good