Weekly Newspaper Article for 1/17/24

 Nick Saban vs. the USA

Wow! Last week, I titled my article "Happy New Year Pt. 2 or 2024-The Year of Major Changes?" How many of us thought that one of those changes would be the announced retirement on Jan. 11th of Head Coach Nick Saban? I know some wondered whether it would happen, but I for one was still hoping it wouldn't happen for another couple years if his health held up. I arrived in Alabama before Nick Saban's second season but first winning season. My oldest grandson's age parallels Coach Saban's tenure with us. The end of a era, for those of us that like college football and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. 

But as I mentioned in the last 2 articles, I'm concerned that this is just the beginning and will be minor compared to what is likely coming. With a national debt that surpassed the $34 trillion mark a couple of weeks ago, huge deficit spending that's causing considerable inflation, what amounts to an invasion at the southern border and who knows how many crossing the northern border, Trump being taken off the ballot in two states and constantly charged with likely bogus charges, a 2020 general election that Joe Biden likely didn't win, and Jan. 6, 2021 so-called insurrection that was not even a riot and more of a protest that was provoked and aided by some feds (have you seen the video where some capitol police say they were set up?), a corrupt president and son that little if any action is taken on, a president that's clearly had real cognitive problems since he campaigned for president in 2018 making him unfit and that both political parties in congress have allowed to continue, constant challenges to the second amendment and other constitutional areas, and more. 

But just our economic woes alone should cause great concern. As I've written about repeatedly, where do you think it'll all end if the Lord Jesus Christ doesn't return for decades or longer? What do you think college and professional football will look like in either a socialistic society or major economic collapse and depression? Reduced advertising revenue for televising the games, people not being able to afford going to the games? But maybe it would be good thing, because after all, it is just a game, right? 

Look, I like football like many. It's a fun form of entertainment that the Lord has allowed us to have in His providence and sovereignty. Nick Saban and others have received reeeeal good moola (maybe he can help with the national debt ;-)). But the whole shabang is coming to an end sooner or later if we don't do everything we need to do to stop the runaway economy freight train and protect our constitutional republic. Sports is one of the distractions used by the earthly 'powers that be'. I for one would rather it all come tumbling down if that's what it would take to wake up, even though I'm interested in the meantime who will be the next Alabama football head coach.

So to Nick Saban, who retired about a month after I did ;-), I wish you and Ms. Terry the best. Thank you for what you did for Alabama football and the state. I would imagine we might see the GOAT on a sports network analyzing a game here and there. To the rest of us, let's be thankful that God has blessed us with sooo much more than our needs and all more than what we deserve, and use this as a reminder that what's happening to our country could cause it all to disappear. If you are on the internet and Facebook, I strongly encourage you to follow me on my Blog and Facebook pages for local, state, national and global issues. Thank you, and--- Roll Tide :-).

Pester Brat is the Founder & Director of the local La-Fayette Constitutional Patriots & national Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America, Email:  pesterbratdotcom@aol.com. Blog: pesterbratdotcom.blogspot.com. Facebook: Pester Brat & Bret Pester-Brat Lovitz. Twitter, Rumble, YouTube: Pester Brat. 

Weekly Newspaper Article for 1/10/24

 Happy New Year Pt. 2 or 2024-The Year of Major Changes?

Well, I didn't keep up with the different schedule last week of this newspaper, so if you read it, you noticed I wrote it as if it would be before New Year's- my bad ;-). But here's Part 2 of sorts anyway. I do hope everyone had a safe holiday season, and if not, that things get better for you quickly.

Some people think that something big is going to happen in our country this year. Even the former Fox News guy, Tucker Carlson, has been talking about it. Of course, we should be careful with feelings and emotions, but are there solid reasons why we should be concerned even more this year? Can we still have a Happy New Year in light of these things? I believe that the answer to both of those questions is yes, and here's why:

1. The real deep state and the Democrats likely stole the 2020 general election. They have been trying everything they can to keep Donald Trump off the ballot with bogus charges, and now 2 states as of 1/3/24 (Colorado and Maine) unconstitutionally took him of the ballots there. Time will tell if that will stick, but we've never seen the like in our country. There is reason to be concerned that they will cause, allow, or use just about anything to remain in power. 

2. A few in Congress have been trying to get Jeffrey Epstein's flight logs released. On 1/3/24 it was blocked. God only knows to what length "they" will go to keep that information from getting out.

3. The national debt just passed the $34,000,000,000,000 (yeah, trillion) mark according to usdebtclock.org. Both major Parties have been spending us into oblivion. Yes, I said both! The difference between the Republicans and Democrats on spending is like the difference between fat and obese. They either ignorantly don't care, or it is intentional so that citizens will want to go to digital currency that would give the gubmint control of your finances and life. If you can't see that, you haven't been paying attention :-).

4. The flood of illegal immigrants at the southern border that's really an invasion, has brought us increased crime, drugs, and terrorists. GOP Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy even talked about the how people can get through the northern border. I've been reading how our U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (he's running again this year too ya know ;-)) made a recent trip to the southern border. I know they probably don't read comments when they post on social media, but I asked him if it was his first trip :-). While the damage has already been done, it still needs to stop. 

5. Aggression by Russia, China, Hamas, and more, could throw us into WWIII, while we have "woke" military leaders that seem to be more concerned about vaccine mandates, gender neutral pronouns, etc. Yet they continue to attempt more gun restrictions. You can't make this nonsense up!

There's more of course. A lot of doom and gloom, huh? God's word says, "fear not he that can destroy the body, but He (God) that can destroy both body and soul in Hell." God's in control. Nothing takes Him by surprise or slips through His figurative fingers. If our sins against our thrice Holy God have been paid for by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection (born again believers), we don't have to fear eternity. So yes, Happy New Year :-).

Pester Brat is the Founder & Director of the local La-Fayette Constitutional Patriots & national Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America, Email:  pesterbratdotcom@aol.com. Blog: pesterbratdotcom.blogspot.com. Facebook: Pester Brat & Bret Pester-Brat Lovitz. Twitter, Rumble, Vimeo, YouTube: Pester Brat. 

Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America Weekly Video Short 1/8/24

https://rumble.com/v45tsd3-concerned-constitutional-patriots-of-america-ccpa-weekly-video-short-1824.html?mref=17pxtz&mc=8rg11 

Weekly Newspaper Article for 1/3/24

 Happy New Year From Pester Brat & Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America

God willing we'll be celebrating New Year's Sunday night. It's my hope and prayer that everyone will be careful and safe. Please don't drink alcohol and drive a motor vehicle. When I was younger, I stayed up and celebrated the holiday. These days, my wife and I choose not to drink alcohol, and we don't even stay up until midnight every year :-). Remember when Dick Clark did New Year's Rockin Eve?

New Year's is also known for "resolutions." While that might be fine for some folks, I just try to do them throughout the year with some of them being known better by the term "repentance" ;-). But here are some things that I'm looking or hoping for in 2024. They aren't in order of importance and certainly not meant as an exhaustive list. If you'd like, email me some of yours: 1) The Southern Border invasion is stopped through either States working together and with Texas, or the U.S. Congress. 2) States put [a lot] more pressure on the federal government to eliminate the national deficit to reduce the national debt ($33,935,000,000,000 as of 3:15pm on 12/21/23), and prevent them from going to all digital currency. 3) The AL Republican Party declares the District 2 County Commissioner ineligible for allegedly having his primary residence in, and living with his wife in, MS, and more people in the whole county would pay attention to it. 4) If said Commissioner is still on the ballot, that District 2 residents would not vote for him in March just because of the allegations (nothing personal). 5) That more county citizens would come to the Lamar County Republican Meetings including the one in February that should have a forum for the two candidates for Probate Judge. 6) That people who claim to already be "saved Christians" but aren't committed to a bible believing, gospel preaching, grace embracing church, would start going to one and strongly consider my Church (Calvary Baptist Church in Vernon :-)) so we can also discuss the things I write about before and after worship services. 7) Encourage our police officers even more including that they would fully uphold the constitution if they were faced with unconstitutional orders. 8. Hunter and Daddy Joe Biden are convicted of their crimes and Donald Trump continues to be exonerated of his non-crimes. 9. Further and widely accepted proof that Donald Trump did not lose the 2020 elect so that it could not be attempted again ;-). 10) Further and widely accepted proof that Jan. 6, 2021 was not an insurrection so the nonsense of saying it won't be attempted again. 11. More proof in our country (already is outside of our country) and widely accepted that COVID-19 was not a pandemic so that mandates and shut-downs will be resisted or not attempted against the constitution. 12. That more souls would be saved by grace through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of the God-man Jesus the Christ/Messiah. 13. More people contacting our local, state and federal elected officials about economy and constitutional issues. 14. More people reading and sharing these articles, watching and sharing my video shorts and monthly online patriot service (with the hope of going back to in-person services), and remembering the P's: praying, planning, preparing, and [being more] politically proactive. I would rather be considered a fool for preparing and nothing happen, then a fool for not preparing when likely the do-do will hit the fan. Let's make 2024 a great year by God's grace.

Pester Brat is the Founder & Director of the local La-Fayette Constitutional Patriots & national Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America, Email:  pesterbratdotcom@aol.com. Blog: pesterbratdotcom.blogspot.com. Facebook: Pester Brat & Bret Pester-Brat Lovitz. Twitter, Rumble, Vimeo, YouTube: Pester Brat. 

Happy New Year and National Debt Achievement 2024

 Happy New Year everyone. The best way to keep it happy is to keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ and God's word. 

Especially in light of reaching another National Debt achievement. Sometime during all the holiday celebration, usdebtclock.org says we crossed the $34,000,000,000.000 (that's trillion in case it's hard to see all of those zeros). That comes out to $101,000 per citizen and $264,000 per taxpayer.

So let's just keep on keepin on with the entertainment, recreation, etc., and do nothing about what's happening to our country and passing on to our kids and grandkids if we last that long, thinking nothing can be done about it.

~ Pester Brat

Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America (CCPA) Weekly Video Short 1/4/24

https://rumble.com/v44pmoo-concerned-constitutional-patriots-of-america-video-short-1224.html?mref=17pxtz&mc=8rg11 

A Tale of a Lamar County (AL) Tag Office Clerk

A Tale of a Lamar County Tag Office Clerk (some free, unsolicited and perhaps unwanted information about tags and titles in Lamar County, AL)

I began working full time in 1976 right after I graduated high school, as a fast food store cashier and clerk. 16 months later I began my first career job in the dairy manufacturing industry. I also worked for 2 different banks totaling about 11 years. I won't bore you with all of the details of my working career, but feel free to ask if you're really interested. In Dec. 2020 after my wife and I prayerfully considered and discussed it, I retired from manufacturing and 2nd/3rd shift work and we moved back to Alabama. 

In April 2021 I was hired by our county, and in November 2021 I began working as a county tag office clerk. I think I was the only guy to work in there. As of Dec. 6, 2023, I'm fully retired from full time employment and no longer a tag office clerk.  

As an adult, I lived in 2 counties in Maryland, 2 counties in Florida, 1 county in Idaho, 1 county in New York, 1 county in Louisiana, and 2 counties in Alabama including the one I worked for. I don't remember all of the details about renewing tags in all of these counties, but since I also worked for the current one I live in, it helps with the comparisons. Maybe this will be boring to you, but it also may shed some light on some things you never thought of. 

By the way, I oppose multiple taxation (state income tax, state sales tax, additional state gasoline tax, ad valorum vehicle tax, home property tax, etc.), yet I ended up working in a tag office for 2 years ;-). Once they do state income tax OR sales tax, that should be it. Nevertheless, it's a reality that we as citizens never should have allowed back in the day. But I digress. This is unsolicited information. No one working for Lamar County asked me to do this. So, here ya go for what it's worth. 

1. Sales tax on new purchases will always be paid on the purchase price of the vehicle. If you buy from an Alabama dealership, they will collect it and send it. If you buy from outside of Alabama or an individual, you will pay it at the Tag office when you register the new vehicle. Some dealerships outside of Alabama will estimate your sales tax and put it on your Bill of Sale and send the check to the Tag Office. If you trade in a vehicle at a dealership, the price they give you is deducted from the purchase price first to determine the sales tax. 

2. In addition to the Bill of Sale you always need the Title or Title Application. When you buy from an individual, the seller has to sign in the appropriate place and it has to the way he/she has it titled or more, but not less. For example, if they used the middle initial, they have to use that or the middle name when they sign it. Marking or whiting out anything, or signing in the wrong place will require a correction/affidavit form. 

3.  While you never know how busy each day can be, the busiest days of the month are usually the last business day of the month, the last few business days of the month, and the first business day of the month. There is a late fee currently of $15 per vehicle if you're one day or more late. One exception is if the last day of the month falls on the weekend, there will be no late fee if you're there on the first business day of the following month.

4. The Tag Office hours currently are 8:00AM-4:30PM. If it involves a title, you have to be there by 4:00PM for it to be processed at that time. They do not close for lunch but there is one less clerk for about two hours around lunch time. 

5. Calling the tag office to get a price is a courtesy started years ago. They usually cannot help you those busy days I mentioned, but whenever all 3 tag clerks are using the computer to help a customer at any time, they cannot get you a price at that time. This is for renewals only. They cannot give you a price for new purchases. 

6. New vehicle purchases with an out of state title requires a VIN inspection, so the vehicle has to be present for the tag office Clerk to check it. 

7. NEVER let your auto insurance lapse. The State of Alabama requires continuous coverage, and you could be fined $200 for the first notice and $400 if there's a second notice. 

8. It's best to bring your insurance card with you even when you renew your tags. Sometimes they don't need it. But if it does not confirm automatically in the computer system, they are required to scan the insurance card. 

9. The lowest price for an automobile tag renewal that I saw in my 2 years there was $26.77 for a whole year. That was for around a 2008 and older automobile.

10. Replacement metal tags and/or decals are $2.00. Replacement titles are $18.00.

11. They do not have antique tags anymore. You can get a vintage tag for vehicles over 35 years old but that's only for going back and forth to car shows. 

12. You have 20 days from the date of purchase to register your new vehicle purchase. The tag office has no control of how long it takes to get the required documentation from the dealership. 

Well, I reckon that's all for now. Why did I do this? Well, for one, because I'm retired from full time employment :-) and I like to do articles and blog posts. Another reason is to just try to be helpful. While I was there, "they" allowed me to have a Facebook page just for the tag office, but they changed their mind after a few weeks or so. I appreciate the opportunity to work for the county and serve the public. I left because they got a new title system I didn't want to learn, I want to devote more time to my Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America outreach, and I do have several health issues that made it a little difficult to keep working there. 

One more thing ;-). The Probate Judge is over the tag office. Keep that in mind when voting this March. Feel free to contact me by emailing me at pesterbratdotcom@aol.com or sending me a private message on Facebook.

Thanks for reading,

~ Pester Brat

Weekly Newspaper Article for 12/20/27

 Is Jesus Really the Reason for the Season?

Greetings again all. I was born to a Baptist mother and Jewish father. Those who know the Bible know that a Christian is not supposed to marry a non Christian, but it happened. The best that I can tell, my Dad was not a "practicing Jew" and did celebrate the commercial aspect of Christmas. Sadly, my Dad passed away almost 44 years ago. 37 years ago this month, after being given the gospel in written form, I trusted in Jesus Christ and Him dying on the cross for my sins. It's been quite the journey, and I may write a boring ;-) book about it one day, Lord willing. I've been on the internet and social media for almost 30 years that has included being ministered to, ministering, and mucho discussions about the things of God. I still do, although mostly it's about my Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America Outreach. I prefer the term "Outreach" instead of "Ministry" personally, because it is not overtly Christian yet still has that foundation. Even if I don't always mention it in writing or on video, the most important thing is whether someone has been born again unto saving faith in the Person and work of Christ! Not just because that all I or we may do to try to keep our constitutional republic may be for nothing, but because at any time you and me may take our last breath and enter eternity. 

'Tis also the season for various discussions about Christians and Christmas. I've seen positions ranging from only celebrating Christ's birth plus nothing to not even celebrating Christ's birth because we were not "commanded" to in Scripture to anything goes with some folks going in debt over the gifts and celebration-and more. When my children were young, we had a tree, lights in and out, gift giving, and applied Christian meanings to them. We didn't bow down and worship the tree ;-) and kept Christ as the main focus including the purpose of His birth. Matthew 1:21 says "and you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." Two gospels record Christ's birth, and believing that Jesus was born of the then virgin Mary is an essential belief as proof of salvation. But Jesus ain't no baby no more :-). Some folks don't have a problem with Jesus as a baby as long as you don't talk to them about His teaching and all-sufficient sacrifice & resurrection to pay the penalty of sins of born again believers. He's the King of kings and Lord of lords whether someone acknowledges or not, who is making intercession and preparing a place for His people. 

Jesus should be the "reason for the season" for Christians that celebrate. But here's the thing, if the economy continues on it's current path, it will eventually be the only thing- but maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing :-). My family still exchanges gifts, but the best gifts I would like to see this year is more souls born again and saved by Christ, more people getting involved to help protect this constitutional republic, and for God to bless this Outreach and use me. If you agree, will you pray with and help me please? Merry CHRISTmas!

Pester Brat is a former pastor, the Founder & Director of the local La-Fayette Constitutional Patriots & national Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America, and member of Calvary Baptist Church in Vernon. Email:  pesterbratdotcom@aol.com. Blog: pesterbratdotcom.blogspot.com. Facebook: Pester Brat & Bret Pester-Brat Lovitz. Twitter, Rumble, Vimeo, YouTube, Gettr: Pester Brat. 

Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America Weekly Video Short 12/18/23

https://rumble.com/v41y0an-concerned-constitutional-patriots-of-america-video-short-121823.html?mref=17pxtz&mc=8rg11

Weekly Newspaper Article for 12/13/23

Tax, Tax, Everywhere a Tax...

From time to time, I like to take current events and sit-ee-ations and come up with words to a familiar song. How many remember the old rock song Signs? It was released in 1970 by The Five Man Electrical Band. "Signs, signs, everywhere are signs, blocking out the scenery, breaking my mind. Do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs?" Let's have some fun with a 'not so fun' situation using my title to the song Signs. If you're up for this, email it to me. If you don't know the song and are on the internet, check it out. It's catchy :-).

The day I'm typing this, we received our Alabama 'stimulus' check. I hope you got yours. Ain't that nice of them? Don't get me wrong, they didn't have to do that. They need a certain amount to operate our 'we the people' state government, eh? But where in the 'h-e double-hockey-sticks' were the state citizens back then, when they began multiple state taxation- tax, tax, everywhere a tax...income, sales, additional gasoline, home property, automobile property (aka ad valorem). Disgusting, ain't it? So now citizens start complaining about costs going up, and the Alabama legislature decides to throw us a bone. Oh sorry, they also are gradually reducing the grocery sales tax- another bone from what should never have been. 

Some of you may know I have been working in the county tag office :-) (if you want some free tag office tips ;-), email me). Never thought I would have done something that I was opposed to partly, in principle. I had semi-retired from shift work and had trouble finding Mon-Fri day shift work. But now I'm retired from full time employment. Yet this is another tax after we've already been taxed. I don't know how some folks can stand buying brand new trucks, SUVs, RVs, etc. The sales tax on them is bad enough, but then comes the annual ad-valorem that they're so kind to decrease some each year. And some folks will do that every couple of years or so. Plus, every time a vehicle is sold, sales tax has to be paid on it- it should only be on the original purchase if that. Whew! In 2022, my wife and I were able to find a relatively low mileage 2012 SUV to keep the monthly payment and ad-valorem down some. Look, I'm all for supporting our local businesses and keeping the sales tax in our state, county and cities. But double taxation and more, is wrong.

Well, there's a reckoning coming. Inflation keeps going up, closures, jobs and purchases will keep going down, and the state will get less and less revenue. It's doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure it out if people would just pay attention and think things through. Again, maybe you're thinking 'what can we do?' But there are things we can do. If hundreds of thousands of citizens would contact state government officials and tell them to put pressure on the federal government officials or there will be serious consequences, that would be a good start and might work.  The 'spending clause' in the constitution doesn't allow for no limit on the federal government credit card! Practically making them get a balanced budget amendment could help. Then there's the 'grievance clause,' the principle the founding fathers mentioned in the declaration of independence (alter or abolish when the government becomes destructive (read it and weep)), and the 10th Amendment principles of Nullification and as a last resort if absolutely necessary, secession (no I don't want to). We better get on it. God willing, see ya next time.   

Pester Brat is the Founder & Director of the local La-Fayette Constitutional Patriots and national Concerned Constitutional Patriots of America. Email:  pesterbratdotcom@aol.com. Blog: pesterbratdotcom.blogspot.com. Facebook: Pester Brat & Bret Pester-Brat Lovitz. Twitter, Rumble, Vimeo, YouTube, Gettr: Pester Brat.