Christians For Trump?

Some think that any Christian so gullible as to vote for Trump must also worship and admire him, and believe and support everything Trump says and does. That is simply not true. Couldn’t be further than the truth. Do Christians who voted for Kamala and Biden and Obama believe and support them 100% of the time? I sure hope not.

Trump is a vastly imperfect person. So are Biden, Kamala, and Obama. As am I. Only God knows the depravity of any person. I voted for a President, not a pastor. So many times the choice is the lesser of two evils. They all lie. They’re all power hungry - some to the point of killing to remain in power. The proof of the pudding is in the corruption in the programs, the tremendous waste and mismanagement of the taxpayer’s money. Who is doing the best job keeping the best interests of our country? Isn’t that the job of the President?

Not sure where all these Christians are, who so worship Trump. Certainly not at my church. Trump could be the antichrist for all I know. So could Obama. Probably not Biden or Kamala. 

Do these modern day Pharisees not see any evil in Democrats? Why don’t they ever speak out against them? No comment on the 275 undercover agents stirring up trouble at Trump’s supposed January 6th “insurrection” or the planted bombs, Hunter’s laptop, the “Russian election interference”, etc. Instead they preach the same message over and over again - not of Jesus, but only of how wrong any Christian is to support Trump.

I know that I’ve mentioned this before. Just sets me off when I see these self proclaimed Christian leaders repeated the same old crap again and again, lasing out against anyone who dares voice a contrary opinion.

Denison on how the US government is supposed to work

So this last week the Chickfila just south of the river had free deals all week. You drive up to the drive thru and say “I’m here for a sunrise surprise” – then they tell you what they’re giving away. I stopped by at 6:05 am Saturday morning on the way to Candler Park. The free deal was an iced coffee. Ugh. I ordered a free mocha iced coffee and chicken biscuit. The mocha iced coffee wasn’t too bad, until I got near the bottom and it was mostly coffee. But I gave it a try.

After worship ended at 12:30 yesterday I headed home. Traffic heading north on Johnson Ferry was heavier than usual, so I didn’t think much of it, because the police always control the light exiting JFBC> I was turning right there onto Little Willeo. Strange that one car cut across two lanes of traffic to make the same right, plus more southbound cars were turning left onto Little Willeo. Then there was a long line of cars turning left where Little Willeo dead ends into Timber Ridge. Then all those cars were turning left at the top of the hill onto 120.

Them Ceil called. She’d gone to the Publix near JFBC and the parking lot was jammed. All northbound traffic on Johnson Ferry was blocked. Emergency responders were working something. She had to backtrack to get home, and it took her like 45 minutes.

Sunday night Ceil spend the night with the girlies. I caught up on Only Murders in the building.

Monday: skipped the gym and walked Winnie instead. Free small Frosty today at Wendys. Ceil baked an organic turkey meatloaf. Turkeyloaf? Had the leftovers tonight.

BILLY CONIGLIARO [SABR Bio] won a ring after playing in only 48 games for the 1973 A’s. He was the Red Sox’ first pick in MLB’s debut draft in 1965, in the first round, 5th overall. In 1970, his first full season, all three Red Sox outfielders had double figures in home runs: Tony C. slugged 36, Reggie Smith had 22, and Billy hit 18. The WS-winning Orioles were the only other AL team that matched that outfield power that year. Billy’s major league debut was as a pinch-runner. He promptly stole second. Billy’s debut was in the 12th inning. He later advanced to 3rd base but a teammate hit into a double play.

Tech Gets Lucky

Sorry but Tech drives me crazy. Wake Forest is turrible. Their QB couldn’t play at 3 other schools. The Peter Principle. Jackets sleep through the first half. Can’t play this way and expect to make the ACC Championship Game, much less the college football playoff.

I for sure don’t blame QB King. More like bad play calls. Couldn’t ever get the running game going. Poor officiating, but late in the game Tech did benefit from at least two close calls.

Man in overtime I wouldn’t trust to give the ball to anyone other than King. At least two bad plays from top WR Rutherford – not turning upfield, and getting thrown for a loss on a reverse. No telling what will happen when GT goes on defense, so it’s good that King scored the touchdown. And sure enough, Wake Forest answered on the first play. The small group of Wake Forest students who bothered to attend the game moved down, preparing to storm the field. The assembly was so small, I'm not sure anyone would've noticed.

Nice that Tech finally has a good kicker. 

Birr could very well be the best kicker in GT history.

Once again the “rules official” in the booth agrees with every call made on the field. Surprise surprise. That no fumble call at the end of the first half was turrible (above). Then when Tech was indisputably in the neutral zone on that crucial third down play, the rules official in the booth had to eat his hat. The ACC confirmed the offside call was missed, costing Wake Forest the game.

The Demon Deacons go for the win, and lose the gamble - thanks to another poor, indecisive play by their vagabond QB.

Jackets get lucky. Their second largest comeback in school history. Nice that some breaks finally went Tech’s way. Good teams seem to get the breaks, and it sems like bad things always happen to bad teams. But how many more games this season will Tech have like this?

Bama 24, UGA 21. With three minutes remaining in the game Gunner’s perfectly thrown pass hit his wide open receiver in the hands at the 10 yard line, but the true freshman dropped what would have been the go ahead touchdown pass.

QB Stockton had at least two other passes dropped, and a Bulldog back lost a fumble deep in Georgia territory, resulting in an easy Alabama score. Also a key piling on penalty.

Play of the game was the screen pass to the huge Alabama offensive tackle. Went for a big gain thanks to exceptional downfield blocking by the receivers.

For some reason UGA Australian punter Brett Thorson always looks like he’s headed to Walmart.

The game ended after 11 pm. At the end of the 3rd quarter we drove the 5 minutes home from the party. Noelle’s new puppy Daisy was dressed for the game.

As expected, Oregon “upset” the often overrated Penn State. South Carolina beat Kentucky. Tennessee was able to escape Starkville with a win, in overtime. No shame in that. FSU was not able to win on the road at Virginia. Illinois beat USC. West Georgia continued their winning ways.

The Oregon Duck mascot was holding up a sign this morning on ESPN College GameDay that read “The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell“ and "Dan Lanning is a cat guy" (below). Kirk, Dez, and the GameDay crew joined in with the white out. The Nittany Lions record in white out games against top ten teams fell to 2-5. A Penn State student just booted a 33 yard field goal to win him and another student $150,00.00 each.

The way the US fans treated the European golfers, especially Rory, it’s like the US deserved to lose. Saying bad things about McIroy’s family, and worse. Supposedly the mob has toned it down a bit for Sunday’s matches. But only a bit. The police had to be called, it was so bad. Instead of cheering Scottie and the rest of the home team, the unruly US fans instead concentrated in verbally abusing the Europeans, especailly Rory.

That insipid soccer cheer the fans wouldn’t stop singing all day long was old from the start. Is that really those people’s idea of a good time? Count me out.

And for the aficionados who just couldn’t believe the US couldn’t mount a competitive Ryder Cup, what was their expectation? The US has lost like 13 of the last 18 Ryder Cups.

Chipper never let his family go to games in New York due to the terrible behavior of the fans there. Or Philadelphia. Would’ve created an international incident had the Europeans left their families across the pond, but it has just about come to that. Yesterday a fan tossed a beer on Rory and his wife. Sad.

Great US comeback on Sunday fell just short, making the Europeans sweat out the Ryder Cup.

Snitker got himself thrown out of Saturday night’s game. 1B Olson was also ejected, for the first time in his career. Classy move by the Braves, GM AA, and Chris Sale to give Charlie Morton one last start as a Brave before retiring.

After a hot start, the darling preseason World Series pick of all the talking heads - the New York Mets - lost game 162 and failed to make the playoffs. A flop of monumental proportions. But fear not - those same talking heads will pick the Mets to win the World Series again next year, despite the Braves returning stacked lineup and deep starting rotation. Ya heard it here first.

Golf

Watching the Ryder Cup? Every time when America falls behind on the first day, thousands of fans panic. The US won 13 straight Ryder Cups from 1959-1983, and had a record of 22-3 from 1927 to 1983. Since 1985 the US record has been 6-13. For the majority of golf fans on social media, the US has struggled in Ryder Cup competition for their entire lifetime. Is it really that big of a deal?

I enjoy playing golf, but I’m not a real fan of it taking all day to play 18 holes. Will that change when I retire, Can be fun to golf with friends, but I’d rather not spend that much time with strangers. I like playing golf at sunrise for several reasons: (1) traffic to the course is lighter, (2) I can see the flight of a light up ball much easier in the dark than I can a regular ball during the day, (3) I don’t mind being alone with my thoughts, (4) I can hit 2 or 3 balls, and (5) when I finish I still have most of the day to do other things. I’d rather not invest that much money into golf. Maybe at some point I will want to improve my game, but right now just getting out there and playing 9 holes is good enough for now. It is so therapeutic.

Missed my chance to golf this week. Should’ve gone yesterday. I’ve cashing in these Chickfila deals this week. Didn’t want to drag in late this morning. Tomorrow I have early conference calls. Kinda need to put my car in the shop Friday, so I may work from home. Plus it might rain on Thursday Friday and Saturday. Need to go twice next week. But sunrise is getting later and later.

Gunner Stockton had his number retired at Rabin County High School.

Clayton Kershaw announced his retirement, quoting scripture in his farewell.

Kershaw's high school catcher attended his final start – Rams QB Matthew Stafford.

Freddie Freeman will be a first ballot hall of famer, but Matt Olsen has been every bit as productive, especially as a Brave.

Michael Harris: not so much. When healthy, even with a below average centerfielder, the Braves should compete for the 2026 World Series championship. You heard it here first.

Tuesday lunch at Cheeseburger Bobbys. I was good on Wednesday and skipped lunch, so I was hangry. Had some almonds in the car. Leftover soup for supper on Wednesday night.

Busy Thursday. Conference calls at nine, ten, and 11:00 AM. Wore me out. Burgers for supper, with Ceil’s freshly baked buns.

In our postmodern age to me it is discouraging to see so many American politicians opening antagonistic against Christianity. I read the following quote this week: “The idea that you could…recreate a world dominated by …white men of a certain persuasion, religion, ideology (Christianity). It’s just doing damage to what we should be aiming for.” And following up that with “We have got to stop demonizing each other. We have got to stop with the finger-pointing and scapegoating”. 

Yes most politicians in Washington these days are corrupt. Many are not Christians, but at least some surround themselves with Christians as opposed to actively working against Christianity.

MIKE GREENWELL  [SABR Bio] collected the most RBI in a game where he drove in all of his team's runs in that game, on 02-Sep-1996. Greenwell was 4 for 5 with 2 runs and 9 RBI, in 10 innings. He is the official record-holder for the most GWRBI in one American League season. The stat was used from 1980 to 1988, as "the RBI that gives a club the lead it never relinquishes". Greenwell 23 such in 1988. He once hit an inside-the-park grand slam at Fenway Park, on 01-09-1990

 

Placed this audiobook on my hold list: Supercommunicators. A chat with the author.

 

 

 

 

Week 4 Total QB Rating

ESPN Total QB Rating for Week Four.

1. 95.5 Jayden Maiava USC

5. 89.1 Gunner Stockton UGA junior

9. 85.7 Diego Pavia Vanderbilt 6th year senior transfer

15. 81.5 Ty Simpson Alabama

16. 81.5 Carson Beck Miami senior transfer

24. 77.6 CJ Carr Notre Dame

25. 77.0 Dylan Raiola Nebraska sophomore

26. 86.8 Haynes King Georgia Tech senior

28. 75.9 Julian Sayin Ohio State

29. 75.8 Bryce Underwood Michigan freshman

32. 75.6 Joey Agular Tennessee senior transfer

33. 75.2 Garrett Nussmeier LSU senior

52. 66.5 Brendon Lewis Memphis

64. 62.0 Amari Odom Kennesaw State

75. 54.3 Arch Manning Texas sophomore

77. 53.7 LaNorris Sellars South Carolina

82. 51.8 JC French Georgia Southern

84. 50.7 Nico Iamaleava formerly of UCLA

90. 47.4 DJ Lagway Florida

91. 46.8 Cade Klubnik Clemson preseason All ACC

108 38.6 TJ Finley Georgia State

133 17.7 Gio Lopez UNC transfer

Last week the Falcons wore white jerseys, pants, and socks. So did the Dolphins, Bengals, Colts, Buccaneers, Broncos, Saints, Lions, 49ers, Purdue, Syracuse, Louisiana Monroe, UNC, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Washington, Texas Tech, TCU, Arkansas, Auburn, and South Carolina. Definitely the trend.  The white jerseys and pants don’t bother me, but the socks needs stripes or a team color to break up the yoga pants look. Better than the dreaded black pants for sure.

Much more bothersome is head to toe color like the Cardinals wore. Tech wore head to toe grey. Volunteers all orange. Seahawks head to toe blue. Washington head to toe burgundy. Browns head to toe brown. Bills all blue. SMU all blue vs TCU in all white. Nice that the Cardinals new off-white Nike Rivalry “Desert Sand” uniforms feature red socks. Hate they messed with the legendary cardinal helmet logo.  

Monday: I had told Ceil that we would go out to eat, but she was stuck to the couch. Finally at 8 pm I called in a pickup order to Moxie. Ordered one burger and one chicken sandwich, both with the jack cheese that she likes.

Tuesday: after the gym I grabbed day two of this week’s Chickfila giveaways: a free $5 egg white chicken English muffin. Went back Wednesday and Thursday as well.  

Anna and the Swoozies are headed to NYC in a couple of weeks. They know someone where they can stay. Got tickets to a show.   

I’ve been trying to sell a bunch of my sneakers on eBay without much success – until I added “great for pickleball”. Now they’re selling like hotcakes. 

JFBC pastor Clay Smith writes: Are we seeing revival? Or revivalism?

TRIS SPEAKER  [SABR Bio] has the 9th highest WAR, with 133.9. Speaker leads many “household names” on the list. Nap Lajoie’s 106.9 is 24th, next closest on the DU-WAC list. Speaker set a major league record for hitting in three separate 20-game hitting streaks in the same season - in 1912 as was his cycle and MVP. He was the first honoree enshrined in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame when it opened in 1951 in Waco, less than 30 miles from his boyhood home of Hubbard.

DENISON: Democrats are far more likely to watch late-night talk shows than Republicans. This is why late-night talk show hosts are negative toward Republicans while sympathetic toward Democratic leaders—they are “playing to their audience.” Confining themselves to only one part of the electorate also defines their audience, further reinforcing their bias and that of those who watch them. By contrast, Johnny Carson explained that he was “not there” to deal with political issues. “Once you start that, you try to sway people.” Jay Leno made the same point.

Wise Driving

Andy Stanley on decision making: “In the light of my past experiences, my current circumstances, and future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?” This can be applied to everything in life, large and small.

Guidelines for Driving – I have written about this before. There are so many guidelines that I adhere to when I drive. I take a longer route if it has less traffic – therefore safer. Sometimes I’ll take back roads to stay off the interstate. In parking lots I try to stay on the outer perimeter where there is less cars going in and out of parking spaces, to lessen my chance of a fender bender. That Pine Straw Plaza in East Cobb is a parking nightmare, with so many cars trying to park in front of Trader Joes. I always stay away from the front door, and Ceil complains that I don’t get close. I consider all these things “the wise thing to do”.

I have been blessed to not having had a wreck since college, especially with all the miles I drive. It has gotten to the point where I don’t like to drive. Used to love it. On the way home last night a couple of drivers pulled out in front of me.

Like my friend’s daughter who had three bad wrecks within two years. Just because a wreck isn’t a person’s fault doesn’t mean they couldn’t have done something to avoid the wreck. Just the attitude and approach so many younger drivers take these days - entitled, aggressive, and me first as opposed to defensive - pretty much ruins the whole driving experience for me. Take this writer for example... 

Driving habits that make Baby Boomers stand out. Evidently they stand out because they’re above average drivers. The young writer must be green with envy. The name of the column is appropriately named: “Veg Out”.

1. Over using the turn signal. Better than not using it at all. “Many drivers have been taught to err on the side of caution”. Like that’s a bad thing?

2. Hugging the left lane. “Studies of older drivers show they tend to initiate driving maneuvers earlier, slow down more pre-emptively, and maintain steadier lanes rather than rapidly changing speed or lanes. A study comparing driving behavior at intersections found that older drivers begin decelerating or signaling turns earlier than younger drivers, suggesting a more cautious, anticipatory style”. Again, is this a bad thing?

3. Double-checking blind spots. Is this a bad thing? “It’s admirable—it shows caution and awareness”.

4. Braking going down hills. “…their habits weren’t wrong…” In general around town I am not a fan for braking going down hills, but driving on a highways descending a mountain, I try to not let my speed get too out of hand, lest I lose control of my car going around a tight turn. Again, is that a bad thing?

5. Rolling “stops”. “Boomers don’t think of it as rebellious. To them, it’s efficient”.  Funny that this drives younger drivers crazy, who are speeding down hills, changing lanes at will, and not being as cautious.

6. Talking to yourself while driving. “Self-talk isn’t just quirky—it improves performance in high-attention tasks”. So yet again, not a bad thing.

7. Driving without using directions or GPS. Isn’t a good thing to know how to get from one place to another? The main reason I use a GPS is to watch out for traffic, not because I don't know where I'm headed. Usually I know of several ways to get from point A to B. “They’ll slow down near intersections and glance around” – better than speeding through the intersection and getting sideswiped by a car running a red light.  

8. Driving with both hands on the wheel. Is this a bad thing? “The national safety administration still recommends two hands on the wheel”.

Baseball: participants in the Addie Joss benefit game in Cleveland 24-Jul-1911: Home Run Baker, Ty Cobb, Eddie Collins, Sam Crawford, Walter Johnson, Nap Lajoie, Tris Speaker, Bobby Wallace, Cy Young, Smoky Joe Wood, Hal Chase, Gabby Street, Paddy Livingston, Clyde Milan, Russ Ford, Germany Schaefer, Jimmy McAleer, Joe Jackson, Jack Graney, Ivy Olson, Hank Butcher, George Stovall, Joe Birmingham, Neal Ball, Terry Turner, Syd Smith, Ted Easterly, Art Griggs, Georg Kahler, Freed Blanding, Charles Bender, Harry Hooper, Eddie Plank, and Ed Walsh.

In Case of Rapture: Click Here

Well September 23 came and went without anything too momentous happening. No rapture. I don’t think so, anyway. Saw a few jokes about it on social media.

But what should those left behind do, when the rapture does take place? If all the Christians mysteriously disappear, check out this primer on the rapture.

Denison on the Rapture: “If there is any subject Christians should be careful to avoid in our post-Christian culture, it is end times speculation. Jesus promised we would be wrong. Our wrong predictions add fodder for those already predisposed to reject our Lord”.

In other news: Scientists warn that governments must bomb AI labs to prevent the end of the world.

A friend posted this meme on social media, and it garnered an apt reply (below). I just happened to screenshot it. Later I went back and the reply had been deleted. Not sure who deleted it. But I agree with the reply: it is not the government’s job to roll out the red carpet for everyone on the planet, to feed, house, and give free phones and medical care and social security to immigrants who’ve come to the US before they even start the citizenship process. These are gifts not offered to military veterans or tax paying citizens.

When Jesus said “love your neighbor” and “feed the hungry” and “welcome the stranger” he was talking to his followers – not to the government. As a Christian it is my responsibility to do these things – not the government’s. The responsibility of the government is to protect its citizens and borders– not to give handouts to foreigners to sneak into our country illegally. The Bible mentions that countries should protect its borders. Too many people don’t understand this.

DENISON: The Bible affirms the importance of border security: “When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples” (Deut 32:8). Scripture calls us to seek justice and to uphold the rule of law (Isaiah 1:17; Amos 5:24; Prov 21:15), a role that is especially assigned to governmental leaders (Romans 13:1–7).

Later my friend completely deleted the meme. Encapsulates why I have dropped off Facebook for the most part. I don’t need to be sharing stuff like this. I don’t need to be posting stuff to show how funny I am, or how smart I am. In these turbulent times its hard to know if what I am seeing and reading is real. I’m not 100% sure that where I stand on certain issues is right, or that others that I disagree with are wrong – not enough to argue with them. Are these differences important enough to cause division? I think not.

Certainly not worth killing someone over these differences. Looking forward to the rapture. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

While we are on controversial subjects, it appears the previous administration pressured Google and YouTube to censor political speech they disagreed with.

At work our computer system requires a heat number and other info, though our customer never needs it. Every now and then it’s almost impossible to determine the heat number, and a waste of time to track it down. I’ve been known to make them up: “BR549” is a favorite. Earlier this week coworker Dennis was updating an order, and the heat number caught his eye. Made his day, and mine. He suggested 867-5309, which I am using today.

The good thing about working in an office, surrounded by people with different viewpoints and interests, is that I am not in my own little cocoon, sheltered like people who work from home all the time. If I am ever able to retire and start leading a more a solitary life, I will need to be more intentional about spending time around people: small group, church, arranging meetups with friends and family.

The Curse of Bobby Layne

Watched The Voice and the 2024 Jeff Daniels episode of Peyton’s Places. Monday night on the Manningcast, Daniels mentioned how many Lions fans had thanked he and Peyton for exorcising the Curse that QB Bobby Layne had cast on the franchise after the Lions traded Layne to the Steelers in 1958, saying “They’ll never win another championship”. And they hadn’t. But after Daniels and Peyton had lifted the curse before the 2024 season, the Lions fell just one game short of the Super Bowl.

730 Friday Marist @ Southwest Dekalb

1200 #16 Georgia Tech 4-0 @ Wake Forest 2-1

1200 Notre Dame @ Arkansas

730 Alabama @ UGA

100 Sunday Washington @ Falcons

Bye weeks: Clemson, Texas, Miami, Nebraska. Expect to see Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola in the stands Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, taking notes.

After losing their first three games of the season to Utah, UNLV, and New Mexico, UCLA’s new QB Nico Iamaleava called a team meeting to announce that he would be taking a leave of absence to get his head together. Not a week later Nico announced that he would be entering the transfer portal, with his preferred destinations being UGA, South Carolina, Miami, and UNC. The nation roared with laughter. After turning his back on a second school, he’ll be lucky to get offers from Georgia Southern, Miami of Ohio, North Carolina A&T, and South Carolina State. Maybe the kid is in over his head. Ya think? Maybe he’s a victim of an overbearing helicopter father, who continues to pull the strings.

In his fourth start this past Saturday, Texas sophomore Arch Manning had a QBR of 81.6, going 18-21 for 309 yards and 3 TD’s, plus one rushing TD. Could have another good start in his next game, October 4th at Florida.

Nebraska sophomore QB Dylan Raiola is being ridiculed for copying everything Patrick Mahomes: his number, haircuts, mannerisms, etc. Raiola’s tight end recently took part in a very public engagement ceremony, like Chiefs TE Travis Kelce. No truth to the rumor that Mahomes has issued a cease-and-desist letter against Raiola.  

Finished The Last Life Boat on my trip. Historical fiction. Good stuff. Also listened to the JFBC sermon from last week, on Romans 14 titled “When Christians Disagree”.

Usually I see posts from both liberals and conservatives on my social media feeds, but for the most part the responses I’ve seen during and after Sunday’s memorial service have been favorable. People coming to Christ and going to church, who never had before.

Amazing how improved the Fever are, since the previous season. To advance in the playoffs without Caitlin and Sophie is an achievement.

French fries: I need to try the healthier and tastier beef tallow fries at Steak & Shake. Not sure but Arby’s may also have the beef tallow fries. Used to be everyone cooked their fries in beef tallow.

Tuesday: Ceil pretty much had supper ready when I arrived home – her comfort food: spaghetti and meatballs.

Wednesday: was headed to the gym but couldn’t find my glasses. Turned around and went back home. Looked everywhere. Finally found them in a compartment in my car. By then it was too late to go to the gym.

This morning’s free sunrise surprise at Chickfila was a 4 count chicken minis. Also get a bacon egg & cheese biscuit, which was huge.

EDDIE COLLINS [SABR Bio] was the finest infielder, according to Ty Cobb, whose mention of Collins can be found throughout his writings. Collins won the World Series in 1910, 1911, & 1913. He won with the CHW in 1917. Collins’ career average of .333 ranks 30th overall, is tied with Paul Waner, and ahead of Stan Musial (.331), Honus-Wagner (.328) , Cool Papa Bell (.325), and Joe DiMaggio (.325). Eddie’s son’s major league career matched his only in name and impish grin. Eddie Collins, Jr: HOF father & son.

Denison on Trump’s visit to the UN, marred by (1) a telecom threat, (2) the teleprompter going out, and (3) the escalator stopping with the President and First Lady on it. Now there are reports that UN employees turned off the escalators on purpose, saying the US hasn't given the UN enough money. How much do other countries contribute?