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I have the best Mom

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As a charity trying hard to help low-income homeowners with minor home repair. It is important to help you understand why we do what we do, who we try to help first and why we need help from the general public to do more. Today we are being called upon to provide more help than just with the repair of a leaky faucet or to secure windows and doors. Today we are being asked for help with food and Utilites.

For those of you who are kind enough to follow my posts you know that I tell stories to ultimately earn a small donation of support for what we do at HPLA Charities. Officially we are registered with the Federal Government and the state of Kansas as Habitaciones Para Latinos Association a 501c3 non-profit. That is an awful lot to write on a check, so our bank has accepted HPLA Charities as a verifiable name to deposit to our account. Our website donate page has a link connected to PayPal for donations which in turn sends donations electronically to Community America Credit Union in Kansas City where our account is located.

As a kid growing up in Texas, I remember times of jubilation and times of hardship. I am the third generation as native-born American Citizens. But, without going into the story of my grandparents on both sides of family just know they were hard working folks who lived paycheck to paycheck and always found second & third revenue streams to pay the bills. My story today centers on my mother. She was the best mom I ever had, and I feel she could easily complete with any women as the best mom in the world. (I hope each of you can tell your mother how much she means to you). For me I tried to tell her and to show her how much she meant to me. She got called to heaven on January 15, 2006. She would have celebrated her 108th birthday on August 14, of this year. I want to tell each of you my readers why it is that I now do what I do.

I had a great life for my time. I was the 7th of 9 kids and was the youngest for nearly 10 years. I was spoiled and never had to help pick cotton for extra money like my older siblings. The year was 1950 and the war had long been over. The support of the war machine of the second world war had come to an end and dad was no longer needed at the Naval base in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dad worked there as a contractor in the motor pool. His brother Uncle Vicente returned from three years away from home while in the Army in Germany, Aunt Lilly kept their fires burning in his absence. Dad was in the middle of two brothers from a second family of Grandma Maria Trevino Flores. Grandma had been married originally to a Flores who pasted. They had four children together. When Grandma married again it just so happened it was to another Flores. No need to change names with the DMV. In those days that would have been handled by the Texas Department of Transportaion.

Previously Dads older brother Joe from the second marriage had made his way to San Antonio, Texas and established a welding shop as well as did car repairs. It would make for a great partnership for Uncle Joe and Dad to work together. Mom & Dad sold the only house my parents ever owned and moved to San Antionio. To have time to look for housing for seven kids and two adults was hard so we moved in with Uncle Joe. He had three kids but a relatively large home. Needless to say, some friction was inevitable. Since Uncle Joe and Aunt Lola were supporting us for a few days the grocery bill got out of hand quickly and the living accommodations got cramped. Within a few weeks we were asked to leave and had not found a place to live as of yet. Plan A was to live in the welding shop for a while. So, we did. At the end of the day all the cars in for repair were towed out and cardboard boxes cut to serve as a flooring. Fortunately, a very successful couple of color had just build a new two-bedroom house to rent and was next door to them. The had a dog named fluffy and Mom helped her with domestic duties as well as hair styles. They were one street over from Uncle Joe so Joe and Dad could commute but Dad like to go have a beer after work and so he took the family car every day. It wasn’t like Mom could drive anyway. The downside is much like today there was not enough money to pay all the bills. We were able to stay with Mr. & Mrs. Mercy for quite a while but by January 1952 we moved to another house, and it is there where I started grade school. It was not far from the welding shop but in another school than the one I would spend most of time attending. We had been in town a couple of years and this neighborhood was upscale, so it was very comfortable.

Fast forward to 1958 and four more moves later I was ready to start 6th grade. From depression or alcoholism and the birth of child number eight two years prior, Dad lost his life. Apparently, a fight broke out or there was a disturbance, or Dad had a bad dream or depression. Whatever, but just up the ally from our house Dad was found face down and declared dead from stab wounds. The coroner suggested self-inflicted wounds. We never have agreed that that is what happened but for the local police it was just another poor latino. Brother Sam, Sister Elli and Sister Beatrice had all been married by then. It was five of us at home. Brother Bull was two years old. Needless to say, we lost Dad’s income and because he owed his boss money they confiscated most of his tools. At eleven my brother Vince 2 1/2 years my senior had already found a job and soon after I got one too. He and I, at the advice of my mother got shovels and covered the blood stains left from the crime scene with dirt. Big Brother Leonard stepped up as the patriarch and kept us together.

Uncle Joe hired me for a few weeks at a dollar a day to watch the shop as he ran for parts or to bring a car to fix. Fortunately, Brother Sam got me on at the grocery store he was hired to manage. He was a phenomenal artist and painted the windows of the grocery store with the weekly specials. He, like most of my family were workaholics. I started at $12.50 for the week. Downside was I worked 60 hours a week compared to Uncle Joes job of 40 hours a week. I was still happy and blessed. I remember the grocery store owners taking pennies in Social Security deductions off the $12.50 work week paycheck.

It was Social Security that saved our existence as intime mom got a social security check for her and a second check for us kids. Uncle Vince gave us a loan and Uncle Joe provided reworked toys and tricycles for us kids. None of us older siblings stopped working and have not stopped since. We were able to stay in that same house for many years as a result and it was 1964 after having spent a few months is low-income housing that Brother Sam got us into a home he owned after he divorced. I left to the Air Force from there as did brother Vince. It was the Vietnam Conflict in full swing. But I would like to reflect on what Mother went through and what she did to keep us all thriving and surviving through all the heart ache and tragedy. While we worked to supplement the Social Secuity check Brother Leonard my oldest Brother got married and left home as did Sister Bertha. We were down to three, but dad was gracious enough to bless us with David Lee who was born just short of nine months since Dad’s death. Mom, Brother Vince, Raul, David Lee and I provided for one and other. Brother Vince graduated high School and joined the Air Force. In 1964 I followed him, and Brother Leonard was still connected to the Air national guard but married and with child. He was good to help us as was all of my siblings.

Mom was home with Raul (Bull) and David Lee. They were 8 and 5 years old. I think Dave was going on six years old. Vince and I sent money home while deployed and mother took in laundry and ironing until the youngsters got into school. Brother Sam helped a lot as did all the other of my siblings as I mentioned. It was not long that mother got a job as a cafeteria worker and managed to get close to a GED. She managed to raise the two youngest until they graduated high school and left home. She retired with honors from the San Antonio school district as a cafeteria server from the same high school as David and Raul graduated.

All nine of us kids have had successful careers good marriages and have always supported Mom in any way we could. Mom was a great inspiration to us and loved to party and dance. She would dress the house up for all the annual calibrations and always had food and drink if anyone stopped by unexpectedly. My cousin Texas Sentor Carlos Truan would go out of his way to have a sleep over when he was in San Antionio. Serving as Governor for a day he was sure to have mom by his side as he celebrated in the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, Texas. Every opportunity the family had to entertain and support Mother they did as she had ensured our survival and mourned Dad’s death all of her life. She never re-marreid or even had a guy-friend. She was faithful to our God and more importantly to her children. Aside Senator Carlos Truan’s sister Nena frequently invited Mom to California and included a trip to Las Vegas. Nena was quoted as saying “Estella is my lucky charm”

Today and for the last 10 years I have managed the charity Habitaciones Para Latinos Association. I have seen and worked hard to help families who are struggling with tragedy and hard times as we did. Once a family on welfare shared powdered eggs, they qualified to receive, with us. That was a gift from God for us at the time. We have helped keep families in their home and recently fulfilled a promise that we would do all we could to keep a beautiful sole, in Burnice Clarke of KCK, in her home so she would never have to go to a nursing home as a ward of the state. She passed happy and in the care of hospice for just a few days away from home. She was 90 years old. Over the years we have helped many widows and families stay in their homes. All of these folks’ greatest prayer was to die at home. It benefits us a taxpayers to keep these low-income folks out of the nursing homes

The demand is greater today, not just for home repair but for help with utilites and food. We recently bought propane for a family that can only use propane for cooking and heating of hot water. We have built a wheelchair ramp for a disabled lady who has fallen several times due to no rails out of her front door of her home. That is true of another women in Wichita who just needed a handrail and a ceiling fan installed to stay cool. We also recently sent money to a family to help with school supplies and another to buy special diet foods not available at the local food pantry. While going back to the struggles my mother and family went through; the bottom line is we had the skills and the good health to work our way through it. My Mother was up early and went to bed late, although very tired, but blessed with the good health to do that. Oh yes, heart desease and diabetis runs wild in our family as does other aliments but thank God there are charities available today to help that were not available back then. It is because times are so much better today and our ability to help others who don’t have the good health that my family had that more folks are self-sufficient. The support that we give is why, with your help, we can keep folks safe and, in their homes, instead of in a hospital, nursing home or under short or long-term hospice care. The needs are much greater and folks’ ability to help themselves is diminished. I pray for your support and thank those who send us their support every month.

Happy Birthday to Mom, Mrs. Estella Lopez Flores (August 14, 2025). The greatest Mother I could ever have. It is because of your generosity and love for others Mom that I try to perpetuate your legacy. I love you, Mom. RIP

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Are you excited about being ruled by a dictator?

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Sure, why not? Or Hell No!

Benefits of being ruled by a dictator:

  • Swift Decision making and implementation of policy:
    • Dictatorships bypass the need for extensive debate and votes, allowing the leader to make decisions and implement policies rapidly, potentially benefiting crises or situations demanding urgent attention.
  • Political Stability and reduced gridlock:
    • Dictatorships may offer greater policy stability by reducing the chances of pollical infighting and frequent changes in leadership that can be common in democracies. This theoretically could facilitate long-term planning and attract foreign investment.
  • Unified National direction and agenda:
    • With power centralized in the hands of a single leader or a small group dictatorship can pursue a unified and coherent national agenda. There are fewer bureaucratic hurdles and less political opposition to implementing policies, which can lead to significant achievements in areas like infrastructure development, military strength, and national projects.
  • Efficiency in Governance
    • Dictatorship can be more efficient in terms of governance. The lack of a need for extensive debate and legislative procedures allows for faster implementation of polices. This efficiency can be beneficial in economic planning and development as seen in some rapidly developing nations.
  • Enhanced National Security (potentially)
    • Dictatorships often prioritize national security and maintain a strong centralized control over the military and security forces. This tight grip can effectively deter internal and external threats, as the regime can swiftly mobilize resources and implement measures to protect the nation.
  • Rapid Implementation of Reforms
    • In a dictatorship the leader can introduce and implement significant reforms without delays commonly associated with democratic processes. This ability allows for the rapid transformation of various sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
  • Reduced bureaucratic Red Tape
    • Dictatorships can minimize bureaucratic red tape and streamline the administrative process. The concentration of power allows for the bypassing of cumbersome bureaucratic procedures that often hinder progress in democratic systems. This efficiency can facilitate quicker project approvals, reduced administrative costs and more straightforward policy implementation.

Note: These potential benefits are theoretical and can come with significant downsides. History demonstrates that dictatorship frequently led to:

  • Abuse of power and corruption
    • A significant drawback of dictatorships is the potential for abuse of power. With unchecked authority, dictators can engage in corrupt practices, suppress dissent, and violate human rights. The absence of accountability mechanisms often leads to the exploitation of power for personal gain and the suppression of freedoms.
  • Lack of political freedom and human right violations
    • Dictatorships inherently limit political freedom and participation. Citizens often have little to no role in the political process, and opposition parties are usually banned or heavily restricted. This lack of political plurality stifles innovation and prevents the representation of diverse interests within society.
  • Suppression of Dissent
    • In a bid to maintain control, dictatorships frequently suppress dissent and opposition. This suppression can take various forms, including censorship, imprisonment of political opponents, and even extrajudicial killings. Such practices create an atmosphere of fear and inhibit free expression and democratic engagement.
  • Economic Mismanagement
    • While some dictatorships have achieved economic success, many suffer from economic mismanagement. The concentration of power can lead to inefficient economic policies, cronyism, and the neglect of important economic sectors. The lack of transparency and accountability further exacerbates these issues, leading to economic stagnation or decline.
  • Social unrest and potential for revolution
    • The authoritarian nature of dictatorships often leads to social unrest and revolt. The suppression of freedoms and the absence of legitimate channels for expressing grievances can cause pent-up frustrations, eventually erupting into protests, uprisings, or even revolutions. This instability can negate any perceived benefits of the regime.
  • Human Rights Violations
    • Dictatorships are frequently associated with severe human rights violations. The lack of checks and balances allows dictators to implement draconian measures against perceived threats, often targeting minority groups, activists, and ordinary citizens. These violations can lead to international condemnation and isolation, further exacerbating the regime’s weaknesses.
  • Limited innovation and creativity
    • Dictatorships often create an environment of fear and conformity, where dissenting voices and unconventional ideas are suppressed. This stifling atmosphere can hinder innovation and creativity, as individuals are less likely to take risks or propose new ideas that might challenge the status quo. The lack of open debate and intellectual freedom can lead to stagnation in scientific, technological, and cultural development.

      Dictatorship, as a form of governance, presents a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. While the centralized power structure can result in several benefits, it also leads to many drawbacks such as social unrest, economic mismanagement and human rights violations. Therefore, while dictatorships can achieve certain short-term gains, their long-term sustainability and ethical implications are questionable.

While a theoretical case can be made for certain efficiencies in a dictatorship the historical evidence and the numerous documented drawbacks strongly indicate that such a system would be detrimental to individual freedoms, human rights, and long-term societal well-being in the United States, given its established democratic framework and constitutional principles. Sadly, the framework is collapsing. The evidence that the United States is being ruled by a dictatorial form of government is based on recent factors that are the blueprint or definition of being ruled by a dictator.

A dictatorship is a form of authoritarian government, characterized by a single leader or group of leaders where there is little or no tolerance for political pluralism, independent programs, or media,” this is the definition of Dictatorship according to Merriam Webster, the most widely used online dictionary in America.

According to Robert Reich, an American economist and a political analyst who served in the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton as well as Barack Obama, these are the 10 steps how a democracy can turn into a dictatorship.

  1. First, destroy every trace of the Trade Unions so that people do not have the opportunity to demand higher wages and are unable to organize politically
  2. Break any hope students have for a better future (tip: burden them so much with student debt and make it so difficult for them to find well-paying jobs that it doesn’t occur to them to oppose it).
  3. Undermine public education to prevent people from thinking critically.
  4. Make deals with rich businessmen and other millionaires so that they support you and in return promise and reduce taxes. (It increases the tax burden on the poor and regulates the legal framework so that the rich do not risk their profits.)
  5. Make most people economically insecure, frustrated, angry, and hopeless.
  6. Convince people that their problems come from ‘others’ – foreigners, immigrants, racial or ethnic or religious minorities, intellectuals.
  7. Make people think cynically against democracy
  8. Convince them that they need a savior, someone strong who alone will fix everything.
  9. Publish propaganda filled with lies
  10. Win the election to get the power.

As we move into this phase of our history the burden to help the lower classes is going to fall on the churches, individuals and charities.

Most charities will hire staff to manage the overwhelming applications for help and as a 501c3 those charities donors get tax exemptions. If charities could get a part of those exemptions, and if the staff to manage those charities won’t take most of the donations, then there can be sufficient help for the poor. However, history suggest that overhead takes up so much of the donations that funds to help the poor, money runs out very quickly. Secondly, donations are being used as investments for charities to buy and sell at a profit such things as old houses and empty plots. New homes are built which improves the area but does not profit the poor.

HPLA Charities has never had a paid staff, and no donations go to pay for anything that does not benefit the clients we serve. We are an all-volunteers organization that works at street level and has no ulterior motive to build wealth. Please help us by donating at www.hplacharities.org/donate

When it looks like a duck, It’s probably a duck.

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If this is your first time reading this post, I encourage you to check out others as well.  My motive is to gain followers and earn contributions for my charity. Our mission is simple and our motive noticeably clear. As a charity we need your support for HPLA (Habitaciones Para Latinos Association) and we need volunteers to help accomplish our mission. What we do not need or do not have is a paid staff. I try to make it noticeably clear that we are not about creating paying jobs but instead helping folks with other folks who want to help their community. It is important to have money to buy the building supplies and equipment necessary to do the things needed to help but that is it. If you cannot help in person, your support still matters.   Donate at http://www.hplacharities.org/donate. Visit the same site for our history.

If you follow my posts, you will note that I get into what is happening in our politics. I talk about local state and national stuff. With that in mind the global scene must enter in. I have observed, and continue to receive confirmation, that individuals perceive the countries president as increasingly adopting a more authoritarian role. I look to the internet to seek other folks’ opinion who think like, I think. There is evidence available that addresses and potentially disproves these claims.  From my charitable mind I see a movement dismissing the need to care for the poor from our country. I’ve noticed some states are cutting aid to low-income people.   For the sake of conversation, I need to define my idea of who I define as poor. http://www.huduser.gov is a good place to start categorizing wealth. Please do not hesitate to review that document in detail. But let us make one thing truly clear. There is abuse in everything you can think of. I googled “Is there anything that doesn’t have abuse involved?” One response that surprised me is “Basic Needs (when freely available) (I.e. access to clean water, clean air, and fundamental human rights, when freely accessible and not subject to control or manipulation, could be argued as things that are not inherently abused. However, the denial of these things to others often occurs due to power imbalances and is a form of abuse or injustice. At HPLA, we encounter discrimination in public services run by government employees. Getting potable water is not free and if someone cannot pay for it someone else will have to. Is it abusive for a water company to turn off water to someone that cannot afford to pay for it? Is shutting off gas or electricity due to nonpayment considered abusive? There should be a compromise. Essential resources are controlled by certain entities and are usually obtained through exchange. So far clean air is free. Pure CO2 is not. Air is abundant for some but scarce for others. Is that abuse, I think so, yes. Try living with COPD and acquire CO2 that you cannot get since essential resources are controlled by specific entities, and everything requires an exchange. Is the problem your own mismanagement?

Our freedoms in this country are shrinking and becoming very costly. A story for another time is what is freedom to you? For the clients we serve the freedom to live requires basic physiological needs that are no longer free. Grandpa dug a well to get free water. Built a tent to stay out of the weather. Lived off the land if they were allowed. Think of our Native American tribes who were self-sufficient until they were abused. But to cut to the chase the minimum requirement for our help is our client must fall below the HUD established low-income level for poverty and all whom we serve are below that level or worse. You have seen what it is to be without the bare basics in the news reels of war-torn Ukraine or Gaza. Thank GOD we are not facing that, but we are getting close when you hear and read about the victims of the recent floods and fires. HLA is being asked for food and utility support. For us that is an easy repair. It is just money and stuff. The food pantries are plentiful in our areas of support and money to help with utilities available. We are grateful for those who contribute to HPLA monthly because we can provide help with these needs. Is the request greater than the resources, yes? But every little bit of help from you and together we can answer the call. Thank you. So recently we are seeing trends that resemble the trends of Hitlers Germany. I have worked hard to understand the reasons Germany allowed Hitler to raise to power and the cultures that were targeted in those days. Folks, if you don’t see the trend happening in America than you are blind. Truthfully, you are either OK with it or do not understand the devastation that is going to come from it. It is discrimination period. I have a family we have been helping for years, and they have done everything to stay within the law to become US citizens. One child was born to them already other dreamers they brought with them from Central America. They continue to get permission to stay legally by staying in contact with immigration but their hurtle is to come up with 10 thousand dollars for a lawyer to help them get to citizenship for all the family. Is that a little abusive? Yes, it most certainly is and after years of working and adding to profit of the folks they work for, they could easily be deported and all they have worked so hard for lost. All the saving they have gathered for legal help are gone. Why certain cultures are being targeted while others are overlooked is discrimination and abuse of power. That power being abused by a system that is trying to eliminate illegal activities, with abuse of the law. What is the difference between the government breaking the law and an individual within our borders? For the benefit of our country? That is the big question but no, I believe it is for one supposedly superior race and although one culture is being isolated now another will be included later and then another. The poor that HPLA tries to help are already in the sites of a dictator regime. If it looks like a duck, quakes like a duck and flies like a duck it is a duck. We are under a dictator. Those that can stop it are expendable, and they know it. We still have one chance and that is to be sure our vote is honored. Otherwise, democracy is dead and so are the weakest links. Help us sustain all who we can, while we can. http://www.hplacharites.org/donate.

Where are you?

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The macro view of what is happing in the world is so vast and difficult to see that taking just one view is not good. I can’t understand the global view which includes Russia vs Ukraine or Israel vs Iran/Palestine but locally our politics are also so diverse that to choose sides is suicide. I am prolife and there is no debate for me. To drill down and decide what that means is very diverse. While I support prolife, I am of the mind that it is a decision that should be made by a prospective mother and her doctor, in the case of abortion. The decision of yes verses no is not mine to make. It should always be between mother, doctor and GOD. There are so many issues to consider and saving baby verses mom or viceversa should not be made by the general public. This is just one issue that requires lots of thought but should not be politicized. Where are you?

The political umbrella covers a country’s behaver but should be held sacred. Within the law, things all things sacred are between you and GOD. While I might plan to abort an unwanted pregnancy that is a personal decision between me and God alone. Not for you to know about unless I am asking you for money to pay for my decision. If you have no skin in the game, then go about your business. However, if I need financial support to carry out my decision than you defiantly have a say. But that is to say ” I will help, or no I will not” end of story. If you want to yell out and say, “this is happening”, and I don’t agree than that’s called your freedom of speech and I am OK with that. If you have not loss any financial resources than it is just an internal moral or religious belief you want to voice. That is your right. But not for you to decide what I do. When life begins and when no life exist is measured by opinion. To pull the plug on a brain-dead elder is up to family not you. It may be mercy killing but still murder. No difference with an unborn child but not your call. Where are you?

We are currently seeing the poorest of the poor yelling for help. There are thousands and sadly they do not know what they don’t know. Help is out there but they must understand where that help is. The basic map for survival is reliance on yourself. Secondly is communication. Let folks know you are willing to do anything necessary to survive but need help. Offering sexual pleasure can be a means of revenue and although immoral, illegal and despicable it has become necessary for some. The point here is to look at what is necessary to survive and how desperate one is to survive. What would you do to keep a family from eating out of a dumpster? What would you do to help a young woman who got pregnant out of blind love, lust or ignorance and got no help from the man? As a caring individual you would do all you can to help without jeopardizing your own better welfare. I strongly believe that there are millions who would do whatever is necessary to help. We do it by collectively by establishing laws we demand our politicians to help establish and for the government to manage. i.e. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid & SNAP. Has the cost to provide these services gotten totally out of control? Defiantly! Has corruption taken away from folks desperate for help, yes. There is so much oversight necessary to ensure help is funneled to those applying for help that the vetting process has gotten too lengthy and life has been lost in the process. So, until as a nation we establish rules to help everyone needing help and a vetting system that catches corruption it will fall on individuals like you, who care, to pick up the slack. I won’t get into the millions of Americans who just don’t care. There are millions and our elected officials are among them. The Bible suggests that the poor will always be among you. That may be but should not be in the United States, not even in North America.

For those of you who follow my post you know that HPLA Charities was established to help those overlooked by many of us. It is disappointing to see that number growing while billions of dollars go to test a rocket. In March of 2016 our volunteers were plentiful and resources readily available. While the strength of the economy has had its ups and downs things are relatively stable. The downside is folks have been turned off and gotten an attitude that is sad to see in America. They just don’t care. There may be ligament reasons to have this attitude. I don’t see it. The mission of HPLA has not changed and the work to help the poor is increasing. We will not stop trying to help nor will we stop asking for you to contribute. We don’t pay staff, period. Every dollar you give goes to help folks in need. It is infuriating to see national organizations turn folks down because a project fund has been exhausted and yet payrolls for leaders are never exhausted. It is a shame that buckets full of funds in other areas are not transferred so all funds are exhausted equally. HPLA helps ensure those calling us are not begging for food and water, but many times it is that bad. Too many times. Our volunteers have taken out of their own pockets many times, such that they are themselves are in need. It appears those that need the most give the most proportionately. If you have one dollar left over at the end of every month and especially at the end of every year you are wealthier than many. If you have hundreds left over and saving accounts and investment funds your rich. All I ask of you is five or ten dollars every month. Every dollar received monthly is matched. You first and the needy second. Where are you?

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The World Greives-Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) Has Died

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After blessing the world with his Easter Week tour and bringing joy to the world God the Father decided to take His Servant of Servants’ home. In his last days and after having survived many days of near-death illnesses Pope Francis gave up the ghost. It is fitting that he was able to bring such joy and hope this week as it is custom at this time of year. “Our Lord Has Risen” as our brother Pope Francis receives his crowns in heaven. Jesus Christ died in a very gruesome way before he rose again fully healed and whole. Pope Francis, having the wonder of modern medicine died peacefully and with little pain. As promised however he has his reward of eternal life and is in peace to live in heaven with Jesus who is sitting at the right hand of his Father God (Jehovah, Yahweh, El Shaddai etc.) May his earthly body rest in Peace.

Religion has been with us always and may have started by humans based on miraculous, mysterious and unexplainable occurrences. What was unexplainable had to come from some power beyond their understanding. That power received a name at some point and time in history. Some evidence suggests that a belief in God emerged during the Middle Paleolithic era (roughly 200 thousand years ago). In that time span and onto today, man has not only tried to confirm God’s existence but unfortunately has created such disagreement as to pin brother against brother nation against nation. Many individuals have tried to convince their audiences that they are God. That they have the power to perform miracles and give and take life. Alexander the Great believed he was god and his destiny was to conquer. More often the concept of “Divine right of Kings” reinforced the idea that rulers were divinely appointed without claiming to be gods themselves. The greater the power, wealth, ego and the propaganda the easier it was to convince the people that the word of the leader was true and of God.

Brainwashing is very much alive and well today. The greatest power may be that today’s Pharaohs are those not only with great wealth but with the ability to convey the idea they are divinely appointed. As intimes past some cultures came to believe they were the chosen. They believed their doctrine was the only one valid. Again, the most powerful and those with the ability to convince enough people were chosen as the winners of the rule. Majority rules, but within the majority there is a pecking order and those that are unable to show themselves worthy of recognition or of some use are dispatched. Those that are most popular become the leaders.

This theme remains relevant today. The wealthy and those most capable of convincing people of their being called of God are the winners. If anyone is able to repel the leaders, they too can be dispatched. However, with the rule of law today killing someone is not easy to do so the next best thing is to buy allegiance. That can be done with money or more often with fear. Not the fear of death but the fear of being ostracized and abandoned. That includes those individuals closest to the leader. Looking at dictators in the world today it can be seen that what I say is true. To have one final leader where all questions are answered and carry the final rule is not all bad. That is unless that final rule has no use for anyone that brings no value to the table. A chicken stricken with the bird flu is of no value, maybe even a danger and must be destroyed.

The United States was born with the premise that “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America”. Through our process of fair and free elections we have established a bicameral US Congress consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The two houses serve as a check on each other’s power, ensuring that no single branch becomes overly influential. Then enters the executive branch, led by the president. His role is to enforce laws passed by congress, serve as the commander-in-chief and can veto legislation. He can also declare executive orders. These leaders all work for the people. However today we have the executive branch through the election of the people taking on a role that more resembles that of a Pharaoh more so then a president. The fear is that he considers many who bring no value to the table and must be ostracized. As to the size of the government there is no doubt that much of the work being done to manage the country is not being done efficiently and there may be lots of duplications. Over the course of the country’s 245-year history positions have been created in times of need and not eliminated when no longer needed. This needs to be done now. Not with a chainsaw but with a scalpel. Not with disregard but with empathy. Unfortunately, I have been in a situation where my position was no longer needed but was given time to adjust and provided with a severance package to sustain me until I could find another position. Dismissal without warning or cause is un-American. I have been fired too, but that is another story for another time and does not apply here.

“We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America”.

As a non-profit HPLA Charities operates without paid staff. We do not have duplications of jobs; we operate strictly with donated dollars and have nowhere to cut. The donations we receive are tax deductible and we do not pay taxes to the government. The classification of a 501c3 is given to an organization which serves to be charitable. Those who have payrolls and paid staff do have to take deductions from their staff and be sent to the government, but the dollars being spent on low-income homeowners needing repairs are not taxable, this is a way for the government to secure the prosperity of those who might otherwise be treated as a chicken with the bird flu. The one donating is not taxed and the one receiving the donation is not taxed. This is a policy that helps make America Great and should never be lost. The Pope was well noted as one who cared daily of those in need. Their spiritual needs aside it was their basic physiological needs that Pope Francis wanted everyone to have. HPLA’s leadership is of the same mind, and we do it through volunteers and tax-deductible contributions.

Help keep America Great and let our group of unpaid volunteers use your donations to keep those who are in need “through no fault of their own” stay alive. DONATE

Happy Easter, condolences to the families and friends close to the Pope and may God Bless America for giving us life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

RLF Chairman HPLA Charities http://www.hplacharities.org

Discrimination: We are all guilty

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Discrimination in America 2025

There has never been a time in American History where discrimination was absent.

From Google AI: “Discrimination in the United States has deep roots, stemming from the institution of slavery, the subjugation of indigenous peoples, and the systemic oppression of various racial, ethnic and religious groups.” Google suggest in its Historical Context these basic categories:

  • Slavery and its aftermath Discrimination: was a defining feature of early American history, and its legacy continues to impact the nation.
  • Jim Crow Laws Discrimination: Following the civil war the Jim Crow Laws of the south enforced segregation and discrimination against African Americans in various aspects of life including housing, education, employment, and public spaces.
  • Immigrant Discrimination: The United States has always been a nation of immigrants and seemingly also always a nation suffused with a fear or hatred of those same immigrants
  • Women’s Rights Discrimination: The unfair or unequal treatment of individual’s based on their sex or gender. This can manifest in various forms, including pay gaps, lack of representation in leadership and violence against women.
  • LGBTQ+ Discrimination: These individual are described as different and outside the definition of male or female and as a result face the same types of discrimination as women or immigrants etc.
  • Disability Discrimination: It is the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals based on their disability which can manifest in various forms, including being employed, have access to services, education, or social participation.
  • TBD Discrimination: Who or what is the next group that will be the target of discrimination? My guess is Medicaid recipients.

I am using historical information from the internet that no doubt approaches these issues from a relatively unbiased perspective. From that point of view the message is presented without any desire to sway or dispel any mindset or belief, but instead to provide facts for the reader to decipher. For the sake of argument and as the devil’s advocate, I believe that the reasons given to the public about any discrimination is diluted for political correctness. Instead the reasons should be exposed for the horrific attitude and mindset where discrimination actually originates. There are mindsets that suggest “it is my way or the highway.” At its core I believe it begins with self-centered individuals that expect to always win and to be in relationships with only winners. Any failure by a member of the group will have them pushed away. Generally these folks will be ostracized from the leadership and thus the strategic plans of the group. (i.e. “Being Outed”).

People of like minds can come from any culture or any other group, but birds of a feather stick together thus other factors enter into this natural selection. Blood is stronger than water, but this is not always a surefire sign you will be accepted in a group. So called heroes of history suggests that, unlike Butch Cassidy, Etta Place and the Sundance Kid, they have recruited hundreds or even thousands of like-minded ideological followers. Many made up of many different cultures.

We are currently in global state of flux where folks are not sure who to trust, who to believe or who to join up with. The rules of entry discriminate in many ways, but one central theme seems to stand out in America, that is, a US born white skinned individual has the best chance to be accepted by and encouraged to join the right wing. All other cultures are suckers that can be used.

To be clear the right wing currently controlling the governments progress of the US tends to be one working hard to suppress human rights including and not limited to free speech. Secondly it is trying to suppress the growth of non-whites. It has used Latinos as the “whipping boy” to validate its message. The hype is that all illegal immigrants are a danger to our citizens and is dismantling the freedom we currently enjoy. Secondly it is bringing with them an ideology that encourages drug use. Nothing is ever mentioned that supply is based on demand and that the right wing thrives on exploiting the free market and will invest heavily into it. Drug cartels are not successful without a well-financed US based cartel to partner with it. Adding and abating while wearing a halo. How un-Christian is that?   

So discrimination is alive and well on planet earth. Currently it’s against the illegal immigrates of Latin based countries not the Irish to trying to survive the potato famine. Not the Cubans running from Castro, not countries in Africa or the middle east. And who pays he highest price? Women and children are particularly vulnerable during these journeys. We can close our borders and limit the ingress but desperate times call for desperate measures. Life has become expendable and humanity disrespected. It is not a society that cares about anyone, but only of one self. Survival of the fittest is well and good but not reserved for just a few.

The world must discriminate against any society that would want for only their group of like-minded members to survive. That is unless it is a society that includes all individual who have a beating heart and lungs. Cold blooded species are a conversation for another time.

I am trying to perpetuate the species by helping them have basic survival resources. Read about my mission please, www.hplacharities.org/donate

Charites Are in Greater Demand

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With Cuts to Federal Programs Americans are Being Hurt and need help

This was a recent article published by Dr. Robert Riech and INEQUALITY MEDIA Civic Action

Social Security is one of the smartest, most effective, and most popular programs in American history. For nearly a century, through economic ups and downs, it has never missed a payment, always delivering benefits on time to every eligible American. We can be proud of how reliable and beneficial this system is.

Before Social Security was created in 1935, nearly half of our nation’s seniors lived in poverty. Today, that number is down to 10.3 percent. In 2021 alone, Social Security lifted more than 18 million older Americans out of poverty. Despite this remarkable success, far too many seniors and people with disabilities still struggle to get by, while Republicans in Congress push for deep l cuts to Social Security benefits. House Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle reports that the Republican Study Committee’s released 2025 budget would “make Republican plans to gut Social Security a reality.” Forcing Americans to work longer for less, they would “cut Social Security benefits for 257 million people, or 3 in 4 Americans.” This is the same proposed Republican budget that ends Medicare as we know it, attacks the Affordable Care Act, and slashes food assistance for children. And it offers all this destruction in order to pander to the ultra-rich with $4.5 trillion dollars in tax cuts.

Nearly 40% of seniors rely on Social Security for more than half of their income, nearly half of Americans 55 and older have zero retirement savings, and the average Social Security benefit is only $1,688 a month. The program has a $2.85 trillion surplus and can pay full benefits until 2035. Yet, some Republicans in Congress still claim Social Security is going broke. It’s not going broke, but we can do better. Instead of cutting Social Security benefits just to line the pockets of billionaires, let’s find ways to increase benefits to all Americans and improve its solvency now, and beyond 2035. We can make Social Security stronger, not weaker>. This is the effect of legislation sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Val Hoyle: the Social Security Expansion Act of 2025.

Now, the richest man on earth, Elon Musk, is working on a hostile takeover of Social Security, threatening $500 billion in cuts to Social Security and Medicare. If this bill had been passed when first introduced just four years ago, Musk would have paid $2.9 billion more in taxes, Social Security would have been solvent for 75 years, benefits would have increased by $2,400, and 93% of Americans wouldn’t have paid a penny more in taxes.

So, the question is, will there be some sort of compromise where none of these drastic and ridiculous cuts will be implemented or will they be approved and go into effect very quickly. As has been published by National News Media and social media the real possibility exists for chainsaws to be used to cut all of Government established and approved budgets. As taxpayers we should be able to persuade the politicians to use a microscope and a scalpel to save money that is supposedly being wasted. I think we need to start by blowing up our representative’s phone lines, email address and physical addresses with the message “Stop the Presses”. Trust me, that is the minimum action that you and I need to start taking. In my last post I asked to call a spade a spade. Today, Politicians are pawns moved around by puppet masters called mega donors. It is very difficult to follow their own agenda, as a politician, unless they have a majority of constituents that have the same exact agenda as them. (There are some politicians in whose districts I will never go to).

But representatives are driven by their supporters. Unfortunately, we now have a few puppets master’s that can mandate all branches of government to do as they want not what is really needed by or for our country. It is sad that being gaslighted as citizens and kept from being able to see the future agenda of these few, has created a monster. Our representatives are being blackmailed so they won’t even do what their constituents demands for them to do. And they can’t be recalled so they have to resign or for the sake of their constituents or put on the gloves and fight the blackmail. We have to help them and let them know we control the vote not the mega donors. I have used this phrase many times and it is vital to understand the significance of it and how to work to amend the message. “Folks don’t know what they don’t know they don’t know”. Did you know that there is a little town called Gas City? For a few of you this information may be common knowledge, but I would guess that most of you reading this post did not know that the little town called Gas existed. What may be interesting to learn is how few of you care that you “didn’t know what you did not know” about Gas City. There in lays the big problem. What are somethings everyone on earth should know that that they don’t know. Where is Gas City is, should be low on list of things to know. But on the flip side what should every person on earth know? You can start your own list and send me your top ten via https://habitacionesparalatinos.org/contact-us/. Some proof that GOD exist maybe the number one question on a majority of your minds, but I would dare say there are folks who know nothing about GOD’s. The need for survival is not only common knowledge, but how to best do that is the biggest need to teach, learn or to make people aware of.

To sustain one’s health and nurture your body? For me that carries forward for people closest and dearest to me. Natural life sustaining resources are food and water. In whatever form that comes to you is vital. It cannot contain ingredients that will kill you, neither immediately nor even over the course of time. (Death is inevitable but should not be accelerated). The next resource needed after we have food, and water comes protection from the elements. That comes in the need of shelter and having the resources to keep the body warm or cool. We must add companionship, but that is another story for another time. Today the US population is concerned with having fresh water, nutritious food and basic shelter. (heat, warm and protection from the elements). Drought, water contamination, infested produce, bird flu, floods and forest fires is forces threating our survival. Money may be the root of all evil, but it is the primary source of survival in that it takes money to buy the basic needs to survive today. Even the survivalist need money to buy a compass.

HPLA Charities is asking you for donations. Thankfully most of us have the resources to buy whatever we need to survive. However outrageous the cost of goods is rising we can make it. But look around and see those around you who obviously can’t make it. Watch closely as Mom shops for the cheapest price in every category of the grocery store, milk, eggs, vegetables etc. See that at the checkout even the child does not get a piece of gum or a treat. It is heart breaking to see this suffering and the number of these folks are increasing. The world baits us with carrots on the end of the stick called tobacco, alcohol, tattoos and sex. The most intelligent of Americans succumb to the carrots dangled by the world no matter how poor. One line I use to explain my clients is “some people are hurting through no fault of their own” and you must walk in their shoes and live in their world in order to understand and appreciate their needs. I have seen where just a little help can bring folks out of their rut and back to the ability to sustaining their families and themselves. Fixing a leaky toilet can reduce the cost of water enough to buy a gallon or two of milk per month. New HVAC filters, a storm door, insulation around windows and doors. Most important is smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors which helps with utility billing and the safety everyone needs. In the last 6 months the call for utility help, interim food between paydays along with handrails, wheelchair ramps and yard waste removal has been mission. Winter temperatures and the demands are the worst. A busted water line feeding water to a mobile home had frozen solid, but was fixed in promptly in February. You and your significant others must come first but know there are human beings out here as bad off as the stray dog or cat just wanting a warm place and some food and drink.

Help us find and help those folks. Let us know if you know or suspect someone who is hurting. Donate for their benefit not for ours. HPLA takes no donation money to maintain our existence as a non-profit or to perpetuate any of our board or staff. All work is done by volunteers, and your donations are used to buy supplies or to benefit the clients in need directly. Safe donations are done best given through our website which is managed by PayPal at www.hplacharities.org/donate

As a Latino and Veteran, it is vital to find and help our active military as well as veterans that need help so we can help. It is vital to find those Latinos that are fearing they will be separated from their families by mistake. More importantly is to find shut-Ins that “Don’t Know What They Don’t know” that help is available a phone call away. Please help us find those we miss.

God Bless You and God Bless America,

Robert Flores Chairman HPLA Charities aka Habitaciones Para Latinos Assocation 913-269-4450

Serving Wyandotte and Sedgwick Counties of Kansas

It is time to call a spade a spade

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From the Greek phrase “to call a fig a fig and a trough and trough” attributed to Plutarch, meaning to speak plainly and directly about something that was later mistranslated into Latin by “Erasmus” replacing “fig” and “trough” with “spade”. Bottom line it is the act of speaking honestly even if unpleasant, expressively without euphemisms. It is time to call a spade a spade.

There is a power play in place that is beyond the understanding or even which most Americans can fathom. Why? It is because most of the US’s population has no knowledge or understanding of the history of the world or the history of economic thought. The hedonistic traits that bring a culture to this point in time is based on a self-preservation saying, “that only the strong will survive”. The world population has become so ignorant that they can be “hood winked” or lied to and they have no way to disprove the lie, so they believe it. There are several ways to verify what I say, and it starts with what we hear and believe in our everyday exchanges with folks we love and trust. For the young child it is what it hears at home. Later it is what he hears at school. For those of us in the bible belt it is what we hear from the pulpit. What is most important for me to communicate to you via his platform is for you to believe that the strongest trait which drives an individual is for personal gain or self-preservation. Hedonism is key. A mindset of “what is in it for me?” Welcome to America!

When I drill down on this question of self-preservation there are hundreds of paths one can take. I am going to try to stay with someone who is more concerned with ensuring the survival of those they love then the survival of they themselves. I believe this world would be a much better place if an individual worried more about those they love then themselves. After being with the same “significant other” for decades I have come to the conclusion that the survival and happiness of those I love is more important than my own survival. To switch gears, I would ask a patriot going to war, would you give up your life for your country as easily as you would for your significant other. The truth is we are brain washed by those who we trust to be concerned with the love of our country than for our own success and survival. I say brain washed because no one who is truly concerned for my better welfare would send me somewhere where losing my life is assured. Yet it is happening every day and in most cases for no good reason. At least not for one that benefits all of humanity. Thus, it is survival of the fittest at the expense of another human being.

In the conflict with Russia and Ukraine the North Korean dictator sent troops to assist in the war and they were quickly dispatched by Ukraine and the leadership that sent those troops there was very much convinced that would probably happen. As a North Korean patriot was convinced that they were doing the right thing for the cause it has to be said they were brain washed and used. Indeed, they were, leaving loved one and children behind. It is shameful for one person to send another to die for their own better welfare or egotism. The United States is being brain washed and more importantly being pit one against each other. Families are in conflict for the better welfare of a very few. Starting with an autocrat who knows many are going to die for their egotism. It is time that we all wake up to the fact that survival of the fittest does not mean you sacrifice yourself for anyone but a loved one if necessary but not for anyone or anything else. From my desk I see no need for battle. The US especially has resources to barter with. Our role should be that all those needing to barter with us must take care of their citizens basic needs first.

Aside: Who are your loved ones? In my world I have my close circle of friends and loved ones. Those who share my blood line are first in line. Secondly are my closest neighbors and friends. Thirdly my community, county, city and state. The preservation of my country not above all but much in the mix. Who am I willing to sacrifice my life for are the ones who would sacrifice their all for me. Let me say that again, “those who would sacrifice their life for me”. Do you care a flip about me? Therein lies the rub, we do not care a flip about everyone on this earth. We are having a hard time getting along as neighbors. There are those who are trying hard to keep us feuding. It is time to stop. It is time to see the truth about who it is that is keeping us divided instead of working hard to unite us. What you feel is right or wrong can be put into the opinion page of your local newspaper or on social media but not cause you to chainsaw your neighbors political yard sign or burn his car.

It was the need to cut excessive government spending that swayed the 2024 election. What is interesting is that many folks did not realize they were benefiting from the, so called, excessive spending. Now that many are laid off the truth hits home. Please know that your sacrifice for your country is at the expense of your most cherished friends and family. Is it worth giving up the security of your family to add another billion dollars to the very rich. I say it is better to sacrifice everything for your loved ones by knowing who it is that is getting your hard-earned paycheck. Can you get to the point where you are going someplace in a used car rather than a brand new one. Can you drink water instead of beer. Can you eat hamburger instead of steak. The sooner the population of America learns to insure each of your loved one and neighbors have basic needs, only then should you have the option to splurge. Those that we elect to represent us “we the people” have to make sure everyone in his/her district, state etc., is getting the basic needs of survival provided and no one is dying due to lack of healthcare, nourishment, shelter or love. All of these needs are basic physiological necessities.

For many of you it is easier to give to the church, United Way, World Vision or UNICEF. No complaints on using that channel of helping, but we are in a situation today where we need to give closer to home. We currently have an administration that is cutting help to the world and hopefully use it for you and your loved ones. Truth be told the US has the ability to feed everyone that is hungry throughout the world. Some of you will agree that those budget cuts are to keep the filthy rich from paying little if no taxes and kick the can down the road for you and me to pick up. Whatever your situation I think you can look around your own circle of friends and family and confess there are many citizens out there who are hurting through no fault of their own. I ask you give to folks you can actually see benefiting from your generosity. If you keep up with HPLA you will see that we try to report to those who give exactly where we are using their gifts. Also, we are sure to communicate that no overhead cost is paid for from private donations. We have no other revenue stream but yours. All we are able to do is done by volunteers and all the gifts received are used to help our clients only. please let us keep doing well. Please give. www.hplacharities.org/donate

Protest the inhuman actions that are taking place under democracy when in reality is hedonistic action to benefit a very few. The avarice!

The Rule of a Monarch

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All indications point to a historical beginning for the lands we now know as the United States of America. It was just prior to 1776 when citizens rebelled and said “we will not be ruled by a king” they referred to the fact that many colonists were angry because they did not have self-government. This meant that they could not govern themselves and make their own laws. As King of Great Britain, during the American Revolution King George III had become to many Americans a byword for tyranny and the arrogance of the European aristocracy that ruled over them.

In the next few days, we will seriously need to watch if we have not come full circle and once again be governed by tyranny and arrogance. Not by a foreign entity but by a demon of our making. We must be watchful of witch hunts and deceptions. We are moving into an era of the lowest IQs among the populous and that of a new generation being deprived from historical truths. The results of which will allow history to repeat itself. The results of which also could make us all slaves to a very few. To relent we must start with painting every living sole without any color nor difference from one and other. I am and you are a human being, and we are “not different”. We are not above one and other we are equals. Those that we look up to as leaders must be equals working for all our benefit and not for self-interests.

Blogs like these are a dime a dozen and bring lots of food for thought and attention to what it is that we need to be concerned with, but bottom line these blogs make no difference and create little movement in ideology. You or I will not wake tomorrow doing anything different. However, this blog may create a subliminal thought which will make an impact on a decision in a future event. Unconsciously we are led by thoughts, expectations and emotions. My hope is that those thoughts are of doing good things and insuring the survival of each other and not the elimination of any.

Today we are at war with an ideology that some citizens are indeed inferior and should be eliminated. The divisions are very splintered and hard to define. As an example, different cultures, no doubt skin color, gender, etc., but mostly today it is the thought that America should rule the world, as Britian thought years ago. “We will offer the best lifestyle for all inhabitants of the earth”. The downside is that many inhabitants of this world want no one overseeing them. The life of freedom under the rules of democracy are not appealing nor are the rule of any overseer. They are handcuffed to rules which are supposed to provide equity to all, but someone has to manage the goods and thus comes the conflict. Hedonistic greed and power. The exalting of deities that created themselves or emerged from a chaotic state. Weather Brahma from Hinduism or Atum from Egyptian mythology. All have been used to manipulate and abuse the sincere and humble. In America it is Jesus Christ. Yes, those guilty of sin will burn in hell, but it does no good here on earth for God’s wrath to fall on those guilty of these atrocities in the afterlife. Leaders take heed, God is watching.

Education on world history and scientific evidence has to be accepted and not disputed for that same hedonistic utility, greed told by any one lying influencer. Walk on water for me Ms./Mr. and you may get my attention. Action toward honesty and good will work better to win my vote and the role of a leader rather than any division and fear you bring. The King must be seen as one with no clothes if he is indeed walking around naked. We are each looking for peace and tranquility. The ability to provide for the ones we love. If the religions of the world, make a law that anyone loving and keeping a dog is punishable by death it won’t take long to get that law thrown out. Why is it any different for loving any other human being?

HPLA Charities has one mission and that is to provide basic physiological needs to those who cannot afford to provide them for themselves. We start with shelter. Insuring folks have a place to live safely and out of harm’s way. Lately we have built a ramp for a disabled person to get in and out of their home safely. We have provided food for two households due to very difficult circumstances. We have fixed leaky faucets and lighting. We have installed handrails and put up tarps to keep the wind at bay. We have replaced rotted wood on exterior buildings and homes. We did not ask what religion, culture or political affiliation the client sided with. We just helped. We hear it over and over from folks in need and with health issues. I just want to stay in my home as long as I can. Aside: We just fulfilled that promise to a 90-year-old client of nearly 10 years. In her last days she only was only out of her home for one month before passing.

How do we do with no paid staff, no grants or sponsors? We do it with donations from folks like you that appreciate us helping when you cannot. We are your hands and feet, and we carry your love and caring with us on every job. What would Jesus do today? I am sure he would do the same. He walked the earth and healed and helped never having a cent to his name. Never asking their culture or religion. Folks provided him all that was needed to get the job done. We do it because of you and through your donations via www.hplacharities.org/donate.

We still live in a democracy where the majority of the publics voice still rules. We cannot be all things to all people all of the time, but we can be some things to some people part of the time. We are part of thousands who still care for the low-income citizens of our free country and work daily to help them survive while allowed to live. Most of those we serve are folks that are in need through no fault of their own. Those who serve give of their time and money willingly.

God Bless

The Divine Call for Peace: Insights for 2025

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From the Desk of Robert Flores, Chairman and Founder of HPLA Charities aka Habitaciones Para Latinos Association. In an unpublished story that I have begun to write, my title will be shocking and certainly controversial. “The Words of the Real & Only GOD for 2025 and Beyond” Wow, can we all have a field day with this one. Please take it seriously and think about it. As the inhabitants of this world, the majority has no say in what is to be done for us going forward. Highlight the word majority. The greatest gift we should give ourselves as humans is PEACE. Love thy neighbor as thyself and do not covet. This has been demanded by most modern-day representatives of our creator as they received the command directly from GOD. Just ask them, they will tell you that’s the truth. If we can look through the eyes of the one and only true GOD and believe that peace is paramount for our population to exist, then we have to settle some serious issues amongst GOD’s people. It has to start with those who are called to be GOD’s representatives. Those whom we pay to receive GOD’s Truth and pass it down. I dare not go back any further than the times documented in the Christian Holy Bible, The Catholic Bible, The Muslim Bible (Qur’an), The Hindu Vedas, etc. The unrest or lack of peace has come from places and people on the earth whose “religions” feel certain lands belong to them. This may be the only reason there is no peace. These people have the idea that GOD has guaranteed them a specific place on earth and anyone who disagrees is wrong. NOT!

If the truth beknown unrest or peace will never exist because GOD gave us all the “will” to do whatever we want with a few exceptions. The purpose of my message is not to cover all the reasons why there is no peace or unrest although a few should be listed: The obvious is economic changes, political changes and social changes. Religion, governance and politics along with human rights, and justice are fundamental to society and have historically caused many conflicts. Instead, the purpose of my message is to remind each one of you the destruction that these conflicts bring to us, the inhabitants of this world. In 2025 the loss of life and more so, the destruction of our habitats maybe the worst they have ever been. I have not researched the data going back to the wars of the 1800’s 1900’s or those thus far in the 2000’s but suffice it to say we are living in some very scary times where the destruction of cities, the loss of innocent lives and the ridiculous reasons that is perpetuating the destruction of resources is absolutely asinine. Can you side with needing to destroy resources and kill people due to who drew first blood? Absolutely. Can you abhor or find repugnant one country attacking another for the want of that country’s resources? Yes. The problem is that in desperation someone is going to come and try to get something from us. It maybe to retaliate or just to acquire needed resources. It maybe because the US has become a “Sodam and Gomorrah” and GOD wants to rain fire and sulfur on our cities. Whatever happens many of us will become a detriment a liability. We will have no say and while some will have underground bunkers and safe places to survive the bulk of the population will not. We must demand that all issues and retaliation due to disagreements STOP before they impact the US.

We have an opportunity to start 2025 with the knowledge that the one GOD, creator of the universe, says it’s time to STOP. Time out, start over, half time. GOD’s Army must come together and ensure that everyone has all their basic needs met. Yes, all over the world. The cost of exploring other planets may have great value but not at the cost of human life and human dignity here on earth. The money spent on explosive devises thus far in all the conflicts going on in the world would put every person on earth on a balanced budget. Every basic physiological need met. (Food, shelter, safety and a significant other).

So, this “PIE IN THE SKY” idea has to be put into action. It has to start with peace and equity for all. It has to continue by being contented with what you have. Drugs, alcohol, piercings and tattoos are a luxury not a basic need for survival. Living on the street begging for your next meal while covered head to toe with ink, piercing and silver is not meeting your own basic needs. (Food, shelter, safety, and a significant other). Some folks just need a dog or cat for their significant other. That is good for me. Where do we as a society begin, where do we go first? For me it is trying to ensure that those folks who are working or even begging to acquire their basic physiological needs get the leg up to get those things they need now. Any homeowner that is trying to have one dollar left over every month when all the bills for basic needs are met and needs an extra dollar for baby formula or a leaky faucet fixed can get it. No not for cigarettes or beer, but even then they should be helped. There are hundreds of charities in play that are established to help in any area of your life. In Kansas there are 811, 311, 211 numbers that are there to help. Reserve 911 for life threating scenarios.

HPLA Charities is one charity I manage that can help with home repairs and a place to call for help. We will try to get you to the right place to obtain your basic physiological needs. Call 913-269-4450 and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Go to http://www.hplacharities.org/donate if you are with me and willing to support our mission. Don’t hesitate to call us for further information or to volunteer to help with a project. 913-269-4450

Robert Flores Chairman