By Michael Lodge, The Business Advisor - www.lodge-co.com:  I know that I normally write my blogs about business, but today it is about our spiritual needs of faith and forgiveness.  Two vital areas of our spiritual life that makes us better people and leaders.  I believe that in order to be good at whatever you do, especially as a leader, you have to have a spiritual base and path.

The concept of faith and forgiveness holds immense significance in various religious and spiritual traditions worldwide. It serves as a guiding principle for individuals seeking personal growth, peace, and reconciliation. Luke 6:37 beautifully encapsulates the essence of this profound connection, reminding us of the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of cultivating a non-judgmental attitude towards others.  The verse reads, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven"  There are three messages in that verse, but today we will focus in on "forgiveness".

Embracing Non-Judgment:  When we refrain from judging others, we create an environment of acceptance and compassion. By recognizing the inherent complexity of human nature, we open ourselves up to understanding and empathy. This practice allows us to transcend our own biases and preconceived notions, fostering deeper connections and enhancing our spiritual well-being.

Abstaining from Condemnation: Condemnation can be detrimental to our spiritual growth and hinder our capacity to forgive. When we condemn others, we often fail to acknowledge their potential for change and growth. By abstaining from condemnation, we create room for personal improvement and encourage a collective environment that nurtures forgiveness and growth.

The Transformative Power of Forgiveness:  Forgiveness has the power to liberate both the forgiver and the forgiven. It allows us to release the burden of anger, resentment, and pain. When we forgive, we let go of negative emotions that can poison our hearts and minds, offering an opportunity for healing and redemption. Moreover, forgiveness enables us to break free from the cycle of resentment, paving the way for healthier relationships and personal growth.

Prayer: A Pathway to Forgiveness:  In our prayers, we seek forgiveness from a higher power, acknowledging our own fallibility and imperfections. We ask for guidance and strength to navigate the challenges of forgiving others, particularly when wounds run deep. Through prayer, we find solace and support, enabling us to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. It is in this sacred space that we cultivate the humility, compassion, and courage necessary for true forgiveness.

In your private times through your daily prayer, ask for forgiveness and ask that God will help you to forgive.

Embracing faith and forgiveness as integral aspects of our lives allows us to experience personal growth, healing, and reconciliation. Luke 6:37 serves as a profound reminder of the interconnectedness between the forgiveness we seek and the forgiveness we offer. By fostering a non-judgmental attitude, abstaining from condemnation, and striving to forgive, we embark on a transformative journey of compassion, understanding, and spiritual enrichment. Through prayer, we find solace and strength, enabling us to extend forgiveness to others and experience the liberating power of forgiveness in our own lives.

By Michael Lodge - The Business Advisor - www.lodge-co.com: Across the United States, a growing sentiment of disillusionment and mistrust has taken hold among the American people towards their government. Citizens believe that politicians, once elected, frequently ignore their constituents' voices and pursue self-serving agendas that fail to address the needs of the people.  Politicians ignore their oath of office to protect and defend the constitution. From unchecked government spending to questionable foreign policies and a perception of corruption, a series of grievances has eroded the trust Americans have in their government. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this lack of trust and the urgent need for change to restore faith in the American political system.

Disconnected Politicians:  One of the primary reasons for Americans' waning trust in government is the perception that elected officials no longer prioritize the will of the people. Despite promises made during campaigns, politicians have been accused of disregarding the concerns and demands of their constituents. This disconnect between politicians and the public has left Americans feeling voiceless and disempowered, leading to frustration and a sense of betrayal.

Out-of-Control Spending:  Another major source of frustration is the perception that the government continually engages in reckless spending. Despite public outcry for fiscal responsibility, politicians often ignore these demands, resulting in a ballooning national debt. Americans witness their hard-earned tax dollars being squandered on projects that do not align with their priorities or benefit the nation as a whole. This disregard for responsible financial management further erodes trust in the government's ability to make sound decisions.

After politicians are elected they go to their capitals and forget they have people they are representing, that they should be protecting by abuse of the pocket book.  Instead they follow their political party and they spend on political issues, not what is needed by the American people.  They create more debt and a financial burden on the American people.  Americans do not want more spending, they have seen the damage it has caused during the pandemic and currently on bills passed that were lies to the American people.  Inflation reduction act had nothing to do with inflation.  Debt reduction act had nothing to do with reducing debt.  These bills get passed and then the American people hold the bag for these things to get paid.  These bills do not help the American people.

Questionable Political Agendas:  A significant factor contributing to Americans' mistrust is the perception that politicians prioritize political agendas over the well-being of the American people. Citizens witness policies being pushed forward that seem to serve partisan interests rather than the common good. This divergence between the needs of the people and the actions of their elected officials deepens the skepticism and reinforces the belief that the government is not working in their best interest.

Foreign Policy Concerns:  The involvement of the U.S. government in foreign conflicts, such as the situation in Ukraine, has also strained Americans' trust. When citizens perceive that their government is engaging in activities that do not directly benefit the American people, they question the motives and priorities of their elected representatives. The perception of corruption and the alleged acceptance of bribes by high-ranking officials further contributes to the skepticism surrounding foreign policy decisions.  The country of Ukraine has even corrupted the Biden family, placing the president in a weak compromised position.  We did not have an issue with Russia.  Russia nor Ukraine are on our borders.  Billions of dollars and war machines have been sent to Ukraine with no system in place as to how the money is being spent.  Sending our own weapons and war machines has depleted our own military strength.  Biden said the other day, stupidly, we ran out of bullets.

China is a threat to America and yet we have no strategy to deal with China.  Biden says he knows the leader, has traveled with him several times, and yet the leader of china doesn't even want to talk to the United States.  They see, smell, weakness and they are going to take full advantage of this weakness.  And here we sit today with a threat of war with China.  The Chinese saying is - muddy waters make it easy to catch fish, "-that is, that it's possible to use a crisis or period of chaos for personal benefit.  China has muddied the waters and American leadership is falling for it.  Americans see what is going on.

Protection of Political Elite:  A prevalent sentiment among Americans is that the law protects the political elite while disproportionately targeting ordinary citizens. Instances where politicians seem immune to the consequences of their actions, while everyday Americans face legal repercussions, deepen the feeling of injustice. This perception reinforces the belief that the government operates under a double standard, where the powerful are shielded from the consequences of their wrongdoings.

Growing Social Issues:  The deterioration of safety and security within American cities has only added to the erosion of trust in the government's ability to protect its citizens. Rising violent crime rates in many urban areas have left Americans feeling unsafe and abandoned by their elected officials. The lack of effective responses to these challenges further fuels a sense of frustration and impotence among the populace.

Politicians shout for gun control but never address the issue as to what is going on in these communities.  They turn away from the problem and politically blame guns or other politicians.  Instead of focusing on Ukraine, look at the problem in these communities of violence.  Don't throw money, it never works.  Find the cause and effect of the problems in these communities and then work on them.  Instead of pushing trans rights, focus on the schools that need help, our students have fallen in their education.  Because of the pandemic and lock-down, students are way behind and need help.  

Economic Impact:  The economic consequences of poor policy decisions, such as inflation resulting from weak economic policies, have significantly affected the American people. As they witness the diminishing value of their hard-earned wages and the rising costs of goods and services, Americans rightly question the competence and effectiveness of their leaders. The economic burden placed on the populace further amplifies the demand for change and fuels the growing discontent.

Even with the bragging from Biden on his bidonomics, the economy remains weak.  High prices are still hurting the American family.  Gas prices have started to rise again.  Americans are having a hard time paying for their cars with interest rates so high and car prices are out of control.  The price of cars are no longer affordable to Americans.  Interest rates are too high for purchase a car, especially on used cars.  Car repossession climbs daily, banks are taking back the cars they funded because American's can't afford the high payments.  Then if we look at the commercial real estate market, banks are now calling in their loans for non-payment.  Interest rates have risen so high that the payments grew, and commercial buildings are basically empty with no tenants to pay the mortgage.  This is now hitting the banks and it will make them even weaker.  Owners of commercial real estate are walking away, handing the keys back to the bank.

We can go on and list even more red flags that have been created by bad government.  Congress has members who lie, create chaos, are socialist in belief, who push an agenda harmful to the American family and businesses.  Americans see this, they talk about it at their picnics, they read about it on social media, they express their concerns, and they are not happy with the direction that America is going.  If you remember the reason why America was formed was to get away from a over bearing taxing king.  They came to America and started a new government.  England said no, we want your taxes.  America had taxation without representation.  American's see that happening now, taxation without representation, and it is killing America.  Americans are asking for change, they want their voice to be heard, they want government to stop spending and cut costs (Americans do it every day with their budgets). 

​Where will this mistrust of government lead us?  America has revolted before, will they do it again?  How close are we to that boiling point?  That is the questions on American's minds.

By Michael Lodge - The Business Advisor - www.lodge-co.com  I have spent the last two days watching two congressional hearings.  The first was the IRS whistle-blowers and the second on the government silencing free speech on social media. Both times the Democrats in the hears attacked, brought up Trump, racism, and other subjects not even associated with either subject in the congressional hearing.  They appeared angry, and hateful at everyone and everything.  They attacked the whistle-blower’s integrity and then tried to censor RFK Jr. and lied about his statements.  There was not one sign from the Democrats that they wanted to hear the testimony of the witnesses, instead they tried to trick them up, scold them, hamulate them.  Democracy was not represented in the hearings by Democrat's.  

Country Above Party:  Kennedy was asked what happened to his party?  It certainly is not the party of the Kennedy's.  And he was right when he talked about his uncle’s inviting the other party leaders to his home and into his administration.  They worked together for the betterment of the country, not the party.  I will give you a good example of what he was talking about.  Henry Cabot Lodge, a Republican, lost his seat to a Kennedy in Congress.  However, Lodge went on and served various Presidents on foreign affairs issues.  Lodge was then a running mate of Nixon against John F Kennedy and lost.  However, Kennedy invited Lodge into the Whitehouse to advise Kennedy on the UN and other foreign issues.  Lodge also went on and served under President Johnson as Ambassador to Vietnam.  The old Democratic party under the Kennedy's reached out and worked together with the Republicans on important issues, it was clearly a different time.  Reagan worked with Tip O’Neal and had a good working relationship.  However, today's Democratic party is angry and unable to work with people across the aisle.  It seldom happens. There seems to be a party wall that divides cooperation.  It needs to change.  It's time to tear down that wall.

Animosity is not a policy. Henry Cabot Lodge. Both sides of the aisle need to start acting like adults and do their job for the American people.

In recent months, serious allegations have been made regarding possible criminal tax fraud and legal misconduct by Hunter Biden and President Joe Biden. These allegations have raised concerns among the American people, who are now demanding action, accountability, and a fair investigation into the various matters. It is vital that the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) wholeheartedly support IRS whistleblowers and take measures to ensure that no retaliation is directed towards the investigators involved. Upholding the principles of the investigative process and the rule of law is essential to uncovering the truth and restoring public trust in our legal system. Moreover, it is imperative for Democrats in Congress to prioritize the facts over political affiliations and demonstrate ethical conduct when determining the need for action or improvement. The American people are calling for swift and transparent accountability, as their faith in legal fairness for all citizens has been severely shaken. The need for trust in our government, from top to bottom, is more crucial than ever.

Protection of Whistleblowers:  Whistleblowers play an indispensable role in uncovering potential wrongdoing and safeguarding the integrity of our institutions. In the case of the Biden tax allegations, individuals who have come forward with information regarding possible criminal tax fraud must be protected from any form of retaliation. The DOJ, FBI, and IRS must ensure that these whistleblowers are shielded under existing whistleblower protection laws. It is imperative that these agencies guarantee the anonymity and security of these individuals, as it allows for a thorough investigation into the allegations and prevents any undue influence that could compromise the integrity of the process. Whistleblowers should feel confident and safe in their decision to come forward, as their courage and cooperation are crucial to upholding justice.

Respect for the Investigative Process and Rule of Law:  Regardless of political affiliations or positions of power, it is vital to respect the investigative process and adhere to the rule of law. This principle applies to all individuals who are subjects of investigation, including Hunter and President Biden. The DOJ, FBI, and IRS must conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations, ensuring that no influence or bias hampers the process. The integrity of these institutions is at stake, and any perception of political interference or favoritism could undermine public trust in their ability to carry out their duties effectively. To restore public confidence, these agencies must demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the rule of law by conducting a thorough and transparent investigation, free from any political pressures or undue influence.

Supporting Facts and Ethical Decision-Making:  The responsibility to uncover the truth lies not solely with law enforcement agencies, but also with elected officials. Democrats in Congress have a duty to prioritize the facts presented before them, rather than blindly following party lines. It is essential that they support a comprehensive investigation into the allegations against President Biden and his son and on the issue of censoring of Americans by Government. By doing so, they would demonstrate their commitment to ethical decision-making and show that they prioritize justice over political expediency. Upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability is crucial to restoring faith in our legal system and ensuring that no one, regardless of their position, is exempt from facing the consequences of any wrongdoing.

Demand for Action and Accountability:  The American people have lost faith in the fairness of our legal system, and rightly so, given recent events. To rebuild trust, swift action and accountability are necessary. Investigations must be respected by members of Congress, Senate, Executive Branch.  If it leads to a criminal issue, it must be resolved through the legal channels.  Congress refers it to the Justice Department, and they have the ability to impeach a President.  But do it non-politically because the American people have had it.  They see Americans being charged for lesser crimes but serving time, and when politicians or the elite are in criminal trouble the American people see nothing happening.  The American people have had it and their frustrations are running high.  The government has to stop playing politics and enforce the rule of law at every level of the government.

By Michael Lodge, The Business Advisor - www.lodge-co.com:  In recent congressional hearings on July 19th, 2023, two IRS whistle-blowers came forward to testify regarding allegations concerning Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. While their testimony shed light on important criminal issues and national security matters, it is equally crucial to address concerns regarding the treatment of whistle-blowers by their managers at the IRS. Whistle-blowers play a vital role in exposing wrongdoing, and it is imperative that they are protected under federal law and not subjected to mistreatment or degradation. Additionally, it is disheartening that some members of Congress chose to prioritize political statements about Trump rather than focusing on the serious subject at hand.

Whistle-blower Protection and Federal Law:  Whistle-blower protection is enshrined in federal law to encourage individuals with insider information about misconduct or illegal activities to come forward without fear of retaliation. The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) provides safeguards to ensure that whistle-blowers are shielded from adverse actions such as termination, demotion, or harassment. This protection extends to various sectors, including federal agencies like the IRS.

Concerns over Treatment:  The treatment of whistle-blowers is a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity of the whistle-blower system. It is deeply concerning that the IRS whistle-blowers in question reportedly experienced mistreatment by their managers or fellow employees. Such behavior not only undermines the courageous act of whistle-blowing but also creates a chilling effect, discouraging potential whistle-blowers from coming forward in the future. The protection of whistle-blowers is not merely a legal obligation but also a moral imperative.  The IRS needs to bakeoff these two whistleblower that are acting within their legal rights to report what they view as a crime.  They need to be treated professionally and fairly by management.  These are two good employees that the IRS should be proud of.

There were members of congress that attempted to degrade these IRS professionals.  Instead of addressing the issues, asking professional questions of these two members of the IRS, members of congress tried to make them look unfit, they disregarded the Whistle-blower Protection act.  Instead of asking questions on the subject at hand before the committee, they made it a political statements on Trump.  This worthless actions by members of congress shows to be only political instead of address a crime and national security issues.

Respecting the Whistle-blower Protection Act:  When whistle-blowers testify before Congress, it is essential that lawmakers respect the Whistleblower Protection Act and treat these individuals with the dignity and respect they deserve. Congress has a responsibility to create an environment that encourages whistle-blowers to share their information openly and honestly, without fear of being subjected to political grandstanding or personal attacks. The focus should be on the substance of the testimony and the national security implications it potentially holds.

Political Distractions and National Security:  Regrettably, some members of Congress in the recent hearing chose to divert attention by using their allotted time for political statements about Trump, rather than addressing the serious criminal and national security concerns raised by the whistle-blowers. This kind of behavior undermines the importance of the hearing and distracts from the core issues at hand. National security matters should transcend political affiliations and party rivalries, warranting genuine and focused attention from all members of Congress.

The testimony provided by IRS whistle-blowers regarding Joe Biden and Hunter Biden is a matter of national significance that warrants careful examination. It is crucial that the treatment of whistle-blowers within the IRS aligns with the protections provided by the Whistleblower Protection Act. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that whistle-blowers are respected, supported, and shielded from retaliation. Furthermore, it is imperative that lawmakers prioritize the substance of the testimony over political distractions, recognizing the gravity of the national security concerns at hand.

​Michael Lodge - The Business Advisor - www.lodge-co.com: I have the two following business podcasts. I like them because they tell a story and get to the heart of the subject. It's not boring like my podcast, did I just say that? lol But I enjoy these two and I listen to them at night and I always learn.

How I Built This: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1317-how-i-built-this-with-guy-28457179/?autoplay=true

​Business Wars: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/272-business-wars-28868089/?autoplay=true

By Michael Lodge, The Business Advisor, Greenville, SC  www.lodge-co.com: During the pandemic Joe Biden sent you a lot of stimulus and unemployment money and you got greedy.  You were encouraged by banks to go into debt.  You took out car loans on over priced cars, with huge markups, with high interest rates that you could not afford.

19 - 29 year old consumers are now 90 plus days late in paying their car loans.  They are now in default and walking away.  Cars are now at auction with prices still too high.  

Banks who were this greedy and stupid have hurt consumers.  The consumer was also stupid for taking on cars and loan debt they could not afford.  Now they are in a position where can't can't refinance it, they are upside down.  They can't buy a lower cost car, their credit score is screwed up.  They don't have money to put down on a different car, they have used up all of their cash.

There will be no soft landing for consumer auto debt, just a big thump.  And quite frankly, both consumers and banks will suffer as more and more cars become repossessed by the banks.  Banks are now trying to get rid of their defaulted inventory of cars.  These late payments will build and it will have to addressed in the financial reports submitted by banks.  It has to be addressed, it is a big red flag.