Self-Reliance
Cities’ Debt Crisis Demands Urgent Fiscal Reform

In an era where fiscal responsibility is paramount, the alarming financial state of America’s largest cities serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to return to traditional values of stewardship and accountability. According to the annual “State of the Cities” report by Truth in Accounting, our nation’s 75 largest cities are collectively burdened with a staggering $300.7 billion in debt. This is not just a number; it’s a clarion call for a return to prudent financial management rooted in principles of honesty and responsibility.
The report reveals a concerning trend: 54 out of these 75 cities are mired in debt. New York City finds itself at the bottom of the list. To clear its financial obligations, New York would need to extract an additional $56,800 from each of its taxpayers. This is a sobering illustration of the consequences of fiscal mismanagement and a departure from the values that once made our cities prosperous.
Chicago faces a similar predicament, requiring $40,600 from each taxpayer to settle its debts. Other cities, including New Orleans, San Francisco, and Miami, would each need over $10,000 from their residents to achieve fiscal solvency. These figures underscore the necessity for leaders who prioritize fiscal discipline and transparency.
Interestingly, Washington, D.C., often criticized for its federal financial mismanagement, stands out as the city in the best financial position. According to Truth in Accounting, the nation’s capital could pay off its debts today and still have $9,000 left over for each taxpayer. This anomaly highlights the potential for sound fiscal management when leaders are committed to it.
Cleveland and Tampa, Florida, also shine as examples of fiscal prudence, joining Washington, D.C., among the top five “sunshine cities.” These cities exemplify the benefits of adhering to principles of budgeting and financial responsibility.
The report from Truth in Accounting sheds light on a troubling practice: many cities, despite laws requiring balanced budgets, engage in deceptive accounting to mask their true financial burdens. This practice is akin to using taxpayer funds as a “piggy bank for politically motivated spending,” as the report aptly describes. Such actions betray future generations, who will bear the brunt of today’s fiscal irresponsibility.
As we focus on cutting federal spending, it is crucial to remember that fiscal responsibility must also be a priority at the local level. The time has come to elect leaders who will uphold the values of faith, family, and freedom—leaders who will manage our cities’ finances with the integrity and wisdom that our founding principles demand.
In the words of Truth in Accounting, “Cities will eventually have to spend millions for pensions and healthcare that their current employees will have earned when they retire.” Let us ensure that these obligations are met not through burdensome taxes on future generations, but through responsible management today. As stewards of our cities, we must demand transparency and accountability, ensuring that our financial decisions reflect the moral and ethical standards that have long been the bedrock of American greatness.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Self-Reliance
AI’s Role in Advancing Christian Mission Explored

In the heart of Texas, a gathering of over 500 participants from more than 100 organizations across 30 countries convened for the Missional AI 2025 summit. This event, held at One Community Church’s Plano campus, was a beacon of hope for those who see the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance our Christian mission and values. As AI continues to develop at a rapid pace, it is crucial for us as Christians to explore how this technology can be harnessed to amplify our Kingdom impact while remaining true to our faith and values.
The summit, aptly themed “AI Collision — Shaping the Future Together,” was a platform for AI professionals, church leaders, and mission advocates to collaborate on the ethical and spiritual implications of AI. The discussions centered on how AI can serve as a tool to further the Gospel, with a particular focus on its role in Bible translation. As Daniel Wilson, one of the panelists, wisely noted, “God and the Holy Spirit works through the Church, through people to translate the Bible.” AI, in this context, is not a replacement but a supportive tool that assists the translation team, allowing them to focus on the spiritual essence of their work.
Jacob Bullock, a biblical scholar, emphasized the human-centric nature of Bible translation, stating, “The heart of a translation project is always people. It’s always the language community, it’s always the translators.” By reducing the “drudgery” of translation tasks, AI can free up human resources to engage more deeply with the spiritual dimensions of their work. This approach aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship, where we are called to use our resources wisely to further God’s Kingdom.
Innovative solutions like XRI’s offline AI device for remote translation were unveiled at the summit, showcasing how technology can be used to spread the Gospel in areas where it is most needed. This device allows missionaries to translate the Bible in hostile regions without government detection, a testament to the power of technology when used for God’s glory. As Wilson pointed out, “Language is a major barrier for doing translation,” and these innovations help overcome such obstacles.
Richard Zhang offered a profound reflection on the intersection of AI and theology. He suggested that AI’s advancements could lead us to a deeper understanding of God, stating, “As intelligence gets cheaper, I believe it’ll humble us, it’ll make us become truly desperate for God.” This perspective reminds us that, as Christians, our ultimate reliance should be on God, not on human achievements.
Dr. John Dyer echoed this sentiment, reminding attendees that “the technology is just good, full stop,” reflecting the goodness of God’s creation. However, he also cautioned that technology is “not neutral” and requires discipline in its use. This aligns with the biblical mandate given to Adam and Eve to steward the earth responsibly.
The summit concluded with a call to action, inspired by Joshua 8:1, urging attendees to “go attack AI” and “reclaim technology” as a “good, good gift from God.” As we navigate the complexities of AI, let us remember our Christian duty to uphold traditional values, defend our freedoms, and promote a faith-based perspective in all aspects of life. By doing so, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for advancing the Gospel and strengthening our communities, rooted firmly in faith, family, and freedom.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Self-Reliance
Mother’s Heartfelt Plea at White House Gathering

In a poignant moment that underscores the importance of faith, family, and the defense of American freedoms, Patty Morin, a devout Christian mother, stood at the White House to share the harrowing story of her daughter Rachel’s tragic death. Rachel was brutally raped and murdered by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, a crime that has become a stark symbol of the consequences of unrestrained illegal immigration under the current administration.
“This is probably going to be one of the highlights of my life, being able to be a part of a prayer meeting at the White House, because there’s no greater God than the one that we serve,” Patty Morin prayed, her faith unshaken even in the face of unimaginable loss. Her words resonated deeply with those who value the role of divine providence in guiding and protecting our nation.
Morin’s prayer was a call to action for the faithful, asking God to “push back at the enemy and cause confusion in their camp.” Her words reflect a profound belief in the power of prayer to combat the evils that threaten our society, a sentiment that echoes the values of many Americans who hold their faith close.
Before a silent press room, Morin recounted the brutal details of her daughter’s murder, a crime committed by Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant who crossed the border during the Biden administration’s tenure. The jury, in a swift decision, found him guilty of first-degree murder, rape, and other heinous crimes.
“This person took my daughter so violently and so gruesomely and so graphically that they sealed the pictures because I don’t want my granddaughters to see these pictures,” Morin said, her voice filled with a mother’s pain and a patriot’s resolve. Her call for truth was a plea for honesty in reporting the realities of violence linked to illegal immigration.
“Please tell the truth,” she urged. “It’s about national security. It’s about protecting Americans. It’s about protecting our children.” Her words serve as a reminder of the fundamental duty to safeguard our nation’s citizens, a responsibility that transcends politics and speaks to the heart of American values.
In a touching moment of solidarity, President Donald Trump embraced Morin, offering comfort and acknowledging her strength. “Your daughter is looking down proud of you, you know that,” he assured her, reinforcing the belief that those we lose remain with us in spirit.
This incident serves as a clarion call for those who cherish faith, family, and freedom. It is a reminder of the importance of upholding traditional values and the need for policies that protect our citizens from harm. As we reflect on Morin’s story, let us be guided by our faith and our commitment to a safer, more secure America.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Self-Reliance
House Republicans Push for Nationwide Gun Permit Recognition

In a bold move to uphold the principles of freedom and personal responsibility, House Republicans are championing the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This legislation seeks to ensure that concealed carry permits are recognized across state lines, akin to the recognition of out-of-state driver’s licenses. Such a measure underscores a commitment to the Second Amendment, a cornerstone of American liberty and a vital aspect of our national identity.
Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina, the bill’s lead sponsor, articulates the simplicity and necessity of this legislation.
“There’s a lot of words there, but it’s a very common sense, simple piece of legislation,” Hudson stated, emphasizing the fundamental right of citizens to bear arms without being hindered by state boundaries. “It says that every state should recognize the concealed carry permissions of the other states.”
This initiative has garnered substantial support from Republican lawmakers, reflecting a collective resolve to protect law-abiding gun owners from becoming unintended criminals simply by crossing state lines. As Hudson poignantly noted, “When law-abiding citizens are traveling, they shouldn’t be turned into criminals because they cross the state line.”
Former President Donald Trump, a stalwart defender of the Second Amendment, has also expressed his backing for this crucial legislation. “I will sign concealed carry reciprocity. Your Second Amendment does not end at the state line,” Trump declared in a campaign video, reinforcing the notion that constitutional rights are not confined by geography.
While a similar bill passed the House in 2017, it faced hurdles in the Senate. However, with renewed determination and the commitment of Senate Majority Leader John Thune, there is optimism that this time the legislation will succeed. “We got it through the Judiciary Committee, we got it through the House,” Hudson recalled, expressing confidence in the current efforts to advance the bill.
Despite the clear merits of this proposal, opposition remains from gun safety advocates and certain state officials who fear the erosion of state-specific gun laws. However, it is crucial to remember that the essence of this legislation is not to undermine safety but to uphold a fundamental right that is enshrined in our Constitution. The argument that national reciprocity could weaken stricter state laws overlooks the broader principle of ensuring that law-abiding citizens are not unjustly penalized for exercising their rights.
As we navigate these discussions, it is imperative to prioritize the values of faith, family, and freedom that are central to our nation’s ethos. Upholding the Second Amendment is not merely about gun rights; it is about preserving the freedoms that our forefathers fought for and ensuring that these liberties remain intact for future generations. By supporting the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, we affirm our commitment to these enduring principles.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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