Month: September 2020

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CLARITY – 9-30-20 Stricter Judgment

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-30-20

Stricter Judgment

What’s Happening: “According to an article that appeared in USA Today on the 28th of this month, a French kindergarten teacher was not allowed to teach anymore because a parent of one of his students complained of his child having nightmares about his tattoos. Teaching for 12 years, Sylvain Helaine, 35, said he has had few complaints before and should be judged strictly on his ability to teach. He was removed for two months and restricted from teaching kids under 6, He used to teach in the Docteur Morere Elementary School in Palaiseau. He got the tattoos and had the whites of his eyes dyed black over a three-and-a-half year period (https://www.yahoo.com/news/teacher-says-no-longer-teach-185451497.html).  Quoting the article: ‘I think it’s just disgusting,’ he told USA TODAY. ‘They didn’t even try to convince the parent that I was a good teacher and that I had a lot of experience … I felt betrayed by them and I’m a bit sad.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “It’s just body art; don’t people have freedom to do with their own body what they want?!”

Biblical Response:  “Yes (as long as you’re not talking about abortion), but it may not be wise. Apart from make-up and clothing, tattoos are hard to hide (and some of them impossible). We might like to think our bodies are our own, but they’re not (1 Cor. 6:19-20). We’ve been bought with a price. Besides, teachers, as examples, are held to stricter judgment (James 3:1). Some mistakes are more lasting and obvious…like getting tattoos. Maybe that’s why they are strictly and specifically forbidden in Scripture ( Lev. 19:28).”

“Christians? We believe that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Ps. 139:14). Why improve on the Lord’s intent (as if that were possible)? The Scriptures above substantiate our reasoning.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to realize repentance does not necessarily eliminate consequence; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-29-20 Choose For Yourselves

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-29-20

Choose For Yourselves

What’s Happening: “In an article by the Associated Press yesterday, the debate location, the six topics to be discussed, and the rules were given…and the likely fireworks expected. This first debate is expected to clearly lay out the differences in their reaction to: the Trump and Biden Records, the Supreme Court nominee that has been made, the Coronavirus, the Economy, Race and Violence in Our Cities, and the Integrity of our Elections.This election has been called the most important one in American history. Has there been an unimportant one? (https://www.yahoo.com/news/viewers-guide-trump-biden-meet-042419904.html). Quoting from the article: ‘With the election 35 days away and early votes already being cast in some states, Biden has kept a lead over the Republican President in most national polls. While debates have not significantly shaken up the election in recent years, Tuesday’s highly anticipated matchup will offer the clearest contrast yet between the two men.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “You can rest assured I’ll be tuned in!”

Biblical Response:  “You, and half the viewing world…literally! There will probably be more watchers in history…and no more clear choice…though I have to say, in my opinion, it is the lesser of two evils. Neither are paragons of virtue…neither could I point to as a sterling example of character…but, then again, neither am I…(of course, I’m not running for President of the leading country of the free world, either).  I guess I’ll have to make my decision based on whom I think will be the best for the country. That’s clear to me…and hopefully is for you, too.  Without revealing my vote, let me say, if you’re registered to vote it is your obligation to choose:

“‘If it is  disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ (Josh. 24:15 NASU)”

“Self-government is not for cowards…it is hard. It calls for an informed electorate (watching or reading the news); staying up on the issues and the candidates’ stands (watching the debates and listening to the commentary afterwards); and lots of prayer and listening, Few are really fully prepared…but a choice will be made.”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in choosing…He even knows how we’ll choose. What we do after the choice…well that’s a subject for another day…after November 3rd.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to choose wisely, not as fools (Eph. 5:15); in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-28-20 The Question Is: Who Was Disorderly?

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-28-20

The Question Is: Who Was Disorderly?

What’s Happening: “This time it was the police doing the disturbing, if you talked to bystanders, diners, and Molly Dillon, policy adviser to State Senator Alessandra Biaggi who observed the whole scene. Originally police were called and responded to reports of protesters blocking traffic, but there was reportedly no one in the street when the 100-200 police officers rushed the crowd, arresting twelve, eight of them receiving summons for disorderly conduct. The good news was that there was no violence…on the part of the protesters, or the police (https://www.yahoo.com/news/nypd-officers-charge-small-group-180424670.html). Quoting from the NBC News article: ‘The police department said in a statement that ‘a group of roughly 150 demonstrators came to the 6th precinct and blocked traffic’ and that officers took people into custody ‘after multiple warnings to clear the sidewalk. Brad Hoylman, a state senator from Manhattan, said his office was in touch with police about the use of force.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I guess they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, huh?”

Biblical Response:  “It depends on who ‘they’ are. If the police, then they were just responding to a call…there may have been people in the streets previously. If you are talking about the protesters, perhaps they should have kept to the areas permitted for protesting…and apparently that does not include the street or the restaurants. If you are talking about the diners…surely they were only there to eat.”

“Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing the Peace are real crimes and have real penalties and are based on our preference for a peaceable society (1 Cor. 14:40).”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in order and decency (as the above scripture might indicate, though some would argue it was taken out of context). In any case, we need to submit to governmental authorities (1 Pet. 2:13; Rom. 13:1).” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to ‘bend our knee’ realizing, ultimately, that all legitimate authority comes from You; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-26-20 The Pot Calling the Kettle

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-26-20

The Pot Calling the Kettle

What’s Happening: “The irony was palpable…so was the anger…first, the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. had scathing remarks to make about China Thursday (in regard to their role in spreading COVID-19), then the Chinese Ambassador leveled an angered response. Sure, there were other remarks made by other nations (African nations asking for more economic relief from the coronavirus), but mostly it was the brouhaha between China and the U.S. Trump’s remarks, lately calling the disease the ‘China-virus,’ has succeeded in only inflaming the Chinese delegation, even if the facts do seem to support their claims (https://www.yahoo.com/news/enough-enough-china-attacks-us-194210842.html). In an AFP article that appeared yesterday,  authors Philippe Rater and Valerie Leroux related: ‘Using a phrase often told by US leaders to China, Zhang said, ‘The US should understand that a major power should behave like a major power. The United States ‘is completely isolated,’ he said in remarks enthusiastically backed by his Russian counterpart.’” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “The U.N. is mostly impotent…does anyone pay them any attention, anyway?”

Biblical Response:  “Probably not as much as they would wish…that comes from not having a standing army (this is not an appeal for one) and having no real set of laws all subscribe to…there’s just too much disagreement. The report of Thursday’s bloviating is a good example of: saying what you feel, feeling good about it, but nothing really coming of it.”

Why do we have the United Nations, anyway? Maybe because we know we should pursue talking over fighting…but don’t really know how. Like I’ve said before: ‘There will never be peace on earth, until the Prince of Peace rules in the heart of every man,’ That’s not likely to happen any time soon because of wickedness (Is. 48:22)…at least not when we are looking for peace elsewhere.”

Peace is not the absence of conflict…that’s just detente (an agreement to disagree). You could argue that it sure beats fighting, with all it’s unintended consequences and collateral damage. But any peace achieved that way seems only to be temporary.”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in pursuing peace, alright…but it’s probably unachievable between fallen men. We all need Someone more powerful than we are, to hold our feet to the fire, Oh, wait a minute…if we only acknowledged that is exactly what is happening.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to seek true Peace…and realize it’s really a Person;in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-25-20 Is This the Tip of the Iceberg?

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-25-20

Is This the Tip of the Iceberg?

What’s Happening: “In an ABC News article that appeared yesterday, it was reported that a ‘small’ number (9) ballots were discovered in a dumpster outside a Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, board of elections office. Seven of those ballots were outside their envelopes and were apparently military votes for Trump…..the other two were unknown because they were in resealed envelopes. Although the DOJ was involved, it was not clear the administration had been informed until the whole story was revealed by White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. The Trump campaign has warned about voter fraud and saw this as a vindication of their claims (https://www.yahoo.com/gma/us-attorney-battleground-pennsylvania-investigating-023800972.html). Quoting from the article: ‘In a letter provided to ABC News by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, U.S. attorney David Freed wrote to Luzerne County’s Director of Elections, Shelby Watchilla, that the office first began its review in conjunction with the FBI on Monday at the request of Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis.’” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I wonder if an attempt at a cover-up was made…”

Biblical Response:  “We may never know…while the DOJ is pro-Trump, the FBI may still have some pro-liberal Comey left-overs. It is a shame that these government organs can’t be non-partisan, but we must be realistic, too. The statement of British historian Lord Acton (of the late 19th century) seems apropos here: ‘Power tends to corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ As power increases, morality has a tendency to decrease. Apply this to all that’s going on in this election and it’s easy to see why the American electorate might become a little jaded.  That is why the following scripture might have some application, even if the ballots found were small in number:

‘He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? (Luke 16:10-11 NASU)’”

“Christians? We believe in trusting where trust is earned. Without a Christian consensus, America may flail about staggeringly.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to find and establish those leaders who will restore integrity to our system; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-24-20 Sounds Good to Me

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-24-20

Sounds Good to Me

What’s Happening: “Amy Coney Barrett, one of five women who’ve been mentioned to fill Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat, vacated by her death from cancer at 87 last Friday, is drawing fire already due to her devout Catholic faith and Charismatic Christian practice. She and Eleventh Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa, also one of the five women named as potential replacements, are both Catholic, and an anti-Catholic bias is feared to be present in some of the top Democrat Senators who will be voting about confirmation (https://www.yahoo.com/news/judges-faith-becomes-early-flashpoint-083029606.html). Quoting from the Politico article that appeared earlier today: ‘Some critics of Barrett are invoking The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian feminist novel in which conservative Christians have stripped away women’s rights, as a symbol of their fear that her conservative religious beliefs could re-shape American society. Supporters are raising claims of anti-Catholic bigotry, both in response to the critics and in anticipation what they say would be the onslaught to come if Barrett were nominated.’” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “What would be so bad about some Christian values influencing our high courts?”

Biblical Response:  “If you are moral or Christian, nothing…however, if a secularist, you want to point to an influence that is more ‘religio-neutral.’ In my view, this is not possible…or desirable. I’m all about restoring a Christian consensus to America. Not sure we ever had a Christian consensus? How about this quote from a noted deist at the time of our country”s founding: 

‘It was wonderful to see the change soon made in the manners of our inhabitants. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seemed all the world were growing religious, so that one could not walk thro’ the town in an evening without psalms sung in different families of every street.’ (Benjamin Franklin – from his autobiography)”

“I can think of a lot of influences that might be more harmful than a healthy relationship with God or His Church! Proverbs has much to say on what we dwell on in our thoughts. Here is one scripture that comes to mind:

‘For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you.’ (Prov. 23:7 NASU)”

“Christians? We believe in faith’s ability to influence an individual (Phil. 4:8)…and we think it is a good thing!” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, may You give our leaders Your wisdom…and may it influence the hell out of them…literally; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-23-20 Legendary

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-23-20

Legendary

What’s Happening: “Operation Legend, an anti-drug-trafficking and money-laundering effort launched in July by the DOJ, has netted over 3,500 arrests (800 on federal charges) and millions of dollars for local law enforcement ($12 Million for the Milwaukee PD, alone). Barr’s visit to battleground Wisconsin was to announce the arrest of 26 drug trafficker/money-launderers in Milwaukee. He confiscated a package of $20,000 cash that was one of 87 perpetrators had sent to California. Bringing down the drug-trafficking/money-laundering ring was just one of the accomplishments of the special task force since July (https://www.yahoo.com/news/ag-william-barr-milwaukee-announces-005437004.html). Quoting from the USA Today article that appeared yesterday: ‘Barr’s visit to election swing-state Wisconsin came a day before Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s scheduled foreign policy speech in the state Capitol in Madison on Wednesday and Vice President Mike Pence’s planned visit to Eau Claire on Thursday, his third visit to Wisconsin this month.’”  

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Operation Legend…I don’t see anything memorable about that!”

Biblical Response:  “Unless you are one of those arrested. Hopefully, it’s a turning point for them …or at least for the neighborhoods they were infecting. Maybe the name ‘Legend’ refers to the infamous addictions they were encouraging.”

“All drugs are not bad, however. I have some friends that get huge and necessary relief from prescriptions. What IS bad is addiction. Read what 1 Cor. 6:12 has to say on the subject:

‘All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.’ (NASU)”

It’s when we can’t say ‘NO!’ that we get into trouble.”


“Christians? We believe we should have only one Master…and that’s not alcohol, marijuana, or drugs…only Jesus. Yielding control to anything else is idolatry.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to make wise choices…we want to be addicted only to You…being controlled by the One Who made us is legendary…it’s like…well…coming home; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-22-20 2nd Verse, Same As First

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-22-20

2nd Verse, Same As First

What’s Happening: “For the second time (the first time was while living in exile in the U.S. but working for the OMN – Oromo Federalist Congress – an opposition political party in Ethiopia), media mogul Jawar Mohammed was charged with terrorism and fomenting violence, where popular singer Hachulu Hundessa was murdered and 150 were killed in June. Jawar feels he and 22 others had been the subject of a political cleansing of opposition to the ruling Prosperity Party. Jawar had been held since June, but made his first public appearance Saturday (https://www.yahoo.com/news/jawar-mohammed-top-ethiopia-opposition-131507210.html). Quoting from the BBC article that appeared yesterday: ‘I am proud to be charged with terrorism for the second time in my life,’ he told the court. The charges for the first time were dropped when reformist Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in April 2018.”  

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I guess it doesn’t pay to oppose, huh?”

Biblical Response:  “Sounds to me like he’s counted the cost and is willing to pay the price. It seems a waste to suffer for something that doesn’t really matter in the scheme of things, though it obviously mattered to him. (I’m not saying whether his cause is just or not…that’s for Someone Else to decide.) All I am saying is that we must all have the courage of our convictions. The scripture records an incident where Peter and John DID have the courage of their convictions (Acts 5:18-42). God obviously backed their play, too.”

“Christians? The Scriptures records many divine interventions, but note  the resolve of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: 

‘If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not [emphasis mine], let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’ (Dan 3:17-18 NASU)”

I could mention Esther’s ‘If I perish, I perish’ comment (Est. 4:16) or many others, but I think you get the point.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to look for Your intervention…but br willing to bear the consequences…regardless; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-21-20 Who Really Selects

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-21-20

Who Really Selects

What’s Happening: “To talk to a conservative, you might think that Judge Amy Coney Barrett is the perfect pick for Ginsburg’s replacement. She’s a Christian (but doesn’t wear it on her sleeve), a Catholic (but doesn’t wear that on her sleeve, either), says she’ll consider Supreme Court precedent if called on to rule in a similar case to Roe v. Wade (but has seven kids under twenty – two adopted from Haiti and one of her births was a known-beforehand Down’s syndrome child), graduated Summa Cum Laude from Notre Dame Law School, clerked for twenty-two years for Justice Scalia, and at 48 would be the youngest on the current bench (https://news.yahoo.com/conservatives-barrett-perfect-combination-attributes-115843675.html). . Quoting from The New York Times article earlier today: ‘Her religious convictions are pro-life, and she lives those convictions,’ said Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, a longtime mentor and a U.S. district judge in Minnesota, who like Barrett is Roman Catholic. ‘The question of what we believe as a religious matter has nothing to do with what we believe a written document says.’” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Sounds great…if you’re a conservative…but does Trump really have the right to select her for the appointment? I mean, it IS an election year!”

Biblical Response:  “If you ask him, Trump would say it’s his OBLIGATION. I get his point…the last time I checked, he WAS the President when Ginsburg died, and the people who elected him are expecting a full four years of service. Besides, even if he chooses with a coin toss, who really selects the next Supreme Court Justice (Prov. 16:33)?”

“Sure, we should pray for him to have wisdom, but the Lord will direct his heart. Read what the Word of God has to say on the matter: 

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He  wishes.” (Prov. 21:1 NASU)

“Christians? We’re all praying, too. We know we are not unopposed, but we are trusting in His being greater in us (1 John 4:4).” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, President Trump is  not a king (though we might think he acts that way sometimes); nevertheless, direct his heart with Your ultimate will; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-19-20 It Just Got Crazier

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-19-20

It Just Got Crazier

What’s Happening: “The death of liberal Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of pancreatic cancer yesterday may be overshadowed by the political implications in an election year. The last time it happened when Justice Scalia died in February of Obama’s last year, the Senate was held by the Republicans who pledged not to confirm anyone till after the election.  Pundits are counting votes and admit that V. P. Mike Pence might have to cast the deciding tie-breaking vote. Add to that the length of time for normal vetting…well, you get the picture (https://www.yahoo.com/news/mitch-mcconnell-supreme-court-vote-ruth-bader-ginsburg-024711319.html). Quoting Jon Ward, the Senior Political Correspondent for Yahoo News, and the author of the source article last night: ‘The most difficult months in a generation are now upon us. Pray that God protect our country and provide wisdom to our people,’ said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in a tweet on Friday.” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “You certainly can’t make this stuff up!”

Biblical Response:  “No you can’t…and indeed it’s intriguing…but let’s not lose sight of (to use the words of President Trump), ‘an amazing woman,’ her unique contributions to the Court, or her grieving family (Rom. 12:15). Having spent much of recent times in the hospital (though she maintained a full judicial schedule), her passing surely comes as little surprise. Still, death is always sudden in eternal terms and she’ll be judged by God with little credit given for her political stances or her votes …and it will come immediately upon her death (Heb. 9:27); which fact should sober us all.”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in earthly and heavenly judging. We are not all so highly honored by men as to be selected as a Supreme Court Justice, but we are all called to judge (1 Cor. 6:1-3). This mostly occurs here. All the eternal judging we leave to Him (2 Tim. 4:8)  What influence will the passing of Ruth Ginsburg have on the upcoming election? I like the prayer of Sen. Marco Rubio, above.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, we echo the prayer Your servant offered, and we, too, seek Your wisdom; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.