Although we live a linear existence, our actions seem to reside-- or stuck in- in a continual circular pattern, mode or motion.

We do the same things over again with the expectation of a different result. So the more things seem to change, the more they remain the same.

Consider for a moment the ravages of sin. We have seen for more than 5000 years the untold damage it causes. A Savior, God who descended from heaven clothed in the form and likeness of ordinary man, sacrificed his life so we could be liberated from its deadly clutches. Yet, from generation to generation, we return to its mortal embrace.

Will we ever learn?

From the downfall of Adam, precious few of us break out of the familiar mold of destructive behavior to advance the well-being of the human race. That is why men like Jesus Christ, Paul the Apostle and Gandhi are so rare and highly treasured. People who disregarded personal loss and disdained self- benefit. They remind us of our untapped, unlimited potential for doing good, forgiving wrong and uplifting our fellow man.

We yearn to learn their way of the righteous path, but almost always miss the turn, because our selfish instincts are virtually impossible to overcome.

I was reminded of this persistent human flaw when I observe the actions of President Trump and listen to his supporters.

Consider what Karl Rove said about Barack Obama:

Karl Rove, a White House adviser to former President George W. Bush, said that President Obama takes greater liberties with his executive power than his predecessor did.

Speaking to "Fox News Sunday," Rove accused Obama of picking and choosing which laws he will enforce and which ones he won't.

"This is imperial power," Rove said. "This is George III." Please note the final words.

As Donald Trump pushes the envelope on presidential authority this is what he tweets from @realDonaldTrump: “As has been stated by numerous legal scholars, I have the absolute right to PARDON myself, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong? In the meantime, the never ending Witch Hunt, led by 13 very Angry and Conflicted Democrats (& others) continues into the mid-terms!”

Proceeding further this is what we heard that, as a candidate, Donald Trump bragged that he could shoot someone on New York’s Fifth Avenue and not lose any support, and now President Donald Trump’s lawyer says Trump could shoot the FBI director in the Oval Office and still not be prosecuted for it.

Now recall that Rove mentioned King George III. This is the opinion held fast by that monarch. The American Revolution was fought to extricate themselves from such tyrannical thought and behavior. Men died and sacrificed their lives and possessions to establish that all men are created equal in the eyes of God and man.

"The divine right of kings, divine right, or God's mandate is a political and religious doctrine of royal and political legitimacy. It asserts that a monarch is subject to no earthly authority, deriving the right to rule directly from the will of God. The king is thus not subject to the will of his people, the aristocracy, or any other estate of the realm."

Trump, because of his unlikely win in the presidential election, according to prominent religious figures, has been anointed and appointed by God to lead this nation, to make us great again.

Trump is an admirer of Putin who has de facto absolute rule in Russia. Trump has praised Putin as a forceful leader, a “better leader” than Barack Obama.

Russia has become a pariah in the eyes of the world for its aggressive tactics and wholesale doping cheating scandals in the Olympics.

Recently at the G-7 conference in Canada this is what he suggested:

“They threw Russia out," Trump said as he left the White House for Canada. "They should let Russia come back in, because we should have Russia at the negotiating table."

Notice his comment about Xi Jinping of China: “He’s now president for life. President for life. No, he’s great. And look, he was able to do that. I think it’s great. Maybe we’ll have to give that a shot someday.”

Have you noticed his new found admiration and affection for Kim Jong Un of North Korea while conservatives castigated Obama for negotiating with the Castros of Cuba.
Trump prizes personal loyalty above all--not loyalty to conscience, country, principle, or rule of law.

This explains his supreme disappointment and dissatisfaction with the Jeff Sessions' recusal in the Russia probe. He sees it as a personal betrayal by a man he thinks should be positioned to protect him against any and all awkward accusations or investigations.

Now think about Scott Pruitt, the embattled leader of the EPA. He remains in the good graces of Mr. Trump despite his many moral and ethical lapses.

Do you remember all the talk of draining the swamp and the arrival of a new day in Washington---the stench of business as usual disappearing over the horizon with the heralded appearance of the gentleman from New York?

Are we turning backwards?

Have we traveled this road before?

What do you think?

Are we forever doomed to ride on an eternal, existential carousel, going round and round?

V. Knowles is a husband, father and prison minister with an interest in penning issues that serve to uplift mankind. He melds his love for Classic literature, The Bible and pop culture - as sordid as it may be - into highly relatable columns of truth, faith and justice. Hence the name: Just Thinking. If he's not buried in a book or penning his next column, you may find him pinned to his sectional watching a good old Country and Western flick. He is also the co-author of HOLA America: Guts, Grit, Grind and Further Traits in the Successful American Immigrant.