Speak Out: The World Has Taken Trump’s Measure

Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 7:39 AM:

From Asia to Europe, he has squandered America’s influence and moral authority.

By William A. Galston. WSJ Dec. 5, 2017 7:19 p.m. ET

"Donald Trump campaigned on a pledge to make America great again. As president he is doing the opposite: He is making America smaller than at any time in the past 100 years."

Read rest of link...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-world-has-taken-trumps-measure-1512519571

Replies (380)

  • This is the opinion of the Wall Street Journal. It he's lost them, then he's really in trouble.

    Here's the links's last paragraph...

    "The world has taken President Trump’s measure. In a 2017 survey of 37 countries, 64% of people expressed confidence in Barack Obama’s ability to do the right thing in international affairs, compared with 22% for Mr. Trump. The current president’s figures were 11% in Germany, 14% in France, and 22% in the U.K. The principal exception was Russia, where Mr. Trump enjoyed 53% approval, compared with 11% for Mr. Obama.

    In 1776, at the threshold of American independence, the Founding Fathers espoused a “decent respect to the opinions of mankind.” Today, citizens of countries around the world regard the U.S. as morally diminished under Mr. Trump’s leadership. He shows no signs of caring, and he probably doesn’t."

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 7:42 AM
  • ...errr , uuumm , tax cut ?

    ************

    General Electric to cut 12,000 jobs in power division

    Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY Published 7:34 a.m. ET Dec. 7, 2017

    General Electric plans to cut 12,000 jobs in its power division as the industrial conglomerate's new CEO institutes sweeping changes and the company grapples with a decline in business for coal and natural gas products.

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/12/07/ge-job-cuts/929888001/

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 7:46 AM
  • GE has already shed 25 percent of its corporate staff , GE shares have fallen about 44 percent since the start of the year. The stock is the year's worst performer on the Dow Jones Industrial Average. .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 7:54 AM
  • -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 7:58 AM
  • *

    No thanks Common for your Polls - are they the same ones that had Hillary as the next President. The only poll with any creditable results is the Rasmussen Poll who got the 2016 Presidential election correct.http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2016/rasmussen_reports_calls_it_right

    After 8 years of Obama's crawdading no wonder the nations liked him the best - he was a paper tiger, a push over, a big speaker and that's it.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 8:08 AM
  • -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 8:09 AM
  • What's funny is that this comes from your link...

    1) Our final poll was the closest among all pollsters who correctly picked Hillary Clinton to win the popular vote. We had Clinton up by 1.7%. In reality, she won the popular vote by 2.0%.

    Polls don't necessarily reflect the Electoral College results.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 8:20 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 8:20 AM

    Ulrich,

    Did Broom Hilda win or did she write the ridiculous book....

    What Happened.

    FYI: The United States of America elects Presidents with the Electoral College. If or not you knew that, the Pollsters did. So you are wrong now and they were wrong 13 months ago.

    KAPEESH??

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 8:32 AM
  • Polls are like the anus , everybody has one and they all stink .

    For the last time -- Clinton had the most votes and lost . Why ? Because the Constitution says whoever has the most Electoral College votes wins , it's happened 5 out of 45 times .

    If Russia meddled , why did Clinton get the most votes ???

    Get over it .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 8:40 AM
  • *

    Polls don't necessarily reflect the Electoral College results.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 8:20 AM

    Common: Polls don't necessarily reflect the amount of illegals who were able to vote in Liberal California with their State of California driving licenses furnish to them by the Liberal Governor....remember vote Democratic and you will receive many free handouts....good grief Common wake up and smell the coffee.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 8:56 AM
  • Mr. Schaefer,

    Please...

    Has there ever been a single word emanating from the Limbaugh/Hannity/Trump consortium that generates even a scintilla of doubt in your mind?

    Or do you swallow every utterance from them as gospel?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:14 AM
  • "The World Has Taken Trump’s Measure"

    As they should. They know that the previous liar-in-chief

    -drew a red line in Syria and then hid. And you defended it LOL!

    -gave $150 BILLION in our money to your beloved Iran where the sound of morning prayers gets your messiah Obama aroused

    -continued to cover for the abysmal lack of UN payments from EU countries

    Trump on the other hand...

    -has North Korea and China concerned for the first time about NK's sponsorship of terrorism and nuclear program

    -is taking on Russia. Unlike Obama who promised Putin flexibility or Hillary with her childish "reset" button

    ===

    The world is definitely taking notice. About time!

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:45 AM
  • More of "Trump Measure."

    Are we now, as a country, afraid to go to the Olympics because of North Korea?

    "Nikki Haley Expresses Sliver of Olympic Doubt

    She acknowledges there's an 'open question' on Team USA's participation in South Korea Games

    By Kate Seamons, Newser Staff

    Posted Dec 7, 2017 8:15 AM CST

    (NEWSER) – Russia was banned this week from the 2018 Winter Games; will the US ban itself? UN Ambassador Nikki Haley on Wednesday called Team USA's participation in the Games an "open question" in an interview with Fox News.

    "The Washington Post reports that the Games will take place in South Korea, roughly 50 miles from the DMZ, and with tensions high on the Korean Peninsula, Haley was asked if it was a "done deal" that the US would attend.

    Her reply in full, per CNN: "There's an open question. I have not heard anything about that, but I do know in the talks that we have—whether it's Jerusalem or North Korea—it's about, how do we protect the US citizens in the area?"

    She added that the US would take "every precaution" to keep its athletes safe. As for whether their family members should accompany them to the Games, set for Feb. 9 to 25 in Pyeongchang, Haley said, "I think it depends on what’s going on at the time in the country."

    Her comments follow an anonymously sourced Page Six article that on Tuesday claimed NBC staffers are "afraid to get nuked," and it's causing some of them to decline to work what is usually a hot assignment. The International Olympic Committee's communications director tells the Korea Times the IOC still does not know if North Korea plans to participate; a figure skating pair has qualified."

    http://www.newser.com/story/252565/nikki-haley-sending-team-usa-to-olympics-not-...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:47 AM
  • "I think it depends on what’s going on at the time in the country."-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:47 AM

    Duh. You display your ignorance daily.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:54 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:47 AM

    Common: You're welcome to go over to SK and get nuked. This is all due to the failed presidencies of Clinton, Bush 1&2, and Obama who did nothing to bring NK under control and to keep them from getting nukes and missiles to launch them. Enjoy yourself at the Olympics and be sure to take a strong sunscreen along for that maybe "flash burn".

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:55 AM
  • *

    Or do you swallow every utterance from them as gospel?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:14 AM

    Common: Do you swallow every utterance from the DNC, CNN, MSNBC, or NYT as gospel?

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:57 AM
  • No.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 10:07 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 10:07 AM

    Common: Neither do I.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 10:25 AM
  • But I realize that as mid-stream, conventional outlets (excluding the DNC) they are dramatically more accurate and factual than the conservative consortium.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 10:36 AM
  • *

    But I realize that as mid-stream, conventional outlets (excluding the DNC) they are dramatically more accurate and factual than the conservative consortium.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 10:36 AM

    That’s a laugh. One of your main stream media sent out a report just last week that made ole Joy what's her name nearly soul herself right there on the set, as I remember it. And then they had to walk the lie back.

    They're just like you Ulrich.... they just keep hoping Trump will screw up. You Leftist Democrats don't have a person among you that could handle the pressure you have brought to bear on Trump and do it with any semblance of grace whatsoever.

    Want me to play Obama's Teleprompter failure for you again?

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 11:12 AM
  • *

    Common you might to join the other Snowflakes and head for your safe room and watch reruns of Obama's/Hillary's speeches because that's all you have left.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 11:24 AM
  • "Want me to play Obama's Teleprompter failure for you again?"

    Why would you need to do that? You forget that Candidate Trump was all for making them illegal, and yet to date, the only time he's praised for "acting Presidential" is when he carefully reads, word for word, the script from his teleprompter.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 11:46 AM
  • "...hoping Trump will screw up."

    It's not a matter of "hoping," here's another few paragraphs for the republican Wall Street Journal" link above, in case you missed them.

    "Vietnam, which has looked to the U.S. as a counterweight against its historical enemy to the north, now wonders whether it must accept Beijing’s economic leadership and yield to its claims in the South China Sea. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made noises about abandoning his country’s alliance with the U.S. in favor of China.

    "Even Australia, one of our closest allies, is openly debating how to deal with American decline.

    "In the Middle East, the Trump administration is busy giving ground to Russia. Vladimir Putin is conducting Syrian peace talks while America languishes on the sidelines. Turkey, a member of NATO since 1952, is endorsing the Kremlin’s leading role. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently met with Mr. Putin and Iran’s Hassan Rouhani to support negotiations on the future structure of the Syrian government and state.

    "Egypt was another long-term linchpin of American diplomacy, and Mr. Trump has lavished praise on its autocratic leader. Yet Cairo has just struck a deal allowing the largest Russian military presence on its soil and in its airspace since 1973. The U.S. doesn’t even have an ambassador in Egypt, let alone a coherent policy to deal with this pivotal country.

    "Even in Europe, America has been diminished. Mr. Trump’s early ambivalence toward NATO, which gave way to a grudging expression of support, have left a residue of doubt about the credibility of American guarantees. He has driven a wedge between the U.S. and Germany, long our closest ally on the Continent.

    The “special relationship” with the United Kingdom may not survive his repeated gaffes, capped by his impulsive decision to retweet discredited anti-Muslim videos from a British fringe group.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 11:52 AM
  • *

    Ulrich,

    We need not worry about the Europeans and the Asians... they will be best buds again when they need money or help from the United States to keep from getting their *** kicked.

    If it were not for the United States stepping to the plate France and England would be speaking German.

    And all we have to do to get Germany to be best friends again is to threaten to close our bases over there and bring the guys home. They could actually help control the border. Next time Trump calls me for advice I will recommend that.

    We put up with that lame excuse for a Community Organizer for 8 long years, why don't you try being a little more tolerant and see what a business man can do to bring prosperity back to the United States. You had your say at the polls and the country rejected Hillary.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 2:00 PM
  • -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 9:47 AM

    Nikki Haley for President . She has more strength and honesty in her little finger then Trump and Obama combined . She tells the entire World right in their eyes at the U.N. exactly how it is on a daily basis , straight up .

    No twitter . No "fake news , just believe me " . No rubber kneed Obamberals .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 2:20 PM
  • 4/17/2017: "World leaders praise Trump for launching strike at Syria"

    4/14/2017: "Jordan’s King Abdullah II described himself as “very delighted” about Trump’s “vision” and “holistic approach” to the myriad challenges in the Middle East."

    9/20/2017: "NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg praised Trump’s hawkish tone on North Korea."

    10/17/2017: "Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras said "We have common values. I think our collaboration will be very substantial, And I'm very optimistic after the meeting we had today."

    ===

    Took about 3 minutes to counter your DNC talking points.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 3:47 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 11:52 AM

    Common: Our Allies needs the USA as much as we need them to combat those countries that might do harm to anyone of the Allies. After 8 years of a leaderless USA, the Allies are having a tough time (similar to the Snowflakes) that the USA has a new strong leader who actually leads. Those countries that depends on the USA for trade, money, and defense will get use to the change and I predict will sing Trumps praises after completion of his first term.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 5:23 PM
  • A couple of things: WSJ publishes an opinion piece that doesn't agree with the rational thought of Americans that see through the agenda of the left and common uses it to proclaim even those in Trump's corner are considering throwing in the towel. Typical far left statist mentality not to recognize that not all media is dedicated to one side's opinion without exception.

    At least the WSJ is not dedicated to reporting only what the DNC has dedicated itself to.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Dec 7, 2017, at 8:08 PM
  • “… that doesn't agree with the rational thought of Americans that see through the agenda of the left…”

    That kind of presumptuously presumes that the agenda of the “right” is the only “rational” one for all Americans, which is far from the truth.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “….those in Trump's corner are considering throwing in the towel.”

    Essentially that’s becoming more and more the case.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “Typical far left statist mentality…”

    I really have no idea what that means, but if it is referring to my “mentality,” it must denote one that includes the following:

    Support for deficit reduction and budget balancing.

    Achieving smaller government through zero-based financial and manpower planning.

    Replacing welfare with work to eliminate “dependency.”

    Sustaining job growth through education and research.

    Developing a sane, economically sound system of universal medical care.

    Updating Social Security and Medicare to a self-sustaining basis.

    Restructuring the tax code to eliminate loopholes and corporate welfare.

    Reforming the immigration system to recognize those that are working and contributing, and preventing illegal hiring.

    Strengthen public education at all levels.

    Allowing people the maximum freedom in all aspects of life while avoiding infringement on the rights of other.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    That’s my position on several issues so that must be what “far left statist” means.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 7:14 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 7:14 AM

    A mind is a terrible thing to waste!

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 8:23 AM
  • "...the USA has a new strong leader who actually leads."

    How has he done that? By telling the world that he only cares for putting "America first?"

    Were he to have actually "led"

    ...why would he turn control of Pacific trade to China.

    ...why would he have alienated the Middle East and the rest of the world with his senseless support for a Jewish claim of all of Jerusalem (and no matter how he tries to rationalize, this is what other countries believe.)

    ...why would he denigrate NATO in the face of Russian pressure.

    ...why would he get in a childish name-calling contest with North Korea and make needless bombastic threats.

    ...why would he abrogate climate change leadership and abandon green energy initiatives and jobs to the Europeans and Chinese.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 8:33 AM
  • “A mind is a terrible thing to waste!”

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 8:23 AM

    "People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones…"

    But since you seem to be implying that you have not “lost yours” perhaps you can explain the mindful rationale behind these moves or actions from Mr. Galston’s initial link…

    “By pulling the U.S. out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Mr. Trump has ceded economic leadership in Asia and beyond to China, whose president touts the Chinese model to other countries that want the blessings of prosperity without the inconveniences of liberty. To back up this offer, China is investing huge sums in its “One Belt, One Road” plan and in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

    “These moves are having the intended effect. Myanmar, which had long been dominated by anti-Chinese sentiment, is now accepting China’s blandishments. The country’s leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, went to Beijing last week for a conference hosted by the Communist Party.

    “Close to home, Mr. Trump’s brand of leadership is sorely trying Canadians’ patience: 93% view him as arrogant, 78% as intolerant, and 72% as dangerous. Mexico’s people have also been united against the U.S., by Mr. Trump’s ham-handed immigration policies and heedless negotiations to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement. This may well lead Mexicans to elect an anti-American left-wing populist as their president next year. That Mr. Trump has no discernible policy toward Central and South America is probably a good thing.

    “Squandering America’s economic and political influence is bad enough. Far worse has been the way Mr. Trump has dissipated our moral authority. Yes, the U.S. has struck deals with unsavory regimes, especially during the Cold War, and has sometimes failed to respect the outcomes of free and fair elections. In the main, however, America has pushed for free societies and democratic governments around the world, while speaking against repression in all its forms.

    “Until now. The Trump administration has all but abandoned democracy promotion. In practice, an “America First” foreign policy means being indifferent to the character of the regimes with which the U.S. does business.

    “I wish I could say that President Trump shares this indifference. In fact, he prefers autocrats to elected leaders. He admires their “strength.” He envies their ability to get their way without the pesky opposition of legislatures and courts. He probably wishes he had their power to shut down critical news organizations. In his ideal world, everyone would fall in line behind his goals, and his will would be law.”

    By William A. Galston, Wall Street Journal. Dec. 5, 2017 7:19 p.m. ET

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 8:50 AM
  • wow...more Polls ...by Canada too !

    Of course Trump stinks , so did Obama , 10 times worse .

    What's your point ?

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 9:04 AM
  • Wait , I know ...the (D) and the (R) stamps !

    My bad...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 9:05 AM
  • *

    ...why would he turn control of Pacific trade to China.

    Common: The Chinese already took control of Pacific trade during the Obama years.

    ...why would he have alienated the Middle East and the rest of the world with his senseless support for a Jewish claim of all of Jerusalem (and no matter how he tries to rationalize, this is what other countries believe.)

    Common: Because it's the right thing to do. Cigar Bill, Bush 11, and Crawdad Obama promised to do it but didn't have the ***** to do so.

    ...why would he denigrate NATO in the face of Russian pressure.

    Common: Trump has made it stronger by getting all countries to agree to pay their fair share and also their fair share of troops and equipment.

    ...why would he get in a childish name-calling contest with North Korea and make needless bombastic threats.

    Common: That's what you do to a bully and the Rocket Man is that - just a Bully that got his way with Crawdad Obama but failing to do so with Trump.

    ...why would he abrogate climate change leadership and abandon green energy initiatives and jobs to the Europeans and Chinese.

    Common: Because the climate change / global warming is just a fake study which has been proven as such by many scientists.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 8:33 AM

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 9:06 AM
  • Call him out for blowing smoke and he blows smoke rings around the smoke and thinks he has covered up the smoke.

    And, oh, those talking points can be found almost word for word on a DNC platform publication of a few years back that promised everything to everyone, but I know it and he knows it so don't wait for me to copy and post the link.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 9:37 AM
  • *

    By William A. Galston, Wall Street Journal. Dec. 5, 2017 7:19 p.m. ET

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 8:50 AM

    Common: Maybe you and Mr. Galston should move to one of the countries that is better than the USA - I'll even chip in a few dollars to help you to make the move.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 9:44 AM
  • Nothing has been said about "...countries that is better than the USA..." what's the concern is the loss of prestige, integrity, leadership and honesty on the part of our country.

    It's hard to comprehend why anyone would consider this as being good for the US. I'm as certain as ever that America is by far the greatest country in the world, which is one reason why I object to actions that degrade our international standing.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:01 AM
  • "...to copy and paste the link"

    Couldn't find it, could you.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:03 AM
  • "The World Has Taken Trump’s Measure"

    You speak for the entire World ?

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:03 AM
  • Nothing has been said about "...countries that is better than the USA..." what's the concern is the loss of prestige, integrity, leadership and honesty on the part of our country.

    ..........

    No worries , that began in 2008 and hasn't stopped yet .

    Those who forget the past won't understand the present .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:05 AM
  • *

    Nothing has been said about "...countries that is better than the USA..." what's the concern is the loss of prestige, integrity, leadership and honesty on the part of our country.

    It's hard to comprehend why anyone would consider this as being good for the US. I'm as certain as ever that America is by far the greatest country in the world, which is one reason why I object to actions that degrade our international standing.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:01 AM

    Common: Why are you so concern what other countries think about the USA? We should all be concerned what our citizens think of the USA....right?

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:14 AM
  • It's hard to comprehend why anyone would consider this as being good for the US. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:01 AM

    You left a few words in your posting:

    "It's hard to comprehend why an alt-left, radical socialist would consider this as being good for the US."

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 11:12 AM
  • *

    The difference between 'potentially' and 'realistically'

    A young boy went up to his father and asked him, "Dad, what is the difference between 'potentially' and 'realistically'?"

    The father thought for a moment, then answered:

    "Go ask your mother if she would sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars.

    Then ask your sister if she would sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars, and then, ask your brother if he'd sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars.

    Come back and tell me what you learn from that."

    So the boy went to his mother and asked, "Would you sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars?"

    The mother replied, "Of course, I would! We could really use that money to fix up the house and send you kids to a great university!"

    The boy then went to his sister and asked, "Would you sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars?"

    The girl replied, "Oh, good heavens! I LOVE Brad Pitt and I would sleep with him in a heartbeat. Are you nuts?"

    The boy then went to his brother and asked, "Would you sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars?"

    "Of course," the brother replied. "Do you know how much a million bucks would buy?"

    The boy pondered the answers for a few days and then went back to his dad. His father asked him, Did you find out the difference between 'potentially' and 'realistically'?

    The boy replied, "Yes, 'Potentially' you and I are sitting on three million dollars, but 'realistically' we're living with two hookers and a future congressman."

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 11:32 AM
  • Nothing has been said about "...countries that is better than the USA..." what's the concern is the loss of prestige, integrity, leadership and honesty on the part of our country.

    ..............

    How about a President left waiting on a plane for a World Leader G20 Summit

    How about a President giving meaningless "Red Line" warnings around the World

    How about a President saying Kobe Bryant is a bigger threat then ISIL

    How about a President lifting decades old Embargos against Communist Nations

    How about a President who knew a Foreign State was hacking pre-elections but did nothing

    How about the millions of People who continue to ignore the multiple and varying warning signs that began in 2008 which led to where the USA is today

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 11:36 AM
  • "You speak for the entire World?"

    I didn't write it. Just read the link.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 12:30 PM
  • "We should all be concerned what our citizens think of the USA....right?"

    And that's reflected in what they think of our President. Right?

    "Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A new national survey by Pew Research Center has shown that President Donald Trump's approval rating has continually slid during his first year in office.

    "The poll of more than 1,400 Americans last week shows only 32 percent of the public approves of the way Trump is doing his job."

    https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/12/08/Poll-Trump-approval-at-32-percent-mos...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 12:33 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 12:33 PM

    Common: The citizens are more concerned with everyday life. Look at the following to show what President has the best fuzzy everyday rating....right it's President Trump.

    http://news.gallup.com/poll/151550/Gallup-Daily-Economic-Confidence-Index.aspx

    Common: Sorry but here is a more reliable Presidential poll (with all the bias news media fake reporting on Trump it's a wonder it's that high):

    http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/trump_administration/pre...

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 12:55 PM
  • “… left waiting on a plane…” except the fact is that he used the planes internal stairs. (Big deal.)

    “… giving meaningless "Red Line" warnings…” except the fact is that his action forced the Russians to make the Syrians surrender about 1300 tons of chemical weapons.

    “…around the World.” Where exactly, and when.”

    “… saying Kobe Bryant is a bigger threat then ISIL.” When did anyone ever say that?

    “….lifting decades old Embargos against Communist Nations…” You mean like Nixon opening China? Or do you mean “embargos” that were meaningless, since the rest of the world was trading with those countries.?

    “… knew a Foreign State was hacking pre-elections but did nothing…” except that there was no “hacking” of voting machines in either the primaries or the general election.

    “…the millions of People who continue to ignore the multiple and varying warning signs that began in 2008 which led to where the USA is today.” You mean like the GDP tripling since 2008, or unemployment being reduced by more than half, since 2008, or the addition of 9.2 million jobs since 2008, or what? (https://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2014/09/01/a-labor-chart-for-labor-day-u-s-has-gained-9-2-million-jobs-since-economys-lowest-point/#79b430065f4c).

    What specifically is it that you object to about “…where the USA is today?”

    I’d suggest that it’s your hatred blinds you to facts. You may want to be a lot more realistic about the positive condition of the country, even with politicians today trying to turn the clock back.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 12:57 PM
  • *

    To the Sage of Scopus: Out this afternoon but will check back tonight to correct any of your false comments.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 12:57 PM
  • "... here is a more reliable Presidential poll..."

    You mean the one that says only just over a quarter (28%) strongly approve, and about one half (47%) strongly disapprove?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 1:08 PM
  • -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 1:08 PM

    No - the real, raw data "poll" that shows this

    - manufacturing unemployment number is at the lowest in recorded history at 2.6%

    - national unemployment is extremely low a 4.1%

    - over 2 million jobs created since Trump became president

    Thank you Trump for instilling confidence in American workers and rolling back Obama's disastrous 8 years of economy killing initiatives!!! Thank you for getting us out of the American-penalizing Paris accord!!! Thank you for unleashing the US military on ISIS by removing Obama restrictions on engagement!!!

    MAGA.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 1:15 PM
  • I’d suggest that it’s your hatred blinds you to facts. You may want to be a lot more realistic about the positive condition of the country, even with politicians today trying to turn the clock back.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 12:57 PM

    I'm a realist , I don't hate , I post facts . Which one did I post that was not real ? Now hate on the other hand , look in the mirror dude , look in the mirror .

    This Nation started going to hell in 2008 , like it or not , that's not "hate" , it's real . It didn't just start , that would be hate .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 8:08 PM
  • Independents catch hell from both sides but it's cool , I'm a big boy and can take it .

    Trump sucks and Obama really , really stunk .

    That's realistic , not hate .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 8:09 PM
  • "...going to hell in 2008..."

    Since you "post facts" then you should be able provide specifics.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 9:18 PM
  • The opinions listed above at 11:36 are just that and have been refuted.

    What facts do you have?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 9:31 PM
  • "...going to hell in 2008..."

    Since you "post facts" then you should be able provide specifics.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 9:18 PM

    They have been for over 8 years only to be met by denial , accusations of me being a Conservative 100's of times , "hate" , having a vivid imagination , and posters finding excuses . Should I give a more detailed list , more of the same will occur . The Presidency was a farce beginning 2008 , suddenly you agree the Presidency is a farce now . Reality is perpetual , it doesn't turn on and off .

    ......................

    What facts do you have?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 9:31 PM

    How many denials , excuses , blame do you have ?

    The Reality is anyone could see Obama weakening this Nation and Trump continuing to do the very same thing . The reality is you hate Trump for it but had no problem with Obama doing it .

    The reality is it's all about the (D) and the (R) stamp , Party before Country .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:02 PM
  • In Reality , the USA has been slowly going to hell since the death of John F. Kennedy .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:10 PM
  • I think the president laid out a lot of facts tonight while MSNBC was presenting more fake news about how everyone in the Trump administration is guilty of something.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:12 PM
  • Once again:

    As I have said all along, All the loser's hate will come back to bite them. They make up stuff like Trump is going to try to stop Comey from testifying and the news jumps on. The collusion theory then obstruction of justice all just fodder for the America haters to rally around in their attempt to press their agenda of removing liberty and property rights from Americans in favor of a socialist society. And no I am not going to list just what I think is a socialist society or answer and...

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Wed, Jun 7, 2017, at 11:11 PM

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 8, 2017, at 10:17 PM
  • "The Reality is anyone can see..."

    That's just it, that so-called "reality" is only in your imagination.

    It's not built on facts.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 12:07 AM
  • Sadly some people think the constitution was written by slave holding white racists and thus has no relevance in modern times. The Socialist/Communist ideas fostered by Lennon and tolerated by Wilson have failed repeatedly and people keep trying to put a new spin on a failed ideology. It hard for me to understand why.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 1:10 AM
  • "The Reality is anyone can see..."

    That's just it, that so-called "reality" is only in your imagination.

    It's not built on facts.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 12:07 AM

    They have been for over 8 years only to be met by denial , accusations of me being a Conservative 100's of times , "hate" , having a vivid imagination , and posters finding excuses . Should I give a more detailed list , more of the same will occur . The Presidency was a farce beginning 2008 , suddenly you agree the Presidency is a farce now . Reality is perpetual , it doesn't turn on and off .

    Note the words "having a vivid imagination"...'nuff said...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 6:43 AM
  • Just because Trump keeps a Campaign promise doesn't necessarily make that Campaign promise right . Sometimes one promise makes no sense against other promises .

    For example , "America First" , what in the hell does Israel , Jerusleum , and Tel Aviv have to do with America being First -- Israel is a Foreign Sovereign Nation , not America . Let Israel worry about Israel .....

    *******************

    Israel strikes Gaza Hamas sites after rocket attacks

    Israel's military said it hit weapons sites early on Saturday. Two people were killed, a Gaza hospital said, bringing the deaths in Israeli strikes and gunfire over the past day to four.

    Three rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza late on Friday.

    Israeli-Palestinian tensions have risen since President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

    Wednesday's decision reversed decades of US neutrality on the matter.

    http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42291071

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 7:05 AM
  • *

    To those who believe everything that CNN, MSNBC, and the NYT spews out about President Trump, where were these so call champions of the news when Uranium one, Benghazi cover-up, Hillary's email scandal, and Clinton Foundation pay-for-play scheme were going on....thats right no where to be found. That's why they have no credibility in their current reporting.

    -- Posted by Dennis Smith on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 9:43 AM
  • "Sadly some people think the constitution was written by slave holding white racists and thus has no relevance in modern times."

    I don't know why you would believe that. I certainly do not. Of course the Constitution has total relevance today, and especially as it has been corrected or updated 27 times.

    The "Founding Fathers" reflected the realities of their times, and it would be good if people today were to be able to do the same thing for our times.

    The made the best compromises possible as to slavery, to produce a national document for unification. At least they had an honorable end goal.

    Somewhat like the people of Alabama having to "compromise" their integrity to vote for a child abuser, and they don't even have an "honorable end goal."

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    "...people keep trying to put a new spin on a failed ideology. It hard for me to understand why."

    Perhaps you could refer to Occam's Razor which implied that the right answer is most often the simplest.

    And the is that "people, at least in the United States, are not "...trying to put a new spin on a failed ideology."

    No one with any credibility, that I know or am even aware of wants "...Socialist/Communist ideas fostered by Lennon (who ever he is) and tolerated by Wilson (and whoever he is.)

    I can't even think of one "communist" idea the anyone in the US wants. Even some things that are routinely accused of being "socialist" are not.

    For example, I certainly support a single payer system but that's still only a means of paying for private medical treatment and private hospitals, and does not exclude people from buying additional private insurance on their own. Actually, the only socialist medical system in the US is that run by the DOD for the US military forces.

    Perhaps if you looked at things more realistically, and less paranoically, you'd be able to sleep better and not be up at 1:10 am worrying needlessly.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 11:15 AM
  • Sometimes it is worth staying up late just to enjoy the next day entertainment of such foolishness that follows.

    Not sure how it is working out but think Cuba has a single payer system and so does North Korea. Since the Sage generally posts early morning, he must have spent quite some time composing his latest word salad.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 12:32 PM
  • "The made the best compromises possible as to slavery, to produce a national document for unification. At least they had an honorable end goal."

    Those who wrote the Constitution were slave owners . They also considered People with black skin as 3/5th's of a man and People with red skin as heathen savages , not humans at all . One , the black skin , led to a Civil War . The other led to National wide Prison Camps . I wouldn't consider either as honorable .

    Back to that reality thing , it's perpetual ...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 12:49 PM
  • Strange how Hillary is not labeled by common without trial and conviction but the judge in Alabama is a child molester.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 12:55 PM
  • Obama only Legacy or place in history is he was the first President of color . Well , brown , yellow , white , and red are colors too .

    Before a red is asserted as racist , the assertion would be made by a racist merely for choosing the red out of the rest of the colors for point out a fact .

    ............

    When the majority of People in Alabama find out a 30 year old man has been dating or molesting their 16 year old daughter , that 30 year old man gets a date with those People's baseball bat . The Peoples of Alabama know what's going on in Alabama , not Trump , the RNC or the DNC , let the People of Alabama decide , not the (R) or the (D) .

    It's time to stop putting Party before Country .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 1:15 PM
  • *

    "Somewhat like the people of Alabama having to "compromise" their integrity to vote for a child abuser, and they don't even have an "honorable end goal.""

    Either you provide proof, or I call it just more of your Leftist BS.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 2:38 PM
  • His signature is there, all he has is denials. How is it that these women know so much about him, when he claims he never met any of them.

    If you want to believe his denials, have at it, it's your choice.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 3:52 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 3:52 PM

    Common: Did you ever think that the signature could have been copied by a well paid DNC handwriting expert. The gal admitted to adding to the comments not too credible for a victim.

    -- Posted by Dennis Smith on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 4:10 PM
  • How is it that these women know so much about him, when he claims he never met any of them. If you want to believe his denials, have at it, it's your choice. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 3:59PM

    There were numerous allegations that Barack Obama of the "choom" gang in high school was gay. There were also numerous allegations that he met with a couple of men in Chicago when he was in Illinois politics for gay liaisons. You didn't believe those timely allegations. But you believe sudden allegations from 40 years ago?

    You've lost all credibility on here a long time ago. Your messiah is gay. Can you not accept that? Why did you deny that?

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 5:30 PM
  • What does Franken mean when he said , "I'll resign in a few weeks." ?

    All of the other Congress who have resigned left the conventional way , resigned and out the next day .

    Why , or what , is Franken's "few weeks" ?

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 5:31 PM
  • There are now 8 women that have come forward, who knows how many more there were.

    If he were totally innocent why would this have come up?

    If he's guilty his only course of action is to deny, deny, expect he's already admitted knowing some of them.

    The signature was not forged. The only thing added was the time and place.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 5:40 PM
  • He can resign whenever he wants. What would make most sense if he were to wait until President Trump resign for the same offenses.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 5:48 PM
  • What would make most sense if he were to wait until President Trump resign for the same offenses. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 5:48 PM

    What would make any sense would be for you to have called for Bill Clinton's resignation. But you didn't. You cowered, hid and prayed for his democrat friends to save the "D" in office.

    Now, about the allegations that Obama was gay in high school and in Illinois? Of course you would believe those right?

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 6:00 PM
  • Today was the Annual Army vs. Navy football game , it's been played every year since 1890 . This is where the President should have spent his day if he was really concerned about his Patriotic rhetoric .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 6:34 PM
  • He can resign whenever he wants. What would make most sense if he were to wait until President Trump resign for the same offenses.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 5:48 PM

    ...umm , what is the point of "resign" if a person announces "I'm resigning" but keeps on working ?

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 6:35 PM
  • What does Franken have to do with Trump -- did he say I'll resign if Trump resigns ?

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 6:36 PM
  • Ulrick, Suppose you tell us how many women have came forward accusing President Trump of the same offenses as the comedian senator.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 7:16 PM
  • 16 and the number's growing. Remember he's the one that bragged about it.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 7:58 PM
  • Remember he's the one that bragged about it. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 7:58 PM

    I'm taking the Commie Lettau approach on these wild allegations.

    Who cares? MAGA.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 8:13 PM
  • *

    His signature is there, all he has is denials. How is it that these women know so much about him, when he claims he never met any of them.

    If you want to believe his denials, have at it, it's your choice.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 3:52 PM

    I haven'nt yet checked to see what anybody else said to you, but even someone as dense as you are shold know that it is only word that it is his signature as they refuse to let an independent handwriting expert examine it. And the sweetie has already admitted she lied and it was her who wrote everything else.

    So far as how would they know him. These are not high school girls, these are middle age and above women. Anyone who has not heard and know who the Judge is in

    Alabama might be even more dense than you.

    The man could be guilty, but all that you have right now is she said, he said. So short of you producing any proof I will call your post exactly what it is BS, DNC BS.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 10:02 PM
  • *

    The signature was not forged. The only thing added was the time and place.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 5:40 PM

    And you know that how???

    The DNC tell you so??

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 9, 2017, at 10:06 PM
  • The power wielders in congress are squirming. They are doubling down on the attacks on anyone that threatens their established relationship with the people that made them wealthy far beyond what a government paycheck allows.

    They need to come up with some new and not so obvious tactics than claims of racism and trotting out accusers of sexual misconduct and affairs.

    Drain the swamp and MAGA.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 12:05 AM
  • It doesn't take Perry Mason to ask Moores accuser "Are you lying now or were you lying then?" Fairly certain in a court of law anything said by the accuser is considered a lie. That wouldn't be so in Mr Lettau's court of public opinion. BTW,where's Allred waving that yearbook around now?

    -- Posted by DA Braswell on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 10:06 AM
  • Perhaps you are referring to Moore's initial denial of not knowing any of "those women" and now having to admit he did.

    What else us he lying about?

    It still boils down to this, were he totally innocent, there would be no reason for all of these separate girls to make such similar accusations.

    There are thousands of men running for office every year without being accused of preying on under age girls.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 11:12 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 11:12 AM

    Methinks your clutch is slipping Ulrich. Moore ran for office many times and no one came forward. Suddenly when there is a seat the DNC lusts after, women are coming out of the woodwork.

    Why, one might ask? Personally my thought is, it's about DNC dirty money.

    Where's your proof Little Man.... "Where's the Beef?

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 11:32 AM
  • There are thousands of men running for office every year without being accused of preying on under age girls. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 11:12 AM

    And for 40 years Roy Moore was one of them.

    Who cares? MAGA

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 12:11 PM
  • Keep the democrats and fake news busy looking for something to pin on him While President Trump keeps at getRdone.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 12:44 PM
  • The trouble with Mr Lettau's excuses they become more unbelievable after being used for years. Really ought to kick that crutch out.

    -- Posted by DA Braswell on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 4:28 PM
  • When your life is one built on years of dependency on politicians for direction, vision, "leadership" and life's sustenance you become a Rick Lettau. And you fight like a dog to maintain your government safety net.

    It's the common thread in all his beliefs and postings. It's what motivates him. Hence all the drivel, lies and anger.

    Who cares? MAGA

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 9:23 PM
  • *

    Thanks Old John/Richard, for starting the MAGA movement. I love it!

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Dec 10, 2017, at 10:39 PM
  • Actually, I thought I was following Dug's lead of MAGA.

    Drain the swamp is where it all starts, and why would the comedian say he would resign in weeks to come if he was sure the ethics committee would vindicate him?

    I'm off for my 4 hours and 59 minutes so I can wake up in time for the Sage Spin Show that should start early after a full day of new material.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 1:00 AM
  • *

    Richard,

    I guess I didn't see Doug's and saw yours first. Ok Doug Thanks for starting it. Think we should all follow suite. I have my hat and am ready to go.

    The Bollinger County Sage(Brush) should be in full swing by about 7:00 AM

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 1:15 AM
  • I'll be glad when the Alabama election is over and the mass media can move on to the next crisis .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 6:48 AM
  • *

    Make America Great Again is not just a campaign promise; it is reality in motion.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 8:33 AM
  • *

    The DNC Talking Points Site must be down, no updates from Ulrich.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 8:55 AM
  • I'll be glad when the Alabama election is over and the mass media can move on to the next crisis . -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 6:48 AM

    No worry! Now we have a terrorist in NY. That'll tie up the media for 48 hours.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:30 AM
  • Ok Doug Thanks for starting it. Think we should all follow suite. I have my hat and am ready to go. -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 1:15 AM

    I started doing it to counter Lettau's responses which amount to one simple thing:

    MAMA - Make America More-socialist Again

    That's all he wants. That's what he has supported for nearly a decade. The politicians he backs are socialist / marxist / communist in their thinking, their political appointments and their policies. It is truly anti-American.

    It's all about MAMA with Commie Lettau...

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:35 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Doug Williams on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:35 AM

    Dug: MAMA - Make America More-socialist Again....that's a good one.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:46 AM
  • *

    "Think we should all follow suite."

    Now guess who cannot remember to do it? Guilty as charged!

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:52 AM
  • -- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:46 AM

    Thanks. It's his guiding motivation for 10 years now. Higher taxes and more welfare spending: MAMA

    MAGA!

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 10:05 AM
  • *

    "Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made noises about abandoning his country’s alliance with the U.S. in favor of China."

    He declared that relationship "dead" in October of 2016. I commented on it at the time.

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 3:23 PM
  • *

    "Vietnam, which has looked to the U.S. as a counterweight against its historical enemy to the north, now wonders whether it must accept Beijing’s economic leadership and yield to its claims in the South China Sea."

    Mr. Obama sent signals that was the case in 2016, when he lifted the arms embargo against the communist country, signaling that they may have to "fend for themselves" when it comes to dealing with their neighbors. Communist Vietnam has hardly looked to the U.S. to counter its Communist neighbor to the north. We have no defensive pact with them to protect their sovereignty. That ended when we left Saigon.

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 3:27 PM
  • *

    " The U.S. doesn’t even have an ambassador in Egypt,..."

    "Thomas H. Goldberger has been Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt since September 2014, and will assume duty as Deputy Chief of Mission upon the Ambassador's arrival."

    We haven't had an ambassador there since 2014. Hardly a Trump failure.

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 3:31 PM
  • *

    "In the Middle East, the Trump administration is busy giving ground to Russia. Vladimir Putin is conducting Syrian peace talks while America languishes on the sidelines. Turkey, a member of NATO since 1952, is endorsing the Kremlin’s leading role. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently met with Mr. Putin and Iran’s Hassan Rouhani to support negotiations on the future structure of the Syrian government and state."

    I said "good". U.S. meddling has not produced peace, but a whole lot of the opposite. If Russian talks can produce peace there, that is good. If we are "standing on the sidelines" rather than arming to one, two, or more sides, that is also good. There comes a time when you have to man up and admit you're doing more harm than good. The U.S. under Mr. Obama has done more harm than good.

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 3:34 PM
  • *

    "Mexico’s people have also been united against the U.S., by Mr. Trump’s ham-handed immigration policies and heedless negotiations to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement."

    Mr. Trump is attempting to enact the policies the States elected him to enact: policies previously endorsed by previous presidents who talked a good game to get elected and then weakened their positions once in office.

    Democrats, led by their powerful union allies, decried NAFTA ever since its enactment. Now, however, they claim it is working and ought not be revisited. Their duality is driven not by economics but by politics - they have changed their position because they want to oppose Mr. Trump in all things. They have truly become the "party of 'No'".

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 3:40 PM
  • *

    "“By pulling the U.S. out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Mr. Trump has ceded economic leadership in Asia and beyond to China, whose president touts the Chinese model to other countries that want the blessings of prosperity without the inconveniences of liberty. To back up this offer, China is investing huge sums in its “One Belt, One Road” plan and in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank."

    The Senate had already declared the TPP dead before Mr. Trump's election. Mr. Obama went to Asia to try to cement support for the pact knowing he did not have it at home.

    China was investing huge sums in its "One Belt, One road" plan a decade ago, and our loss of stature because of it was bemoaned at least as far back as 2015. I commented about the opportunities we were missing in Africa as Mr. Obama turned a blind eye to that part of the World. (Mr. Bush, however, has been there regularly, though as an ambassador of good will and not in any official capacity).

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 3:46 PM
  • *

    “Until now. The Trump administration has all but abandoned democracy promotion. In practice, an “America First” foreign policy means being indifferent to the character of the regimes with which the U.S. does business."

    Which differs from the practice of past presidents how, exactly?

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 3:49 PM
  • *

    Thank you Mr. Hunter. Very well spoken.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 4:26 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 3:49 PM

    SH: Welcome back.....didn't know that was your real name before the new speakout rules change.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 7:35 PM
  • *

    Darn Right - MAGA.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 7:36 PM
  • Suddenly , a couple of days before the Alabama election , Obama begins to endorse and campaign for Jones . It just doesn't get more juxtapose then this....

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 7:53 PM
  • Don't forget the sweet deal Boeing got out of the lifting of the Lethal Arms Against Vietnam . I'm sure it was just easier for the CEO of Boeing to ride along on Air Force One with Obama during the signing ceremony instead of going on his own .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 7:58 PM
  • Hunter

    Good to see sanity again

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 8:06 PM
  • Just my humble opinion

    Trump will die in while Office , either by natural causes -- heart attack , stroke , etc , etc,-- or by assassination .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 8:13 PM
  • *

    IMO, Hillary Clinton will be found guilty in her email scandal and or the Clinton Foundation pay for play scheme. Wait for it.....then President Trump will pardon her.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 8:47 PM
  • Welcome back SH. The SO conservatives and President Trump can certainly use your help. They've been floundering, to say the least.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:33 PM
  • -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:33 PM

    You've failed Rick. MAMA?

    MAGA.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:40 PM
  • Took all day but the entertainment of the Sage Spin Show is back. The DNC talking points have been floundering, to say the least to cause such lack of early morning spin.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 10:33 PM
  • *

    Welcome back SH. The SO conservatives and President Trump can certainly use your help. They've been floundering, to say the least.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 9:33 PM

    Uhhhh. Ulrich, you might want to read Shapley Hunter's posts again before you start patting yourself on the back.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 10:39 PM
  • -- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 7:35 PM

    First time I read SH I looked at the picture and misread it as shapely hunter. Wasn't long after that he explained the picture and I seen my mistake. :)

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 10:58 PM
  • *

    First time I read SH I looked at the picture and misread it as shapely hunter. Wasn't long after that he explained the picture and I seen my mistake. :)

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Dec 11, 2017, at 10:58 PM

    OJ: It use to make Theorist sooo mad that he used that photo. Wonder why she hasn't joined the new speakout.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 7:50 AM
  • *

    Wonder why she hasn't joined the new speakout.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 7:50 AM

    Doesn't have the courage to put a face with the bluster and the BS.!

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 8:19 AM
  • Reference your comments above…

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “He declared that relationship "dead" in October of 2016.”

    Now he and President Trump are “buddies” as long as human rights are not mentioned. President Duterte flip-flops more than any of his predecessors. He’s clearly more of a “Marcos” than a “Magsaysay.”

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…signaling that they may have to "fend for themselves" when it comes to dealing with their neighbors.

    Not quite sure what form that “signal” took, but the Vietnamese have been “fending for themselves” against the Chinese since the Trung Sisters drove them out 2050 years ago.

    The improved relationship that exists now is worth maintaining. This means standing up to the Chinese in the South China Sea. President Trump’s bowing to the Chinese could easily disqualify him as an honest mediator.

    The US “Freedom of Navigation” flights and cruises have been going on for years and are continuing. This expresses our respect for international law and pushes China to do the same.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “We haven't had an ambassador there since 2014. Hardly a Trump failure.”

    Perhaps someone should ask Ambassador Beecroft what he was doing from his appointment on June 26, 2014 to the end of his term on July 1, 2017.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…time when you have to man up and admit you're doing more harm than good. The U.S. under Mr. Obama has done more harm than good.”

    You may be right. But one must then disregard the 1300 tons of chemical weapons confiscated by the Russians from Syria, and destroyed by us. No need to go back as far as OSB being taken out.

    More recently the Iraqis have claimed to have driven out ISIS from the territory they once held. By 2015 ISIS had already lost 25% of its towns and cities. They lost Mosul and now most of any holdings in Syria.

    “U.S. Applauds Iraqi Government's Announcement of the Full Liberation of Iraqi Territory From ISIS Control

    “After a courageous three year campaign of intense fighting, Prime Minister Abadi has announced the complete liberation of all Iraqi territory from ISIS control. The United States applauds the leadership of Prime Minister Abadi, and we offer our sincere congratulations to the Iraqi people and to the brave Iraqi Security Forces, many of whom lost their lives heroically fighting ISIS. The Iraqi announcement signals the last remnants of ISIS’s self-proclaimed “caliphate” in Iraq have been erased and the people living in those areas have been freed from ISIS’s brutal control.”

    https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/12/276412.htm

    I’d suggest the use of American and allied airpower over the past 4 or 5 years was a strong factor in this success, and we are definitely responsible for much more good than harm.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…they want to oppose [the President] in all things. They have truly become the "party of 'No'".

    Sounds vaguely familiar, I’m sure I’ve heard similar sentiments somewhere before.

    The difference is that it’s more likely that the democrats would agree to compromise, if there are agreed up improvements to NAFTA. The other factor is that the Chamber of Commerce and business does not want to “scrap the deal” and neither does Congress, because basically it is not the “disaster” that the President claims it is.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “Mr. Obama went to Asia to try to cement support for the pact knowing he did not have it at home.”

    That does not alter the fact that both Congress and business supported the TPP. The old republican position, “if President Obama’s for it we must be against it” was adopted by candidate Trump even though it would have benefitted us.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…about the opportunities we were missing in Africa as Mr. Obama turned a blind eye to that part of the World.”

    There was “Trade Africa” discussed and implemented at a “…meeting of 20 U.S. and African business leaders. Heads of major American corporations sat around the table. GE, Microsoft and Coca-Cola were there. When the meeting was over, Obama addressed a larger crowd of 170 business leaders.”

    https://www.npr.org/2013/07/02/197866779/obama-announces-trade-africa-initiative

    “Seeking to strengthen America's financial foothold in Africa, President Barack Obama announced $33 billion in commitments Tuesday aimed at shifting U.S. ties with Africa beyond humanitarian aid and toward more equal economic partnerships.”

    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/08/05/obama-announces-33b-in-commitments-fo...

    “The emphasis on partnership in general and, specifically, trade and investment dominated the first-ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2014, the largest gathering of African heads of state and government ever convened by an American president. An innovative feature of the gathering was the U.S.-Africa Business Forum, a second edition of which will meet in September at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, bringing together senior African officials with executives of major companies to develop business opportunities.

    http://www.newsweek.com/president-obamas-legacy-africa-state-mind-493774

    So this small sample is hardly “turning a blind eye.” The other, and much more significant accomplishment with respect to Africa was the fact of President Obama having been elected twice, which amply demonstrates the true nature of American democracy, propriety and goodness.

    On the flip side, had the President paid undue attention to Africa, or to African-Americans for that matter, the opposition would likely have criticized and rebuked him for “bias” in favor of only “his people.”

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “In practice, an “America First” foreign policy means being indifferent to the character of the regimes with which the U.S. does business."

    “Which differs from the practice of past presidents how, exactly?”

    After starting with the “lovefest” with Putin, you can go on to a string of “despots.”

    Doing “business with rouge regimes” may be necessary, “buddying up” to them is not.

    And past presidents did not “abandon democracy promotion.”

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    Apparently the Galston commentary preceded the President’s misstep on Jerusalem, but that can come later when someone answers how torpedoing the “peace process” puts “America first.”

    Thanks SH, for the discussion.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 8:21 AM
  • That does not alter the fact that both Congress and business supported the TPP. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 8:21 AM

    Suddenly your a leftist-democrat that is all for Congress and business and not for the working man and his job losses to Asia? Careful - you'll lose your MAMA card with opinions like that.

    ===

    "After starting with the “lovefest” with Putin, you can go on to a string of “despots.” Doing “business with rouge regimes” may be necessary, “buddying up” to them is not." -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 8:21 AM

    Hillary Clinton gets cozy with Despots 2009 - "A U.S. Gift to Russia The United States and Russia tried to mend their frayed relationship by having their top diplomats sit down to dinner here on Friday. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in greeting Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, presented him with a red plastic button emblazoned with the English word “reset”. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/07/world/europe/07diplo.html

    Obama's Russian collusion:

    - "He reset with Russia shortly after its clash with Georgia in 2008." - "

    He concluded the New START agreement with Moscow that reduced our nuclear forces but not theirs."

    - "When candidate Mitt Romney warned about Russia in the 2012 campaign, Obama rejected him as a Cold War relic."

    - "The president then went on to forge an agreement with Russia’s ally Iran to allow it to preserve its nuclear program."

    - "During the red-line fiasco, he eagerly grasped a lifeline from Russia at the price of accepting its intervention in Syria."

    - "He never budged on giving Ukraine “lethal” weapons to defend itself from Russian attack."

    - "He cut U.S. defense spending and cracked down on fossil fuels, a policy that Russia welcomed since its economy is dependent on high oil prices."

    - "Put all of this together, and it’s impossible to conclude anything other than that Obama was a Russian stooge"

    ===

    You've never been interested in discussion. You've been so wrong so many times it's like discussing things with a preschooler.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 8:33 AM
  • The Alabama vote may be today but the election winner won't be decided until later , that's when the Lawyers will take over . Alabama's ballot has vote Straight Party at the very top , Democrat or Republican , and then goes down to an itemized individual Candidate vote section for each Political Party such as Moore (R) or Jones (D) .

    A voter can vote Straight Party at the top such as Democrat and then vote Moore (R) on the itemized individual Candidate section .

    Plus , there's always that tired , old , "voting fraud" accusations that will pop-up too....

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 2:08 PM
  • The votes will probably go like everywhere else , urban areas (D) , rural areas (R)....

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 2:10 PM
  • *

    “peace process” puts “America first.”

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 8:21 AM

    Common: Don't know what peace process you are referring to. The Palestinians and the Jews are as far apart now as they were when Carter was in office.

    -- Posted by Dennis Smith on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 4:45 PM
  • No, President Trump has pushed them further apart.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 5:12 PM
  • The USA had no business getting involved in the Palestinian and the Jewish feud from the get-go no matter when it started or who the President was . Are there any posters here who believe a foreign Nation should tell the USA how to run it's business ?

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 5:44 PM
  • The so called Palestinians will never accept peace with Israel. These peace deals always demand Israel give up territory, and if they do it just gives the Arabs a shorter distance to lob their rockets. Someone needs to learn some history. Jerusalem has been the recognized capital of the nation of Israel for a long time, even when the Jews were driven out.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 6:50 PM
  • *

    No, President Trump has pushed them further apart.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 5:12 PM

    Common: And you know this how? What has the so call peace talks accomplished in the last 30 years....answer - Nothing.

    Common: If you read your Bible then you would know that there will be no peace between the two until the Anti-Christ brokers a peace agreement; then the 3rd Jewish temple will be built. And no Trump isn't the Anti-Christ for he will rise out of the old Holy Roman Empire.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 7:27 PM
  • R. W. Bess

    Either way , good , bad , up , or down , let them sort it out . The USA need not lose blood and treasure on their affairs .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 8:42 PM
  • David Schaefer

    The Bible and the Quran match until Abraham , that's when the Christian and Muslim Ideology divides .

    A major problem with the "Roman End-Time Paradigm" is:

    Where in the Bible does Satan ever deny that God exists? Nowhere. In fact, Scripture records that the Antichrist will honor a god which his fathers knew not: "But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory:" (Daniel 11:38-39)

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country , and from the west country; (Zechariah 8:7)

    In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:6)

    Whatever "End-Time Paradigm" is used, it MUST include both EAST and WEST - ISLAMIC and ROMAN.

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 8:59 PM
  • Rick S, I commend you for your interest and desire to understand what so many Christians struggle to comprehend. I learn something new every day and so far have yet to see where when God gave his word through his prophets of the Old Testament it wasn't fulfilled up and until Christ was rejected and a new covenant was made with the people not Jews. The promise to Israel still stands and a new promise of redemption through grace is made, open to all mankind.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 9:45 PM
  • I see your point . At the same time , I see another side as well , not being of any religion , just being curious . Sometimes the only thing a person is allowed to read in a jail cell is the Bible or Quran or both .

    Many promises are made but wash away like a line drawn in the ground over time with the rains . Open to all mankind sounds right and should be solid but weakens with actions such as 2 atomic bombs on the Peoples of Japan or nerve gasses used during WWI . Were they just causes ? Time is telling .

    The Peoples of the Middle East have been fighting each other since Christ and Mohamad wore sandals , long before there was such a thing as the USA , it's one reason I believe they should sort things out , if it's even possible they ever will .

    As the oil industry dries up and goes obsolete , will the USA still have the same vital interests in the Middle East as it does now , will the same promises made hold true to all Nations at that time , open to all mankind ?

    Bottom line , Reagan promoted and promised jihad support to the Afghanistan rebels during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan to get Russia out . Bin Laden flipped and suckered the USA into the Middle East centuries old Holy War with 9/11 . ISIS and terrorist battle cry is now "jihad!" . Trump sticking the USA's nose in Israel/Arab turmoil wasn't such a wise thing IMO --- a Reagan promise used to get an even worse Trump promise .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 10:23 PM
  • Bush1 got blind sided with the 9/11 attack and Obama , he was as useless as teats on a boar pig .

    "Mr.Bo Jangles , dance"

    ~~Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 12, 2017, at 10:33 PM
  • “What has the so call peace talks accomplished in the last 30 years....answer - Nothing.”

    That’s not quite the case. 39 years ago at Camp David Israel and Egypt came to agreement. 24 years ago, in Oslo, the Palestinians and Israeli’s agreed to a long series of negotiation steps, that had never existed before.

    “The Oslo Accords are a set of agreements between the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO): the Oslo I Accord, signed in Washington, D.C., in 1993, and the Oslo II Accord, signed in Taba, Egypt, in 1995. The Oslo Accords marked the start of the Oslo process, a peace process aimed at achieving a peace treaty based on United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, and at fulfilling the "right of the Palestinian people to self-determination." The Oslo process started after secret negotiations in Oslo, resulting in the recognition by the PLO of the State of Israel and the recognition by Israel of the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people and as a partner in negotiations.

    The Oslo Accords created a Palestinian Authority tasked with limited self-governance of parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip; and acknowledged the PLO as Israel's partner in permanent-status negotiations about remaining questions. The most important questions relate to the borders of Israel and Palestine, Israeli settlements, the status of Jerusalem, Israel's military presence in and control over remaining territories after Israel's recognition of Palestinian autonomy, and the Palestinian right of return. The Oslo Accords, however, did not create a Palestinian state.”

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslo_Accords

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    Agreeing to negotiate areas of disagreement is a significant step in the peace process. There is however, no question that the Israelis are in charge of the situation on the ground, due to their military strength, and it should be obvious that they were to have been the “adults in the room.”

    Each side can aggravate to status quo at will. The Palestinians can throw rock or fire rockets and everything in between. The Israelis can clamp down on free access in Palestine, jail demonstrators and can increase settlements.

    The status of Jerusalem is one of the “stickier” issues, as both sides plan for it to be their capital. US Presidents have long agreed the eventual Israeli capital would be Jerusalem, but have sensibly delayed action awaiting final Israeli-Palestinian concurrence, through a series of waivers to the 1995 US Jerusalem embassy act.

    The senseless move by President Trump does absolutely nothing to alter the peace process, except drive it backward. What it has also done is to disqualify the US as an “honest broker” and shown us to be a “pawn” of Netanyahu. He appears to ignore the fact that we already have a consulate in Jerusalem that is probably bigger than most of our embassies around the world.

    And after making so much “noise” about and “trumpeting” his awe-inspiring achievement, he signed another 6 month waiver of embassy relocation.

    “President Donald Trump will formally declare Jerusalem to be Israel’s capital and direct the State Department to start the process of moving the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv, a historic shift of U.S. policy that could inflame key allies.

    “But in a sign the announcement could be more symbolic than substantive, the White House warned that any actual move would take years and that the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem are still subject to peace talks that have bedeviled U.S. presidents for decades.”

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-05/trump-says-in-calls-he-s-movi...

    And of course another "unintended consequence" appears to be that other countries, in protest of our President's injudiciousness, are preparing to recognize Palestine as a separate country with Jerusalem as its capital

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:07 AM
  • How is moving the USA Embassy to Jerusalem designating Jerusalem as Israel's Capital , doesn't Israel and Israel alone determine where it's National Capital is located ?

    I have yet to understand this...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:12 AM
  • -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:15 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:07 AM

    Common: Like I said what has happen with the peace talks in the last 30 years....your comments and links show nothing but a stall on the Palestinian part waiting for the UN or a weak US President to just give the land to them that is rightfully Israel to them. Again nothing new.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:20 AM
  • Something that caught my eye was Trump promising to build a USA base on the moon . (He's having difficulty building a wall on Earth as it is) . Wouldn't an action as this be more spending , wouldn't an action as this also be considered as being Progressive ?

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:29 AM
  • "...that is rightfully Israel to them."

    How is it "rightfully" Israel? The Israelis have already agree to the existence of Palestine.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:29 AM
  • Rick Lettau

    For almost 8 years you accused me of hate , being a Conservative , and having a vivid imagination -- actually I believe you've used imagination again during this thread once -- about my opinions of Obama's ineptness .

    I've wondered why you've not since Nov.8 , 2016 and Trump ..

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:42 AM
  • *

    "...that is rightfully Israel to them."

    How is it "rightfully" Israel? The Israelis have already agree to the existence of Palestine.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:29 AM

    Common: Did not the West Bank become part of Israel after the Six Day War in 1967....spoils of war just like it has been through the ages with different countries around the world. BTW, the land was also given to Israel as a Covenant by God.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:56 AM
  • “…being a Conservative, and having a vivid imagination…”

    My initial inclination as to your politics was simply due to your continually siding with those on SO in their misjudgment, misperception, and misrepresentation of the Obama Presidency.

    In a short time, I stood corrected and of course, understood immediately as to why you would not want to be associated with conservatives.

    Your personal opinion of President Obama and his administration, as always, remains yours to expound as you see fit. I know of few people, other than the obvious SO conservatives, that would even come close to agreeing with your evaluation of either of his two terms as President.

    While its probable that the basis of your feeling is related to your heritage, there are others with similar backgrounds whose opinions I do value, such as NCAI President Brian Cladoosby, Chairman Dave Archambault II of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Cherokee Nation Chief Bill John Baker.

    In general his approval was up to about 60% which simply means the 6 of 10 Americans tend to agree with me, and only 4 of 10 lean toward your opinion.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 10:11 AM
  • *

    Your personal opinion of President Obama and his administration, as always, remains yours to expound as you see fit. I know of few people, other than the obvious SO conservatives, that would even come close to agreeing with your evaluation of either of his two terms as President.

    Common: You don't get out much, do you.

    In general his approval was up to about 60% which simply means the 6 of 10 Americans tend to agree with me, and only 4 of 10 lean toward your opinion.

    Common: How many of that 60% are USA citizens....remember your polls elected Hillary and not Trump....oops got that wrong.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 10:11 AM

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 10:19 AM
  • "...remember your polls elected Hillary and not Trump..."

    The polls reflected popular vote, not the EC vote. Not that it makes any difference to me, but do you recall who it was that won the popular vote?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 10:44 AM
  • *

    Not that it makes any difference to me, but do you recall who it was that won the popular vote?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 10:44 AM

    Common: If the California Illegal votes that were given to the Democrats by the right for driver's license for the Illegals for voter ID by the Drug Head Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, were taken away then National popular vote would have went to Trump - you're welcome.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 11:10 AM
  • Try dealing with facts instead of unproven speculation.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 11:34 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 11:34 AM

    Common: And the same to you.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 11:48 AM
  • *

    "...that is rightfully Israel to them."

    How is it "rightfully" Israel? The Israelis have already agree to the existence of Palestine.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:29 AM

    They agreed to coexist with them.... they did not ever agree to turn over the country to the Palastinians. That isn't good enough for the Palestianians, they want it all.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 4:34 PM
  • "In a short time, I stood corrected and of course, understood immediately as to why you would not want to be associated with conservatives."

    What ? Let me say this again , Independent .....that means Free to associate with whoever I choose or not .

    .........................

    "In general his approval was up to about 60% which simply means the 6 of 10 Americans tend to agree with me, and only 4 of 10 lean toward your opinion."

    People are Free -- however many % you feel like throwing out there -- to approve as they want . Ask me if I care , really , ask me .

    Barack H. Obama was the worst President in the history of the United States of America . I'm sticking to that , call it what you want ... sometimes the truth hurts worse then a Civil War amputation..

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 6:16 PM
  • Stick to whatever you want. Makes absolutely no difference to me, what you think is true.

    There are still people around that believe it's true when they claim the earth is flat and the moon is made of green cheese.

    And for that matter, I would not really expect you to care whether you're right or wrong.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 7:33 PM
  • And for that matter, I would not really expect you to care whether you're right or wrong.

    ..............

    Right back at ya .

    I don't know much but what I know , I know . Obama sucked big time and everybody's paying for it now ....big time . Millions love it too...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:13 PM
  • "There's a sucker born every minute"

    ~~ P. T. Barnum

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:28 PM
  • *

    There's a sucker born every minute and they all belong to the Democratic Party.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:34 PM
  • Obamberals....

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 8:44 PM
  • Some people believe cows cause global warming and there should be a tax on meat. They too can believe what they want. Lettau reminds me of those Arabs that claim to want peace but will not be happy until they drive the Jews out so they can turn the land back into a wasteland.

    Notice how he turned the thread away from Jerusalem as capital because he ran out of talking points. The more logical thing to discuss would be the difference between a capital of an independent nation's government and the designation of that city as birthplace of a religion.

    No other country on earth protects freedom of worship or freedom of religion more than Israel. If the PLO and other so called Palestinian leaders want their own state they can have it outside Israeli borders and still claim Jerusalem as their holy place unimpeded of worshiping there whatever god they chose.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 9:57 PM
  • "...but what I know, I know."

    You sure do, right up there with the "flat-earthers" and the "green-cheesers."

    Congrats...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 10:22 PM
  • “They agreed to coexist with them.... they did not ever agree to turn over the country to the Palestinians. That isn't good enough for the Palestinians, they want it all.”

    No one says that Israel has to “turn over the country to the Palestinians.” They did both recognize each other’s “right to exist.” As in…

    “Only after Israel's acceptance of the PLO as negotiation partner could serious negotiations start. In their Letters of Mutual Recognition of 9 September 1993, days before the signing of the Oslo I Accord, each party agreed to accept the other as a negotiation partner.[8] The PLO recognized the State of Israel. Israel recognized the PLO as "the representative of the Palestinian people"; no more, no less.”

    The statement or assertion that, “Palestinians, they want it all,” is another one of these “straw men” arguments that makes no sense. (It’s not unlike the conservative claim that “liberals want everyone dependent on government,” which is nonsensical, in addition to being untrue.)

    Currently, the stated position from both sides is a “two-state” solution with the devil being in the details. There are really only three basic options:

    One, to continue the status quo with Israeli military occupation of all of Palestine (except Gaza) and all of Jerusalem, and maintaining control by superior armed force. Unfortunately this is not unlike the Japanese occupation of China, the Russian occupation of Eastern Europe, or the German occupation of France, and the Israelis, along with the rest of the world, do not want this situation to continue.

    Two, is to create one state where all inhabitants of what’s now Israel and Palestine would become Israel and all become Israelis with citizenship rights under the Israeli Constitution which guarantees every one the right to vote. Unless they were to abandon democracy and make Muslims second class citizens and Jews first class citizens, the Jewish population would soon be out voted.

    Or, three, create a bona fide two state solution with Israeli and Palestinian capitals in Jerusalem with full access to all religions, with elimination of “island” settlements, with land swaps to account for contiguous settlements. The “right of return” would be limited to returning to Palestine with compensation for valid losses due to evictions.

    The two state solution is the only one that’s rational but requires common sense compromise from both sides.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “The more logical thing to discuss would be the difference between a capital of an independent nation's government and the designation of that city as birthplace of a religion.”

    If you want to be technical about, Mount Sinai was not near Jerusalem, but it’s clear that the city has significance to three religions and is therefore more than just a capital. For centuries, the city was peacefully divided in to four quarters and the Temple Mount. Jerusalem also changed hands numerous times and was the “capital” of numerous different realms and jurisdictions.

    A seemingly “too logical” solution would be to allow the Old City to be a religions area, site the Israeli capital in Greater West Jerusalem, and allow a Palestinian capital in Greater East Jerusalem.

    It’s entirely possible for the city of Jerusalem to perform both roles.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 7:54 AM
  • "...but what I know, I know."

    You sure do, right up there with the "flat-earthers" and the "green-cheesers."

    Congrats...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Wed, Dec 13, 2017, at 10:22 PMT

    The sun rises every morning and goes back down every day , day after day . Life is a circle , history repeats itself . For example , just as Nixon was a product of LBJ , Trump is a product of Obama . When a poster kicks Trump in the *** , they are also kicking Obama in the *** , for without Obama , there would be no Trump as he is the product of Obama . Unknown million$ of tax dollars are being spent on Congress committees , investigations , and intelligent agencies as to how a buffoon Really TV Show , thumb twiddling tweeter idiot , became President when the answer is hidden right out in the open for all to see -- Barack H. Obama and his supporters . So yeah , the sun comes up every morning and goes back down every day but at the same time People don't have to be the Autumn Moon , they can be the Night , a personal choice to make for those who repeat the old and tired clichés of "flat earth" and "a moon made of cheese" .

    ********************

    The Global Economy Is Partying Like It’s 2008

    "In late 2008, at a meeting with academics at the London School of Economics, Queen Elizabeth II asked why no one seemed to have anticipated the world’s worst financial crisis in the postwar period. The so-called Great Recession, which had begun in late 2008 and would run until mid-2009, was set off by the sudden collapse of sky-high prices for housing and other assets — something that is obvious in retrospect but that, nevertheless, no one seemed to see coming.

    One reason for fearing that these bubbles might soon start bursting is that the years of low interest rates and avid central bank government bond buying that spawned the bubbles now appear to be drawing to an end.

    The Federal Reserve has already started to raise interest rates — on Wednesday it hiked the benchmark rate by a quarter of a percentage point — and has announced a schedule for reducing the mammoth amount of government securities it holds.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/13/opinion/economy-bubble-recession.html?smid=fb...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 8:23 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 7:54 AM

    Common: Going back to my original comment - no progress in the so call peace talks in over 24 - 30 years so President Trump did nothing to interrupt the peace talks by moving the USA Embassy to Jerusalem. Your comments are taken from the Democratic/Palestinian talking points....sad for you.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 8:44 AM
  • *

    Thanks for the welcomes. Been too busy of late to follow the threads.

    Looks like a lot of discussion since my post, and I haven't the time to read them now.

    But, yes, my name has always been Shapley Hunter. I've never seen the need to hide behind a pseudonym. Now I have to figure out who is who on the board, as I knew most of you only by your screen names, and those sometimes changed. I few of you I have figured out from the few posts I've read.

    Happy Beethoven's Day, should I not get a chance to post before then! I hope you've all got your Beethoven's Day shopping and baking done. It'll be here before you know it!

    If you need them, I have some excellent recipes for horsemeat! :)

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 12:01 PM
  • There are posters who would believe , defend , and argue 100% that the "flat-earth" and the "green-cheese." were truth if Obama told them it was so .

    Congrats...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 12:15 PM
  • SH, You would be recognized easily if you used a different name by the poet in the wooden shoes. :)

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 12:50 PM
  • Going back to my point being , Trump is a product of the worst President in the history of the United States of America , Obama . The "great Foreign Policy" is where the Israeli/Palestinian unrest is at in Jerusalem today .

    The Obama supporters will never consider for they are blind as bats in deep wells...

    *******************

    *******************

    Iran urges Muslim nations to defend Palestinians after Trump move

    ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday all Muslim nations should work together to defend the rights of Palestinians following Donald Trump’s decision last week to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

    https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-israel-iran/iran-urges-muslim-natio...

    ...............

    Nikki Haley: Houthi missile fired at Saudi Arabia was ‘made in Iran’

    US envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Thursday at a press conference befor the Security Council in New York that Iran’s behavior in the Middle East is getting worse, fanning flames of conflict.

    Haley confirmed that the US has evidence that the missile fired by Houthi militia targeting a civilian airport in Riyadh was made in Iran.

    https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2017/12/14/Nikki-Haley-Houthi-...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 12:56 PM
  • "The World Has Taken Trump’s Measure"

    So ... what is it and who determined it ..

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 1:04 PM
  • "From Asia to Europe, he has squandered America’s influence and moral authority.

    By William A. Galston. WSJ Dec. 5, 2017 7:19 p.m. ET"

    You probably would have noticed this had you started at the beginning.

    Could be caused by this bat blindness thing...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 1:20 PM
  • "...that the "flat-earth" and the "green-cheese." were truth if Obama told them it was so."

    Just one more link in a chain of erroneous conclusions. Why would he say that as he knows its not true? And why would anyone believe that since we all know it's untrue?

    More strange but funny stuff...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 1:28 PM
  • You probably would have noticed this had you started at the beginning.

    Could be caused by this bat blindness thing...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 1:20 PM

    So...what is it as in amount or quantity ...quit dodging ...

    ....................

    Just one more link in a chain of erroneous conclusions. Why would he say that as he knows its not true? And why would anyone believe that since we all know it's untrue?

    More strange but funny stuff...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 1:28 PM

    "If you like your insurance you can keep it . Period ."

    Now , why would he say that as he knows its not true? And why would anyone believe that since we all know it's untrue ? ..you tell me since you're getting such a big laugh out of it and are one of those posters I refer to..

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 1:35 PM
  • After the years 2008-2016 there is absolutely no proof America is the greatest Country in the World anymore .

    The first step to fixing a problem is to admit there is a problem...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 1:39 PM
  • ....and just who in the hell is William A. Galston ??

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 1:43 PM
  • *

    For years, "the Left" has argued that we need to focus on our problems at home before we can be the "policeman for the world". That seems to be the focus of Mr. Trump's philosophy: fix our economy by fixing our tax structure, our governmental spending, and our immigration problems; fix our infrastructure both as an investment in commerce and as a means to divert spending on intangibles (welfare, etc.) to tangible assets; and fix our security by plugging holes in our immigration system, which is to say tackle the "war on terror" as if we mean it, by fighting it like a war.

    I say it is his philosophy, but it is not necessarily the things he puts into practice, mind you.

    Mr. Obama was an advocate for broad, sweeping trade deals which necessarily hinder us - as such deals will not pass the multitude of partners without considerable sacrifice. Mr. Trump's approach is to avoid the broad entanglements and negotiate smaller, individualized trade deals between partners. Neither philosophy is right nor wrong, they merely seek to achieve the same goal through different approaches. Mr. Trump's approach appeals to me, as I think it allows more flexibility than a NAFTA or a TPP type deal, but that does not mean NAFTA nor TPP cannot be made to work. I just happen to agree with Mr. Trump's philosophy on that.

    William Galston, who is an advocate for "Liberal Plurality" (which has nothing to do with modern liberalism), seems to prefer the broad, sweeping approach to trade and peace negotiations. He seems also to think it is the United States' place to be at the head of the table in order for us to be "great".

    I believe Mr. Trump's idea is that, if we fix our problems internally, other nations will seek our trade and influence because of our greatness, rather than having us exert a sense of "greatness" by demanding a seat at the head of the table.

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 2:22 PM
  • *

    "U.S. Applauds Iraqi Government's Announcement of the Full Liberation of Iraqi Territory From ISIS Control"

    But that is Iraq, and we were talking about Syria. In Syria, Mr. Obama found himself in the uncomfortable position of first advocating for the deposing of Mr. Assad, and then against the deposing of Mr. Assad.

    Syria, for their part, at least always knew on which side Russia stood.

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 2:36 PM
  • There is also the difference in siding with our allies when their representative governance is threatened by outside sources versus a mission of spreading and nurturing new democratic governments. I think the first is a better place for the U.S.A.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 6:04 PM
  • My problem with Trump , domestically , is his habit of social media (twitter) disputes which have nothing to do with the Executive Branch functions of Government . His new Tax Codes make me nervous as well , I don't like the permanent vs. temporary , I believe they should be permanent for all .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 6:22 PM
  • It is odd the Democrats who detest and find Trump so vile have forgotten he was a registered Democrat at one point in time . I suppose the same could be said about the Republicans who support Trump so defensively .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 6:39 PM
  • We can also thank Obama for his middle-of-the-night giveaway of $150 BILLION in US taxpayer money to Iran. Who is now funding the Houthi rebels in Yemen and are enemies of our ally Saudi Arabia.

    Obama was far worse on our allies than Trump could ever be at this point. He strengthened Iran and Russia in the Middle East and paid for it with our money.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 8:47 PM
  • Obama's deal with Iran was about no more Nuke development , nothing about no more missile development . What are the odds some missile development is being passed around to the highest bidder or a different Regime that would have an ultimately more bitter agenda against the USA , like maybe , North Korea ? I mean , how did North Korea suddenly develop missiles so advanced in 3 to 4 years , these folks are a 3rd World country .

    In addition , obviously Iran , the Islamic State , has no problem striking Israel or any other Nation in that region of the World now as it chooses .

    Quite the "Legacy" .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 9:28 PM
  • The measurement was made pre-2016....

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 9:29 PM
  • “…focus on our problems at home before we can be the "policeman for the world".

    Our country really should be able to handle or at least address, the two issues at the same time. “Policeman for the world” is also more than just an exaggeration, more often we are doing things that in the end, are in our best interests. But there should never be any question about our setting a good example and a “high bar” for the rest of the world with respect to ethics, integrity, honesty and respect for human rights.

    This is one area where President Trump has shown little aptitude or interest. On occasions he has insulted our allies, praised our enemies and abandoned principles that had made us by default a world leader.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “….fix our economy by fixing our tax structure…”

    Right now the only sure thing about his “fix” is that it will bestow on him, his family and his 1%, billions of dollars in tax breaks, that others will pay for. SO conservatives can erroneously scream “wealth envy” to their heart’s content, but these future benefits to the Trump family have nothing to do with “fixing our economy” right now.

    The corporate tax breaks are supposedly there to “pay for themselves” by economic growth, but it seems that the corporations are already reaping record profits and would already be expanding their businesses if it were in their interests.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…our governmental spending…”

    Aside from the fact that the tax plan is slated to increase the deficit by about one and a half trillion dollars, and the desire is to increase defense spending, there doesn’t seem to be any spending reductions on the horizon.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…and our immigration problems…”

    There has been a comprehensive immigration program in the Senate for several years, but nothing has been done by this administration. The “wall that Mexico will/won’t pay for” has nothing to do with immigration. The easiest part of the issue, the DACA “dreamers, that was not a “problem,” has been aggravated by this administration into a problem.

    Clearly border security needs to be further improved (but there are not millions of illegals freely pouring across our border) but is best done by some fence extension and electronic systems.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…fix our infrastructure both as an investment in commerce and as a means to divert spending on intangibles (welfare, etc.) to tangible assets…”

    Definitely yes! And it was a bipartisan priority from the start, so why has nothing been done?

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…tackle the "war on terror" as if we mean it, by fighting it like a war.”

    Any participation by ISIS has been slowed to a trickle over the past 5 years, but if it is to be “like a war” who are we going to attack, and where?

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…they merely seek to achieve the same goal through different approaches. Mr. Trump's approach appeals to me…”

    Most existing trade deals have been to our overall advantage in the long run, and the TPP would have also benefitted us.

    President Trump seems to want unilateral trade deals that are good only the US, and given the global options available to others, why would they agree if a deal is only “good for us.”

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “He seems also to think it is the United States' place to be at the head of the table in order for us to be "great".

    I would interpret his essay in that manner at all. It’s not “our place” to “demand,” but it is our responsibility. Surrendering the “head of the table” to the Chinese seems to be the path from any “greatness.”

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “…if we fix our problems internally, other nations will seek our trade and influence because of our greatness…”

    The fallacy there seems to be that in fact, our internal problems are insignificant compared to other nations. With the exception of China, most others are struggling economically, while we have grown steadily for almost a decade (in spite of what the SO conservatives try to convince us of.)

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “But that is Iraq, and we were talking about Syria. In Syria, Mr. Obama found himself in the uncomfortable position of first advocating for the deposing of Mr. Assad, and then against the deposing of Mr. Assad.”

    In Syria ISIS has also lost ground and cities including their “capital” of Raqqa. President Obama may have been against deposing Assad by force, but he always wanted his gone and the Russians protected him.

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “Syria, for their part, at least always knew on which side Russia stood.”

    Right, as when they warned Assad of the pending Tomahawk attack, after President Trump warned the Russians.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 8:00 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 8:00 AM

    Common: You are just repeating your DNC talking points....good grief man think for yourself. Come out from the Dark Side of the Force and join the Right Side of the Force and become a Jedi.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 8:53 AM
  • *

    Shapley Hunter,

    To start off, I be, Have Wheels Will Travel.

    Merry Christmas to you and come on in as time permits. The water is just fine. Gets a little choppy at times when some homo sapien dives into the shallow end, but otherwise ok. And if you miss a day or a week, it likely matters little.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 9:18 AM
  • This thread should read: "The US has taken Obama's Measure"

    We now know that Obama and his admin cronies in the democrat party funded the fake dossier, received it from the Clinton campaign, gave it to Obama to get a FISA warrant and spied on the opposition to entrap them as "insurance" in case Trump won. Probably one of the biggest scandals in US election history. Chicago stuff.

    Where did we hear this before? The Obama IRS targeting political groups that disagree with him.

    Obama was nothing more than a tin-pot dictator wannabe. He built a deep-state socialist/marxist administration by purging military and career officials throughout the executive branch. How did he accomplish this? With low-info voters like Lettau. He just regurgitates whatever his messiah says. Daily.

    You've failed Commie.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 10:07 AM
  • Oops - forgot.

    MAGA.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 10:16 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Doug Williams on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 10:16 AM

    Doug, I have a memory like a "Watshmacalit" (short for what should I call it) these days. Will my hat suffice if I forget?

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 10:34 AM
  • -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 10:34 AM

    Perfect!

    I wonder if they sell MAMA hats for people like Lettau? :-)

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 10:35 AM
  • *

    Doug,

    I have the genuine article, my Grandson sent it to me for my birthday last year. Wore it to a Mardi Gras Parade last winter and was getting "nice hat", comments from people on the floats. And lots of beads.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 10:45 AM
  • *

    Like I've always said the Clintons are heading for the Big House and it's not the Wjite House.

    -- Posted by Dennis Smith on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 11:25 AM
  • *

    S/B White House.

    -- Posted by Dennis Smith on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 11:41 AM
  • Just me , it's all teat-for-tat , back~n~forth .

    Obama really did stink up the place and knocked the USA off the top shelf of Nations World Wide , the USA was already struggling to recover from the 9/11 attack as it was anyway . That "I'm the first Person of Color to be President" song and dance got old quick . What did it do to improve the USA domestically or on the Foreign stage? Trump is like bird shat , he's all over the place at random . The real losers out of all of this , the (D) and the (R) , are the People of America .

    In the words of Buffalo Springfield : There's something happening here , what it is ain't exactly clear . There's battle lines being drawn , nobody's right if everybody's wrong...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 3:10 PM
  • *

    Now I have to figure out who is who on the board, as I knew most of you only by your screen names, and those sometimes changed. I few of you I have figured out from the few posts I've read.

    -- Posted by Shapley Hunter on Thu, Dec 14, 2017, at 12:01 PM

    SH: I still use their original screen names.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 4:20 PM
  • *

    Semo471 be me.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 4:21 PM
  • Can't wait til tomorrow to see if Mr. Lettau can outdo his 8 AM post. Maybe he will announce that grant to get the Obama statue located on the Cat Ranch with a bond issue to pay for the pedestal. Imagine an interactive interpretation center with videos of school children singing praise Obama songs. A poetry contest could land an appropriate inscription on the pedestal with a true replica of a d'how full of terrorist and an image of Obama; sword drawn. After that he can tell us how many people are going to die, how deep Crooked Creak will rise and How many single moms making under $20.000 are going to have to pay more taxes to make Trump wealthy.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 11:25 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 11:25 PM

    OJ: A statue of Obama would be appropriate at the Cat Ranch.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 7:22 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Dec 15, 2017, at 8:00 AM

    Ulrich,

    From where I sit, it appears there is nothing you dislike about Obama.

    Second it appears there is nothing you like about Trump.

    What does that make you?

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 8:21 AM
  • *

    "OJ: A statue of Obama would be appropriate at the Cat Ranch."

    Semo471,

    Please explain why you want to deface the landscape in Bollinger County. They already have Ulrich on their conscience.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 8:33 AM
  • *

    Semo471

    PS: That would do nothing to further MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 8:37 AM
  • Judge temporarily blocks new Trump rules on birth control

    PHILADELPHIA -- A federal judge in Philadelphia on Friday ordered the Trump administration not to enforce new rules that could significantly reduce women's access to free birth control.

    http://abc7ny.com/politics/judge-temporarily-blocks-new-trump-rules-on-birth-con...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 8:51 AM
  • Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 8:51 AM

    I cannot see how that has anything to do with women's health care but is only part of the Obama led 'get Trump' movement.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 9:09 AM
  • *

    Rick & OJ: Can't women buy their birth control pills themselves - not that expensive anymore. Just have to give up a 6 pack of beer every once in awhile.

    *******

    Please explain why you want to deface the landscape in Bollinger County. They already have Ulrich on their conscience.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 8:33 AM

    Wheels: What better place to put a statue of the god of the queers....at the Cat Ranch.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 9:16 AM
  • -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 9:09 AM

    I took it as a challenge or fight over Religious Freedoms .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 9:19 AM
  • *

    "Wheels: What better place to put a statue of the god of the queers....at the Cat Ranch."

    Semo471, I see it as a future gathering place for target practice.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 10:08 AM
  • “Can’t wait til tomorrow…”

    Not sure of what you were trying to say, it was a bit humorous, but much more sad than funny. Even beyond the inability to spell dhow or creek and understand a “single mom making under $20, there was nothing that made sense.

    Why is the Cat Ranch, built by Tom Runnels, an issue? He was a friend with whom I had numerous discussions. In my opinion, Tom was significantly less provincial and prejudiced than many of his Bollinger County neighbors may have been, and I believe this was due to his tour in the US Air Force and world travels, particularly to Australia. In any case he died unfortunately, long before President Obama but I believe he would have treated him graciously and civilly, just like he treated everyone else.

    The rest of your contribution is routine childish stuff. Good thing SH is back for some adult participation.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 10:13 AM
  • So R L can't understand irony. Sorry to be so beneath you and won't let your opinion of yourself blur the clarity of the object of your worship.

    Your rambles are almost as dumb as claiming a single mom making under 20 thousand is paying income taxes that are going up due to a Republican tax rate cut. Write soon, and P.S. I already sealed this letter or I would have included a MAGA just for you.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 10:47 AM
  • *

    "Even beyond the inability to spell dhow or creek and understand a “single mom making under $20, there was nothing that made sense."

    Aside from your petty nit picking.... lets take the single mom making under $20. I think you meant $20,000. Whatever, how much taxes would she pay under the new tax proposal? Or, how much will we subsidize her with a EITC?

    Please explain, your comment.

    Oh and the Tom Runnels thing. Why try to put words into a dead man's mouth?

    You tried that crap before. I know enough about the man to know he isn't of your stripe.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 10:54 AM
  • You didn't write 20 thousand, how ironic.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 10:54 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 10:54 AM

    Common: Since you are faultless you may throw the first stone.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 11:24 AM
  • "...know enough about the man..."

    No sure about that. Appears you didn't know he was in the Air Force or where he was stationed, or what he liked about Australia.

    Seems to be like so many of the "off the wall" conclusions you leap to.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 11:30 AM
  • It's not good to speak bad of those who have went back to the Other Side .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 2:50 PM
  • Who is "speaking bad" about who?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 3:07 PM
  • *

    No sure about that. Appears you didn't know he was in the Air Force or where he was stationed, or what he liked about Australia.

    Seems to be like so many of the "off the wall" conclusions you leap to.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 11:30 AM

    Ulrich,

    How do you know that I don't know that. I never said one way or the other.

    The truth is this Common, I read his stories, I loved his talented artwork, but I never had the pleasure of meeting him. Doesn't keep me from knowing a lot about him as I know people who used to converse with him often at his "watering holes".

    And I know this. He was genuine and no four flusher like yourself. So quit try to recreate him in your own image and likeness.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 6:07 PM
  • *

    PS: MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 6:08 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 10:54 AM

    What’s wrong genius.... couldn't answer the questions?

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 6:29 PM
  • *

    Ulrich, How do you like my hat? I am going to post your name next to it every chance I get.......................... Ulrich Lettau.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 6:33 PM
  • Being remembered as the guy dedicated to making Obama great is not on my bucket list but he has my permission to whatever bucket list he desires.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 8:40 PM
  • Dam, hope I didn't misspell anyhing.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 8:43 PM
  • *

    Dam, hope I didn't misspell anyhing.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 8:43 PM

    I noticed several grammatical errors in that 8:00 am word salad the other morning. Maybe next time he starts correcting others, others should give it right back in spades.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 9:40 PM
  • "...people who used to converse with him often at his "watering holes".

    That's exactly what I did. The first time I met was at the opening of the Sweet Onion, then on numerous more occasions, at the Cat Ranch and at my home.

    That's how I know what a genuinely decent, honest and fair-minded person he was. We got along famously.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 7:18 AM
  • *

    Strange, the guys I talked to didn't know you.

    Oh well, you can be whatever you want to be at this point.... right Ulrich.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 7:44 AM
  • And that proves what?

    I'll help you out; the correct answer is nothing.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 8:07 AM
  • *

    That's how I know what a genuinely decent, honest and fair-minded person he was. We got along famously.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 7:18 AM

    Common: Since you two were such Buds guess you were a frequent visitor at the Cat House.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 8:29 AM
  • *

    Semo471

    I remember Ol Teddy Roosevelt well. Why once when he and I were drowning our sorrows in this little old bar, he told me about climbing that hill with bullets firing everywhere. He could tell some stories. I think he would have supported Obama as well if were still around.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:14 AM
  • *

    Wheels: I remember ole Harry Truman well. Why once when he and I were drowning our sorrows in this little old bar, he told me about having to make the big decision of using the A-Bomb on Japan. He could tell some stories. I think he would have supported Obama as well if he was still around.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:33 AM
  • We got along famously. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 7:18 AM

    Where - in your mind? "famously"??? MAMA

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:38 AM
  • Who is "speaking bad" about who?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Dec 16, 2017, at 3:07 PM

    Nobody . A belief is all...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 11:08 AM
  • So what has all the Trump hate and worship Obama taken us?

    We now have our tax money going to pay lawyers of one federal agency to sue or defend the other. Even state and city governments are joining the game.

    Polls asking who you going to blame if gov. is shut down but don't ask who you going to credit if all nonessential people stay home.

    More reason to Drain the Swamp and MAGA!

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 1:13 PM
  • I was hoping Trump would get rid of a lot of those Alphabet Soup Government Agencies , it's what I thought drain the swamp was about . Erasing regulations is one thing but if the Agencies are still there the Government is still big . Maybe some have gone away , I could be wrong . I see People come and go but not the Agency they were hired to run .

    All of these investigations , committees , investigations into committees that investigate committees held up by Federal Judges injunctions is a tax payer cesspool side show . It's been a year , leave it go and move on .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 1:25 PM
  • Putin Thanks President Trump for CIA Tip on Bombings, Kremlin Says

    (MOSCOW) — Russian President Vladimir Putin called U.S. President Donald Trump Sunday to thank him for a CIA tip that helped thwart a series of bombings in St. Petersburg, the Kremlin said.

    Putin expressed gratitude during the call for information provided by the CIA that allowed Russia’s top domestic security agency to track down and arrest a group of suspects that was planning to bomb Kazan Cathedral and other crowded sites, the Kremlin said.

    The Kremlin added that Putin asked Trump to convey gratitude to the CIA and assured him that Russian law enforcement agencies would hand over any information they get about potential terror threats against the United States, as they have done in the past.

    http://time.com/5068045/putin-thanks-trump-cia-tip/

    ................

    Sydney man charged with allegedly discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction with North Korea

    Deborah Snow Jacob Saulwick James Massola

    Sydney man charged as 'agent' for North Korea

    Australian Federal Police say they've charged a Sydney man who's accused of acting as an agent for North Korea in Australia, discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction.

    He is understood to be South Korean-born.

    http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-man-charged-as-agent-for-north-korea-20171216-h...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 1:35 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:33 AM

    Just curious Semo471. Did Harry get your opinion on if or not to drop the bomb?

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 3:10 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 3:10 PM

    Wheels: I told him don't stop with one A-Bomb.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 6:56 PM
  • That's the great thing about a 401k. If you don't like it, don't sign up. It's a choice.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 7:04 PM
  • That's the great thing about a job. If you don't like it, don't work . It's a choice.

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 7:26 PM
  • It's a choice if I don't have to pay for your "choice" not to work.

    I don't care if a person doesn't work. As long as the taxpayer doesn't have to pay.

    401K's don't affect the taxpayer. Big difference.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 8:05 PM
  • Russia's Presidential Election is in 2018 , Putin has announced he will be a candidate again . I don't see the USA's CIA giving him Intel on anything , I'm thinking it's just campaign talk on his part or more fodder for those behind the doors secret investigations going on in Washington , D.C. .

    One of Putin's opponents is a young "liberal" women who doesn't have a shot in hell of winning . One member of her campaign staff , he over sees her social media campaign , also was a member of Bernie Sanders campaign staff doing the same thing . It's true , you can't make stuff like this up . If Putin wins , he'll be 72 at the end of his next term . This women's idea is to start the People of Russia to think about a different ideology after Putin next term is over .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:07 PM
  • 401K's don't affect the taxpayer. Big difference.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 8:05 PM

    ....ummm , People who own 401Ks are tax payers....

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:09 PM
  • 401Ks are designed to save money . So don't buy one , don't save money ...not a very Conservative thing to do , not saving money .

    So don't give everybody a permanent tax cut so everybody can save money permanently , why save ? ...not very Conservative..

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:15 PM
  • Still trying to figure out how Trump is going to get richer. Latest news from late night talk shows has something to do with Trump going to the moon to mine precious gems and build a wall that Mexico will pay for.

    Might be lettau is staying up late for his talking points.

    Seriously how does loss of claiming $100 deduction to pay someone to do your taxes compare with double standard deduction?

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:20 PM
  • ....ummm , People who own 401Ks are tax payers.... -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:09 PM

    Do you get taxed to pay for someone else's 401K? Not me.

    But I do get taxed to pay for someone else's choice not to work.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:31 PM
  • The forum has taken Rick Lettau's measure. Another Obama disaster in a bombshell report from Politico just out:

    "The Obama administration gave a free pass to Hezbollah’s drug-trafficking and money-laundering operations — some of which were unfolding inside the U.S. — to help ensure the Iran nuclear deal would stay on track, according to a bombshell exposé in Politico Sunday.

    An elaborate campaign led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, known as Project Cassandra, reportedly targeted the Lebanese militant group’s criminal activities. But by tossing a string of roadblocks holding back the project, Obama administration officials helped allow the 35-year-old anti-Israel criminal enterprise to evolve into a major global security threat bankrolling terrorist and military operations, the report added.

    “This was a policy decision, it was a systematic decision,” David Asher, who helped establish Project Cassandra as a Defense Department illicit finance analyst in 2008, told Politico. “They serially ripped apart this entire effort that was very well supported and resourced, and it was done from the top down.”

    ===

    Aiding and abetting Hezbollah to keep the Iran Nuclear deal and $150 BILLION in US taxpayer money flowing.

    What a corrupt administration. And we know that Lettau "famously" got along great with Barry.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 11:00 PM
  • -- Posted by Doug Williams on Sun, Dec 17, 2017, at 9:31 PM

    You're absolutely right , got me wrong on everything .

    My 401K came out of my paycheck along with my taxes that paid for everyone .

    What did you say was your career ?

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 12:23 AM
  • Careful Doug, you'll have another word salad to read if you criticize the greatness of Obama.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 6:30 AM
  • Now in addition to labeling news that President Trump doesn’t like as “fake news,” the administration appears to be launching a brand new “fake words” campaign.

    “(CNN)Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the very agency tasked with saving and protecting the lives of the most vulnerable, are now under order by the Trump administration to stop using words including "vulnerable" in 2018 budget documents, according to The Washington Post.

    “In a 90-minute briefing on Thursday, policy analysts at the nation's leading public health institute were presented with the menu of seven banned words, an analyst told the paper. On the list: "diversity," "fetus," "transgender," "vulnerable," "entitlement," "science-based" and "evidence-based."

    “Alternative word choices reportedly were presented in some cases. For instance, in lieu of "evidence-based" or "science-based," an analyst might say, "CDC bases its recommendations on science in consideration with community standards and wishes," the source said. But those working on the Zika virus's effect on developing fetuses may be at a loss for appropriate -- or acceptable -- words.

    “The reaction in the room was "incredulous," the longtime CDC analyst told the Post. "It was very much, 'Are you serious? Are you kidding?'"

    “As news of the word ban spreads at the CDC, the analyst expects growing backlash.

    "Our subject matter experts will not lay down quietly," the unnamed source said. "This hasn't trickled down to them yet."

    http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/16/health/cdc-banned-words/index.html

    Elimination of "science-based" and "evidence-based" is an unsurprising and predictable touch…

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 7:51 AM
  • Trump's national security strategy will emphasize economic competitiveness

    WASHINGTON — The national security strategy that President Trump will outline in a speech Monday will have an unprecedented focus on trade, border security and counter-terrorism, officials said Sunday.

    The result will be a national security report to Congress that is as much an economic document as a defense strategy. But it will also have to balance competing objectives: Emphasizing economic competition with countries like China while also enlisting their help with security challenges like North Korea's nuclear program.

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/12/18/trumps-national-security...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 8:22 AM
  • Harry Reid(D) was part of the swamp....

    *********************

    Feds reportedly spent $22M on mysterious UFO program

    by Steven Musil December 17, 2017 2:30 PM PST

    The federal government spent about $22 million funding a covert Pentagon project that investigated reports of unidentified flying objects, The New York Times reported Saturday. Even though the Department of Defense decided to defund the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program in 2012, its backers say the program remains in existence, the Times reported.

    The program's initial funding came largely at the request of former Sen. Harry Reid, a Democrat from Nevada, who has had a long-held interest in space phenomena, according to the newspaper. On Saturday, Reid renewed his call for the US to fund UFO research in a tweet that linked to the Times' report and borrowed "The X-Files" tagline that "the truth is out there."

    https://www.cnet.com/news/feds-spent-22m-on-mysterious-ufo-program-x-files-truth...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 8:38 AM
  • US Pentagon program investigating UFO sightings

    Jamie Seidel, AFP

    The Pentagon has acknowledged funding a secret multimillion-dollar program to investigate sightings of UFOs. The so-called Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program operated from 2007 to 2012 and had $22 million a year in funding tucked away in the Pentagon’s gargantuan budget, the Times said, quoting program participants and records.

    The program was initially funded at the request of then Senator Harry Reid, the chamber’s majority leader at the time and a long-time enthusiast of space phenomena, the Times said.

    Most of the money in the program went to an aerospace research company run by Robert Bigelow, a billionaire entrepreneur and longtime friend of Reid, the Times said.

    http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/wtf/claims-secret-us-pentagon-program...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 8:44 AM
  • ....."an unsurprising and predictable touch…"

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 8:45 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 8:44 AM

    Rick: Wonder if they found any ETs or was the money part of Reid's retirement package.

    -- Posted by Dennis Smith on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 9:41 AM
  • “In a 90-minute briefing on Thursday, policy analysts at the nation's leading public health institute were presented with the menu of seven banned words, an analyst told the paper. On the list: "diversity," "fetus," "transgender," "vulnerable," "entitlement," "science-based" and "evidence-based."-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 7:51 AM

    Where were you on these? Worshipping your messiah I'm sure... Obama directives:

    - "USCIS clarified and expanded circumstances under which naturalization applicants may apply for a waiver to portions of the oath of allegiance pertaining to swearing to engage in armed defense of the United States" - become an American but refuse to defend it. Sounds like something Lettau would embrace.

    - "President Barack Obama's advisers will remove religious terms such as "Islamic extremism" from the central document outlining the U.S. national security strategy "

    - "The Departments of Justice and Education's respective civil rights divisions issued significant guidance to schools about transgender students and Title IX. According to that guidance, no students would be asked to "prove" or otherwise document their gender identity, and adherence to Title IX is " a condition of receiving Federal funds." I know that's one you've been particularly fond of - boys and girls in the same bathroom

    ===

    There are many, many more changes to wording and threats on climate change, guns, etc. Where were you "famously" then? MAMA...

    MAGA.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 9:56 AM
  • Semo

    Those ETs took Hillary's e-mails off to outer space...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 10:08 AM
  • CDC Pushes Back Against Report of Words Like 'Fetus' And 'Transgender' Being Banned

    By Alana Abramson December 17, 2017

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is pushing back against a report alleging that the Trump administration had banned the organization from using specific words in next year’s budget documents.

    “I want to assure you there are no banned words at CDC. We will continue to talk about all our important public health programs,” CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald said in a Facebook post. “I want to assure you that CDC remains committed to our public health mission as a science- and evidence-based institution. As part of our commitment to provide for the common defense of the country against health threats, science is and will remain the foundation of our work.”

    The CDC also included a statement from the department of Health and Human Services Department, who called the report a “mischaracterization.”

    http://time.com/5068160/cdc-banned-words-transgender/

    .................

    .................

    What is true ? The quote :

    "If you like your insurance you can keep it . Period ."

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 12:46 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 10:08 AM

    Rick: If they were looking for intelligent writings, they failed in their attempt.

    -- Posted by Dennis Smith on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 1:54 PM
  • Yep, That Russian Collusion and Trump corruption thing is coming back to bite the democrats. The more we look the more we know about the dishonesty and crooked dealings of the Clintons and where Obama's loyalties lie.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 8:42 PM
  • It's a mucking fess..

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Mon, Dec 18, 2017, at 9:16 PM
  • "That Russian Collusion and Trump corruption thing..."

    Doesn't really seem to be going that way.

    “Trump received FBI warning that Russians would try to infiltrate campaign: report

    BY AVERY ANAPOL - 12/18/17 12:59 PM EST 774

    “The FBI reportedly warned then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in the months before the election that Russia and other foreign adversaries would probably try to infiltrate his presidential campaign.

    “Multiple government officials told NBC News that senior FBI officials briefed both Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton about the threats, which it said are commonly offered to major party nominees for the White House.

    “The briefings, the officials told NBC, are used to alert candidates and their teams about such threats. They are generally given around the point at which candidates begin receiving classified information, and campaigns are told to alert any suspicious activity to authorities.

    “A White House official downplayed the news, saying there was nothing unusual about the briefings.

    "That the Republican and Democrat nominee for President received a standardized briefing on counter-intelligence is hardly a news story," White House spokesman Raj Shah told NBC.

    "That NBC News hears about the contents of this classified conversation due to an inappropriate leak is a news story."

    “The U.S. intelligence community has concluded that Russia interfered in last year's presidential election with the goal of hurting Clinton's campaign and helping Trump's.

    http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/365435-trump-was-warned-in-2016-that-...

    "....campaigns are told to alert any suspicious activity to authorities." Which would have been the time to inform the FBI that their campaign had already been contacted by the Russians. At least one would think that.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 7:42 AM
  • *

    "....campaigns are told to alert any suspicious activity to authorities." Which would have been the time to inform the FBI that their campaign had already been contacted by the Russians. At least one would think that.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 7:42 AM

    Common: Do you have any clue what's going on....it's the Democrats that paid for the fake dossier on Trump in 2016 and colluded with the Russians on the Uranium One deal and the Clinton Foundation Pay for Play scheme....Cigar Bill's inflated speaking fees paid by Russia and Saudi Arabia just to name a few.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 8:01 AM
  • *

    Semo471

    Ulrich is hanging on to a very thin thread, hoping against hope that they can find something, anything, that might br what would seem to be improper in the Trump campaign, even if it was a political error on the part of the non political candidate.

    Never mind the blatant Clinton crimes or those of Comey in trying to cover for her. Those don't count, they were all committed by Democrats.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 8:29 AM
  • Oh , that great "Foreign Policy Legacy"...

    .................

    Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile over Riyadh as Yemen rebels say they fired at King Salman's palace

    Officials said the missile was 'Iranian-Huthi', days after Washington accused Tehran of manufacturing a missile fired by the Yemeni rebels at the Saudi capital last month.

    Coalition forces confirm intercepting an Iranian-Houthi missile targeting (the) south of Riyadh. There are no reported casualties at this time,' the government-run Center for International Communication wrote on its Twitter account.

    On Thursday, US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley presented what she called 'undeniable' evidence that last month's missile was 'made in Iran'.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5194189/Saudi-intercepts-ballistic-missi...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 8:37 AM
  • I wonder when the questions will be asked :

    "Hillary , why did you pay to have that dossier created ? And didn't you have to collude with a Foreign State to gather the data to compile the information contained in that dossier ? "

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 8:42 AM
  • "....Democrats that paid for the fake dossier on Trump in 2016 and colluded with the Russians on the Uranium One deal..."

    Try finding the facts by looking somewhere other than the Washington Post, or your Limbaugh/Hannity source.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 9:47 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 9:47 AM

    Common: Are you scared....time to go to your safe room and play with your safety pin.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 9:52 AM
  • How long 'til we know more about the drug money laundering operation that FBI fell into and how Obama administration stifled any action to shut it down.

    Connections to U.S. Muslims funding Hezbollah through a complicated import export of drugs and salvage cars between several countries and a massive shopping mall to make it all look legit.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 10:05 AM
  • semo471, The real news comes from late night comedy shows and MSNBC.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 10:08 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 10:08 AM

    OJ: All of which are jokes.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 10:22 AM
  • "...scared..."

    What am I supposed to be scared of?

    Don't tell me that you actually believe all that silly stuff that Limbaugh/Hannity come up with?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 11:20 AM
  • *

    - Posted by Rick Lettau on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 11:20 AM

    Common: Don't tell me that you actually believe all that silly stuff that Maddcow/Lemmon/Matthews come up with?

    -- Posted by Dennis Smith on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 12:22 PM
  • Not only the world, but Congress!!!

    “…greatest presidency we have seen not only in generations but maybe ever.”

    And to think that there are some that believe every word…

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    “After passage of tax bill, a White House thank-fest

    GOP leaders practically compete to heap praise on the president, who shows no resistance in accepting it.”

    From Vice-President Pence…

    "I'm deeply humbled as your vice president to be able to be here. Because of your leadership and because of the strong support of the leadership of the Congress, you're delivering on that middle class miracle."

    "I want to thank you Mr President. I want to thank you for speaking on behalf of and fighting every day for the forgotten men and women of America."

    From Senator McConnell…

    “This has been a year of extraordinary accomplishment for the Trump administration,” declared McConnell, who led off the speeches. “We’ve cemented the Supreme Court to the right of center for a generation.

    Mr. President, thanks to your nominees we put 12 circuit court judges in place — the most since the circuit court system was established in 1891. You hold the record.”

    From Speaker Ryan…

    Ryan followed: “Something this big, something this generational, something this profound could not have been done without exquisite presidential leadership. Mr. President, thank you for getting us over the finish line, thank you for getting us where we are.”

    From Representative Black…

    “…said Rep. Diane Black of Tennessee. “Thank you, President Trump, for allowing us to have you as our president and to make America great again.”

    From Senator Hatch….

    “…said Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah. “You’re one heck of a leader.”

    “Look at all the things that he’s been able to get done, by sheer will in many ways,” he added. “I just hope that we all get behind him every way we can.” This presidency, he went on, could be “the greatest presidency we have seen not only in generations but maybe ever.”

    ----- ---- --- -- -

    And what's amazing is that the President basked in the "sucking up" which seemed to be the price of admission.

    It's hard to tell if republicans in Congress have a shred of integrity left.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 6:57 AM
  • *

    It's hard to tell if republicans in Congress have a shred of integrity left.-- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 6:57 AM

    Common: The Truth hurts you Snowflakes, just accept the facts that President Trump is a great Leader here at home and on the World scene. Remember you don't have to take the extra money - just donate it to the Hillary Go Pay charity (for her to hire lawyers for her upcoming court battles with the Feds).

    MAGA

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 7:40 AM
  • It's hard to tell if republicans in Congress have a shred of integrity left. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 6:57 AM

    That would be you - who posted a bold-faced lie on another thread. Integrity? You haven't even a shred left. Now go write a book.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 8:58 AM
  • I'm reminded of that show when Pelosi showed her *** carrying that over sized mock speakers gavel across the house aisle.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 9:32 AM
  • Congress keg Party on the White House lawn yesterday might be a bad thing after they sober up during the 2018 Elections , time will tell . History has a way of biting People in the *** .

    ....

    "Intelligence is knowing what to say , wisdom is knowing whether to say it or not ."

    ~~ Oscho

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Dec 21, 2017, at 12:28 PM
  • Democrats took Trumps measure and are now chewing on the yardstick. A couple of them are now beginning to claim they were for the tax cuts before they were against them.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 12:16 AM
  • -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:00 AM
  • Just another example of the "world taking measure of Trump's action"

    ===

    "Australian Government Worried US Will Take Jobs After Massive Tax Cut"

    "If Australia doesn’t pass its own version of the Trump tax cuts, Morrison (Treasurer) fears the country will take a hit to its GDP of up to 1 percent. Morrison initially proposed a $65 billion tax cut, saying it woulld add 1 percent to Australia’s GDP. After Trump’s cut, however, Morrison warned that the cuts are necessary for the country’s economy not to contract."

    Because the United States will no longer be a country with one of the highest corporate tax rates in the developed world, Australia risks being “marooned,” as the country’s Treasury Department said in its analysis.

    “The Trump tax cuts are coming. If we fail to respond, they will take Australian jobs, investment and wages with them,” Morrison said.

    ===

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 1:15 PM
  • *

    IMO, Mueller needs to pull out of the Trump/Russian collusion investigation and look into Obama on the below matter and also the Hillary/Russian collusion of the failed dossier on Trump. Looks like the Democrats are starting in a bad way into the new year.

    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/22/sessions-orders-doj-review-after-repo...

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 6:44 PM
  • *

    Remember Billions of dollars transferred to Iran in the middle of the night in CASH....investigators just follow the money trail among Obama/Hillary/Bill.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 6:46 PM
  • I noticed on several votes there was always a couple of Republican nays and one or two Democrat yeas or present votes. Suspect we will hear a lot of democrats up for election trying to spin and lie about how it went down when seeking the next vote to stay in the swamp.

    Drain the swamp and MAGA

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 7:54 PM
  • ......"Connections to U.S. Muslims funding Hezbollah through a complicated import export of drugs and salvage cars between several countries and a massive shopping mall to make it all look legit."

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Tue, Dec 19, 2017, at 10:05 AM

    ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

    Looks like Obama's measure is about to be taken.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Dec 22, 2017, at 8:35 PM
  • *

    To those not wanting the tax cuts here's a website for you to donate to:

    https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsfaq/fs_gifts_to_govt.htm

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Dec 23, 2017, at 8:58 AM
  • In the news today...

    "Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq hit records"

    "Black unemployment rate falls to record low"

    "Food stamp recipients down 2M under Trump, USDA figures show"

    "Trump administration wants more people to work for food stamps"

    ===

    Poor Lettau... such bad news for him and his party today. Trickle down economics works every single time. Socialism fails Lettau.

    MAGA.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 10:47 AM
  • *

    To those that promotes Socialism need only to look at Venezuela to see that it doesn't work. A person works to advance themselves and their families and not to share with those who won't work.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:10 AM
  • What's ironic is that the improvement in quoted accomplishments (stock market, employment, etc.)have been in progress for the past 8 years or so.

    Some were seemingly too blind to notice...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:19 AM
  • "Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq hit records"

    Democrats 2016-Electing Trump will cause the markets to crash.

    Democrats 2017/18-Trump has nothing to do with all time market highs.

    -- Posted by DA Braswell on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:25 AM
  • I'm not seeing what black or any other color has to do with anything ...a negative can be a progress , a push not to hurry can be a progress to some too --- the wrong progress . People can say in progress for the past 8 years .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:31 AM
  • I'm not seeing how it's political party -- the Republicans have had Congress since 2014 or longer , seems like things would have been getting a lot better before Trump if political party was the case ..

    I'm not seeing how it's just Trump , he thinks with his thumbs and speaks out his ***..

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:35 AM
  • *

    Some were seemingly too blind to notice...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:19 AM

    Common: Take your own advice.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:37 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:19 AM

    Poor, poor, pitiful you. You cannot stand someone else success can you?

    Obama years, slowest recovery from the cyclical busts ever.

    In other words a total waste of American's time.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:45 AM
  • Mr. Schaefer,

    Please check these simple figures for yourself...

    Where did the stock market stand in 2009? Where was it in 2016?

    What was unemployment in 2009? What was it in 2016?

    What were the trends?

    Let me know if you need help...

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:50 AM
  • What's ironic is that the improvement in quoted accomplishments (stock market, employment, etc.)have been in progress for the past 8 years or so. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:19 AM

    Ha! You were too blind to notice:

    August 2016: "Worst economic recovery since 1930s, salaries fall $17,000 short"

    July 2016: "Obama Recovery Objectively Worst on Record"

    July 2015: " Things are worse for black Americans, whose poverty rate has risen in that same period from 25.8 per cent to 27.2 per cent."

    "In his State of the Union address last month, Mr. Obama said the jobless rate “is now lower than it was before the financial crisis” of 2007-2008. That’s a lie by statistic." - bought that lie didn't you Commie?

    "Joe Biden: African-Americans Suffering Under Obama Economy"

    "Since Obama took office, 13 million more Americans have become dependent on food stamps, with the numbers now hitting a record 47 million — about a third more than when he was sworn in... critics labeling Obama “the Food Stamp President.”

    ===

    MAMA failed you Lettau... America is doing far better under Trump. And in particular African Americans who were lied to by your president. Stock market climb under Trump is the biggest increase in history. Fewer on welfare.

    MAGA.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:51 AM
  • 100+ Kmart, Sears stores to close this spring

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/01/04/100-kmart-sears-stores-close-spr...

    ...................

    Macy's announces 5,000 job cuts, 7 new store closures

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/01/04/macys-announces-job-cuts-7-new-s...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:52 AM
  • You'll see that the trends were both positive, and I'm glad they are continuing.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:53 AM
  • U.S. Added 148,000 Jobs in December

    The American economy gained 148,000 jobs in the final month of 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report released Friday morning. The unemployment rate remained at 4.1% for a third month.

    This marks the 87th consecutive month of employment growth. Nonfarm employment increased by 174% per month on average from January to November 2017, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

    http://fortune.com/2018/01/05/december-2017-jobs-report/

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:54 AM
  • ..as opposed to Canada...

    .............

    Canada’s unemployment rate plunges to lowest in 40 years

    http://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/canadas-unemployment-rate-decline...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 12:00 PM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:50 AM

    Please check these simple figures for yourself...

    Where did the stock market stand in Oct. 2016? Where is it in Jan. 2018?

    What was unemployment in Oct. 2016? What is it in Jan. 2018?

    What are the trends?

    Let me know if you need help...your are welcome in advance.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 1:12 PM
  • That's easy...

    The stock market went from about 20,000 to 25,000, and unemployment went from about 5% to about 4%.

    The trend is positive just as it has been for the past 8 years, so it continues to be good.

    So now answer the original question.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 1:52 PM
  • What were the trends? Let me know if you need help... -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 11:50 AM

    Easy. Horrible. Worst trends for a president in modern US History.

    Welfare payments WAY up... US Debt double WAY up... African American unemployment WAY up... Underemployed WAY up...

    Wages DOWN... Wealth down (especially for AA)...

    Let me know if you need help.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 2:29 PM
  • Oh - I forgot doubling the cost from his promised health care savings of $2,500 lower to actual $2,500 HIGHER.

    Let me know if you need help.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 3:16 PM
  • *

    So now answer the original question.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 1:52 PM

    Common: You can live in the past along with your god Obama that you worship; however, I chose to live in the present and support our President Trump....notice not worship but support. Sad for you. Let me know if you need help.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 3:52 PM
  • So you don't know, someone as brilliant as you claim to should be able to answer. Sad!

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 3:57 PM
  • -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 3:57 PM

    So you don't know! Sad! Let me help you with that:

    Worst trends for a president in modern US History.

    Welfare payments WAY up... US Debt double WAY up... African American unemployment WAY up... Underemployed WAY up...

    Wages DOWN... Wealth down (especially for AA)...

    Let me know if you need help.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 2:29 PM

    And you want to write a book with such poor comprehension. Ugh. Don't borrow money to publish it.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 4:12 PM
  • *

    So you don't know, someone as brilliant as you claim to should be able to answer. Sad!

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 3:57 PM

    Common: Thanks for the compliment. Like I said I live in the present if you want to know the answer to your question just Google it....I have all the confidence that you can do it - if not go ask a 5 year old to help you.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 4:23 PM
  • Seems to me the trend is This: Lettau lists the songs the choir sings in the church of Obama and then continues to claim them as his facts, only to expect they are indisputable. Too bad his free Obama phone is too slow to do his own research instead of having to listen to the DNC talking points recording. :)

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 5:12 PM
  • Mr. Schaefer,

    Don't get a swelled head, remember what sarcasm is...

    I know exactly what the correct answers are.

    Point is simply that both the stock market and unemployment trended in significantly positive directions.

    So look it up if you think you can prove me wrong.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 5:36 PM
  • The stock market was in the tank thanks to Bwarney and company regulations on housing financing, so what way could it trend but up. Should have went up quickly but Obama kept it growing at a trickle with his save the unions bankrupting of companies, stupid Crap like Cash for clunkers that purposely destroyed wealth and cash for solar panels to enrich wealthy democrat donors etc etc. Most informed Americans are glad he is gone and some still wonder if he is still trying to destroy America.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 6:12 PM
  • "Informed Americans..."

    You're kidding, right?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 6:19 PM
  • *

    Ulrick

    You looking for numbers?

    Bearing in mind that what happens up to the election belongs to the man in anything past that is pretty much based on the man/woman elected and is his responsibility. The man in office between election day and inauguration on Jan 20 is a lame duck and powerless to do much in most cases.

    Blaming the previous President for what happens in your time in office or taking credit for what happens in the next President's term is childish at best. Obama is guilty of doing both.

    You might find these numbers interesting....

    ________Nov 4, 2008_____Nov 6, 2016____Jan 5, 2018

    Dow_______9319.83________18259.60________25295.87

    Nasdaq_____1726.**_________5166.17_________7136.56

    S&P 500_____966.**_________2131.52_________2743.15

    What you see here Ulrich is increased confidence and an accelerated growth under Trunp starting Nov 9, 2016.

    Please excuse the crappy formatting.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 6:25 PM
  • *

    "Bearing in mind that what happens up to the election belongs to the man in anything past that is pretty much based on the man/woman elected and is his responsibility."

    Should have read......

    Bearing in mind that what happens up to the election belongs to the man in charge and anything past that is pretty much based on the man/woman elected and is his/her responsibility.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 6:35 PM
  • Think maybe a "promise" to give away a trillion and a half dollars may have had something to do with it.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 6:36 PM
  • -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 6:36 PM

    Yep Bernie and Hillary promised to give everything away.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 6:53 PM
  • *

    More numbers for you Ulrich

    http://i.imgur.com/Q60c3Rh.jpg

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 7:15 PM
  • *

    So look it up if you think you can prove me wrong.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 5:36 PM

    Common: You have been proven wrong so many times that it's hard to keep up with the number of times.

    It took Obama 8 years to do little while President Trump has done a great amount in one year.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 7:47 PM
  • Still don't have the answers, do you?

    Sad, but funny too.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 8:12 PM
  • *

    Ulrich,

    You're ab egotistical fool.... but amusing and funny nonetheless.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 8:20 PM
  • *

    Still don't have the answers, do you?

    Sad, but funny too.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 8:12 PM

    Common: Why do I care what numbers Obama had....Trump has outdone him and he's just beginning. Common, you are sounding more and more like Mic2....why don't you head off to your safe room and watch reruns of Obama and Hillary's speeches to make you feel better....sad for you.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 8:27 PM
  • Think maybe a "promise" to give away a trillion and a half dollars may have had something to do with it. -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Fri, Jan 5, 2018, at 6:36 PM

    You mean $10 TRILLION in free phones, free food, free democrat donor money, free housing, free college, free health care?

    The fact that you don't know the difference between 1.5 trillion and 10 trillion isn't surprising.

    I hope someone was looking over your shoulder when you were a payroll clerk in the air force writing checks.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 8:49 AM
  • *

    I hope someone was looking over your shoulder when you were a payroll clerk in the air force writing checks.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 8:49 AM

    Dug: That's probably why the military budget was maxed out.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 8:54 AM
  • *

    You guys need to stop picking on poor Ulrich, he's a legend...... in his own mind.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 9:02 AM
  • Egotistical???

    So says the one of the most (if not the most) brilliant, and legendary conservatives on SO.

    How is it “egotistical” to defend one’s own opinions?

    How is it “egotistical” to point out and stress the factual aspects of an issue?

    How is it “egotistical” to expect participants on SO to answer simple questions?

    How is it “egotistical” to be willing to accurately counter “Limbaugh/Fox/Hannity talking points?

    How is it “egotistical” to value integrity in Presidents?

    How is it “egotistical” to stand up for rational approaches to government?

    How is it “egotistical” to disregard all of the silly comments that abound on SO?

    How is it “egotistical” to call out instances of individuals trying to vainly build themselves up by insulting those that may not agree with them.

    How is it “egotistical” to admit being wrong about things?

    How is it “egotistical” to continually, willingly and laughingly put up with my SO conservative friends?

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 9:15 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 9:15 AM

    You handled your assignment well Ulrich.

    I will give you an "E" for Effort

    However you will not get an "A" for Accuracy. Sorry you flunked that.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 9:28 AM
  • Coming from Mr. VanGennip, that's more than just irrelevant.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 10:05 AM
  • *

    😂😂😂😎

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 10:54 AM
  • *

    How is it “egotistical” to continually, willingly and laughingly put up with my SO conservative friends? -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 9:15 AM

    Common: Your ego is so large I have to wonder if your doorway was special made in order for you to enter your house.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 12:16 PM
  • Sorry,RV,I think you should have used "egomaniac". Way more appropriate.

    -- Posted by DA Braswell on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 12:36 PM
  • *

    How is it “egotistical” to admit being wrong about things?

    Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 9:15 AM

    Uh... Don't think I have ever seen that from you. Your facts are just that. Yours.

    When someone counters with conflicting facts you disregard their facts and insist you are always correct.

    Something you and Miccheck have in common.

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 1:52 PM
  • I would suggest that there are not "competing" or "alternative" facts.

    Perhaps you have an example of you would define as "conflicting" as facts.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 2:57 PM
  • *

    Lettau,

    You seemed to miss the part about "your facts". Those are the ones you use to try and convince others but only use what you need to substantiate your own view.

    When someone calls you on it with " the rest of the story" somehow they are always wrong no matter what is proven.

    Like Miccheck you feel you are always correct.

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 3:44 PM
  • Alright then, which of "my facts" do you consider to be incorrect?

    Or give me an example of a "rest of the story" which has been "proven."

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 4:12 PM
  • *

    Or give me an example of a "rest of the story" which has been "proven."

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 4:12 PM

    It's been done before Ulrich and you have never accepted anything yet that countered one of your "imagined facts".

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 7:29 PM
  • *

    Sorry,RV,I think you should have used "egomaniac". Way more appropriate.

    -- Posted by DA Braswell on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 12:36 PM

    DA, I was just trying to be nice and give Ulrich the benefit of the doubt.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 7:32 PM
  • There are a lot of competing facts. Take Global warming that had to become climate change. Latest is proof the great big bad mankind caused ozone hole is getting smaller. The competing facts are from those that started the hoax as a scheme of money transfer saying those refrigerants are still up there impeding natures ability to heal itself ```````````````````````````````````````````````````

    "How is it “egotistical” to continually, willingly and laughingly put up with my SO conservative friends?"............

    Just dam, he's sounding more and more like the senate minority leader stating his facts about being for the working people while voting against a tax cut for the working people.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 8:45 PM
  • $18 billion dollars for 316 miles of wall ...it must be one hell of a wall

    It's a good thing Mexico is buying .

    ...............

    Trump administration seeks $18bn from Congress for Mexico border wall

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/05/donald-trump-mexico-border-wall-...

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 8:52 PM
  • I think Mexico will be happy to support better border control when they find their best are more welcome and their worst are less welcome here. NAFTA could and may be negotiated to put Mexican logistics under the same standards that apply to the American and Canadian trucking industry. Also would not be hard for the US to dampen their tourism industry from the states.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 10:13 PM
  • *

    Think it will also put a damper on Mexico's drug running into the U.S.

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 5:26 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Sat, Jan 6, 2018, at 8:52 PM

    Rick: $18 billion is a small price to pay for all the benefits of having a wall that will keep illegals out of the USA and getting onto the Welfare rolls here, a slow down of the entry of drugs into the country, keeping wannabe terrorists out of the country are only 3 items that makes the Wall a good deal. BTW, Mexico will pay for it by placing a tax on items coming into the USA that use to be made here. A side effect could be that those manufacturing companies might decide it's better to bring those plants back to the USA.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 7:37 AM
  • "...voting against a tax cut for the working people."

    That's not what happened. The vote was against the tax cut for the non-working 1%.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:27 AM
  • So not one democrat voted to help out the working people they claim to be for.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:38 AM
  • *

    So not one democrat voted to help out the working people they claim to be for.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:38 AM

    OJ: Since the majority of the low info Dependent Democratic voters live off of the government and pay little or no taxes there is no tax cuts benefits for them - that's why the Democrats voted against the tax cut bill.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:44 AM
  • Poor Lettau - he doesn't even know what his lone democrat senator supports. He's far left of Claire McCaskill!

    "I could support a corporate tax cut from the 30's to the low 20's..." - Claire McCaskill

    "I want a tax cut for working Americans" - Claire McCaskill

    So republicans deliver at tax plan that does exactly what Claire says she wants and what does she do? Listens to Nancy and Chuck and votes against it.

    Good bye Claire! She's a party (D) animal and has never cared or represented Missourians. Ever.

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 4:05 PM
  • *

    Claire was one of Obama's chief advisers - retire her also.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 4:28 PM
  • So not one democrat voted to help out the working people they claim to be for.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 11:38 AM

    Still no reply as I expected.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Sun, Jan 7, 2018, at 8:17 PM
  • "So not one democrat voted to help out the working people they claim to be for."

    Perhaps you’re referring to the “working people” that are still waiting for all these jobs to come rushing back from China, or waiting for all those mines to reopen.

    As for the pending tax cuts, 80% or $1.2 trillion (based on the $1.5 trillion borrowed) will not go to the “working people.” If the remaining $300 billion were shared by the “working people,” they could expect $1000 over 10 years or $100 per year.

    Realistically, of course there will be small gains to the “working people” in the short term, but nothing compared to what the “non-working people” will get. President Trump and his family is estimated to gain $1.1 billion.

    And that while the 2018 budget stands at over $4 trillion, for which $400 billion is borrowed, and pays about a $369 billion in interest. The total interest that will be paid from 2017 t0 2026 is just under $6 trillion.

    That’s just part of the biggest problem, as the total deficit is rising again. From 2009 to 2015 the deficit dropped from $1.4 trillion to $0.4 trillion, but is now increasing back to about $1.2 trillion by 2026. (https://northmantrader.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/cbo.jpg?w=610&h=391)

    The democratic position per Senator McCaskill appeared to have been to limit the tax cut to lowering corporate profits to 20 to 25% and including tax rate cuts exclusively for the middle class. Had this been the "plan" there would not have been the necessity for more borrowing.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 8:30 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 8:30 AM

    And that while the 2018 budget stands at over $4 trillion, for which $400 billion is borrowed, and pays about a $369 billion in interest. The total interest that will be paid from 2017 t0 2026 is just under $6 trillion.

    Common: Most of that interest money is to pay for the $10 trillion that Obama added to the National Debt.

    Common: Your other comments are just speculations of what might be....I could speculate that the deficit will go down due to less products from foreign countries being imported into the USA....remember Common the tax cut just past at the end of 2017 - give it time to take effect and quit hoping that the tax cuts will fail. That's not very patriotic.

    MAGA

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 8:45 AM
  • *

    "Realistically, of course there will be small gains to the “working people” in the short term, but nothing compared to what the “non-working people” will get."

    I am really curious about this statement made by Ulrich.

    Especially the non working people. I didn't know the new tax law was giving money to the dead beat class that collect freebies while the rest work. And I am not classing truly disabled People into the deadbeat class.

    Or is Ulrich terming anyone making millions of dollars as non working? 

    Clarification please.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 10:08 AM
  • *

    Wheels: Tag....I'll turn Mr. Common over to you, girlfriend and I are heading for Cape.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 10:12 AM
  • *

    Oh thanks a bunch SEMO471!

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 10:28 AM
  • Where can I get a $400 loan and only pay $369 interest? What a deal, common would make a good loan shark.

    So it sounds like the democrat goal is to lower corporate profits.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 10:35 AM
  • Perhaps you’re referring to the “working people” that are still waiting for all these jobs to come rushing back from China, or waiting for all those mines to reopen.

    -- Posted by Rick Lettau on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 8:30 AM

    Why fret about the mines,those people are all employed now with those "shovel ready" jobs. Oops

    -- Posted by DA Braswell on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 11:42 AM
  • More evidence of Lettau's world... in the news today.

    "Images of poor Venezuelans eating from garbage piles in Caracas have come to symbolize the deepening economic crisis in what was once one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries"

    https://apnews.com/0b68f7fe146d441ba642f48c558e9301/Venezuelans-scour-polluted-r...

    Just another example of Lettau / Obama / Pelosi / Schumers failed leftist idea of governing. MAMA.

    MAGA!

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 10:12 PM
  • How long 'til we learn of Obama's part in collusion within the democrats effort to sway the election?

    Seems to me it is still coming back to bite'm. I suspect some Obama people will fall and Hillary's troubles will subside.

    Trump's measure will focus on the corruption within the Obama led agencies.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Mon, Jan 8, 2018, at 10:13 PM
  • *

    OJ: Understand that there is an order for 3 orange jumpsuits to a North Korean company - "Hillary 2016" will be on the back of them.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Tue, Jan 9, 2018, at 8:06 AM
  • *

    Looks like actions speak louder than biased propaganda.

    https://conservativetribune.com/nevertrumper-admits-trump/?utm_source=facebook&u...

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 6:28 PM
  • *

    Semo,

    Lettau will be along shortly with the DNC official response as soon as he receives it. Please stand by!

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 7:58 PM
  • *

    Iamhere: Believe that President Trump has got the DNC on the defensive....they are all in their safe places.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 8:13 PM
  • The coming back to bite'm is coming right along, right down to the 'Obama wire tapped the tower' claim that will be proven true. Trump may have to pardon Hillary due to her mental [I don't recall] and her physical [Secret] health decline to demonstrate time to move on and MAGA!

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 8:41 PM
  • *

    OJ: That would be OK with me as long as she was proven guilty.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 8:53 PM
  • -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 9:00 PM
  • semo, I find it hard to understand democrats. The election is over and the tax plan is law yet they are are still using general speech time to claim the tax cuts will benefit only the wealthy and Trump should be removed from office. How the hell could people in NY elect such a fool as Hakeem Jefferies? No way can he be representing the people that voted for him unless those people are all idiots. It's time to drain the swamp in DC.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 9:47 PM
  • OJ - MAGA!

    :-)

    -- Posted by Doug Williams 4/24 on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 10:34 PM
  • The Obamberal Freaks were sort of naïve not to consider Hillary and the Obama Agenda would lose , a change was coming . It didn't necessarily have to be Trump , it could have , and would have been anybody , whatever was needed for a change . This is what "The World Has Taken Measure" of , the USA's decision to need a change . If Russia has been attacking America's elections then Obama won by cheating too . If Russia was attacking , then they cheated for Hillary as she got the most votes .

    Enough already , the losing side should get on with it , they may not like it , but it's been a year , how much of this is "The World Has Taken Measure" of ? How many other issues could be worked on instead of secret meetings .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 10:41 PM
  • USA should be the most important , it should be Country over Party .

    "USA" should come before "MAGA"

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 10:44 PM
  • Ok, Make the USA Great Again.

    Same thing.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 10:55 PM
  • *

    USA should be the most important , it should be Country over Party .

    Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 10:44 PM

    Totally agree. Some though such as Obama and others just won't let it go.

    I got a notification of what was said to be "a developing news story". It was all about if Obama was going to be invited to Prince Harry's wedding or not.

    Who gives a crap?! Not me! I don't care if he gets invited or not! Why is that important? It isn't!

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 6:04 AM
  • *

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Wed, Jan 10, 2018, at 10:44 PM

    Rick: The USA is America and America is the USA.

    MAGA

    ********

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 6:04 AM

    Iamhere: The Royals of England like other Royals such as the ex-King of the USA B.H.Obama.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 8:08 AM
  • Unless something changes the USA Government will shut down again on Jan. 19 due to mis-management . When the USA was Great it didn't shut down once a month because of mis-management , there really is no reason it should be doing it now . Regulations are being lifted , the Government is smaller , there is less to control and track . The Stocks and Corporate earnings are at record highs , taxes have been cut across the boards . Trump and his "MAGA" rhetoric are president now .

    It's just like a sleeping dog on the front porch that stands up , stretches , walks in a circle , then lays right back down in the same spot again .

    Trump got the talking part done .

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 8:11 AM
  • The weather says it's going to storm and get slicker then 2 eels in a bucket of cow slobber . be careful out there..

    -- Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 9:05 AM
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    Posted by Rick Scaggs on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 9:05 AM

    Latest says mainly ice for the local area. I don't do ice.

    Think tomorrow will be a good day to just stay home and make a pot of chili.

    Snow doesn't bother me. I go wherever I want even if I am plowing it up with the front bumper. Ice is a different story. No matter what you drive you aren't going to have any traction. There are always those that try though!

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 3:38 PM
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    Semo do you think this is where Lettau learned about this?

    https://youtu.be/Hr6rp0HYgQ8

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 4:19 PM
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    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 4:19 PM

    Iamhere: You got it. I can see Mr. Common with his aluminum foil hat sitting on a rock pile up in Scopus waiting for the UFOs.

    -- Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 4:35 PM
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    Posted by David Schaefer on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 4:35 PM

    😁😁

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 6:29 PM
  • I might be a nut case too. When my new credit card arrived with a chip in it, I wrapped it in foil before putting it in my wallet. Never use it anyway. Just remember once needing a wrecker and the driver couldn't make $80 change for a hundred.

    A new threat is out their as it is possible to get close enough to someone with a hi-tech device to record the signal of your car remote/key transmitter and reproduce the signal to steal your car. No one would go to that much trouble to steal anything I drive but I don't and never will have a half million $ car. :)

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 6:40 PM
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    Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 6:40 PM

    OJ, believe there is a big difference in protecting a credit card and putting foil on your head to try to pick up more DNC messages. 😎

    Don't worry you're okay.

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 6:50 PM
  • Remember tin foil on the rabbit ears, never seemed to help.

    -- Posted by R. W. Bess on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 9:42 PM
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    Yup remember that.

    Sleeting pretty good here now. Everyone stay safe!

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 10:12 PM
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    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Thu, Jan 11, 2018, at 4:19 PM

    Uhhhhh! Could I think about that for a minute?

    I thought about it..... I am not going to make a tin foil hat.

    -- Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Jan 12, 2018, at 12:00 AM
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    Posted by Ralph VanGennip on Fri, Jan 12, 2018, at 12:00 AM

    😎😎

    -- Posted by Karen Jones on Fri, Jan 12, 2018, at 6:08 AM

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