Definition of Opinion:  A belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof.

Please be respectful to others with differing opinions. 

Mike Lorts

The LA Dodgers just gave a pitcher $700Million. I don't begrudge that pitcher getting that ridiculous amount of money. There are scores of athletes getting millions. Those salaries come from revenue from ticket sales, souvenir sales and broadcast contracts. All of the money comes from the public. However teachers struggle to make ends meet. Teachers whom we entrust to educate our most valuable commodity , our children. It might be a good idea to pay teachers a salary commensurate to the responsibility.

Bill RIHS

Katie, parents that show up at school board meetings care about their kid's education. The ones that Richard was discussing, I believe, were those that don't show up and don't care. My wife was a special Ed teacher for 30+ years and loved parent environment and communicted extremely welll. The public school system, generalize, sucks. Our grandchild will not attend a public school until at least high school after having a foundation of heatly values and an advanced education compared to the public Schools. There are too many idiots that think teachers should do their job. In charter or private school they can tell those stupid ass parents to pound sand and pull their kid out of their school. Until the public school systems change the public school will be filled with the kids who's parents don't want the responsibility of parenting or just want to blame others/teachers.

Dennis Moran

I speak of the wonderful education I had at St. Thomas and have mentioned the various nuns that have graced my life. Well in 1998, the pastor of St. Thomas a very progressive fellow who would later be brought up on child abuse charges.  Well Father, in June 1998 kicked the 4 nuns and visiting nuns out of the convent.  The pastor was also a St. Thomas graduate (the year after me) so it just proves I may kick the nun down the road but, thought the above action not to my liking....

Much respect for special education teachers and all teachers for showing our little dennis and denises how to read, write, add and subtract.  BETTER TO BEST PAY SHOULD WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR OUR TEACHERS.

Dennis

Frank Wiley

I'm on board with much better pay for Teachers.  The old adage applies--"You Get what You Pay For!"  I'm also on board with Parent accountability.  There are probably more single parent households in Our Country than ever.  We are not hard enough on "deadbeat dads"!!  I watch these "gangs" of kids looting stores and wonder, who and where are their parents?

Cheryl Faulkner (Sucato)

Dennis Moran, we have again had Nuns at St. Thomas for many years now.  Some teach at St. Thomas, some at St. Mary's.  They are young energetic women who are wonderful teachers and guides to the students who adore them.  The education the students at St. Thomas (and probably the other Catholic schools as well) is wonderful.  My grandchildren who attended St. Thomas and St. Theresa were among the top students in high school thanks to their elementary school education.  

Frank Wiley

I find it interesting as I watch all of these protests calling for a "cease fire" in Gaza that I can't remember any protests when Russia invaded Ukraine and indiscriminately rocketed and bombed civilian areas.  Maybe it's because the Ukrainians are predominantly Christians?

Jim Coats

There has been some good input from conservatives regarding parents and their roles in the education....NOT programming of their kids.  I put teachers right up there with nurses in that I respect and admire them for what they do.....UNLESS they are doing harm to our children.  In that case, I have NO use for the individuals committing decency mal-practice.  I will NOT debate this subject, but the left will no doubt love to parse my words.  Response is NWMFT! 

I do not "take advice" from liberals on this site, nor do I read their long diatribes on one or more subjects.  They are delusional narcissists.  Maybe I'm an SOB, but  I do not need advice from any liberal because they have burned that bridge for me.  

I like billionaire Bill Ackman's post on X wherein he simply states "One down."  This, of course, refers to the resignation of the UPenn president after she would not state that calling for the death of, and intifada against Jews violates UPenn's policy.  Ackman puts a sharp point on FOLLOW THE MONEY since he is pulling donations from these scurrilous so-called elite universities.  IF we had decent leaders, our government would pull federal donations as well.

If the people running Harvard and MIT had an ounce of decency, they would do a complete and loud backtrack of their president's testimonies in front of Congress....and very possibly fire them AND the law firm we have learned that advised all three schools regarding their testimonies.

Finally, I have steadfastly maintained that the open border is the most deadly situation facing America at this time.  For our governing body, from the President down, to say that the border is secure is tantamount to treason because it is an obvious lie.  Biden and Mayorkas should be handcuffed and perp-walked out of the White House because they have violated their most sacred duty and that is to preserve and protect the Constitution and therefore, the citizens of the United States.

Mike Lorts

I completely agree that the three presidents that gave a horrible response to a simple question should be fired.

Much like Trumps response when asked to denounce white supremacy and he said "stand back and stand ready". They were ready on Jan 6.

DeWitt Bacon

I spoke to a friend who lives near the tornado devastation that hit north central Tennesee. Fortunately, although there were strong thunderstorms where she lives, no tornadoes touched down there. We both wondered how long it would take for the climate alarmists to blame climate change on this. 

Dennis Moran

Thank you Cheryl Faulkner, I am happy that the nuns are back at St. Thomas.  It was a beautiful convent and it was a tough life for many of the sisters. Congratulations with you and your family.

Dennis Moran

I am a NO to Biden and a NO to Trump. 

Im tired of the Democrats and Republicans in Congress and the Senate. Neither group are their for the people but, someone is making a killing with their actions.

Im tired of the hatred that goes through all groups

Disgusting remarks for me involve the calling for the death of an individual who may disagree with you. Some people may have a lifestyle that is their business not mine.

Religion is what you believe in and live.  Believing in God is for you to decide.

I don't see myself as Conservative or Progressive. I may agree with you on some ideas, and try not to judge what you think...I am a Moderate.

Im not in favor of former male to female participating in sports that involve non trans individuals.

Christmas is approaching us and soon will be here.  Lets have peace on earth

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.   please reach out and touch someone im sure they will welcome it.

Dennis.

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Shame to the current MAGA/trumpie Congress.  You were only able to pass 22 bills into law, the second worse in history.  Hoover's Congress beat you out by passing only 21 bills into law, in the 3 months of being in session. As the MAGA/trumpies continue to move toward an authorian government, this is expected, There can't be a robust and working Congres, it must be weak to give all power to the leader. So I'm sure the MAGA/trumpies love this as the wait for the great leader to return.  They have done nothing on the border wall they want so much, not one law to lessen  the mass murders the are happening daily, (only thoughts and prayers), very little done to help middle class Americans.  
 

Doing nothing allows them a great deal of time to get that revenge impeachment going. There hasn't been one iota of PROOF showing Joe Biden has done anything wrong.  He has been a father to a man with serious addiction problems, and supporting him. This is the MAGA/trumpie playbook. Yell, moan and groan about how bad the person is, think Hillary Clinton and two years of investigation closed with not one charge.  Yell and scream about voting irregularities, without one iota of proof, but it serves the purpose to cause people to question elections. Now, they will hit Biden. I hope they carry through with it because it will be put up or shut up. All those "facts" they say they have found, it's time to show them to us.  My bet, it fails bigly.  As for Hunter, he must face the music and take the consequences of his behavior, much more than he would get if his last name wasn't Biden. 

Michael Kelly

If your having trouble calling a Campaign for Murder of a certain Ethnicity of People what it is, a Campaign to Kill People because of their Ethnicity, or more accurately their Religious Beliefs, then your Moral Compass is not Broken, it never Existed. Insipid Pap the like of which I have never heard before is now bandied about as if it is to be tolerated because it is "an exercise of Free Speech" and so it  is. And from my perspective it is a true commentary of your lack of character and fatal untrustworthiness. Free Speech perhaps, a gauge of your true Nature certainly the undeniable Truth. My exercise of Free Speech is that you are everything about what is Wrong in the World and I strongly Dislike your Attitude or Lack of Character, you pick.

Some here also lack an ability to recognize a statement made in Humor because of the lack of Humor with some who hear it. So what if Trump said that only in the first day of his Presidency, he would be a dictator, then he said "finish the Wall, and Drill Baby Drill" My My My I hope he is able to do so. Of course, if you like unbearable inflation and 8000 new illlegal Entrants a day, then you can continue in the present state of Ignorant Bliss you are currently living in. Volunteer your  home to take in a Family or two of Illegal Entrants as a sign of your love of the Dream State you are currently living in. Oh,and if your running up and down the Road, please refrain from using gasoline or diesel for power, use electricity or  get a Sail or Two, and a huge Collector Disk for the Sun's golden rays. 

Jim Coats

I actually sent a campaign contribution yesterday.  I have been watching this person for a few years and I like what I have seen.  So.....here it is:   I contributed to Nikki Haley's campaign.  I watched her "take no prisoners" approach as U.S. Ambassador to the feckless U.N. and I liked it.  There was NO retreat in that woman and that stands in well with me.  I also like her performance so far in the debates.  I think she would make a fine two-term President and that should just about take me to the dugout.

Here's the kicker.  Unless the left somehow blocks Trump from holding office, she doesn't stand a snowball's chance of winning in the primary.  Therefore, I'm back to Hell No for Joe and IF Trump is the nominee, I will vote for him in a heartbeat....as many times as possible.  Maybe Haley for VP?

SECURE THE GOD FORSAKEN BORDER!!  YOU KNOW THE REST.

Michael Kelly

I am having a Great Deal of Frustration with the Entire Behavior of all  our Politicians. I had written a very Scathing dressing down of the entire lot from the top down. But instead of indulging my own Ego and all that which erupts therefrom. I will just Say This.

The World and Our Country needs the Hand of God guiding Us Now. Some of Us just Don't Care, others are Confused and dont know where to Turn, and others want to do something but don't know quite what, I think we Need to  Humble ourselves and ask God for  His Help and do with Us what he  Needs to do to accomplish his Purposes.  Good Night and God Bless You

Frank Wiley

Jim, I agree with you on Haley.  She checks the box of being a Governor, she knows the players on the world stage because of her Service at the U.N., and her Husband is a Military Officer.  I Liked the way she kept her composure in the last debate and even inserted some humor. "Thanks for all the attention boys!"  I will wait to send money to the nominee of the Party though.  Plus, my Wife will be voting for her.  The Republicans haven't passed many bills because the Congress "IS NOT" controlled by them.  The House (which is controlled by them) has sent bills over to the Senate and the Senate, with Kamala's swing vote has killed them.  The Republicans in the House have asked for all Hunters, Jim Biden's, and Joe Biden's bank records and the Biden's have refused to give them up.  If the Republicans open an impeachment they will have access to all those records.  Anyone with a brain would ask the question, "Why not show the records if they have nothing to hide?"  I guess people who don't ask that question don't care if the President is comprised because his Son has  taken millions from both Russia and China and don't want to find out if any of those millions of dollars ended up in Joes pocket?  How long did the Clinton investigation go on before the Stained Blue Dress appeared?  Remember how for over a year almost every Democrat said that was a "Right Wing Conspirisy"?  The "gullible guppies" were saying back then, just like now, "show us the proof".  Then the blue dress came out.  Remember when Joe, the first day in office, killed our pipeline and told the Russians to go ahead with theirs which had been stopped by Trump.  

DeWitt Bacon

Katie, since I'm a "MAGA TRUMPIE" I guess you won't be reading this. But we had the greatest economy in history under Trump, Making America Great Again. Inflation was at its lowest, prices were being held steady, and we weren't letting criminals enter our country at an alarming rate. We weren't giving away billions of dollars worth of our military equipment to our enemies and allowing them to hold captive our citizens. And we weren't sending billions to our enemies. We had a strong military and were not afraid to use them to protect our country. When Trump took office in 2017, our military was out of ammunition. Trump gave them money to build their stockpile back up and build new ships, tanks, and rockets. We supported our allies and sold them the weapons they needed to fight off aggression. Katie, as you know, I have been trying to be more civil towards you, but your last few posts have been so disgusting that you make it hard for me to continue. Fortunately, you won't be reading this, so I will not be expecting a response.

Mike Lorts

Nikki Haley does not have a chance of being the Republican nominee because I admire and respect her. She would probably win the general and I would be fine with that outcome.

Michael Wetzel

Mandela, was indeed a remarkable individual, and performed many great notable deeds for his country. It's a shame he was a socialist his entire life. He was also a member of the South African Communist Party, and was influenced by Marxism through out his career...He could have accomplished so much more, had he been  more of a Conservative type man.......

Dennis Moran

I don't like seeing MAGA/TRUMPEE or sould alikes.  I find name calling doesn't do well with cross communication, Some of us have voted for all them; Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Biden. 

How did the following names come into being ? Queer, Dyke, Gay, Homo, Lesbian. Labels of any kind are uncool.  Whiteee, Niger, Spic, Wap, Dego, macrel snapper.

Please forgive my spelling for I am retarded...oops thats another name.

How did we ever get to having a president over 70 years old....at 70 I had no more wisdom than I did when i was younger.

I remember growing up and seeing the expression on a person when they heard i was Catholic, or when someone said they were Jewish. Primitive Baptist, 1st Baptist, 2nd Baptist and Conservative Baptist, Moslem, Budist.

The biggest shocker was Atheist

Lutheran and Epsicopalian were like nuetral and very accepting by all.

Why was it always the girls reputation vs a boys reputation?

How did the name Nuns come about?

Dennis.

Richard Deshong

Frank, I too agree with you about Haley, but I thought the real winner of the second-tier candidate debate was Chris Christy. In fact, I’m beginning to think he is someone I could consider when I vote in the Republican primary.

You do understand don’t you that when the House passes a bill and it is sent to the Senate, the Vice President only gets involved when there is a tie vote? To get an idea of what House bills are waiting for action in the Senate, you might want to look at:

List of bills in the 118th United States Congress - Wikipedia

Can you explain to all of us how Hunter not providing his financial records is any different from what Trump has done. I totally agree that Hunter should provide them, but I also believe there should be only one standard to be used. And while you’re at it, can you comment on why current members of congress refusing to show up for a hearing when served with a subpoena is considered okay, but when they get stiffed, it isn’t?

Finally, with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, do you still believe not approving the Keystone pipeline was wrong? Remember, none of the Canadian oil it was to carry was ever intended to be used in the USA, except by the Koch family whose refineries would remove most of the pollutants and vent the resulting pollution over Oklahoma. It’s been almost three years since Trump left office and there are still over 9,000 drilling permits that had already been approved but are not yet in production. There has yet to be, and will never be, a leak of the not built portion of the keystone pipeline into America’s largest freshwater aquifer, which even the Canadian permit request said would probably happen on average six times each year. As of this past August there are still nearly 1,000 wells that were shut down when Covid drastically cut the demand for gasoline, and that have not yet been reopened. And yet, for the past twenty-three months American has exported more oil than it has been imported . Moreover, while the sixty people it was estimated would be needed to run the proposed pipeline were never hired, unemployment is lower than at any time in the past fifty years. And finally, do you really think Russia was waiting on pins and needles for Biden to okay them completing a pipeline? Perhaps it’s time to stop lamenting the killing of the Keystone pipeline.

Richard Deshong

Mike Kelly, your post 11,857 is the most Christian thing I have read on this forum.

Richard Deshong

Katie, I look forward to meeting you in person. Maybe you can call the get together the Wine Summit, or even the Bud-Light Beer Summit.

Frank Wiley

6 MONTHS AGO the House sent a Border Bill to the Senate and have not had a response from Chuckie.  Now Chuckie is claiming it's the Republicans fault that there's pressure on the NEW money Biden and the Democrats want.  The Republicans want an accounting of where the money will go in this NEW request but the Democrats, including Biden don't want to account for the money!!!!  That is no way to run a Government or a Household!!  But maybe that's how Progressives or Liberals run their households??  I am trying to verify a report that the Border Patrol is giving each of these illegals crossing Our Border a 5 thousand dollar credit card.  Please help me track down the truth!!

Richard Deshong

The human body is a remarkable thing. It is one of the, if not the, most complex mechanisms known to man. That it even exists and mostly works okay is a miracle. However, at times, it has issues that are beyond our ability to understand. But this doesn’t stop scientists from attempting to figure out what makes us tick. The number of ways things can deviate from “normal” from the moment of conception until birth is astronomical, and yet there are resolute men and women who work tirelessly to explain them and where possible to correct them.

Did you know that in the past Arizona had a state operated hospital near Eloy where parents whose babies were born with sever birth defects could send them to be warehoused until they died? Today the thought of that is repugnant, but the ignorance that allowed such behavior still lives on.

I challenge certain people on this forum to google (or duckduckgo) the word “intersex.” This condition, which is recognized by the American Medical Association and every other medical research group in the world, relates to or denotes a person that has both male and female sex organs or other sexual characteristics. This condition has been noted for centuries and at one time people born intersex were call hermaphrodites. Whatever it’s called, it is real, and it simply scares the hell out of some ignorant people. Less than a hundred years ago it was a widespread practice to surgically alter a newborn whose sex organs didn’t align with their internal organs, sometimes doing so even without the parents’ consent. Can you imagine the outcry if that still happened today? Oh yeah, sometimes it does, but today it happens years after birth, and with the parents’ consent.

Just like the “church” condemned Galileo for daring to even suggest the earth orbited the sun instead of the other way around, today some god-fearing people are quick to condemn anyone who dares be different in the way they feel about their gender. Others would rather condemn how such people should be allowed to relate to each other when participating in sports, much like when it was considered wrong for Black people to participate in “white” sports or for any minority to marry a white. Time has a way of shedding light on things we don’t understand or are unwilling to accept. Until then, putting people down and/or using demeaning words as a means of expressing one’s beliefs is just a way to express one’s own ignorance. And it is just not what Jesus would do.