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. 

Jim Coats

Unfortunately, this Forum is being taken to the point of depravity by the radical left wingers.  Their obsession with Trump is truly disturbing and one liberal's obsession with me personally is more than wierd.  I got some of that from our Canadian (dual citizenship he proclaimed) classmate who has left the building.

Nothing gets solved here.  If you want to keep going down this rathole, be my guest.  The ONLY thing we have as I have stated many, many times is our one VOTE and a prayer that it will be counted.

I'm not going to debate anyone personally because a debate needs an ending.  There is no ending here.  So, here are my wishes for our nation one more time:

SECURE THE BORDER!!  ENFORCE THE LAW!!  AMERICA FIRST!!

PARENTS RIGHTS!!  FOLLOW THE MONEY!!

Those who disagree with what have been labeled bumper stickers (above) are the ones who believe burning the American Flag is free speech and burning a gay flag is a hate crime.  We will NEVER agree on that!

Richard Deshong

What do these twenty-six senators all have in common? Three things:

1. They all voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act;
2. They have all given speeches in their home state taking credit for the billions of dollars and thousands of jobs the act brought to their state; and
3. They are all republicans.

• John Barrasso of Wyoming
• Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee
• John Boozman of Arkansas
• Mike Braun of Indiana
• John Cornyn of Texas
• Tom Cotton of Arkansas
• Ted Cruz of Texas
• Steve Daines of Montana
• Joni Ernst of Iowa
• Bill Hagerty of Tennessee
• Josh Hawley of Missouri
• Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi
• James Inhofe of Oklahoma
• Ron Johnson of Wisconsin
• John Kennedy of Louisiana
• James Lankford of Oklahoma
• Mike Lee of Utah
• Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming
• Roger Marshall of Kansas
• Jerry Moran of Kansas
• Rand Paul of Kentucky
• Marco Rubio of Florida
• Ben Sasse of Nebraska
• Rick Scott of Florida
• Tim Scott of South Carolina
• Richard Shelby of Alabama
• John Thune of South Dakota
• Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania
• Tommy Tuberville of Alabama
• Todd Young of Indiana

What do these nineteen senators all have in common? Three things:

1. They all voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act;
2. They have all given speeches in their home state taking credit for the billions of dollars and thousands of jobs the act brought to their state; and
3. They are all republicans. Or are they RINOs?

• Roy Blunt of Missouri
• Richard Burr of North Carolina
• Bill Cassidy of Louisiana
• Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia
• Susan Collins of Maine
• Kevin Cramer of North Dakota
• Mike Crapo of Idaho
• Deb Fischer of Nebraska
• Lindsey Graham of South Carolina
• Chuck Grassley of Iowa
• John Hoeven of North Dakota
• Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
• Lisa Murkowski of Alaska
• Rob Portman of Ohio
• Jim Risch of Idaho
• Mitt Romney of Utah
• Dan Sullivan of Alaska
• Thom Tillis of North Carolina
• Roger Wicker of Mississippi

Mike Lorts

Bill K,

Does your view of "conservatives" include MTG. Lauren Bobert and Matt Gaetz?

Richard Deshong

Jim, it’s a two-way sword. I agree this forum has been taken to the point of depravity, but by the radical far-right conservatives. Just read any of Mike W’s posts as proof. Your obsession with Biden is profoundly disturbing and your obsession with me personally is more than creepy.

For a debate to have an ending it must have happened. You have steadfastly refuse to debate even the most mundane topics insisting instead on reducing your “OPINIONS” to three words or less and using cryptic strings of letters you think nobody can figure out exactly what you mean.

As for your last comment, we will never have to agree or disagree on the issues you mention. The Supreme Court has already decided those issues, and evidently not to your liking.

Here’s wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and a prosperous 2024.

Heil Trump

PS: You probably got your upcoming notification of the 2024 republican primary election in Maricopa County. I trust you elected not to vote by mail.

Mike Lorts

Jim,

You have huge cajones whinny about the progressives taking over this forum. I suffered through months of your domination of this forum and now that it's somewhat balanced you cry foul. Give me a break.

Jim Coats

Lorts.  If you're going to quote me, do it accurately.  And I never intended to make you suffer.  After all, you can bench press 360# and do squats without ripping your pants.  Proceed and be sure to post pic's.

And, I don't whinny.  I may whine......

Dushong.  "Two-way sword..."  OK, it's either a double edged sword OR a two way street.  Which one were you trying to go with?  This is one reason I don't read your posts....except for a good laugh.  You mix metaphors and....well....I get confusilated.

OK, you two may continue with your Christmas-time nasty posts that all are breathlessly awaiting.  The floor is yours.

Frank Wiley

There was a group of East Indians (from  India) crossing into Arizona. and into the United States.  What I found interesting is that we have happily accepted 1,000,000 ++++ East Indians in to Our Country through our Immigration System.  India is not a Country that is on our asylum list.  They were claiming asylum.  Who are these people?  What are their talents?  The Statue of Liberty was installed over 100 years ago when Our Country was in need of workers and we were in a position of not being very selective.  We can now be more selective.  Educated East Indians who we welcomed into Our Country,and are new Americans, have been great contributors.  So here's my question and your delimina.  You own a business, or you're a Principal of a School, or you're an owner of a sports team, or you're a (you get where I'm going).  Are you going to want the "Best of the Best" or simply anyone?

Frank Wiley

I can understand why Claudine Gay (google her) thought it was OK to steal intelligent people's writings without giving credit to the writers.  president Joe plagiarized for years!!  (Google it)  I guess Claudine figured that (if at that time a Senator) Joe Biden can plagiarize and become president----------she can??z

Michael Wetzel

Come on Frank,

Everybody knows that out of every ten Illegals, two of them are brain surgeons, with two or three nurses thrown in. Not to mention the large number of scientist, and highly skilled other individuals, that sneak across our borders. If you don't believe it, just ask you know who, he swears by these Illegal people...Why in the area out north, one might see anywhere from one to ten trucks a day, cruising around wanting to mow lawns. Which is really strange, considering that the majority of home owners have gravel or rock yards nowadays. But hey, why be choosey, they rake gravel to !......TWO WAY SWORD ! I think I saw one of those once, it was held be a TWO WAY PERSON, having a TWO WAY FIGHT, in a TWO WAY movie.............

Mike Lorts

Jim,

You really need to stop whining about unintended misspelling and incorrect metaphors. I gave up making some aware of their misspelling. I feel I must clarify why I mentioned how much I bench pressed. It was meant to put MW in his place when he made a snarky comment how all progressives are weaklings.. 

Michael Kelly

This Forum or whatever you choose to dub it, prsents a kind of Japanese play, I don't know how they call them but I think their word is aimed at defining what they call a living drama that has no real ending, just some Top Rahmen and Saki once in a while to get the energy back up, Oh, and include some rice. It is a continuous Stream if you are following me so far. What I observe here is ongoing proclamations about the state of our Nation's current affairs as they are interwoven with the World's events creating a kind of Stew that we can dip into and taste as our appetite dictates mixed in with Good Sense.

So I hear Trump being compared with Hitler, which just 3 to 4 years ago was a Democrat Big Time No No but now seems to have moved from the confines of prohibited Hate Speech to a Codex for identifying yoursefl as "in the Club" so Richard DS you are officially In the Club and you cannot deny it can you. Do you comprende just how far you have moved in your Thought Patterns in just a few short years. I'd say you are a bit unsteady old boy and need to steady your ship because you are very careful to pose yourself as a superior intellect in the tone of your comments herein. That means to me you are working off some extra baggage from a prior life perhaps where you were made to feel unacceptable in some way. We don't hate you Richard DS but you are offensive and it is clear to me you intend to be. Ease off on the throttle a bit chap.

Michael W. You have a quick wit, and you sometimes kid around with Mike L, Richard DS, and others entirely too sensitive for me to mention their names, and they egotistically are not up to the quips and occasional cryptic comments that you can direct towards them. Try to understand that you are dealing with people who are like Oysters or Clams, who have to make a monumental effort every day just to run to the liqour store and buy that next bottle of magic elixir that makes their day run more bearably, and here you come Shouting down the Ear Piece of their Audiophone picture the spotted dog listening with a cocked ear to the old fashioned record player and you will have the picture. Mike W. please try to understand that they are very sensitive, and have a childish view of what they should do to withstand your comments-----they find it necessary to call president Trump a "Nazi" and say that he is mentally very dangerous, out of control, and it disturbs them that he is a Billionaire without the benefit of subsidized Government Service, which means he is to be dreaded because he didn;t come up the 'regular acceptable way." I don't mean to pick on you Mike W, but you are dealing with very "Delicate Flowers" and even dim light hurts their eyes. Poor Darlings

Michael Kelly

I think that Japanese word I was mulling over is Kabuki, I know it is not Karaoke because on Wendsays at the 49er in Acton, Ca. I drive the House out when I do "oh Lonesome Me' followed up with "Kansas City" and "Blueberry Hill" 

Jim Coats

Lorts.  That's the Christmas spirit!!  Regrettably, your #12015 is what I have come to expect from the left.  I'm sure Dushong will weigh in now.

I tried to lighten things up, but "YOU - the left" look for anything to be offended by.  Additionally, "YOU - the left" cannot take a joke.  Never have.  Never will.

Go ahead and continue down the vitriol trail because that's where you are most comfortable.  Me....I intend to be happy and celebrate life in spite of the radical left eviscerating our country.  So, if any of the classmates you and Dushong claim are reading but not participating want to celebrate the season, I for one "stinking sewer dweller" welcome them with open arms.  I know of one.  Too bad....that classmate seems like a nice person and someone with whom I could have a good conversation.

Once again....the floor is yours.  Have at it and show your colors.

Frank Wiley

Explanation of the "ism's" for Dummies. 1. Socialism--You have two cows.  Give one cow to your neighbor.  2. Communism--You have 2 cows.  Give both cows to the Government and they might give you some milk.              3. Fascism--You have 2 cows.  You give all the milk to the Government and the government sells it.                       4. Nazism--You have 2 cows.  The government shoots you and takes both cows.  5.  Anarchism- You have 2 cows.  Keep both cows, shoot the government agent and steal another cow.  6.  Capitalism--You have 2 cows.  Sell one and buy a Bull.  When the government tells students they don't have to pay back their loans, it kind of sounds like Socialism to me!!    Mike K.--I googled, " The 49er Saloon in Acton".  Wow 1870,  42 years before Arizona became a State!!

Jim Coats

Excellent post, Katie.

Mary Powers (Evans)

I agree with Jim on #12021 that Katie's post about kindness in #12020 is excellent, especially at this time of year.  Maybe we could take a break from politics for a couple of days and post about things from our shared childhood or high school years, e.g., special memories, favorite movies or activities etc.  I'll go first.  I have a fun memory of water coming down the irrigation ditch, opening up a metal sliding gate, water flooding our yard, and splashing around in it.  

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Mary, great idea.  In my senior year a group of friends decided to skip school and go to the lake.  We had so much fun.  I left so I could get home about the same time I usually did.  I walked in the door and my Mom stood back and asked where I had been. I had learned at a young age not to lie to my parents.  I told Mom we went to the lake, but I wondered how she knew.  Well, it was quite easy, I had a bad sunburn.  I was the only one from the group not to get a parental excuse, my Mom said I would need to face the consequences.  About two days later I was called into Miss Lane's office. I got five afternoon of detentions.  I went to the shop room that served as a detention room. I can't remember his name but as I remember his strong point was putting fear in the students, maybe so they would think twice about returning. He had heard the story about me getting caught because on my sunburn, he pulled me aside and started laughing.  I served that afternoon and was told not to return.  It was the first and last time I was in trouble.  Lesson learned!  

Frank Wiley

Katie, I agree, good post!  My Senior Year I worked at a retail store at Thomas Mall called "The Tie Rack" starting after Thanksgiving and through December.  The best thing about it was that we got 25% off on everything including Sale items and when the Manager discounted something we got the first shot at buying It.  I got a whole new respect for people who work in retail, especially during the holidays!!  Most of the customers were pretty good but some were giant pains.  

DeWitt Bacon

Concerning Katie's post, I would like to propose that this holiday season, celebrated by the three main religions in this country, we honor these days by a 'ceasefire' on the useless bickering over politics. Regardless of our opinions, we are still all Americans fighting for what we believe. But it would be nice to hold back, for now, on the vicious attacks on those we disagree with. Even if you do not subscribe to any religion, I'm sure you enjoy the messages of peace that come with these holidays. So, as long as you do as well, I will agree to state my opinions but not attack others for theirs. Remember that we are former classmates who once may have been good friends.

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

DeWitt, I am an atheist practicing the Buddhist philosophy.  I love this time of year, I believe in Santa Claus, not the man but the loving kindness and giving.  This is the time of year our family uses to teach about giving to the less fortunate.  So, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, I not sure what Muslims celebrate or say.  

Mike Lorts

Mary,

Great idea!  Christmas season seems to bring out the best in all of us. The joy of decorating the house and reaching out to family and friends we miss. I am blessed to have a loving family and caring friends. Remember that this season can be painful for many people for different reasons so show kindness to everyone. That little act of kindness could help them during this holiday season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ❤️🙏

Michael Wetzel

For the Believers, 

" Christmas means so much because of one special child, and that many of us believe in the divinity of the child born in Bethleham, that he was and is the promised Prince of Peace "...Ronald Reagan

Mike L.,

I concur, 100 %. My usual tendency is to over give, to those without, and in need...And I'm sure, you do like wise....GOD BLESS !

Richard Deshong

Mary, this forum needs more people like you and Cheryl Faulkner.

Out of a graduating class of over seven hundred, in the past twenty-one days alone there have been nearly three hundred individual posts but only fifteen people have posted, including you and Cheryl. There have been eight people who identify as being politically conservative, four who take the opposite view on most things, and Dennis Moran, who I think we can all agree with is in a league of his own. I for one would love to hear from many more of our fellow alumni and am willing to do whatever I can to make the Forum a more welcoming site.

I want to personally express my gratitude to you for reminding me, and the rest of us, about what this time of year is supposed to be all about. At least for the next few weeks I will refrain from expressing my, shall we say, more passionate views, and I will attempt to make my posts more reader friendly to all.

So, until next year,

Happy holidays to all, and I wish you a great 2024.

Bill RIHS

Merry Christmas to all who believe! Jesus, the reason for the season!

Dennis Moran

Going back to the days of yesteryear...about a week after dirt was discovered. I was getting out of 8th grade..not promoted like most but passed on to the next fool.  I was scared shitless, will they like me? what stupid thing can I do to be noticed of which I really didn't want.  High school meant I left St. Thomas believe it or not I was class president ...their were 2 as with two 8th grade class rooms.  Me....I was elected and determined to be myself and no ones stooge. Memorable thing I gave the 8th grade presentation-money for a santuary lamp (on the altar its a red lamp in the back on the sides of the altar...it represents a catholic church) well I had to memorise the speach got up to the last word that I forgot....and stood their like yesterdays diapers and then said thank you and slowly sulked back to my seat...Father Doran spoke about how he knew the word but that I might be important one day,,,, for Teddy Roosevelt screwed up as well...I only remember the word nothing else...memorial... I became important in my own mind (a wasteland of quotes that Im sure the three stooges had thought)

I knew a few people from Madison 2, and maybe 1 from loma linda. and then st thomas of which all those that didn't go to St. Marys, Brophy, or Xavier.  Latet on many would come to join us at Camelback High.  Would I buy a pass to the restroom, passes to the upstairs elevatory, and water fountain.  No I fought the urges and stayed a uniquie prorochial school virgin.  Bess me father I will need all the help I can get.

I won't tell you all right now but over several its not politics message forum.

Hugs Fellow Spartants..staty tuned...drinking and smoking is permitted during by bout with memory.

Dennis.