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. 

Richard Deshong

The French have a saying – “beaucoup condamner c'est peu” – which translated means “to condemn much is to understand little.” I honestly believe a lack of willingness to educate oneself before making accusatory remarks is a sign of weakness. This country can do with a lot more educators teaching us all how to understand the truth to better get along with one another. If some want to define that as “Woke,” then I’m all for woke.

On this forum we can find a number of what some call bumper sticker mottos used to get a point across without the need to reach out in cooperation to find workable solutions to complex issues. One motto that isn’t used is "United we stand, divided we fall." This phrase is used to inspire unity and collaboration. Its core concept lies in the notion that if individual members of a certain group work on their own instead of as a team, they are each doomed to fail, and all will be defeated. Truer words were never uttered and have never applied more than in today’s political arena in the USA.

Even though I am an atheist, I do believe in the idea that we can learn a lot from the teachings of the church, and so I often ask, “What would Jesus do?” When I do I usually get a response that isn’t very “Christian” like. This is strange since many of you who are active on the forum do claim to be true believers and like to quote passages from the bible. So here are a few passages for you to consider:

• "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. - Mark 3:25
• "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand"  - Matthew 12:25
• "But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth." - Luke 11:17

I wonder what Jesus would do to unite us. Any suggestions?

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Nothing says caring for the least among us like the 15 MAGA/trumpie governors refusing to take SNAP money for kids with food insecurity. The Biden Administration is looking at ways to help but the program is based on State/Federal governments working together.  Shame on those governors!!!  
 

Richard, I too am an atheist who at times turns to Jesus, the man, for inspiration. When I was standing at the place Jesus shared the Beatitudes with his followers, I thought to myself, if only, if only his followers put his words into action, how much better would we be as people.  If only  people would give more than lip service to the words of their chosen one.  If only  belief in his word would truly make people better.  I feel when I say I am a Buddhist, I represent a belief system.  I fail more than I would like but I hope my value is seen by my friends and family and they see that I try live my belief. Not to be self serving, even though it sounds like it, I have a very dear friend who has been greatly challenged.  I have supported her through the difficult time. Yesterday she called me and said, "I got really good news today and I couldn't wait to call you."  In those few words she made my day.  What a great feeling, to be with a person through the difficult times and then get the reward of caring words.  It's so much better than name calling, belittling.  We are a sixsome, 6 women who have made a "wobble" of friendship and support.  Each of us is better because of that.  I think we could do thathere, on this forum, with some of the participants.  We could work together and all be better people and maybe even come up with ideas to make this country better.  The power of one, the power of a small group with big ideas.  Oh well, I too am proud of being called woke, I think Jesus was woke!  So I will continue to walk that path.  BTW, wobble comes from the WNBA.  They used that word during Covid to describe their closed training sessions. I loved the word, I don't know why I just did.  
 

I almost forgot, WWJD, I think the following says what I believe he would do.  "Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in they temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves." A person would need to understand the symbolism.

Dorothy Janca (Bushey)

Gee Frank,

So you are ok with Trump calling American citizens VERMIN? And not intending it privately either.

Mary Powers (Evans)

Dennis, agree with your post 12334 reminding us that not all Republicans are for Trump (see Frank 12335) and not all of the liberals are socialists (I think it's likely very few are socialists and likely that none are Communist)

It seems many Republicans and Democrats are not huge fans of the top candidates, Biden and Trump.  Would be interesting if both dropped out, and Harris and Haley were the candidates.  Then there would be a guarantee of the first female president, and also of Indian descent--though Trump is questioning the eligibility of each of them Trump promotes 'totally baseless' birther conspiracy theory against Nikki Haley (nbcnews.com)

Frank Wiley

Thanks Mary!! Obviously Dorothy didn't read my post you mentioned??  I guess she's not in Kansas anymore.

Mary Powers (Evans)

I think Dorothy was referring to an earlier post.  With a flurry (tornado) of posts, sometimes it's hard to keep them all straight.  

Richard Deshong

Here’s my week two take on a feasible way to reduce the impact of immigration to America.

I think it’s fair to assume when most people think of an undocumented immigrant they have an image of an uneducated person who is desperate to reach America in hopes of living the American dream. No doubt in many cases, and maybe even in most cases, this is true. But did you ever think about what it takes to leave your home and make the trip to salvation? It ain’t cheap. If it weren’t a very lucrative business the industry that has been created to get immigrants into the USA wouldn’t attract the coyotes and cartels involved. So where does all the money come from that desperate people pay to get here?

Since Venezuelan immigrants seem to be in the news a lot lately, let’s look at who they are and why they are fleeing their homeland. First, America is not the first choice of Venezuelans when they decide to flee the conditions under which they are living. In fact, America is not even in the top five countries to which they relocate. Columbia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Ecuador all get more Venezuelan immigrants than America. Why? Because they are all closer and cost less to get to. The average Venezuelan immigrant attempting to reach America has better than a high school education and 30% of them have a college degree. They are mostly professionals that make on average over $64,000 USD per year and can afford the nearly $6,000 per person it costs just to pay off the coyotes they encounter enroute.

They are leaving Venezuela because of the of failed socio-economic policies by the repressive regime of Nicolas Maduro, which has taken basic freedoms away from its citizens in trying to emulate the Cuban model. The UN Refugee Agency says people continue to leave Venezuela to escape violence, insecurity, and threats as well as lack of food, medicine, and essential services. Those with the means naturally want to relocate somewhere that they believe will allow them to live a better life, so if they can afford it, they opt for America.

So, consider this, instead of spending millions of dollars trying to keep this portion of immigrants from crossing our southern border, what if we took a page out of Canada’s book and recruited them to relocate to America and bring their money and skills with them. It’s not like we aren’t already doing something like this with other countries. Afterall, just in our medical industry 30% of all US doctors are already immigrants, as are 23% of all dentists, 20% of all pharmacists, and over 20% of all psychiatric, registered, and licensed practical nurses. We can’t find enough qualified people to work as prison guards, in old age care homes, or many other similar professions that today’s younger generations are seemingly unwilling to fill. Heck, we may even be able to get our military up to the number of volunteers we need but aren’t able to attract.

By utilizing current technology, we can have many of these people apply for positions online and provide whatever proof we need to make sure they do qualify. For those who pass the test we can then preapprove them to make their and their family’s way by air or sea to an American city not on the southern border (especially not Texas or Florida) where we can set up temporary facilities to finish processing them. If they already have a host family in America they can then join them until they get settled, or we can create a registry of American households that are willing to help get them settled without being a burden on the local economy. This could especially work well in smaller underserved communities where there is already a shortage of talented workers.

And before you ask, no, they would not be issued a voter registration card upon arrival. Just like any other person moving to America from England, India, Canada, or wherever, they would have to get in line to get their citizenship prior to being allowed to vote.

If we take every other part of the world where immigrants are seeking entrance into the USA we can possible see other such patterns. Then the more we can zero in on allowing people we need, and want come to America, the tougher we can be with those we don’t want. We will never be able to stop 100% of the people who are fleeing in desperation from making it to our shore, but with a little thinking outside the box we can at least get those we do want and need.

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Again, Richard, a well thought out idea to help our country and give a home to people fleeing disastrous conditions. Thank you for posting!  Isn't it nice to see ideas that might work rather than bumper sticker comments that do nothing to actually help. 

Bill RIHS

Richard, a good post and logical ideas. I just don't think us voters can influence such ideas. Forum participants are welcome to discuss and encourage them. At the same time there should not be disparaging comment for those of us that post "bumper sticker" comments. After all, we hire our congress/representatives to derive these ideas. All we can do is vote unless we/you get involved in the system and I don't mean just vote.

Jim Coats

In all due respect, I do not care why people are leaving their countries and coming here illegally.  They are illegal immigrants.  I want them stopped and gone.  Bill Rihs is right....we elected these clowns in D.C. to make laws to protect us.  It's up to them to figure out how to get it done.  That's why I like to say VOTE and:

SECURE THE BORDER!!  ENFORCE THE LAW!!  AMERICA FIRST!! PARENTS RIGHTS!!  FOLLOW THE MONEY!!

Pretty much anything else is just an exercise saying...SEE ME?  LOOK AT ME.

I have tried some low key posts....and even some jokes.  Crickets.  I'll try again from time to time.  If you all want to continue to joust with your giant posts, be my guest.  But it's truly getting to be NWMFT.

Bill RIHS

Mary, you are a welcome addition to our Forum participants. You have a great approach to issues.

Michael Kelly

Voter ID should be requrired, and only Voting on the Day of the Vote in Person by the Voter. No Exceptions, No Excuses.

Remember that the Second Amendment allows the overthrow of a Tyrrannical Form of Government. The Forefathers included this provision in the Second Amendment because they had to Rebel against the Crown. You have recently heard how George Washington waged War against the Crown in Severe Winter Weather with an Army that had to cross a Frozen River to raid at early morning the Emvampment of the Prussians, who had been Hired by the Crown to defeant the upstarts from the Colony's This occurred on Christmas Eve and took the  Prussians by Surprse. Joe Biden thinks that should never happen again. What's he Afraid Of?

MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. ITS IN SHAMBLES RIGHT NOW.

Frank Wiley

Richard , I like you your idea.  N.S.--Hertz is selling 1/3 of its existing E.V. Vehicle fleet and have cancelled new orders.  I wonder what they have learned about E.V.'s?

Mary Powers (Evans)

Mike Lorts

Frank,

Didn't the article you discovered give an explanation for why Hertz sold the EVs and cancelled new orders. Could they possibly need cash?

Richard Deshong

Frank, from a few of your posts I take it you and your wife do a fair amount of traveling. I imagine you have rented a lot of cars during your travels so you know costs can be all over the map. I maintain membership cards in five or six different rental programs and shop around before each trip. One thing I have learned is that when possible, renting a car off airport property is almost always less expensive, sometimes by a lot. A $20 - $25 Lyft ride to a nearby rental agency location can save upwards of $100 in airport fees and as much as 20% less in daily or weekly rental costs. And there is never an added cost for returning the vehicle to the airport location.

The reason I mention this is last year my wife and I flew into Detroit to visit the Henry Ford Museum before traveling on to another location. I had reserved a rental car at a Hertz location about fifteen miles from the airport and when we got there I was amazed to see almost fifty Tesla’s neatly lined up and ready to be rented. I asked the agent why so many, and he said they had just arrived within the last couple of days and were waiting to be moved, as needed to the airport. Naturally, I inquired how much it would cost to rent one and was shocked at how much more it would cost than the mid-sized sedan I had on reservation. Not being a shy person, I joked around with the agent and wound up convincing him to rent us a Tesla for three days at the same rate as the internal combustion engine car I had reserved. When I asked about how to return it fully charged, he said not to worry about it that it was already a part of their program to let customers return them with whatever charge remained and they would put them on their own chargers as a part of the return process.

The next time I was at a Hertz rental location I asked if I could repeat my experience in Detroit and was almost laughed off the lot. On a one-week rental it would have cost nearly $400 more than what I had already reserved, and I would be expected to return it with a full charge. Needless to say, I didn’t upgrade. I’m sure my experience wasn’t unique, and Hertz has simply decided there simply isn’t sufficient demand in the premium car range to make renting Tesla’s worth its while.

Your post does have me thinking about looking into how much buying a used Tesla from Hertz would cost. I have bought other low-milage cars from rental car companies and have always been incredibly pleased with the outcome.

Richard Deshong

Mary, while researching the information used in my post 12343 I was fascinated to learn that despite the amount of news coverage Venezuelan immigrants are receiving, Venezuela isn’t even in the top five counties from where undocumented immigrants are coming. Mexico still holds the number one position, by a lot, followed by India, China, Dominican Republic, and Viet Nam. Each of these countries pose different and unique circumstances as to why so many people are leaving and choosing Mexico as the preferred route to gain entrance into America, and each country allows for ways in which America can hopefully slow down their exodus and still make sure we are attracting people who will benefit us in the log run. But, as you so aptly stated, it requires people who are willing to put in the demanding work of developing policies and programs to achieve our goals, to monitor them, and to tweak them as time passes. Any “clown” can write a bumper sticker slogan. It takes smart, resolute people to do the challenging work required. Obviously just cryptically saying its NWMFT won’t get the job done.

Jim Coats

For those of you who don't want SIRI or ALEXA listening in on your conversation, they are making a democrat I mean, male version....it doesn't listen to anything.

A friend said he just got a birthday present labeled "From Mom and Dad."  He said he knew darned well Dad had no idea what was inside.

I have many hidden talents.  I just wish I could remember where I hid them.

My wife's idea of a Super Bowl is a toilet that cleans itself.

P.S.  Deshong.  Did you just call me a clown?  So, does the statement in your post:  "It takes smart, resolute people to do the challenging work required" which sounds like a narcissistic,  sanctimonius, condescending, egotistical windbag apply to anyone you know specifically?

Bill Kaehler

Lorts, re: 12322,  the answer is yes to all the Trump examples you used to excuse the "journalists" by equivicating their rhetoric to Trump's. 

Your addition of a theory you appear to hold as factual, specifically, "This lie is the basis of the Jan 6 insurrection", is simply not true (by definition) and is one more example of carless rhetoric that has caused great damage to the reputations of many politicians and Federal law enforcement, "progressives", not to mention our notion of democracy.  

Mike Lorts

Jim,

You need to stop reading things into Richard's posts. He never mentioned your name. He said any clown could write bumber sticker solutions to complex issues then when the clown is confronted with facts and evidence from the opposing viewpoint he simply says NWMFT.

Mike Lorts

Bill K,

If the BIG LIE wasn't to cause of the Jan 6 insurrection what was the purpose of the rally preceding the riot? It could be that failing eye sight and hearing made me conclude that it was the BIG LIE.

Frank Wiley

Hertz canceled the E.V. Orders but replaced the order with Gas burning vehicles.  Hertz had to reduce the range an EV would get per charge.  Hertz also said their renters didn't want to have EV's because of the inconvenience.  N.S.  I'm going to make a prediction.  Chris Christie will try to become the "No Lables" Presidential Candidate.

Michael Kelly

Mary Powers   Voting by Mail is convenient, alas, impossible to monitor for Veracity and timeliness. We can't have a Vote free of Fraud when Mail in Ballots are used. There have been too many cases that have been litigated that have come down on the side of adding "additional Stretch" to the Sending of Vote by Mail so that the outcome of the Vote is not officially tallied for several weeks after Voting Day, and as anyone Honest knows, each new day adds the opportunity for tallying  hundreds of thousands of "New Votes" . Voting in person with offical Recognized ID on the day of the Vote is the closest we as a Nation may ever come to an Honest Vote Tally. Wishy Washy is not what we need! 

Richard Deshong

Mike L., I was thinking about the 70+ clowns that call themselves the Freedom Caucus and who were elected by likeminded voters. But, if the shoe fits.......................

Richard Deshong

A man walks into a bar in Dublin and asks, “Is it too early for a drink?” The bartender says “Yes. It’s ten minutes until opening time, you can wait over there though (points to a chair)”.

The man says “Thanks” and sits down.

The bartender then says, “Would you like a drink while you wait?”