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. 

Michael Kelly

Jan. 20, 2021 a gallon of gasoline in Palmdale, Ca. was  priced at $1,99, today it is priced at $4.79 a gallon in Rosamond, Ca. the most economical Gasoline Station within 30 miles. Jan. 20. 2021 a loaf of bread was priced at $1.89 a loaf in Palmdale, Ca. Today the loaf of the same bread (albeit slightly smaller in size) is priced at $3.29 per loaf. On Jan 20, 2021 a gallon of whole Milk, was priced at $1.89 per gallon, today it is priced at $3.19 a gallon. These are Facts, Caused by only one person who has too much control over Energy Production in this Country. That person's name is Joe Biden. It's his "Jacket" but he can't bring himself to take responsibility and Wear It. Those prices were averaging out for several years until Joe Biden took office. Trump is not to blame for the miserable state of the economy, Joe Biden is and to any person with a hint of common sense, Joe Biden should take responsibility for his Screw Ups, and they are plenteous, but he Won't because as I have stated before, Progressives or whatever you call yourselves, seem to have an affliction, and that is they can never admit they have made an error in Judgement, or RCF, whatever you prefer to call it.

I believe that tolerating Lies just to remain Socially Acceptable in most circles is a waste of time, and is a very unhealthy and potentially dangerous for our Country's "State of Being" because its Delusional and as in the onset of the Second World War, many people were Isolationists, and did not want to Fight, But Fight they wound up having to do, because the Japanese and the Germans and Italians were Hell Bent on Ruling the World. Just Think, if not for Winston Churchill, and his opposition to Fascism, we might all be speaking German now. We must not tolerate Lies just to appease Special Groups or members of elitist "Thinkers" so we can keep the "Peace" for its not really Peace, it is Insipid Fawning to a certain group of people, and that just plain old Sucks.

A perfect example of what I am talking about is the Response to the Hamas horrendous filthy devilish attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But here, in a Country that knows better due to past history (WW II), there immediately arose a cacophony of bleats, cries, and chants supporting  Hamas by indoctrinated Anti-Semites who took over University Campuses, Threatened Jewish Students, and generally and specifically called for the Extermination of the State of Israel, and the Jewish people. How did we get this Stupid? I have told you the Reasons, how many of you have the Courage to admit that this has occurred in this Country. 

Frank Wiley

Inquiring minds wonder.  If Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus, maybe the other so called sexes are from Uranus?

Jim Coats

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm getting tired of "Months" named after certain sociological entities.  I'm tired of Black History Month and I guess we're in the middle of Gay Pride Month right now.  I have to say that "I'm over the Rainbow." 

C'mon people, take a joke.  I stole that and thought I'd pass it on.

Jim Coats

Hunter Biden.  

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I have NOT researched the guts out of this thing with Hunter, but am I the only person on the planet who has seen him time after time with a semi automatic handgun in his hand when he was in an allegedly drug crazed state?  I have seen him on TV and the internet brandishing a semi-auto that looked a lot like a Sig Sauer.

BUT.......this current case revolves around him purchasing and having in his possession a Colt .38 Special Revolver.  I know the difference between a semi auto and a revolver.

Why are pictures of him having a semi auto not being discussed right along with the revolver currently in question?  No mention of the semi auto.  He was holding the semi auto in a VERY dangerous stance that "looked like" he was one instant from firing off a shot or two to impress....someone.  

Without 5,000 words being necessary....anyone know what's going on?

Richard Deshong

Due to my time alone during the forum shutdown, I finished three books a day… and believe me, that's a lot of coloring.

What did our parents do to kill boredom before the Internet? I asked my 16 brothers and sisters and they didn't know either.

I tried donating blood today… NEVER AGAIN! Too many stupid questions: 

Whose blood is it? Where did you get it from? Why is it in a bucket?

There's nothing scarier than that split second when you lose your balance in the shower and you think, "They are going to find me naked."

Today I melted an ice cube with my mind just by staring at it. It took a lot longer than I thought it would.

Struggling to get your wife's attention? Just sit down and look comfortable.

Just sold my homing pigeon on eBay for the 22nd time.

I grew up with Steve Jobs, Johnny Cash and Bob Hope. Now there's no jobs, no cash and no hope. Please don't let anything happen to Kevin Bacon.

Shout-out to everyone who can still remember their childhood phone number but can't remember the password they created yesterday. You are my people.

One minute you're young and fun. And next, you're turning down the stereo in your car to see better.

Think you're old and you will be old. Think you are young and you will be delusional.

When I offer to wash your back in the shower, all you have to say is 'yes' or 'no'.   Not all this "Who are you and how did you get in here?" nonsense. 

Not in jail, not in a mental hospital, not in a grave… I’d say I'm having agood day.

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Great jokes, Richard, thanks for sharing.  I think laughter is truly the best medicine.   There were a few that hit close to home. I dont remember my early phone number but I remember the numbers of good friends, so, if they ever answer their landlines I will be on the other end. The other day I was changing all the important passwords and they asked me to put in my old password. I thought that was a little foolish, if I wanted to remember that password I would keep it. It finally came to me and I was able to move on.
 

I hope the people who shared during our down time will return. Let me give you a suggestion, if you don't want to read the political stuff, the minute you see a political word, move on, ignore it.  I'm sharing that little suggestion with all, I won't  even use the.........."dark forum."  With all the experiences we have had in 60 years we should be able to come up with some doozies.  

"Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered."  You just have to love Dr. Suess. Have a great day and for those of us in the desert, you can probably all say 110° without fainting........but what about 120°, it's coming. 
 

DeWitt Bacon

Jim, yes, Dick Van Dyke was a great comedian and actor. I loved his TV series and many movies he was in. hIs clownish style and accident pron routine were hilarious. I have some of his shows on DVD and watch them occasionally.

Michael K., Your posts are always accurate and insightful. No wonder the left hates you. Facts and common sense don't go around them.

Richard Deshong

I just rode to the airport in Montevideo in a very nicely appointed, two year old BYD driven by a very nice Uber driver. With gasoline costing over $8.00 USD he is very happy with his decision to buy it. He told me it takes ten hours for a complete charge at home and costs $1.50 in electricity, but he can also pay $2.50 at a fast charge station and get a full charge in a little less than one hour. He drives about 400 km per day and says he never goes below 3/4 a charge.

So far on this trip we have travelled to five countries (one to go) and haven't seen gas for less than $1.25 per liter. Most places its $6 - $7 per gallon. If BYD can sell this car for less than $20,000 USD in Europe, which it is doing, American car manufacturers can kiss that market goodbye.

DeWitt Bacon

From The Federalist:

 ...three teenagers in Spokane, Washington, were arrested on felony charges for driving their scooters over a painted “pride” crosswalk and leaving some tread marks on the mural. As tempting as it is to call out the hypocrisy here — teenagers hunted down and charged for defacing a pride mural, no punishment at all for a mob of left-wing protesters defacing national monuments — that would miss the point. This isn’t hypocrisy on display; it’s hierarchy."

And does the left assure us we have a fair and equal justice system? Of course, we do. Just ask AG Garland. 

Mike Lorts

I have come to a decision. Now that Hunter Biden has been convicted I decided that I will not vote for him.

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

I was unable to get the picture upright but today is a perfect day.  Sherri is finished with chemo and was able to ring the bell with family, friends and the angels at Piper Breast Cancer Center.  I want to thank those of you who supported with prayers, meditations or other practices of positivity.  I have complete belief that positivity brings good things to us.  I am thankful to the Universe that knew I needed my daughter in my life, she, along with Rose, are my heart and soul.  In addition, she will only need a lumpectomy.  A new study is showing only a 1% difference in outcomes.  I am so thankful! 

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Lorts, so good to see you back.  I read your research, LOL, about Hunter Biden, you convinced me.  I will not vote for Hunter in the upcoming election either.  You have a way with words!  

Bill RIHS

Katie, I am very happy for Sherri and you.👍

Mary Powers (Evans)

Thrilled for Sherri and the entire family.  Everyone showed great fortitude and love.  

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Thank you Bill and Mary.  Positivity cures!  Bill, I'm hoping you will share about your trip.  I would like to hear about it, it must have been so memorable for your family!  It is a place I have not yet been, but I continue to hope my body and mind stay strong enough for a few big trips, one to that area.  No one in my family fought in that area, my uncles were in the Pacific and my Dad ended up in Panama.  

Mike Lorts

Katie,

Prayers were answered for Sherrie and family. We'll continue praying for remission.

Love coming your way,

Mike

Frank Wiley

Great news about Sherry!!  Prayers being answered!

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Thank you Mike L and Frank.  In thinking over all the information we received from Doctors, chemo is still in need of research on how much to use in different kinds of cancer.  They are doing a lot of research so I am not only very happy about our outcome so far, I am also impressed on the data they collect so in the future chemo can be more efficiently used. Sherri got 10+ Katruda infusions, it is an immune builder. The charge was $75,000 per dose. Of course the insurance company didn't pay that much. All in all, Sherri's treatment will be over $1 million dollars. We truly need to do something about medical costs.  I know people get care sometimes even without insurance but I also know they don't get the care Sherri is getting with her gold level insurance. I know Obamacare isn't the full answer so I looked for the trumpie suggestions. I can't seem to find any although I did find 13 times he said it was coming out in the next few weeks. I just must be looking in the wrong place. I'm extremely happy Sherri works for a company with good benefits, I feel badly for those in our country who don't have insurance. This is another reason I am a proud Progressive! 

Bill Kaehler

Katie, so good to hear the good news regarding Sherri.  Godspeed to her and her entire family!

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Thank you Bill, it's been a long, 5 + months of ups and downs.  We survived because of all the prayers, meditations and other positivity from supporters.  My hope is that all people with serious mdical conditions have this kind of support.  

It's nice to see you post, if you have any stories, great book recommendations, or anything else please post.  It would be so nice to see the youngsters of the class of 65 come together.  

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

I finished Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson. I highly recommend it. I started it and then put it down for a time, not because it wasn't good but because it is another book that brings some history of our country that is uncomfortable. But there is so much more. If you read it already, let me know what you think. Later I will post a very important paragraph for consideration.

It looks like the Supreme Court has oK'd the abortion pill. I agree with this decision until the laws holding men equally accountable for all their children are passed. In AZ the numbers I have are all over the place so I will put it in the middle. The average child support payment is about $350 per month per child. That doesn't even cover childcare. When men are held financially responsible I'll bet you'll see different behaviors.  It is averaged out that it costs well over $1000 per month through 18 to appropriately raise a child. So, with actual costs plus the responsibility of raising the child......child support needs to be revisited.

I hope all will have a great day!  At our age there doesn't have to be a special event other than our hearts are still beating on this side of the grass  

Jim Coats

PLEASE NOTE:  THE FOLLOWING ARE MY OPINIONS

Katie:  I read your latest post.  I didn't know about the SCOTUS decision re: the abortion pill.  Missed it, I guess.  I'll look it up.

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE that men should be held AT LEAST financially responsible for the children they father.  Actually (not a lawyer, here) I think there ARE "laws" that allow a mother to sue dad for child support after proving he's the biological father.  

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE that when men are held financially responsible for a child that we will (hopefully) see different behaviors**.  Of course, that means mom has to sue dad and dad has to lose and then pay and not skip out.  You (correctly imply) that "dad" has, in many cases, already skipped out on recognizing his responsibility for his offspring.

**I might also use your solution to say that when criminals are held responsible for their crimes and not simply sent out the revolving door of the court to re-offend or, in this case, re-procreate, we might (someday) see different behaviors.

Child Support is an individual battle and I'm not sure "we" should try to come up with a "one size fits all" solution.

P.S.  GOOD news regarding Sherri.  When someone you love is afflicted, it's hard not to ask "WHY," but God seems to come through when it's part of the plan and it looks like God isn't done with Sherri here on earth.  Good for both of you.

Michael Kelly

Katie Baribeau (Moore)

Thank you Jim.  Every person should have a place they go for strength, guidance and comfort.  This positivity surrounds us, when we use it properly.  I am thankful for the many choices because so many people put that positivity out in the Universe that when I was concerned we had lost the battle, and yes, there was a very bad news day, but the positivity took over and walked her through the darkness to the light.  

Yes, many men do skip out on their children. But many do not.   So I don't want to make this a man shaming.  What I do feel is we have set very poor examples for men taking care of their children so we need to raise consciousness.  Rose had 4 children when she and her husband decided not to move forward with their marriage in 1968, or around that date.  She was given $100 per child for support which not one cent was ever paid. He moved to Kansas which has no reciprocity with AZ.  He remarried, had 3 more children who he didn't care for and very seldom even sent birthday cards, or other presents.  But that was OK because mostly he sent checks, that bounced, and Rose made it up so the kids would not know what their father was like.  Too many stories like this.  Rose used the social net for one year and then was not only able to get off but give those 4 children an excellent upbringing. She was a success story, he was scum. 

Bill RIHS

Katie, I totally agree with  your comments regarding men being held accountable in supporting their offspring. There also needs to be fairness when it comes to women being accountable too. My son makes about $40K less than his ex. She pays my son $120/mo for child support. They have shared custody. My son and his wife agreed on sending their daughter to a religious private school before their devorce. After the divorce she refused to pay her share. The female "mediator" said she could not make her pay half or any of the cost of the school. So, my son will be paying the whole cost. Bottom line, there needs to be an overhaul regarding child support. These days it is not uncommon that women earn more than their husbands,