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. 

Earl Harris III

DeWitt,

I'm glad that you took the time to read my post. Your response was respectful and kind. Our takeaways on what transpired at the meeting were markedly different, but it shows that civil exchanges can occur without rancor where there is disagreement. Thank you.

With respect to your last comment, I would like to offer a counter view regarding Zelenskyy's arrival at the White House wearing a black sweater featuring the Ukrainian trident (also displayed on the Ukrainian flag) along with military fatigues and boots. He has worn this attire on other State visits, sometimes in a slightly scaled-down version, on previous occasions to the U.S. and around the globe as a show of solidarity with his soldiers fighting and dying on the front lines.

Photos of Zelenskyy's  military war-time attire have drawn comparisons to the that worn by Winston Churchill when he visited the White House in 1941 when the British were at war with Hitler's Germany. People have posted both negative and positive comments regarding the comparison. I just thought it would be appropriate to share this fact with you.

Best wishes and thanks.

P. S. As I was about to post my message above, I read Michael Wetzel's post, #15115 with interest. I hadn't read the Washington Post article and appreciated his reference to it. I agree it's well worth reading and viewing. Thanks, Michael.

Michael Kelly

Thank you Mr. Harris, for  your input and much of it I consider very interesting, and has improved my view of current events. DeWitt, as ever you are a knowledgeable and fair minded observer, and I appreciate it. Having reflected upon the Disastrous Meeting which if anything, seems an Inoculation against any Peace Treaty in the Future, Near anyway. I was reminded of History and the nasty follow through that befell Ukraine after they gave away their Nukes with promises of eternal protection and Peace from the Soviet Union, the UK, us Americaners, France, and others which Russia has breached numerous times, with no one to rebuke them, No wonder anyone who is worth their Weight in Political Gravitas, which Zelensky is/was, is going to get some Guarantees to take back to his Supporters as grist for the Mill of a Reasonable Expectation of Real Peace. This was in 1994.

Instead, it was like a kid going to the Doctor for the first time, "Here Johnny. open wide, take thiis dollop of Medicine" and then the nurse dumped down your throat this nasty tasting shit that could be Elephant Dooky given its consistency, and then they grabbed your Nose and you were forced to swallow it. Boy, the next time, you were by golly going to get an Orange Sucker BEFORE YOU SWALLOWED THE NASTY STUFF.

So, your Zelensky, you nave not done this with the Orange Meany and his Cohort before, with Biden, he just smiled and supposedly said "Remember, I am a Ten Percent Man" and your people are dying, at least that's the newest theory. Meanwhile, these two guys aren't even offering you a Sucker, before the Pen is thrust at you and a gruff voice, says SIGN NOW. STILL NO SUCKER, SO YOU ASK, WHERE'S THE SUCKER, AND ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE, YOU ARE A CRIMINAL, YOUR UNGRATEFUL, YOUR CLOTHES REMIND ME OF A HOMELESS GUY I THROW QUARTERS AT. YOU ARE INVITING WW III. Put yourself in Zelensky's shoes, or maybe Sandals, and think about it. Would you sign. Really, with not a word except Pete Hegseth saying You can forget NATO Membership, Vance Saying  Forget Dombas, forget Crinea. Now there's what you have to take home to Olaf, Yana, Anastasia, Lidiya, etc. etc. So Zelensky is sensing a SET UP  Your right Zelensky, Bill O'Reilly says so, so does Judge Janine on Fox News, but you get no sympathy, just "WELL YOU KNOW THE WORLD IS NOT A FAIR PLACE' THE SENTENCE EVERYONE IS LEAVING OUT, AND THE ONE WE NEED TO INCLUDE IS YOU ARE IN THE UNENVIABLE POSITION OF BEING IN THE CHAIR WITH THE STRAPS, AND PUTIN THE SOCIOPATH IS YOUR OPPONENT, HE WANTS YOUR FIRST BORN, YOUR LAND,AND TO KILL YOU FOR OPPOSING HIM, OR EVEN SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. 

I heard one Liberal leaning Magazine Publisher, I think it was the Atlantic, and he said 'The thing that is wrong here, is that neither Country is ready to give up yet, and its not Ripe for a Peace Treaty" It won't be until one of them is ready to give up. A Fight to the Death. How to end it, this will sound Crazy, but here goes. 

Ukraine has a man, a Canadian, who fights in the Ukraine Army, and he now holds the Record for the longest recorded Sniper Shot. over 3 miles, or close because everything is in Kilometers nowadays. The Round, I beleve it is the Ukrainian Round that is over .50 a Fifty Caliber Round, but their round is larger in circumference. putin does a lot of hiding in varuous bunkers nowadays. Afraid of what his Insanity will bring him from us timid, sane people. Trump needs to figure this out. He loves buildings so much, take a look on YouTube of what Putin has done to Ukraine, whole cities, once hundreds of thousands of occupants, now people living in the ruins next to the dogs and cats. Well then why Didn't Zelensky Sign. Look at it, People living in Ruins need more than maybe you will get a yellow sucker after this next Round of Medicine.

I THINK I WOULD WANT MY NUKES BACK, OR GIVE THE CANADIAN GUY A MONTH IN THE BAHAMAS IF HE WOULD JUST GIVE PUTIN A HAIRCUT, OR  

Now Mr. President, you are a strong man, and so you must know that strong men, know when they have screwed the Pooch, they need to admit it, and go back and re-think what has happened, and make some changes in behavior even when you feel you are right, even justified in being insulted, but you recognize that the moment, and the day, and week, and months, and years are of greater import than your own feelings, So for the Sake of the real Posslbility of a Lasting Prevention of more Wholesale Killing, Won't you Call Putin, tell him he needs to give up his Nukes, and sit down with Zelensky and MAKE A PEACE THAT LASTS. FRANKLY, I DON'T THINK IT IS POSSIBLE BUT WHAT DO I KNOW. GIVE IT A TRY AND THEN YOU CAN BRAG ABOUT IT LATER, FOR IT WILL BE SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT. 

Frank Wiley

Last night the Democrats showed how sick they are.  They stopped a Bill to protect Girls in Girls Sports programs by siding with transgender men allowing them to beat up on girls and enter the girls locker/shower rooms.  Not even 9 Democratic Senators would cross over to halt this sick policy.  80+% of the American people agree with the Republicans!!

DeWitt Bacon

Earl and Michael, both of your points are well taken. It's good that some of us can discuss our differences respectfully. I just can't see the logic in supporting an unwinnable war. Regarding Zelensky's choice in garb, I understand his support for Ukrainian troops this way. However, a certain decorum should be in order when meeting with the leader of a country you expect to get help from—just my opinion.

DeWitt Bacon

Frank, all I can say about your last post is 'DEMOCRATS DO WHAT DEMOCRATS DO'. What more can you expect?

Michael Kelly

Good News, Fox News just posted a Statement from Zelensky that the Ukrainians want Peace, and are willing to be on Board with Trump's proposed Peace Agreement. I believe meeting between the European's and Trump, and Zelensky and the Europeans has made a difference. Apparently Putin sunk a Freighter leaving Odessa thinking it was laden with Weapons from whoever for Ukraine, it was actually a Cargo Ship from Sweden and it brings into play Article Five of the NATO Agreement. The European Nations are talking about having a Force of 100,000 Troops along the Borders of the European Nations with Russia. 

Jim Coats

Frank.  Re: your 15118.  Despicable of the dems to not protect girls/women.  So that everyone is clear:

1.  The dems think it's ok for boys/men with superior strength to "compete" against girls/women.

2.  The dems think it's ok for boys/men to go into girls/women's locker rooms and bathrooms.

The left have completely lost their minds.  Scum!

Bill RIHS

Has any of you heard any democrat explain/justify voting no on that bill to prevent trans men playing in women's sports and using women's locker rooms and showers? I have not, but would sure like to hear it! What a bunch of a--holes, including the two republicans!

Jim Coats

Apparently Shelley Moore Capito, West VA and Cynthia Lummis, WY are the two Republicans who did not vote on the Bill to ban trans athletes from women's sports.  Has anyone heard what their excuses were??  I guess it wouldn't have made any difference because we needed a few dems to pass the bill, right?  I'll defer to DeWitt or Mike Kelly for that answer.

I cannot fathom that ANY sane human being would not vote FOR the Ban.  What the hell has happened to our country?

Trump's Executive Order is still in place, but we need it to be a LAW.  Otherwise, if we lose the Presidency, the dem will withdraw the EO.

I'm interested to see just how undignified the dems will be at the Joint Session tonight.  I'm sure the left will be proud.

Frank Wiley

I'm relating an inspirational story.  My Wife and I belong to a Ski Club of Seniors (not the high school or college type).  Our Club is called the Gray Wolves.  One of our Members just turned 100.  He was asked what he wanted for his 100th Birthday and he said he wanted to ski down and have a piece of Birthday Cake with his friends.  Now "The rest of the Story".  He hadn't skied in 7 years.  So-----we got with the Ski Resort Owners who we have a great relationship with and they know the Birthday Boy to set it up.  The lift operators stopped the lift so we could load him.  Then at the top we had Members unload him after the lift operators stopped the lift.  Many of the Club followed up on chairs to join him.  We formed a fence or wall of skiers above him so no one would crash into him.  Obviously it wasn't a downhill ski race.  He said it was the best birthday cake he ever ate!  The moral to my story and the thing I learned is--no matter how old we are, always set a goal, dream the dream and as Disney said, "Sometimes Dreams do Come True!"

Bill RIHS

Frank, thanks for a great and inspirational story.

Jim Coats

Wonderful, Frank.

P.S.  As expected, the dems acted like petulant children at best tonight.  They should be so proud.  So mature.  So "Congressional".  So disgraceful.

Michael Wetzel

My Wife and I, are actually reaching the point where we literally hate demonrats. Tonight was a perfect, shinging example, of why we are nearing that point...........

Bill RIHS

You probably know I don't like to listen to Trump and I was not looking forward to listening to another one of his campaign speeches. However, you also know I love what he does. Tonight I loved his talk or whatever you want to call it. It was up there with the JFJ and Reagan speeches. Crats could not bring themselves to clap for the basic common human caring for others, sat on hands. Keep it up Crats and you are cooked for a very very long time, I hope!

Bill Randall

   Want to post that a "Celebration of Life" for Ernie Apodaca Jr. will be held the 21st of March[Friday], at Spokes-on-Southern, in Tempe [85282]. From 12:30p to 3:30p. Contact Thom Bawden, to confirm your attending.

Earl Harris III

 Classmates,

In the 36 hour period since I last posted my message on this Forum, four of you have gone online to express outrage at Senate Democrats for failing to lend support for the GOP-led Transgender bill introduced by Tommy Tuberville known as the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act”.

Frank opined that the “Democrats showed how SICK* they are”. Dewitt followed up by quoting in all caps, “ DEMOCRATS DO WHAT DEMOCRATS DO,” followed by the question, “What more can you expect?” Jim further opined that it was DESPICABLE* of dems not to protect women/girls and offered to speak on behalf of Democrats by offering two statements about what HE believes Democrats clearly must think. He ended his post by saying that THE LEFT* had completely lost their minds. “SCUM!* he concluded. Finally, Bill wondered about the justification for allowing trans men to use women’s locker rooms and showers. He concluded his comments by calling any democrat, including two republicans, who could not explain or justifying voting no as a bunch of “A…HOLES.*

Note: The above *s indicates that the all-caps were added by me for emphasis.

I cannot speak for the dozens of Democrats who have left this Forum, mostly women, I might add. I cannot speak for traditional conservatives or old-school Republicans, moderates, centrists, left-leaning liberals, progressives or socialists that you and I might suspect are reading from afar. But what I can say is that I found your comments offensive in word and tone.

Last month, fellow classmate, Bill Bonfield, cautioned us against jumping to simplistic solutions to the myriad of social, political, religious and social issues and problems that confront us. Many, as he so astutely pointed out, are very complex in nature for which there are no easy solutions. 

All I can say in response to the comments cited above, is to ask all of us to take a deep breath and consider reading and reflecting upon these two thoughtfully researched written sports articles written by the BBC on transgender inclusion, fairness, and safety: 

https://www.bbc.com/sport/58732146

https://www.bbc.com/sport/61346517

I am cautiously optimistic that it is more likely that local, national and world sports organizations will be able to work through the thorniest of issue better than Tommy Tuberville, MAGA, the LGBTQ community or various human rights organizations, WORKING ALONE, ever will.

All of us are entitled to our opinions and the manner that we choose to express our thoughts.  All I’m asking is that continue to make an effort to express ourselves with utmost civility and care. It’s imperative that we do so if we are truly interested in coming together to solve problems, big or small.

Earl Harris III

Frank: I loved reading your last post, #15125. It says better than I ever could how people working together can aid and assist others in meeting their goals. You painted a picture of what happened that day that is clearly imprinted in my brain now. Made me proud to see what fellow skiers, lift operators, the ski resort owners, and others were able to do make this 100 year-old's dream come true. Thanks!

DeWitt Bacon

Jim, I have no idea why two Republican senators would not vote for the 'Men in Women's Sports' bill, especially since they are both women. Stopping men from playing in women's sports sounds like a no-brainer to me. 

The Democrats act like a bunch of spoiled children. The way they behaved in the S.O.T.U. Address made me think they should remove all the seats left of the aisle and put in playground equipment. Maybe some slides, swings and merry-go-rounds will make them happy.  The Democrats showed their true side last night. Al Green showed what an ass he really is.

Frank Wiley

Somewhere between 80 and 90% of Americans agree that biological men should not be able to compete against girls/young women.  And I could care less what British media opinions are.  I don't live in the UK.  And our Forefathers fought a war so that we would not have to live under any British opinions.  

Earl Harris III

Michael Wetzel,

I don't know if it is the combination of the multitude of issues or stances Democrats that have taken and that you oppose or the demeanor/behavior of Democrats shown the President last night during his address to the joint chambers of Congress that has you and your wife on the verge of "literally hating Democrats". Perhaps it's both and more. You sound frustrated and a bit angry, to say the least. 

I'm not sure that I would call myself a Democrat. In some future post I would like to take the opportunity to talk about some of the many substantive ways I think Democrats are partly reponsible for the situation they find ourselves in today. With respect to what happened last night I, for one, was extremely disappointed with the signs held aloft and printed T-shirts in protest of Trump, his supporters and his agenda. Not that this hasn't been a problem in the past. On occasion, both sides of the aisle have broken historic protocol and been disrespectful. But, I felt that it went much too far, in my opinion, last night and I fear further reprisals. I would hate to see this become a pattern in State addresses moving forward.

I've been labeled and/or called a lot of things on this Forum over the past few years but most of them have missed their mark. I consider myself to be a fairly independent thinker anchored by a few, but important values and tempered by important lessons learned from life. With respect to politics, many may be surprised to learn that I draw information and inspiration from variety of sources. For example, I've been watching TV news hosts, reading podcasts and viewing YouTube offerings by a number of conservatives and some disaffected Republicans of late.
 

The following video, available on YouTube by simply clicking the link below, is one of the most powerful and influential speeches I've seen of late. If I were to choose one YouTube video from the past few months it would be this one in terms of one that best resonates with me and most accurately characterizes  my current beliefs about life and politics. I would welcome your response to the video and any sharing thoughts that you might have for me.

https://youtu.be/QSa52TR9tCA

I would invite others to do the same, both those who regularly challenge my views as well as those who agree with me. Furthermore, I would appreciate any references to speeches, podcasts, etc. that resonated with you and have shaped your thinking about the world. Likewise, if you can cite a challenging or particularly difficult time in your past that has had a profound effect on your value and belief system, I'd love to hear about it!

Jim Coats

Earl.  I'm slightly sorry you find anything about me offensive.  I suggest you don't read my posts in the future so as not to ruffle your frail sensibilities.

You and a couple of your left wing/democrat/liberals like to flail about and say that many people have left this site....including many women.  As I have stated before, I have been on this site for several years...even back to the days when it was all butterflies and rainbows.  I have not noticed a significant number of previous posters who are no longer on board.  In fact, some aren't here because they have passed away.  So, once again, name names.  AND LET ME MAKE THIS POINT AGAIN.  We were doing just fine and everyone on the site was posting "nicely and sweetly" UNTIL Katie came back in and crapped all over everything.  Why don't you give her a call.

BTW, like it or not, you walk and talk like a liberal democrat, so own it.  Personally, I don't care a bit what you think of me.  I prefer the company of conservative patriots.

Finally, I stand by what I have said.  ANY person NOT voting to prevent boys/men in girls/women's sports is a low-life because they don't care what happens to your...or my... granddaughter.  

AMERICA FIRST!!  DO THE DEAL WITH ZELENSKYY!!  ENFORCE THE LAW!!  SECURE  THE BORDER!!

Michael Wetzel

Earl, I could care less of how the Dems feel regarding President Trump, or their show of lack of respect towards him. My ire was directed towards their actions, or lack of, towards an 11 yr. old child, a cancer survivor; or of the Mother's and their Daughters present, who had suffered tragedy in their Families. There was no show of sympathy, or empathy given to these invited guests of the President.  How cold hearted, sick, and dead inside they must be. I cannot speak enough of these horrible creatures...

I might add, that the CBS (You.Gov) poll showed Trump was given a 76% approval rating for his speech... I would also like to state, that ever since I was able to differentiate good from evil, I became a staunch Conservative Republican, and will always remain so...You can add that to my head stone............

Frank Wiley

So, let's dissect the Trump speech.  Here's what I got out of it.  Trump brought some wonderful Americans to the audience for the speech.  He invited the disrupters, (I say that because he could have simply had a Political speech in the same venue without the disrupters) knowing that they would make asses of themselves.  He introduced families who were affected by the murder of one of their close family members by an illegal alien.  NO Democrat Stood Up or applauded the victims .  Gosh, ain't they loving?  A young (13years old) Black, or African American if you prefer, young Man who has been fighting for life for years was honored.  No Democrat stood up to applaud for him. Gosh, ain't they, the Democrats, Loving?  Trump introduced a young Woman who had a career in Volleyball ended by a so called man/woman/whatever.  No Democrat stood up or applauded for her.  Ain't they Loving?  I remember the time that a Republican Representative stood up during a Obama "State of the Union" address and said, "you lie".  I thought it was totally inappropriate and so did the other Republicans.  They made him apologize in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Let's see if the Democrats have the same discipline?  I'm not holding my breath!!  I think that this transgender issue comes down to religious beliefs.  I believe that God created all of us.  I also believe that God doesn't make mistakes.  I also believe that anyone trying to change their sex is an abomination.  BUT, GOD will be the judge. Thanks!!

Bill RIHS

Earl, I reviewed the video you suggested we look at. It is exactly what I expected. Since you entered the Forum you have lectured us on our posts, good intentions.The speaker in the video did the same. He saw it fit to call out only one person in his lecture, our President. The speaker suggesting that after 5 weeks in office Trump is damaging all the good that USAID is doing. In the none government world it is a common practice to tear down and rebuild. I lost my job twice, In the process of down sizing and reorganization. After each event I ended up better off, In response to what made me what/who I am is; experience and living through adversity and trying times. People who get things doing take action those that don't just think about it and end up doing nothing. How many administrators have said we need to do what Trump is doing but did nothing?

Michael Kelly

I did not see or hear Trump;s Speech, Haven't had the chance, and I am somewhat Disgusted with his Shtick.  I plan on getting around to it if I can lower my level of disgust with him right now, and gather up what he does say that is positive in my Opinion.

On this Gender Confusion:  First of all, I think it is a rather sneaky, virulent form of Child Abuse, to take a small Child boy or girl, and try to convince them they need their Equipment altered because of Feelings that the Abuser places in thier little head in the First Place. My personal View of a person who would do that is that they need their GD Neck stretched. I know some of these Gender Confusion types will see what I have said as tantamount as promoting physical violence against "Poor Them" and to that I say its the Work of the Devil. You are in Plain Language a "GROOMER" NO MORE, NO LESS. YOU DON'T BELONG IN A CIVILIZED SOCIETY. YOUR IN MY BOOK A GHOUL. 

So called "Men" competing in Women's Sports. Really! Whose feelings are you trying to HURT.THIS IS JUST ANOTHER WAY TO ABUSE WOMEN. This goes back to toleration of the "ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES" which has crept into our civilzation. We need to recognize it and stop it forthwith. 

What Michael W and his wife are growing to Hate is the Rigid Way Democrats no longer stand up for Right and Wrong, Rather they Vote as one, which often is Voting for something their constituents don't want, but some Stiff in their party advocates, such as Promotion of Gender Confusion which is a Fancy Name for GROOMING. 

My approval of Trump has slipped considerably, specifically because of his Ambush of Zelensky, which I remarked upon initially, and its now been admited. Great, you can Bully a 5"7' Man who was elected by the Ukrainians because he was not a Corrupt Russian Influenced Ukrainian. An effort that worked, practically no one here wants to call what happened in the White House a Shameful way to Treat the Leader of a Country which has been fightning for its life for over 3 years. Instead, everyone wants them to give up more, and more, and more. By the Way, has Trump or his Cohorts told us exactly what Russia and that Devil Putin are going to Give Up for a so called "Lasting Peace" which to me is nothing less than a total Non Sequitur. Great Deal?????? Not in my game of Marbles. Ukraine just have to give us what part of their Lunch Money is left, that Putin hasn't expressed in his Wish List to the Grand Deal Maker, Trump. Sarcastic? You Betcha Red Ryder