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

Find, watch and listen to:  Hallelujah by Chase Curl.  I accidentally found it on YouTube.

It's a tribute to Police Officers and very appropriate for our time... it's worth your time and very beautifully done.

Frank Wiley

So, the stock market is correcting.  I am no expert on the stock market but I learned a lesson a long time ago.  I started investing in the early 80's.  In '87 when the market semi-crashed I was worried.  I called a mentor of mine and asked what I should do?  He asked if I had sold anything yet during this correction?  I said no!  He said, "Then you haven't lost anything!"  

Mary Powers (Evans)

Patty, love your Pi Day image today!

Did anyone see the lunar eclipse?  For once my night time wakefulness was advantageous, enabling me to observe the moon's red-orange-yellow colors.  Celestial gazing is a nice break from our terrestial issues.  

Jim Coats

Frank:  Re: your #15159.  Agree 100%.  If you have good investments, wait it out.  Don't sell low/buy high.

Mary:  Wish I had seen the eclipse. 

BTW, 2 Tylenol PM's help me sleep.  Since "everything's" sore, the Tylenol helps.  Benadryl is the knock-out drug.  Probably 1 for you.  I'm guessing I'm waaay bigger than you.  I don't recommend every night...at least that's what my PCP said.

Mary Powers (Evans)

Thanks for the information Jim.  Good to know that others of us of a certain age are experiencing some of the same things and learn what has been effective.  

Michael Kelly

Anna of Ukraine has a podcast about Ukraine on YouTube. She mentioned yesterday Thursday about the Scott Bessent visit to Ukraine which supposedly was an attempt, not to get Zelensky to sign the Mineral Rights Deal, but to convince others consdered Politically Powerful enough that they could run, and win aganst Zelensky if an Election was held in Ukraine. These USA emissaries, spoke with 3 gentlemen who are consdered Opponents of Zelensky and possibly would, and could run against him in the next Ukrainian Election. To the Man, they told the USA team, no doubt sent by Trump, that it was impossible to have an Election. The Ukrainian Constitution prohimits it, during a Time of War. They said the quickest way to get a Ukrainian Election is for Putin to get himself, and his Troops out of Ukraine, Forever. They also to a Man said Zelensky is doing a Great Job, and they don't want to replace him, he's doing a Great Job. They are not willing to give up any Land to Russia, they are going to take Crimea Back, and they want to bust up Russia into small pieces beloinging to the people who come from that Area. They want to destroy Russia. Forever.Trump can yell at Zelensky, get all red in the Face with Anger, and have a Volcanic Tantrum, but the Ukrainians  see that as all Bluff, with no real Truth behind it. I also see it the same way. Looks to me like Trump wants the bully Putin to like him, and for that he is willing to give up potentially millions of lives of people in Ukraine, and Russia.

Trump is dong a good job domestically, but he's falling for the Russian Bullshit and has lost considerable. believability with me. The alternative, Harris, was a Laugh to start with and downhill from there.

I have also heard a very Vicious Rumor about the Ukrainian people, and so because folks who espouse that Rumor are quick to say that Ukraine is being punished by God for what they do, and have done in regards to how things are going for them in the War. Therefore, a fortiari, we should not send them Aid. I have contacted people I know in Ukraine in regards to this Vicious Rumor. These people are Qualified Medical Professionals, and I have asked them what they think of this particularly Vicious Rumor. The Respons is outrage. And amazement at such a Rumor being advanced by any of the American People. I first heard of this Rumor about the time the War in Ukraine commenced. At first I discounted it as insanity, and ignored it, However it seems to have a life of its own. More than one Ukrainian has mentioned that the Russian's are masters at propaganda, especially against them. This type of probaganda is most likely being used against Zelensky. 

Have a good weekend even if you do read this. Remember, leave it here, most likely within 48 hours we will be all phlumoxxed about some other BS bad actors have connived up 

Frank Wiley

I never heard the rumor about Ukraine and God until now.  I have no idea why God would punish Ukraine?

Jim Coats

Lefty:  You're getting too far in the weeds for me.  I'm a simple man.  I have drawn my red line in the sand and I'm on Team Trump.  Better part of valor?  Lesser of two evils?  I dunno.  I'm not going to overthink this (no brain capacity/RAM remaining) and I'm back in the wait and see mode.  Anyhoo, I'm powerless to do anything else.

At least we have a POTUS who believes in:  America First; Secure Border; Draining the Swamp; Getting rid of scumbags who support Terrorist Groups like HAMAS; Shining a bright light on so-called elite universities with $multi-billion endowments who do NOT believe in the conservative/patriotic viewpoint.....etc.  Here's my editorial:  IF HAMAS supporters at colleges were people in white sheets (KKK) harassing and harming black students, what would the left and left wing media be doing?  They would be apoplectic.

I have NO desire to research anything.  I have seen enough and I have made my decision.  As I see it, it's Good vs. Evil.

10-4, over and out.

AMERICA FIRST!!  ONE FLAG...THE STARS & STRIPES!!  ONE LOYALTY AND THAT IS TO THE USA!!  

DeWitt Bacon

Frank, A lot of people like to pull God out of their pockets to blame everything on. God isn't doing it. Men are bringing it on themselves. God set up a system of government with laws that would bring everlasting peace, but Man has turned away from it. I might add that the Ten Commandments, (or 10 Words in the Hebrew) are only an outline. God's entire contract with man is found in the book of Deuteronomy. God is not punishing anyone. He is letting our choices take their toll. 

OK That's my sermon for the day. :)

And Michael, that's a good word, phlumoxxed. I hadn't heard it before so I looked it up. I might say I'm phlumoxxed at how our country has been going the last few years.

DeWitt Bacon

Jim, I see President Trump as trying to be a peacemaker, using diplomacy instead of bullets to win the wars. The problem is that Communists do not want to end wars. They want to dominate the world and will fight anyone getting in the way. They will only negotiate in a way that serves them. Trump has his work cut out for him trying to fight against an evil world. Even Trump is not strong enough to do that.

Michael Kelly

I'm not ready to throw Trump out with the Bath Water, Yet!!! But his style of negotiation with a Sociopath like Putin is not going to work. Putin's little cadre sent Trump a message a couple of weeks ago, which I see has having a lot to do with the favoritism shown Putin over Ukraine, as the expressed preference by the Reds at the meeting initially in Saudi Arabia was expressed as being held by the Reds without General Kellogg as he was not to their liking, especially since he was seen as being friendly with Zelensky. I probably get more news than most of you because I make a point of listening to the daily updates on YouTube from various sources, Ukrainian, American, British, and otherwise. The Ukrainians have for  the last two weeks concentrated on Oil Refineries, and many of them are situated around Moscow. Moscow is now on Fire. Putin is worried, that's why he is sniffimg around for a "deal" and as DeWitt says, Deals to Reds are just Ways they can take all your Marbles from You so that they can Rebuild and Begin Again.

Seems as if Trump is changing his opinion about Ukraine somewhat as news keeps coming in from the Reds.  

That Rumor I have heard seems to circulate around "ultra-religious" types who in my opinion, want to use the Rumor to Not Care and Save Money. 

As DeWitt says, God did not plan, or instigate any of mankinds Woes, they began with a Rebellion by Lucifer which is still ongoing hopefully for not much longer.

Trump has done an excellent Job stopping Border Traffic, down more than 95%, Manufacturing  is returning to the USA, along with the Jobs. He and Musk are rolling back some of the outrageous Spending that has become a Habit with the Democrats, and with Welfare Programs. 

Vaya Con Dios

David Rainwater

Gentlemen, based on various recent posts it appears: 1) your minds are made up, 2) no more research or information is required, 3) there is no point in finding common ground, and 4) some of you may actually hate Democrats (about half of your classmates BTW).  It seems the issue(s) is settled in your minds, so why not stop talking about politics?  What is the point?

DeWitt Bacon

David, you are correct in your statement. We have been at each other's throats over politics for years now, and I realize we aren't going to change anyone's minds. However, as long as we have freedom of speech, I would much rather discuss our differences in forums like this, rather than join senseless heated demonstrations on the streets. That only divides us further. And, by the way, I do not hate Democrats in general.  I know a lot of Democrats who are basically good people. I never would have known that my neighbor was a Democrat until I put a trump flag and signs in my yard. He simply let us know that he didn't like Trump. They have been good neighbors and friends with two beautiful, well-behaved daughters. The Democrats I have a problem with are those in Congress who seem to want to destroy our republic and constitution.

Earl Harris III

 David,

I want to thank you for your most recent post, #15162. I was settling into my chair at my desk with the purpose in mind of posting a message to this Forum when I came across yours. Your observations and conclusion mirror mine almost exactly. I wish you were still in Eugene. I’d love to have breakfast or a coffee with you again. If you’re ever in the area, please give me a call!

Former Classmates,

Over the past four years I have called for greater civility on this Message Forum. I’ve argued repeatedly that in order to develop a greater sense of community, we needed to show greater understanding and empathy for others. I’ve tried to make the argument that telling stories about our time in high school and beyond might be more beneficial than the damage that has often resulted from frequent tit-for-tat political sparring. I haven’t been alone in this effort to try and redirect some of the rancorous discourse that’s resulted in many men and women withdrawing from the Forum. 

I’m not going to use this space in my final post to argue with nor defend our democracy against Donald Trump’s dangerous and damaging words and actions. I won’t be trying to make my case for more fact-based research or the need to consider more balanced news sources. I won’t be using my final post to further question the policies being enacted by his administration along the lines delineated in the roadmap laid out in Project 2025. In this final post I’m going to steer clear of any further criticism of the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. 

And, lastly, in my final post as a 1965 Camelback graduate, I am not going to offer a counter argument to anything that has been posted since November following my nine month hiatus. It simply makes no sense for me to continue. I’ve said all that I need to say. As I mentioned in a recent post, I would like to live out the remainder of my life with as much happiness, humility, grace, and love that I can muster. It’s now time for me to shift my focus to doing things that will help me realize this. This is my final post. Come tomorrow, Monday, I will cease reading posts.

I hold no hatred nor animosity for any past classmate I came to know in high school or on this alumni site. Even those with whom I have disagreed with multiple times, I want you to know that I respect and care about you and wish you the very best health and happiness in life. 

Take care and best wishes!

Earl

Mary Powers (Evans)

Earl, if you are still reading the Forum for a few more hours, I'd like to say that I'm sad that you are leaving, but understand.  I've enjoyed getting to know you virtually, and like your well-organized and reasoned posts.  Best wishes to you also.

Jim Coats

Earl:  So you're going, eh?  Randy Cofer left for good about 5 or 6 times before it stuck.  I guess we'll see how it goes.  I will, however, shave very close for the reunion just in case you decide to give me a smack on the cheek.

I love your terminology...."rancorous discourse" that seemed to be directed at conservatives in your Aloha post.  If you don't mind, I may borrow that sometime.  It's a bit...what's the big word...condescending and that fits my mood from time to time.  And I love your 3rd paragraph wherein you stated  "I'm not going to......."  But with the very content of paragraph 3, you DID.  I got a chuckle out of that.

Let me remind you again (this is also directed to you, David) that everyone on the Message Forum was getting along just fine until Katie came back and lit it on fire.  When someone pokes the bear, they need to expect to get slapped.  And so it began again.

I think you're probably a pretty nice guy, Earl.  But your posts are very long and come across as exceedingly preachy.  At least to me because I'm a simple man.  I don't think this Forum is the place for a "Lincoln - Douglas debate".  As I have stated before, I have made my decision what side of the line I stand on and I don't need to discuss it a hundred times.  I can....for me....recognize right from wrong.  Here are some hi-lites:

NO boys/men playing in girls/womens sports.

There are two genders total.

I am totally in favor of eliminating fraud and excess in the Federal Government.

I am 100% in favor of a secure border and "getting rid of those who illegally came in."

I do not support negotiating with OR supporting terrorist organizations or members.  Period!

I believe in equal justice under the law and not lawfare.

And more....

AMERICA FIRST!!

Michael Kelly

Well I don't hate Democrats and really don't remember most of their names unless they go out of their way to make me have to remember them. I am glad if you are leaving that it makes you happy. I normally don't pursue negative inputs myself as they are probably a waste of time. Good Luck Earl. 

I hear all  kinds of strange things about putin, and his desire not to engage ih a Cease Fire for 30 days. Seems to be a waste of time at least  as far as he has Russians, Koreans, Africans, Chechyans, etc. to throw into the Trenches for further battles. Run out of Ammo, Run out of Bodies, Run out of Money, Run out of Fuel, Probably good time to Quit

Heard a Rumor that Radio Free Europe is going off the Air also. Have a good Sunday. 

Mary Powers (Evans)

Michael K.-- I think it's more than a rumor.  Many news reports are stating that there are funding cuts and journalists on leave.  

DeWitt Bacon

Earl, I hate to see you leave. We may disagree on some points. However, we are free to disagree as long as we do it respectfully. I appreciate how you state your opinions respectfully and in a well-thought-out way. Being able to state our opinions, whether about politics or anything else, is part of our constitutional freedom of speech. Keep in touch.

Frank Wiley

So, let's see.  New York Times latest polls on Trump range from 10% positive to negative 11%.  The latest CNN democrat poll rates the favor ability at 29%.  Even if you take Trumps lowest rating of 49% and subtract 29%, my 4th Grade math says Trump has a 20% advantage in favor of what he's doing?

Michael Kelly

Rush Limbaugh said that sometimes it was necessary to have a War to allow the two sides to adjust between themselves. People were aghast at his Temerity in expressing such a position and because he was a Conservator, he was also branded a Warmonger. This didn't seem to bother Rush in the least, He understood that as much as we all like Peace to reign amongst Earth's inhabitants, somehow, somewhere, at any time there are going to be people who have huge differences. They settle them by elimination of the opposition. That is what the ever mild, standard for the "Reasonable Man"  Putin was attempting to do when he casually gathered Troops on the Borders of the Ukraine in Feb. 2022 to March into Ukraine and claim it for what he considered Ukraine to rightfully be since the Times of Catherine the Great, I think it ticks off on History of the World around 1784. So he attempted ot invade Kyiv, but alas it did not work, the  Pesky Ukrainians weren't going to cooperate, and over 30 days later, when hundreds of  thousands of rounds were fired, thousands of Russian young men were dead, he said "It was all a Feint, I was actually going for Dombas" Right then and there is when all the Peace Lovers should have stepped in and said We are going to supply Ukraine with Weapons, Ammunition, Fighter Jets, Bombs, Missiles, Nukes, and whatever else it would take for Ukraine to win. 

We {the Universal We} did not do that, so many dead people later, babies, Familys, men, women, old people, etc. since have died. 

Putin is a Mod Dog Killer, Rabid, devoid of any evidence of a Truth Bone. You cannot make a "Deal" with him. BUT we can still say and do, what would bring a stop to the War. Give Ukraine what they need to perform an All Out Win. The USA should not be  allowed to send any more weapons, ammunition, money, etc. the American Public doesn't want it, we Shouldn't do it, Ukraine, with the help  of others voluntarily Will Win. Let others take the Credit for Helping. Ukraine is already willing to Pay Us Back, in Full and should be allowed to do so. Putin hopefully will be a dark smudge in the Pavement soon, and the whole World can celebrate Ukraine's Victory. We should allow it to progress unimpeded by our Govenment. 

Frank Wiley

Michael, I agree and pray it will happen.  It won't be easy!

Jim Coats

Today, Butch and Sundance (Suni) are coming home from the worst Gilligan's Island Tour (to the ISS) ever.  Regardless of your political persuasion, please say a little prayer that Elon Musk can bring them back safely.

Frank Wiley

Elon Musk said that he offered to bring back the two astronauts last summer but the Biden administration refused, and Elon thinks it was a political decision based on his support of Trump.  It's interesting that Scott Kelly (Az Senator Mark Kelly's twin brother) said politics had nothing to do with the two astronauts having to stay on the space station.  

Jim Coats

It looks like Tesla owners and dealerships are being attacked and firebombed.  I wonder why and by whom?  OH.....I'm sure it's those radical Republicans, right?  When will eyes be opened?