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. 

Lester Cox

DeWitt and all, Vince Gill and Patty Lovelace performed that song at George Jones funeral. Easy to find on YouTube. I think that might be my favorite rendition of Vince's song honoring his brother. Such a genuine and wonderful person. I've never heard anyone every say anything negative about him. 

DeWitt Bacon

Jim, I also remember Win. I wish I could see that film. I have studied Wyatt Earp extensively over the years, and the gunfight at the O.K. Coral.  Knowing Win's knowledge of the west and western folklore, I'm sure he pointed out that the gunfight was not actually at the corral but in the alley behind it, next to Fly's photography studio. Speaking of Fly, he took some rather racy photos of Wyatt's girlfriend and later wife, Josephine Marcus. The original image is still available if you know where to look. Most of the pictures have been retouched to hide some of Josaphine's -well, uh, shall we say-treasures? lol  I could go on, but that's enough for now.

Frank Wiley

So, as we come into the 4th of July Holiday I first celebrate the Patriots who made it possible in 1776 when they stood up to the greatest military power at that time and WON.  Great Brittan continued to pursue the dominance of Our Country.  Democracy is not perfect.  It will never be perfect!  In other words, Democracy is not a form of Government in which everyone is happy with decisions the government makes, including me.  But, this celebration of Independence Day I have mixed emotions about the budget and the "Big Beautiful Bill".  I believe in the, "Laffer Curve" google it--(and yes, I spelled it correctly even though Democrats criticize the curve) and I think the Bill with adjustments is going to promote growth.  For you Conservatives on this site (and any fair thinking Kennedy Democrats) I want you to focus on all the positives that have happened since Trump took office.  If Kamala had taken office--1. The Border would be open so None of these PROVEN Criminals would have been arrested and/or deported.  2.Iran would still be developing a Nuclear weapon.  3. Your Granddaughters would be competing with men/boys with the blessing of the President.  I could go on but you get my message.  God Bless America!!!!!!  P.S.  Any on this site that think any of my three above are acceptable you should not even, remotely think of themselves as American Patriots!!!  I repeat myself, "GOD Bless AMERICA!!  Thanks

Michael Kelly

Lots of great Reading today, Folks.  As great Guitarists, I didn't read the name of Stevie Ray Vaughn, or maybe I just missed it. I don't particularly cotton to his musical style, but we all have our favorites, Vince Gill is my modern favorite, and the Lead Guitarist for Brooks and Dunn, the man can play a Guitar as in the rendition of "You Don't Know Me" by Ronnie Dunn. Worth the Listen. 

As to the obliteration of the Iranian Evil MissileNuke Program, for all you sophisticated 'Doubters"  heres a question to Test your Logical Skills visa-vie Strategic Warfare. As Hostile as Iran has been towards the 'Great Satan" (Us) if they have Nukes that you believe most assiredly survived the Bombing of their Fafcilities, Then I'll bet you 100 Bucks that Iran won't be able to deliver a Nuke on Us within the next 180 days, Right around Dec. 31, 2025 I'll pay up if I'm wrong, Pretty Safe Bet I tihink. Why? Cause if they got one, why haven't they launched it yet you Geniuses!!!!! And if they do,then you probably won't be around to collect the Bet from me, most of us will be Cosmic Dust.

As to Trump, he has done a Great Job Overall. I think if I got to know him, we would be able to argue with each other over  almost everything and still be sidekicks. However, he is not tough enough on Putin and if he would get tough on Putin, Putin might just go off the deepend and someone could, as Eraserhead said in a Duck Twacy Cartoon, Rub Him out. 

Lester Cox

Bill O'Reilly's message for today, how the hell do we fix this? 

Michael Wetzel

Lester, I couldn't agree with you more !. That is not, the way politics should function.....

Michael, now you your talking my kind of music, with Brooks and Dunn !......

Jim Coats

OK....for story tellers, how about Bob Seger, Turn The Page.  I really like his scratchy voice, but he's got some range too.

Then listen to Like a Rock.  See if that doesn't take you back to when you were 18.....and then some.

Michael Kelly

Money Lester, seems to be the "Coin of the Realm" pun intended, for both parties nowadays. As a contributor, I've noticed that my Gmail is glutted with solicitations from the Republicans, several times daily, to the point where I know  that they barely got situated in their DC Offices and they were back on the Fundraising Trails, and it seems that the Democrats have more Billionaires on their side, than the Republicans have, for the emails always talk in the hundreds of milions and how the whole Flotilla is going  to  Crash on the Rocks of  Financial Doom if I don't send them a Mere Whatever to bolster their Campaign. If you keep up with the Bible, Book of Revelation, it seems that the World is heading for the Final Curtain. And, the AntiChrist will appear to lead everyone to a False Security under his/her leadership. Perhaps He She will be recognizable as 666 if they are able to Run for Office with No Money and Win. 

Frank Wiley

Good observations Lester and Michael!  

Lester Cox

A partial answer would be term limits. At least after a few years, we would always have members who are terming out and don't need to be beholding to anyone as reelection is no longer a possibility. Why on earth we put a term limit on the President and not members of congress is ridiculous. 87% of the people favor term limits yet the will of the people is ignored by 535 members of congress. Fire them all and start over.

DeWitt Bacon

Happy 4th of July. Here in Arkansas, we are allowed to have Fireworks. We plan to hold our annual fireworks show in our front yard, as many of our neighbors do.

Frank, I agree. It is astonishing how much politicians have to spend on their campaigns. I can't help but wonder how much it cost George Washington to run for President. According to my fading memory of history, I figured it cost him one dollar. That would be the dollar he threw across the Patomic to his campaign manager. He must have earned that dollar by selling the wood from the cherry tree he cut down. 

A little humor for our Independence Day.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Jim Coats

218 - 214!  The "Big Beautiful Bill" passed!  Now the Republicans need to ride that wave and get some work done.

Frank Wiley

It's really GREAT that sometimes Good Guys Finish First!!  Mike Johnson somehow brought almost all the Republicans together to pass the OBBB.  Happy 4th of July to all!!

Lester Cox

Brad Musil

Fellow classmates;

This is possibly the single most important message I have ever posted on this forum… PLEASE take it to heart and follow up on this.

Some of us are happy and celebrating the passing of President Trump’s ‘Big Beautifull Bill’; however, there are unintended consequences… one of which is, we have added another approximately 3.5 trillion dollars to our nation’s deficit.

As our esteemed college Mr. Jim Coats is want to say:  “FOLLOW THE MONEY”

Unfortunately, most Americans have no idea of what money is.  Now I know the majority of the class of ’65 have done very well for themselves in this regard, but still have no idea about what is really going on with our monetary system. And… this is key to understand what is going on in with our political system… and specifically, the Federal Reserve.

The book ‘The Creature from Jekyll Island’ by G. Edward Griffin explains it all!  This is a heavy read, but absolutely necessary if you really want to know what and why thing are as they are.  I assure you will be amazed that this happened and disheartened, but enlightened.  This should be a MUST read for all highschoolers.  Paraphrasing Henery Ford, If the American people really understood this, there would be revolution in the streets tomorrow!

Here is a fifty-minute YouTube video that is a Cliff Notes summation of the book; however, without reading the book some of it will not be entirely clear.  That is my opinion because I read the book first.  The (Proven) Conspiracy That Built The Fed and Destroyed The Middle Class | Tom Bilyeu Deepdive - YouTube

What ever you do… do NOT fall for this MMT crap (Modern Money Theory) because it is based on the premise that our government creates our money.  It does NOT!  Every dollar is borrowed from the Federal Reserve, our government just PRINTS the money… it does NOT create it!!!

In the book you will come to the understanding that our deficit can NEVER be repaid!  It’s complex and depressing; however, it will open your eyes as to what and why everything is unfolding the way it is.  More specifically, you will understand why our monetary system is teetering on the brink of collapse and the dollar is under threat.  The political theater we see is just designed to deceive us, and hiding the real problem.

At our age there is little time left for us to ensure our future, but if you intend to leave something behind for your children or grandchildren this is a MUST read… and take action!

MyBest, Brad Musil

Michael Kelly

HAPPY JULY FOURTH, INDEPENDENCE DAY. Much appreciate Lester the Imagery you Posted to commemorate this Day. Brad Musil, for those of us intellectually challenged with a Practical Bent, your Reading will be studied. The rest of us will continue to consume Flat Screen Images, while we Graze pastures and Shepherds will keep us together for Shearing Later. 

Trump and DeSantis have come up with a type of Incarceration for /illegal immigrants with Felony Records, that Borders (yes. pun intended) on Brilliant. The Fence that Surrounds "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades, is not a Fence to keep Prisoners from Escaping, rather, it keeps them Safe, Safe from being Eaten 

The Philosophy of Criminal Law varies with the Age of the Defendant. When a defendant is a teenager, the Legal Theory that Anchors Juvenile Punishment is called Rehabilitation. The overall Goal of Juvenile Law is to create conditions that Guide the Defendant towards changing their behavior. Getting them to decide to be a Contributing Citizen, rather than a Habitual Lawbreaker. But, in justaposition, the Theory of the Law behind Punishment of Adult Defendants, Focusses on the violence and Severity of Crime they are conficted of committing. The Philosophical Focus is on Retribution, not Rehabilitation. The Adult Convicted Criiminal faces periods of Incarceration unless unusual circumstances dictate an Exception. 

This is why the Trump/DeSantis Detaining of Illegal Alien Felonious Criminals is so genius. You stay confinced, you ultimately get to go home, No Rewards, No Exceptions, No Teeth Marks, No Missing Limbs. You Dare the confines, engage in Escape, Just have a Tattoo, because it may become a part of somoeone's purse, or Western Boots. 

Both Altrnatives Serve as Deterrence probably more efficiently than all others that have gone before. I ordered my T-Shirt yesterday, Allgator Alcatraz, all over the Internet.

DeWitt Bacon

Brad, I appreciate your comment on the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' However, I have a different viewpoint.

First, no one has ever said that the bill is perfect, and it does require a significant amount of money to be spent. However, it will be costly to rebuild our country after the disastrous administration that preceded this administration. We have the strongest economy and the strongest military in the world. However, we must be able to grow our economy and military to sustain our ability to defend ourselves against our enemies. This bill provides for a lighter tax burden on everyone. Not just the rich. History has shown that whenever taxes are reduced, revenue is increased. Higher taxes actually reduce the increase. Higher taxes always mean more money for the liberals to waste. President Trump is putting the country back on the right track. We are, as Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg Address, a nation OF THE PEOPLE-BY THE PEOPLE-FOR THE PEOPLE,  not the other way around, as the Marxists would have it.

Michael Wetzel

Brad, I couldn't agree with you more. Wise, and Excellent common sense as always. We need more intelligent individuals such as you in this world, thank you...You da man.................

Michael Kelly

Michael W. Yes, I do enjoy Brooks and Dunn. Ronny Dunn has got a great Voice. The lead Guitartist in their Group is a wizard with the lead as in the Song ":You don't Know Me" that Dunn sings so well. it is the Ray Charles standard, done the Ronny Dunn way. You may have already listened to her, Jennifer Nettles, of Sugarland fame, and Dunn sings a Song she did called "Stay" that is a great hit for her, and Dunn sings it to commemorate her performance at a CMR back some years ago. Great. He also dces a Duet with her on a Song called "I"m going to Let Him Fly" that had everybody out of their chairs at its finish. Another Group you all would like, and they are not Communists, but they are from Russia and Ukraine, called Leonid and Friends, and they do a Chicago song called "Street Player" that will have old rickety never dancers out of your Seat and Dancing it is done so Well. This Group is doing Nationwide Tours this Fall and they will probably do a performance in Phoenix. Worth the Listening. 

On the 3.5 Trillion in new Debt, Trump seems to think that more than half of that will be recovered with equalization of Tarriffs between our Exports/Imports and those of other Countries, I Hope So. I heard an Ex General named McMaster on FOX News today talking about his view on the Iran bombing and how much it has set back Iran, and he thinks it is very Substantial. He also said that Trump is coming to Grips with the real status of Putin, that Putin is a murdering Psychopath and should not get a WH Christmas Card come December 2025. I hope this is true, and the Genius Trump has been playing Putin on a lever only 3 dimensial Chess Players play each other. 

Frank Wiley

The Dems keep preaching about the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) negative scoring of the OBBB.  All the scorers are Registered Democrats.  I'm sure there is no bias?  (toungue in cheek)

Lester Cox

Brad, I have not read the book, however I have read the cliff notes of the book. I'm currious as to exactly what action you would advise others to take in light of your post. 

Brad Musil

Lester, in answer to your quiry... it is very simple.  HARD MONEY!  By that I mean invest in Gold & Silver and take possesion!  There is a great deal of information on YouTube regarding this and we have one of the pundints right here in Phoenix... Lynett Zang.  She has an office on Central Avenue.  IMy wife and I had a thirty minute meeting with her that turned into 3 1/2 hours... great inforamtion!  Basically, that meeting confirmed I was doing everything correctly that I could.  Her information is readily available on the web.  AND... definetly DO NOT invest in Gold & Silver ETF's!!!  Those are leveraged as high as 130:1 and it's paper gold, just a worthless as our paper dollars.

Lester... as you learned, our money system is corrupt to the very core and the only way to protect yourself is to have 'money' outside the system.  And that means Gold & Silver coins (USA minted). That minting is very important because Regan, in the 1984 coinage act, explicity stated that ALL coinage minted subject to that act is to be considered 'numismatic' in nature.  That is very important becase... numismatic coins were exempt from confiscation by President Roosevelt.  While there is in fact no mention of exemption in the law... that was what was declared and what happened!  That is specifically (my opinion) why Regan, in signing the 1984 Coinage Act, explixity inserted that language regarding 'numismatic' designation.

It has always been the case throughout history, that when a reserve 'fiat' currency fails... eveyone runs to gold & silver for safety.  In fact the World Bank, just a few years ago, finally elevated GOLD into the tier one status, thus joining the US dollar as the only two in tier one.  Subsequent to that recalssification, the world has witnessed unparalled  purchasing and repatriation of gold by the world's central banks.  And that is still occurring today.  ALL the countries central banks have purchased more gold in the last three years than in the previous 50 years combined!  WHY?!  What do they know that we don't?  Gold has increased in value 166.1% in the last 10 years.  BUT... did gold really increase in value OR... did the dollar decrease in value?  I think you know the answer.  Theoretically our dollar since 1913 as decreased in purchaing power to 3 cents today.

Lester, as I stated earlier there are 'exxperts' offering their opinions for free over on YouTube.  Rick Rule, Andy Schetman, Jim Rickards, Peter Schiff, and Lynette Zang are just a few that are souding the warning regarding the future of our dollar.  Nixon killed the dollar by revoking the conversion to gold,  That just opened the flood gates for the Ferderal Reserve to fire up the printing presses and started the flight from the dollar.  China especially is withdrawing from our treasury notes and importing gold at an unprecidented pace.  

I say we have 18 months to perhaps 3 years to get ourselves financially situated before the final collaps of the dollar.  Then it will be CBDC's or something equally as sinister.  Holding hard money (Gold & Silver coins) IN YOUR POSSESION will be the only slavation.  That, and possibly realestate (homes and land); however, the government can always raise property taxes to the point we can't afford to pay them.  And... by the way... that is how the government will force us into CBDC's... that will be the ONLY way to pay taxes!

Lester, once you understand the 'Creature from Jekyll Island' everything that is unfolding regarding our money will finally make sense... and the only way out is to remove ourselves from the system... by holding physical gold and silver.  

Our 'education system' has intentionally hid the truth regarding our money system from us, and the only way to ensure our financial freedom is through educating ourselves and then taking the action I have suggested.  I wish you and all my classmates success on your journey to financial freedom... a journey I started in 1970.

Brad Musil

Lester, it occurs to me that I offered less the Cliff Note's reasoning for my answer.  I did offer a few reasons behind my recommendation; however, there are many reasons and much rationel behind my view.

The 'KEY' is understanding 'The Creature from Jekyll Isand'.  Once one has assimilated that, all the rest falls into place, like tumblers in a lock, it's becomes undenieable.  That said: if you would like to engaged in a more in depth discussion (this goes for ALL my classmates) feel free to message me here, or directly to my email: bmusil@aznetgate.net, and we can go into it after an exchange of phone numbers.

Disclosure: I only offer this as my opinion!  And I have to benifical interest in your choices.  Others should do their own homework with regard to their unique financial decisions and investing.  I am making my decisions based on thousends of years of history. Wiser men than me have stated: those who ignor history are destined to repeast the mistakes of the past.

Educating yourself is the answer... I will offer my assistance if desired.

MyBest... Brad

Brad Musil

So sorry gang:

That should read "NO benifical interest... (fingers don't work as well as my brain).

Once again I would encourage members to click the link in my prior post that started this.  It's only 50 minutes, but it could change your life!

MyBest... Brad

Lester Cox

Brad, thanks for your explanation and opinions. I do have a bit of silver and gold, physical and safely kept in a remote location. I try to add more silver every quarter and have recently increased my gold holdings. I like to collect Roosevelt dimes as I believe them to be about 90% pure silver and if the crash did come, they will be easy to use as currency based on silver values. Also have a lot of liberty coins and silver shot. I think it might be a bit hard to try and shave off a couple grams of gold from a one ounce coin to go buy some bread. I also recently bought some 1 gram bars, and a few Mexican coins, about 2 1/2 grams each. I probably don't have enough hard currency and will invest more towards a goal to double or triple my holdings. Thanks again for the information, my nephew has been conveying the same ideas to me for years. By the way, all my investments in silver and gold have appreciated nicely. Thanks again Brad