Welcome to the Richardson High School Message Forum.
The Message Forum is an ongoing dialogue among classmates. The goal is to encourage friendly interaction, including interaction among classmates who really didn't know each other. Experience on the site has revealed that certain topics tend to cause friction and hard feelings, especially politics and religion.
Although politics and religion are not completely off-limits, classmates are asked to be positive in their posts and not to be too repetitive or allow a dialog to degenerate into an argument.
Forums work when people participate - so don't be bashful! Click the "Post Response" button to add your entry to the forum.
So glad to see you’ve returned from your surgery to reassert your roles as political commentators and satirists.
As political scholars, it will be of interest for us to observe your contrast of leadership between POTUS 46 vs. 47…especially highlighting the experience in Trump’s 2nd term in 2025 while leading a very different American culture, and coercing the new worldwide politics under the Chinese hegemony.
As Bible scholars, let’s keep in mind that God uses both weak and strong leaders for his purposes…as described in ! & 2 Kings.
The 2 books chronicle the history of the Israelite kings (mostly corrupt and wickedly pagan), primarily focusing on how their obedience or disobedience to God's laws directly impacted the nation's fate, demonstrating that even weak or poor leaders can be used by God for His purposes, often through the actions of faithful prophets who challenge the kings to return to God; the key lesson is that God's sovereignty prevails even when human leadership is flawed.
Central theme: The story revolves around the reigns of various kings, highlighting how their decisions to follow God's laws or engage in idolatry led to blessings or curses for the nation.
Notable figures: King Solomon, known for his wisdom but later falling into idol worship, and prophets like Elijah and Elisha who often confronted the kings with God's message.
Division of the Kingdom: The narrative begins with a united kingdom under Solomon, but later splits into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
Lessons about leadership:
Impact of a leader's actions: The book repeatedly shows how the behavior of the king directly affected the well-being of the people.
God's use of imperfect leaders: Even when kings were weak or unfaithful, God could still use them to accomplish His purposes through the work of prophets and other faithful individuals.
Importance of obedience to God's law: The kings who followed God's laws experienced prosperity, while those who disobeyed faced consequences.
Example of God using a seemingly weak (sleazy womanizing scumbag) leader:
King Hezekiah of Judah: Though not initially a strong leader, Hezekiah later underwent a spiritual revival, leading to significant reforms and a period of national renewal [2 Kings 18-20].
Overall takeaway:
While the books of Kings often depict the failings of Israelite leaders, they ultimately demonstrate that God remains sovereign and can use even imperfect leaders to achieve His purposes if they are willing to listen to His prophets and turn back to Him.
Thanks as always for your kind words. I'm one of the gazillion examples of prodigal sons, and as you know, God and man have special places in their hearts for the folks redeemed from such sinful behavior(s).
And yes, your behavior is also so in need of reform, I don't know if I can stand your brand of sin anymore. Just kidding - hahahahaha!!! Don't change a thing (from my perspective).
Chief Jimi Bob the Jubilitant & Dismissive Objectioner
Here's another Portland, OR morning photo from my 9th cousin, 2x removed with Mount Hood in the background. He was born in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1972 and is half Cajun. He's a GREAT keyboards player and just received the best-keyboards award in the Portland area. He plays in several bands there. I gave my family tree to his mother and she LOVED it! I have at least 10 known cousin relationships with him. And yes, he's about my height with dark hair and light-colored eyes like I have (or had in the case of the hair - but I met him almost 15 years ago and he's getting fairly grey now also).
David C. Did you see Mahommes flop going out of bound? That is talent...
He was going out of bounds...so, just before he did, he slowed down to let the defender make contact...then, he threw his arms up in the air and fell down on his backside out of bounds...
The ref didn't call it. Now that' s good refereeing...
Lowell, I couldn't watch the whole game. Martha and I went to visit Pam Pearce Landy at Encompass Re-hab in Richardson. Pam is doing much better than when we saw her a couple of days ago at the hospital. Seems to be lots stronger and very alert.
Anyway, we got back to the house when the game was almost over. So I selected the option to watch highlight plays -- 39 of them. No, they didn't show the Mahomes flop, but he must be an NBA fan.
I liked seeing UT alum Xavier Worthy perform well, and of course TTU alum Mahomes.
I have been impressed with Worthy all season. The Texans have his twin in Tank Dell, who went to UH, but had a serious knee injury in their last game with KC. He was injured on a catch in the end zone, falling out of bounds, MCL and knee broken as well as dislocated by a team mate crashing into him on his jumping catch, coming down in bounds, but holding on to the ball. He's out perhaps until the playoffs next year...I don't know if he is as fast as Worthy...I'll google it...
Martha, Hull Barbee and I last visited Steve in mid-December. He was in good spirits, but I didn't see any improvement. He is in a facility that I would not want to be in.
After watching some of the Detroit Washington game last night I would say that defensive co ordinator for the Lions, Aaron Glenn is out of the running for the Cowboys coach.
Or, maybe not...that would make sense...for Jerry Jones.
With Pam now on the mend, and Jim's new brain...I'm sure we can expect smarter commentary and brighter things ahead for the health of the nation...and our youthful classmates....including our pal Steve!
Meanwhile, as the 20-degree wind howls outside my balcony door, I'm trying to stay warm and nursing a snotty cold.
So, now as the Trump Dream Team prepares to revamp the Dept. of Education, here's a little Democrat diddy you learned back at Heights Elementary, that's guaranteed to keep you smiling during this flu season!
Let's see. Washington, vastly improved with an exellent coach now and all the good personnel decisions (great rookie QB especially - wish we had him) won yesterday. McCarthy lasted 5 years with his defensive coordinator for the middle 3 years' being Dan Quinn, when they finished 12-5 each of those 3 years. McCarthy's other 2 seasons were losing seasons. Hmmmmmmmmmmm..................
I was just reading where Nancy Peloci is mad at the Bidens because they have not had any contact with her after her hip surgery. Jill Biden is mad at Nacy for helping force Joe out of the race for President. Joe is also mad at Nancy
I wonder what Jill Biden's motivation was in Joe Biden's decision to run for president in 2024 in spite of his saying in 2000 that he would only run for one term.
Possibilities:
She thought that he was the best person for the job.
It is what Joe wanted, and she was supportive of her husband.
She enjoyed the power, glamour, influence, and "juice" of the presidency, i.e. her own power..
President-elect Donald Trump is being inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States.
The day's schedule is as follows:
Morning Service: The day begins with a service at St. John's Episcopal Church in downtown Washington, D.C. Following the service, President-elect Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will proceed to the White House for tea with outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Statesman
Swearing-In Ceremony: Due to extremely cold weather, the swearing-in ceremony will be held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda, starting at 11:00 a.m. CT (12:00 p.m. ET). Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will take the oath of office first, followed by President-elect Trump, who will then deliver his inaugural address. Statesman
Musical Performances: The ceremony will feature performances by Carrie Underwood, who will sing "America the Beautiful," and Christopher Macchio, who will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner." Additional performances include Lee Greenwood and the Village People. People.com
Inaugural Luncheon: Following the swearing-in ceremony, President Trump and Vice President Vance will attend an inaugural luncheon with leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as invited guests. Wikipedia
Parade: Traditionally, a parade follows the swearing-in ceremony. However, due to inclement weather, the parade has been moved indoors and will take place at Capital One Arena at 3:00 p.m. ET. Wikipedia
Inaugural Balls: In the evening, three official inaugural balls are scheduled, featuring performances by artists such as Nelly, Rascal Flatts, and Jason Aldean. A larger number of unofficial balls have also been organized throughout the city. Wikipedia
Notable attendees include former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, as well as former First Ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton. Former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are also expected to attend.
The inauguration will be broadcast live by major news networks, including NBC, CNN, ABC, and Fox News. Viewers can also stream the event through services like Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and YouTube TV.
Service at St. John’s Episcopal Church: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump begin the day with a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a tradition for incoming presidents.
Tea at the White House: President Trump and the First Lady meet with outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.
Noon - Swearing-In Ceremony
Location: Capitol Rotunda (moved indoors due to cold weather).
Time: Ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. CT (12:00 p.m. ET).
Oath of Office: Vice President J.D. Vance takes the oath first, followed by President Trump.
Inaugural Address: President Trump delivers his speech, outlining his vision for his term.
Afternoon
Inaugural Luncheon:
Following the ceremony, there is a luncheon attended by Senate and House leaders, Cabinet members, and dignitaries.
Parade:
Traditionally held outdoors, the parade is relocated to Capital One Arena due to weather conditions.
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET.
Evening
Inaugural Balls:
Three official balls are scheduled in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by Nelly, Rascal Flatts, and Jason Aldean.
Several unofficial balls are hosted around the city.
Broadcast Details
Major Networks: NBC, CNN, ABC, Fox News, and more.
Streaming Options: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and other platforms.
THE TOP 10 ISSUES THAT WILL BECOME
EXECUTIVE ORDERS TODAY BY TRUMP:
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump is set to sign a series of executive orders addressing key issues. The top 10 anticipated actions include:
Border Security and Immigration: Declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, authorizing the deployment of U.S. troops, and directing the completion of the border wall. Reuters
Drug Cartels Designation: Classifying specific international drug cartels and criminal organizations as terrorist groups to enhance enforcement measures. Reuters
Pardons for January 6 Participants: Issuing presidential pardons for individuals convicted in relation to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Cadena SER
Energy Policy Reforms: Lifting restrictions on fossil fuel development, including authorizing hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. MarketWatch
Renaming Geographic Landmarks: Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and reverting Alaska's Mount Denali to its former name, Mount McKinley. New York Post
Immigration Policy Overhaul: Ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and planning increased immigration enforcement in certain cities. Cadena SER
Transgender Participation in Sports: Prohibiting transgender individuals from participating in women's sports to address concerns about fairness in competition. Cadena SER
Funding Restrictions on Abortion and Inclusion Programs: Cutting federal funding to organizations that support abortion rights and certain social inclusion programs. Cadena SER
Stalling Federal Ban on TikTok: Issuing an order to halt the implementation of a federal ban on the social media platform TikTok. MarketWatch
Establishing a U.S. Bitcoin Reserve: Implementing measures to support the cryptocurrency industry, including the creation of a U.S. bitcoin reserve and a crypto advisory council. MarketWatch
These executive orders reflect President Trump's agenda to reshape policies on immigration, national security, energy, and social issues....while departing D.E.I.
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