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.

David Cordell

Jim B. and Tommy,

Take it off line.`

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

David you said:

Sandra,

Yes, the speaker situation is a clusterf*ck. 

Matt Gaetz is not a Republican or a conservative. He is a Gaetzian. A punk. I would like to see a cartoon of a baby with Gaetz's face substituted for the baby's.

My response:  Agreed.  Matt Gaetz is a punk.  I will add he likes the press and limelight.  But to put his mug on this adorable baby is a crime.

That said, only 8 Republicans voted to remove McCarthy -- 4%. All the Democrats -- over 200 -- did. It was a big yuck at the time, but Democrats had it totally within their power to stop the insanity if just a handful had peeled off. As usual, they voted` in a unified block.

There can be no political middle ground -- no moderation --  when one side votes together on almost every issue. Party discipline cuts both ways.

Even now, Democrats should recognize that Hakeem Jeffries is not going to be elected speaker and agree to support a Republican without expecting anything in return other than the knowledge that they are doing the right thing.

My response:  So all things being equal, if the Democrats were in the majority, and  had changed the rules to oust the Speaker like the Republicans did, with one member able to bring it to the floor for a vote with 8 others (or 4%) going against the party to oust Nancy Pelosi, then all of the GOP could “do the right thing” and vote to reinstate her, or better yet, vote for one of the Democrats for Speaker despite being against everything your party stands for and with expectations of nothing in return.  Can you hear me laughing??? 

Then there was Jim Jordan, who chairs a committee to impeach Biden.  Now there are 8 new candidates with 8 being election deniers.  Which one should the Democrats vote for?    What did you call this?  A Clusterf*ck.  Well I agree with that. 

Reminder.  The GOP holds the majority in the House of Representatives.  They can come together and vote for what is good for the country.  The big question is, when will all the cry babies put on their big boy pants and do it.

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

The plan to make Texas kids stupid.

How to spend a half a billion dollars of tax payer money to serve less than 1% of the population and shut down public schools in Texas, not to mention Friday Night Lights.  Coming next, for profit tiny "private schools" in rural counties with no accountability and substandard education just to collect the $8,000 per student.

David Cordell

Great series. Happy for Rangers. My wife took it pretty well.

Unfortunately, the Rangers are not great at home, and they have home field advantage.

Apparently, Bryan Abreu has really bad aim. Or not. I can't remember seeing a batter get hit on the inside of the thigh on the back leg.

David Cordell

I take it back. Altuve got hit in the inside of the thigh of the back leg. Coincidence?

Jerry May

David,

Abreu was indeed off again......or something. He hit Mitch Garver in the ribs!  And Aroldis Chapman (big man) of the Rangers hit Chas McCormick in the leg with that 104 mph fast ball!

I never seen so many hits and near misses in any one series! Go figure.

And this losing at home has become a trend for these two teams......hope it doesn't carry over~jm

David Cordell

Forum readers:

I don't know what Jim B. was referring to about Tommy. Maybe it wasn't even on this forum. I don't know what Tommy may or may not have said/done, so I don't accuse him of anything. He assures us of his innocense, and I will leave it at that. That said, the two of them can discuss the issue elsewhere.

Jim Bedwell

David C,

Sorry for having put you into this position.

I must admit I likely jumped the gun. Now I'm of the opinion that Tommy was NOT involved in the kerfuffle I was involved with. So I'm refuting the charge I made in that offensive post. HOWEVER I'm not 100% sure of that. In spite of Tommy's improvement since his last return, his and my relationship needs to end. We have almost nothing in common and I enjoy it not AT ALL. Enough said.

Tommy, I would apologize to you, but then I thought why should I? From what I gathered from Steve's comments about you over the years, you did some very underhanded things toward him on both forums, I think. And then there's the entire Ron & Sue Daly fiasco, which was truly narcissisticly pathetic in its duration. Hey, I'm a practical joker too, but that was ridiculous. I'm to the point now with you, where I was with my 2 marriages. Namely, I have ZERO trust in you or what you have to say, and once the trust is gone, it's pretty much irretrievable. So who knows, if you ever reach out or I ever see you again, if I'll acknowledge that, but I wouldn't count on it. Just a heads up.

And like we've all probably heard by now, just because I may have proved paranoid in this latest instance, it doesn't mean that they're NOT out to get me! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim Bedwell

Lady Lanajuju,

Yes, I try not to miss Levin. He's just too smart and insightful. Plus his research is truly superlative, similar to Ann Coulter with the tens of pages of source references in the back of his books always. I heard his talking a couple of weeks ago about his new book - he was saying how racist, southern Dem Woodrow Wilson & the Congressional Dems resegregated the military after World War I and then the federal bureaucracy. Also Wilson's administration was when they brought the IRS back (created originally in the Civil War to cover war costs) and took the selection of US Senators away from the state legislatures and made them electable by the populace, etc. ad nauseum, all "Progressive"/Dem (Marxist) moves leading, with many other things, to the mess we're in today.

And could you believe the Fool in Chief talking about the "new world order", which falls right in line with the book of Revelation? Of course dumb, gone Joe doesn't know what he's saying since he's told what to say and do by rotten Obama & Co., but it's horrifically odd that these world rulers in control are not only walking in lock-step with one another, but also matching scripture in their statements though unwittingly of course since none of them are likely saved. OK, maybe not so odd. But the way this new world order is coming about so quickly has surprised me a lot. I thought we were years away from the Return, albeit only a very few years, but we may be a lot closer than we realize since Israel is going to be under such pressure from without FROM EVERYBODY from now on, it seems. And after all, we both know that His Coming will be just as the world is surrounding Israel about to go in and do their evil thing.

Chief Jimi Bob

David Cordell

Tommy,

You seem to enjoy putting me on the spot on this forum. It is tiresome, but now I have to respond. You want a public flogging of Jim B., right? I'm not going to do that. I prefer to contact people off-line. I indicated that I don't know of anything you did (or rather didn't do), and that is enough. He subsequently indicated that he was wrong. So be it. I suggest that you skip any posts by Jim B. since he seems to cause you grief. 

Jim B.,

I don't see any benefit to anyone in your interacting with or referring to Tommy on this forum. And it is rarely helpful to bring up old, unpleasant issues with other forum posters, either.

David Cordell

Jim B.,

I hereby admonish you for falsely accusing Tommy of doing something that, even according to you, he apparently didn't do.

Now, please do me a favor. Don't engage with or even mention Tommy on this site, not even in jest or with absence of malice.

Any interaction you have with him inevitably lands on me. It's not my idea of a good time.

Jim Bedwell

After communicating with David and reviewing my post, I realize that I was a bit harsh toward Tommy. My apologies to him.

David C,

Guilty, guilty, guilty (AGAIN!!! RATS!!!). I hereby accept your official admonishment publicly and humbly. Sorry for the trouble I've caused you here. And you really have a way with words. I especially like your phrase "absence of malice". I think I'll go write a screenplay today with that title! Thanks!

David Cordell

Thanks, Jim. 

All,

I hope we can go forward with a minimum of conflict. Social media has a way of reducing everyone's respectfulness.  If anyone feels a need to trash someone else, please use private emails or texts. If you need an email address or cell number, let me know.

David Cordell

Sandra,

Finally, a Speaker of the House -- Mike Johnson of Louisiana. And I like him. He is conservative and articulate. (No, no. Don't say that's a contradiction in terms!)

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

I agree, David, that Mike Johnson is a conservative, good man, and quite capable of managing the job.  I think he is very much like Jim Jordan, who should have gotten the position but for Jordan's association with Trump.  However, I believe Johnson is a supporter of Trump too, agreeing with most of Trump's policies.  It's just that the public doesn't know Johnson as well, and therefore, they are not as knowledgeable of his voting record, most probably.  Johnson is also pro-life, which is so nice to hear.  The murdering of unborn babies is detestable and Nazi-like, to me, not to mention that 'murdering' is one of the 'no-nos' of The Ten Commandments that too many Americans are ignoring.  We used to have The Ten Commandments plaques hanging in our public schools.

Thank you Louisiana folks(!) for Mike Johnson, and also for Senator Kennedy.

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

David,

My mother and father would have said this about the House Speaker, "eindelijk".  It is Dutch for, finally.  It is pronounced, "end-lich".  The end.  Perhaps the beginning of yet something else.  Did they change the House rules?  Can some "punk" as you put it in an earlier post, still move to vote to oust the Speaker Johnson if he doesn't tow the line with the 8 or 9 who seem to feel converative is not conservative enough?  I am assuming the rules stay, for now.  We will see if the new Speaker can endure the pressure from his own party.  At least Trump approves.  We can all sigh a relief with that.

That said, I heard his speach to the House and Mr. Johnson seems reasonable.  Work across the isle?  We will see just what gets done and what doesn't. 

Jim,

Thank you.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

You mean 'work across the aisle', like Pelosi and Schumer did so well in the past?

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

Yes!  Absolutely!!!

The Democrats are going to get blamed for everything anyway.  Might as well go for it.

David Cordell

Sandra,

I haven't heard that the stupid Gaetz rule has been removed. In fact, I suspect that Gaetz and others might have voted "nay" if it had been removed. On the other hand, I doubt that anyone will try to pull that trick again. It's radioactive. If Gaetz did it again, he'd probably be risking his life.

I think Johnson will be a good Speaker, but I don't know if he will be as effective as a money raiser compared to McCarthy (or Pelosi).

Jim Bedwell

Sandra,

Thank you for saying that to me. I really do appreciate it.

Jim Bedwell

Lady Lanajuju,

Thanks for doing my homework again. Sounds like Mike Johnson will be just fine. And I agree with Sandra's past cartoon of the last week or so - it's ABOUT TIME!!!!

David Cordell

Got this in an email. Can you identify the 1970s songs with these lyrics? Title and artist. Some are easy. Some, not. Answers below.

1. Don't it always seem to go / That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone?
2. If not for you, my sky would fall / Rain would gather, too / Without your love I'd be nowhere at all / I'd be lost, if not for you.
3. We all have pain / We all have sorrow / But if we are wise / We know that there's always tomorrow.
4. It's easy to get buried in the past / When you try to make a good thing last.—
5. I hope you hear inside my voice of sorrow / And that it motivates you to make a better tomorrow.
6. Made up my mind to make a new start / Going to California with an aching in my heart.
7. Oh it's such a perfect day / I'm glad I spent it with you.
8. Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.
9. Your time has come to shine / All your dreams are on their way.
10. Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me.
11. We're just two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl year after year.
12. And now she's in me / Always with me / Tiny dancer in my hand.
13. They say women, they will come and they will go / When the rain washes you clean, you'll know.
14. Well I wouldn't trade my life for diamonds or jewels / I never was one of them money-hungry fools / I'd rather have my fiddle and my farmin' tools / Thank God I'm a country boy.
15. We are family / I got all my sisters with me / We are family / Get up everybody and sing.
16. You've got to know when to hold 'em / Know when to fold 'em / Know when to walk away / And know when to run.
17. Baby, if I think about you / I think about love / Darlin', if I live without you / I live without love.
18. I got chills, they're multiplying / And I'm losing control / 'Cause the power you're supplying / It's electrifying!
19. When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me / Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
20. Time may change me / But I can't trace time.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

1. Joni Mitchell, “Big Yellow Taxi,” 1970
2. Bob Dylan, “If Not for You,” 1970
3. Bill Withers, “Lean on Me,” 1972
4. Neil Young, “Ambulance Blues," 1974
5. Stevie Wonder, "Living for the City," 1973
6. Led Zeppelin, "Going to California," 1971
7. Lou Reed, "Perfect Day," 1972
8. Kris Kristofferson, "Me and Bobby McGee," 1971
9. Simon & Garfunkel, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," 1970
10. Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody," 1975
11. Pink Floyd, "Wish You Were Here," 1975
12. Elton John, “Tiny Dancer,” 1971
13. Fleetwood Mac, “Dreams,” 1977
14. John Denver, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” 1974
15. Sister Sledge, “We Are Family,” 1979
16. Kenny Rogers, “The Gambler,” 1978
17. Bad Company, “Feel Like Making Love,” 1975
18. John Farrar, “You’re the One That I Want,” 1978
19. The Beatles, “Let It Be,” 1970
20. David Bowie, "Changes," 1972

Ron Knight

To All

I can only imagine if I had this Forum and not David, what would it be like? 

The bombastic responses I have heard and read from some would set my hair on fire! I am sorry Lance, but you have been very aggressus in so many of your posts. Some would say pompous as well. Your broadcast email blasting David was at the least errogent on your behalf. Forget asking David for an apology, how about David asking you for one! I would have deleted everything of yours too if you had pushed me that far.

Tommy, I love you. But, for reasons that only you and David will really know caused a divide within our class. I know that David said anyone can go start their own website and you did. It has in my mind created a divide that probably should have not occured had things could have been worked out.

To David and Tommy; a lot of us lurkers would probably be more enguaged if there was not so much political banter and religious fervor brow beaten upon our heads. 

When we were all in grade school, junior high and high school we never gave a moments thought about politics or religion to our classmates. We all just cared so much about each other for who we were and took it at face value. In my heart of hearts I think that is what David tried to create with the 1969 RHS Eagles Forum.  But only a few basically ruined it for all of us that wanted to go back and remember the good old days when time and life for us was so simple. Of the lurkers I know, we have just decided to not be a part of it anymore. We don't care to be involved with all the political banter or religious banter either. Politics and religion are to our kind very private.

Peace and love to all

David Cordell

Ron,

Yes, we need to be constantly reminded of the passage at the top of this page.

Someone like you can help -- interrupting the flow by bringing up interesting but not very controversial topics, like music, although we can disagree about music too.

Beatles! Stones! Beatles! Stones!

By the way, did you take the lyrics quiz?

Holly Hobby

Right or wrong, below is a copy of my email to Lance, Sandra  copying David (along with who knows else if I did accidentally press "reply all.")  I'm afraid to look.

Watching me type away at lightning speed laughing m y husband said "like  a moth  to a flame you've just  gotta just chime in on the latest class squirhmish." "Well someone has to!"  "Or what?" he asked.   He did have a good point.  "I don't know" I said. For some reason it just seems uniquely  sad."   So here it is. 

Hi Sandra and Lance.

I was saddened to read your emails.  With all my heart I believe both of you and David are good souls. At your core, gentle souls.

In no manner am I minimizing your feelings, much less discounting them. Whether a stranger; acquaintance; friend or classmate (the latter easily spanning all three) I don’t like kmowing someone feels hurt. Devalued.  Treated unjustly or any combination thereof; none of which you may feel.   But in the event you might, a couple of thoughts, hopefully in some small way comforting.

First, Lance, I am so very sorry all your thoughts; emotion; photos and images are forever gone. Understandably you would feel gutted. I must believe David didn't realize its permanency.  But remember this: whether visible or not, you’re still a good man. An adoring and adored father, a friend and loved by many. Do not despair.

Sandra, do not for a moment think anyone would (could) think you've been untruthful.  You simply don't have it in you.  You could live a thousand years and nothing could daunt your bright light.  You'll always be that adorable little girl who emanates everything good, right and true.  And all with an inimitably potent splash of sass.  You too, are a friend to many and loved by all. 

And so is David.  Just like my feelings for you, my affection for him remains resolute.  I read somewhere, were you to take a pen and piece of paper and draw a straight line from the left until the line runs off the page, then go back to the beginning of the line and mark small dot, it would look something like this:   .______________________________________________________________________

The small dot represents our time here.  The infinite line represents forever and ever and ever with no end.  So just a thought: when hurting, sad, angry, disappointed; vilified; bemused; betrayed (you get the picture)  in the end few things will have really mattered.  Among them is how we treated others.  The kind of life we lived.  How we hope to be remembered.  It's a safe bet we won't reminiscing over what someone thought about us.  Even a safer bet, we won’t be reminiscing over who said or did what on our high school forums.

Lance, moments ago I saw where David apologized for the deletion of your posts, photos and images. I believe him.  I also believe sometimes David is like an Oreo cookie; hard on the outside, soft (hearted) within.  Because of that, I won't be surprised if he allows you back on the forum.  He's that kind of guy.  Neither will I be surprised if you summarily reappear, the two of you settling into a happy (okay, tolerable) mutual existence, keeping an eye on that tiny dot on the far left edge of the paper.   As for you sweet Sandra, I'll buy the wine; you pick the place.  Plan on hanging for hours. And hours.  Abundant love for each of you.