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.
If your son wants to go into the military the best place to go is A&M. A&M has the most officers outside of the academys. During WW ll there were more Aggies that West Point.
If he does not go into the military he can et a"Leadership Certificate" which is highly prized industry. They feel they can be fast tracked into management.
Your naivete' about why people of the Dallas metroplex are uncomfortable about that EPIC project, is a bit silly, dontcha' think?
You know very well that the Islamic Holy Book states clearly for all to read, that their faith calls on them to obliterate ALL religions of the world that ARE NOT the Islamic religion, and to either make other faith-believing people convert to Islam, become a slave of Muslims, or die by the sword.
So.........since the other faiths mentioned in your well conceived article of interest do not represent threats to Christianity, that faith of our whole country's roots, and with Christian ethics noted clearly in our founding's written documents, we coexist rather nicely with other religions.
But the Islamic faith......not so much.
Not only do we have those facts for reflection, but also we have seen the world's history evolve, with all of the turmoil caused over centuries, by Muslims allowed to enter established areas/countries. Those countries realize before long, exactly how much the Muslims 'have up their sleeves', as they (the Muslims) intend to re-make all they see lying across the lands viewed before them; remake those established lands by way of coercive, brutal force.
Review what happened to Spain many years ago, when the Moors entered the country with intentions of staying to live there.
Watch the following YouTube video. It is a commencement speech that was supposed to be given by Ryan Holiday at the Naval Academy but was cancelled 20 minutes before his speech. You have to ask yourself why? What were they afraid of? Who really ordered this cancellation? More important than that is, what makes a good leader? What is true wisdom? Courage? What is the art of self discipline?
If you have already made up your mind, then perhaps there is no room for any further learning, you already know what you need to know, then skip through this.
I believe that your observations and concerns above are spot on, albeit a bit emotionally harsh, understandably, of course!
Given the strong ethos of Texans, and our proud history of “remembering the Alamo” yada, yada, I think Texans embracing EPIC City, is as likely as Longhorn invaders embracing Aggies at a Kyle Field halftime!
But hey, as freedom-loving Americans, space invaders in Roswell have been accepted over the years, so why not an incognito Muslim funded terrorist camp in Collin County? Just ask our Allies and friends about how the Arab Spring sprung division across Europe: Viktor Orbán: Hungary doesn’t want ‘Muslim invaders’; NewsPolitics.
Meanwhile, with the revelation of Trump’s vision and global economic initiatives, miracles can and will happen!
Navigating Strategic Alliances: Israel, the U.S., and Emerging Muslim Nations
Imagine a world where “falafel diplomacy” replaces missile strikes, and trade routes are paved with hummus and Hebrew hope. As Israel and the USA consider joint ventures with Muslim-majority countries, the stakes are as high as a minaret, but so are the potential rewards. In a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, Israel and the United States are exploring collaborative ventures with key Muslim-majority nations.
From rebuilding Gaza’s economy to unlocking offshore energy potential, these efforts are tied to broader strategic goals: economic growth, regional stability, and countering the influence of China and Russia.
With nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and even Syria recalibrating their global roles, the contours of cooperation versus competition are increasingly shaped not just by politics and trade—but also by the race for technological dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
Proposed Collaborations
Initiative
Risks
Benefits
Projected Timeline
Anticipated Global Reaction
Rebuilding Gaza as an Economic Zone
- Potential resurgence of conflict
- Political instability
- Economic revitalization
- Job creation
- Regional trade integration
2025–2030
Cautious optimism; some skepticism
Encouraging Acceptance of Gaza Refugees by Neighboring Countries
- Domestic resistance
- Economic/resource strain
- Humanitarian relief
- Regional stabilization
2025–2026
Mixed; humanitarian backing vs. political resistance
Ben Gurion Canal Project
- Tensions with Egypt (Suez competition)
- Environmental risks
- New trade corridor
- Strategic leverage for Israel and partners
2026–2035
Egypt: critical; broader world: watchful interest
Exploring Gaza Offshore Oil and Gas
- Legal disputes over sovereignty
- Environmental concerns
- Energy independence
- Economic empowerment for Palestinians
2025–2030
Global energy markets attentive; possible regional cooperation
Building the Third Temple in Jerusalem
- Religious tensions
- International backlash
- Cultural expression
- Potential religious tourism
Indefinite; high volatility
Largely negative; fears of escalation across Muslim world
AI, Quantum Computing, and the New Strategic Arms Race
The cooperation calculus between Israel, the U.S., and Muslim-majority nations is increasingly influenced by the global race for dominance in AI and quantum computing. These technologies are not merely tools—they are levers of power.
Israel is already a leader in AI and cyber defense, backed by a dynamic tech sector and deep U.S. cooperation. Its partnerships with the UAE (e.g., in fintech and surveillance tech) reflect a pivot toward high-tech diplomacy.
The United States sees AI and quantum computing not just as economic engines but as strategic necessities in outpacing Chinese and Russian ambitions. Through initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act, the U.S. seeks allies—especially those with capital and geopolitical alignment—to co-invest in these technologies.
The Gulf States (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) are pouring sovereign wealth into AI labs, cloud infrastructure, and research universities. They are balancing Western partnerships with Chinese technology access—an uneasy but strategic duality.
Egypt and Turkey are striving to scale their tech sectors but remain vulnerable to foreign influence and economic pressure. Egypt may resist U.S.-Israeli moves perceived as threats to its canal revenue or energy dominance, while Turkey could play both sides, angling for its own technological sovereignty.
Syria, still entrenched in conflict, lacks the infrastructure or stability to participate meaningfully in this race, though reconstruction efforts might one day offer a tech-influenced reset if international backing materializes.
Ultimately, these countries will weigh the benefits of collaboration—access to investment, research, and infrastructure—against the costs of dependence and rivalry. Those aligning with U.S.-Israel tech strategies may gain economic dividends and security guarantees, while those hedging with China or Russia may find themselves isolated from the West’s innovation ecosystems.
Conclusion: Strategic Realignments in a Multipolar, High-Tech World
The proposed collaborations among Israel, the United States, and Muslim-majority nations offer a rare confluence of opportunity and peril. From Gaza’s reconstruction to energy development and even religious aspirations in Jerusalem, the road ahead demands diplomacy, pragmatism, and a shared vision.
At the same time, global power dynamics are being reshaped by digital infrastructure, not just military or trade routes. The race for AI and quantum leadership is accelerating—and nations that can position themselves within a cooperative, innovation-driven framework may define the 21st century.
In this context, former President Donald Trump’s foreign policy vision—less focused on NATO commitments and more on economic investments that counter China and Russia—finds new relevance. By leveraging these high-tech partnerships in the Middle East and beyond, the U.S. and its allies can carve out influence without prolonged military entanglements.
BERLIN — Hungary has refused to take in refugees because its population is not in favor of opening the borders, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in an interview published Monday.
“I can only speak for the Hungarian people, and they don’t want any migration,” Orbán said. “In my understanding, it’s not possible for the people to have a will on a fundamental issue and for the government not to comply with it.”
While European leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán warn of integration challenges with Muslim populations, the future may demand a more constructive lens. Coexistence and cooperation—rooted in shared innovation, mutual benefit, and geopolitical pragmatism—may prove more durable than division.
The National Spelling Bee Champion is a 7th grader at Rice Middle School in Plano. Susie Shannon Rudd and Pam Pearce Landy both worked there, although I'm not saying they were any help!
Winner is son of Indian immigrants, of course. Valedictorians and salutatorians in Plano are always of Indian or Chinese heritage.
One joke making the rounds: "If Trump succeeds in deporting all the Chinese college students, the white students will have to switch to cheating off the Indian students."
Why do you say my observations ( which are absolute facts taken from the Qur'an) are emotionally harsh?
Emotion has nothing to do with what I stated.
Facts are facts!
Can you not understand the meaning of FACTS that have effects on what society is able to digest and determine?
I WILL say that there is a developing movement of SOME Muslims, who IGNORE parts of the Qur'an, taking out parts of it that are not agreeable to them. They say that they live by the parts of the Qur'an which promotes peaceful living with others. Well.......that's a nice philosophy, but it does not allow us to know about what parts of the Qur'an other loyal Muslims believe when they open, and study THEIR Qur'an books.
The whole idea that PARTS of the Qur'an are used while other parts are dismissed, is somewhat FISHY to me.
When we Christians read our BIBLE, we read and believe it in its entirety, do we not?
Lance, I can appreciate your desire and devotion to promoting peaceful and cooperative living with all peoples of the world. That is truly what we all are suppose to do in our lives. However, we sometimes are dealing with people who are not inclined at all toward that lovely goal of the Christian belief, as you know.
David. I watched some of the spelling bee finals after the Astros fell behind 13-3 last night. Poor Don Canon (who was also at the Glea Ramey services) left early in the reception because he had to make the game.
Those kids were briliant, not only as spellers, but, they each had a stage presence in front of what I would consider very intimidating circumstances...and they all calmly asked "delaying" questions about definition, word origin, and pronunciation each time. All were 13 except one 14 year old girl.
While I watched, and being somewhat sensitive to the issue of foreign students, I googled foreign student population at A&M, UT, and then in the UT system.
By God, UT Dallas is over 60% foreign student. UT and A&M under 7%.
I would say all the girls with us yesterday were knockouts. Diane Gant Ramey is a very pretty woman with tremendous grace. A good "message" was also delivered.
Ok. Next subject. Glea Ramey and David Grant were obviously on the 7th grade Broncos basketball team. I had forgotten Bruce Anderson would have been. But who else? David Siedler was on the Broncos, but I am not sure here in the 7th grade. David, you weren't there...Anyone else have a clue?
On AI and it making up things. I have read 2 stories about young lawyers getting in trouble for using AI in writing court briefs. Both times AI created "sites" of cases that did not happen.
Nowthe HHS tome on "Making America Healthy" (sic) of the 500 or so footnotes fact checkers have found over 25 footnotes to writing that do not exist. Call into question the Kennedy report.
Just proves AI does hae an imaination.
Lance,
This site has a tendency to duplicate some of my posts.
David said: Lance, you're making me dislike and distrust AI and chatgpt more than I already do.
Well David, I’m quite certain after 50+ years that I’ve never made you do anything! Nonetheless, I will humbly accept your admission as both factual and a first.
Regarding Ai, perhaps you’d care to try it, before you knock it, eh?
Wayne said: Lance, This site has a tendency to duplicate some of my posts.
Please be careful Mr. Gary when blaming this website for User input errors.
Perhaps you’d like to face the ire of the Administrator? Perhaps you’d like to face the ire of the Administrator?
Janalu said:Lance, Why do you say my observations ( which are absolute facts taken from the Qur'an) are emotionally harsh? Emotion has nothing to do with what I stated.
Well silly me, I read (above) that Your MY naivete' about why people of the Dallas metroplex are uncomfortable about that EPIC project, is a bit silly, dontcha' think?
Perhaps, as you say, my facts mixed with humor regarding the future of EPIC city were a bit silly. However, it appears you intentionally skipped over the important EPIC facts, and jumped into your own observations and beliefs when you stated:
Lance, Why do you say my observations ( which are absolute facts taken from the Qur'an) are emotionally harsh?
Would you be willing to provide your facts, which are absolutely taken from the Qur'an?
I’m confident that your Christian vs. Muslim apologetics, accompanied by historical facts, would be greatly appreciated and welcomed here.
For your post above concerning the Naval Academy speech protests this week, along with the college officials banning the proposed 2025 commencement speech by Ryan Holiday.
Perhaps just as you did, I thought his YouTube speech (link below) is full of sound experience and advice for graduating cadets…especially his quotes from Vice Admiral James Stockdale:
Looking back, let’s remember a distinction from our 60's RHS and college days, where we witnessed hate-based violence at Kent State, versus our recent 20 years; we’ve seen unprecedented left-leaning alignment of Dems, media, academia, and Hollywood!
However, I’m gonna assume in your post...you were making a political (them vs. us) point of Dems and GOP ongoing hypocrisies.
Or more importantly, within the larger context of “our great American experiment” battling the extremism of Communism and Fascism, we’ve witnessed the fragile durability of our freedom of speech, along with the abuses of free speech…using anti-Jew / anti-semitism hate speech accompanied with Harvard and Columbia campus violence, as the cause for POTUS taking extreme steps to cancel foreign visas.
We will know soon if SCOTUS also sees this action as a valid policy against those who threaten our national security.
However, I must agree and believe that you are correct to “cry foul” when you cite recent abuses like that against Ryan Holiday.
And so, let’s keep a balanced perspective and use our failing memories to recall lessons from our past while at RHS and college campuses, to help guide us now in shaping the virtues from the education taught to our kids and shaping their American future.
How the First Amendment Has Been Tested…
from MLK, Jane Fonda, Ann Coulter, to Today at the US Naval Academy!
Freedom of speech: it’s a bedrock of American democracy, an ironclad promise inked into the very first amendment of the Constitution. But the reality? It’s messy, contested, and constantly under fire—from all sides of the political spectrum. The American campus, once a haven for civil discourse and open debate, has increasingly become a frontline for ideological combat.
From Martin Luther King Jr. to Ann Coulter, Jane Fonda, and Ryan Holiday, the rights promised under the First Amendment have often clashed with political protest, institutional caution, and cultural upheaval. Let’s take a factual (but fun) stroll through the history of America’s most durable constitutional test: free speech under fire.
A Constitutional Tug-of-War: The Basics of the First Amendment
Adopted in 1791, the First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble..."
But what happens when that speech offends, provokes, or even incites danger? That’s where interpretation enters—and the POTUS, courts, colleges, and crowds have been wrestling over it ever since.
When Protest Silences the Speaker
Martin Luther King Jr. – Voices of the Civil Rights Era
Even the most celebrated voices faced fierce opposition. Martin Luther King Jr., while now lionized, was blocked and booed during his tours. At one 1967 appearance at Stanford University, MLK was met with student protests from groups arguing he was too radical—or not radical enough. At various Southern campuses, his speaking invitations were outright canceled under “security concerns.”
Lesson: Free speech isn't just about allowing speech; it's about protecting it, even when it’s disruptive—or revolutionary.
Ann Coulter at Berkeley (2017)
In April 2017, conservative pundit Ann Coulter’s scheduled speech at UC Berkeley was canceled due to fears of violent clashes between far-right and far-left protestors. University officials cited “active security threats,” and Coulter withdrew after being warned of the dangers. It echoed a pattern where controversial conservative speakers are blocked not by law, but by logistical refusal.
Lesson: The “heckler’s veto” is real—speech can be shut down not by censorship, but by the fear of violence.
Claremont McKenna College & Heather Mac Donald (2017)
At Claremont McKenna College, Heather Mac Donald’s lecture was blocked by protesters physically preventing entry. Rather than escalate, the school streamed her talk online. A compromise? Perhaps. But it also revealed that control over access to speech is just as powerful as control over the speech itself.
Lesson: The platform matters. A streamed speech isn’t the same as a live debate.
Jane Fonda: Campus Activist to Capitol Protestor
Jane Fonda’s history of protests spans decades. From fiery speeches at California colleges in the ‘70s to her weekly "Fire Drill Fridays" climate protests in D.C., Fonda has been arrested multiple times—most notably on October 18 and 25, 2019 (alongside Ted Danson)—for civil disobedience at the Capitol.
Lesson: Civil disobedience often requires breaking rules to make a point. The First Amendment protects speech, not freedom from consequence.
Author and Stoic philosophy advocate Ryan Holiday had a lecture canceled after refusing to censor criticism of the Academy’s decision to remove 400+ books on race and gender. The Academy pulled the plug, citing the “inappropriateness” of criticizing the institution during an official event.
Lesson: Censorship doesn’t always come from mobs—it can come from the institutions themselves when control is threatened.
Timeline of Free Speech Tensions in the U.S.
Year
Event
Speaker / Institution
Result / Lesson
1967
MLK protests at Stanford & other campuses
Martin Luther King Jr.
Speech resisted, not silenced; prophetic voices face resistance
1970s
Anti-war protests, Vietnam-era speech battles
Jane Fonda
Speech met with arrests, but amplified the message
2017
Ann Coulter at UC Berkeley
Ann Coulter
Speech canceled over threats; safety vs. expression
2017
Heather Mac Donald at Claremont McKenna
Heather Mac Donald
Physical blockade; livestream workaround
2019
Fire Drill Fridays
Jane Fonda, Ted Danson
Weekly arrests; speech as spectacle
2024
Canceled Naval Academy Lecture
Ryan Holiday
Institutional censorship for internal critique
Why the Volume Rises in Times of Strife and War
Periods of civil unrest have always turbocharged America’s free speech conflicts. During the Civil War, newspapers critical of Lincoln were shut down. During World War I, the Espionage Act jailed dissidents like Eugene V. Debs. The Vietnam War gave rise to campus protests that sometimes ended in tragedy (see: Kent State, 1970).
Fast forward to the Harvard campus protests over Palestine in 2024–25, where the clash between student activism and institutional discipline is once again testing the boundaries of the First Amendment, especially when speech is seen as politically or morally charged.
The Pattern: In times of crisis, speech gets louder—and the attempts to mute it grow bolder.
Conclusion: Why Free Speech Is Always on Trial
The First Amendment doesn’t protect your comfort—it protects your voice. From civil rights icons to climate activists, firebrand commentators to stoic philosophers, the enduring lesson is this: speech that matters will always face resistance. It’s easy to support speech we agree with. But the true test of American democracy is defending the right to speak when that speech rattles our assumptions or provokes our fears.
As the volume of national discourse rises during conflict—be it war, social change, or political realignment—we must remember that the First Amendment is less about what’s said and more about who gets to say it, when, and where.
Did you know that Steven Spielberg has a daughter who is a sex worker?
Steven and Kate must be deliriously thrilled to discuss their daughter's accomplishments with friends and relatives, don't you think?
Another question for anyone:
Did you read that just recently, Voyager 2, after forty-seven years of travelling through space, has sent back to Earth, a message that NASA can't figure out, in that the message was sent by way of a ten year old part of the space probe, that had been dead, and/or dysfunctional for about ten years---a part of the craft that had stopped working, so had been mute for ages? The scientists say that an intelligent message was sent through that particular channel by a source the scientists say, 'had made a decision to use that old channel, even though the guys could not understand how THAT decision could have happened. These scientists are questioning..... HOW? They seem to possibly think that 'some intelligent source KNEW that a channel, or dead communication access could be resurrected for use back to Earth, and with that capability, a message could be sent there. We have received a message from some source, but we seem to be sure that the received code IS NOT from the craft's known, previously programmed information, the coded info that the craft had on board when it left. The new info is info not known before. Exactly what the message said, has not been released yet. (I'm not sure why, but I suspect there are those who think the information could frighten Earthlings, so it is being held for a later date....possibly. Just a quess.)
I invite you readers to hear what is offered on YouTube, letting us know what you think has happened.
In the comments below the YouTube article from the public input, there was one comment that stated, "Voyager 2 is communicating something we knew when the space craft was launched, which is....."We are not alone, and we never have been..."
Hm-m-m-m-m-m!
You can read this article on YouTube if you want. Its title is: Voyager 2's Hidden Transmission Just Stopped The World.
It's pretty gosh darn interesting, I think. Its text is very technical and WAY over my head, but I got the gist of it.
So.....with the Belmont coming up, I'm looking forward to an exciting; albeit "cleaner" horse race.
This will be 1/4 mile shorter track at Saratoga Springs, since Belmont Raceway is getting a makeover. (run at 1 1/2 miles)
At the Preakness I picked 1) Journalism 2)Clever Again and 3)Sandman. Clever Again would not have finished in the top three....however, I think he lost concentration when forced to the rail after the collision between Goal Oriented and Journalism; and finished last
However, a determined Journalism not only recovered but ran down Gosger to win! (one of the most courageous comebacks I've ever seen!)
It is one of two reasons I'm picking Journalism again. The other is running 1 1/4 miles, instead of the usual 1 1/2.
My number two pick is Sovereignty who should be rested. Since trainer Bob Baffert is one the premier horse trainers, and I've seen the stats on Rodriguez; he is my choice for # 3.
So, 1) Journalism 2)Sovereignty and 3)Rodriguez
Ramey team baseball photo...Recognize anyone? I have Glea, Rock, Bruce Munday, and kid sitting next to Rock is very familiar and now I will try to remember...Brian? thinking...Also Rusty Shields...
This is the Bluebirds or Orioles from 6th grade...fun times...
Yeah, David Mercer, that was the name I couldn't come up with...I did recognize that face though. And, I talked with Rusty this morning and that's not him.
Martha's sister wants to join the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. As the family archivist/genealogist, I know that she qualifies, and now I am gathering documentation. You have to prove that you have an ancestor who was in Texas during the Republic.
I am going through all the material I have collected about Martha's ancestors, and one item is the memoirs of John H. Reagan (not an ancestor). He was the namesake of Reagan High School in Austin, whose football team beat Abilene Cooper the week after Cooper beat RHS in 1967, but that's another story.
Reagan eventually became a U.S Congressman from Texas, resigned when Texas seceded, became postmaster general of the Confederacy, and finally became a U.S. Senator.
In his memoirs, he relates a story of how in 1839 he accompanied Martha's great-great grandfather, Indian agent Martin Lacy, to deliver an ultimatum from President Mirabeau B. Lamar to Cherokee Chief Bowles. But that's also another story.
Reagan relocated to Texas from Tennessee as a young man of twenty-one. This passage is from his memoirs. I think it is interesting as a slice of history, but if you aren't "into" that, at least read the last three paragraphs.
I left Natchez on a Red River steamboat, intending to see General Thomas of Alexandria, Louisiana, who, like myself, was a native of Sevier County, Tennessee, and who was an extensive sugar planter, in the hope that he might aid me in securing a position. On the boat I met with a Colonel Strode who lived in Nacogdoches, Texas. He ascertained that I was seeking employment, and offered me eight hundred dollars a year if I would go to Nacogdoches and sell goods for him, stating that he was a merchant. I was pleased with this offer, and agreed to go to Texas instead of stopping at Alexandria. There were a number of people on the boat going to Texas‑a Mr. Griffith and his family, the Anglins, H. Clay and Dick Davis, and others. We went together overland from Natchitoches toward the new Republic, which had so recently won its independence.
We reached the Sabine River, and camped on the bank, and there met a gentleman by the name of Patterson, who lived at Nacogdoches. He learned from the company that I was going to Texas to sell goods for Colonel Strode, with whom he was acquainted. He thereupon informed me that I had been deceived by Colonel Strode; that it was true he had a very small assortment of goods at his country home, but did not have eight hundred dollars worth, and was a man without credit. I called the Colonel's attention to this statement, and he got out of the false position by seeming to get mad.
I thought I would return, but my comrades, and especially Mr. H. Clay Davis, urged me, as I was on the border of Texas, to go on and see something of the country. So I crossed the Sabine River at Myrick's Ferry on the 29th of "May, 1839, having with me a few articles of clothing tied up in a handkerchief, and a ten‑dollar bill on the Holly Springs Bank of Mississippi, which was worth but fifty cents on the dollar -- practically my all in the world.
At this time there ‑were probably not one hundred thousand white people in the Republic. There were but twenty‑six States in the Union; there was not a railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains; there was but one in Georgia, and but a short line, forty‑four miles long, around the Muscle Shoals of the Tennessee River. The postage on letters of a half‑ounce weight, between Texas and the United States, was almost prohibitory. The inland postage on such a letter in the United States was twenty‑five cents; the ship postage ( for our mail matter came largely by way of the Gulf of Mexico) was twenty‑five cents; and the inland postage in Texas was twenty‑five cents, making a total charge of seventy‑five cents.
In Shelby County I met the Hon. Isaac W. Burton, a senator of the Republic of Texas, who, after making kindly inquiries of me, invited me to the home of Mr. Martin Lacy, his father‑in‑law, where he lived in the western part of Nacogdoches County. I went on foot to Mr. Lacy's, stopping for the night at the residence of a Mr. Nations, three miles from San Augustine. While at supper he came in from town and stated that a man had been killed there that day. I passed through San Augustine the next morning, and stopped for the night at the residence of Colonel Steel, ten or twelve miles west of the town.
I was sitting on his porch with two or three others, when Colonel Steel reached home from San Augustine and announced the killing of two more men there. I made a sort of involuntary exclamation of surprise that three men should have been killed in two days.
Colonel Steel said to me, "Young man, where are you from?" I answered that I was from East Tennessee. "Well," he said, "this may sound strange to one from that country; but from the example of murders in this community, not much harm comes. In these cases one desperado kills another." Such was my introduction into the Republic of Texas.
Lowell, my brother Bob and I witnessed an extraordinary horse at Los Alamitos raceway in California.
It was a quarterhorse named "Gold Coast Express". He was trained by none other than Bob Baffert, who like
D. Wayne Lucas, made the move from quarter horses to training thoroughbreds.
Gold Coast Express (out of 36 races was 21-7-2) was entered in a race, and drew the outside post. It was in the deepest part of the track, and broke badly! Most would agree the start is everything in the quarter mile.
This horse still ran down the leaders and won! So if the horse is extraordinary enough, I think post position
Louisiana tracks were notoriously over-medicating horses at one time. I was at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City/Shreveport 70's. The feature race of the day. The favorite. Probably an even odds of winning horse. It was 6 furlongs (they start at the top of the back of the track and run the length of the track, making the turn, and heading down the stretch to the finish line.
Anyway, after parading the horses and getting all 10-12 horses near the gate, the announcer comes on and says there has been a change of jockey on that favorite horse. So, all the horses start re-warming up while that horse heads all the way back to the paddock area and a new jockey remounts and heads over to the starting gate.
The race is started and as the horses battle around the turn, that horse's forleg snaps and is spinning and dangling as the jockey tries to wrestle it to stop. A horse ambulance heads out and they destroy the horse and take it off the track.
So, my take was the jockey was an honest Joe and felt the horse was not sound, but the trainer and maybe owner decided to run it anyway...suspicious to say the least.
Louisiana horse racing.
Key is/was the featured favorite. I forget what type of race. Allowance is usually the featured race. But this type stuff happens a lot in maiden and claiming races...If a "wrong" horse runs and finishes well in a claiming race, it will often be claimed (stupidly) and you gotta be careful in that business...
One more note. I don't remember how much I lost on that one...
Quarterhorse racing is crazy. I usually only go to the throughobred meets...
But, if you go to a quarterhorse race, you really have to get down to the track level and turn and watch them start and fire out of the gate. Often, the races are only 300 yards or so. Each quarterhorse scratches and claws, shifting and bumping, dirt flying to get to the front. It's very thrilling...moreso if you have a nice stake riding on one of the horses.
