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.
I am inclined to approve the bunker-busters and hope they work.
Good news: If they work, we get rid of, or at least postpone, the nuclear threat from Iran. It also shows the world that the U.S. has fearsome power and that this president will not stand idle and will walk the talk. And maybe China has second thoughts about invading Taiwan.
Bad news: if they don't work, it is a failure and it shows that the U.S. can't do what it claims.
I have been asked many times about financial affairs and advice about stocks, bonds, annuities, real estate and on and on. David has maybe the most experience from an education and practical stand point of any of us. I only have experience from a practical standpoint of living it day to day. AND this is NO disrespect for David at all. I was very fortunate to have a dad that was a real estate investor and was an architect, developer and industrial engineer. I am in the process of giving my kids and grandkids some forward inheritance before I'm gone. I want them to enjoy some perks of life while I can help them manage the money. And in the process I am surprised of their lack of basic financial understanding.
The number one thing my dad taught myself and my oldest brother is to never buy depreciating assets when you can avoid it. The most common mistake is buying a brand new car. The moment you leave the dealership a huge hit on value occurs. I understand we all need a car to get around. But just buy a certified preowned if you must have the closest to a new car. At least most likely a good chunk of the depreciation would have occured. Second is NOT to finance a depreciating asset. Pay cash!
In my and my oldest brother's case we were taught how to acquire real estate for long term investment purposes. Bank REO's ( real state owned by banks through foreclosures) were a good place to start as my dad always said. So I never was a stocks, bonds or annuity kind of guy. I was always a real estate guy. However, I understand as David and I have somewhat discussed that real estate investments anymore is out of reach for most young people today except perhaps by REITS ( real estate investment trusts). Perhaps young people can include a REIT in their retirement portfolio.
I am by no means an expert on anything for investing other than what is closest and nearest to my heart and that is real estate. I have tried to divest my investments before and had bad outcomes, including a pending lawsuit that was settled against Charles Schwab for a rouge agent that was churning and burning my account for greedy commisions. He was fired and my money replaced.
So, for my advice is to invest in what you believe the most in and have the most knowledge in. And always have a vigilant eye on those wanting your money. This is what I have passed on to my children and grandchildren. I am sure for most of us this is just common sense, however I found for even my children and grand children it was eye opening to my surprise how uniformed they are about finances.
In case you have not figured it out there is an not to be named a member of our class who does not like consertatives and derates them and gets upset when challenged. Does not feel he/she needs to follow the stated rules of the forum.
“The Dignity Index relies on one of the most ancient tools for social change in the history of human beings – conscience. When we see how often we use contempt and how harmful it is, we see we’re a part of the problem, and that makes us part of the solution.”
Sandra, despite the implosion and lost kindness OTOS, thanks for showing us an example of what we as a nation should follow.
David, thanks for broadening your reach via email to bind us together beyond failing health and Fallen Eagles! On this, I think you know what you’re talking about!
Wayne, I believe you don’t mean to be curt when addressing classmate meanness with Kurt. As an Aggie role-model, please lead us in resetting a more dignified tone here…rising above our level 3 and 4.
America’s divisions are not caused by disagreement, but by contempt.
Putting a spotlight on dignity and contempt will promote more dignity and less contempt. The best way to put a spotlight on dignity and contempt is to measure them.
1
Level one escalates from violent words to violent actions. It’s a combination of feeling the other side is less than human and calling for or approving of violence.
The Subtext
They're not even human. It's our moral duty to destroy them before they destroy us.
2
Level two accuses the other side not just of doing bad or being bad, but of promoting evil.
The Subtext
Those people are evil and they're going to ruin everything if we let them. It's us or them.
Level three attacks the other side’s moral character, not just their capabilities or competence.
3
Level three attacks the other side’s moral character, not just their capabilities or competence.
The Subtext
We’re the good people and they’re the bad people. It’s us vs. them.
4
Level four mocks and attacks the other side’s background, their beliefs, their commitment, their competence, and their performance.
The Subtext
We’re better than those people. They don’t really belong. They’re not one of us.
5
Level five listens to the other side’s point of view and respectfully explains their own goals, views, and plans.
The Subtext
The other side has a right to be here and a right to be heard. They belong here too.
6
Level six sees it as a welcome duty to work with the other side to find common ground and act on it.
The Subtext
We always talk to the other side, searching for the values and interests we share.
LESSONS LEARNED: In a time of intense political partisanship, the Dignity Index distinguishes contemptuous speech from speech grounded in dignity. Recent polls suggest it is needed. Percentages of Republicans and Democrats who view individuals from the opposing party as immoral have increased by about 25 percentage points for members of both parties since 2016, from 35% to 63% of Democrats and 47% to 72% of Republicans.
These feelings of contempt generate language that inhibits problem-solving among policymakers and diminishes the sense of connection among Americans. The Dignity Index serves as a tool to decrease partisan division and promote productive discussion by shining a light on the way people speak to each other.
Does anyone else think that Jasmine Crockett is dumb as a post?
John Fetterman makes more sense than any other Democrat office holder at the national level. I thought he was a raving lunatic. Then he had the stroke, and I thought he made no sense at all. Now that he has recovered, he actually makes sense.
David, I suspect that Ms Crockett is a posturer, like Sheila Jackson Lee. Crockett has a good education but talks like a guttersnipe. Shejack was a Yale graduate with a UVa law decree. I met her when I was in law school -- her husband was a miserable jerk of a law professor and she attended law school social events. I believe she was a Houston traffic court judge at the time. I liked her: she was quite bright and had interesting ideas. She spoke like a highly educated Northeasterner. You would not think that she was the same person as the ghetto-speak orator who was brought to America in chains. I don't know Crockett and have only seen her on TV, but she seems as fake as Barak Obama playing hoodrat.
Sometimes I think Jasmine Crockett could have played the character of the Black domestic, who was on the old TV show "THE JEFFERSONS," since she has a similar way of speaking 'Black smack' at times, often inapproriate times, like the original TV maid. Miss Crockett believes she has a comical way with words, but actually, she gives off an aura of smart-as* snarkiness to those around her. She seems to be a person who is not nearly as intelligent as she thinks she is.
One of our new officials who puzzles me, is Ketanji Brown Jackson. She doesn't seem to measure up, the way I see it.
They were ment to. Kurt got what I was saying. I did not want to mention the person's name because that person makes rude and other coments to me.
Kurt,
You do not have to say anything. It just has to be what Tommy thinks you might say. He will make anti consertative comments directrd at specific people as though the listed mande or thought things.
With the passing of Juneteenth celibration, I am reminded of how certain parts of our history are forgotten,
1: The emancipation Proclamation only affected "sates in rebellion: It dod not apply to Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, Washington DC,or what would become West Virginia. It took the 13 Amendment to end slavery in the US but not in Tribial lands
2: Many tribes held slaves from other tribes, blacks,and captured whites. (Cynthia Ann Parker was one)This was because the tribal lands and reservations were considered a nation within a nation.The native americans held slaves before European settlers came to the New World. It took treaties between the US and each tribe to end slavery for that tribe. The Cherokees and Creek were the last to free their slaves circa 1875. One un-namef member of the class has stated this knowledge is a racist comment.
I remember seeing a sign that said "Denial is not a river in Egypt."
Sorry to be mysterious. I asked Tommy a relatively simple question on the other site regarding why he was against the 250th anniversary parade for the US Army. Through several conversation iterations he became increasingly belligerant. I finally indicated that my wife and son highly recommended I quit communicating with him, so that was my last comment. I may still write to Jan, Sandra and Lowell. Nice people.
Thank you for saying I am a nice person! Nice to hear anyday but on a Saturday, now that is special!!
As you know, I have many opinions that differ from yours, however I see it pointless to make any opinion personal. I don't like it when people are insulting, or generalize and lump everyone into strict black and white stereotypes, ie, all Republicans are Facists or all Democrats are Socialists. It makes no sense and belittles us all. I am watching all of the stuff going on with a sense of horrified facination.
As for the miliary parade, I did not watch it at all. So whatever opinion I have is based on short clips of soidiers marching in fatigues to the tune of Creedance Clearwater, Fortunate Son. Weird is all I will say. I wonder if Biden had done that what the reaction would have been? Or if he had sent the National Guard to Texas without Abbott aproving first? I guess we will never know.
Cheers.
Edited to add:
I tell you what gave me a belly laugh: Watching Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson going after each other. Now that was very special!!!
I, for one, am glad that Trump is taking his two week time period, to weigh the pros and cons of the possible bombing situation. It seems correct to do that in order to be as responsible as he can be.
I have a hunch that Tump may decide to let Israel bomb their targets with as much power as they can muster, letting the results be seen to the whole world, and without USA participation. I think he may do this to have his goal of having entered no new wars. I think he may then suggest that Israel use covert measures, if possible, to enter Iran and figure out ways to further destroy the Fordow facility, endeavoring to render the facility useless. I think the Israelis are clever enough to pull it off, and I think Trump agrees with that thought.
Trump truly hates war and all the innocent, collateral deaths that inevitably happen, so he wants to avoid the buster bomb use, but he also realizes that Iran MUST NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE A NUCLEAR WARHEAD, so he is currently conflicted with what to do.
It seems to me that this current problem is similar to what Truman faced, when he had to make a decision of whether to use our nuclear bomb on Hiroshima, or not. Truman hated the idea of mass destuction, but he felt he needed to go ahead to be able to bring the war to its conclusion, and ultimately, to save many American lives, as well as Japanese lives. It was really a decision that affected world history tremendously.
I think Truman made the right decision, and I'm proud of Truman's courage, knowing he weighed all the pros and cons in the horrendous hours he must have struggled.
I was just reading a little while ago online, that four men have been convicted of fraud to USAID, in the amount of 550 million dollars.
And there are many who believe that USAID is a perfectly wonderful program.
That is NOT to say that there are some third world countries who are now without funds to feed many hungry people. THAT is an awful occurance happening because those third world countries were tricked into going along with nefarious manipulators who got their hands (the manipulators did) on USAID funds in nefarious ways, thereby hurting not only many hungry poor folks, but also US taxpayers whose money was used in fraudulent, very wasteful ways.
The two bombers with the bunker buster implements left their Missouri location yesterday.
No one knows (as of a few hours ago,) where they went. (Edit:) They went to Guam.
It is hard for me to believe we have the only bunker buster bombs...Everyone says we do. From what I saw, we would drop one bunker buster, then the next day drop another, and then, if necessary, drop another.
I guess they have to wait a bit for the dust to clear, perform an MRI on the site, and then, if necessary go again...
I would think a covert land orchestrated mission would be preferred. I would not put it past Israel to get that done first.
It's obvious the reaons for the Irsaeli attacks on Iran this time were instigated by a few of Trump negotiating with Iran and coming to some "Deal" They don't want a "deal."
Janalu, I think Trump would be happy to write checks to Israel to destroy Iran's nuclear capacity. Failing that, I hope he sends in the big stuff.
About the military parade --
First, Trump got the idea from watching the Bastille Day Parade in Paris in 2017. The link below is for a very long video, but at the 44:45 point you can see Trump and Melania with Macron and Macron's former teacher. Sure, Bastille Day is a big deal, but so is the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which pre-dates the storming of the Bastille. So, for the Trump haters who say the parade is reminiscent of Russian, North Korean, or other (evil empire) countries, be sure to throw France into the mix of evil countries.
Second, the parade is an excellent recruiting tool. The military spends a gaziillion dollars per year on recruitment, and that parade is worth a whole lot of commercials.
Third, it's not a bad idea to remind the bad actors in the world that the USA has some impressive hardware.
Fourth, how is a military parade different from a military flyover, which no one seems to have a problem with? Yeah, it may cost more, but it lasts longer, is closer to the viewer, and shows much more diversity of equipment.
Let's face it. The kerfuffle over that parade is just more hatred of Trump.
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Dodgers were hoping to attract large crowds at tonight's game against the Washington Nationals by offering a limited edition MS-13 bobblehead to commemorate the recent L.A. anti-ICE riots.
A social media ad for the event read, "¡Hola! Don't miss MS-13 Bobblehead Night at Dodger Stadium on 7/20 presented by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)! The first 2,000 undocumented migrants get their very own MS-13 Bobblehead! ¡Ay, caramba!"
The limited edition MS-13 bobblehead features a Latinx cis-male with face tattoos and a penchant for vandalism. The figurine wears an unbuttoned Dodgers jersey to show off his abs and carries a Glock 19 for use in fighting back against colonizers. The prized item is also made of extra-flammable material, so it can double as a convenient Molotov cocktail substitute when needed.
To receive a free Limited Edition MS-13 Bobblehead, fans must provide proof that they are not American citizens. Dodgers security had reportedly promised to keep ICE agents far from the event so that undocumented migrants could enjoy their MS-13 bobbleheads in peace while watching the game. Natural-born citizens can purchase their own bobbleheads in the Dodgers gift shop for the low price of $574.93.
At publishing time, the Dodgers had also announced that Saturday night's game would feature a giveaway of free cinder block chunks to the first 15,000 fans so they could have something to throw at ICE agents on their way home.
The US Air Force has completed the mission Israel began, but Israel still seems to be tying up loose ends with intentions of continuing more strikes. Maybe tonight they will decide to take a breather.
I've already heard of two Senators saying they want to impeach Trump, since he did not allow Congress to vote on the issue of war.
Well, we didn't want to declare a war, we just wanted to make a few strategic strikes, and be done.
I've also heard a four star general say that Iran is not capable of going to war, since they no longer have an airstrike capablility, and they have used so much of their missiles and drones on Israel in the last few days.
But we also have noticed that China has sent four large jets to Iran, with measures being taken in and around Iran to not let anyone know what China has sent. A secretive stance has been noted.
Do you think China sent drones and some types of missiles to be directed toward Israel and also to US military bases in the nearby regions?
Following the Huatulco storms (I have a friend who built a condo city there,) and now my FB feed has reels from all the footage affected personas there have of the storm damage. What a beautiful place. Amazing small beaches.
Also, a bunch of feeds from Spanish speaking Mexican sites.
David, your Babylon Bee post reminded me of one of the reels. A Mexican store which sells Pinata's had ICE pinata's. One of the ICE pinata's had orange hair.
I can imagine a kid's party smashing ICE pinata's.
Lowell said: "I can imagine a kid's party smashing ICE pinata's."
David replies: "I already saw a video of kids hitting pinatas that were obviously intended to be Trump. I believe that everyone on the left should proclaim this practice to be unacceptable, at the least. Remember comedian Kathy Griffin with the head of Trump?"
You know, we've heard numerous times that the Palestinians begin training their TODDLERS to hate and want to kill Jewish people. TODDLERS!
The Palestinians have TV shows for the very young, kinda of like our Sesame Street programs, that state over and over "Jews are pigs," or worse, and that they need to be killed, to honor their Allah, etc.
So do you think the ICE mob rioters, or Antifa-types, are training our young folks by way of their actions, (since they intend to start a revolution in our country).... to do similar type actions to ICE employees; employees that WE hire to find the illegals, some of whom have already been before judges & have been ordered to leave? We of course also know that the ICE officers are directed to find as many of the criminal types, the ones who are commiting heinous crimes to Americans, and send them out first. We've also heard that some ordinary, peaceful illegals have also been rounded up, but I suspect THOSE people will be detained in an ICE facility, only until they can go before a judge. I don't think those detainees are being sent home yet, but I haven't heard much about them so far.
SIX BUNKER BUSTERS DROPPED ON FORDOW!! WOW!
I guess there's not much left at that site, except for a huge, smoky crater!!
If anyone was near there, they probably have no useable eardrums left!
History made by Trump: How the World Reacts to Operation Midnight Hammer and What Iran does Next!
The Longest Day… Literally
On June 21, 2025—the summer solstice, longest day of the year, and the perfect time for an international fireworks show—Operation Midnight Hammer unfolded under the cover of darkness (and irony). In what’s now being called the most aggressive U.S. strike on Iran since… ever, 125 aircraft, including elite B-2 Spirit bombers, soared out of Missouri with three destinations: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—Iran’s nuclear pride and joy.
By sunrise, they were craters. (ominous…as foreshadowing of a future bombing raid in Damascus).
President Donald Trump took to the airwaves a few hours later, sounding like a man who just dropped a mic the size of a warhead: “Completely and totally obliterated,” he said. Translation: Happy Solstice, Tehran. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu, not to be outdone, called it a “promise fulfilled”—finally completing his 30-year to-do list.
But let’s not get too cozy. If history teaches us anything, it’s this: Middle East wars don’t end in summer blockbusters—they launch trilogies.
A Bruised Iran, a Baffled World
While American and Israeli leaders celebrated the moment like it was New Year’s Eve, Iran quickly switched into "threaten-everyone" mode. Missiles were fired into Tel Aviv, the Houthis raised their hands for more chaos, and the Basij militia began shaking their fists at Iranian civilians for even thinking about freedom.
Meanwhile, Europe wrung its hands, Russia and China condemned with their usual glare, and Turkey’s Erdogan licked his lips, quietly inching toward leadership of a post-Iran Islamist power vacuum. The HMS Queen Elizabeth is now en route to the Gulf, and Erdogan is accelerating missile production as if he’s prepping for the final season of Game of Thrones: Caliphate Edition.
And just to keep things spicy, Khomeini and Assad reportedly fled to Moscow—possibly to work on their job résumés.
But in the shadows, an old name has resurfaced: Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi—exiled son of the Shah, perhaps brushing off his royal uniform, just in case Iran decides to hold a "Regime Change: Next Generation" reality show.
The Iranian people, already squeezed by years of sanctions, corruption, and brutal repression, may now face the ultimate decision: stay the course with a regime that’s down but not out—or risk a new revolution under the gaze of drones and divine prophecies.
Five Futures: What Happens Next?
Here's what could lie ahead, depending on Iran’s mood, who answers the phone in Moscow, and how many prophecies decide to come true at once.
Possible Scenarios Chart
Scenario
Iran’s Next Move
USA & Israel Response
Impact on Terrorism & History
1. The "Not Over Yet" Retaliation
Iran teams up with Hezbollah, Houthis, launches cyberattacks, plans revenge under candlelight.
More airstrikes, frozen assets, and some preemptive regime taming.
Terror groups get new posters; regional instability hits sequel status.
2. The "Reza Renaissance"
Regime collapses or reforms; Pahlavi returns like a Persian Tony Stark.
US & Israel launch massive rebuilding efforts… and maybe open a few McDonald’s in Tehran.
Hope for long-term peace; terrorism loses its biggest state sponsor.
3. The “Axis of Sanctions-Proof” Alliance
Iran fully joins hands with Russia & China for a "Cold War 2: Desert Edition."
West responds with Pacific alliances and meme-level propaganda.
Terrorism gets high-tech; new arms race looms.
4. The “Let’s Talk This Out” Option
Iran reenters diplomacy with gritted teeth and empty pockets.
Sanctions ease if compliance is verified. Peace talks happen over tense hummus platters.
Terrorism pauses. Maybe. Region gets a breath—briefly.
5. The “Gog-Magog Surprise Party”
Iran, Russia, Turkey plot apocalyptic endgame. Israel and “Coastlands” (hey, that’s us!) are targets.
West mobilizes with preemptive strikes; spiritual panic and prepping hit all-time highs.
Ezekiel 38-39 plays out in real-time. Prophecy YouTubers have a field day.
Beyond the Smoke: An Ominous Future
Let’s not pretend we’re just watching reruns here. If you squint a bit, this whole picture looks eerily familiar, as if some ancient scroll somewhere already mapped it out.
Enter Ezekiel 38–39: the prophecy of Gog and Magog, in which a confederation from the “north”—led by Magog (Russia), aligned with Persia (Iran) and Togarmah (Turkey)—marches on Israel and “the Coastlands.” Sound familiar? It's as if geopolitics just took a detour through Sunday school.
Now, some call this a coincidence. Others are checking the skies and stacking canned food. Either way, the convergence of military aggression, strategic realignments, and biblical allusions should give even the skeptics a moment of pause—and maybe a slight urge to Google “how to build a bunker.”
As Turkey rises with caliphate dreams, Iran falters with nuclear ambition, and Russia waits for the perfect chaos to exploit—it’s clear: this isn’t just a war over uranium. It’s about control, ideology, and ultimately, civilization itself.
My Son and the Sun's Summer Heat
What began as a summer strike may end in a winter reckoning. Whether by politics, prophecy, or sheer foolishness, the world teeters again at the edge of great transformation. The next move won’t just determine peace in the Middle East—it may define the next chapter of global history.
What began as a summer strike may end in a winter reckoning—but for now, it’s just plain hot.
Between scorching temperatures, melting glaciers, smoking missile silos, and world leaders sweating bullets (some literally), Earth in 2025 feels less like a planet and more like an oven set to “apocalypse roast.” Operation Midnight Hammer may have ignited the skies over Iran, but let’s face it: the whole globe is simmering.
We’ve got the sun baking US cities, nuclear threats heating diplomacy, and climate change giving everyone a sunburn on their conscience. It's the kind of event this summer where even my son might put down his cellphone, get off the couch, and get a summertime job… ya think?
But if you're still humming "Ain’t No Cure for the Summertime Blues," well… you might want to add “unless you're a bunker bustin’ bad boy in a US B-2 bomber!”
Eddie Cochran: Summertime Blues From the film: Untamed Youth (1957)
