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.

Wayne Gary

David,

There are people that oppose Columbus Day calling it something like "Native American Extermation Day".  I was told by one un-named person that it is racist to say that manuy tribes had slaves before European migration.  The 13th amendment did not end slavery in the Indian Nations.  It took treaties after the 13 th to free their slaves.  The Cherakee signed a treaty in 1866.

Wikepedia

By 1860, the Cherokee held an estimated 4,600 slaves, and depended on them as farm laborers and domestic servants. At the time of the Civil War, a total of more than 8,000 slaves were held in all of the Indian Territory, where they comprised 14 percent of the population.

Lowell Tuttle

A point to consider regarding your post Wayne is that the US govt sanctioned slavery was systemic and racist.

The Native American slavery was not.   

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

David,

The people on the left who feel that all statues of confederates should be destroyed are in the minority.  Most of my friends don't want history erased, just told with honesty and integrity.  The radical far left are in the minority as far as I can tell.  It is difficult to quantify the numbers accurately in my area since I live in a mostly Republican strong hold.  Ordinary people I encounter ever day around here, are kind, courteous and hard working.  They don't have a beef with me at all, because I don't force my opinions on anyone.

There are people on the right who don't want women to vote, or work for a wage.  They want women to be subserviant to their husbands.  I hope they are in the minority.  Perhaps some of these same people want religious doctrine taught in public schools.  I hope these folks are also in the minority.

Most people want to live their lives.  They want a decent wage and the ability to save enough for some generational wealth to be passed on to the next generation.  They want decent food and clean water and air. Most are too busy trying to make this happen to pay attention to all the crap.  

The news is presently designed to get your attention.  This is true for all of the major news outlets.  Fox is no different from MSNBC.  They both inflame, or incite us just to make a buck.  

It takes work to seek the truth and it takes an open mind.  If you just watch one news outlet that "speaks your truth" you are not seeking truth, just confirmation of your bias.

Wayne Gary

Lowell,

The tribes held other tribes, white and black slaves.They were not under the US laws on tribal lands. It was systematic.  Iguess it was not racist because they held all types of slaves. The tribes that were forced to move from the SE to OK on the trail of rears took their black slaves with them.

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

CARELESS WITH TRUTH

Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters. -  Albert Einstein

Sandra said 8/22/25: 

    Most people want to live their lives.  They want a decent wage and the ability to save enough for some generational wealth to be passed on to the next generation.  They want decent food and clean water and air. Most are too busy trying to make this happen to pay attention to all the crap.  

The news is presently designed to get your attention.  This is true for all of the major news outlets.  Fox is no different from MSNBC.  They both inflame, or incite us just to make a buck.  

It takes work to seek the truth and it takes an open mind.  If you just watch one news outlet that "speaks your truth" you are not seeking truth, just confirmation of your bias.

Nice…It is evident over time here, that your growing discernment for truth is making you a better human!

Sandra said 7/14/17: 

Lance, You wrote:

Although it now appears to be removed, your link to Hollywood actors is one that I read carefully.  I noticed that Uma Thurman and Sharon Stone’s Dads were both intellectual, somewhat religious as Dad’s but later became atheists offering no religious guidance to Uma or Sharon.

From your description of your Dad while you were young, I saw a similar experience you shared with them.  As a TI -“gold-badger”, I’m sure your Dad was quite an intelligent and interesting personality…as were many of those TI Engineers back in the ‘60’s.

In retrospect, I can better understand how you may have taken offense in my position that a child “unguided in faith and spirituality” by open parents does not serve the child well.   Life’s journey to discovering truth can take many paths, although few seem to have answers that satisfy the soul.  I’m glad to hear that you now feel satisfied.  We can agree to disagree regarding our respective truth(s).

My response:

I will address those items above marked in bold text.

1.  The link is not removed.  It is Hollowverse.com. Scroll down further.  If you like it bookmark it. 

2. I posted my story under Racism for a reason.  It falls under the category of prejudice and discrimination.  Your remark about "unguided in faith and spirituality" just proves my point.  I have lost count how many well meaning, faithful, devoted have either insulted me or my parents in an effort to save me. (Yes, your remark was a bit insulting, they are my parents, I love them unconditionally.  It is the way I am.  You remember the commandment about honoring your mother and father right?  I like that one,  I follow it.  

Morals.  Who would have thought that I actually have them?)     In all that time, I have tried my best to restrain my remarks so as not to insult someones' beliefs in an effort to defend myself or my parents. It serves no purpose to insult anyones' beliefs.  It is unproductive, and only creates more strife.   It takes a lot of restraint.  Believe me when I say that there were times when I wanted to shout, and scream,.  The fact is I could only cry and I did that in private.  There is satisfaction in watching while someone seems to get the better of you, so I kept my emotions in check when I could.  Like I said it made me stronger, and wiser. 

+++

.

Jan Alexander

Remember when people especially our parents and the older generation wouldn't talk politics or religion in public.. ? It just wasn't polite.    Times have changed.. but recently , I certainly don't bring it up to my neighbors ... everyone is really careful before they start to talk about it.  One guy came up recently and wanted to start talking about republicans but wasn't sure what affiliation I was and was very around the bush about it , trying to feel me out.  

Funny... I actually , was very cautious about what I said.   

I guess it is also because we NOW have social media outlets out of the ying- yang inviting/ encouraging us to be more expressive. 

Times , they are a changing. 

David Cordell

Sandra said, "There are people on the right who don't want women to vote, or work for a wage."

David responds, "Conservatives want women to vote -- for conservatives. The problem is -- our womenfolk don't always do what they're told! And we absolutely want our womenfolk, sorry, birthing persons to work for a wage. In fact, we want them to work more hours, but they still need to satisfactorily complete their chores and do their, uhm, wifely duties.

David Cordell

Jan, my church is particularly woke, and the Rector often makes veiled, "unflattering" allusions to Trump. On several occasions, church members -- some of whom I don't even know -- have made insulting comments to me about "right wingers", Republicans, and Trump, without knowing or even asking my views. It was the same at UT Dallas -- and at 99% of universities. 

There is Fox News for conservatives, and every other major news outlet for liberals. As for newspapers, almost every one of them is on the left, supported Harris, and constantly harrasses Trump. Many of them rely on Associated Press, which is increasingly on the left. The Dallas Morning News used to be center-right. No more. The Wall Street Journal's reporting and editorials are heavily anti-Trump. Like Fox News, it is owned by Rupert Murdoch's company, which is now headed by his son, Lachlan, who may not share his father's philosophy. (Lachlan attended Andover and Princeton.) I anticipate changes at Fox News. 

Jan Alexander

  

Russ Stovall

Jan: 

In our parents day they didn't care much about what your political affiliation was, or at least my parents and grandparents didn't.  What matter to them was your character.  What kind of person were you.  My grandparents and parents  voted for Democrats and Republicans.  It was more about the person and what they stood for and their character.  Now to many are more about the party than the person.  There are some Republicans I won't vote for.  

Jan Alexander

Russ, there are a few dems I wouldn't vote for either..or atleast one..I can think of... If they run, I will pencil myself in instead..   To bad Arnold can't run...  loved what he has been saying on recent talks shows..   

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

HS ALUMNI SURVEYS: WHAT REALLY MATTERS

Thinking back on our 33K+ posts over the past 11 years, a lot of water has passed under our Forum(s) bridge(s)...even as we too pass.  And so with reflection, Ai-and I thought you might enjoy the contrasts of other Alumni’s priorities, beliefs, and hopes mentioned from surveying 25 other High Schools.

20th High School Reunion: Midlife Madness Meets Dance Floor

By the 20th, the shine of “who’s who” is long gone. Everyone has a few dents in the armor—divorce, job upheavals, maybe some questionable hair choices. People show up with equal parts insecurity and relief. The mood?
👉 “We survived young adulthood—let’s party like it’s still prom, only with babysitters waiting at home.”

Big Themes: Career boasting, “look at my kids,” and more than a little “I need this night off.”
Politics & Religion: Not top of mind—too busy showing success or hiding the bumps.
Barriers: Old pride and social wounds still echo… some folks never quite left the cafeteria table seating chart behind.
 

30th Reunion: Nostalgia With Training Wheels

At 30 years out, we’ve mellowed—mostly. People laugh about old embarrassments (the haircut, the heartbreak, the bad band you thought would make it big). But pride still peeks out when careers, kids, or new zip codes get compared.

Big Themes: Reconnecting, retelling stories, testing where life paths line up.
Politics & Religion: Sometimes slip in, but still a side dish, not the entrée. There’s a tiny chance someone’s worldview could shift here—though mostly it’s about nodding politely.
Barriers: Pride is still the elephant in the gymnasium: everyone wants to be “doing just fine, thank you.”
 

40th Reunion: Grandkids and Group Divides

The 40th is where generational benchmarking takes over. It’s less “look at my kids” and more “look at my grandkids… and by the way, here are 47 photos.”

Big Themes: Family legacies, retirement dreams, and a quiet hum of “we’re getting older, aren’t we?”
Politics & Religion: This is peak danger zone. Facebook groups flame up, side conversations test patience, and no one’s budging from their stance. If kindness doesn’t lead, friendships fray.
Barriers: Intransigence—translation: “I’m right, you’re wrong, pass the potato salad.”
 

50th Reunion: Heartfelt, Honest, and Sometimes Hilarious

By the 50th, the masks are off. The career trophies are dusty, the kids are raising kids of their own, and the question isn’t “What have you done?” but “How are you holding up, my friend?”

Big Themes: Health, mortality, deep friendships, faith, and making peace with the past. Legacy matters more than résumé lines.
Politics & Religion: Still there, but most folks are smart enough to know—you can’t change someone’s vote or church pew at age 70+. Better to toast to shared history than spar over cable news.
Barriers: Pride and rigidity can still trip us up. But the truth is, despite cultural trends, classmates would rather hug than argue.
 

Priorities Across the Reunions 

Health, Mortality, and Family Legacy (peaks at 50th)
Friendship & Connection vs. Old Cliques (always there, but softened by age)
Politics & Religion (most heated at 40th, least useful at 50th)
Midlife Crises (loudest at 20th and 30th, eventually fodder for storytelling)
Generational Benchmarking (kids at 20th/30th, grandkids at 40th, great-grandkids at 50th)
Technology & Loneliness (social media reconnects at 20th, tech gaps challenge some at 50th)
 

Final Reflection 

Reunions start as competitions (“Who’s winning life?”), evolve into cautious curiosity (“How’d you turn out?”), and eventually become self-centered celebrations of survival (“I’m, We’re still here!”).

Politics and religion? Pride and intransigence?  They’re the last leftovers of adolescence, best left behind with pep rallies and cafeteria pizza.

A Senior’s Guide to Seeing Clearly, Hearing Deeply, and Healing Together (Class of 1969)

1. Pause Before You Post

The digital world rewards speed—but truth requires reflection.
Ask: “Is this kind? Is it necessary? Is it true?” (Even one “yes” might save a friendship.)

2. Listen to Understand, Not to Reply

Too often, we’re already typing our comeback before the other person is done speaking.
Slow down. Let your ears be bigger than your mouth. (Yes, biology already gave us two ears and one tongue—use the ratio!)

3. Check Sources Like You Check Selfies

Don’t accept the first headline. Dig deeper, compare outlets, ask who benefits from the story.
Just like a filter can distort your photo, media can distort reality—discern before you “like.”

4. Value People Over Positions

Your classmate is not a debate opponent; they’re a human who laughed with you in 9th-grade homeroom.
Friendships outlast hashtags and headlines—if you let them.

5. Practice the “Benefit of the Doubt” Muscle

Assume good intent before assuming bad faith.
Often, harsh words come from hurt hearts. Look past the tone to the story beneath.

6. Apologize Without a Comma

“I’m sorry, but…” erases the apology.
Say it clean: “I’m sorry. I hurt you. I’ll do better.” That simple humility rebuilds bridges faster than any argument.

7. Curate Your Feed, Curate Your Mind

Who you follow shapes how you think. Mix your digital diet: different voices, different communities, real-world conversations.
Echo chambers feel safe, but they shrink your world.

8. Make Room for Silence

Discernment is hard in the constant noise. Step away from screens, walk, breathe, let thoughts settle.
Wisdom whispers—you have to create quiet to hear it.

9. Choose Kindness Over Being “Right”

Winning an argument online rarely heals a wound in real life.
But kindness? That lingers. Long after senior year, people remember how you made them feel, not how you proved them wrong.

10. Remember: We’re All Still Learning

Truth isn’t a trophy—it’s a journey.
Today’s “I was wrong” can become tomorrow’s wisdom. Stay teachable, stay humble, stay open.

Closing Thought

As the Class of 1969 in 2025, we stand in a noisy, divided world. But you also stand in a powerful place: you can choose to rebuild trust, heal words, and walk in truth.
Do it with curiosity. Do it with courage. Do it with kindness.

What endures—what really matters—is the laughter over shared memories, the compassion that comes from scars earned, and the simple joy of looking someone in the eye after fifty+ years and selflessly saying:

Other alumni:    👉 “You know what? I’m glad we made it this far—together.”

Not selfishly saying:

Us:                       👉 “You know what? I’m glad I made it this far—hahahaha.”

PS Russ: In 2025, while few Republicans portray Godly character, I'll be damned if I'll vote for any Democrat!@

.

David Cordell

Jan,

I will readily admit that Trump's general behavior is not something anyone should model. The gratuitous insults are childish. I would prefer a more dignified approach that sets an example, as you suggested. That said, Reagan and both Bush'es carried themselves with dignity, and they were still mercilessly pilloried by the press. 

]Remember this Newsweek cover? "Wimp" factor?? Showing Bush 43 in a yellow jacket?

It is worth reading a few pargraphs from the link below. He enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday to become an aviator. Here is one snippet: "Throughout 1944, he had flown 58 combat missions for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals ..." 

https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/biographies-list/bios-b/bush-george-h-w.html

Bob Wainner

Jan;

I beg to differ with your opinion of President Trump.  Well, Yes, I believe that he could have been more "Presidential" in his 1st Term - then, he was a businessman & just entering the world of politics.

President Trump has changed for the better and IMO has become a FANTASTIC Leader with strong character and so much compassion for people here & around the World.  Look at how many WARS he has stopped from taking place!

His demenor is very likeable and has come to relate to the common American citizen. 

I would rank President Trump in the TOP 5 of all of the U.S. Presidents, to date.....Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Reagan......and I would rank Trump #3. 

One of Trump's best qualities is that he's really NOT a "Politician".  America needed a "businessman" to run this Country.  President Trump's policies have been positive and great for ALL Americans.  The Democrats don't have any "policies".....just hatred for Trump & Republicans. 

You may have noticed lately that the polls are showing many Democrats are swinging over to the GOP and to President Trump.....because they like the results they're seeing.  IMO, this Country was a complete mess under President Obama & Biden as IMO both of them are/were seriously corrupt. 

I'm looking forward to a string of GOP Presidents in the years to come.......why switch horses win you're winning the race???  Vance, Rubio, DeSantas & many more.  

That's just my take on America today. 

Bob

Jan Alexander

Bob W  said ,"President Trump has changed for the better and IMO has become a FANTASTIC Leader ."

Sounds like me the evening after my first cataract surgery when I kept saying it went "Great ! Just Great!"  when the doctor called to see how I was doing.. I must have still been high on drugs.. 

I still feel like I am in the yellow submarine with the Beatles.... the colors and contrasts in shades of objects look so artificial to me...   don't like it.. it is an odd feeling.

Yuck , I hope I can see straight when the other eye gets done... that is if I am not too chicken to have it done now.. but guess I have to; it is like  "shit or get off the pot"  kinda scenario.. now. 

Bob , just kidding , it is your world ... you can see it like you want.

Jim Bedwell

Jim Bedwell

Bob W,

I'm with you. Trump by the end of this term will be in the top 5 Presidents EVER, and it was eery that my thoughts on your top 5 were similar to yours - I had the exact SAME 5 Presidents and I devised my list a couple of weeks ago in my mind - my order is Lincoln, Washington, Trump, Jefferson, Reagan.

Trump is a tireless workaholic, a superlative pragmatic problem-solver wth an underestimated level of intelligence, a relentless patriot with a deep love for this country and its people, an experienced businessman with a courage found in few, and a true visionary with an open mind about possibilities for the future. His Cabinet picks are so much better this time around than the last term's picks; he has a great ability to adjust as he learns from past mistakes. Similar to Lincoln, who saved the Union, Trump is saving the Republic from the inevitable path of oblivion offered to us by the Dems with their umbrella of leaders of Godless, predominantly self-serving neoMarxists, Islamists/anti-Semites and various other reprobates.

Now we're beginning the road to the next and imminent Cowboys Super Bowl victory - NOT!

Wayne Gary

David,

I saw your e-mail about D-Day interview.

Here is info on Tiger Teague. The second most battle decorated solder in WW ll from Texas State Historical Assn

Jan Alexander

Bob Wainner

Jan;

No way I'd cast a vote for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin.  And there's no way she's a "moderate". I just read her Wikipedia page.....it has "die-hard lib" written all over it.  Her family's home in Detroit was a gathering place for the LGTBQ community.  Also, she's NOT "pro-life". I also noticed that she earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology @ Cornell....and I read an article today on-line that stated Cornell was ranked as the #4 most "Liberal University in America". She & 5 other Freshman Congresswomen wrote an article calling for the impeachment of President Trump......nice try. That's about the only policy I can think of that the Democratic Party has "Let's try to impeach President Trump". IMO, had the GOP had the votes....both Obama & Biden should have been impeached...both IMO comitted "treason" against America. 

I see she did work for both President George Bush & Obama......but, she's still a candidate I personally wouldn't vote for. 

IMO, The Democratic Party has ZERO qualified candidates to come close to serving as The President of The United States.  They're policies are negative ones & don't serve the citizens of The United States. Now, President Trump & his Cabinet have to clean up the mess that both Obama & Biden left behind.

No, Trump is not "perfect"...nobody is, but at least he is loves America & is doing everything he can to help ALL American citizens.....in so many different ways. 

Bob

P.S. - Jan.......Sorry to hear you're having issues with your "eye surgery".....I had the same surgery on both of my eyes about 1 year ago...and WOW, I can see again. Before the surgeries, I was having trouble seeing to drive...but after, I have close to 20/20 vision in both eyes.  It's almost like I could see as well as I did back when I was about 30 years old...back before I even needed to have "reading glasses".  I went to "Key Whitman Eye Center" here in Plano, TX......I think they have offices all over the U.S. I hope you get to feeling better with your "eye surgeries"...Yes, I think you should definitely have BOTH eyes done. The key I think is, after both surgeries...is to use the (3) different types of eye drops daily as directed by your doctor - that's what I had to do for about 3 or 4 weeks...then, they wanted me back for a follow-up visit.  Those eye drops can be very pricey but Key Whitman had a deal going with a local pharmacy....for a discounted price for all (3) of the drops.  Feel better, OK!

Sincerely,

Bob

Lowell Tuttle

On my FB today...

Jan Alexander

Bob, W  I left out she is a Democrat, sorry...  was thinking a Dem Pres Candidate.   To each their own.

David Cordell

Lowell,

Amazing girl!

Did you ever hear Jackie Evancho? Here she was as a 10-year-old, and then as an18-year-old.

David Foster produced a couple of albums with her and featured her on two PBS specials when she was about 10 or so. David Foster was married to Becky McCurdy - RHS 1970 - who was previously married to Phil Dyer.

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

CARELESS WITH TRUTH 

Hey Jan-Bob,

While y’all are still debating the good and evil in El Trumpo, I thought you may want to consider the headlines now happening around the world you probably don’t see…and the coming headlines we’ll soon see!

HEADLINES 2025 - HE’S HERE 

..Trump is soon to militarize Blue State cities... (a model for martial law?)

..US F-35s and SEAL Team conducted a covert raid, destroyed a cartel drug village in Sinaloa

..Mexican Senator on TV declares President Sheinbaum corrupt 

..Beijing, China, experiences the worst hailstorm in world history (softball size)

..Iran declares “out of drinking water” by September

..Burning Man burned bad (again) by foul weather.

And Jan, to "lighten up", not being too serious on Christian humor, here’s some fun cartoons with a Jimbo "spin" I hope you’ll enjoy!

And for a quick stroll through Revelation and the End Times enveloping us today, here’s a fun look at…

HEADLINES 2026 - HE’S COMING 

Anti-Christ & global deception - The Mark of the Beast in 10 Minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK4gCHu3H6I

To each their own.

Lowell Tuttle

David C.   I have a stupid question.   When I look at insider transactions (presumably major individual holders,) I see insider sentiment, but often the transactions listed are sales of options, or small percentage insider sales, or none at all.   

So, my question is, what is considered a major move by an insider?   

Another question.   Many stocks are held by intstitutions (banks, mutual funds, unions, etc...)  How can one research what these holders are doing.   I don't see an avenue to watch what say, Bank of America or Blackstone is doing behind the scenes on a stock.   Where does that show.

A number of years ago I followed a pharmacutical stock a friend of mine made a fortune on.   It was out of the developement of a treatment for rhumetoid arthritis.   The drug, I forget the name, was revolutionary and cured the disease in about 60-70 percent of the sufferers.   The original drug's name was the stock's name.   When I looked at insider trading disclosures on Yahoo finance, it would show literally hundreds of doctor's names who had been awarded options or preferred stocks.   Almost as if the marketing arm of this pharmacutical was giving stocks away to doctors as a bribe to get them to prescribe this drug.

Anyway, the drug stock got taken over, but it was fun to watch for the ride.   I want to say Amgen absobed the product, but I can't be sure...

Insider trading is interesting to me.

Also, the social media pages are showing that Warren Buffett has amassed a huge mound of un invested cash, some 354 billion...almost 

He may be just feeling the need to end with a winning legacy...or, maybe he does not trust a growing robust future and is waiting for a fall or allowing his Berkshire A/B future a buy low strategy...there by giving confidence to those who follow him...