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. 

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Lowell Tuttle

Janalu, regarding your read on Sino-US economic circumstances and what we could or should do. 

It is the most fear I have for our country and world should any kind of relations not be fixed between these two cultures.

We have a fairly similar knowledge of how our own country's history, culture, and economy got where we are today.

We have almost no knowledge of how China got where it is today.

Just opening up a wikipedia page to the history of China is quite disconcerting.

The US was a Chinese ally for about a century.  It's estimate 125,000 Chinese lost their lives at the hands of the Japanese just to rescue Doolittle's surviving airmen who crashed into the Chinese Mainland after bombing Tokyo in 1942.

Joe Stillwell's story by Barbara Tuchman is a great read for what happened in China relating to the US from 1911 thru WWII.  So is Red Star over China...(story of Mao and the Communists.)

Chiang Kai Shek and Mao Zhse Dong and their battles both before and after the 14 year occupation by Japan ruined any long term solution to a 20 year warlord reign which usurped a 8000-10000 civilization's way of evolving into a techno-manufacturing economy.

There are more perspectives on what the US and China should do than there are grains of sand on Padre Island.

I know this, both the US and China would greatly benefit from negotiated treaties as opposed to confrontational outputs.

They are turning inward.  We are turning inward.   Someone needs to get hold of this and fix it.

The Chinese are the nicest greatest persons...almost up there with us.

David Cordell

Wayne,

I watched The Big Lift. Good movie. There is some dialogue that made me think of our times. It is a conversation between the character played by Paul Douglas and his German semi-girlfriend. For anyone who may be interested, it is accessible in the second of the two youtube videos Wayne posted (the full movie) from 1:19:30 to 1:21:00.

Wayne Gary

Lance,

Years in RJHS were well before Jim Jones or David Koresh. 1963 -1966 is when we were in junior High.

Wayne Gary

Lance,

I remember when I was at The Bloys Cowboy Camp Meeting when Dr.Jesse Fletcher President of Harden Simmons mentioned that he had been tasked to do a history of the theology of the Southern Baptists. He made a lot of people mad when he took a lot of their "Southern Baptists Have Always Believed" A,B, C etc.  He said they did not start beliving A until date a. B until date b. etc.  He only disagreed with the asumptions "Southern Baptists Have Always Believed". The Southern Baptist Convention : A Sesquicentennial History by Dr. Jesse Fletcher

The literal/inerracncy of the bible did not start until Martin Anstey was a Bible chronologer significant for his contribution to biblical literalism for successfully resolving the apparent time gaps contained within the Bible's internal chronology. In 1913 Anstey's thesis, 'The Romance of Bible Chronology'.

I do not follow  Rev.Robert Jeffress. so I do not comment on his sermons. I do disagree with the Literal/Inerrancy of the Bible. I do not try to put down different understandings, I accept that I can learn from others and they are doing their best to get closer to God in their religous journe

David Cordell

Bob D.,

Have you read anything about so-called critical race theory? Is this getting much play in the legal world?

https://newdiscourses.com/2020/06/reasons-critical-race-theory-terrible-dealing-racism/

Bob Davidson

David,

When I hear about critical race theory, it comes from young lawyers just out of law school or committed leftists.  We have an intern in our office who is a third year law student at U of H and he says several of his professors incorporate the racism is the root of everything meme into everything they study.  He's a good young man, although a Bernie Bro from his recent time as a history major at UT Austin, with good enough thinking and analytical skills to see the theory of intersectionality as vulgar Marxism.  Being around the nuts and bolts of law practice and the courts is slowly beating the indoctrination out of him.  The first year of law school is like Plan II where you are with the same small group of students in all of your classes -- at U of H it's 75 or so people per section.  He says there was one outspoken Republican in his section, everyone else who was vocal is progressive.  When I was there, the majority of the class was pretty conservative -- I was the token outspoken liberal.  The faculty, except for Liz Warren -- who was a very conservative Republican at the time, was uniformly liberal Democrat.

I haven't seen it in Texas appellate court decisions or federal case law I deal with.  Many of our class of 2018 Beto judges probably swallow it completely, but they don't have the intellectual horsepower to articulate a coherent worldview.  My guess is that our Soros-funded district attorney totally buys into it -- hence the releasing of black career criminals without bond for multiple violent felonies and routinely dropping of charges against them.  (Incidentally, I've known her for almost 40 years since we were both in law school and like her personally.  Her political views approximate Tommy Thomas' outlook, except she substitutes lesbianism for the Native American .)

Bob Davidson

A question for those of you lucky enough to have living parents:

My mom is 91 and has had an apartment in a senior living facility in Austin for the past three years, since Dad died.  She had serious health problems and he basically wore himself out taking care of her -- at one point he saved her life with CPR when she quit breathing.  After he died she fell apart physically and emotionally.  We got her to move to the senior living place after her doctor told her she couldn't drive and she was scared of being trapped on Padre Island in a hurricane. Amazingly, in the months after the move she recovered physically and came back alive emotionally.   

The place she lives reminds me of a sort of college dorm for old people.  They had constant classes, activities, opportunities for socializing, and a restaurant where they get two meals a day.  It has been great for her: she's made many friends, taken classes and generally done very well.  My brother lives a mile or so from her and has made sure everything has gone smoothly for her.  My remaining sister and I had come up from Corpus and Houston one weekend a month each to visit, take her out, and enjoy her company -- and give my brother weekends off. The weekends we didn't come we had adult grandkids do things with her.  She's frail, but in great health for someone her age.  Before coronavirus, she was taking an exercise class as well as yoga each day.  She doesn't drink, but was a regular at the happy hour they had every evening. Her mind has slowed down a lot, and she had bad days, but she was generally doing quite well for someone her age.

Since Coronavirus hit, they have been on lockdown.  None of the family is allowed to visit her -- we haven't seen her in person since March.  We all talk to her on the phone, but she refuses to skype or use video -- like she refuses to IM or email or use her computer for anything other than solitare.  The staff at her place bring them meals, check on them several times a day, the nurse monitors her meds, and one certified health care worker is allowed to visit her.  My brother found a CNA he likes who checks on her everyday, does shopping for her, etc.and keeps us posted on how she's doing.  Mom has been walking the balcony for exercise and no one has stopped her.  Since July, they have been letting the residents get together in the little rooms on each floor to socialize -- with masks and social distancing.  They've been calling each other on the phone and talking the whole time, but each stuck in their own apartment.

We all dread talking to her now -- she is angry and confused a lot of the time. She has two new great-grandkids she can't see and is very upset about that. Being alone has been awful for her.  Her doctor discouraged us from trying to see her -- someone her age with a compromised immune system is at too much risk to be exposed to us.  We have been thinking this can't last, but it seems never to end. 

Any suggestions?

Russ Stovall

Bob ;

Thanks for sharing.  I can't imagine what you and your mom are going thru.   Dad passed away in Jan of 2019 he was 88.  Mom is now 90 and still lives in the same house.   So I am lucky that she can stll do that.  We were going over there after church each Sunday until  the pandemic hit.  She can't drive any more either so I do her shopping for her and take her to her Dr. appointments.  We at first were real cautious about being around her as little as possible.  She got to the point that she figured she is 90 and if its her time to go then so be it.  She could not stand not having company or the grand kids and great grand kids around once and awhile . I see her every Thurs.  when I take her groceries to her.  Janice and I go over every other Sunday for the last several months and bring  her her favorite foods and we eat together.  We have the kids call her on a regular bases.  I call her everyday and have a short conversation with her.  The other day Janice and I were over and about to leave and she said hold on minute.  She came over and said I am 90 and don't care if I get the bug or not, but I have to have a hug.   She really enjoys the getting out on her Dr. visits.  A lot of times she has me go by Sonic and she gets some fries and a slush.   The confinement and lack of touch I think are really hard on the elderly.  It takes a mental toll on them.   Keep calling and try to visit as much as you can or how much they well let you.  You might send her letters as well  and pictures of the family acitiviies going on.  Try to keep her involved with what the familes are doing.  Ask her for her opinions on things going on in the family.  Sometimes they need to feel apart of something and valued.   Best of luck and lots of prayers.  

Bob Fleming

It's heartbreaking to hear all of these stories of very aged parents.  I lost my parents at age 14 and 38 and never have known this experience.

It's ugly to say, but early loss meant inheriting money at an age when I really needed it for my family while insuring I missed the the trial you describe (not to mention the draining of financial resources as a result).  To be honest about it; it's always made be feel quite guilty (Catholics have an expertise in this regard.).

I helped Fred Zeiller with his elderly father for a year or so not too long ago.  I can say that I learned a few things from my friend Fred.  Hhe accepted each task as it came no matter what it was; he was willing to do the dreadful personal care of his father that can be so demeaning for everyone involved;  he always looked out for and thanked his father's caretakers; and he never lost his sense of humor (which the man has in abundance).  It was quite a performance of love and respect.

Maybe that's it.  The whole thing is a trial meant to test our character and humanity.  We should strive to pass it.  Easy for me to say.  All I know to do is remain quiet and in solidarity with those who face this ordeal.

Bob Fleming

Bob and David -  On another topic, I think the best recent work on 'race issues" recently came from Isabel Wilerson in her new book Caste, which I finished last week.

You guys would find it more challenging  to your views II think as it is refreshingly free of academic theory and well-written as she is a journalist by trade, not a professor.

She reframes the whole race issue around the concept of "caste" thus eliminating the well-practiced and rehearsed polemics of left and right.  I think it will be a classic and has the possibility of forcing both sides to re-assess their understanding. and cherished talking points.

The book compares the concept of caste (in India, Nazi Germany, and the segregated South/North in the U.S.), explains how it works, and explains how each culture borrowed from the other in both implementing it and trying to overcome it.  I'd recommend it to you both.

One thing that stood up the hair on the back of my neck; Nazi race law borrowed heavily from "black codes" in the U.S.  Germany actually sent legal scholars to the U.S. to study how it was done.  One particularly abhorrent law was plucked straight from from the State of Texas code.  Yikes.

Worth looking at.

Melody McNeil (Tarrillion)

To  Bob Davidson,

In addition to working for a company that was deemed "essential" during the shut down, I am the primary care giver for my 94 year old father- or at least I was before his facility was put on lockdown. I recently was added to the list of caregivers for his facility so I can resume providing for his needs.  Until I was able to be added to the list his monthly $ charges had increased substantially.  You may be able to be added to the list of caregivers at your mom's facility.  He is living at Brookdale Memorial City (just east of Memorial City Mall-west of your stomping grounds). Your mother's facility sounds very similar in amenities.  It is worth a try and would give you easier access.

As long as my dad can have his daily beer and play poker with his buds he is a happy camper. He coached some of you in the Richardson youth sports leagues and church leagues. Sometimes I feel like I have a toddler again.....but happy and blessed to have him around!  Before the lockdown the two of us shared a fun Sunday afternoon at the horse races with Lowell and his wife Susan.  Lowell and my dad did pretty good with their bets!  I was impressed. We should try to have a RHS'ers of Houston event in the future once we are all vaccinated.

Lowell Tuttle

Mel.  I have thought for a moment about the poker game your dad plays in.

If he bets his cards like he does his horses, I would fold any raise he makes.

Steve Keene

Bob

Having two older boys and two millenial daughters from a second marriage with great careers (Attorney and Nurse), I tragically find myself classified as the elderly parent who is often ignored or only tolerated on a few holidays per year.  One of my boys lives in the Seattle area with his family, and has not visited Texas for 30 years  not even for grandparent's funerals.  I have driven to Seattle at least 5 times.  My other son abandoned his family, so it is not much of a stretch for him to abandon me.  

I live less than two hours from my daughters in Dallas, but I have found that the road to visit generally only goes one way.   They find plenty of excuses if I want to come visit, and get angry at me if I drop by unannounced.  I buy fishing boats, offroad 4 wheel drive side by sides, have a stocked lake, and numerous outdoor opportunities.  They may come visit and try the new toy or boat once, but then that is about it.  They don't want to come use the boat to fish, but they feel comfortable borrowing it and not bringing it back for months at a time.

I offer to take them on trips, but they are too involved with their own schedules to go, they tell me.  Then I hear they have gone somewhere with their boyfriend or husband's family for a week's vacation.  I guess the only solution is to find my own companion and enjoy life without the family.  

So here I am loving my family and not having any involvement with them.  If I call my sons, they may not get back to me for two weeks even if I tell them it is important.  If I call my daughters, they do not want to talk unless they need something financial and only want to text me, which I hate.  I went in the hospital for a couple of days last week with an issue and I am out and over it before I even get a return text to the tune of "did you want something?"  If I died tomorrow, they would not get the news for a week.

Oh well, forgive my rant.  Life is good.  Nobody tells me what to do or what to think except the liberals on these forums.  I enjoy my relationship with God and hearing everyone's viewpoints.  I enjoy our occasional get togethers where we remember the good old days.  You should attend some of those.

If you have any suggestions let me know.

Bob Fleming

Steve,

I think you've always told your life story with both dignity and humor on this forum.   Poignant.  Great honesty as well. This last post was no exception.

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I reflected some on my post about Fred Ziller's father.  I forgot the most important thing which is the great good humor and optimism he exhibited throughout his decline in health.  It was a tour de force really.

Melody is a Catholic and remembers the old Catholic teaching that one should always be ready to make a good death.  Always prepared to do so.

Fred's father did this; my mother certainly did in her long decline; I'm certain that Eileen Sullivan's mother (my Mom's best friend) will do so.  I suppose it is the last lesson our parents provide us.  Hope I can meet the challenge.

How 'bout those Cowboys?

Lowell Tuttle

Hull Barbee.  Bippie birdie.

I have a confession.  Before my voice changed (I was rather late in that,) I was jealous of your voice being chosen all the time for solo's...or so I seem to remember...foggy there.

Wayne Gary

Steve

I only have had kids with 4 legs and a wet nose so I do not know how it feels to not have kids visiting.  I would be more than happy to do some fishing and 4 wheeling (never done that) and shooting with you,  I Carls corner actually 2 hrs from Garland? I think more like 1 1/2 hrs. Acording to Google Maps it is 72 miles.  I can bring my Weimanraner but she only hunts treats and balls.

I do have an electric clay thrower I can bring with several shotguns. can get ready for quail season.

Hollis Carolyn Heyn

Hollis Carolyn Heyn

Hull Barbee

Lowell........ thanks for the compliment concerning my singing voice ......... I often wish now I had developed my music abilities in learning the piano and other instruments for professional reasons and just pure enjoyment in my later years. My Mom was really good in those areas and I was just uninspired 

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Happy Birthday Hull!

I never realized you were a year younger than many of us, but it matters little now, huh?  Have a great day today!

Wayne Gary

Hull,

Be sure to check the obits when you first get up. If you do not find your name there it should be a good day.

Happy b'day

Steve Keene

Happy Birthday Hull! 

Lance can be so mean on these forums.  Don't pay any attention to him.  Thanks for being my friend.  

I have one suggestion for you.  It is apparent that you have been stuffing your excess $100 bills in your shirt and pants, but it is making you look a bit too swell.  I noticed you are having trouble walking carrying that extra stash so I suggest you go to the bank more often.  If you like I will carry some for you as I still have a little room in my shirt and pants.  What are friends for?

Terry Mitchell (Reddy)

Steve! You haven't rsvp'd for the RHS Eagles Austin get-together at our house on the 19th. You need to git down here for this. I'm making lasagna, roasted basil chicken and we're playing corn hole. I wish everyone on this forum could attend. Bobby Fleming - are you and Terri coming? Who else want to join us? Hollis, if you're going to go to Carl's Corner to shoot guns, you can make it to Driftwood to play corn hole with us! Just because you don't live down here gang, you're still invited!

Hollis Carolyn Heyn

Hollis Carolyn Heyn