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.

Ron Knight

I was SO relieved this morning when I turned my computer on. Yahoo News announced that Taylor Swift was endorsing Biden. Now maybe I can get a restful night's sleep!

Bob Davidson

I watched the debate last night until I couldn't stand it.  My first thought was that Kamala should have picked someone other than Fran Drescher to give her speaking lessons and probably someone older than ten to coach her about how to show her feelings with facial expressions.  Pence was somewhat boring, very Midwestern, and knew his policy facts.  Harris was quick to respond with standard canned Democratic Party slogans, not very  moored to reality, and just not nice.

I didn't particularly have feelings one way or the other about either of them before last night.  Watching them, Pence seemed to be a standard issue conservative D.C. Republican; Harris, another condescending, phony Democrat.  Of course, that's just my opinion.  My friend, opposing counsel in this morning's mediation, and outspoken liberal Democrat said that she thought Kamala mopped the floor with that stiff Pence, who is just another rightwing Mitt Romney clone, and didn't see how anyone could vote for a ticket that featured him.  I told her that Kamala made me think of a bad trial lawyer who makes up for her lack of skill with self-righteousness. She was incredulous when I said that all of the conservatives I know consider Mitt to be a liberal.

On another note:  I read on Tommy's alternative reality forum that the opinions on this board are tightly controlled by David and that other forum is a free expression of different ideas.  I had no idea what he was talking about.  Would someone please explain what I missed?

Lowell Tuttle

BD, if you go scroll back 7 years or so to when this forum started, it is fascinating.   I have done it a couple of times  The most amazing thing is the different folks who have posted and dissappeared or passed on over those seven years.  I am tempted to do it again.

Perceptually, I think difference in the two websites is about like the difference between you and your legal opponent you just mentioned. 

Virtually no one has changed opinions on eitiher site.   Just like you.

There is also some behind the scenes emails, phone calls, and other issues that make the readings even more interesting.

Lowell Tuttle

Bob D.  I just went back and started re reading pages 1 and 2 and got enthralled again...

Then I got confused.

There were or have been a lot of deletions...so many of the posts don't make any sense.

David Cordell

Bob D.,

Before Tommy established his site, he posted on this one. His Trump bashing was incessant. Some posts by Tommy and others caused some classmates to complain to me and to stop reading. I tried on multiple occasions, both with responses to his posts on this site and in private emails, to get Tommy and others to tone it down, but Tommy wouldn't. I finally told him to tone it down or I would remove his posting privileges. I also urged him to start his own site.

He established his own site as a near-clone of this one. I actually sent out a notice to publicize his site, and had a page on this site that publicized it as well. Eventually, I did remove his posting privileges. Rather than tone it down to be reinstated, he insisted that I remove him from site completely. 

At the top of this webpage is written my expectation for posting on this site. All opinions are welcome, but only if they are expressed respectfully toward other readers. This website was established to help rekindle, maintain, and even establish relationships among our classmates, not to aggravate and cause hard feelings.

As an aside, I haven't gone to Tommy's site in about 2 1/2 years, but others have told me that my name has come up, and not in a complimentary way. Such is life.

As Lowell noted, it is unlikely that anyone has changed anyone else's mind with regard to politics or religion. To the extent that expressing strongly-held political opinions is offensive, it is not consistent with the goals of this site.

David Cordell

Lowell -- about deletions:

Some people have chosen to delete their own posts, usually after they have had time to reflect. I only recall deleting three or four of posts of other people. One of them was due to the fact that the poster was unaware of some background  that would have made him/her very embarassed for having said what he/she said. 

When I removed Tommy's posting privileges, he insisted that I completely remove him from the site. I explained to him that that would automatically delete all his posts, but he insisted. That left a hole in some conversations because he was a frequent poster.

Wayne Gary

David,

By not visiting Tommy's website you have not missed a lot from Tommy except he really bashes all non liberal political comments.  He recently used the term "weak minded" for consertavies.  He loves Trump haters and disparages all others.

I have a liberal friend who ran for Dem congress in the primary and many times he used the term "all right minded people "concurred with his opinons. Everytime he would say this his wife was imbaressed and would roll her eyes.

David Cordell

Well, I don't care if there is another presidential debate because I can't bear to watch anyway. However, I think this tells us something about the debates. The moderator of the second debate is supposed to be Steve Scully. Here's a quote from the UK's Daily Mail.

The moderator of next week's presidential debate raised eyebrows last night by publicly asking Anthony Scaramucci for advice after Donald Trump accused him of bias. 

Steve Scully asked the former White House advisor 'should I respond to Trump' in a tweet which appeared to be a misdirected attempt at a private message. 

Scully's tweet quickly drew criticism from Trump supporters who said it should be 'disqualifying' - but Scaramucci took it at face value, responding: 'Ignore. He is having a hard enough time. Some more bad stuff about to go down.'   

Scaramucci, who lost his job as Trump's communications director after just 10 days in 2017, has become a fierce critic of the president and has called for a vote for Joe Biden to 'save the Republican Party'. 

Trump had complained to Fox News host Sean Hannity that Scully was a 'never-Trumper, and I think somebody said he worked for Biden at one point'.  

Scully's tweet quickly drew criticism from Trump supporters who said it should be 'disqualifying' - but Scaramucci took it at face value, responding: 'Ignore. He is having a hard enough time. Some more bad stuff about to go down.'   

Scaramucci, who lost his job as Trump's communications director after just 10 days in 2017, has become a fierce critic of the president and has called for a vote for Joe Biden to 'save the Republican Party'. 

The C-SPAN journalist, 60, was an intern in Biden's office while in college, and later a staff assistant in (Ted) Kennedy's communications office. 

In 2016, while Trump was a candidate in the GOP primary, Scully shared an opinion piece entitled No, Not Trump, Not Ever, which called him an 'affront to basic standards of honesty, virtue and citizenship'. 

Sound like a fair moderator to you??

David Cordell

Fun commercial for Ferris Beuller fans.

Bob D. -- as I have mentioned to you, I recall watching you draw Jaguar XKE before class back at RHS in 10th grade, I think.

Wayne Gary

David,

Just for something to do I looked at the first few pages of this forum.  I was reminded of this:

When I get up the first thing I do is get my paper and check the Obituaries and if I do not find my name there I know it will be a good day.

Bob Davidson

I sent my comments about the debate to my liberal friend from yesterday.  She responded:  "And you rightwingers don't understand that we progressives consider Biden to be a moderate-conservative about one step short of being a republican.  At least Kamala balances the ticket."

This morning I noticed that there were about a dozen new Biden signs put up since yesterday on my dog walking route here in Karenland Heights.  That makes it about 25 to 1 pro Biden, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Kim Ogg.  To be fair, several of the signs joined the black lives matter and "in this house we believe" virtue signaling ones they already have up -- and the Beto for Senate stickers on their cars.  My favorite motto is "Unity over Division" -- which I find chillingly maoist. 

My across the street Republican neighbors, who have no yard signs or bumper stickers, say that last weekend when they took their son to Shreveport for a competition, going up 59 there and through Louisiana back, they saw about an equal proportion of Trump to Biden signs and bumperstickers, but with Biden in the miniscule minority.  I noticed that the area around my mediation, Rice Village (between the Museum District and West U south of 59 and north of Rice U), had numerous Trump and Champion (She-Jack's opponent) yard signs and a few Biden signs, but no She-Jack ones.  My neighbors say they think we live in a small blue bubble in a big red ocean.

Lowell -- I noticed the conservative bashing and intense David dislike on Tommy's site, but didn't actually know the history.  On this forum, there are people of varying views, but I don't see a lack of respect for opposing views, just disagreement, which I like.  If someone can change my mind, more power to them.
 

Ron Knight

Just Scattershooting - Politics and Religion

I've been reading some on both sites. I have observed the political bias of each site. I'd like to offer my own opinion for those that care to listen.

First of all, I am a lifelong Republican and proud of it. Before Tommy had his website, I criticized this site about too much political beliefs being dogmatically presented AS WELL as religious beliefs. But more of what I criticized was the confrontational attitude of a few. It became too uncomfortable for me to continue to participate. I felt the attacks were too personal. David politely asked me to back off of my critical views and even suggested that I may be harming the site with my statements. So I did back off.

I am a moderate Republican and always have been. I truly believe for this country to progress we MUST be able to have bipartisan leadership. For at least the last twelve years that has not been part of American politics. Some on this site have bashed Tommy for his hard liberal stance. I personally believe that Tommy has a bit of theatrics in his commentary and an image to maintain. But, I have had a heart-to-heart conversation with him about politics. I found him to be reverent of my political views and we found common ground to agree upon.

There is no great catharsis I am imparting. I am only appealing to the senses that we need to take a deep breath, calm down and do what is right for our country. No more-no less!

As far as religion goes - I know where I stand. I am a life long Methodist. I love the Methodist doctrine and believe it is very personal to me. As Methodist, we kinda use the "Dart Board" analogy of faith. What I mean by that is that if you look at a dart board, you will notice there is a bull's eye in the center. The bull's eye represents God. You will also notice all of the different denominations in value divided on the dart board. That represents all the different faiths. The common denominator is the bull's eye - God. By whatever name you call God, HE is the center of our catholic faith (that's a little "c" catholic not capital "C") or universal faith.

No great wisdom here on religion, either. I believe it is just too personal to bash anyone else over the head  to force them to believe as you. My suggestion is to make sure your own back yard is in order.

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

Ron, 

Great post!  Bravo!  You are a good man!

David Cordell

Lance quoted David: 

Tommy, I think the reason the St. Mark's group decided to invite me but not you is because they wanted to limit the invitation list to narcissists. Either that, or because I was there for two years and you were only there for one.

In case anyone wonders, I was called a narcissist, and that's why my response to the question (of why I was invited to the St. Mark's reunion and Tommy wasn't) included that sarcastic comment.

Wayne Gary

Ron, Sandra

I too am a life long Methodist and I knew one of the great theologians Dr Albert Outler at SMU, Perkins

I tought what was called the Weslian quadratlateral.  Take a the for parts connected and in tension like the 4 corners of a square with God/HolySpirit in the middle.  The four cornners were, Tradition, Experience, Scripture and Reason.  A persons belief comes from his/her own experiences, reason, understanding of scriptures and their traditions. As a result every person will have differing understandings.  All have value and we can learn from each other as long as we can loving discuss our beliefs and learn from others.

Steve Keene

Ron,

Thanks for the advice.  Do you know where I can find a good yardman?

Ron Knight

Steve

I don't think you need a yardman. I'm pretty sure your backyard is in order! Thanks for the humble response!

Wayne

I was a longtime member of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas and long time member of McFarlin United Methodist Chuch in Norman, OK. Leighton Farrell was head Pastor at Highland Park. If you ever went to The First Methodist in Richardson when we were in school he was the head Pastor there. When I moved back to Dallas from Norman, I found Leighton at Highland Park. It was just "home" to me. In Norman, Dr Phil Fenn was our head Pastor and I loved that man - still do. At one time I was on three committees. He has retired now, but every time I come back to Dallas I always try make it by Norman and get coffee or lunch with him. I actually moved my membership back to McFarlin when I retired and moved to Asheville from Dallas.

You too believe in the core of our Doctrine and that being "Moderation", or as you eluded toleration and respect of others. I appeciate your comments.

David Cordell

Lance,

Consider that many people drop in to the Forum irregularly, so they may wonder what that comment meant, especially since it occurred five years ago. 

Although perhaps you were suggesting that everyone knows that I am a narcissist. Hmmm. I can't remember if it was you who called me a narcissist, a monicker which I strongly believe does not apply to me. I will say that I was appreciative of this comment posted by my friend Hollis and addressed to me on October 26, 2015.

"Your recently being labeled a narcissist:  takes one to know one.  However, not a term that I associate with you."

Then you responded to Hollis.

"I was unaware your association has now included becoming a licensed psychiatrist!?!"

Wayne Gary

Lance,

thanks for you looking up the printed Wesleyan Quadrilateral

Steve Keene

Hollis, Sandra, Jan and Hull,

I have been taking some time to teach my grandson, Marcus how to be a Panhandle cowboy with style.  Got him some new duds at Cavenders this week.  He'll be four on Jan 17 so I guess I need to start looking for a cow pony.

David Cordell

Very cute, Steve, including the pose. Is that an homage to an album cover? One thought -- that belt buckle is pretty big. If he is in a hurry to wee-wee, I'm not sure he can get to his zipper!

David Cordell

From USA Today this morning: 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/10/11/covid-hospitalizations-up-11-state-records-who-questions-lockdowns/5960078002/

Dr. David Nabarro, the World Health Organization’s special envoy on COVID-19, urged world leaders this week to stop “using lockdowns as your primary control method" for blunting a virus surge.

David Cordell

Bob D, or anyone else  -- 

The hearings for Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court begin tomorrow. Correct me if I am wrong about the following.

• Chief Justice John Marshall was responsible for establishing the prominent role of the Supreme Court within the U.S. government.
• He was nominated by John Adams on January 20, 1801.
• He was confirmed by the Senate on January 27, 1801.
• The presidential election, which everyone knew Adams would lose, was February 17, 1801.
• The nomination was less than one month before the election. 

David Cordell

This story is about the exodus from high tax states, but the good part is between 1:28 and 2:18.

Wayne Gary

David,

Yesterday I saw a story about the group of young people "Bling Ring" in Hollywood who broke into a number of celebraties homes including Lindsey Lohan and stole over $3 million in cloths, jewlery, and money and when they were sentanced by a CA judge the sentences ranged from 4 yrs down to community service. The liberals in CA don't think steeling $millions is a very big crime.  Just say no no misguided person.  Ther are no "bad" people.

I am glad here in Texas the Jury normally sentences the person.