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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Wayne Gary

Bob,

Since you have a gun for personal protection if you have not done this consider shootin 1 round in the dark without heaaring protection.

A number of years ago I was talking to a law enforcement trainer at Navy Dallas and he told me this:

There had been a number of cases when a woman encountered an intruder at night and fired one shot and threw down the firearm and ran.  When asked why they threw the gun down the normal response was with the bright flash and large “bang” they thought the gun and blown up.

They had always fired their guns in lighted areas with hearing protection. They did not know how bright the flash is a nd how loud the report is.

It only takes 1 shot in low light to prepare for the affect should they actually need to defend themselves at night in their home.

Jan Alexander

Wayne, Maybe one day on a blue moon we can meet at Mr. Steve's compound and shoot guns... Steve can be our target...  and we will come up with a strategy that will work for all in these United States on the subject of election corruption . 

THis is Your flag and my flag..

Steve Keene

Jan,

They wouldn't let people from Texas be pollwatchers in Arizona or Nevada or I would be there.  You are welcome to come to my house anytime.  However, person to person fights of my friends only occur with bean bags on this property. However, I will let you have a competition to outrun the bull if you like.

Steve Keene

Jan

It is very telling that every state that is run by Democrats that is not a very close election managed to get their votes in and counted and the election called on the same day  Every state run by Democrats where the election was close or in doubt needed additional time for the votes to come in and then be counted, sometimes 3 days for receipt and ten days for counting.  It is obvious to anyone with a brain that this additional time was designed to give the Democrats time to play with the numbers.

Wayne Gary

Jan,

No wonder the Dems don't like teh electorial college which is in the constitution which would require aa amendment to change.

The 4 times the popular vote did not win was 1876, 1888, 2000 and 2016.

All Republicans were winners. When you look at 2016 Trump had 304 electors to 227 for Hillary. Look at the map and you will see the distribution. The race was not even close in the electorial college.

Kurt Fischer

Hi Jan:

Potentially doing away with the electoral college is an issue near to my heart.  I'm against it.

As you remember from your history classes, one of the reasons for the electoral college was to allow smaller populated states to have a larger role in electing candidates than strictly based on population.  Back then it didn't seem fair to the larger states, but it was the price that had to be paid for the smaller states to agree to join the union.  The smaller states did not want to be ruled by the larger states with relatively no say in decisions.

Nothing has changed.  The larger states still make up a much greater proportion of the population.  And the argument they still put forward is that we should have a single national count of votes.  From their perspective, this would be the best arrangement and fairest.

However, it leaves out the original assumption within our union.  Even today it doesn't make sense for the smaller states to join in union with larger states if elections are held strictly based on population.  I have gone so far as to say that the smaller states would be justified in seceding from the union if the electoral college was done away with.  I believe it is that important of a principle.

Anyway, that's all I'm going to say about it...

Wayne Gary

David,

Remember an HMO (Health Maintanence) restricts you to only their doctors where a PPO (Preferred Provider) allows you to go to any provider.  In network has lower co-pays.

David Cordell

Lowell, have you played Memorial since the re-design?

Sandra, the chance that Social Security and/or Medicare will be killed is zero. With SS, I think they will just raise the wage base (like to to $200,000) and eventually raise the full retirement age to 70. I hope they don't do something like reduce benefits for higher income people

About Humana - 

Not sure if this link will work. I have always been suspicious of HMOs, but I have a lot of experience with PPOs. I need to compare the Humana Advantage plan to the Humana Medicare Supplement, which is what Martha has now. It costs $122.71  per month, but doesn't include the vision and dental coverage. So far, though, she hasn't had to pay for anything, not even co-pays.

https://shop.humana.com/medicare/ad/compare-ma-def-page?kc=0300026165&dkey=&zipcode=75002&fips=48085&nfips=48085&usercountry=&checkLoc=true&gclid=&cm_mmc=Email-Medicare-DR-Medicare-eFulfillment&msclkid=&s_kwcid=&ef_id=&dclid=

It looks like that third option is only for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Wayne Gary

David,

If you look at the AARP Advantage PPO by United you will find it has $0 prem.  Just the $144 Medicare B payment.  It is a 4 Star policy. A supplement is much higher.

Lowell Tuttle

David.  I played Memorial Park about 100 times from 1978 to 2019.   I always loved it and it was not always in good condition.   They completely restored it about 2003 or so and kept the fees reasonable.   Last October they opened up the most recent major renovation.  34 million and another 40 million or so is coming from an oil company baron who's name is escaping me right now.   They are going to connect the two sides of the park with a major causeway over Memorial Drive.  They also put in a very large preserve area.  As you know if is about hte largest city park in the country.

I had a tough time getting a tee time but two of my friends who have been here for years and I played it.  Quite a few changes, but still recognizable.  Greens were elevated a little.  A lot of the trees were removed and new ones replanted.  I really liked the changes.  My two friends were frustrated with the distance.  I am used to that as I have been a short knocker since knee replacement and back leg issues.

Playing bermuda rough in the fall is much different than the spring, early summer, or when rye grass has been overseeded.  The scores are very high as the ball sits down because the bermuda is still long, but not "youthful" more irregular in its thickness (?)

On medicare advantage and sups.   I will buy a supplement as long as I can afford it.  People who have doubts need to consult with an agent (independent) who sells a lot of many different contracts to a lot of different people AND who will help you navigate to a good Plan D.  I have referral to a guy if you or anyone wants one. 

Remember, you are free to change within our first medicare year, but after, have to pass underwriting questions.  At this time it's fairly easy for most of us to pass...but some programs might get tougher and we might get more ailments.   I admit a going to an advantage plan is tempting because of the premium being lower and with a sup you have co pays and deductibles.  But, those add ons (vision and dental) are usually pretty weak benefits.  Silver sneakers is good if you use it.   Two sups and two medicare's are running me and Susie 580 a month.  The sup's haven't paid anything this year (other than pharm..) 

The big disadvantage is the networking.  My experience was bad and could have been worse on that if I had not cleared up a scary issue, luckily.  I want to go toe MD Anderson or Methodist downtown if I have a problem major and I want to go to my cardiologist and go to the oen you reccomment me by making a phone call to them,not getting a referral from my MD's  PRN or office manager....and certainly not by perusiing the network's internet menu.

Seems to me we are in search of a breather here in the country.  I predict a move of a alt right politician to the middle/center (like Ted Cruz) will win in 2024.    I don't expect much but a status quo with the more extremists sqawking a lot over the next 4 years.   Assuming the count continues as it has the past few days.

David Cordell

Georgia on my mind.

It looks like both Georgia Senate seats will be runoffs as Senator Perdue is at 49.8%, short of the 50% needed. Can you imagine what airwaves will be like until the runoff? Both sides will pour a lot of money into the race, and Dems have more money than Republicans. I fear that the Republian advantage in the Senate is slipping away. Further, in the case of a 50-50 Senate (with Independents votind with Dems) the VP will break ties. There is only one Democrat vote -- Schumer's -- because they always vote the same way.

Hopefully, Dems will realize that socialism and defunding the police are not supported by the majority of citizens.

Jan Alexander

Thanks Kurt , for your clear and concise explanation, seriously .   I need to continue brushing  up on the subject of electorial vs popular vote.. in my spare time, as I await results.. I also like the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact idea ....

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

I know everyone is breathlessly watching the election results slowly come in, BUT, you should keep an eye on the available ICU beds for Texas.  There are currently 174 beds available in the North Texas area.  That is for roughly 8 million residents.  Doubt my claim?  Read more here:

Coronavirus In Texas

While we caually debate the merits of less socialism, we are in severe danger of losing not just Covid patients, but those who suffer heart attacks, car wrecks, strokes, and more.  When there are no more beds, it is time to pick and choose who will live and who will die.

All we asked were people to wear masks and social distance.  Sheesh.

Russ Stovall

David

We went last year with an Advantage plan.  It is with Care N Care.  No premuims.  Co-pays only. Dental and vision are basic stuff.  We do pay a small monthly premimun of $18 each on our dental for additional coverage like crowns, etc.  We only go to the Dr. once or twice a year for annual check ups, thankfully.  We were spending more on premimums for the two of us than our Dr. bills were before we went to the Advantage plan. Our Dr. bills weren't even close to what we were paying in premimums, about $300.00 each month for our supplemental.  Care N Care is connected to Texas Health Presbyterian.  A group of Dr.'s out of Ft. Worth. several yeara ago formed this company.  Last year was their first year to expand out of Tarrant county, for what I understand.  If you go with an Advantage plan check to see if you Dr.'s except insurance from the company you go with.  Janice's dentist was not on there but she only pays about $20.00 more for out of network visits.  There are some Dr.'s and hospitals that don't except Advantge plans so be aware of this if you have a hard fast connection to a Dr. or hospital.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

I was just listening to my favorite daytime radio program, where it was pointed out that Trump was looking like a winner on election night, when mysteriously 'The Big Pause," happened.  And shortly afterwards, large hoards of unusual mail arrivals happened in the VERY states that we all were 'affixed to' with anticipation---Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona.  During the night while we slept, or while our TVs were turned off, big unexplained happenings occured in those Democratic strongholds.  These dumps were on ballots ALL with Biden's name marked in the Presidential catagory, yet the 'down ballots' reflected good standing for the Republican categories, giving Republicans major wins in The House and in other key areas of Republican strength.

Why would the Repubs be doing SO well in all categories EXCEPT in retaining our Presidential category?

The suspected answer is that ONLY THE PRESIDENTIAL CATEGORY was changed (how odd!) to help Biden win.  These Big DUMPS ALSO happened after hours when the OBSERVERS were sent home.  Coincidence?  I've heard investigators say they think ballots were placed in the counting machines with only the name of Biden marked on the ballot, and the rest of the ballot was left unmarked, so that is how the ballots were entered into the system.  The Dems knew they had better not change any other categories, since that would appear too suspicious. 

We predicted this finagling would happen last summer, knowing the hatred entrenched in Democrat hearts and minds.(Not all of them, but most of them)  It is digusting to have this type of deceiving going on in America, a country with Judeo-Christian ethics!   It is totally dishonest and extremely harmful to our country in ways that will never heal.  The Dems will never be able to look directly into the eyes of Republicans again, without diverting their gaze quickly from feeling pangs of shame.

It was reported this morning on one TV talk show that in Fulton County GA, which was the home of John Lewis, shenanigans happened over night, as a way of immortalizing the man many felt was snubbed by Trump at the time of his death.  Pelosi was particularly 'POed' at Trump at that time, so is it possible that she may have suggested that this county "stick it" to Trump during the final tally?

I think it is something very peculiar to ponder as we investigate. 

It was particularly telling last night to hear the dyed-in-the-wool Socialist, Axelrod, on CNN say that Trump is incapable of acknowledging that HE MIGHT BE A LOSER, which is why he is whining and bellyaching, and Anderson Cooper said that Trump was like an obese turtle lying on its back, belly-up in the hot sun, flailing its stubby legs, helplessly. Then Cooper smiled cryptically....  They were all saying that Trump was bad-mouthing democracy in his speech earlier in the evening, yet what we Republicans heard was that he was extremely angry and frustrated with how democracy was being denied him and his followers in nefarious ways of flat-out cheating.  They said he HAD NO EVIDENCE of cheating and therefore was lying, that he was 'diss-ing' democracy taking place with the honorable counting process continuing for all to see on TV!  Trump is a disgrace to democracy taking place, they claimed, especially in places where Trump could see BLACK PEOPLE counting!  What hogwash!!  A totally lying interpretation of their ilk that they state frequently.

WE suspect all the true facts will be discovered shortly, in investigations and court determinations.  But we also know that Dems will smugly run out the clock on us, as they nearly always do.  And they will march happily with flowers to Karl Marx's grave, with smiles on their faces, and Pelosi with her ten pound gavel in hand, leading the trek, twirling it 'round her head, like a majorette!

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Kurt,

Thanks for the soothing, healing words from the one who loves us all, in spite of how we fail Him.

He's got the whole world in his hands.  

Steve Keene

Janalu,

You are wrong.  Evil people feel no shame.  My only consolation if the Democrats succeed in their theft of the election is that the middle class blacks and duped whites that voted for them will get the same that they have always gotten from them, lip service and no action.

Steve Keene

Lance,

I have rethought my position now that it looks like the election has been stolen.  I am going to stick around awhile to increase my estate for the kids.  I have never shopped on Black Friday before Thanksgiving before, but this year is going to be different.  Everything under $700.00 is free in Dallas if you wear your "Black Lives Matter" T-shirt.  I'll get another $1250.00 check the minute Trump can't get the credit for it.  You know oil is going to be scarce and pricey now that the incentives to drill are taken away.  My interests are going to go through the roof.  The pandemic goes away the minute Biden takes office.  The Democrats have promised us that.  This could be the best four years in business I have ever had.

I am going to get a Doctor in Cozumel and fly down there every time I need any hospital care or enough prescriptions.  Who cares if it takes away from American manufacturers?  I am going to buy anything but American and learn to speak Chinese.  I need something new to learn to keep my mind occupied since I can't drill and complete wells.  I already have been making a list of corrupt Democrat politicians that My partners and I can bribe.  My partners and I may start a company and put Hunter Biden on the board.  He won't even have to show up.  We will direct a portion of the federal taxpayer dollars we get, back to him and his family.  This is going to be great!

David Tankersley

I am the proverbial consummate lurker!!  Lol. But can't stay quite regarding the Medicare advantage discussion. Consider Medicare and the G medigap policy. Look at your total cost annual cost for the policy plus's the $198 annual deductible for part B. Basicly your total outlay for medical care for the year. I pay $164 per month premium for medigap G and $198 deductible foe an annual cost of $2166. If I participate in an advantage policy my out of pocket expenses may be capped from say $4,500 to over $7,000. If you have any major hospitalizations or surgeries or skilled nursing admissions the Croats would eat me up. Investigate the advanfage policies closely, there is considerable risk that can really hit your pocket book. Just make sure you understand your coats well. Office visits, admissions, skill nursing days etc. I have a $8 part D (prescription) policy that covers my 5 routine meds at %100 if I mail order or use a participating pharmacy. 
There is a lot to ins decisions. 

David Tankersley

Costs not Croats. 

Steve Keene

Lance,

The Advantage Plans don't cover Depends.

They will cover bandages you receive from an ass-kikking.

Steve Keene

Lance,

A little bit angry after watching the Democrats try to overwhelm the system according to the Marxist playbook, I went to the Kroger in Dallas County in Desoto near the station where I was threatened with a knife for having a Trump sticker on my vehicle.  I needed some bread and lunch meat for the weekend.  I did not wear my mask in a 90% black neighborhood.  The clerk called over her manager despite the fact that we were separated by plexiglass and I was using a credit card.  The manager said "The Dallas County AG has said you have to wear a mask to buy food here."  I said "The Dallas County AG also said that they weren't going to prosecute individuals stealing essentials for less than $700."  "Do you want to take my credit card or do you want me to steal this bread and beef bologna which qualifies as an essential, your choice?" She decided to run my card.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Hey Steve!

What if you and I have a mess of bumper stickers printed that say "Biden: Not My President," or "Biden: Illegitimate Prez & Red China Lover?"

We could sell them and make a bundle!  I could sell 40,000 right here in Georgetown, easy-peasy.

I know that would be viewed as 'un-Christian,' but what the hell?  Christianity is not held in high regard anymore anyway, and Soros' ethics will soon be the Green New Ethics Of Earth, to behold!

Steve Keene

Janalu,

Sounds like a plan.  I am checking with a friend in Kazygstan to see if he is interested in compiling a dossier that we can use to get a Faisa warrant to spy on Biden.  Is it too early to start impeachment proceedings?

David Cordell

Thanks for the good info about Medicare Advantage vs. Supplement.

We have dental and vision coverage through my employer ($58 and $7.50, respectively, per person per month). I suspect that it is at least as good as available through Advantage plans. Martha has Silver Sneakers through her Humana supplement, which is handy because a Plano rec center with indoor pool is less than a mile from here.

At this point, we are inclined to stay with the Humana Plan F supplement. We like the flexibility and choice of physicians. No deductibles or copays. Emergency international coverage. Very predictable overall costs, even if the monthly premium costs are higher.