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. 

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Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Lance,

Best wishes for your healing time.  God speed to you!

Thank goodness for loving sons!  I'm sure Christopher is a wonderful helper and companion.

Bob Davidson

There is a truism: hard times create strong people, strong people create good times, good times create weak people, weak people create hard times.

It certainly applies to American history: there have been three super cohorts in the about 240 years of our country.  The Revolution created a group that ran the country through mostly good times for about 40 years – Washington through Jackson.  Then we had a period of mediocrity and weakness, which led to the Civil War.  The Civil War generation ran the country from Grant through McKinley.  The next period of mediocrity (with the possible exception of T.R.) led to the Depression and World War II.  The WWII cohort ran the country for the good times from Eisenhower to Bush I.  Now we are in another period of mediocre, weak leaders.  It would seem that we are probably in for another period of crisis.  You can roughly say that the good times and bad times lasted about 40 years each.  The periods of weak leaders were characterized by corruption, partisanship, incivility, and things falling apart, like the recent past.

Incidentally, Theodore Roosevelt is probably the closest to Trump President I know of.  He was utterly hated by the elite of his day.  He led the Main Street faction against the Wall Street faction of the Republicans and the values of decent Americans against the the grotesque racism and corruption of the contemporay Democrats.

Right now, big business, Wall Street, the tech titans, the swamp bureaucracy, and big pharm are thriving.  Small business is being strangled by the reaction to the Wuhan Flu and the shutdown.  The tech overlords and their political henchmen are making sure that our current Overton Window is shrinking to exclude the opinions and beliefs of about half or more of the country – traditional American values and morals are pretty much outside the Pale. These actions are almost certain to cause conflict between a shut-out "Main Street" and the increasingly smug and nasty elites. 

Personally, I saw Biden vs. Trump as Wall Street vs. Main Street or, to be more personal, the garbage elite vs. people like me.  Conversely, the Dems seemed to see it as normalcy vs. the Bad Orange Man who does everything bad and is crazy and evil and stupid and ugly and a poo-poo head and a Russian stooge and a racist, Islamophobe, and xenophobe, not to mention a sinner and a meanie and writes mean tweets to the totally wonderful, admirable people who try to destroy him with slander.    

Of course, the country could just gradually fall into deepening decay, like Britain between the War and Thatcher.  Or maybe, just become a socialist paradise like Venezuela or Cuba, but with a worse climate.  I don’t think that’s very likely since there are always wannabe Hitlers, Tojos and Visigoths outside the gates waiting for us to decay into impotence.  I think the question is whether we’ve reached the end of our run or are at the start of a new, different one, like Rome with Augustus.  

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Bob,

Very interesting, well-written and reasoned post.

Your next-to-last paragraph was spot on!  

The theory of Teddy Roosevelt being compared with Trump was intriguing and a comparison I've never heard before.  

Thought-provoking.

The media thought I'm hearing today of shutting down conservative choices on radio, TV, and the internet is unbelievable insane to me.  What has taken hold of the minds of the Democrats lately?  Was Bernie Sanders truly THAT effective?  They seem to be oblivious now to the meanings of free speech and liberty.  I keep hearing that Republicans are members of Trump's "cult" and that we are enslaved to him, having no sensibilities to choose new candidates for our future.

What?

Wayne Gary

I just saw this Dolly Parton's 75th birthday wish

"I do have a birthday wish that I want to share with you. My wish is that everyone does something a little different today," she wrote. "Let's call it a call for kindness."

"If you want to donate to your favorite cause, then donate. If you want to give an old friend a call during these lonely times, give them a call," she added. "If you can safely volunteer, then raise your hand to do so. If you decide that today is the day you get a dog, then run down to the shelter and find your new buddy. The choices are limitless."

She is one classy woman.  Very good wish

Steve Keene

Happy Birthday Jim Mulvihill,

They kept saying Trump was a dictator.  Ha!  It is easy to see who the real dictators are now with the National Guard surrounding every government building and having been vetted to make sure their politics are correct.  Texas Governor Abbott sent 1000 National Guardsmen when requested.  Said they had been so disrespected he will never send them on a Democrat fools errand again.

Steve Keene

Jan,

Saratoga and Enchantment, Wyoming, Pend O'reille, Idaho, Sedona, Arizona, Glacier Park, Montana, and Moab, Utah are calling my name.  Maybe the Redwoods, California, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Crater Lake, Oregon, and Forks, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula, as well. Ready when you are.  We won't talk politics.  We'll count prairie dogs and squirrels.

David Cordell

Bob D. That was fabulous!

David Cordell

I think I have mentioned Martha's nephew Scott Salter. He has been suffering from COVID-19, pneumonia, fungus in his lungs, and a slow growing form of leukemia. He has been on a ventilator at M.D. Anderson for over two weeks at 100% oxygen. The doctor talked with Scott's wife today about  "compassionate care." That doesn't sound good. If you are one who prays, please include Scott and his family in your prayers

Steve Keene

Bob D.,

Your post will be seen as a cultist terrorist manifesto and it is clear that you need to be deprogrammed.  Until that can be accomplished the left says your law practice should be boycotted unable to advertise and your bar card should be revoked.  Welcome to the United States of Socialist Fascism.  The most glaring sin of you and Teddy Roosevelt is you were born white supremacists.

Steve Keene

David,

My friend Joseph of Polar Air in Waxahachie passsed away night before last at Charlton Methodist in DeSoto from Covid 19 with congestive heart problems..  He was the one that chased the baby mountain goat from in front of my pickup in South Dakota and took the picture of me at Devil's Tower in Wyoming.

Holly Hobby

1/3

Late this afternoon was the below  email delivered to my email designated for pro-bono cases:

Hollie,

 I got your name from xxx.  My name is xxx. He said you help people like me he said you'll  know what to do. I am sorry to bother you but I am aat my wits end sometimes I feel like im going to have a stroke because of all the stress.  i can't take it anymore.  I got laid off from my job thIey said they were sorry but could’t pay me anymore but Im a single mother and my kids are 4, 6 and 8 and a half. I filed for child support but they can’t find him xxx told me to tell you everything so you can help me so here what happened.   (Cont)

Holly Hobby

2/3

It's late. I'm exhausted. The last thing I want is to post on either forum (or usual platforms)   but the deeper I drill is witness to the appearance of countless others reporting allegations too similar to be a coincidence.  

Knowing I won't have time for content on any social platform  tomorrow,   at the same time concerned there could be classmates (and/or readers beyond the reach of either forum) eligible for unemployment benefits but struggling to get them, felt it imp to let you know you're not alone. To encourage you not to give up.  

Whether you or someone you know is trapped in a seemingly endless, futile loop of despair in efforts to obtain eligible unemployment benefits, don't wait.  Call your state  Representative.   In a calm voice ask to whom you need to speak about concerns with administration of TWC unemployment benefits (and if applicable) mounting allegations claiming failure of  ID.me  (a private company contracted with the government) to perform.  

 In all likelihood someone in your/their Representative's office will  be happy to intervene.  (*Neither they or any other credible advocate will ask for your social security number or bank account information). If this fails, turn up the heat.  Your next call will be to federal authorities and your elected officials. Do not be intimidated.  Just Do it.

Following is the remainder of email received today;  last of three posts, broken up in hope of making it easier to read.  Edited solely for clarity;  the actual number and ages of her children modified for her protection and  anonymity.) Cont.

Holly Hobby

3/3

It's with love that RJ reminds  me I can't save everyone. I know that. I've always known that. But in times such as this when our country is in crisis and millions are suffering,  he "gets it"  when I say, "NO ONE should believe him/herself "a nobody" when in truth, void of Bezo, Gates,  Arnault  uber wealth and/or  comprable vaulted status,  "we're ALL  nobodies." It's just some of us will NEVER accept it; others too dim-witted to believe it. 

Below is remainder of the email received late afternoon yesterday. (Edited solely for cohesiveness and clarity; shared with written approval.

To: Hollie    From:   xxx 

"Starting October 4, 2020 I applied for TWC  unemployment benefits. I knew the deadline for applying for unemployment was December 12, 2020, that’s why I began two months earlier. I also knew due to Covid were TWC changes, requiring Id.me.

As instructed I  submitted all the required documents; i.e. my driver's license; social security card; proof of no health care insurance and current of photo me to TWC.  More than once TWC confirmed I am eligible for unemployment benefits.  In the time between TWC confirming my eligibility and today, more than once TWC has also stated the ONLY reason I’ve been denied is because I have been unable to verify my identify by ID.me.

I can prove 18 calls and 11  emails to ID.me to verify  my ID all before Dec 12 2020 deadline. Only after all those calls and emails along with increasing stress and  frustration was I able to get through to a real person at which time I was told I had to schedule  a video call  with a “Trusted ID.me Referee so he could look at photo of me and verify the  documents I submitted.

Again, i can prove countless phone calls/emails proved futile. By then it was only a couple of days until the  Dec 12,  2020 deadline but I kept trying.  I  realized  through no fault of my own I might be denied unemployment benefits for which I'm eligible.  I was scared so I kept calling. One day I called getting a recorded message saying there was a 5 hour wait. There was no option for a “call back” (so I wouldn’t lose my place in line)  so I continued holding. Finally another recorded message came on saying the wait was down to 3 hours so I waited.  The whole time  I was suprised the calls didn't drop, but they didn't.  After awhile I began to lose hope of talking to a real person. I hung up for a few minutes to email ID.me.  Moments later when I called back I got  recorded message said the wait time was back up to 5 hours.  

I called TWC unemployment the next day. They said they couldn’t help me. TWC told me to call the TWC Identity Fraud line.   Countless times I called the Fraud Line. Each time I got a recorded message instructing me to state my name, phone number and brief reason for my call.  No matter how many times I called leaving my name, number and reason for my call no one ever called back. 

I called TWC again. The TWC unemployment person was very nice but told me according to records, TDC already paid me $50,000 in unemployment benefits dating back to Oct. 04, 2020. I said “No, that is a mistake. I can prove it!” The TWC representative seemed to believe me, saying “someone must have made a mistake or typo but I cannot correct it..  She said I’d have to call TWC Identity Fraud line again. In futility I begged her to  understand already  I’ve tried countless times to call the Fraud line.

I am a nobody. No one is going to listen to a nobody. I sorry to bother you want  but I don’t else to do.  I can't be the only one in desperate need of financial help during Covid.  Will you help me?

Jerry May

Lance, 

He was indeed 70 yesterday! Seems just yesterday.......well maybe a bit longer.....he and I were cruising around

on his Honda 300 Dream! I was 15 when I met him. Perhaps you've known him longer. Actually, he and Steve Keene were the first two dudes I met at RHS. Gosh I remember when 70 seemed ancient. Now, not as much until I trip over something.....or go into a room for something.....and come out with something different

I will tell him HB.....for you, although he generally reads the forum~

On another note, you all were talking about famous folks and who you are related to before this page.

Ellen has a habit of "naming" her cars. One day she mentioned she was going to take "Amelia" for some errands.

I said, "Amelia? How did she get this name?" It seems as though her Father's Grandfather....was brother to Amelia Earharts Dad. Huh? So, Ellen.....being an Earhart.....would be I guess a cousin. 

"Like I said, nice name for your little blue SUV!" (my response)~j

Steve Keene

Ron,

Keep the faith.  We may be down, but we are nowhere near out.

Jan Alexander

Steve and Lance... Maybe we can have a bipartisan reunion caravan one day to the National Parks in  R.V.s  Here is to hoping.

An added note... :

I said 4 years ago, with the change of the guard.. we all have to take turns sucking it up and being brave.

I guess it is the Republican's turn.  TRUST ME .. the shoe has been on the other foot ...  Especially when two of the past six US Presidential elections went to candidates who lost the POPULAR Vote.  

Ok ... I guess I better disappear. 

Our Republic will pervail.. it is stronger than you or I.

It is to bad it has to be one way or the other... always has been.

Steve Keene

Jerry

My first high school car was "Whitey Ford" because it pitched when it got on the highway.  No surprise it was also a white ford galaxy.

Jan,

The Looney Tunes dog can't go.  He would chase the squirrels and the prairie dogs.

Ron Knight

Bob D and others

Bob - A well stated pragmatic post!

Steve - I have not lost faith, just being pragmatic. I'm hoping to see some improvements to my party by mid-terms with some new blood and strong leadership.

Belated Birthdays to Jim Mulvihill and Bob Kirkpatrick!!!

And to Jerry May, Jim M and I go back to Heights Elementary together in Mrs Steer's 6th grade class!

All stay safe and well!

Steve Keene

Sorry Ron, 

I was talking to Ron Stocklas.

Kurt Fischer

Interesting that our nation made it through the eruption of Trump supporters rioting and attempting to interrupt President Biden't inauguration today.  Oh, wait, there weren't any.

Here are some excerpts from the CNN report during the 2016 inauguration.  What is interesting is that the tone of opposition to Trump didn't seem to change from that day forward.  Pretty sad.

Six police officers were injured and 217 protesters arrested Friday after a morning of peaceful protests and coordinated disruptions of Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony gave way to ugly street clashes in downtown Washington.

Jerry May

69ers,

I just found out a good friend of 45 years or so.......fell  a couple of weeks ago and broke vertebra in his back and neck.  He was put in ICU and gradually got worse. He actually could not breathe on his own after a week and was put on a ventilator. His condition worsened and the Dr's said his condition was bleak and suggested the family (brothers and sisters) make a decision.

It was a relatively easy decision since all knew he would not want to be kept alive that way. (besides, he had DNR on his chart)

He was 70.  But it was strange.....hearing this after talking just in my last post about falling.

Especially at our age. The percentage works against us. So PLEASE BE CAREFUL and watch where you are going!~j

Steve Keene

All,

David Cordell

It appears that Democrats have become the party of blacklisting, deprogramming and reprogramming. It is so refreshing to see what unity looks like.

Why do they want to pursue an impeachment trial? For unity? Good plan!

Trump is already out of office, so a trial is stupid. Perhaps the idea is to ensure that Trump can never run for president again, as I understand a conviction would specify. This is simply a form of blacklisting for a specific, alleged act, i.e. supposedly inciting a riot, an allegation that would never be proved in a fair court of law. Or is it simply vengeful, vindictive, retribution -- cutting off his pension, allowable expenses, and secret service protection. As former attorney general and self-professed wing man for President Obama enthusiastically exclaimed, "When they go low, we kick them!" Maybe he should have said, "When we go low, we go even lower."

Sen Josh Hawley had to switch publishers. Why? Because he expressed an opinion and took an action that was entirely legal. He is not the first to challenge the Electoral College results. Maxine Waters has done so. Was she blacklisted?

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was kicked off an advisory board at Harvard, her alma mater, because of her comments in support of Trump and her vote on the Electoral College. She contends that she was the only Trump supporter among the thirteen members of that board. Now there is a student petition to revoke her degree and the degrees of Harvard grads in the Trump administration.

I have seen three different major media video clips in which the words deprogram and reprogam were used with regard to Trump voters.

What country are we living in?

Bob Davidson

David,

While people's characters are revealed in adversity, they are aslo shown in victory, especially generosity of spirit.

Did you notice the Antifa-BLM riots in Portland, Seattle, Denver and Minnesota yesterday protesting Biden's inauguration and the existence of ICE?  I would be shocked if our mainstream media watching friends even heard about them -- and if they did I'm sure they think it was more evidence of MAGA deplorables on the loose. 

They seem to really believe that watching Fox and getting information liberals don't have makes conservative people crazy -- controlling 95% of the media is never enough for totalitarians.  It also indicates that they have no faith that their ideas are able to be defended.

Yesterday I was in a mediation with client who has a very good job at a refinery.  She said that her employer is planning big layoffs because of the Keystone Pipeline cancellation.  The environmentalist-virtue signalers can certainly pat themselves on the back for destroying those laid off people's lives.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

You're absolutely correct, Bob, that the Democrats actually believe that we are under the spell of Fox News, Limbaugh, Newsmax, OAN, etc., and it is now their mission to destroy our news outlets, since they are convinced that those outlets CONTROL our every thought, that those outlets have cult-like control of our minds. They constantly refer to us as cult-controlled, thinking that we don't know of mainstream media news that they absorb as total truth.  Even though we try to tell them that we understand mainstream news, we also know of "the other side of the news" of which they don't know, since they refuse to even consider that there could really be 'another side of any story' that is different from the Democratically controlled mainstream pablum.

THEY are actually the ones who are controlled!

What alarms me is their effort coming down the tracks toward us, to eliminate our favored programs, as they are determined to do.  They believe that our programs have warped out minds, and that we are incapable of decerning truth from fiction.  They think that we are all white supremacists who were incited to attack the Capitol, if in fact we were able to fly to DC on January 6th, and so they don't accept that the Capitol was attacked by anarchists; anarchists who dwell on the fringes of their party too.  THEIR anarchists were on our TV screens last summer, during all of that nonsense we watched.

They will never believe that 99% of that crowd gathered as Trump spoke on Jan. 6th, were peaceful Republicans who simply wanted to show their support for Trump, and they wanted to support Ted Cruz, Jim Jordan, and Josh Hawley, plus a large number of other Republican Congress folks, trying to get their voices heard, as they were legally allowed to do that day.  NO!  They now believe that all those Republicans were OUT TO CAUSE TROUBLE AND CHANGE THE ELECTION.  Totally false!  Those gathered people knew the election results were not going to change, they just wanted to have on the official record, the irregularities recorded, hoping that in future elections, many improvements would be found to keep elections above board with much better regulations to benefit every voter, not just Democrat voters having the favored edge.

I didn't watch the Inauguration, as I couldn't stomach the lies I knew would be told, but I did watch the evening news, which showed 'out-clips' of what happened earlier in the day.  I knew that would be sufficient for me to see, without all of the other fru-fru and theatric fluff.