The reason that Trump is constantly unleashing attacks on others, and strange thoughts (like ...

callmedubious comments on Aug 16, 2019:

well, the US bought alaska, which worked out pretty well. maybe buying greenland is not so crazy after all.

wordywalt replies on Aug 16, 2019:

This is over a century later and no one wants to sell Greenland.

The following are the details of a highly workable universal healthcare program.

Al-Bundy_59 comments on Aug 16, 2019:

The issue for the ruling class will be the lost jobs from insurance companys, hospitals Doctors offices who deal with insurance. And there will be some lost jobs, but overall it would be better for Amrrica.

wordywalt replies on Aug 16, 2019:

Not as many lost jobs as you might think. Many health care management workers would be needed in a universal healthcare program. The bit losers would be the investors in and managers of private health insurance firms.

I am a retired educator who taught at the high school and junior high levels, was a college ...

Deb57 comments on Aug 16, 2019:

Your assessment sounds feasible to me, uneducated as I am. Many of us are wondering how we could have become snagged in such a snafu as this.

wordywalt replies on Aug 16, 2019:

It was a strange confluence of events that we must make sure NEVER happens again

The reason that Trump is constantly unleashing attacks on others, and strange thoughts (like ...

NoPlanetB comments on Aug 16, 2019:

Not enough are realizing it. I watched a clip of him shaming that guy and in it the supporters were going wild over him. I cannot explain the the utter disgust I felt for my own species.

wordywalt replies on Aug 16, 2019:

Even Fox "News" polls show only 38 percent of voters probably voting for Trump when paired against the top 4 Democratic presidential candidates. That is a significant drop in support for Trump.

Two programs could dramatically increase the quality of life for almost all Americans: universal ...

Sofabeast comments on Aug 15, 2019:

What they fear, is Canadianism or Europeanism. I have watched many programmes about health in the USA and you pay similar tax to the EU, but without the benefits and a generally lower standard of education by class comparison.

wordywalt replies on Aug 15, 2019:

@Bobby9 That is correct, because that is what matters.

Two programs could dramatically increase the quality of life for almost all Americans: universal ...

Sofabeast comments on Aug 15, 2019:

What they fear, is Canadianism or Europeanism. I have watched many programmes about health in the USA and you pay similar tax to the EU, but without the benefits and a generally lower standard of education by class comparison.

wordywalt replies on Aug 15, 2019:

@Veteran229 Not accurate. As a veteran of both the Cold War and the Berlin Crisis, I know the facts to be different. We have always contributed to the defense or Europe, not out of the goodness of our national hear, but because we NEED European allies, and because in would make life for the USA very difficult if Russian had control over all of Europe. We have always wanted to face Russia in Europe, not at our own shores. Get it straight, fellow.

I bought my boys bulletproof backpacks.

wordywalt comments on Aug 11, 2019:

I consider it a Republican inflicted travesty that we have to even consider such purchases.

wordywalt replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@jorj When you compare me with Alex Jones, that makes me legitimately angry. Jones is a vicious, greed, lying demagogue who makes up conspiracy theories, not because he believes them, but because he makes money off of them by drawing in gullible people. I am an intelligent, well educated, critical thinking person with a lifetime of experience in many social and cultural contexts and with a very strong personal moral code. When you compare me with Jones you are casually and carelessly attempting to demean and defame me simply because I disagree with you. That is despicable!!. I can't help it if you cannot recognize facts.

I bought my boys bulletproof backpacks.

wordywalt comments on Aug 11, 2019:

I consider it a Republican inflicted travesty that we have to even consider such purchases.

wordywalt replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@jorj I have provided facts. You only offer idle conjecture.

I bought my boys bulletproof backpacks.

wordywalt comments on Aug 11, 2019:

I consider it a Republican inflicted travesty that we have to even consider such purchases.

wordywalt replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@jorj The NRA is inextricably linked with the Republican party and with laundered Russian money. Unfortunately, a few Democrats may be taking money from that morally bankrupt organization, but almost ALL of national level Republican politicians are. Again, get your facts straight before beating your gums.

I bought my boys bulletproof backpacks.

wordywalt comments on Aug 11, 2019:

I consider it a Republican inflicted travesty that we have to even consider such purchases.

wordywalt replies on Aug 13, 2019:

@jorj Neither of the Columbine shooters were from a broken home. Get your facts straight. Still, every word that I stated is true, and you cannot refute them.

I bought my boys bulletproof backpacks.

wordywalt comments on Aug 11, 2019:

I consider it a Republican inflicted travesty that we have to even consider such purchases.

wordywalt replies on Aug 12, 2019:

@jorj Many mass shooters come from two parent homes. You say that guns have always been here. Yes, but, NEVER before has gun ownership been so widespread. Not since the 1880s in the American west have there been widespread "open carry." . I grew up in the rural south "where most households had guns for hunting and for getting rid of dangerous and predatory varmints, but most people did not own pistols and NO ONE owned assault rifles. They did not struct around with ""open carry." The idea that we needed guns to protect ourselves from other people seldom entered our minds, and NO ONE thought that we needed guns to protect ourselves from a predatory government, or to rebel from that government. Those ideas are the result of the vicious ideology of the reactionary right, and the fear and loathing of the white supremacist right. The NRA has added fuel to the fire. Place the blame where it belongs and stop trying to promote a false narrative.

Isn’t there clear evidence that the supreme something that created the universe is an unjust ...

genessa comments on Aug 10, 2019:

well, no, there is no evidence that the creator was twisted, because there is no evidence that there was a creator at all. the fictional creators, of whom there are many, tend to be portrayed as twisted by our standards. it doesn't matter because they ARE fictional. many have made note of their ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 10, 2019:

@Dreamrider You are assuming that there has to be a beginning. Why?

If anyone has the slightest inclination that all this BS will end on 01/20/21.

wordywalt comments on Aug 9, 2019:

You are dead wrong! We WILL beat the sociopath Trump!!!

wordywalt replies on Aug 10, 2019:

@Appleriver He will be forced to, whether he likes it or not. It would take a full fledged violent revolution backed by the Republican party and our military to keep him in power. I cannot see that happening.

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 9, 2019:

@zesty Again, your conduct is uncivil, offensive, and derogatory. Your turn things around and accuse me of the very things you are doing. You insult and attempt to vilify. Your behavior is nothing short of despicable. Through it, you show just what kind of a person you are. I feel sorry for you. But, I still will not let you get away with it. Every time I see you do it, I will rebuke such conduct and label it for what it is. .

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 9, 2019:

@zesty Anyone looking at our exchanges will know that I was just either providing the experiential and knowledge basis for my position, or providing the information that refuted your vicious and false attacks and insults. Who in the hell do you think you are fooling, besides yourself? You must assume that anyone disagreeing with you is either stupid, or that you can intimidate him or her and make them go away. Ain't going to work with me! No way, no how! Keep up your crap, and you are going to get a valid comeback EVERY timer.

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 8, 2019:

@zesty No. Your are simply lying. I have just simply made my case throughout. You have been consistently , aggressive, derogatory, and hostile. You have consistently and deliberately avoided providing any informational, factual, or reasoning support for any assertion you have made., but have consistently tried to play unethical and irrational games. Your behavior is nothing short of despicable. It is obvious that anyone who disagrees with you on political issues will never be able to engage you in productive dialogue. I am glad that you do not characterize most women.

There can be only two real reasons why Republican politicians fail to label violent white ...

JacarC comments on Aug 8, 2019:

A great example of the ignorance of the regressive left-polers. More guns than in the 90s and far fewer homicides. Facts are not the left's strong-point.

wordywalt replies on Aug 8, 2019:

The reactionary right will never learn or admit that it is wrong. It lacks both the intelligence and character.

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 8, 2019:

@zesty As usual, you are insulting and uncivil. Why are you afraid to reveal your purported area of expertise? For your information, I have an IQ of 145 , had a successful professional career, and published numerous articles and sets of skill-training materials. I also created programs which received state and national recognition. So, I am not intelligent, huh? I find it remarkable that a professor can be so uncivil, biased, and politically naïve.

Trump says that it is hate and mental illness "that pulled the trigger, not the gun.

norealgod comments on Aug 7, 2019:

This comment is a comment on the original and all the 4 that followed. The hatred is actually yours. You hate so much that it actually blinds you to reality. The real divider is not Trump, the real dividers are those who speak about division and who promote identity politics. Division is the essence...

wordywalt replies on Aug 8, 2019:

@Veteran229 According to the site, the term is a garbage phrase created by the irrational right to create another piece of conspiracy theory crap. Anyone who believes in and spreads that crap has a real problem.

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 8, 2019:

@zesty You stated in your bio that you enjoy intellectual discussions. Oh, really, I wouldn't say so. I asked you to provide me with the learning, knowledge and reasoning basis for the crap you are espousing. So,far, you have refused by avoiding the question. I provided me with my learning and experience background for my assertions. Why are you unwilling to do the same? With you last words, you are trying to label me as a communist. That is a damnable, despicable lie which shows how vicious you can get when challenged. And you like intellectual discussions? There is ample reason to doubt that.

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 8, 2019:

@zesty You are rabidly irrational and aggressive. You are the one who fails to my questions about what basis you use to ground such absurd and aggressive demagoguery. People like always dodge real questions and try to use distractive tactics. I will be following you to refute your crap. I will never let such behavior go unnoticed.

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 8, 2019:

@zesty No, I will not, as long as you make such absurd and false statements. You claim to be a college professor. In what field? I have to ask, because your knowledge of politics, political ideology, history and government is abysmal. I get angry at the irrational right wing nuts. I stood against Communism in West Berlin at the time of the Berlin Crisis and was more than willing to act for my country under overwhelming odds. Because I wanted to understand what attracted anyone to communism, I studied Marxism, communism, the writings of Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Mao among others. And, it became abundantly clear that communism is a totalitarian total system ideology that was evil and unworkable. But,. through study at the graduate level, and from first hand experience in Germany, I came to see the huge difference between Marxism and social democracy, unlike you. I am a veteran, a gun owner and an was an expert marksman, but Having fired assault weapons and machine guns, I know that the only real purpose of automatic weapons and semi-automatic weapons with large, replaceable clips is killing people. Your irrational positions at the extreme right makes it appear that you are an Ayn Rand extreme libertarian. Rand believed that greed is good, that she had the right to do anything she wanted to and others be damned, and that all government is bad. I know because I read all of her works. I find your positions irrational, selfish, destructive, and disgusting. I will fight such positions at every opportunity. It is my right and my patriotic duty to do so.

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 8, 2019:

@zesty You continue to rant in a delusional manner.

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 8, 2019:

@zesty The only people in the USA creating concentration camps are Trump and his agents. Other than that, it will never happen in our country. Only Trump and his supporters are capable of such vicious action. Why can't you realize how delusional your words are?

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

sassygirl3869 comments on Aug 7, 2019:

I can't imagine unless they are so militant which scares the shit out of me. We don't need white supremists plotting against us!

wordywalt replies on Aug 7, 2019:

@AmelieMatisse National data says that over 65 percent of Americans want a ban on assault weapons. That means that you are in the minority.

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

AmelieMatisse comments on Aug 7, 2019:

I'm waiting to see how long it takes one of the gun rights people on this site to give you a lecture because "those guns are not assault weapons" and also "they aren't automatic weapons" So therefore there should not be a ban. There are a lot of people out there who do not want a ban on anything....

wordywalt replies on Aug 7, 2019:

Yo are playing stupid word games and you know it. Any semi-automatic or automatic weapon with a high capacity magazine can be used as an assault weapon. Now who is stupid?

Are there still those out there that don't want a ban on assault weapons?

zesty comments on Aug 7, 2019:

To fight socialists if they take over!

wordywalt replies on Aug 7, 2019:

There are always a few loony-bin reactionaries.

Several of the pundits on daytime news were legitimately highly critical of Trump for issuing tweets...

Varn comments on Aug 7, 2019:

I hope even our republican-leaning citizens (here in the USA for you foreign sticklers) realize how ‘we’ve been protected’ from his insanity by the few around him with a semblance of responsibility.. But they’re disappearing. Given a second term … may as well begin digging our graves ~

wordywalt replies on Aug 7, 2019:

There must not be a second term. We must make sure of it.

Trump says that it is hate and mental illness "that pulled the trigger, not the gun.

norealgod comments on Aug 7, 2019:

This comment is a comment on the original and all the 4 that followed. The hatred is actually yours. You hate so much that it actually blinds you to reality. The real divider is not Trump, the real dividers are those who speak about division and who promote identity politics. Division is the essence...

wordywalt replies on Aug 7, 2019:

@Veteran229 I have never read such irrational, twisted, false garbage before. How you come up with this crap is beyond belief. What in the hell is "intersectionalism"? I have never heard the phrase before and I do not find it in my two large dictionaries. It is a manufactured false word to prop up fallacious reasoning. .

Trump says that it is hate and mental illness "that pulled the trigger, not the gun.

sassygirl3869 comments on Aug 7, 2019:

Totally agree. Joe Biden fought back vs Trump today.

wordywalt replies on Aug 7, 2019:

He gave a great speech!

There is a surge of scientific denial in America.

wordywalt comments on Aug 7, 2019:

Evolution is not just a "theory". It is established scientific fact. To assert otherwise is to embrace irrationality, superstition, and ignorance. We must make that more than abundantly clear.

wordywalt replies on Aug 7, 2019:

@Fretherne1 What; you do nolt mention is that a theory is not just a random set of conjectures without a basis in fact. Instead, a scientific theory is built on proven valid concepts, principles and laws which indicate a great likelihood that the :theory: is largely correct. Please note the difference between what a theory actually is and how the religious true believers falsely use the word.

Trump says that it is hate and mental illness "that pulled the trigger, not the gun.

norealgod comments on Aug 7, 2019:

This comment is a comment on the original and all the 4 that followed. The hatred is actually yours. You hate so much that it actually blinds you to reality. The real divider is not Trump, the real dividers are those who speak about division and who promote identity politics. Division is the essence...

wordywalt replies on Aug 7, 2019:

Your retort is false, derogatory, and absurd.

This speaks for itself: Four powerful incumbent Senators.

Rghurst comments on Aug 6, 2019:

As Stalin famously said, one death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic. These turds know that we are becoming desensitized to mass murder. The more that happen, the less we react. And the more guns their employers sell.

wordywalt replies on Aug 6, 2019:

It is time for all of us to do something -- and to crucify the Republicans politically if they do not.

There can be only two real reasons why Republican politicians fail to label violent white ...

jlynn37 comments on Aug 6, 2019:

All that you say is true but means absolutely nothing to those who subscribe to white supremacist and nationalist movements as that is their defining dogma and who they are.

wordywalt replies on Aug 6, 2019:

The Second Amendment does not prevent sensible gun control. Political dogma does.

Let's make it more than abundantly clear to Congress and to the violent gun rights extremists: ...

davknight comments on Aug 6, 2019:

If guns are so dangerous, how come the overwhelming majority of gun owners don't commit mass shootings? And how come the safest places you can be are at gun shows???

wordywalt replies on Aug 6, 2019:

There is no doubt that the proliferation of guns in the USA is responsible for the fact that the USA has the highest rate of gun deaths in the industrialized world.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 5, 2019:

I'm just not sure which is more crazy; You thinking all the crooks and other nare do wells out there would consider following any of your guidelines, or you thinking anyone would (or want to) modify a semi-auto to a lever or bolt action. 😂🤣 Sorry,,, but that shit there just cracks me up.. ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 6, 2019:

@Captain_Feelgood You do not have a right to own any specific type of weapon. BY LAW you cannlot own a machine gun, a mortar, a rocket launcher, a flame thrower, or a tank. Congress can and should limit the weapons what are legal for a private citizen can own. Come off that crap about your unrestricted weapon rights.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 5, 2019:

I'm just not sure which is more crazy; You thinking all the crooks and other nare do wells out there would consider following any of your guidelines, or you thinking anyone would (or want to) modify a semi-auto to a lever or bolt action. 😂🤣 Sorry,,, but that shit there just cracks me up.. ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 6, 2019:

@Bobby9 Either your math is terrible, or your mind id addle4d. I was in the Army in 1959-1962 and the M-1 was in use by the Army at the time. I was born in 1937 and that makes me 82. That al matches. What does not match is your addled garbage.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 5, 2019:

I'm just not sure which is more crazy; You thinking all the crooks and other nare do wells out there would consider following any of your guidelines, or you thinking anyone would (or want to) modify a semi-auto to a lever or bolt action. 😂🤣 Sorry,,, but that shit there just cracks me up.. ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

@Bobby9 I alreacdy said that I was in the Army from 1959 to 1962. You need to read more closely.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 5, 2019:

I'm just not sure which is more crazy; You thinking all the crooks and other nare do wells out there would consider following any of your guidelines, or you thinking anyone would (or want to) modify a semi-auto to a lever or bolt action. 😂🤣 Sorry,,, but that shit there just cracks me up.. ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

@Captain_Feelgood Australia has passed such gun control measures and they are certainly not communist. Please don't equate sensible gun control with communism. There are many democratic countires that have sensible gun control.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

zesty comments on Aug 4, 2019:

Great! If all this is done we are ready for a communist takeover!

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

@zesty The fact is that Putin was a Communist KGB operative stationed in Leipzig at the time of the collapse of the USSR. He is still a communist at heart who believes in absolute control over the actions and words of an entire nation. As usual, you are ill-informed.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 5, 2019:

I'm just not sure which is more crazy; You thinking all the crooks and other nare do wells out there would consider following any of your guidelines, or you thinking anyone would (or want to) modify a semi-auto to a lever or bolt action. 😂🤣 Sorry,,, but that shit there just cracks me up.. ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

@Captain_Feelgood Thank you for that information.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 5, 2019:

I'm just not sure which is more crazy; You thinking all the crooks and other nare do wells out there would consider following any of your guidelines, or you thinking anyone would (or want to) modify a semi-auto to a lever or bolt action. 😂🤣 Sorry,,, but that shit there just cracks me up.. ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

@Trajan61 No, turkey. I am a gun owner, a well-informed student of history and political science in graduate school and beyond, a patriot and veteran, and a person who cares more about people than about nacho gun use. Your word and actions show who you really are. .

Many examples of Trumps influence on mass shooters.

RobertNappi2 comments on Aug 5, 2019:

It is a HIGH CRIME to incite a mass shooting...WTF R we waiting for????

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

Let's not impeach him. Let's defeat him , then put his vile ass in jail, where he belongs.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 5, 2019:

I'm just not sure which is more crazy; You thinking all the crooks and other nare do wells out there would consider following any of your guidelines, or you thinking anyone would (or want to) modify a semi-auto to a lever or bolt action. 😂🤣 Sorry,,, but that shit there just cracks me up.. ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

@Bobby9 My words are true, unlike yours. I am 82 years old, and was in the Army from 1959 through 1962.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 5, 2019:

I'm just not sure which is more crazy; You thinking all the crooks and other nare do wells out there would consider following any of your guidelines, or you thinking anyone would (or want to) modify a semi-auto to a lever or bolt action. 😂🤣 Sorry,,, but that shit there just cracks me up.. ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

@Captain_Feelgood I understand guns more than you do. It is possible to modify any assault weapon to make it reload a round into the chamber only with a bolt. It did not say that it would be easy or cheap.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Allamanda comments on Aug 5, 2019:

Sounds very sensible to me but I don't have the knowledge of the mechanisms to back it up, coming from a country that doesn't use guns on the whole. Is this a blueprint taken from somewhere specific? (ie. a country, or an interest group?)

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

This comes strictly from me, an expert marksman, an owner of 2 rifles and a shotgun, and a thinker and responsible patriot.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 5, 2019:

I'm just not sure which is more crazy; You thinking all the crooks and other nare do wells out there would consider following any of your guidelines, or you thinking anyone would (or want to) modify a semi-auto to a lever or bolt action. 😂🤣 Sorry,,, but that shit there just cracks me up.. ...

wordywalt replies on Aug 5, 2019:

Just the kind of crap I would expect from a gun nut. For your information I fired expert with the M-1 in the Army, and own 2 rifles and a shotgun. I will never own a pistol or assault weapon. I have a conscience and a sense of responsibility.

It is time for comprehensive gun control, not mini-steps in that direction.

zesty comments on Aug 4, 2019:

Great! If all this is done we are ready for a communist takeover!

wordywalt replies on Aug 4, 2019:

I stood with our country against the communists in Berlin in 1959 - 1961. When you try to associate anything I say with communism, you are d damnable liar and an incorrigible reactionary nut who doe not understand much of anything. I find your words absolutely lacking in truth, reason, concern for people, or concern for our constitutional democracy. With people like you, our country's enemies do not need much help. What in the hell have you ever done for your country?

disturbing is that we appear to be approaching "White Christian Sharia Law"

wordywalt comments on Aug 4, 2019:

The religious right is trying their utmost. We must stop them!

wordywalt replies on Aug 4, 2019:

@EMC2 Taking up arms is not the way. We must discredit them, shame them, and mount our political forces against them.

It’s easier to get a gun than a psychiatrist in America

wordywalt comments on Aug 4, 2019:

After two mass shootings in one day, we have to ask Republican politicians: you BEAR GUILT FOR THESE DEATHS in fyour persistent choice of greed and politics over the well-being of our people. Damn you!!!

wordywalt replies on Aug 4, 2019:

@bigpawbullets Too many Americans did vote for them. I have not voted for a Republican in 30 years.

I have avoided political comment for a few months.

WonderWartHog99 comments on Aug 2, 2019:

There is an unbridgeable divide between right and left, red and blue states that has become a cliché. America hasn't been so politically polarized since the civil war.

wordywalt replies on Aug 4, 2019:

@WonderWartHog99 The problem with your statement is that you never had a logical case. Your entire case is irrational and lacking in veracity.

I have avoided political comment for a few months.

WonderWartHog99 comments on Aug 2, 2019:

There is an unbridgeable divide between right and left, red and blue states that has become a cliché. America hasn't been so politically polarized since the civil war.

wordywalt replies on Aug 4, 2019:

@WonderWartHog99 I cannot help it if you choose to be an ignorant bigot who willfully and consistently twists he truth.

I have avoided political comment for a few months.

WonderWartHog99 comments on Aug 2, 2019:

There is an unbridgeable divide between right and left, red and blue states that has become a cliché. America hasn't been so politically polarized since the civil war.

wordywalt replies on Aug 3, 2019:

@WonderWartHog99 I am a retired educator who devoted his career to improving teaching and learning in our schools -- and made a difference. I know what I am talking about. You do not.

I have avoided political comment for a few months.

WonderWartHog99 comments on Aug 2, 2019:

There is an unbridgeable divide between right and left, red and blue states that has become a cliché. America hasn't been so politically polarized since the civil war.

wordywalt replies on Aug 3, 2019:

@WonderWartHog99 Your statement is absolutely false, whether out of ignorance or of deliberate distortion. I would advise you not to continue embarrassing yourself.

I have avoided political comment for a few months.

WonderWartHog99 comments on Aug 2, 2019:

There is an unbridgeable divide between right and left, red and blue states that has become a cliché. America hasn't been so politically polarized since the civil war.

wordywalt replies on Aug 3, 2019:

@WonderWartHog99 As a retired educator who devoted his career to improving teaching and learning, I can say with authority that your comments about "no child left behind" are ignorant of the real facts.

I have avoided political comment for a few months.

WonderWartHog99 comments on Aug 2, 2019:

There is an unbridgeable divide between right and left, red and blue states that has become a cliché. America hasn't been so politically polarized since the civil war.

wordywalt replies on Aug 2, 2019:

@WonderWartHog99 Of course I tag Jerry Falwell and his effects. He started the modern right-wing co-mingling of religion and politics which now supports Trump and the extreme right. What you describe is the result of Republican ideology and practices. We can, and must defeat it

I have avoided political comment for a few months.

WonderWartHog99 comments on Aug 2, 2019:

There is an unbridgeable divide between right and left, red and blue states that has become a cliché. America hasn't been so politically polarized since the civil war.

wordywalt replies on Aug 2, 2019:

We need to analyze ourselves why this is the case. Go back to Go back to Jerry Falwell and his "moral majority" in 1972, then add in Next Gingrich, Tom Delay, and Dick Armee and their political ideologies and tactics and you will see most of the answer. Then add in Grover Norquist and Mitch McConnel with his push to ideologically give control of politics to the rich and to obstruct any constructive action, and then you will have 95 percent of the reasons.

What the hell has happened to this man?[theunitedstatesblues.com]

wordywalt comments on Jul 30, 2019:

He has gone from a noted civil rights lawyer to a real scumbag. How or why is a real question.

wordywalt replies on Jul 30, 2019:

@Freedompath Tht may be part of the answer, but it does not explain why he supports Trump.

Motive and the ability to hurt multiple people in less than a minute.

wordywalt comments on Jul 30, 2019:

I agree. It simply would not happen if assault weapons, all semi-automatic weapons and pistols were not available to the public. That is the compelling, pure and simple fact.

wordywalt replies on Jul 30, 2019:

@WilliamFleming Your do not play games very well. Your attempt to divert is too obvious.

Motive and the ability to hurt multiple people in less than a minute.

wordywalt comments on Jul 30, 2019:

I agree. It simply would not happen if assault weapons, all semi-automatic weapons and pistols were not available to the public. That is the compelling, pure and simple fact.

wordywalt replies on Jul 30, 2019:

@WilliamFleming Your question does not address anything about mass shootings. It is simply a deflection that is irrelevant.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

MarkiusMahamius comments on Jul 29, 2019:

Every business or leader thinks they are right and principled. They just don't believe the same as you. Below that, businesses select for and reward yes-men who will support the company culture. It's not going to change.

wordywalt replies on Jul 29, 2019:

@MarkiusMahamius I do not understand how you can say that.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

MarkiusMahamius comments on Jul 29, 2019:

Every business or leader thinks they are right and principled. They just don't believe the same as you. Below that, businesses select for and reward yes-men who will support the company culture. It's not going to change.

wordywalt replies on Jul 29, 2019:

That is not true. There have been and continue to be more than a few businesses that knowingly undertake illegal actions,knowingly produce products that hurt people, and deceive customers in many ways, conduct fraud and other totally immoral actions. Still others produce products and services which they use in destructive ways, rather than in ways that truly benefit people. The leadership of too many businesses is knowingly immoral or amoral. Their aim is simply to maximize profits in ways that benefit them and the public be damned. ,

Do you think that it has ever occurred to Trump supporters that if Trump were not president and were...

Varn comments on Jul 28, 2019:

I’ve noticed **Religious Republicans** have become expert at ***selective morality*** … while they’ve accused *us* of ‘situational ethics.’ There now remains no question - in their world - the ends justify the means..

wordywalt replies on Jul 28, 2019:

I would onlyu modify your statement to read "evangelical or fundamentalistic" Christians ...

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Stilltrying1964 comments on Jul 27, 2019:

Speaking from personal experience, doing the right thing brings little reward. Looking back, if I'd zigged when I zagged, things would be so different. But I have followed my conscience and my heart and i go to sleep quickly at night. I ain't hiding from nobody, nobody's hiding from me! That's the ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 27, 2019:

Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose. That is the nature of the game. I am proud to have played it, and played it with honor and integrity.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Flowerwall comments on Jul 27, 2019:

Was James Comey one of those people? I know the President has nicknamed him "Lyin' Comey".

wordywalt replies on Jul 27, 2019:

I think that he tried to do what he thought was right. I'll stand by him.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Seeker3CO comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Because it is their CAREER - and that means their INCOME - very few in public service will take principled stands. It is far too risky. Principled stands in a generally unprincipled nation mean you will be out of a job very quickly. American capitalist culture and its purchased political system are ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

@Seeker3CO It did not kill mine. If I were faced with those decisions today, I would still make the ones I did. Abd, I do not think that I have either notable courage or notable stupidity -- merely the will to do the right thing when called upon to stand up.. ,.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Seeker3CO comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Because it is their CAREER - and that means their INCOME - very few in public service will take principled stands. It is far too risky. Principled stands in a generally unprincipled nation mean you will be out of a job very quickly. American capitalist culture and its purchased political system are ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

Of course, it is risky. Anyone choosing to take a principled stand knows that. But, it does not have to be a wild risk, One can plan strategy carefully in two senses (1) prove that he or she has an idea or value worth pursuing, (2build allies and support systems, and act in ways what provide cover and build support. But, things of value are worth taking risks for, and a person with a real sense of integrity and honor sometimes feels compelled to act, or admit that he or she is less of a human being than he or she believes that he or she should be.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

RobertMartin comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Like many people, I am conflicted on this topic. On the one hand, see something say something is technically the right thing to do. On the other hand, nobody likes a snitch. Snitches can't be trusted, they'll go out of their way to rat somebody out for potentially their own benefit.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

If it means that I have acted in a way which benefits people and organization affected, I don't give a damn if someone calls me a snitch.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Happy_Killbot comments on Jul 26, 2019:

There is no objective standard for moral choices. One of the benefits of having a hierarchical society is that you don't need to worry about the different types of things everyone finds morraly acceptable and you can focus on moving society forward.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

@Happy_Killbot In the first case, I was a high school teacher and wanted our school to be a better school, but the principal's leadership was so ineffective that he was hurting the school and its students. In the second case, my actions were based on both informed experience and thorough knowledge of current educational research, and a better awareness of the nature of the school districts I served. My board overruled my boss and approved the directions I wanted m program to move. Actual positive results which received both state and national recognition, proved that I was right. The third case was based on the observed function and structure of a state organization, on that same knowledge of educational research, and on research on effective organizations. The fourth action was based on that same body of knowledge and experience, contrasted with what the organization was actually doing, and on clearly fraudulent and illegal action by the larger organization. I am certain that I was right in all four cases.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

nastynifty comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Personally, I can't stand virtue signalling.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

@bigpawbullets I know what you intended and I appreciate it. What I was trying to say is those (virtue signaling) are the tactics of the political and religious right.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Happy_Killbot comments on Jul 26, 2019:

There is no objective standard for moral choices. One of the benefits of having a hierarchical society is that you don't need to worry about the different types of things everyone finds morraly acceptable and you can focus on moving society forward.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

Let us not allow the idea of moral relativity to immobilize us in doing what we need to.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

nastynifty comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Personally, I can't stand virtue signalling.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

@bigpawbullets Typical vicious horse manure tactics of the religious right.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Normanbites comments on Jul 26, 2019:

I think there are many, if not most employees with such principles. Unfortunately, taking a principled stand often costs the individual taking the stand. When you are working to survive and support your family with no margin for loss of income, such stands are more of a luxury than a necessity. ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

Yes. We need laws against non-disclosure agreements and firings for any actions except documentedpoor performance, incompetence, or illegality.

Impeachment fizzles against Trump Trump wins again against weak democrats.

piphirho comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Unfortunately, this is quite true.If Trump were a Democrat the Republicans would have already impeached him by now. The Democrats believe he will lose the next election. He won't, and when he is elected to a second term the Democrats will have no one to blame but themselves.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

@OldMetalHead It is up to EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US to do our damnedest to make sure that he is not re=elected. Don't despair. DO SOMETHING!

Impeachment fizzles against Trump Trump wins again against weak democrats.

wordywalt comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Your analysis advances Trump's agenda. Give Pelosi more credit. She has more political wisdom than you or I do. Let the process play out, as it should.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

@St-Sinner I disagree strongly. We will see who is correct.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Lauraleigh39 comments on Jul 26, 2019:

The principles to stand for are skewed by propaganda thats the problem

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

It is up to each of us to use our minds to see the distortions in propaganda.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

of-the-mountain comments on Jul 26, 2019:

As long as you have Obstructionist republicans party members hell bent on establishing some sort of conservatives religious families values utopia. Public service has and will become a blatant tool of the wealthy and their corporations instead of benefiting the population of of this country as a ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

I spent my whole career in public service, and I did not kiss anybody's ass to try to advance myself. What I got, I earned.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

nastynifty comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Personally, I can't stand virtue signalling.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

What, may I ask, is "Virtue signaling? I had never seen the phrase.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

mcgeo52 comments on Jul 26, 2019:

A major problem in our society is that people have been raised on the idea that "Greed is good." This is strongly compounded by the "philosophy" of Ayn Rand, who was a very miserable person and not worth emulating, but just try convincing her followers of that.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

@jlynn37 I don't understand why you tried to insult with your comment. I totally agree with mcgeo52 almost totally. I read almost everything that Rand wrote, and informed myself of her background. She came from a family of Russian oligarchs who lost everything when the Bolshevik,s took power in Russia. As a consequence of that her whole philosophy was (1) greed is good, and (2) all governments are bad.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Mofo1953 comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Because people need education in how to always put the greater good first. Sadly, the current state of affairs is always me, myself and I come first, then those in my personal circle, then friends and family, but never the greater good for the majority of America, that is why we have Trump as POTUS,...

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

Perhaps our educational system needs to provide direct training in moral judgement.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

PontifexMarximus comments on Jul 26, 2019:

How do you know that there are not many people acting like you?

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

I seldom encountered instances like mine.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

PontifexMarximus comments on Jul 26, 2019:

BTW … what is your definition of "morality"? Some people think that abortion is immoral? Others think that capital punishment is immoral? The morality of war is questionable.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

What does BTW mean? I call it immoral when a corporation's leadership misrepresents totally what it is trying to do, and when it tries to get away with financial fraud, as well as how it treats people.

We, as a country, need many more women and men who, in their careers in both public service and in ...

Bierbasstard comments on Jul 26, 2019:

Because it usually ends up with the loss of employment.

wordywalt replies on Jul 26, 2019:

Sometimes, but certainly not always. In one instance, it actually advanced my career hugely and resulted in state and national recognition.

Trump is simply an egomaniacal self-promoter who knows how to use the media to his corrupt ends.

Kitz comments on Jul 22, 2019:

Excuse my Englishness, but why do you dislike Trump, hasn’t he done great things, unchained by being wealthy in his own right unlike previous presidents who are bought and paid for before they even occupy the office? I’m not saying I like him, I fact I think he’s a tawt but can’t deny ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 22, 2019:

@Kitz You show the same illogical reasoning and incivility that Trump supporters do in the US. Too bad.

Trump is simply an egomaniacal self-promoter who knows how to use the media to his corrupt ends.

Kitz comments on Jul 22, 2019:

Excuse my Englishness, but why do you dislike Trump, hasn’t he done great things, unchained by being wealthy in his own right unlike previous presidents who are bought and paid for before they even occupy the office? I’m not saying I like him, I fact I think he’s a tawt but can’t deny ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 22, 2019:

@Kitz My dear lady, if you are aware of just how egomaniacal, greedy, corrupt, totally dishonest and sociopathic Trump is, and you still support him, I do have to question your intelligence and morality. If you are not aware, you should inform yourself before you speak, so that you do not embarrass yourself.

Trump is simply an egomaniacal self-promoter who knows how to use the media to his corrupt ends.

Kitz comments on Jul 22, 2019:

Excuse my Englishness, but why do you dislike Trump, hasn’t he done great things, unchained by being wealthy in his own right unlike previous presidents who are bought and paid for before they even occupy the office? I’m not saying I like him, I fact I think he’s a tawt but can’t deny ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 22, 2019:

@Kitz I live here and I see the effects of his words and stupid and corrupt actions every day. You seem to think you know more about the man and the effects of his actions from second hand observations from long distance. Give me a break!

Trump is simply an egomaniacal self-promoter who knows how to use the media to his corrupt ends.

Kitz comments on Jul 22, 2019:

Excuse my Englishness, but why do you dislike Trump, hasn’t he done great things, unchained by being wealthy in his own right unlike previous presidents who are bought and paid for before they even occupy the office? I’m not saying I like him, I fact I think he’s a tawt but can’t deny ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 22, 2019:

I can't see a single good thing that he has done. He is a con artist, and evidently has you conned.

Trump is simply an egomaniacal self-promoter who knows how to use the media to his corrupt ends.

LiterateHiker comments on Jul 21, 2019:

Demanding that Trump answer a question is an exercise in futility. A compulsive liar, Trump stonewalls, walks out, sicks his lawyers and lies, lies, lies.

wordywalt replies on Jul 21, 2019:

Ytur, but we need to make it more than abundantly clear by DEMANDING that he answer legitimate questions.

I was born in south Georgia and raised in north Florida.

Grecio comments on Jul 21, 2019:

I have read the comments below, and have to disagree with most of it. There are many good and honest people in the south. Some are racists, some are not. There are racists all over our country. I don't think tearing down all the Confederate statues has been beneficial. The civil war is part of our ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 21, 2019:

Unlike you, as a native southerner, I totally reject that heritage which you still claim. While I do not think that you are a pathological racist, I do believe that you have yet to come to grips with the cultural racism that still dominates the south. It took me years to overcome it. I hope that you will get there.

The following is a piece I recently wrote to an old friend turned right-wing and religious: Jim, ...

273kelvin comments on Jul 19, 2019:

A well-written post. - May I boil the end game to a real and almost unbelievable absurdity that even your friend can recognize. I have a friend who grew up in East Germany. As you know everything was heavily state-controlled. Only when the wall came down did she get to read "Winnie the Pooh" in ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 20, 2019:

@avron Way back in the 1960s, while in graduate school, I studied, among many other things, the theory and practice of communism because I was curious about what made it appealing to so many around the world. That included the structure and function of the soviet government. Marxism, in and of itself, is a total system ideology. It did call for a "dictatorship of the proletariat" in which a ruling class of ideological purists would dominate all facets of life in the communist system, so as to kill or drive out any differing or competing thoughts or ideas. That is exactly what the Russians attempted to do, as did Mao in China, and Tito in Yugoslavia. All tyotal system ideologies, whether political or religious, attempt to create a world of "true believers" who willingly and completely give up their freedom of thought and action to be a part of a purportedly inevitable outcome.

The following is a piece I recently wrote to an old friend turned right-wing and religious: Jim, ...

PontifexMarximus comments on Jul 19, 2019:

Excellent … however, why single out Russian communists? The advantage of totalitarian regimes is that they are honest about their intentions. They spell out clearly what the consequences of resistance are. So called democracies are far less sanguine in that regard. Take the current struggle in ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 20, 2019:

@PontifexMarximus I would recommend that you read Milovan Djilas's THE NEW CLASS.

The following is a piece I recently wrote to an old friend turned right-wing and religious: Jim, ...

PontifexMarximus comments on Jul 19, 2019:

Excellent … however, why single out Russian communists? The advantage of totalitarian regimes is that they are honest about their intentions. They spell out clearly what the consequences of resistance are. So called democracies are far less sanguine in that regard. Take the current struggle in ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 20, 2019:

I did not single them out, but cited them as an example. Communism is a total system ideology which purports to include and explain everything. It also calls for a "dictatorship of the proletariat" by an ideological purist elite of true believers. That makes it a movement which totalitarian and which never relinquishes power voluntarily. That makes it one of the most destructive ideologies in human history.

The following is a piece I recently wrote to an old friend turned right-wing and religious: Jim, ...

273kelvin comments on Jul 19, 2019:

A well-written post. - May I boil the end game to a real and almost unbelievable absurdity that even your friend can recognize. I have a friend who grew up in East Germany. As you know everything was heavily state-controlled. Only when the wall came down did she get to read "Winnie the Pooh" in ...

wordywalt replies on Jul 20, 2019:

@PontifexMarximus No.

The following is a piece I recently wrote to an old friend turned right-wing and religious: Jim, ...

Jolanta comments on Jul 20, 2019:

Have you heard back from him yet?

wordywalt replies on Jul 20, 2019:

Long ago. He hasn't changed, but I did not expect him to. I just wanted him to know what I think.

I was born in south Georgia and raised in north Florida.

JackPedigo comments on Jul 19, 2019:

It seems like the civil war never ended. They were poor before the war and because of their ignorance and stubbornness they have only made problems worse for the whole country including, in the end, themselves.

wordywalt replies on Jul 19, 2019:

All too true. Whyen I was a kid, many years ago, two favorite local sayings were "Save your confederate money boys. The south will rise again>" and ("II was 12 years old before I learned that 'damned yankee' was two words."

Big game hunter killed when shot elephant collapsed on top of him

wordywalt comments on Jul 19, 2019:

I grew up hunting small game for food, but have never understood trophy hunting.

wordywalt replies on Jul 19, 2019:

@dalefvictor sorry.

Tomato plants running amuck. But we're finally getting ripe tomatoes.

wordywalt comments on Jul 19, 2019:

When you support them and train the leaves when the plant grows, they will grow to 9 or 10 feet tall or more. What variety of Tomatoes? I grow heirloom black tomatoes exclusively now, as I find them the most delicious of any I have ever grown.

wordywalt replies on Jul 19, 2019:

@bigpawbullets Look forward to the pictures. If they are different from mine, I would be glad to share some sees with you.

The following is a piece I recently wrote to an old friend turned right-wing and religious: Jim, ...

PondartIncbendog comments on Jul 19, 2019:

You join a "group", your importance is diminished?

wordywalt replies on Jul 19, 2019:

@PondartIncbendog I believe that we are all responsible for the decisions we make as individuals and for their consequences. However, we, as humans, are social creatures, and to create the things and standards we want, we must act in groups. What I object to is both the individual and the group giving away its freedom of choice and action by adhering to a dogmatic and false total system ideology.

The following is a piece I recently wrote to an old friend turned right-wing and religious: Jim, ...

PondartIncbendog comments on Jul 19, 2019:

You join a "group", your importance is diminished?

wordywalt replies on Jul 19, 2019:

Please tell me what point you are trying to make. I will readily address it.

AOC and her progressive colleagues are truly impressive.

Namaste comments on Jul 19, 2019:

I find the Huffington Post way too liberal and left. They leave very little room for compromise. I take their stories with a grain of salt, like CNN, Fox News, and other far left and far right news sources.

wordywalt replies on Jul 19, 2019:

If you want the most objective news, watch PBS and listen to NPR. Many deeply conservative people do not like it at all, because it is too objective.