Definition of Opinion:  A belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof.

Please be respectful to others with differing opinions. 

Frank Wiley

Mandani, the admitted socialist CLOWN the Democrats have nominated to be Mayor of NYC was on "Meet the Press" yesterday.  He came out and actually said he wanted to tax "White Neighborhoods" more than other neighborhoods to equal things out.  Crazy!

DeWitt Bacon

Michael, it's unfortunate that you weren't able to attend the reunion. I think we have a lot in common when it comes to music. Chet's style of thumb and finger picking was not new or invented by him. Several guitarists used that style. Chet only perfected it to his own style. When I said I tried to emulate his style, I only meant I learned the thumb and finger method. I know I could never learn to play like he did.

Frank, if NYC elects Mandani as their mayor, they deserve what they will get. Mandani is a clone of Bernie Sanders. When they speak of "Democratic Socialism," They mean "Communist stype democracy. "Mandani says he wants food stores to be run by the government. Sound familiar? Remember, Bernie said,  "Bread lines are a good thing."

Lester Cox

Michael, I could not agree more about Vince Gill, one of my all time favorites and seems to be just a plane old nice guy. We've seen him with the Eagles and now also at the Grand Ole Opry. Terrific musician, sings a great song, Life Without Haggard. 

Frank, I think if you google and ask who the top guitarists of all time are, you can probably find a hundred plus sites with their opinions. But on 95+ of them, the number one will be Jimi Hendrix. Kenny Rogers had a voice that could not be mistaken for anyone else. So smooth. 

Don't quite know what to say about the NYC Democratic Mayor nominee but if the world was flat, the dems are just about to go over the edge. When you think you can't get further left than Bernie, AOC and Kamala, up jumps the devil and a new standard is set. I'm always amazed at dems and their bullshit of giving stuff for FREE. The only thing in the world I can think of that might be free is air to breath. Somebody has to pay. Then their hatred of billionaires. I guess they only hate the 51 who donated to Trump. The 83 who donated to Kamala are ok. Pretty easy to see why Tillis will not run again. Who wants to live in that sewer to start with. Not that I agree with him on all his positions, but trading DC for staying home surrounded by loved ones should be an easy decision. 

Jim Coats

Thumbs waaaay up on Vince Gill and Kenny Rogers.  Two different but "pure" voices.  And, to be unashamedly redundant, I cannot help thinking about the Hotel Laguna every time I hear Hotel California.  Loved that song...and still do.  Those were the days when "at least I" was happier about the state of The States.  

Now....about the NYC Mayoral election.  IF Vivek Mamicommie gets elected, we are headed...NO...diving down the path so eloquently outlined by Paul Harvey in his "If I were the Devil" broadcast oh so many decades ago.  Look at what happened to Chicago.  They got rid of one slavering socialist and replaced her with a worse one.  Now I hear Buttigieg is out-polling Kamala for President!!  WTF?

AMERICA FIRST!!  ONE FLAG....THE STARS AND STRIPES!!  ONE LOYALTY....AND THAT IS TO THE U.S.A!!!  SUPPORT ISRAEL!!

Frank Wiley

I watched a special  on TV Sunday Evening about the shootout at the O.K.  Corral.  The presenter  was our Classmate Win Ames.  He was dressed in Cowboy regalia and he and his team did a reinactment, but shooting steel plates  instead of the Clinton's.  I looked at his profile to make sure it was him and sure enough it was.  He travels the Country doing shows with his group.

DeWitt Bacon

Vince Gill came out with his song, "GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN," soon after my son, Jason, died. He wrote that song in remembrance of his brother, who passed away. No other song pulled my heartstrings more than that one. My favorite version is the live performance with Alison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs. I still have to choke back the tears when I hear it.

Jim Coats

I remember Win Ames so well from Monte Vista.  Winthrop Prescott Ames III.  Hope he logs on sometime.

DeWitt.  I will definitely listen to Vince Gill's song that touched you so deeply.  My heart is with you my friend.

Lester Cox

DeWitt and all, Vince Gill and Patty Lovelace performed that song at George Jones funeral. Easy to find on YouTube. I think that might be my favorite rendition of Vince's song honoring his brother. Such a genuine and wonderful person. I've never heard anyone every say anything negative about him. 

DeWitt Bacon

Jim, I also remember Win. I wish I could see that film. I have studied Wyatt Earp extensively over the years, and the gunfight at the O.K. Coral.  Knowing Win's knowledge of the west and western folklore, I'm sure he pointed out that the gunfight was not actually at the corral but in the alley behind it, next to Fly's photography studio. Speaking of Fly, he took some rather racy photos of Wyatt's girlfriend and later wife, Josephine Marcus. The original image is still available if you know where to look. Most of the pictures have been retouched to hide some of Josaphine's -well, uh, shall we say-treasures? lol  I could go on, but that's enough for now.

Frank Wiley

So, as we come into the 4th of July Holiday I first celebrate the Patriots who made it possible in 1776 when they stood up to the greatest military power at that time and WON.  Great Brittan continued to pursue the dominance of Our Country.  Democracy is not perfect.  It will never be perfect!  In other words, Democracy is not a form of Government in which everyone is happy with decisions the government makes, including me.  But, this celebration of Independence Day I have mixed emotions about the budget and the "Big Beautiful Bill".  I believe in the, "Laffer Curve" google it--(and yes, I spelled it correctly even though Democrats criticize the curve) and I think the Bill with adjustments is going to promote growth.  For you Conservatives on this site (and any fair thinking Kennedy Democrats) I want you to focus on all the positives that have happened since Trump took office.  If Kamala had taken office--1. The Border would be open so None of these PROVEN Criminals would have been arrested and/or deported.  2.Iran would still be developing a Nuclear weapon.  3. Your Granddaughters would be competing with men/boys with the blessing of the President.  I could go on but you get my message.  God Bless America!!!!!!  P.S.  Any on this site that think any of my three above are acceptable you should not even, remotely think of themselves as American Patriots!!!  I repeat myself, "GOD Bless AMERICA!!  Thanks

Michael Kelly

Lots of great Reading today, Folks.  As great Guitarists, I didn't read the name of Stevie Ray Vaughn, or maybe I just missed it. I don't particularly cotton to his musical style, but we all have our favorites, Vince Gill is my modern favorite, and the Lead Guitarist for Brooks and Dunn, the man can play a Guitar as in the rendition of "You Don't Know Me" by Ronnie Dunn. Worth the Listen. 

As to the obliteration of the Iranian Evil MissileNuke Program, for all you sophisticated 'Doubters"  heres a question to Test your Logical Skills visa-vie Strategic Warfare. As Hostile as Iran has been towards the 'Great Satan" (Us) if they have Nukes that you believe most assiredly survived the Bombing of their Fafcilities, Then I'll bet you 100 Bucks that Iran won't be able to deliver a Nuke on Us within the next 180 days, Right around Dec. 31, 2025 I'll pay up if I'm wrong, Pretty Safe Bet I tihink. Why? Cause if they got one, why haven't they launched it yet you Geniuses!!!!! And if they do,then you probably won't be around to collect the Bet from me, most of us will be Cosmic Dust.

As to Trump, he has done a Great Job Overall. I think if I got to know him, we would be able to argue with each other over  almost everything and still be sidekicks. However, he is not tough enough on Putin and if he would get tough on Putin, Putin might just go off the deepend and someone could, as Eraserhead said in a Duck Twacy Cartoon, Rub Him out. 

Lester Cox

Bill O'Reilly's message for today, how the hell do we fix this? 

Michael Wetzel

Lester, I couldn't agree with you more !. That is not, the way politics should function.....

Michael, now you your talking my kind of music, with Brooks and Dunn !......

Jim Coats

OK....for story tellers, how about Bob Seger, Turn The Page.  I really like his scratchy voice, but he's got some range too.

Then listen to Like a Rock.  See if that doesn't take you back to when you were 18.....and then some.

Michael Kelly

Money Lester, seems to be the "Coin of the Realm" pun intended, for both parties nowadays. As a contributor, I've noticed that my Gmail is glutted with solicitations from the Republicans, several times daily, to the point where I know  that they barely got situated in their DC Offices and they were back on the Fundraising Trails, and it seems that the Democrats have more Billionaires on their side, than the Republicans have, for the emails always talk in the hundreds of milions and how the whole Flotilla is going  to  Crash on the Rocks of  Financial Doom if I don't send them a Mere Whatever to bolster their Campaign. If you keep up with the Bible, Book of Revelation, it seems that the World is heading for the Final Curtain. And, the AntiChrist will appear to lead everyone to a False Security under his/her leadership. Perhaps He She will be recognizable as 666 if they are able to Run for Office with No Money and Win. 

Frank Wiley

Good observations Lester and Michael!  

Lester Cox

A partial answer would be term limits. At least after a few years, we would always have members who are terming out and don't need to be beholding to anyone as reelection is no longer a possibility. Why on earth we put a term limit on the President and not members of congress is ridiculous. 87% of the people favor term limits yet the will of the people is ignored by 535 members of congress. Fire them all and start over.

DeWitt Bacon

Happy 4th of July. Here in Arkansas, we are allowed to have Fireworks. We plan to hold our annual fireworks show in our front yard, as many of our neighbors do.

Frank, I agree. It is astonishing how much politicians have to spend on their campaigns. I can't help but wonder how much it cost George Washington to run for President. According to my fading memory of history, I figured it cost him one dollar. That would be the dollar he threw across the Patomic to his campaign manager. He must have earned that dollar by selling the wood from the cherry tree he cut down. 

A little humor for our Independence Day.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Jim Coats

218 - 214!  The "Big Beautiful Bill" passed!  Now the Republicans need to ride that wave and get some work done.

Frank Wiley

It's really GREAT that sometimes Good Guys Finish First!!  Mike Johnson somehow brought almost all the Republicans together to pass the OBBB.  Happy 4th of July to all!!

Lester Cox

Brad Musil

Fellow classmates;

This is possibly the single most important message I have ever posted on this forum… PLEASE take it to heart and follow up on this.

Some of us are happy and celebrating the passing of President Trump’s ‘Big Beautifull Bill’; however, there are unintended consequences… one of which is, we have added another approximately 3.5 trillion dollars to our nation’s deficit.

As our esteemed college Mr. Jim Coats is want to say:  “FOLLOW THE MONEY”

Unfortunately, most Americans have no idea of what money is.  Now I know the majority of the class of ’65 have done very well for themselves in this regard, but still have no idea about what is really going on with our monetary system. And… this is key to understand what is going on in with our political system… and specifically, the Federal Reserve.

The book ‘The Creature from Jekyll Island’ by G. Edward Griffin explains it all!  This is a heavy read, but absolutely necessary if you really want to know what and why thing are as they are.  I assure you will be amazed that this happened and disheartened, but enlightened.  This should be a MUST read for all highschoolers.  Paraphrasing Henery Ford, If the American people really understood this, there would be revolution in the streets tomorrow!

Here is a fifty-minute YouTube video that is a Cliff Notes summation of the book; however, without reading the book some of it will not be entirely clear.  That is my opinion because I read the book first.  The (Proven) Conspiracy That Built The Fed and Destroyed The Middle Class | Tom Bilyeu Deepdive - YouTube

What ever you do… do NOT fall for this MMT crap (Modern Money Theory) because it is based on the premise that our government creates our money.  It does NOT!  Every dollar is borrowed from the Federal Reserve, our government just PRINTS the money… it does NOT create it!!!

In the book you will come to the understanding that our deficit can NEVER be repaid!  It’s complex and depressing; however, it will open your eyes as to what and why everything is unfolding the way it is.  More specifically, you will understand why our monetary system is teetering on the brink of collapse and the dollar is under threat.  The political theater we see is just designed to deceive us, and hiding the real problem.

At our age there is little time left for us to ensure our future, but if you intend to leave something behind for your children or grandchildren this is a MUST read… and take action!

MyBest, Brad Musil

Michael Kelly

HAPPY JULY FOURTH, INDEPENDENCE DAY. Much appreciate Lester the Imagery you Posted to commemorate this Day. Brad Musil, for those of us intellectually challenged with a Practical Bent, your Reading will be studied. The rest of us will continue to consume Flat Screen Images, while we Graze pastures and Shepherds will keep us together for Shearing Later. 

Trump and DeSantis have come up with a type of Incarceration for /illegal immigrants with Felony Records, that Borders (yes. pun intended) on Brilliant. The Fence that Surrounds "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades, is not a Fence to keep Prisoners from Escaping, rather, it keeps them Safe, Safe from being Eaten 

The Philosophy of Criminal Law varies with the Age of the Defendant. When a defendant is a teenager, the Legal Theory that Anchors Juvenile Punishment is called Rehabilitation. The overall Goal of Juvenile Law is to create conditions that Guide the Defendant towards changing their behavior. Getting them to decide to be a Contributing Citizen, rather than a Habitual Lawbreaker. But, in justaposition, the Theory of the Law behind Punishment of Adult Defendants, Focusses on the violence and Severity of Crime they are conficted of committing. The Philosophical Focus is on Retribution, not Rehabilitation. The Adult Convicted Criiminal faces periods of Incarceration unless unusual circumstances dictate an Exception. 

This is why the Trump/DeSantis Detaining of Illegal Alien Felonious Criminals is so genius. You stay confinced, you ultimately get to go home, No Rewards, No Exceptions, No Teeth Marks, No Missing Limbs. You Dare the confines, engage in Escape, Just have a Tattoo, because it may become a part of somoeone's purse, or Western Boots. 

Both Altrnatives Serve as Deterrence probably more efficiently than all others that have gone before. I ordered my T-Shirt yesterday, Allgator Alcatraz, all over the Internet.

DeWitt Bacon

Brad, I appreciate your comment on the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' However, I have a different viewpoint.

First, no one has ever said that the bill is perfect, and it does require a significant amount of money to be spent. However, it will be costly to rebuild our country after the disastrous administration that preceded this administration. We have the strongest economy and the strongest military in the world. However, we must be able to grow our economy and military to sustain our ability to defend ourselves against our enemies. This bill provides for a lighter tax burden on everyone. Not just the rich. History has shown that whenever taxes are reduced, revenue is increased. Higher taxes actually reduce the increase. Higher taxes always mean more money for the liberals to waste. President Trump is putting the country back on the right track. We are, as Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg Address, a nation OF THE PEOPLE-BY THE PEOPLE-FOR THE PEOPLE,  not the other way around, as the Marxists would have it.

Michael Wetzel

Brad, I couldn't agree with you more. Wise, and Excellent common sense as always. We need more intelligent individuals such as you in this world, thank you...You da man.................