Free Republic

I believe Alabama is the best team in college football this year. They could be beaten - but I don’t believe they will be. My prediction: Come January, they will be playing for the National Championship and they will win. Just sign me a disappointed VT Hokie.-—JM

“...explain the loss of $200K?”

Interesting possibility. Actually, 200K might not be too much cash. Maybe that is the day people at a large employer got paid - and they came to Wally World to shop and cash their checks. If this is an inside job, and it looks like it may be, and if he got the combination from an insider - they would also know the best time to hit the safe.-—JM

Your suggestion could work - it is actually quite good. I didn’t mean to imply I favored mandatory insurance, I don’t. We have a huge problem with “freeloaders” in this country. Since it is quite obvious they are not going to become responsible on their own accord, I just try to keep an open mind about things that will make them accountable. In the end, I have way too much of a libertarian streak to go for it.-—JM

I agree. What our children need most are not the latest technologies or even ideas. They need tools - and your suggestions are excellent ones. Our children are bright, if we give them the right tools, they will make good decisions. As it is now, we are taking these bright young people and turning them into useful idiots.-—JM

Health care isn’t a right. For the record, I don’t think it is the role of government to be in the health care business at all. (VA Hospitals excluded) See my reply at 15. That is the point I was trying to get at.-—JM

I don’t disagree with you - I was only pointing out that this would be a way to deal with the leeches in our society. gitmogrunt sums up the way I feel at #11. I am opposed to it, but I am also sick and tired of paying for folks who want to live off my labor. I have worked damned hard, lived within my means and honored my commitments. My wife and I enjoy a good life. If anyone else wants the “Good Life”, I encourage them to do the same. Don’t take mine - I earned it.-—JM

Actually, I think this idea has some merit. Before you flame me - hear me out. If I go to a hospital emergency room, they are required by law to treat me for a life threatening condition. If they are required to treat, it is it to much to ask that people be responsible? I don’t think I would favor this proposal - I am just pointing out that requiring people to have insurance or pay a penalty is not without merit.-—JM

“this MUST become a classroom endeavor...”

I agree completely. It should be a requirement for graduation. On another note - they should also require a government class. It was required by my school to graduate. We learned about the branches of government, the separation of powers, etc. We even had to study the Constitution - and what it meant. I think it made my classmates and I better citizens.-—JM

“All Things Must Pass” is by far the best solo...”

Agreed. George was my favorite - so I am biased.

Only 40 billion? Get back with us when it gets to be real money.-—JM

“an expectation of some level of modesty...”

Our society seems to suffer from a lack courtesy. How about trying to give the mother and baby some privacy? How about Mama trying to be as discreet as possible? I realize babies require attention at inopportune times. I have no problem with Mama tending to those needs. Unfortunately, we have a whole groups of people who think that because you have a “right”, you are able to be as offensive or rude as you wish. I enjoy a bawdy joke. When I am out with the guys in the shop or on a boat fishing - it isn’t rude. Telling it at my wife’s meeting with the ladies of the church or loudly using the “F” word in a public place - it may be legal but I am certain it is rude behavior.-—JM

“has been a huge success”

I don’t disagree with you, but my only question is were we really “looking into an abyss”? I realize there was a lot of turmoil in the financial sector - but would things truly have collapsed if we did nothing? I am just a layman, but I do understand that it was not in our best interests to let the financial market crash. I guess what I am driving at - as a layman, how do we know we weren’t being taken for a ride? I was really uncomfortable with the “need for speed”.

Mel - That was an altogether lovely post - and one I agree with completely. I believe it was the good Apostle Paul who said we each have to work out our own salvation. Surely it is through Christ, but I have found over the course of my years that when I try to limit the Almighty, I usually wind up wrong. Anyway - thanks for a great Love filled reply!

Blessings to you and yours - Jubal

“is Workers Compensation claims and ....”

You aren’t far off base. In some parts of Appalachia, we have a culture of “disability”. It’s really sad - in my life I have seen a proud and independent people reduced to accepting the crumbs of welfare. The grinding poverty I saw in my childhood may be gone, but it has been replaced by a poverty of pride and self reliance. In many ways, we are now much poorer.-—JM

“You mean Grandpa voted for communists?”

No. They may have been misguided, and most of the “Grandpas” of my home were not very educated, but their heart was in the right place. The “D” of today is an entirely different animal than the “D” of 1950. Those Grandpas were honorable men. They fought and won WW2,and survived the REAL Great Depression. They honored their commitments, took care of their families and we as their children and grandchildren receive the Blessings that came from their sacrifices. Party label doesn’t define American. Those of that Generation, who bled and died, who sacrificed for this nation, for us, that is what defines American. We should all have more respect.-—JM

“...still Knee Jerk democrat voters”

Want to get a West Virginia UMW member to vote Republican? Tell him you are going to take away his guns. See my reply at 15. I have members of my own extended family who vote “D” simply because Grandpa did. Trouble is, todays “D” ain’t nowhere near Grandpa’s “D”.-—JM

“they should include ten or twelve questions...”

You nailed it. I used to spend a lot of time in West Virginia, traditionally a very Democratic stronghold. While the folks I know and love there aren’t fiscal conservatives, on social issues they are fairly conservative. Likewise, I have been to traditionally Republican areas where the folks were conservative on fiscal matters but on social issues ran pretty liberal. My only question - where exactly do you draw the lines? There are a lot of people out there who don’t fit neatly into a box. Just my thoughts.-—JM

“Churches teaching self-help theology instead of the Bible?...”

AD - I agree with you completely. Great Scriptural reference as well. Our answers are there, if we only take the time to look. I understand what the article is saying, though in my mind, we can’t blame the educational system for our young peoples lack of knowledge. That falls squarely on the parents. As a Christian parent, I am the one who is charged with raising my child in the Christian faith. I will be the first to admit some of our churches fail miserably, but again I go back to the parent. It is my responsibility to be aware of what my child is being taught, and to be educated in my own faith so that I can make the right decision for my child. I realize this isn’t very PC these days - it’s JMHO, but I believe it is correct.-—JM

That is exactly the point I made to my daughter - a recent college graduate who has been able to find only part time work. ( I was a little more gentle with my wording, I am her Daddy.) Actually, if we conservatives play our cards right, this can be an excellent teaching moment. It may be these disillusioned young people will become tomorrows conservative base - if we play it right.-—JM

I agree with you 100%. Evidently, you and I are among the minority who have common sense. The scary part is the clowns we have running the show don’t get it. Or, maybe they do - and in a lot of ways that is even more frightening.-—JM