As winding up definitely the most (fill in the blank year); different in so many ways than any year of my memorable 80 winters. A variety of thoughts and opines'. From benign lament, just below moving to heavy & controversial social issues as winding up this Thread! I'm surely to disagree with some, perhaps majority of folks here. Below, Christmas commercialization; universal healthcare; Trump & Gun Control myth; Trump & Voting Speculation; Trump versus America Virus Economic Relief. i
Christmas for me is very much God & family. Pinging on the commercialization note in a few recent threads; agreeing it's simply terrible. Christmas trappings & gifts in October! Yet too, same with many holidays as 'advertising and wares addressing holidays months in advance! I just try to ignore and focus on the fact that I and family in any comparative sense, are truly blessed! Not much we need and to ignore. But especially "Christmas", I do find blatant commercialization repugnant!
Concerning healthcare in American, its a national shame. Label universal healthcare as "socialisms" if you wish. But how to avoid so many Americans going without. Others with choice between 'without' or bankrupt. Our 'whole' congress, both Houses, both Parties finally just passed some outrageous "surprise" billing legislation. Thank God for that! But only a partial answer. Easy for those 'haves' to sit and speak esoterically about socialist universal healthcare. How many to conjure real people, their faces, their misery... In the wealthiest nation in the world!!! To me, such folk uttering platitudes, simply heartless and a national shame! Last question of how many of you out there, condemning socialist universal healthcare, yet gladly accepting the benefits of Medicare with its socialist connotation! Here, I don't advocate for myself or family at all. We have gilt-edged healthcare. I do advocate for all who lack fundamental care!
Trump & Gun Control... The Myth! I don't need to go much further than the inquiry.... After all his and wider Republican rhetoric/generalities of moving to reduce such controls; what actual firm, measurable results. Factually, a necessary conclusion, simply "campaign speech". If you lie to me and subsequent promises broken in manner indicating "intent" from the git-go, you lose my support. Moreover, I view continued followers as typical folks PT Barnum well characterized!
As to the voting issue... The rhetoric is quickly draining from mainstream Republican concern & commentary. Rhetoric & posturing cheap. But where the rubber meets the road... Legal basis to challenge... Court after court, Federal & State, have rebuked such allegations filed! Notably many Republican judges including even Trump appointees, with the same result. Frankly I'm tired of hearing all the old, by now worn refrains. So easy to cast. Only "facts - lack of supporting". IN a democracy with generally fair & honest court systems, "the rule of law" prevails. Opposing, go ahead and 'vent'! Fine! But if to be taken seriously, make a sustainable legal case! When your own appointed Attorney General can't defend against facts, needing to listen.
As to Covid Economic Relief Bill... Trump playing both sides against the middle; his perceived personal 'win win'! Latest move, refusing to sign hard fought legislation in which Both House of Congress, Both Republicans & Democrats hammered out hard won compromises. A proud moment for America and economic life saver for many Americans in distress. Suddenly, Trump proposing $2000 payment! Suddenly Trump the darling of the Democrats! Them quickly amending the Bill!!! Of course, stabbing the whole Republican establishment in the back! And why... To strike down the Bill as purportedly raising the banner of more $$$$ for Americans! Of course, Machiavellian realization such never to happen in his own Party support. So Bill essentially dead and him looking only good. Republicans as the bad guys. He's just doubled his pleasure, doubled his fun! This from same man who promised us our guns! To me, ever were the voting issue correctly fraudulent; in my book, just retribution for a con man!
I'm frankly disguised with both Parties! I'm also very much with those who say we need a third party! Two 'loser' choices, don't equal a winner! Teddy Roosevelt's "Bull Moose Party", my favorite image to conjure.
And yes, I AM MY BROTHERS' KEEPER! I love all of you and that a part my religious belief, my social belief and who I am!
God Bless & all this, my definite take!
John
Last edited by iskra; 12/25/20.
