Every week I meet with 5 other veterans for breakfast or happy hour or to go fishing. In fact we went fishing for about 3 hours this morning & caught a couple of blackfin tunas. We have 1 WWII vet named Stan, we have two Nam vets named Carl & me, & 3 Middle East vets named Vince, Mike & Lauro. I consider these men true American heroes. We have mutual interests & discuss the present, past & future aspects of our lives. We regularly discuss the status of our veterans who have served as well as those currently serving. Our views are similar & maybe that's why we get along so well. Today I shared something with them that I haven't shared with anyone else but my wife. I feel small when I'm in the shadows of these guys for one specific reason. They volunteered or enlisted in the armed services. I was drafted. I shared with them the night I learned I was going into the Army. I imagine few Americans know what took place on December 1st 1969 that impacted thousands of young American boys. I say "boys" because that's what we were.
In 1969 our government reinstalled the "lottery" draft of young men to join the service. The draft was similar to the drawing of today's state lottery games. Instead of drawing numbers, the draft drew birthdays. Our involvement in Vietnam resulted in the need to add soldiers to our armed forces. This was a huge deal at the time because many were against the war. The draft was televised nationally with families, including mine, huddled around black & white TV's to see the results.
THERE ARE SIX OF US:
Every week I meet with 5 other veterans for breakfast or happy hour or to go fishing. In fact we went fishing for about 3 hours this morning & caught a couple of blackfin tunas. We have 1 WWII vet named Stan, we have two Nam vets named Carl & me, & 3 Middle East vets named Vince, Mike & Lauro. I consider these men true American heroes. We have mutual interests & discuss the present, past & future aspects of our lives. We regularly discuss the status of our veterans who have served as well as those currently serving. Our views are similar & maybe that's why we get along so well. Today I shared something with them that I haven't shared with anyone else but my wife. I feel small when I'm in the shadows of these guys for one specific reason. They volunteered or enlisted in the armed services. I was drafted. I shared with them the night I learned I was going into the Army. I imagine few Americans know what took place on December 1st 1969 that impacted thousands of young American boys. I say "boys" because that's what we were.
In 1969 our government reinstalled the "lottery" draft of young men to join the service. The draft was similar to the drawing of today's state lottery games. Instead of drawing numbers, the draft drew birthdays. Our involvement in Vietnam resulted in the need to add soldiers to our armed forces. This was a huge deal at the time because many were against the war. The draft was televised nationally with families, including mine, huddled around black & white TV's to see the results.
Birthday after birthday were being drawn & we would check the list of neighborhood birthdays to see if anyone we knew would be impacted. To say our living room was tense is an understatement. In the room were my Moms & Pops, older brother, two sisters & my Aunt Betty. After each birthday was drawn, there would be a sigh of relief in the room until the 84th capsule was drawn & my December 25 birthday was announced. I remember my Mom crying out "Oh, sweet baby Jesus." My little sister started crying but my older sister had very little reaction & to this day we haven't talked in over 30 years. She was in college & against the war & never sent me a letter during my stint in Nam. Pops got out his chair, gave me a big hug and said "Don't worry. I'll get you out of this & immediately got on the phone to call our Councilwoman Aileen Ryan who was anti-war with plenty of connections.
I was absolutely stunned. I went into the only bathroom we had & turned on the shower to drown out the sound of me puking in the toilet. Since that day, my life was never the same. You may say "Hey Midnight,why are you telling us this story" & here's why.
I saw so much death & destruction. I made a promise to the Good Lord that if I made it home, I would do everything possible to support those veterans that made it home & dedicate the rest of my life to be anti-war. So when I hear about American soldiers being considered for going half way around the world to defuse mines in a God forsaken place like Gaza, it triggers me into action. I will not & cannot remain silent.
I'm not a hero. I'm just a regular dude who was lucky enough to make it home. But ever since that time in my life, I realized we were just pawns of the government & I've never trusted our government from that day forward. Having said that I've still supported every president from Bush Sr to President O. But when the POS came on the scene my support stopped. I allowed Biden to soften my heart because I believe he wanted to do what was best for our country.
So there's a little bit of history that some of you are too young to know about. I hope that your sons & daughters never have to see a day of war in your lifetime & theirs.
Part 2
Birthday after birthday were being drawn & we would check the list of neighborhood birthdays to see if anyone we knew would be impacted. To say our living room was tense is an understatement. In the room were my Moms & Pops, older brother, two sisters & my Aunt Betty. After each birthday was drawn, there would be a sigh of relief in the room until the 84th capsule was drawn & my December 25 birthday was announced. I remember my Mom crying out "Oh, sweet baby Jesus." My little sister started crying but my older sister had very little reaction & to this day we haven't talked in over 30 years. She was in college & against the war & never sent me a letter during my stint in Nam. Pops got out his chair, gave me a big hug and said "Don't worry. I'll get you out of this & immediately got on the phone to call our Councilwoman Aileen Ryan who was anti-war with plenty of connections.
I was absolutely stunned. I went into the only bathroom we had & turned on the shower to drown out the sound of me puking in the toilet. Since that day, my life was never the same. You may say "Hey Midnight,why are you telling us this story" & here's why.
I saw so much death & destruction. I made a promise to the Good Lord that if I made it home, I would do everything possible to support those veterans that made it home & dedicate the rest of my life to be anti-war. So when I hear about American soldiers being considered for going half way around the world to defuse mines in a God forsaken place like Gaza, it triggers me into action. I will not & cannot remain silent.
I'm not a hero. I'm just a regular dude who was lucky enough to make it home. But ever since that time in my life, I realized we were just pawns of the government & I've never trusted our government from that day forward. Having said that I've still supported every president from Bush Sr to President O. But when the POS came on the scene my support stopped. I allowed Biden to soften my heart because I believe he wanted to do what was best for our country.
So there's a little bit of history that some of you are too young to know about. I hope that your sons & daughters never have to see a day of war in your lifetime & theirs.
In the winter we rent two of our properties to 2 nice couples from Ontario. One has been renting a place for 7 years & the other couple for 3 years.
The boss got a call from the couple that's been renting 7 years & was told they won't be returning next year. So my wife asked is everything OK & is there anything wrong with the property?
They assured us everything was fine with the property but with the recent changes in our country, they just didn't feel comfortable. They both have very French accents & they liked the complex because many French Canadians rent property there who speak their native language. They just needed to find another warm place to spend their winters.
They would rent for 6 months (October to the end of March) & paid $3,500 per month. You do the math & you'll agree this news sucks. I told my wife let's just sell the property & be over with it. The Home Owners Associations are absolutely a power trip for people who have no lives.
Now this might have nothing to do with the Donald but if that other couple makes a similar decision, I'll be really pissed!
SO NOW IT'S PERSONAL:
In the winter we rent two of our properties to 2 nice couples from Ontario. One has been renting a place for 7 years & the other couple for 3 years.
The boss got a call from the couple that's been renting 7 years & was told they won't be returning next year. So my wife asked is everything OK & is there anything wrong with the property?
They assured us everything was fine with the property but with the recent changes in our country, they just didn't feel comfortable. They both have very French accents & they liked the complex because many French Canadians rent property there who speak their native language. They just needed to find another warm place to spend their winters.
They would rent for 6 months (October to the end of March) & paid $3,500 per month. You do the math & you'll agree this news sucks. I told my wife let's just sell the property & be over with it. The Home Owners Associations are absolutely a power trip for people who have no lives.
Now this might have nothing to do with the Donald but if that other couple makes a similar decision, I'll be really pissed!
AG Pam Bondi is disbanding the Foreign Influence Task Force which is the FBI team charged with combating foreign meddling in US elections. Resources will be reallocated to more pressing priorities.
How does this makes us more safe in any way, shape, or form?
Y'ALL GOOD WITH THIS???
AG Pam Bondi is disbanding the Foreign Influence Task Force which is the FBI team charged with combating foreign meddling in US elections. Resources will be reallocated to more pressing priorities.
How does this makes us more safe in any way, shape, or form?
NAIVETY or UNINFORMED OR INEXPERIENCED OR ALL OF THESE:
The Press Secretary was asked what measures are being put in place to ensure that no conflicts of interest arise between the work Muskrat is doing and his various businesses.
“The president said if Elon Musk comes across a conflict of interest, then Elon will excuse himself.”
So the person who decides whether Elon Musk has a conflict is Elon Musk???
And y'all on the right are OK with this?
NAIVETY or UNINFORMED OR INEXPERIENCED OR ALL OF THESE:
The Press Secretary was asked what measures are being put in place to ensure that no conflicts of interest arise between the work Muskrat is doing and his various businesses.
“The president said if Elon Musk comes across a conflict of interest, then Elon will excuse himself.”
So the person who decides whether Elon Musk has a conflict is Elon Musk???
Remember when Republican congressional members were denied access to immigration centers and Jan 6 prisons? Fun times. How’s it feel?
Besides you've all gotten enough money from us. In fact, Trump's IRS needs to look into every Democrat & RINO to make sure you've all paid your fair share. I'm sure Bernie Sanders will volunteer to be first on their list.
Remember when Republican congressional members were denied access to immigration centers and Jan 6 prisons? Fun times. How’s it feel?
Besides you've all gotten enough money from us. In fact, Trump's IRS needs to look into every Democrat & RINO to make sure you've all paid your fair share. I'm sure Bernie Sanders will volunteer to be first on their list.
Remember when Republican congressional members were denied access to immigration centers and Jan 6 prisons? Fun times. How’s it feel? Besides you've all gotten enough money from us. In fact, Trump's IRS needs to look into every Democrat & RINO to make sure you've all paid your fair share. I'm sure Bernie Sanders will volunteer to be first on their list.
Enough money from who? I have a good idea that I've paid more in taxes than you make in a year!
BTW...your full of shit. Three Toed Marj, Byron Donalds, Ana Paulina Luna & Mike Collins all held a press conference after they toured the J6 prison in DC.
Now, they don't want to be seen with any of these scumbags for more than a photo shoot.
Get real...
Quote Originally Posted by lovethedough:
Remember when Republican congressional members were denied access to immigration centers and Jan 6 prisons? Fun times. How’s it feel? Besides you've all gotten enough money from us. In fact, Trump's IRS needs to look into every Democrat & RINO to make sure you've all paid your fair share. I'm sure Bernie Sanders will volunteer to be first on their list.
Enough money from who? I have a good idea that I've paid more in taxes than you make in a year!
BTW...your full of shit. Three Toed Marj, Byron Donalds, Ana Paulina Luna & Mike Collins all held a press conference after they toured the J6 prison in DC.
Now, they don't want to be seen with any of these scumbags for more than a photo shoot.
Enough money from who? I have a good idea that I've paid more in taxes than you make in a year! BTW...your full of it. Three Toed Marj, Byron Donalds, Ana Paulina Luna & Mike Collins all held a press conference after they toured the J6 prison in DC. Now, they don't want to be seen with any of these scumbags for more than a photo shoot. Get real...
Quote Originally Posted by Midnight1:
Enough money from who? I have a good idea that I've paid more in taxes than you make in a year! BTW...your full of it. Three Toed Marj, Byron Donalds, Ana Paulina Luna & Mike Collins all held a press conference after they toured the J6 prison in DC. Now, they don't want to be seen with any of these scumbags for more than a photo shoot. Get real...
Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration are trying to rollback Biden-era rules requiring the replacement of lead water pipes. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/03/republicans-lead-exposure-rules
WHY would the convicted felon/racist do something so STUPID like that???
Quote Originally Posted by joe pockets:
Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration are trying to rollback Biden-era rules requiring the replacement of lead water pipes. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/03/republicans-lead-exposure-rules
WHY would the convicted felon/racist do something so STUPID like that???
here you go stirring up shit again, that post wasn't a shot at anyone or any group. It is true history and the reality that no neighboring country wants to take them as refugees. From what I have read of the Palestinians that have lived in Jordan for decades they are treated like 3rd class people still
This Palestine nonsense is insulting and lacking reasonable intelligence. Nobody wants the Palestinians? Why do you think that they should be shuffled off like cattle to other countries
you seem to get offended about a lot of things, even when the wind blows. Maybe it's you that is lacking reasonable intelligence or maybe you lack the common sense to have conversations because all you do is start shit. Stop creating Drama. Go bark up someone else's tree
@wallstreetcappers
here you go stirring up shit again, that post wasn't a shot at anyone or any group. It is true history and the reality that no neighboring country wants to take them as refugees. From what I have read of the Palestinians that have lived in Jordan for decades they are treated like 3rd class people still
This Palestine nonsense is insulting and lacking reasonable intelligence. Nobody wants the Palestinians? Why do you think that they should be shuffled off like cattle to other countries
you seem to get offended about a lot of things, even when the wind blows. Maybe it's you that is lacking reasonable intelligence or maybe you lack the common sense to have conversations because all you do is start shit. Stop creating Drama. Go bark up someone else's tree
The Press Secretary was asked what measures are being put in place to ensure that no conflicts of interest arise between the work Muskrat is doing and his various businesses.
Musk is a walking conflict of interests. Besides his racism and xenophobia, he is unsuited to head department of government efficiency because of billions of dollars at stake in government contracts. For examples. Space X, Star link and Tesla.
Quote Originally Posted by Midnight1:
The Press Secretary was asked what measures are being put in place to ensure that no conflicts of interest arise between the work Muskrat is doing and his various businesses.
Musk is a walking conflict of interests. Besides his racism and xenophobia, he is unsuited to head department of government efficiency because of billions of dollars at stake in government contracts. For examples. Space X, Star link and Tesla.
REAL LIFE CAST MEMBER AND FOX WEEKEND CO-HOST YOU HAVE A PHONE CALL: A SEPTA ( SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TRANSIT AUTHORITY) caught fire leaving Philadelphia in Delaware County, Pennsylvania & is engulfed in flames. Around 350 passengers had to be evacuated. Whaddya gonna do Secretary Duffy? Who ya gonna call? Are you gonna draw on your wealth of experience in handling disasters of this nature? Maybe it's best that you just stay the fuck away. Yup, that makes better sense. You don't know shit but you look good in front of a camera.
Still no word from Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy on this train fire.
Instead he's spending time responding to Hillary's comments about him allowing Elon's juvenile delinquents to "plug into" our air traffic control system.
Quote Originally Posted by Midnight1:
REAL LIFE CAST MEMBER AND FOX WEEKEND CO-HOST YOU HAVE A PHONE CALL: A SEPTA ( SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TRANSIT AUTHORITY) caught fire leaving Philadelphia in Delaware County, Pennsylvania & is engulfed in flames. Around 350 passengers had to be evacuated. Whaddya gonna do Secretary Duffy? Who ya gonna call? Are you gonna draw on your wealth of experience in handling disasters of this nature? Maybe it's best that you just stay the fuck away. Yup, that makes better sense. You don't know shit but you look good in front of a camera.
Still no word from Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy on this train fire.
Instead he's spending time responding to Hillary's comments about him allowing Elon's juvenile delinquents to "plug into" our air traffic control system.
Have you read the bible OT? Can you answer this? Do you have an understanding of history in the region or are you just supporting your partisan sources in the present?
@soup-can
Have you read the bible OT? Can you answer this? Do you have an understanding of history in the region or are you just supporting your partisan sources in the present?
"WE MUST STOP ELON MUSK FROM EXPOSING GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION !!!"
Office of inspector general conducts audits of USAID annually. According to wikipedia, allegations of wasteful spending have been found to be misleading or inaccurate. For examples, Musk see waste where there is none and cherry picking of wasteful projects accounting for under 1% of total spending.
Department of government efficiency is the department of paranoia. Musk and Trump see government workers as enemies. Trump wages war on civil service in the name of efficiency. But Washington created nonpartisan civil service to make government more efficient. Ending partisan system of incompetence.
Quote Originally Posted by lovethedough:
"WE MUST STOP ELON MUSK FROM EXPOSING GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION !!!"
Office of inspector general conducts audits of USAID annually. According to wikipedia, allegations of wasteful spending have been found to be misleading or inaccurate. For examples, Musk see waste where there is none and cherry picking of wasteful projects accounting for under 1% of total spending.
Department of government efficiency is the department of paranoia. Musk and Trump see government workers as enemies. Trump wages war on civil service in the name of efficiency. But Washington created nonpartisan civil service to make government more efficient. Ending partisan system of incompetence.
"WE MUST STOP ELON MUSK FROM EXPOSING GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION !!!"
Isn't it interesting that the lib members of Congress had nothing to say about the Dept. of ED.......until it gets audited? The usual suspects tried to storm the office but were denied entrance.
They must have some sweetheart kickbacks that are threatened to be exposed.
Quote Originally Posted by lovethedough:
"WE MUST STOP ELON MUSK FROM EXPOSING GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION !!!"
Isn't it interesting that the lib members of Congress had nothing to say about the Dept. of ED.......until it gets audited? The usual suspects tried to storm the office but were denied entrance.
They must have some sweetheart kickbacks that are threatened to be exposed.
Is your solution to allow any wing nut to open a charter school because its cheaper and then let whatever happens run its course? I have no problem with the concept of improving things but that does not need to be imploding the entire structure because your right wing extremist want bibles and religion in schools. Must every solution be as extreme as the problems you feel exist? Where is common sense and a long term solution rather than a short term extremist reactionary overreach?
@THEMUGG
Is your solution to allow any wing nut to open a charter school because its cheaper and then let whatever happens run its course? I have no problem with the concept of improving things but that does not need to be imploding the entire structure because your right wing extremist want bibles and religion in schools. Must every solution be as extreme as the problems you feel exist? Where is common sense and a long term solution rather than a short term extremist reactionary overreach?
No, I don't believe in automatic overhauls without an audit first. Obviously our existing education system has deteriorated to the point of uselessness, & step one of reforming it is looking at it. Enough of the "we need to have a conversation about this" crap. The far left extremists seem to be far more interested in making sure that rainbow flags fly in every classroom & kids can become unicorns whenever they feel like it rather than ensuring they can read or write.
My local SD is deep in debt & can't even get insurance. The Seattle SD is deep in debt. Should we just sit back & continue to watch them piss away tax dollars, no questions asked?
@wallstreetcappers
No, I don't believe in automatic overhauls without an audit first. Obviously our existing education system has deteriorated to the point of uselessness, & step one of reforming it is looking at it. Enough of the "we need to have a conversation about this" crap. The far left extremists seem to be far more interested in making sure that rainbow flags fly in every classroom & kids can become unicorns whenever they feel like it rather than ensuring they can read or write.
My local SD is deep in debt & can't even get insurance. The Seattle SD is deep in debt. Should we just sit back & continue to watch them piss away tax dollars, no questions asked?
@THEMUGG Is your solution to allow any wing nut to open a charter school because its cheaper and then let whatever happens run its course? I have no problem with the concept of improving things but that does not need to be imploding the entire structure because your right wing extremist want bibles and religion in schools. Must every solution be as extreme as the problems you feel exist? Where is common sense and a long term solution rather than a short term extremist reactionary overreach?
Charter schools can be an effective option. School choice can be a very effective option. Why are liberals against these things? Is it the throwback Biden stance of jot wanting poor, inner city kids attending class with their kids?
R.I.P. #94 MARSHAWN KNEELAND - DC4L
Quote Originally Posted by wallstreetcappers:
@THEMUGG Is your solution to allow any wing nut to open a charter school because its cheaper and then let whatever happens run its course? I have no problem with the concept of improving things but that does not need to be imploding the entire structure because your right wing extremist want bibles and religion in schools. Must every solution be as extreme as the problems you feel exist? Where is common sense and a long term solution rather than a short term extremist reactionary overreach?
Charter schools can be an effective option. School choice can be a very effective option. Why are liberals against these things? Is it the throwback Biden stance of jot wanting poor, inner city kids attending class with their kids?
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