Given this last week's horrific happenings, I think we all need to reflect on the realities of where we're at - both as a country and individually.

Individually, I think it's obvious.  Anyone can see that things are not going in the right direction.  With the mail bombs, the synagogue shooting and the basically unreported Kroger shooter - we're at a low point.  There seems to be more division than ever.  trump supporters are now doubting the legitimacy of everyone except trump.  Several were interviewed at a trump rally after the bomber was captured and still didn't believe he was guilty.  They commented that he may have been paid by the left wing - or that it's "fake news".  Look how far we've fallen..

But as a country, there seems to be an awakening.  People, as a whole, are now seeing the harsh reality of what their complacency has done.  It's brought us to where we are today.  For some time now, we've forgotten how far we'd come - past the bigotry, hate and isolationism.

We're at a turning point.  For better or worse, our country is more informed than at any time in its history.  But like the old saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."  With the explosion of social media and the sheer volume of information hitting everyone in their waking life, far too many have tuned it out.  Conversely, just as many have woven a cocoon for themselves and filled their life with positive affirmations of their own views. They know they're right because "everyone" thinks like they do.  

Fortunately, from what I've been seeing, that's beginning to change.  Many are realizing that the truth is simply the truth.  It's obvious to everyone that the hate in our country is responsible for the terror this week.  It's not "fake news".  It's real - almost too real.


Now, credit where credit is due.  ray called me out on another thread about how I've "come unhinged".  He's not entirely wrong in assuming that.  But it's not "coming unhinged" - it's me hammering the fact (even harder) that hypocrisy is probably the biggest problem we face in this country.  Hate is hate, bigotry is bigotry - there are no "good terrorists".  I have never condoned violence in any situation, nor will I ever defend it.  None of us can.  But I've seen far too much complacency towards it on this forum, and yes, it gets a little frustrating.  That's on me and no one else.  I'm happy to own up to it.  I just did.  I would hope that others do the same.  (and let's keep it real, we're talking about 8 or 10 people in total that do any kind of regular posting...)

So, after all this ranting, I'll finish it with a little thought experiment.

I'm sure you're all familiar with "It's a Wonderful Life".  When it first came out it wasn't really a hit.  I think I read somewhere that it was one of Frank Capra's least popular movies upon release.
But it didn't remain a sleeper.  As time went by, the story and the message caught on - and it's easy to see why.

Think about the story.  Think about the characters.  Think about why it speaks to so many people and is more popular today than ever.

I think sometimes we all forget how hard George works.  We know how he feels when he feels "left behind" by the likes of his friend Sam.  Like George, we forget what's really important in life.  Only after he sees an alternate reality does he come to appreciate and fight for his existence.

I think that's appropriate for where we're at now.  We can see the "warped, frustrated old man," and see that what he's trying to do to our lives.  George saw that no matter what, Mr. Potter couldn't take away his happiness.

We as a country are seeing that - we are better as a people, than our president is as an individual.  He can't change us.

We are better than that.

MnSpring wrote on 10/28/18 at 12:00:38:

you certainly missed the point no matter the author  

let it go

peace be with you

quit pickin scabs they'll fester

peace be with you

Individually, I think it's obvious.  Anyone can see that things are not going in the right direction.  With the mail bombs, the synagogue shooting and the basically unreported Kroger shooter - we're at a low point.  There seems to be more division than ever.  trump supporters are now doubting the legitimacy of everyone except trump.

Mail bombs, synagogue and Kroger shooting....and now we're at the low point?!!!  Where were you when Congressman were shot on a ball field? Where were you when supporters of a Presidential candidate were being physically attacked?

The division is because for the first time, the peaceful transition of political power from one party to the next didn't  occur. You TT and your party refuse to accept the results of the last election. The MSM which has gone all in for one side refuses to accept the results.

Here's the deal, wars continue and tensions erupt until one side admits defeat and begins rebuilding. The Democrats lost. You lost the heart of America and instead of acknowledging that, you've decided to punish the voters by calling them every vile name you can think of.

You are hypocrisy personified. This is what you don't get, what you can't see. George Bailey is a modern day Republican. Conservative, patriotic, God fearing. You think George Bailey is going to scream and play dead so police can drag him out at a Supreme Court nomination hearing? You think George Bailey is going to chase Ted Cruz and his wife put of a restaurant? He would no more support a loon like Warren or Harris or Booker than the man on the moon.

You lost the heart of America. Listen to what they're saying or keep losing.

MnSpring wrote on 10/28/18 at 12:00:38:



Until you start posting like an adult - I really don't care what you believe.

raydawg wrote on 10/29/18 at 06:07:18:


Once again, you're too cowardly to confront me yourself.

Sad ray - you're the most childish 65 year old I've ever had the displeasure to know.

WebsterMark wrote on 10/29/18 at 07:33:51:


OK mark, I'll play your game then... you think George would threaten Dr. Ford's life?  You think he'd mail bombs to his enemies?  You think he'd march in Charlotte with a torch?  You think he'd hold a rally and "wish he could punch that guy"?  You think he'd run as a nazi in Illinois?

Yeah, you use the worst examples of those on the extreme left - then I do the same with the right.

Nice try, but it don't fly.