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@realDonaldTrump

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⚓️ 🇺🇸 Proud Navy Veteran (Link to Bluesky below)

@naretevduorp

Oct 14, 2024

A Veteran's Plea - Thread

I was a poor white kid from a broken home who joined the Navy to survive.

I grew up in the 60's and the 70's when the South was still mostly segregated. We lived 60 miles from Memphis, so I had seen people of color, but didn't know any personally until I was forced to move to Kansas City in 1978, in the middle of my senior year in high school.

The next two years were tough, but I managed to graduate high school and get a warehouse job loading insulation into trucks and boxcars.

But soon I was laid off and unable to cover the $95 for my decrepit studio apartment or fix my broken down car . . . And I couldn't go home, so I met with a Navy Recruiter out of desperation.

The three weeks between that meeting and my enlistment date were some of the worst days of my life. It wasn't the first time I had considered suicide, but it was certainly the closest I had come to seeing it through. I had hit rock bottom.

On the day I boarded the flight from Kansas City bound for Boot Camp in Orlando Florida, I had very few possessions.

I had the clothes I was wearing, a worn out wallet, my driver's license, my military orders, and a photo of a very special girl. A girl I didn't feel worthy of.

Oh, and I owed payments for the car I had to have the junkyard drag off.

My life had a financial value of less than zero, and it felt that way.

The soda and pretzels, that I received on the flight, was my first meal in 3 days. I haven't eaten a pretzel since without thinking about that day, but none have tasted that good since.

I arrived at the Naval Training Center in the middle of the night and slept a couple of hours fully clothed surrounded by people I didn't know.

There was no pillow, bed clothes, or blanket. Just a cold plastic covered bunk. I felt apprehensive, hungry, and alone.

13 weeks later I was transformed. I was physically fit and enjoyed a sense of camaraderie and belonging that I had never experienced before.

At age 20 I felt safe and secure for the first time in my life, and I was extremely proud and thankful. I had always had dreams, but now for the first time ever, those dreams felt plausible.

Over the next 4 years I proudly served with individuals from many races, ethnicities, and religions. I served with people different from me in every imaginable way.

I was constantly amazed at what we accomplished as a team.

Living and working in such close proximity, I learned that we had much more in common than any of us might have initially thought.

The Navy saw to it that we all had similar opportunities, if we were willing to work hard. We all bled red and we all wore Navy blue.

This feeling of equality took a burden off of all of us. I later saw this as a model for how our society, as a whole, should work.

It became the model for how I wanted to see the world.

Speaking of the world . . .

I saw magnificent castles in Scotland, the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Costa del Sol in Spain, and I stood in the remains of Parthenon on top of the Acropolis in Athens Greece.

Later I would learn that this was the birthplace of philosophy. It's amazing how little things have changed about human nature since the day of Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle, known as the Ancient Greek Triad.

Considered the most famous conclusion produced by the triad was the Socratic idea that "The unexamined life is not worth living." More on that later.

I saw horrible things too . . .

I saw dead people laying in the gutter and a poor woman, carrying her dead child, begging for bread in Sri Lanka.

The uniform I wore, (and me because I was in it), was nearly worshiped by some, welcomed by most, and despised by others. I got to see life from the point of view of privilege, equality, and discrimination.

Equality is by far superior.

Seeing how others live throughout the world made me appreciate living in America. It certainly made me look at life differently.

#MAGA #2024PresidentialElection

Read on ⤵️

The purpose of this post is to offer you a different perspective and to ask you to take a step back and look at life through my eyes for a few moments.

I'm going to ask you to live an examined life. To read onward, but to look inward.

Let's start by looking at some of the issues that often divide us.

I respect the flag very much and I stand for the National Anthem. But, I support the rights of others to protest by burning the flag and by not standing for the Anthem.

I do so because I've seen what happens when citizens are not allowed to protest, when they are oppressed. I've seen the harm that causes. I also respect the fact that the right to protest is guaranteed by the US Constitution.

Something I took an oath to protect.

I don't like the thought of Abortion. I wish it never had to happen. But, I can't justify forcing my beliefs on others when that means limiting their rights and freedoms. I believe body autonomy is a basic human right.

I don't believe in any God for reasons that are very personal to me. I don't have a problem with someone believing (or not believing) in any way they see fit so long as those beliefs are not forced on me.

Because our Nation has to represent all citizens, regardless of their beliefs, I don't believe religion has any role in government or public education.

Neither did most of our founding fathers. James Madison said, “The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe with blood for centuries.”

If you support Christianity in schools, look at that support through the eyes of Muslim parents for a moment. Why should their rights be limited by yours?

I think our legal system leaves a lot to be desired, but it is far better than most alternatives. An Independent Justice System is essential to our Democracy. One cannot survive without the other.

There is more than enough wealth in this Nation to assure that our citizens are fed, clothed, and housed. There are fair and equitable ways to provide for the less fortunate while still motivating them to be productive members of society.

I asked ChatGPT the following question (and you can too):

"As a percentage of the United States gross domestic product how much would it cost to solve homelessness and hunger in the United States?"

ChatGPT offered a lot of details you should read, but here's the bottom line:

"Solving hunger and homelessness could cost roughly 0.17% to 0.32% of the U.S. GDP per year."

Less than 1/3 of 1% of our Gross Domestic Product, (GDP)!

For that relatively small sum, I simply can't believe we want people (children) to be hungry and homeless.

I could never support a politician who votes against free school lunches for hungry children.

Similarly, I believe healthcare is a basic human right.

I asked ChatGPT the following question:

"What percentage of industrialized countries provide free healthcare to the poor?"

Answer:

"As a rough estimate, over 70-80% of industrialized countries provide either free or heavily subsidized healthcare to low-income populations through universal or targeted programs."

Healthcare isn't expensive because of the true costs of products and services provided.

Healthcare is expensive because it generates profit at every step of the process. Powerful corporations, and the wealthy people they serve, have made healthcare too expensive for an increasing percentage of Americans.

This can easily be solved by offering healthcare without profit, just like other civic programs like policing and firefighting.

The only people that benefit from the lack of universal healthcare are the insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and other big corporations . . . And of course the wealthiest among us.

Interesting fact . . .

No industrialized Nation, that started offering universal healthcare, has ever stopped offering it. It's effective and popular overall.

#MAGA #2024PresidentialElection

Read on ⤵️

I don't worry about someone's color, where they were born, where they worship, or who they love or marry, because none of that affects me.

I believe that the rights of individuals should know no bounds so long as they don't infringe on the rights of others.

It doesn't hurt me and it is simply none of my business.

I don't think we should demand freedom while simultaneously trying to limit the freedoms of others.

I have personally never met an immigrant that caused me harm or concern. I find most of them to be hardworking individuals seeking out opportunities for themselves and their families.

Personally - I would much rather live next to an immigrant family than to live next to an American family who hates immigrants.

I recognize that restricting voter access is a ploy by powerful people to manipulate the outcome.

I don't have a problem with people having to identify themselves to vote. But, voting should be easy and convenient.

I know undocumented immigrants can't vote, and that any statements suggesting that they can vote are lies intended to deceive.

Speaking of lies - I believe in truth, logic, and science.

I believe that anyone who knows the truth and prefers lies that support their biases represents a threat to our society at large.

I also know some of those people have been deceived. Those are the people I am trying to reach today.

I want to protect our environment. I believe global warming is real.

I also support renewable energy over the burning of carbon-based fuels. I supply a large portion of my own electrical needs from solar.

I am a gun owner. I support the Second Amendment. However, I believe gun ownership comes with responsibilities, just like owning and operating a motor vehicle comes with responsibilities.

There should be a licensing process that includes a universal background check, without exception.

There should be safety training and a demonstration of sufficient proficiency. Just like passing a drivers test.

There should be laws that dictate minimum safety storage standards for guns.

There should be accountability for anyone whose unsecured licensed firearms are used to commit a crime, or cause harm to others.

Military grade weaponry, designed for use on the battlefield, serves no good purpose in the hands of the average citizen, and should be illegal.

Yes these can be divisive issues, but it's really not issues that's driving our divide in recent years. There have always been issues we disagree on.

Fear and hatred are the real drivers of our widening divide.

The rich and powerful have weaponized fear and hatred as means of control . . .

Those of us who recognize that fact are concerned about what may eventually happen.

Many people, under the influence of their control, actually hope for the worst.

Is that you? Are you hoping harm comes to those you disagree with?

If so, please hear my plea.

If you are driven by hate and fear, please reconsider your priorities, your choices, and yes your vote this November.

Only you know the content of your heart. Only you know what truly motivates you. Only you know if it's justified, if it's legitimate, Only you know if it's good or if it's bad.

Here's what I know - There is no benefit to you if I'm harmed. Just as there is no benefit to me if you are harmed.

I don't hate you and I don't want you to hate me.

My concerns are not based on who you are or how you choose to live your life. My concerns are based on the choices you may make in November that may not be able to be undone. Choices that impact us all.

Choices that could destroy a Democracy, a Nation, and our children's future. Choices that you may regret almost immediately.

A vote for a wealthy narcissist who openly spreads (weaponizes) fear and hate, who has said he will set aside the Constitution and weaponize the Department of Justice, is dangerous.

#MAGA #2024PresidentialElection

Read on ⤵️

Read 4 tweets

⚓️ 🇺🇸 Proud Navy Veteran (Link to Bluesky below)

@naretevduorp

Jun 21, 2024

The Senior Citizens Dialogues
Post 1 - June 21, 2024

Part 1

Participants - Husband and wife, both in their 70's. P1 is male and P2 is female.

Me: (As I'm arranging the table with my phone to record the session and preparing to take notes).

Thanks for agreeing to talk with me today. If you don't mind me asking, why did you agree to participate in my project?

P1: I enjoy politics, I'm active in the local Republican Party, and I guess I'm curious about your motives.

Me: (speaking to P2) And you?

P2: I'm mostly just tagging along with him. I am interested, but not to the degree he is. (Smiles)

Me: As for my motives - I want to learn what you believe and why you believe it. That's it. My readers are interested in your thoughts and so am I.

I will ask questions. If any of them make you feel uncomfortable, you can decline to answer.

I'm not here to present my own ideology or try to change yours.

P1: That's good, won't happen.

Me: Any questions before we get started?

P1: Who are your readers? (Attempting to find out my political affiliation).

Me: I have approximately 100,000 followers on a social media site and I have a blog. My readers are mostly Americans, but I have connections with people from all over the world and all walks of life. It's amazing to me just how many people, all over the world, are engaged in our politics.

P1: Could I get a link to your site?

Me: Not today. After I complete my project I will post links to both my social media account and my blog so all participants can read what I've written. If I provided that information now, it would inevitably impact this process. I hope you understand.

P2: That makes sense, doesn't it dear? (She puts her hand on his arm as if to say, "let's move on," I get the sense she has other things she would rather be doing).

P1: Yes, that's fine.

Me: You said you were a Republican. Are you a current supporter of the Party's presumptive nominee?

P1: Yes, very much so.

Me: Is there anything in particular, any singular policy or position, (of his), that is most compelling to you?

(They look at each other).

Both: Abortion.

Me: What would come in second or third?

P1: I don't know, (looks at his wife, who shrugs), nothing else seems to elevate above the others. We support his entire agenda.

Me: It's interesting that you used that word, agenda, because I had hoped to discuss his proposed agenda with you today, to get your thoughts.

But first I want to give you the chance to explore any subject you would like. Is there anything in particular you would like to discuss?

(They look at each other and both shake their heads).

P1: No, nothing in particular.

Me: Trump has mentioned a couple different agendas during his campaign speeches. He references Project 2025 and he talks about seeking "Retribution." Are you familiar with these?

P1: I've heard of both, but I don't think Project 2025 is his. When he talks about Retribution, he just means holding people accountable.

Me: Who? What people?

P1: Those who have attacked him, those who have weaponized the DOJ and law enforcement against him! He wants to hold the Deep State accountable!

Me: Do you support that?

P1: Absolutely! Don't you?

Me: Oh, my readers are bored with my thoughts, let's focus on yours! (I smile and wink to bring down the temperature, simultaneously reminding him that I'm not expressing my opinions).

Me: What does Retribution look like? What do you think he will do?

P1: He will put people in jail! He will prosecute those who have prosecuted him unfairly!

Me: Is it important, to you, that he follow established laws?

P1: Not really, I mean we can't trust the system! He needs to do what he needs to do!

P2: He needs to start at the border!

P1: Yes, mass deportations! And lock up everyone who facilitated that invasion! That Mayorkas character needs to be in jail today!

(She pats his arm, reminding him to calm down).

(Continue to Part 2 below)

Post 1 - June 21, 2024

Part 2

Me: Should Mayorkas be afforded due process?

P1: Due process? (Chuckles) He deserves the same due process the American People got from him!

P2: He needs to feel as unsafe as we do! To worry about his family's safety!

Me: Have you two experienced violence associated with immigrants?

P2: No, but that doesn't mean the threat isn't real! I haven't been in a tornado either, but that doesn't mean I don't take precautions! (She becomes emotional, expressing genuine fear).

(He takes her hand to comfort her).

P1: The threat is very real and more importantly immigration is a weapon used by the Left to destroy America! To destroy our heritage!

Me: How so?

P1: (Looks at his wife) See!

(He appears to be suggesting I have a bias against him).

Me: No, I'm just trying to understand why you feel immigrants are destroying America and your heritage. How are they doing that?

P1: By coming here! By voting for Democrats! For living off our tax dollars! By having babies that instantly become citizens! By taking our jobs! Shall I continue?!

Me: No, I appreciate that. As for the heritage piece . . .

P1: Here we go!

P2: Just explain it to him honey, he's being nice.

Me: I'll be specific - Trump talks about immigrants "Poisoning our Blood." Is that what you mean by destroying our culture?

P1: Yes! Isn't that a problem for you?

P2: Honey! (Trying to calm him).

Me: That's okay, this stuff can get emotional. Do you two personally know any immigrants?

P1: Yes, there is a family that lives just down the road from us. They raise cattle. I rent a few acres to them for grazing.

P2: It keeps him from having to mow it. (She chuckles) Wonderful people, hard working! Very hard working!

P1: But they are the exception!

Me: Meaning?

P1: They are not trafficking drugs or committing crimes are they? That's why!

Me: Do you know any other immigrants?

P2: There are some folks who attend our church. One family has 3 beautiful little girls, one is friends with my granddaughter.

P1: Again, exceptions!

Me: Why do you believe these are exceptions?

P1: Don't you listen to the news! That Mexican killed that white girl, (turns go his wife), where was that?

P2: I don't remember.

P1: Anyway, he killed her, probably raped her too.

Me: Okay, so there's thousands of immigrants . . . (P1 interrupts).

P1: Millions! There are millions flowing across the open border!

Me: Okay, let's say you are correct, here is my question . . . Why is the one incident of violence extrapolated to all immigrants, but not the goodness you see in ones you know?

P2: Extrapolate?

Me: In other words, why don't you think that most immigrants are like the ones you know vs the few incidents you hear about on TV?

(P2's eyes open wide, both actually and apparently metaphorically).

P1: Because, like I said, they are exceptions.

Me: But how do we know that?

P2: I don't know that we DO know that. Do we dear?

P1: I guess we can't be sure, but I still think they are a threat. The border should not be open!

Me: Were you aware the Congress negotiated bipartisan legislation that would have funded more control over the border?

(Both shook their head no).

Me: Yes, and President Biden said he would sign it.

P2: Did he?

Me: No, because Donald Trump asked Congress not to pass it. He said he wanted it to remain a campaign issue.

P1: I don't believe that for one second!

Me: I'm not expressing an opinion, it's a fact. You'll be able to find information online about it.

P1: Like I can trust that.

Me: Well, that's my understanding. If you find out I'm wrong please let me know.

P1: I will.

Me: If you verify I'm right it would seem to be in conflict with the urgency to resolve the issue, wouldn't it?

(No response).

Can we circle back to Trump's plan for Retribution?

P1: Sure. (Seems happy to leave the subject of immigration).

Me: Does any aspect of that bother you? Retribution I mean.

Continue to Part 3 below.

Post 1 - June 21, 2024

Part 3

P2: It does me. (Her husband gives her a look). Well it does! It doesn't feel very Christian to me. (She returns a look of her own).

Me: People have told me that they worry that once we stop following the Rule of Law, it's a slippery slope to destroying Democracy and becoming a dictatorship.

Do you share those concerns?

P1: No, but you don't seem to have a problem with Biden exercising those powers now! (Looks at his wife whose expression appears to say "don't look at me.")

Me: I don't want President Biden to have the authority to break the law. If he does and is found guilty by a court of law, I want him to suffer the consequences just like anyone else.

Is that what you would want?

P1: Absolutely?

Me: Should Trump be held to that same standard?

P1: No because the process is unfair! It's nothing but a Witch Hunt!

(P2 is looking down, slowly shaking her head, P1 doesn't notice).

Me: How do we know it's unfair?

P1: You don't think that New York case was unfair? That had Biden's fingerprints all over it!

Me: How so? I mean, that was a New York State case, not a federal case. Biden and the DOJ had no jurisdiction.

P1: I didn't think you expressed opinions!

Me: Well, that's not an opinion, that's how the system works.

P1: So, you don't think Joe Biden couldn't pick up the phone and make a call?

Me: He could, but I would need to see evidence of that before I could draw a conclusion. I've not seen any, have you?

P2: (Looking at her husband) Have you heard of any?

P1: All I know is everyone is calling it a sham! Everyone!

Me: Just like everyone is calling Immigrants criminals? (Smiling)

P2: Apparently so.

(She grabs his hand and encourages him to smile, and he does reluctantly).

P1: I think it's about time we wrap this up, we need to be getting home.

Me: Sure. Look, there are no wrong answers here. You two were forthcoming and genuine in your responses. You expressed opinions shared by millions of Americans and maybe discovered a few things you want to explore on your own. That's precisely why I do this.

I appreciate your time and hope we can sit down again sometime. You'll see me around, stop by and say hello!

(I shake hands with both of them).

P2: I'd like that.

P1: Maybe, if I recover from this one! My clock gets wound a little tight sometimes!

(We all laugh).

Me: I want to leave you with this. I'm a US Navy Veteran. I have a deep love and respect for our Country and your right to have and express any views you want to!

If I were to offer you advice today, it would be this - Remain curious. Don't make judgements based on the opinions of others. Demand facts from multiple sources. The choices we have ahead of us are too important to do otherwise.

The truth matters!

(They shake their heads in agreement).

I appreciate you sharing your views with me today! They both say they enjoyed the conversation, and we departed.

Read 4 tweets

⚓️ 🇺🇸 Proud Navy Veteran (Link to Bluesky below)

@naretevduorp

Mar 26, 2023

Christian:

So, Atheist, what are you going to say when you find yourself standing in front of God?

Me:

I'd have a lot of questions.

Why did you stay hidden?

Why did you stay silent?

Why did you demand faith instead of providing real evidence?

Why did you reveal yourself in a book full of historical inaccuracies and theological contradictions?

If you knew that the vast majority of the human beings you created would wind up in hell, why did you create them?

Why did you create hell? Why did you create evil?

How is an infinite punishment justified for a finite crime?

What's the point of torturing someone in hell, for eternity, if they can't ever learn from it or earn their way out of it?

Isn't that just torture for the sake of torture? Would you accept that behavior from us?

Read 14 tweets

⚓️ 🇺🇸 Proud Navy Veteran (Link to Bluesky below)

@naretevduorp

Mar 26, 2023

Trump's speech last night ratcheted up the rhetoric again.

There's nothing he won't do for power, including colluding with foreign adversaries, threatening violence and Civil War!

There's nothing he (or anyone else) can do to undermine his support amongst the Radical Right!

The only thing that can derail this ongoing Coup, this Cold Civil War, is the rule of law.

If the Justice System fails, our Nation's future is uncertain at best.

Even if successful, the hate that drives division will remain and Trump will be their martyr.

The changes needed to right this ship are:
• Remove private $ from politics
• Pass the Voting Rights Bill
• Outlaw gerrymandering
• Change the electoral college to mirror the popular vote
• Term Limits for Congress
• Make political deceit a felony!

Read 4 tweets

⚓️ 🇺🇸 Proud Navy Veteran (Link to Bluesky below)

@naretevduorp

Mar 15, 2023

Thread

I see a small group of "Christians for Trump 2024" outside a local store where I live.

I wasn't going shopping, but I couldn't resist, so I turned around.

I listened to their discussions, then asked politely:

Is it challenging to be a Christian Trump supporter?

Trumper: Not at all.

Me: Great, How do you feel about his border policy & family separation policy for immigrants?

Trumper: I support it, We have to keep America safe!

Me: have you experienced crime committed by immigrant?

Trumper: No, but

Me: Do you know someone who has?

Trumper: No, but it's a problem!

Me: Did you know, statistically, immigrants are much less likely to commit crimes that US citizens?

Trumper: I don't believe that's true.

(I show her statistics on my phone).

Trumper: How do I know that's not fake news?

Read 9 tweets

⚓️ 🇺🇸 Proud Navy Veteran (Link to Bluesky below)

@naretevduorp

Sep 27, 2022

Thread:

As a Veteran/Democrat - Things I believe (in no certain order):

1. Private funding of elections, and the control that gives to Corps/Wealthy, is the root cause of every problem we face today.

2. Democracy is in peril, and we must defend it regardless of the cost.

3. I support a woman's right to choose. But, in the absence of rape, incest, or the medical need to terminate the pregnancy . . . Responsible choices should be made before fetus viability. It's just the right thing to do.

4. Education is a right, and our system is broken.

5. I support true equality and freedom for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any other individual characteristic.

6. I support a person's right to love and marry anyone they want.

7. Healthcare is a right.

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