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 ⤵️

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

1/

I can clearly remember when, at around age 9, I started questioning organized religion.

It was during my first experience with holy communion (bread/wine) with my Grandma.

It went something like this:

Q: What's that big cracker for?
A: It's not a cracker dear, it's bread. 2/

Q: It looks like a cracker. Does it taste like one?
A: Yes, but it's unleavened bread.

Me: I think it's a cracker.

Q: What's that?
A: Grape juice.

Q: The Preacher said it was wine that's like blood. Why is it juice?
A: Christians don't drink.

Me: Ok, but wait...

👇

Real Bible verses. (Bondman = Slave)

He that striketh his bondman or bondwoman with a rod, and they die under his hands, shall be guilty of the crime.

But if the party remain alive a day or two, he shall not be subject to the punishment, because it is his money.—Exodus 21:20–21 Non-Virgin before marriage:

They shall cast her out of the doors of her father’s house, and the men of the city shall stone her to death, and she shall die: because she hath done a wicked thing in Israel, to play the whore in her father’s houself.
—Deuteronomy 22:20–21

Short Thread - My Closing Statement on the 2020 Election

2 Minute Read

Let's compare what we've been living through these past 4 years to the Preamble to the Constitution.

The overall objective:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union . . . The goals of the document:

. . . establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity . . .

Life or Death Thread:

To restart our economy, without killing 1000's more Americans, we will need a logical plan.

1. Test/Categorize Americans into 3 distinct categories:

A) Home/Isolated/High Risk/Infected
B) Workers/At Risk
C) Workers/Immune/Antibodies Present (Donors) It's pretty easy to understand how Groups A & C will function moving forward. We're seeing those groups emerge now & function successfully, so we will focus on group B here.

2. Protect Group B, (Workers/At Risk):

A) Develop free disposable self-tests & require daily testing.

My friend Bill called me today, said he was on his way to see his Dad in the hospital. Here's how our conversation went.

Me - Ok, but hold on, you told me your Dad was dead!

Bill - Yeah, that was his idea, he didn't want anyone to know we had him committed.

Me - Wait! What? Me - When?

Bill - Back in 2015 when I told you he died.

Me - So, he's been in a mental institution ever since?

Bill - (Sounding very sad) Yes.

Me - But why?

Bill - Well, you remember he had that wreck around Thanksgiving of '14 and got that big knot on his head? Right?

Twitter Hack - Thread

Single best thing you can do to improve your Twitter experence.

1. Identify the top 10 to 20 accounts you like to comment on or Retweet most.

2. Go to Settings/Privacy, Notifications, Push Notifications, & TURN ON Push Notifications.

Wait there's more👇 3. Search/select those accounts you identified on step #1 and turn on that account's notifications (the little bell and + sign usually). Select "All Tweets." Repeat for all the accounts you've want notifications from.

Of course, my account should be on your list! 😃👇

I've been following & resisting this mess since Trump announced in 2015. Here's my theory:

1. Trump is a Russian asset.
2. GOP emails were stolen, by Russia, when the DNC was hacked.
3. The emails details Russian coordination & $ flow to the DT/GOP via the NRA & straw donors. 4. It's been made clear to the GOP members that the repercussions of exposing the Trump/Russia alliance would include major political, legal, and even personal/family welfare concerns.
5. We are in the midst of a clandestine war with Russia. An attack decades in the making.

Short Thread

As I watched the @GOP House Members stand up & lie for Trump yesterday...

As I see @FoxNews, Conservative Media, and Trump lie several times per day...

I ask myself, shouldn't we do more to identify & present the truth to the American People?

The answer is YES! I suggest that @SpeakerPelosi & @SenSchumer do two thing immediately:

1. Form a bipartisan "Truth Group" of former members of Congress, 5 Dems/5 GOP, and call on them to evaluate the validity of Trump/GOP/Dem/Media claims/statements.

A #ClimateStrike poem for our kids.

Grandpa I Can't Breathe
____________________________________

This morning I flew to Dallas, to see my son and his wife Alice,
and to hold my grandson for the very first time. When I laid my eyes on that young child, I recognized a face I hadn't seen in a while, but one I had seen hundreds of times before.

In dreams I had many years ago, I'm holding a child I did not know, but It's a child I that obviously loved.

My Truths

I am starting a thread today that I will add to for the remainder of my time on Twitter or Earth. (Could be both).

Just short statements I believe to be true. Feel free to add yours.

My first:

· Trump represents the biggest test of out democracy since the Civil War. · A Journey without Steve Perry is not a Journey I enjoy.

Thread - Let yourself imagine...

Imagine you wake up tomorrow & find that @realDonaldTrump has signed an executive order suspending Federal funds to Blue States, saying it's being wasted.

Citing our huge deficits (he created w/ tax cuts for the rich), what if he declares a... National Emergency & orders a big reduction in Social Security, & stops reimbursements from Medicare & Medicaid?

In need of a distraction, let's say he orders the US Military into Chicago to fight crime, and he suspends habeas corpus, detaining suspects indefinitely.

What if...

Thread

People ask me, "Why doesn't the @GOP want to solve problems?"

Because problems = Power & Control.

If we had a fair legal immigration system that works, how do they use fear & bigotry to win elections?

If we had a fair & equitable tax system, how would they . . . Hide huge tax breaks for the wealthy, disguised as tax breaks for the middle class, that Dems then have to campaign against (or campaign to resend)?

If we had great schools, with strong civics classes, how does ignorance cause the ill-informed to . . .

Short Thread on Sensible Gun Ownership

1) Americans have a constitutional right to own property & not have it taken without compensation (Read the 5th Amend). But there are laws & requirements for purchases, contracts, & usage.

Let's look at automobiles . . . 2) To purchase & use a vehicle for transportation, as its intended, you are required to:

Register it
License it
Be of a certain age
Pass a written test
Demonstrate proficiency
Become a licensed user
Follow applicable laws
Insure others against misuse

And . . .