Jack Edmund Bookwalter

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

I too enjoy Carol's sense of humor.  However, I find no levity in her amusement seeing democratic institutions totter.  I do not recognize this as the behavior of a conservative.
 

Stewart Myrent

It's been over a week since I last posted, but I have been paying attention to what's been going on, so let me apologize upfront, for being long-winded.  About 1 1/2 wks. ago, I saw an article online (believe it was Yahoo!) by Andrew O'Heir, executive editor of "Salon" magazine entitled "Doomed, Delusional, Divided and Corrupt: How the Democratic Party became a haunted house".  There was too much to recount here, but it was somewhat eye-opening & disheartening.  A few days later, I saw another article, also online, by Greg Weiner, a political scientist at Assumption College & the author of "The Political Constitution: The Case Against Judicial Supremacy", who, in "The Atlantic" magazine, wrote an article titled "The Not-So-Supreme Court", which, to me, hypothesizes that the Founders never intended the Supreme Court to be the final arbiter of what the Constitution means.  "James Madison thus wrote that giving the judiciary the last word on constitutional questions 'was never intended, and can never be proper."  It seems that his thinking is based on the fact that the Judiciary is just 1/3 of our system of checks & balances, only one of our co-equal branches of gov't.  Part of the reason I had not posted for a week, is because I was reading another new release "A Short History of Europe: From Pericles to Putin", by Simon Jenkins.  He writes in a very straightforward, serious & frankly, boring manner.  Although there were laughs aplenty, such as this snippet from Chapter 5, "The New Europeans": "The Vikings were no less active across the North Sea.  The English kingdom of Essex, which by now had recaptured much of the Danelaw, was in 1015 invaded by a force of 200 ships under the Danish leader Cnut, son of Sweyn Forkbeard and Sigrid the Haughty."  You've got to be kidding!  I would NEVER write a sentence (except for this one), that included "Sigrid the Haughty" (or for that matter, included any of the following: "Danelaw", "Cnut" (I'm very leery of that one), or "Forkbeard".  My guess is that one can NOT do a short history of Europe, as, for example, "The Age of Charlemagne" took up a whole 10 pages.  The French Revolution was all of 12 pages & only 11 pages on the "Second World War".  Only 7 paragraphs on "America's War of Independence".  I get it...it's a short history of Europe, so maybe the American Revolution only warrants 7 paragraphs, but no subject or era is covered in depth.  So, if you see any title that starts with "A Short History of ...", I would avoid it.  One last thing, for about 10 or 12 yrs., I have been receiving online "A.Word.A.Day", created by Anu Garg, & yesterday's word was "thinko".  I had never heard that word before, but according to the site, it is a word that denotes "a careless error in thinking.  Etymology: From think, formed on the pattern of typo (typographical error).  Earliest documented use: 1990s."  As I'm getting older, I have been experiencing more "thinko"s.  I want to relate an amazing thing that happened to me a few days ago, but, as this post has run on so long, I will wait to relate this story in the next few days.  

Trudi Ann Davis (Davis)

Dear Carol:

I understand you are a conservative.  I don't understand how you continue to honor a man who lies, has no respect for women, makes fun of the handicapped and thinks nothing about what he says like "If I am inpeached there may be a civil war." He cheated whenever possible the workers who worked for him.  He has made friends with so many of the dictators in the world and relishes anytime he can spend with Putin who is dictator for life.  This is what I find most amazing.  He is in office not because he won the popular vote but because the Russians interferred in the election process purposely to help him win.

Do you not find his behavior objectionable at all?  My Grannie who was  a life long Republican would never have supported a man who was such a trash talker.  She is dead so I can't verify this but she brought us up to believe that manners are what make civilization possible.  President Trump has belittled whenever possible first his fellow Republicans who ran against him.  And it just goes on and on.

I hope that another conservative with manners will run against him.  

Hugs to you, carol

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

To every thing  Turn! Turn! Turn!

There is a season  Turn! Turn! Turn!

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the beginning of impeachment proceedings, she invoked the nation's founding ideals--and the need to defend and protect them.

These our serious and somber times...

Unrestrained partisan warfare did not begin with Trump.  Mitch McConnell refused to even consider President Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland.

Trump has shunted aside norms that shape our governing process - he has undermined the machinery of our government, and undermined NATO.

Autocratic tendencies must be checked.  Politics without guardrails kills democracy.

For democracies to function properly, the norms of civility and forbearance need to be respected.  But neither civility nor forbearance preclude impeachment.

Trump refuses to live up to his oath and undermines the Constitution.

As Ben Franklin said, we have "A Republic, if (we) can keep it."

Trump's phone call to the Ukraine president was not "perfect," it was wrong. 

Read the text of Trump's conversation with Zelensky - it corroborates the whistleblower’s report.  Do not ignore the fact that Trump was withholding aid to Ukraine when he was asking the Ukraine president to target his political opponent. 

The whistleblower is a hero and is protected by law. 

This is not a coup.  Impeachment is constitutional.  

Democrats need to conduct a genuine fact-finding inquiry while being careful to exercise restraint as Republicans likely smear the process.  

As to getting things done: The House has passed legislation that sits on McConnell's desk.

I have great respect for conservatives.  Conservatives who want to protect the Constitution oppose Trump.  There are conservatives challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination for 2020.

Please refer back to post #1422.

with attribution to Michael Luo   Daily Comment, The New Yorker

I'll join in the hugs.  It's good to hear your voice, Carol, and Trudi's too.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Trump blinds people.  Remember when he said he could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot someone and get away with it ? ? ?  Trump told us who he is.

He's a One-Man Show who feels completely unconstrained by the rule of law.  He's all about grievance politics, always looking for a fight.

Pelosi and Schumer were ready to work with him on infrastructure and Trump derailed the discussion.  

Trump has no interest in protecting our elections.

Trump promised to deliver a package on gun legislation - where is it?

Marvin Irving Blusteln

God bless Carol.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Question for all Americans:

What is more important to you?

American sovereignty and our national security or loyalty to a president?

Trump doesn’t seem to know right from wrong.  He is now publicly urging both China and Ukraine to investigate the Bidens.  

At some point, raising the bar for impeachment lowers the bar for presidential conduct.

with attribution to Jon Meacham

If the House impeaches Trump, Jon Meacham should be called to testify about impeachment during the Senate hearings.

Stewart Myrent

An amazing thing happened to me this past Fri. night & I wanted to write an extemporaneous note to myself (a la James Comey) so that I might remember as many details as possible later.  I had hurt my back, getting out of the shower the previous AM (Thursday).  I don't know how I did it, but my back was killing me.  I told our former classmate Bob Lawrence (nee Fimoff) & he asked me if I was taking any Advil.  I said, "No".  He asked if I had any Advil.  I said, "No".  He suggested picking some up for the back pain.  So, leaving work, I totally forgot to stop at the closest Walgreen's.  I checked online & saw the closest 24-hr. Walgreen's was on Rollins Rd. at Cedar Lake Rd. & headed there about 11PM.  I found the Advil & as I proceeded to the checkout, I reached in my pocket & realized I had left all my $ (& cards) at home.  I put the Advil down & told the clerk I was sorry, I left my $ at home & I would be back.  Here comes the amazing part - as I was leaving Walgreen's & heading to my car, I heard, "Excuse me, sir?" & I turn  & see a young man, who appeared to be in his early 30's & appeared to be of Asian heritage.  I can see he's holding the Advil I left on the counter & offers it to me.  I say, "No, you didn't have to do that."  But, he hands me the Advil & says, "No, that's okay." & walks away.  I was totally dumbfounded.  After he left, I thought of several things I could have said.  The first was, "I don't know if you believe in a Heaven  or Hell, but if you do, you're going to heaven!"  Then, I thought I should have asked him his name & address to send him the $, but if he refused, ask for his parents' names & address, so I could tell them what a great job they did, raising their kid(s).  But I didn't ask his name & address, or his parents'.  I chalked it up to running into a "good samaritan" & saving me the time to have to go back.  I don't ever remember something like this happening to me.  Is it because I'm elderly?  I don't really care...that young man was properly raised.  I certainly can understand if you'te helping out family (you would expect such a thing), but this help was from a total stranger.    

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Stewart, thanks for sharing your story.  I’m happy you received a random act of kindness... pay it forward when you can.  Take care.  Hope you’re feeling better. 

Stewart Myrent

A few shoutouts that I didn't include in my post of the other day.  Trudi Ann, I appreciated your post of 10/02, because Grannie brought you "up to believe that manners are what makes civilization possible."  It's interesting how smart those old people are - it just takes time for them to get so smart - apparently, there are no shortcuts.  So, you seem like a very normal person to me.  Congrats!  Also, Carol, I was somewhat disturbed by your post of 10/02.  You started out, "I don't like this blog..." & then compared visiting this site to a visit to the dentist.  I don't wish to speak for anyone else, but I, myself, am not sure if I feel offended OR amused, although, frankly, I am leaning towards offended.  I don't know why the time you loved the Forum is "a distant, albeit fond, memory..", but it seems to me that all the kids have been playing nicely together, so I don't really understand your distaste.  So be it! 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

“What we’re seeing is not real.”  (Really?)

The texts are damning.  

This is about the norms of our president.

There’s no evidence that Trump is fighting corruption around the world.

It's about "arms for dirt."

Remember Merrick Garland?  

What hocus pocus is Mitch McConnell planning for the impeachment trial?

He’s raising money vowing to stop impeachment.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

If impeachment goes to trial in the Senate, the Senate will likely debate in executive (closed) session followed by a vote on conviction in open session.  In order for the President to be convicted of the accusations contained in the articles of impeachment, two-thirds of Senators voting - not necessarily two-thirds of all 100 Senators - to convict is required to remove a U.S. President from office.  The Senate may then vote - in a separate vote - to bar the president from holding federal office again.

We have the opportunity to weigh the facts and restore the rule of law.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

"Now I am old my teachers are the young."   -- Robert Frost

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Senator Ron Johnson:

As a constituent, I am embarrassed by your performance yesterday on Meet the Press.  As our Senator, your actions reflect not only your own character but the State of Wisconsin and its citizens.  We expect you to be a forthright and honorable representative of Wisconsin.

.........................................................

Ron Johnson lives in Oshkosh.  As grandparents, we participate in common events.  As a representative of my grandchildren’s family I treat him honorably at these events.  I expect the same of him as US Senator representing Wisconsin.  

I “winced” watching my US Senator’s refusal to answer a direct question, embarrassing Wisconsin with his deflection to protect Trump, attempting to defend the indefensible - Trump withholding aid from Ukraine.

Ron Johnson serves as Chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has called on the Republican Party to “get a grip.”

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

“As the 2020 election season ramps up, two global events threaten to be decisive in determining the U.S. economic environment.  The first is the manner in which the U.K. might leave the European Union.  The second is whether the political crisis in Hong Kong can be resolved without mainland China sending in troops to quell the island’s political unrest.”        --Desmond Lachman

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

“We are not enemies, but friends.  We must not be enemies.  Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.”  

-- Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address

Stewart Myrent

Steve, re your observation, I have never heard ANYONE except for ONE person (including any geniuses), who referred to themselves as "a stable genius".  But we ALL know who that one person is.  Yikes!  If anyone thinks that our current CIC is not totally unstable, I have no idea why.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Republicans in the White House and Congress are coalescing around a slow-down strategy designed to smother the Democrats' impeachment inquiry into Trump.

House Democrats should not have to confront Trump alone.

"Imagine the symbolic power of millions of people marching in Washington, DC, and other cities and towns across the country -- now, and repeatedly as the process plays out -- making concrete demands: for Republicans to support impeachment, for a real impeachment trial, ... for a swifter end to the crisis that only Republican Senators could bring about."

Steve, your photos encourage us onward.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Faith and Freedom Coalition founder Ralph Reed calls for white evangelicals to 'render to God and Trump' - he argues that white evangelicals have a moral obligation to defend Trump and enthusiastically support his re election --- "saying 'no' to Trump is saying 'no' to God."

Reed and his cohorts cast Trump's entry into politics as divinely inspired.  They equate Trump to biblical figures such as Old Testament heroine Esther, and frequently cite Scripture to rationalize Trump's most controversial policies.  

Reed considers the rest of us to be stridently anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, and pro-abortion.  I call BS.

Alan A. Alop

The Trump Re-Election Kommitee (TREK) today announced the formation of two new election groups--

1.  Kurds For Trump---If you are loyal to Trump and Kurdish, this is the group for you! He will be loyal to you even though you did not storm the beaches at Normandy.  Simply travel to Ankara or Moscow and sign up for "canvassing" duties. If you have dirt on the Bidens you will receive a bonus!  Disclaimer:  this bonus is not to be construed as a quid pro quo for any Biden dirt. 

2.  Stable Geniuses For Trump---Are you stable?  Are you VERY stable? Are you a genius?  If so, Trump is the candidate for you. While his wisdom is unmatched, if your IQ exceeds 12 this group will offer you great opportunities for intellectual stimulus and growth. You will be able to help the president devise new epithets for the enemies of the state (journalists) and new punishments for spies, traitors, and other American intelligence agents. 

Stewart Myrent

First, Alan, thank you for your recent post, because, I appreciate your sense of humor & your posts always leave me laughing.  Steve, I'm sure you have an emotional attachment to the photo of you & your two amigos at the Vienna hot dog plant, but, personally, I prefer the photo of the Trump chew-toy, because I always get a laugh out of seeing that chew-toy - not so much from the photo of you in your hairnets.  Bring back the chew-toy photo, please!  Janis, thank you for keeping us all up-to-date on latest developments.  I was particularly struck by your comments on Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) & the fact that you "winced" watching his performance on "Meet the Press" makes me feel good, although it had to be totally uncomfortable for you.  Sorry to hear your story, but I would have winced, also.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

  Carol, I celebrate Sharry's life with you -

  I look at her photo and sense her vitality.

  All best wishes to you, Donna,

                   and to you, too, Stanton -

  Happy Birthday, to you both.

  I know Donna and Sharry shared a place

                     forever in their lives.

  Take care and love to all.
 

Nancy Doyle (Sudlow)

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

t-r-i-s-k-a-i-d-e-k-a-p-h-o-b-i-a

fear of the number 13  

It's impossible to say just how or when the number  13   got its bad reputation.  There are a number of theories - - - if written references are any indication,  at least among English speakers the phenomenon isn't all that old.  Known mention of fear of  13  in print dates back only to the late 1800s.  Around 1911, the fear of  13  was prevalent enough to merit a name, which was formed by dropping the first "e" in the Greek word for "thirteen" --- treiskaideka  --- and attaching phobia to it.

If times aren't eerie enough, Hall🎃ween is soon here.