Alan A. Alop

Thank you Paul. The amendment process for the United States Constitution is indeed laborious and takes time. Perhaps you can share that with President Trump who believes he can amend the Fourteenth Amendment--and eliminate birthright citizenship--with the stroke of his pen.

Paul Richard Hain

Ha! Alan.  Executive orders are above my pay grade.  

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Paul, you've been a big supporter of Jeff Sessions-- I'd like to hear your thoughts on all things Jeff Sessions...

The Washington Post's Philip Bump has noted that if all 50 senators from the smallest states voted for a bill and VP Pence cast his lot with them, U.S. Senators representing just 16% of Americans could overrule those representing 84% of Americans.

Political scientist David Birdsell has calculated that by 2040, 70% of Americans will live in 15 states -- and be represented by only 30 of the 100  U.S. Senators.

The paralysis on common gun sense legislation reflects a looming legitimacy crisis in our non-majoritarian democracy.  Claims that our republic is democratic are vastly untrue.  Americans overwhelmingly reject the idea that we should do nothing and let gun rampages continue.  Majorities in both parties favor universal background checks, a ban on assault-style weapons, and measures to prevent the mentally ill and those on no-fly watch lists from buying guns.  Yet Congress has done nothing -- unable to overcome a filibuster by small-state Senators.  In the short run, advocates of sane gun laws should keep up the pressure, particularly in election showdowns involving candidates who resist any steps to make our country safer.  Thank you to Parkland HS activists for asserting their will in the 2018 midterms. 

With attibution to EJ Dionne who notes that Constitutionally, representation in the Senate is difficult to change, but that gerrymandering in the House should be much more difficult. 

Stewart Myrent

​Steve, you sound like you are enjoying "lurker" status a little too much.  Perhaps it's time to come off the sidelines?  Alan, thanks for your remarks on our president's inability to comprehend some of the most basic constitutional concepts.  At first I think, does he do/say things just to be contrary & controversial, but then I think, or, could he possibly be that stupid/ignorant?  Part of me is hoping that it's the second reason, because the first reason is way more diabolical.  Paul, I enjoyed your post, also, particularly the part that stated we are "a representative republic, not a democracy."  Which I suspect is a subtle, but important, distinction.  I had never thought of that before.  Also, the fact that we are the United STATES of America, which gives more credence to giving small-population states equality in the U.S. Senate & the amendment process.  However, I suspect I might prefer to live in a Democracy, where there are no equalizers for small-population states.  I do think of myself as an American, way more than being an Illinoisan.  Just "majority rule" would be fine with me.  It sounds like "state's rights" is alive & well today & forever!  By the way, Paul, why do you look exactly like a French poodle?  I grew up with a standard French poodle, named d'Artagnan.  He was a great dog - very smart (for a dog) & well-behaved.  He also had a very long life - made it to 17.  Steve, I'm serious about you getting off the sidelines.  I miss your posts.  Perhaps you are suffering from the little-known "lurker's malaise".

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Indeed, the United States (were) founded as a representative republic as a Confederation of States / not a democracy.  

I hear concern about American democracy at risk -- is that selective hearing on my part?

Over time there was a consolidation of power in the federal government by Constitutional amendment and judicial interpretation.  Interstate Commerce, the 14th amendment, and the direct election of U.S. Senators all contributed to centralizing power in the federal government.

Was Abraham Lincoln incorrect when he talked about “government of, by, and for the people”?  And before that the Constitution - We the People.  Do we believe in "liberty and justice for all"?

I believe Abraham Lincoln first spoke of the U.S. in the singular - the United States is...

The United States has (singular) long held itself up as a bastion of democracy, yes?  It has promoted democracy around the world.  It fought at great cost for democracy against fascism in Europe during World War II.  

It’s striking how difficult America makes it to vote, to exercise the basic right of citizenship.  The U.S. is one of the few democracies (republics) to hold elections on a workday making it more difficult for working people to vote.  In Australia citizens are required to vote.  

The Republican Party relies on voter suppression and gerrymandering to thwart the will of the majority.  Many Republican-controlled states have instituted burdensome identification requirements at polling stations, and some local governments have purged such voters from electoral rolls, reduced the number of polling stations, shortened their hours of operation.  In some states the Secretary of State oversees elections they're on the line for.

It was at the insistence of the less populous slave states that the Electoral College was included in the Constitution.  

The U.S. has turned democracy on its head.  The minority is dominating the majority with little regard for their political and economic rights.  

We now have a chance for gun safety, guaranteed access to health care coverage, and better regulation of the banks that brought on the 2008 crisis.  America’s ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice for all are under attack — we have an obligation to do what we can to stop the assault on democracy. 

with attribution to Joseph Stiglitz

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

The NRA tells medical doctors to ‘stay in their lane’ when they (physicians) talk about gun safety and the public health crisis firearms violence continues to be in the United States.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced more numbers that show gun deaths are on the rise in the US.  

Several hours later 12 people were shot and killed at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Paul Richard Hain

Hi Janis,

To answer your question about Jeff Sessions, yes, I think of him as an outstanding conservative, but not a good AG.  Have you heard of "The Peter Principle?"  Attribution goes to Dr. Laurence Peter whose principle was basically that people rise through a heirarchy (bureauacracy) to their level of incompetence.  That's what happened to Sessions.  He peaked as a Senator and got in over his head as Attorney General. 'Nuff said. I don't want to debate.  Edify? Yes. Maybe,  But, I'm not up to debate.  Maybe, we should work at healing instead of staking out positions.

Stewart, thanks for your comments.  Our Founders wanted to ensure a voice for the minority, thus they rejected the "majority rule" basis of a democracy.  Even little Rhode Island and wide-open Wyoming needed a voice as a state among its larger or more populous peers.  

The Founders had studied Plato, Socrates, the governments in Europe, Rome and Greece before crafting our Constitution.  Pure democracies failed, while a republic that was founded on democratic principles, giving a representative voice to the littleist and the greatest was a proven success.  So, just after the Constitution had been ratified a woman stopped old Benjamin Franklin on the street and asked, Dr. Franklin, what kind of government have you given us?  "A republic, Madame, if you can keep it," he replied. His answer was quite foreboding, wasn't it?  Franklin knew, like the other Founders that keeping our republic alive would be a big responsibility for all the generations of Americans to come.  The work that they did is worthy of our revenence. To educate our young so that they know our American heritage and the role they play in particapatory government is the responsibility of each adult generation.  As an educator with 43 years of experience, I fear we are not doing the job at all levels, elementary, secondary and higher education.  Ronald Reagan stressed the importance of education by saying we are never more than one generation away from losing freedom.

I wonder how many young people who outwardly loath America, burn flags and engage in violent protest have taken the time to study The Declaration of Independence?  The Constitution, or read the words of the Founders in the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers?  Those writings are so moving and thought provoking.  It is that execrise in learning that our young people would have some basis to make their judgments.  These great works are right before us, hidden in plain sight because we think something 230 years old will not be relevant.  We live in a world that doubles knowledge every ten years.  How can anything stand the test of time and have meaning 230 years later.  All I can say is, read for yourself and see.

Paul Richard Hain

Postscript

Stewart, Marcie is our white Standard Poodle, 51 pounds, dainty at times and full of the devil at other times.  We also have Maxwell, a black Standard Poodle, 85 pounds, gentle with his great strength.  A registered Therapy Pet.  The breed is every bit as smart as their reputation.  They are excellent family dogs with children and other animals.  No shedding!  But, they will love your favorite couch to lounge.

Alan A. Alop

Paul--I have to challenge your statement about "young people who outwardly loath [sic] America, burn flags and engage in violent protest . . ." 

What are you talking about?  It was 1968 that Republicans like Nixon and Agnew complained of "long-haired youth who despise America, burn flags and throw bombs." And they were talking about our generation! Wake up Paul! It is 2018 and the young people of America, like the Parkland H.S. survivors, daily demonstrate their love for this country by organizing to get out the vote and pushing for sensible gun reform. The young are not burning our flag or throwing bombs.  This nation is blessed with young people who are re-making America and I for one have no doubt that they will do a better job than our generation did.

Stewart Myrent

​Steve - welcome back from the sidelines, because I missed your posts, but you came out with a really good one.  I couldn't agree more.  I also couldn't agree more with Janis, relative to her thoughts about gun control in this country & the basic tenets of our country & our Democracy (or our representative republic, if you prefer.  I would prefer a Democracy).  Also, couldn't agree more with Alan, defending the youth of our country.  And according to one of Janis' recent posts, the youth (18-29 year-olds) did their part in the recent mid-terms, to bring some sanity back to our political discourse, by helping to elect a Democratic House.  I was really glad to find out that they participated in a big way, because it's really for them, not us.  We'll all be checking out relatively soon.  Paul, you didn't mention how old Marcie & Maxwell are.  Steve, glad you're back.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Alan, I too join you in your beautiful tribute to Parkland H.S. survivors.  We are blessed to pass the torch with confidence and support for young Americans committed to forming a more perfect union.  

Sharry Rugendorf (Falcon)

Bad News

Late last night Janis Lowy pasted away from her long battle with cancer. Check the newspapers or Facebook for more information 

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

One of my favorite exhanges on the website:

Janis Lowy Mullin: "Je regarde autour de moi."

Rosalie Stemer: "Je dis bonjour au professeur. Je prends ma place."

Carolyn Alport Spier: "Je vois les eleves et le professeur."

Condolences to Janis’ family and friends. 

We remember you.

Larry Metnick

In order to encourage the sharing of thoughts by the greatest number of participants, I suggest we voluntarily adopt a modified version of NO CROSS TALK. Everyone should strongly state their facts and opinions. I find it more interesting to read both sides of an issue. However, I believe we can counter other’s views without making it personal. I do not feel we should personally berate other classmates in a public forum.

Beverlee Ann Arpan (Marshall)

Thank you to our Veterans of the US Armed Forces.  HUGS to you. You are our heroes.

Paul Richard Hain

Hi Steve,

You know how much I respect you, your life accomplishments, love of family, helping children and your opinions. Yes, even your opinions.  The questions you raise are valid enough to warrant an inquiry. As stated previously, I am not here to debate. Nothing I could say would have any effect on what you believe, Steve. 

Your passion against the president, majority leader of the senate and all those who have supported Trump, which includes me, has dominated your political views on this forum since before the 2016 election!  The outlet you desire to deal with your frustration is to seek debate with me, Carol or anyone who holds conservative views.  That sucked the air out of the Forum in the recent past, resulting in people withdrawing from participating (unfortunately) as Niles West 64 classmate. What a shame!  Lack of respet, humiliation and frustration drove them away.  That is now in the past, and I am not going to restart it with more pointless debate.  I do not intend to contribute to another stiffling vacuum.  If, and when I write, I hope it to be meaningful, entertaining and informative. I will not try to tear down another classmate's opinion, including yours. The debate became angry exchanges and became repulsive to many former posters and "lurkers."

Our classmates hold lots of political opinions.  I'm going to respect them, including yours, especially if I disagree.  

Paul Richard Hain

Hurray!  Thanks to all our classmates that have served in the uniform of our country.  You deserve a special place of honor.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

I am listening and learning-- does built-in gerrymandering help make sense of my concern about lopsided power in the U.S. Senate?  

Carol insults me by private message-- tells me she hasn’t been on the website since her last post, just happened to check in... no tolerance for my voice, no awareness of all Trump is doing to undermine our country.

“It’s incredible that a U.S. President would travel to France for ceremonies to honor the military sacrifice in World War I, and then cancel his visit to the U.S. military cemetery 50 miles outside of Paris because of rain.  The White House announced that Trump and the First Lady had scuttled plans to visit the solemn Aisne Marne American Cemetery, marking the ferocious Battle of Bellevue Wood.  Meanwhile dignitaries arrived at other sites outside Paris, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and French President Emmanuel Macron.  Rather than pay in person his respects to the Americans and the French who died together in France for the victory gained 100 years ago on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, Trump spent significant time during the anniversary - in out of the rain - in the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Paris watching TV.”

Trump deployed more than 5,600 active-duty troops to the southern U.S. border.  Of the deployment ordered, 2,800 troops were sent to Texas, 1,500 to Arizona, and 1,300 to California.  The troops are fanning out across the southern U.S. border and are in camps filled with tents and military equipment.  Troops are installing barbed wire fencing, others are preparing medical tents.  They are living with little electricity, eating MREs, and not receiving combat pay, and will spend the holidays away from home WAITING for the caravan.  The closest migrant caravan is still in Mexico, hundreds of miles from the U.S. border.  The day after the midterm elections, the Pentagon announced it was no longer calling the mission “Operation Faithful Patriot” — instead re branded it “border support”.

Has Trump not used the U.S. military for a pre election political stunt? 

Instead of honoring those who fought and died for America, Trump sat in out of the rain watching TV in the U.S. ambassador's residence in Paris.

Bravo to all our veterans - special congratulations to veterans running and winning and going to the U.S. House of Representatives as Democrats.

Nancy Doyle (Sudlow)

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month

church bells are chiming in celebration of Armistice Day

and tolling in memory of those who gave their lives.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

"Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism."    --Emmanuel Macron  “Let’s add up our hopes and not our fears.  Let’s reject the fascination for turning in on ourselves, violence, and domination.  We have global challenges to tackle together.”

World leaders walked shoulder to shoulder along the Champs Elysses to the Armistice ceremony in Paris (Donald and Melania Trump arrived separately (and late) at the ceremony, they did not participate in the procession).  

Donald Trump did not attend the Peace Forum Macron hosted during the weekend.

***Trump did nothing in observance of Veterans' Day in the U.S. -- no visit to Arlington National Cemetery or Walter Reed Medical Center.

****Trump has gone so far as to tell Florida to ignore military votes and go with the count on Election Day.

The problems we face as a nation and with one another are not going to work themselves out just passively watching and not challenging ourselves as well as one another.

I am a Christian and an American.  I pray that merciful God forgives us for our lack of participation with the world.  We have not loved our neighbors as we love ourselves; we have not loved and respected our young as we love and respect ourselves.  I pray for personal forgiveness for my sins in thought, word, and deed.  I pray that God grants us peace.

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

 The Dangerous Myth of Good Guys With Guns

    good guys with guns aren’t bullet-proof

    they just die first

    because the gun

    lets the bad guy with a gun

    know where to start  

Trump is the guy who said he'd enter a school with an active shooter

     he’s also the guy who didn’t walk in the rain to honor soldiers.  

Stewart Myrent

​I did see Sharry's post about the passing of Janis Lowy.  I don't really remember knowing her, but of course, losing a contemporary is often a reminder of the capriciousness of life.  I thought that Janis K's memory of one of her favorite posts, an exchange with Janis Lowy, Rosalie & Carolyn, all in French, was mystifying, as I took 4 years of H.S. French & didn't understand one line of the exchange.  (I was one of 2 boys, still taking French in the 4th year.  Don't remember who the other boy was.)  Was also nice to see Larry chipping in.  Yes, can't we all be friends?  Holy cow, I just got back from work & it seems like all hell has broken loose here.  Steve, I'm sure you resented the "you're no more than a pompous bully" remark.  Personally, I think you're WAY more than a pompous bully.  Way more intelligent, way more informed, way more thoughtful & way more empathetic.  Also, I way prefer the Trump voodoo doll to the "hand-in-the-face" picture.  I never was crazy about the "hand-in-the-face" picture, as I always thought it was a "talk to the hand" picture, which I consider to be disrespectful.  Janis, thank you for your thoughts on Trump's visit to France for the commemoration of 100 yrs. since the end of WW1.  Veteran's Day.   I actually thought that this trip was a no-brainer - I mean, how could anyone actually screw this up?  You fly over to France, you meet with your European counterparts, you make a speech about the fallen soldiers of each country (how they gave everything!) & talk about our mutual dependence & reliance on each other, to ensure that nothing like that ever happens again & you fly home.  How tough is that?  Not too tough - I could do it!  Apparently, that was expecting too much from out current president.  That's right, he took a "gimme" & blew it!  This is getting tiresome.  I just think he tries to wear everybody out.  Is it working?

Janis Kliphardt (Emery)

Albert Einstein, I presume.

Thanks for all you contribute to the Forum, Alan.  Thanks, Steve, for sharing Alan’s painting.

Stewart Myrent

​Steve, that picture painted by Alan Alop, better be Albert Einstein.  If it isn't, he's a crappy painter. If it is, however, then he's pretty damn good!  But, this is coming from a person who still draws "stick figures" of humans, even at age 71.  I forgot to ask yesterday, you posted that "this Forum expires and ends next year...".  I wasn't aware of that.  So, I have 2 questions: (1) is there some fee that can be paid to continue the Forum annually & assess whomever wants to continue it, a portion of said fee, and (2) if that doesn't work, for whatever reason, I will assume that we can stay in touch with other classmates, through whatever means works for everybody. Let me know your thoughts, everyone.  Carol, I have one word for you.  Yikes!