Dylan … don’t forget, Sabato and his parents were immigrants to this country ….. yet he’s wanting us to support Donald Trump, a man who hates immigrants and wants to deport them all.

The hypocrisy is unbelievable.

Think those Calvin Klein underwear were too tight and destroyed oxygen to his brain.

He wants to deport Mexican drug dealers & the refugees that Obama just brought in along with any Islamic people that caused trouble!

So you want Hillary in office so this country experienes the same BS that this country has gone through with Obama? Our nation is under attack! Get out of your box and open your eyes! We need someone who can bring change and not lie and hide her actions!

Timmm your so right. This women should be behind bars instead their going to put her in office so she can further destroy the country. What a ride we’re in for. Do you smell WW3?

Why the hatred for Trump? You call him a racist. Why? What has he done or said other than securing our borders from illegal immigrants? I don’t understand people like you. Hillary Clinton is a liar, cares only about her own personal gain, and could care less about America. Astounding comments by you regarding Trump. But, that’s your opinion. I hope you won’t resort to name calling and nastiness towards those who disagree with you like most progressives.

Joan…I say this with respect but please understand no speaker has to espouse a Christian lifestyle nor should they speak of one ala Sabato. This is the United States of America made up of many religions as well as those who don’t follow any religion, are atheists, etc. ALL are Americans and one faction is not THE faction.

We rarely agree on the direction our favorite characters should go on our soaps but at least we can all come together to #DumpTrump

I was hoping Gary Busey would be Donald’s running mate!

Agreed!

You could be living on a diet of lead paint, cheap vodka and Real Housewives and still know more than Trump does about, well, everything.
He is a Kindergarten pre-nominee, so politically wet behind his ears that his hair is floating!

Trump- This is a person who will say anything, do anything, ruin anyone and demean anyone — all to advance his own aims. He is the perfection of amoralism/ having no moral standards, restraints, or principles!!!!!!
He has dredged up followers that he wouldn’t be caught dead with outside a political rally. He wouldn’t even look twice at any of them.
Like all demagogues, Donald Trump incites people to vile, awful behavior by preying on fear and ignorance..

OK.. I needed to say that.. kill me or not, it’s my truth.
at least I didn’t hold back!! ahaaaa!

Aww, I wouldnt call Antonio and Kim the bottom of the barrel when you have these sick ISIS bastards running the world and killing innocent men, women and children!

Completely agree Su0000!!

Su0000 -If you listened to his call into people magazine as John Miller, that is a perfect example of everything you say above. I can’t stop laughing when I think about it and think you will also appreciate it: John Miller: “Carla Bruni dumped Eric Clapton for Mick Jagger then dumped Mick Jagger for Donald Trump.” Carla Bruni: “I met him once for a minute. I never dated that ‘tacky guy’ Donald Trump.” My stomach hurts laughing ……

HI Carla, further down this post you respond to my response about Kim Brown. It was SO intelligent and opened my eyes about some of the things DT did say and I forgot. I was so impressed forwarded your response to a friend of mine. I want to stress to you and others, parties aside, I want our country to be safe. Donald seems like a bag of firecrackers sitting in the hot sun BUT I dont see Hillary having ANYTHING up her sleeve to help this country except maybe a thumb drive! Her and her husband are a disgrace! Bill did a commendable job in office BUT he is only remember for ONE thing and it was vomit inducing! Yeah, we may not disagree on this or how I wish Stitch were off Y&R BUT I respect YOU!

hi Alice ..
I’m no longer going to feed Sharon to the canibales lol..
She has slowly grown on me
I’m now cool with Sharon, even when she does her googly eye thing ..

hi Abruzzfan..
yah Trump and his John Miller stuff ahaaaa
It’s so much fun watching an Idiot at work, yes ahaa!

Hi Rose..

Kasich- the Ohio governor does not have the power to arbitrarily suspend federal and state constitutional rights or state laws .
He hasn’t the executive power to stop the open carry law.
I feel many will be armed, but still he doesn’t have the power to order no guns.

Hello again, Rose! Just wanted to tell you that I replied to this post with some very vigorous comments regarding John Kasich…..and they didn’t make it online, but if you, by chance, personally received the reply, well, it was mine! My thoughts were not at all disrespectful to you, but I did vent on the current Ohio governor for what many consider his oddly obstinate, sore loser behavior and general lack of etiquette in refusing to host/attend the GOP convention in his own home state. He certainly displayed a lack of class and grace in defeat as far as as I’m concerned, and throwing his own petty little “Rock Hall” bash did nothing to change my view….it only served to reinforce my already negative image of him!

OH ELIZABETH YOU ARE SO CORRECT….IF THE NAME IS CLINTON YOU ARE ABOVE THE LAW.

Hillary Clinton, on her WORST day, isn’t even 1/10 as bad as xenophobic, misogynistic, racist Donald Trump on his GOOD day.

If he has any.

Hello Shay! Thank you for your reply, Friend!

You have made some terrific points! And I agree with you. I know I mentioned my own personal distaste when a celebrity takes a side that differs from mine. It’s my gut reaction, and I feel that the celebrity is diminished in my eyes. That being said, I, of course, have friends who are on the opposite side of the political spectrum, and we somehow manage to maintain our friendship.

More importantly, you are absolutely correct in your reaction: “I often gain respect for a person for sharing the courage of their convictions, consequences be damned.” Despite my own gut reaction (positive or negative), I admit that we should admire those willing to take a stand. My only caveat is that a celebrity who does so risks alienating half the fan base and destroying all marketing strategies undertaken beforehand. There are several instances of such negative impacts in recent decades: Ted Nugent and Dixie Chicks, among others.

With regard to Nancy Lee Grahn, you are again right to focus not only on politics but on tone. The packaging of the message is just as important as the message itself.

PS: May I quote you on that “gentlemanly reason” descriptor? Take care. 🙂

Shay…Looks like we have to play musical comments to reply sometimes. I’m not a fan of Kasich. The media never “fact checked” about what many see as his negatives is Gov of Ohio. But I totally agree with you about him not showing. He’s supposed to be the-Buck-stops-here person to represent Ohio, Cleveland, and at least the reps in the state that were at the convention and welcome those in attendance. He didn’t have to say anything else. Really bad form on his part!

Thanks a million, Rebecca1!

And thanks for giving me additional information on Nancy Lee Grahn. She is to be admired in many ways, particularly for how she handled the repercussions of her initial tweets on Viola Davis. One thing I’ve learned in my own life is that a sincere apology goes a long way. (And I’ve given my fair share of those!)

Please take care, Friend!

Shay, thanks again for your kind words. You’ve made my day! I have seen great class and analysis in your posts, so it’s nice to have mutual admiration!

I will agree that when celebrities commit faux pas (or even worse), it’s easy to see their stars as somewhat tarnished. But, as you indicate, it’s worthwhile to appreciate their talents and other good qualities as well.

Please take care, Friend!

It pains me to say it, Shay….Melania did exactly what I thought she would do.
For an educated, intelligent woman, she fell prey to some idiot who wrote her speech, quoting Michelle Obama, verbatim.
She probably never followed politics….does not know anything about this nation except to memorize those few questions to qualify for neutralization. What is the Alma Mater in Slovania of which she is an alumna?
I really feel badly for her. What insensitive beast put her in that embarrassing situation?
This is the next First Lady? She is surrounded by such learned, intelligent, knowledgeable people ( family included), so, what’s the deal?
Did the ‘author’ of Melania’s speech go through a list of previous speeches by the wives of presidential candidates; closed his/her eyes and placed a finger on one of said speeches, haphazardly? Did he/she say to himself/herself , “Hmmm, this one sounds as good as any….”.
The least this ‘author’ could have done was pick a speech which wasn’t by the present First Lady. Geesh!!
Believe me when I tell you, Shay…..as intelligent as Melania is; her main objective in life is ‘a material girl living in a material world” , “in her heeeead, in her heeeead , in her head”.
She is a nice person, but not First Lady material–unintended pun. Ivanka is another story. She would make the perfect First Lady. Awaiting her speech (Thursday) with bated breath. I know she will write from her heart; by her hand, and, she will kill it!!
Melania did mention education. Just the word; not what would be done to revolutionaze it. This country needs an literacy revolution. America’s future is in our children’s hands.
Seriously, the Top Cats need to open their eyes and attack this problem with force. Pity, but that, too, was plagiarized.
Shay, ma belle, my friend, please forgive my rant.
P.S., y’all….Obama IS Christian. Not that it makes any difference, but some people need to get their facts straight.
I am Roman Catholic. This fact does not make me better or worse, as a person, than anyone else. Nonetheless, I would not want to be referred to by another denomination. I am what I am.
That’s my point.

Sigh, should have posted under your reply to me James. Lol, as long as you see it! 😉

Got it, Rebecca! Thank you! and same to you! 🙂

Thanks again, Shay! I have very much enjoyed this discussion as well!

You’re absolutely correct about the need for friendly discussions, particularly now when our country is so divided. Even when people are on so-called opposite sides, the discourse can, and should, be civil. Please take care, Friend!

The normal people of the world — not celebrities — are who i identify with..

Yes indeed Harry! We are the 0.001% of Americans who even know who they are. Most Americans have no knowledge of them. I can’t even say “has beens” because neither were ever super famous even in the soap world as compared to Susan Lucci, Tony Geary, etc. I think that Antonio is on his 3rd wife too.

On the contrary, Timmmbo….communists aren’t a problem for many in Hollywood….sadly enough, it’s the conservatives that are considered non persona grata, which is so counterproductive when you consider that the vast majority of the viewing public simply wants to see great, creative entertainment products without bias toward/against either political party. Is that really asking too much???? (Apparently, yes, it is!)

I said nothing about being a hater, a racist or anything of the sort however someone like Kimberlin Brown appears to be a reasonably intelligent lady and her support for someone such as that man is surprising but it’s a free country and one I love so she can vote for whomever she chooses to , it’s her right. It isn’t the party either, it’s the candidate. Period. Quack whatever way the pond commands you to just don’t turn the pond around on myself by saying that I am commanding anyone to quack in any way.

Only a bigoted person would support and cheer for a bigiot person and approve of his bigoted ideals.
(just the way it rolls ..

Hey Tim,

Even though I don’t agree with you all of the time but many times, I do enjoy reading your posts.

I wanted to say that I think that you have unfairly misinterpreted “who” people are criticizing in this article. People are criticizing DT, NOT all Republican people.

Many of the Republican Party nobility have come out and publicly stated that they will “never” vote for DT: (Mitt Romney, George W Bush, Laura Bush, Jeb Bush, Michael Reagan (son of Ronald Reagan – conservative radio talk show host), Charles Koch, Ana Navarro (CNN republican commentator), Margaret Hoover (granddaughter of Herbert Hoover), Bill Kristol, John Avlon, etc.

John Kasich who is a decent man said he would not accept a VP nomination with DT. Many others feel the same way and asked to be taken out of consideration for VP.

I saw an interview with Michael Reagan (son of Ronald) where he said that to mention his dad in the same sentence as DT, is a major insult and disgrace to his dad. He said that his dad was always a true gentleman and would be disgusted by DT.

David Duke (KKK) came out and publicly supported DT. He said he disavows them. When the KKK tried to do this to Ronald Reagan, he slammed them: ”Those of us in public life can only resent the use of our names by those who seek political recognition for the repugnant doctrines of hate they espouse,” the president wrote. ”The politics of racial hatred and religious bigotry practiced by the Klan and others have no place in this country, and are destructive of the values for which America has always stood.”

DT was voted in by primarily “the uneducated” section of the GOP ( DT says he loves the uneducated).

DT acts like a 4th grader and has mocked/insulted a handicapped reporter, called John McCain a coward after DT had 5 draft dodges, wants to build a wall when immigrants are flying in, wants to deport 11 million immigrants (is he going to raise our taxes to do this?), bragged in his books about cheating on his 1st two wives with “many” famous married women, was bankrupt 4 times, bragged about living with Marla while having 3 other girlfriends, calls women disgusting animals and on national TV said to Megyn Kelly “blood coming out of her where ever”.

He was a Democrat until a little while ago.
Mark Cuban says that DT has greatly exaggerated his wealth. The list goes on.

Michael Hayden, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and 4-star general says that if Donald Trump were elected president, the U.S. military would deliberately disobey some of the orders that Trump has threatened to issue.

IMO DT cannot be defined by a party (Republican or Democrat), he is just bad person.

Peace!
Carla B.

I do see what you’re saying, su0000, but remember: not everyone sees The Donald and/or his remarks as bigoted; that’s a judgment call, after all. (I do, for the record, find his comments quite bigoted, though whether he himself is a bigot is still an open question in my mind; I sometimes think he says things just to say them–i.e., even he himself may not believe them.) So when you say “only a bigoted person would support and cheer for a bigoted person,” you’re sort of begging the question. If someone doesn’t find The Donald bigoted, can he/she then be fairly judged to be bigoted, solely on the basis that he/she supports him? Like many Americans I think, I am struggling to understand this Trump phenomenon and the degree of his popular support. I find him possibly the most frightening political candidate in my lifetime, because of the things that come out of his mouth; I shudder to think what kind of trouble he might get us in, if elected, through his penchant for speaking before he thinks, and I’ve seen no reason so far to believe he’ll change once elected. I think what we’re seeing is who he is and who he will be (and in that respect [only] I’d say he’s more honest than most political candidates; I will give him that much). I could readily get behind the idea that we need an outsider (although I guess I would have said more so in Congress than in the presidency), and I found the concept of a businessperson as president initially very intriguing–but Mr. Trump quickly showed me, through the things he said and things he did, that even if we need an outsider, he isn’t the outsider we need. So I really would like to understand better why those who support him, do so. But I don’t think I’m going to get that understanding from the media outlets (any of them, including Fox News), who seem more interested in playing up the more sensational aspects of his candidacy (no surprise there, I guess–and to be fair, The Donald gives them something sensational to jump on just about every single day) than in genuinely trying to explore what’s going on. Nor from most discussion fora, because comments calling out Trump on his various controversies are almost invariably met with “But Hillary blah blah blah” (and vice versa, to be fair), so little insight is to be gained there. I just hope that from the ashes of this debacle (to mix my metaphors), a viable Republican party re-forms. I cannot be the only one who thinks we need two viable, functioning, rational parties (and preferably three, in my opinion) in order for the country to live up to its ideals. If even the Republican base doesn’t think establishment candidates are representing their values, that alone signals a need for change in the party–regardless of whatever anybody else thinks. As for what these two former soap stars are doing, good… Read more »

To Abruzzfan and Michael (not Fairman). Both of your posts were incredible! Terrific, intelligent, knowledgable, informative. Thank you for posting such sound comments. I agree with you both by the way.

I agree Tim. The country gets to vote for whoever they want. With Isis killers, Islam claiming refugee static,and what just happened in Europe we need a strong leader, as for racist Britain wants to close their borders, Germany is in talks about it as well after all their rapes and Europe had marshal law for awhile and now are talking about it as well. As far as I’m concerned I would look long & hard before commenting on someone who does not need the money,the White house(with all his Trump Towers) he has his own plane/yacht/ security etc. GEE Do ya think he actually wants to save this country from an 3WW?

Yes, Timmmbo, and you can add Scott Baio to that list, as well….he is also speaking at the GOP convention. In other words, “Chachi Loves Donald,” too!

Your right. Peavey is on GH because of his six pack and not because of his Pacino like qualities!

Timmm – my friend that’s a good one! LOL I respect you too!

ME TOO!

Maybe this is my chance to ask someone “why is Trump popular” without the pollsters, talking heads, etc. opinions. I mean this in the friendliest of ways.

I’m a bit of a news junkie, try to keep aware of both Reps and Dems.

Have known Trump since the original Apprentice before it got too populated by pop culture celebrities and made for tv ratings. But now have a hard time believing what comes out of his mouth when you are looking for running a diverse country and the leadership it requires, among other things.

As for Hillary she has some good points, but is continually dogged by negative baggage…some of which is her own making and fault, some of which seems to be political fodder for opponents.

Now I’m watching CNN reports on Turkey coup and follow ups to Nice and Dallas. The whole world seems to be going up in anger, guns, bombs and flames. No place safe, no where to hide anymore. Very scary. Really a time for firm leadership and experience by someone who knows what they are doing. Let’s just hope for the best.

I hate the Clinton’s and this country needs change!

Timmm…I know a lot of people don’t like the Clinton’s for reasons of their own. But I don’t think Trump is the one to “lead” us into a brave, safe, prosperous world. My take on him after following him for years.

On the other hand, if you are looking for change, it’s become increasingly harder for any qualified person who wants to run for any public office for the good of their country and community to do so…the money involved, selling your soul to the devil to get backing of influential people and groups, and the scrutiny (true or false) of the media and social media. It’s become a thankless job. Peace.

You are cute AND smart!

Celia, Dear Friend, your wise stance is quite admirable, and I applaud you for it!

We have already seen much bickering and hurt feelings within this thread.

Maybe, next, a soap star will publicly espouse his or her religious views (or lack thereof), and then further bickering and hurt feelings can be needlessly created…

@Jamesj75.
Thank you, James,
I always endeavor to learn by my mistakes. My parents have etched that in my head, growing up.
Politics is one of those ‘touchy; watch what you say’-kind-of subject.
Considering the pain and suffering going around us and abroad; the bickering, the insufferable messages some people put forth or spew; make me sick.
Later, my friend

@Timmm.
Thank you, my love. WOW !!…..you guys; all the compliments are going to my head….it will swell out of proportion. HaHa.

@Rose.
Why is Trump popular? You will get different answers from different people.
I think he is popular because so many have had enough of the atrocities committed against humanity…..and, Trump is a light at the end of the tunnel because his words offer a solution. It’s what people want to hear.
Also, we want our jobs back; we want a strong economy; we want our borders ‘restored’…..many believe in white supremacy etc., and Donald says all the right things. It does not mean this is who he is. I can tell you he is not.
( I use ‘we’ generally…..I do not follow anyone’s philosophy to suit his /her purpose)
Nothing has worked thus far. This is how people think and he appeals to their sense of Shangri-La, Eldorado and Utopia all lumped into one.
He is different from anyone else ever on a podium. His “orations”, as radical as it may be, grab people.
We cannot deny he’s a resourceful and successful businessman. People look at that….the almighty dollar. The success. The sun the moon and the stars. “Make America Great Again”. His mantra caught on. He makes promises of milk and honey…..so, why not!!
Not everyone thinks or sees past what he says.
These horrific ‘happenings’ ( and I shed tears over the loss of life….those beautiful, innocent children; my heart bleeds), as difficult as it is for me to say, this is an incentive for people to rally around Trump. He will slay the dragon for them!!!!! It comes down to that.
This is my best estimation.
Donald Trump may turn out to be one of the best presidents we’ve ever had. He has something of which he is very proud. Honorable and decent children. Altruistic human beings. He did something right which is worth more than all the gold in the world.
The same could be said about Hillary. I love Chelsea and her work for humanity.
I want to remain positive for both sides and hope for the best, as you suggest.
Let’s keep in mind we all have the same goal in mind. Why this separatism and arguing that one is better or worse than the other?
As I said, Rose. Most of the stuff Trump says is to shock….it’s propaganda which every candidate( in his/her own way) spins for his/her own political cause.

Hi, Celia! I think the dogs might be unleashed by Trump (and KB) no matter if he wins or not. As for Reagan, I didn’t care much for his acting or presidency.

Nixon spoke those famous words, “I am not a crook.” I think there’s a good possibility that our next president will say those same words, considering both candidates, but the lesser of the two evils is the one with less money, a smaller ego and believes all lives matter.

No contest, indeed, CeeCee!!!! I harbor nothing but the fondest of memories for the Reagan years….it was the most wonderful time to come of age….we had a nation of peace, prosperity, propriety, patriotism and pride of country. One could feel free to go almost anywhere and do nearly anything within the parameters of legality, morality and good taste and be safe. Maybe that’s because, for the most part, we had real adults in charge then….primarily from the “greatest generation,” and no matter their political stripe, most behaved like ladies and gentlemen….well, not Ted Kennedy, but we’ve already discussed that particular exception! LOL. At the end of the day, people on both sides of the aisle could agree to disagree and still do America’s business. Sadly, that golden era ended along with that awesomely memorable decade….once the ’90’s commenced, the divisive “politics of personal destruction” became de rigueur, and they’ve never ceased since that point. Today, it’s all about the media’s oft-repeated, cherry-picked soundbites, nasty Twitter memes and the loudest, most belligerent voices that define the public’s zeitgeist. Not enough of the citizenry can probably even provide a cogent history of each of the two main political parties and their place in this country’s development, let alone how they have shaped and changed their own policies through the years…..this lack of basic understanding amongst low-information voters is truly appalling, and the saddest part is that so many of them are clueless to the fact that they so woefully ignorant…..they simply revel in their own stupidity, vote accordingly and pat themselves on the back for another election day well-done.

@Shay.
Oh, I hear you, Shay.
As what I wrote to 4ever, Leoncavallo says it best in his opera, RIDI PAGLIACCIO.
It is a circus, Shay. The idea to resort to (as someone already said), has been celebs, to be spokespeople, is beyond me.
Soon we will have Kim Kardashian and/or cohorts to rewrite the constitution with the help of her husband; who, may I add, plans to run for President, in the future.
I took him seriously because some people are so full of themselves, they will attempt to reach the sky.

Ronald Reagan was a gem!

Do they even teach US history and civics in schools anymore?

@Rose….Not in the same way we were taught, Rose! I was extremely fortunate in that I had history and civics teachers who were passionate about and proud of our country and its origins….they made their subject matter come alive, captured our imaginations and encouraged us to discover more about America and its amazing founders at every opportunity with much supplemental reading, reports and creative projects. My parents further fueled my immense interest with annual trips to storied national historical landmarks in places like Philadelphia, Boston, Gettysburg, DC, just to name a few. Throughout my entire childhood, I was surrounded by adults who loved this country and espoused its exceptionalism. Sadly, such is not the case for most modern-day students….we have an entire subculture who blames America first for everything, and at least one of the texts widely used to teach history in our public school system is an utter disgrace….very short on accurate, germane facts pertaining to actual historical happenings that explain the very heart of our existence and extremely long on negative innuendo and propaganda about how terrible this nation has been since its very inception. I don’t mean to sound so vexed about this topic, but since you asked, I thought I would just roll with it. I do so hope things are better educationally “Up North,” as despite my loyalty and allegiance to the US, I have very positive thoughts about Canada, as well. I’ve enjoyed numerous visits to your beautiful land and was brought up with deep respect for both its differences and similarities to our own way of life…..and, to this day, I have distant relations who still live there.

@Rose.
Good question, Rose. I would hope most schools do. My older nieces and nephews (ranging from 9-13) have already had a taste of our history via heritage week, where everyone had to prepare a chart of his/her ancestry; and, how the families came to be in America.
Personally, I can personally attest that at ROSEMARY HALL , American History, ( and its government) is very high in the curriculum; full speed ahead. …..always was a priority and still is.
The problem is, there is not much interest in learning the story of this nation, any longer……it’s rich, colorful history….the land of plenty! A diamond in the rough. On whom or to what do we put the onus?
As Shay stressed, ignorance does not serve this country well. One would expect a literate First Lady, in this day and age.

Shay…just as an FYI…I am American citizen, born and bred in Ohio, hotbed of may things politic for many years. I also had great history and civics classes starting in elementary. In fact I remember a newsletter we used to get on the subject. The reason I asked the question “if they are still teaching such subjects” is Celia has children, nephews and nieces and I thought she might know. And like you I am so alarmed at what I hear has happened in some curriculums. My sister who taught English at OSU has a lot to say on that subject.

@Shay.
You certainly are right with your estimation of education ’round the world, Shay.
Canada is one of the top countries whose educational system is exceptional. (My father-in-law constantly reminds us how he learned the area of a rhombus in the third grade, in Italy. LOL. )
I have seen this first hand as I did attend The University of Toronto for a couple of semesters ( terms, as they are also called…lol).
Both my husband and I have close relatives with young children who live in King City and Maple, Ontario, respectively.
So much is dedicate to grammar, Shay….impressive. Normally, this particular branch of English class sort of gets ignored somewhat.
Academia is very advanced in Ontario, especially. There did exist a Grade 13 ( 5 years of High School for students who were in the Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum) which was eliminated a few years ago. There is also the chance that it will be brought back.
I wish more monies and time would be dedicated to our education. Laura Bush, I think, was the only First Lady who was an advocate of education and literacy. The fact that she, herself, was a teacher, spoke volumes. But, I suppose planting veggies on the White House grounds trumped education. Ha!

Stuart is a wise man!

@Rose.
As a teacher myself, Rose, I can say that many times, it depends on the school and the curriculum. I cannot really speak for grade schoolers, in general, but many do dedicate time to ‘current events’.
I teach High School ( on call, right now), so, of course, they still do teach ‘such subjects’
It makes no difference if the school is private, public or otherwise. It is up to the Board to decide what to teach, and the teacher has a certain responsibility to incorporate what she/ he feels is of importance.
The only advantage a private school ( and I do not mean Catholic Schools….but, private, such as boarding school or prep school) student has is that the class is smaller. Therefore, the students get individual attention.
The US has always been behind some countries in Academia. Now, suddenly these grade school children are being bombarded by new curriculum(s). A new way to approach the methods of teaching Math, especially. If I were not a Math/ Science nerd, Rose, I would never be able to make heads or tails of what is offered in the classroom.
My son is almost seven. I spend, at least 2 hours per night with his math homework and his other subjects. There is so much ‘stuff’; so much work shoved down their throats; their childhood seems to be taken away. By the time he eats supper, there is no time to even interact with his sister or his father. Bedtime.
My sisters and brother complain about the same thing with their kids. No time for these kids to unwind just because our own educational system is playing catch-up with the rest of the world.
I don’t know if you watched all the debates and candidates’s speeches, but Trump did broach this very subject. He has a young child and knows first-hand what’s going on. He did promise he would do something about that. It is a problem. Then again, how does one know that what comes out of his mouth will be followed-through?
In a perfect world, if he wins, it would be such a bonus if his wife was less interested in what was in her closet and more in education and what this country stands for. Perhaps I am not being fair; but I have never heard Melania speak of anything but her jewelry ‘creations’ or Fashion Week in the city. For someone who stomps on immigrants, Trump certainly knows how to surround himself with them. I persistently try to keep in mind….”it’s all for show! It’s all to stir the already restless natives,inciting them to tread the warpath, as it were. Sorry, about the cliche’, Rose. LOL.
There is positivity with Hilary, as well. She is a grandmother of two; thus, she must have a vested interest in the future of these babies and their education.
The more I type, Rose; the more I want to throw my hands in the air.

@Timmm.
Farfar and Farmor….no distance jokes, please. LOL.

@Timmm.
That’s what I’m told, Timmmy. Reagan was a gem.

Celia…thank you for the education overview. My daughter has taught elementary in lower income, multi-first-language DC. She mirrors what you are saying plus, the amount of teaching/learning time having to be invested in the mandatory tests the kids have to take to rank students and schools. This might sound simplistic, but if the curriculum that it seems some of us received (and mine was public school which is still ranked one of the best in the state) got us to space, medical/scientific breakthroughs, along with a good understanding of “reading, writing and arithmetic,” why change it to the level those in charge have??? Sometimes I think some change just for the sake of changing.

Hey there, CeeCeeGirl….If there’s ever been an occasion when I’ve wished we could meet in person for a roundtable discussion with our other favorites here, this is it! How stimulating…and interesting has this thread been? Talk about a real life soap opera….so many lively debates! But that’s neither here nor there….I simply wanted to add that one thing I truly admired about both Bush first ladies was their commitment to childhood literacy. Barbara was heavily involved with the RIF program and “Laura the Librarian” was equally passionate in the development of her annual book festival. I cannot imagine my life without the great gift of reading, so to have seen two presidential spouses emphasize this most basic of educational skills should be applauded to this day. (Might I add, Lynne Cheney also contributed to the education field with her own deep love of America’s past by authoring history books for youth during—and, I believe, even after—-her husband’s time in office….) As for Melania, I think she is primarily concerned with being a mother to her only son right now, which is admirable, yet despite her highly fashion-conscious image, she is also well-educated in her own way. She is said to have been quite a quiet and studious young lady in her homeland, and has a degree in architecture, as well as speaks a number of foreign languages. I would certainly welcome the opportunity to see what she would do as first lady!

P.S. I really like your fellow “Rosemary Hall” alumna, Ivanka…she is so poised and polished, not to mention a lovely young wife and mother! I’m truly looking forward to her speech at the convention!

Just so you all will know I have endorsed my orange juice can in the refrigerator it has more bloody sense then anyone in Washington! Lord almighty now we have the media trying to convince us the mowing down in France was just a guy upset over a divorce???? I guess he was also screaming Anchors Away as he was driving his truck killing folks! Wake up we are in deep trouble!

We have a coup in Turkey get down on your knees we are in distress please pray for our nation and everyone that means everyone!!!!

First if all, sorry, but H-d has nothing to do wirh politics. This country was not founded on aby one religion. Second, for all your ranting about Hillary and who has backed get you conveniently left out rhe white sypremecists who back Trump while also seeming to think Trump is the epitome of humanity as he majes fun if disabled people.

Now in English:
G-d (Jewish people don’t spell out HIS name) has nothing to do with politics…and hopefully the rest of the typos can be figured out.

Amen to that, CeeCee!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

@Rebecca no problem not going to touch on this matter anymore except to say every day my orange juice can looks better and better. I’m just tired of politicians making promises they can’t keep . I believe we are at a serious crossroads in this country just would have liked to have seen someone with integrity run but alas that is out of my hands.

So we have three more dead cops in Baton Rouge and we find out the shooter is POW a follower of radical Islam but yet we sit on our ass and do nothing!! Their is no way in hell you can investigate people coming over much less the ones that are here that hate our country! Now speak it slowly we are in deep / but everybody is in the land of Ozz!

Rebecca I was not insulting other religions but dammitt we have to get a handle on what is going on a shooting a terror attack every week it’s beyond comprehension

Thanks k/kay. Yes, this election is very taxing, no pun intended. But it was rather clever, n’est pas? 🙂

Just so all of you know I care very deeply for my soap buddies it has been fun to talk the talk about soaps please try to handle the fact everybody has an opinion that does not make you evil or wrong you just have a different prospective! Please pray for our nation and some day their will be no more talk about the color of our skin but just we live each other! God bless

Rebecca1…just saw your comment on Trump’s bwana-white-hunter pretty boys. I feel soooo much the same way as you about them. I’ll never forgot those pictures of them lording over their “kills.” They didn’t look like they broke a sweat. I too am a huge animal rights advocate and sign lots of petitions for there causes all of the time. Have you been watching the ‘Zoo’ series by James Patterson? They are into season 2 right now. Don’t want to see humans gone, not all are guilty by any means, but sometimes (many times) it’s not hard to be on the animals side.

I do truly care about all of you can we just for one last minute quit attacking people you don’t agree with ! My biggest worry has always been that Washington both sides and a little clue here if you think their is a difference anymore with either party then I have some land I will sell you for a penny a acre! They live as does Hollywood in a different world then we do ! I have been successful with my business but it has been me that has done it not the government my husband very qualified airline pilot a great daughter we all did this on our own no help I was raised by a farmer and a mother who had a successful dress shop as you called it in those days I had one black family in my school who were my best friends never knew the word racist have had employees whose skin made Obama look white that called me their second Mom you need to stop this you really do and just give each other a hug! We are in for a very bumpy ride another attack in Germany please don’t become numb to what is happening around you and do not put your faith in someone else’s hands,

And to Shay thank you for always giving me a heads up yes I can truly be an ass hole I am working on that! But never doubt I love my country and the people that make it great lets get back to that and quit playing the victim card get down and fight for what you truly believe in and wonders will come at your feet.

I was wondering when we can have a piece of clothing that does not say Made in China! Let’s pray real hard that we get America back my orange juice can is screaming that we can do ths

President Obama and Hillary Clinton dictatorial? Now that’s funny!

Much has been said about both Obama and Hilary. Dictatorial?….don’t think so!!..,..Goodness, Obama is more of a pacifist; submissive almost, in my opinion. Have I missed something?
A dictator is synonymous to tyrant; despot. WOW!! Good grief!

@Celia….Yes, there is a very distinctive Neville Chamberlain-like tendency to refuse to see/admit what’s happening right before our eyes, but then again, there is the most disturbing and illegal over-reliance upon executive directives and orders for actions that couldn’t pass Congressional muster. I think maybe that’s where mgb357 is coming from.

By “You”, I speak in general…not you, personally, Trophy Lady…Never you.
So I apologize if my writing sounds as if I were addressing you.

KB is being attacked mercifully on Twitter from what I understand too bad but she has a small business as I had for years up until two years ago she is going to be speaking about that and how small business’s are hurting which is very true. I was lucky to sell mine to a gentleman that was able to fold it into his others and my employees yes keep their jobs and their insurance etc.

@Shay.
Hi, Shaybelle,
The Donald’s children are truly exceptional human beings…..very giving and altruistic. I also admire their humility….they do not give themselves airs. Very down to earth.
Yes, Ivanka is a Choate R-H alumni…..not many know that.
I have no doubt she will give an intelligent, intelligible and informative speech. I worry about Malania. LOL. The name is not synonymous to speechifying on a dais. Again, I am not being fair. They must trust she will do well, otherwise, she would not be ‘put’ on that ‘lofty’ ( pardon the pun) place such as a podium.
I pray she will surprise us. Her looks will not be able to carry her through this. Or will they?

CeeCee. I disagree about Trump’s kids being so wonderful. Yes, they’re gorgeous, educated, successful and make a beautiful presentation. They’re polished, poised and persuasive. I have no doubt that they’ll do their father proud at the convention. But I’m a huge animal advocate. I love animals…and Trump’s sons kill for sport. It was 2012 if I remember correctly when they killed a gorgeous leopard I believe and were seen posing with big smiles on their faces as they proudly stood with this beautiful creature that they murdered for a photo op. Another time they posed holding a dead animal’s tail. Nothing about those actions scream good people to me. An animal wasn’t put on this earth to be killed for sport. (In my opinion not for food either which is why I’m a vegetarian.) As always, we all have different views and am entitled to them but for me their joy of the kill, or anyone’s for matter, is sickening to me.

@Rebecca1.
My goodness. I had no idea. Hmmmm. Thst was four years ago. I can’t believe I was/am oblivious to this tragedy. I love animals, myself….and, as such, I do consider it a tragedy.
I googled the killing for ‘sport’….gorgeous animal. What a waste. Sinful.

@CeeCee…..Yes, I continue to be most impressed with the Trump offspring…..Donald Jr. was magnificent this evening…..he could be on the brink of his own successful political career, and even “Daughter Number Two, aka, Tiffany” stepped out from big sister Ivanka’s hugely accomplished shadow to deliver a most competent and satisfying speech. Both won me over with their lovingly detailed descriptions of their father…..I continue to like “The Donald” more and more despite the very obvious efforts in the media and right here on this website to denigrate him with nasty innuendos. As for the Trump family’s previous hunting activities?….They were legal, whether one personally approves or not. I certainly wouldn’t base the vitally important decision upon the direction of this country’s future simply because of a safari trip that happened years ago….what next? A take down of Ivanka because her product line features leather goods??? Talk about desperately grasping at straws….it never ceases to amaze me the lengths that some will go to in an attempt to tarnish the Trump name and make it stick.

Cut it out Shay. no one sees what you do…I do.

Just an interjection here, Shay. I believe Mary SF is Canadian. I don’t think she’s une canadienne francaise.

Shay… No apologies necessary. Nothing wrong with Canada. Probably things to be learned from our friends north of the border.

Actually my sister taught English literature, as well as catch-up English for those she “inherited” from highschools who passed them in the subject, but shouldn’t have. And also professional majors like scientists, engineers, etc. so they could better communicate their findings to lay people. I say taught because she eventually got disillusioned when they brought in a hot shot to update and modernize the department. It wasn’t so much what they taught as how…everything would be done in-class on computers. Think about facing a class of laptops instead of faces with notepads and books. Talk about losing the crowd.

And I guess I’m old fashioned enough to think that one of the ground breaking things that progressed primitive man after the wall paintings was establishing language, an alphabet and the ability to manually write our thoughts. Or learning the times table. And look at what’s happening to those. Someday there will be those who can’t read cursive, and even now I’ve experienced those who can’t figure dollars/cents/%’s in their heads as cashiers.

Don’t get me into how property taxes are used to fund equal quality schooling for everyone (not), especially in a state that “prides” itself on fiscal responsibility. Or making land grant universities underfunded and now very expensive.

Enough of all of that heady stuff. Let’s hope Julian gets what’s coming to him, and even though on certain levels I know she’s not your favorite, that Alexis starts to get her act together. And “Oh,” Sonny isn’t the hero again, though Finn is dangerously close to letting him come to the rescue again. 🙂

Lol…so transparent.

Oh, oh, Shay. Melania just admitted to writing her own speech with very little help. She absolutely lied. Plagiarism is illegal, isn’t it? She is a little fish in a tank full of sharks. How, oh, how will she ever cope if her husband is in office?
Didn’t she mention that her parents ‘impressed’ values upon her? Golly Gee, there go some of those values.
What say you, Shaybelle? Poor woman is being torn to shreds.

Now, it seems that Michelle Obama ‘picked up’ a few words from Saul Alinsky. Is anyone’s writing original anymore?

Ahhhh, CeeCee, Alexis hasn’t changed. You have! Lol, seriously, this is the Alexis I’ve been fighting for all along. Intelligent, warm, great mom, funny, and yes vulnerable but strong, maternal but a vital

Ugh, how many times must I lament the non-existant edit option…anyway, point is CeeCee, Alexis has always been there, you just couldn’t see her. I’m really glad you can now. As Diane ssid today, love isn’t logical. And Alexis shouldn’t be judged for falling for Julian. I still believe he loved her madly and did change for her. He just couldn’t stick to it which brought about their downfall and his unhinging. You’ll see even more as time goes on how likeable Alexis is…and how tres witty in a snarky but cute kinda way!

@Rebecca 1.
I have ALWAYS liked Nancy.
But, I admit it. I must be seeing Alexis through different colored lenses. Nonetheless, she was oblivious to ‘decorum’, for lack of a better word. Rehashing is not good for the soul. Do, I shall start fresh.
The point is; I am at a better place where this character is concerned. I just want to see Alexis move forward; she is heartbroken, and perhaps a little disappointed she is not pregnant; unbeknownst even to herself. As far as Julian loving her? The monster in him was always there. It rears its ugly head, one, two, three, when the time is ripe. Alexis was not thinking with a full deck. He turned her head. I see that now.
He was her first taste of both emotional and physical love. Not that I’m an expert in the ways of men, but, I understand the female heart.
And I will say the same for Carly with regards to Sonny. Except that Carly strikes me as ‘hard’ and bullish.
Alexis has finally gotten her head out of her ‘bleep’. She is so much more demure to me. And, Nancy’s acting has been flawless….I love it!!
I wish for Alexis to concentrate on herself, first and foremost….no men…no entanglements until her heart, mind and essence work in harmony as one.

Ceecee. I agree! No rehashing. Soooo much nicer this way! But, I would like to fill you in a little more on Alexis because I realize you’re relatively new to the show. Julian is not Alexis’s first love and she’s not new to love or obviously sex. She and Ned had a fantastic relationship years ago…they were great together and engaged to be married. If I remember correctly, she got cold feet and broke Ned’s heart. She was married to Rick whom she also loved…and although a great character (I wish Rick was back for good…great actor and character) but he also did horrendous things ( too much to get in to; Rick has a lot of issues) but he hurt Alexis…slept with Sam!

I think. What I’ve always stated, was that GH put love and romance on the back burner for the mid age women on the show. Nancy had said when they began her story with Julian that they didn’t depict her, Finola Hughes and Jane Ellliot in a viable way; that they were invisible. So that’s why many Alwxis fans were happy to see her back in a passionate relationship. Unfortunately because they emphasized “passion” the love story was seen by many as just that…passion. Anyway, agree, Nancy is a natural. She’s always just felt down- to- earth and real. I think you would have enjoyed her relationship with Ned, her close friendship with Jax and her very loyal, protective relationship with her nephew Nicolas which the writers seem to have forgotten about all together. She has so much personality and strength…she was betrayed by Rick and Sam while she was battling lung cancer…yet eventually she forgave both…

@Rebecca 1.
Thank you for the backstory. I knew a bit of it. At least, who the girls’s fathers were. I did not know she and Ned have been an item, at one point.
However, I thought Julian had introduced her to “carnal delights”, LOL. I assumed she was a virgin. Wasn’t Alexis just a kid when Sam was conceived? I thought she pined for Julian, her anonymous lover in the night ( the cad).
But, if events followed this pattern; technically, Julian was her first. Did I get it wrong?

Celia…about your need for change comment. The change has started with the concerns of the Trump supporters on one side, and Bernie’s supporters on the other side…both sides making their voices heard big time. But it won’t happen overnight.

But I don’t feel at all comfortable or secure about “taking a chance”with a person who behaves, incites and speaks like Trump. And after following his career over the years, even less so. Did you know he had his plane fly low and buzz a Cruz rally. Are you sure you want to “take a chance” with someone like him, especially since he would have the detonation “codes?” I know you mentioned, I think it was your father, that they heard good things about Trump. I have also had a cousin who was “connected” in NYC who said just the opposite. It’s all in the eyes of the beholder though.

I admit, Hillary isn’t an easy person. But easy or uneasy, she knows how to operate in a very complex world that has to juggle personalities, events, and countries in a way that a person running his own show doesn’t.

As an aside, when she was accused of giving false info on who/what caused Bengazi right after it happened, she revised it because info was changing, sparse and fluid at the time. Same type of info things happened in Belgium, Nice and Turkey. But she was pillared for it, and finally proved innocent after being investigated and accused at Republican insistence. But there are those that still won’t let it go.

So then why was it okay for the Trump people to offer cover-your-ass “explanations,” and contradictions after Melania’s liberally using Michelle’s remarks. From what I know about you on MF you wouldn’t tolerate this. But so far I haven’t heard of a congressional investigation for 1 1/2 yrs, at tax payers expense to prove what we all saw and heard on national tv? Charlie Rose did an interesting long interview with Hillary on PBS this week. You might find it interesting because he didn’t ‘t let her off the hook. She speaks way better in this kind of format than on a stage.

We could go on tit-for-tat, I don’t expect to change any opinions of other commenters, and each candidate has a lot to prove, but I’d rather “take my chances” with someone whose resume for the job out-“trumps” their opponent. Peace Celia.

Celia…P.S…believe it or not, part of me feels bad for Melania. I don’t think she meant to deceive, the words she borrowed are as good today as they were for Michelle, and am not even sure the speech writer who admitted her error was completely to blame. It’s messy, but I think Melania just got caught up in something.

CeeCee, I replied but I don’t see my comment. Anyway, no, you weren’t wrong, I was! I totally misinterpreted what you thought about Julian being Alexis’s first physical a emotional love! I, lol, thought you meant in the present day!!! (I’m laughing and shaking my head at myself over that one!) But the rest of the history was accurate…

Shay…I’ll try to keep brief by saying I’m not going to get into the a Rep field. Let’s just say we don’t see things the same way.

As for my passion about animals, I also sign a lot petitions re: the the unnecessary killings of innocent people in the US with guns. Also those innocent families and children abroad caught in the crossfires as we try to get the bad guys. Great breeding grounds for those rogues who eventually hate us and turn to terrorism. At least Obama and Seals did a clean, brave job in getting Bin Laden.

Also, “yes” Trump’s boys were “legal,” as was the dentist who killed Cecil and many others killers disguised and in denial as real hunters. Even if we don”t always see eye-to-eye, you have good values, so is trophy hunting right, moral, necessary, happen on an even playing field, show a progression in mankind? Won’t even get into the poachers here.

Then there is the international democratization of the internet/social media/cellphones; sit-on-their-hands/say “no” Congress; an arm twisting group and certain manufactures who will go unnamed. Tough environment for this administration to work with. Obama, CIA, FBI, Homeland Security , France, Belgium, etc are tying their best to keep up.

At least we got MF in the deal. Maybe they could take a page on how commenters mostly try to work things out.

All I’ve heard Trump say is that he’s for enhanced interrogation, a wall, and no entry into US of a religious group. With the temperament and mouth he’s exhibited, I sure don’t want him having the “codes.”

Well, Carlos and his cleaned up twin in one afternoon. Wonder where this is going to take us. But glad to see Vincent back. 🙂

Really good to see you stand your ground on animal rights Rose. To even compare the atrocities that are happening around the world to people as a way of minimizing the brutal slaying of innocent animals is weak at best, incomprehensible to those who value all life, especially those who have done no harm. If we follow this board it seems someone needs to have those who agree with a certain someone contradict that person. Never stops….doesn’t learn….

Sweet Shay, Chris Krispy Kreme is too much like the Trumpster. He will find his way and maybe run again in 2020? As for Pence, yes, he is the polar opposite of Trurmp and thats what you need. You cannot have two guys jumping up and down fighting for TV time! Like Pence said, Donald is NOT a politician BUT he is smart enough to put the right people in the right positions as he sets his staff.

As for “Sexy Lexi”, Alexis will undoubtedly fall for another bad guy. I want it to be Ric. I miss him. Maybe it will be Paul if Anna doesnt bite?

I guess this rumor is dead but when Michelle Stafford first came on GH she was telling her friend Christain LeBlanc how great it was to work at GH. I could imagine him coming on GH as an attorney and falling for Alexis. I think they would have great chemistry. BUT, like a lot of things over at Y&R, they drop stories like a cement block! I guess Michael’s cancer is cured???

@Rose.
Hi, Rose,
All I can say is that this country is on shaky legs…..too much camaraderie going on with peoples we CANNOT trust. We need change… Take a chance….the way things are going, we will be ruled by a different ‘species’, if something drastic, dramatic and immediate is done.

Lol, Nikki.
What to do? Eeny, meeny, miny, moe? Nowhere to run.

Hi Cee Cee I think I’ll go with D.Trump. Every time I turn on the news something horrible has happened somewhere. Hillary is too sneaky for me not to mention her whole campaign was paid for by donations from terrorist countries. Im sure that she will make head waves being a woman, but she keeps saying she’s going to help women everywhere while her crazed husband has had how many affairs? Her solution is (Stand by your man) Good grief we’re being taken back to the dirty thirties. I don’t like the fact that she got off so easy with the email.

Donald Trump is supported by neo-Nazis (I’m obviously not talking about ALL of his supporters) who are no step above terrorists morally speaking. You criticize Hillary for her support of women and doubt her ability to make positive change? So Trump, who has cheated on his wives, is on his third marriage, calls overweight women “fat pigs” and who posted a picture of his wife next to Cruz’s wife to show his wife as so much pretttier…THAT’s a man who will help women? Let’s not forget his mocking a disabled man. THAT’s a man who will help the disabled? He “loves the “uneducated'”. Lol, can he spell condescending? He didn’t think the Jewish Star was a Jewish star and its implication when he tried to smear Hillary? If he doesn’t REALLY know that (which of course he does) should he be handling foreign policy let alone unite America? The idea of this infant in an adult body being President is frightening, though I’ll give him kudos for the endless laughter, sorta like watching a Saturday night skit. I forget. Is he running for President of the United States or third grade???)

Oh, Nikki, my dear friend.
This is exactly the reason why this election is in shambles. We hear a little bit of this and a lot of that about both candidate; which goes with the territory, of course. In my opinion (which carries no weight whatsoever), they both have skeletons in their closets. None of us is a saint.
Hilary has the ‘political’ sense and the brains; Trump has the business sense, and the gift of blab…..whether it makes sense or not. It is up in the air.
I am an ‘independent’ voter. I have been since I cast my first vote.
Hilary’s email imbroglio is just as bad as Trump’s University tuition-fraud. How much truth is in either?
You know, Nikki. It has come down to damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
Trump speaks without thinking and without measuring his words. By the same token, certain members of my family who know him well; say that ‘s all it is….shoots his mouth off…sensationalism…..that he’s a really nice guy, in person. And, he really is!!
I like Hilary very much. However, not a good enough reason to vote for her. Too many blurred lines on both sides.
This will be my twelfth year voting, and I have never been this frustrated or unsure of what to do.

I can’t in good conscience support a candidate or a party that tries to suppress voting, maintains a congressional majority through gerrymandering, wants to take away a woman’s right to choose, or actively works to deny the LGBT community their civil rights.

Being loud doesnt make you wrong. Just obnoxious! But I would take that over sneaky anyway! Hillary reminds me of that slimy little dictator in north Korea !

@T my concern if Hillary gets in with the e-mail mess and the Benghazi major screw up our enemies can hold over all our classified info over us! Well if Trump gets in all of us can look forward to a pole in the White House where his attractive wife can entertain our enemies, now have I lightened the mood hope so !

Oops: I need to amend that. Within twelve years since I was able to vote, this will be my third time…..is what I meant to say.

I agree with your assessment of Bernie, CeeCee. There is no way I ever could have supported him given my personal political views, but I will say I think he was robbed and his voters disenfranchised at the hands of his opponent. Even those who vehemently disagreed with DJT on the GOP side— like Jeb Bush—had to admit that he won his nomination fair and square, the old-fashioned way….by getting the most primary votes (at a record level for Republicans) with no subterfuge or game-playing the system ala Cruz or Kasich.

Cute, SuzieQ. Cute.
Actually, if Trump will be elected, I think Pence is a good choice….he is no fool.
I seem to remember a quote from Willy, “A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool”. Bit of a riddle/conundrum; as is Willy’s wont.
It’s a ‘catch-22’, su. I better make up my mind. Country first!!

Celia…My take on choosing Pence is that Trump is trying to get the mid-west, religious right/Evangelical, vote and that he can control Pence. As for Pence he is at least getting name recognition for 2020. And I have to add my brother lives in Indiana so I get to hear his take on Pence…let’s just say as someone who lives their he’s not a fan…Pence is far too conservative and my brother, not so much so.

Wonder how Christie feels? He was first Rep of note to join the Trump reality show. Hope he was at least promised a cabinet post or something of importance since he was snubbed for VP.

I agree with you Rose. Very strategic (manipulative) move on the Trump campaign to choose an Evangelical. As zi said, separation of Church and State. I really fear the direction this “team” is taking us.

I agree with a lot of what you said CeeCee; very proud to be an American. When I hear about some of the horrific goings-on in other countries I can’t believe we’re living in the same century. Unfortunately the world has never been at peace; each period seems to have its barbaric events. My point was/is that our grand history is, again, unfortunately, tainted with violence and persecution. Whether it was slaveryracism, wit h hunts, (literally and figuratively), anti-semitism, discrimination of all types…we have a way to go. Good vs evil…we can only hope good prevails….

As for Hillary, none of us can predict. But i honestly have more faith in her as a human being. She’s had an interest in politics and the world around her since her college days (while “the Donald” was practicing his art of the deal). Glad we “spoke.”

@Celia….Just wanted to briefly say that given your intellect and inquisitive mind, I know you would be the last person to simply cast a vote based upon “identity politics.” I give you so much more credit than that….your posts have been filled with thought-provoking and truly substantive observations on both major candidates….I’ve enjoyed reading them and benefitting from your personal insights….even those with which I heartily disagree! LOL. As I’m sure you can tell, I am not at all conflicted in my choice for the next president….I made my mind up early in the primary process when my only other possible candidate was eliminated, so I’m just happy to have someone that I can enthusiastically support this general election year….Needless to say, it’s been a real joy and kick to share our thoughts here this week despite the efforts to demean and demoralize certain individuals on this and subsequent threads. At any rate, I concur with your assertion that DJT may end up being one of this country’s best presidents, and I so hope he has that chance. For all of his famous foibles, he’s a happy warrior, an unabashed patriot who loves this country and, most of all, a refreshingly original change of pace from the status quo. Combined with the quite obviously more down-to-earth, albeit less exciting, Mike Pence, I do believe they could be just the team that will “Make America Great Again!”

@Shay.
Hey, ma belle:
I agree with you more than you know. But, I see you CAN read between the lines.
I am not a friend of “THE HUNT”, albeit it was legal. But, that’s a story for another topic.
I agree with your assessment of Mr. Trump. I also agree that I, too, find it infantile to argue over what other people’s choices as a candidate. The idea to choose freely whether it is faith, political stand or food (lol) is what ‘built’ THE MAYFLOWER. FREEDOMS!!!!
I thank you for respecting my opinions, albeit you may not agree with some of them.
I can say, in all honesty, that Donald, as undiplomatic as he is in choosing ‘appropriate’ language for his speeches….which some consider rants, IS a patriot and is sincere and passionate when it comes to America’s ‘truths’. And, contrary to what many may think….he is a nice guy.
The point is, Hilary is no dummy, either. As yourself, mon amie, everyone in my family has made up his/her mind. I vacillate.

Ceecee…If you appreciate “reading between the lines”..start reading. Your friend is following someone around this post to put another wedge in between two people who previously didn’t get along. The “hunt” was not brought up as a reason to vote or not vote for any particular candidate…it was in direct response to a statement about how “wonderful” Trumps ogfspring are. Two different issues. Again, to someone who loves animals a “wonderful” person wouldn’t t go out and slaughter them for fun and then pose, ismirks and all, as they hold up the murdered beautiful animal. Your friend is once again creating antagonism by feeling she has to comment directly after with some sort of camaraderie and it’s “we against her” thing, contradicting what the other person said, implying malice when there was none. The two people who didn’t get along are finding some common ground. Your friend isn’t happy about that so is once again reverting to being antagonistic. Been there, done that. I had hoped you were done with that too, or at least could figure out what’s going on. Don’t want it; don’t need it. Your friend needs to get over her insecurities.

@Rebecca 1. Thank you for taking the time to have your feelings known. I find myself in a better place when there are no disputes of any kind anywhere, including these boards. Poor Mr. Fairman who has to read some of our incredible ( and then dome) material.LOL. I am an advocate for animal protection….all life is important to me, as I am sure most feel this way. It is sinful, as I said, to go on ‘THE HUNT’ for mere sport. We used to hunt for sustenance….we lived off the land. It was called survival. But, we have come a long way, baby!!! LOL. I had posted a lengthy ‘novel’ (lol) to Shay about the Trumps; touching many subjects. The comment never made it….sobeit!! Again, Donald says what many want to hear. The point is, he also makes sense to these same people. Then there are his friends, some very close friends. What to do! Oh, what to do! On one hand we have, let’s say, someone who feels disloyal not voting for him because of this friendship, albeit said person does not agree with certain policies. What to do? What to do? What to do? But, going back to your comment……unless I am so naive, and live under a rock, I am sure Shay does not endorse killing for sport. She merely stated that ‘the shooting’ was not a crime….morally, it is, at least, to me . I love Shay. She always gives me moral support….as does Timmm. I appreciate everyone here, thanks to Mr. Fairman. He has been a godsend…..soaps are my thing, among everyone here. We are a unique group….misunderstood by those who do not love soaps. Oh, Rebecca, let’s just move on and discuss what’s in our heart and mind freely….say yes,LOL. I do not personally know anyone on these sites….but, regardless of that fact, we do form alliances; friendships, and Shay and I have found our own little niche. That is, I’d like to think we are kindred spirits. I do not see any subterfuge, Rebecca. If I did, I would not give her a second thought. She has heart; is very compassionate, but cannot be kicked around. My qualities. I bet that if Shay and I knew each other, we would gossip our heads off. LOL. It’s harmless talk when kept contained. I think you see things a bit differently, Rebecca. I sincerely do not see Shay trying to put a wedge between our newfound communication….it used to be the three of us, remember? I do not want any dissension between or among anyone. I think of the lives that are being lost weekly all over the planet….It has become a trend. As far as the people on these boards, I love communicating with each and everyone….to share thoughts, opinions, ideas…I find it stimulating. I find that Shay, among many contradict what I say and what others say. But, that’s the point. If her comment of disagreement happens to be right after mine… Read more »

@Nikki…..This sort of information has been out there for years….Dolly Kyle’s book is just the most recent in a long line by personal acquaintances, political bedfellows (no pun intended) and perhaps, most credibly, secret service and other security personnel…..all available for the taking on the subject of this particular former first couple and their history of truly revolting behavior! As far as I’m concerned, the entire reading list should be required for anybody voting in this year’s general election…..especially for those who so easily dismiss and condemn DJT for far, far less.

Great and TRUE post, Nikki.
Your point is well taken.

That is so abhorring, Nikki, my dear friend.
Shay spells out my feelings exactly.
I think everyone on these boards knows how I feel when any child is ‘kicked in the head’. Children are my weakness. I do much to soothe their hearts and stimulate their brains…..the very children you have just depicted. For shame.

Nikki I replied to your post about Hillary allegedly making those horrendous statements about the children…which is what those types of statements/thoughts are…horrendous, but my post didn’t make it. Trying again. My point is I googled that after reading your post and didn’t see angy credible source, any video, any audio…verifying it. Anyone can say they heard her but that doesn’t mean it’s true…and then the rumors fly. That’s fact checking 101…who’s the source.

Trump on the other hand had been on TV flailing his arms mocking a disabled man. I trust what I see rather than hearsay…

Thanks jaybird369! Third attempt to reply to you. Yes to fur babies! Epitome of love, innocence, adorabilty and endless precious antics!

O.M.Goodness this is starting to sound like the good, the bad & the ugly. D.T. does use colorful language, he’s a big mouth and a bully but if you ever watched “The Apprentice” with his famous “your fired quote”. that is what he’s famous for. If he had come on and said “Hi I’m D.T. and I’m running in the election”. I don’t believe he would have the following he has. People are tired of the murders, terrorist attacks etc. Their afraid to send their kids to school! My daughter went to a concert Friday night and I have to tell you I couldn’t settle myself down until she got home. What a horrible way to live but it’s there and it will stay that way until someone with a pair can come in and handle it. I think the people that hate D.T. actually hate the superficial side. His hair, his bully talk, his language etc. I’m more into “Who can do the job”? If it makes you feel better “NO” I don’t think he’ll win. I believe Hillary will get it and we’ll have the same crap we have and had when her husband was in, so I can say congrat’s ahead of time.

Nikki, I’m sure you’re a very nice person but I’m sorry to tell you Donald Trump is not the answer to this world’s evils. Not sure if anyone is….