Unlike Conservatives With Caveats, Political Liberals Unconditionally Live A Caring, Compassionate, Sharing, Loving Life.

The Gregorian calendar year of 2016 is almost upon us. For some interesting reading, I suggest you go over to read The Curious History of the Gregorian Calendar.

As 2016 is about to make its appearance, I would like to share my message of Happy New Year Wishes.

Very simply put, I wish that every American, and indeed every living person worldwide, would make and keep the resolution to lead, practice, and live a life without any preconditions, caveats, prejudice, discrimination, or xenophobia - a life that is kind, sharing, caring, compassionate, and loving to each and every other person.

Over at my Roland's Ramblings blog, I posted an entry on December 30, 2015 entitled Share The Corn. Share The Good. Live In Peace. Live Well. For The Welfare Of All.

It relays a story that in reading caused me to think that it presents a good antecdote for the goodness that lies in being a political liberal as opposed to being a political conservative, as the title of this Roland Hansen Commentary proclaims, "Unlike Conservatives With Caveats, Political Liberals Unconditionally Live A Caring, Compassionate, Sharing, Loving Life. "
[Side note on a personal basis: I do not include my politically conservative friends such as CW Martin, Timothy W Higgins, David McKay, and Dennis Wilburn in this comment that I recognize is a generalized statement. Indeed, these friends of mine are independent thinkers for whom I have a great deal of respect; they do not fit in the stereotype normally assigned to political conservatives. Furthermore, I also sadly realize and recognize that there are some politically liberal people who are unkind, prejudiced, discriminatory, and xenophobic.)

While I have embedded a link to the Roland's Ramblings entry in its title here in Roland Hansen Commentary, I am also reproducing that Roland's Ramblings entry below:

Growing Good Corn

Author Unknown

There once was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon.

One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.

"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.

"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn."

He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves.

So it is with our lives. Those who choose to live in peace must help their neighbors to live in peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

The lesson for each of us is this: if we are to grow good corn, we must help our neighbors grow good corn.

It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself. - From the Bible, Proverbs 11:24-25

ref: Growing Good Corn, Inspiration Peak.

Patrick Hickey. Toledo, Ohio: Washington Local School District. Superintendent. Saga, Legacy, Scandal, Shame?

There has been lots and lots going on in the Ohio school district of Washington Local Schools whose jurisdiction is in both Washington Township and a large chunk of the City of Toledo.

Rather than me writing all about it and placing all kinds of embedded links, I am placing embedded links to a variety of message threads from the website of SwampBubbles that also contain other embedded links for even more information that will fill you with awe if you open those links and read all the materiel that is presented there.

Here goes:

• SUPERINTENDENT PATRICK HICKEY OF WASHINGTON LOCAL SCHOOLS
• SUPERINTENDENT PATRICK HICKEY HAS BLOCKED ME ON TWITTER
• SUPERINTENDENT PATRICK HICKEY'S LAWYER ASKS RESIDENT TO REMOVE CRITICAL POSTS
• WHY DOES PATRICK HICKEY FEEL COMPELLED TO TELL STAFF NOT TO TALK TO BOARD MEMBERS?
• HICKEY PLACED ON LEAVE AGAIN
• PATRICK HICKEY RESIGNS 
• ANYONE HERE ATTEND THE BIG PARTY LAST NIGHT IN HONOR OF THE HICK?

As an aside, I am placing a couple of the links that are contained within the referenced SwampBubbles message threads because I found them to be especially interesting:

• Twitter Feed of Patrick Hickey
• Patrick Hickey (full story) from CedarCreek.tv

The situation with Patrick Hickey in his capacity as the Superintendent of Washington Local Schools is indeed a sad commentary in and of itself.  Saga, Legacy, Scandal, Shame?

What is the difference between a Canadian and an American from the United States?

Canadians and Americans from the United States of America are both from the continent of North America, as are Mexicans from Estados Unidos Mexicanos. 

I will let Donald Trump address the topic of Mexicans.

I want to address the differences between Canadians and Americans.

For some good, objective, comparative factual information regarding Canada and the United States, I suggest you head on over to FindTheData United States vs Canada.

More good reading may be found at Canada vs. United States from Diffen.

I would also like to suggest you go on over to a web page of Quora to read:
What are some cultural differences between Canadians and Americans?

And to add a bit of eyebrow-raising, I suggest you read Maclean's 99 reasons why it’s better to be Canadian.

I think I will leave it at that and let you wonder what I think of it all. (snicker-snicker, hee-hee, elfish grin)

Never take for granted the people you love.

Back on December 5, 2013, I posted the Roland Hansen Commentary blog entry, Life Goes By. Say, "I Love You."

On May 18, 2014, I posted the Roland Hansen Commentary blog entry, Do you really matter? What about your family? Who are your real friends?

Today, December 17, 2015, I am putting forth, "This year has almost gone. Not all our friends and family made it. Never take for granted the people you love."

USA Political Conservatives Favor Corporate Welfare and Oppose Social Welfare.

Many Political Conservatives in the United States of America denounce and cry about the amount of public taxpayer dollars that are expended on social welfare programs. And yet, these same people support the use of taxpayer dollars that are expended on corporate welfare.

I fail to understand why these Conservatives favor financial assistance for the wealthy while bemoaning financial assistance to the poor.

There are some very interesting comments on this subject that have been posted in response to the article "Government Spends More on Corporate Welfare Subsidies than Social Welfare Programs" that is on the website of Think by Numbers.

If you like Donald Trump, you must love Adolf Hitler.

Do you remember the Roland Hansen Commentary I wrote awhile back comparing the style of speech Donald Trump uses with that of Adolf Hitler?

If you do, that's great, if you do not - well you can read it now (or refresh yourself) by following the embedded link within its title:
Donald Trump. Adolf Hitler. Similar Style of Political Speech.

Some folks may pooh-pooh my comparison; however I find the two have striking similarities.

Now then, give a look-see at the meme I came across earlier today

FACT: Guns help people to kill people!

Read these two simple excerpts from a web site that I was exploring.

"Every day, 297 people in America are shot ... It's time for Congress to finish the job and expand Brady background checks to stop criminals and other dangerous people from getting guns in America."

"In one year ... Over 108,000 (108,476) people in America are shot ... Millions of guns are sold every year in 'no questions asked' transactions. Experts estimate that 40 percent of guns now sold in America are done so without a Brady background check."

Now, if you have the initiative to take the time and the motivation of an open mind to learn facts, go on over to read the entire Key Gun Violence Statistics web page.

Roaming the internet, I came across another interesting web page on this general topic. Here is an excerpt from that article:

"Lankford found a strong correlation between gun ownership in America and violence. The U.S. ranks first in gun ownership in the world, with surveys suggesting the rate to be 88.8 firearms for every 100 people in America, or 270 million total firearms within borders. (At a distant second is Yemen, with 54.8 firearms per 100 people; the numbers tumble after that.) There have been 292 public mass shooters who have killed a minimum of four people between 1966 and 2012. And when you narrow shootings down to just those that occur at school and work, American incidences account for 62% of global cases.

Again, if you have the initiative to take the time and the motivation of an open mind to learn, read the entire article by going on over to Why the U.S. Has 31% of the World’s Mass Shootings.

I could not believe what I read in another article in which this statement was made:

"The case is still under investigation. Does it matter? As long as the NRA (National Rifle Association) is allowed to buy lawmakers who refuse to challenge current gun background laws—nothing changes."

Go on over to read the article for yourself; it is:
Man guns down Waffle House server after she asks him not to smoke inside—are you keeping count, NRA?

The GUN was invented for one very specific PURPOSE: TO KILL. 

Damn the gun!

Mass Killings in the U.S.A. Guns don't kill people, but they do help people to kill people.

On Wednesday, December 2, 2015, yet once again, there has been a mass killing in the United States of America by gun-toting perpetrators. This time, the deadly shooting took place in San Bernardino, California; it was the worst mass shooting since that of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

On Thursday, December 3, 2015, the United States Senate voted against two gun control proposals that had been introduced by Democrats.

The Senate rejected by a vote of 45 to 54 an amendment introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, California) that would prohibit the purchase of guns by people on a federal terrorism watch list. Also rejected by a vote of 48 to 50 was an amendment proposed by Senator Joe Manchin (Democrat, West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Senator Patrick Toomey (Republican, Pennsylvania) that would expand criminal background checks for guns purchased at gun shows and through the internet.

Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (Republican, Texas) stated that Senator Feinstein's amendment was "un-American" and that it would prevent gun purchases by people who were put on the terrorist list in error.

For more complete information regarding this latest shame on American politics, I suggest you read the following articles, links for which are embedded within their respective titles:

• Senate rejects gun control amendments offered following San Bernardino shooting
• Senate again rejects Manchin gun background check bill
• The US Senate just voted to block gun control, defund Planned Parenthood, and gut Obamacare

An so, while Conservative American politicians and their politically conservative supporters (largely members of the Republican Party for the most part) continue their attempts to dismantle the Affordable Health Act and to eliminate support for health care, education, information, and outreach programs of Planned Parenthood,  the tally of mass shootings in the United States of America continues to add up and up and up!

Hey, guns don't kill people.
Tell that to Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords and to the dead victims of gun-toting mass killers.
And praise the NRA with its love of guns.

"(Conservatives) love America the way a four-year-old loves her mommy. Liberals love America like grown-ups."

If you listen to a lot of conservatives, they'll tell you that the difference between them and us is that conservatives love America and liberals hate America. That we "blame America first." That we're suspicious of patriotism and always think our country's in the wrong. As conservative radio and TV personality Sean Hannity says, we liberals "train our children to criticize America, not celebrate it."
They don't get it. We love America just as much as they do. But in a different way. You see, they love America the way a four-year-old loves her mommy. Liberals love America like grown-ups. To a four-year-old, everything Mommy does is wonderful and anyone who criticizes Mommy is bad. Grown-up love means actually understanding what you love, taking the good with the bad, and helping your loved one grow. Love takes attention and work and is the best thing in the world.
That's why we liberals want America to do the right thing. We know America is the hope of the world, and we love it and want it to do well. We also want it to do good.
When liberals look back on history, we see things we're very proud of. And we also see some things, which might have seemed like good ideas at the time, but turned out to be mistakes. And some things we did, well, they were just bad. That doesn't keep us from loving our country—it's part of loving our country. It's called honesty. What do you think is more important to a loving relationship: honesty or lies? 

ref: Franken, Al. Lies: And the Lying Liars Who Tell Them : A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right. New York: Dutton, 2003. 24. Print.

Alan Stuart "Al" Franken is an American comedian, actor, politician, and writer. He is currently the junior United States Senator from Minnesota. He became well known in the 1970s and 1980s as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live.

ref: Al Franken, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You may find the book in the embedded link right here contained within its title,  Lies & the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair & Balanced Look at the Right.

American Conservative Thinking on Syrian Refugees. WWJS?

WWJS

What would Jesus say to Americans who want to deny admission of Syrian refugees into the United States of America?

(Click or tap on the meme to enlarge it.)

USA Should Welcome Syrian Refugees

Americans who are clamoring for refusal of Syrian refugees entry into the United States of America brings to mind an event that happened in USA history involving President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1939 that is just as shameful as denying the Syrian refugees today.

"The MS St. Louis was a German ocean liner most notable for a single voyage in 1939, in which her captain, Gustav Schröder, tried to find homes for 908 Jewish refugees from Germany, after they were denied entry to Cuba, the United States and Canada, until finally accepted in various European countries, which were later engulfed in World War II. Historians have estimated that, after their return to Europe, approximately a quarter of the ship's passengers died in concentration camps."

ref: Wikipedia article, MS St. Louis

"On May 13, 1939, the German transatlantic liner St. Louis sailed from Hamburg, Germany, for Havana, Cuba. On the voyage were 937 passengers. Almost all were Jews fleeing from the Third Reich. Most were German citizens, some were from eastern Europe, and a few were officially "stateless."
The majority of the Jewish passengers had applied for US visas, and had planned to stay in Cuba only until they could enter the United States. But by the time the St. Louis sailed, there were signs that political conditions in Cuba might keep the passengers from landing there. The US State Department in Washington, the US consulate in Havana, some Jewish organizations, and refugee agencies were all aware of the situation. The passengers themselves were not informed; most were compelled to return to Europe."

ref: Holocaust Encyclopedia, VOYAGE OF THE ST. LOUIS

I had written these things over on Facebook. If you can, you should take a look-see and read the comments I received over there.

Today, many Americans want to refuse admittance of refugees into the United States of America. It is not unlike American attitudes of yesteryear. Please go on over to The Washington Post to read the article, What Americans thought of Jewish refugees on the eve of World War II.

As with the previous reference in regards to the MS St. Louis incident, I had also written this comment about American attitudes over on Facebook. And as with the previous reference, if you can, you should take a look-see and read the comments I received over there about American attitudes today being similar to those of the past.

SHAME on those people sharing xenophobic comments, messages, and memes that actually spread hatred of refugees fleeing their countries of origin (especially Syria right now) seeking to escape torture and murder by violent extremists. WWJS

Emma Lazarus was an American Jewish poet born in New York City. She is best known for "The New Colossus", a sonnet written in 1883; the lines of which appear on a bronze plaque in the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The sonnet reads:

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Before proclaiming opposition to Syrian refugees seeking sanctuary, I say: Think, people, think!
Please go over to Frontline Fellowship in order to read A Christian Response to Xenophobia.

I refuse to apologize for having the ability to think. Nor will I succumb to the sheeple who parrot Conservative prejudice, discrimination, hatred, and xenophobia.

I say loud and clear:

The USA Should Welcome Syrian Refugees

The War on Christmas

I read this:

"In the United States of America, a nation overwhelmingly Christian, literally any sign of Christmas in public can now lead to complaints, litigation, angry protests, threats, and bruised feelings. Every year the limitations get tighter and tighter and spread to more and more communities, far from the big liberal cities. And as Fox News Channel’s John Gibson reveals in this shocking exposé, it’s not happening by accident.
Secular liberals say they’re just protecting the constitutional rights of non-Christians who don’t want to see or hear about Christmas. But what about the constitutional rights of millions of Americans who simply want to celebrate their traditional holiday—without insulting anyone else but also without having to hide behind closed doors?"

on a website advertising a book for sale.
The name of the book is:

The War on Christmas: How the Liberal Plot to Ban the Sacred Christian Holiday Is Worse Than You Thought

and, the website is contained within this embedded link.

Another interesting read starts out with this:

”It was the Yuletide, that men call Christmas though they know in their hearts it is older than Bethlehem and Babylon, older than Memphis and mankind."

—H.P. Lovecraft[1]

The so-called "War on Christmas" (or less sensationally, the Christmas controversy) a primarily American right-wing demagogic neologism referring to secular attempts to keep the December solstice holiday shopping season culturally inclusive. It is famously fought every year by none other than Bill O'Reilly.

and, it comes from Wikipedia article, War on Christmas, You may read that entire article by following the embedded link contained within its title.

Zack Hunt, Writer, Blogger, and Speaker, has written something interesting that I found over on TheHuffingtonPost.com and I suggest you go on over there to read:
The War On Christmas Is Real and It's Being Waged by Christians, Posted: 11/10/2015 2:45 pm EST Updated: 11/10/2015 2:59 pm EST

And then there is the article over at The Washington Post that I suggest you also read. Just go on over to:
The phony ‘War on Christmas’ is back, fueled by those alleged Jesus haters at Starbucks

And now, I close out this Roland Hansen Commentary blog entry with the following two memes.

People Who Like Zombies Disgust Me!

Yep, you read that correctly. I think it is totally disgusting that some people are infatuated with zombies.

For quite awhile now, I have been aghast at the people who are fans of the television series, The Walking Dead, an ongoing story that is obsessed with zombies.

It is the Halloween time of year right now as I compose this Roland Hansen Commentary; and, many folks are going all out to have that zombie look. That just sickens me!!! The zombie part, that is; not Halloween itself.

Look at this still photo from a zombie scene of The Walking Dead:

ref: Cast and crew on zombie show The Walking Dead are 'turning vegetarian after grisly scenes put them off eating meat' By REBECCA DAVISON FOR MAILONLINE PUBLISHED: 08:19 EST, 19 October 2014 | UPDATED: 09:08 EST, 19 October 2014

Now, tell me:
Is that how you want to think of your dear deceased loved ones, your parents, grandparents, spouse, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, children, and others?

The Republican Party according to Harry S. Truman. 33rd President of the United States of America

Harry S. Truman was a member of the Democratic Party and he also was the 33rd President of the United States of America. He had some strong thoughts concerning partisan politics of the Democratic Party versus the Republican Party.

Here is a copy and paste of some of his partisan poitical thoughts about Republicans according to one web site I found on the internet (attribution and link to the website immediately follows the quoted material): 

The 10 Truest Things Harry Truman Said About Republicans

#1. “The Republicans believe in the minimum wage — the more the minimum, the better.”

#2. “Richard Nixon is a no good, lying bastard. He can lie out of both sides of his mouth at the same time, and if he ever caught himself telling the truth, he’d lie just to keep his hand in.”

#3. “A bureaucrat is a Democrat who holds some office that a Republican wants.”

#4. “Republicans don’t like people who talk about depressions. You can hardly blame them for that. You remember the old saying: Don’t talk about rope in the house where somebody has been hanged.”

#5. “It's an old political trick: "If you can't convince 'em, confuse 'em." But this time it won't work.”

#6. “A leader in the Democratic Party is a boss, in the Republican Party he is a leader.”

#7. "Carry the battle to them, don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything."

#8. "When a fellow tells me he's bipartisan, I know he's going to vote against me."

#9. "Republicans approve of the American farmer, but they are willing to help him go broke. They stand four-square for the American home--but not for housing. They are strong for labor--but they are stronger for restricting labor's rights. They favor minimum wage--the smaller the minimum wage the better. They endorse educational opportunity for all--but they won't spend money for teachers or for schools. They think modern medical care and hospitals are fine--for people who can afford them. They consider electrical power a great blessing--but only when the private power companies get their rake-off. They think American standard of living is a fine thing--so long as it doesn't spread to all the people. And they admire the Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it."

#10. “The Republicans … will try to make people believe that everything the Government has done for the country is socialism. They will go to the people and say: "Did you see that social security check you received the other day—you thought that was good for you, didn't you? That's just too bad! That's nothing in the world but socialism. Did you see that new flood control dam the Government is building over there for the protection of your property? Sorry—that's awful socialism! That new hospital that they are building is socialism. Price supports, more socialism for the farmers! Minimum wage laws? Socialism for labor! Socialism is bad for you, my friend. Everybody knows that. And here you are, with your new car, and your home, and better opportunities for the kids, and a television set—you are just surrounded by socialism! Now the Republicans say, ‘That's a terrible thing, my friend, and the only way out of this sinkhole of socialism is to vote for the Republican ticket.’"

ref: The 10 Truest Things Harry Truman Said About Republicans, Fired Up! Missouri,

Well, let me add something to that. The following is a reproduction of an entry I made over on my other blog, Roland's Ramblings.

I saw this meme on Facebook allegedly attributing a quote to Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States of America:

I decided to check its contents out for factual accuracy. So, I turned to good, ol' faithful Snopes.com.

Lo and behold, I discovered the remarks attributed to President Truman in the meme really are true; although. the meme itself has deleted some of the other remarks that Harry Truman made in his speech of October 13, 1948.

The following is what I found over at Snopes.

Claim: Text reproduces a statement by President Harry Truman about Republicans.Origins: On 13 October 1948, President Harry Truman made an appearance in St. Paul, Minnesota, stumping on behalf of both his own re-election campaign and a bid by the mayor of Minneapolis, fellow Democrat Hubert Humphrey, to land a seat in the U.S. Senate. During that appearance in St. Paul, President Truman delivered an address at the city's Municipal Auditorium which was carried on a nationwide radio broadcast and included the criticism of the Republican Party referenced above:

Today the forces of liberalism face a crisis. The people of the United States must make a choice between two ways of living — a decision which will affect us the rest of our lives and our children and our grandchildren after us.

On the other side, there is the Wall Street way of life and politics. Trust the leader! Let big business take care of prices and profits! Measure all things by money! That is the philosophy of the masters of the Republican Party.

Well, I have been studying the Republican Party for over 12 years at close hand in the Capital of the United States. And by this time, I have discovered where the Republicans stand on most of the major issues.

Since they won't tell you themselves, I am going to tell you.

They approve of the American farmer — but they are willing to help him go broke.

They stand four-square for the American home — but not for
housing.

They are strong for labor — but they are stronger for restricting labor's rights.

They favor a minimum wage — the smaller the minimum the better.

They indorse educational opportunity for all — but they won't spend money for teachers or for schools.

They think modern medical care and hospitals are fine — for people who can afford them.

They approve of Social Security benefits — so much so that they took them away from almost a million people.

They believe in international trade — so much so that they crippled our reciprocal trade program, and killed our International Wheat Agreement.

They favor the admission of displaced persons — but only within shameful racial and religious limitations.

They consider electric power a great blessing — but only when the private power companies get their rake-off.

They say TVA is wonderful — but we ought never to try it again.

They condemn "cruelly high prices" — but fight to the death every effort to bring them down.

They think the American standard of living is a fine thing — so long as it doesn't spread to all the people.

And they admire the Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it.

Now, my friends, that is the Wall Street Republican way of life. But there is another way — there is another way — the Democratic way, the way of the Democratic Party.

ref: Snopes, Politics Quotes, October Surprise, updated Oct 2, 2012.

ref: President Harry S. Truman – Views on the Republican Party in the U.S.A., Roland's Ramblings, Posted on October 23, 2015.

My opinion of the Republican Party is actually quite similar to that of President Truman.

I would be interested in reading comments from other people on this topic.

Guns Are A Right. Health Care Is A Privilege. It's The American Way!

U.S.A. - U.S.A. - U.S.A. 

In the United States of America, there is a common belief that individual citizens have a legal right to own a gun. Advocates of this perspective cite the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution as the authority. Others who disagree with that perspective assert that the constitutional amendment applies only to the "militia", i.e. the National Guard, of each state within the United States.

On another public policy issue, many gun proponents are opposed to health care being a right of the United States citizenry. These folks think of health care as a privilege and assert that individuals who desire health care should be required to purchase health care in the private, profit-driven marketplace. Meanwhile, those persons in favor of universal health coverage are decried as socialists by their opponents.

Conservative vs. Liberal Beliefs

Gun Control:
Conservative - The Second Amendment gives citizens the right to keep and bear arms.  Individuals have the right to defend themselves.  There are too many gun control laws – additional laws will not lower gun crime rates.  What is needed is enforcement of current laws.  Gun control laws do not prevent criminals from obtaining guns.  More guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens mean less crime.
Liberal - The Second Amendment does not give citizens the right to keep and bear arms, but only allows for the state to keep a militia (National Guard).  Individuals do not need guns for protection; it is the role of local and federal government to protect the people through law enforcement agencies and the military.  Additional gun control laws are necessary to stop gun violence and limit the ability of criminals to obtain guns.  More guns mean more violence.
Healthcare:
Conservative - Support competitive, free market health care system.  All Americans have access to health care.  The debate is about who should pay for it.  Free and low-cost government-run programs (socialized medicine) result in higher costs and everyone receiving the same poor-quality health care.  Health care should remain privatized.  The problem of uninsured individuals should be addressed and solved within the free market healthcare system – the government should not control healthcare.
Liberal - Support free or low-cost government controlled health care.  There are millions of Americans who can’t afford health care and are deprived of this basic right.  Every American has a right to affordable health care.  The government should provide equal health care benefits for all, regardless of their ability to pay.

ref: Student News Daily, Conservative vs. Liberal Beliefs

Right Wing (Conservative) vs. Left Wing (Liberal)

Gun Rights:
Right Wing - While some on the right are moving from strongly and wholly supporting the Second Amendment to accepting a ban on assault weapons, many still stand firmly in support of the right to bear arms. Their argument is that guns don't kill people; people kill people, and every citizen should retain the right to defend himself. The right to bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. constitution, and any attempt to regulate gun sales infringes on this right.
Left Wing - The left is in favor of restricting gun ownership altogether, or at least banning automatic or assault weapons.
Healthcare Policy:
Right Wing - Oppose government-provided universal healthcare and the Affordable Care Act. Favor competition to Medicare from private insurance companies; oppose Medicaid expansion.
Left Wing - Believe that access to healthcare is one of the fundamental rights of all citizens. Support universal healthcare, the Affordable Care Act, expansion of Medicare and Medicaid.

ref: Diffen, Left Wing vs. Right Wing

I suggest you read the article to which I have placed an embedded link:

Why is gun ownership considered a "basic human right," but not healthcare in the US?

For the past half-century or so, there has been a popular phrase in the United States of America:

America: Love It Or Leave It!

It is not uncommon for me to use satire and/or sarcasm in my verbal and written communications. That being acknowledged, perhaps, you may now understand why this Roland Hansen Commentary is entitled:

Guns Are A Right. Health Care Is A Privilege. It's The American Way!

USA - 2015 Democratic Primary Presidential Debate vis-a-vis The Republicans

Autumn 2015: Both major political parties in the United States of America have begun the debate forums of their respective candidates for the 2016 election of President of the United States. I think of the American GOP Republican Party President Candidates debates and the Democratic Party President Candidates debates as class warfare. The Democrats have class; the Republicans do not.

President Barack Obama and the White House Summit on Worker Voice

I just read a very interesting blog entry by Michael Byrne entitled "White House Spotlights Importance of Unions" over on the website of A.F.S.C.M.E. - the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.

I will be right upfront with you: I love AFSCME.
Back in the day during my employment in the public sector, I was not just a member of AFSCME, I was very active in it holding several positions within the union at the local, regional, and state levels.
And as a result of my AFSCME involvement, I was also active in several union organizations.
Here is a listing of my labor union activities during my days of employment in the public sector.

• Local 544 AFSCME, AFL-CIO: Steward, Chief Steward, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Vice President, P.E.O.P.L.E. (Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislaive Equality) Committee (i.e. Political Action) Chairman, Newsletter Assistant Editor.
• Northwest Ohio District Council 46 AFSCME, AFL-CIO: Delegate, P.E.O.P.L.E. Committee Chairman.
• Ohio Council 8 AFSCME, AFL-CIO, State Administrative Committee (Execuive Board), Annual P.E.O.P.L.E. Raffle Fundraising Chairman.
• Toledo Port Council, AFL-CIO, Delegate.
• Toledo Area AFL-CIO Council, Delegate.
• Ohio Labor Press Association.

And while working my way through college and prior to my graduation, I was a member of Local 1058 UAW and of Local 954 Retail Clerks, AFL-CIO.

But, I digress. Back on topic. As stated in the opening sentence, I read the interesting blog entry. I have reproduced its opening remarks below, in which I have also embedded a link that will take you to the entire article. Just follow that embedded link and you can read the entire thing.

President Obama hosted a “White House Summit on Worker Voice” Oct. 7 that focused on the importance of unions in the modern economy, a welcome national spotlight that comes as more Americans say they approve of unions.

Donald Trump. Adolf Hitler. Similar Style of Political Speech.

“The broad masses of a population are more amenable to the appeal of rhetoric than to any other force.” - Adolf Hitler

IN MY OPINION:

Unlike all the other candidates for President of the United States of America, the style of political speech used by Donald Trump of preying on prejudice, fear, and hatred is no different than the style of political speech used by Adolf Hitler. 

As I have listened to the speeches made by Donald Trump in his power-crazed quest for the Presidency of the United States of America, I have observed that he uses speech that preys on emotions, prejudice, fear, and hatred on a regular, consistent, and constant basis. That style of speech making is very similar to the style of speech used by Adolf Hitler in his power-crazed quest to control Germany, then Europe, and eventually the world. Fortunately, Hitler was stopped, but not before he gained control of Germany along with much of Europe, and not before the Hitler-inspired senseless slaughter of millions of people.

"In today’s society people often express disbelief that somebody like Hitler could gain and maintain the support of a nation. It is a credit to his skills of rhetoric that he was able to maintain an image of such righteousness in the midst of such atrocities .....
It is interesting in analysis to discover that appeals to pathos and ethos can override much of the need for logical argument in a persuasive situation. Surely this and other speeches combined with the actions of the Reich prove that emotion and trust can motivate just as effectively (or more) than logic alone. It should come as no surprise, then, when modern politicians attempt to use these appeals rather than explain clearly and logically what they have done or will do. It should also come as no surprise that, after having witnessed what can happen when this technique is used, the American people in the majority are mistrusting of politicians."

ref: Greg, A Political Speech Analysis., Six Mile Village, October 20, 2006.

"The personality cult around Hitler was of epic proportions. Germans, generally depressed about post-WWI conditions, looked to Hitler for guidance out of their dismal circumstances. Hitler's rhetoric and symbolic representations furthered this notion of Hitler as a savior. However, these are not the only factors that contributed to the personality cult around Hitler. Further research could include the role of the media and propaganda in fueling the personality cult, as well as other influences. A comprehensive understanding of the personality cult around Hitler could supplement the debate over how seemingly ordinary Germans participated in the implementation of the Final Solution. This theory helps to show how ordinary people became emotionally attached to a charismatic leader like Hitler and, because of this attachment, were willing to embrace his ideas and carry out his plans."

ref: Sitemaker, Fascist Personality Cult, Adolf Hitler, University of Michigan.

Donald Trump wants to make America great (strong) again. He advocates the central idea of strengthening American citizenship by excluding and controlling Mexican people and others deemed non-American. That sounds familiar, somehow. Oh, yes, it was Adolf Hitler who advocated:

"the central idea of strengthening German citizenship by excluding and controlling Jewish people and others deemed non-German. ... how did that help lead to Hitler’s ultimate rise to Nazi power? .. His record of speech-making was what brought the audience to that hall in Munich in 1920. And, as Stefan Kanfer explained in TIME’s 1989 examination of the origins of World War II, Hitler’s power was closely linked to his abilities as an orator"

ref: Rothman, Lily, How a Speech Helped Hitler Take Power, Time, February 24, 2015.

Gee, I wonder how The Donald ever gained the insight of speechmaking. Could it be that his ex-wife was being truthful in an allegation she made? Well, take a look by opening the embedded link and read the following article: Macias, Amanda, 
Donald Trump's ex-wife once said Trump kept a book of Hitler's speeches by his bed, Business Insider, August 28, 2015.

"When he lets rip on Mexican immigrants, global warming or hits back personally at the very people trying to interview him (e.g. accusing Fox’s Megyn Kelly of being on her period), unlike 99% of politicians in the same situation he never issues an apology. ... He doesn’t temper his remarks. ...
He doesn’t backtrack. ... And he doesn’t apologise. Ever."

ref: Raynsford, Jody, TRUMP: THE ART OF DIVISION AND PERSUASION, Copy Chief. September 9, 2015.

Is the King James Bible an authoritative factual source?

People believe what they choose to believe. Most have an attitude of "Don't confuse me with the facts; my mind is made up." I am constantly amazed at the folks who quote bible verses as an authoritative factual source.

One web page article that I have read starts out with "The fascinating story of how we got the Bible in its present form actually starts thousands of years ago ..." Read that entire article web page by following the embedded link contained within its title as follows, English Bible History. 

Inquiring minds want to learn more. Okay, then, follow the embedded link that will take you on over to the National Geographic web page King James Bible.

For further information regarding the King James Bible, I suggest you read another web page article that also has an embedded link contained within its title: Story Behind King James Bible, Ken Curtis, Ph.D.

Yet some more may be read over at A Brief History of the King James Bible, By Dr. Laurence M. Vance.

In conclusion, I place a link below for you to read a very interesting article from Newsweek:
The Bible: So Misunderstood It's a Sin
BY KURT EICHENWALD / DECEMBER 23, 2014 6:54 AM EST

God, Country, Same Sex Marriage, Mike Huckabee, and Kim Davis.

"After five nights in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, Kim Davis, a Kentucky county clerk, walked free Tuesday to a roar of cheers from thousands of supporters ... She walked onstage to thunderous applause, the song “Eye of the Tiger” playing on loudspeakers, her hands held aloft by one of her lawyers, Mathew D. Staver, and Mike Huckabee, a Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas governor."

ref: ALAN BLINDER and RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA, Kim Davis, Free From Kentucky Jail, Won’t Say if She Will Keep Defying Court, The New York Times, September 8, 2015.

Brian Maxson, a friend of mine on Facebook, stated

"the FACT that HER "pushing her beliefs" not only violated the judge's order and put her in jail in the first place, SCOTUS ruling supercedes the state laws."OBERGEFELL v. HODGES" 2-b in the ruling states:(b) The Fourteenth Amendment requires a State to license a marriage between two people of the same sex. Pp. 10–27.

ref:
SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
Syllabus
OBERGEFELL ET AL. v. HODGES, DIRECTOR, OHIO
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, ET AL.

What would happen if Kim Davis' religious beliefs required her to be a vegan? Would that affect the performance of her duties as Clerk?

Did The Founders of the United States of America intend our country to be a Christian republic?

Myth: The Founders intended the U.S. to be a Christian republic.
Fact: If the Founders had wanted a Christian republic, they would have made one.
Summary: If the Founders had intended this to be a Christian Republic, they would not have separated Church and State in the constitution. Besides, many of the founders were Deists or atheists, not Christians; it would have been impossible for them to intend a Christian Republic.

Read more about that over at its web page on the website Liberalism Resurgent, Steve Kangas, editor.

FACT: Kim Davis is not being discriminated against because of her religious convictions.
FACT: Kim Davis is a public servant, an elected government official sworn to uphold the laws of the United States of America.
Fact: Kim Davis is refusing to perform the duties of her job.
Fact: Kim Davis is in contempt of Court.

I cannot help but wonder ...

Well, regardless of legalities, regardless of the Constitution, regardless of equal rights under the law, there is a horde of people who support Kim Davis. Is there a good response to those people who wish to quote Bible to impose their beliefs on others? Well, WATCH AND LISTEN:

How to silence Kim Davis supporters who cherry-pick the Bible ...
How to silence Kim Davis supporters who cherry-pick the Bible to discriminate against LGBT Americans.In the comments, tag your friends who need to see this.Video by Occupy Democrats, please LIKE our page!
Posted by Occupy Democrats on Friday, September 4, 2015

Jesse Ventura on The Minimum Wage.

"James George Janos better known by his stage name Jesse Ventura is an American former professional wrestler, actor, political commentator, author, naval veteran, and politician who served as the 38th Governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003."
Go on over to the following embedded link to read the entire Wikipedia Jesse Ventura article.

Business for the Rich. Socialism for the Poor.

Christine Summers Diehl on Jimbo Diehl on Politicians and Me

From the Facebook Wall of Christine Summers Diehl

Roland Louis Hansen‎ > Christine Summers Diehl
August 4 at 9:58pm

Apparently, from the dialogue that took place in a Facebook status update along with its message thread of comments this evening, Chris, your husband Jimbo Diehl has no use for or respect of me or my wife, Judy. In the poem that Jimbo wrote and in the comments he wrote in the message thread following the poem, he has effectively labeled me, Judy, and Marilyn Mount Kocevar as liars, cheats, whores, and scumbags. I find that to be extremely unfortunate.
By the way, in order to truly understand my perspective, it is very important to also read the comments that Jimbo made in the message thread that follows the poem itself. It is not the poem in and of itself that has me taken aback; it is the entire message thread with the exchange of comments that follow the poem.

If you click on the link that follows this sentence, you will be able to read the entire exchange in the message thread that took place after the poem.
ref: Jimbo Diehl Status Update and Message Thread re: "The Politician"

Jimbo Diehl
The Politician

I promise your wants and even more,
I will but vote it, once on the floor.
Please elect me and I'll take care of you,
Til' I'm in office and then we are through,
Perhaps I'll vote true, but first I'll get mine,
And vote for the lobbyist time after time.
Untold riches and even a plane,
Only to sell my country - straight down the drain,
No matter the party we're all the same,
Liars, and cheats for it's only a game,
To pass bad laws, and not even read,
except for ones self, what is the need,
The pay is so small, but I needn't a care,
For I will surely become a multi-millionaire.
I'm am the leader of all of my people,
But they are so dumb, nothing but sheeple.
They'll do what I say and love me galore,
But deep down inside I'm only a whore.

Like Comment Share

Christine Summers Diehl: To be honest Roland, I think you and Judy were very quick to take offense where none was given. The poem was a very general statement and no specific politicians were mentioned.
It degenerated from there as BOTH sides began to insult each other.
Jimbo has only ever had good things to say about you and Judy, and I think you know this.
We, and many others on both sides of the aisle are very upset about the way things are run in Washington. I think this is borne out by the abysmal approval ratings of the United States Congress.
The people have no say in their own governance anymore. At least at the Federal level.
Like: Jimbo Diehl, Donna Forbush · Reply · August 4 at 10:16pm

Roland Louis Hansen: The fact remains Chris, that Jimbo used the all-inclusive word politician. I am considered a politician; therefore, Jimbo has indeed included me in his denigrating remarks.
Like · August 4 at 10:19pm

Jimbo Diehl: You don't have a lobbyist, plane, multi-millionaire...etc. any insult was self administered.
Like · August 4 at 10:26pm

Christine Summers Diehl: I have to disagree then. You choose to be offended. I'm sure Jimbo never had a thought of you in his mind when writing this. People make general statements all the time. If I take every one of them personally, I would be offended every day of my life. I choose not to be.
Like: Jimbo Diehl · August 4 at 10:31pm

Roland Louis Hansen: BS is BS, Jimbo. Weasel out all you want, Jimbo. Write what you mean and mean what you write. You are entitled to your opinion; I do not dispute that for a moment. As a writer, you should know that your choice of words is extremely important in conveying your thoughts and meanings. You chose the words in your writings. You, in fact, used the all-inclusive word "politician" in your final shot at me on your own message thread when you wrote "Good Night politician."
Like · August 4 at 10:37pm

Roland Louis Hansen: You may disagree as you will, Chris. But, I think it more relative for Jimbo to clarify any misunderstanding that may have occurred.
Like · August 4 at 10:40pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Incidentally, Jimbo also wrote in another part of that same message thread at 9:06pm: "Did I rattle some scumbag politicians or what? Lol. Too funny" In that Judy and I were the only persons to express disagreement, I see no other intention with that wording except it to be pointed disparaging remarks about my wife, Judy, and me. It is quite apparent that Jimbo was calling both Judy and me "scumbag politicians."
Like · August 4 at 11:05pm

Christine Summers Diehl: Your comments to him were not any less insulting. And you were the first to make it personal. Did you expect him to sit back and agree? Jimbo never will. Just as you won't. So the entire thing was a futile exercise in my opinion.
Like · August 5 at 12:16am

Michael Kocevar: I don't see it like that Roland. Since we mainly tend to follow Washington politics, and Jimbo as well, I understood the poem from this perspective.
Like: Christine Summers Diehl · Reply · August 4 at 10:36pm

Donna Forbush · Friends with Christine Summers Diehl:
I do not know either of these guys, but I would guess from reading Roland Louis Hansen. remarks that he is a true liberal... They are so quick to take offense at something that is not directed at them.. Whining at the drop of a hat... I read what was posted about politicians and thoroughly agree, I thought it was funny and could not see where it was directed at anyone.. Grow up Rolandl, you sound like a 10 year playground bully...
Like: Christine Summers Diehl, Jimbo Diehl · Reply · August 4 at 10:43pm (edited August 5 at 8:37am)

Jimbo Diehl: I think you meant Roland. Lol
Like · August 4 at 10:48pm

Donna Forbush · Friends with Christine Summers Diehl:
Yes I did, sorry.. I did edit it...
Like · August 4 at 10:53pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Thank you for your kind words, Donna Forbush.
Like · August 4 at 10:53pm

Donna Forbush · Friends with Christine Summers Diehl:
You are welcome Roland... Now Man Up..
Like · August 4 at 11:05pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Man up to what, Donna? Please be specific.
Like · August 4 at 11:06pm

Donna Forbush · Friends with Christine Summers Diehl
Quit being so thin skinned, all politicians need to have thick skin.. It's part of the game...If you can't take this kind of a post, then you have no business trying to be a politician..
Like · August 4 at 11:13pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Donna, I see you evaded my request to be specific and instead decided to give your self-proclaimed expert opinion. You do not know me nor do you know anything about me. You may take your precoconceived prejudicial notions and your opinions and ...........

Oh, if you care to do a little factual research in order to gain some information about me, feel free to visit my Linkedin page. (Or, perhaps you would rather make comments to me and about me while remaining ignorant about me.) Here is the link to my Linked in page:
Roland Hansen, MPA | LinkedIn
View Roland Hansen, MPA's professional profile on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the world's largest...
LINKEDIN.COM
Like · August 8 at 8:30pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Also, if you care to do so, Donna Furbush, you may read background information about me by going onto the following link:
Roland Hansen Background Information
Roland Hansen, B.A., M.P.A. Background...
ROLANDSRAMBLINGS.WORDPRESS.COM
Like · August 8 at 8:33pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Bed Time for me. Good night, all.
Like · Reply · August 4 at 11:09pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Oh, I see that Christine Summers Diehl and Jimbo Diehl both clicked "Like" on the Donna Forbush comment, "I do not know either of these guys, but I would guess from reading Roland Louis Hansen. remarks that he is a true liberal... They are so quick to take offense at something that is not directed at them.. Whining at the drop of a hat... I read what was posted about politicians and thoroughly agree, I thought it was funny and could not see where it was directed at anyone.. Grow up Rolandl, you sound like a 10 year playground bully..."
Thank you Chris. Thank you, Jimbo.
Like · Reply · August 8 at 8:38pm

Roland Louis Hansen:
Roland Hansen Commentary: Jimbo Diehl on Politicians and Me
Commentary by Roland Hansen of Toledo, Ohio (Lucas...
ROLANDHANSENCOMMENTARY.BLOGSPOT.COM|BY ROLAND HANSEN
Like · Reply · August 9 at 7:04pm

Jimbo Diehl on Politicians and Me

A Facebook Post of Jimbo Diehl, August 4 at 9:43am ·

The Politician

I promise your wants and even more,
I will but vote it, once on the floor.
Please elect me and I'll take care of you,
Til' I'm in office and then we are through,
Perhaps I'll vote true, but first I'll get mine,
And vote for the lobbyist time after time.
Untold riches and even a plane,
Only to sell my country - straight down the drain,
No matter the party we're all the same,

Liars, and cheats for it's only a game,

To pass bad laws, and not even read,
except for ones self, what is the need,
The pay is so small, but I needn't a care,
For I will surely become a multi-millionaire.
I'm am the leader of all of my people,
But they are so dumb, nothing but sheeple.
They'll do what I say and love me galore,
But deep down inside I'm only a whore.

Like: Marilyn Mount Kocevar, Patty Crotty Aquino, Seamus Michael Hnat, John Liberto, Greg Putzke, Stuart J Dallas, Paul Pancio

Greg Putzke: Epic !!!!
Like · Reply · August 4 at 6:24pm

Jimbo Diehl: Thanks. I enjoyed writing it ;-) our hole government are assholes. ;-)
Like: Greg Putzke · August 4 at 6:41pm 

Jimbo Diehl: Did I rattle some scumbag politicians or what? Lol. Too funny
Like · August 4 at 9:06pm

Greg Putzke: You could maybe run with the Donald
Like · Reply · August 4 at 6:42pm

Jimbo Diehl: I think it would be easy. Just wipe out all the fecal matter and follow the constitution.
Like: Seamus Michael Hnat, Greg Putzke · Reply · August 4 at 7:25pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Basically, most people are the same as are the subjects of this poem. Politicians do represent the people, that is to say that poiticians are not any different than the vast majority of people. Fact: Most people lie, cheat, sin, are egotists being self-absorbed and self-centered. I think people who bash politicians are transfering their own feelings of guilt onto politicians; that is a whole lot easier to do than to admit their own short-comings.
Like · Reply · August 4 at 7:42pm

Jimbo Diehl: Ouch. One difference most people don't run on that as an "elected" REPRESENTATIVE.
Like · Reply · August 4 at 8:09pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Not enough of a difference to make a distinction.
Like · August 4 at 8:11pm

Jimbo Diehl: I beg to differ. A scumbag albeit a part of society. Does not force himself onto the entire population as something he is not. It takes a special loser to do that without one shred of conscience. The lowest of low. A politician!
Like · August 4 at 8:15pm

Roland Louis Hansen: I have run for office on 8 occasions and won 3 elections of those 8. I consider myself a politician; you consider me "the lowest of the low." I notice, Jimbo, that you are fond of name-calling. It is my opinion that when people stoop to name-calling, it is because they cannot debate or discuss things intelligently.
Like · August 4 at 8:22pm

Jimbo Diehl: I'll throw it out for likes
Like: Greg Putzke · August 4 at 8:25pm

Jimbo Diehl: You started. With your inference that
My bashing makes me a scumbag. I am free to bash scumbag politicians as I wish. Although they're trying to take away that right as we speak. You're free to call me names as well, but the mountain of evidence against politician falls on my side of the argument. You should be embarrassed to associate yourself with these ilk destroying our country!
Like: Seamus Michael Hnat · August 4 at 8:30pm

Jimbo Diehl: Oh most people aren't scumbags!!!!
Like · August 4 at 8:33pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Feeling a bit defensive, Jimbo? Think that taking the offense is a good defense. I never stooped to name-calling. I did not use or infer the word scumbag. That is your choice of words to describe politicians, me included. I started nothing; I commented on your poem that clearly bashed politicians, plain and simple. It seems to me that you are being hostile and aggressive in your apparent hatred of people with whom you disagree.
Like · August 4 at 8:37pm

Jimbo Diehl: Oh and as far as intelligence goes. I'll match mine verse yours any day!
Like: Greg Putzke · August 4 at 8:42pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Give me a break. Why do you think it is necessary to beat your chest? Do you believe it is some kind of macho competition to intelligently discuss an issue?
Like · August 4 at 8:45pm

Jimbo Diehl: Why is it liberals only think they are intelligent. Cracks me up
Like · August 4 at 8:47pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Now, Jimbo, who made that allegation? It wasn't me. Are you feeling insecure? Do you question your own intelligence? How about your masculinity?
Like · August 4 at 8:50pm

Jimbo Diehl: Lol you are to funny. You initiated the use of both of those words.
Like · August 4 at 8:52pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Really? And you talk about politicians being liars. You remind me of the phrase "pot calling the kettle black."
What does the pot calling the kettle black mean? What's the definition of...
IDIOMEANINGS.COM
Like · August 4 at 9:04pm

Jimbo Diehl: Ok I'll prove it
40 minutes ago you said intelligently.
23 and 19 minutes ago you said macho and masculinity

Yes you did initiate the use of both of those words!

The truth hurts doesn't it!
Like: Seamus Michael Hnat · August 4 at 9:11pm

Roland Louis Hansen: Truth is truth. However, you failed to be specific when you simply wrote, "You initiated the use of both of those words."

Now then, you need to re-read the entire statements and place them in the context in which they were used rather than extrapolating and spinning the use of those words to suit your own preconceived misconceptions.

And now, I shall take my leave and write no more in this message thread. I do not argue for the sake of arguing as you seem to do as you also seem to take so much pleasure and glee in doing so. I enjoy discussions; I enjoy debates. I do not get my jollies by engaging in malicious dialogues as appears to be your focus.

I suspect you will respond with something inane so you can have the last word. Fine. Do your thing.
Like · August 4 at 9:28pm

Jimbo Diehl: Good Night politician. Sweet dreams ;-)
Like: Seamus Michael Hnat · August 4 at 9:34pm

Jimbo Diehl: I beg to differ. A scumbag albeit a part of society (I totally disagree that most people are scumbags, in fact it is a small group compared to the entire population) does not force himself onto the entire population as something he is not. It takes a special loser to do that without one shred of conscience. The lowest of low. A politician!
Like: Greg Putzke · August 4 at 8:24pm

Judy Rosenberg Hansen: I am insulted by you, calling me a scumbag! I ran 3 times for the school board and won all 3 times. I did it for the kids to allow them the best opportunity for their future. Someone needs to step up and serve on these school boards and other elected offices. Also, don't forget your best friend Marilyn Mount Kocevar and her service to the community! Is she a loser in your book?
Like · Reply · August 4 at 8:37pm

Jimbo Diehl: Lol. So typical
Like · Reply · August 4 at 8:46pm

Judy Rosenberg Hansen: I find your lack of a good response to me as typical of someone who has not thought enough before putting fingers to the keys. Also, as a poet (used loosely) you must know that your readers will take your words and interject them into their own lives. That's part of what poetry is all about! Creative Writing 101
Like · August 4 at 9:07pm

Jimbo Diehl: Already discussed this way before your reply dear
Like · August 4 at 9:13pm

Jimbo Diehl: Over 12 minutes before your reply.
Like · August 4 at 9:14pm

Jimbo Diehl: And yes my mind flows freely to the keys I encumbered by our education propaganda and brain washing!
Like · August 4 at 9:16pm

Jimbo Diehl: Not. Lol
Like · August 4 at 9:16pm

Judy Rosenberg Hansen: I will not comment to you again on this. I have better ways to use my time, goodnite!!!!
Like · August 4 at 9:22pm

Jimbo Diehl: Sweet Dreams!
Like · August 4 at 9:22pm

Jimbo Diehl: In "my" opinion I feel most people reading my poem would associate it with members of our three branches of government residing in the cesspool we call Washington. If you felt the poem was on a personal level so be it. I have stated before my poems mean things in my mind. You pull from the poem your own thoughts and your own feelings. Ie don't shoot the poet for how "you" feel.
Like: Greg Putzke · Reply · August 4 at 9:00pm

Greg Putzke: Thought invoking? Yes, excellent. I think that's what your words are meant to do. Lively debate no doubt.
Like: Christine Summers Diehl, Jimbo Diehl, Seamus Michael Hnat · Reply · August 4 at 9:51pm

Greg Putzke: Just remember Jimbo, right is right and left is wrong. Lol
Like: Christine Summers Diehl, Jimbo Diehl, Seamus Michael Hnat · Reply · August 4 at 10:15pm

Seamus Michael Hnat: My sister works for the gov't, right in DC, for John Boehner. At least she is in the good side (but neither right or left seems to be right now in days) but a politician is a politician and they all hide things from us. All of which are mostly wrong in my opinion. She knows that I'm not fond of her or her job. I always love seeing her hands In her own pockets lmao.
Like: Christine Summers Diehl, Jimbo Diehl, Greg Putzke · Reply · August 5 at 12:23am

Greg Putzke: Right or left , the long term agendas seem to be quite similar.
Like: Christine Summers Diehl, Jimbo Diehl, Seamus Michael Hnat · Reply · August 5 at 5:09am