Expand your mind politically: I like much of what this young man had to say in his letter to the local newspaper, the Waco Tribune Herald. By Terry Commander You can't fix stupid.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I like much of what this young man had to say in his letter to the local newspaper, the Waco Tribune Herald.

By Terry Commander

You can't fix stupid. That's a common saying among many intelligent people. And, any politically correct concerns aside, it's absolutely true. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that it's often themselves being referenced in such criticism.

We live in an era when political rhetoric is based tooth and nail on the party of choice for millions of Americans. Most people do not choose to think for themselves. Rather, they listen for their political idols to tell them what's what. Instead of forming independent views on each particular issue, they go along with whatever their preferred party suggests and assume everyone else is stupid enough to do likewise.

I mention this because I have seen and read articles and letters to the editor in recent weeks where some ignorant folks string together this notion that, because one feels a certain way about one issue, they must agree with their political party about any and all other issues. "Oh, if you support gun rights, you MUST be against immigration." Seriously? Quite being the fool who caters to such a lack of intelligence.

I, being of independent mind, do not like party politics. I think for myself and formulate my opinions on issues based on careful research, common sense and a basic understanding of a literal interpretation of the Constitution as well as the critical context of history. I certainly do not subscribe to the popular idea of allowing political party leaders to tell me what is right and wrong to think and believe.

With regard to political issues, I tend to steer clear of my own personal beliefs, religion-wise, if they might impede someones else's rights to be free and happy.

I have a serious problem with using religion as a justification to make law. I also have a serious problem with trying to deny a private citizen his or her right to exercise his or her personal beliefs in daily life, which includes business ventures. We all have the right to pursue happiness. And we all need to remember that this does not only apply to people who subscribe to particular set of beliefs. It's all-inclusive, not exclusive.

I encourage everyone to actually read the U.S. Constitution. It is not a long read and you will have plenty of time after to read books about history that may challenge what you think and want to believe about things that happened. Take time to discuss issues with people of different political views and truly listen to what they have to say.

Don't just have your 'this is why you're wrong' reply waiting on deck. If we truly want to help move our nation forward, we must stop being obdurate and realize everyone has a view, they have a aright to that view and they have the right to exercise that view, so long as it does not hinder another's rights.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Terry Commander, of Bellmead, Tx., is a six-year Veteran of the Navy, having served aboard the USS Vella Gulf for three years and 11 months as a fire control-man. His ship participated in overseeing a hostage crisis between Somali pirates and the crew of the MV Faina, which was carrying important military cargo from Ukraine to Kenya. Following his service, he became an on-field security officer for the Texas Rangers Baseball organization. He is currently a student at Tarleton State University.

Ve'hoe

Granted,,,, but as in our current state,,, we cant let the over educated idiots, and racists who got us into this mess fix it,,, because they cant and wont....

You have to take the country back,,, cant do the same things,,,,, and at least have to recognize the pattern of group think stupidity,,, that got us where we are,...

There ARE hard and fast "facts"..... the left tends to ignore,,,, and then the ignorant repubs sell out their base for political power,,,,'

Revolution time...... like it or not,,, peaceful or not so much,,,, time is coming

slatten49 wrote:

I like much of what this young man had to say in his letter to the local newspaper, the Waco Tribune Herald.

By Terry Commander

You can't fix stupid. That's a common saying among many intelligent people. And, any politically correct concerns aside, it's absolutely true. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that it's often themselves being referenced in such criticism.

We live in an era when political rhetoric is based tooth and nail on the party of choice for millions of Americans. Most people do not choose to think for themselves. Rather, they listen for their political idols to tell them what's what. Instead of forming independent views on each particular issue, they go along with whatever their preferred party suggests and assume everyone else is stupid enough to do likewise.

I mention this because I have seen and read articles and letters to the editor in recent weeks where some ignorant folks string together this notion that, because one feels a certain way about one issue, they must agree with their political party about any and all other issues. "Oh, if you support gun rights, you MUST be against immigration." Seriously? Quite being the fool who caters to such a lack of intelligence.

I, being of independent mind, do not like party politics. I think for myself and formulate my opinions on issues based on careful research, common sense and a basic understanding of a literal interpretation of the Constitution as well as the critical context of history. I certainly do not subscribe to the popular idea of allowing political party leaders to tell me what is right and wrong to think and believe.

With regard to political issues, I tend to steer clear of my own personal beliefs, religion-wise, if they might impede someones else's rights to be free and happy.

I have a serious problem with using religion as a justification to make law. I also have a serious problem with trying to deny a private citizen his or her right to exercise his or her personal beliefs in daily life, which includes business ventures. We all have the right to pursue happiness. And we all need to remember that this does not only apply to people who subscribe to particular set of beliefs. It's all-inclusive, not exclusive.

I encourage everyone to actually read the U.S. Constitution. It is not a long read and you will have plenty of time after to read books about history that may challenge what you think and want to believe about things that happened. Take time to discuss issues with people of different political views and truly listen to what they have to say.

Don't just have your 'this is why you're wrong' reply waiting on deck. If we truly want to help move our nation forward, we must stop being obdurate and realize everyone has a view, they have a aright to that view and they have the right to exercise that view, so long as it does not hinder another's rights.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Terry Commander, of Bellmead, Tx., is a six-year Veteran of the Navy, having served aboard the USS Vella Gulf for three years and 11 months as a fire control-man. His ship participated in overseeing a hostage crisis between Somali pirates and the crew of the MV Faina, which was carrying important military cargo from Ukraine to Kenya. Following his service, he became an on-field security officer for the Texas Rangers Baseball organization. He is currently a student at Tarleton State University.

I like much of what this young man had to say in h... (show quote)

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Ve'hoe wrote:

Granted,,,, but as in our current state,,, we cant... (show quote)

Until recently, I had noticed your temporary absence. Welcome back, Ve'hoe. :wink:

Artemis

slatten49 wrote:

I like much of what this young man had to say in his letter to the local newspaper, the Waco Tribune Herald.

By Terry Commander

You can't fix stupid. That's a common saying among many intelligent people. And, any politically correct concerns aside, it's absolutely true. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that it's often themselves being referenced in such criticism.

We live in an era when political rhetoric is based tooth and nail on the party of choice for millions of Americans. Most people do not choose to think for themselves. Rather, they listen for their political idols to tell them what's what. Instead of forming independent views on each particular issue, they go along with whatever their preferred party suggests and assume everyone else is stupid enough to do likewise.

I mention this because I have seen and read articles and letters to the editor in recent weeks where some ignorant folks string together this notion that, because one feels a certain way about one issue, they must agree with their political party about any and all other issues. "Oh, if you support gun rights, you MUST be against immigration." Seriously? Quite being the fool who caters to such a lack of intelligence.

I, being of independent mind, do not like party politics. I think for myself and formulate my opinions on issues based on careful research, common sense and a basic understanding of a literal interpretation of the Constitution as well as the critical context of history. I certainly do not subscribe to the popular idea of allowing political party leaders to tell me what is right and wrong to think and believe.

With regard to political issues, I tend to steer clear of my own personal beliefs, religion-wise, if they might impede someones else's rights to be free and happy.

I have a serious problem with using religion as a justification to make law. I also have a serious problem with trying to deny a private citizen his or her right to exercise his or her personal beliefs in daily life, which includes business ventures. We all have the right to pursue happiness. And we all need to remember that this does not only apply to people who subscribe to particular set of beliefs. It's all-inclusive, not exclusive.

I encourage everyone to actually read the U.S. Constitution. It is not a long read and you will have plenty of time after to read books about history that may challenge what you think and want to believe about things that happened. Take time to discuss issues with people of different political views and truly listen to what they have to say.

Don't just have your 'this is why you're wrong' reply waiting on deck. If we truly want to help move our nation forward, we must stop being obdurate and realize everyone has a view, they have a aright to that view and they have the right to exercise that view, so long as it does not hinder another's rights.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Terry Commander, of Bellmead, Tx., is a six-year Veteran of the Navy, having served aboard the USS Vella Gulf for three years and 11 months as a fire control-man. His ship participated in overseeing a hostage crisis between Somali pirates and the crew of the MV Faina, which was carrying important military cargo from Ukraine to Kenya. Following his service, he became an on-field security officer for the Texas Rangers Baseball organization. He is currently a student at Tarleton State University.

I like much of what this young man had to say in h... (show quote)

~Another good article Slatt :thumbup: I especially agree with his last statement:

If we truly want to help move our nation forward, we must stop being obdurate and realize everyone has a view, they have a aright to that view and they have the right to exercise that view, so long as it does not hinder another's rights.

I wish more people OPP would consider this before commenting, it would make the conversations much more interesting.

LAPhil Loc: Los Angeles, CA

slatten49 wrote:

I like much of what this young man had to say in his letter to the local newspaper, the Waco Tribune Herald.

By Terry Commander

You can't fix stupid. That's a common saying among many intelligent people. And, any politically correct concerns aside, it's absolutely true. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that it's often themselves being referenced in such criticism.

We live in an era when political rhetoric is based tooth and nail on the party of choice for millions of Americans. Most people do not choose to think for themselves. Rather, they listen for their political idols to tell them what's what. Instead of forming independent views on each particular issue, they go along with whatever their preferred party suggests and assume everyone else is stupid enough to do likewise.

I mention this because I have seen and read articles and letters to the editor in recent weeks where some ignorant folks string together this notion that, because one feels a certain way about one issue, they must agree with their political party about any and all other issues. "Oh, if you support gun rights, you MUST be against immigration." Seriously? Quite being the fool who caters to such a lack of intelligence.

I, being of independent mind, do not like party politics. I think for myself and formulate my opinions on issues based on careful research, common sense and a basic understanding of a literal interpretation of the Constitution as well as the critical context of history. I certainly do not subscribe to the popular idea of allowing political party leaders to tell me what is right and wrong to think and believe.

With regard to political issues, I tend to steer clear of my own personal beliefs, religion-wise, if they might impede someones else's rights to be free and happy.

I have a serious problem with using religion as a justification to make law. I also have a serious problem with trying to deny a private citizen his or her right to exercise his or her personal beliefs in daily life, which includes business ventures. We all have the right to pursue happiness. And we all need to remember that this does not only apply to people who subscribe to particular set of beliefs. It's all-inclusive, not exclusive.

I encourage everyone to actually read the U.S. Constitution. It is not a long read and you will have plenty of time after to read books about history that may challenge what you think and want to believe about things that happened. Take time to discuss issues with people of different political views and truly listen to what they have to say.

Don't just have your 'this is why you're wrong' reply waiting on deck. If we truly want to help move our nation forward, we must stop being obdurate and realize everyone has a view, they have a aright to that view and they have the right to exercise that view, so long as it does not hinder another's rights.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Terry Commander, of Bellmead, Tx., is a six-year Veteran of the Navy, having served aboard the USS Vella Gulf for three years and 11 months as a fire control-man. His ship participated in overseeing a hostage crisis between Somali pirates and the crew of the MV Faina, which was carrying important military cargo from Ukraine to Kenya. Following his service, he became an on-field security officer for the Texas Rangers Baseball organization. He is currently a student at Tarleton State University.

I like much of what this young man had to say in h... (show quote)

Good post, and I can relate to it personally slatten. For years I would argue with liberals on forums, and it was clear who was the conservative and who was the liberal from our respective positions. Lately however, things don't seem quite as black and white as they used to, especially now that Trump's running for President. There may just as many conservatives who don't like him as those who do for various reasons, one of which is his liberal track record and his lack of understand or willing to use the Constitution as a guide for his policies. Now I often find myself arguing with someone on a forum and I don't even realize whether that person is a liberal or a conservative, because it seems that not all issues can be broken down that way anymore. Sometimes a disagreement is a just a disagreement.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

slatten49 wrote:

I like much of what this young man had to say in his letter to the local newspaper, the Waco Tribune Herald.

By Terry Commander

You can't fix stupid. That's a common saying among many intelligent people. And, any politically correct concerns aside, it's absolutely true. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that it's often themselves being referenced in such criticism.

We live in an era when political rhetoric is based tooth and nail on the party of choice for millions of Americans. Most people do not choose to think for themselves. Rather, they listen for their political idols to tell them what's what. Instead of forming independent views on each particular issue, they go along with whatever their preferred party suggests and assume everyone else is stupid enough to do likewise.

I mention this because I have seen and read articles and letters to the editor in recent weeks where some ignorant folks string together this notion that, because one feels a certain way about one issue, they must agree with their political party about any and all other issues. "Oh, if you support gun rights, you MUST be against immigration." Seriously? Quite being the fool who caters to such a lack of intelligence.

I, being of independent mind, do not like party politics. I think for myself and formulate my opinions on issues based on careful research, common sense and a basic understanding of a literal interpretation of the Constitution as well as the critical context of history. I certainly do not subscribe to the popular idea of allowing political party leaders to tell me what is right and wrong to think and believe.

With regard to political issues, I tend to steer clear of my own personal beliefs, religion-wise, if they might impede someones else's rights to be free and happy.

I have a serious problem with using religion as a justification to make law. I also have a serious problem with trying to deny a private citizen his or her right to exercise his or her personal beliefs in daily life, which includes business ventures. We all have the right to pursue happiness. And we all need to remember that this does not only apply to people who subscribe to particular set of beliefs. It's all-inclusive, not exclusive.

I encourage everyone to actually read the U.S. Constitution. It is not a long read and you will have plenty of time after to read books about history that may challenge what you think and want to believe about things that happened. Take time to discuss issues with people of different political views and truly listen to what they have to say.

Don't just have your 'this is why you're wrong' reply waiting on deck. If we truly want to help move our nation forward, we must stop being obdurate and realize everyone has a view, they have a aright to that view and they have the right to exercise that view, so long as it does not hinder another's rights.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Terry Commander, of Bellmead, Tx., is a six-year Veteran of the Navy, having served aboard the USS Vella Gulf for three years and 11 months as a fire control-man. His ship participated in overseeing a hostage crisis between Somali pirates and the crew of the MV Faina, which was carrying important military cargo from Ukraine to Kenya. Following his service, he became an on-field security officer for the Texas Rangers Baseball organization. He is currently a student at Tarleton State University.

I like much of what this young man had to say in h... (show quote)

He sounds like a centrist to me, which I thought a dying breed, but I'm perfectly happy to be wrong about that. There is hope for us yet.

eagleye13 Loc: Fl

LAPhil wrote:

Good post, and I can relate to it personally slatt... (show quote)

Yes; good post. food for thought.

Yes; LAPhill, you seem to be getting it.
Not as black and white . Not ALL R or D. Go issue by issue, and do your own homework. Try and separate the lies, half truths, from the facts.
Socialists believe in socialism.
Conservatives used to believe in the Constitution.
A lot of Independents, were forced out of both parties. Some figured out the BS coming from both.

That has been my position for decades.

Ve'hoe

Had to evaluate the worth of this site,,, when they allowed someone like khh1 to continue posting,, so long

slatten49 wrote:

Until recently, I had noticed your temporary absence. Welcome back, Ve'hoe. :wink:

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Ve'hoe wrote:

Had to evaluate the worth of this site,,, when they allowed someone like khh1 to continue posting,, so long

Understood. For any number of reasons, many have evaluated and re-evaluated the worth of engaging on OPP. This forum seems to possess a strangely addictive attraction. :| In a similar fashion as reading letters to the editor of one's local newspaper, the OPP forum provides insight into the thoughts of our fellow citizens. I, for one, appreciate knowing where others are coming from.

I am reminded of the old James Cagney movie, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy.' There was the scene in which his character, George M. Cohan, admitted to being stunned to find out that Americans were not celebrating his birthday*, the 4th July, for that reason. We all realize, at some point in our lives, that others may view things from different perspectives. And, oftentimes, with good reason. :wink:

*Although he and his family insisted on it being the 4th of July, baptismal records showed it actually was the 3rd of July.

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

slatten49 wrote:

Understood. For any number of reasons, many have ... (show quote)

:thumbup: Indeed, I originally came to perch in order to "understand others", and then found I had to really examine my own point of view. From time to time, I have been forced to look myself in the mirror and say "the joke's on you...what were you thinking??!!??" Humbling that is. Of course, other times.... :roll: :wink: What a complex society we live in, so many shades of grey.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Searching wrote:

:thumbup: Indeed, I originally came to perch in order to "understand others", and then found I had to really examine my own point of view. From time to time, I have been forced to look myself in the mirror and say "the joke's on you...what were you thinking??!!??" Humbling that is. Of course, other times.... :roll: :wink: What a complex society we live in, so many shades of grey.

If you were to "perch," Searching, it would be as a dove of love & peace, don'cha know. :wink: :thumbup:

Or, perhaps...a llama. :mrgreen:

Neal

slatten49 wrote:

I like much of what this young man had to say in his letter to the local newspaper, the Waco Tribune Herald.

By Terry Commander

You can't fix stupid. That's a common saying among many intelligent people. And, any politically correct concerns aside, it's absolutely true. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that it's often themselves being referenced in such criticism.

We live in an era when political rhetoric is based tooth and nail on the party of choice for millions of Americans. Most people do not choose to think for themselves. Rather, they listen for their political idols to tell them what's what. Instead of forming independent views on each particular issue, they go along with whatever their preferred party suggests and assume everyone else is stupid enough to do likewise.

I mention this because I have seen and read articles and letters to the editor in recent weeks where some ignorant folks string together this notion that, because one feels a certain way about one issue, they must agree with their political party about any and all other issues. "Oh, if you support gun rights, you MUST be against immigration." Seriously? Quite being the fool who caters to such a lack of intelligence.

I, being of independent mind, do not like party politics. I think for myself and formulate my opinions on issues based on careful research, common sense and a basic understanding of a literal interpretation of the Constitution as well as the critical context of history. I certainly do not subscribe to the popular idea of allowing political party leaders to tell me what is right and wrong to think and believe.

With regard to political issues, I tend to steer clear of my own personal beliefs, religion-wise, if they might impede someones else's rights to be free and happy.

I have a serious problem with using religion as a justification to make law. I also have a serious problem with trying to deny a private citizen his or her right to exercise his or her personal beliefs in daily life, which includes business ventures. We all have the right to pursue happiness. And we all need to remember that this does not only apply to people who subscribe to particular set of beliefs. It's all-inclusive, not exclusive.

I encourage everyone to actually read the U.S. Constitution. It is not a long read and you will have plenty of time after to read books about history that may challenge what you think and want to believe about things that happened. Take time to discuss issues with people of different political views and truly listen to what they have to say.

Don't just have your 'this is why you're wrong' reply waiting on deck. If we truly want to help move our nation forward, we must stop being obdurate and realize everyone has a view, they have a aright to that view and they have the right to exercise that view, so long as it does not hinder another's rights.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Terry Commander, of Bellmead, Tx., is a six-year Veteran of the Navy, having served aboard the USS Vella Gulf for three years and 11 months as a fire control-man. His ship participated in overseeing a hostage crisis between Somali pirates and the crew of the MV Faina, which was carrying important military cargo from Ukraine to Kenya. Following his service, he became an on-field security officer for the Texas Rangers Baseball organization. He is currently a student at Tarleton State University.

I like much of what this young man had to say in h... (show quote)

Well 49, this Terry dude seems to have his head pretty well together, and he's certainly correct in quoting the old saw that you can't fix stupid. Our country's current political disarray is rather disheartening in that partisans on both the left and the right look on their opposites as stupid. It's a quandary over which I've been scratching my head for some time.

My tentative conclusion from all that scratching is, that smart and stupid are probably fairly evenly distributed thru our population, but a combination of news sources, coupled with varying social traditions in different parts of the country, induce wildly differing political views. It's not a matter of smart or stupid, it's one's inclination to attempt separating fact from fiction.

Stupid folks accept news from familiar sources as gospel. Smart people tend to 'ask around' their news sources.

When stupid folks meet opposing ideas, they become defensive; smart folks wonder if they might be wrong and seek further information.

Meeting the suggestion that they might be wrong, smart folk seek a test
for their opinions - they attempt to cure their ignorance.

If you're really interested in this subject, Google - R. Douglas Fields and check out his paper titled: 'This is Your Brain on Trump.' The title sounds like another political blast, but no - this guy is a neuroscientist writing on one of those subjects making my head itchy.

Thanks for the interesting letter from Terry. I'm glad he's in school . . .

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Thanks, Neal. I enjoyed your link/article, 'This is your brain on Trump.' Good to see you back on the forum. It has been a while since I spotted a post from you. :|

Elwood Loc: Florida

slatten49 wrote:

I like much of what this young man had to say in his letter to the local newspaper, the Waco Tribune Herald.

By Terry Commander

You can't fix stupid. That's a common saying among many intelligent people. And, any politically correct concerns aside, it's absolutely true. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that it's often themselves being referenced in such criticism.

We live in an era when political rhetoric is based tooth and nail on the party of choice for millions of Americans. Most people do not choose to think for themselves. Rather, they listen for their political idols to tell them what's what. Instead of forming independent views on each particular issue, they go along with whatever their preferred party suggests and assume everyone else is stupid enough to do likewise.

I mention this because I have seen and read articles and letters to the editor in recent weeks where some ignorant folks string together this notion that, because one feels a certain way about one issue, they must agree with their political party about any and all other issues. "Oh, if you support gun rights, you MUST be against immigration." Seriously? Quite being the fool who caters to such a lack of intelligence.

I, being of independent mind, do not like party politics. I think for myself and formulate my opinions on issues based on careful research, common sense and a basic understanding of a literal interpretation of the Constitution as well as the critical context of history. I certainly do not subscribe to the popular idea of allowing political party leaders to tell me what is right and wrong to think and believe.

With regard to political issues, I tend to steer clear of my own personal beliefs, religion-wise, if they might impede someones else's rights to be free and happy.

I have a serious problem with using religion as a justification to make law. I also have a serious problem with trying to deny a private citizen his or her right to exercise his or her personal beliefs in daily life, which includes business ventures. We all have the right to pursue happiness. And we all need to remember that this does not only apply to people who subscribe to particular set of beliefs. It's all-inclusive, not exclusive.

I encourage everyone to actually read the U.S. Constitution. It is not a long read and you will have plenty of time after to read books about history that may challenge what you think and want to believe about things that happened. Take time to discuss issues with people of different political views and truly listen to what they have to say.

Don't just have your 'this is why you're wrong' reply waiting on deck. If we truly want to help move our nation forward, we must stop being obdurate and realize everyone has a view, they have a aright to that view and they have the right to exercise that view, so long as it does not hinder another's rights.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Terry Commander, of Bellmead, Tx., is a six-year Veteran of the Navy, having served aboard the USS Vella Gulf for three years and 11 months as a fire control-man. His ship participated in overseeing a hostage crisis between Somali pirates and the crew of the MV Faina, which was carrying important military cargo from Ukraine to Kenya. Following his service, he became an on-field security officer for the Texas Rangers Baseball organization. He is currently a student at Tarleton State University.

I like much of what this young man had to say in h... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup: He nailed it. :-D