whitnebrat Loc: In the wilds of Oregon

Most of you know me as either a "libtard" or libertarian in my politics. It may surprise you with the following screed.
I was watching the state funeral for George H. W. Bush in the last few days, and I was truly moved. Not because of the policies of the forty-first president (which I disagreed with in many instances) but because of the character of the man himself.
As one of the last of the 'greatest generation', he embodied what it meant to be civil, to disagree without being disagreeable, and to be a "gentleman."
The contrast between that generation and the present time is almost light- years of both time and spirit.
We have gone from settling disputes amicably to settling differences with animosity, litigation and guns. We have gone from having civil discourse to yelling at one another through the anonymity of the Internet. We have gone from politics as being for the greater good, to politics as blood-sport with little thought as to what is best for the country. We have gone from soaring oratory which moved the entire country, to a Twitter feed full of hatred, vehemence and putdowns against those with whom we disagree.
George Bush (Sr) never raised his voice nor spoke badly of anyone, and compromise to achieve a common goal wasn't a concept to be avoided. Contrast that against politicians today, who yell insults at each other not only through the Internet, but even face-to-face or through the media.
That incivility has trickled down into social media, and even to this forum. It's almost impossible to have a discussion of issues without being called an i***t, a libtard or some other name intended to insult an opponent, and with no real reasoning or expounding of the facts involved with the original subject. Nothing really gets accomplished other than the ability of people to vent through the opaque avatar of a screen name.
The outpouring of support, grief and emotion on the train trip through the Texas countryside was impossible not to feel. Everyday Americans stood hours in the rain just to catch a glimpse of the funeral car carrying "Pappy Bush" to his final resting place. It was a fitting tribute to a man who said many times during and after his presidency "none of this is about me, it's about the country."
RIP, George.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

I too watch the funeral and it stuck me.... there is an unwritten law that people abide by.... never speak ill of the dead. I recall a man who passed away in my village... he was unkind to man and beast. He died alone, no one was there to hold his hand. But, the entire village turned out for his funeral. Perhaps they wanted assurance he was dead. Not one person spoke about his neglect of his horses, of his wife (who divorced him), or his children. As I reflect on this, and while watching those who spoke the eulogies for President Bush, I was moved to see the genuine emotions they exhibited. Indeed, he was a charitable man with an honorable heart. So now I wait for the media that treated him so poorly to come out with articles similar to those they wrote so long ago. And I wait for those on OPP who were equally mean-spirited to take up their h**e, which was put away by all, except one. Will it happen, probably not.... it seems that everyone loves and appreciate the dead. He was a very good president, who was quick to laugh especially at himself, he honestly cared about our nation...yet while alive and should have been praised.... he was not and became the best one term president of our nation.

Weasel Loc: In the Great State Of Indiana!!

I was glad to see the meaning of the word Legacy explained so many times.
His Legacy defined over and over so many times in the last few days, should be a reminder to those in attendance that they may go to the Great beyond without leaving One.
IE. The Obama family hopefully took notice of that fact.

Bad Bob Loc: Virginia

old marine Loc: America home of the brave

You still havent caught a ride yet?

crazylibertarian Loc: Florida by way of New York & Rhode Island

I don't like incivility either but look at what civility has gotten us - nothing. Ronald Reagan was as civil as any person could be yet he was completely vilified while a candidate and president. He, ultimately, accomplished nothing. No agencies closed let alone either of the departments he promised to close - Energy & Education.

George H. W. Bush, infamously, went back on his promise of no new taxes, which helped seal his fate, because the Democrats promised if he did, they'd reduce spending. We're still waiting for any Democrat to propose a reduction in spending other than for defense.

Now, the Dems are up in arms because Donald J. Trump is simply & openly returning their contempt that they've been dishing out since the days of FDR. To that I can only say, "Bravo, how do you like it?"

I am fearful that we have long since passed the point of no return. Many prognosticators are talking about a massive economic collapse in 2020 which will be laid at Trump's doorstep which will only partly be justified. His reductions of taxes will only be successful if it results in even greater spending reductions. The bills for our debts are coming due and on top of that will be the pension bomb, both government & private.

Last time I did the basic minor calculations, it would take the full Gross Domestic Product for more than 5 or 6 years to pay off the debt. That would leave not a red cent for any American to spend, even on necessities. I'll leave to to anyone else to calculate what a ten, twenty, thirty or forty year plan would entail. In any case, it would be necessary to bring spending under control, otherwise we'd be back again just shoveling sand against the tide.

To really bring this monster to heel, it would take a full scale assault and destruction. I think that at least 8 cabinet level departments would have to be eliminated with most of their function with the remainder assigned to other departments much of which, in turn, should be eliminated. That would likely be political suicide but it would not have to be.

I'll be preparing an article about how it could be done. See you later.

old marine Loc: America home of the brave

It makes sense to return to the original intent of our forefathers about Represenstives and Congress being positions of honor to serve, not retirement jobs.

A member of the House of Represenatives are in session for three months, and most don't even show up half of the time. They are too busy out politicking and raising money for the next e******n.

They are paid around $200,000 per year for a one term Represenstive. They don't do anything, their government staff does all the work for them. With their salary, office staff and other perks it cost the taxpayers close to if not more than one million dollars per represenstive and there are over 250 of them

Multiply that times the number of Represenatives and Congress and it cost the taxpayers close to a TRILLION DOLLARS every year.

This needs to stop. There should not be a retirement system set up for elected officials.

Government office workers i can see having a retirement system. Appointed or elected office no.