Guest Column

Roe v Wade is a law passed in 1973 that essentially protects woman’s right to make decisions regarding their pregnancy.

Roe v Wade is a law passed in 1973 that essentially protects woman’s right to make decisions regarding their pregnancy. It followed the 60s where the country burst out of a puritan heritage into a free love, drugs and music era of Woodstock. It could be viewed as a cultural revolution that emboldened the young people to live a less restrictive lifestyle. As a result, the awareness of unwanted pregnancies and the dismal choices propelled a movement to protect women from back alley abortion clinics. So, they demanded and won the right to choose abortion and to have those abortions in a safe environment. What has evolved from there is nothing less than shameful. 37 years later we are not educating youngsters on abstinence or prevention effectively enough to greatly eliminate the need for abortion. We are not educating them about the realities of abortion. Instead we protect Roe v Wade so rabidly that we now sanction full term abortions in many places. It seems to be the prevailing belief that anti-abortionists are Bible toting, fundamentalist so we can turn a deaf ear to the message. In this day and age, the need for abortion should be all but eliminated. There are ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy. But that can only happen when the population is taught responsibility and educated on the realities of their choices. And it sure won’t happen when there are no consequences.

Well, now Nancy Pelosi not only speaks for us but tells us what we are thinking

Well, now Nancy Pelosi not only speaks for us but tells us what we are thinking. She announced recently that the State of The Union address is "so unimportant" for Americans. Excuse me? I think that a President reporting to the people is terribly important. Especially in these times where the intermediaries -congress, the media and Hollywood- distort, obscure and ignore the facts. The President has a duty to us and we have a duty as citizens. Ms. Pelosi's arrogant belief that she knows what we want and what is best for us highlights much of the problem in this country.

By their votes and actions and words Democrats want our nation to be a socialist society

This just needs to be said, it needs to be out there so maybe there can be some understanding. There is a lot of happy talk about unity. I believe in the principle and fervently wish it were possible. Here is my problem: by their votes and actions and words Democrats want our nation to be a socialist society. That scares the devil out of me. It hasn't worked and cannot work. I could go into all the examples where this is true and I could give all the arguments about why it would ruin our country. The fact is, the other side isn't listening. They are on a mission that will not be deterred with facts. So, admittedly, I stand in the path of unity if it means embracing socialist policies. I cannot be party to the destruction of something so many died to preserve. Sorry, that's just how it is.

Better For Health To Ignore The Climate Movement

London--A prominent epidemiologist has accused the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of inserting a false narrative into the debate on air pollution and health.

I like that our President is striving for real solutions on the border debate

I like that our President is striving for real solutions on the border debate and not accepting the temptation to prolong the problem by kicking the can down the road.

The male of our species is endowed with testosterone, the female with estrogen

The male of our species is endowed with testosterone, the female with estrogen. Testosterone is responsible for most characteristics considered "male", muscle mass, facial hair, deep voice. Conversely estrogen is the main hormone responsible for reproductive characteristics in women. It is these 2 hormones that tend to make women nurturing and patient nesters and make men aggressive and protective providers.

You only get one chance to make a first impression

Advice from a woman to the new batch of women legislators in Washington DC, you only get one chance to make a first impression. You carry the hopes, dreams and opportunities of women and immigrants on your shoulders. You can either be humble, learn, be a team player, set a good example and participate in accomplishing great things or you can be an attention grabbing, crude, loud mouth, who ruins it for those who come after you. So far, I fear you are the latter. Just because you got elected, does not mean you will be any good. Only time will tell.

In reality, the cost of the border wall would a very small percentage of the federal budget.

In reality, the cost of the border wall would a very small percentage of the federal budget. It is conceivable that the cost savings from Homeland Security would offset some because of less need for ICE agents and border patrols, the saving on troop withdrawal from Syria could help, the sale of timber from Federal lands being cleaned for fire mitigation could be considered, and any number of other cost saving measures are certainly possible. Even though 5.8 Billion dollars sounds like a lot of money (and it is) it is very small when compared with the total we spend annually. This has never been about the money, except as it acts as a control. It is about a philosophy, one where it is difficult to see any compromise. It is a battle between globalism and nationalism.

Prodding Trump’s EPA to reexamine Endangerment

Campaign rhetoric strongly suggested that the Trump Administration would redress the Obama Administration’s insane attempts to regulate every aspect of society in a futile attempt to control nature and climate. President Trump withdrew from the Paris Accord, initiated repeal of the Clean Power Plan, sought a reasonable replacement for the plan, and turned off the regulatory fire hose. Great start!

President Trump is taking a lot of heat for reducing troop levels in Syria

President Trump is taking a lot of heat for reducing troop levels in Syria. Sort of makes me wonder, how long do those people think we should keep troops in a country that commits human rights atrocities, who doesn't like our country and who cozies up to Russia and Iran? We have all but rid Syria of ISIS and trained their troops to continue what we have started. If not now, when? If not us, who? We cannot afford to continue policing the world. We carry the burden of too much babysitting of others. Our military is stretched too thin, endangering our soldiers and stressing our resources. We need to take care of our own people, secure our own land, reduce our own deficit and mind our own business. Again, this should not be a surprise, President Trump campaigned on this issue. Giving a hand up is one thing. Holding their hand forever is quite another.

Congress has passed 7 amnesty acts since 1986

Congress has passed 7 amnesty acts since 1986. Under President Reagan the 1st included provisions to strengthen enforcement and border control. 6 more amnesties were granted 1994, 1997, 1998 (2), and 2000 (2). After this there were 2 failed attempts by Congress thanks to a massive push back by the American people. Then in 2014, Pres. Obama took matters into his own hands, unilaterally granting amnesty to about 5 million more people. It against this backdrop that compromise becomes difficult if not Impossible. If we did not have the trail of broken promises and track record of repeated amnesties, we might be able to agree. But, you see, we don't trust that this will be the end, that borders will be secure and immigration laws enforced. We would be foolish to think that what is being offered will be done. This breach of faith must be addressed. It must be acknowledged.

Few people understand sacrifice better than triple amputee and purple heart recipient Brian Kolfage

Few people understand sacrifice better than triple amputee and purple heart recipient Brian Kolfage. He also understands the need for enforcing our laws and protecting free speech. Brian has taken on another battle-to do what Congress refuses to do,raise the money to secure our southern border. But, instead of being ashamed of their gutless response to the American people, the liberal elite are trashing Brian and his family. Who the heck do they think they are? They are the worst sort of people who cannot compete on the field of ideas and beliefs so they resort to threats and name calling. Typical school yard bullies. But guess what, a lot of Americans believe Brian is on the right track. They are sending their money and signing their names. Jimmy Kimmel says those people are dopey meth users. There are so many things I would like to say to Mr. Kimmel. None are fit to print. Suffice it to say that I believe we need more Brian Kolfages and less Jimmy Kimmels in our world.

Germany's green transition has hit a brick wall

More people are finally beginning to realize that supplying the world with sufficient, stable energy solely from sun and wind power will be impossible. Germany took on that challenge, to show the world how to build a society based entirely on “green, renewable” energy.

Unfortunately, you and I will be collateral damage

The press have not been able to do it. The Hollywood elite haven't been able to do it. Rumors and accusations haven't been able to do it.Now the Federal Reserve is taking a crack at bringing our President down. No doubt a crash or even slowing of the economy can do him a lot of harm. Unfortunately, you and I will be collateral damage. Because the truth is, a healthy economy makes for happy voters. The Supreme Court nominees, renegotiated trade deals, a more stable Korean peninsula,lifting of onerous regulations, and the return of jobs to our soil are very important. But for working families, more jobs, and less taxes have fueled a boom in consumer confidence. And Trump haters can't stand it. Too much monkeying by the fed might just send us back to the Obama economy.

Our President is trying to negotiate with people who don't care if a deal is reached or not. They have no skin in the game

When 2 business people sit down to hammer out a deal, both have something to win and something to lose. They weigh the gains against the loses. Ideally, both sides come away feeling like winners. This is the world President Trump understands. This is the way he has been successful. It is also the way rational people expect their Congress to function. We expect them to sit across from each other and stay there until a problem is solved. We want them to do the hard work. In doing so, they will learn about the motivation of the other side and they will gain respect. That's why business people often say they like one another. Here's the problem. Our President is trying to negotiate with people who don't care if a deal is reached or not. They have no skin in the game. Of the 12 wealthiest Senators only 3 are Republican. Taking an unyielding position on anything from immigration to gun control has no impact on these people. They fly in private jets, have drivers, have multiple homes, domestic help, the finest of healthcare, clothing and food. They give no thought to having money for food, utilities, insurance, or anything else. What would motivate them to compromise? Not a darn thing. They can grind things to a halt with no pain to themselves. That is why we are deadlock in this country.

Baby it's Cold Outside

This entire time wasting, headline grabbing, pure nonsense faux indignation about the song, "Baby it's Cold Outside" has got to stop. And any other ridiculous things like banning Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Regarding the aforementioned song, talk to me when you are done cleaning up and banning the disgusting filth, by Eminem and many others, that passes for rap music these days. I tried to find some that could illustrate my point. None were printable.

Dr. Willie Soon versus the Climate Apocalypse

“What can I do to correct these crazy, super wrong errors?” Willie Soon asked plaintively in a recent e-chat. “What errors, Willie?” I asked. “Errors in Total Solar Irradiance,” he replied. “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change keeps using the wrong numbers! It’s making me feel sick to keep seeing this error. I keep telling them – but they keep ignoringtheir mistake.”

America controls our oil industry - SHAME!

News confirms that Big Business in USA is manipulating the resistance to Canada’s pipeline to devalue and control Canada’s oil resource. We all know that Canada is losing billions of revenue each week due to the cancellation of pipelines to outside markets. These projects were critical to get our oil to other markets other than the USA. Reports confirming that cheap Canadian oil is subsidizing the American public is sickening. It is time for our PM to get both east and west pipelines going ‘as a national ‘ issue. IS our country so meek that we let outside interests stop our industries from making a decent profit? Do Canadians not ‘get’ that money from oil is needed to develop new technology by funding ‘research and development’ of sustainable energy? Although I am NOT an NDP supporter but I am also tired of people blaming Notely for this mess. It is clearly our Federal government that has not “ponied’ up to the reality that it is CANADA that is being hoodwinked by American businesses. If that is not enough to stoke some NATIONAL action and get those pipelines done, I don’t know what will.

President Trump "setting the tone" for our nation

I hear and read a lot about President Trump "setting the tone" for our nation. But I wonder, since we are a nation of, by and for the people, should we not set the tone and then demand it from our leaders? President Trump was elected by an angry and determined middle class that had been used, abused and forgotten. We wanted and needed a fighter, someone who liked and respected us and who knew how to fix things. We chose him, understanding his imperfections as well as his strengths. We are the backbone of America. The early to rise, late to bed, hardworking, family people. We take care of our own business and often suffer in silence. For the first time in many years we saw a leader who would represent us. There is enough incivility to go around and it didn't start, nor will it end with one person or one party. Both sides can point a finger at numerous examples of poorly chosen or downright nasty remarks. You and I can only control ourselves, so that is what we should do. Don't rise to the bait at email postings. Don't engage in arguments, political or otherwise with family and friends. Listen to others. Listening doesn't constitute agreement and often is all that is needed. We can also exercise our vote to bring people on board who play well with others. United we stand, divided we fall. Those are not just words, they are a philosophy to which we should all aspire.

Bernie Sanders opened the door that empowered people to embrace socialism

I am a grandparent who had an epiphany today when reading a piece about how Bernie Sanders open the door that empowered people to embrace socialism. My awaking was a sucker punch to the gut-this is my fault and that of many grandparents. Let me explain. As a child, I knew without a doubt that money didn't grow on trees and that anything but food and shelter was a luxury. Charity and sharing were part of our everyday life but we knew it was limited by our income and would require sacrifice. I knew that the only way to have food and shelter was to work hard. Things like dental braces, name brand clothing, and college were not part of our necessities. I wanted better for my children. I wanted them to be free of financial worries in their youth. I wanted them to have an easier life. As a result their children have no concept of how the bicycle, school pictures, extravagant birthday parties, baseball equipment, or annual vacation are paid for. They take them for granted. So the idea of socialism has no meaning to young people who have no understanding of the rewards of work, saving, sacrificing and budgeting. How many would be sold on the notion if they knew that it would mean a lower standard of living for them? Even those of us who get it and who could deal with going without really don't want to anymore. It isn't glamorous. But much of this generation has no idea in the world how to live without frills, much less actual necessities. We have to do better.