Friday five

CNN or MSNBC
elephant or donkey
newspaper or email
cartoons or satire
comedy or drama

God Bless,
R

Thoughts

I used to love politics, when I thought it could be used for good.
If you can't play the game, just acknowledge.
I'm tired of debates.
General rule:  If your lips are moving, your lying.
Voting is a problem when there are no better evils.
Don't evoke Jesus.  Jesus was and is not a politician.
God Bless,
R

Abortion

Abortion.
I don't agree with it, but I am not God.
Donald Trump:  are you securing Hillary's victory?
We win when we love
Not when we hate.
When you single out people for reprimand, your backtracking does no good.
You can't take it back.
What do you believe, really?
No politically expedient beliefs.

Just no nice words.

God Bless,
R

Loss for words

The Republican Party...I've lost the words for it!
The fight in NC?
Donald Trump in a blue tie?
Red goes with Republican
Have we lost our minds?
Some thoughts.
God Bless,
R

Good

After seeing all these terrorist attacks, how does one reconcile anger with the hope one has?  It's not something I've come close to answering.  I'm angry. I'm sad.  Hope and love always win, but at what cost?
Politics is in a sad state.We are in a sad state.
We fear, we despise.  We feel let down.  What have we sown though.  Are we reaping what we sow?  I believe that there's good in the world, we just show the bad.
We need to see the bad with the good, but maybe newscasts should switch the order of importance?
Just a thought.
God Bless,
R

Good

It's Good Friday, and I can't discuss all the savagery, hurt and nastiness in the world.  Jesus's act of sacrificial love is too great.

God Bless,
R

thought

Thoughts

When did a catfight erupt politically between Trump and Cruz?  When did Harvard educated men become so uncouth and stupid?

When did we become a country of factions?

Why have we commercialized every holiday for most faiths?

We are all prejudiced in some way.

Frankly, I've lost hope, even if I know it's not right.

At the end of the day, I have hope in Jesus.

Man will disappoint you.

I want my hopeful self back.

The world needs hope, a smile and a whole lot of faith.

God Bless,
R

love and war

We love
We hate
We fight
We want peace

What do we want?  After seeing Brussels, I don't know.
Some takeaways:
The nicer you are, the more you get hurt. Belgium has been so tolerant of others, and this happens. When you have to change who you are to survive, it's sad.
Our world is changing faster, and we can only hope to keep up.

All I can control is myself, and let go of the rest.
God Bless us all,
R

Cuba

President Obama visited Cuba today, and I applaud the move.  We can talk about political prisoners, we can talk about socialism, we can talk Gitmo, but we can't heal a lifetime of wounds with one visit. Rome wasn't built in a day.  We can't repair the sins of others, of ourselves.  I have hope, what other choice is there.  Hate doesn't breed results.  I realize the Castros have done many unjust things, but as long as they are still in the power, you work with the cards your dealt.  I will not punish a son or daughter for the sins of the father, and we do.  China has human rights abuses and political prisoners, and every time you buy a product made in that country you support what you despise.
The only recourse I have is to do my best, pray and let Him do the rest.

God Bless,
R

love and hate

War.  We love to hate.  We hate to love.
When will it end?
God help us!
God Bless,
R

water cooler

Water cooler talk:

Will it be a contested convention?

Will Paul Ryan sneak in the conversation?

This is almost a thriller.  Entertainment at its finest. 

Then we have the Supreme Court. 

Maybe I should just sit back and enjoy the show?

If you can't beat em join em. 

This is a battle with no winners. 

We all lose. 

We have seen the worst in people, I just hope I see the best.  I know it's there. 

God Bless us,

R

the heart

It's Super Tuesday, but there is something more important I have to say.
When Ben Carson formally endorsed Donald Trump for President at a press conference, He said there were two sides to Donald Trump, and frankly it doesn't sit well with me.  My grandfather always would tell me you're either good or bad.  I always found the statement too simplistic.  I can see it now.  You just don't flip and flop sides of your character to suit your needs.  If one must do that, then I wonder if you like who you are.  No matter what happens today, it is imperative I accept the outcome no matter what I may feel.  It says more about me than anything else.  Life is not about means to an end.  You don't end up changing Washington, it ends up changing you.
My heart knows better, no matter how much it may hurt.
God Bless,
R

Entertaining

Has running for President become a joke?
A foreign reporter claimed the race was entertaining.
Say what?
We can't agree to disagree civilly.
This race has shown why I can't put faith in a man.
Man will disappoint you, intent or not.

God Bless,
R

My thoughts

The debate last night finally had something:  substance and civility.  I'm no Trump supporter, but who knew he could be civil.  I don't agree with some of his statements.  He sounds like a Democrat, just with lots of money.  I've found that money doesn't buy class or intelligence.  You are willing to try to make a deal with the Palestinians at any cost it seems, yet you assert that most of the 1.6 billion Muslims hate us or want us dead.  Hamas and Hezbollah support the Palestinian Authority.  The Iran deal is one of the worst you've seen, yet you can deal with one terrorist and hate another.
Your forty five percent tariff on China is absurd.  When Ted Cruz explained about people shopping at Wal-Mart, and the tariff they would pay, Trump said we would build it here.  He wants to go back to isolationism, and that experiment didn't work well.  If you're so concerned about trade you need to thank your buddy Bill Clinton for that fiasco.  I am not anti-American, but we are interdependent due to globalization.  It is what it is.  You use illegal foreign workers because every business does it, well put your money where your mouth is.  You can't pick and choose.
You are not afforded the benefit of the doubt if you want this office.
It still means something, or at least I hope it does.
God Bless,
R

Politic

I haven't been watching the political stuff lately.
I miss and I don't.
God Bless,
R

Michigan

Have you kept up with the situation in Flint, Michigan?
How did it happen?
God Bless,
R

Politics

Do you think Trump will be the nominee?
God Bless,
R

Politics

Was Super Tuesday a surprise to you all?
It left me speechless.
God Bless,
R

yep

Super Tuesday!
I will watch.
God Bless,
r

ah

I love it when I get a call and it's a survey.  A survey about my values.  I hope I know my values. America's values confound me right now.
God Bless,
R

Politics

Today on Jake Tapper's program, Donald Trump, claimed not to know of the KKK when he was asked if he knew of a group supporting him in his bid for the Presidency.  I'm sorry, it is hard to believe that he has no knowledge of the white supremacist group.  It's disgraceful.  As a member of the republic, if you don't know the history of the country of which you aspire to be its leader, we've got a problem.  I will say I'm not a Trump supporter, but each candidate who wants to be the President needs to know it's history.
History can't be changed, just not repeated.
God Bless,
R

Politics

The debate last night.  I've seen clips.  Yikes.  Compromise went out the window.  Politics makes the juices flow both good and bad.  What are your thoughts?
God Bless,
R

President and politics

Watching politics these days makes me feel like reality does not exist.  Is this how people work these days.  When did the Presidency of this country become something we love to hate.  I used to take the Presidency seriously, and now I wonder if I watch is because I can't not watch.
God Bless,
R

Politically speak

A caucus tonight.  Yay.  This is unbelievable.  How much more will I watch?

God Bless,

R

Politics

Conservative has a new meaning after yesterday.  I'm confused.  No words for it really. South Carolina, wow. 

God Bless,

R

Primary

Got to love all the calls.
R

evening

What are your thoughts on the results this evening?
God Bless,
R

political humor

What is politics good for today

• you feel reasonable
• you get a good chuckle
• It makes you sad that you chuckle

God Bless,
R

Has America become a rude country?  We cheer Donald Trump, Chris Christie and Ted Cruz.  We scorn Marco and Ben.  The prevailing thought of this being a Judeo-Christian nation makes me think.  When did the nation reduce itself to fighting and partisan whatever you call it.
God Bless,
R

Politics...who are you rooting for?

I have picks on both sides.

God Bless

Politics

I am enjoying the political process once again.  There are some candidates who make me smile.  I love politics.  I love that we can make a difference.  Watching the caucuses made me joyful.  Seeing the capacity crowds was great.
God Bless,
R

Did you watch last night?

Looking forward to tonight.
R

Qs

I am looking forward to tomorrow.  No more what ifs. Just numbers.  It's that simple.
I have my favorites.  You?
R

politics

I am looking forward to tonight's debate.  I wonder if Trump will show up.  I wonder what will happen if he doesn't.  I like debates with substance, actual debates.  Am I wanting to much? It just leaves me speechless.  This spectacle.  When did running for President become a spectacle?  I'm to blame too:  Part of me is looking forward to the spectacle to see what happens.
What about you?
God Bless,
R

issue/election

What's your number one issue in this election?
God Bless,
R

Monday musings

I'm looking forward to the Broncos-Panthers matchup.
I'm torn as to who to root for.
Who's the better story?
The Panthers who look like they are having fun
The Broncos with the legend

Iowa caucuses...One week away finally.  No more what ifs.

Bloomberg- third party run...yay or nay?

A new day, a new week.  Will gas prices stay flat, rise or fall?

What are you thoughts?
God Bless,
R

Climate change

What are your thoughts on this subject?  I do believe we are affected by climate change.
R

Oh my

Went to CNN to see that Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump, and all I can think is what?  I still question why John McCain chose her as his running mate in 2008.  All I can think about is how she said she "can see Russia from her house".   I don't have any nice words to say about this. Going back to the Golden Rule folks.  I asked you to tell you a person's appeal to Donald Trump, the same for Sarah Palin is my question for you tomorrow?
God Bless,
R

Issue

Got a chance to see the headlines about the water crisis in Flint Michigan, and frankly I don't know what to feel. Was the state indifferent to the health of the residents?  Did they care?  It's hard to know where to start, because the basic writing prompts can't be answered.   It's sad that we have these issues in this country.  This shouldn't happen in this country.  Anybody have an opinion?
God Bless,
R

Children

Babysitting this week. Have any advice?

R

Diplomacy

Today's events are great.  Have you heard?
Five prisoners are free.  Does this mean that diplomacy is back?  I don't know.  I'm just happy and filled with joy.
God Bless,
R

Question

I've got a question.  What is Donald Trump's appeal?  I don't get it, at all.  I am asking real people, not wanting to believe polls or pundits?
God Bless,
R

wonder

New Year, another debate.
I tell myself I won't watch, but truth is, I will.  As Hillary says:  "I want specifics".  If any of these candidates want my support, I need specifics.  With all the Ivy League educations, one would think we could have a debate.  These debates have left me yearning for something else.  I want genuine.
God Bless,
R

Response

Last night I watched South Carolina governor Nikki Haley deliver the response to President Obama's State of the Union speech, and to say I was pleasantly surprised is not what I was expecting.  I don't agree with the governor very often, so to think I would like what she say...didn't think it could happen.  Did you watch it?  What did you think?  Now if we could work together.  Just a thought.
God Bless,
R

Grace

Sometimes the simplest things can mean the most.  Sometimes joy can come out of the greatest pain. After today, I don't want to look at life, at politics as a means to an end.  I want what I do to mean something.  I'll be watching the State of the Union tonight.  I want politics to matter, not be a laughingstock. Looking at the polls, our system of government needs common sense and compromise, naming a few things. Hope is needed.
God Bless,
R

State of the Union

Tomorrow is President Obama's last SOTU.  Some are cheering, some not, but as much as I complain, I am anticipating the speech.  It's bittersweet to see who will carry the torch next.
For once, I'd like to see a politician become a civil servant once again.  I'd like a nation that can compromise.  I'd like a nation that can rely on God.  Is there something you'd like from the State of the Union?  Is there something you'd like for our nation?  Will you watch?
God Bless,
R

Inconvenient

I know I've mentioned this somewhat before, but here we go:  When you feel like a second class citizen.  When the way you identify yourself is when you think of Al Gore's book An Inconvenient Truth.  I know the book is old and about global warming, but it's relevant here.
In America we think of the disabled as a entitled few.  Let me tell you, if you are disabled, you are entitled to a life of what if, and what shoe will drop.  You are constantly on guard, you have unreasonable amounts of fear, and you feel typecast.

1.  Your value is determined by how much you ask of the government.  It is not a right to visit your siblings in another state.  You can show them your medical devices card, and it doesn't matter.  The process of being violated in so many ways.  Some of which is too graphic to describe here.  Flying is a "privilege" not a right.  So is seeing my family a "privilege"  For a country that preaches family values, we aren't too family oriented.

2.  To those who question my patriotism:  Don't dare.  Your level of patriotism has no bearing on this issue.  I showing my patriotism by showing displeasure with its policies.

3.  Is this the land of the free, and In God we Trust?  Are we just a nation that caters to a privileged few, and only in election years, are the needs of masses even addressed.  Thank you Bernie Sanders.  You may not dethrone a Clinton, but you've earned my respect for never wavering on who you are sir.
Are we a nation of In God we Trust, maybe and maybe not.  Many in our country sincerely believe we are, but sometimes I wonder if we are.  Our political system lacks decorum.  It lacks civility.  It lacks kindness, gentleness, and love.  Some of the many fruits of the Spirit do not show.  The political candidates except Sanders, make me wonder what God might be thinking.

4.  We don't love our neighbor, until he or she proves useful.  When they cease being useful we throw them away.  We forgotten how to like one another, yet love one another.

Just a thought
God Bless,
R

money

The lottery is all the talk, but would you play given the long, long odds?  What is your take on those? My thought is why not try.
God Bless,
R

Clemson

I am a sports fan.  I used to be a bigger one, but a fan nonetheless.  The Clemson Tigers have rallied a state.  The cheers and tears are amazing. Dabo Swinney is making me believe again in how good college sports can be.  No talk of being paid, academic impropriety or the like.  Discipline, faith, and teamwork are cornerstones of the program.  College sports can be great again.
Who is your team?
God Bless,
R

Question

In our world, with all the gloom and doom, do you still have hope for our world.  It gets harder each day. I don't know whether to be mad or sad.  I don't want to be indifferent, even if that seems to be the only safe option. From famines to floods, the news just seems to be getting worse.  How do you handle what you hear and see?
God Bless,
R

2016 Resolutions for the country

I love my country, but some improvements can be made.

Can we agree to disagree?  What is so wrong with a little communication.  Have we lost our ability to have a conversation?  Does the media want to divide us?  Do we want to argue?  Do we like arguing?

Unity is important, but it's not exciting.  

God Bless,

R

Good Guys

This weekend, the Carolina Panthers finished out the season with a win, wrapping up home field throughout the playoffs. As exciting as that is, I'd like to focus on something even better.  After each touchdown, the ball used to score the touchdown is given to a child in the stands. The child receiving the ball will always remember the game fondly.  The team is loved for the gesture.  What could be better.  In a culture of overpaid athletes, one simple act, engenders a team to the community it represents.
Rooting for a touchdown score, now has a new meaning.
God Bless,
R

Change

I'm watching CNN this morning, and of course the talk is on politics.  2016 may be an election year, but it all is the same stuff, just packaged a little differently.  None of the candidates speak for me, as a handicapped individual. We are not an attractive voting block. It's just a fact.  Which gets me to a more important question. When you are handicapped, you will have to fight from the day you leave the womb. Many don't like the statement"it is what it is", but it's true. There are some battles worth fighting, and others not. Your options are not like a multiple choice question, it's either this or that, now pick. Being disabled does leave me a cynic, and for once I'd like a political candidate make me eat humble pie.
God Bless,
R

New Year, a new blog

I have decided to start a new blog.  I will still keep R's rue, because my thoughts there are not finished. I have decided to give you the scoop on sports, current events, and life through me eyes.  I always disliked the world handicapped, but it doesn't have to have negative connotations.  As in life, a word can have many different meanings.  I hope you will join me on this new journey.

God Bless,
R