High Truths and Low Lies

The Three Stages of Retirement:

Go/Go—–Slow/Go—–No/Go

July 18, 2024

“Punishment is not for revenge, but to lessen crime and reform the criminal.” Elizabeth Fry, English Quaker, prison reformer, 1780-1845.

For the average American, you will be able to enjoy retirement for about 16 years, from age 65 to age 81. Of course, many retire early, and many others live beyond age 81, I hope so!

For your retirement years, there are clearly 3 Stages of Retirement. Here they are:

STAGE 1. Go/Go-in this stage you are quite active taking 6-7 trips a year. Trips to Jamacia, the beach, a river cruise, to the mountains for a Xmas tree, perhaps 1 golf trip, and 1-2 trips to visit children. You are also active around the house with numerous projects. You cut your own lawn, plant flowers and maybe a tomato plant. You spread your own mulch. You play golf, some tennis, and/or pickleball. You clean your car-inside and out. And-you go to dinner with friends 1-2X a month. During this stage, you lose weight. Your dog, Molly, has slowed, but remains a very good companion. Life is good.

STAGE 2. Slow/Go-your trips decrease to 4-5 each year. One trip via air. At the beach, you rent ground floor unit. Your trips to visit children are shorter in duration. Too much noise! No more tennis. Sometimes you play just 9 holes from the “hybrid tees”. When eating out, you seek quiet restaurants. Afternoon naps are common. Your wife starts doing puzzles. You might have a joint replaced (knee/hip). At least one or two cocktails/wine every night. Your weight goes up slightly. Your TV room has a sectional sofa with 2-3 fleece throws. Molly sleeps 20 hours a day. Ugh! The IRS forces you to withdraw money (RMD). You consider the purchase of a convertible. Ha! life is good.

STAGE 3. No/Go-only one car trip a year, usually to the beach. If your children want to see you, they have to come to your house. Lawn service handles outside maintenance. Your wife and you prefer large print books. You enjoy the miniseries “Bridgerton.” You cook at home and eat dinner around 5pm. Your afternoon naps begin at 2pm. For exercise, you walk the neighborhood. Your pharmacist knows you by your first name. You have gained 10-15 lbs. but remain in good shape. Molly has passed, not being replaced. Life is still good.

To quote Joe Walsh, guitarist, “The Eagles” “life’s been good to me so far.”

Enjoy yourself!!

Another criminal from the NBA

July 15, 2024

“Pity to the guilty is treason to the innocent.” Ayn Rand-Russian author

This week, Jontay Porter pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a New York Federal Court. He informed sports bettors about confidential information in NBA games and helped rig the outcome of those games. This is despicable behavior.

Porter accepted a plea deal and will serve 4-5 years in Federal prison. He will also have to pay $450,000+ in fines. He is also being investigated in Canada.

Porter played in the NBA for the Memphis Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors. The NBA has banned Porter for life.

Jontay Porter has a younger brother, Coban, who is serving a 6-year prison sentence for vehicular homicide. He killed a 42-year-old woman in 2022 while driving drunk.

In Case you missed it!

June 24, 2024

“Never underestimate the power of stupid people, especially in large groups.” George Carlin

My local newspaper, The Charlotte Fishwrap, ran an editorial advocating the election of a 36-year-old lawyer to the NC Court Of Appeals. According to the article, electing a young candidate would bring “diversity” to the three-seat court. Bull. The Appeals Court hears cases already adjudicated by lower courts. The Appeals Court needs very experienced judges, not diversity picks. There is too much at stake.

Electric car manufacturer, Fisker, has filed for bankruptcy. See stock price chart below. The company was started in 2016 by Henrik Fisker and his wife Geeta, both from Denmark. The company spent millions to develop one model, the Ocean. That vehicle has numerous defects, especially and suddenly losing power. The company tried numerous financing schemes to stay afloat, including an IPO. The company’s electric vehicle technology did not work.

The NBA team, Detroit Pistons, fired their head Coach, Monty Williams. The Pistons had the worst record in the NBA, 14 wins, 68 losses, including a 28-game losing streak. Amazingly, Williams signed a 6-year contract last year worth $76 million. The Pistons have to pay out his contract. How stupid!!!

Russia and North Korea have signed a military pact. If one country is attacked, then the other country is attacked. North Korea now has a partner with a nuclear arsenal. Putin gets weapons and men from NK. Both countries have also pledged to strengthen their military. Where in hell is Biden and his Dept. of State. Trump had a good relationship with Kim Jong Un and most likely would have stopped this pact from being signed. Biden promised aid the NK if the country slows their nuclear development. Now they can slow, they have a partner. Biden is so weak. His policies have failed, and the world is dangerous. Houthis in Yemen and the Red Sea, Hamas in Gaza, Putin in the Ukraine, the Taliban in Afghanistan, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. All of this happened since Biden took office.

Congress is considering re-instituting the military draft. Volunteer enlistments have been trending downward for 10 years. Right now, men aged 18-25 must register with the Selective Service. That process is done via driver’s licenses and college admissions, but for men. What about women? Why are they excluded? I would love to see a panel of women rights leaders debate this topic.

Lastly-Caitlin Clark continues to set records and drag the WNBA into prosperity. Yet, social media fools are aggressively trying to harm Clark. Many of the posts are nasty. Yet, Clark has responded with class.

I cringe when watching Biden

July 7, 2023–updated post

June 16, 2024

“Never argue with an idiot, they will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.” George Carlin

Biden’s debate performance was disgraceful. And, quite frankly, scary. He obviously has some sort of dementia. Who is running the country? The WH and the liberal press has been covering up Biden’s medical condition. Why???

President Joe Biden is unfit for office. I can see it with my own eyes. He is an embarrassment to the US when traveling aboard. At the G7 recently, he was lost. At a fundraiser he had to be manhandled to leave the stage.

Biden can’t speak, even when using notes or teleprompters. His sentences are incoherent with strange words. He loses his train of thought and mumbles. And when asked a serious question, Biden get angry.

Biden can’t walk. He takes small (baby steps) and keeps his arms at his sides. Sometimes he gets in a trance, standing motionless for 7-10 seconds with his mouth open.

We all see it. Yet the White House says the videos are fake. I guess Donald Trump was right about “fake news.” Of course, the videos are real and numerous. Other world leaders see what we see. Can you imagine Biden speaking with Putin making demands to stop the war in the Ukraine???

Biden’s job is to run the Executive Branch of the US government. He is the country’s CEO. And he is charge of the country’s foreign relations. Hell-he can’t even get the USPS to break even, ($7 billion operating loss last year).

I cannot understand any intelligent adult in the US casting a ballot in November for Biden. He is incapable of running this country.

My “Gems” for the Week!

May 24, 2024

“The problem with Socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people’s money.” Margaret Thatcher, Bristish PM 1979-1990.

German Test scores:

A new batch of standardized tests show Germany’s students at the bottom. Almost all other countries in Europe score better. Student test results in reading, math and science show a very sharp decline in Germany starting in 2015. The timing correlates with Angela Merkel’s, German PM, “open border” policy. The school system got overwhelmed with immigrants.

Special Note: Germany also experienced a sharp rise in violent crime beginning in 2015. Data shows crimes committed by migrants was the cause.

The ACLU is being sued by a Korean woman employee for wrongful termination of employment. She apparently complained about her Black bosses at the ACLU and said the work environment was fear-based and rife with sexism.

NC is getting ready to pass a voter ID law. Opponents say the law is discriminates against people without a state approved ID. Who are they? How many people do not have ID’s? You need photo ID to drive, travel, rent an apartment, buy a car, open a bank account, check into a hotel, pick up prescriptions, apply for social benefits like Medicare, buy alcohol/cigarettes, start a new job, and enroll in school. Voting is so important. Under no circumstances should a person be allowed to vote without proving ID. A vast majority of NC citizens support this new law. Finally, people without ID’s can vote and later appeal their case. You can even get a free voter ID card at county board elections offices. The fear is that Biden’s 8-10 million illegal immigrants will vote thus swaying the elections. The NAACP is against this new law claiming it burdens the people, yet to join the NAACP requires completing an application and paying a fee!

Also in NC, the Board of Governors for UNC System has decreased funding for DEI. It’s about time. The Board cites DEI as a politically divisive ideology and one that excludes people that do not share in that very narrow ideology. They also cite research studies that actually show DEI deepens the divisions among people while not promoting inclusion. Part of UNC’s diversity program included “climate change.” Really!

Three US Congresswomen engaged in childish sparing this week while at a public hearing. Reps. Crockett, Green and AOC fired personal barbs at each other that sounded like expressions used by high school girls. All three are an embarrassment and quite stupid.

My Weekly Dumbass Award

May 16, 2023

“It is a society where strident hysteria drowns out truth, and where polices are based on strong nonsense loudly shouted.” Professor Julian Simon, Economist, U. of Maryland

This week’s award goes to Minouche Shafik, President of Columbia University.

Shafik was born in Egypt to Muslim parents who were educators. This August she will be 62 years old. She has advanced degrees in economics from U. Mass, London School of Economics, and Cambridge.

In July of 2023, Shafik she was appointed President of Columbia University. Columbia has about 30,000 students and tuition is $84,000 per year.

Last October, Columbia erupted with student protests and riots regarding the Hamas attack in Israel. For months students were allowed to establish encampments on campus, disrupt classes, take over buildings, threaten Jewish students, and university workers, and carry signs supporting the terrorist group Hamas.

In November, Shafik was asked to testify before a Congressional Committe on anti-semantic activities, she declined.

Finally, after 7 months of on-campus disruptions, Shafik ordered in the NYPD to “clear” the encampments, 100 students were arrested.

Image of Saham David Ahmed Ali provided by Google

Classes at Columbia University were converted to on-line, due to student safety concerns. At the commencement address this month for the College of Public Health, the student speaker, Sahim David Ahmed Ali condemned the university and the Israeli response to the Hamas attack. Graduation officials silenced her mic.

Also, this month, the College of Arts and Sciences faculty voted in favor (65%) of a resolution of “No Confidence” in President Shafik.

Shafik has completely mishandled the student protests/riots on campus. Free speech ends where the rights of others begin.

Hamas Killed Vivian Silver

May 11, 2024

“Terrorism is a significant threat to peace and security, prosperity and people.” Ban Ki Moon, South Korean diplomat and Secretary-General United Nations.

Peace Activist Vivian Silver was killed on October 7th. She was 74 years old and a grandmother.

Hamas terrorists broke into her home in Gaza and shot her. These terrorists went house-to-house shooting women and children. Pure evil.

Vivian Silver spent 45 years in Israel working with Palestinian and Israeli women seeking peace. Her kibbutz was open to all. She was widely recognized for her peace activism and won several international awards. For the last 20+ years she ran the “Women Wage Peace” organization involving over 40,000 Palestinian and Israeli women to bring understanding and peace to the region.

I wonder what Vivian would have said about the pro Hamas rioters on America’s college campuses. Her two sons have said their mother would say ” this is the outcome of not seeking peace.”

Note- my research for this blog came from various sources including “The Economist.”

The Charlotte Fishwrap

An editorial about detaining illegal migrants.

April 25, 2024

“No government of the left has done as much for the poor as capitalism has.” Thomas Sowell.

Our local newspaper ran a 1/2-page article about NC sheriffs who oppose a migrant detention bill. The bill would require the sheriffs to detain criminals arrested in NC that can’t prove their citizenship. The sheriffs will be required to detain criminals for 48 hours so ICE can intervene. Sheriffs like Garry McFadden, Mecklenburg County, claim the proposed bill will cost them money. He also claims the Hispanic community may become reluctant to contact the sheriff’s office to report crimes if there is a threat of deportation.

Several of the urban sheriffs claim the proposed bill will act to “ferment distrust” with local law enforcement, especially among Hispanics. Rural county sheriffs do not agree and support the new bill.

Sheriffs are elected. They think about votes and getting re-elected.

So-a person arrested by the sheriff’s department for domestic violence, DUI, aggravated battery, theft, etc. and can’t present formal proof of citizenship (another possible crime) should be released???? Who are they? What is their background? What about other crimes? Are there outstanding warrants under another name? Do they have valid ID’s?

We all know that Biden allowed 8-10 million immigrants into the US. Officials have admitted that most are unvetted. We do not know who they are or their backgrounds. Thousands have come for countries unfriendly to the US. I’ve seen the videos, so many appear to be military age males.

So-why not detain those arrested. Take 48 hours to make sure these people are not dangerous.

I support the new bill. People arrested must be detained until all of the above questions are answered. There are too many repeat offenders. I know plenty of Hispanics, they want criminals locked up.

My Weekly Highlights!

April 18, 2024

“Great minds talk about ideas, average minds talk about events, small minds talk about people.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Events this week are mostly disturbing. The US and world events demonstrate anger and hatred of those with opposing views. Compromise is not an option, especially coming from the far left. Here are some of the examples of the recent madness:

-US Senate threw out the impeachment case against Homeland Secuity Secretary Mayorkas. The Democrats did not even allow the case to be investigated. We’ve seen the videos, Mayorkas did not secure the southern border and he lied to Congress many times. He should be removed and sent to jail. Democrats support him.

-Columbia University costs $80K to attend each year. This week students set up tents on the campus and rallied in support for Hamas. Hamas is one of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the world. Finally, the university asked NYPD to remove the students, and some of the students were expelled. Pictures of the encampment showed an array of green tents, all the same. Staged? Who funded??

New jobless claims in the US hit 200,000 last month. Same number over the last 5-6 months. Exactly the same. Experts question the reporting by Biden’s team. How is it possible that the US with 170 million workers, has exactly the same jobless number each month? Biden is hiding the truth.

The National Organization of Women has not condemned trans athletes competing in girls’ sports. It is just a matter of time before a young girl is killed while competing against a male. LBGTQ+ people are not marginalized, that tiny group has tremendous political power.

US credit card holders are now $1.2 trillion in debt, an increase of 56% since Biden took office. The interest on that debt was $280 billion last year. I guess when student loans were suspended by Biden for 3+ years, that money was not used to pay off credit cards.

The NBA had global revenues of $13 billion last year. The WNBA had revenues of $200 million, or 15% of the NBA. That is why Caitlin Clark’s rookie salary is $80,000.

A 49-year-old man got his student loans “forgiven” by Biden. He owed $250,000. He holds a master’s degree in music and has been out of school for 26 years. He loves music so did not work in another field to pay off his debt. None of it! With his debt paid off, he plans to study in India. I find this example disgusting. What rational person can agree with Biden’s policy??

AOC makes my list again. She has suggested that the US should “cap” wealth attained by individuals. Hmmm! She is so dumb! I wish she would go back to her bartending job.

NPR is run by liberals. The new CEO, Katherine Maher, uses words and phrases that I do not understand. Taxpayers provide $500 million in funding to NPR. I hope Trump will change that.

My Weekly Dumbass Award

April 12, 2024

“if you can’t be right, be wrong at the top of your voice.” Lucy

To my readers: I have decided to establish a weekly “award” to the dumbest idea or comment by a local, state or national political figure. There are so many choices!!!

This week’s award goes to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Sheila Jackson is a Democrat from Texas, serving in Congress from District 18. She has been in office since 1995.

This week while speaking to a group of students at a predominately Black HS, she told the group that the moon was a planet and made up of “mostly gases.”

How dumb was that??

Second place this week for the “dumbass award” goes to Sunny Hostin from “The View.” See her picture- she’s the person on the right. She stated on national news that “climate change caused the total solar eclipse, earthquakes and the cicadas.” How incredibly dumb was that?? Why do people watch that show?