Leaderboard

The reason I voted no is that during this past year when I have had discussions with conservatives online it has ended up becoming a nasty shouting match. I would prefer this to be a safe space with minded people.

The Arts matter for balance! The individuals who have been most successful have some training and a solid appreciation of the Arts in general. Experiences in the Arts bring a balance to the Cognitive Dissonance of the modern political world. The Arts have helped to "predict" the coming changes to various nations and political orders. So they may be serving as precursors to action, and certainly to thought about the things that matter. The expressions from various artistic experiences also serve to broaden understanding between those performing and those experiencing the book, play, or performance. These experiences challenge us to move outside ourselves while internalizing the messages! Just my .02

Mac and V., I've really enjoyed reading the dialogue between you two. Two people who are both very bright, knowledgeable, and brutally honest with others. All rare traits in this Kardashian/Idiocracy world, or at least country, that we live in. I fully agree, this site deserves much more robust and wider participation from its members and visitors, but I don't have a clue how to make that happen or encourage more of it. Maybe most of us on the lefty end are feeling just too demoralized, stressed, and depressed to participate in discussions here, who knows? But I agree with both of you on your points made in your comments above. I don't feel either of you is more right than the other in the debate over human flaws, consistency and hypocrisy. For what it's worth, mac, I probably only meet about half of your four standards about morality. I do care about animals, but will still continue to be a carnivore, who supports animals being treated well while they are living as pets, in shelters, zoos, or in the wild. I will gladly pay higher taxes, as long as it benefits all of society, not just me and my age group, and also not just white people, the rich, or corporations. I am an Agnostic, so I guess Christian hypocrisy doesn't apply to me. Lastly, even tho I will likely be dead before the 💩 really hits the fan with climate change, I do care about the world left to younger people after I'm gone, and even tho I still drive a gas powered Ford Fusion, I would gladly ride a bicycle some of my travels, if I lived in a climate warm enough to do it most of the year, or would drive an electric vehicle, if I lived in a home that would allow me to plug it in. But I don't live in such a place, and my condo apt, fits my needs best for housing, as well as being affordable. I suppose that my next car will at least be a hybrid, if I can find a late model used one in a couple years or so. So judge me as you will, mac, but I honestly think I am trying and doing better at it than most.

"Nazi" can be a 5-letter word...as in THE LYIN' KING. It can be a 6-letter word...as in "Miller". And it can be a 3-letter word...as in GOP.

There is a trend among some liberals that we all need to co-exist and "get along". I understand where this idea comes from. Certainly, those of us on both sides of the aisle have commonalities. At the end of the day, we all want to own a home, live in safe neighborhoods and send our kids to good schools. However, I do recall Bill Maher once saying, "There IS a difference between the two parties." One party pulls out racist and homophobic slurs like their morning coffee. Therefore, I do agree that often the other party does not have a soul. After all, how can one sit back and defend what ICE is doing to migrant families? How can one proudly proclaim to be a Republican and not care at all that many people will not be able to afford health care?

I've been divorced since 2017 and have been on and off the dating sites. Here's my humble opinion, BobDylan. You feel as if you were played because dating apps are basically a game. Swiping, liking, waiting.... then....."Oooh, someone messaged me back!" The rewards are up and down with the ghosting, algorithms, and painful first dates. The only way to survive the game is not to take it personally. Believe me, I'm not above getting my feelings hurt either. However, I do find that when I set realistic boundaries "with myself", I am always in a better mindset. For those of us who still work full-time, it truly can be the easiest way to meet singles. Not that I didn't think the Captain had great advice - volunteering, card groups, pickle-ball, animal groups. However, that isn't always easy with limited free time. I was sorry to read that you felt sad and cynical. Because that was me until I changed my goals. Now I avoid burnout by not having expectations. Change your perspective about the woman who decided not to meet. Look at it not as a missed opportunity but an apparent mismatch. She was obviously not ready to date at this time.

Well, I finally got to a place where I can reply or comment on a post and all I can say is that this, at least to me, is not a very user friendly site as far as navigating. I can't even figure out how to complete my profile. Sorry Bob that my comment on your post isn't actually relevant but this is the 1st place where I could actually post a comment to hopefully be upgraded to Newbl CITIZEN.

In all of my romantic relationships except the last one, politics was never a concern of mine. BobDylan, I privately shared the following anecdote with you, so please pardon the replay. I ended my last romance because the gal was a devout, unrepentant Trumper -- a tough call because she had great legs. I go stupid over great legs. Ultimately however, the lass' odious politics "trumped" her gorgeous gams. But, oh, you kid! These days politics getting in the way of romance is not at all a deal-breaker. I'm out of "the mating game." My domestic partner of 40 years died two years ago. Our relationship was platonic. But she was my closest, longest, and dearest companion. Not a day goes by that she is not in my thoughts, dreams, and memories. Two years later, I still grieve and mourn the loss of her company and friendship. Her demise was, to date, the latest in a traumatic series of losses during the past seven years: one coworker died after suffering a stroke, one coworker was brutally murdered, one friend died from cancer, and one friend committed suicide. Another loss -- simultaneously depressing and welcomed -- is the death of my libido. But, I'll pass on pill-popping Viagra, thank you very much. Emotionally, psychologically, figuratively, and literally, I can't get it up for Love -- and I'm not cryin' about it. Nothing lasts forever. Just as well because finding a "soulmate" and getting married were never on my Things to Do list. To me, marriage is a passion-killer -- the conjugal equivalent of a lobotomy. Spending my life day after day . . . week after week . . . month after month . . . year after year — until death! — with one woman . . . can't do it! Beyond my capability. Monogamy (meatloaf again?!) = Monotony, as far as I'm concerned. Sacre bleu! La variété! Eet eez ze spice of life, oui? So needless to say, I won't be joining the Liberal Hearts Club, which is no great loss --indeed, no loss at all -- for womankind.

Oh boy, I have a lot to say on this topic. I will not engage with anyone on a dating app that doesn't list "liberal" in their profile. I won't even "like" a person who lists moderate. Because in this climate, it's time to choose a side. To much is at stake to be wishy washy. I've had men message my profile who were moderate or apolitical. I would politely decline and explain that we would not be compatible. A few would argue "Why is it a big deal?" Umm... because I need to respect the person I'm dating.

Hi, new to the site. The main reason that I’m here is to interact with like minded people and escape the constant name calling and petty arguments. I’m afraid that opening up to members from the right would devolve into a bunch of trolling. Maybe in “regular” times there could be real discussion but the hard core MAGA folks don’t seem to have much capacity for critical thinking. My humble opinion, I hope I’m wrong.

When asked about a woman becoming president of the United States of America, Former First Lady Michelle Obama bluntly stated, "We ain't ready."

The implication is that we're going to win unless the Rs can figure out a better way to cheat. They're working on it. Our side needs to be ever-vigilant and "think outside the box." The Rs are diabolical and clever and have no boundaries. Nothing is off the table. Nothing is too-farfetched for them. Nothing is sacred. They respect nothing. Our people need to brainstorm and consider the most far out possibilities, because that's what they will be doing. ARE doing. Trust no one. Check and re-check everything and everyone.

To the point where a Capitalist Market's only goal is growth & stockholder wealth, with no regard for sustainability or environmental impacts, and then to have SCOTUS declare corporations are "people" who vote with money & political force, further cementing their death grip on our Earth that will inevitably result in a depleted, dead Planet - YES, CORPORATIONS ARE EVIL.

I want a site where I can escape my MAGA rural life for a little while each day.

I can only speak for myself. If I was a celebrity, I would feel obligated to speak out. It would be a gift to be able to do the moral and ethical thing in such a potentially impactful way.

DEAR RED STATES… WE’RE LEAVING Dear Red States, We’ve decided we’re leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we’re taking the other Blue States with us. That includes Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Virginia, most of the Northeast, and our favorite swing-flirts like Michigan and Pennsylvania when they behave. We’ll call ourselves The United States of Sanity. You can keep Mar-a-Lago. Here’s the split: • We get stem-cell research. You get stemware from Branson gift shops. • We get the Statue of Liberty. You get the world’s largest ball of twine. • We get Apple, Microsoft, Google, and you get MyPillow. • We get Hollywood. You get Duck Dynasty reruns. Resources: • We control most of the venture capital, the Ivy League, the West Coast tech corridor, the Great Lakes (about 84% of North America’s surface fresh water), and 95% of U.S. wine production. • You get coal, cattle, and almost all the tornadoes. • Pineapples? Hawaii. Lettuce? California. Cheese? Sorry, Wisconsin votes blue more often than not, so it’s coming with us. Taxes and money: • On average, blue states send more to Washington than they get back. Red states take in more federal dollars than they pay. So when we “split the check,” you’ll be picking up your own tab for the first time in decades. Good luck with that. Culture: • Blue states have lower divorce rates and higher life expectancy. Red states have more churches per square mile, but somehow not more stable marriages. • In recent polls, around 40% of Republicans still doubt evolution, and a stubborn minority think Saddam helped with 9/11. Y’all can keep those history books. • We get Broadway. You get Branson, which is kind of Broadway if it ran on casseroles and Precious Moments figurines. Weather: • Hurricanes? You’ll still get clobbered in Florida and Texas. • Mosquitoes? Honestly, they’re bipartisan — but they seem happier in your humidity. Peace out, —The Blue States 🥂💻🌊

Republicans also like to say guns don’t kill people; people kill people and blame mass shootings on mental health issues. Yet they don’t support funding for mental health services. Their arguments never make sense to me.

Who could possibly feel that the AI video of The President flying a jet dressed as a King flying over a protest dumping poop is an appropriate response to a peaceful protest of 7 million people? Imagine if Obama or Biden did something like this. The Republicans freaked out when Obama wore a beige suit. Do I agree with Trumps freedom to be able to post such a disgusting and churlish piece of 💩? Yep I sure do. Should this man-baby be our president? Absolutely not. The Speaker of the house, Mike Johnson needs to go too. Such a religious man with no morals whatsoever. He is the ventriloquist dummy, sitting on Trumps lap. All Americans should be appalled.

Haha, but don’t forget to bit them harder.

Gotta get the corporate Dems out of the leadership, they’re just controlled opposition, they both take money from MIC, Corporations, and Israel.

i'm very sorry that there's reason to create this thread for the next war that the American people do not want.

Well said. Third parties can win, despite the opposition of the major parties and the corporate media, but only if the majority of eligible voters are willing to trust each other enough, research the third parties, instead of just accepting the propaganda and conventional wisdom, etc., of those self-serving groups. There is nothing in the law or election rules to prevent tens of millions of Americans electing third party candidates from winning fed elections. So I agree, that the majority of voters, who stay locked within the duopoly, get the fed govt. they deserve. I long ago got fed up with both major parties at the fed level, once they both had become sold out to corporate donors beginning in the early 90s. Since then, I have only voted for major party candidates in fed elections as a lesser evil, after voting for my real hopes and candidates that might actually represent me, in primaries. But most voters won't even bother to get informed and participate in primaries, so they only vote in general elections, after all the major party candidates are already pre-selected by the corporate donor class, not the voters.. If you stay within just voting for the major parties in general elections, you will be limited to only voting on culture war issues and identity politics, since those are the only things the major parties really differ on much these days. Those things do matter, but economic issues, foreign policy, war, civil liberties, and climate change also matter, even more than culture war stuff.

Thanks for the props about my participation and writing, V., but I really don't think that any of those you named, including you, are great writers, etc.. I just think it's more that all four of us have something to say, feel free about saying it, and are passionate about what we choose to write about. Which should be all someone needs, or should need, to participate in this forum. Because at least so far, this site has not become a platform for meanness, harassment, ridicule, etc., like Facebook, reddit, etc.. People so far, both on the forums and several others that I've messaged with privately, seem to nice, decent, caring people. I just wish they would come out of the shadows, or maybe their online wallflower mode, to engage and participate with us and build a community. I saw that happen, at least for a few years, on Agnostic.com when I first joined there, so I know it's possible. But I also know that human nature of most people, even those on the liberal side of the spectrum, are more interested in finding romantic local partners, than meeting new friends, even online, that might actually add something else enriching and nurturing to their emotional lives, even if only a sense of solidarity, belonging, and being understood.. My brother got a Master's degree in English, specializing in Fiction Writing, from Syracuse Univ.. And when I asked him why people become professional writers, he said it was not because they were great writers, but because they all have something to say. Interestingly, he realized after he graduated from there, that he needed another or better line of work than writing, so he went to law school, became a lawyer for several years, and then became a fed magistrate, a judge, following the same legal career path my father did. So whether it was talent or having something to say, I guess there's something in my genetics, when it comes to writing....

You're welcome, and thank you for your patience and courtesy. Pardon me (or don't) for detouring off the topic, but while we're on the subject . . . I genuinely and immensely admire your skill, talent, and vision in designing newBluePlanet, V.3. I applaud your noble mission to provide a salon for liberals and progressives. I stand in awe of your valiant, artistic effort . . . which, alas, I don't think is suitably rewarded by nBP citizenry. I find the meagre participation in nBP forums annoying. Every day I see "guests" -- sometimes many guests -- viewing forum topics, and that's all they do: view topics! They aren't joining in! They aren't contributing! WT . . ., citizens?! If folks only have cell phones, I get it! If I had only a cell phone, I wouldn't participate either. The only other social media forums that I frequent are Yahoo! comment "communities," which get a LOT of action! Even the most (to me) vapid Yahoo! articles generate hundreds, sometimes thousands of responses. Yahoo! serves up a report on the world's cutest puppies or Sydney Sweeney's cuter "puppies," and several hundred knuckleheads (who have entirely too much time on their hands) feel compelled to spout off and argue about that! Meanwhile thought-provoking and important nBP topics stagnate like barren, dead planets in the cyberspace void. Why, citizens? W-h-y? and indeed you are trying, Mac. You actually post more than i do. And, it is fair to say you wouldn't participate on a cell. I wouldn't either. I don't do anything on my cell. It's a phone to me. The W-h-y? i accept. I may have overdone it with this site -- to organized, too many features, that only you may understand as much as i do. i go through cycles. Right now i've been working on new songs -- that come to me in dreams. But soon i do plan on working on that "new.blue.planet" thread. And here's where it ties into the W-h-y? regardless of the endeavor, people have to see, WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? And, frankly, when they see a small group like us, you, BD, and Lindy, they might think, that's not enough activity, or those are good writer's and i'm not. Or, simply, what's the point? there's no way out of this mess. That's why i push back with my brand of naive optimism, and stress we don't have to be guiltless to suggest, even demand more from each other. now. back to "what's in it for me?" and planet building (and as a result, forum building). My primary plan always was to build that new blue planet, as soon as i can concentrate on that. The operative Field Of Dreams expression is "if you build it, they will come." Not to just a political forum, or a single's service. To a vision of an idealistic world that offers humans something much, much better than we're getting now. That we CAN have. I'm confident it will be compelling...

The last company that I worked for employed many immigrants, mostly from Asia (China, India, Japan) but also from Europe (England, France, Germany, Scandinavia). During T-R-U-M-P 1.0 when DJT imposed his first travel ban (against primarily majority-Muslim countries), there was widespread consternation among coworkers in the USA on an H-1B visa -- even though most of them were not from travel-banned countries. During a business meeting, I felt compelled to apologize to my immigrant colleagues. I genuinely felt embarrassed by and ashamed of the lunatic president. One coworker, from China, expressed that he migrated to America because it was "The Land of Opportunity." He had particularly been impressed with and inspired by Barack Obama's "We are the change we seek" speech (Remember those good ol' days? Remember that dignity . . . that sanity?). After living in America, he was shocked and surprised by the degree of hostility and anger in America -- that many Americans were so unhappy and "so mad."

obviously. thank you Mac, i sincerely appreciate your contributions here. but as the only moderator i need to point out that your obsession with semantics is unproductive, and distracting to each subject they are injected in. There is a grand irony in that, although i know you wouldn't want to, if i needed someone to help as a moderator, you have the other skills necessary, but you'd be a buzz kill. also, as a reminder to everyone... there is a tendency in threads to veer into other topics i don't have the time to move posts around to more appropriate threads so, please this thread is about the nazi-like gestapo methods Americans are being subjected to PLEASE MODERATE YOURSELVES BY STAYING ON TOPIC and be as concise as possible the goal is to be a quick source of frank, organized, topic-based opinion that is hard to find via traditional sources

I have zero doubt that many ICE goons are members of Oath Keepers, Proud Boys, and pardoned J6rs, which is why they don't want their identities known and won't show their faces..

Tim Walz just said it perfectly. Everything that is happening is no longer political difference it’s a moral one. There is no possible way you can watch the many versions of these shootings and believe the protesters are at fault. How the protesters are keeping this peaceful and controlled is beyond me but they are! This is how we can help. FULL SCRIPT for calling your senators in one image. Call 202-224-3121. Ask to be connected to each of your two senators (two calls total). Read this or a version of it (feel free to riff). They’re voting THIS WEEK. I’ve shown what this looks like in a reel on my page (if you need more guidance). Thanks in advance — and if you want more actionable info without rage bait, follow this account 🙏🏻 #usa #news #politics My name is [YOUR NAME] and I'm a(n) [YOUR STATE] resident. I'm calling to urge you to filibuster the upcoming Homeland Security appropriations bill. I'm sick of watching lawful citizens and noncitizens being arrested at their jobs, assaulted at peaceful protests, pulled out of their vehicles, blinded by munitions, and getting shot and killed. Senators like you need to filibuster this bill so that ICE doesn't get another penny. It already has $18.75 billion for 2026 - it doesn't need another $10 billion. My fellow [YOUR STATE'S RESIDENTS] and I will be watching your vote - and we will remember, I promise. My name again is [YOUR NAME] and my contact info is [YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND/ OR EMAIL]. My zip code is [YOUR ZIP CODE]. Thanks for listening and please do the right thing.

Overshadowed by the tragedy in Minneapolis and continued reporting on America's raid on Venezuela: the "death" of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. On January 5, the CPB board of directors voted to dissolve the 58-year-old nonprofit corporation. sic transit gloria Big BirdBoard vote dissolves defunded Corporation for Public Broadcasting The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 Do federal funding cuts spell the end for Big Bird and Cookie Monster? List of Public Broadcasting Systems Programs

The amount of people in this country trying to justify the murder of an innocent CIVILIAN is mind boggling. How have humans devolved into such mindless disgusting beings? The pro life crowd sure does love when actual living, breathing humans are killed. It’s almost as if “pro life” is short for “pro controlling a woman”. I’m ashamed of this country, I’m disgusted with people I’ve known my entire life being ok with this administration and everything they’re doing. We have a literal child rapist for a dictator and that’s not a hard no? I’m scared my children won’t have anything left in their future. What can we do? Tweeting and making tik toks isn’t doing anything. We need a modern day million man march in DC.

I agree with BobDylan. Nothing gets under my skin more than when people make comments about what I eat. I'm lucky to be a size four, yet I've had a co-worker comment, "Do you know how fattening a Caesar salad is?" as I'm eating my Caesar salad. I gave up Diet Coke, but I fully admit it was my "vice" for many years. There was a woman I worked with who was obese. She used to proclaim loudly how she had food allergies, but when there were donuts in the faculty room, guess where she was? One time, she saw me drinking a Diet Coke and didn't hesitate to tell me I was drinking poison. One more anecdotal story (I promise). A woman who was in a hiking group was a vegan. During our long hikes, she would go on and on about the horrors of the food industry. It wasn't a conversation that many of us felt like having while we were trying to enjoy nature. She was obsessed and seemingly couldn't talk about anything else, even when another member deliberately tried to change the direction of the conversation. Both my dog and my cat are rescues. I'm a teacher who struggles to stay on budget, but I will pay extra for humanely raised food products. Is this enough for the vegans? Absolutely not. As the meme posted above states, they view me as a hypocrite. And all that does is create a wedge between us.

I find it refreshing that women are being encouraged to approach a man first. Obviously, Bumble was well ahead in this direction. However, I will tell you that some women have fantasies that a "real man" pursues the woman he is interested in. The man is expected to initiate, and it is a perception of weakness if he doesn't. Please note that I am not agreeing with these traditional gender roles. I have four adult sons and, as a feminist, am very careful about male-bashing. I don't want a world where my sons are subject to such rigid expectations that are not healthy for anyone. Regardless, though, I do feel that, from articles I've read and even anecdotal conversations with single women, they will question a potential date who wasn't pursuing first. As a side note, I've been separated/divorced since 2017. Of the dozen or so "first dates" I went on initiated through a dating app, I pursued all of them. Meaning I made the first introduction. If I had waited to be contacted first, I would have had no dates.

I describe the world as it is because that is the world that I live in, Cap'n. I can hope for and dream of a better world -- but I must live in The Real World. I can join other fellow travelers to work toward and fight for a better world -- the better world that I want but, at my age, shall never see. I have seen a lot of change during my lifetime. Change in America. Change in the world. Change in societal and cultural mores. Change wrought by science and technology. Change birthed by the arts. Change for the better and change for the worse. Yet though I have seen a lot of change, I am always sobered by Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr's maxim "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose."* I have seen a lot of change. But not enough of the change that I want to see. Michelle Obama would agree with you. Last week on MS NOW she chastised the "entitled" studio audience and at-home viewers for giving in to despair and hopelessness and giving up the fight. Because giving up, she lectured, is denying children today and future generations the right to a better future. The rights, benefits, and privileges that we have today were bestowed upon and bequeathed to us by our ancestors who struggled, fought, and died for us so that we could have better lives than they had. We owe them tribute for their victories and their sacrifices as much as we owe the generations who follow us a better tomorrow. To wit, we need to keep our eyes on the prize -- and that prize is children. * The more things change, the more they stay the same. This is the third time that I have employed Karr's aphorism on nBP. It probably won't be the last.

the LHC profiles is surely a longer term project, but it does get daily traffic from the high search engine ranking of liberalhearts.com. thanks for asking. If you check the Innerview with BobDylan, we talk about advertising. Basically, as a free, non-ad supported site, there isn't money for advertising. i'm an experienced search engine optimizer, so this site is optimized nicely for organic traffic on the search terms at the top of the home page. it actually would not take much to get things going on the forums -- only take a handful of members commented each day with something interesting to say. it will help for me to do a short video demo of how to use the site and get the most out of it. And there are other things i have planned, but i'll confess i'm taking a little break for the holidays to catch up on other things, like my songwriting. i think other people are engaged in their usual holiday routines right now.

I've gotten to where I just don't know what to think anymore, as far as America's gun fetish and how or if we will ever make any progress against our country's epidemic of mass shootings. But I do know that I appreciate and agree with both of your perspectives here. After THE LYIN' KING got elected, I too was planning to buy a handgun and learn to shoot for the first time in my life, as part of expected self defense against the MAGAs, who I still think will eventually be acting as paramilitary groups, same as ICE is now, only they would be hunting anyone opposed to MAGA, not just brown people. Anyway, I didn't buy that gun, not because I don't think it's eventually going to come to what I've been dreading, as far as MAGAs in packs coming to hunt us, but because I realized that arming myself wouldn't really prevent them from killing me,, and the the satisfaction of being able to fight back and maybe being able to take out a couple of them in the process, was not worth the risk I was also developing that I might also succumb to my worsening depression and use it on myself sometime. So no gun for me, and I'm just hanging in there, trying to have some hope that we somehow get thru this nightmare, while in the meantime stick as close as possible with my local offline friends and enjoy what I can in my personal life. To me, an armed society and religion are much alike. People acting falsely and more ethically and fairly towards others, only out of coercion that if they don't they will suffer, either in this life or some imagined afterlife. Makes me proud to be non religious, so I act morally and ethically because I want to, not because I need to for approval from other church members. And glad I can still have many places where I don't have to deal with armed assholes ready to blow me away, if I say something that pisses them off. That's what makes for a free society, not the Old West stuff of having to shoot it out every time there's a disagreement. And from what I've read. there was actually more gun control than people think in the Old West, at least as far as in the towns there, where people did have to turn in their guns when they came into town, etc.. As far as the Beatles song, the irony of it has always haunted me after Lennon's murder, which was two days after my birthday, in 1980. If only John had known how his life would end that way, even tho he reportedly was afraid for some time before his death, that he would be assassinated, either by the govt. or by one of his crazed fans..

More than is capable of the human will, alas. An acquaintance of mine who is a self-described "flaming liberal" bought a gun after DJT was re-elected. "We have to be ready and prepared for the fascists," was her (to me, cockeyed) rationale. She took a firearms training class during which the instructor -- in all seriousness -- told students, "Y'know, back during the 'Wild West days' people were more respectful when everyone was armed." That's the type of mentality that anti-gun and gun control proponents are up against. Decades ago I was robbed at gunpoint. By a blessed miracle of fate, I was spared becoming a gun-violence statistic. Despite that experience, I was not, never have been, and never will be compelled to buy a gun.

“America’s favorite candy and not at all a guilty pleasure” Daily mass shooting has become a common place occurrence. It shouldn’t! It shouldn’t happen and we shouldn’t be numb to it. 13 years ago Sandy hook Elementary school massacre occurred 20 children and six adults were killed. I thought certainly this will be the turning point. It wasn’t. While watching the latest shooting at Brown College last night, 2 killed 9 seriously injured my first thought was dear God not another one. A reporter was interviewing a student. Visibly shaken the young student explained she picked this college because she felt it was safe and secure. She had been in a mass shooting in middle school. She was shot in the stomach and she survived. Her best friend was not as lucky. He died on the scene. As she told the story it gave me chills when she very calmly said I can’t believe this is happening again. I felt sick, why should this poor girl have ever had to go through any school shooting let alone two. What is it going to take? I ask myself that question way too often these days. What’s it going to take?

Nice to see you again on the forums, Lindy. I missed you. V., you totally nailed it, they should be doing those ads now, but you're so right, that instead they'll wait to the next season and do the same stale left vs. right talking points, and stick to the same identity politics and culture war 💩, instead of running on lefty economic populism. Because first off, they don't stand for economic populism from the left, and haven't stood for it since the 80s, and secondly, they won't do that because it would offend their corporate donors. So they'll stick with the same bashing the Repubs on culture war stuff and ID politics, and with that, maybe even still find a way to lose races that should be easy to win. Beginning with Clinton in the 90s, the Dem Party traded unions and the working class for corporate and Wall Street cash, and we've all been paying the price ever since.. I look for more of the same tired, " We don't stand for anything economically, but at least we're not Repubs, and we differ from them on the culture war stuff", but the problem is, the working class and most voters, really don't care about the culture war stuff and ID politics, compared to economics. So even if the Repubs lie to them about economic policy and what they will deliver on it, most people will still vote for Repubs, if the Repubs at least play to their anger and grievances, while the Dems simply ignore those things, as if class war doesn't exist..

An acquaintance of mine told me a simultaneously amusing and saddening anecdote involving Siri. One of her friends eagerly said to her, "Watch this!" Her friend spoke "I love you, Siri!" into her iPhone. "I love you, [her friend's name]!" replied Siri. "Isn't that neat?!" her friend squealed with delight. Not everyone is scared of or threatened by Artificial Intelligence it seems. Meanwhile back at The Lonelyhearts Club, see what the boys in the back room will have . . . Roll over, Julie Newmar, and tell The Stepford Wives the news!

What's frightening is that some GOP lawmakers call the boat strikes "lawful". Common sense (oh and the military code of conduct) cannot be more clear on this matter. But then again, Hitler had his officers so why should I be shocked by anything anymore?

No worries, mac. Don't mind at all the replay, and I agreed with your point, plus, I think the rest of the class would enjoy hearing your experience.. And like you, I usually have my physical type that I'm attracted to, same as most folks.. As a widower, I feel your pain about losing your longtime partner, and it sucks to lose so many people to death in such a short time. I lost both my parents and my late wife, all in less than a ten year span. It felt like death was just stalking me, and all I wanted was to go several years without anybody close to me dying.... I have to respectfully disagree with you about marriage and monogamy, since I really enjoyed both of those with my late wife. As for libido, the dating mating game, etc., I have not chosen to give up, but I totally get why so many others my age, and maybe whatever your age is, do. I respect them as well, as they're doing themselves and the rest of the world, a favor, rather than trying to be or do something that isn't really them or what they want. Only going to cause grief for all involved and concerned. But I'm really glad you're here, on the site and in the forum, as I really enjoy your posts and comments, as you're really bright, funny, insightful, and brutally honest with us, esp. about yourself...

in my case, it's obvious where i stand on the significance of politics in dating. Aside from physical attraction/chemistry, political views may be at the top of the list for many singles. There used to be more wiggle room in our grandparent's generations when women weren't as involved in politics. Now, especially due to the internet, people connect to politics like they do favorite sports teams and bands and they follow politicians the way they do celebrities. i can't imagine speed daters beating around the G. W. Bush. The only reason someone should avoid that issue up front is if they are just looking for a fling. Otherwise, it's counter productive to invest in a relationship that is likely to fail.

I honestly don't think conservatives should be invited to this site. Why have a "blue" site if we are inviting the opposition? We've seen their hate and ugliness and ignorance over and over. If another site wants to create a Left Right & Center mix (yes, I stole that from NPR--I only quote from the best!) then so be it. But please, not here. Thank you for listening!

just because someone is nutty, it doesn't mean that we can't trust the emotions they're presenting. We know she's never liked Democrats. She's been saying she doesn't like some of the things going on in her Party, especially the Epstein coverup. And she expressed how she felt about the prez attacking her and the threats she received. So, resigning makes sense. She may have had bigger aspirations, but i don't think she has them now. She'll probably miss the spotlight. If the king goes down in disgrace -- she might take the opportunity to resurface as someone who got it right. But if he goes down because of political pressure his voters will see her as someone to blame. it probably would have been better for the left if she stayed as a cog in the works even before he took office, the trend has been to resign if you oppose him. that's not helpful.

i fear that the bad news is already baked into his stock price and the bar has already been lowered to dirt level. i mean, he bragged about grabbing women by the cat hairs, is already a felon and adjudicated rapist, blew up 20 boats carrying 79 people on spec, hoped for his VP to be hanged, and buried his ex-wife on his golf course for the tax break!

There’s no place like Rome. There’s no place like Rome. Start packing.

The Dems winning a lot of the local races in PA, in areas that went red last election, says the pushback is real against the current administration. The Dems derailing the hold the line on the shutdown doesn't do anything for the momentum they might have had going. I have heard that if they can actually hold a vote on the extensions on the subsidies next month, the Republicans will vote against the extensions and will appear to be wholly responsible for the increases and rightly so. Frustrating

. . . or all get to be eaten. Should I wind up on the menu, per favore, serve me with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.

interesting and complicated, Toledo. I suppose voting rights was a way to put an end to the violence. But now, between Musk, the King and all the king's men, they're doing all they can to take away the voting rights of others.

“Living in a society” Matthew Cooke you are right. People are so afraid of words such as socialism and communism and have no idea what they really mean. Unfortunately, we are so far from “living in a society” I can’t imagine we will be able to redeem some essence of peace and caring for each other. The saddest part is we all want the same things. A place to live, food to sustain us, an education, a living wage and people we care about. The amount of wealth and greed is so completely out of control. To have people going hungry so the rich can keep raking it in, is inhumane. How much money is enough? Is it the thrill of a race to be the richest person in America no matter how many people you have to destroy. Maybe I’m naive but none of these billionaires seem happy or content. They will never know the true feeling of peace or appreciation for any place or person. For the sake of our children and grandchildren this President and administration have to be stopped and punished. Only then we can start to rebuild and be living in a decent society.