OlDawg

I like this opinion piece. [Hidden Content]

OBBB effects on Texans and healthcare [Hidden Content]

We’re in the same boat for the most part. Although, some of the Republican backed policies haven’t made me happy either (Patriot Act anyone?). Not sure either major Party really believes in personal liberty any more. At least, they don’t seem to prioritize it. But yeah, Democrats have never been an option for me either. Except for like the School Board example because of lack of choices.

I don’t vote for a Party. Never have. I’ve never knowingly voted straight ticket. Typically, my votes are between Independents, Libertarians, & Republicans. Democrats—as I’ve stated multiple times—are polar opposites of my view of limited government. Have I voted for Democrats in the past? Sure. I’ve seen very few conservatives or anyone besides someone I knew was a Democrat running for School Board. They’ve typically been retired teachers or school employees that you knew they voted Democrat. But, they were the choices. As far as Republicans and immigrants—yes—there’s an issue in my mind. With perception or implementation of policy at the least. That’s why—prior to the election—the vast majority of Republican voters surveyed said immigration needed to be curtailed. Not just illegal immigration. Immigration in general. That number is now around 30%. Seems when enforcement hit closer to home, views have slightly changed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in the camp of no illegal entries—period. Also, no benefits for people here illegally. I’m against birthright citizenship as it’s a draw for illegal entry, and abuse of the system. I also don’t believe it was the original intent of the authors. But, we’ll see on that one. I’m for immigration verification and enforcement for employment nationwide. I’m willing to pay a little more if necessary. I think as long as the U.S. is a welfare state, these are reasonable stances. I know they don’t all mesh with the Libertarian views of Cato, or even the open border policy of the Libertarian Party. But, that’s why I say I’m libertarian with a small ‘L’. I believe if you want open borders, you need to end the welfare state first. [Hidden Content]

I would expect nothing less.

No idea. But, this law didn’t address it either.

I pay over $2600/mo. with a $3600 Ded/OOP max. (They’re the same.) But—in fairness—no one would insure us at all without preexisting conditions of ACA. As I’ve mentioned before, we’d be happy with just a catastrophic plan. We pay everything up to $10k or something similar. But, the law won’t allow.

Agree.

Wouldn’t even know where a meeting was held. Besides, I align more with libertarian beliefs. Usually, those align more with conservatives as it relates to scope of government. But, not necessarily Republicans. My beliefs on scope of government are the polar opposite of Democrats. Also, most voters supported (by a 2/3 margin) the school voucher program. [Hidden Content]

Not over. My belief is that most people are actually more Independent voters than tied hardcore to one of the major Parties. That’s a major reason why there’s low primary turnout. But, in a national election, one of the major Parties will win an election because that’s how the system is rigged. Local elections allow for more moderate/representative candidates to have a realistic chance of winning. The change back will take time.

Possible negatives to plan for after passage of OBBB. [Hidden Content]

Both Parties have no one to blame but themselves for the public’s loss of trust in our institutions. In their attempts to ‘win’ politically for control of the people—who they’re supposed to be serving instead of ruling—they’ve both fabricated conspiracies that have been very detrimental. Now, the Dems have an anarchist, Socialist/Communist problem, and the Reps have a radical protectionist, conspiracy believing, anti immigrant problem. Both have a lack of trust problem, and it shows in every poll. They have created the decline we’re seeing by their own respective desires for power. There’s no going back now. The best thing that can happen now is a delegation back to more local control where the people have more direct input again. As it was intended from the beginning. JMHO

I’m pretty sure you’re wrong. I think he’s scrambling to put the genie back in the bottle.

Not sure a judge is going to want his/her handling of their case under the scrutiny this will receive. I just don’t see much being released. Self preservation and CYA mode from the judges. I also believe Trump has invested a lot in getting people to believe in corruption & the Deep State. People are always ripe for conspiracy theories. They’re like mysteries people want to solve. He created this mess himself and it blew out of his control. I don’t believe he anticipated his own turning on him after he fed them the conspiracy bait all this time. Nothing will come of this except for a few books down the road.

Elvis is probably listed in the flight logs.

Nice also. But, I always get guilted into stopping at Russell Stover. I prefer guilting myself into stopping at Atkinson’s in Lufkin. LOL I’m a sucker for Chick-O-Sticks. Buy ‘em in bulk.😁

Avoid it like the plague. We’ve been taking 59 & heading up E Texas & Lufkin/Athens/Rockwall way to get north of DFW. Prettier drive anyway.

I’m more concerned he was enjoying a soccer match. That’s like watching paint dry, and you leave happy with a tie. WTH?

Shoot. That crap starts at 3:00. Besides, 10-E is almost as bad & it’s closer for him. Used to be able to take 73. Now it’s no fun. Must be all them Yankees from north of I-10 moving in.

You just keep thinking Butch. It's what you're good at.

Low form of wit. Just my speed.

Not very fast. His ankles are swollen. Big news story.

Tax Benefits to plan for after passage of OBBB. [Hidden Content]

Framed verse hanging in our kitchen: Choose you this day whom ye will serve;…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 Well done to your father!

Off topic, but you should give credit when it’s due. Just signed 7/16/25. Fentanyl law I referred to in previous post. Sad it was overshadowed by all this other crap. Dan Crenshaw was also an original sponsor. I’ve read the cartels have actually put a price on his head. [Hidden Content]