RA1

In my humble opinion, many look as good or better in the latter pix. Respect is an integral part of aging and some of these have mine. Best regards, RA1

As Lucky says, no one knows if Winnie originated this quote or not. However, I was not disputing the SYSTEM of government, only the written characterization thereof. Best regards, RA1

Both unicorn and nycman are correct. Call your doctor and the first thing their recording says is, if this is an emergency, go to the ER. OTOH, once in the ER likely the docs will do exactly what unicorn suggests. Try to stabilize the patient, inform the attending (your doc) and call for help if things go awry. Unfortunately the modern practice of medicine is too much aligned with the bottom line. Hospitals are taking over and controlling docs and the practice of medicine. We already are only too aware of the influence of big pharmacy, insurance and the feds in general. Regardless of how and whether we have significant health reform in the US, we do not have enough docs and other medicos. Cheap Rx and universal pay for health care will not solve the current problems. Best regards, RA1

Why on earth would anyone wish to immigrate (legally or otherwise) to such a poorly constituted country? Best regards, RA1

The definition of a witch hunt is not having a crime and looking for the perp but having a perp and looking for a crime. Best regards, RA1

If this translates into "real" life then my IQ must be at least 203. Best regards, RA1

Lay person's opinion. Neurontin is prescribed for foot pain. In my experience with several sufferers, it has a limited chance to work. It is somewhat likely that you have idiopathic nephropathy. That means docs do not know what is causing it. I suggest more beer. Best regards, RA1

The last time I went to Australia the airline issued me a visa on the spot. Admittedly this was a few years ago. Best regards, RA1

The same was said of BO. Best regards, RA1

I guess that you are "lucky" to not be in a Girl Scout situation. Best regards. RA1

I don't know if trickle down economics works or not but it does seems apparent that business hire more folks during "good" times. Some of the good times include reduced taxes and various incentives for businesses. Hiring lots of folks may not be trickle down but it smacks of same. Both parties i.e. Congress as a whole (as well as administrations) are spending money like a drunken sailor with little to no thought about who will pay for it and when. Deficit thy name is USA. Best regards, RA1

Everyone needs to seek and follow advice particular to their own problem. It seems that gratuitous advice is seldom well received. Caveat Emptor. Best regards, RA

Does your right hand inadvertently go up when writing about von Braun? Best regards, RA1

Of course I still remember the Columbia and Challenger accidents as if they were yesterday. Is space flight ever safe? Going to the moon was so improbable (in retrospect) that I can understand why some do not believe we went there. Naturally any mode of transportation is inherently dangerous, some more than others. Sometimes it makes me wonder how I survived all these years and "crazy" flights. Best regards, RA1

IF the North Koreans denuclearize (and I do not expect them to do so, but hope springs eternal) then the Donald does deserve consideration for the Nobel. However, my opinion of the Nobel has gone nowhere except down in the last several years. I will agree The Wall will not keep out A-bombs. Best regards, RA1

Sorry but NY blew it. Best regards, RA1

Agreed. Best regards, RA1

All of the candidates mentioned (and many others) are promoting socialist programs. Thankfully most are so pie in the sky that they will never be enacted. Sorry to have been obtuse. Best regards, RA1

I don't understand why many gays seem to want to be socialists. Is it the Sugar Daddy Syndrome in the form of Uncle Sugar? We already are trillions and trillions in debt + 10 times more in contingent liabilities. How can we justify adding more? Best regards, RA1

I agree that Republicans are liars and hypocrites but equally so are the Democrats. Did you not notice that Obama added trillions to the national debt? Who ever adds the debt worries me. I agree that costs can be calculated but our social and welfare programs are beyond anything but meaningless numbers. That is my comparison to Rome. Best regards, RA1

Are we forgetting the Democrats were the original racists? Some think they still are. I wish history did not repeat itself but unfortunately it does. I also do not see America as all conquering. The parallel I was drawing was offering all things to all people without regard to the true cost. Best regards, RA1

They may have a lot of soul but I am hoping they are NOT connecting with mainstream America. Being the Libertarian Conservative that I am, I am hoping for summertime only Congressional meetings. Alas, that likely was gone many years ago. Does no one see any parallel with Rome? Best regards, RA1

Of course technological means will enhance border protection as well as more agents. However, the border patrol as well as others seem to think a physical fence is desirable. At least I am not as intractable as both the Dems and Repubs. Best regards, RA1

I agree there seems to be no solution for the "wall" question. However, two things come to mind. One, the Demos approved fencing in the past and, two, this appears to be a political fight rather than a factual one. Political fights do not seem to have solutions. Best regards, RA1

Now if only the Demos would cross the aisle ala McCain.... Strange man who I admired and disregarded in equal measure. Best regards, RA1