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I thought I'd humor those who choose to read with some of my thoughts on this fine morning. As anyone who reads my posts is aware, I'm not big on political parties. I consider myself a conservative libertarian. I believe in free markets and free people. I believe in individualism and personal liberty. My personal belief is the current political parties have long ago left their purpose of serving the people, and exist now only to collect power and stay in power. They exist to protect themselves, and the power they have--and can--accumulate. These are their primary drivers. The future of our--and our kids/grandkids--way of life seems to have been turned into nothing more than a sporting event by the two major parties. They've minimized it to the point where we can literally gamble online about the future direction of our country. As a cynical view, I'd think they were doing it on purpose to simplify, divide, and distract. With that said, I thought I'd post some quotes from one of my personal, favorite thinkers. If you've never heard of her, I'd recommend a quick look at some of her thoughts. If you have heard of her--but it's been awhile--it may be a good time to refresh your memories on some of her thoughts. No matter which Party you choose, I'd hope that some of these quotes strike a nerve, help remind us all of what's made America great, why she was founded, and what can be accomplished when our freedoms are actually unleashed. I'll step off my soapbox, and hope the below quotes are meaningful to everyone in some way. If you feel it's worthwhile, please post thoughts and/or quotes that are personally meaningful to you as they relate to our current political atmosphere. It would be interesting to me to see where people stand--aside from the specific headlines discussed in other threads. I'm curious if we all aren't closer in our beliefs than what we may think, or further apart. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ All quotes are courtesy of Ayn Rand America's abundance was created not by public sacrifices to the common good, but by the productive genius of free men who pursued their own personal interests and the making of their own private fortunes. They did not starve the people to pay for America's industrialization. They gave the people better jobs, higher wages, and cheaper goods with every new machine they invented, with every scientific discovery or technological advance- and thus the whole country was moving forward and profiting, not suffering, every step of the way. Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities (and the smallest minority on earth is the individual). Socialism is the doctrine that man has no right to exist for his own sake, that his life and his work do not belong to him, but belong to society, that the only justification of his existence is his service to society, and that society may dispose of him in any way it pleases for the sake of whatever it deems to be its own tribal, collective good. Whoever claims the right to redistribute the wealth produced by others is claiming the right to treat human beings as chattel. It only stands to reason that where there's sacrifice, there's someone collecting the sacrificial offerings. Where there's service, there is someone being served. The man who speaks to you of sacrifice is speaking of slaves and masters, and intends to be the master. Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others.

Picture of Reagan convincing everyone that $4 to $5 dollar a gallon fuel along with the collateral inflation it causes on goods is good for everyone. Smh True TWS ( Trump Worshipping Syndrome)

[Hidden Content] I’m inviting all Jasper Parents, Alumni, and Community to come out to Jasper Football’s first College Day which will be held on Tuesday May 12, 2026 at 2:30 PM at Bulldog Stadium. My staff and I have held this event for the past 15 years in May at both Beaumont Central and Killeen Shoemaker l, and it is very similar to a pro day for a college prospect or a collegiate camp held by the universities. We have 8 college staffs who have already confirmed their attendance. My staff and I both share the same common goal which is to promote our outstanding student athletes in every possible way. Feel free to send this information out to any collegiate contacts you may have and come out and support The Dawgs! Thank you for all your support! THE CHANGE IS NOW! Toby Foreman #dawgfamily #J’sUp

I imagine Crumedy is perfectly happy at the moment.

Again with the "y'all". smh Show some worth for once and say "we".

To the dismay of WOS little league coaches and fans.

I haven't quite figured her out yet. But, based on some of her recent posts, she should join the Libertarian Party. Right now, she's actually doing a lot of damage--unless you're one of those wishing for the U.S. to turn into a truly Socialist country. She's providing a lot of fodder. I may not like the current situation. In fact, I despise the Party system altogether. But, I sure don't want to see the U.S. turn full-blown Socialist, and I don't think many others on this site do either...even those who despise Trump. I wish people would quit being taken in by the 'You're wasting your vote if you don't vote D or R, so just pick the lesser of two evils" argument. If folks actually started voting for more Independents/Libertarians in Senate and House races, maybe we could break this vicious cycle of crap. Talarico is scaring the poo outta me right now. But, the R's have no one to blame but themselves.

Paid $3.59 today which is a dollar higher than it was 2 months ago but still not $4.57. I am helping the economy by making a trip to casino each week and eat at one of Ferttita's eating establishments.

Trolling at it’s finest CB - noticing no one will have a serious conversation with you?

WooHoo, we won the series vs the Cubbies!!! Friday L 1-7 Saturday W 6-0 Sunday W 3-0 The diamondbacks are coming to Arlington Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Season record: 19-21

Pending eligibility of course

reminds me of the Trumpers and anti-Trumpers on this site.

The were estimates weeks or months from development….. I know Democrats think people have to be shot at before they can shoot back. Only a fool would wait until they fired the nuke before we fired back and addressed it.

I have been wondering if we would get a Lamar softball post this year. If only they would have gotten rid of the coach!

W25 Spurger Vs. R28 Medina Medina 10 Spurger 7 Medina advances W22 Douglass Vs. W24 West Sabine Game 1: West Sabine 11 Douglass 1 Game 2: West Sabine 9 Douglass 3 West Sabine advances W22 Kirbyville (18-10-1) vs. East Bernard (19-8-3) Game 1: Kirbyville 5 East Bernard 3 Game 2: Friday, May 8 @ Barbers Hill HS, 7:00 Game 3: Saturday, May 9 @ Barbers Hill HS, 3:00 (if necessary) Bullard (22-9) vs. W19 Livingston (24-6) Game 1: Bullard 5 Livingston 0 Game 2: Friday, May 8 | 7:00 PM | @ Nacogdoches HS Game 3: Saturday, May 9 | 5:00 PM | @ Nacogdoches HS (if necessary) W18 Vidor (20-8-1) vs. R19 Huffman-Hargrave (21-8-1) Game 1: Huffman-Hargrave 4 Vidor 3 Game 2: Friday, May 8 | 7:00 PM | @ Deer Park HS Game 3: Saturday, May 9 | 1:00 PM | @ Deer Park HS (if necessary) W18 Silsbee (24-5-1) vs. R19 Hamshire-Fannett (11-20) Game 1: Hamshire-Fannett 7 Silsbee 6 Game 2: Friday, May 8 | 7:00 PM | @ Lamar University Game 3: Saturday, May 9 | 1:00 PM | @ Lamar University (if necessary)

I'm right in the middle of middle class, and he only thing I feel is gas prices. I believe if he gets that down, everything else will follow.

IMO, this is the greatest post ever made down here in this political forum. So much so that this thread probably should be pinned up top of the forum so it won't be pushed down the page. The best perspective ever posted down here which is so refreshing considering some of these other posts being made that I consider complete garbage. Thank you sir for this post. Very much appreciated.

Nope…if wages really haven’t went up much since then it doesn’t matter. Minimum wage was $7.25 a hour in 2013 which is what it is now so there’s that. Lol I would never vote for Obama under any circumstance. No feelings hurt here, you got me mistaken for a maga cult member. Lol

That's a good one right there. I don't care who you are...lol

You can thank Biden and the Greenies for the A/C price increase. [Hidden Content]

Well the RB won't be calling defense plays from the huddle. So i think his 2k yard season had a slight impact from the staff. Congrats coach. What an honor to recognized by the National Football Foundation

combine the stros' offense with the rangers' pitching and you're looking at a 100-win team.

Texan Live will be doing all the games.

I can think of two things off the top of my head that make your statements false. Deductions for seniors have been raised to the point that an estimated 90% of seniors will have no tax on their Social Security. The OBBBA includes a no tax on tips provision which will generally help lower wage service sector employees. Rural medical care has always been an issue. That’s why incentives have always been offered to medical professionals who are willing to work in rural settings. The lack of patients has made it difficult for them to pay for their liability insurance, receive competitive pay, and just have enough ‘business’ to make a living. There are complaints that people are having to drive 20 miles further for a doctor/hospital visit because of closures. News flash. That’s why it’s called ‘rural.’ People live there to be away from the congestion. Lack of abundant services within close distances is a trade-off that has to be made. If you want services within 5 minutes, move to a metro area. If you value a quieter lifestyle, you have to be willing to deal with inconveniences in other areas.

He did. Jasper situation is no secret. Sometimes coaches take jobs based upon future projections and not what is immediately possible.

Send it to me also.

Who said anything about coaching ability? Pretty certain the post was regarding “talent level”. He may very well have “several programs in the playoffs” in the future. 2026 football will not be one of them.

I play in the poker room. Poker is a skill game. I don't mess with the one armed bandits. But I appreciate the sentiment.

This is where you're supposed to say 'They're coming to hear y'all...not for the food." 😁

The crack spread doesn't account for all of the products a refinery produces. Basically, they're losing money on all products except gasoline & diesel.

You don't know how happy that makes my heart. Lord, I wish I had done that...

This is Reagan in a nutshell. Smh

Did you get your $100 back, or are you still holding out hope that it will someday actually produced?

[Hidden Content] Ditto! 🌊🌊🌊

Can’t add anything to what Aggie covered. On your quotes, we should all be concerned. Numbers 3&4 really jump out at me. I’m not a member of the Republican Party, but their conservative views align more with what I believe. Democrats have lost touch with what Americans want and have zero policy. Their collusion with communists and Islamist is very worrisome. Siding with criminals is unacceptable and will trigger vigilante justice if not curbed.

You said he stayed for a State Title. That’s what I was referring to.

Outfield (infield is turfed) in Hammond has been deemed unplayable. Lamar will be the 2 seed regardless of the outcome of today's game against HCU. LU has replaced most of the starting position players and did not bring the starting pitcher after getting in only a half inning of yesterday's game.

Worked out better than the season Nederland had so i would say he made the right choice at the moment.

Final Hamshire-Fannett 3 Silsbee 2 HF wins series 2-0

I’m actually excited for this series with the cubs. These are my 2 favorite teams playing against each other. Go RANGERS!!!

Looks like more tariffs (10% global tariffs) were struck down today. I assume an appeal is on the way.

I agree, terminate Obamacare and the convoluted restrictions that prohibit a customer to buy health insurance across a state lines. You can buy just about every other kind of insurance across state lines except health insurance.

Well that’s to be expected because it’s close to the lake. Lol

Looking into the history of the cost increases in residential a/c units takes one back to 2016 and the Obama Administration. In 2016, Obama signed on to a Global Greenhouse Gas Treaty that required the phase-out of 410-A refrigerants. This change meant total redesign of all HVAC units to accept the new refrigerant which is considered mildly flammable. It required all new safety regulations, testing, and training as well. The regulation was hanging around while firms redesigned and retrained. Biden implemented the policy ahead of schedule to take effect in January 2025. It would be too late to void the new regulations now as every manufacturer has already changed their designs, training, and cities have updated their required safety codes, etc. We're stuck with it. No more units with the older refrigerants can be sold. Although, current units can be serviced as long as parts remain available. Obviously, prices will increase as part stock diminishes, and--eventually--repair parts will probably cease being manufactured. This is a perfect example of Federal Regulations costing the public major dollars that may never be recouped by the individual. The two Bills discussed in the above post are an attempt to keep the Feds from regulating any more of our home appliances by fiat.

I don’t know who said it. But, if I’d had my druthers, I’d still be on the farm. My family went bankrupt twice farming which is why my dad moved us to the Texas Gulf coast area and he got a job at DuPont. After my Service all over the world, I came back, and also worked many years at the plants while getting my degrees. I didn’t finish my second degree until I was in my late 40’s, married, with a son. Personally, I think people learn a lot more, and become more self-reliant growing up in rural areas. I took my son to the country every chance I could. He learned how to do things he would never learn in a metro area. Yes. Medical is a challenge. As I said, it always has been. It’s not Trump Admin specific. That’s why my wife and I still live where we do. We’d love to live out a bit. But, medical care as we get older is more important. Especially so with her Parkinson’s Plus. I’ve done many things in my life. I’ve been blessed. One thing I know is—at 63–there’s still more things I don’t even know that I don’t know. But, I’ve experienced more than most, and I don’t fall for talking points and sound bites.

They did have a lot of young guys playing...and did well... To be fair just about everyone was missing a few key guys due to regional track and baseball...regional track got moved back this year a week and I think Waggoner realized pretty quick next year he should move his tournament back a week also

What proof would you like? To have solid proof it would likely give up sources and get people killed. To me, it does not sound too far fetched that a country who has been under observation by several administrations because we know they are trying to build a nuke, might, after 40 years of trying be very close to making one. I don’t like paying 90 bucks to fill up, but if it prevents, Iran from nuking an ally, that would eventually lead to boots on the ground for us, I’m OK with it. Lastly, if I really cared about gas prices, I would own a Honda and not the two trucks I have

Should the name of this thread be changed to Barber Hill"s Babin picks up another offer?