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Dolph Tillotson
Like a lot of people who write for newspapers, I’ve been wondering since Tuesday how I got so far away from majority thought in America.
I say that in all humility. Over 72 million people voted for Donald Trump, and there must be many among the millions who are smarter than I.
One of the things I hope to do in the future is listen better.
Before Nov. 5, I predicted Trump would win because he was likely to win Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia. Also, he might lose the popular vote.
Of course, Trump handily won the popular vote and the electoral college. He won all seven of the so-called swing states. His party seized control of both houses of Congress.
Several journalist friends and I have been chatting about the election and what it means.
“I haven’t changed my mind about Trump,” one wrote. “I just accept that some people see some good in him that I can’t and maybe I’m wrong. I also get that the Democrats just have nothing that a lot of work-a-day Americans want or need.”
A lot of introspection is happening, and I think that’s a good thing.
In our internet forums, I invited readers to respond to three questions.
1. What do supporters see as Donald Trump’s main appeal? 2. How are Trump supporters seeing his decisive victory? Surprised? 3. Thoughts on how a divided electorate can come together.
Carlos Ponce said that as a businessman, Trump “knows how to deal with the economy.”
Laura Addison sent me an essay by someone else that concluded Trump won for a simple reason: “Trump is the candidate who spoke to voters’ concerns directly. It’s the issues, stupid.”
Most said they weren’t surprised by the win but by the size of it.
Several readers took the invitation as an opportunity to criticize the media.
“The reason for Republican’s winning is a mystery to the ineffective opposition party and its accomplices in the press,” reader Robert Braeking wrote. “It is no mystery for those of us who are capable of discernment and independent thought. The fed-up have spoken.”
In answer to the question about how the country can come together, reader Dalton Logan was pessimistic.
“It’s the media, period,” Logan wrote. “Not much will change until the ownership of the media organizations change and many will not. They will just run their companies into the ground before admitting they are wrong.”
“The media needs to do some soul searching,” Carlos Ponce wrote.
That’s happening. Several conservative columnists for The New York Times (yes, such columnists exist — David Brooks and Brett Stephens, for example) set the tone. Stephens wrote on Wednesday:
“Today, the Democrats have become the party of priggishness, pontification and pomposity. It may make them feel righteous, but how’s that ever going to be a winning electoral look?”
I hope Democrats will realize the party in 2024 moved too far left to represent mainstream America.
And I hope Republicans — who now control courts, congress and the executive — will understand Donald Trump will leave office in 2028. Now, what will they deliver?
Wouldn’t it be great over the next four years to find some common ground on big, difficult issues — like immigration reform, for example?
How’s that for soul searching?
Dolph Tillotson is chairman of Southern Newspapers and a member of The Daily News editorial board.
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(79) comments
I agree that media is the answer. I know so many people who just can't fathom why anyone could support Trump. But if you live in an information silo fueled by the talking heads on Fox, or AM radio, or X, it makes perfect sense to vote for Trump. It's a rational act. Because those media simply echo, amplify, and rationalize his narrative. And if, like many on the right, you've been exclusively absorbing right-wing media since the early Rush Limbaugh days, your worldview will be completely disconnected from the worldview of those who get their information from traditional media.
I've fact-checked media across the political spectrum for decades. I track down the source material. I look for the context. I apply basic logic to what is said, and how it is presented. I study American history to learn the repeating patterns of political thought and discourse - because history always repeats. That's how you become an informed consumer of news.
Very few people have the time or interest to be informed consumers - people have lives to live. They rightly expect what they are presented with to be the unvarnished truth. And it rarely is. It rarely has been. It probably never will be.
The problem exists on both the right and left, although the sheer number and reach of right-wing media sources far exceeds those on the left. There are solutions to the problem of media bias - but no one is interested in giving up the comfortable reinforcement of their beliefs. And that's a shame, because learning different perspectives is the sort of personal growth that can lead to a happier and more united nation.
Bailey, did you have sour grapes for breakfast?
A majority of American voters examined your candidate and found her lacking. They remember things were better under Trump. Trump's numbers remained about the same from 2020 The Democrat candidate lost over TEN MILLION votes from 2020. Tell us what that tells you. It has NOTHING to do with her race or sex as some Liberals claim.
You’re calling conservative news media echo chambers? Does that mean you don’t consider the “normal” outlets echo chambers? You’re a perfect example of why the polls were wrong. AGAIN! 😂😂😂
"And I hope Republicans — who now control courts, congress and the executive — will understand Donald Trump will leave office in 2028. Now, what will they deliver?"
"Wouldn’t it be great over the next four years to find some common ground on big, difficult issues — like immigration reform, for example?"
"How’s that for soul searching?" .......DOLPH T.
First of all I beleived the author of this Op-Ed when he congratulated Republicans the other day on this forum for our great win in the elections. However to some of us the winner of this election never was in doubt. If I'm not mistaken, my prior posts BEFORE the elections were that there would be a GREAT RED AVALANCHE OF VICTORIES for the Republicans! Well isn't that what happened? I also agree with everything Mr. Ponce, Mr. Braeking, Ms. Addison, Mr. Logan and others Conservatives stated running up to the elections! I admire Mr. Jones for his fact checking but make no mistake, these Conservatives I've mentioned above and more I have NOT mentioned are fact checking too, or they wouldn't be as informed as they are.
Dolph asked about finding Common Ground. That is extremely hard to do when you are dealing with individuals who have and possesses a wish to Self - Destruct, and take the whole country down with them! That is why we see Open Borders, That is why we see High Inflation, That is why we see the world emptying their Prisons, Jails, and Insanity Institutions and driving them to America's Borders with impunity under the present administration of Comrade Kamala! More than that,...the mere presence of Kamala Harris as their Dropped In, Unqalified, Incompetent Canidate plainly tells anyone who can see ...that the LEFT HATES THIS COUNTRY, OTHER-WISE WHY DID THEY NEED A DARK SKINNED WOMAN FOR THE JOB? IT WAS A DEMOCRATIC MANDATE, DARK SKINNED WOMAN OR ELSE NO BLACK SUPPORT!
So someone need to tell me how do we deal with someone who wants to commit suicide? Under the Law of Moses it states to "LOVE OTHERS AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF!" Ahhhh hahaha, but no man is justified by that Law! This is why the NEW COMMANDMENT OF LOVE TOOK IT'S PLACE: "LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS " I" HAVE LOVED YOU THAT YOU ❤️ LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AND BY THIS ALL MEN WILL KNOW.YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES...BY YOUR LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER!" .......( John 13:34-35 ).
What did I just say? I'' tell you. If a person doesn't love his or herself how can or how likely is it that they will love me? TALK TO ME!!!! Now to the business at hand, ...Common Ground! I will not pursue Common Ground with someone bent on destroying America! For instance LEFTISTS even now are starting to erect roadblocks and snares to stop President Trump from doing his job. Democrats don't want Common Ground....they want TOTAL UNQUESTIONED CONTROL & AUTHORITY! Lastly let me gloat a little ...just a little. Four years ago I stated if JOE COOL 😎 & Comrade Kamala took office.." ALL HELL WOULD BREAK LOOSE HERE!" Look around you, look at the wars and threats of more wars happening now. Look at our CRIME RATE, BORDER ISSUES! Look at our economy and national debt! Look at our Universities around the nation and the poison they are teaching students! Look at how Jewish Students are afraid to go to class ...IN AMERICA WHO SUPPOSE TO BE A.BEACON LIGHT OF FREEDOM! JUDGE: " I REST MY CASE!"
[smile][thumbup]
You censored my last comment because why? This is laughable. Enjoy the blathering of the Three Amigos.
I am making out a request from Ex Marines I know for NON Repayable Loans to pay for mine and my girlfriend's trip to Big Trump's Inauguration. I know one Ex Marine who ...I KNOW WONT LET ME DOWN!!!! I'm finishing up on the wording now. Lolololololo! I might need to ask for more because Big Trump is going to put on a BASH,...EVERYBODY IS GOING TO BE THERE! LOLOLLOLO!
Mr. Douglas, a little hint about Innaugural Balls, the official ball is constrained by a lot of government regulations and rules.
Many States have their own balls. Texas State Society of DC puts on Black Tie and Boots which is by far the best one. Typically it is held at The Gaylord National Harbor. All the ballrooms are in use i have seen Lou Rawls, Beach Boys, Kilgore Rangerettes and several Texas acts. Once you pay for the tickets it is all you can eat and drink.You will be there with 15,000 of your good Texas friends. It is always more fun after a GOP win.
It is at Washington Hilton this time on January 19th. Link below:
https://www.texasstatesociety.org/btb/
There is no such thing as an Ex-Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fi
We’ve been led to believe (by the media) the POTUS should be a nice guy, someone we “like”, identity matters. It doesn’t. Most Americans couldn’t care less who it is, whether they’re a man, woman, what color their skin is. The POTUS is responsible for executing the laws and policies of the US, an “executive” that puts AMERICA first.
A majority of Americans bought the bias the media (including newspapers) spewed throughout his first term, and ignored what little of the stories told by “conservative” sources. But that all changed when those conspiracies came to be true, and the interest rates grew, and border was intentionally opened, allowing millions of illegal aliens to enter the country, billions sent overseas while Americans struggle.
Just imagine where we’d be if “news outlets” were unbiased, honest, fair.
I appreciate you trying to get out of your bubble. I’ll continue to read your editorials, Mr. Tillotson, hoping to see a difference.
I see that you need another clue or two with your three questions.
1. Donald Trump's appeal is that he is responsive to THE PEOPLE, not the press.
2. The second term of Donald Trump would be ending had the Opposition not created 15 million votes out of whole cloth in 2020. The victory is as I expected given that early voting overwhelmed the Opposition's ability to create votes. Surprised? No.
3. The electorate is no more divided than it was in 1787 when the Constitution established the system of electors. We are a country divided between the dependent class living in large cities and the independent class living in the country and avoiding government intrusion in our lives. If you would like to see the overwhelming support of conservatives, look at a map of the election results by county. Even in the blue states, most counties vote conservative. We will never come together because our relative dependence on government is in diametric opposition.
Robert > You are close to telling the real reason we are divided. The working people who pay the taxes mostly live live in suburbs or countryside. The majority of the dependent live in big blue cities where Democrats keep no promises. It's true every US state has more Red Counties than Blue Counties. Blue States have the biggest dependent voting population in big cities. The dependent population is kept voting blue by telling them Conservatives would let them starve to save money. Big Blue City education is kept poor so dependent so they never learn learn the truth. The legacy Media helps by keeping anything off the air teaching dependents a better life awaits all who escape the plantation. Democrats divide us to survive, the media just wants money.
People smarter than me have said if blue city schools were as good as red county schools there would be no blue cities.
The pondering question and soul searching, over the next four years, should be whether voting for Trump was a wise choice or a failure to take into account his four years as President and the chaos produced from that presidency as well as a reduction of rights for women impacting their health.
Charlotte! I think one who voted for TRUMP is on better grounds than he was if he voted for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Talking about women, let me do you one better. Look at the tens of thousands of men, women, girls, boys, and babies who have died because of the irresponsible & dumba## decisions, choices, and policies they made, established, or enforced not only here but World Wide! There is no comparison....NONE!
It was time for a change and everybody knows it! Kamala Harris could not even answer a question unscripted and on her own! I don't care if she is BLACK or pretends she is when it is convenient. THIS IS NOT ANOUT COLOR, IT IS ABOUT BUSINESS, SURVIVAL, AND FAMILIES. Next time the LEFT runs a candidate let's hope they pick one who can last the whole cycle without having another one parachuting in to take over in the middle of the election process!
Charles, if Kamala were elected, the individuals that voted for her, should do the same and see if her rhetoric and actions matched. Unfortunately, voting Republican or Democrat leaves the same situation …the poor get poorer, the middle class diminishes, and the rich get richer. That is why it’s so important after one votes to reassess your vote. We don’t have parallel universes to assess different outcomes with our decisions so us humans must do the best we can. Thanks for posting and discussion. - Charlotte
Charlotte > Said another way. "Red schools are better than blue schools."
Charles > Do you think people finally figured out Progressives are worse than Nazi's?
You just chose one that may not last the 4 years. Trump is too old. He’s getting mentally impaired, too. He’s almost 80.
You can quit telling lies about Kamala Harris. She answered a lot of questions unscripted. You just believe what that lying Fox News tells you. Remember they fired Tucker Carlson and had to pay $787.5 million to poll workers in Georgia. Kamala didn’t lose because she couldn’t answer questions. She lost because the Pandemic caused WORLDWIDE INFLATION. People also responded “NO!”to Joe Biden’s open borders & ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. So the Republicans were organized and sent their nasty, bloviating candidate out there to deliver those messages, and it was on the news every night.
Trump blamed inflation on Joe Biden, and tied Kamala Harris to it. Every rally he had, he condemned Biden until he dropped out of the race. Then he condemned Kamala Harris. People forget what a chaotic term Trump had the first time. This time will be worse. Fasten your seatbelts. Trump will be unleashed & cruel & dangerous! Do you think Trump cares about your business survival or your family? He doesn’t. He got your vote, and he cannot run again, so he got all he wanted from you. He doesn’t care about you now. You can go away, now, and forget your long-term goals for your children & grandchildren.
Looks like our Liberal poster is getting her "facts" intertwined with opinion, propaganda, obfuscations and fabrications. So sad.
Paula > If you will permit I will help you learn your mistakes can be corrected. Pay attention between now and the Mid Terms to how many older Democrats retire and younger Democrats switch parties because they learned they were wrong about what Americans want. 2028 may not be as close as 2024.
Charlotte > R V W gave women an illegal right they had no right to have. It violated the Tenth Amendment. The 12.5 million votes in 2020 that were never before and never again are now justifying the belief 2020 wasn't legitimate. The question now is "who owned the copy machines" that voted 12.5 million times. It's still possible that 1,200 sworn documents ignored by corrupt Democrat Judges will be used to answer that question. They were and still are legal evidence.
Hi Gary, in America, we generally have the option of two party choices with third party choices sometime impacting elections of which of the 2 parties will win.
We had 4 years of Trump chaos, and while many still talk about a steal, I have not seen any actual proof. But I did see a President try to steal the election by bullying VP Mike Pence into an illegal act. I saw 4 years of Trump and 4 years of Biden. I voted for 2 different choices that would need to be reevaluated if they won, Haley in primary and Harris in election. Who would I have voted for if going against each other in a presidential election, I would have preferred that choice. As to soul searching based on what the majority decided, the majority is wrong many times as seen by slavery, Jim Crow laws and segregation. I do my best and constantly re-evaluate. There are many Republicans which I can and do vote for. But as to Trump, my vote is a definite no based on past performance and creation of dissent and authoritarian leanings. Whether my votes would have, could have made a difference with other choices, we will never know, but I can’t vote for anyone that will not fix the health problems created for women faced with wanting children but the government intervention in health care effecting outcomes. Thanks for posting. -Charlotte
Charlotte > Trump has not had anything to say about Abortions in Texas. That is a state issue. After 50 years of Illegal abortions ( violating the tenth amendment ) Democrats want their money pot back. The people you elect in Texas will decide your choices after you made the choice to get pregnant. Texas doesn't want Democrats getting rich by killing babies.
Charlotte > You haven't seen the evidence because Democrats and Legacy Media made a concerted effort to keep you from seeing it. All is still valid and could be available soon.
Texas law has an exemption where "the abortion is necessary to prevent the death or a substantial risk of serious impairment to the physical or mental health of the woman"
Other states have a similar provision.
Yet, there still some who insist there was a "reduction of rights for women impacting their health."
The Liberal indoctrination runs deep in them.....
Hi Carlos, you posted this before and I didn’t answer as I had a death in the family and then became ill so this is a late post to this legal assertion. The bounty laws, short timeframe to make a decision, and going after healthcare advisers for even giving advice is just plain wrong. If that is liberal indoctrination, count me in.
As to not answering questions, Trump can do that easily and get away with it like on the healthcare plan, but women need to realize they are held to a higher standard
Harris should have outlined how she would be different from Biden, and Haley should answer the specifics on abortion questions. That Haley jumped off the anti-Trump band wagon then back on, hurts her credibility …. Give me a Pence or Cheney or anyone that can give and stick to an opinion. As to the abortion laws in Texas, they need some work to stop killing mothers that want babies.
Thanks for posting and sorry for not posting previously, -Charlotte
The issue of "reproductive rights" came up RARELY in exit polls because many women are smart enough to read the law and not go with lying propaganda.
According to NPR (November 8, 2024) Kamala was favored by 53% of women. On the other hand The Biden was favored by 57%. Trump increased his share of women's votes from 43% in 2020 to 46% in 2024.
Your statement "As to the abortion laws in Texas, they need some work to stop killing mothers that want babies, " is propaganda, not truth. The doctors could have, should have acted but did not when the mothers life was in danger. The LAW provides that, the Texas Supreme Court states that in Kate Cox v Texas.
Carlos, We will have to agree to disagree. Women deserve better. Laws are frequently behind what actually occurs and is being statistically reported. As to Trump, he has 4 years to prove he is a bad, good, or excellent president in his second term. Let’s hope that unlike last time since he can’t run again, he does better on passing
power to the next president, healthcare, national debt, and women’s rights. I wish him the best of luck as his luck and performance will impact America in years to come and we have had 50 years of diminishing the middle class and growing debt with bigger and bigger government. Elon Musk said Americans should expect economic hardship …. I guess we will see, how long the hurt lasts, and if actual improvements spring forth.
Even having to go through those legal hoops was crazy …. Regardless of what was eventually ruled.
"agree to disagree"???? You can disagree with a fact but that makes you sound........[ohmy]
Some doctors got and gave some bad advice based on propaganda, not facts. The buck stops there. PERIOD!
"legal hoops"???? he only "legal hoop" was to document with patient history the need for an abortion. Doctors do that anyway. According to the Texas Supreme Court in Kate Cox v Texas, "Only a doctor can exercise 'reasonable medical judgment' to decide whether a pregnant woman 'has a life-threatening physical condition,' making an abortion necessary to save her life or to save her from 'a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function.' If a doctor, using her 'reasonable medical judgment,' decides that a pregnant woman has such a condition, then the exception applies, and Texas law does not prohibit the abortion."
"The exception does not mandate that a doctor in a true emergency await consultation with other doctors who may not be available. Rather, the exception is predicated on a doctor’s acting within the zone of reasonable medical judgment, which is what doctors do every day. An exercise of reasonable medical judgment does not mean that every doctor would reach the same conclusion. A pregnant woman does not need a court order to have a life-saving abortion in Texas. "
And it went to court, why …. Because the law is always so crystal clear? It’s always a no brainer with no consequences….
As I said, we will eventually gets stats of what Texas women’s healthcare issues and death rates are compared to other states with less restrictive rules.
"And it went to court, why …." Because someone had a mistaken belief that they could get a court decision to toss the law out. In a lower court, the decision was made that that the abortion could be done but the Texas Supreme Court ruled "A pregnant woman does not need a court order to have a life-saving abortion in Texas." See Kate Cox vs Texas
Just some lawyers out to make a name for themselves as the attorneys who had the Texas law overturned. That didn't happen. Under Texas law, a woman could have a legal abortion in Texas if her life was in question.
Charlotte, did you BOTHER to read the law and the Texas Supreme Court case ruling?
Did I read the case and the hoops? Yes. I don’t think the courts or government should be in women’s healthcare or reporting “violations” for bounties …. Not for this case or other cases which can result from medical complications based on new laws.
Making these legal punishment laws isn’t helpful and complicates already complicated medical decisions. If that is the America the majority wants that is the America one gets.
Have up you ever heard the saying … if you wait for government to make a decision in a crisis …. You are already dead. I think it also applies to restrictive laws and the courts. Laws are open to interpretation. My vote goes to government …. That stays out of my health care decisions. Later.
"Did I read the case and the hoops? Yes."You you read it, you did not understand it. Read it again. There are no "hoops".
lol. Can you read and comprehend …. Texas is different? Aren’t we lucky women to have government looking out for our health whether a majority wants it or not. Such BS and then the nerve to ask if I can comprehend being “special”.
Texas Monthly.
“Abortion Is on the Ballot in Ten States. Here’s Why It Won’t Be in Texas.
Donald Trump and other Republican candidates have said that abortion policy is now up to voters in each state. Texas is one exception.”
Hoops. Special. Confusing laws open to interpretation. It’s a bummer.
Name one state where there are "hoops".
“jump through hoops
idiom
informal
: to do a complicated or annoying series of things in order to get or achieve something”
We had to jump through a lot of hoops including going to another state to get an abortion even though our doctor stated that the defects were so bad that my baby would only live a few hours after birth.
Aka …. Cruel and unusual punishment for families and particularly for mothers and babies in TEXAS. Since I’m past child bearing age, obviously, I’m worried about others. Texas needs to make changes. More verified data is needed.
Stats ….
“A dramatic rise in pregnant women dying in Texas after abortion ban
Exclusive analysis finds the rate of maternal deaths in Texas increased 56% from 2019 to 2022, compared with just 11% nationwide during the same time period.”
Your song and dance doesn't prove anything.
Cause and effect - A look at the actual women involved show that the increase is due to poor neonatal care among illegal entry women. A look at the native Texan women who died shows their doctors erred. A look at the 111 OB/GYNs who signed that letter has Kate Cox's doctor at the top of the list. Read the Factcheck article "Post Spreads Misleading Information About Texas Abortion Case" December 20, 2023
What you posted does appear in Liberal media but it's pure propaganda, not cause and effect. Problem is Charlotte cannot differentiate between propaganda and actual data.
Charlotte > The chaos in Trump's first term was Bureaucrats fear they would be fired in his second term. 300,000 were on the delete list. Now again with a few more.
Charlotte, I have to call you out. You are perpetuating the lie that the abortion issue is about women's health. Clearly it is not. The Texas law, Chapter 170A of the Texas Health and Safety Code, effectively prohibits abortion solely as a means of birth control. It also recognizes the unborn child as a human being which affords him/her the protection of life under the law. The health of the mother is considered in the law as a legitimate justification for a medically necessary abortion. Your characterization of this issue is pure unadulterated bovine manure. If a woman is truly concerned about her health, she should educate herself about the risks of pregnancy and use that knowledge to govern her behavior.
Abortion for medical reasons (mother and baby) impacts the whole family. It impacts both physical and mental heath. It’s egregious to put families through these government legal “hoops” …. so call me out all you want. When you guys become physicians, then you can practice medicine.
Until it’s on the Texas ballot and women get a say, I intend to be vocal for changes and more legal clarifications as well as to point out severe congenital defects are real and can happen in any family. So making women carry to term or leave the state is a cruel and undeserved punishment.
As this happens to more and more Texas families the data and stats will continue to grow. Today, we have mostly anecdotal evidence that you can all deny but with time and more deaths and complications stats will accumulate.
If laws were really crystal clear, clarification would not be necessary from the TMB like on ectopic pregnancy where the pregnancy was allowed to rupture. Clarification by TMB were made in July 2024.
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/texas-abortion-ban-medical-board-guidance/
It’s just sad and so unnecessary.
Charlotte, There would seem that there is confusion among physicians as to the liability for performing a medically necessary abortions. There is a need for guidelines published by the Attorney General, not the Medical Board. This is a legal issue. Doctors are, apparently according to you, in fear of the repercussions of doing a medically necessary procedure. Certainly the law allows for medically necessary abortion. From January/June 2022, prior to HLPA there were 14 medically necessary abortions performed in Texas. For the same period in 2024 there were 38. (https://www.texasallianceforlife.org/news/latest-state-abortion-data/) Clearly the new law has not effected the rate of medically necessary abortions. The law has, however, spared the lives 17,112 unborn Texans. as NO elective abortions were performed for the period in 2024. Over an entire year that is sparing the lives of 34,224 children. The practice of elective abortion in America is the darkest chapter in our history. Since Roe v Wade, 166,364,000 legal abortions were performed. (statista.com) That in a country with 330 million population.
Once again Charlotte claims to have read the Texas law and the Texas Supreme Court decision but has no concept that they address all her concerns. The statute and decision are not written in legalese so why she finds their concepts elusive is incomprehensible. Let me make this plain:
If the pregnant woman's life is in danger under Texas law she may have an abortion.
If the baby has a serious medical problem, a legal abortion may be performed in Texas.
Robert, there are holes in the Texas abortion laws. Best seen by ectopic pregnancy and the patch placed on the abortion bills last year to specifically address it. There are still holes including on severe congenital defects. Women that can afford it go to other states. Women that can’t afford it, delivery with lethal results in hours or days or suffer complications before delivery. All suffer emotionally. It’s depressing that government intervenes in reproductive health by taking complex issues and reducing it to a flawed bill.
One of the best reads … Abortion Bans and Infant Deaths, Johns Hopkins, published June 26, 2024, showing why neonatal mortality increased.
I read where Qatar a country where Terrorists and Hamas Leaders & fighters have been hiding out for the last four years because of Qatar's disrespect for America's LOUSEY, INCOMPETENT LEADERSHIP, ......has all of a sudden backed away from pretending.to be a mediator between Hamas and Israel, and said HAMAS will probably have to leave Qatar!
Question is why now? Why after four long years Qatar has allowed Terrorists, HEZBOLLAH, HOUTHI, and HAMAS Leaders to congregate, Lollygag, and hang out from the war areas in their country and all of a sudden when word gets out that TRUMP is the new leader of America, they are getting ready to KICK ALL THEIR [censored]S out? To a knowledgeable individual who knows how to keep it real, this says ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REAL LEADERSHIP .......PERIOD!!!!!
Semper Fi.
Tell you what the 26th Marine Regiment near Khe Sanh and the 101 Airborne Division 506th in the A Shau Valley near Phu Bai /Hue was hard to beat SARGE! We drank some of the same hot sweat rolling off us laced with Agent Orange & Dirt ...into our mouths as the Marines did!
Happy Veterans Day tomorrow , and don't forget we still have room for.over here with a.WINNER! IMMA be honest with you though, I will still turn you in to BIG TRUMP for what you did! ( VOTING 5-6 TIMES AGAINST THE GREATEST PRESIDENT WE EVER HAD!" ) What were you thinking SARGE?
Dolph > My choice for immigration would be Legal or not at all. We need a amendment that anyone who came illegaly can never be a citizen or vote. They could have work permits and their children born here would be citizens.
States that require NO Voter ID:
California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington and add DC.
Kamala won each except Nevada and Pennsylvania.
States where Non-photo ID accepted:
Alaska Trump
Arizona Trump
Colorado Kamala
Connecticut Kamala
Delaware Kamala
Iowa Trump
North Dakota Trump
Utah Trump
Virginia Kamala
West Virginia Trump
Among the recommendations from the Commission on Federal Election Reform led by Jimmy Carter and James Baker was "Creating a uniform photo identification method to match the voter to the voting roll".
Photo Voter ID cards are FREE in Texas.
Mr. Ponce we all know the number one tool in the political toolbox of the LEFTIST PARTY is to Cheat! The number two tool there is to LIE, and the number Three tool there is to Play The Vaunted Race Card!!!!!!!!
They are like Hamas, who uses human shields to fight back with,...except Hamas uses Citizens Captives or Hostages, and the LEFT uses African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians & Women! They will have us believe African-Americans can get ID(S) to drive with, to receive government assistance with but are to unlearned, or helpless to get an ID to VOTE with!
Moreover they will send out Surrogates, Influencers, and Enticers to drill fake, false, lying misinformation into minorities who they kept subservient, attending under-performing schools, in bad neighborhoods with low incomes and high crimes rates to keep them in a hissy in order to make them believe it was all Voter Suppresion by the Republicans which caused their woes!
Check and see how much money BLM Leaders made off with!! We don't hear much from them anymore and there is a big reason for that, ANTIFA too! I know the Democratic Party like I know the lines in my hands, because I watched them work their BS on my parents & the community I lived in my whole childhood coming through my school days! I watched them do everything I have listed here and more! One of my sisters who serves GOD likes to say, " Charles, when YOU know better, YOU are supposed to DO better! My main plan for success is not a #$* Political Party! It is God, Prayer, Hardwork, and Diligence! I taught the same to the boys I raised! They both succeeded in Life, both had Masters Degrees from Universities which would not allow me to attend when I graduated High School! I'm not saying they were perfect but they didn't go around with their hands out begging Welfare and government cheese either, and they had ID(S) to vote with JUST LIKE ME! 👍 👌. The LEFTISTS needs to quit! Lolololololo. This is the main reason we GOT THE "DUB" LAST TUESDAY, and I.am beyond ecstatic. [beam][beam]
Another thing the LEFT is always talking about mixing Church & STATE, but when election time rolls around I wish I had a dollar for every LIFTIST politician I could find in AFRICAN-AMERICAN Churches on Sunday Morning taking up GOD'S TIME spewing their fske ideology! Hypocrisy at it's finest! If they really believed what they say, they should STAY OUT OF THOSE CHURCHES TALKING POLITICS!
[thumbup]
Charles, the separation of church and state is not about who attends a church, but rather about ensuring that the church and government act independently. I do not want the government to control the church I attend any more than I want a church to attempt to control the government. I want that wall of separation.
Remember that persecution in England caused some individuals to leave Great Britain seeking religious freedom. After the American Colonies rebelled against George III of the United Kingdom, the Establishment Clause was created, embodying the separation of church and state principle. Yet, it wasn't part of the original U.S. Constitution.
A reference point is Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802. In this letter, Jefferson, citing the First Amendment, wrote: "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church and State."
"What is striking about this letter is not only the content, but also the timing: New Year’s Day 1802 was a Friday. Two days later, Jefferson attended a religious service in the then-current Hall of Representatives in the Capitol Building."
If Thomas Jefferson adhered to Jim's interpretation of his Letter to the Danbury Baptists he would not be attending church service in the Capitol Building two days later. One must consider it in context including the original Letter FROM the Danbury Baptists to President Jefferson. They were concerned with the state of Connecticut establishing Congregationalism as that state's official religion which was legal at the time.
Jim if you don't want government and politics controlling the church or the church controlling the government, ..then keep your LEFTISH POLITICAL CANIDATES OUT OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHURCHES standing in front of the congregations having political rallies on God's time! You probably don't go to church so you probably don't know nor understand what I'm talking about! I don't want to hear about Comrade Kamala or Crooked Hillary Clinton standing UP-OFF-IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHURCHES ANYMORE!!!![angry] Trying to mark our Ebonics, and flashing HOT SAUCE out of their purses! Trump and I have agreed to let you take the lead on making this adjustment! Don't let Big Trump Down!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah and BIG TRUMP KNOWS YOU!!!!!
In every church I've attended, one must be invited to give a speech. For a candidate to speak, approval is required several weeks in advance for security reasons. Since I have no control over the speakers at a church, I cannot prevent it; however, the church that permitted it could. If a church I was attending allowed a candidate to speak without prior notice to all, I would not return. While you may not think it's time to leave figures like Hillary in the past, I believe it is.
Since Trump is unaware of who Jim Forsythe is, I'll leave the task of speaking to Trump to you.
Apparently Jim is not familiar with the concept called "church roof money".
"Hey, we noticed your church needs a new roof. Our candidate can help you out. In return, just let him/her speak for a while." Just an example.
This is very common.
Texas Tribune Oct. 30, 2022 "Churches are breaking the law and endorsing in elections, experts say. The IRS looks the other way."
STONECREST, Ga. (AP) - "The Democratic presidential nominee’s visit to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest on her 60th birthday, marked by a song by the congregation, was part of a broad, nationwide campaign, known as “Souls to the Polls,” that encourages Black churchgoers to vote."
"The term 'Souls to the Polls' refers to the Black church’s unique and integral role in mobilizing Black voters to cast ballots in elections. Support from the Black faith community is crucial for Harris as she and her Democratic allies work to turn out as many Black voters as possible before and on Election Day to help her defeat former President Donald Trump." Atlanta Capital News October 18, 2024
When a church trades its principles for a new roof, it does not become a part of the state as in the separation of church and state. My point is that I do not want the government to dictate how a church manages its affairs. If a church allows someone to speak, it is not an act of the government or state. Similarly, if a church sells speaking time to an individual, they forfeit the right to object to the speaker's message. In discussing matters related to a church's congregation, they are not considered a part of the state, maintaining the distinction between church and state.
I want those LEFTISTS like your favorite Canidate Jim to stay out of those BLACK CHURCHES, that's all I Know! Tell me again how bad BIG TRUMP STOMP THAT butt of Comrade's? You were the one cutting and pasting LISTIST fake POLLS & Misinformation during the whole process! Shame oh you! My Canidate had to beat TWO LEFTISTS...in order to get the " DUB!" However, like Mr. Ponce predicted Big Trump won, and like I predicted...he won by a lot,....A RED AVALANCHE is what it turned out to be!!!! Now we have other nations who have for four years been putting the screws to America directly and indirectly...trying to cut deals and make other moves of appeasements NOW,.. so ... BIG TRUMP CAN PAT THEM ON THE HEAD AND SAY WELL DONE!
This is the kind of leader we need here! Not some weak, Unqualified fool like JOE COOL or a Equity, Inclusion Canidate who can't answer a question unless somebody has rehearsed her on it two weeks in the basement before she stands at the microphone publicly and try to speak! She is a disgrace! I told my grandkids to NEVER WATCH HER ON TV ...NEVER!!!!! "SHOW ME A GOOD LOSER....AND I WILL SHOW YOU A ......LOSER!!!!" BETTER STAY OUT OF THOSE CHURCHES!!![beam][beam]
If I understand correctly, there are churches that do not welcome everyone. Why would anyone choose to attend a church that only allows certain individuals?
Every church I have attended has had an open-door policy, welcoming everyone into the house of God. It seems some forget that a church belongs not to man, but to God.
Jim you like to argue! You will argue with a stop sign! You like to get off on cutting and posting off LEFTIST WEBSITES...and so on. I don't have time to play your post-swapping games. Your pathetic, mindless, Unqualified Candidate got whupped by a real Leader who knows what needs to be done for the masses, and he is for America & Americans FIRST. SO, I am happy, while you are wounded & hurting right now, DONT BLAME CONSERVATIVES....we tried to tell you about KAMALA, but YOU are one who won't listen. Lolololololo. You got it from here on, I'm having to much fun to entertain you. Last thing though, I notice your Loser Candidate is not doing any GUT- LAUGHING anymore!!!! I am so glad, that I don't have to listen to that horrific laugh anymore!!!![beam][beam] bye-bye!
Jim, watch “Bad Faith” on Amazon Prime. It answers many questions about our country.
Charles, the election has concluded, but our conversation about churches revealed that there are some I may not be welcomed in. America should return to embracing everyone, rather than excluding individuals due to differing opinions.
Jesus wouldn't stand at a church's entrance to decide who may or may not enter. By labeling someone a 'loser candidate' instead of a person who simply lost, you're demonstrating your perspective. If you don't understand the distinction, then that is your prerogative.
The “rules” of this forum have been completely ignored. Just one example of the “no racism” rule being ignored was when Dolph wrote that people who vote for Trump are “racist” in one of this previous articles. But that’s just one example, there are too many to count. The 3 post limit rule is also disregarded - the forum has been high jacked by a few people who really should consider having a coffee club, they may not be so mean spirited if they got together face to face. Just an observation….
Gentlemen, Theresa has made a very significant point. Comments being made from either side justly confirms the distain on both sides. Magnifying the inability for either side to listen to the other. Because someone has an opposing view or a conflicting perspective, doesn't automatically make them irredeemable. That is nonsense. If that were the case, we are all irredeemable. Reverting to racial slurs and/or name calling has never encouraged anyone to change their viewpoint for the other's. I agree with Theresa; Instead of slinging mud thus reaffirming division, create a forum to meet and discuss opposing views. For anyone to be as adamant about their position, regardless of vantage point, let them elaborate. I think what we would discover is that the reason for the cavern of difference has only to do with each other's ideals rather than their politics. If you don't care about illegal immigration, you sway Democrat. If you care about abortion and the sanctity of life, regardless of inception, you move more Republican. If you care not about corruptness within government and those that benefit from it, you again lean Democrat. But if you care about national debt and those that want to take your money via taxes or excessive mandates, you lean Republican. These are personal ideals and character expressions. Not politics. I respect that Dolph called himself into accountability and placed himself on notice. By acknowledging that regarding of his position and opinion, the vast majority of America did not agree with him. He is willing to examine himself. I applaud that posture. Because one can only change themselves...by self-reflection, admission and redirection. Not by being called names and further condemnation. Dolph - Coffee and Conversation anytime. Welcome
Perhaps it is time to follow the Preamble of the Constitution of the United States:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Just my thoughts. (70)
Charlotte, Obviously you have not read the law as published. Look it up in Vernon's or go to statutes.capitol.texas.gov You will be looking for HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE CHAPTER 170A. The language is unambiguous. Tubual pregnancies are life threatening to the mother. I have empirical evidence. Your objections are unfounded. Perhaps doctors do not understand the law or their malpractice insurance does not cover over-zealous prosecutors. Without laws like this, people feel free to kill 166 million babies and counting. Birth control begins at insemination, not after conception.
Robert, if the laws were clear, physicians would not be asking for clarification.
Complex subject … where medical providers can go to jail for life for intervening. With laws like these women of child bearing years continue dying …. needlessly …. for a nonviable fetus. Fix the law and stop punishing women.
Charlotte, you have read the laws (you claim). They are very clear. Some doctors obtained legal advice from the wrong source, some of it Leftist media. They erred. Now they are searching for a plausible story to escape a malpractice lawsuit. As a potential juror I would not accept it since the statutes are very easy to understand...... but you probably would.
I wish the GDN had a better eye roll 🙄.
Charlotte, Perhaps you could create the language necessary and submit it to the legislature. Keep in mind that the goal is to protect life and do no harm to the mother or the baby. It's a fine line.
Robert, thanks for the discussion and suggestion. It is a fine line.
The Texas laws appear to be written as if the only reason abortions occur is as birth control and the life of the mother is less important than the birth whether the neonate can live long term or not or whether the mother is placed at increased risk without her permission.
The TMB was inundated with requests for clarification which is why they put out new guidelines in June 2024 and why the legislators specifically addressed ectopic pregnancy in 2023:
Statement from TMB President Dr. Sherif Zaafran, M.D., FASA
“Since our last Board meeting in March, we have received hundreds of comments from private citizens, physicians, professional associations and private organizations. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank everyone who has participated in this process. We appreciate that this is a very emotional, highly personal issue and subject to exceptionally differing viewpoints.”
I believe the decision to abort or not should rest between the physician and the patient/family and not how to stay out of legal jeopardy as written by Texas lawmakers. Congenital anomalies, cancer, rape, incest, etc. are not covered under Texas laws. Texas has one of the strictest abortion laws in the country, and while I never debate abortion itself as it’s extremely personal, I will debate that Texas laws shouldn’t prevent women and their families from protecting women’s health in dangerous but not immediately life threatening situations.
Only lawmakers can fix the problems in Texas, but will they?
Looks like Dr. Sherif Zaafran, M.D., FASA, has a political agenda.
"Congenital anomalies" are covered in the Texas law:
"the fetus has a severe and irreversible abnormality, identified by reliable diagnostic procedures" TEXAS STATUTE
As to "rape":
"the abortion is necessary to prevent the death or a substantial risk of serious impairment to the physical or mental health of the woman; " Texas Statute
Now doesn't "serious impairment to the.......mental health of the woman" include rape?
Carlos, not everyone has a political agenda if they disagree with you or consider that clarifications would be extremely helpful to save lives.
I think the confusion is with the original bill and consequently ongoing changes, terminology and not having specifics as well as diagnostic tests being unavailable until later in the pregnancy when abortion is prohibited. The TMB board could not clarify terminology as they stated only the legislature can do so.
Physicians … Not being lawyers but must become one to practice. Going through the hoops to keep out of jail instead of practicing medicine by selecting the best options with informed consent.
In the TMB Board words: “The Board also received requests to change or add various definitions that do not exist in statute. However, as we have stated on multiple occasions, the Board does not have the authority to unilaterally add any exceptions or expand statutory definitions. These actions require legislative intervention.”
“Also, there have been a multitude of comments asking for a list of medical conditions that would allow for an abortion. However, as I have previously stressed, because each patient and their presenting condition is unique, any list would be incomplete and not necessarily applicable to a given medical situation. It would be problematic if a condition that was appropriate but was not specifically listed occurred. ….”
My last post as I’m way over 3 and unrepentant about it.
"Carlos, not everyone has a political agenda if they disagree with you or consider that clarifications would be extremely helpful to save lives."
Since Dr. Sherif Zaafran, M.D., FASA are proven untrue, the good doctor is either LYING or is exhibiting a political agenda. I chose the latter. Do you choose the former?
Neither one of your options. Why can’t the issue be that written rules on complex medical issues are extremely difficult to implement in practice? According to your liberal interpretation, anyone raped, incest, physically or mentally challenged due to pregnancy, or has congenital birth defects before third trimester can get an abortion in Texas with no repercussions or challenge. That’s not the way many read and interpret the laws and why we are seeing so many women negatively impacted and medical practitioners seeking clarification.
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