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Mary Margaret Clark (Schultheis)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewleahey/2024/04/30/unrealized-gain-tax-a-coming-sea-change-in-fy2025-budget-proposal/

Mary Margaret Clark (Schultheis)

Mike....I did not "sanctify" Trump, I merely pointed to the fact that plans were already made to withdraw from Afghanistan during the Trump administration and that plan was to leave Afghanistan by May, 2021. However, when the Taliban decided to abandon the terms of the agreement, Trump had to postpone the proposed date. Biden rushed the withdrawal declaring September, 2021 as the new withdrawal date and because of careless decisions made by the Biden administration and the military.....a disastrous debacle ensued. One can not get around those facts even if one despises Trump. 13 American soldiers died and thousands of good people who had given aid to the U.S. efforts were left behind and subsequently faced a horrendous fate at the hands of the Taliban.

John Jackson

MM, your link in no way documented that Biden/Harris have proposed taxing all income (earned and unearned) at 20 or 25%.

Did you actually read the article (from Forbes) that you linked to?  As I read it, the author is more or less favorable toward taxing accumulated earnings and stresses that the changes would affect only the very wealthy saying, for example “The policies proposed in the FY2025 budget target extremely high-net-worth individuals and entities.”

He also characterizes the changes as “aimed at ensuring tax fairness”.

Read the last sentence which argues that “absent intervention, the existing imbalances that have allowed vast amounts of wealth to grow, essentially tax-free, will persist”.

David Mitchell

As to the Afgan withdrawal:

Yes, I beleive it was horribly mis-executed by Joe, but remember, It was Trump's idea to go behind the backs of our allies to negotiate that withdrawal with the enemy.  A pure sellout. Previous generations woud have labled that for what it was - TREASON. 

--------------

I cannot help refecting on last night's speech. What a contrast with Donald's 92 minute meandering. And the distinctly different tone. Short on specifics (as usual), but refreshingly positive.

Janie Albright (Blank)

MM, you are a single issue voter. The rest of us are spinning our wheels here. I don't know why you bother to attempt to justify your vote. We get it. But I for one believe in Free Will and do not believe we have the right to legislate our beliefs to take away the rights of others who think differently. 

No minds are being changed. Can't we just agree to disagree and stop all this cutting and pasting on our beloved Forum?
 

Michael McLeod

Should we eschew political discussions?

I just wanted to use the word "eschew."

But then, I'm a professional. Kids, don't try this at home.

This is one of the most dramatic turns in the history of the usa. A black woman could lead a country that she'd have been a slave in centuries ago. You want us to snooze on that? Hold our tongues? 

 I do disagree with and see some overboard comments and obsessivness from the usual direction. 

This will pass. We will naturally move on to other subjects. 

But anyway sure I'll go along with keeping mum, because if one must do so all must do so.

THAT IS UNTIL AFTER PRESIDENT HARRIS IS SWORN IN!!!

It will happen. And I do not think the significance of that event for this country will sink in until it does.

It's bigger than us. It's bigger than our generation. We will have been honored,we will have been present for one of the greatest events, over the centuries, to overtake our beloved democratic experiment.

I'll be walking on air when it happens. Nothing personal.It's bigger than that.

Timothy Lavelle

Janie,

I totally love your emotion (and possible yawning!) but I can't support you. 

No one has been more rude (ruder?) here than me. Frank might've given me a run but leaving that issue just sit...if I am going to rail agaist the extra priveledge I believe is given to some people who were "special" once, many (effing MANY) years ago, then I believe that other side has the right to rail back against me. 

And Janie, you've always given me a pass. Thank you for that kindness. 

My family was, how you say "dyed in the wool" Democrats. My older cousin Bill Lavelle was Dem State Chairman from 70-74. Google it. But I have simply never understood why you should, or even could support anyone you didn't really believe in. Probably all that dope I smoked clouded my ability to "choose the right path". I have voted both parties to support men and women I believed in. 

But recently, it's like the Republican Party has this special light they shine that draws moths like Gaetz, Greene, Bobeart, to act as though the Dems are spawned in hell. And now that light has drawn the nuttiest Kennedy to ever come down the Mass. Pike. As Bugs Bunny would have emoted "What a maroon". 

I am saddened that life's events have caused some people to believe that Trump is the way. He certainly seems to appeal to a large number of people. But the strongest feeling I walk away with whenever I see a news report on one of his rallies is that the crowd looks like it stopped by on the way to a WWE or NASCAR event. Great folks...but not people I would expect to show me an intelligent path to my future. 

No wrestlers or race car drivers were hurt in this posting. 

Michael McLeod

Yeah I gotta say her worldview is stuck in 1955 and she's here more to preach than discuss but democracy is democracy.

Be hypocritical to bench her.

Plus there's always the chance that when we're all in our homerooms in the afterlife and it's time for the morning announcements God will come on the speaker and say; yea, you clowns, guess what Mary Margaret was right on she's your principal for all eternity so listen up. 

James Hamilton, M. D.

History 

I think it all began in Mr. Walker's American History Class in 1964. It was LBJ vs AuH2O and the lines were drawn between the Conservatives and the Liberals. I don't think much has changed as far as our political leanings are concerned.🙄

But the issues surely have.

Jim

Janie Albright (Blank)

No censoring here. Just giving my own opinion. You are entitled to do the same. Sorry if it came off otherwise. I can always just scroll on by. 

Michael McLeod

Janie I feel ya. 

Cheer up.

Sometimes it sucks to be a grownup.

I do think we, as Baby Boomers, will go out with a boom. And the historic event that the outcome of this election represents will constitute its prelude. 

I'm looking forward to it.

John Jackson

I've argued many times that politics is important (and probably never more important than now) and that political subjects have a place on the Forum, as long as they don't dominate (and, by and large, despite occasional eruptions, politics hasn't dominated).  I think everyone is entitled to their views and they should be able to share them.  And those who disagree are equally entitled to respond.

And MM, I'm praying you'll cut me a break when we all find out you're Principal in the Great Beyond. 

Joseph D. McCarthy

Dr. J, I've been meaning to provide this years Travelogue to Columbus, it will be short. but thought I would give a little background on travels over the years. 

When I worked for the Federal Goverment we, unlike some politicians and members of the Judiciary, were under very strict rules that could/would result in immediate firing, and in cases mandatory jail time.

The travel regulations were very, very, very strict.  As an example:  One could not be in travel status, the time one left home till one reached a final destination, for more than normal working hours (read Eight (8) hours) in a day.  If we were involved in an accident that was outside the eight hours the government was not responsible for any medical  expenses, even the use of our health insurance.  We were permitted the legal lunch break of 30 minutes.  So when I was working in Pennsylvania and was scheduled to teach a class in New Orleans or Los Angeles.  We often took the chance that there would not be a plane crash or other incident.

Also, one must work for a day in any location before the government would pay lodging or per diem costs.  

One time, after being asked to teach a weeks long class in New Orleans (as an example), I booked my flight  hotel reservations then informed my superior of my plans.  At first he said no way, but after checking with others he gave me the authority. 

I was required to be on location at 8:00 A.M. to prep myself and the classroom for the classes starting at noon on Monday.  By following the strict rules, I booked the plane flight for early THURSDAY, And the hotel room starting on Thursday night and continuing until the following Thursday night.  I worked the first Friday at the location helping set up the classroom, get supplies, and become familiar with the individuals who could provide support.  This way my lodging and meals were covered by thr goveernment for the weekend.  And I only did modest sightseeing.

That set the rights for future travel.

Joe

David Mitchell

James Hamilton, M. D.

Joe McC.,

Yes, traveling on the Government's dime was always an experience.

I was entitled to funded TDY's once a year and it was always a pain to apply for and then keep all the records for the cost of the medical conference, meals, lodging, transportation, etc. and go to a different building on post to collect the money upon returning.

In actuality it was to safeguard the taxpayer's money. Unfortunately, those of us who "played by the rules" accepted the inconvenience. 

Jim

David Mitchell

 Awe Shucks!

You guys would not believe the government travel expenses some of us got to enjoy. And the food and accomodations were always nothing less than 3rd class - - well maybe 4th class. 

Cafe du Jour

Joseph Gentilini

 I worked for the State of Ohio and had to travel during the day to see clients who may be in a training program through Goodwill Industries, other rehabilitation facilities, homes and apartments for the homebound, etc.  We were to keep track of our mileage and received a certain of money (15 cents, etc) for each mile. Had to turn this in and have it approved by the supervisor.  When I worked in Policy and Procedures part of the agency's Central Office, I often traveled throughout the state putting on presentations, etc., and again did the same thing in terms of travel. We were not given any monetary adjustment for our lunches unless it was at a conference, etc.  It was pretty strict.  joe

James Hamilton, M. D.

Seems like just yesterday

Just got back from dinner at our favorite restaurant.

Today was our 50th wedding anniversary. 

MSGR Donald Shultz hitched us up at the old St. Andrew Church. Many of us remember him when he was at IC.

The night before was our rehearsal dinner at Woody's favorite restaurant, the (now torn down) Jai Lai.  I wore my best leisure suit with a wide white belt. My lamb chop sideburns were neatly trimmed and slightly shortened for the occasion. Steve Hemmelgarn was my best man. My '73 Mustang was all shined up and was the sharpest car in the parking lot. Janet looked beautiful (she still does).

After the wedding reception at the University Holiday Inn (now a dorm on the north end of OSU) it was off to St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Yeah, those long term memories stay with us.

Now, if only I could remember what I have to do this coming week...🤔.

Jim

​​​​​

Michael McLeod

wow. jai lai gone. as a kid it always sounded so grown-up and exotic to me. It was a big deal when we drove past it - I have a vague memory of staring at the name in lights, just a wide-eyed klunky midwestern kid with his mouth open wide in the back seat of a chevy bell air. This was a trme when it was a big deal sitting with my sisters in the back seat  when  crossing the state border!!!! and suddenly being in, wow!, INDIANA!!! ooooh! KENTUCKY!!!! This was high drama back then. But it did not compare to the less-often occasion when on dark nights after dinner at my grandparents we' drive by this place so magical just by virtue of the name alone - jai lai - which had that far away ring to it, and there was always an excitement in my mother's voice when she spoke of it, and Going Out To Dinner was exotic in itself.  

PS:  JIM -- CONGRATS!!! WOW. SO MANY MEMORIES. WISH I COULD GIVE YOU TWO A HUG.

Janie Albright (Blank)

Congrats, Jim and Janet! 50 years is an amazing accomplishment! 

Joseph Gentilini

Congratulations Jim and Janet on your 50 years - a long time - an inspiration to all.  joe

David Mitchell

Congrats Jim,

And the remnder of the Jai Lai brings back memoreis of Columbus' other "fine restaurant". An old house out on West 5th ave where you were greeted by either Mamma or Pappa Presutti.

Prom night anyone?

Joseph D. McCarthy

Well Jim it seems that this is a fantastic time for me to complete my Travel story.  It seems that no one will be bothered because no one is awake, err writing anything.  Dave must have broke the system.

Some background.  Our long time doctor closed his practice at the end of December (2023) and we contacted a new doctors office to schedule new appointments,  The earliest appointments we could get was July 17th for my wife and July 24th for myself.  Just before my wife's appointment she started having hip problems.  Now on with the trip.

To begin, I made reservations in January (2024) for motels where we would stay on the three nights traveling to Columbus, and for our stay in the Columbus area (Hilliard).  We planned on leaving July 27th to head to Salt Lake City.  By the end of July my wife's hip was giving her more pain.  I rescheduled all reservations to commence starting a week later so that she could try and set an appointment with am Orthopedic Specialist.  We then rescheduled reservations for the following week. 

Finally on August 10th at 4:15 A.M. we started East to Salt Lake City.  Traffic was its usual heavy travel until we reached our first fuel stop Fenley, NV, about 25 miles East of Reno/Sparks, NV.  My wife's hip was throbbing from the long time sitting.  We pushed on through some of Nevada's High Desert lands (very beautiful).  Our next meal and fue; stop was Elko, NV.  Fuel and lunch and a bit of extra time as my wife's hip was bothering her.  We decided to give it a try and press on to Salt Lake City.  We made it to Salt Lake and decided to rest and make a decision the next day after getting sleep.

After breakfast at the motel I decided to call for Reservations in Sparks, NV for Sunday night and return home.  I then contacted  all reservation locations and cancelled our trip to Columbus for this year.

We left Sparks, NV about 9:00 A.M. and reached home around 1:00 P.M. Monday.

Tuesday my wife was finally able to make an appointment with the Orthopedic Specialist for later that week.  The doctor took her in for an immediate xray which revealed no fracturesor broken bone.  

Maybe next year I can once again bore averyone with my travels.

James Hamilton, M. D.

Joe McC.,

So sorry about your aborted trip to Columbus but, even more sorry for your wife's painful problem.

Without giving her a specific diagnosis I can say that all hip apparati problems are very uncomfortable. Certainly it is good that a fracture was ruled out.

There are many structures in that area of the body that can generate pain. Significant arthritis is, of course, a common one in our age group. That is usually visible on an X-Ray. True arthritis of the hip commonly causes pain in the anterior  (groin) area. 

There are a couple of bursae - fluid filled pillow-like structures that act as pads or shock absorbers around the hip - can get inflamed and cause significant pain. The trochanteric bursa is on the outside (lateral) area and the ischial bursa is on the butt (posterior) on which one sits. Inflammation ("bursitis") in either of these can be quite painful especially when either sitting or lying on the area of the affected bursa. 

A couple of years ago I experienced such a bursitis before and during one of our Christmas trips to Columbus and that was not a pleasant time. It took about a month for it to finally resolve. For me, a combination of Tylenol and Ben Gay actually helped mine quite a bit. Of course, I reeked of menthol for awhile.

Some bursitis episodes can radiate down the leg and may mimic sciatica which is an entirely different problem.

Obviously there are tendons, ligaments, nerves and muscles in the hip area that can also be sites where pain can be generated.

The above conditions are some of the more common conditions that can cause pain in the hip area.

Hopefully, your wife's symptoms are not serious and will soon resolve. Certainly, if they don't, further evaluation would be warranted.

Jim

Joseph D. McCarthy

Thanks Jim.  The doctors have ruled out breakage or fractures, thanks in good part to the Xray.  She has experienced Bursitis before, but it also was gone in about a month each time.  She has been taking Tylenol twice (or more as needed) and feels much better lyig down.  The Orthopedic Surgeon gave her the prescription for PT (physical therapy) which she starts in two weeks.