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US & World Politics
newbie - Mon, Aug 16, 2021, 10:52 A
Food Stamps
Wow. People that WORKED all their lives and PAID into Medicare got a whopping 1 1/2 % raise. Give away Joe is going to increase food stamps by 25 %. What is wrong with this picture. Got to love the Democrats. Even folks down here in Biden ville are disgusted. Oh well, hopefully only 3 1/2 more years. ED
 
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newbie - Thu, Sep 16, 2021 11:09 A
MN. Why can't you figure out what PEOPLE that worked and PAID into SS. That is the SS 1 1/2 % increase in the BENIFIT that THEY paid into for years. Easy enough for you to understand now?????? 1 1 ....
MikeNaughton - Sun, Sep 12, 2021 7:42 P
Just for the record, no clarification yet from the OP on who, exactly, is getting "a whopping 1 1/2 % raise", or what, exactly, is being raised (their costs? their benefits? ??) Also, no admission th ....
US & World Politics
stash - Wed, Jan 13, 2021, 1:27 P
Dog And Pony Show
Why the heck don't they just VOTE ???? I think it is stupid that they are all saying the same thing. Only thing I heard that made sense was the gent that mentioned nothing being done about the rioting,looting and arson that went on earlier in 2020. Just do the damn vote and quit the B.S. IMHO.... Stash
 
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mik - Fri, Jan 22, 2021 11:37 A
These are angry people who desire authoritarian rule that favors their lifestyle. Also, many QAnon followers who thought the president was literally going to show up at the inauguration with the capit ....
US & World Politics
MikeNaughton - Mon, Oct 19, 2020, 7:44 P
Sample Ballot
I just saw there are a couple of ballot questions that only apply to Natalie Blais' State Rep district (which includes Montague):
https://www.recorder...otQuestions-36757545
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Fri, Oct 16, 2020, 9:44 P
Sample Ballot
thanks then I only really need to decide on question 1. Meant to ask a local repair place for their opinion.
 
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US & World Politics
MikeNaughton - Fri, Oct 16, 2020, 8:35 P
Sample Ballot
I'm pretty sure there aren't any local elections (they happen in the spring), nor are there any other ballot questions for Montague.
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Fri, Oct 16, 2020, 6:09 P
Sample Ballot
I don't see a sample ballot on the town's website. The one I googled was for Franklin County but does not include any local elections. Are there any local elections or is it just state and federal?
 
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US & World Politics
newbie - Sun, Aug 16, 2020, 11:43 A
Gotr Love
Yup, our congress is SO concerned about us they took thier vacations. Time to give them all a permanent vacation. Ed
 
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US & World Politics
MikeL - Fri, Jul 19, 2019, 2:30 P
Oh, The Irony...
Send Melania Back!!!
 
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US & World Politics
MikeNaughton - Wed, Apr 24, 2019, 8:36 P
Old Dude
In general, I agree, though point #1 may need some fine-tuning: I think there are kids who get SS benefits because their parent died, for example -- they never contributed, but the parent did, so maybe some kind of allowance needs to be made.

As for #2, I'm in complete agreement. People who talk about SS having a problem don't mention this, so people should keep bringing it up.

I would add a third: if there realy IS a problem, remove the cap on SS and Medicare wthholdings. Right now, they start with the first $1 you make (I was having to deduct money from $10 checks to Millers Falls firefighters back in the 1990s, if you can believe that), but they stop at around $128,000. If you make more than that, they don't take another penny for either SS or Medicare. Why not? I'm not asking the rich to pay more (that's another discussion), but is there a problem with their paying the same as poor people (and not less)?
 
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US & World Politics
newbie - Tue, Apr 23, 2019, 5:44 P
Old Dude
Was yapping with the Old Dude and he suggested a solution for the SS and Medicare shortage. If you did NOT contribute you do NOT get. Also the Feds tapped into the plan a while back. Now they are crying. PUT IT BACK. Problem solved.... Ed and Old Dude
 
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US & World Politics
newbie - Mon, Apr 1, 2019, 6:38 P
Dems
Looks like the Dems don't want Biden. Just like poor Bernie vs. Hilareck. Big joke down here in Trump ville. ED
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Wed, Aug 30, 2017, 7:59 A
Repub Health Plan
Note: "Medicare for All" is health insurance...
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Wed, Aug 30, 2017, 7:57 A
Repub Health Plan
Is there any way to edit or delete a post/comment here ? Above, in the second line, I meant to write "health professionals", not "health insurance"... arrrggghhh...
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Wed, Aug 30, 2017, 7:53 A
Repub Health Plan
Neither the AHA or the ACA are healthcare. They are health insurance. We need a National Health Service like the UK and Cuba, where all doctors and other health insurance work for the government, NOT the insurance companies... squash the health insurance companies. Neither Canada, Sweden or any other country has actual healthcare; only the UK and Cuba do.
 
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US & World Politics
MikeNaughton - Thu, Jun 22, 2017, 7:50 P
Repub Health Plan
Well said, Rob.
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Wed, Jun 21, 2017, 7:56 P
Repub Health Plan
the hub bub is that the Affordable Healthcare Act went through committee and the Republicans made over 100 amendments before it was passed. There was a lot to it and there was a lot that the impacts could not be reliably predicted. The Republicans did get to see it and some of their changes were accepted. Once it was passed the head Republicans decided that it had to be axed instead of trying to make any changes to fix items that were not working.
The current discussions behind close doors with no input from the people and businesses that it would affect or anyone from the Democratic party is no way a responsible representative government should perform.
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Wed, Jun 21, 2017, 6:37 P
Repub Health Plan
I don't see all the hub bub.. Pelosi said about the ACA, we have to pass it, then we'll read it. I suppose it was ok for the Dems but not the Pubs.. Gotta love the good old US government.
 
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US & World Politics
newbie - Wed, Feb 8, 2017, 6:10 P
Warren
just talking with my Old Dude ,asking if they were all set for the storm. He said still no word from Lizzie Warren. Going on 3 months. She seems to be able to stick her beak into anything except her own folks. I'm surprised she isn't putting her nose in the Mascot BS. Seems every body is a bit too PC. What's next, indian corn, blacktop? Seems ok for Indian River Casino. Enough is enough. The old Dude was happy to see that the selectmen grew a pair at Mondays meeting and let one on each side speak, and then did it. He wondered how many that were there have been in town for any length of time. In my opinion it should have been a BINDING vote. Ed
 
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US & World Politics
newbie - Wed, Feb 1, 2017, 7:37 P
Prostest
Washington, a week ago. That's DC Ed
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Wed, Feb 1, 2017, 4:17 P
Prostest
VAndalism where ?
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Wed, Feb 1, 2017, 4:12 P
Warren
Did you know she was a Republican right up until 1995 ? Dems & Republican parties are but two wings of the one capitalist bird.
 
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US & World Politics
newbie - Sat, Jan 28, 2017, 10:01 A
Warren
I'm so glad that windmill Warren is more interested in everything but the folks that put her in office. Was just at my Old Dude's checking up on them and he has written her 5 times and has yet to get a response. They weren't real HARD questions either. Lets hope the Democrats don't hang their hats on her next time around. That's all we need, a whack ball who doesn't even know where she is from. She'll never see another vote from me, my kin and I'm sure the Old Dude knows a bunch of folks that won't either. Stay well, ED
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Sat, Jan 21, 2017, 3:11 P
Prostest
I hope they catch the people who did the vandalism yesterday. I hope there will be no repeat of that behavior at any of the protests/marches today.
 
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US & World Politics
newbie - Sat, Jan 21, 2017, 10:45 A
Prostest
Was at my favorite breakfast eatery and in the next booth were some folks from Italy and they were talking about yesterdays protests. I heard the comment " Boy the democrats really hate loosing ". Darn near split a gut laughing. I myself don't understand what the breaking of windows and torching a car have to do with the election. At least there was no looting. Going to wander over and check out the Womans march. Have a good day... Ed
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Wed, Nov 23, 2016, 5:13 P
Diemand Egg Buy-in Wed., Nov. P.m. The Farm Mormon Hollow Road
Maybe, just maybe... Homo sapiens should not really be consuming the menstrual product of chickens... maybe ???
 
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US & World Politics
maria - Tue, Nov 1, 2016, 2:24 P
Diemand Egg Buy-in Wed., Nov. P.m. The Farm Mormon Hollow Road
Wendell community, neighbors, everybody, A reminder, and a request.

Diemand Egg Buy-In Wed., Nov. 2 4 - 5 p.m. at the farm on Mormon Hollow Road

…in support of our fine, local farm and an informed No vote on Question #3

Here's the request: bring a shopping bag with a sign on it for the news media expressing why you'll vote no on this admittedly enticing referendum question.

(Anyone would like to see cages disappear! But, inadvertently, as worded, this initiative risks substituting other, arguably worse problems, like cannibalism, crushing stampedes, antibiotic overuse…or making small family farming more and more marginal, economically).

Some sign possibilities:

Diemand Farm -- A Local Gem
Cage-Free Isn't Problem-Free
We Love & Trust Diemand Farm
No Pecking or Stampeding Here
Q. #3 Doesn't Fix Industrial Ag

…or other words that express your feelings in a similar vein. We hope to see you tomorrow!

Jonathan von Ranson
 
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US & World Politics
MikeNaughton - Sat, Oct 22, 2016, 8:02 P
Told You So.
In my opinion, Donald Trump wants what's good for Donald Trump. Period. Always has and always will. If what's good for him is good for you, then fine, and he'll tell you anything you want to hear to get your vote, but he's made it clear over and over: everything he does is a negotiation, and everything he says is his current negotiating position, subject to change at any time.

BillBry, I think you're foolng yourself -- I don't think Donald Trump even knows that the Bill of Rights is. Certainly not the Bill of Rights as you understand it to be. He says he supports American strength, but he buys steel from China and uses undocumented workers to build his buildings and gets his ties and shirts made in other countries, so what he really means is he wants to use the American military to protect him while he does all these things. And he doesn't want to raise taxes to pay for that -- instead, he'll just stiff our creditors when the time comes. How strong do you think America will be then?
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Sat, Oct 22, 2016, 10:00 A
Told You So.
Trump represents stripping as much regulation as possible away so businesses can make more profit at the small price of destroying our environment. Exactly what rights is Hillary going to be taking away from us? Requiring background checks to help enforce laws currently on the books is disarming people? And yes she supports a lower class by realizing the whole trickle down theory didn't work. Trump is proposing the same trickle down theory but with businesses instead of the rich. Trump is offering a promise of instant gratification at the cost of our planet's future. The Affordable Healthcare Act is not working as well as promised and the problems need to be addressed. (Should have already been addressed but the Republicans in congress have kept trying to repeal it instead of fix it. If they actually proposed a solution to replace AHA before trying to scrap the AHA then they might have a good idea.)
 
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US & World Politics
BillBry - Sat, Oct 22, 2016, 9:36 A
Told You So.
It's all coming to a head. World government vs United States of America. Clinton represents a disarmed lower class with no rights and trump supports American strength and the Bill of Rights. It is a simple choice.
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Tue, May 10, 2016, 2:23 P
Gov’t Work Not
Wow. A form needed to do our taxes showed up today. Almost a month AFTER tax day. It is the form saying you have Medicare Ins. Heard it was held up by the Affordable Care Act. Wonder how many jobs were created to do that? Obamacare strikes again. Got to get the Republicans back in. Enough is enough. If the lying Witch ( I'm using witch so I don't offend any female dogs ) gets in it'll be status quo. 8 years of this crap is enough.
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Wed, Apr 6, 2016, 7:54 A
Tonights Comedy Show
I think the damages that can be caused by any president can by minimized by who gets elected to congress. Here we don't have a lot to say who gets elected in other states but we need to make sure our votes matter here.
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Wed, Apr 6, 2016, 1:58 A
Tonights Comedy Show
Nothing to fear from Trump. He and Bernie are merely tools in this farce. Hillary will be installed... that was decided way back. And, she is FAR worse than Trump could EVER be.
 
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US & World Politics
MikeNaughton - Wed, Mar 2, 2016, 10:23 P
Front Page Wall Street Journal?
Doesn't look like it from this:

http://www.wsj.com/itp
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Wed, Mar 2, 2016, 5:38 P
Front Page Wall Street Journal?
Be kind of cool if any one that gets it could post it on the site :-)
 
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US & World Politics
vnatale - Wed, Mar 2, 2016, 4:47 P
Front Page Wall Street Journal?
I was told that today's front page of the Wall Street Journal has a picture of voting at Montague's precinct #2 (where I vote)??!!

Vinny
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Wed, Feb 24, 2016, 9:22 A
Tonights Comedy Show
He scares the crap out of me also. .I went independent for the first time ever just so I could vote for whichever repubumlikin was running against the lout.
 
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US & World Politics
mik - Wed, Feb 24, 2016, 7:17 A
Tonights Comedy Show
Wow Stash. Amazing. Bernie Sanders? Very cool.

Yeah, after last night's primary, there were Trump supporters wearing KKK robes. And he's in the lead. Unbelievable in this day and age. Scary.
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Sat, Feb 13, 2016, 10:28 P
Tonights Comedy Show
Watching the repubs crapping all over each other. Any one voting for ANY of those turds should not be allowed to breed. Come on Bernie..... I predict a Bernie/Warren ticket. If it's Hillary, I'll vote for the independent ..
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Wed, Jan 6, 2016, 3:26 P
New Law From God Thinks
The 2nd amendment was written to round up fugitive slaves...
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Wed, Jan 6, 2016, 7:27 A
New Law From God Thinks
my understanding is that the Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order. Most if not all the presidents have written executive orders. Those not effecting just the government or military are the ones that should be passed by congress, that I agree with. Will the new order make it safer? In theory it verifies that people are who they say they are. Is there any significant instances of people lying? Probably not so this is more of a feel good action that benefits the gun store owners with more money but it also puts the onus on them to make sure the added paperwork is right. The real effect is gun buying is more expensive and this order would not have stopped any of the recent rash of killings. So overall not a good executive order. (this does not mean all executive orders are bad,)
 
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US & World Politics
mark2 - Tue, Jan 5, 2016, 11:13 P
New Law From God Thinks
Not his job to write laws. Acting like a dictator. There are plenty of tough guns laws already on the books. Obama needs to see to it they are followed nationwide. Before today you could transfer 3 or 4 guns per year from one LTC to another LTC. With this new BS law a person with a LTC will need to meet the other person with a LTC at a licensed FFl dealer to do a transfer, which costs between $20-$40 usually. Doing it online before , both parties with a LTC had to fill out the form completely in order for transfer to be complete. Do see how this makes us safer.
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Tue, Jan 5, 2016, 7:25 P
New Law From God Thinks
it does make America safer from people who follow the rules and then want to go on a rampage. It does not make America noticeably safer since all the examples Obama used the new rules would not have stopped from happening. I do not think it really affects the second amendment. It will help legitimate businesses and hurt the little hobbyist. If a republican gets elected it will probably be repealed. I support Obama over all but many things he has done is not always in the best interest of the people. This one is more show than substance. Maybe this will cause congress to actually start trying to do positive things.
 
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US & World Politics
mark2 - Tue, Jan 5, 2016, 5:36 P
New Law From God Thinks
Obama's new laws will do nothing to make this country safer. Messing with the 2 amendment is a slippery slope. It starts there, where does it end.
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Mon, Jan 4, 2016, 5:15 P
New Law From God Thinks
Yup. Lets harness and harass the LEGAL gun owners instead of going after the thugs and gangs. Do you think THEY will give a darn for any new laws. I believe in background checks, If I have to jump through hoops and go through a check with the FBI every one should. On another note, I got a notice this afternoon from Mass Fish and Game that there will be a Black Bear program at our Discovery Center on the 23rd of Jan.
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Sun, Nov 29, 2015, 12:08 P
Increase Not
If the slackers are not lazy what are they??? How about those getting assistance that go to Foxwoods instead of paying rent?? Has anything been started for the folks that lost it all in the fire??
 
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US & World Politics
JanetMasucci - Sun, Nov 29, 2015, 7:48 A
Increase Not
I have always said there is no such thing as. "Laziness". It's a misnomer for a lot of other things.
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Sat, Nov 28, 2015, 9:25 P
Increase Not
There really is no such thing as "lazy". Its a misnomer. There are tons of reasons why someone may not want to do something... not worth it, depression, not interested, whatever... but, if the incentive is there, people are go- getters... human nature... so, yeah, laziness is a false concept.
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Thu, Nov 26, 2015, 1:11 P
One Percent
ALL of the Dems and Republicans are the same... imperialists/capitalists/war mongers... and, that includes Bernie, who IS a Democrat.
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Thu, Nov 26, 2015, 1:09 P
Increase Not
Only crooks and scammers I see IS the government/the ruling class.
 
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US & World Politics
Maureclaire - Thu, Nov 26, 2015, 1:08 P
Increase Not
That's one of the chief strategies of Capitalism... always has been...
 
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US & World Politics
MikeNaughton - Thu, Oct 15, 2015, 8:30 P
Increase Not
Thanks, Paul K!

Right now, as I see it, we live in a society that tolerates corruption and self-dealing at the highest levels -- not always, and not by everybody, but too often and by too many. And they're hoping that those of us on the bottom can be distracted into beating up on each other, since that will keep us from banding together to go after them. :-)
 
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US & World Politics
PaulK - Thu, Oct 15, 2015, 12:35 A
Increase Not
Great reply, Mike N!
 
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US & World Politics
MikeNaughton - Wed, Oct 14, 2015, 9:26 P
Increase Not
As I see it, there are fakers everywhere -- some of them are scamming welfare, and some of them are scamming the tax system and business regulations. Saying "[t]he gov't should separate" fakers from non-fakers is easy; figuring out exactly how to do that might be more difficult.

After all, who is "the gov't"? -- it's individuals who go to work every day and (mostly) try to do a good job, but aren't necessarily any more skilled and talented than people in the private sector (which just means that some are very skilled and some are very talented and others are not).

Look at the DCF -- at least one kid died on their watch, and they claimed that they didn't have the money and time to handle all the cases they're given. Are they right? If so, where does the money come from? Stash -- are you saying you want to raise our taxes so that "the gov't" will have the money to do a good job?

Or are some of them just fakers, too -- taking the paychecks, but not getting the work done. In which case, maybe "the gov't" should start by getting rid of them and cleaning up its own act. And after they're done with that, my vote is that before going after welfare cheats (at least the little guys, whom Stash sees in the checkout lines), "the gov't" should go after people and companies who bribe government officials to write the tax laws so they don't have to pay -- and even get money, like the oil companies and the sugar companies that get subsidies because without them they couldn't afford to keep the doors open. Personally, before I get all excited about a welfare cheat buying lobsters with food stamps, I want to see big companies that make huge profits and Wall Street investors that basically just gamble on other people's hard work start paying their fair share

Once all _those_ crooks are either in jail or walking the straight and narrow, then I'll worry about the little guys. Because as I see it, as long as the big guys, who already have more than anyone will ever need, are able to play the system and keep on ripping off the rest of us, why should I worry about the little guys who are basically picking up the crumbs?
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Tue, Oct 13, 2015, 9:41 P
Increase Not
Those places almost always have signs up due to high turnover and are not always really hiring. Question is way do they have high turnover? Is it because people don't want to work hard or is it because the companies demand employees do more and more for the same money. I applied for a job at Home Depot in Greenfield and was sent to Hadley to apply. I did get a job offer on the same day I got a job offer for the company I am now working. Am I too good for the other places? Over qualified and use to getting a higher wage so I would be a good canidate to get trained and then leave for a better paying job since some companies tend to only want to look at applicants that already have a job. I was basically unemployed for three years with a few temporary jobs that were not long term jobs. So yes there are jobs out there but they do not pay well and very few of those jobs lead to careers.
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Tue, Oct 13, 2015, 7:08 P
Increase Not
Have been in both Mickey D's and Burger King. Both are looking for help. Last time up at Home Depot they were looking also. IF you want work it is out there. Easier to sit and collect ....... To good for those?????????
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Tue, Oct 13, 2015, 5:19 P
Increase Not
where are the jobs people are suppose to take? The weekends Record had less than 20 help wanted ads (estimate I didn't count). The Republicans have attempted zero job creation proposals in the last three years. We need a modern day Civilian Conservation Corp do create enough jobs nationwide to be meaningful. Currently CEOs are reaping big rewards for cutting staff. Just look at the news for Google today. Even some McDonalds have install kiosks to order your own food. So where are the jobs people are suppose to work?
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Tue, Oct 13, 2015, 3:52 P
Increase Not
Maybe they should make them WORK for the welfare $$$ . I am on Mont Housing Auth. ( 40 + years ) and are on the workfare list. And big surprise no takers. If the gov't would get their heads out of their butts and do something to stop it. Sadly the Folks that get the freebees are the folks that vote the jerks back in. Why bite the hands that feed them. Come on REPUBS. Take America back. I had to work 3 jobs to keep my head above water and it sure as hell didn't kill me. Take away the electronics and get of the couch and work. Too bad it is beneath them to work at Home Depot or Wally World or at a burger joint or bag food at S&S or Food City. Work doesn't hurt----- HONEST... I always wonder how many on here are on the freebie ride. Wonder what will happen when the takers out number the givers??????????????????
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Mon, Oct 12, 2015, 10:28 P
Increase Not
okay I will admit there are fakers out there but how many are fakers and how many have disabilities that you can't see? Do you know how hard it is to get a disability claim? A large percentage have to go to court to get disability payments. How many truly disabled people are you willing to throw off social security to ensure the fakers aren't getting your tax money? I am more concerned about how much our military spends on things like planes that they know are underperformers instead of keeping the planes that really do work.
If you mention that the welfare bums should get jobs, show me where there are enough full time jobs with benefits for them to all work? Many companies like in retail only hire part time so they don't have to pay benefits so people have to work two to three jobs to survive and because of the crazy schedules never have days off.
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Mon, Oct 12, 2015, 8:33 P
Increase Not
I am talking about the $$ folks paid in to SS for their retirement. If a person is REALLY disabled I have no problem helping them. It is the FAKERS ( of which there are a bunch ) that rattle my cage as well as the KIDS popping babies and EXPECTING me to pay their way, either through welfare and MY SS $$.. Also all the folks coming here and getting handed everything from housing, food, and medical. All being paid for by workers and retired workers. You didn't earn (pay ) you should NOT get a penny. The big thing that bugs me right now is that the Donald could win. Although Hillary is no prize either..
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Mon, Oct 12, 2015, 7:05 P
Increase Not
lets look into better funding of social security (raise max income that can be taxed)
splitting the two? Are you talking about disability vs retirement funds?
There are a lot of things not making sense when it comes to our federal government and the only real solution is to elect people who are willing to work together instead of threatening to shut down the government if they don't get their way. Obstruction politics has meant little progress in years on any key issues. We may be one of the richest nations on Earth but look where the money is and how it is not moving the way predicted.
 
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stash - Mon, Oct 12, 2015, 10:54 A
Increase Not
Well, looks like the old folks are getting porked AGAIN. I'll wager that the losers and lazy won't be cut. The gov't should separate the two, and stop raiding the bucks I put in to GIVE to somebody that has NOT put one darn penny in. You folks that will blast my post should look to YOUR future and see if there will be bucks for you. It isn't the old pharts that are draining SS. At least we PAID into it.
 
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US & World Politics
mark2 - Tue, May 19, 2015, 8:42 P
One Percent
Hillary can kiss 1% of my A$$. Lord help us if that woman gets in.
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Tue, May 19, 2015, 7:01 P
One Percent
Bill Gates has been on the record to say he would be willing to pay his fair share. But until being forced to the accountants will try to save as much on taxes as possible (since that is their job).
The concept of higher taxes on the rich has been demonstrated that companies will spend money on their own infrastructure and employees to avoid paying taxes. Some how lower tax rates on the high end companies and people has led them in to trying to save more for themselves. Now with the cut in the inheritance tax there is no incentive to try to spend before they die. All adds up to hoarding money by the rich instead of the trickle down we were promised.
 
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US & World Politics
Ravenswing - Tue, May 19, 2015, 10:27 A
One Percent
I expect if Hillary thinks that the 1% should pay their fair share of taxes that she expects to pay a fair share right along with them. Why, does anyone think she's advocating putting them against the wall and shooting them?
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Tue, May 19, 2015, 9:38 A
One Percent
Lets see if I understand this. Hillary is shooting at the one percent as the problem with our great? country. Then the news ( real, not Fox) says her and Mr. Bill are in the top of the one percent. What am I missing? Ok for them but not for the rest?
 
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US & World Politics
kevinsnn - Mon, May 18, 2015, 9:38 P
Anga Forum Examines Resistance New Gas Pipeline Projects Washington, Dc, May
ANGA forum examines resistance to new gas pipeline projects
WASHINGTON, DC, May 15

http://www.ogj.com/a...peline-projects.html
 
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US & World Politics
patrick - Fri, Jan 30, 2015, 7:35 P
Thank Goodness
I will vote for an independent candidate if there's a half way decent one, though I have no illusion that one could win. Sick of the two party monopoly.
 
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US & World Politics
Rob - Fri, Jan 30, 2015, 7:16 P
Thank Goodness
one of the third parties would probably be the best choice for America to move forward. Unfortunately the mindset of voting for the lesser of two evils has allowed Democrats and Republicans to control our government for their own purposes.
 
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US & World Politics
stash - Fri, Jan 30, 2015, 5:53 P
Thank Goodness
The Mitt isn't running. Maybe the Repubs will get some one that stands a chance this time around. Maybe folks will get it right this time after messing up the last two times around. The Dems can do better than Hillary as well. Kind of sick of the same old same old..
 
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newbie - Wed, Oct 15, 2014, 7:05 A
Obola
The tap dancing down her in La La land is amazing. Its your fault, no its your fault. What a freaking joke. Easy fix, you been over there you either Stay or go back. I wonder how many committees the govt. will create for this fiasco. Aids now obala, thanks a lot Africa. I see you folks lost a great gentleman this week. Never had the pleasure of meeting him. Stay well. Ed
 
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stash - Mon, Sep 22, 2014, 6:13 P
Lizzie
Boy I can sleep better tonight. Old windmill arms isn't running for president. Sadly she would be better than what we have now. Come on 11/4. Time to CLEAN house. Any incumbent isn't getting my vote. Croakly isn't getting my vote either. Useless as you know what on a bull... As the great J.S. Says IMHO Welcome Fall
 
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Laura - Thu, Sep 11, 2014, 8:17 A
9/11
I am finding the scarce mention, and total lack of historical reflection on, today's 9/11 anniversary (but plenty of mention of Obama-ordered military bombings) disturbing and ominous.

I wonder only partly facetiously if the media are trying to set up the next 9/11 for us with this bizarre choice. Do we honestly think 9/11 happened in a vacuum or as BabyBush put it "because 'they' hate our freedom" ? Are we really too dumb to realize that this is exactly what terrorists want? It's Osama binLaden's dream come true.

This government is nothing but the corrupt slave of the fossil fuel and pharmaceutical industries. Here in Franklin County, we live it here everyday in the form of our young people losing their lives to opioid addictions (the raw materials grown in Afghanistan, natch), and our lives, livelihoods, and arable land under threat from the former CEO of Enron. Aided and abetted by not only the federal but horrifyingly, even the governor of MA.

One tiny anecdote that illuminates the powers making decisions about our lives : The state-of-the-art "science" education center across the river at hallowed Deerfield Academy, enclave of the 1%'s offspring is named for global warming's most eminent denier and esteemed alumnus, David Koch. When 2 local kids (day students) graffiti'd "$=Power" on the side of the building a couple years back, DA expelled them, resulting in John Gundelfinger (young man from Gill) losing his merit-based college scholarship a mere few weeks before he was due to graduate. Luckily Greenfield High School let him enroll for the last few weeks of school and granted him a diploma. And lest anyone get up in arms about the vandalism, I also know the local public high-schooler and groundscrew member, Nate Kari, who washed it off the next day. It was tempera, not spraypaint. The kids had been distributing pamphlets and trying to get DA to have a dialogue about the Koch "Science" Center all school year, and security kept confiscating the material. They wanted the newest admitted class to get the message during late April orientation .... and they sure got it. That is, they got the message that if you speak truth to power, you will be shut down.


Time to act.
 
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mik - Fri, Jun 6, 2014, 10:26 A
Greenfield Candidates
Greenfield Voters, check out this new website that compares all the candidates up for election on June 10th.

http://GreenfieldCandidates.com
 
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Rob - Mon, Mar 17, 2014, 9:53 P
Today’s Joke
I guess this happened last week and I missed it:
http://beforeitsnews...ium=verticalresponse
 
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Rob - Mon, Mar 17, 2014, 9:28 P
Today’s Joke
Newbie I reread the entire thread of Today's Joke. You were the first to mention Bush. I was not disagreeing with you that it is not Obama's job to be trying to threaten Russia. All I said in my first post was that I would rather have an international fool in office than a war monger. There is no requirement to reread a post before replying but that is a privilege allowed by our host.
 
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Rob - Mon, Mar 17, 2014, 9:17 P
Today’s Joke
I did not mean Bush because he has already served, I was referring to those candidates who ran against Obama in 2012. Though I will admit Putin may not have tried making his move if we had a different president because the world may have been a different place by now.
 
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newbie - Mon, Mar 17, 2014, 9:16 P
Today’s Joke
Did YOU read his post?????? Doesn't look it. Who is getting DEFENSIVE ? I could give a rats arse what the dipstick does in Washington. You folks will wake up someday. Sadly it'll be way TOOOOOOOOOOO late for this country. ED
 
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mik - Mon, Mar 17, 2014, 8:09 P
Today’s Joke
Wow. I don't believe Rob used the word "Bush" in his post.

A little sensitive, are we, Mr. Newbie?
 
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newbie - Mon, Mar 17, 2014, 6:44 P
Today’s Joke
Wow. A new record. ONE post to get Bush into it. HE IS GONE. HE IS NOT THE CURRENT ASS SCREWING UP THE COUNTRY. Wake up.
 
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Rob - Mon, Mar 17, 2014, 6:18 P
Today’s Joke
I would much rather have Obama making a fool of himself with a bunch of self righteous rhetoric than deal with a president who would immediately send in troops to "prevent" a war at the cost of a few hundred ordinary lives.
Always be careful what you ask for. Remember it is not the United States President's job to police the world so yes Obama looks foolish in this.
 
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newbie - Mon, Mar 17, 2014, 6:05 P
Today’s Joke
WOW, I'll bet Putin is shaking in his boots. Our leader ( supposed to be) really thinks he is amounting to anything with his babble. MAR-OOON first class. Why the he77 is he sticking his nose into the fray. Just got home from his village and you would be surprised at the amount of folks down there that have had with his highness .. In fact Village Idiot was mentioned quite a few times... I tend to agree.. ED PS. Talked up our plight with the coming gas pipeline at every opportunity..
 
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newbie - Thu, Mar 6, 2014, 8:41 P
Oh-oh
Naval ship and 6 f-15 sent to Ukraine. And we're off.. Sounds like some serious saber rattling to me. Yup, lets gut the military and start a war . Wonder who'll get the blame for this BS... ED
 
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mik - Wed, Mar 5, 2014, 1:32 P
Ukraine
> I could just hear the uproar if it had been GW sending the $$$$$$$

Well, you must be deaf by now, because there WAS an uproar about the war spending. But his followers just ignored it because the war was on TV and there was beer to drink and chips to eat as the bunker busters rained down. Hoohah!
 
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newbie - Wed, Mar 5, 2014, 1:20 P
Ukraine
Nope I meant the freebie give a ways. Do you think they would blow it on roads and such?? I'm sure there are more pressing pork barrel projects that need attention, FROM BOTH sides of the table in la-la land.. I could just hear the uproar if it had been GW sending the $$$$$$$ ... ED
 
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mik - Wed, Mar 5, 2014, 12:53 P
Ukraine
> Why in heck do WE need to send a Billion bucks over there???????
> It's about time we keep our nose out of other folks business.
> Just imagine the free phones and welfare checks that could be cut fore
> Billion bucks. Or put to some other useless programs. ED

You mean corporate welfare, right?

I would say one of the useless programs we could use that money for would be improving our roads and hiring back some of the teachers that were fired back in 2003 after the Iraq war drained our national bank account.
 
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newbie - Wed, Mar 5, 2014, 11:21 A
Ukraine
Why in heck do WE need to send a Billion bucks over there??????? It's about time we keep our nose out of other folks business .Just imagine the free phones and welfare checks that could be cut fore Billion bucks. Or put to some other useless programs. ED
 
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JohnTobey - Tue, Mar 4, 2014, 2:39 P
Ukraine
Jeff, thanks for the links. Fact check re: "The Russians invaded Ukraine."

NY TImes: "Russian troops stripped of identifying insignia but using military vehicles bearing the license plates of Russia’s Black Sea force swarmed the major thoroughfares of Crimea on Saturday, encircled government buildings, closed the main airport and seized communication hubs, solidifying what began on Friday as a covert effort to control the largely pro-Russian region."

But see also: "Putin denied the Russian armed forces were directly engaged in the bloodless seizure of Crimea, saying the uniformed troops without national insignia were "local self-defense forces"." (http://www.reuters.c...dUSBREA1Q1E820140304)

Not claiming any firsthand knowledge, but I add a grain of salt to anything from EITHER the NY Times OR Putin. Here is an alternative (pro-Russia) perspective: http://cluborlov.blo...ag-fire-in-kiev.html
 
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SusanKay - Sun, Feb 2, 2014, 5:27 P
Monday Feb Vigil Climate Change, Keystone Pipeline
It’s easy for me to feel isolated and scared about what’s happening to our government and planet. Maybe you feel that way, too. If we just stand together for a few minutes in this vigil of hope and/or outrage (however climate change strikes you), we can gather strength to move forward.

Here’s the what and when and where:
Turners Falls Vigil: Stop the Keystone XL Pipeline
Monday, Feb. 3, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
corner of Avenue A and 7th Street (on the edge of Peskeomskut Park, across from St. Kazimierz)

Here’s the why:
The Keystone XL Pipeline is, for many of us, the last straw, the final weight that pushes our climate and our planet over the edge. There is one last hope to stop this Pipeline: President Obama can say No. He has promised to stop the Pipeline if it increases global climate change – and it’s clear to anyone not tainted by corporate bribery that Keystone XL would mean “game over” for the planet. This vigil is to show how concerned we are about climate change and to hold President Obama to his promise.

Please stop by, if only for a short while.
 
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Aster - Tue, Dec 31, 2013, 5:35 A
Phil Robertson
Thanks, Mik. That link was truly funny and what I always suspected about "reality shows" even though I have only viewed an occasional one in passing since I don't have a tv. They are scripted. I worry about a world, however, that thinks this is reality. If I want a fantasy I'll watch Lord of the Rings or the new Hobbit movie, which was excellent by the way.
 
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patrick - Mon, Dec 30, 2013, 5:16 P
Phil Robertson
One question regarding this: WHO CARES? The end.
 
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mik - Mon, Dec 30, 2013, 4:28 P
Phil Robertson
Apparently, they're all actors, too. As Laura mentioned, the interview was likely just a publicity stunt.

http://politicalblin...world-for-publicity/
 
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Laura - Sun, Dec 29, 2013, 10:12 A
Phil Robertson
Hmmmm. It's really just another in the endless train of diversionary publicity stunts and for that reason I'm hesitant to play into it, but these incidents do always present the opportunity to listen to the "other side" and try to get a handle on where they're coming from. Are there people whose opinions don't jibe with mine? Sure, that's why I generally don't hang with them socially but am nonetheless happier to have heard their unscripted views, than to live in a bubble and be shocked every four years to realize that half or more of the country thinks places like ours with its "live and let live" attitude are .... bizarre, and not in a good way. Let's face it: western Mass/southern VT *is* weird, but I'm sure *we* all agree in a good way, a way that works for all of us in different respects. For instance, if Junkman or Mark2 had the opportunity to relocate South, I can guarantee they wouldn't enjoy the unrelenting evangelism they'd encounter, even if they'd likely prefer the pedestal the 2nd Amendment enjoys. As "foreign" as a places like Oklahoma or Alabama seem to us, the sentiment goes both ways. The less one is exposed to on a social level, the less one is challenged intellectually ... that goes for all of us, not just people who've never left their hometown or been to college. It's entirely possible to have traveled the world over, read plenty of books, tried to understand things from a distance, and because of a lack of honest dialogue, remain oblivious to the point that in practice, the US is essentially a right-wing country, certainly economically and geopolitically and socially to a lesser extent. Down South, people cling to tradition even as social behaviors they superficially decry outpace the rest of the country's (divorce rates, single parenting, pornography viewing, etc). Ultimately, who cares? That brand of hypocrisy and internal confusion is not our problem. We can feel badly for the gays and lesbians living in the midst of such beliefs, but we can't fight their battles in the most direct and necessary ways. No change occurs without struggle and New England activists waged and continue to wage battles on the state level and the sky has not fallen. We can be proud of that and be certain that Southern activists will carry the torch. At the end of the day, we've all chosen to live here, not there. Comments like these simply reinforce our choice, and for that reason alone, we should be happy that this guy voiced them.
 
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Rob - Sat, Dec 28, 2013, 8:43 P
Way 2 go B.O
lets blame one party and not both so nobody sees whats going on. But on the Brightside the unemployment numbers may actually drop in January because if you are not collecting unemployment then you are not officially unemployed. But more likely the numbers will go up due to the number of seasonal employees let go now the season is over.
 
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mickjen - Sat, Dec 28, 2013, 7:58 P
Way 2 go B.O
Riiiiiiiight, because damn Obama for those extensions in the first place!....

Oh, and just as I said, the Duck Dynasty publicity event is over, Phil's "right" to be on the show is back...
 
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junkman - Sat, Dec 28, 2013, 7:01 P
Way 2 go B.O
Today 1.3 million people (more) are shut off. Hell I may go golfing or play some hoops somewhere sunny. I hope when the Jack Wagon gets back from eating ribs and chicken in Hawaii he may think about creating jobs... oh. Wait a minute... this isnt A & E..
 
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kutter - Thu, Dec 26, 2013, 8:20 A
Phil Robertson
Of course, if any of us tend to get REALLY up in arms over silly stuff like this, there's always the "EXTREME" board to vent on and call each other nasty names. Some of the best entertainment to be had on this site...But that's just one mans opinion. Who misses the beer summits at the Montague Inn. Hope everyone on both sided of the 'debate' had a great xmas!
 
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MikeNaughton - Tue, Dec 24, 2013, 10:30 A
Phil Robertson
And I hope he's good to you, too, mark2 :-)
 
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junkman - Tue, Dec 24, 2013, 8:22 A
Phil Robertson
Well. Aster. Why not ask a few of your friends to sign on and chime in. I'm sure some of the men here would tread lightly. At least I would.
 
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Aster - Tue, Dec 24, 2013, 7:57 A
Phil Robertson
Has anyone noticed there are apparently no women that get involved in these conversations? Any comments?
 
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mark2 - Tue, Dec 24, 2013, 5:43 A
Phil Robertson
Mike N

Your a funny guy. I hope Santa is good to you this year.
 
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