Gun sales have risen because there is a sickness in our country driven by  right-wing, scared and foolish citizens. There is no loss of faith in this administration on the part of reasonable people - there is  a group who have no faith and only preach negativity and hate. We are indeed "lacking in serious security" because some people want to be armed and don’t understand that THEY are the enemy! Believe in  the power of GOOD and work to unite our country. Read the Bible  and contemplate Philipians 4. 8.

Kelly, you have the right to your beliefs. Celebrate marriage between a man and a woman, but keep your nose out of other persons’ lives. We all have the right to determine what constitutes a marriage. We are all FIRST human beings. Sex, color, religion, etc., are secondary conditions.

Marey, I’m sure my comments may upset some individuals. I’ve volunteered in our local shelter forever and have adopted both dogs and cats. BY the way, I"m allergic to dogs, cats and my horse! The sniffles are worth it. But I’ve found that many adoptees have been mistreated or not trained and they take much time and effort to make them "socially acceptable" or pleasant to live with. If I had to choose a dog for a busy family, I would recommend a young puppy from the shelter or from a breeder, if a certain breed is the best choice (non- shedding and hypoallergenic). We have a program in conjunction with the local correctional institution where certain inmates will take a promising and challenging dog and train it. Then the dog is put up for adoption or sent to become a "help" dog. My point is that the situation has to right for the dog in question and maybe an older adoptee may not be the right choice for this family. THanks, and help support your local shelter!

S.J., Just one more comment. I’ve had Goldens and Labs before and I have truly loved them, but, big BUT, this Goldendoodle has been really incredible. No trouble at all and he loves my 14 year old cat. The cat does not reciprocate!!!

S. J., Don’t get me started on Brody, my Goldendoodle! We take a walk for about a half an hour every day. That seems to meet his needs. Of course he really is happy when we go to our lake home where there is more room to explore outside. Hasn’t ventured into the water yet because of his young age and the temp of the water. He is no escape artist - seems to need the security of home and family and "Bacon Bits". He still has his first toy, "Mr. Squeaky man"! According to our neighbor, there is no howling when we are gone, just lots of love and kisses when we return. Maybe it is the genetic contribution from the poodle that makes him so sane and mellow. I’ve never had a poodle, nor have I really liked them. No real reason for that opinion. BUt this dog, and I’m assuming, this breed is pretty near perfect. And as far as leaving him for longer periods, we have so many friends and family who love to have him as a boarder! Maybe I should charge rental!

So it will be a Portugese Water Dog. I’m still lobbying for a Goldendoodle. Ours is 7 months old and has been the best dog I’ve ever had. House trained in  one week, no chewing or  damaging things, very obedient and extremely intelligent and so much fun. I love the idea of a rescue dog,  having volunteered for years in our local shelter, but a puppy with no ingrained bad habits might be a better choice for such a busy family. Make a donation to shelters and start with an undamaged (emotionally, physically,  etc.) dog.  Sorry, I don’t have any nasty or nice political comments. You all are doing so well with that area! 

debra, My late father-in-law was a Texan. Went to TMI, Yale and UT Law school. His stories about Texas politics were hair raising, involving both Democrats and Republicans. If you are indeed from Texas, then you know what I’m talking about. By the way, you are being very impolite and if you are from Texas, and thus a southerner, you know the difference. ANd by being rude, your comments won’t be taken seriously.  You are only hurting your own cause!

deber B, If Obama is a "Chicago politician", is George a "Texas politician"?  Both have very negative conotations. Why don’t we stop slinging insults and discuss the issues reasonably and politely?

S G, I couldn’t agree with you more! So many times when I come to this site and say something positive, I"m attacked as being a "Stepford Wife" or being "venomous". (Did I spell that right?) This should be a site that explores issues and records our thoughts on how to solve critical issues - not a site to attack and ridicule one another! Only by joining together will we succeed in bringing good decisions to our country.

What amuses me is that he is accused of adultery and she is accused of being aggressive. Does that mean married women can indulge in adultery, but should never be aggressive? Does that equate men cheating with  women being aggressive?  Are the "sins" equal? Yikes!

"Odd kind of naivety" - maybe that is a quality to strive for, and keep on trying to do something positive, despite the critics  . If I ha Opera"s kind of money, I would have tried something as hopeful as a school for girls in Africa. And probably had some negative tihngs happen. But you have to keep on striving. None of us is GOD, and we just have to be the best human beings we can be. And use our best judgment we can find, and then make things right!

Beth, The operative statement you made is" I don’t own a school." Neither do I , so I’m not juding her. Must be a large responsibility, and when you and I accomplish this, let’s not judge.

Libra Lady, He was simply being open and honest - characteristics not often shown by politicians. We are more used to deceit and cover-ups and this feels safe to some people. Perhaps the people adored him, perhaps they didn’t - that is not as important as the truth and speaking from one’s heart and risking criticism from his fellow Americans.

Beth, Please tell us about the school you have started and funded and how you run it!?!

Lady Gator, Turn up your hearing aid and adjust your reading glasses. You are missing very important statements on issues effecting our great country, if you truly mean your question.