ldrews

For the record, I am not a Republican. I am an independent/libertarian. I happen to think that the policies espoused by Trump are much needed in the US.

For those items directly under his control I believe he has been coming through on his promises. For those things requiring cooperation from Congress, not much success. But then Trump hijacked the Republican Party so it is not much of a surprise.

Thank you for sharing this. While we do not agree on many things I do appreciate your thoughtful post. It seems to me that our polity has become completely polarized. Rather than seek common ground and mutually agreeable solutions to problems, we are at war. At least that is how I feel: you are the enemy and not to be trusted. And a good part of what makes you the enemy is the very condescending attitude that we are discussing.

Do enjoy yourselves at my expense. We will see how it all turns out at the ballot box.

So, how is that condescension thing working out for you? My take is that the condescension of those who seem to share your outlook is one of the significant reasons Trump was elected. Condescension pisses people off.

Well, if we are going to give authority to the intent of the Founding Fathers ("not to abuse"), then much of modern interpretation of the Constitution is somewhat invalidated, isn't it? In any case, as has been pointed out, the egregious use of the Pardon is subject to control via impeachment. If the Congress feels that the recent pardon is a serious abuse then impeachment proceedings are imminent. But don't hold your breath.

So you do agree that Winstonm was condescending?

I fail to see how the above is primarily based on judicial interpretation. It comes directly from the Constitution.

Ah, another smug condescending argument. How precious! Obeying the rule of law means exactly that. The law currently permits the President to pardon whomever. If you do not agree with the law, move to change it. Otherwise, obey it. Do not rant against the person complying with the law because you don't like the outcome, that is infantile. Adults don't do that.

Doesn't the rule of law include the authority of the President to pardon whomever he wants? To oppose that is to oppose the rule of law as it now stands. So, are you opposed to the rule of law?

I am using a version of Precision (weak NT, 11-15) paired with a 2/1 style for the majors. Used with Bergen raises and forcing 1NT to distinguish between 3/4 card support and various pt count ranges, it seems to be pretty effective. The wide range NT is refined with Australian Stayman and Jacoby Transfer raises.

Didn't you just do that? Sloganeer, that is.

I am using Precision style strong 1C (16+) and a weakish NT (11-15). This makes all the non-strong bids 11-15, has 5 card majors, natural 1D, and a 2C (6C or 5C+4M). The NT is refined with Jacoby Transfers, Australian Stayman, and Minor Suit Stayman. Works well for me.

Can't do that if you are a recently registered member.

Good post!

I believe it was Winston Churchill who said:"The greatest argument against democracy is a 5 minute conversation with the average voter."

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/9/illegal-immigration-southwest-border-down-70-pct/ Are you saying that the Washington Times story is incorrect? The statement was that "illegal immigration" was down by 70%. Not that the existing population of illegal immigrants was down by 70%. But the rate of influx was down by 70%. Does that help with your confusion?

You read my mind!

No I don't. The only bitterness I am seeing is in the anti-Trump group. The Trump supporters don't seem to bitter at all. After all, they are getting what they voted for.

I beg to differ. We are 6 months or so into Trump's term. In that six months we have seen: Reduction in illegal alien entries of 70% Suspension of unvetted entries from countries designated by the Obama administration as dangerous Appointment of a conservative Supreme Court Justice Stock market at record highs Unemployment at 17 year low Significant investments, actual or commited, by companies 1 million jobs created Bullying NATO countries to actually start meeting their pledges/commitments to fund defense spending Starting the project of building a wall along the Mexican border Reduction in excess regulations by federal agencies Mobilizing international action to contain North Korea Starting of revamping immigration policy Renegotiating bad trade agreements/treaties Reduction in US arming Syrian rebels Significant progress in defeating ISIS Congress has failed to address health care and Trump has failed to mobilize/motivate them to do so. The Trump campaign has been under investigation for 7-8 months now for collusion with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election. So far no evidence of such collusion has surfaced. Congress has called for a new special prosecutor to investigate all of the issues surrounding the Hillary Clinton/Comey/Loretta Lynch episodes. By my count, the Trump team is winning, and they don't seem to be tired of it yet.

And it sure does grind your a**, doesn't it?

No responses from BBO.

If you went away wouldn't there be one less?

Then there is nothing to discuss.

But then I never professed to be one.