The Taylors' Front Porch
Pull up a chair! Have a sit-down an' shoot the breeze with us. Later on, maybe we'll go down to the drugstore to get a bottle of pop .  .  . maybe see what's showin' at the Grand .  .  .  . What you gonna do tonight, Barn?

May 25, 2022 - Msg 117903:
Another mass killing has occurred in America. How sad for those 10 children and 2 adults who were killed, and for those who were injured. For those of you who believe that God is in control, I am having a hard time believing that.
I am afraid that America will always be a violent country. We arm our law enforcement and military to deal with and settle differences. Even our movies and television programs that include bad guys often include a lot of violent behavior to solve problems. I have no hope of that ever changing.
While living in the USA, I have once owned a conceal carry permit, have been trained with multiple weapons in the auxiliary police and the military, and I hate needing guns for protection and settling differences. I am too busy trying to prevent myself and family from becoming targets on my visits to the USA and even here in Canada. I even stopped praying for peace and harmony since my past prayers have not helped.

from Poor Horatio
May 25, 2022 - Msg 117904: PH,

You're feeling nothing different than I am. That's not a crack at you. That is my way of saying you are not alone.
In my opinion, this is the worst America has ever been. Yes, even worse than the Civil War. While we are not killing each other on a battlefield and pitting brother against brother, we are dealing with MULTIPLE more issues and problems.
From politics to Hollywood, racial and more "adult" matters we don't discuss here, I believe the fuse is just about down to the social bomb. This entire country is angrily biting nails, be it pure hatred or a slow burn.
I hope and pray that this November, we see the sweeping changes that need to be made! Some of it is happening already. Netflix has chicked the whole "woke" agenda by doing away with "woke" programming and even telling all employees that if they're "woke", they don't have to go home, but they can't stay there!
We are in a turbulent, hostile and boiling time that none of us has been through. You have to hang on, have faith, have hope and bear down that we make it to the other side into light.
If news and the like is getting to you, turn it off, walk away from it and shut it out for awhile. The one thing we all need to keep ahold of is our sanity.

I hate to correct you, PH, but it was 19 children.

Sorry to rant, Porch. But I felt it coming and PH just let me release it.

John Masters
May 25, 2022 - Msg 117905: chicked should be chucked. ^^^

JM
May 25, 2022 - Msg 117906:

JM and PH, I hear you indeed!
We are hurting as a nation and as a world in so many ways.
There is a lot of senseless violence in the whole history
of the world, starting with cain slaying his brother Abel.
When sin entered the world, it changed forever.
As I watch old tv westerns, I often wonder if I could have lived
thru such a time. These days it is somewhat 'romanticized'
but those were terrible times for almost all involved.
And I'll say something that has been on my mind for several years,
are smartphones a precursor to the mark of the beast?
Seriously, while in QT the other day, the guy ahead of me
pointed his smartphone at a little terminal to pay, and
off he went. People literally walk into poles as they are mezmerized by those
things. While at a state fair last year, I saw a group of 10 teens,
surrounded by games and rides, but they were all looking at their phones!
Lord help us.
I think I need to sit in my wheeler for a bit.
Love you all. Prayers,
MDC

May 25, 2022 - Msg 117907: I think you are definitely right about turning off the news to preserve our sanity when we need to, JM. Best idea of the day.

PH, when I starting thinking about unanswered prayer, I just try to remember the times past when some were definitely answered.

Ro, while I am absolutely a believer in Jesus and the gospel, I’m not really a dispensationalist. Do I hope Jesus comes back and takes over, though? Yes, most certainly.

Boo
May 25, 2022 - Msg 117908:
John Masters, thanks for the correction on the number of children who were killed. I had just watched a news channel and they had posted photos of 10 children that had been killed and that is where I made the mistake.
Today, I watched a Dr. Phil program where they discussed the topic of defunding the police. It is shocking at how much money is being eliminated from police budgets in many US cities.

from Poor Horatio
May 26, 2022 - Msg 117909: Good morning, porch! It is absolutely beautiful here today! Bright sunshine, a very gentle breeze, amazing shades of green everywhere, lots of critter traffic, a balmy 70°, just one of those days I call a "blue and gold" day. I would love to just go outside and stay there - there's plenty to do out there - but I can't. Hudson graduates from high school on Saturday, some of the family will be coming up tomorrow from Fredericksburg and will be staying here, so I've got to drag out a dust cloth and a vacuum cleaner and get busy. Nothing is really dirty, but it's amazing how much dust four tiny little feet and two bigger ones can stir up in a house!

The response to my little op-ed earlier comes as no surprise. It makes me sad, but we all have a right to our opinions, and I will continue to pray for those who have more or less given up on God. I do understand, I've been very close to that myself. When my Dale died so suddenly, and I prayed for God to let me wake up and find all to be just a bad dream, and of course that didn't happen - I was in a very bad place emotionally for quite a while. After all, God is supposed to answer prayers, right? When my prayer wasn't answered to my satisfaction, I was disappointed, disillusioned, and angry. (I forgot that sometimes His answer is "No." I quit talking to God. If He didn't want to do things the way I wanted them to be done, then I didn't have anything to say to Him. So there! And I stuck my thumb in my mouth, went off into my little corner and pouted. As you know, eventually I got lonely, and one day in all sincerity, I reached out, and guess what? He was there! He had been there all along. The sun came back out in my life, and it still shines.

I don't understand why America in general hasn't realized that the farther away we push Him, the worse things get in this country. In II Chronicles 7:14, we find this: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Think back to 9/11. America was under attack, thousands died, and a very, very large percentage of our people ran for the churches! I recall that ours was standing room only on the following Sunday! However, unfortunately and predictably, it didn't last long. We are like the stubborn, strong-willed child who can't tie his shoes but refuses help, stating emphatically "Me do it!" Yes, I had one of those, and that attitude eventually cost him his life. God is willing and able to save America, but He will not go where He is not wanted. So, what of those who DO want Him? He has provided for our eternal future, and while we must live in this world, there is a place waiting for us when we leave it. Most people are familiar with this scripture: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." There is much that I do not understand, but God does, and that's good enough for me.

As for the defunding of police, that's about the nuttiest plan that has been dreamed up yet. Maybe we should defund the Fire Department as well. Just give everyone a little squirt bottle full of water, and let them take care of the fire in their home. If all citizens would behave themselves, follow the Bible and "love one another", we wouldn't need police, but sadly, such is not the case. Unlawful behavior has been with us since Adam and Eve defied God's simple command, and then Cain killed Abel, and it will forever be, because mankind insists on breaking God's laws.

God gave us free will, when He was creating mankind, because He did not want a race of puppets, who had no will of their own. He created us in His image, and gave us free will, so that we could have a mutual loving relationship. Otherwise, mankind would have just been a boxful of toys, moving only at His will, with nothing being voluntary. I enjoy my relationship with Trinket, because it's mutual. I love her, and she loves me. When she comes to me voluntarily, and puts a little puppy kiss on my ankle, it makes me happy, and I reward her with a little pat, or a kind word, or maybe even a treat. I have little toy animals here and there around the house, but it's not the same. I don't pick them up and hug them, because there is no voluntary response. A simple example, but true.

There is so much mystery here, too deep for us to fully comprehend, so for me, the easiest thing is to just accept, believe, and try to follow His plan. I Corinthians, chapter 13, is a deep theological exploration, that I think basically says "just follow the Plan, you won't understand it all now, but some day, you will."

Well, this grows too long. For those who are searching, don't give up. Someday something will click, if you're truly willing. In its simplicity, it becomes difficult. As for me, I'll just keep muddling along in my faith, and I feel quite secure. It's called "trust." If, when it all ends, and there's nothing there but nothing, well - what have I lost? On the other hand, if my beliefs are true, I'll have eternity to spend with God and all those I have loved. I choose to believe, and I think it's worth it. Blessings, friends. Keep looking up! --Romeena
May 26, 2022 - Msg 117910: Sorry - I just have to add this, regarding the defunding of police. PH, you are so right, it is shocking. What will be even more shocking is when someone who has promoted that idea hears something go bump in the night, and calls for help and no one comes. That's where the rubber meets the road. --Romeena
May 27, 2022 - Msg 117911: I guess I need to look further into this defunding of the police issue. Is it defunding or revising and rechanneling the money into other areas? I have been watching news coverage of the investigation of the school shooting and its not looking good. Definitely some things we can do better but lets see if the needed changes are made. There is supposed to be a bipartisan committee meeting today to discuss it, I only hope they are sincere about wanting change and not just concerned with their own political careers. We have far too much of that. Such a sad situation here in Texas.

You're right, Romeena. If only love could be the rule of the day...if only we could get back to the golden rule.

Lots of folks here are angry about the NRA convention this week, saying it should be cancelled under the circumstances. I think Trump would do well to bow out of this one because it might cost him in the voting booth. People are mad.

Well, enough of that. I probably need to stay away from the news today. Last night Sean and I went out and did something fun to try and lighten things up. We used to have a movie theater on main street here in our little town and it closed down but reopened as a venue for art, events, music, etc. We decided to go and check out karaoke night and it was really fun. Nice people, some older veterans singing old country toons early on and then the younger crowd filtered in. Its a really neat atmosphere with a bar but no one drinks much. Sean had a beer and I had a small glass of white wine but that was the extent of it. Sean sang a few songs and the person in charge of the place came to him after and wanted his contact info in hopes that he would join their musical theater. I hope he at least tries. He could use something like that and to meet some new friends. He hangs out with his mom too much. lol His best friend works all the time and he just doesnt have anyone to do things with. Anyway, it was fun. I even sang Margaritaville and made everyone join in! lol

Better go get some things done.

Boo
May 27, 2022 - Msg 117912:
I am sorry to continue with my negative postings, but I feel strongly about the recent news. I can't avoid the news when television, radio, newspapers, and the internet are a very important part of my life. And not all news is bad.
I want to get the timeline clear about the Ulvade school incident and hopefully learn why there was such a high casualty count. I saw a video of parents standing outside the school while hearing gunshots. The parents were begging the police to take proactive action. Even one parent asking an officer for his gun and body armor so the parent could take action.
Today, the news brought up the subject about arming teachers. But that would require special training for all teachers. I still think having an armed police officer on duty inside all schools is probably the best solution. Have that officer posted near the only unlocked entrance during school hours. And for communities with a small police force, hire military veterans or part-time reserve officers. I sent an email to the White House when Donald Trump was President offering this suggestion. However, I never received a reply.
Some people are in favor of gun ownership while others are against it. And although a weapon was used to cause this shooting, it was a weapon that ended it.
These school shootings have been occurring over decades in the USA. Why do we need further discussions? And while some action has been taken in the past, the shootings are still happening.

from Poor Horatio


May 27, 2022 - Msg 117913: My idea....

ALL schools have a one way entry with a uniformed, trained, veteran police or military personnel. In fact, if I became president, I would start a school security force as a new branch of the military or law enforcement. It would be an office all it's own.

Next, when kids are enrolled in schools and as they move from elementary to middle to high school, the enrolling parent and their child/children would have their pictures taken in a one shot photo and laminated (like a backstage pass for a show or concert) with all names of those on the picture on the back. Then, the parent in the picture would have to show their laminated photo id to above personnel at the entry point. That way, with parent AND child/children on the photo id, there is absolutely no mistaken identity of parent or child when parent comes to pick up child from school on a special circumstance (doctor appointment, death in family, etc.)

And I would put pressure on the House and Senate by hammering the subject home in every presser, interview, briefing and tweet.

Just my 2 pennies.

John Masters
May 27, 2022 - Msg 117914: Good morning, porch! Another beautiful blue and gold day here. Eddie did a very nice job with the yard yesterday, and I've cleaned here in the house until every muscle, bone and joint are aching, so I'm ready for my daughter and her sons to arrive this afternoon. We'll go out to David's house (I may even get in the pool - that should draw some very disapproving looks from Trinket) for the evening, and tomorrow we'll all go watch as Hudson graduates from Saginaw High School. Where has the time gone?

PH, we are pretty much on the same page. There are a lot of question marks in the account of the Uvalde massacre. If the police truly were just standing around, waiting for a SWAT team to arrive, then that needs to be addressed and corrected. If the shooter's parents were aware that he had problems, and still overlooked the arsenal that he had obviously been building, maybe we need to step up on the community education. We've got TV spots about vaping, urging parents to talk with their kids about it. How about parents just generally being much more involved in what their kids are doing? It's not an answer, but it could help. Some parents, if truth was known, mostly just wish their kids didn't exist, and aren't about to waste any of their precious time and resources to do what is necessary. From the little information I've seen, it appears that boy was very, very dangerous, and had been sending signals for quite a while. However, most parents will just refuse to acknowledge those signals, and do nothing. That little wall of ignorance that the parents erect only serves to magnify the resentment the kid is carrying. Pray, America!

It's so easy to just campaign for "strict gun control", and ignore the truth that lies in that tired old saying - "When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns." I know, I've posted that before, very recently, right along with the fact that drugs have been outlawed for years, but you can still get them anywhere if you want them, and we're even decriminalizing the gateway drugs. I can only state the obvious. If someone, anyone, inside that school in Uvalde had been carrying a gun, it's quite likely that many, if not all of those who were killed would be alive today. Waiting for an hour for the police to do something, cost a lot of lives. Be aware that the police are encumbered by many "do nots", lest they violate someone's rights, so I'm sure their level of frustration was over the moon at that time. We've got to find a middle ground somewhere.

I have a handgun, have had it for years. I know how to use it, and am accurate with it. I am not licensed to carry it, so I don't. One exception - under Texas "Castle Law" I can carry it in my car when I'm traveling outside my county, and I do. It's a monster, a Taurus Judge, and is very heavy. I could handle it easily when I first got it, but my hands are arthritic now, and I'm no longer sure about my accuracy with it. It kicks like a mule. So, I will probably sell it and get a lighter-weight weapon. And I may just get that license to carry.

PHI liked your statement above: "And although a weapon was used to cause this shooting, it was a weapon that ended it." So true, and sadly, too many people only hear the first part of that.

Funny little story - about three years ago, I was coming home from a trip to Fredericksburg, was tired and ready to get home. I had my Judge in the console next to me. A highway patrolman stopped me for a minor infraction, (no ticket, just a verbal warning). I watch cop shows on TV enough to know how to behave, so I rolled the window down, put my hands on the steering wheel, and said to him, "Be aware, I have a pistol in the console beside me." His answer? "No problem, just don't reach for it and we'll be just fine. Now, do you realize you didn't signal when you changed lanes back there?" I guess I didn't look too dangerous, with my silver hair and my fluffy little dog sitting on the console!

Boo, I loved hearing about what you and Sean did, just for fun, that evening. I'm so glad you can, and do, spend time together. It's the foundation for the future.

Well, the house is clean, all I need to do now is get in the shower and get me clean, and then wait for Heather, Tyler and Trip to get here around 4. After that, a fun evening out at David and Brittany's house. Blessings, friends. Keep looking up! --Romeena
May 27, 2022 - Msg 117915: That's worth much more than 2 pennies, John Masters!
May 27, 2022 - Msg 117916: Oops! That was me! --Romeena
May 27, 2022 - Msg 117917: 🤔
Someone is off their meds.
May 28, 2022 - Msg 117918:

BOO-DID YOU FIND YOUR LOST SHAKER OF SALT? (:

May 28, 2022 - Msg 117919: Its 5 O’clock somewhere MDC....⏰🤣👍...or a Cheeseburger 🍔 in Paradise... 🎤

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This version of The Taylor's Front Porch has been created to pay our respect to the original porch found on Mayberry.org. Thanks to Frank for all the work he did for Mayberry on the web. We've tried to make this just like Frank's Porch. This is also a tribute to Ollie's "Trivialities" site which was another homage to Frank's porch but is no longer with us.