I'm a retired intelligence officer and grandfather of nine. Mrs. Hays and I just celebrated our 52nd wedding anniversary. We lived outside the US for nearly two decades. Politically, I'm an old-fashioned Midwest Republican, so my party doesn't exist anymore. I favor free trade and fiscal responsibility. Guiding principles are: hard money, strong defense and individual liberty. I'm happy to have found you all.
Welcome! You should be aware that your first ten or so posts will not appear until after they have been approved. We like to make sure that new accounts are not bots or socks. After that your posts will appear as soon as you post them. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thanks. Nice avatar. Caught my eye because I'm in the middle of Simon Schama's Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution.
Hello ! That's a very nice presentation. I would disagree with you on free trade even if I appreciate your values. Have a nice day.
Welcome. As a self identified Republican I trust you have a thick hide, as you'll soon see. But it's fun nonetheless.
I posted with him on another forum some time ago, he's real! But I get why that is done. Welcome Jack.
At least you have a boat to sail in, EVERTHING I used to know and held true no longer exists, like I went to bed one night and woke up in an alternate universe, but it at least has liquor stores.
Welcome. I recognize the name. If I recall correctly, you have a fairly level head. Something that is a bit rare these days, regardless of political position.
As an intelligence officer, you likely appreciate how this election was engineered. Reminds me of how elections the CIA orchestrated worked....
Hello & welcome! I think you'll like it here and that you'll find that participation in this lightly moderated forum is a pleasant way to both pass the time and learn a few things from people with differing viewpoints. I also think that it's entirely possible to disagree with someone and do so respectfully and with civility. After all, think how boring it would be if everyone thought alike. I look forward to reading your thoughts. Enjoy yourself.
Thanks. I have come here from another forum whose commitment to civility was more rhetorical than real.
Happy to have an experienced person here. Looking forward to find out about you in discussions. Wooow grandfather of nine. I always look at the people older than me and I say to myself how will I be in that age. I think having nine grandchind around will be a beautiful thing then .
Welcome, Mr. Hays! Congratulations on your nine grandchildren!! I'm curious, did you live for 2 decades in Germany, perhaps?
Three years in Germany, three years in Greece, twelve years in various African countries, plus lots of travel time while living in the US.
Very interesting life you have lived! It is a big plus to have you on this forum with your extensive view of the world and the wisdom of old age... almost like myself! May you stay healthy and strong to enjoy your family and your golden years.
Thanks for the 10 post notice. I realize I didn't really need to make a post thanking you about this - but in doing so it brings me closer to my 10 post limit, so it's as they say, two birds one stone =/
