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I have been reading accounts from several sources indicating that President Trump wants to award himself the Medal of Honor.  This would be grossly inappropriate recognition for a documented draft coward.  Someone needs to explain to Mr. Trump that the MOH is not a TV reality show award but is for actual bravery in combat.  The President has tried to cheapen the Nobel Peace prize and now wants to dishonor the brave men and women who have earned the Medal through their heroic acts. Please stop this madness!

I have read the contents of the SAVE act that our president is trying to push through Congress and feel that the only thing it might save is the chaos of the Trump administration.

 My late mother was born at home in Northwest Arkansas and the birth was recorded in the family bible.  As an adult she was an active voter as was her right as an American citizen.  At age 57 she sought a passport to visit us while I was working in Japan.  The lack of a birth certificate required a lot of bureaucratic work to obtain that passport.  Mother never obtained a driver’s license and changed her name after marriage. Under the provisions of the SAVE act it is doubtful that she would have been able to vote even though she was a legitimate U.S. citizen.  I also fear that the SAVE act would disenfranchise any person who has recently moved but not updated his/her driver’s license or official identification.

I and others in my family presented proper identification and proof of citizenship when we registered to vote in Oregon.  There is no legitimate reason to have to send a copy of an identification with each new vote.  The system in Oregon works well.  The Constitution permits Federal interference in elections only when certain constitutional provisions are ignored by the state.  That is not the case in Oregon no matter how loud Mr. Trump protests.

I live in Oregon but watch local news and weather on Boise, Idaho, television broadcasts.  The 2026 Idaho legislature sessions were quite amusing.  Idaho is facing a significant income deficit due to previous miscalculations and the Trump Big Beautiful Bill.  While the fiscal problems were addressed, they took a back seat to efforts to punish anyone who identifies with or supports the LBGT+ community.

 The flag bill specifically outlawed the Pride flag that has flown in front of Boise City Hall even though the city had recognized it as an “official” flag.  It seems that recognition of anything associated with LBGT+ offends many of the Christian Nationalists in the legislature since the Basque flag, among others, is welcome.  Shame on Boise.

The bathroom bill is even more hilarious.  Ostensibly, it is intended to protect girls and women but looks like a cure searching for a problem.  Requiring businesses to ensure that no “trans” person uses a women’s restroom will be nearly impossible but necessary because of potential lawsuits.  I expect that there will be many “No Public Restroom” signs appearing at Idaho businesses or help wanted signs recruiting P**ker Checkers.

Governor Little touts Idaho as the least regulated state.  This may be true for building contractors and anyone who elects prayer over accepted medical attention for diseases and accidents often resulting in death, disfigurement and/or disability.  Teachers, counselors, librarians, medical professionals and anyone dealing with abortion or LBGT+ must endure onerous restriction and scrutiny plus the ever-present possibility of civil lawsuits.

For the past fifteen months it seems that we fall further into the “rabbit hole” as this country becomes a reality show that challenges Alice in Wonderland.  We have a senile narcissist as president who regularly substitutes his imagination for facts.  He has surrounded himself with a group of “advisors” who represent Christian Nationalism, misogyny, racial discrimination and neo-fascism.  The Department of Defense is being transformed into a Christian Nationalist military force to use against the civilian population starting with Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. and expanding to other cities where perceived enemies hold political power. The Department of Justice has been changed to a retribution arm for the President with little regard for established law.  The FBI Director is reported to be a drunk.  We need good government but are getting a very bad “reality” production wherein Mr. Trump has gone so far as to portray himself as Christ.  Trump jumps into Bibi’s war and when things get tough, he sends two grifters and a nincompoop to negotiate a peace settlement because all of the experienced diplomats have been fired or have resigned.

I never thought I’d still be alive

But, early this month I turned eighty-five

My mind still functions but the body’s a curse

 I hope the conditions don’t get any worse

I have arthritis, diabetes, AFIB and gout

 Neuropathy limits where I walk about

I begin each day with a shot and some pills

All intended to control these various ills

My sinuses drip, I am incontinent

It’s hard to stay dry at both ends

My daily support is not heaven sent

It’s boxes of Kleenex and bales of Depends

My joints are all stiff but my manhood is flaccid

I sound like I gargle with battery acid

I sleep every night with the help of CPAP

But can’t get through day without at least one nap

But I will keep going and living this life

With the help of my children and a long-suffering wife

These years aren’t that golden but I cherish each day

Thanks to family and friends who make it easy to stay.