What's the Story? December 2019

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News, stories, articles, arts, culture, entertainment, business events

December 2019

Happy Holidays!

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In Politics: A Dividend for Americans?

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What’s Inside?

Cover Story: What’s Cookin’?

Ruth VanDyke ...………………………….6 LeRue Press Services and Social Media Contact Info . .. …... ...........................2 BTS Entertainment Corner Brian T. Shirley …………......……….......3 Notes from the Editor Janice Hermsen ………......……….......3 Book Review John Loranger ……………………….…....4

“Walk the Turtle” Mike Aloia ……. ………………..……..…..5 What’s Cookin’? Yummy Yogurt Fruit Waffles Ruth VanDyke ...………………………….6 Privacy: A Public Matter GD Fenderson ………………….……..…..7 Take the Quiz ....…………..……...……...7 LeRue Review 3 Chapter View …….….9 Proud to Present Man & Woman of the Year Awards Eddie Floyd ....……………...…...……...10

LeRue Press Services and Social Media Contact Info Calling All Writers-What’s the Story? Is Looking for Quality Articles

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f you are someone who loves to write short pieces whether they are articles or short stories, LeRue Press is looking for new writers.

As they expand their network, they are interested in quality writing for many different topics and genres. Go to the website. Hit the contact us button. www.LrpNv.com

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OPINION TOPIC: a Dividend for Americans?

Guest Political Contributors ............12 Military Matters RG Cruise ……………………………..…...14 Take the Quiz Answers …….Back Page

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What’s the Story?

News, Articles, Entertainment, Business, Arts and Culture Managing Editor: Janice Hermsen Layout & Design Lenore Halfide Proof & Print Kathy Szudajski Contributors Brian T. Shirley, John Loranger, Mike Aloia, RG Cruise, GD Fenderson, Ruth VanDyke, Eddie Floyd

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Guest Political Contributors: Democrat: D.L. Whitehead Independent: GD Fenderson Independent: R.W. Reinhold Republican: R G Cruise

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Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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Brian T. Shirley Hello folks, another Holiday season is upon us! We have just got through Halloween & Thanksgiving and are now heading into the Christmas Season, then New Years Eve!! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I though I would do a quick update on what's been going on with some of the folks you've been reading about here in BTS Entertainment Corner. Here we go!

Will Roberts- Since our interview with Will, he's had a feature film come out in China (where it was #1 against "The Rock" who had a film out as well) called "Ibot". Will recently danced his way onto an appearance on "Ellen" and also in a commercial with none other than "Iron Man" himself Robert Downey Jr. Will also broke a Guinness World Record in trick roping and has two more films/TV series coming out soon.

Paul Kyriazi- The man behind the movie "Forbidden Power" has been busy submitting this project to Film Festivals and racking up awards, with 22 first place wins in several categories for acting, directing, screenplay and more!! Check out this award winning film on Amazon Prime and read my interview with this amazing Writer/Director in a past issue of "What's the Story?"

Elizabeth Regal- The Actress/Director/Writer and more, recently completed a feature film called Sweating Sand directed by Derek Johnson. The project is set to expand into a longer film as the director, cast, and crew raise more funds and wrap on post-production on the

What’s the Story? Going Into Its 5th Year in 2020 What’s the Story is going into it’s 5th year in print, online and on air along with Book Hound in it’s 8th year. For our print version, we owe a lot to our writers who, each month, provide the content, perspectives and creativity to entertain and educate our readers.

This is truly a team effort and would not be successful without the efforts of so many people. From the writers and advertisers to the team on site (my partners, especially) to Doug, “The Jerkyman” who faithfully distributes our publication along with RG Cruise and John Loranger. The Sparks Museum has provided a new home for What’s the Story and Sinbads has been a supporter from day one.

It takes a lot to continue to write, edit and promote our publication and also the radio show of the same name. I

Wrapping Up the Year

BTS Entertainment Corner

current footage shot. She is also set to star in a 4-episode Television series that is a sci-fi based genre inspired by the Alien brand film chain.More details to be released at a later date…Elizabeth will also star as one of the lead in the Veteran's Winter Workshop with Diavolo Dance Company as a Dancer/Actress that will have 2 live performances in December and January that encompasses real military veterans.

There will be more updates coming in 2020 on all the amazing people I've been fortunate enough to interview for "BTS Entertainment Corner" and talk about on the radio segment as well.

All this on "What's the Story?" radio show and publication. Check out previous issues online for all the interviews, thanks so much for all your support!

Brian T. Shirley has the look of a Don Rickles, the comedy of a George Carlin with a touch of Robin Williams but when you roll it all together, it is pure and unique and something only Brian T. Shirley can deliver.

Brian has toured the USA, Canada, The Bahamas and Japan for 25 years. He combines menology, character driven material, story telling and has worked well known comedy clubs, country clubs, resorts, cruise ships, special events, military installations and private events! Check out some of his upcoming shows, promo videos, videos from his webs series and other projects at www.briantshirley.com.

Janice Hermsen

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

have awesome co-hosts that faithfully show up each week to interview our guests, share the news and discuss many different topics. We love books but What’s the Story? allows us to cover all kinds of stories. Entrepreneurs share their stories alongside the many new and best-selling authors.

We appreciate all the people involved in our projects and look forward to next year and more stories. We will keep asking, “What’s the Story?”

Janice Hermsen is the co-founder of LeRue Press, the editor of What’s the Story print publication and host of What’s the Story Plus the Book Hound. You can reach her at janice@lrpnv.com or by calling 775.849.3814, extension 701.

Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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John Loranger

O

Hombre

by Elmore Leonard

f the thirty or forty books by Elmore Leonard that I know about, I have only read three: “Fifty-two Pickup”, “Rum Punch” and “Hombre”. Of those three, “Hombre” is easily my favorite. In fact, among Westerns generally, it is the best thing I have ever read.

On the surface, “Hombre” (which was published in 1961) doesn’t look like much. It is little more than a novella in terms of length; and when you get started reading, the first-person narration seems a bit bland.

But before long the unassuming style begins to work. You realize that the author is completely at home in this world from America’s past (1884, to be precise; in Arizona). I was never conscious of the research he must have had to do to make it all work; the smallest details are present in the story in so incidental a fashion that they are barely noticed.

The plot concerns a man named John Russell. He is a non-Native American who was raised as an Apache; and if you want an example of stoicism or “grace under pressure”, here it is. He is on board a stagecoach, travelling with a number of people who despise him. But when these people are robbed and left stranded in the middle of nowhere, John Russell becomes their only hope for survival.

Again, this might not sound like anything special or original; but all the characters, the good and the bad, come to life in an utterly realistic fashion. Here is a description of one of the bad ones, an outlaw named Frank Braden: ‘He was tall by the time he reached the counter, with that thin, stringy look of a rider and the ching-ching sound of spurs. Even the dust and horse-smell seemed to be still with him, and he reminded you of Lamarr Dean and Early [other

outlaws] and almost every one of them you ever saw: all made of the same leather and hardly every smiling unless they were with their own look-alike brothers. Then they were always loud, loud talking and loud laughing.’

Ordinary people are pitted against such men, and the confrontations are sometimes painful to read; especially in the episode where an ex-soldier is forced to surrender his stagecoach ticket to Braden. And yet this gritty realism comes through without today’s obligatory and tiresome expletives.

A movie version was made in 1967, starring Paul Newman. It is a fine movie, but it could have been better. Somewhere behind the production a decision was made to remove one of the best characters in the novel: ‘the McLaren girl’, who was abducted by the Apaches and had good reason to feel resentment toward John Russell’s adoptive people.

But a mutual respect develops between her and Russell that is believable and touching. It is almost unforgivable that this relationship is missing from the film.

In short, “Hombre” the movie is worthwhile; but “Hombre” the book is superb.

John Loranger was born in Butte, Montana in 1961 but has spent most of his life in Nevada. He served in the United States Navy from 1983 to 1987, then worked for the telephone company before retiring in 2011. He has always enjoyed reading fiction and has published two novels of his own: "The Odyssey of Art O'Hara" and "Lions and Souls: the Story of St. Mary of Egypt", available at LeRue Press and Amazon.

His approach to fiction is best summed up by a quote from Walker Percy: "The first rule of thumb, of course, is pleasure. A good book gives the reader pleasure, the sort of deep, abiding pleasure he likes to come back to."

Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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Book Review

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Mike Aloia

So Sweet Is the Smell of Life

“Walk the Turtle”

C

hillin’ on the porch… thinkin’ bout things… prayin’ bout stuff—pondering about how beautiful life is. Sometimes I find myself being happy and sad at the same time. As the holidays move closer my heart remembers many things; my mind races as thoughts of “yesterday’s gone” and “times ahead” collide.

Still letting go as a tear flows from my eye, I look up into the sky and whisper I love you, Jesus. Winds pick up as the breeze blows my hair and I think how sweet the smell of life is, how we embrace the moments shared in memories of those that cared. I see their smiles as I close my eyes knowing their spirits are by my side.

I caressed my skin and thought of your warmth. I lost myself within a vast journey of wonder and found myself inside the depths of pain. I look around at what I am now and see a child of God that carries the light of Christ. I realize today we are meant to live as

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

we are created to be. A gift to each other given through our freedom and unconditional love.

Love you, Justine. Love and miss you, Brittany.

Mike Aloia is a father of two daughters and a proud grandfather. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. Mike is multitalented: a cartoonist, comedian, musician, songwriter, actor, columnist, and the CEO of American Hearts Radio, LLC Entertainment Network. He has experience in web V, radio entertainment production, artist management, and other aspects of entertainment.

His column “Walk the Turtle” are his thoughts on slowing down, taking it easy, and enjoying life. Mike's work can be found in the following places: www.americanheartsradio.com www.facebook.com/americanheartsradio www.harmonybooking.com

"Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you. Thinking of you this holiday season!"

- T.A. Barron Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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LeRue Press 280 Greg Street, Suite 10, Reno, Nevada 775.849.3814 www.lrpnv.com lrp@lrpnv.com

Ruth VanDyke

C

What’s Cookin’?

Yummy Yogurt Fruit Waffles

hristmas is right around the corner, and we find ourselves bustling about to have everything ‘just Ruth VanDyke so’ for the big day. With our shopping done (hopefully), we can now concentrate on planning our fabulous Christmas menu. Memories of our holiday celebrations growing up seem to linger. Many of us enjoy carrying on the traditions.

Sometime in the 1980’s there was contest in our town for a recipe using a particular brand of yogurt. I concocted my recipe, “Yummy Yogurt Fruit Waffles” and won six months’ worth of coupons for yogurt. Just in time for Christmas! This became our favorite Christmas brunch. My grown children and grand-children still delight in serving this every Christmas.

YUMMY YOGURT FRUIT WAFFLES 2 eggs 1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon of baking powder 1 8-ounce container of plain yogurt 1 medium banana 1/3 cup vegetable oil Beat eggs until light. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Blend yogurt and banana together until smooth. Add flour mixture alternately with yogurtPublished by LeRue Press

An American Story

2019 Release

banana mixture. Fold in beaten eggs. Add vegetable oil. Mix only until blended. Bake in preheated waffle iron.

TOPPING: Combine one quart of strawberry ice-cream with 2 8-ounce containers of strawberry yogurt. Add one quart of sliced fresh or frozen strawberries and two sliced bananas.

Spoon topping over warm waffles. Yummy!

NOTE: I have used pancake mix in place of the flour, salt, soda and baking powder. It is quick and easy and the waffles are just as good with the eggs, banana and vegetable oil.

Wishing you all the priceless gift of Christmas – love, and peace in your heart.

Ruth VanDyke is the mother of seven, grandmother of 16, and boasts of 10 great-grandsons. The heart-warming true stories of her life are seasoned with humor and tantalizing recipes from her travels over six decades.

She is a published poet and has been writing short stories for a number of years, as well as editing newsletters for various organizations. Her style of writing and wit have been compared to the late Erma Bombeck.

You can join her daily as she posts recipes, short stories and poetry on her popular BLOG, 'Ruth's Food for Thought' and pick up a copy of her book, Memories with Recipes online and at LeRue Press, 280 Greg Street #10, Reno, NV.

Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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Privacy: A Public Matter

I

By GD Fenderson

turned 60 in November. On my birthday I was notified by my credit union that someone had cloned my debit card and used it to buy $100.00 worth of gas in a neighborhood that I do not frequent. No offense to the neighborhood, it’s just that I only go where I have family, friends or places to perform comedy. This was not one of those neighborhoods.

Once, I found out about this “invasion”, I posted my experience on Facebook in hopes of alerting people in my neighborhood of this potential threat. Within a few hours, several dozen people had responded saying that they too were victims of someone cloning their cards and/or hacking their accounts.

I used pride myself on being able to protect my property and information. It was easier to do in the olden days. My information was in my wallet not online. As long as I could protect my wallet, I could protect my information. So, I used to travel with two wallets. My real wallet and my “decoy” wallet. It was less convenient but more secure. My real wallet I kept secure and my fake wallet was full of fake info and credit cards that I had reported stolen. If someone got a hold of my decoy wallet, they were caught as soon as they tried to use my cards.

Now, in the name of “customer service” all of our information is digitized and online for all the world to see and steal. In making things easier for us, we made it easier for thieves to steal from us. It seems that every step that was taken to make us “feel secure”, has made us more vulnerable to professional thieves.

You use your key fob to get into your car or garage and someone can “steal” your signal from yards away and use it later.

Someone can use an RFID scanner to steal your information out of you pocket. Why can people even buy these

things? Where is the legitimate market for these devices?

People can use a “Bluetooth scanner” to access your laptops and phones and gain access to your personal data and contents.

I keep my cards in an RFID protected wallet but to use my cards I have to open my wallet and use my card. In just those few seconds, someone has my account information.

Even if we catch these thieves, the penalties aren’t stiff enough. If someone wants to steal my i.d. then they need to take it all. I mean my whole life. When they get caught the penalty should be that they have to pay off my student loan, pay off my mortgage, take the kids to practice, drunk dial my ex, and experience the side effects from my medications. I worked my whole life to get these things, but if someone wants to be me, then be all of me. And good luck with that. Please keep yourself and your information safe.

GD Fenderson is a Certified Forensic Humourist out of Maryland.

Go to www.SoGDFunny.com

Take the Quiz: You May Know More Than You Think!

1.

2.

3.

4.

What Christmas related bird has a red chest?

How many reindeer names end with the letters ER? In which ocean is Christmas Island located?

Who was Scrooge's dead business partner in 'A Christmas Carol'?

5. The catchy lyrics, 'pa rum pum pum pum' feature in which well known Christmas carol?

6. As well as icing, what 'M' ingredient is traditionally used to decorate a Christmas cake?

7. Which female singer had a US Christmas number 1 in 1981 with 'Physical'?

8. Which male actor was left home alone at Christmas?

9. Which leader banned Christmas pudding and mince pies during the 17th Century?

10. Which movie is set at Christmas time and stars Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, Jude Law and Kate Winslet?

11. According to the song, what did my true love bring to me on the 3rd day of Christmas?

12. How many gifts are mentioned in 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' in total?

A variety of questions this month. Thanks to

https://www.challengethebrain.com/ (Answers on back page) Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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LeRue Press 280 Greg Street, Suite 10, Reno, Nevada 775.849.3814 www.lrpnv.com lrp@lrpnv.com Hunter is only 3-1/2 years old, but he has a wisdom beyond his years and loves to talk to the animals. And sometimes, (he says) they talk back. Grandpa and Grandma love Hunter so much, they humor him.

As it often happens on a ranch, outside forces and wild animals prey on the ranch animals. Leon and Hootch, two of the dogs, face a difficult challenge. With Hunter’s unusual talent of being able to “talk” to the animals, the story unfolds. It may bring you to tears, but Floyd’s homespun style is an easy and enjoyable read for all ages.

Release: 2019 Select non-profits supporting wild horses Reading group promotion Social media campaign

Marketing Campaign: Book signings National online campaign Published by LeRue Press

GIFT JARS & BOXES $10.00 & UP

Our US CONSTITUTION We use material from the NCCS, the National Center for Constitutional Studies. Gain a better understanding and appreciation for the principles of our US Constitution. All you need to do is join the group. The only cost is your time!

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. – Amelia Earhart https://www.forbes.com Top 100 Inspirational Quotes contributor Kevin Kruse

Where: Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. Sparks Legends Shopping Mall 2nd floor, Pyramid Lake Meeting Room When: 4 – 6 PM each Wednesday Textbook optional: The Making of America by Dr. Cleon Skousen For additional information contact K.J. Jones 775-626-6651 or email Jones.Richard@yahoo.com

Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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LeRue Review 3 Chapter View If you’re an author, you may know that, often, publishers request only a few chapters of your book to consider for publishing. If you can wow them in those first pages and chapters, paint a good picture of your characters or in some way, grab them, you might get to the next step in consideration to publish your book.

M

emories with Recipes is one-part stories, a touch of nostalgia and some great recipes to test in your own kitchen when you’re in the mood to do some “cooking from scratch”. This is not just a recipe book with stories mixed in; it’s more of history, heartache, laughter and the food that usually is included with families and fun. Who can go wrong with an April Fool’s Day Recipe of Mrs. Spooner’s Fut Nudge where you “shook the kugar, the chilk, the mawkolet, and the sorn keerup until the mawkolet chelts. Can’t wait to try that one. If LeRue was in the market for this genre of book, we would give it a second look. Memories with Recipes by Ruth Van Dyke is for sale now.

When You Believe by Floyd Sneed with Janice Hermsen

Published by LeRue Press

WHEN YOU BELIEVE: FLOYD SNEED, ORIGINAL DRUMMER FOR THREE DOG NIGHT From drumsticks to paintbrushes Creative and inspired

Classic Drummer Hall of Fame and Pop Music Hall of Fame inductee (Three Dog Night), Floyd Sneed tells his story in his book When You Believe. It is a witty, entertaining and insightful book full of stories told by original Three Dog Night drummer, Floyd Sneed, with perspectives from people who know him. A look at life in the 60s and 70s from one of the first black drummers in an all white band. How he took his creativity to another level with his own personal imagery that is joyful and inspired by his sense of humor. Published by LeRue Press, LLC. Follow Floyd on Twitter @FloydSneedDrums

Follow Floyd on his Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/FloydSneedDrums/

Published by LeRue Press

What Deepest Remains

By Joseph Andrew Holsworth

An autobiographical narrative that follows a young but seasoned veteran from his last mission in Iraq to his return and readjustment to life outside of combat. It explores the inner psyche of the modern veteran from the perspective of a jaded young man caught between his pride of service and the moral dilemma of fighting an unjust war. He battles PTSD and alcoholism until he finds peace in the company of a young progressive local poet.

Marketing campaign: Release: 2019-2020

National Online Campaign Reading Group Promotion

Author Speaking Tour Book Signings

Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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Eddie Floyd

Proud to Present Man & Woman of the Year Awards

I

n the over 30 year history of America Matters Media and Nevada Matters, never has this happened before . The winners for this year's man of the year and woman of the year awards go to a married couple.

Doctor James Forsythe and his wife, Earlene, are the recipients of these over 30 years old awards, and it is my opinion, as well as the opinion of everyone at America Matters Media, the two are deserving of winning based on their accomplishments with the media company.

There will be a small ceremony and awards presentation this coming December in the Reno Town Mall, home for America Matters Media and you are invited to come to the celebration.

For many years, beginning at the Park Lane Mall, Doctor Forsythe and his wife Earlene have been doing the very popular Health Matters, brought to you

by Forsythe Cancer Care Center. Several months ago Earlene became an overnight wonder with her talk show combination Bible study, called GRACE. Both shows are heard on a weekly basis and also can be listened to any time on podcasts at americamatters.us For more information about the awards and the various talk shows by America Matters Media #EveyonesFavoriteGreek

Earlene Forsythe and Dr. Forsythe

please contact Eddie Floyd 775-384-4444 . America Matters Media prides itself on quality conversation and community radio and is heard all around the world.

EddieFloyd is the founder of America Matters Media, now World Matters Media. He is an author, radio host, speaker and supporter of Wynema Ranch Wild Horse Sanctuary. His book, Final Breath: A Love Story was released in 2014. All the profits go to the Wynema Ranch Wild Horse Sanctuary.

Tune in at 3 p.m. Pacific, 6 p.m. NYC Time

You made it through Monday; now it’s time for some comedy with A Pinch of Basile every Tuesday to get you through the rest of the week.

Listen: @BasileFans

KCKQ 1180 AM TuneIn App: Search America Matters http://listen.streamon.fm/amm

Producer & Co-Host Janice Hermsen @janhermsen23 Janice Hermsen

Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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What’s the Story?

December 2019

The People’s Perspective

TOPIC: A Dividend for Americans?

OPINIONS

It has been a volatile period in history with dramatic splits between people and parties. Rather than maintaining silence, What’s the Story™ would like to contribute some down to earth, peoplefocused OPINIONS. These do not reflect our view necessarily; they reflect the views of people who identify as one of the parties listed. If you belong to one of these parties, your view might be different than what is expressed. That is to be expected.

Writers share their perspective independently and without discussion between them.

Capitalism: Capitalism is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit. Characteristics central to capitalism include private property, capital accumulation, wage labor, voluntary exchange, a price system and competitive markets.

WHAT WE ASKED: If America is a capitalistic society, how do

you feel about Andrew Yang’s proposal to provide $1000 per person as a “dividend”? He states the funds will come (in part) from the elimination of some programs and by adding a (VAT) Value Added Tax, similar to Europe. He emphatically states this is not a government program, but a “dividend” as the shareholders of America. Will it help people with their health insurance needs? Funding college? Will a society that already has waste, fraud and abuse be able to clean up the existing programs enough to handle a proposal like this one (which is not a new idea)? We already have the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) that helps families. Is this idea a viable one? Here is a link to Andrew Yang explaining this part of his proposal. https://www.freedomdividend.net/

Democrat View

Independent View

ndrew Yang has made the off-the-cuff promise pushing the idea of a $1,000 per month minimum income. Some would say in a capitalistic society like the United States, guaranteed personal income violates the very idea of capitalism as it is payment for not working. Does it help those that need it the most? Or is it another government hand-out?

While Candidate Yang’s proposal is admirable, it is unrealistic and would never get approved under any congress. There is something about guaranteed income that makes Americans thinks of socialism and no matter how many times socialism is explained as programs that take care of infrastructure such as fire and police, water and electrical services, streets and bridges Americans see it as a dirty word. This is thanks to the demonization of taxes for the wealthy and businesses.

President Reagan pushed the

“You Get a Check and You Get a Check…” ull disclosure, I am a registered independent. I have contributed to Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s campaign and Bill Weld’s campaign. Also, I watch cute animal videos.

Like the many people who think we live in “America” (It’s “The United States of America”.) and that this is a “democracy” (It’s a “republic”.), there are those that think this a capitalist society. It’s a “Greedtocracy”.

It’s capitalistic when it suits us and socialist when we need it.

Incorporations use the stock market, where many pensions go to retire, to privatize gains and socialize losses and hold us hostage.

In order, for the super wealthy to remain in control of our country, they need the rest of us to give up. The best way to do that is to keep us struggling so that we don’t have time to protest injustice, fight for our rights and get involved in our political process.

Mr. Yang’s proposal to give each adult citizen a $1,000.00 a month “stipend” or “Freedom Dividend”, while

residential Democrat candidate, Andrew Yang, wants to offer The Freedom Dividend, otherwise known as: Universal Basic Income.

So What’s The Story? What’s the catch?

Let’s explore…

Does Yang really believe that this will lift some out of poverty while giving others that don’t require this income a, “necessary benefit to society?” He might, but I believe that there is more than meets the eye in this fantasy, socialistic idea.

Everyone desires more money, fact of life. Flash a shiny object to most Democrats and they will grab it…hook, line and sinker! Before they realize what has happened to them, they are already being cleaned!

This so called benefit is really an incentive to vote for Yang, just like many of the candidates are offering up the sky to get your vote: healthcare for all, including illegals; free money and jobs; putting the brakes on climate change and so on. The Democrats are trying to resonate with all possible voters…illegal and legal, felons and children. This is the way to fulfill their power grab. They seem to love academically challenged voters the most, including illegals! What Democrat wouldn’t?

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A

F

Republican View

P

Manna From Yang?

Copyright, 2015-2019, LeRue Press. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without permission from LeRue Press (LRP).

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(Continued from page 11) (Democratic) OPINION

idea of taxes being the downfall of America and insisted that if businesses paid lower taxes that would trickle down to the middle class, making lives better for all. Sadly, this plan was simply put forth to shut everyone up as the wealthy sucked up the resources.

Corporate taxes before Reagan’s TrickleDown economic theory was implemented hovered around 90%.

Corporations who invested in their workforces and innovation got a break on their taxes and their employees got raises, further expanding the middle class. When Reagan’s plan went into effect, growth stagnated and more importantly, innovation and investment declined and an emphasis on investor relations and stock bonuses took it’s place. The middle class took the hit, while investors reaped the benefits. For almost forty years conservatives have continued pushing the idea that lowering taxes on corporations and the wealthy will help the middle class, when in fact, it has only shrunken the middle class.

When Trump took office, the first thing republicans did was to pass another massive tax cut for the wealthy, taking the money from social programs and other areas, but the tax cut was so massive that the only way to pay for it was to borrow even more money from China and other resources. This weakens America and makes us vulnerable. The Republicans have done this for forty years, creating massive deficits that only more borrowing can pay for. They are not responsible economic stewards and never have been.

(Continued from page 11) (Independent) OPINION

(Continued from page 11) (Republican) OPINION

looking gimmicky, can be a step in the right direction. (Those who don’t want or need it should be able to opt out.

What do the Waltons need with $1000.00 a month?) While, I look forward to the day when every full-time employee can earn a living wage without having to go on public assistance or Medicaid, I know that the “private” market sees the bottom line as more precious than society’s “bottom scrapers”.

As far as funding it, we have been partially funding it for years. We were supplying fulltime employees of large profitable companies (many of which don’t pay taxes), like Walmart, with Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, EBT cards and section 8 housing while the Walton family hoards cash and Congress. (I don’t mean a congress of apes though many of our congress people have yet to evolve.)

Yang’s idea to pay for the rest of it using a value added tax (VAT) is not too farfetched. I have specific, suggestions as to what should be subjected to a VAT. I believe that necessities like food (not candies or snacks), clothing (item’s under $100.00 or the first $100.00 per purchase), housing (or materials to build or

When people play the lottery, they are attempting to win a sumptuous amount of money with a comparatively small layout of cash. When people gamble in casinos, same thing with a usually larger outlay of cabbage. Does this help people with their mortgage or auto payments? I think not. In a lottery, the chances of correctly choosing all 6 numbers drawn are 1 in 13,983,816. That’s 1 shot in almost 14 million…good luck! The average American spends around $223 dollars per year on lottery tickets…once again, good luck!

When something sounds too good to be true (such as winning the lottery), it usually is. Same thing with this so-called, “Freedom Dividend.” Our country can’t afford it is the first thing that comes to mind. Secondly, you can’t help those that cannot make sound financial decisions with money given. For example, take the many lottery winners that have become losers. Did winning magically solve their monetary despairs? No! Will Yang’s dumb plan alleviate poverty in America? No! Using a fraction of that money for training purposes though, can assist people in learning a trade or to budget their money more appropriately.

Teaching people to become fiscally responsible is far more advantageous for our society. Bankrupting our country faster than Hillary’s defeat in the 2016 election, is NOT the answer nor is depleting the middle class further. Plus, a

(Continued on page 13)

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(Continued from page 12) (Independent) OPINION

(Continued from page 12) (Republican) OPINION

Yang’s thoughts are a flashy answer to a more complex problem. To fix the larger issues will require a series of programs to help introduce new economic foci. Green industry jobs, retraining of employees who currently hold jobs in declining industries, creating a new economic focus on the middle class and, yes, raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations to induce reinvestment instead of profit-taking will help to reinvigorate the economy.

And the Middle Class. Republicans will continue to push for tax cuts and the idea that trickle down actually works.

The common man knows, the only thing that trickles down is brown and smells to high heaven.

improve homes up to first $200,000.00), transportation (first $10,000.00 of an automobile purchase) and the bottom tier of internet/phone services should be exempt or VAT free. If a person has to have a $200.00 pair of shoes because they can’t be happy in a pair under $100.00 then they can pay a little extra.

(I don’t know how much shoes cost now a days. I bought four really nice pairs of shoes ten years ago and they are still looking and feeling good.)

While this is not an evaluation of Mr. Yang as a candidate, I do believe that his “Freedom Dividend” can help many Americans not struggle as much and can allow us to have time to protest injustice, fight for our rights and get involved in our political process and watch cute animal videos.

lot of these people with spending issues, having extra money, will be driven to the casinos and to purchase MORE lottery tickets. I guess in one sense, it will help out gaming industries!

This is just another Democrat ploy to redistribute wealth from those who are successful. Why should success come with a penalty? That’s definitely NOT capitalism. Just giving people money to end poverty that do NOT understand budgeting what they already have is clearly NOT the right answer. Allowing the delusional Democrats to get control of our government, is asinine and dangerous…

America in Crisis!

Guest Political Contributor, D.L. Whitehead

Guest Political Contributor, GD Fenderson GD Fenderson is a Certified Forensic Humourist out of Maryland.

www.RGCruise.com

D.L. Whitehead is the author of Darwin’s Sword, https:// dlwhitehead.wordpress.com/

Go to www.SoGDFunny.com To see a second Independent’s opinion, go to page 14.

Guest Political Contributor, R.G. Cruise RG Cruise is the author of Operation: Omega

Editor’s Note: We ask our three guest contributors to provide opinion.

Sometimes, those opinions contain information that may have been contradicted or additional information added at a later date. Please keep that in mind as you read their columns.

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Another Independent Opinion

I

am completely against Yang’s proposal. Our government, like every other government, is, at best, horribly inefficient as good stewards of the people’s money. Throw in corruption and misappropriation, and you have an organization I don’t trust with my money.

We’ve seen time and again how poorly our government handles our money. Just look to the Social Security system as a classic example. As I approach retirement age, I am not looking to Social Security for any contribution to it. At best, it will be just an added bonus, as little as it will probably be, on top of the retirement I’ve built for myself.

As for Yang’s claim he will eliminate some programs to fund this ‘dividend’, I do not believe it at all. Like pretty much every current-day Democrat, he will not do anything that upsets the far-left of his party. And, eliminating any social program will do just that. As far as instituting a VAT, we don’t need any more taxes on us. As I mentioned already, any money collected from a VAT will be pilfered, just like any other current taxes, with only a fraction being put to good use. The government wastes enough of our money.

Last, anything you just give to people will most likely not be put to good use. I had a friend in high school whose parents bought him his first car, a brand new 4-Runner. He never appreciated the work that went into purchasing something like that, and he mistreated that poor car. And, when he wrecked that car, his parents bought him a new one. I always think of him when I hear about the government handing out money to people just for breathing. I understand there are people who need assistance.

But, people should be given a help up, not a handout. This is going to come as a shock to many, but our capitalist society rewards those who work hard. There are numerous stories of people starting off life in austere conditions only to achieve wealth….through HARD WORK. If you want the government to pay you for just sitting on your butt, move to a socialist country. But, as history, and current events, have shown, socialist

Military Matters

F

lying Space A is not easy for several reasons that you will learn about when you go to fly. But instead of letting you go through the process and learn the hard way, I will share what I know here.

One main reason is that schedules change due to maintenance issues. Canceled flights is the norm. A lot of our planes are old, especially the C-5. The C-5 has undergone a modernization program to extend its life expectancy. Since its inception in the 60’s, the C-5 has been the Air Force’s heavy lift workhorse for some time now and is the largest cargo plane in current inventory.

Instead of replacing the Galaxy with a more modern version, the Air Force has decided to prolong the life of this aircraft.

Lockheed advertises that the modernization program will improve reliability, efficiency and maintainability for 52 Galaxies. The modernization program will extend the life of the C-5 beyond 2040.

Upon completion of the modernization program, these planes are re-designated as C-5M Super Galaxy. The final C-5M was delivered to the Air Force in August 2018.

Operational issues can affect scheduling as well as inclement weather. My advice is that you keep a watchful eye on the posted schedules…at Travis, it is very fluid and changes constantly! Trying to catch a flight to a certain designation is a hit and miss proposition. To increase your chances of flying, be willing to accept ANY flight out that you qualify for. Be willing to fly commercial at some point.

If you are selected for a flight, be sure to have the following: Military ID Passport (if traveling to a foreign country) Tourist Visa (if traveling to a foreign country) Copies of Your Signup E-Mails (Continued on page 15)

(Continued on page 15)

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(Continued from page 14)

(Continued from page 14)

countries tend to die off because you can only spend other peoples’ money for so long until they either stop working themselves or you bleed them dry. Yang’s proposal is likely a way for him to indirectly buy his votes. He won’t get mine.

You may want to bring:

Guest Political Contributor, Reinhold Becker grew up in Dallas, Texas. Becker has a degree in Finance/Accounting and is a CPA for an accounting firm.

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Small, Lightweight Sleeping Pad/Mattress Travel Pillow Travel Blanket Ear Protection Water Bottle or Two Snacks Book or Kindle Backpack with Carabiner/D-Ring Clips Mini Flashlight Hand Wipes Headphones Flights on cargo planes and tankers are usually a bit chilly. Be sure to overdress with the ability to remove a layer of clothing as needed. Shorts are NOT recommended. No open toed shoes or high heels are allowed. The key here is to dress comfortably. Be sure to charge your phone or pad at the terminal while waiting.

Use the restroom before boarding. Once you are selected for a flight, you usually will be given a parking pass at that time for short term parking. Let the passenger terminal know if long term parking is required.

By R G Cruise, U.S. Navy Vet RG Cruise is the author of Operation: Omega www.RGCruise.com Editor’s Note: RG Cruise has made every effort to provide accurate information. Please check the appropriate website for verification of details if you plan to use Space A travel.

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