Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

In response to the president stating transgender individuals cannot serve in our military, Rep. Vickie Hartzler of Missouri once again embarrasses the state she purports to represent. (July 26, KansasCity.com, “Trump blocking transgender troops comes after pressure from Missouri’s Vicky Hartzler”)

She praised the president’s decision, stating her opinion that transgender people hurt military readiness. However, Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa, John McCain of Arizona and Dan Sullivan of Alaska—all of whom have served in the military during wartime—think it is a bad idea to ban anyone capable from service, and publicly oppose this policy.

Why does Hartzler, who has never served, hold a draft-dodger’s opinion in greater esteem than military veterans’? It’s clear she’s pandering to fanatics in her base. Again.

Daniel Donath

Lee’s Summit

Note from KBJ: There are plenty of military veterans who disagree with McCain et al., Daniel.

"One of the things that has been lost in the politics of this situation is that the Russians collected and spread negative information…..

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2017

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…about then candidate Trump." Catherine Herridge @FoxNews. So why doesn't Fake News report this? Witch Hunt! Purposely phony reporting.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 27, 2017

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Night in the Ruts (1979).

Here is Ann Coulter's latest column.

Here.

Here.

Let's get back to some basic concepts regarding health care reform. Too often, health insurance is conflated with health care.

Insurance is a means of protection against financial loss due to a catastrophic event, not the means to cover all related health care costs. Homeowners insurance does not cover maintenance items such as painting or lawn care. Auto insurance does not cover car washes or oil changes. If they did, insurance would be unaffordable.

If we are going to mandate health insurance coverage for all, then perhaps only catastrophic insurance should be mandated, not a one size fits all program crafted by politicians in D.C. It is impossible to control health care costs when a third party, not the ultimate consumer, is paying the bill. Competition is always the best way to manage costs.

Give consumers more choices that fit their individual needs. Everyone will benefit from lower costs, particularly the poor and middle class which needs the most help.

— Mark Wiese, Tualatin

Why didn't A.G. Sessions replace Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, a Comey friend who was in charge of Clinton investigation but got….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017

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…big dollars ($700,000) for his wife's political run from Hillary Clinton and her representatives. Drain the Swamp!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2017

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