LTC Kopser, Democratic nominee for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, here for a live Q&A on 7/12/2018. Questions?

LTC Joseph Kopser — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 10:44:25 -0400

*RP Staff will be monitoring this Discussion. Please be advised that attacking or insulting comments will be deleted.*

Joseph is here to discuss the following topics:

Why he decided to run for office
What work he’s done to support veterans as an entrepreneur and community leader
Why veterans make good lawmakers
How he’ll work across the aisle if elected
Politics needs a culture of servant leadership and integrity

Joseph is the Democratic nominee for Texas’ 21st Congressional District. In a district that includes 10 counties from San Antonio to Austin and parts of the Texas Hill Country, Joseph spends his days on the campaign trail meeting voters and local leaders. TX-21’s current Congressman, Lamar Smith, is infamous for denying scientific fact and refusing to engage with his constituents. As he seeks to replace this 30-year incumbent, Joseph is building a new coalition of voters who believe the values, priorities, and expectations of Texas’ 21st congressional district will serve as a model of service and representation for Texas and the United States. His priorities include health care for all, moving towards a 100% renewable energy economy, and passing a real 21st century Jobs Act.

Joseph Kopser graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. After graduating Ranger School, Joseph requested to go to Texas and was assigned to Fort Bliss in El Paso. In 2002, he earned his Masters in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, with a focus on Campaigns, Elections, and Special Advocacy. Joseph taught as an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point from 2002-2005. In the summer of 2004, Joseph deployed to Baghdad to assist with the Iraqi elections. From June 2005-February 2007 he was Cavalry Squadron XO and S3 Operations Officer of 1-9 Cav with the 1st Cavalry Division, and deployed to Iraq for the second time. From April 2007-May 2008 he was Battalion XO of 2-7 CAV with the 1st Cavalry Division. From 2008-2009, he was Strategic Planner for the Future Force Integration Directorate, where he worked with Major General James Terry to communicate the Army's priorities of modernization to Congress and Industry. From 2009-2011, he served at the Pentagon as Special Assistant for the Army Chief of Staff, General George W. Casey. His final Army assignment was as Department Chair and Professor of Leadership and Strategy with the Texas Army ROTC at the University of Texas at Austin. He retired in 2013 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2018 11:35 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 11:35:07 -0400

Healthcare for all. Pretty sure everyone has access to ERs. My question is, how do you propose to provide healthcare for all?
Have you used the VA? This is what single-payer would be.
Do you advocate the enslavement of medical practitioners? Healthcare is a service, and no one has a right to another person's services. Pretty sure we had a war over people claiming to have a right to another person's services in the late 1800s (among other things).
Be more specific - what scientific fact is your opponent denying? Are there any scientific facts that you deny?
What is a 'real 21st Century Jobs Act'?

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jul 6 at 2018 12:31 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 12:31:20 -0400

Snowball's chance in hell. Veteran or not.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2018 2:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 14:31:42 -0400

Best of luck in your campaign.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2018 8:52 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 08:52:41 -0400

What? Nothing on immagration? Or why supporting Iran build a nuclear arsenal is a good idea?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2018 10:54 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 10:54:59 -0400

I'd vote anyone that wasnt Lamar Smith so you're already a winner in my book. But why are you a Democrat? In today's climate, Democrats are still losing seats and we all know the DNC is broke and stealing money from State branches. Also, what will you do to reverse the decision on net neutrality and clear up the dark smudge on our district from when Smith introduced SOPA?

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jul 9 at 2018 12:55 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 12:55:01 -0400

Isn’t there a uniform reg about uniforms at political functions/events?

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Jul 9 at 2018 1:19 PM

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 13:19:58 -0400

Healthcare for all? How? Who pays for it?
Those are your priorities? What are your positions/goals for immigration, taxes, foreign policy, and the use of our military? Are you going to jump on the Trump bashing bandwagon or actually find ways to work not just "across the isle," but with this President? I ask this not as a Trump fan, but as someone who has become very apathetic to the back and forth antics in rhetoric.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2018 2:59 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 14:59:06 -0400

Integrity is one of the most important traits of leadership. After taking an oath to defend the US Constitution, how do you balance current Democrat party politics/platforms with the enumerated powers of Article I Section VIII while maintaining integrity?

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jul 9 at 2018 11:22 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 23:22:53 -0400

What would be your position on setting up a Soveriegn Wealth Fund similar to Norway's in which the proceeds from investing can be used to lower the National Debt of the United States? We would fund it via taxes on Natural Resources exported to other countries like Norway does (Oil, Bauxite, Iron Ore, Coal, etc).

Also, what is your position on establishing a Austin to San Antonio rail passenger corridor, with multiple train frequencies as has been proposed already.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 10 at 2018 2:05 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 02:05:11 -0400

I can’t vote for you because you are not in my state. That doesn’t mean I would if I could. I disagree with most of your stances.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 7:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:05:49 -0400

1) Thanks for your service.
2) Democrat? No thanks.

Socialism fails every time it's attempted. You should have paid more attention in history class (and if that was a history class at a major University, I'd recommend doing your own external history research so some Bill Ayers-ite hippie freak's interpretation of history doesn't cloud your understanding of the past.)

Socialism needs to be snuffed out once and for all and your party, sir, is morphing daily into a neo-socialist cancerous mass.

I hope that you get some bearings and make correct decisions if, somehow, you're elected into public office in Texas. Texas is my home and regardless of the influx of useful idiots into the Austin area from California, we're still allergic to far leftist nonsense. We need either more middle-road politics, or to maintain the status quo.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 11:31 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 11:31:56 -0400

Why did you choose the democrat party when they have been sliding more and more towards socialism? What are your views on socialism? Why are politicians becoming more and more extreme instead of middle of the road? Both parties have some good and some bad points. Why can’t we have a nice blend of them in one politician? Do you really believe all the positions on your website?

Response by SSgt Clare May made Jul 10 at 2018 1:42 PM

SSgt Clare May — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 13:42:17 -0400

I am not in your voting district but as a elected Congressman... your stance on one issue will and can affect me as a honorably discharged Vet and 38 year law enforcement peace officer residing 80 miles West of El Paso Texas. It is a very simple issue with multiple aspects and your response will tell me, and everyone here on Rally Point how you will impact them if you are elected.

What is your stance on gun control as a Democrat? I don't want a vague descriptor response either... I want the whole enchilada... from what you think about private party possession, private gun sales between parties, gun registrations, under what circumstances would you support government sponsored gun seizures from private citizens... what restrictions you believe in would be appropriate. for gun ownership and possession as the two are not the same... would you support a convicted felon obtaining a gun lawfully and under what circumstances would that be permissible, gun silencers, full auto in private party possession, high capacity magazines, short barrel weapons systems designation as a pistol versus a rifle or shotgun, abolishing class 3 weapons for private individual license possession or continued registration of them, bump stocks and again... everything about gun possession in America by honest law abiding Americans. How do you feel about explosives in the hands of Americans? How about it LTC Kopser? Should I as an citizen be able to purchase a surplus weapons system like a F-4 phantom or a A-7 combat jet or the quad 20mm gun mounted in the tail of the B52's I guarded for years? Yes I want to hear if your pro or con to each one of them and why you are opposed or in favor of them...as absurd as some of them are...I still want to hear how you feel about them.

We are in opposition parties. The DNC I grew up with isn't the same DNC party of today's age. I do not believe in the DNC as a continued political party at this time holds my best interests at heart any more. I choose the GOP party as a individual choice. I have been upset at times with them, but never left them over what i'd call trivial issues of other events.... You choose to belong to the DNC. What can you do as an elected official to bring my values into your Texas Congressional District? What can you do to try and bring me to the table to support your candidacy from another neighboring State?

Will you...run a divide and conquer strategy in your campaign trail? You must be able to separate yourself from the other to win...you know that ...right? What is your plan to unite us as Americans if you do win...? especially if you intentionally divide us...to win an election?

You can blow the answers off if you choose to do so... my vote means nothing to your election. Your here on Rally Point trying to garner support... Let's hear it.

Conclusion to my rant... Anyone can attend secondary education venues across this nation of ours. All it take is money in the right hands... the grades... but yeah...it is the money thing. With what I witnessed over the years, the liberal professors across America do nothing for me and only have enhanced the ability of the left and liberal to advance destructive socialist and communist party's goals in America. In Other Words, you can be book smart, and street stupid at the same time and your resume is impressive... but do you have common sense?

Why do I state that? The DNC has electors right now that I am opposed to 110%. 1,190% on some days. How will you deal with them? As a rookie Congressman... you are at their mercy for appointments to chairs and positions that make our system either work or coagulate them with bluster.

I'll be waiting...

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Jul 10 at 2018 3:11 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:11:31 -0400

Some of the responses here are almost funny. I consistently see calls for "more military veterans" to serve in politics, especially by our conservative members. Now, here is a qualified Veteran submitting his name on the ballot and his service is disregarded. I guess they believe only "conservative" Veterans are acceptable.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 5:33 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:33:16 -0400

Sure you are a nice guy but not a Texan. Both sides of my family have centuries of presence in Texas. I was born in Chicago and still take heat for that. Not a Texan not getting my vote. Try New York Hillary was a senator there

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jul 10 at 2018 11:08 PM

SFC William Farrell — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 23:08:07 -0400

LTC Joseph Kopser while I have not lived in Texas since I left Fort Hood in 1973 I loved the state. What is your Second Amendment stance be? Good luck to you.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jul 11 at 2018 1:03 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 01:03:20 -0400

Congratulations on your decision to run. Gun control...

You do realize that buy-backs don't work as you're purchasing legally purchased guns from legal gun owners. Instead of pursuing pie-in-the-sky one-size-fits-all solutions, how about STOPPING THE GUN before it enters the school? Ie; a metal detector. The first Columbine victim had not been buried yet and our local high school installed one metal detector. A phone call went out on Friday stating that starting Monday, all students would be entering the school at such and such a door, etc.

Well guess what?

Not two days into the use, a child carrying shotgun shells was caught, a child with a pistol barrel, etc. But alas - the detectors were torn down months later as parents (of all people...!) complained at the increased time that it took little Johnny and little Jane to enter the school (one door, one detector). Soon, concerned (read: stupid) parents went to school board meetings and the detectors were removed. My wife is English by the way and we are in England/Europe every year for vacation (to see inlaws, etc) and I can tell you tons of funny stories of England's "ban" on weapons. Its still going on by the way... Since 1997, I believe. And despite that, England has (now) armed cops and rising gun crime. Amazing how that works. I'd be interested in your thoughts on that.

Health care....

When a billion Europeans stood up and said "we want nationalized health care" they didn't have an ambulance chaser lawyer industry, big pharm or insurance industry to dismantle. Additionally, Europeans can't lobby (lobby is normally referred to everywhere else as "graft" "bribery" and "corruption"). So I'm interested in how you intend to fertilize your plans.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2018 1:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 01:27:40 -0400

Why are questions and comments being removed and censored from this thread? Especially questions pertaining to socialism and how many of his campaign policies are based on a socialist ideology??

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 11 at 2018 11:38 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 11:38:55 -0400

I should be open minded, I should listen, do research, ask questions and then form my own opinion but the truth is that I am not interested in another Democratic leader. The Democratic party will implode in 2020. It seems to be a vile and disgusting party nowadays. It is not the same part my parents knew, and they are not supporting the garbage that is being produced today.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 11 at 2018 12:14 PM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 12:14:59 -0400

Sir, I am not one of your constituents. None the less, I'm interested. My concern is that I hear way too much of politician's telling me what they are going to do for me, most of which is not within their power, or is, in my opinion, government over reach.

I am concerned that politician's in DC and the state capitols feel they know how better spend my money than I do. I think it is more like government takes my money then politicians expect me to be grateful as they parcel it out.

Tell me not what you are going to do for me; instead tell me what you are going to do to get the government's camel out of my tent and the tax man out of my wallet. How do you propose to restrict and reduce the Federal Government's footprint.

And finally, will you vow to refrain from uncivil political discourse and misleading/selective characterization of your opponent's positions?

Response by SPC Andrew Ross made Jul 11 at 2018 1:44 PM

SPC Andrew Ross — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 13:44:52 -0400

LTC Joseph Kopser, should you be a seated Representative from Texas, when President Trump makes statements at his State of the Union address of the accomplishments of his administration which serve to benefit all Americans (record Black and Hispanic employment for example,) will Ms. Pelosi permit your standing to applaud?

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jul 11 at 2018 3:18 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 15:18:37 -0400

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SrA Christopher B. Sgt Randy Wilber SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl Private RallyPoint Member Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth LTC Private RallyPoint Member MSG Frederick Otero SFC Pete Kain LCDR Private RallyPoint Member PO1 Tony Holland SCPO Morris Ramsey SGT Jim Arnold SFC William H. PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Charles H. Hawes CPL Dave Hoover TSgt Joe C. SGT Jim Arnold Lt Col Charlie Brown So, I will post my comments for a second time. It seems they were removed after I posted last time. And checked to ensure they were successful. But I guess when you are opposed to someone violating federal law (the Hatch Act) that can happen. 1. I don't care to ask many questions of someone who served in the military and then sides politically with the party that basically despises our sacrifices. 2. I don't care about the opinion of someone who served in our military and then sides with the spoiled brats who kneel during the National Anthem and in front of our flag in order to show their utter contempt for our sacrifices. 3. Time has proven that the worst leaders on the political stage have been military members. The military is far too autocratic to easily allow any military leader to thrive in the world of politics...unless their style of leadership is akin to a pelosi or waters, but I am not in a position to make that determination about this former soldier. So, the only question I have for this gentleman is this: Why did you chose to violate the Hatch Act by wearing your uniform in an overtly political endeavor? Kinda tells me ALL I need to know LTC Joseph Kopser.

Response by LTC Steve Mannell made Jul 11 at 2018 11:21 PM

LTC Steve Mannell — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 23:21:16 -0400

LTC Joseph Kopser, I'd like to hear about your military transition to business and politics. When did you decide this was the path you would take, and how did you you plan and prepare for this run? Thanks!

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Jul 12 at 2018 2:08 AM

SSG Dave Johnston — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 02:08:59 -0400

Please define the 'Principles' that define "You" and how they relate to the "Principles" of the DNC against the "ethos" and "principles" of the "Oath of Office" you took upon your commission?

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Jul 12 at 2018 8:45 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 08:45:26 -0400

Good Day LTC Joseph Kopser;

I am proud to see veterans running for Congress and I hope you are successful.

My question is how, as a lawmaker, you will ensure that laws are enforced in the Executive branch, by the Judiciary and others; how will you work towards making Government the model employer for all to emulate.

My second question is that how do you feel about whistleblowers in the military and how would you ensure military whistleblowers are truly protected against reprisals and elimination prior to a completed investigations and due process. How will you ensure all military whistleblower cases, past and present receive due process, so those victims of illegal actions receive their dues?

Again; I hope you succeed as an advocate for veterans and their rights on the Hill.

Thanks.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 12 at 2018 3:21 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 15:21:52 -0400

LTC Joseph Kopser thank you for sharing your time with us here on RP. Also thank you for choosing to continue your service after retiring from the Army. In many ways you are an example for others to follow, regardless of whether an individual may agree/disagree with elements of your platform. Best wishes and good luck to you.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 12 at 2018 4:21 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 16:21:14 -0400

Thanks for joining us LTC Joseph Kopser! My question is pretty simple and straight forward: since leaving the military what have you done to support veterans and the military community? If elected, what support can Texas's veterans and military expect from you in congress?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 12 at 2018 5:12 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 17:12:59 -0400

LTC Joseph Kopser - Sir, I'm not part of your district but I would love to hear your thoughts on you would use this told to better not only the overwhelming number of veterans in your district but how you would champion to improve things for veterans across this country.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 12 at 2018 10:09 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 22:09:46 -0400

Boy, this thread sure brought out some of the crazies on RP. Came out from the shadows to throw elbows.

Response by SSG William Zopff III made Jul 20 at 2018 6:53 AM

SSG William Zopff III — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 06:53:43 -0400

Sorry, LTC, your the wrong party, I use to be a Democrat, till President Carter won and lost Iran to the crazies. I’ll never vote for another. Best of Luck!

Response by MGySgt Jerry Suarez made Jul 23 at 2018 2:18 AM

MGySgt Jerry Suarez — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 02:18:23 -0400

Healthcare for everyone is not the problem, its the health industry that is killing us with high deductibles, copays, hidden fees etc. Look into those things. As well as why should people pay for others medical expenses. How is it in other countries people find a way to pay then come here illegally and want it free. That's what is raising taxes is doing to us. What will you do about those things.

Response by SSgt Ed Hamlin made Jul 24 at 2018 2:16 PM

SSgt Ed Hamlin — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 14:16:36 -0400

The message of a buy back program is misleading. You should read https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5214a2.htm "In summary, the Task Force found insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of any of the firearms laws reviewed for preventing violence. References and key findings are listed (Table).

Read this as well. https://www.saf.org/wp-content/uploads/journals/JFPP11.pdf

Regarding any social policy that strays from the original intent of the founding of our nation, lest we forget our nation was founded as a Republic, not a democracy or oligarchy. so how can you support any of your positions based on the fact the democratic party dictates more than it allows the people to self govern within the founding framework.

The way I see it, federal and state governments have grow way to big to be accountable to the people.

First Reports Evaluating the Effectiveness of Strategies for Preventing Violence: Firearms Laws

Persons using assistive technology might not be able to fully access information in this file. For assistance, please send e-mail to: mmwrq@cdc.gov. Type 508 Accommodation and the title of the report in the subject line of e-mail.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 1:29 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 01:29:48 -0400

Democrat running for office doing a Q&A on RallyPoint? Good luck.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Jul 27 at 2018 4:17 PM

PO1 Todd B. — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 16:17:31 -0400

Here are my questions:

You took an oath to "Support and Defend the United States Constitution....". Not liberals, not the democratic or republican party, heck not even the President.

So with that being said:

1) Stance on the 2nd Amendment? Would like to know thoughts and why or what, if anything, you would vote to change.
2) Socialism and the major push by the left to remove our Republic and replace it with socialist agendas.
3) How do you feel about the duly elected President of the United States? Forget all the bullshit on the news. Right now he is President, no charges or anything else and until such time as there is or isn't definitively, I would like to know where you stand.
4) National Reciprocity. You know as well as the rest of us, we go through full background checks to carry sidearms etc in most states. Seeing people arrested because they strayed over a state line, even by accident, because that state is anti gun vs their own state (WI vs IL for example) is wrong. What is your position?
5) Do you have faith and do you believe in God?
6) Final question - How do you feel about the NFL and the national anthem situation?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2018 3:07 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 15:07:32 -0400

Good luck sir! Medicare for all, tution free public education for state colleges... excellent positions. We already pay more, per capital, for healthcare than any other advanced country in the world. And all other advanced countries in the world has some form of universal healthcare. It’s an inevitability for the US. The current system is unsustainable.

I wouldn’t expect much support on rally point though. A lot of these guys support massive tax cuts for the richest people in our country. I think most military members have been fooled by the jingoism of the republicans into thinking that they’re actually for military members. Seems to me like we bomb just as many people under democrats and republicans. We spend way way more than every other country in the world on our military under both democrats and republicans. It’s not like the military industrial complex is gonna starve either way.

Again, good luck sir... time to try something different.

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made Aug 5 at 2018 2:38 PM

MSG Michael McEleney — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 14:38:10 -0400

What should the VA and possibly the Public Healt Service do for those servicemen/women and dependents impacted by the poisoned waters at places like Camp LeJeune?

Response by PV2 Michael Hines made Aug 7 at 2018 11:34 AM

PV2 Michael Hines — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 11:34:16 -0400

Why are we not seeing any answers if this is supposed to be a Q&A? It seems to be just Qs with accompanying comments from everyone except the candidate. What gives? Just a lowly enlisted man trying to understand the elite. (Sarcasm, if you didn’t catch it)

Response by LTC Zachary Hubbard made Aug 8 at 2018 8:50 AM

LTC Zachary Hubbard — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 08:50:07 -0400

We don't need this kind of political debate here. How about moving it to Facebook and try to maintain the dignity of Rallypoint!

Response by LTC John Davis made Aug 9 at 2018 9:06 AM

LTC John Davis — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 09:06:24 -0400

Well, all I need to know is you are on the same side with Nancy, Maxine, Schumer, et al. You are known by your friends and associates. You may be a peer Army officer, but no, you and I are not the same kind of Americans. Sadly, this political divisiveness started over 9 years ago, and it was the product of that smug, arrogant jerk, Obama. I was once tolerant of others' opinions, but I got an 8-year dose of Democrat cram down concurrent with their collective, "I know better what is good for you than you do" arrogance. Spending the last 18-months telling me I am too stupid to elect a President and expending energy on an outright coup to deny 64M citizens their legitimate votes representing 306 electoral votes finished the deal with me. This country is a lot closer to April 1861 than it was when Pres Kennedy asked me as a 4th grader to do something for my country.