Over 1,000 arrested in ‘massive’ Minnesota operation, including murderers, rapists, pedophiles

PO3 Phyllis Maynard - I agree, that there is a lot of context missed though our expressions when we talk one and one physically, but sadly, you and I will likely not have to opportunity to share a beer and discuss these issues in that manner. But what bothers me the most from people on social media like this site is that too many people make automatic assumptions about other based on what they support or do not support. Countless times I have been called MAGA and a blind Trump supporter. There's really no excuse for that as people can support some or many thing about what a politician is doing and still not be categorized as some blind disciple. But that doesn't fit their narrative does it? Because they think they know everything, or more than who they're talking to, or that they lead the other in compassion or sympathy. If they were able to go way back to my initial posts on Trump in 2015 (on this very site), I stated emphatically I did not support him. I did not like his rhetoric then and I have problems with some of his rhetoric to this day. But as a conservative (which I have never tried to hide), I can look past the man and see many of the good things he has done and is trying to do, which very few conservative candidates would have even tried previous to him. This fact annoyed me before Trump, as I watched who I consider great leaders (and still do) seemingly back down and give up on their stated principles and promises. But I also recognized there is always a bigger picture that I and anyone else doesn't always get to see, and which those same leaders cannot dwell on.

I appreciate your ability to recognize I am trying to offer insight and perspective and I am by no means an expert as you say in any of the things we've discussed other than cybersecurity. I do however have experiences which helped me become more well read or worldly, however you want to put it. That is essentially wisdom vs intellect as far as I see it. I am not expert on Minnesota or the Somali population that chose to live there and create Somali centric zone within the state. I've seen this happen across the US and quite frankly I don't like it too much because I see this as avoiding being American and part of our melting pot. Some are not as bad as others, but I honestly wish they all strive to blend into the established culture vs making micro versions of their own. From little cuba in Miami to little Italy in NY, Somalis in Minnesota, and Afghans in the DC area. I get that when they move here they need some familiarity. My own interpreters from Afghanistan had to navigate that challenge. But in the end then embraced American culture while still retaining those parts of their own culture they found important to them (and that's fine). To do otherwise I have to ask why even come here? It makes no sense.

But again... Not an expert... And by the way, even experts should be questioned. I've just been around a lot of blocks and like you stated about yourself, and I too am a jack of many trades after over a 1/2 century of living on this earth. If you or anyone else has something to offer about your actual expertise or expanded experiences in certain things, I am all too happy to listen (read it) and try to understand / empathize with that perspective. Nothing I say here is personal to those I speak with. They may not like what I have to say, but that doesn't mean I'm going to back down when there are others reading what we say, seeking all perspectives to make or solidify their own opinions.

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin well we truly are on the same page. Much of my exposure and engagements, over the decades has come through listening and learning from people who knew more than me and had acquired more than me. This challenged me to apply the wisdom and knowledge from them to create a path of my own.

Well don't blame me for trying to help you see it more my way.... ;-)

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin I am a person of reason. I understand your perspective, your up close experience, your areas of practice and experience. I wish I could print out conversation and put it in my library, as a reference source. The things you have said are super important. I am sure you know that another person's oral opinion is a footnote reference. Your commentary is well worth referencing. Gosh, it is too bad there is no "print transcript" option. I look forward to all of your commentary.