Articles written by Chris Messner - Page 3

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About me - Chris Messner

Hi,

My name is Chris Messner. I'm a native New Yorker (Let's Go Mets!), married with 2 adult children, retired military, currently working in hi-tech manufacturing.

I often daydream about writing short stories but I never seem to be able to recall the ideas

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Politics, News & Issues > Baseball MLB: What it's like to be a New York Mets fan: 3 of 12
In 2007, it hurts to be a Mets fan. Over the past 10 years or so, the leadership of the Mets decided to try to beat the Yankees at their own game. It simply isn't possible, so the sooner Mets' leadership accepts that reality and adapts accordingly, the happier everyone, Mets fans, Yankees fans, the world at large, will be. T... More..
Autos > Buying Cars (Other) What you need to know before you buy a Jeep Wrangler: 1 of 4
If you've never had a Jeep Wrangler and don't know much about them, but you are thinking of getting one, maybe this will help you make an informed decision. My daughter bought a 2003 Jeep Wrangler base model in early 2005, and it turned out to be an expensive lesson for both of us. I feel they are terribly overpriced. My dau... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Leaders (Other) Do US Congressmen behave like public servants or privileged royalty?: 1 of 4
A little of both. Congress has members that reflect many different political viewpoints. Some, particularly new members, behave as though they take their responsibilities to their constituents very seriously. Both my senators, and my representative, answer my letters thoughtfully and with apparent sincerity. Others, particul... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Constitutional & Contract Law Violators of gun laws should be prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of lawful citizens: 7 of 27
As an American, I resent the writings and opinions, on the "disagree" side of this issue, by residents of other countries who neither understand nor respect why the United States of America was founded, and who don't know or understand the Bill of Rights in our Constitution, a list of rights which are the bedrock of liberty ... More..
Health & Fitness > Sexual Health Should public organizations and schools distribute condoms?: 9 of 34
The old adage, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions", may apply here. In my view, it's impossible to discern the true intent of those who insist that condoms should be freely and readily available to public school students. Ostensibly, proponents of public school condom distribution insist it will curtail teen pre... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 US elections 2008: Why the economy, race and sex will make this presidential election epic: 7 of 26
The history being made in the 2008 American Presidential election is superficial, not substantive. Barack Obama? Yep, he's making history as the first African-American to be nominated as a candidate for President. He's inspiring, he's young, he's energetic, and he's just white enough to appeal to many white liberal voters, b... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Party Politics & Ideology Why the US presidential election matters to the average American: 12 of 42
Many Americans complain about their government, but when campaigns begin or election day rolls around, they don't bother to learn candidates' platforms and positions, or get out and vote. Although our President's ability to act unilaterally is limited by the "checks and balances" construction of our government, the President... More..
Entertainment > Movie Analysis Movie analysis: American Gangster: 2 of 6
I saw the movie "American Gangster" last night. The director, Ridley Scott, went to great lengths to recreate the period, the late '60s and early '70s, in which the story is set. Clothing, hairstyles, vehicles; yes, they all brought me back to my youth. Typically, in a so-called "period piece", it isn't all that difficult fo... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Law & Justice (Other) Should US attorney Johnny Sutton be forced to testify in the case of Ramos and Compean?: 1 of 3
July 1, 2008 The malicious prosecution of Ramos and Compean falls under the "If I hadn't actually seen it, I wouldn't believe it" heading. It's a classic example of political prisoners in America, of all places. Pretty scary. Former Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean went to jail on January 17, 2007 to serve... More..
Jobs & Careers > International & Government Jobs How to get promoted in the Air Force: 1 of 3
In the Air Force, for both officers and enlisted personnel, there is almost nothing they can do to speed up their first few promotions. They just have to wait. I retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 1995. I'm sure the promotion system has changed since then, but probably not drastically. For commissioned office... More..