Donald Trump, that free-talking candidate for the Republican nomination for president, leads his GOP rivals in polling as of last week. Amazing. This is the same version of The Donald that recently made disgustingly disparaging remarks about Mexican immigrants, that has been jettisoned by a number of TV network and commercial enterprises and that claims a perfect candidacy because he’s a “really rich guy.” Apparently, voters want plain speaking. Give him credit on some level, though, because in some ways he has his spine intact. Candidates like Trump strike a nerve with the way they address the masses, much like Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) did four years ago. It’s in no way surprising. It’s actually a throwback to Ross Perot. Truth telling might help pile up the votes.
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Lest ye believe we only poke at politicians here, consider this woman a candidate for the annual Darwin Awards, which take time out to “honor” the stupid. The woman, a Tennessee resident, has been busted for using counterfeit money. Why did she do it? Because she read an online account that said President Barack Obama declared it legal to do so. He did no such thing. Even better, she faked her $5 and $100 bills by printing them in black and white, and then gluing the fronts and backs together. She was arrested and charged with criminal simulation (simulating a criminal?) and counterfeiting. ’Merica!
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We took a media tour of the Indianapolis Mormon Temple in Carmel last week, and, not knowing what to expect, we were blown away by its stunningly tasteful beauty. And we continue to be impressed by the unbridled grace with which we have been greeted and treated, in person and by phone, by those affiliated with the temple. The tour would be our last entry into the edifice, as only those known as “recommends” of the religion will be permitted to enter after open houses have concluded. Each room has a specific purpose and each its own peaceful prettiness. We kept waiting to be shown an inner sanctuary for worship, but that is accommodated and conducted in an adjacent building.
