Opinion

 As this November presidential election draws closer, and the recent changes of the players at the national level, it is causing me to think about the values these candidates carry.

 Question: When is a bribe not a bribe, but a thank-you gift?

 Answer: When it’s paid after the fact, not before.

 So says the U.S. Supreme Court

For the past couple of years, Republicans often accused Joe Biden of dodging the media — refusing to sit for extended interviews, declining to be questioned in regular White House press conferences

American government officials and political players regularly declare something to be “unacceptable.”

Russia’s attack on Ukraine is unacceptable. Hamas’ attack on Israel is unacceptable.

Are you puzzled by the title of this column?  If so, this puzzlement is actually a clue in solving your conundrum.  Here’s another bafflement buster:  You will find a Dissectologist’s Community Tab

You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em,

Know when to fold ‘em,

Know when to walk away,

And know when to run.

—— Kenny Rogers, “The Gambler”

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Readers, this title seems incongruent, but let me fully explain. You will have to read to the end of the document.

Political platforms occupy a unique place in American politics.