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Random Thoughts


A. Perhaps it was Ronald Reagan who first said, “Trust but verify.” The latest version has mutated to “Distrust and verify.”  Here are the translations of what they mean.


Trust but verify means: Innocent until proven guilty.
Distrust and verify means: Guilty until proven innocent.

B. Attributed to Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant director of the Manhattan Project, but later felt so guilty about producing the first atomic bomb. He wore his guilt on his sleeve, yet, he did the deed.  John von Neumann, often considered the greatest mathematician of the 20th century quipped about Oppie,

                 Some people confess the guilt so they can take credit for the sin.

C. Kids have a break many ignore.  It is about learning, opportunity, and direction in life.


Youth is a free first-class ticket on the train of personal discovery.

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