Thursday, May 29, 2008
Support Growing for Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote
Support Growing for Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote - America’s Election HQ
I am an odd liberal. I think this is a brilliant idea. Why should non-citizens get to vote? You can't vote in any other country where you aren't a citizen, why allow it here? Why not require proof that you live here? I say, require proof that you live here, or you can't be registered to vote.
I am an odd liberal. I think this is a brilliant idea. Why should non-citizens get to vote? You can't vote in any other country where you aren't a citizen, why allow it here? Why not require proof that you live here? I say, require proof that you live here, or you can't be registered to vote.
Climate Destruction Will Produce Millions of "Envirogees"
When the ice started melting, people laughed. When the Polar Bear population started shrinking, people said it wasn't the environment. When the food started getting less and less available, like recently, they blamed it on the small amount of bio-fuel being used. And when people are driven from their homes, they will say it is the end of the world and call to god. All this time they could have done something real, like cut our emissions and save the environment. By the time this happens, little will have been done and global catastrophic climate change will be a reality no one can ignore, or change.
Bipartisan Consensus Grows to Curb Nuclear Weapons
One of the great things coming out of our congress right now is the growing consensus that we must reduce our nuclear arsenal. Like Ronald Reagan once pushed for, Republicans and Democrats alike are realizing that in order to compel the world to disarm their nukes, we have to be the example. It is hard to condemn Iran in front of the rest of the world while we have the largest nuclear arsenal in the world and continue to make more. Iran was unfortunately right when it said that if we can have them, so should they. And why not? Would we not do the same thing if our largest enemy could wipe our entire country off the map with one strike? Now I am not pro-Iran, but lets take a realist approach. Six years ago George W. Bush called them one of the three in the Axis of Evil. He then proceeded to invade Afghanistan and Iraq, boxing Iran in. Wouldn't you try to build a weapon strong enough to deter an attack on you from an enemy primed to take you out? Of course you would, but then, that is called understanding foreign relations, something Bush has never been great at. Bush has delusions of greatness by killing the middle east to acheive peace. Hopefully congress will lead the way and force the presidents hand and start reducing our nuclear payload.
Marines Pass Out Gospel Verse to Iraqi Muslims, Iraqis Say
In what fiery ring of ignorance do you go to a Muslim country, with a gun, and shoot up their holy book and try to convert them? What on earth is wrong with these people? You wonder why they hate us? This is why? Stupid jar head of a marine, do your damn job and stop trying to press your religion with the barrel of a gun! That is part in parcel to the Crusades, which, I might add, these people still remember!
Gay rights backers notch N.Y., Calif. wins
Gay rights backers notch N.Y., Calif. wins - Life- msnbc.com
Good news today for gay people and people for equality for all. California will soon be giving out marriage licenses to gay couples and New York is going to recognize gay marriage that is allow in other states. That means we now have three states that will recognize peoples right to do the same thing as everyone else.
I am hoping that this issue will come up in my state and we can vote on it again. Perhaps this will be the start of something wonderful. The start of people as a majority realizing that gay people are just people. When two women or two men love each other, it isn't a sexually deviant occurrence, it is just love, like any man and woman relationship, no different. When this point in time finally happens, maybe we can look back at this time as the point in which it finally happened.
Good news today for gay people and people for equality for all. California will soon be giving out marriage licenses to gay couples and New York is going to recognize gay marriage that is allow in other states. That means we now have three states that will recognize peoples right to do the same thing as everyone else.
I am hoping that this issue will come up in my state and we can vote on it again. Perhaps this will be the start of something wonderful. The start of people as a majority realizing that gay people are just people. When two women or two men love each other, it isn't a sexually deviant occurrence, it is just love, like any man and woman relationship, no different. When this point in time finally happens, maybe we can look back at this time as the point in which it finally happened.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
I Apologize in Advance
I do not like to moderate comments posted because I want people to be free to speak as they want. But twice now some spammer has posted a comment that is nothing more than an advertisement for his site, complete with description and link to the site where he is selling a seven book series of books. I have turned on security features in this blog to make sure auto spam doesn't get posted and advertisers won't get posted. I will not, however, change or deny comments that disagree with me, insult me, or do anything besides advertise. In other words, real opinions and comments will not be moderated. I just don't want an advertisement comment on every post about creationism or evolution.
Acidic water threatens West coast sealife, scientists war
How much longer can this planet suffer our destructive nature before it becomes to late to repair it? How long will people ignore the evidence of global warming and the destruction of the environment by pollution? It will be to late when the ignoramus's of this country, that being the republican party, finally figure out what the world already knows.
Louisiana's latest creationism bill moves to House floor
NCSE Resource -- Louisiana's latest creationism bill moves to House floor
And so the battle moves to Louisiana, where law makers have decided that religion should be taught as science. How much idiocracy must we endure in this country? Creationism has ZERO testable predictions, ZERO ability to be falsified, ZERO scientific evidence in favor of it. What is the deal here people? If religion is about faith, then why teach it in the science class room? I am so tired of imbeciles trying to get creationism passed off as science.
And so the battle moves to Louisiana, where law makers have decided that religion should be taught as science. How much idiocracy must we endure in this country? Creationism has ZERO testable predictions, ZERO ability to be falsified, ZERO scientific evidence in favor of it. What is the deal here people? If religion is about faith, then why teach it in the science class room? I am so tired of imbeciles trying to get creationism passed off as science.
McCain housing policy shaped by lobbyist - Countdown with Keith Olbermann- msnbc.com
McCain housing policy shaped by lobbyist - Countdown with Keith Olbermann- msnbc.com
Another freaking lobbyist? Unfreaking believable! This one was still a lobbyist for a huge mortgage lender WHILE he was writing the McCain mortgage crisis policy! Gee, wonder if that effected his view on the subject? McCain, you are a sell out that will never get my vote! You will never work for the people!
Another freaking lobbyist? Unfreaking believable! This one was still a lobbyist for a huge mortgage lender WHILE he was writing the McCain mortgage crisis policy! Gee, wonder if that effected his view on the subject? McCain, you are a sell out that will never get my vote! You will never work for the people!
McClellan: Bush misled U.S. on Iraq
McClellan: Bush misled U.S. on Iraq - Washington Post- msnbc.com
And yet another Bush aide that says Bush "mislead" the U.S. regarding the need for war against Iraq. How many people have to come out before people understand exactly what has been done to us? How many people have to let us know that our president is a treacherous anti-patriot that should be kicked out of off and shamed for the rest of his life?
Former White House press secretary Scott McClellan writes in a new memoir that the Iraq war was sold to the American people with a sophisticated "political propaganda campaign" led by President Bush and aimed at "manipulating sources of public opinion" and "downplaying the major reason for going to war."
And yet another Bush aide that says Bush "mislead" the U.S. regarding the need for war against Iraq. How many people have to come out before people understand exactly what has been done to us? How many people have to let us know that our president is a treacherous anti-patriot that should be kicked out of off and shamed for the rest of his life?
Al Sadr: Let Iraqis decide on U.S. Troops
This is rather exciting to me. This is democracy in action. Al Sadr is not fighting and killing, he is gathering signatures to force a vote on the U.S. occupation! This IS what our troops are supposed to be fighting for. Isn't this what we want, for this country to rule by the will of the people instead of cleric? Would this not make a massive statement that the U.S. doesn't have imperial ambition but truly wants to spread democracy? What a statement to the world it would make for the U.S. to encourage this protest and encourage a vote and then abide by a sovereign nations will of the people and leave the country!? I hope the U.S. takes this opportunity to encourage and foster the growth of power to the people. What a shining example Iraq could be in the middle east!
New Testament Burnings in Israel
Wow, this is a big statement on what Jews really think of christianity. A group of students collect new testaments being handed out and burned them as "Messianic Propaganda". As America is always the one to defend Israel, largely in part because they believe them to be the keywork to the "end times", I am wondering what effect that this will have on those relationships in the US. Probably won't effect anything, but it does speak volumes as to the under current of feeling of the nation. Students are usually willing to say and do what the adults will not.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
McCain backs slashing nuclear arsenal.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/27/mccain.speech/index.html?eref=rss_politics#cnnSTCVideo
What a brilliant speech. This is of course opposite how he once voted, but a step in the right direction. Good for him. He might be leading the party in a new direction. A non-war mongering direction hopefully.
What a brilliant speech. This is of course opposite how he once voted, but a step in the right direction. Good for him. He might be leading the party in a new direction. A non-war mongering direction hopefully.
Atheists Descriminated Against in Car Ad
The Underground Unbeliever: Some Exciting News About the Kieffe
So it has come to this huh? Open discrimination against atheists? If this was against christians or another religion, this would not be tolerated by people. Here is what the ad says.
Now, I'm sure thousands of hypocritical christians will flock to this new bigoted christian Ford dealership. It is nice to know that in a free country, it is okay for one group to tell the other group that their kind is not wanted. Free to be a bigot, free to discriminate, free to hate. I'm sure Jesus is proud you bigoted pieces of shit!
So it has come to this huh? Open discrimination against atheists? If this was against christians or another religion, this would not be tolerated by people. Here is what the ad says.
["Did you know that there are people in this country who want prayer out of schools, "Under God" out of the Pledge, and "In God We Trust" to be taken off our money?"]
"But did you know that 86% of Americans say they believe in God? Since we all know that 86 out of every 100 of us are Christians, who believe in God, we at Kieffe & Sons Ford wonder why we don't tell the other 14% to sit down and shut up. I guess I just offended 14% of the people who are listening to this message. Well, if that is the case then I say that's tough, this is America folks, it's called free speech. None of us at Kieffe & Sons Ford is afraid to speak out. Kieffe & Sons Ford on Sierra Highway in Mojave and Rosamond, if we don't see you today, by the grace of God, we'll be here tomorrow."
Now, I'm sure thousands of hypocritical christians will flock to this new bigoted christian Ford dealership. It is nice to know that in a free country, it is okay for one group to tell the other group that their kind is not wanted. Free to be a bigot, free to discriminate, free to hate. I'm sure Jesus is proud you bigoted pieces of shit!
Rove: Courts to decide subpoena
Rove: Courts to decide subpoena - Politics- msnbc.com
Of course they will. You, Karl Rove, have no integrity and no honor, so you will have to be forced to testify. You, sir, have no sense of justice or of what is right and wrong. You, Karl Rove, are a bad man willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to get what you want. You sir, should be put in prison for a long time.
Of course they will. You, Karl Rove, have no integrity and no honor, so you will have to be forced to testify. You, sir, have no sense of justice or of what is right and wrong. You, Karl Rove, are a bad man willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to get what you want. You sir, should be put in prison for a long time.
Clinton Apologizes After Invoking RFK Assassination
Clinton Apologizes After Invoking RFK Assassination - America’s Election HQ
That is just not good enough Hillary. You implied that you should stay in the race just in case Obama gets assassinated! You bring up the possiblity of assassination, the worst and most shamefully dark part of our political history? And you are sorry? But you never quit realize why you offend so many people. Your apology proves that you just don't get it. And that is the sad part.
After saying this:
She never once refers to the exact reason why this was so awful. I think Keith Olbermann says it best.
Once again, masterfully said Keith.
That is just not good enough Hillary. You implied that you should stay in the race just in case Obama gets assassinated! You bring up the possiblity of assassination, the worst and most shamefully dark part of our political history? And you are sorry? But you never quit realize why you offend so many people. Your apology proves that you just don't get it. And that is the sad part.
After saying this:
My husband didn’t wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June,” she said. “We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don’t understand it.
She never once refers to the exact reason why this was so awful. I think Keith Olbermann says it best.
Once again, masterfully said Keith.
Aid workers raping and abusing children
This is shameful and disgusting. What is happening is U.N. and other foreign aid workers are trading aid for sexual favors from young girls. Essentially offering them food and money if they perform sex acts. These girls are often very very young.
Who can you turn to when the people there to help you are abusing you and manipulating you too? These people should be punished in the most severe fashion. Who is there to save the children now? The people who are supposed to save them are only there to hurt them.
Humanitarian aid workers and United Nation peacekeepers are sexually abusing small children in several war-ravaged and food-poor countries, a leading European charity has said.
Children as young as 6 have been forced to have sex with aid workers and peacekeepers in return for food and money, Save the Children UK said in a report released Tuesday.
Who can you turn to when the people there to help you are abusing you and manipulating you too? These people should be punished in the most severe fashion. Who is there to save the children now? The people who are supposed to save them are only there to hurt them.
U.S. Ports vulnerable to terrorists, probe finds.
Of course they are vulnerable. Once again we must return to the 9/11 commission report to see that this was known a few years ago! Perhaps Bush should have listened to someone besides his stupid cabinet advisers and followed the 9/11 commission prescriptions to keep us safe. Instead he gave out port security to a foreign country!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Trail of Tall Tales: Barack Obama
Trail of Tall Tales: Barack Obama - America’s Election HQ
Third and final one. As normal, I will not comment much on these, but let you read the articles.
Third and final one. As normal, I will not comment much on these, but let you read the articles.
Post-Christian America
RealClearPolitics - Articles - Post-Christian America
Pat Buchanan wrote this article. I disagree with him on many things, but I really like him as a person and a political commentator. But I need to address some things he said in this article.
So? One hundred years ago, a fourteen year old was usually married off and expected to start producing kids. Her husband was usually in his twenties and often times already established and had built out his life and house. Two hundred years ago, this was common place. And three hundred years ago, seventeen was too old to marry off. Times change Pat. What was the norm and accepted just a hundred years ago is now called pedophilia and if a 21 year old thinks a fifteen year old is attractive, he is sick and twisted. Time changes and society changes, and this is a long over due change!
This is a statement that doesn't hold water. Back in biblical times and beyond, people could marry men and women and even children. It was common and accepted. The Roman empire allowed nearly everything. And no, Rome didn't fall because of it, when it fell, it had been under christian rule for two hundred years. Nature has never defined marriage, or other species would get married as well.
Your opinion is not fact. Your bible is not required to be followed and in deed in this country, the government cannot force anyone to follow the bible, including in marriage.
This is not a christian nation either. Just read our forefathers, especially the christians like John Adams who wrote in the Treatise of Tripoli that "this nation is in no way founded on the christian religion". Our forefathers wanted a government that stayed out of religious affairs and as Jefferson so eloquently put it in a letter, the constitution was to create a wall of separation between the government and religion.
And well they shouldn't. The constitution clearly states that any powers no explicitly given to the federal government goes to the states. There is no power over marriage specified to the federal government, thus they don't have a say in it. The states can and must decide this issue, and they have done so in California.
Pat Buchanan wrote this article. I disagree with him on many things, but I really like him as a person and a political commentator. But I need to address some things he said in this article.
To declare that homosexuals can marry is patently absurd. The very definition of marriage is the union of a man and woman, first and foremost, for the procreation of children.
So? One hundred years ago, a fourteen year old was usually married off and expected to start producing kids. Her husband was usually in his twenties and often times already established and had built out his life and house. Two hundred years ago, this was common place. And three hundred years ago, seventeen was too old to marry off. Times change Pat. What was the norm and accepted just a hundred years ago is now called pedophilia and if a 21 year old thinks a fifteen year old is attractive, he is sick and twisted. Time changes and society changes, and this is a long over due change!
To say two men who live together and engage in sex can be married renders the idea and ideal of marriage meaningless. The court may declare it, but it cannot redefine an institution that nature and nature's God have already defined. As they say in Texas, you can put lipstick and earrings on a pig, and call her Peggy Sue, but it's still a pig.
This is a statement that doesn't hold water. Back in biblical times and beyond, people could marry men and women and even children. It was common and accepted. The Roman empire allowed nearly everything. And no, Rome didn't fall because of it, when it fell, it had been under christian rule for two hundred years. Nature has never defined marriage, or other species would get married as well.
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder," Christ taught. Through the Old Testament and into the epistles of St. Paul, homosexual sodomy is an abomination leading to personal destruction and damnation, one of the five sins that cry out to heaven for vengeance. How, then, can four judges declare it to be integral to the sacrament of marriage?
Well, we don't believe all that rot, comes the reply.
Fine, but Christianity is the cornerstone of Western Civilization. Since the fall of Rome to our own time, nations have believed and acted on the belief that marriage and traditional families are the cinderblocks on which a society must be built. When these cinderblocks crumble, the society collapses. The truth has been born out in our own time.
Your opinion is not fact. Your bible is not required to be followed and in deed in this country, the government cannot force anyone to follow the bible, including in marriage.
This is not a christian nation either. Just read our forefathers, especially the christians like John Adams who wrote in the Treatise of Tripoli that "this nation is in no way founded on the christian religion". Our forefathers wanted a government that stayed out of religious affairs and as Jefferson so eloquently put it in a letter, the constitution was to create a wall of separation between the government and religion.
Yet, no Congress or state legislature ever voted to declare homosexual unions a marriage. The idea has everywhere been rejected. Wherever it has been on the ballot, same-sex marriage has been voted down. In the 13 states where it was on the ballot in 2004, it was defeated by 58 percent to 85 percent -- the last figure rolled up in Mississippi, where black Christian pastors told their flocks to go out and vote down the abomination.
And well they shouldn't. The constitution clearly states that any powers no explicitly given to the federal government goes to the states. There is no power over marriage specified to the federal government, thus they don't have a say in it. The states can and must decide this issue, and they have done so in California.
Pharyngula: Only
Pharyngula: Only
PZ Meyers writes:
I just got a good laugh out of this blog. I don't like to blog other peoples blogs, but this is one of my favorite. Consider this a bump for PZ Meyers "Pharyngula" blog. I love it and read it every day and have an rss feed going to my google reader. If you come across my blog and like it, check out his. He is THE premier blogger in the atheist community and is a tireless warrior for science, logic, and intelligent thinking in a world of deluded psychopathic fundamentalists.
Pharyngula
PZ Meyers writes:
Coral Ridge Ministries surveyed their membership, asking them to rank the greatest dangers to America's spiritual health. Top of the list is the ACLU; second are the homosexuals; third is abortion. Evolution doesn't show up until #7, and atheists are #9. This is a very disappointing showing, people! You're all going to have to get more militant, starting right now.
Still, when you look at the actual numbers, it's not all that bad. 82% of the deluded followers of D. James Kennedy's wacky ministry think atheists are "very dangerous". I think there was a general trend of getting twitterpated about a whole bunch of secular stuff, and we all landed in a big heap near the top of their fears.
Also, "colleges and universities" ranked very highly. This isn't surprising, and fear of education explains a lot.
I just got a good laugh out of this blog. I don't like to blog other peoples blogs, but this is one of my favorite. Consider this a bump for PZ Meyers "Pharyngula" blog. I love it and read it every day and have an rss feed going to my google reader. If you come across my blog and like it, check out his. He is THE premier blogger in the atheist community and is a tireless warrior for science, logic, and intelligent thinking in a world of deluded psychopathic fundamentalists.
Pharyngula
McCain rejects endorsement from televangelist
McCain rejects endorsement from televangelist - John McCain News- msnbc.com
Good for you! You went out and sought his endorsement, now you reject it. But I understand. You desperately needed evangelical support. You got it. With any luck, saying Hagee was crazy won't lose that support. But it was the right thing to do. Unlike your republican suck ass supporters, I don't think or question whether or not you believe the way he has even though you looked for him and courted him for his endorsement. Some of us understand that you aren't who supports you.
Good for you! You went out and sought his endorsement, now you reject it. But I understand. You desperately needed evangelical support. You got it. With any luck, saying Hagee was crazy won't lose that support. But it was the right thing to do. Unlike your republican suck ass supporters, I don't think or question whether or not you believe the way he has even though you looked for him and courted him for his endorsement. Some of us understand that you aren't who supports you.
McCain raps Obama for lack of military service
McCain raps Obama for lack of military service - Decision '08- msnbc.com
Don't be an asshole McCain. I didn't serve, but I have and will continue to criticize this government, this president, this war, and you when ever I damn well feel like it. See, this is a democracy and as such, Obama or anyone can and will criticize you or anyone else for any reason and have every right to do so. No serving isn't a bad thing. Someone has to stay home and run the country. And currently, service is at an all time low, so that means there are allot of people who haven't served who criticize the war and your commitment to the troops! So put a sock in it, he has every right to question your commitment the troops, when your supposed commitment involves less benefits, less time off, lower pay, and dying for a pointless war!
Obama's response:
Very well done Mr. President, very well done in deed.
Don't be an asshole McCain. I didn't serve, but I have and will continue to criticize this government, this president, this war, and you when ever I damn well feel like it. See, this is a democracy and as such, Obama or anyone can and will criticize you or anyone else for any reason and have every right to do so. No serving isn't a bad thing. Someone has to stay home and run the country. And currently, service is at an all time low, so that means there are allot of people who haven't served who criticize the war and your commitment to the troops! So put a sock in it, he has every right to question your commitment the troops, when your supposed commitment involves less benefits, less time off, lower pay, and dying for a pointless war!
Obama's response:
I am proud to stand with Senator Webb and a bipartisan coalition to give our veterans the support and opportunity they deserve. It's disappointing that Senator McCain and his campaign used this issue to launch yet another lengthy personal, political attack instead of debating an honest policy difference. He should know that this is not about John McCain or Barack Obama – it's about giving our veterans a real chance to afford four years of college without harming retention. Senator Webb's bipartisan bill will do this, and the bill that John McCain supports would not. These endless diatribes and schoolyard taunts from the McCain campaign do nothing to advance the debate about what matters to the American people.
Very well done Mr. President, very well done in deed.
Multitude of forces drains U.S. spirit of giving
Multitude of forces drains U.S. spirit of giving - Washington Post- msnbc.com
What happens when the shining pearl on the hill becomes a militaristic imperialist regime? This is what happens. The US is so far in debt due to poor money management, pointless wars, and war profiteering that it can no longer afford to help nations in serious need. We have decided that militarism is more important than anything else, including helping others. This nation has sacrificed everything to continue this war.
What happens when the shining pearl on the hill becomes a militaristic imperialist regime? This is what happens. The US is so far in debt due to poor money management, pointless wars, and war profiteering that it can no longer afford to help nations in serious need. We have decided that militarism is more important than anything else, including helping others. This nation has sacrificed everything to continue this war.
Obama Grilled on Ties to Pro-Palestinian Professor
Obama Grilled on Ties to Pro-Palestinian Professor - America’s Election HQ
I am getting rather tired of this type of attack on Obama. This man was only a person he once met, not even a friend. Yet it seems that even if you meet someone who is less than stellar, you are responsible for what they do. I don't see anyone coming out and talking about the really good people he has met. And if you are claiming to be a uniter then you will necessarily meet all kinds of people. This guilty by association crap is getting old and ridiculous.
I am getting rather tired of this type of attack on Obama. This man was only a person he once met, not even a friend. Yet it seems that even if you meet someone who is less than stellar, you are responsible for what they do. I don't see anyone coming out and talking about the really good people he has met. And if you are claiming to be a uniter then you will necessarily meet all kinds of people. This guilty by association crap is getting old and ridiculous.
Russia and China against U.S. Defense Plan
This is probably not a good thing. However, I have really mixed feelings on this. Part of what Russia and China is saying is correct. We are not helping to disarm the world, we are in fact causing another arms race with other countries around the world. I get that, and I agree in disarming.
However, Russia and China both have deep roots of dislike against the United States. And to be honest, I don't see them disarming. I don't know that I trust them that something isn't going on under the table. Nor do I trust them that their dislike of our new missile defense protect is purely due to them wanting the world to disarm. I think that is rather unlikely.
What I would propose then is that the United States build a missile defense system to defend our country only. Why does it need to be global? To what purpose would a nation not looking to dominate the world, need a global missile system that can strike anyone from any where? How does that promote peace as opposed to fear? This nation has moved towards imperialism for a long time now, and other nations are right to distrust us. And because of that, I think the US needs to really pull back on the whole global thing and thing locally.
As of now, if someone attacked our shores, there would not be enough troops at home to protect us. If we continue at this rate, we will have our forces spread out so far across the world that we will not be able to defend the homeland.
However, Russia and China both have deep roots of dislike against the United States. And to be honest, I don't see them disarming. I don't know that I trust them that something isn't going on under the table. Nor do I trust them that their dislike of our new missile defense protect is purely due to them wanting the world to disarm. I think that is rather unlikely.
What I would propose then is that the United States build a missile defense system to defend our country only. Why does it need to be global? To what purpose would a nation not looking to dominate the world, need a global missile system that can strike anyone from any where? How does that promote peace as opposed to fear? This nation has moved towards imperialism for a long time now, and other nations are right to distrust us. And because of that, I think the US needs to really pull back on the whole global thing and thing locally.
As of now, if someone attacked our shores, there would not be enough troops at home to protect us. If we continue at this rate, we will have our forces spread out so far across the world that we will not be able to defend the homeland.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Trail of Tall Tales: John McCain
Trail of Tall Tales: John McCain - America’s Election HQ
Foxnews is doing a special on miss statements and lies by each of the candidates. I look forward to each of them. This one is for John McCain. I don't intend on posting about any of them much as they articles speak for themselves.
Foxnews is doing a special on miss statements and lies by each of the candidates. I look forward to each of them. This one is for John McCain. I don't intend on posting about any of them much as they articles speak for themselves.
"Reverse Evolution" Discovered in Seattle Fish
"Reverse Evolution" Discovered in Seattle Fish
Wow, it's a double wammy for creationists today. A fish that rapidly evolved backwards to survive! Simply amazing! The evidence never stops coming in for evolution and natural selection.
Wow, it's a double wammy for creationists today. A fish that rapidly evolved backwards to survive! Simply amazing! The evidence never stops coming in for evolution and natural selection.
Yet another missing link - The Frogamander
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSN2134298920080522
In yet another great scientific discovery, the missing link between frogs and salamanders has been found. This puts to rest much of the discussion of amphibian ancestry compared. Yet another nail in the coffin of creationism. There are so many nails, you can't see the coffin any more. To bad superstitious religionists can't seem to figure that out.
In yet another great scientific discovery, the missing link between frogs and salamanders has been found. This puts to rest much of the discussion of amphibian ancestry compared. Yet another nail in the coffin of creationism. There are so many nails, you can't see the coffin any more. To bad superstitious religionists can't seem to figure that out.
McCain's Team of Lobbyists
RealClearPolitics - Articles - McCain's Team of Lobbyists
McCain is showing himself to be exactly what he claims to stand against, a man controlled by lobbyists. He has so many lobbyists around him that even his campaign is run by lobbyists. This man should never be in office. He sells his soul and vote to the highest bidder.
McCain is showing himself to be exactly what he claims to stand against, a man controlled by lobbyists. He has so many lobbyists around him that even his campaign is run by lobbyists. This man should never be in office. He sells his soul and vote to the highest bidder.
Senate reaches deal on war funding
Senate reaches deal on war funding - Conflict in Iraq- msnbc.com
Now this is what you call appeasement! They are still going to fund this damn war! How can you end it? Easy, cut off funding! Have some balls democrats and stop funding the war. This bill will fund the war and pay for lots of other domestic programs. Blood money, thats what it will be. Vote no and cut off the funding and end this war, and bring our sons and daughters home!
Now this is what you call appeasement! They are still going to fund this damn war! How can you end it? Easy, cut off funding! Have some balls democrats and stop funding the war. This bill will fund the war and pay for lots of other domestic programs. Blood money, thats what it will be. Vote no and cut off the funding and end this war, and bring our sons and daughters home!
Congress Screwed Up
Well, I guess this should be expected. Congress sent a bill to Bush but forgot 34 pages of material. So Bush vetoed the bill as expected, but they can't over ride the veto because Bush didn't veto the actual bill. Now the farm bill process starts all over again. Way to go democrats.
6 Ways You Are Wasting Gas
6 ways you're wasting gas
It's not easy to break bad driving habits, but if you don't, the money you lose on gas could wind up breaking your bank.
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By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer
May 21, 2008: 11:41 AM EDT
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Tailgating is dangerous, and it wastes gas. Do everyone a favor and back off.
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America's Money: Gas crunch hits home
The record-high price of gasoline is putting a strain on American motorists - and spurring some to shift their habits. Here are their stories.
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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- With all the worry over fuel prices, you'd think drivers would do whatever they can not to waste gas. But look around and you'll see lots of them tooling around as if they owned their own tanker fleet. One of them might be you.
Here are six ways drivers typically waste gas every on every trip:
1. Racing away from green lights
When the light turns green, you don't have to take off as quickly as possible. That pedal under your right foot is called the "gas pedal" for a good reason. The more you press down on it, the more gas you're pumping into the engine.
Press lightly on the gas pedal, and you'll still accelerate, and you'll still get where you're going. You might be surprised at how little pressure it takes to get your car up to speed in a reasonable time.
2. Racing up to red lights
When you're driving down the street, and you see a light red light or stop sign up ahead, you should lay off the gas sooner rather than later.
There's no point in keeping your foot on the gas until just before you reach the intersection. Let off the pedal sooner and give your engine a rest as you coast to the stop while braking gently. As an added benefit, your brake pads will last longer, too.
By themselves, these first two tips can improve your fuel economy around town by as much as 35 percent, according to tests conducted by automotive information Web site Edmunds.com.
3. Confusing the highway with a speedway
Even if it doesn't involve hard acceleration, speeding wastes gas. The faster you go, the more air your vehicle has to push out of the way. It's like moving your hand through water. The faster you try to move your hand, the harder the water pushes back.
In tests by Consumer Reports, going 75 instead of 65 miles per hour reduced fuel economy by between 3 and 5 miles per gallon, depending on the vehicle.
4. Bumper-buzzing
Tailgating is a bad move for many reasons. First of all, it's unsafe. You reduce your ability to react if the car in front of you slows or stops. It also means you have to pay ultra-close attention to that car which reduces your ability to scan for other hazards ahead of you and to the sides.
And tailgating wastes gas. Every time the driver ahead taps his brakes, you have to slow down even more than he did. (That's because you can't react immediately so you have to slow even more because you're slowing down later.) Then you accelerate again to get back up to speed and resume your bumper-buzzing routine.
Hang back and you'll be safer - plus you'll be able to drive more smoothly and use less fuel. A good rule of thumb is to allow two seconds of space between your car and the one ahead. You can figure that out by counting off two seconds after the car in front of you passes an obvious landmark like an overpass.
5. Driving standing still
You've probably heard that it takes more gas to restart a car than to let it run. Maybe that used to be true, but it isn't anymore. With modern fuel-injection engines, it takes very little extra gas to restart a car once it's warmed up.
Idling, meanwhile, burns about a half-mile worth of gas every minute, according to the California Energy Commission. That's why hybrid cars shut down their gasoline engines whenever they stop, even for a moment.
Now you don't want to shut your engine down for every little stop in your regular, non-hybrid car - it's not designed for that - but if you're waiting for someone to run in and out of a convenience store, turn off the engine.
And don't go through the drive-through at fast food restaurants. You're already paying enough for the oil in those chicken nuggets.
Bonus tip: Don't idle your engine to let it warm up before driving. It does your engine no good and it wastes gas. Instead, start driving right away, but drive gently until the engine is warm.
6. Short hops
For really short trips, take advantage of the opportunity to get some exercise. Try walking to the store instead of driving. You can save gas and burn a few calories instead.
If you can't hoof it, save up your errands. A lot of short hops that let the engine cool down at home between trips can use twice as much gas as starting the car once and making a big sweep to all your stops, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Go to your farthest destination first so your engine has a chance to reach its optimal operating temperature. Then make your other stops on the way back. With the engine warmed up, the car will restart easily and run efficiently all the way home.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Judge continues injunction against 'Expelled' film
Judge continues injunction against 'Expelled' film - Wikinews, the free news source
This is rich! A christian film trying to beat down science and extol the virtues of Christianity and creationism licensed every song in the film except the one they knew would never be licensed to them due to the films content. That adds to the fact that Richard Dawkins and PZ Meyers words word deliberately twisted around and manipulated to make it seem like they agreed that creationism has a leg to stand on! Morality defined by religion is no morality at all.
This is rich! A christian film trying to beat down science and extol the virtues of Christianity and creationism licensed every song in the film except the one they knew would never be licensed to them due to the films content. That adds to the fact that Richard Dawkins and PZ Meyers words word deliberately twisted around and manipulated to make it seem like they agreed that creationism has a leg to stand on! Morality defined by religion is no morality at all.
Trail of Tall Tales: Hillary Clinton
Trail of Tall Tales: Hillary Clinton - America’s Election HQ
Foxnews is doing a special on miss statements and lies by each of the candidates. I look forward to each of them. This one is for Hillary Clinton. I don't intend on posting about any of them much as they articles speak for themselves.
Foxnews is doing a special on miss statements and lies by each of the candidates. I look forward to each of them. This one is for Hillary Clinton. I don't intend on posting about any of them much as they articles speak for themselves.
Obama NAILS McCain on Lobbyists!
Wow, Obama calls McCain on his bill ten years ago to prevent politicians from having paid lobbyists on staff due to a conflict of interest. My how times have changed and my how Obama made him pay dearly for that mistake. In Florida, in front of 15,000 people no less! Watch the video.
Missing matter found in deep space
Missing matter found in deep space - Yahoo! News
Truly an amazing discovery. Science shows more and more every day that if we just keep at it, we will learn all the secrets of the Universe with hard work and a little patients. There is no need to say "god did it" because we can explain it with actual data and facts instead of falling back to the unexplainable.
Who would have thought that hydrogen and oxygen are flowing along a web like structure as the backbone of the universe just waiting to be discovered? Reality is often stranger than superstition and made up alternative realities like those espoused in religion.
Truly an amazing discovery. Science shows more and more every day that if we just keep at it, we will learn all the secrets of the Universe with hard work and a little patients. There is no need to say "god did it" because we can explain it with actual data and facts instead of falling back to the unexplainable.
Who would have thought that hydrogen and oxygen are flowing along a web like structure as the backbone of the universe just waiting to be discovered? Reality is often stranger than superstition and made up alternative realities like those espoused in religion.
As donations decline, nation needs young blood
As donations decline, nation needs young blood - Health care- msnbc.com
I encourage all of the young people to get out there and make a difference. I will be going soon to donate blood, but I am not a teenager any more, and I have several problems that may make my blood unusable. If you are healthy and young, do the right thing and go donate blood this weekend and every weekend.
I encourage all of the young people to get out there and make a difference. I will be going soon to donate blood, but I am not a teenager any more, and I have several problems that may make my blood unusable. If you are healthy and young, do the right thing and go donate blood this weekend and every weekend.
Ocean Dead Zones Spread Due to Global Warming
Ocean Dead Zones Spread Due to Global Warming
As the idiotic anti-global warming crowd in the US continues to stymie efforts to change the course of global warming, the oceans slowly die out. We just can't seem to get this through our heads as a people. The proof positive they want is essentially all the predictions coming true and it being to late to stop global warming. Once again I say that when you have the proof positive you think you need, it will be to late to stop it. Your grand children will curse you for your ignorance and inability to act on something that should have been common sense to any one.
As the idiotic anti-global warming crowd in the US continues to stymie efforts to change the course of global warming, the oceans slowly die out. We just can't seem to get this through our heads as a people. The proof positive they want is essentially all the predictions coming true and it being to late to stop global warming. Once again I say that when you have the proof positive you think you need, it will be to late to stop it. Your grand children will curse you for your ignorance and inability to act on something that should have been common sense to any one.
History Will Redeem Bush
RealClearPolitics - Articles - History Will Redeem Bush
This is a really good article, but it is one I disagree with whole heartedly. I don't believe history will redeem Bush. I believe history will be very harsh to Bush and more data will come out in the future to further tarnish his image. History will eventually see Bush as the harbinger of doom to this countries internal liberty.
This is a really good article, but it is one I disagree with whole heartedly. I don't believe history will redeem Bush. I believe history will be very harsh to Bush and more data will come out in the future to further tarnish his image. History will eventually see Bush as the harbinger of doom to this countries internal liberty.
Hillary Supporters Scream ‘Sexism!’ What do you think? - America’s Election HQ
Hillary Supporters Scream ‘Sexism!’ What do you think? - America’s Election HQ
I think this is rather ridiculous. I'm sure she had it planned from the beginning to scream sexism if she was not going to win. This does nothing but turn people off. When you are priding your self on being a strong, independent, presidential woman, screaming sexism makes you look weak and unable to take responsibility for the facts. And the facts are that Hillary ran this race like she was the presumptive nominee from the beginning. Her under estimating of Obama is what has led to her down fall. If she wants to blame someone, she should blame herself.
And lets face it, if Bill hadn't been president and put her in the spot light for things like health care, would she really have a political career? I doubt it. And unlike Chris Matthews, I will not apologize for what is very obviously true! Get over yourself Hillary! You have run a tough race, fought hard, and you lost, now move on and stop tearing up the democratic base!
I think this is rather ridiculous. I'm sure she had it planned from the beginning to scream sexism if she was not going to win. This does nothing but turn people off. When you are priding your self on being a strong, independent, presidential woman, screaming sexism makes you look weak and unable to take responsibility for the facts. And the facts are that Hillary ran this race like she was the presumptive nominee from the beginning. Her under estimating of Obama is what has led to her down fall. If she wants to blame someone, she should blame herself.
And lets face it, if Bill hadn't been president and put her in the spot light for things like health care, would she really have a political career? I doubt it. And unlike Chris Matthews, I will not apologize for what is very obviously true! Get over yourself Hillary! You have run a tough race, fought hard, and you lost, now move on and stop tearing up the democratic base!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Evidence of White House Meddling at EPA
Evidence of White House Meddling at EPA
Of course Bush and his white house thugs were meddling in the EPA! There aren't any separation of powers with this president. He just does what he wants and ignores rules and laws. Only this time, his meddling will slow down changes to stop global warming. Not only will he go down in history as a horrible United States President, he will go down as a president who refused the responsibility to fix global warming or do our part. Shame on you Bush! Shame on you and your disgusting criminal thugs!
Of course Bush and his white house thugs were meddling in the EPA! There aren't any separation of powers with this president. He just does what he wants and ignores rules and laws. Only this time, his meddling will slow down changes to stop global warming. Not only will he go down in history as a horrible United States President, he will go down as a president who refused the responsibility to fix global warming or do our part. Shame on you Bush! Shame on you and your disgusting criminal thugs!
Obama Slams Social Security Privatization
Obama Slams Social Security Privatization
Barack Obama believes privatization of Social Security is a bad idea. Sorry Barack, you are dead wrong on this one. Social Security is a sinking ship and I want the right to take my money and put it elsewhere. That money is not money OWED to the government, it is my money. Mine and mine alone. Allowing me to invest my own money is never a bad idea. And the government making that decision for me is not their right.
Barack Obama believes privatization of Social Security is a bad idea. Sorry Barack, you are dead wrong on this one. Social Security is a sinking ship and I want the right to take my money and put it elsewhere. That money is not money OWED to the government, it is my money. Mine and mine alone. Allowing me to invest my own money is never a bad idea. And the government making that decision for me is not their right.
Attacked by grizzly
Attacked by grizzly - People: Tales of survival - MSNBC.com
Now this is a case where this guy was genuinely lucky to be alive. However, he does the god thing and says god was with him. Which part was god with him? The part where the bear came after him? The part where it was "eating his brains"? Or just the very end to make sure he suffered but didn't die? God wasn't with you. If he was, then maybe life wouldn't have sucked for those moments during and after the bear attack. If he had been with you and really protected you, then maybe you wouldn't have been mauled. What you are essentially saying is that god let me be mauled but not killed. What a nice god.
Now this is a case where this guy was genuinely lucky to be alive. However, he does the god thing and says god was with him. Which part was god with him? The part where the bear came after him? The part where it was "eating his brains"? Or just the very end to make sure he suffered but didn't die? God wasn't with you. If he was, then maybe life wouldn't have sucked for those moments during and after the bear attack. If he had been with you and really protected you, then maybe you wouldn't have been mauled. What you are essentially saying is that god let me be mauled but not killed. What a nice god.
Gas Station Employee Fired for Fighting Off Robber
This usually isn't my type of story. I prefer to follow politics and religion and such. But this just really pissed me off. I will no longer be going to Marathon to get my gas. They are obviously owned and run by a bunch of complete ass holes.
Siegelman: Justice Scandal Dwarfs Watergate
Siegelman: Justice Scandal Dwarfs Watergate
Alright democrats, this is your chance. This is your opportunity to finally nail Karl Rove for his corruption and devious actions against all enemies of the republican party. Make it worth your while. Drill him and put him in jail where he belongs! Don't let this moment slip!
Alright democrats, this is your chance. This is your opportunity to finally nail Karl Rove for his corruption and devious actions against all enemies of the republican party. Make it worth your while. Drill him and put him in jail where he belongs! Don't let this moment slip!
U.S. Skips International Conference to Ban Cluster Bombs
Representatives of more than 100 governments are gathering in Dublin, Ireland for two weeks of talks aimed at finalizing a global treaty to ban the use of cluster bombs. But the United States–historically, the world’s largest producer, stockpiler, and user ofcluster bombs — won’t be at the negotiations. Other major producers of cluster bombs–Russia, China, Israel, India and Pakistan–also stayed away from the talks.
Well, it looks like the real bad guys in this world all stayed away from banning something that could save lives. After all, it is not enough to have enough nuclear weapons to wipe out the entire earth three times, we NEED cluster bombs. Pay no attention to the fact that we have smart bombs and really don't need to carpet bomb people any more, we NEED cluster bombs! This government is a bane on this world. The people should rise up against it and start over. To bad the american people don't love their country any more. We love parties and governments and platforms and show our patriotism with a flag pin.
Veterans Affairs Disgraces Itself Again
RealClearPolitics - Articles - Veterans Affairs Disgraces Itself Again
Is this how we support the troops now? Save a buck by screwing them? Is this our patriotism now? Did this president not try to use "support the troops" to force this country to do his bidding? That ass hole Bush and everyone he appointed should be ashamed to hold their head up after more crap like this!
Hopefully, he will have a change of heart and sign the new G.I. Bill.
Is this how we support the troops now? Save a buck by screwing them? Is this our patriotism now? Did this president not try to use "support the troops" to force this country to do his bidding? That ass hole Bush and everyone he appointed should be ashamed to hold their head up after more crap like this!
Hopefully, he will have a change of heart and sign the new G.I. Bill.
That Damn Flag Pin
This is a simplistic, yet brilliant article on the issue of flag pins. Why is Obama being singled out here? He points out that John McCain often doesn't wear a flag pin. As well, Clinton and most TV personalities are often seen without a flag pin on their lapel. So why single out Obama?
Because making someone unamerican is popular. This fascist government headed by a fascist neo-conservative right wing has taken hold of an age old fascist tactic. Patriotism as a weapon. disagree with the war? Unamerican and unpatriotic! Don't wear a flag pin? Unamerican and unpatriotic!
Wake up america. If your love for your country was as easy as wearing a pin, then we wouldn't need a democracy. You know a person by their actions. When your actions and your views end up with soldiers dying in a false war, you are not a patriot. America is hiding behind a lapel pin of an american flag. That seems to be easier then actually being a patriot and standing up to government like our fore fathers taught us too.
Because making someone unamerican is popular. This fascist government headed by a fascist neo-conservative right wing has taken hold of an age old fascist tactic. Patriotism as a weapon. disagree with the war? Unamerican and unpatriotic! Don't wear a flag pin? Unamerican and unpatriotic!
Wake up america. If your love for your country was as easy as wearing a pin, then we wouldn't need a democracy. You know a person by their actions. When your actions and your views end up with soldiers dying in a false war, you are not a patriot. America is hiding behind a lapel pin of an american flag. That seems to be easier then actually being a patriot and standing up to government like our fore fathers taught us too.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Malcom X Day
Some quotes from the late, great civil rights leader, Malcolm 'X' Little. Born May 19th 1925, and was assassinated by Nation of Islam followers on February 21st 1965. He was only 29 years old. Both hated and loved by many, his legacy will continue on for decades and centuries to come. While he began is civil rights career espousing violence, and standing opposed to much of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, he later changed his message when he realized the damage being done due to his message. When he was killed, he was a icon of virtue and freedom for all to look up to. Both black and white people should carry his legacy and message on. Today, I, a white male father, will be telling my kids about Malcolm X for the first time. They are young, but they will understand some of his story.
Official Malcolm X website.
Official Malcolm X website.
QUOTES BY MALCOLM X
"A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything."
"We are nonviolent with people who are nonviolent with us."
"Don't be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn't do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn't know what you know today."
"My alma mater was books, a good library... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity."
"Stumbling is not falling."
"There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time."
"They put your mind right in a bag, and take it wherever they want."
"We didn't land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us."
"Concerning nonviolence, it is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks."
"A race of people is like an individual man; until it uses its own talent, takes pride in its own history, expresses its own culture, affirms its own selfhood, it can never fulfill itself."
"I for one believe that if you give people a thorough understanding of what confronts them and the basic causes that produce it, they'll create their own program, and when the people create a program, you get action."
"If you're not ready to die for it, put the word 'freedom' out of your vocabulary."
"I feel like a man who has been asleep somewhat and under someone else's control. I feel that what I'm thinking and saying is now for myself. Before it was for and by the guidance of Elijah Muhammad. Now I think with my own mind, sir!"
"The thing that you have to understand about those of us in the Black Muslim movement was that all of us believed 100 percent in the divinity of Elijah Muhammad. We believed in him. We actually believed that God, in Detroit by the way, that God had taught him and all of that. I always believed that he believed in himself. And I was shocked when I found out that he himself didn't believe it."
"I believe that there will ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those that do the oppressing. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the systems of exploitation."
"It is a time for martyrs now, and if I am to be one, it will be for the cause of brotherhood. That's the only thing that can save this country."
-- February 19, 1965 (2 days before he was murdered by Nation of Islam followers)
"Without education, you're not going anywhere in this world."
"...I shall never rest until I have undone the harm I did to so many well-meaning, innocent Negroes who through my own evangelistic zeal now believe in him even more fanatically and more blindly than I did."
-- on those he encouraged to follow Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad
"When a person places the proper value on freedom, there is nothing under the sun that he will not do to acquire that freedom. Whenever you hear a man saying he wants freedom, but in the next breath he is going to tell you what he won't do to get it, or what he doesn't believe in doing in order to get it, he doesn't believe in freedom. A man who believes in freedom will do anything under the sun to acquire . . . or preserve his freedom."
"You don't have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being."
"Dr. King wants the same thing I want. Freedom."
"I want Dr. King to know that I didn't come to Selma to make his job difficult. I really did come thinking I could make it easier. If the white people realize what the alternative is, perhaps they will be more willing to hear Dr. King."
-- in a conversation with Mrs. Coretta Scott King.
"I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color."
Texas Megachurch Minister Busted in Internet Sex Sting
I really need to quote some of this article. It is just priceless.
BRYAN, Texas — A minister from a Dallas-area Baptist megachurch was caught in an Internet sex sting and charged with online solicitation of a minor, police said Friday.
Undercover officers posing as a 13-year-old girl communicated with Joe Barron, 52, of Plano for about two weeks. The online conversations were sexual in nature, police said.
On May 6, Barron suggested meeting the girl in person. He eventually made the nearly 200-mile drive to Bryan on Thursday, when he was arrested. Police said they found a web-cam and condoms in his car.
A baptist minister tries to screw a what he thinks is a 13 year old girl. Why would the church and people who follow the bible EVER be considered the moral authority on anything, including gay marriage?
McCain finance co-chair resigns
McCain finance co-chair resigns - John McCain News- msnbc.com
More lobbyist ties? Is there any question at all that this man is bought and sold like a commodity to the highest freaking bidder? This man can never be trusted to do what is best for the American public.
More lobbyist ties? Is there any question at all that this man is bought and sold like a commodity to the highest freaking bidder? This man can never be trusted to do what is best for the American public.
Democrats accuse McCain of hypocrisy on Hamas
Democrats accuse McCain of hypocrisy on Hamas - MSNBC Wire Services- msnbc.com
McCain apparently forgot the he himself suggested that Bush meet with these people just a couple years ago. Nice how he suddenly flip flopped again to get the right wing republican vote. This man has no moral or ethical compass and will sell his views to the highest bidder. It will be a sad day if this man gets into office.
McCain apparently forgot the he himself suggested that Bush meet with these people just a couple years ago. Nice how he suddenly flip flopped again to get the right wing republican vote. This man has no moral or ethical compass and will sell his views to the highest bidder. It will be a sad day if this man gets into office.
US Soldier Uses Quran for Target Practice; Military Apologizes
US Soldier Uses Quran for Target Practice; Military Apologizes
Please, feel free not to act like an idiot in another country by openly disrespecting the religion of the people we are trying to get to work with us!! Fucking moron! I don't really care if you respect Islam or not, I sure don't. But try and refrain from doing things openly in their country that will get your ass killed! Stop being a moron!
Please, feel free not to act like an idiot in another country by openly disrespecting the religion of the people we are trying to get to work with us!! Fucking moron! I don't really care if you respect Islam or not, I sure don't. But try and refrain from doing things openly in their country that will get your ass killed! Stop being a moron!
RealClearPolitics - Articles - None Dare Call It 'Appeasement'
RealClearPolitics - Articles - None Dare Call It 'Appeasement'
This doofus represents what is wrong with our sheep media today. They just don't know what the hell they are talking about. Does this guy even know what appeasement is? I would guess not by the fact that he thinks Obama's policy is one of appeasement. Talking to people is not appeasement. Giving countries what they want to stop them from doing bad things is appeasement. Discussing differences and ways to come to a mutually beneficial agreement is called diplomacy. That is something Obama will be brilliant at.
But in the mean time, this doctrine of appeasement continues. This idea that if you don't point a machine gun at your enemies face, you are an appeaser, is quite ridiculous and ignorant. It is more cowboy diplomacy that the republicans like to say is not happening. These idiots are so focused on calling Obama an appeaser that they didn't even bother to look up what it means! Hopefully there are enough intelligent people to stop and think and realize just how idiotic this accusation really is.
But more than anything, it is sad that this country has forgotten what diplomacy is. What we used to be the best at, we now are considering a weakness. How pathetic of the republican party to try and put down diplomacy as appeasement. Pathetic, disgusting, and embarrassing.
This doofus represents what is wrong with our sheep media today. They just don't know what the hell they are talking about. Does this guy even know what appeasement is? I would guess not by the fact that he thinks Obama's policy is one of appeasement. Talking to people is not appeasement. Giving countries what they want to stop them from doing bad things is appeasement. Discussing differences and ways to come to a mutually beneficial agreement is called diplomacy. That is something Obama will be brilliant at.
But in the mean time, this doctrine of appeasement continues. This idea that if you don't point a machine gun at your enemies face, you are an appeaser, is quite ridiculous and ignorant. It is more cowboy diplomacy that the republicans like to say is not happening. These idiots are so focused on calling Obama an appeaser that they didn't even bother to look up what it means! Hopefully there are enough intelligent people to stop and think and realize just how idiotic this accusation really is.
But more than anything, it is sad that this country has forgotten what diplomacy is. What we used to be the best at, we now are considering a weakness. How pathetic of the republican party to try and put down diplomacy as appeasement. Pathetic, disgusting, and embarrassing.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Gay marriage foes vow to fight ruling - Life- msnbc.com
Gay marriage foes vow to fight ruling - Life- msnbc.com
But what is the religious right really saying?
"This is a free country damn it! And we are free to supress your right to get married based on religion! This is a free god fearing country and we will force you to live free and fear god if we have too!"
Ass holes don't even see the irony in their actions. They will argue with me that I have to go to hell because god gave me free will, yet if someones free will wants to get married to the same sex, then thats where free will stops. Hypocritical bigots, all of them.
But what is the religious right really saying?
"This is a free country damn it! And we are free to supress your right to get married based on religion! This is a free god fearing country and we will force you to live free and fear god if we have too!"
Ass holes don't even see the irony in their actions. They will argue with me that I have to go to hell because god gave me free will, yet if someones free will wants to get married to the same sex, then thats where free will stops. Hypocritical bigots, all of them.
Cartoonist arrested for 'insulting people' - Europe- msnbc.com
Cartoonist arrested for 'insulting people' - Europe- msnbc.com
The psychotic, and dare I say hyper sensitive Muslim's in the Netherlands are once again crying in their turbines. Another cartoon that was sensitive to their religion is causing out cries against a dutch cartoonists. And now he is receiving death threats. Yes, death threats once again from a religion that tries to call itself the religion of peace. Peace huh? It is the religion of war and violence and death, and will be considered such until it evolves into a relatively non-violent religion like Christianity. Dangerous, yes, but still, not many christians go off giving death threats these days. There are the occasional abortion clinic bombing, but no recent christian suicide bombers. Muslims need to shut up about being peaceful, or put up a fight against those who are violent.
The psychotic, and dare I say hyper sensitive Muslim's in the Netherlands are once again crying in their turbines. Another cartoon that was sensitive to their religion is causing out cries against a dutch cartoonists. And now he is receiving death threats. Yes, death threats once again from a religion that tries to call itself the religion of peace. Peace huh? It is the religion of war and violence and death, and will be considered such until it evolves into a relatively non-violent religion like Christianity. Dangerous, yes, but still, not many christians go off giving death threats these days. There are the occasional abortion clinic bombing, but no recent christian suicide bombers. Muslims need to shut up about being peaceful, or put up a fight against those who are violent.
NCSE Resource -- Antievolution legislation in South Carolina
NCSE Resource -- Antievolution legislation in South Carolina
Another attempt to be able to teach religion in school and stop real science from being taught. I am fed up with this stupid campaign by christians against science. It is ignorant and should not be tolerated. All people of intelligence should rise up en masse and shout these fools down. Shut them up because they are essentially trying to destroy the intellectual future of our children and grand children! Fools! Silence your ignorant mouths and stop taking us into the dark ages again!
Another attempt to be able to teach religion in school and stop real science from being taught. I am fed up with this stupid campaign by christians against science. It is ignorant and should not be tolerated. All people of intelligence should rise up en masse and shout these fools down. Shut them up because they are essentially trying to destroy the intellectual future of our children and grand children! Fools! Silence your ignorant mouths and stop taking us into the dark ages again!
Clean-air rules for parks may be eased - Washington Post- msnbc.com
Clean-air rules for parks may be eased - Washington Post- msnbc.com
As if our kids asthma and upper respiratory problems getting worse wasn't bad enough. If this goes through, people will be able to build power plants near our national parks, finally eliminating the last area that industry is forced to stay away from. I don't know about you, but I don't want to go camping only to smell pollution and smog in my tent! Bush needs to be slapped down by congress for this! This should not be allowed to stand.
As if our kids asthma and upper respiratory problems getting worse wasn't bad enough. If this goes through, people will be able to build power plants near our national parks, finally eliminating the last area that industry is forced to stay away from. I don't know about you, but I don't want to go camping only to smell pollution and smog in my tent! Bush needs to be slapped down by congress for this! This should not be allowed to stand.
U.S. Marine guilty of abuse in Japan - Asia-Pacific - msnbc.com
U.S. Marine guilty of abuse in Japan - Asia-Pacific - msnbc.com
This has been going on for decades. For decades this kind of abuse has gone unnoticed by Americans as the government protects the troops that rape and kill young girls in Japan. Its about time someone held them accountable for their actions.
This has been going on for decades. For decades this kind of abuse has gone unnoticed by Americans as the government protects the troops that rape and kill young girls in Japan. Its about time someone held them accountable for their actions.
Bible Theme Park Faces Opposition
Is it possible to get any more self absorb or push your religion any more than creating a "bible theme park"? This is quite possibly the most ridiculous idea in the history of ridiculous ideas. I want to hear someone say they aren't pushing down our throats now. You can't go to a regular old theme park, you have to be "better" than everyone else and have your own religious based theme park? What would they do if there was an atheist theme park? All themes revolved around the idiotic idea of an all powerful numbskull in the clouds that didn't exist? Of course, there would be vast protests and anger and outrage and it would never get built. The point is that this is another one of their bird brained ideas to make their point. They will say if they can't build it that its against freedom of speech. All the while ignoring the fact that they will be forcing it down peoples gullets every time they have to hear about it or see it. Christians just get dumber and dumber.
Group finds Starbucks logo too hot to handle
Group finds Starbucks logo too hot to handle
Thank you christians, for once again making a total ass out of yourselves and helping nothing in a time of great strife and conflict in this country. Ignore the war, laugh at global warming, back the ridiculous spending of George Bush, and by all means, save me from Starbucks "racy" logo!
Can't they find something better to do then rally against a throw back logo? Get a life and grow a brain christians. No one fucking cares about your stupid new religious war on starbucks logo's! Hey, do starbucks a favor and get out the word of a protest! Your protests always ensure big bucks for who ever you protest against. To bad christians never focus on anything important. They could do so much good.
Thank you christians, for once again making a total ass out of yourselves and helping nothing in a time of great strife and conflict in this country. Ignore the war, laugh at global warming, back the ridiculous spending of George Bush, and by all means, save me from Starbucks "racy" logo!
Can't they find something better to do then rally against a throw back logo? Get a life and grow a brain christians. No one fucking cares about your stupid new religious war on starbucks logo's! Hey, do starbucks a favor and get out the word of a protest! Your protests always ensure big bucks for who ever you protest against. To bad christians never focus on anything important. They could do so much good.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
UC Berkley Going to Court over Evolution Website
Okay, so this "law office" Pacific Justice Institute is taking the University of California in Berkley to court because it says that their website explaining evolution and battling misconceptions about evolution unfairly promotes one religion over another. Here is the offending text.
Apparently, pointing out that religious idiots who believe in literal six day creation will necessarily be at odds with evolution is favoring one religion over the other. The biggest question here is, which religion are they favoring over others? After all, the people they are describing are both sects of the same faith, christianity! How can you be favoring christianity over christianity?
Once again, the religious right wing nutz have shown themselves incapable of intelligent thought! Had they been able to do so, they could easily see that no religion is named, in fact, only one belief on some unnamed religion is even shown. They are making the point that religion and science can play nice. But thank you psychotic and idiotic right wing nutz for once again proving them wrong! Religion can't play nice with science because people who believe the bible literally are psychologically unable to understand rationale thinking or participate in true intelligent discussion over an issue!
Point taken PJI, UC should change it to say in it incompatible with religion at all because evolution works with facts (yes facts in case any of you dull witted christians want to try and say its faith!) and religion works on faith alone! When you can stand toe to toe with evidence then maybe I will listen to you. But as it is, the vast majority of right wing nut sycophants do not even understand what a theory is let alone evolution! If you start off with "evolution is just a theory" then you have ZERO concept of what a scientific theory actually means. If you start off saying a theory is just a guess, then you haven't opened your junior high text book and your comments mean nothing.
And as shown by this ridiculous law suit, your ilk can't even get the law right!
Religion and science (evolution) are very different things. In science, only natural causes are used to explain natural phenomena, while religion deals with beliefs that are beyond the natural world.
The misconception that one always has to choose between science and religion is incorrect. Of course, some religious beliefs explicitly contradict science (e.g., the belief that the world and all life on it was created in six literal days); however, most religious groups have no conflict with the theory of evolution or other scientific findings. In fact, many religious people, including theologians, feel that a deeper understanding of nature actually enriches their faith. Moreover, in the scientific community there are thousands of scientists who are devoutly religious and also accept evolution.
Apparently, pointing out that religious idiots who believe in literal six day creation will necessarily be at odds with evolution is favoring one religion over the other. The biggest question here is, which religion are they favoring over others? After all, the people they are describing are both sects of the same faith, christianity! How can you be favoring christianity over christianity?
Once again, the religious right wing nutz have shown themselves incapable of intelligent thought! Had they been able to do so, they could easily see that no religion is named, in fact, only one belief on some unnamed religion is even shown. They are making the point that religion and science can play nice. But thank you psychotic and idiotic right wing nutz for once again proving them wrong! Religion can't play nice with science because people who believe the bible literally are psychologically unable to understand rationale thinking or participate in true intelligent discussion over an issue!
Point taken PJI, UC should change it to say in it incompatible with religion at all because evolution works with facts (yes facts in case any of you dull witted christians want to try and say its faith!) and religion works on faith alone! When you can stand toe to toe with evidence then maybe I will listen to you. But as it is, the vast majority of right wing nut sycophants do not even understand what a theory is let alone evolution! If you start off with "evolution is just a theory" then you have ZERO concept of what a scientific theory actually means. If you start off saying a theory is just a guess, then you haven't opened your junior high text book and your comments mean nothing.
And as shown by this ridiculous law suit, your ilk can't even get the law right!
Gay marriage ban overturned in Calif. - Crime
Gay marriage ban overturned in Calif. - Crime
Good, one more step for human rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". And when the constitutional initiative to restrict civil unions fails, it will be complete and two states will be allowing people to marry who ever they want! Good for you California, plow the way for other states to do away with this religious bigotry that is against gay marriage!
Good, one more step for human rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". And when the constitutional initiative to restrict civil unions fails, it will be complete and two states will be allowing people to marry who ever they want! Good for you California, plow the way for other states to do away with this religious bigotry that is against gay marriage!
Full Government Control of Any and All Computers!
This project aims to be able to control every computer "fixed" or "mobile", regardless of OS or platform. The original idea is to be able to create a massive aggressive intrusive botnet to aggressively use against our enemies. Sounds good right? Well, since it will be completely stealth, how long do you think it would take for the government, with a program like this in place, to use it on us? Yeah, this is giving our military a whole lot of power they just shouldn't have.
Pope thanks virgins for 'gift' to Christ
Pope thanks virgins for 'gift' to Christ - The Vatican- msnbc.com
So this is an all holy rite, and the desecration of young boys by catholic priests is just "a dark moment"? What a hypocritical fraudulent ass hole the pope is! When a young boy who was devirginized by a priest sues the church and wins, you just say thats in the past. But you make a big deal of this? How dare you even consider your self ANYONES moral equal! You, Pope B., are the lowest filth this world has seen in ages!
What about the virginity of the young boys your priests ass raped? Don't they matter? Isn't their innocence, purity, and virginity worth sacrificing for too? Should you slam down any act of immorality by priests? No, you did nothing you moral bacterium!
If god existed, he would scorn you for you disgusting ignorance of what morality truly is! Gods messenger? Hell no! You, Pope B. should spend more time protecting the innocent children your church rapes, than praising girls for taking a vow of celibacy. Shame on you.
So this is an all holy rite, and the desecration of young boys by catholic priests is just "a dark moment"? What a hypocritical fraudulent ass hole the pope is! When a young boy who was devirginized by a priest sues the church and wins, you just say thats in the past. But you make a big deal of this? How dare you even consider your self ANYONES moral equal! You, Pope B., are the lowest filth this world has seen in ages!
What about the virginity of the young boys your priests ass raped? Don't they matter? Isn't their innocence, purity, and virginity worth sacrificing for too? Should you slam down any act of immorality by priests? No, you did nothing you moral bacterium!
If god existed, he would scorn you for you disgusting ignorance of what morality truly is! Gods messenger? Hell no! You, Pope B. should spend more time protecting the innocent children your church rapes, than praising girls for taking a vow of celibacy. Shame on you.
Obama blasts Bush over 'Nazi' comments
Obama blasts Bush over 'Nazi' comments - Barack Obama News- msnbc.com
Bush is once again showing how much of a fool he is. Once again, the politics of fear is being used against the American public. Because he is not able to use diplomacy with our enemies to any recognizable degree, he simply places diplomacy on the shelf as "bad for america". Talking with countries that hate us is bad in his eyes.
He considers it bad because he simply considers every enemy a terrorist organization, thus relegating them into a meaningless tribal group. Of course, the North Korea problem would have been resolved MUCH quicker had our current President listened to them in the first place. They asked to speak with him one on one, man to man, and he called them terrorist and said no.
So when Obama talks about dealing with these people head on, what happens? He demonizes him and relates it in some obscure fashion to appeasement and the Nazi's! Since when is diplomacy the BAD option? Since that idiot Bush took office, thats when! You cannot simply label everyone you don't like or trust a terrorist. That is why the world cannot stand us. You cannot shove entire countries into a box and label them then refuse to speak with them.
However, I think there is a good reason behind Bush's refusal to speak with them. I don't think he can handle it. I think he is afraid to meet with foreign leaders, especially ones that don't like him. I think the conflict man to man is to much for him. He is like that punk little kid who stands at the back of a group yelling at the person about to get in a fight. He knows he doesn't have the balls to call the leader of Iran, or Cuba, or North Korea a terrorist to their face, so he says it on the media so he knows they get it, and then refuses to meet with them.
George W. Bush is a coward. He is a coward, a liar, and a disgrace to our country. And in this article, he once again proved why he will go down as the worst president in the modern era. Surpassing Nixon and Clinton and going down as the president who most deserved to be impeached and imprisoned for his treachery, but never was.
Bush is once again showing how much of a fool he is. Once again, the politics of fear is being used against the American public. Because he is not able to use diplomacy with our enemies to any recognizable degree, he simply places diplomacy on the shelf as "bad for america". Talking with countries that hate us is bad in his eyes.
He considers it bad because he simply considers every enemy a terrorist organization, thus relegating them into a meaningless tribal group. Of course, the North Korea problem would have been resolved MUCH quicker had our current President listened to them in the first place. They asked to speak with him one on one, man to man, and he called them terrorist and said no.
So when Obama talks about dealing with these people head on, what happens? He demonizes him and relates it in some obscure fashion to appeasement and the Nazi's! Since when is diplomacy the BAD option? Since that idiot Bush took office, thats when! You cannot simply label everyone you don't like or trust a terrorist. That is why the world cannot stand us. You cannot shove entire countries into a box and label them then refuse to speak with them.
However, I think there is a good reason behind Bush's refusal to speak with them. I don't think he can handle it. I think he is afraid to meet with foreign leaders, especially ones that don't like him. I think the conflict man to man is to much for him. He is like that punk little kid who stands at the back of a group yelling at the person about to get in a fight. He knows he doesn't have the balls to call the leader of Iran, or Cuba, or North Korea a terrorist to their face, so he says it on the media so he knows they get it, and then refuses to meet with them.
George W. Bush is a coward. He is a coward, a liar, and a disgrace to our country. And in this article, he once again proved why he will go down as the worst president in the modern era. Surpassing Nixon and Clinton and going down as the president who most deserved to be impeached and imprisoned for his treachery, but never was.
Countdown with Keith Olbermann: A Very Special Comment
Just watch this, it speaks for itself. Keith Olbermann, as usual, nails it home with intelligence and passion. This will go down as one of my favorite "Special Comments" of his. Way to go Keith.
Rove Refuses to Testify on Siegelman Issue
Rove Refuses to Testify on Siegelman Issue
How can he simply refuse to testify? If you or I ever refused to testify, we would be in jail until we did! Yet this anti-patriot Karl Rove has the nerve and the audacity and the disrespect for the rule of law in this country to simply ignore and refuse an ORDER to testify before congress?
People, this is who George Bush surrounds himself with! This is who advised him for six grueling years! Is it any wonder that he has made decisions like this? He is an anti-patriot who should be charged with contempt of congress and put in jail until he testifies. I don't care if he is in there for 1,000 years. No one is above the law.
How can he simply refuse to testify? If you or I ever refused to testify, we would be in jail until we did! Yet this anti-patriot Karl Rove has the nerve and the audacity and the disrespect for the rule of law in this country to simply ignore and refuse an ORDER to testify before congress?
People, this is who George Bush surrounds himself with! This is who advised him for six grueling years! Is it any wonder that he has made decisions like this? He is an anti-patriot who should be charged with contempt of congress and put in jail until he testifies. I don't care if he is in there for 1,000 years. No one is above the law.
Rummy on Tape
Firedoglake » Rummy and the Generals for Hire
It is so nice to know that our government, for the most part, has been filled with uncaring immoral bastards for the last eight years! Screw you Rumsfeld, may your children scorn your arrogance and your psychotic evil ways!
It is so nice to know that our government, for the most part, has been filled with uncaring immoral bastards for the last eight years! Screw you Rumsfeld, may your children scorn your arrogance and your psychotic evil ways!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
EU Condemns US on Death Penalty Decision
Of course they do. Most of the western world now understands that two wrongs don't make a right. That someone killing someone doesn't make it right to kill them. That if killing people is wrong unless its in self defense or to protect someone, then the death penalty is wrong.
Why? Because a person in jail is not able to kill another innocent. A violent criminal can be put in a cell by them selves and given limited privileges outside it. In the case of this story, a man shot his girlfriend and now gets the death penalty. His killing of one person is very "eye for an eye" and is likely supported by many christians.
The US Supreme Court has made it official that killing criminals is okay with the constitution now. So lets take a toll. Police tazer old people to death, but tazers are still widely used, even on old people. States can execute criminals for killing others (eye for an eye and two wrongs make a right). The United States Government can spy on its citizens with no warrant simply by calling them a domestic terrorist, which is very loosely defined. The US Government can hold suspected terrorists and domestic terrorists in definitely without charge. The US Government can torture suspected terrorists and domestic terrorists. Its not a wonder the rest of the world hates us. We are who we used to defend the world from. How shameful.
Why? Because a person in jail is not able to kill another innocent. A violent criminal can be put in a cell by them selves and given limited privileges outside it. In the case of this story, a man shot his girlfriend and now gets the death penalty. His killing of one person is very "eye for an eye" and is likely supported by many christians.
The US Supreme Court has made it official that killing criminals is okay with the constitution now. So lets take a toll. Police tazer old people to death, but tazers are still widely used, even on old people. States can execute criminals for killing others (eye for an eye and two wrongs make a right). The United States Government can spy on its citizens with no warrant simply by calling them a domestic terrorist, which is very loosely defined. The US Government can hold suspected terrorists and domestic terrorists in definitely without charge. The US Government can torture suspected terrorists and domestic terrorists. Its not a wonder the rest of the world hates us. We are who we used to defend the world from. How shameful.
Obama and the White Vote: Should he be worried?
Analysis: Maybe Obama should worry - Decision '08- msnbc.com
This MSNBC article brings up some really interesting points. However, I think it really fails to take into account the depth and strength of peoples dislike and disgust of George W. Bush. The idea is that there are allot of voters who won't vote for Obama because he is black. Well, that may be true. There are people who won't vote for McCain because he is old as well.
The thing Obama has to do is link McCain with Bush. McBush cannot and will not lose an election. Democrats, whether they like or dislike Obama will vote for Barack. They will not vote for McBush giving George a "third term". Obama would have to do something so horrible as to pale the last 8 years for Democrats to vote for McCain.
That being said, he will lose some votes. In any negative campaign, the negativity does get some people. It is to be expected. Much in the same way, when the democrats finally get a hold of McBush and his lobby loving past, including the lobbyist running his campaign, McBush will lose votes.
What people should see is that Obama leads McCain in national polls by nearly 5%. McCain hasn't under gone any scrutiny and Obama has gone through hell, yet people still lean towards Obama. Once people get to hear the McCain story from the democrats view point, this thing might be over before it starts. Barring anything new coming out, Obama doesn't have anything to worry about in my view.
This MSNBC article brings up some really interesting points. However, I think it really fails to take into account the depth and strength of peoples dislike and disgust of George W. Bush. The idea is that there are allot of voters who won't vote for Obama because he is black. Well, that may be true. There are people who won't vote for McCain because he is old as well.
The thing Obama has to do is link McCain with Bush. McBush cannot and will not lose an election. Democrats, whether they like or dislike Obama will vote for Barack. They will not vote for McBush giving George a "third term". Obama would have to do something so horrible as to pale the last 8 years for Democrats to vote for McCain.
That being said, he will lose some votes. In any negative campaign, the negativity does get some people. It is to be expected. Much in the same way, when the democrats finally get a hold of McBush and his lobby loving past, including the lobbyist running his campaign, McBush will lose votes.
What people should see is that Obama leads McCain in national polls by nearly 5%. McCain hasn't under gone any scrutiny and Obama has gone through hell, yet people still lean towards Obama. Once people get to hear the McCain story from the democrats view point, this thing might be over before it starts. Barring anything new coming out, Obama doesn't have anything to worry about in my view.
Religion Goes to the Dentist
'Spiritual' dentist fined $10,000 - National - theage.com.au
For those of you who haven't read this story, it should make you laugh. Its another religious nut story. Another person who just doesn't get that not everyone wants you to shove your religion down their throats. In this case, very literally!
Paul Gardner is a dentist, a "spiritual" dentist at that. He is a professed christian who has apparently been "praying" over patients for years with out complaint. Of course this lady was a schizophrenic and was probably not in the mood to be told she had demons in her. And to pile it on, he told her that her wife had demons in him too.
But then, he and others believe that his "command prayers" have helped patients over come gagging, fear of needles, anxiety, crying, and vomiting! However, the agency over such things in Australia made sure to send a strong clear message about this. He was fined $10,000 for unprofessional conduct and he was directed to undergo counseling on the relationship between his religious beliefs and dental practice. Let me rephrase that.
There is no place for your ridiculous religious superstitious belief in medicine! Pray to yourself or do it at home, but you don't have the right to force your beliefs on someone in a vulnerable position, someone in your care. It is unethical.
He is of course doing the christian think, nailing himself up on a cross and making himself out to be a martyr. If he doesn't stop, I hope they force him out of practice. If he isn't intelligent enough to understand what business ethics are in medicine, then he shouldn't be allowed to treat people.
For those of you who haven't read this story, it should make you laugh. Its another religious nut story. Another person who just doesn't get that not everyone wants you to shove your religion down their throats. In this case, very literally!
Paul Gardner is a dentist, a "spiritual" dentist at that. He is a professed christian who has apparently been "praying" over patients for years with out complaint. Of course this lady was a schizophrenic and was probably not in the mood to be told she had demons in her. And to pile it on, he told her that her wife had demons in him too.
But then, he and others believe that his "command prayers" have helped patients over come gagging, fear of needles, anxiety, crying, and vomiting! However, the agency over such things in Australia made sure to send a strong clear message about this. He was fined $10,000 for unprofessional conduct and he was directed to undergo counseling on the relationship between his religious beliefs and dental practice. Let me rephrase that.
There is no place for your ridiculous religious superstitious belief in medicine! Pray to yourself or do it at home, but you don't have the right to force your beliefs on someone in a vulnerable position, someone in your care. It is unethical.
He is of course doing the christian think, nailing himself up on a cross and making himself out to be a martyr. If he doesn't stop, I hope they force him out of practice. If he isn't intelligent enough to understand what business ethics are in medicine, then he shouldn't be allowed to treat people.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Casting the Mold - Part 3 - The Mute Man
So far, I have addressed concerns with the person who can't see the reality right in front of his/her eyes, followed by the person who refuses to listen to the truth or some how justifies the reality into something they can accept. I want to wrap up this series by discussing a common reality with in the church today. This entire series has been focused around right wing fundamentalists, end time theology, and biblical literalists. But today, I want to speak about those in christianity and indeed religion in general, that do not espouse these types of destructive faith structures. Members of the church that understand what a metaphor is, and understand that the bible is man made, and that understand that there is no need to act the way fundamentalists do if their god is indeed all might and all powerful.
I have met and indeed discussed religion with many of these types of people. They are smart and intelligent but can't seem to let go of religion. They often accept that science is correct, and I have often been told by them that science only uncovers what god as already set in motion. Thus the discovery of evolution is merely the discovery of gods mechanisms for the advancement of all life. There are more of them then I had originally thought. However, they are willing to speak to me and engage christian fundamentalists in an anonymous fashion on a forum or chat room, but are unwilling to make a public stand against them.
These people I coin mute. Why? Because they "get it" to a much higher degree, but don't want to offend those that don't. Their refusal to stand up to fundamentalists and literalists in part allows such practices to continue in full force. If they were to stand up and speak out against it, would the church not eventually snuff out radical fundamentalism with the exception of a few straggling cults? An internal revolution would relegate such ridiculous beliefs as a talking snack and the destruction of the world to their proper place as a cult. People would then treat them as such instead of giving them air time and having to pretend like they believe something that is even remotely sane.
But they don't and they remain silent, not wanting to side with atheists and rationalists. Who really knows why, but I think it is out of fear. Fear that breaking that fundamentalist core will in turn break their religion completely. And they are right to fear that. If religious texts are not to be taken literally, then what is to say anything in it is to be taken seriously at all? After all, if you can ignore the immorality of god in the old testament, then you have just decided true right and wrong on your own in the very bible that you claim gives you morality. If you don't need a literal bible to determine morality, or any other book for that matter, then why do you need religion at all? And since it is religion that has determined that an all powerful being exists, then on what foundation does a belief in god exist at all?
Thus, at its core, religion IS the dangerous fundamentalism that I am speaking about. To demolish it, is to necessarily demolish religion. There is not much room for one without the other. But as long as the Mute exists in the church, there will always be flourishing fundamentalism, dangerous, and unashamed.
I have met and indeed discussed religion with many of these types of people. They are smart and intelligent but can't seem to let go of religion. They often accept that science is correct, and I have often been told by them that science only uncovers what god as already set in motion. Thus the discovery of evolution is merely the discovery of gods mechanisms for the advancement of all life. There are more of them then I had originally thought. However, they are willing to speak to me and engage christian fundamentalists in an anonymous fashion on a forum or chat room, but are unwilling to make a public stand against them.
These people I coin mute. Why? Because they "get it" to a much higher degree, but don't want to offend those that don't. Their refusal to stand up to fundamentalists and literalists in part allows such practices to continue in full force. If they were to stand up and speak out against it, would the church not eventually snuff out radical fundamentalism with the exception of a few straggling cults? An internal revolution would relegate such ridiculous beliefs as a talking snack and the destruction of the world to their proper place as a cult. People would then treat them as such instead of giving them air time and having to pretend like they believe something that is even remotely sane.
But they don't and they remain silent, not wanting to side with atheists and rationalists. Who really knows why, but I think it is out of fear. Fear that breaking that fundamentalist core will in turn break their religion completely. And they are right to fear that. If religious texts are not to be taken literally, then what is to say anything in it is to be taken seriously at all? After all, if you can ignore the immorality of god in the old testament, then you have just decided true right and wrong on your own in the very bible that you claim gives you morality. If you don't need a literal bible to determine morality, or any other book for that matter, then why do you need religion at all? And since it is religion that has determined that an all powerful being exists, then on what foundation does a belief in god exist at all?
Thus, at its core, religion IS the dangerous fundamentalism that I am speaking about. To demolish it, is to necessarily demolish religion. There is not much room for one without the other. But as long as the Mute exists in the church, there will always be flourishing fundamentalism, dangerous, and unashamed.
Friday, May 9, 2008
The War on Science: Expelled!
Only in America can the intelligent and reasonable be the minority. A new movie is in the theaters call "Expelled". It is about teachers being expelled for trying to teach creationism in the class room. Its centered around the idea that evolution is "just a theory" and "intelligent design" should be taught as its equal. That some how this entirely religious principle is some how on the same field of play as a scientifically proven theory.
But what Mr. Ben Stein fails at in this movie a basic understanding of either evolution or a theory. I will explain why.
1.) He states that evolution is, after all, just a theory. Just a theory, like something that hasn't been proven. Well, Mr. Stein, if you knew anything about science you would understand the falsity of this statement. Gravity is also just a theory. A theory is a working frame work for describing particular events. Even when a theory is proven conclusively, it is still a theory, and can still be changed if more evidence comes to light. A theory is the top title a new idea can be given, after facts are collected, a hypothesis is given and tested, and those two steps repeat over and over again. When a hypothesis has enough facts and tests that have proven it true, it is given the title of a theory. A theory is also testable and can be changed if new data becomes available. But it is always a theory.
2.) Mr. Stein also tries to put creationism, or intelligent design, on par with evolution, and indeed, even above it. But intelligent design CANNOT be on par with the Theory of Evolution. Why? Because it is not testable. Thats why courts have ruled that it can't be taught in science class, any more than teaching the Egyptian creation myths can be taught in the science class. Thus, if it can't be tested, it can't be falsified in theory, thus is not science. A rudimentary understanding of this would be nice on Ben Steins case, and indeed, the 75% of America who don't understand this as well.
3.) Expelled also makes the laughable statement that some how evolution teaches that every thing is by chance. They use the same worn our arguments that a tornado can't go through a junk yard and leave a fully assembled boeing 747.
No, it can't. But the comparison with evolution is faulty on many levels. First, a plane is not a living organism that will transfer genes to its offspring, thus it can't possibly be effected by evolution. Second, evolution simply does not teach that everything happened by chance. In fact, it is the opposite of random chance. It is a slow gradual process in which one single change happens due to one or more of a hand full of process from natural selection, genetic drift, or other ideas of how evolution has occurred. But the fact remains that the archeology and the current study of biology and genes proves conclusively that evolution has happened. And it happened over millions and billions of years. Most of the evolutionary changes have not been ultimately beneficial to a species as 99% of the worlds species over the years have died. But its never chance. On member of a species is born with something that gives it a better advantage over the rest and so he lives to reproduce and the others that don't are left behind. Or an event causes two different groups in a species to be separated from each other. Over time, as we can observe in real time with humans and other animals, the genes maintain small changes that slowly change their core dna. Ultimately these two groups become different species that can't mate any more. They are a different breed from where they came. This can be seen in real time with a couple species of fish and fruit flies. This is known proven and observed science.
Evolution isn't the theory of chance, it is the theory of adaptation. The theory that says our body simply adapts to its environment, and that our genes slowly change over time, and in the end, the one that is strong enough to survive an environment change will live on while the others die. And two groups of a species, when give enough time away from each other and in different environments while necessarily change to become distinct from each other. It is not change, it is cause and effect, plain and simple.
The simple reality of this "debate" between ID and Evolution, is that one is filled with scientific facts, including "missing links" and archaeological data to support it, and the other one wouldn't exist if not for people believing in an ancient text that tells of an omnipotent being creating the world. If not for religion, then this "theory" would never exist. ID isn't science, it is religion. If a SCIENCE teacher insists on teaching his/her religion as science, then they should be expelled. And if Ben Stein isn't going to bother looking at evolution from something other than a christian apologists ignorant point of view, then he shouldn't be making movies.
But what Mr. Ben Stein fails at in this movie a basic understanding of either evolution or a theory. I will explain why.
1.) He states that evolution is, after all, just a theory. Just a theory, like something that hasn't been proven. Well, Mr. Stein, if you knew anything about science you would understand the falsity of this statement. Gravity is also just a theory. A theory is a working frame work for describing particular events. Even when a theory is proven conclusively, it is still a theory, and can still be changed if more evidence comes to light. A theory is the top title a new idea can be given, after facts are collected, a hypothesis is given and tested, and those two steps repeat over and over again. When a hypothesis has enough facts and tests that have proven it true, it is given the title of a theory. A theory is also testable and can be changed if new data becomes available. But it is always a theory.
2.) Mr. Stein also tries to put creationism, or intelligent design, on par with evolution, and indeed, even above it. But intelligent design CANNOT be on par with the Theory of Evolution. Why? Because it is not testable. Thats why courts have ruled that it can't be taught in science class, any more than teaching the Egyptian creation myths can be taught in the science class. Thus, if it can't be tested, it can't be falsified in theory, thus is not science. A rudimentary understanding of this would be nice on Ben Steins case, and indeed, the 75% of America who don't understand this as well.
3.) Expelled also makes the laughable statement that some how evolution teaches that every thing is by chance. They use the same worn our arguments that a tornado can't go through a junk yard and leave a fully assembled boeing 747.
No, it can't. But the comparison with evolution is faulty on many levels. First, a plane is not a living organism that will transfer genes to its offspring, thus it can't possibly be effected by evolution. Second, evolution simply does not teach that everything happened by chance. In fact, it is the opposite of random chance. It is a slow gradual process in which one single change happens due to one or more of a hand full of process from natural selection, genetic drift, or other ideas of how evolution has occurred. But the fact remains that the archeology and the current study of biology and genes proves conclusively that evolution has happened. And it happened over millions and billions of years. Most of the evolutionary changes have not been ultimately beneficial to a species as 99% of the worlds species over the years have died. But its never chance. On member of a species is born with something that gives it a better advantage over the rest and so he lives to reproduce and the others that don't are left behind. Or an event causes two different groups in a species to be separated from each other. Over time, as we can observe in real time with humans and other animals, the genes maintain small changes that slowly change their core dna. Ultimately these two groups become different species that can't mate any more. They are a different breed from where they came. This can be seen in real time with a couple species of fish and fruit flies. This is known proven and observed science.
Evolution isn't the theory of chance, it is the theory of adaptation. The theory that says our body simply adapts to its environment, and that our genes slowly change over time, and in the end, the one that is strong enough to survive an environment change will live on while the others die. And two groups of a species, when give enough time away from each other and in different environments while necessarily change to become distinct from each other. It is not change, it is cause and effect, plain and simple.
The simple reality of this "debate" between ID and Evolution, is that one is filled with scientific facts, including "missing links" and archaeological data to support it, and the other one wouldn't exist if not for people believing in an ancient text that tells of an omnipotent being creating the world. If not for religion, then this "theory" would never exist. ID isn't science, it is religion. If a SCIENCE teacher insists on teaching his/her religion as science, then they should be expelled. And if Ben Stein isn't going to bother looking at evolution from something other than a christian apologists ignorant point of view, then he shouldn't be making movies.
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