David1955's Profile

Please raise your hand if you're an atheist AND antitheist.

DavidLaDeau comments on Sep 20, 2020:

I do not believe there is a god. I am against all organized religion. My Youtube Channel is called CompelledUnbeliever. I do take much caution in calling myself an anti theist. Many automatically think it is someone who is agaist thest the human beings. Apologist will pounce on the wors ...

David1955 replies on Sep 20, 2020:

It is interesting that your channel specifically targets believers and challenges them, though I suspect most watchers are non believers. I find that approach ballsy, but also proselytising, in some way. My problem is that, from my experience, the more doubts one puts in believers' minds, the more they dig in and double down. People hate to be told, even politely, that they are wrong or mistaken. Now, if they 'change their minds' then that's OK. This is especially true of religious people. I've never known a person say, ' I was religious, then I heard atheist arguments, and now I'm an atheist.' But, I have heard such as, ' I was religious, then all these people I know died young, my best friend died of a disease, and my cat was run over too, and then I stopped believing in God." Honestly this is how people often "lose their faith."

Please raise your hand if you're an atheist AND antitheist.

David1955 comments on Sep 19, 2020:

My profile identifies me as exactly that, and I don't care who knows it.

David1955 replies on Sep 20, 2020:

@Fernapple wow! Never heard that. Usually the anti Dawkins brigade, including agnostics on this site, attack him, i think unfairly, for being too strident against religion. I just think he doesn't suffer high profile religious fools gladly, though with everyday people who babble on about religion he is very polite.

Please raise your hand if you're an atheist AND antitheist.

mischl comments on Sep 19, 2020:

All gods and god-like things are imaginary. Believing in them is actually a form of mental illness.

David1955 replies on Sep 19, 2020:

yes, and it pleases me that there are professionals working in psychology and related fields who are making this claim ever more openly -- from my reading and documentary watching.

Please raise your hand if you're an atheist AND antitheist.

Bobbyzen comments on Sep 19, 2020:

I am not an antitheist because it implicates theists as people to be against. I have no problem with the many theists in this world who I call friends, those who do not proselytize. Live and let live, love and let love.

David1955 replies on Sep 19, 2020:

@SeaGreenEyez yes.

Please raise your hand if you're an atheist AND antitheist.

Toonces comments on Sep 19, 2020:

Even further. Indifference Apatheist. I don't care.

David1955 replies on Sep 19, 2020:

that's not 'even further' but completely different; apatheism and antitheism couldn't be more apart.

Atheist religion

anglophone comments on Sep 16, 2020:

I have come across that assertion in a handful articles written by Christians.

David1955 replies on Sep 17, 2020:

Actually, it's more like a default attack line by many Christians, the idea being that atheism is just another form of religion, and by some agnostics (not all) who dislike atheism a great deal. On the latter, look at how @TheMiddleWay thundered in this post with supporting references that he thinks supports this view. I find it tiresome. When I joined this site I confess I didn't expect that. From believers, yes.

Atheist religion

David1955 comments on Sep 16, 2020:

Yes, and they left with a bloody nose. Well, alright, I'm joking. But any such comments get the strongest rebuke, and I don't care who it is. 'Your atheism is just another type of religion' is the cheapest most ignorant thing anyone can say to an atheist. When it comes from a religious person it's ...

David1955 replies on Sep 17, 2020:

@Mvtt indeed.

Atheist religion

David1955 comments on Sep 16, 2020:

Yes, and they left with a bloody nose. Well, alright, I'm joking. But any such comments get the strongest rebuke, and I don't care who it is. 'Your atheism is just another type of religion' is the cheapest most ignorant thing anyone can say to an atheist. When it comes from a religious person it's ...

David1955 replies on Sep 16, 2020:

@Travel1 it happens around here. Look at some of other comments to your post. I expect to hear this in daily life, but hearing it on this site really is disappointing.

Atheist religion

antireligious comments on Sep 16, 2020:

In all fairness, I've known some atheists that do treat their atheism as a form of religion, per say. Yet, it's due of their dogmatic views on specific subjects (science, politics, etc.) not necessarily their disbelief in deities. I, myself, have no religious or political affiliations. I'm in the ...

David1955 replies on Sep 16, 2020:

what a disappointing comment to make.

Atheist religion

gearl comments on Sep 16, 2020:

I've had a lot of religious discussions and can honestly say that I have never had to contend with that.

David1955 replies on Sep 16, 2020:

@Travel1 yes he is. I've heard it here, even from an agnostic.

Atheism is not a philosophy; it is not even a view of the world; it is simply an admission of the ...

Word comments on Sep 10, 2020:

Atheism again proves itself illogical.

David1955 replies on Sep 11, 2020:

@Word oh, I'm sorry, I thought we were talking about real history, real historians, and there you go talking about fables. Silly me.

Atheism is not a philosophy; it is not even a view of the world; it is simply an admission of the ...

Word comments on Sep 10, 2020:

Atheism again proves itself illogical.

David1955 replies on Sep 11, 2020:

"It is well accepted that Gods are people and people are gods. This has been accepted, peer reviewed and documented for 1000s of years." I don't suppose we could bother you to provide evidence for this new agey type claim, could we? If gods are people and people are gods, then agnosticism is illogical too by your logic.

4 Essential Elements of Agnosticism

David1955 comments on Sep 8, 2020:

I found this passage a tad questionable: "Agnostics Find The Same Fulfillment From Agnosticism That Others Find From Religion This idea of “not knowing and never knowing” actually brings us the same fulfillment that others get from believing that they’ve found the truth. It is quite a ...

David1955 replies on Sep 9, 2020:

@GoodMan to an Australian, saying a tad questionable is like saying a load of rubbish.

Default to Atheism - The Catholic Thing

HenAgnDon comments on Sep 7, 2020:

- "atheism" is his own shorthand. - genuine ills do come in through "leaders" of various fields who hijack and pose, tricking the public into lowering critical guard. But by alluding to any issue this author is in fact peddling half truths and toying. - mention of Jesuits is a give away. By and ...

David1955 replies on Sep 7, 2020:

a lot of religious articles like this reveal the fundamental fear they have -- fear of loss of influence over people; fear of secularism. They talk about declining values and morals and future chaos, but fear drives them. For me the fear I have is about crazy loony tunes religions and where they are heading -- anti modernist, anti diversity, and anti science. He should worry about those things.

Default to Atheism - The Catholic Thing

Amzungu comments on Sep 6, 2020:

"This (a belief in a divine God) has been going on for so many millennia that until just the other day careful students of the subject concluded that human beings are religious by nature; there is something in our very nature that impels us to belief in God/gods. Atheism has therefore been rare and...

David1955 replies on Sep 7, 2020:

@HenAgnDon I don't think Catholic academic standards are that high, honestly.

Back to the Twilight Zone

RichCC comments on Sep 6, 2020:

Here's an old one. You've probably seen it before.

David1955 replies on Sep 7, 2020:

@RichCC a lot of people from his WW2 generation were addicted to cigarettes, given freely and plentifully to them by their government while in service. When I check actors and other famous people from that generation who served, a lot died comparatively young, obviously smoking related causes. Sadly, he was one of them.

Back to the Twilight Zone

RichCC comments on Sep 6, 2020:

Here's an old one. You've probably seen it before.

David1955 replies on Sep 7, 2020:

Were Mr. Serling still with us, he'd say, "I warned you. I fought bravely against fascism in WW2, and in my show I warned how fascism can take hold in the US, if you give in and allow it to happen. " I suspect he would be shocked but not surprised at Trump.

Default to Atheism - The Catholic Thing

Amzungu comments on Sep 6, 2020:

"This (a belief in a divine God) has been going on for so many millennia that until just the other day careful students of the subject concluded that human beings are religious by nature; there is something in our very nature that impels us to belief in God/gods. Atheism has therefore been rare and...

David1955 replies on Sep 6, 2020:

yes, that statement, "Atheism has therefore been rare and unnatural – rather like homosexuality" is a real lulu, in a piece full of them. I couldn't quite believe he said it.

"Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of ...

DenoPenno comments on Sep 5, 2020:

Karl was exactly correct.

David1955 replies on Sep 6, 2020:

@SCal the capitalism that Marx described, 19th century in his case, is the real essence of the socio-economic forces that propels it, not the theoretical free-market ideology of Adam Smith and others, which is pure theory. It's no longer the 19th century but the essential driving dynamics Marx described still apply. Beyond just crony capitalism. Capitalism's relentless globalism exploiting cheaper labor, leaving destruction behind and vanquishing in front of it, is one example.

"Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of ...

DenoPenno comments on Sep 5, 2020:

Karl was exactly correct.

David1955 replies on Sep 5, 2020:

@SCal oh he got a lot right about the essence of capitalism, analysis that percolates to today. His revolutionary idealism proved wrong, but that's another issue.

For those holding out for an effective vaccine for Covid19-84.

David1955 comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Why would you trust the Russians? Personally, I don't think any effective universal vaccine is come any time soon, perhaps never. Partial effectiveness for some groups maybe. I hope I'm wrong, but the way this thing mutates and changes is a huge concern.

David1955 replies on Sep 5, 2020:

@powder if it's based on good science I totally agree. The problem is Putin is not in any way interested in doing the West any favours. Why would he here? Perhaps if it indirectly helped his economy.

"Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of ...

Cyklone comments on Sep 5, 2020:

The problem you face David is that many Yanks will have a knee jerk reaction to Marx, not realising that he was a working class man who had some thoughtful philosophies and that the communism they fear is nothing like he predicted or proposed. I suspect that few will have read the communist ...

David1955 replies on Sep 5, 2020:

True. They lump Marx and communism and socialism and a whole lot more into a mess of ignorance.

"Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of ...

Mofo1953 comments on Sep 5, 2020:

I actually not only knew the whole quote but had to read the entire Das Kapital, a required read for my MBA in Economics.

David1955 replies on Sep 5, 2020:

Ah, our university days. I like the young Marx, myself.

"Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of ...

Theresa_N comments on Sep 5, 2020:

Marx was a great and insightful person. Too bad Lenin and Mao misused his philosophy to accumulate power as egotistical men always do.

David1955 replies on Sep 5, 2020:

Totally agree. Marx was a philosopher, an economist and in part an idealist. Lenin was a political opportunist, pure and simple. Mao was a dictator who practised mass murder.

Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are ‘Losers’ and ‘Suckers’ - The Atlantic

David1955 comments on Sep 4, 2020:

The question for me is not why he says these things, because it is plain to see that he is a worthless individual, but why do millions of Americans continue to support him, no matter what?

David1955 replies on Sep 4, 2020:

@Fernapple I think the answer is complex and many faceted. I also think that more Americans than indicated in polls support him, and that's why I don't believe them, or trust them. From an international perspective ( mine) the American psychology of individualism has turned inward, rancid and corrupt. American mythology about itself has become a lead weight which is slowly sinking America, and more Americans than we might think see Trumpism as hanging on to this mythology, which the rest of the world clearly sees for what it is: a farce. My point? It's not just the Trump base. I suspect, but fear, election night will prove this right.

The magazine is up and available but the color scheme is horrible and very difficult to read.

David1955 comments on Aug 31, 2020:

it looked good to me. I use the dark theme. So disappointed not to see Middleway's promised article on agnosticism. I was sooooo looking forward to it. Just have to wait I guess.

David1955 replies on Sep 1, 2020:

@Admin I'm just going to have to be patient. (*emphasis irony -- or is that sarcasm? *) :-)

What determines whether a person is a Christian or not?

David1955 comments on Aug 31, 2020:

There isn't one, and there never has been any definitive definition of what Christian means, or even Christianity, over 2,000 years. It's whatever people want to say it is. That's the simple truth of it. Like any meme, it can evolve and mutate any way it wants. One might think that some basic ...

David1955 replies on Aug 31, 2020:

@IceManBNice420 well, certainly a persecution complex is as Christian a characteristic as any other, either real or mostly imagined. They're always complaining about being persecuted, though they seemed to have most of it, either to each other, or to others not following their death cult.

Why do Atheist like to talk about God so much?

Moravian comments on Aug 28, 2020:

If you mean on this site it wouldn't be much of a conversation as there are very few "atheists" here. As many of the members here appear to be struggling to come to terms with their Christian indoctrination it is not surprising that religion is a common topic.

David1955 replies on Aug 28, 2020:

@Moravian I was referring to the actual stats from the site (profile questions) in which people declare their positions, and of all the positions atheist is still higher.

Why do Atheist like to talk about God so much?

Moravian comments on Aug 28, 2020:

If you mean on this site it wouldn't be much of a conversation as there are very few "atheists" here. As many of the members here appear to be struggling to come to terms with their Christian indoctrination it is not surprising that religion is a common topic.

David1955 replies on Aug 28, 2020:

@AstralSmoke for many of us it is because we despise religion, the dangerous notion of a monotheistic god, and engage with other people who imagine a world without this nonsense.

Why do Atheist like to talk about God so much?

Moravian comments on Aug 28, 2020:

If you mean on this site it wouldn't be much of a conversation as there are very few "atheists" here. As many of the members here appear to be struggling to come to terms with their Christian indoctrination it is not surprising that religion is a common topic.

David1955 replies on Aug 28, 2020:

What are you talking about? Atheists comprise the highest proportion of members here, followed by freethinkers and agnostics. Check the profile stats. Only a few atheists? Hardly. Struggling to overcome indoctrination? Again hardly. @Moravian you should check the stats as well. Also, atheists aren't talking to god, unless you mean saying "Oh God" which is an exclamation, like when we say "Well fuck me!" @AstralSmoke your post is a false statement as a question. I dislike such posts.

Has anyone put forward an article for the new magazine yet ? Just wondering.

TheMiddleWay comments on Aug 26, 2020:

Working on it. In line with it being the "inaugural"issue, and in line with our site name and my beliefs, I'm writing an article on what it means to be agnostic, from a philosophical, colloquial, and personal point of view.

David1955 replies on Aug 27, 2020:

@LovinLarge by the way, do you see how @TheMiddleWay sneaks in that "in line with our site name" he will do a speel on agnosticism. The site name is only a domain name. It is not a site just on agnosticism, even if he would like it to be. Last time I checked the stats, atheists comprised a higher proportion here than agnostics. I've told him before: it's only the site domain name.

Has anyone put forward an article for the new magazine yet ? Just wondering.

TheMiddleWay comments on Aug 26, 2020:

Working on it. In line with it being the "inaugural"issue, and in line with our site name and my beliefs, I'm writing an article on what it means to be agnostic, from a philosophical, colloquial, and personal point of view.

David1955 replies on Aug 26, 2020:

@creative51 yes and if you'd like a preview of the article, just read all of Middle's posts on agnosticism here over the years. Preaching to the converted, even here. Atheists need not apply.

Morning there fellow Aussie Sceptics, please give a good Aussie style welcome to our new member, ...

powder comments on Aug 24, 2020:

An Aussie welcome? Get a big, mangy dog up ya! :D

David1955 replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@powder, @Triphid well stone the crows.

Morning there fellow Aussie Sceptics, please give a good Aussie style welcome to our new member, ...

powder comments on Aug 24, 2020:

An Aussie welcome? Get a big, mangy dog up ya! :D

David1955 replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@powder I wouldn't, no.

Morning there fellow Aussie Sceptics, please give a good Aussie style welcome to our new member, ...

powder comments on Aug 24, 2020:

An Aussie welcome? Get a big, mangy dog up ya! :D

David1955 replies on Aug 24, 2020:

@Triphid @powder i think you guys watch too many Crocodile Dundee movies, honestly.

[abc.

Gnomey comments on Aug 24, 2020:

On the other hand, Catholics not vaccinating = less Catholics. Look for the silver lining maybe? ;-)

David1955 replies on Aug 24, 2020:

Ha!

INTRODUCTION I found out last week that one of our longstanding members, @Word, had been homeless...

David1955 comments on Aug 23, 2020:

Could you just tell us how you found out about this, and why you feel confident, as you seem to be, that the information is correct? Thanks.

David1955 replies on Aug 24, 2020:

@Word thanks for that. I wasn't doubting his word, just interested to know.

Your thoughts on SkidMarks desire to make vaccinations mandatory?

Triphid comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Well imo, A) given the ravaging of Covid on the human body, the death toll it has resulted in, etc, etc, and, B) That there is a possibility that left unchecked it can become a newer form of the 'Old Plagues' ravaged humanity centuries ago, then, C) Adding in that ALL vaccines produced elsewhere ...

David1955 replies on Aug 20, 2020:

@Triphid no disagreement there. There's nothing less sound than religion.

Your thoughts on SkidMarks desire to make vaccinations mandatory?

Triphid comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Well imo, A) given the ravaging of Covid on the human body, the death toll it has resulted in, etc, etc, and, B) That there is a possibility that left unchecked it can become a newer form of the 'Old Plagues' ravaged humanity centuries ago, then, C) Adding in that ALL vaccines produced elsewhere ...

David1955 replies on Aug 19, 2020:

Right. We will all be pushing up daisies soon enough, and while I'm ok as an atheist with that, I do not want to be COVIDNATED by a stupid bug. Surely a vaccine is just following the science, if the science is sound, and don't we all believe in that?

Who is the main inspiration for you to be a atheist?

LenHazell53 comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Bertrand Russell has been a huge influence on my mode thinking generally

David1955 replies on Aug 19, 2020:

ditto.

Your thoughts on SkidMarks desire to make vaccinations mandatory?

David1955 comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Assuming the proposed vaccine is safe, suitable for every age and type of person -- and this is unknown as yet -- why is it ok for the government to impose restrictions on movement and other respects of our liberty, based on the principle of authority to protect population, but authority to ...

David1955 replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@powder My point was exactly that, that this assumption is a big one and I doubt that such a guarantee of safety for all could be given. I think the PMs position is bad politics and questionable medicine or science. I just don't think the strong negative stance on the basis on the government taking my liberty is a good one, since clearly they have taken other measures applying to everyone, unless specifically excluded for some reason. In a practical sense, however, this is going to be the problem with any vaccine: some, possibly many, will refuse, for religious, health, philosophical or ideological reasons. My question is, if they refuse and get sick, won't they still expect to go to the hospital and be cared for by publicly paid medical staff? Yes. So, it's my liberty, but help me when I get sick, is the argument. You know, the reason the government makes us wear seat belts (restricting our liberty) is that if we have an accident and not wearing a seat belt it is likely we will be more seriously hurt, requiring higher medical costs incurred (often) by government. These arguments, as a democratic socialist, I would call the social contract between public services and we as individuals.

Should Edward Snowden be pardoned ? Why/not ?

David1955 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

No. Another Putin play. All charges should be dropped against him and he should be allowed to return home and resume his life. No pardon required, especially from a criminal president doing Putin's bidding.

David1955 replies on Aug 17, 2020:

@FearlessFly yeah, good point. You can't trust Trump, and Snowden couldn't trust Biden and co as they have waged a campaign against him, the fools and dupes of the US Establishment. By the same token, a pardon wouldn't necessarily protect him either, especially if Biden wins. Both US parties are instruments of the US power structure, and Snowden revealed their lies and they likely will not forgive him. It may be many years before he wins the history. Not much comfort to him now, though.

When is Jesus coming back? The question on the lips of almost every believer.

David1955 comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I wouldn't blame him for not coming back! Would you, given the flogging and nailing last time? These Christians are so gullible.

David1955 replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@Beowulfsfriend love it.

One of my local churches posts the creepiest signs.

Buddha comments on Aug 14, 2020:

Thank you, I'll stay at the bottom ! Lol

David1955 replies on Aug 15, 2020:

Yes, I prefer to be downwardly mobile.

Alt Jesus.

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Aug 13, 2020:

Yep. Though none of the Jesus character's teachings are completely unique, I'd say at least 75% of them I agree are good principles to live by. But Christianity was just another obscure cultish sect, one of many dozens drifting around Judea at that time, and it would have died out if it had not ...

David1955 replies on Aug 13, 2020:

Agreed. I've also noted that the loony evangelist groups are starting to abandon the love and kisses Jesus, finding this myth too soft and 'liberal' for them. They want a more moralistic conservative Jesus, not a poor hugger and bleeding heart lefty Jesus. And so it goes. You buy your Jesus mould and you cast him in your own image. To think that this god/savior/born/die/returns/follow the saviour you are saved, meme goes back thousands of years even before first century AD. But don't tell the believers that. They hate real history.

How's it hanging there Fellow Aussie Sceptics, we have a new member joining us so please say G'day ...

Coffeo comments on Aug 10, 2020:

Hi @Bigdeal1, welcome. Just wondering if you have Aussie connections (it's not a requirement — you're welcome anyway).

David1955 replies on Aug 10, 2020:

@Triphid our revenge was sending them Rupert Murdoch. Talk about overkill! :-)

How's it hanging there Fellow Aussie Sceptics, we have a new member joining us so please say G'day ...

Coffeo comments on Aug 10, 2020:

Hi @Bigdeal1, welcome. Just wondering if you have Aussie connections (it's not a requirement — you're welcome anyway).

David1955 replies on Aug 10, 2020:

Yes, we have forgiven them for poisoning Pharlap, haven't we? :-)

I have purchased the web domain atheistscafe.

David1955 comments on Aug 9, 2020:

do you mean atheist community specifically, or anyone is non religious? Hope you get something going.

David1955 replies on Aug 10, 2020:

@LovinLarge as a atheist only myself, with issues with the agnostic position and I agree it is dicey, I wish you well with it. I'm not technically able to assist you, but hopefully someone or people will.

If I was agnostic then should I also be ambivalent about the likelihood of an extant easter bunny ...

Rossy92 comments on Aug 9, 2020:

What a useless word agnostic is. One can be agnostic, yet believe, as I presume is the case with most Christians were they to be candid. One can also be agnostic, yet not believe, as are many atheists. And as you implied, one can be agnostic about literally EVERYTHING. I hate the word. So I guess ...

David1955 replies on Aug 9, 2020:

I don't hate the word agnostic, though I do consider it a problematic position. However, I prefer to focus on the fact that agnostics and atheists are, or should be, on the same side: the non religious.

Americans amazed by fancy new Australian technique called ‘Journalism’ | The Shovel

MsDemeanour comments on Aug 7, 2020:

David I found thiis interview between Radio National and Jonathan interesting. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/jonathan-swan-corners-us-president-in-axios-interview/12529116 For anyone else out there, Australia's ABC tv and in this case radio station is as independent as ...

David1955 replies on Aug 7, 2020:

@MsDemeanour Yep, that's how it works. Psychological conditioning, fear, intimidation leading to submission. The Libs would sell the ABC tomorrow if they could, and Murdoch would love it.

Americans amazed by fancy new Australian technique called ‘Journalism’ | The Shovel

MsDemeanour comments on Aug 7, 2020:

David I found thiis interview between Radio National and Jonathan interesting. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/jonathan-swan-corners-us-president-in-axios-interview/12529116 For anyone else out there, Australia's ABC tv and in this case radio station is as independent as ...

David1955 replies on Aug 7, 2020:

Yes, but the right wing have worn down the effectiveness of ABC news and current affairs, in my view, with attacks and funding cuts. I barely if ever watch the ABC now, sad to say. The right are the same everywhere: elections skewed to favour them; right wing corporate media supporting them and their agenda, and blunted independent media, especially public media. Australian interviewing journalists used to be much more assertive than Swann. But in the US tamed corporate media he seemed quite forthright, and it was a surprise to many there. US journalists are quite toothless, it seems to me.

Americans amazed by fancy new Australian technique called ‘Journalism’ | The Shovel

FearlessFly comments on Aug 6, 2020:

. . . sooo, this link criticising journalism, you got this from FACEBOOK ? LOL

David1955 replies on Aug 6, 2020:

It's the sentiment that counts.

Thank Glob this evil monster didn't get his way thanks to the selfless heroes known as Establishment...

David1955 comments on Aug 3, 2020:

An inevitable outcome of a binary right wing political party structure under the control of a ruling class whose only loyalty is to itself.

David1955 replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@floWteiuQ well, an independent electoral commission to set electoral boundaries (instead of fragrant gerrymandering by party hacks) and free and fair voting, and courts not setting out to thwart voting by unfair decisions, and reform of financing of parties... these would be a start for reforms. Also 2 party systems invariably lead to centrast-right parties under the control of elites. Representative, proportional representation, preferential, and multi-party electoral systems may have issues but are more representational and democratic, and less likely to be ruling elite controlled. Having said that, I don't see much prospect for systemic reform in the US. The legal and political structures prevent it.

The Prosperity Gospel VS The Actual Gospels Everybody knows the gospels of the bible are Matthew,...

LenHazell53 comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Religion is the only business where you can sell a shit pile of nothing for Crap ton of something and not be prosecuted as a scam artist.

David1955 replies on Aug 3, 2020:

@LenHazell53 yes, but I was thinking that religions know that believers never return from the dead to say, 'no God, no jesus, no heaven, and I want my money back!". Religion truly is the 'pay now, die later, no returns' ponzie scheme to beat them all.

The Prosperity Gospel VS The Actual Gospels Everybody knows the gospels of the bible are Matthew,...

LenHazell53 comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Religion is the only business where you can sell a shit pile of nothing for Crap ton of something and not be prosecuted as a scam artist.

David1955 replies on Aug 3, 2020:

Perhaps because there are never any return dissatisfied customers. The dead never return to ask for their money back. That makes religion the ultimate fraudulent business, and they know it, the crooks.

America Was Ripe For Humiliation | Above the Law

t1nick comments on Aug 1, 2020:

I concur.

David1955 replies on Aug 2, 2020:

@t1nick I entirely agree on the question of race. That's why the Steve Bannons of America, and others like him, found Trump and put him there. Obama becoming president, and a popular one, frightened them into doing anything to prevent further non white presidents. I have always thought Trump was a front man for those right wing white nationalists.

America Was Ripe For Humiliation | Above the Law

t1nick comments on Aug 1, 2020:

I concur.

David1955 replies on Aug 2, 2020:

Indeed, and that was the time to press the reform button, like FDR did during the Depression. As I recall, he continued to bail out Wall Street, failed to prosecute those responsible... but the progressives in America are better than I in describing the litany of things Obama did to bail out the guilty while doing actually not very much for the rest. I like Obama as a man, and he's an impressive person, but history will judge his Presidency as a lost opportunity, a failure to live up to the 'change' agenda he sort of but didn't really promise, with the result being millions swinging to Trump. I'm just thinking like a historian would and many already do.

New Star Trek Has Lost What Made The Show So Great | Screen Rant

greyeyed123 comments on Aug 2, 2020:

Mike Stoklasa of Red Letter Media on youtube has several reviews of new Trek, and agrees (as do I). What made Trek special was the optimism, and the fact that the episodes were written by well-read science fiction authors who loved the genre, and were intentionally trying to make something ...

David1955 replies on Aug 2, 2020:

I completely agree with your sentiments. I think it's worth remembering that a lot of the progressive aspects of the original ST series had to be fought for by Roddenberry, fighting studios on many story elements that we take for granted now as making the series great. His influence only lasted until the first couple of seasons of ST NextG. Since then it has gone on under others. Now, with the ST mythology fragmented into different companies, it is purely a reflection of the US military industrial complex, which has a stranglehold over all US news and entertainment media, and its peddled themes are, dystopic, dark, violent, and always gloomy futurism. This was not the Roddenbury vision. They have taken the name, some characters, and some theme elements, and recreated it in their image -- brainwashing us as usual about a hopeless future because it suits them to brainwash us into accepting the futility that we and the world could be better in the future. I reject them, and I reject their brainwashing. If this sounds too political, we must always remember that while ST is about the future, it is the product of the class and power structure of today. Also, I agree about Patrick Stewart. At 80 he's just happy to be working and paying off his many ex-wives.

America Was Ripe For Humiliation | Above the Law

David1955 comments on Aug 1, 2020:

From a foreign perspective, I think this is right. Were I to draw on my Hegelian studies, I might conclude that American contradictions have finally reached a breaking point and we see it happening. Truth is, America has never lived up to its ideals, but no Empire does. But, the macro changes over ...

David1955 replies on Aug 1, 2020:

@t1nick, @LucyLoohoo in his second term

America Was Ripe For Humiliation | Above the Law

David1955 comments on Aug 1, 2020:

From a foreign perspective, I think this is right. Were I to draw on my Hegelian studies, I might conclude that American contradictions have finally reached a breaking point and we see it happening. Truth is, America has never lived up to its ideals, but no Empire does. But, the macro changes over ...

David1955 replies on Aug 1, 2020:

@t1nick what about Obama's first term, when he had 4 years to seriously reform America? Why do you think progressives in America feel that his campaign in 2007 was based on an illusion of change? Those of us outside the US feel the same. So will history. @LucyLoohoo

Honest Government Ad | A message from the White House - YouTube

FrayedBear comments on Jul 31, 2020:

LMAO ROFL! David I think that you will just have picked up thousands of American followers. This one was a plum waiting to fall from the branch into their hands.

David1955 replies on Aug 1, 2020:

@FrayedBear Nah, I'm not worth a drone. Anyway, the US Ruling Class have more important targets, like left wing journalists there, as well as progressive channels and the like. I predict that if Trump wins, he'll move into Nazi stage 2 control, banning, rounding up, imprisoning and so on. The US Republic would then be dead, like the Weimar Republic, and it's anyone's guess if a struggle to assert something like a Democracy there could be fought for and won. The US has never really had a democracy anyway; otherwise why would it have descended so quickly into authoritarianism? Real, strong and genuine liberal-democratic systems, with checks and balances, prevent this.

Honest Government Ad | A message from the White House - YouTube

FrayedBear comments on Jul 31, 2020:

LMAO ROFL! David I think that you will just have picked up thousands of American followers. This one was a plum waiting to fall from the branch into their hands.

David1955 replies on Jul 31, 2020:

It's fabulous, isn't it? As @tinkercreek said, they didn't miss a thing. I say to Americans. Americans, you are good people. Rise up against the class oppression to which you are subjected. Don't mourn. Mobilise!

This IS my own opinion here so sue me if you will.

David1955 comments on Jul 30, 2020:

On the pollies, yes, I agree. But how do you define "ALL peoples of GREAT Wealth.." ? I don't think the pollies cut would yield much. But I do agree that a wealth tax on the genuinely wealthy, who get their money from investments, not actual work like the rest of us poor bastards, should pay a ...

David1955 replies on Jul 30, 2020:

@Triphid Yes, I suppose, and the symbolic point would be important. But we all know the only thing they all agree on is a salary increase, and they would all agree that they shouldn't be cut. Also, some of the salaries of the top public servants is huge -- bigger than the PM. Include them. They are not paid like ordinary public servants, but like corporate chiefs. Isn't the head of the Bureau of Stats paid something like 2 million? During the last Census cluster fuck I remember reading that and I was appalled.

US coronavirus: Nation could see deaths in the 'multiple hundreds of thousands,' group says - CNN

David1955 comments on Jul 29, 2020:

Whatever the terrible final toll is, I just hope it hangs around the Republican party and Trump like a dead rat forever, that this tragedy spurs the US back towards science and that young people will look at the disgraceful role religion played behind the scenes, and they become more secular as a...

David1955 replies on Jul 29, 2020:

@KyleJulius sure, but I think the trend line is the key, and the trend line moves towards secularism. There will always be the delusional people in the way.

As a relatively small social media website, would this negatively impact agnostic.com ? Why/not ?

Storm1752 comments on Jul 29, 2020:

Seems to me only a matter of time until this forum is gone. The Christians will sieze control of the entire net and strike everything they disagree with.

David1955 replies on Jul 29, 2020:

We'll have to rise up against them. I have no intention of living in a Handmaiden's Tale world. Though I agree, that's what they want -- another dark ages.

I never knew this but then I don't buy Nutella!

David1955 comments on Jul 25, 2020:

Can't read it, as I'm not and never will be Facebook. But just to say I'm a Peanut Paste guy (yes, Paste, not that Yankee butter nonsense) now and always will be. Yes, I know it ain't good for you, but I just like it, see. Just to say. :-)

David1955 replies on Jul 25, 2020:

@FrayedBear Ah! You learn something new everyday.

Movies with religious themes...what are your thoughts?

MissKathleen comments on Jul 23, 2020:

No, thank you. And please do not insert your religiosity into television programs, either.

David1955 replies on Jul 24, 2020:

Yes, they do it subliminally and through soft-sell, depicting 'good' priests and so on, as well as themes promoting 'religion is good' notions. Even news anchors do it, prattling on about going to church and so on. I hate it. Hardly surprising though, given that mainstream TV is owned by corporate elites in whose interests it is to peddle the 'religion is good for you' brainwashing, though the only gods they worship are power and money.

Why do most agnostics hate Trump?

bingst comments on Jul 13, 2020:

What do you mean that Obama beat that idea?

David1955 replies on Jul 23, 2020:

@Grecio Pelosi is a open Catholic. Seemingly very religious. Surely you knew that. Yes, there is prejudice against atheists the world over, including the US. It doesn't help to have prejudice against Muslims just for being Muslim. Critique the religion instead.

Having lived Thailand many years and dealing with Australian immigration/ embassy, all I can say is ...

David1955 comments on Jul 22, 2020:

My own experience of the Aust Embassy wasn't much better. Informed expats told me the main attraction for bureaucrats getting a gig at the Aust Embassy in Bangkok was -- a nice salary plus perks and lots of time to frequent the bars and hump bar girls. I suspect some truth.

David1955 replies on Jul 22, 2020:

@powder an old Auzzie guy expat I knew in Thailand -- a crusty grumpy old guy -- liked to tell the story about the time he went to the Aust Embassy, waited until he couldn't stand it any more dealing with thais there, and cried out several times "I demand to see an Australian!" A door opened, an Australian guy poked his head out, said "You want to see an Australian? Well, you've seen one" and slammed the door again. Oh, nice.

The Trump campaign's strategy to win in November and why it's a problem. [youtube.com]

St-Sinner comments on Jul 20, 2020:

He has covered many good points but not all. The 2020 outcome is also not about Trump will do to win but also what we Democrats have done to make it easier for him. Here is my list: 1. Liberals are anarchists, I will restore law and order 2. Liberals are against the police with defunding. I ...

David1955 replies on Jul 22, 2020:

@St-Sinner Perhaps he was a Russian Troll. Do you know any of those? PS: The times are against you, and your kind.

The Trump campaign's strategy to win in November and why it's a problem. [youtube.com]

St-Sinner comments on Jul 20, 2020:

He has covered many good points but not all. The 2020 outcome is also not about Trump will do to win but also what we Democrats have done to make it easier for him. Here is my list: 1. Liberals are anarchists, I will restore law and order 2. Liberals are against the police with defunding. I ...

David1955 replies on Jul 21, 2020:

@St-Sinner and what truth is that, St.Comrade? You never say.

The Trump campaign's strategy to win in November and why it's a problem. [youtube.com]

St-Sinner comments on Jul 20, 2020:

He has covered many good points but not all. The 2020 outcome is also not about Trump will do to win but also what we Democrats have done to make it easier for him. Here is my list: 1. Liberals are anarchists, I will restore law and order 2. Liberals are against the police with defunding. I ...

David1955 replies on Jul 21, 2020:

@St-Sinner I do not think you are favourably disposed towards, or wish any good upon, the Democratic Party of America, or any progressive cause in your country, nor have I ever thought so, reading your posts and commentary here over time. Not for a second.

The Trump campaign's strategy to win in November and why it's a problem. [youtube.com]

St-Sinner comments on Jul 20, 2020:

He has covered many good points but not all. The 2020 outcome is also not about Trump will do to win but also what we Democrats have done to make it easier for him. Here is my list: 1. Liberals are anarchists, I will restore law and order 2. Liberals are against the police with defunding. I ...

David1955 replies on Jul 21, 2020:

@St-Sinner so, the Democratic party should be the same right wing party as the Republican party. Tweedle dee, tweedle dum politics, in other words. Got news for you pal: you're already there. Stop complaining.

The Trump campaign's strategy to win in November and why it's a problem. [youtube.com]

St-Sinner comments on Jul 20, 2020:

He has covered many good points but not all. The 2020 outcome is also not about Trump will do to win but also what we Democrats have done to make it easier for him. Here is my list: 1. Liberals are anarchists, I will restore law and order 2. Liberals are against the police with defunding. I ...

David1955 replies on Jul 21, 2020:

You complained all the time when you thought Bernie might win the nomination. Now Biden is the presumptive nominee, and ahead, you are still complaining. So, what would suit you, pray tell us?

Greeting fellow Ozzie heretics.

Coffeo comments on Jul 18, 2020:

I'm eleven years your senior and you're making me feel old! Grrr! I emigrated to Australia from the UK because an Australian colleague told me that Gough Whitlam had just been elected and it was going to be a great place to live and work. (Well, that might not have been the only reason I came: ...