I'm less fearful of death now because I'm a agnostic/atheist .

gsiamne comments on Oct 14, 2018:

I like the saying of Neil deGrasse Tyson: “I would request that my body in death be buried not cremated, so that the energy content contained within it gets returned to the earth, so that flora and fauna can dine upon it, just as I have dined upon flora and fauna during my lifetime”

David1955 replies on Oct 14, 2018:

@gsiamne me too, actually. I prefer a river in Thailand, at place I know well.

I'm less fearful of death now because I'm a agnostic/atheist .

gsiamne comments on Oct 14, 2018:

I like the saying of Neil deGrasse Tyson: “I would request that my body in death be buried not cremated, so that the energy content contained within it gets returned to the earth, so that flora and fauna can dine upon it, just as I have dined upon flora and fauna during my lifetime”

David1955 replies on Oct 14, 2018:

Don't get that. If you rot in a box, it a hell of long time before the matter gets recycled. But cremated, the fumes are dispersed and the ashes can get scattered. I don't see the advantage of being a dumper instead of a burner myself. No actual energy is lost in the long term

I started a new group that was denied.

David1955 comments on Oct 13, 2018:

Hmmm..iffy...

David1955 replies on Oct 14, 2018:

@zorialoki iffy, taken from an implied IF conditional, means a questionable proposition, hardly trying to start an argument. Hah, funny since your group is "why are you so offended."

I started a new group that was denied.

David1955 comments on Oct 13, 2018:

Hmmm..iffy...

David1955 replies on Oct 14, 2018:

@Definition of mugwump. 1 : a bolter from the Republican party in 1884. 2 : a person who is independent (as in politics) or who remains undecided or neutral. Me.? Mugwump? Hardly

I started a new group that was denied.

David1955 comments on Oct 13, 2018:

Hmmm..iffy...

David1955 replies on Oct 14, 2018:

@zorialoki very falsely presumptuous of you.

What is "Compartmentalization" with regard to religion?

TheMiddleWay comments on Oct 12, 2018:

It's really simple: you don't think about A when working with B and don't think about B when working with A. It's not magic. It's not cognitive dissonance. It's just the realization that what I do when I do A may not, need not, apply to what I do when I do B and vice versa So for example, my ...

David1955 replies on Oct 13, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay okay, the issue is one for discussion and debate, but I don't see the point of this poster, who poses an issue and invites comment, but in fact is merely looking for agreement with what he clearly has a fixed position about and nothing would change it. It's the pattern of his posting. "What do you think about A?" Reply with what he already believes, and he's pleased. Offer a different view and you're engaging in logical falsehoods. So, I'm going to give him a miss.

What is "Compartmentalization" with regard to religion?

TheMiddleWay comments on Oct 12, 2018:

It's really simple: you don't think about A when working with B and don't think about B when working with A. It's not magic. It's not cognitive dissonance. It's just the realization that what I do when I do A may not, need not, apply to what I do when I do B and vice versa So for example, my ...

David1955 replies on Oct 13, 2018:

@Matias not sure why you posted in this question in the first place. You know exactly what you think, and opinions which coincide with yours are complimented, and those that don't are flawed, wrong or logically unsound. I notice your posts are like this and follow the same pattern. You are looking for confirmation of what you already know is true. Fortunately, the comments and opinions of other people are interesting in the thread.

One of the questions on this site when I signed up was if I believe in God or gods, and then it ...

TheMiddleWay comments on Oct 12, 2018:

Quantifying belief with percentages is an inherently flawed strategy. There is no reason, for example, why you couldn't use the same reasoning to give a 99.9%, 99.99%, 98%, 97%, 51%, 66%, or any such number above 50% to quantify your belief that you are "mostly" sure there are not gods but not ...

David1955 replies on Oct 13, 2018:

I agree that these percentages are silly. It stems from the questions by admin in the profile. It's attempt to be helpful, but it's not really.

What is "Compartmentalization" with regard to religion?

TheMiddleWay comments on Oct 12, 2018:

It's really simple: you don't think about A when working with B and don't think about B when working with A. It's not magic. It's not cognitive dissonance. It's just the realization that what I do when I do A may not, need not, apply to what I do when I do B and vice versa So for example, my ...

David1955 replies on Oct 13, 2018:

@TheMiddleWay small dichotomies perhaps, but science on weekdays and religion on Sunday is a huge irreconcilable, for me. I don't know how they do it. I've pressed enough religious scientists in my time on this issue to see what I would call cognitive dissonance in their behaviour. They don't like it, understandably perhaps, but I have no regrets doing it.

What is "Compartmentalization" with regard to religion?

TheMiddleWay comments on Oct 12, 2018:

It's really simple: you don't think about A when working with B and don't think about B when working with A. It's not magic. It's not cognitive dissonance. It's just the realization that what I do when I do A may not, need not, apply to what I do when I do B and vice versa So for example, my ...

David1955 replies on Oct 12, 2018:

I think you have described the *functioning* of compartmentalisation rather well. No one should think that this process involves deeply emotionally troubled neurotic people walking around in a non functioning state. No, it's more subtle than that. I said before in this thread that I think we can all do this on some things, when, intellectually speaking, we want to have our cake and eat it too. I don't agree that it's really simple. Neurologically speaking, I think it's quite complex, but it's not my field. It's probably one way that we manage to survive in a complex world, and believing things that don't quite reconcile probably helps. That said, belief in religious mysticism and reason, together, when heavily scrutinised in an individual can reveal tension or even stress, from my experience, when they are obliged to bring the compartments together, so to speak. Then you see cognitive dissonance. Finally, speaking for myself, the thought of believing in science, logic, reason and evidence on Monday through Saturday, but on Sunday believing in virgin births, miracles, zombie gods in human form, and vengeful dieties, is just impossible, and no amount of trying to think with one part of my brain on different days would help. Cheers.

What is "Compartmentalization" with regard to religion?

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

This is really about cognitive dissonance, as others have said. Separating irreconcilable beliefs in order to function. I think we should be honest and admit that we all do this, or are capable of it, on some things. I suspect, though this is not my field, that it's a trait that allows human beings ...

David1955 replies on Oct 12, 2018:

@Matias well, that's how YOU see it from YOUR world view. There are many who would agree with MY worldview, and you can see in this thread. You can't call differing perspectives logically incoherent simply because your perspective differs. You posed a question in your post, and I have given my view, as have others. Don't attack people for sharing their perspective on the question you pose.

What is "Compartmentalization" with regard to religion?

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

This is really about cognitive dissonance, as others have said. Separating irreconcilable beliefs in order to function. I think we should be honest and admit that we all do this, or are capable of it, on some things. I suspect, though this is not my field, that it's a trait that allows human beings ...

David1955 replies on Oct 12, 2018:

@Matias Compartmentalising is how the stress is avoided, evaded, denied or tolerated from cognitive dissonance. The stress appears when stress is placed on the subject bringing the normally separated compartments into conflict. I've seen it, when asking serious probing questions of someone who holds irreconcilable positions, like science and religion. I've done it. Focused questioning brings real stress, silly answers and sometimes just dumb things coming out of the mouth of someone I know who should know better. Truly, sometimes it's almost sad. Look at the uncomfortable body language. Any rationalisation is used to have some answer, no matter how unbelievable. This is the stress that is usually avoided by keeping the mind separated. Cognitive dissonance and mind compartmentalisation are inextricably linked, in my view.

I'm hoping that people here are more open minded than self described atheists.

mattersauce comments on Oct 11, 2018:

The only way to escape group-think is to avoid groups. I'm happy with this site at current but it will grow and change and in time I'll probably feel differently.

David1955 replies on Oct 12, 2018:

@callmedubious you are inclined to a fair amount of raving and ranting, friend, and crossed the line into Problem Child territory, as far as I'm concerned. Call that atheist group think if you like, but once a poster becomes that here I tend to inform them of my view and walk away. So advised, and I'm walking.

What is "Compartmentalization" with regard to religion?

TheAstroChuck comments on Oct 11, 2018:

I concur with @David1955. It's all about cognitive dissonance and I would add, dissociative thinking. Everyone has these traits to varying degrees. I often refer to scientists as having blind spots - those areas where they haven't applied critical reasoning to this or that topic. Critical ...

David1955 replies on Oct 11, 2018:

@TheAstroChuck yes, and indeed hence the compartmentalising, to come back to the original question. Cognitive dissonance is the result, but compartmentalising is the cause, due to not being willing, or able, to reconcile belief in, essentially, mysticism, while supposedly living a "rational" life. This is a cause and effect situation, since of course they cannot be reconciled. ( @Matias )

It's official: Catholic Church problems are due to the Devil, says The Pope.

TheAstroChuck comments on Oct 11, 2018:

The Pope's claim that church problems are due to the Devil reminds me of an old comedy sketch. Back in the 1960's there was a TV show in the US called Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. It had a regular guest performer, Flip Wilson (comedian). One of his recurring lines spoken in a high-pitched voice ...

David1955 replies on Oct 11, 2018:

Sock it to me, Professor. :-) Those were the days. Before the new dark age. Let's hope someone socks it to the RCC

I'm hoping that people here are more open minded than self described atheists.

Simon1 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

They tend to block you after a few comments

David1955 replies on Oct 11, 2018:

Who is they, atheists? I'm an avowed atheist, and I've never blocked anyone over the year I've been here.

I'm hoping that people here are more open minded than self described atheists.

ShuMei2018 comments on Oct 10, 2018:

The only thing we are certain of is death and taxes

David1955 replies on Oct 11, 2018:

@Minta79 that's just the way they want it. That's why I no longer use the death and taxes cliche. Medical labs are working on the former for the wealthy, while their right wing political puppets are rapidly solving the latter.

I'm hoping that people here are more open minded than self described atheists.

ShuMei2018 comments on Oct 10, 2018:

The only thing we are certain of is death and taxes

David1955 replies on Oct 11, 2018:

@Minta79 already changed for the rich on taxes, or haven't you been watching the news.

I would like to your help on our "new" website domain Humanist.

kensmile4u comments on Oct 8, 2018:

This new Humanist site raises a few of my own questions. 1) Many elected to invest their time into a site populated by like-minded people. If we opt out of communicating with religious people will it be at least as effective as blocking someone? 2) Will you be offering merch with both labels?...

David1955 replies on Oct 8, 2018:

@kensmile4u good questions.

I would like to your help on our "new" website domain Humanist.

David1955 comments on Oct 7, 2018:

This post and commentary has prompted me to think about the reconcilability of religion, even mild religion, and humanism. This extract from Wikipedia is not a bad one. "Humanism is a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and ...

David1955 replies on Oct 8, 2018:

@Admin I would say not. I do not believe that Islam at its core is humanistic. For most of its history there was nothing of humanism at its core about Christianity, only in later centuries after it was infused with post Enlightenment thinking.

The primary operating principle of the US constitution and government was to prevent tyrannical ...

David1955 comments on Oct 7, 2018:

I'm not an American, but I hope the people who did this know that the rest of the world, especially the liberal-democratic world, sees all of this, and that the moral authority of the US, already seriously challenged, is further weakened as a result. I do not think the US media is finished with ...

David1955 replies on Oct 8, 2018:

@btroje Mr. Kavanaugh and Mr Trump would be happy with either word. They seem to think a right wing dystopian world is pretty decent for them. :-)

Does evil exist? As non-believers do we still accept the concept of evil in its pure form?

nicknotes comments on Oct 7, 2018:

Did you watch Judge Kavanaugh's performance on the Senate hearing? The man was evil.

David1955 replies on Oct 7, 2018:

That was cowardice, another human failing.

I would like to your help on our "new" website domain Humanist.

David1955 comments on Oct 5, 2018:

I don't see the point of the new site, sorry. This site already encompasses believers who add words like humanism to their flag, even if some of us think this should be a non believers site only. What is the goal here, to add anyone even if religious, so long as they kinda believe in humanism as ...

David1955 replies on Oct 6, 2018:

@Admin I see your point, but people rarely believe that they are mildly religious, even if we may see them like that. Again, they can already join this site and be the degree of religion they choose. Truly, i don't think new sites are needed, rather one large community with keywords to attract, including humanism. Remember I wrote a while back that I prefer the site name Unbelieve.Com as it reflects me more an agnostic.com. Keywords to attract, rather than new sites to fragment, that would be my view. Thanks.

Fucking Howard started this with Hicks.

David1955 comments on Sep 30, 2018:

What is the difference between the Anglo-US alliance and the Australia-US alliance. With the Anglo-US alliance, when the US says "Jump!" the Brits say "How high?!". With the Australia- US alliance, when the US says "Jump!" we yell "How high Sir?! " In other words, I agree with you.

David1955 replies on Oct 6, 2018:

@FrayedBear that subversion of the Australian independent spirit occurred during and because of WW1. It was my thesis area, so I'm familiar with it. Politicians of the time and their parties, Hughes, Fisher etc, mainly British born, corrupted the national psyche with militant pro British nationalism, crushing the emergent free spirt that was evident following Federation in 1901. Progressive Australian historians have explored this, so it's not just me being clever. The die was then cast for Australia to be sycophantic in our international identity, first to the Brits, and then the Yanks, and it's been going on ever since. This stuff has been rammed down out throats ever since, conservative parties and media, and now the so called Labor party, all on board. It's one reason I loathe the annual myth worship in Australia about WW1. Few Australians know about the domestic conflict, division, dissent, and divide of the time over that war. In addition to the highest per capita loss of soldiers of all countries in that war, our emerging national identity also died and never recovered.

That spiritual feeling.

hrichardson8 comments on Oct 4, 2018:

"fact that we really are connected to... all living things." I don't know about you, but I feel zero connection to spiders, sharks, dinosaurs, or any other creature with the means to kill me.

David1955 replies on Oct 5, 2018:

Fortunately you don't have to worry about dinosaurs too much these days, except of the political kind. :-)

22% of Atheists believe in New Age nonsense.

birdingnut comments on Oct 3, 2018:

Einstein taught us that all matter is a form of energy, so since energy can neither be created nor destroyed, we have always existed and will always exist in some energy form. No reason to think energy souls or entities don't exist, and quantum physics already tells us different dimensions ...

David1955 replies on Oct 4, 2018:

Ok, but let's focus strictly on the science, and not on the whackery of new age feel good psedo religion.

22% of Atheists believe in New Age nonsense.

CeliaVL comments on Oct 3, 2018:

For me, not believing in any kind of gods means not believing in any other kind of supernatural nonsense either, and asking for evidence when extravagant claims are made. I think the psychology of why some people need to believe in 'something out there' even if they claim to be atheists is very ...

David1955 replies on Oct 3, 2018:

Good points.

22% of Atheists believe in New Age nonsense.

sunhatpat comments on Oct 3, 2018:

From what I have read about neural development and the evolution of consciousness, a religious belief system of some kind, or spiritual explanations for puzzling or incomprehensible phenomena, is a kind of default setting for the human brain. Just as children have to outgrow simplistic ...

David1955 replies on Oct 3, 2018:

Existentialism is a philosophy, an approach and theory, and cannot be included accurately in any new age pseudo religion or new age quasi scientific belief system, and I don't think Jean Paul Sartre would thank you for doing that.

22% of Atheists believe in New Age nonsense.

walklightly comments on Oct 3, 2018:

to tell people what they should or shouldn't hasn't convinced anyone yet. you don't have to sign on other people's world view. as long as they don't do any harm - what's the problem?

David1955 replies on Oct 3, 2018:

@walklightly I don't really understand your case here. However, I reject all non rational belief systems, mainstream and new age, and that's my case.

22% of Atheists believe in New Age nonsense.

walklightly comments on Oct 3, 2018:

to tell people what they should or shouldn't hasn't convinced anyone yet. you don't have to sign on other people's world view. as long as they don't do any harm - what's the problem?

David1955 replies on Oct 3, 2018:

Well I hear the same argument from mainstream religions. So, guess I don't agree.

Note to self: The next time you REALLY want a job, be sure to cry and talk about how much you love ...

Keita comments on Oct 2, 2018:

I f#cking hate beer. I'd never have sex with another man in the room. I can't hold an erection if a woman is panicking or screaming. This "boys will be boys" BS does not fly with me. Most boys don't do these things. The least he could have been was repentant. Instead he was petulant. That "So ...

David1955 replies on Oct 2, 2018:

@Alvinsmama actually, I judge him not by that, because the merit of the allegations have not yet been fully examined, and that should be noted. I judge him on the grounds that - He has lied or mislead in his answers about his previous legal work, and did so 12 years ago in his last testimony. He has lied and mislead about his early years, on too many things to mention here. He is clearly an extreme partisan, as shown when under pressure. He has a sense of wealthy white man entitlement that is so obvious he reeks of it. He is a hypocrite, unabashed in his attacks on Bill Clinton, while his own moral character is questionable to say the least, who has no problem impeaching or bringing charges against a Democratic President, while considering a Republican President to be immune. He is unfit to be in the position he currently has, let alone on the Supreme Court. Should the sexual charges against him stand up, these would be *additional* reasons not to confirm him.

The Twilight Zone: Its Relevance Today

AlPastor comments on Oct 1, 2018:

Before clicking the link I was thinking of The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street episode.

David1955 replies on Oct 2, 2018:

Superb episode. A recurring theme of Serling of how civil order can easily breakdown. So relevant to today.

The Twilight Zone: Its Relevance Today

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2018:

I read that Serling's daughter was very upset at Kavanaugh and his republicans referring to the Twilight Zone. Absolutely. What the Republicans are facing is not the Twilight Zone but a Reality Check Zone. I have every episode of the Twilight Zone. Watched them in sequence a couple of years ago. ...

David1955 replies on Oct 1, 2018:

@powder oh yeah, opposite Burt Reynolds, wasn't it? I'll have to check.

Many will have seen this already, but it's worth a look if you haven't.

FrayedBear comments on Oct 1, 2018:

Not available in this country.

David1955 replies on Oct 1, 2018:

Watch on YouTube. YouTube IS my tv now. Period.

The Twilight Zone: Its Relevance Today

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2018:

I read that Serling's daughter was very upset at Kavanaugh and his republicans referring to the Twilight Zone. Absolutely. What the Republicans are facing is not the Twilight Zone but a Reality Check Zone. I have every episode of the Twilight Zone. Watched them in sequence a couple of years ago. ...

David1955 replies on Oct 1, 2018:

@powder oh yes, Robert Redford, impossibly young and handsome as a nice Grim Reaper, comes to mind.

The Twilight Zone: Its Relevance Today

Maiasaura comments on Oct 1, 2018:

I agree, though Serling didn't write every episode. Some were adapted from other sources.

David1955 replies on Oct 1, 2018:

That is true, but his creative control over all aspects of the show including scripts he asked others to write, sometimes based on his core idea, is beyond doubt. And he always gave credit to other writers in the episode.

Are there any Bill Maher fans here?

Drsmash253 comments on Sep 16, 2018:

I am a big fan of his documentary Religulous

David1955 replies on Sep 30, 2018:

Watched it last night. Hadn't seen it before, surprisingly. Loved it.

The world would have been better off without religion.

PerbeMayhaps comments on Sep 28, 2018:

Just to play devil’s advocate, hasn’t research shown that religious belief has an evolutionary benefit?

David1955 replies on Sep 28, 2018:

Yes, we evolve into separate religions that hate and kill each other. :-) I would say that religious belief has a de-evolutionary effect, if evolution is considered progress at all.

The world would have been better off without religion.

David1955 comments on Sep 28, 2018:

Won't solve all problems, but it would be a good start.

David1955 replies on Sep 28, 2018:

@DavidLaDeau as Dean Martin said, "Let's just call it (drinking) my hobby, OK?" ( The Wrecking Crew, 1968 ). Also, I like the new photo. How about one with that great little parrot on your shoulder, like in your video? Makes me want to get one. :-)

I've seen a few long-term members leaving lately.

David1955 comments on Sep 27, 2018:

I think the responses have captured many relevant factors: some find a personal attachment and pull back; some just get a little bored and pull back or stop; some get pissed off for some reason and do likewise; some just have more important matters in life, long or short term. One factor I think...

David1955 replies on Sep 28, 2018:

@JimG I think it might be a factor.

What is the point of the ALP?

Geoffrey51 comments on Sep 23, 2018:

Thanks for the interesting post. I became a citizen two years ago and, following the politics here neither party seem to be up to the job. I thought Turnbull might be a good option as he seemed the most statesman like of all the contenders. As with UK it seems like a fight for the middle ground...

David1955 replies on Sep 24, 2018:

@Ozman absolutely. Increasingly it's the Middle of right wing and far right wing.

What is the point of the ALP?

Triphid comments on Sep 23, 2018:

In my personal opinion, BOTH major parties are a complete and utter WASTE of time, space, oxygen and nutrients. The ALP (aka Absolutely Lost Party) are so far adrift from reality under Bill " Shortonballs" Shorten that they are way beyond the Land of the Fairies, they lost the "plot" totally ever ...

David1955 replies on Sep 24, 2018:

Well I agree with much of what you have said. But just for a start, I would settle for an ALP that pursued left progressive policies such as: Universal health, and really that. Fully funded public education and not huge support for rich private education systems Universal living benefit, instead of a punitive social welfare system and its bureaucracy. Genuine equal pay for both genders. Taxation based on means, not skewed against lower and middle incomes. A truly independent foreign policy, based on western values, not sycophancy to the US ruling class. Regulation against corporate greed, corruption, collusion, and anti public practice, in particular essential services, like electricity. Serious commitment to the environment. Just for a start. A social democratic agenda, not a pale sugar-coated copy of the conservative agenda. They've won only one election in the past 30 years (2007. 2010 wasn't a win, but they formed govt because Abbott was such a dick) pursuing a right copy cat Right agenda. Hardly a winning approach. There's no point winning government if you don't have a mandate for reform.

Christian by culture?

BikeHikeTravel comments on Sep 21, 2018:

As a clarification: [Reading some of the comments, we all seem to have a different idea of what Christian values are to each of us. There seems to be some hostility and skewed ideas as a consequence of that, so I'm going to ignore those comments. My question wasn't intended as a judgement ...

David1955 replies on Sep 21, 2018:

Well, you seem to have ignored a great deal about what has been said about your assumptions about so-called Christian values, seeing them as "skewed ideas". That's your right. In return I must say that I find your view of these "values" to be simplistic and naive. I've encountered this before, especially from Christians.

Our new PM "gets" Trump [theguardian.

Triphid comments on Sep 20, 2018:

Hey, David1955, out here in the part of Australia everyone in Politics has conveniently forgotten ( Far Western N.S.W. btw) we've taken to calling him " Scumo" instead of Slo-Mo/Sco-mo, kind of think it suits him better. Maybe Scum-mo will take on Tronald Dumps idea and also built a wall around ( a...

David1955 replies on Sep 21, 2018:

Love it!

PM Steps Up Religious Crusade [theaimn.

powder comments on Sep 19, 2018:

Maybe in the past, not now. Loonies won't get traction. Don't think love'n Jesus is a vote winner nowadays.

David1955 replies on Sep 19, 2018:

Ok, but the insidious influence of religion is there and growing in right wing politics.

PM Steps Up Religious Crusade [theaimn.

Triphid comments on Sep 19, 2018:

Give a Bible-Basher an inch and he/she will take away ever single one of your rights, force you to become just another " Sheeple ", afraid to even consider thinking for yourself on the odd and highly improbable chance that their imaginary " Sky Daddy" and his equally Mythological Son (??????) are ...

David1955 replies on Sep 19, 2018:

Yes. You change the government you change the country. You change the PM you also change the country but less obviously. I don't think this bruster will last long, but his god bothering efforts should not go unnoticed.

PM Steps Up Religious Crusade [theaimn.

Beelzebant comments on Sep 19, 2018:

Can I add Gina Rinehart and other miners who fund the IPA who dictate policy to the LNP, by digging up and selling rocks that I thought belonged to the COMMONWEALTH – which Labor tried – pathetically – to sort out, and failed miserably in the attempt. I am unsure about the facts regarding ...

David1955 replies on Sep 19, 2018:

Because we have weak political parties that have been corrupted and weakened by the ideology of so called free market capitalism going back to the 1980s, and I mean all major parties. Other countries only pretend to believe in this crap, but actually look after their own interests. Australia is naive enough to actually believe in it. So, other countries and multinational companies walk all over us.

Our new PM "gets" Trump [theguardian.

PontifexMarximus comments on Sep 17, 2018:

well ... remember Johnny Howard's battlers?

David1955 replies on Sep 17, 2018:

@powder yeah that was Australia's version of "let them eat cake". Never fooled me.

Our new PM "gets" Trump [theguardian.

PontifexMarximus comments on Sep 17, 2018:

well ... remember Johnny Howard's battlers?

David1955 replies on Sep 17, 2018:

Yes, he made them battle. Poor sods couldn't see.

Our new PM "gets" Trump [theguardian.

powder comments on Sep 17, 2018:

Was hoping Trump would stop Aust politics brown nosing the US, wrong. F'n god botherer too. Glad to see the "loyal deputy" go tho. Whiney Pyney as defense minister ffs. Careful world, the attack poodles in charge.

David1955 replies on Sep 17, 2018:

That brown nosing goes back to the 1940s, really cranked up under Menzies, post 1949. Never expect a change there unless the ALP goes truly left.

Anyone else think of his site as a secret society? :P

Flyingsaucesir comments on Sep 17, 2018:

Yeah, secret except for the flashing neon sign AGNOSITIC.COM in the clubhouse window. If it were secret, we wouldn't have a steady trickle of believers sneaking in here intent on saving our souls. But we do, though they don't get very far, poor frustrated bastards, lol! ?

David1955 replies on Sep 17, 2018:

@goldenvalleyguy yeah. It's like the Secret Service which protects the President. What secret? They call them Secret Service, and in every political movie about Washington they have the Secret Service dudes in the plot. Worst secret ever. We've secret here like that, meaning not at all.

What is the deal about having an "emotional support animal" and taking it on planes and so?

DavidLaDeau comments on Sep 16, 2018:

It may sound hokey but as we are social animals, pets do provide comfort for many. We had a dog that helps two autistic kids at school when they get worked up. It is also now very much abused by those who simply want to buck he system which causes more problems for those that have valid needs.

David1955 replies on Sep 17, 2018:

@DavidLaDeau as I noted in another comment, I would never view harshly anyone who has a real medical or psychological problem in this context. But it does seem that there are those who have jumped on the bandwagon. As also noted elsewhere, a recent story is that US airlines are starting to be tougher on this. I must say, I've learnt quite a lot about this subject from comments to my post, including yours. Always a good thing about the site.

What is the deal about having an "emotional support animal" and taking it on planes and so?

DavidLaDeau comments on Sep 16, 2018:

It may sound hokey but as we are social animals, pets do provide comfort for many. We had a dog that helps two autistic kids at school when they get worked up. It is also now very much abused by those who simply want to buck he system which causes more problems for those that have valid needs.

David1955 replies on Sep 16, 2018:

Well, I'm not Dr PHIL or anything, but surely dealing with underlying emotional and psychological issues would be a better approach than transference and dependence on an animal.

What is the deal about having an "emotional support animal" and taking it on planes and so?

birdingnut comments on Sep 16, 2018:

It's a life saver for certain people on the autism spectrum, with ptsd, or other issues. I take herbs to ease anxiety, but I can see how people who fear taking any herbs or drugs might benefit from having a comfort animal. No reason why that animal can't be a small, portable one, though. Not ...

David1955 replies on Sep 16, 2018:

Well, I'm tolerant if there is a reason and not just attention getting and affectation.

What is the deal about having an "emotional support animal" and taking it on planes and so?

idoubtit comments on Sep 16, 2018:

This is out of control where I live. The animals and all of their equipment, like strollers, are everywhere, and the owners are often rude people who let the animal do its business and don't clean it up

David1955 replies on Sep 16, 2018:

I don't think it has caught on here in Australia, yet. Hope it doesn't.

What is the deal about having an "emotional support animal" and taking it on planes and so?

Juggler67 comments on Sep 16, 2018:

There is no governing authority for service dogs.  The Americans with disabilities act requires that equal access to places and services to everyone regardless of disability. These two truths, along with a person's right to privacy allow shitty people to bring pets wherever they like. A ...

David1955 replies on Sep 16, 2018:

That's interesting contextual info. I did wonder about the rules or regulations about it. I also read a story about an airline in the US clamping down on such pets being brought on board. Understandably too.

What is the deal about having an "emotional support animal" and taking it on planes and so?

Varn comments on Sep 16, 2018:

I agree.. Sat in the back of a Prius with a guy and his ‘emotional support dog’ while getting a ride to a political event. The dog ‘behaved,’ as best one can, but from my observations, it was just weird, maybe even attention seeking behavior on the guys part. Hey, envision it within an ...

David1955 replies on Sep 16, 2018:

@JustLynnie interesting reading comments. I thought perhaps I was just old fashioned and out of date with things. Interesting the others see it as pretentious as well. I would feel just silly. And being a cat person you can hardly take an emotional support kitty around with you. The Monty Python guys would turn this into a sketch. "This is Simon, my emotional support slug". :-)

What is the deal about having an "emotional support animal" and taking it on planes and so?

JustLynnie comments on Sep 16, 2018:

I deal with it all the time because people try to bring them into my place of employment. An emotional support animal is not a service animal and has none of the associated protections. IMO people who insist on bringing them in public make it harder for others who have legitimate service animals.

David1955 replies on Sep 16, 2018:

My thinking too. No one would have a problem with an eyesight impaired person and their animal, for example, but this seems more like a fashion thing.

This is why democratic socialism is on the rise

Piratefish comments on Aug 24, 2018:

I am the financial director at my company. One would think the position would make me a staunch capitalist and fairly anti-labor. And for about 15 - 20 years, they would be correct. I looked at it from the view of supply and demand for many years, and also felt that reward should be tied to ...

David1955 replies on Sep 12, 2018:

@MsDemeanour thank you. I'm afraid @Piratefish is on another wavelength however.

I was across the street from the Pentagon on 911.

David1955 comments on Sep 11, 2018:

Do you think an actual aircraft hit the Pentagon that day? I ask because reports I've read say that even the most catastrophic aircraft crashes will leave recognisable aircraft remnants, like wheels and wing parts. Nothing like that can be seen from that day. Nothing I ever saw in footage shows any....

David1955 replies on Sep 11, 2018:

@LetzGetReal interesting, thanks. I do note that not a scrap of video footage exists showing an aircraft there that day. It is most curious.

Scott Morrison's claim to be 'on God's side' is fraught with danger | Geoff Thompson ...

Babyseal comments on Sep 11, 2018:

Sco Mo on 7.30 is scary on his religious views A right wing puppet

David1955 replies on Sep 11, 2018:

I've stopped watching the ABC these days, as it has been financially horsewhipped by the Reactionaries. That said, I'll check it out.

Scott Morrison's claim to be 'on God's side' is fraught with danger | Geoff Thompson ...

FrayedBear comments on Sep 10, 2018:

How sweet the highlighting of Morrison's words used in his inauguration speech - "After quoting Lincoln, he invoked the South African archbishop Desmond Tutu to sketch his vision of what it means to be on God’s side. Tutu’s words were presented as his benchmark: “We expect Christians ... to be...

David1955 replies on Sep 10, 2018:

@MsDemeanour they are all Type A personalities, the worst to have.

Scott Morrison's claim to be 'on God's side' is fraught with danger | Geoff Thompson ...

MsDemeanour comments on Sep 10, 2018:

I was thinking about the comparison of our nearest neighbour. NZ have always been far more progressive in many ways. If you need to go to Thailand, perhaps I could go to NZ.

David1955 replies on Sep 10, 2018:

Good luck to you. I myself like the tropics. I don't drink, do drugs, or engage in sexual perversions, so I am not prone to destructive lifestyles that some expats fall into in Thailand. I just love living there. But only if I am financially fully sustained to do so.

Scott Morrison's claim to be 'on God's side' is fraught with danger | Geoff Thompson ...

MsDemeanour comments on Sep 10, 2018:

It is frightening. And for women who make up 51% of Aust's population, the liberals mysoginist record is frightening. But give us a chance Dave. It's not like the people voted for this creep. I've never liked Bill Shorten, but it's a given he will be in power in 9 months. Did you see ScoMo asking us...

David1955 replies on Sep 10, 2018:

He seems like a classic God botherer to me, while being indifferent to refugees and welfare receivers and other "unworthy" types. I agree with you, but I have no optimism about a Shorten Labor Govt. None. Another right wing labor govt beholden to right wing unions and still in the mould of the "great"Hawke- Keating reforms. In 1983 I stood and cheered Bob Hawke at a rally during that election. Within months a govt that looked nothing like that promised emerged. I've had little optimism since. Destroyed by economic rationalism and right wing unions and the power politics of the NSW right. Shorten is from that mould.

The rise of post-truth liberalism -

David1955 comments on Sep 9, 2018:

Yuck article, and that's my professional opinion. The author would be better placed if he wrote an article called "The rise of anti truth anti liberalism reactionary conservatism". At one point he writes: "Relieved from any responsibility for the debacles they have presided over, the liberal ...

David1955 replies on Sep 9, 2018:

@Deiter oh yes, Nazism was not defeated forever in 1939-1945, just that form of highly militaristic racist nazism, and it has since evolved and mutated like the evil meme that it is. It is a sad fact that too many people claim to want freedom and liberty, but crave authoritarian figures to rule over them. Perhaps it is because liberty and freedom requires effort, intellectual effort, and a commitment to being knowledgable and questioning and critical. Easier to believe an authority with all the "answers". Just like religion.

Can science and religion be reconciled?

KKGator comments on Sep 8, 2018:

I'm going to go with NO. Science admits when it's wrong about something, and offers new evidence to prove or disprove any scientific assertion. It is constantly questioning, researching, experimenting, and working toward answers. Religion asserts that gods exist, and insists on it's ...

David1955 replies on Sep 8, 2018:

I'm going to go with a big agree on your NO.

Can science and religion be reconciled?

Coffeo comments on Sep 8, 2018:

I am a (retired) scientist, and I have known a number of good scientists who were religious. But I have never understood how this can be.

David1955 replies on Sep 8, 2018:

It used to baffle me too, but with research and reflection I have come to recognise that highly intelligent people including scientists are using the emotional part of their brain, putting it simplistically, to believe in religion. If you push them I swear you can actually see cognitive dissonance on their faces. Studies in neuroscience deal with this too, though I'm not an authority, just general reading. I think I get what is going on about this these days more than I used to.

When to switch primarily identifying as an Agnostic to Atheist?

Gmak comments on Sep 3, 2018:

I find both the theist and atheist positions absurd! It's beyond our purview to know whether there is or isn't a god. To take either of these positions demonstrates a preposterous lack of humility.

David1955 replies on Sep 4, 2018:

@Gmak I make no claim about the testability or otherwise of any God. You make a lot of assumptions, otherwise known as strawman arguments. Any God worth the name should be able to make itself known, I should think. Omnipotence and all that. I simply state there is no evidence of any God, hence I am an atheist. Should evidence appear, I would consider it. No lack of humility there. I've heard your arguments many times before, always misleading. And I'm still waiting for your evidence that dragons don't exist, or perhaps you are agnostic about dragons too. No shame on Richard Dawkins. Only on some agnostics who attempt but fail to claim the higher ground that they don't deserve.

When to switch primarily identifying as an Agnostic to Atheist?

Gmak comments on Sep 3, 2018:

I find both the theist and atheist positions absurd! It's beyond our purview to know whether there is or isn't a god. To take either of these positions demonstrates a preposterous lack of humility.

David1955 replies on Sep 4, 2018:

@Rossy92 I don't like or agree with the assertion that atheism is a belief. I'm also an A-Leprechaun-ist, and that's not just a belief; there's no evidence!

When to switch primarily identifying as an Agnostic to Atheist?

Gmak comments on Sep 3, 2018:

I find both the theist and atheist positions absurd! It's beyond our purview to know whether there is or isn't a god. To take either of these positions demonstrates a preposterous lack of humility.

David1955 replies on Sep 4, 2018:

@Gmak because you don't have to proof a negative. That's science. If you don't agree, please prove to me that dragons don't exist. Assuming that you are a nonbeliver in dragons.

When to switch primarily identifying as an Agnostic to Atheist?

Gmak comments on Sep 3, 2018:

I find both the theist and atheist positions absurd! It's beyond our purview to know whether there is or isn't a god. To take either of these positions demonstrates a preposterous lack of humility.

David1955 replies on Sep 3, 2018:

Wrong, sorry. An atheist asserts there is not a scrap of evidence for any God, not one. Come back with evidence and we will consider it. No lack of humility involved.

Just keeping optimistic.

David1955 comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Really, that's all it takes. A meaningless cliche and you feel better? Reality check - My eyes are worse. I can't run as well as I used to. Sleep is interrupted at best. Certain physiological reactions are not at spontaneous or sustained as they used to be (and I'll leave it at that). As the ...

David1955 replies on Sep 2, 2018:

@Jonado a very moving comment. Thank you.

Damnedest thing just happened.

JustLynnie comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Nice that he didnt care that you were atheist. He just wanted you to have a nice father's day. But what if you werent a father?

David1955 replies on Sep 1, 2018:

@JustLynnie Agreed. Were I to speak that that man again, I would bring some points to his attention about conflating religion with Father's Day, or Mother's Day as well.

Damnedest thing just happened.

TheAstroChuck comments on Sep 1, 2018:

If it happens again, call out: "I'm a diabetic atheist who just lost his only child."

David1955 replies on Sep 1, 2018:

Yes, as I mentioned below, it was rather presumptuous. I wonder what they would say if I knocked on their door and said happy Father's Day, and thrust some candy and a copy of Dawkins God Delusion book in their hand? I suspect they would not be pleased.

Damnedest thing just happened.

walklightly comments on Sep 1, 2018:

the godbotherers must be getting desperate, hijacking a mundane heathen holiday like father's day for their purposes. i feel almost sorry for them.

David1955 replies on Sep 1, 2018:

Yeah, hanging on the coat tails of Father's Day, which is not a religious day. Very odd.

Damnedest thing just happened.

JustLynnie comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Nice that he didnt care that you were atheist. He just wanted you to have a nice father's day. But what if you werent a father?

David1955 replies on Sep 1, 2018:

@Donotbelieve I agree with both your points. The fact that I'm an atheist didn't matter, but also it is presumptuous. I'm not a father, and what if I had a child pass away recently and obviously still grieving? That could obviously cut someone up very badly. No questions were asked, just bang here you are. The more I thought about it, the more questionable a practise it seemed to me.

Winter is Over! Long live the spring. Yayyyyyyyyyyyy

David1955 comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Too bloody right! Another winter I've managed not to off myself due to winter blues. Getting harder every year though.

David1955 replies on Sep 1, 2018:

@MsDemeanour I wish. But further north that QLD, actually, in fact Thailand, where I once lived and adored, including the weather. Keep hoping I can expatriate again. SA weather 'ain't' to my taste.

IPhone or Android? Why?

itsmedammit comments on Aug 30, 2018:

Cost, plus Apple seems like a cult. Absurd that people line up to pay large amounts of money for an iPhone. Never understood the draw. It's just a phone.

David1955 replies on Aug 31, 2018:

My personal theory is that they are the same ones who used to line up to buy the latest Windows. I used to laugh. One cult to another.

IPhone or Android? Why?

Green_eyes comments on Aug 29, 2018:

I have both and go back and forth. Apple has always been easier to use. I already have iPads and macs, it’s nice to have all those devices connected.

David1955 replies on Aug 29, 2018:

Yes I have a Mac and an iPad too, but iPhone, no.

IPhone or Android? Why?

Deiter comments on Aug 29, 2018:

My first computer was an Apple. I used to do graphic design so there was no other choice, really. Back then, once you bought (or, ahem, acquired) software you were bound to stay with a brand. The fact that Apple always put a premium on design appealed to my aesthetic as a design guy. But I've no...

David1955 replies on Aug 29, 2018:

As a life long Mac guy I do have to agree with you on Apple now. It's become the new Microsoft, something I thought I'd never say, while Microsoft has become the new IBM. Apple ain't Apple anymore. It's become a monster, arrogant and cynical towards its customer base which it increasingly sees as suckers. It was all so different back then.

IPhone or Android? Why?

SaucyCheryl comments on Aug 29, 2018:

Love my Note8.

David1955 replies on Aug 29, 2018:

You know I've got a Note 3, special rose gold edition I got in Bangkok years ago, and I really like it, and it does all I want, though it's an oldie in mobile terms now. Apart from the fact that damn Samsung won't update older phones to newer Android versions it's all I want. I like the stylus a lot.

Atheists Urge People to Quit the Catholic Church in Full-Page New York Times Ad | Hemant Mehta

Marionville comments on Aug 28, 2018:

Yes I hope enough of the faithful read it and leave the church. Whilst scrolling down, underneath there was a previous item from one if their publications quoting Pope Francis saying “When your child says he’s gay, he may need to see a psychiatrist.” I say all the heirarchy of the church ...

David1955 replies on Aug 28, 2018:

Couldn't agree more. I'd like the see the RCC put on trial for crimes against humanity, dating back millennia to the present.

This is why democratic socialism is on the rise

Piratefish comments on Aug 24, 2018:

I am the financial director at my company. One would think the position would make me a staunch capitalist and fairly anti-labor. And for about 15 - 20 years, they would be correct. I looked at it from the view of supply and demand for many years, and also felt that reward should be tied to ...

David1955 replies on Aug 25, 2018:

@Piratefish some interesting points in your reply, apart from the last paragraph, which was presumptious, patronising and condescending, also plain wrong. Who the hell do you think you are talking to? Some half wit college lefty? A typical right wing false assumption is that the belief in greater equality stems from envy and failure. I wear idealism as a badge of honour. Good day.

This is why democratic socialism is on the rise

Piratefish comments on Aug 24, 2018:

I am the financial director at my company. One would think the position would make me a staunch capitalist and fairly anti-labor. And for about 15 - 20 years, they would be correct. I looked at it from the view of supply and demand for many years, and also felt that reward should be tied to ...

David1955 replies on Aug 25, 2018:

@Piratefish I merely quoted your definition of determining the minimum wage, which was not credible, frankly. Nor am I immune to the realities of economics. But increasing the minimum hourly rate is not the solution to the massive inequality that increasingly exists. Also, labour market issues are far more complex, including overskilled taking under skilled jobs. You probably consider yourself to be progressive in thinking. But what is needed is not just tinkering but a complete realignment of income, taxation and services structures to deal with the rampant polarisation in wealth that several decades of right wing economics has intentionally created, and these solutions will come from the left, never from the right of politics.

This is why democratic socialism is on the rise

Piratefish comments on Aug 24, 2018:

I am the financial director at my company. One would think the position would make me a staunch capitalist and fairly anti-labor. And for about 15 - 20 years, they would be correct. I looked at it from the view of supply and demand for many years, and also felt that reward should be tied to ...

David1955 replies on Aug 24, 2018:

"minimum wage should be tied to the cost of living in the area, the worker's age, and number of dependents"? Really? You think this is how a minimum wage rate is determined Australia and Europe etc. You should be able to "eke" out a living? This is right wing paternalistic capitalism. A sort of Henry Ford philosophy of allowing the plebs just enough to get by while ruthlessly exploiting them. Your epiphany is hardly more than a reluctant admission that unless things change a little superficially the plebs might rise up and kill you. Lifelong believers in Democratic Socialism like myself look for something more fundamentally equitable than this I assure you.

So we have a new Prime Minister.

David1955 comments on Aug 24, 2018:

And a Hillsong evangelical moralising spineless ass kisser, spineless unless torturing refugees and welfare recipients, always the soft targets. I'll tell you the truth. I spent the better part of a decade living and working in Thailand. Despite frustrations I was never happier. I'd be back ...

David1955 replies on Aug 24, 2018:

@FrayedBear yes I knew many in SE Asia, though my expat gang there were always Americans. Always gravitated to them. "Call me Yankee, they're my family" as The Engineer from Miss Saigon sang. :-)

Beer and Bible readings: Church plans to open brewery, serve during service

Seminarian comments on Aug 19, 2018:

It's probably not. Church leaders are coming up with all sorts of marketing ideas that stretch the definition of spiritual or even religious observance. The farther they delve into secular activities however, the harder it will be for them to defend their tax exempt status. They aren't thinking ...

David1955 replies on Aug 23, 2018:

@Seminarian PS how can you describe yourself as an Integral? You can't call yourself an adjective integral, and as a noun it refers to a mathematical function. I see no link between the word and your definition. Strange.

Beer and Bible readings: Church plans to open brewery, serve during service

Seminarian comments on Aug 19, 2018:

It's probably not. Church leaders are coming up with all sorts of marketing ideas that stretch the definition of spiritual or even religious observance. The farther they delve into secular activities however, the harder it will be for them to defend their tax exempt status. They aren't thinking ...

David1955 replies on Aug 23, 2018:

@Seminarian well, of course we see things differently but I found what you have said interesting anyway. Funny about the elderly lady, though. :-)

Beer and Bible readings: Church plans to open brewery, serve during service

Seminarian comments on Aug 19, 2018:

It's probably not. Church leaders are coming up with all sorts of marketing ideas that stretch the definition of spiritual or even religious observance. The farther they delve into secular activities however, the harder it will be for them to defend their tax exempt status. They aren't thinking ...

David1955 replies on Aug 22, 2018:

@Seminarian you of course can call yourself whatever you want. But I need to tell you that hanging on to word "Christian" because it sounds goods, does not work with atheists like me. When I hear the word Christian, I have instant negative word association. Christian - oppression, thrawting of human progress, The Dark Ages, moralising anti- modern thinking, wars, persecution of free minds, apologists for tyranny and dictatorial reigns, and incomprehensible destruction of ancient knowledge. Just for starters. The more I read of Christianity and its history, the more I am repulsed by it. And it continues to the modern day, thinly disguised, less so in the developing world where there is less scrutiny. It is not and never has been a positive word for me, a student of history. The word Christian is a word we should add the vocabulary of infamy in human history. Dressing it up in modern new age speak does nothing to change that. I long to see the word brought to justice.

Is not Malcolm Turnbull a walking lesson on what happens to a person who has no capacity to stand by...

FrayedBear comments on Aug 21, 2018:

Most only stand to line their pockets. Few have the intelligence to work for all.

David1955 replies on Aug 21, 2018:

Yes, but also the party systems crush idealism and motivation and impose compliance. In political science it is called electoralism, the loss of ideals in pursuit of electoral success. It's the blight of the modern western mainstream politics.

Beer and Bible readings: Church plans to open brewery, serve during service

Seminarian comments on Aug 19, 2018:

It's probably not. Church leaders are coming up with all sorts of marketing ideas that stretch the definition of spiritual or even religious observance. The farther they delve into secular activities however, the harder it will be for them to defend their tax exempt status. They aren't thinking ...

David1955 replies on Aug 21, 2018:

@Seminarian so, just to be clear, you not a Christian now but, as your profile says, an agnostic? I think if my position had changed on religion, as had my username and profile while being here, I would present that clearly in my profile. Wouldn't you agree? BTW, I still think you are a theist, nuanced in new age language, and not an agnostic. Just being honest.

Hi all, Is there anyone here that is a member of the A.F.A. ?

David1955 comments on Aug 20, 2018:

I feel like this is something I should be aligned with, but have not had the motivation to do so.

David1955 replies on Aug 20, 2018:

@billy11 I have no experience with this site. I have been looking at it since your post. I have looked at it before, but it never grabbed me, so to speak. You are right to raise a question about it. I would be good if there were more links between non believers in Australia. I've always felt the Aust atheist org activities are Sydney and Melbourne focused.

Beer and Bible readings: Church plans to open brewery, serve during service

Seminarian comments on Aug 19, 2018:

It's probably not. Church leaders are coming up with all sorts of marketing ideas that stretch the definition of spiritual or even religious observance. The farther they delve into secular activities however, the harder it will be for them to defend their tax exempt status. They aren't thinking ...

David1955 replies on Aug 20, 2018:

Dear Seminarian. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but did you not start out on this site under the moniker "UnityBrad" a professed Christian in a post Christian religion seminary, with whom I exchanged comments about God not being a God and Jesus not being a historical person? And if I'm correct, I now see you are an agnostic, sort of, as I predicted you would become, but still "spiritual" and still a seminarian? Can you confirm this to be correct, or am I mistaken?

Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?

David1955 comments on Aug 4, 2018:

I'm on record several times here saying that I don't think this is a site for believers, but I respect the site policy. I do think there is a difference between believers who perhaps wish to engage here intelligently, and preaching types intent on saving souls and so on. The latter are not welcomed....

David1955 replies on Aug 16, 2018:

@Junkman I agree with you 1000% and indeed I call these people pseudo religionists, who are attracted to the trimmings and trappings of religion, while technically rejecting religion. I have no time for it. For me the line is very clear, but for some believer non religionists it isn't and I can see that any policy here that "believers" are not welcome would erupt in a huge debate on the meaning of the term.

Space, Time, and Matter.

Drsmash253 comments on Aug 9, 2018:

I am you and you are me and we are all together

David1955 replies on Aug 10, 2018:

Goo goo goo joob.

Stories like this make me so proud to be a South Australian.

PontifexMarximus comments on Aug 6, 2018:

I think that these laws are a just exercises in window dressing. Even if the public prosecutor's office should somehow obtain some evidence - Where would it come from? - they would probably decide against engaging a trial. The only witnesses would be the two blokes present in the booth. The church ...

David1955 replies on Aug 7, 2018:

@PontifexMarximus indeed.

Stories like this make me so proud to be a South Australian.

PontifexMarximus comments on Aug 6, 2018:

I think that these laws are a just exercises in window dressing. Even if the public prosecutor's office should somehow obtain some evidence - Where would it come from? - they would probably decide against engaging a trial. The only witnesses would be the two blokes present in the booth. The church ...

David1955 replies on Aug 6, 2018:

The analogy of the CC and organised crime is most apt. Godfather/Holy Father, consigliere / papal hand, council of families/ church council, criminal rackets at local level/ parishes, Bishops/ local crime bosses. I don't know which is the mirror image of the other but I'm sure it's true.

There has been a lot of discussion over time about the name of this site, agnostic.

Annaleda comments on Aug 6, 2018:

I find it interesting at all the people who join our community, then try to change us.

David1955 replies on Aug 6, 2018:

I am not trying to change anything, including you, thank you.

There has been a lot of discussion over time about the name of this site, agnostic.

IamNobody comments on Aug 6, 2018:

Divide and conquer... that's what this posting sounds (to Me anyway). Agnostics, unbelievers...tomato, potato.... which part of free service is not clear? As I see it, I am a guest and I don't think it's ok if I try to enforce my will on my host !!!!....so, there it is, I've said it.

David1955 replies on Aug 6, 2018:

@IamNobody well I agree, and have said similarly, but from time to time there have been quite serious debates about this. The point has been made that it had to be called something, and whatever was chosen wouldn't have pleased everyone, and it was a matter of domain name availability and so on. All accepted. I just find the name unbelieve.org a useful alternative if broader name, and one that doesn't make me feel linked to being an agnostic, that's all.

There has been a lot of discussion over time about the name of this site, agnostic.

IamNobody comments on Aug 6, 2018:

Divide and conquer... that's what this posting sounds (to Me anyway). Agnostics, unbelievers...tomato, potato.... which part of free service is not clear? As I see it, I am a guest and I don't think it's ok if I try to enforce my will on my host !!!!....so, there it is, I've said it.

David1955 replies on Aug 6, 2018:

And I am not doing that and have never done that. Full marks for missing the point. And by the way, it's tomato tomato, same word different pronunciation, see.