Trump Biographer: President’s Entire Campaign Was Likely a ‘Criminal Conspiracy’

David1955 comments on Dec 23, 2018:

Yes, no doubt. The arrogance of Trump to think he could get away with it. A dude might go into politics worrying about a skeleton in the closet, but Trump had an entire graveyard in his house.

For ancient history fans

David1955 comments on Dec 23, 2018:

That second one could be Trump talking to Roger Stone. Cave men with clubs is about their level.

John de Lancie on Freethought Radio (Freedom from Religion Foundation) I haven't listened to it ...

David1955 comments on Dec 23, 2018:

I really like JDeL's video on Openly Secular website. He really is great to listen to and watch. Q is my favourite character on ST anyway, often misunderstood by the less thoughtful.

Xmas in Australia.

David1955 comments on Dec 22, 2018:

Except for those, like me, who prefer an air conditioned house, turkey, vegetables, pudding, and iced honey lemon tea, followed by good coffee. We're not all the stereotype. :-)

Conflating possible with probable

David1955 comments on Dec 22, 2018:

Well of course all this is depressingly and reality-checkingly true. But I ask how can we statistically determine the likelihood that alien species elsewhere, that have been around far longer than we, may have invented faster than light drives, mastered worm-hole travel, or discovered pathways in the universe, or similar, which permit them to do what seems impossible to us now? Saying that it is statistically highly unlikely or in effect impossible is, in the end, an opinion only, is it not? Taking your lottery analogy, every week millions of people buy a ticket in lotteries in which the odds for each individual to win are seemingly impossible. Yet, every week, some do.

I remember when TV changed colour in Adelaide in 75, an episode of this was on TV and it changed ...

David1955 comments on Dec 22, 2018:

Me too. The irony is that now I happily stream TV from the golden age of the 50s and 60s, including a lot of B and W in preference to the crap that mostly passes for modern TV shows these days. I no longer care about colour, only quality.

Ruth Bader Ginburg has 2 cancerous tumors remove from her lungs.

David1955 comments on Dec 22, 2018:

Well, why not. A corrupt, fraudulent, unrepresentative, gerrymandered Senate, representing a fraction of the population, supporting a predominantly white oligarchy, rigging your Supreme Court to enforce a Right Wing reactionary agenda of a minority over a progressive majority. Let's hear it for autocracy, oligarchy, regressive political agendas, voter suppressed, gerrymandered sham democracies, and white suprematist rule generally. Happy Days. Another chapter in the decline of the American Empire. Throw in lead in the pipes and it'll be Rome all over again.

Does anyone else find it ironic that "can't prove a negative" is a negative statement?

David1955 comments on Dec 18, 2018:

There is nothing negative in saying that you cannot prove a negative. In fact not only can you not prove a negative, it is not necessary to do so, and the affirmation of that fact effectively rebuffs those who claim it is necessary to do so. For example, religionists, and sadly some agnostics, who claim atheists should prove that God *doesn't* exist, which is absurd, as would be an argument that those not believing in fairies must prove that they don't exist. In this regard, a statement that a negative cannot be proven is not a negative statement, but an affirmation of correct logic.

Guns: Give them to everyone as a government program.

David1955 comments on Dec 15, 2018:

Well, is that the latest idea form your NRA and their Russian best friends? Why only a hand gun? Why not one of those automatic machine guns? If you're going to reduce the country to chaos and slaughter, then why not do it well. Yes, Sir.

Always fun to find out who is who on this site.

David1955 comments on Dec 13, 2018:

If I were Ms Butina, I'd worry more about what will happen to her after she tells all to the US authorities and then gets sent back to the welcoming arms of Vlad and his boys. I don't see the US allowing her to say, and anyway, Vlad would still find a way to get her. Movies aside, spy craft is a nasty business. .... May her story help bring down that horrible NRA.

The Year of the Woman just roared in Trump's Oval Office - CNNPolitics

David1955 comments on Dec 12, 2018:

I think that roar was the outcome that came from the roar of women voters during the mid term elections. He looked pathetic. He is pathetic. Someone should put him out of his misery, politically speaking.

Ok guys and gals Lily Munster or Morticia Addams

David1955 comments on Dec 11, 2018:

PS. I have found that I can stream these and all other TV shows from the 60s with the "Tea" App for Android. I love Perry Mason too. When I was a kid I wanted to be Paul Drake.

Ok guys and gals Lily Munster or Morticia Addams

David1955 comments on Dec 11, 2018:

Two of my fav TV ladies of the 60s, along with Julie Newmar, Catwoman.

A rude awakening

David1955 comments on Dec 10, 2018:

Maybe time to tone down the criticisms of religion. It must be true: God doesn't have a sense of humour. :-) Hope the cat is ok.

Early Russian outreach to Trump campaign detailed by Mueller

David1955 comments on Dec 9, 2018:

It would appear that Mr Mueller had a choice of either going for the jugular, or death by a thousand cuts with Trump. Wisely, he's chosen the latter. Going for the jugular can miss. A thousand cuts gets you in the end. It also allows for the possibility that a Trump, in his desperation, will do something so illegal it'll be impossible for his base and the sycophants in his party to ignore. I also do not discount the possibility that the Russians will release killer info about Trump. They'd enjoy putting their figurative foot on his neck. What have they to lose? The sensible people in the US know about Putin. He is enjoying humiliating the US, and his prestige with the autocrats in the world would only grow. I predict!

The Darker Side of George H. W. Bush’s Kinder, Gentler Faith-Based Politics - TheHumanist.com

David1955 comments on Dec 7, 2018:

It's always mainstream media. Who owns mainstream media, and what are their true interests? Rarely the real truth and manufactured consent and dissent, as Noam Chomsky has said. Bush whitewashing is par for the course.

Have you guys been spreading discontent?

David1955 comments on Dec 7, 2018:

No need to spread it. It's a self replicating virus. I keep saying that the labor party needs to firmly reject economic rationalism, stand for a real reform agenda, fight on principle, win government with an agenda, not by default, and *fucking stand for something* which they haven't done since the Hawke- Keating contagion in the 80s. (Pardon my French, but I'm sick of the ALP here).

Late news but current for the next 2.5 days. Australian heatwave: [mobile.abc.net.au]

David1955 comments on Dec 6, 2018:

Let's all take a deep breath and remember the wise words of The Mad Monk, Tony Abbott, that climate change is "all crap". :-<

A hypothetical: Suppose @admin is sick of agnostic.

David1955 comments on Dec 5, 2018:

None. I want a more atheistic site, not less. On second thought, maybe option 3.

Just saying.

David1955 comments on Dec 5, 2018:

I confess, as as Australian, I've never worked out the difference between Republican and Libertarian. Methinks the latter is a Republican who has read too much Ayn Rand. :-)

It has just been brought to my attention that every post I make at Agnostic.

David1955 comments on Dec 5, 2018:

Totally agree. If we opt out, as I did, then that's what it should mean. I further note that Admin generally has gone very quiet on admin issues, and is as visible lately as God during the Inquisition, meaning not at all.

There are some insanely mean and hateful people on this site --- just a reminder that the world ...

David1955 comments on Dec 5, 2018:

Agreed. I made a joke yesterday about there is revolution in the air about the points system. But it was a joke. Overall, the site works really well.

Say hello to Mr lizard who lives under our house

David1955 comments on Dec 5, 2018:

We've got a Blue Tongued lizard in our garden. A real gentleman. I call him Lester. He's very dignified and keeps a low profile, though it's kind of hard for him to do otherwise. :-) He's totally relaxed around us, and attends to his business. He knows it is safe here for him. What species is this one in the pic?

There seems to be a problem with the site.

David1955 comments on Dec 5, 2018:

Revolution is in the air. Oh goody. :-)

Would you feel overwhelmed with guilt if you stole something?

David1955 comments on Dec 3, 2018:

Not if it were Donald Trump's orange hair (?) mop piece. I could live guiltlessly. :-)

[scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net]

David1955 comments on Dec 3, 2018:

Ha! One day we will get a PM in Australia of vision and fortitude and courage, but not any time soon, and not in my remaining lifetime I suspect. Still the personal destiny fulfillers line up for those keys to the Lodge.

I'd like to know exactly what gets a member's points deducted?

David1955 comments on Dec 2, 2018:

Agreed. I wonder if the point system is completely understood even by Admin, I mean, quirks in coding and so on. There seems to be growing chorus calling for greater transparency, with all due respect to Admin.

The fact that the word faith is so closely associated with religion and God is annoying.

David1955 comments on Dec 2, 2018:

I think it is very important to differentiate between two meanings of the word "faith" in everyday language. Faith, as used in religion, means belief in claims and assertions not based on evidence or proven fact. It allows religions to make extraordinary claims about history, with no evidence, obliging followers to believe those claims on that basis. Indeed, religions make a virtue of faith-based beliefs as a sign that they are "worthy" of their imaginary God or saviour. But faith in general language is often used as a synonym for the word hope. People say they have faith in the future, faith that the better nature of human beings will prevail, that they have faith in their children, and so on. This means hope, but it is based on something -- one's opinion of human nature, the reading of history, or knowledge of our children. It's really hope, but expressed in that way, based on something, whether justified or not. We need to reject the religious meaning, loudly and clearly. We should recognize the second meaning as a synonym of language.

I'm sure George H.

David1955 comments on Dec 2, 2018:

Yes, and the business connections and questionable dealings of the Bush Family oligarchy, as well, for that matter. It is a fact that when people like this die in the US, the mainstream media go overboard in praise and eulogy. Same was true for John Mc Cain. It takes the progressive media to balance this eulogizing excess by mainstream media.

My points have been stuck at 65,032 for about a day now.

David1955 comments on Dec 2, 2018:

I think there are some issues with the point system, but it's secondary in my mind. Some people hitting level 7 in a short period, yet you've hardly heard of them. Then stagnation for some at certain levels for months despite active engagement. The cynic in me might think that there is a plan to keep too many reaching 7 and above, yet that wouldn't explain the rapid progress of some people. So, I don't know what to think. The "chill out dude" in me kicks in when I consider that it's a bit lame to feel "in competition" others. Also the level 8 T-shirt thing for me is tempered by the fact that while I acknowledge the name of the site, I'm not keen on wearing 'Agnostic" on my chest because I'm not one, and worry people will think I am. I must remember to order online some "Atheist" T-shirts, with the atheist "A" symbol, and "unbelieve.org" on the bottom, the other site name, which I prefer. These days you can design any T-shirt you want. Yes, I must remember to do that.

What is Socialism? [counterpunch.org]

David1955 comments on Nov 30, 2018:

If you're a conservative, socialism means spending money and reallocating resources on anything of direct benefit to the community -- education, social-economic safety net, health, essential infrastructure, employment, etc -- is wasteful and cannot be afforded, while reallocating resources on unjustifiable military spending, unnecessary or even illegal wars, domestic surveillance, huge tax cuts for the obscene rich, subsidies, lerks, perks, and benefits to the wealthy and huge corporations, is just fine and utterly consistent with a "free market" private enterprise economy. I've often thought that Right Wingers are the biggest socialists of all. They just don't realize it. Oh and I forgot trillion dollar bail outs when capitalism almost destroys itself due to corruption, greed and stupidity. No problem with that if you're a RW.

The 4th National Climate Assessment by the US government that was released the day after ...

David1955 comments on Nov 30, 2018:

I remember in 1998 meeting a computer science guy who'd had a tech company, was very successful, very technically informed and computer fluent. He had sold everything, lived in a backwater, and waited for the Y2K bug disaster to come. He lectured me for hours about the apocalypse to come: the planes would drop from the sky, the trains would crash into each other, the nuclear plants would explode, the financial system would collapse, every computer system known to man would implode and it would be back to the dark ages for us. He was an expert he told me, and all the other experts knew this, he said, but nothing could be done in time, so we were screwed. I didn't believe him, but I was concerned, and waited. On New Year's Eve 1999 I kept it in my mind. But the world didn't end. I've never forgotten that guy. It's not that I don't agree with the science, or that major change isn't needed, and regressive right wing forces live in la la land. It's just I am wary of experts and apocalypticalism, in any form. That's all.

From @heather2367 in the memes group. This made me laugh out loud!

David1955 comments on Nov 28, 2018:

The Commodore 64 is still in the shed. Keeping it as an antique. Those were the days...

Who else feels like religion leads to wars and killing

David1955 comments on Nov 27, 2018:

Religious "logic" here is sadly inexorable. You believe in God. There is the word of God. Non believers are the enemy of God. Enemies have to dealt with. So there are the wars of God. God is never wrong. All wars in his name are righteous. You start with an imaginary God, and wars and violence inevitably follow. Monotheism is the worst here. Look at our history since their rise several millennia ago.

In the news again! Australian airline pilots fly in their sleep.

David1955 comments on Nov 26, 2018:

Are you trying to give me nightmares and fear of flying phobia, FrayedBear? If so, you're succeeding. :-)

Democrats Finally Acknowledging Secular Voters

David1955 comments on Nov 26, 2018:

Slow, aren't they? I've often thought that with all the squabbles that go on here about definitions, like atheist and agnostic, and ignostic and all the rest, that 'secular' might be one term we could all agree on, or most of us. I'm sure I'm wrong. There would be objections I'm sure. Something about the term would not suit some. Oh well.

Agnostic vs Athiest

David1955 comments on Nov 25, 2018:

The atheist says, " I don't have a belief in any God as there's not a scrap of evidence for any of them. Find some evidence and make an appointment. I'll fit you in. So, I'm an atheist, and I mean about all Gods." The agnostic says, "Well, I'm not sure if there's a God. I haven't seen any evidence of a god. I'm not even sure if God is knowable, that is able to be known, so, I'll have to be uncertain about that too. So, I'm an agnostic, mainly about the God I grew up with, but I guess all of them, sort of (if you press me). The atheist says to the agnostic, "Errr, ok, well, I guess we'll both reconsider it if some evidence comes along. But don't hold your breath." :-)

Assange's threat to the Corporatocracy's MSM PR machinery is something they can't allow.

David1955 comments on Nov 25, 2018:

Ok, this is what I don't understand. I was an admirer of Assange. I like whistleblowers exposing the sins of governments, the military, corporations and other structures of power. But someone explain to me how Assange helping the Republicans, Trump puppets, and undermining H Clinton and so on, was in any way good for the world or for him personally. I get the US establishment is out to get Assange. What I don't get is Assange and Wikileaks' intrusion into the 2016 election.

Atheism is a myth.

David1955 comments on Nov 24, 2018:

The usual littany of false assumptions and claims against atheism. Boring! Here's some advice friend: fight "the Romans" instead of fellow nonbelievers. I don't believe in fairies. I'm an a-fairies-ist, because there is no evidence. But according to you, not believing in fairies is a myth too. Right.

Is it against site rules to have two accounts?

David1955 comments on Nov 24, 2018:

It's a form of deception and shouldn't be tolerated. How many such people are believers, I wonder? I've always had the view that this shouldn't be a site for believers.

My post of earlier here has been taken down.

David1955 comments on Nov 22, 2018:

I agree with your concern. There is a little too much of that going on, posts, points and rapid progress of levels. It remains my only concern about the operation of the site. I let it go as I aim to be above it, but I see recent joiners at high level and I have my doubts. That's all I will say.

For 40-50,000 years Australian First Nations People have nurtured and developed the environment.

David1955 comments on Nov 20, 2018:

It's hard to disagree. However, it cannot be said that had the British not arrived and colonized when they did, another colonial power would not have, with equal or worse consequences for the native population. The expansion of colonialism, and then early industrialization, would have made this inevitable. To imagine that the indigenous population of Australia could have been left untouched in an undeveloped land to the present time defies the reality of the growth and spread of global evolution. So the inexorable forces of history are to blame, I suppose, not that that gives any comfort. I'm old enough to remember how indigenous people were treated in the past, not just the people, but the utter disregard of the culture. A lot has changed since then. It started to change after Whitlam, in my view. I can't speak with authority about how to solve all the problems. But at least we remember the history and want to correct it, and that's the difference between imperfect liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes, which black out or rewrite the past.

For those who will meet up with family (and friends) this holiday season, here's some advice from ...

David1955 comments on Nov 20, 2018:

I watched his show and he made a really good point about core Trump supporters. If they haven't woken up by now, they won't, so don't waste your time arguing with them. He's right. It's like religious people. The more you press them, the more they dig in. If their brains are going to rewire, it's going to be self rewiring. Like Nixon supporters who hung on until the obvious couldn't be denied. Like Hitler supporters who had to face the reality of his evil at the end. Sad to say, some Hitler fans never gave it up. I suspect it'll be the same with some Trumpsters. They'll re-channel into another Trumpian autocrat. Inanycase, dialogue is now pointless with them.

Any ideas of capping your daily posts?

David1955 comments on Nov 19, 2018:

Agreed. It's a by product of the point system. Most do the right thing, but a few don't. I think the sensible majority see what is going on.

Do we have any fans of Bill maher on here, I'm sure their are some, I was one up until recently when...

David1955 comments on Nov 19, 2018:

He's an atheist brother and a progressive, funny, insightful, passionate, and enjoys being politically incorrect, and on that I'm with him 100%. I don't agree with those who think you can be atheist and progressive or left wing, but don't say anything to put anyone's nose out of joint whatever you do. We've had that for too long, and as a result we've got this right wing Trumpian backlash, and not just in the US. Enough. I like him and I like the way he jumps both on the Crazy Right and the Regressive Politically Correct Left. Genuine left wingers have a sense of humour and thick skins. I do.

I firmly believe there are three main reasons why trump got in.

David1955 comments on Nov 17, 2018:

I think you need to distinguish between the so-called Trump working class base -- which you are referring to in your post, who got a Trump religion, are TV trained, and loathed Clinton -- and other true-believer conservative Republicans who knew that Trump was a phoney, a fraud, a crook, a liar, and a moral cretin, but once he took the nomination supported him. The first group are delusional and have a faith based belief, like a religion. The latter are not delusional, but frankly would vote for the Devil, if he were Republican.

If you could meet and hold a discussion with one fictional character who would you choose?

David1955 comments on Nov 15, 2018:

"Q" from Star Trek. I think finding Q and the Q Continuum was the real purpose of the Trek in Space. Q basically told Picard that in ST TNG "All good things".

It's time for a different economic system:

David1955 comments on Nov 14, 2018:

Yes, and it has been and continues to be the failure of the political left to rid itself of the failed ideology and economics of economic rationalism and develop new politics and economics based on fairness and shared outcomes. Tweaking current models to just manage to win elections won't cut it anymore.

Random observations from day one exploration.

David1955 comments on Nov 14, 2018:

Trump pinatas? Oh, you mean the asylum section of the community. Yes, enter at own risk. :-)

There is no progress fairy anymore than there is a savior god.

David1955 comments on Nov 14, 2018:

Human belief in inexorable progress is not consistent. In the 19th Century there was enormous faith in technology and progress. WW1 was an enormous reality check on that. We saw a renewal of belief in progress after WW2. It has now waned with global cynicism and almost dispair. I think the underlying belief that technology and progress can solve our problems remains. What we doubt is the capacity of the human species to rise above greed and short term thinking. That will continue unless and until we have structures of power that reflect more noble goals, for the species and the planet. It may get much worse before it gets better, and it may not get better at all. A failed species on a failed planet.

Today Trump is tweeting all his best and kindest lording nationalist is sympathy for California.

David1955 comments on Nov 13, 2018:

Apparently he hates California because he is so unpopular there. As always, it's all about him. What a loathsome poor excuse of a human being he is.

Douglas Rain, the Canadian actor who provided the voice to the HAL 9000 computer in Stanley ...

David1955 comments on Nov 12, 2018:

It's always human error, Dave. RIP Mr Rain. We'll never forget you and HAL.

One more note on how a President respects the military - at of time, personal comforts, or ...

David1955 comments on Nov 10, 2018:

And yet millions of Americans have voted for him, twice in effect, including millions of women, and it boggles the imagination to consider why.

The Aliens land from millions of light years away.

David1955 comments on Nov 10, 2018:

I've come to think that if aliens are intelligent, they'll land and say hello. But if they are really intelligent, they won't.

Half of white women continue to vote Republican. What's wrong with them?

David1955 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

I just don't get this. Never have and still don't. But let's face it, it's older white people generally who support Trump, men and women, hanging on to the world they knew fast changing, fearful of non white groups finding their voice and standing up, regressing into the autocratic fantasy that Trump provides that seems to ameliorate their fear. So much of human behaviour is based on fear. That said, how any woman of intelligence with any self respect can support a creep like Trump is totally beyond me. The old white guy Trump supporter I kind of get, but women, no, not so much.

I am now an Athesit. I renounce my Christianity for Atheism

David1955 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

Congratulations, especially if you transitioned directly to atheism without the half way house of agnosticism along the way.

The Beatles - Helter Skelter [youtube.com]

David1955 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

I'm afraid this song, and indeed the White Album generally, has, in my mind forever been contaminated due to Manson and his Cult and the murdering morons who followed him. Sad to say. Not the Beatles fault, but as a life long fan of Sharon's I can't purge the connection between the evil quasi religious Manson cult and this music.

As a conservative atheist I feel like I am alone in this world socially and romantically

David1955 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

Reading this post and comments, what we seem to have here is a guy who claims to be a conservative and an atheist, and is sort of looking for sympathy. (Or a girlfriend). Really? In this world now I have no sympathy for conservatives, or conservatives masquerading as libertarians, even if they call themselves atheist. *Every atheist I admire, respect, or look up to are progressive or at least progressive-left leaning, and not one is conservative.* The world has changed, and I have no time for conservatism any more.

As a conservative atheist I feel like I am alone in this world socially and romantically

David1955 comments on Nov 8, 2018:

So, you've worked through your thinking on religion, but maybe political-economic thinking is still a work in progress. The key questions to me are: what is it about progressive ideas that alienates me, and is conservatism really consistent with atheist values and seek a non-religious world? I know my answers.

I just recently had a conversation with a lady that says God, angels, devil and Higher spiritual ...

David1955 comments on Nov 8, 2018:

Say goodnight to the folks, Gracie.

For those of you agnostics who find the whole God thing as silly as I do: Remember, being an ...

David1955 comments on Nov 6, 2018:

Being an agnostic means you can believe whatever you want, whenever you want? I've heard some definitions of agnosticism, but that one takes the cake. Glad I am not an agnostic but firmly atheist. I'm assuming your post is tongue in cheek. No one hopes for your blue wave more than me. But temporarily believing in a deity to achieve it I don't think will help. If God didn't stop Hitler, I doubt Trump will motivate him to act. Anyway, I hope your blue wave doesn't turn into a blue funk. Hillary was right. The Trump base is deplorable. I'm done rationalizing them.

Have you ever been called a "clever clog?"

David1955 comments on Nov 5, 2018:

Strange. I thought a clog meant a dummy or a bit of a smuck. New one for me. I like smarty pants, myself. It cuts down pretentious people. Never forget that episode of Frasier when this everyday guy, when asked by Frasier why he didn't like him, replied, "Well, I think you are a smarty pants." Frasier knew he was right, and so did we the audience.

ok who can explain these very odd American elections?

David1955 comments on Nov 5, 2018:

You know, it occurs to me that essential problem with the US electoral system is its total lack of a reform mechanism. All democratic based electoral systems have modernized and changed over time, through legal means. Look at the rotten electoral systems that used to exist in the UK and elsewhere, including here in Oz. But the US folks always say, this is how we do it in America. We're America, and we do it our way! And any changes they do make, make it worse! Like allowing egregious corporate funding. And who has the final say there? The Supreme Court, a right wing puppet show most of the time. Without processes for renewal and change based on the evolution of the country, any electoral system is doomed.

ok who can explain these very odd American elections?

David1955 comments on Nov 5, 2018:

America is not a democracy, in any real sense, and never has been. It's an oligarchic republic, under the rule of a mainly white military industrial corporate state complex, which, under threat, is resorting to minority right wing rule to maintain its power against the changing racial and cultural profile of the country. Even the Democrats, with their determination to end Trump, have no intention, at least at the top, to facilitate major reform. A much bigger ground swell and rise of populism is needed for that. The genuine Left in America say so often. America preaches democracy, but its elites have not the slightest interest in practicing it. What our cousins in the US fail to see is that this sham is now plain for the world to see. I do think that the next time the US has an election that external election watchers be sent in to verify a fair election. (Like in tin pot dictatorships) Clearly the US is incapable of holding such a thing, unable to prevent corruption at the ballot box and ensure a fair electoral system. It's almost sad. If the mid term elections are disappointing, that will be the reason.

For those of you who love the music of the 50's, 60's and 70's, join the Classic Rock Rules group!...

David1955 comments on Nov 1, 2018:

Now you're talking about my music.

Do you celebrate Christmas after realizing you don't believe in the reason for it?

David1955 comments on Oct 31, 2018:

I drag myself to a family event, but honestly any good Xmases are in the past and I'd happily skip it.

Do you find it a bit daggy when well known people, or anyone really, get to a senior age and then ...

David1955 comments on Oct 31, 2018:

I think on reflection of this issue what peeves me generally, not Mr Hopkins specifically, about stories of non believers who late in life turn religious and publicize it, is that it plays into religious believers' belief or view that agnostics/atheists are really "deep down inside" believers in God and religion, and that passing years and approaching end of life reveals it. That's why they often jump on such stories. Remember the false story about how Christopher Hitchens supposedly embraced religion before his death, though there was not a scrap of proof of that? If a celebrity finds religion late in life, well, that's their choice, but spares us giving religion a free kick when they do by publicizing it. That's what I find daggy. It's not just that I don't agree with their religion, but also I immediately regard them less.

Religions vs Cult

David1955 comments on Oct 31, 2018:

A cult is a small unpopular religion, and a religion is a large popular cult.

If you support shutting down a site because it's members are allowed to promote anti-semitic views ...

David1955 comments on Oct 31, 2018:

You raised this false equivalence in another thread and I called you out over it. I'm pleased that other members are calling you out over it in this thread. It's interesting that in a topic about antisemitism you try to pivot it against atheism and specifically anti-theism, as you are *wont* to do, due to your antipathy towards those holding these views. You previously wrote: "*Consider that that hardcore anti-semite is no different than the hardcore anti-theist: they both have strong opinions that they don't want "the other" on this earth, they both hate "the other" and, usually, those views are expressed peacefully*". I call that sophistry. I repeat what I wrote in the other thread: Antisemitism is a hatred of race and ethnicity, pure and simple. It is racism. Anti-theism involves no hatred of a people, race or ethnicity. It is a rejection of theism and desire to see it disappear from the world, as bad ideas do.

How did you you come out as a skeptic if you had a religious family?

David1955 comments on Oct 30, 2018:

I put it down to genetics and watching the Twilight Zone when I was a kid. And Star Trek.

Gab.

David1955 comments on Oct 30, 2018:

So, now I know what Gab is. Didn't know before. Pardon my ignorance. I'm just not good with right wing loonies. It's a weakness. Hope we aren't the Droids they're looking for. :-)

hay guys.

David1955 comments on Oct 29, 2018:

Keep your credit card handy. She might need it as sign of "good faith". :-)

What is the true purpose of religion?

David1955 comments on Oct 29, 2018:

When you cut through all the high brow justifications, about fear of death, making us feel part of something, control of people, populations, disease, and all the rest, I've come to think that religion at heart is a business. The customers are the gullible believers. The product is an intangible load of nonsense that can never be proved or disproved. Look at any sizeable religion and what do you find? Money and wealth. It's a fraudulent business that takes the money but never has to worry about unhappy customers because no one ever comes back from the dead to say they were sold a crock of crap. If prostitution is the world's oldest business, then religion runs a close second. In my older years I've stopped thinking of religion existing for all kinds of fancy psychological and philosophical reasons, and come to realize that's nothing more than legal fraud, with profit as its purpose.

Is This Taboo?

David1955 comments on Oct 29, 2018:

Ask Prince Charles how it worked out with Diana all those years ago. Not well. On the other hand, he and Camilla were "at it" so to speak some time before, and are very likely still at it all these years later. Lesson there.

Hello Agnostics! I’m glad to have stumbled on this site.

David1955 comments on Oct 28, 2018:

Actually, it's welcome to a community, mostly, of non religious people, including agnostics. The site name does give the false impression of an agnostic community, although the site description does correct that. Wherever you stand, welcome anyway.

I just looked at the Republican Athiest group and now I need brain bleach.

David1955 comments on Oct 26, 2018:

I'm just glad they stay in their little bunker of right wing la la land. Every family has some crazy relatives you hope don't visit. They used to post their 'Trump is great and lefties want my money and my guns' posts on the community. Now they don't so much. Thankfully.

If you could have any sci-fi gadget or technology, what would you choose?

David1955 comments on Oct 26, 2018:

A tachyon beam emitter, like they have on Star Trek. Not sure what it is, but it seems to fix anything. It gets you out of all scrapes, makes bad dudes go away, makes things work, and it's like a Swiss Army Knife in the universe, according to the ST episodes. One for the house, boat, car, and even the bedroom, to make sure everything works. Uhumm...Better than a sonic screwdriver, and indispensable to modern living, in the future. "Captain, I could a fire a tachyon beam at it sir!" "Make it so, Mr Data." Problem solved.

On the suggestion of @Triphid [secular.org.au]

David1955 comments on Oct 25, 2018:

Interesting. Not sure what having a vote registered at each election means here, though. Like the cap. I'd like to jog around with that on.

Listened to Sam and Bill yesterday.

David1955 comments on Oct 25, 2018:

If you are referring to a recent pod cast, yes I heard it and it was great. I must say, I agree with them on the regressive left, political correctness, identity politics gone mad issue that detracts the Left now. I say that with full left wing credentials but an awareness of this stifling political correctness going back to the 1980s. They are right to call it out.

That dog won't hunt. It doesn't pass the smell test.

David1955 comments on Oct 23, 2018:

That won't cut it. That won't fly. That's dead on arrival. That won't make it. That's a trip to nowheresville. It sank or will sink without a trace. There are some of mine Professor.

I don't watch much TV, but the media's fawning over this royal visit is making me ill.

David1955 comments on Oct 23, 2018:

Couldn't agree more. The very definition of boring.

Atheist = Depressed?

David1955 comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Depression to varying degrees, feelings of inadequacy, isolation, loneliness, disconnection from meaningful life, and even feelings of despair, are a characteristic of modern life. The reasons are complex, and explanations differ. But these feelings cut across all groups, religious and non religious alike. It's important to avoid the stereotypical thinking that somehow the religious are 'fulfilled' and happy because their deity or savour or cosmic duck 'loves' them. Newly minted weepy-eyed 'Jesus loves me' Jesus freaks aside, for their Jesus-self medicated 'joy' is temporary at best, they aren't. We are all in the same boat.

Is the world becoming more atheist?

David1955 comments on Oct 22, 2018:

This is an issue this needs to be unpacked a lot. There are a lot of trends going on, I believe. - there are a lot of people who are coming out clearly as non religious or even anti religious, as we see on this site. - this coming out seems to be broadly global, but is more evident in some countries and continents than others, like Europe and the US. But when look at Muslim countries, it's a different story, due to overt socialisation, and the pressure to adhere to their religion. - there are a lot of people who are somewhat secretly non or anti religious, but for various reasons don't come out publicly. Fear, being spurned, discriminated against, and other reasons. - there is also a large and I think growing group of people who are simply non religious, sometimes called apatheists, who just don't care about religion, bless them. Younger age groups are identified here, and what what I've read this growing apathetic attitude towards religion worries formalised religions a very great deal, more than identified atheism, I read. - finally, and I think this is often not appreciated in my view, there are a great many who called themselves religious, even go to church maybe, but in their hearts don't really believe it. It's habit, identity and ritual mainly. They hang on, and rationalise it in many ways, but they're not really believers. So, there are a lot of trends and counter trends going on. The poster asks if the world is becoming more atheist, but I think he means non religious. The answer depends on how one reads these trends.

Mueller investigation: My Prediction.

David1955 comments on Oct 20, 2018:

Looks like I was really ahead of the curve on this one. Old Bob M is coming through for his old party. https://www.inquisitr.com/5123673/mueller-trump-russia-collusion-politico-evidence/ @Bobby9

Neocons, neofascists, and tRump supporters, seem to be incapable of making cogent arguments or for ...

David1955 comments on Oct 19, 2018:

In other words, the groups you refer to are not followers of reason, but ideology, theology, and faith based thinking, from which the worst human actions and behaviour results. We don't all have to be trained scientists NOT to think this, however. It is true that the decline in reason in modern discourse is one of the worrying things in the modern world. How can this be in a world where so much money is spent on education? Perhaps there is too much training for employment, but not education in thinking. There is currently a battle going on between reason and the enemies of reason and we are witnessing it. Your post describes that in practice very well.

Who's your Celebrity Crush or crushes?

David1955 comments on Oct 18, 2018:

Of the living I seem to have crushes on 'B grade' actresses (no insult intended) like Olivia Munn (sultry), January Jones (just plain gorgeous and idiosyncratic) and Adriane Palacki (The Orville. Those big eyes.) 'A grade' actresses, so called, do nothing for me. I go for not just beauty but interesting personalities. Of all time it's only Sharon Tate for me. Has been for nearly 50 years, but now we're getting into Goddess territory. :-)

Sorry for taking the site down for a few hours.

David1955 comments on Oct 18, 2018:

First YouTube. Now here. Hubble's down. So are other space telescopes. It's all going down. Do we really believe admin, or it really aliens like they say? Be afraid, be very afraid. :-)

A complaint I have since adopting an agnostic position is that too much of the atheist/agnostic ...

David1955 comments on Oct 17, 2018:

I have no problem reconciling an anti religious position with focusing on positive themes. The positive themes for me concern creating a fair, just world. Religion is the very opposite of that. Religion is the antithesis of all momentum towards a better world, their phoney smiling popes and disingenuous spiritual banter notwithstanding. So we discuss religion to help neutralise its impact. But that's not the goal. The goal is a fair and secular world. Religion in just in the way and holding us back.

So, how many people here watch The Young Turks or Secular Talk?

David1955 comments on Oct 17, 2018:

I'm not American, but I watch both. I like the themes and subjects. Got a bit of a crush on Ana from TYT. Wish I had found a lefty girl like her when I was younger! I like Kyle from ST. He's funny and passionate. He's making inroads into mainstream TV but bringing his progressive view. I wish he would cover religion more too, given the title. When he does it is good, but I'd like more.

The physical changes associated with old age continue to annoy me.

David1955 comments on Oct 16, 2018:

It's God's punishment for knowing that he doesn't exist and to punish you for it. BTW, I can recommend the use of a battery surplus hair remover for the ears and nose. Not that I need one myself, of course. :-)

Pro-Life Argument "I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion that that makes ...

David1955 comments on Oct 16, 2018:

To which we might add that if conservatives and right wingers are so damned "pro life" it seems, why are they always the ones so willing to start wars, continue wars, whether justified or not, and to support any kind of speciously justified killing as "defending the country"? They don't seem very "pro life" to me.

Ever wish you could be the life of the party, the person everyone wants to get close to?

David1955 comments on Oct 15, 2018:

Great advice! I'll try it next time. Oh, wait, I don't go to parties these days. Oh, well. Does it work equal well at dinner parties?

I've just joined the group so hello to you all.

David1955 comments on Oct 15, 2018:

South Australians are always late to the party. ;-)

It's Tuesday

David1955 comments on Oct 14, 2018:

My EYE nearly POPPED out. (Cryptic)

I started a new group that was denied.

David1955 comments on Oct 13, 2018:

Hmmm..iffy...

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

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

The only advantage of the 1% option is, should you face a God in the afterlife you can claim that you were only 99% an atheist, so God might make a discount and only condemn you to 99% of eternal suffering. Every little bit helps, right? :-) 100% er here

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 to cope with things but continue on with the contradiction. That said, this compartmentalizing in religious people is often so pronounced they literally say stupid things that impair their mental function and make them look and sound silly. A scientist who says they believe in the silly Jesus story, for example. Out comes a lot of nonsense, yet they can't help themselves. An historian or social scientist who knows the fakery of Jesus and Christianity, but peddles rubbish about their "faith" and spiritual knowledge. I've seen it, pushed them in debates, and watched the compartments in their brains clash. And religions rationalize this for them, prattling on about being "tested by God" or knowledge from another way of knowing, and so on. I've said this before, but when intelligent people start justifying their brand of religion, they seem less intelligent. They are because their cognitively dissonant minds are impaired during this discussion. The neuroscientists will give us more scientific analysis, but that's my layman take on it.

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

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

There's a whiff of persecution complex in this thread. Unfounded assumptions, eg group-think and the rest. I'd expect a bit of rough and tumble with any group of free thinkers. You know the old saying about heat and kitchens and staying out of them. Well, this kitchen is warmly comfortable in my view. Anyway, my focus is as it has always been: on religion and fighting it.

That's a good start....

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

Funny, since all the people cited belong in the Dark Ages.

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

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

Wouldn't you be better off attacking religionists and religions? We atheists are not the enemy, they are.