Vote for a turd?

RoboGraham comments on Jun 26, 2020:

Like diving into a pit of cacti to avoid being hit by a truck.

Just to put this out there, I thought the magnolia flag was quaint.

RoboGraham comments on Jun 29, 2020:

I heard they plan to put "In God We Trust" where the rebel flag used to be. Like trading a turd for a rotten fish.

Found a profound yet accurate evaluation for Joe Biden; Whatdoyathink?

RoboGraham comments on Jun 30, 2020:

I think plenty of white male politicians would have jumped at the chance to be VP, regardless of whether or not the president was black. They are careerist, they will do whatever it takes to satisfy their ambition and the opportunity to be VP is much more important than some kind of slight to their pride by playing second fiddle to a black person. I don't see this as profound or even out of the ordinary. So Joe took the opportunity to jump aboard the Obama train and as VP, he didn't undermine his president despite that president being black. Wow, what an achievement. If this is the best pitch they have to convince people that Joe is an ally of the African American Community, I'm afraid it falls terribly short when juxtaposed to how the man legislated throughout his long career. It is a very weak attempt to draw our focus away from his despicable past. The fact that he was VP to a black president, who didn't actually do much for black people, does not erase his past.

Thursday morning fire...A little early

RoboGraham comments on Jul 1, 2020:

What's her name?

Not sure how we do it, but we really need to fix the way we find campaigns in this country.

RoboGraham comments on Jul 2, 2020:

Democracy Dollars

Not right!

RoboGraham comments on Jul 10, 2020:

No religious institution should be eligible.

UFOs and Atheists

RoboGraham comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I'm an atheist. I think it pretty likely that there are life forms on distant worlds out there but I have never come across any valid evidence to suggest that any of them have put any unidentified flying objects in our sky. So I am inclined to believe that UFOs have nothing to do with aliens.

How do you deal with going to churches for funerals, wedding, baptisms and etc.?

RoboGraham comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I went to an uncles funeral a few years ago and felt a strong urge to get up and walk out when the priest started blathering about nonsense. But I just sat silently instead. Partially because I felt too much anxiety about making a scene but mostly because I thought it best to just let my family receive whatever peace of mind this guy could offer them.

How do we get atheism/nonreligion to influence politics

RoboGraham comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Theist have the advantage of meeting with like minded people in there communities on a weekly basis. This gives their leaders ample opportunity to rile them up by preaching about all the bad stuff going on in the world and then tell them what they must do to fix. So they get onto the same page and work together. Perhaps we need to dedicate 1 day a week to meeting at some sort of secularist church. Or just put time and energy into groups like these to accomplish the same ends.

Does it seem like Christians throw Jesus’ death around in everybody’s face?

RoboGraham comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I can think of many martyrs who deserve more reverence than Jesus does. I mean I liked that he rubbed those old orthodox jews the wrong way with his hippie peace and love message but come on Jesus, what have you done for me lately.

Should the U.S. government remove all references to god on monuments, buildings, and money?

RoboGraham comments on Dec 31, 2017:

We should switch back to E Pluribus Unum.

What movies do you find inspirational as an atheist/agnositc?

RoboGraham comments on Dec 31, 2017:

My favorite movie of all time is I Heart Huckabees. It's not so much agnostic but very philosophical and existential in particular. By far one of the most thought provoking films I've seen and I've seen a lot. It's also incredibly funny. They mix a combination of very heavy philosophical ideas with some outrageous characters brilliantly and the result is pure comedy gold. I have watched I Heart Huckabees with people who don't do much thinking outside the box and they are generally left bored, confused and frustrated with it, so It's not for everyone but I'd say most people on here would understand it and get a kick out of it.

What movies do you find inspirational as an atheist/agnositc?

RoboGraham comments on Dec 31, 2017:

The Ledge is also a great film that fits this criteria. It's about a guy trying to liberate a lovely woman from a fundamentalist christian who has a strangle hold over her mind, body and soul.

What moral code do you follow now that you are non-religious?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2018:

The golden rule!

Who should be elected president in 2020?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2018:

Elizabeth Warren. Or Bernie if he is up to the task.

Isn’t it funny when the religious say they will be praying for you?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I wonder how often they actually follow through with the prayer? Seems like it would be a real pain in the ass to actually do all of that praying. And does prayer have to occur while on the knees with hands clasped or can you just mutter one out while you're having a wank or something?

Is life "fair"?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 3, 2018:

The world is becoming more fair as we continue to build our world on the foundation of enlightened reasoning.

If atheists had a holiday, what would that holiday look like?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I think we should have Separation of Church and State Day on Jefferson's B-day. As for the celebration- a good ole fashion political protest followed by heavy drinking and a night of vigorous sinning while taking the lords name in vain.

I believe our 'God' belief comes from being visited in the past by others who we, at the time, could...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I believe our god belief came from basic superstition that developed into complex rituals and eventually, over multiple generations, religious dogma. There was a severe lack of information, a need to fill the void of understanding, add a great deal of creativity and whallah- religion was born. As for visitors, that's an awfully big conclusion to jump to. Unless you know something I don't.

Religion and school

RoboGraham comments on Jan 4, 2018:

This one is tricky but it certainly seems like violation. If I were you I'd contact the freedom from religion foundation. They are vigilant about these sorts of infractions and would probably be able to give you some insight into the legality of this practice. They may even take up the case themselves.

I'm not a psychologist but I sure wish I knew what's inside the mind of the average trump supporter!...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I think the common thread of all trump supporters is gullibility. You have to be gullible to buy what he's selling. My mother literally said to me "he wants to help the poor people because he already has sooo much money he doesn't need anymore." As if his entire reason for being isn't to enrich his family and further his self aggrandizement.

Inter-religious couples?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 14, 2018:

My first serious relationship was with a science major who somehow was also religious. It didn't really affect the relationship because she was very open minded and logical but when I would ask her things like, how can you believe both in evolution and creation? or, how can the myth of Noah's ark be true if there is no evidence of a world flood? She would always respond "I just do" It was a weird dichotomy going on in her head but somehow she balanced these incompatible beliefs and it worked for her.

Hey guys wanting to try out some new music, comment some songs please! Thanks in advance!

RoboGraham comments on Jan 15, 2018:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqGh_I74GAg

Any Deadheads out there?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 15, 2018:

I wouldn't describe myself as a deadhead but I love a lot of their music. Particularly Working Man's Dead. Pigpen is the man.

A lesson in humility

RoboGraham comments on Jan 15, 2018:

And that is why critical thought and personal reflection is critical.

I find it funny that the Roman Empire is the the reason for the Christian persecution complex, and ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Have you listened to The History of Rome Podcast by Mike Duncan? If not, check it out, it's a must for anyone with an interest in Roman history.

Tyrannical Governments

RoboGraham comments on Jan 22, 2018:

That's a very pessimistic view you've got there.

So, leaving religion out of it...do you believe in anything "supernatural"?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Nope

After two years of living in US, I have struggled to understand the society with it's conundrum ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I've never felt the need to pay to cuddle. What exactly is your issue with our society?

Don't fall for the idea that there are two parties.

RoboGraham comments on Jan 29, 2018:

There most certainly are two parties.

Where do you get your news from?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 30, 2018:

My little birds are everywhere.

Religiousity in Music

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I very much disagree with the message of this song but there can be no doubt that it is beautiful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kks_VTXruQA

I am Secular Pro-Life. Here are my secular arguments to which I'd like you to respond.

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

You make good points. People who are considering abortion should think over what you have mentioned here and then decide. There should most definitely be a choice.

Are you politically involved?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

Being a Marylander, I have the Capital in backyard. I get all up in it.

Who else loves British comedy ?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I love Peep Show.

Conservatives: What is your most liberal view? Liberals: What is your most conservative view?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 6, 2018:

I like guns, I do think there should be stricter rules in place but I think people ought to be able have them.

Scientific socialism

RoboGraham comments on Mar 26, 2018:

You are one google search away from finding out.

I gotta know.

RoboGraham comments on Mar 28, 2018:

When my gf and I kiss, we enjoy passing the luggies back and forth between our mouths.

Sin or not, if yes, why?

RoboGraham comments on Nov 18, 2018:

If you don't sin, Jesus died for nothin.

Does anyone else enjoy reading about the War of the Roses and the Tudors?

RoboGraham comments on Nov 10, 2019:

The Wars of the Roses is one of the most interesting periods in English History. A great example of how hereditary monarchy leads to catastrophe.

An older video of Gov. Matt Bevin speaking on gun control.Still very relevant today. [youtu.be]

RoboGraham comments on Nov 12, 2019:

This is a weak argument he is using. People have been doing bad things for a long time therefore there is nothing to be done about it? That's some inspiring leadership there. Sorry dozens of people are dead, what can you do? Sure laws against murder didn't stop this but laws preventing people from owning arsenals of automatic weapons may have. I'm 100% in favor of the second amendment but when crowds of people are being mowed down, it's time to put some sensible restrictions in place.

Maryland Officials Punish Library After Event Ruined by Christian Protester | Hemant Mehta | ...

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

I'm not surprised when this sort of thing happens in St. Mary's County.

Adolph Reed Jr. responds to Obama, warns Establishment won't let Bernie win - YouTube

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

Most people said Trump couldn't win either and look where we are now. Don't underestimate a populist with a large enthusiastic base. This media blackout can't go on forever. Once he wins the nomination, they will have to start actually covering him. And the internet is a very powerful tool of communication. Older folks aren't so aware of that.

I"m not sure how deeply this one promotes thought: Primal Fear.

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

I saw this one recently. Edward Norton gave an absolutely fantastic performance, as he does. I found the rest of the film to be mediocre.

I enjoyed the movie [en.

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

The visuals in this were wonderful but I found the film itself difficult to get through. Maybe I should give it a second watch.

Ballad of Buster Scruggs [imdb.

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

The most moving part of it for me was the ending of the segment about the traveling performer. the part where he sees the chicken and understands his fate and the helplessness that he feels, I felt it too, overwhelmingly.

I expect similar shenanigans for 2020.

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

Many of them have already made it clear that they would prefer more trump than an actual representative of the people.

The problem with prosecuting Donald Trump is that he is experienced with operating on the very ...

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

And yet they can easily prove a guy has intent to distribute just because he has large portions of mind altering substances in his possession. What if I need it all for myself?

Hey Hillary People, We're Still Mad At You - Caitlin Johnstone - Newslogue Debate

RoboGraham comments on Nov 19, 2019:

This is why I refuse to vote for anyone who isn't Bernie Sanders. They always say now is not the time, there are major problems right now, we have to defeat trump... It's like how the republicans say it's not the time to talk about gun control after a mass shooting. No, now is the best time. Your corporatist neoliberal warmonger lost to a despicable game show host. Is there a better time to change tactics? It makes me think that the true function of the democratic party is just to suck the life out of the left wing labor movement so that conservative policies can thrive.

NOT WANTED: Another Bygone Bro-gressive Who Thinks He’s The Future Of America

RoboGraham comments on Nov 28, 2019:

Stop playing identity politics. Judge people on their policies, their accomplishments, their integrity, and their consistency.

What do you think of UBI?

RoboGraham comments on Nov 28, 2019:

It's a great policy. Would do much good.

I have a question for the fellow agnostics and atheists.

RoboGraham comments on Nov 30, 2019:

It's easier to fight a lot of small weak enemies than it is to face one or tow large powerful ones. I'd say our job would be much easier if we were up against a cluster of primitive religions that do wacky stuff like sacrifice and cannibalism.

Jamie Lee Curtis says anti-LGBT closeted politicians should be outed

RoboGraham comments on Nov 30, 2019:

It would be like being anti- 2nd amendment but having an arsenal at home. If you are putting forward legislation on this issue, people have a right to know if your true feelings differ from your public persona. Reveal the hypocrisy.

The only practical solution to school shootings. [oann.com]

RoboGraham comments on Nov 30, 2019:

Any determined school shooter will workout which teacher is carrying and he will be the first casualty.

This guy has a point!

RoboGraham comments on Dec 1, 2019:

No one is saying that those kids are gun experts. Their function is to be put on display to show the trauma and chaos that experiencing a mass shooting causes. They are put in the spot light to tug at the heart strings and get people to want to do something about it. No one is turning to them for expert opinions on guns themselves.

Barack Obama 2008 Hope and Change Barack Obama 2019 Stop hoping for change!

RoboGraham comments on Dec 1, 2019:

Obama can't have some other leader bringing actual hope and change. It would make him look bad.

Bernie outlines how he differs from the other candidates. [facebook.com]

RoboGraham comments on Dec 10, 2019:

He also differs in that he is the only candidate truly devoted to funding his campaign without taking corporate bribes.

Sure would be nice if this wasnt true.

RoboGraham comments on Dec 10, 2019:

Film the police.

I enjoy these paradoxical cartoons.

RoboGraham comments on Dec 11, 2019:

You get outa here with that socialism bull. And don't you touch my social security and medicare!

Tomorrow, Wednesday December 11th 2019, your Congressperson in the U.

RoboGraham comments on Dec 11, 2019:

But the dems got parental leave for federal employees out of the deal. What a lopsided trade. A stupidly large amount of money wasted and Trump gets his space force. They are terrible negotiators. I don't understand how they can vote to give the president an even more absurdly enormous military budget to be squandered on creating destruction abroad while simultaneously attempting to impeach that same president because they claim that he has committed abuses of power so egregious that he cannot be trusted to remain in his office. How do you grant a president an entirely new branch of the military while while trying to remove him for high crimes?

Any semblance of self awareness and a basic awareness of the inhumanity of contemporary American ...

RoboGraham comments on Dec 12, 2019:

Chris Hedges is an intellectual giant.

An interesting essay. Social Darwinism? Survive or die? [eand.co]

RoboGraham comments on Dec 14, 2019:

Our society is merrily drinking at the bar as the ship sinks.

The honest truth.....

RoboGraham comments on Dec 14, 2019:

Cicero wrote this about Julius Caesar. Trump is no Caesar. He is more of a Marcus Crassus type.

Fox News Today , the guest made the statement “ one of reasons why young people are leaving ...

RoboGraham comments on Dec 17, 2019:

They've been spoiled with enough education and access to information to learn to think critically.

Bernie Sander has received more contributions from active duty military personnel than, Pete ...

RoboGraham comments on Dec 20, 2019:

The troops know who really supports them. They understand that Sanders wants to pull them out of unnecessary conflicts and that he worked to increases funding for VA services while the republicans were gutting it.

It is not about the laws in the land.

RoboGraham comments on Dec 21, 2019:

Prohibition is not the answer. Ban all guns and only criminals will have them. Ban all guns and you'll get half the country into an uproar. I'm a gun owner in favor of sensible regulation. When you start advocating prohibition, you drive me and many like me away from the cause of gun control.

A Reminder to the ammosexuals... Slave Owners used to had the same Argument you use today....

RoboGraham comments on Dec 21, 2019:

That was also the same convention where they decided to give the free speech needed to express this opinion. The 2nd Amendment has been reexamined by the Supreme Court and they confirmed it. Sensible regulation is one thing but when you advocate repealing the 2nd Amendment, that's where we split hairs. Also, how does arguing in favor of gun rights have any resemblance to the arguments used by slave owners? Just because the 2nd Amendment was written at the same convention where a compromise on representation was reached doesn't mean they had anything to do with each other. You could say the same thing about any of the other amendments in the Bill of Rights and you'd be just as wrong.

Trump Becomes the Third US President to Be Impeached: After nearly 12 hours of debate, the US House...

RoboGraham comments on Dec 21, 2019:

As the democrats were in the process of impeaching Trump, they gave him his space force and literally everything else he wanted in his budget. Impeachment is a side show, a distraction meant to give us the impression that they are vigorously resisting him when in actuality, they are bending over for him. How can they vote to expand this president's military budget by tens of billions and provide him with a whole new branch of the military while simultaneously arguing that he has committed high crimes and abuses of power so egregious that he must be removed from office?

As time goes on, I notice fewer and fewer posts related to philosophy and meaning which are not ...

RoboGraham comments on Dec 22, 2019:

I was focused on those subjects when I first started here but now I'm past it and mostly interested in talking politics.

A man from Iowa, by the name of Adolfo Martinez, stole an LBGT flag that was hanging off a local ...

RoboGraham comments on Dec 22, 2019:

I have no problem with flag burning but because it didn't belong to him, it's destruction of property.

Dear Nancy; You need to win this....

RoboGraham comments on Dec 22, 2019:

What good will that do? Two wrongs don't make a right.

I'll take useful idiot for $2000, Alex.

RoboGraham comments on Dec 26, 2019:

What is the liberal fake news?

Trump's base of support continues to erode. Yay!

RoboGraham comments on Dec 26, 2019:

Let's keep in mind that dailykos.com is a left leaning partisan site. Not exactly unbiased or reliable. From everything I've seen, his support has actually gone up since impeachment, unfortunately.

I only wish i could live to see the day when stone age beliefs will be overcome by science and ...

RoboGraham comments on Dec 28, 2019:

Would prefer the military did get involved in politics?

Time to dismantle neo liberalism?

RoboGraham comments on Dec 29, 2019:

I think neoliberalism will defeat itself. It will increase wealth inequality to preposterous levels and when the next big economic bust occurs, the outrage of the people will be uncontrollable.

By Americans Defending The Consitution Them's fighting words.

RoboGraham comments on Dec 29, 2019:

Who killed millions of babies?

Opioid overdose deaths: Study finds link to automotive plant closures - CNN

RoboGraham comments on Dec 30, 2019:

The first step is to guarantee healthcare to all.

The goal of government should be to prevent bad things from happening to people.

RoboGraham comments on Dec 30, 2019:

Word

Elizabeth Warren has a powerful vision of true representative democracy, the intelligence and drive ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 1, 2020:

What more can we want out of a candidate? I want a candidate who refuses to accept corporate bribes. Both in the primary and the general election. Anyone who takes their money becomes beholden to their will. I want a candidate who is free of big donor influences and able to lead in the best interest of the people.

Always the same states proving why the only acceptable solution is removal of all guns from ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 1, 2020:

Impossible. Advocating such a radical position only hurts the cause of gun control because it plays right into the hands of republicans who are constantly fearmongering about the democrats coming for all the guns. It legitimizes their argument and makes law abiding gun owners, of which there are millions, turn away from us and support Second Amendment advocates. 46% of American households have at least 1 gun. You will never take them all. This take all the guns idea is politically counterproductive and not even feasible.

Anybody here from the Annapolis area?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 1, 2020:

I love Annapolis. I live in south county and work in Arnold.

My political beliefs are as follows: Plato was right about some things, not everyone should have ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 1, 2020:

Who will be in charge of creating the voting tests? Who will determine whether a person passes or fails? How will you prevent whoever is in charge from giving the right to vote to friends and allies while restricting it to those in opposition? How will you prevent wealthy people from buying it rather than earning it? Will the people not allowed to vote still have to pay taxes. If so, what will you do when the "no taxation without representation" rallying cry returns? If the tests are mandatory, what will you do with the people who refuse to take them? How will you prevent the people who do have the ability to vote from awarding themselves further privileges and relegating the rest to 2nd class citizen status?

My political beliefs are as follows: Plato was right about some things, not everyone should have ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 1, 2020:

I like your idea about two separate forms of currency. Not so much the mandatory community service part of it though. How about if the first type is provided to all via UBI and the second is earned through wages, interest on investments, and other income sources?

Some questions can never be answered!

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2020:

Albert Einstein was a socialist. I wonder which way it was for him?

I think the mind reader was being generous.

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2020:

I think it'd be hard to read her mind. I mean what the hells going on in there? ya know

This is heartwarming

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2020:

That's what I'm talkin about. Give Caesar his due my ass. We don't need no goverment funded roads, or schools, or court houses, or military, or NASA. Anything I need, I'll do it my damn self!

Why have the Dems dropped their opposition to illegal immigration? [youtube.com]

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2020:

Prager U? This must be a joke

Now that Trump just whacked the top general in the Iranian army, look forward to a war with them ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2020:

I'm hoping that, with it being so abundantly obvious how disastrous Iraq and Afghanistan have been, people will lose their enthusiasm for war and vote against him for it. Probably won't go down that way though. Merica loves her a good ole fashion overseas conflict.

In a libertarian society who decides the validity of geographical property claims?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 3, 2020:

If I decided not to recognize the validity of your claim on those thousand acres and laid claim to them myself, what would you do about it?

‪Fears of new conflict rise after US kills Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian general, in strike on ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 3, 2020:

Here we go again.

Welcome to five new members to the group: - @Blindbird who is into blues, bluegrass, sad Irish ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 3, 2020:

I found a gem on youtube. These young guys are very talented. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW3ctH5nkng

I keep hearing how much money politicians keep rising and then I wonder, why would anyone want to ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 3, 2020:

Money is speech. Speech can be used for persuasion. An awful lot of persuading needs to be done to win an election so large sums of money are needed. If you believe that a certain candidate getting into power will help your personal situation, campaign contributions are like investments.

Attacking Iran plus , we have no allies and we were the aggressors.

RoboGraham comments on Jan 3, 2020:

Hopefully, the rest of the world will see this for what it is and get outraged and decide to put enough pressure on the American empire to get him to back down.

Word to the wise, If you look like a deer, don't go hunting.

RoboGraham comments on Jan 3, 2020:

This is why you where orange when hunting.

Any progressives on here? I'm talking anti-war, Democratic-Socialist, Medicare for all progressive.

RoboGraham comments on Jan 4, 2020:

Yes indeed, Quite a few. We even have groups.

Medicare would cover dental, vision — if Senate OKs House bill Speaking of Medicare, I applied ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 4, 2020:

Too little for medicade? Isn't it for people with low income?

How Lindsey Graham Lost His Way - Rolling Stone

RoboGraham comments on Jan 6, 2020:

That guy doesn't deserve to have my name.

Americans Aren't Rallying to Trump - The Atlantic

RoboGraham comments on Jan 9, 2020:

Thank gawd

Michael Bloomberg has only one unique donor.

RoboGraham comments on Jan 10, 2020:

Aside from the relentless advertising, what does he bring to the table? Why are people supporting him?

Does anyone believe Bernie said this?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 14, 2020:

If he doesn't believe a woman can get elected, why did he campaign for Hillary?