Should prostitution be illegal?

Ellatynemouth comments on May 14, 2018:

Prostitution is not sex. It's the hiring of a body for sexual gratification by another. It's glorified masturbation. This in turn debases the prostitute to an object which is degrading. Prostitution also commodifies sex which is extremely toxic for society. On a fundamental, philosophical ...

RoboGraham replies on Jun 26, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth There are plenty of women defending it too. I still don't see how having the option of commodifying ones body is a bad thing. And if attempting to improve living and working conditions of prostitutes by legalizing their profession disgusts you then I am proud to be disgusting. Also, just because legal prostitution in Germany is not going well does not mean that it can't work. There are many other places where it is legal and functioning safely. The Germany system is just one example out of many.

Should prostitution be illegal?

Ellatynemouth comments on May 14, 2018:

Prostitution is not sex. It's the hiring of a body for sexual gratification by another. It's glorified masturbation. This in turn debases the prostitute to an object which is degrading. Prostitution also commodifies sex which is extremely toxic for society. On a fundamental, philosophical ...

RoboGraham replies on Jun 13, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth Incorrect. Those negative aspects of the industry have not increased since legalization. What has increased is reports of those bad things occurring. That's one of the greatest parts about legalization. Prostitutes are not persecuted by the police so they feel safe reporting those things. I assure you, all that bad stuff happens more often in an illegal unregulated system and almost all of it goes unreported because prostitutes know that no good will come of admitting to police that they are breaking the law. Also, you do not know what has happened to me so don't make assumptions. One more thing, try googling glorified masturbation. See what comes up.

Should prostitution be illegal?

Ellatynemouth comments on May 14, 2018:

Prostitution is not sex. It's the hiring of a body for sexual gratification by another. It's glorified masturbation. This in turn debases the prostitute to an object which is degrading. Prostitution also commodifies sex which is extremely toxic for society. On a fundamental, philosophical ...

RoboGraham replies on Jun 13, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth Call it what you will. It doesn't change the fact that prostitution in a legal regulated environment is safer, cleaner, more respectable and less degrading than it is under our current irrational illegal system in which prostitution operates in the black market.

Should prostitution be illegal?

Ellatynemouth comments on May 14, 2018:

Prostitution is not sex. It's the hiring of a body for sexual gratification by another. It's glorified masturbation. This in turn debases the prostitute to an object which is degrading. Prostitution also commodifies sex which is extremely toxic for society. On a fundamental, philosophical ...

RoboGraham replies on Jun 12, 2018:

@Ellatynemouth It's certainly not love making but yes it is sex.

Should prostitution be illegal?

Livia comments on Jun 11, 2018:

Legalizing prostitution makes it safer for consumers and workers. You can get accredited brothels which must adhere to hygiene and security standards. Prostitutes can unionize. You get rid of the trafficking of women/ vulnerable women who do not wish to be sex workers. Legal brothels could have on ...

RoboGraham replies on Jun 12, 2018:

Well Said

Should prostitution be illegal?

Crimson67 comments on Jun 10, 2018:

Prostitution is legal. It is called marriage.

RoboGraham replies on Jun 10, 2018:

That's true of gold diggers.

Should prostitution be illegal?

Ellatynemouth comments on May 14, 2018:

Prostitution is not sex. It's the hiring of a body for sexual gratification by another. It's glorified masturbation. This in turn debases the prostitute to an object which is degrading. Prostitution also commodifies sex which is extremely toxic for society. On a fundamental, philosophical ...

RoboGraham replies on Jun 2, 2018:

Definition of sexual intercourse: "Involving the penetration of the vagina by the penis." Regardless of the circumstances that led to the penetration, sex is still sex. Masturbation by definition is the act of achieving sexual gratification without the aid of another person. Prostitution cannot be masturbation because it inherently involves at least two people. I agree that money can never buy love, intimacy and romance but it most definitely can, and does, buy sex. Porn, movies, advertisements, magazines... also commodify sex. should they be banned as well? Consensual sex already is free for those who are able to find willing partners. How can that be the answer if it already is the case? Are you suggesting that prostitutes ought to work for free? Definition of debase: "To lower the value of something or the moral character of someone." The use of a prostitute does not inherently lower the prostitutes moral character. It is a matter of perception. Because society views prostitution as dirty, evil, immoral, etc... the moral character of prostitutes are lowered but that wouldn't be so if people weren't conditioned to perceive them that way. If I hire a masseuse I do not own her for a few hours. She agreed to provide a service and she is free to renege on that agreement at any time she chooses. The same ought to be true for prostitutes. The only reason it is not is because prostitutes operate outside of the law and therefore have little to no choice in the matter of how their bodies are used. If it were legal, the prostitute would be able to choose what she is willing to do and what she is not. And she could make it stop at any time that she feels uncomfortable without fear of abuse from a pimp. Yes of course the vast majority of men who agree with prostitution would not agree to prostitute themselves to other men. The vast majority of them are not homosexual so it would be an utterly disgusting experience for them. The fact that most men would turn down an offer of homosexual sex for money does not prove that prostitution is immoral and the fact that you would like to see them do it makes me a bit concerned about your morality. As for the article you provided, it seems rather sensationalized. I would wager that the horror stories presented in the article are the exception rather than the rule. I don't doubt that some men are violent and treat the women like shit and that some prostitutes work in poor conditions but that doesn't mean that the entire industry is pure evil. The solution is to regulate the industry more tightly, prosecute Johns who step out of line and punish employers who do not provide safe working conditions for their prostitutes. I think the only way to know for sure if the act of trading sex for money is actually ...

Should prostitution be illegal?

JolkaKlejn comments on May 22, 2018:

Buying sex should be illegal.

RoboGraham replies on Jun 2, 2018:

Why? Do you feel the same way about selling sex?

Should prostitution be illegal?

Trajan61 comments on May 27, 2018:

During the golden age of Ancient Rome Pompeii, a Roman city of about 6,000 had 40 brothels. The Romans obviously did not have all the modern convenences we had but they certainly had other ways of amusing themselves. Hell they may we’ll have been living better than us with all of our idiotic ...

RoboGraham replies on Jun 2, 2018:

@SpikeTalon Are you joking or just ignorant of living conditions for ancient people?

Should prostitution be illegal?

Sonya456 comments on May 14, 2018:

I think it could be illegal to buy sex. Most people in the sex trade were abused when they were younger. The prostitute ( male or female ) can be concidered a victim and the one buying sex a perpertrator ( held accountable by law ).

RoboGraham replies on May 14, 2018:

Those who were not abused, are they also victims?

Should prostitution be illegal?

patchoullijulie comments on Apr 12, 2018:

Not to mention that women are condemned for being prositutes but the men who use them, not so much.

RoboGraham replies on Apr 12, 2018:

True. Some respondents to this post have proposed the idea of making it legal to prostitute one's body but keep it illegal to purchase a prostitute. The idea being that it will shift the condemnation from the prostitute (usual a woman) to the john (usually a man). I think it's wrong to ban it for either participant and if we legalize it completely, the social status of prostitutes, and johns as well, will probably rise.

Have you ever teleported, or known someone who did?

RoboGraham comments on Mar 29, 2018:

Extrasensory perception has been thoroughly proven beyond any shadow of doubt to be absolutely true by advanced pseudoscience.

RoboGraham replies on Mar 29, 2018:

@marga I didn't say it can't be true. My point is that it has been dismissed by the scientific community.

I gotta know.

RoboGraham comments on Mar 27, 2018:

I think women would be more inclined to kiss after it has been spit out rather than with it still in there.

RoboGraham replies on Mar 28, 2018:

@Redcupcoffee Me neither, they are gross and have cooties.

Atheism a religion?

Outsideit67 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

It still is a belief in and of itself . Just as most religions believe in a supreme deity, Atheism is based on not believing in god/ religion. I have many friends that are each side of the street on this , and they all pretty much say the same things basically. I really don’t see why atheists ...

RoboGraham replies on Mar 25, 2018:

@Outsideit67 I don't see your response as an attack. We are here to discuss our differing opinions and I'm glad that you are being polite about it. I do disagree with you here though. The systems of thought of theist and atheist are very different. They claim that there are supernatural entities and alter their behavior based on their beliefs. We atheist on the other hand, are not convinced so we lack belief.

Could Society Benefit From A Paradigm?

Jnei comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I'm not sure we have a practical alternative to money yet. If I do some work, I want to be paid and it's much easier to be paid in money rather than goods because, if I need to buy something, I can just go and buy it with money rather than finding someone who has what I want and is willing to trade ...

RoboGraham replies on Mar 14, 2018:

@smoyle I like your positivity but if everyone was paid the same, who would take on the really stressful and difficult jobs? The idea of having no inherited wealth is interesting. We would all be a lot better off if fortunes went to the public coffers rather than trust funds for spoiled brats who never worked a day in their lives.

Could Society Benefit From A Paradigm?

Robotbuilder comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Brother, can you paradigm? ;) How would you create a moneyless system? Barter is a possibility, but that has its limits. Money is to commerce as superhighways are to transportation: it's a convenience, a quicker way to get things done. Of course, there's the Star Trek solution: replicators, ...

RoboGraham replies on Mar 14, 2018:

Someday, when the machines have won, we will have no use for money.

Should prostitution be illegal?

sunhatpat comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Prostitution should not be legal, but it should be discouraged socially. Prostitution should not be illegal, because that makes criminals of the prostitutes, but it should be discouraged socially. People say prostitution is as old as civilization, and will never be eradicated, but that is a false...

RoboGraham replies on Mar 8, 2018:

Sure it would be great if prostitution happened only rarely but the reality is that most people's romantic lives are far from perfect and it's not just men who pay for sex by the way. I don't see how shaming people who pay for sex is a good thing. For some, it's the only option. Why should they be made to feel like evil criminals and lose their freedom? Yes some men treat prostitutes horribly but it doesn't have to be that way. Uber drivers are able to give ratings to their passengers and those passengers who get bad ratings don't get rides. The same could be done with sex work but that could never happen in an illegal system in which the pimp decided who the prostitutes services. I don't buy the argument that prostitution shouldn't be legalized because there are a lot of third world sex workers living in poverty. That's like saying we should ban farming because there are a lot of third world migrant agricultural laborers who are living in harsh conditions. The problem is with the way that the profession is treating it's workers not the profession itself. Such things can be regulated. Equating prostitution with sexual slavery isn't necessarily accurate. If society did more to care for it's vulnerable and downtrodden members, only those who truly wanted to be prostitutes would work in the profession and they would be free to leave whenever they chose. I don't think sex work is inherently degrading and dehumanizing. We see it that we because we have been conditioned to by our culture. Perhaps some day prostitutes will be revered for their beauty and skill. I think that would reduce suffering.

I see a lot of debate and memes on Facebook about guns.

pnullifidian comments on Feb 17, 2018:

"So, we'll wait until the next event, and we will continue to debate, and we will do nothing." Perhaps ... but perhaps not! If enough of us are fed up with the status quo, elected officials who've accepted contributions from the NRA, or who proclaim unwavering support for the Second Amendment, ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 17, 2018:

Yes then something actually significant will happen. But until then, and who knows when that will be, we will continue to wait.

A sobering chart .... how do we fix this !??

Tecolote comments on Feb 15, 2018:

There are many good examples of how to control gun use. Many other countries are doing it quite well. They don't have the NRA spending over $3,000,000 a year to buy politicians. So, the first thing you must have is $4,000,000. I am not kidding. Then, you'd have to invent a better weapon than ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 16, 2018:

@Taijiguy Yes I wouldn't doubt that I am more ignorant on the subject than you are. As far as I know, felons aren't able to buy and own guns and you must be 21 years old to buy a hand gun. Is anyone else over the age of 18 excluded? Also, having access to guns and being legally able to get them are two different things. I know people who are not legally allowed to own assault rifles but have them nonetheless. That is way there ought to be an outright prohibition on military style guns like the AR-15. I have several guns myself. A muzzleloader, a lever action 22 long rifle, a single shot 20 gauge shotgun, and a pump action 12 gauge. All good for hunting but not able to mow down masses of people in a short span of time. I have no problem with people owning guns such as these but I see no reason anyone needs to have an AK, SKS, AR, or any other gun capable of throwing out dozens of shots per minute.

Gun control? Yes or no and why?

Kojaksmom comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I live in North Carolina where the only thing people love more than God is guns. Little Betty Crocker House Wives probably own a couple of assault weapons. the most important thing to take from this conversation is that most fireworks are illegal here because somebody might get hurt. there is only ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 16, 2018:

@Travel1 The only way to not get killed by gun violence is to have more guns so you can shoot the person who could potentially shoot you before they have a chance to kill you with a gun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWA0rukqrYQ

Gun control? Yes or no and why?

Trajan61 comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I vote no on gun control. We don’t even enforce the laws we have now. Why do we need more?

RoboGraham replies on Feb 16, 2018:

Because innocent people are routinely being shot and killed. That is why we need more.

How proud are you of your state?

VirginCotton comments on Feb 5, 2018:

@RoboGraham what is your age. Progressive try to play communist..., bad for any place in the world.. America is a 'government, for, by, and of The People, relying on individual responsibility, declaring the government owes no person anything, a person owes no one else... Progressives believe in each...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 16, 2018:

@Ktcyan Very well said. It amazes me that these conservative republicans have somehow gained the reputation as the fiscally responsible party. They screamed about the deficit all through the 8 years of Obama's presidency but now they allow Trump to cut taxes for the wealthy which will add massively to the deficit. They don't care, as long as their wealthy donors get what they want at the expense of the rest of us.

How proud are you of your state?

VirginCotton comments on Feb 5, 2018:

@RoboGraham what is your age. Progressive try to play communist..., bad for any place in the world.. America is a 'government, for, by, and of The People, relying on individual responsibility, declaring the government owes no person anything, a person owes no one else... Progressives believe in each...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 16, 2018:

@VirginCotton Your success story is a rare one. Most people born into poverty aren't able to work their way out and not for lack of trying. Their opportunities are limited and I'm simply arguing that a society should help those less fortunate obtain the basic necessities of life so that they will have better opportunities. Its not about giving free stuff to people who don't work but rather helping the working poor get things like housing, food, education, healthcare... If all members of society have these things, society as a whole will benefit. Are you against money going to disabled people so they have something to live on? The argument that Progressivism leads to Communism is a slippery slope fallacy. Helping the less fortunate does not mean that eventually we will be subjected to authoritarian communist dictatorship. If the wealthy decide to stop producing because some of the profits go to helping the less fortunate then they are motivated by pure greed. The poor having more money to spend stimulates the economy. They spend the money they have right there in their own communities which is good for local business while the wealthy stash their money away in offshore accounts to avoid taxation.

A sobering chart .... how do we fix this !??

RoboGraham comments on Feb 15, 2018:

We need to make it mandatory that all people, especially children, carry at least two automatic weapons at all times. The best way to prevent being shot is to shoot someone before he/she has an opportunity to shoot you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWA0rukqrYQ&t=157s

RoboGraham replies on Feb 16, 2018:

@ShakenManChild Same here, although I didn't care for his video on atheism. Sometimes he is very witty and funny and others he is a bit out of his element.

A sobering chart .... how do we fix this !??

Tecolote comments on Feb 15, 2018:

There are many good examples of how to control gun use. Many other countries are doing it quite well. They don't have the NRA spending over $3,000,000 a year to buy politicians. So, the first thing you must have is $4,000,000. I am not kidding. Then, you'd have to invent a better weapon than ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 16, 2018:

@Taijiguy Yes we are the only country with the 2nd Amendment and we are the only country suffering from routine mass shootings. Could there be a connection? The fact that just about anyone has access to automatic weapons is not a microscopic aspect of our society. It is a very significant difference between ours and other societies which don't have these problems with mass shootings.

A sobering chart .... how do we fix this !??

sassygirl3869 comments on Feb 15, 2018:

REAL GUN LAWS.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 16, 2018:

@Taijiguy What is the core of the issue?

A sobering chart .... how do we fix this !??

Taijiguy comments on Feb 15, 2018:

These numbers only open the door for a much broader and very uncomfortable conversation that no one wants to have. But will be necessary in order to have a genuine conversation. Those numbers are really irrelevant as it applies to these shootings, because mass shootings are rare occasions, and ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 15, 2018:

Perhaps one reason that the rates in those cities are so high is that, its far too easy for people to get automatic weapons.

A sobering chart .... how do we fix this !??

UrsiMajor comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Maybe we should do what Australia, the UK, and Canada did and have gun buybacks and take away the semi-automatics bare minimum.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 15, 2018:

But then how will we defend ourselves against our tyrannical government?

Which Holidays if any have meaning to you and why, Which have no significance to you whatsoever.

RoboGraham comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Labor Day should be in the list.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 15, 2018:

@Shelton Right. Well there are 2 veteran holidays so replace one of them with Labor Day.

Should prostitution be illegal?

sunhatpat comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Prostitution is as old as civilization, but that doesn't make it moral. Slavery, child labor, forced marriage, etc. are also as old as civilization, and they are not moral, either. Prostitution is a feature of patriarchy, and is bolstered by the belief that sex is a commodity, and that men are ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 14, 2018:

Good point, legal prostitution is far from perfect. But do you think it's better as is, in it's illegal form? Also, I think that putting consenting adults in jail for engaging in prostitution is much more immoral than prostitution itself.

How proud are you of your state?

GipsyOfNewSpain comments on Feb 12, 2018:

I am Puerto Rican. That's says it all.... you can not spell american without the rican. You should always be proud of where you are born.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 13, 2018:

@GipsyOfNewSpain Oh, I only say that because I think that Puerto Ricans, as American citizens, should have full representation. If they'd rather be independent, I'm fine with that. Whatever is best. I can't say because I'm not Puerto Rican.

How proud are you of your state?

GipsyOfNewSpain comments on Feb 12, 2018:

I am Puerto Rican. That's says it all.... you can not spell american without the rican. You should always be proud of where you are born.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 13, 2018:

Hopefully one day it will be a state.

How proud are you of your state?

soundofthereign comments on Feb 11, 2018:

To be proud of an imaginary line in the sand is a sign of insanity.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 12, 2018:

There's so much more to a state than just it's boundaries. It's government, it's history, it's laws, it's people, it's character, it's culture..., all aspects to potentially be proud of.

Facing Pain

RoboGraham comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Although I have much to cry about, it almost never happens. I think the reason why is because, when I was growing up, crying was seen as exceedingly weak and would be met with ridicule or worse. So, although I recognize that crying is an essential behavior at the core of humanity, when I'm in the ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 10, 2018:

@AMGT Lets do that some time.

Should prostitution be illegal?

Michaelx7 comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I accidentally voted keep it illegal. I meant to vote for legalize.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 7, 2018:

Noted. I forgive you

I saw this Christian named Zig Ziglar post this on Facebook: be yourself, don't be someone you are ...

evidentialist comments on Feb 4, 2018:

@Atheistman -- I have grown the stuff you eat at Taco Bell, and I've slaughtered the beef. I have hunted for food in interior Alaska, and lived off the land with no electricity, or gas, or running water. I've served my country when crap was actually flying. I am also a person whose political ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 6, 2018:

@Atheistman That's like saying that horses and sheep are the same because they both have hooves. Communism is an authoritarian system that dictates all aspects of peoples lives while socialism is simply a system in which a society provides for the well being of it's citizens.

Who had their infant child circumcised and why?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I had it done at age 26. I had phimosis which means the opening is not large enough for the head to fit through comfortably. It's more of an ordeal to have it removed as an adult so I wish it had been done when I was an infant. However, it was nothing compared to other operations I've had.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 6, 2018:

@FrayedBear Wow that's nuts. Certainly not worth the risk with those odds. My cousin actually had his damaged during the circumcision. The reason I didn't have it done at birth was because I was born without a spleen which means I have a weak immune system so they decided it was too risky. For the vast majority of people, there are no issues with being uncircumcised so yeah it's best to leave it alone and deal with problems as they come along. For me, it's much better now.

How proud are you of your state?

DavePeet comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I am originally from a small town near Buffalo N.Y.. I didn't like the small town mentality that the people there posses. I am currently living in Central Florida, which is a melting pot and has a lot of people that I can't identify with. Later this week I'm moving to East TX to be with family...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

I hope it works out for you.

How proud are you of your state?

mt49er comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I reserve pride for things I've accomplished, so none.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

Do you feel that it's not right to have pride in anything outside of yourself?

How proud are you of your state?

ZechariahGabriel comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I live in the bible belt. Full of tweakers and mormons, I'm never sure which ones will be knocking on my door, so I'm glad I live in a state where I can protect my home even if it means killing the intruder.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

I'm glad that I live in a place where I don't feel the need to kill any intruders.

How proud are you of your state?

VirginCotton comments on Feb 5, 2018:

@RoboGraham what is your age. Progressive try to play communist..., bad for any place in the world.. America is a 'government, for, by, and of The People, relying on individual responsibility, declaring the government owes no person anything, a person owes no one else... Progressives believe in each...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

@VirginCotton Well I have learned as I have aged. I started out as Libertarian. It didn't take too long for me to see the flaws in that political philosophy. I'm glad that you were able to overcome the hardships of your childhood. Clearly you are a hardworking and intelligent person. It is commendable that you were able to work yourself out of poverty without any assistance but don't you think your life, and those of your siblings, could have been better if your family did receive some aid? I mean welfare programs are meant to help people who are in dire straits, people who are as poor as church mice. Perhaps your mother wouldn't have needed to resort to becoming the indentured servant of a man twice her age. Currently, the wealth gap in this country is enormous. The richest among us horde the majority of the wealth and the poorest struggle just to survive. And now the wealthy have just been given huge tax cuts which will add significantly to the national deficit. It doesn't have to be this way. Social security is a very good example of a social program. Everyone contributes what they are able and in return everyone is taken care of. That is what socialism is. It is not anti-business and it's not about full economic equality. It is simply a system in which everyone contributes based on income level and in return everyone receives what they need in order to have at least a mediocre standard of living.

How proud are you of your state?

VirginCotton comments on Feb 5, 2018:

@RoboGraham what is your age. Progressive try to play communist..., bad for any place in the world.. America is a 'government, for, by, and of The People, relying on individual responsibility, declaring the government owes no person anything, a person owes no one else... Progressives believe in each...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

@VirginCotton I am already friends with several senior citizens. They are progressives too. They encourage me to live virtuously. There is a wide gap between socialism and communism and to say that one leads to the other is a slippery slope argument. Communism is authoritarian while socialism simply refers to a form of government that embraces altruism and solidarity. Are you an American Citizen? Do you have a social security number? If so, you are a card carrying member of a socialist organization. Are you aware of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, The Netherlands... these are thriving countries governed by socialist ventures and they most certainly are not failing. I too believe that the American system is the best but business here most certainly does not operate outside of government interference. There are essential regulations put in place to ensure that laborers are not forced to work in unnecessarily unsafe spaces and that employers can not take advantage of them. Many a union member suffered and/or died to gain these regulations and if you disagree, I would encourage you to study your history.

How proud are you of your state?

silvereyes comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I grew up in MD. Nice state. I loved it. Live in OK now. I won't describe my feelings towards it as pride... More disappointment. Ah, but the pizza place... it's the life support.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

@silvereyes Stupid Mead, always closing things.

How proud are you of your state?

VirginCotton comments on Feb 5, 2018:

@RoboGraham what is your age. Progressive try to play communist..., bad for any place in the world.. America is a 'government, for, by, and of The People, relying on individual responsibility, declaring the government owes no person anything, a person owes no one else... Progressives believe in each...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

I am the age of 30 years. Progressives are socialist rather than communist. There is a big difference. We do believe in each helping the others. Charity left to the private sector is usually taken over by religious folks and we all know how generous they are. If you are looking for salvation, why are you on an agnostic site?

How proud are you of your state?

gater comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Ashamed - California - we have Pelosi, Maxine Waters, and sanctuary cities

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

I feel ya. Devin Nunes comes from California.

How proud are you of your state?

Rugglesby comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I like where I am, NSW Australia but am so close to Qld I have walked there, I would like to keep my town but make it part of South Australia.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

I don't know what any of that means. As far as I know, Australia = AC/DC. But I heard one of them Youngs died recently.

How proud are you of your state?

PeppermintDreads comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I’m from NE Ohio and proud of it! Ohio is really two completely different states. Everything from Akron northward is fairly liberal, with annexes in Columbus and Athens. NE Ohio is the democratic stronghold of the state. There’s some amazing colleges and the Cleveland Clinic is one of the top ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

Also, Ohio has the rock & roll hall of fame. I went there once, I think it was Cleveland but I'm not sure. Anyway, Ceder Point, great roller coasters.

How proud are you of your state?

evidentialist comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Let's see, assuming you're talking about the one I live in now, I'd give it a big MEH.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

So where is that?

How proud are you of your state?

Reaver85 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Dissapointed. Florida is one of the worse state'. It's filled with racism. The amount of drug users is ridiculous, it's more than any large city per capita and because of this crime is very high aswell us unemployment rates being pretty high. Florida is environmentally dirty morals are almost non ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

Fortunately you're not in Alabama. At least Florida is a purple state, or so I'm told.

How proud are you of your state?

jjhagen comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I love my state. Minnesota is awesome. Well except the cold is getting old...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

The coldest state in the union, so I'm told.

How proud are you of your state?

NothinnXpreVails comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I’m in Texas. Eh, the people mostly suck. The culture celebrates ignorance, I’m politically of unpopular opinion, the stereotypical music sucks, they voted for Trump, and weed is illegal. Why am I here?

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

Texas has good barbaque...

How proud are you of your state?

ShellyBean comments on Feb 5, 2018:

my state has pot. and they are pretty darned proud of it. My home state has cows. they are proud of their cows there too. I would like to be in a state to supports universal education and universal healthcare. Like Denmark or Sweden.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

Cannabis trailblazers. That's something to be proud of. I wish I could indulge in the Devil's weed legally but we are too far behind the times here.

What are your thoughts about women changing their last name after marriage?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I think the last names of the two people should be merged to create a new name and both should take on that new name.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

@obis True. Damn! there must be a logical solution

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles!

Coffeo comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I agree! (What have they done?)

RoboGraham replies on Feb 5, 2018:

They've survived the pollution of Philadelphia for another year.

How proud are you of your state?

Humanlove comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I live in Oregon Portland, I love the fact that we do not have sales tax. This means I can afford to eat even if I have very limited funds. I like the freedom of thought in Oregon, I love the enviroment protection that's observed by almost everyone. I feel home in Oregon.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Word

How proud are you of your state?

silvereyes comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I grew up in MD. Nice state. I loved it. Live in OK now. I won't describe my feelings towards it as pride... More disappointment. Ah, but the pizza place... it's the life support.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Why'd you move?

Do you have a favorite lyric you quote?

gater comments on Feb 3, 2018:

All that you touch And all that you see All that you taste All you feel And all that you love And all that you hate All you distrust All you save And all that you give And all that you deal And all that you buy, Beg, borrow or steal And all you create And all you ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Yes Pink Floyd is awesome. Do you realize that they are very, very, anti-Trump?

I don't understand this: How is it I have been single for 1 year and 9 months, and have not been ...

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

Perhaps you should do the asking. In today's world it's not a faux pas for the woman to be the instigator. Best of luck.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

@Sarahroo29 Do you live in a rural area or do you have limited social circles? Sounds like you need to find a way to branch out. Have you tried the Meet Up app? Its a good way to meet people.

What's the best (or worst ) pick-up line ever used on you? Or you have used.

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

You have pretty eyes, can I touch them?

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

@HippieChick58 JK BTW I'm no Don Juan

What's the best (or worst ) pick-up line ever used on you? Or you have used.

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

You have pretty eyes, can I touch them?

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

@HippieChick58 The tenseness instilled is all part of the pick up strategy. There is a method to the madness.

What's the best (or worst ) pick-up line ever used on you? Or you have used.

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

You have pretty eyes, can I touch them?

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

@HippieChick58 Who doesn't like a nice eye message?

What is your prefered type of alcohol to consume?

Smackme comments on Feb 3, 2018:

I don't drink much, but when I do, I prefer to drink whatever I feel like drinking at the time . Lol Beer= any kind of blond ale such as Kona big wave, bluemoon Wine = white and only high quality reds...and of course sake Liquor = vodka, rum sometimes...eh not big on liquor lol

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Never heard of kona big wave. Is that a western thing?

Any men rights activists here?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I recently got into a youtube comment war with one of these MGTOW ignoramuses. He claims that women only get married in order to divorce rape men and that the entire Meetoo movement only exist to falsely accuse men and ruin their lives, as well as many other despicable things. This all started ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

@Blizzard I think it was honest because, right after, he went on and on about how sensitive liberals like me are gynocentric weaklings who are ruining this great nation.

Existentialists often combat depression because life is so pointless in light of the fact that it ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I am an existentialist and have been for 60 years. I have never found the perspective depressing. Instead, I find it freeing and exhilarating. I am free -- free to make my own choices, to create my own meanings free to make my own mistakes and learn from them, free to be and learn. So what if ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Yes, it is much less depressing to know that, what gives your life meaning is what you have chosen to live for.

Any men rights activists here?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I recently got into a youtube comment war with one of these MGTOW ignoramuses. He claims that women only get married in order to divorce rape men and that the entire Meetoo movement only exist to falsely accuse men and ruin their lives, as well as many other despicable things. This all started ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 4, 2018:

@Blizzard I kept responding to him because I was genuinely puzzled about his mindset. I did get him to admit that not all women are blood thirsty succubuses so, success?

What is your prefered type of alcohol to consume?

Gohan comments on Feb 3, 2018:

I prefer mead.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 3, 2018:

Where does one find mead? I never see it in the stores. Only the Renaissance Festival.

What is your prefered type of alcohol to consume?

AMGT comments on Feb 3, 2018:

I don’t drink anymore, and I’m bummed that I’ve never tried a dirty martini. My mom tended bar for 26 years, I used to sit at the bar when I was kid and suck all the pimentos out of the green olives.. My favorite beer was Mickeys big mouth or St. Pauli Girl because they got me there ...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 3, 2018:

I'm glad you were able to give it up. Drinking is such a double edged sword. It used to be the mainstay of my social life. Now I see that it's more trouble than it's worth. And it's bad for my health but I still drink pretty regularly. It's just so enjoyable.

What is your definition of God?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 2, 2018:

So do you consider all the stars in the universe to be gods?

RoboGraham replies on Feb 2, 2018:

@gater The Sun creates the same energy as all the other stars out there. So if the energy made by our star is a god then the energy coming from all the others must be gods as well.

Spiritual Athiest/Atheist dating question

RoboGraham comments on Jan 31, 2018:

I'd say that, yes he should be respectful about your beliefs, However, you should also keep your mind open to what he has to say. You are an atheist, so you understand how ridiculous religion is. No offense but, frankly, the belief in anything in the realm of the supernatural is just as silly.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 1, 2018:

@bmchizzle You responded to me saying that nothing outside of the natural world exists so I thought that you were saying that there are supernatural things, we just don't understand them. I get what you meant now and I'm with you. As we continue to learn about our world, more and more of what was once considered supernatural phenomena become understood aspects of the natural world.

Spiritual Athiest/Atheist dating question

RoboGraham comments on Jan 31, 2018:

I'd say that, yes he should be respectful about your beliefs, However, you should also keep your mind open to what he has to say. You are an atheist, so you understand how ridiculous religion is. No offense but, frankly, the belief in anything in the realm of the supernatural is just as silly.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 1, 2018:

@bmchizzle Just because we don't understand something does not mean that is outside the natural world and the laws that govern it. The universe is amazing but to believe that anything is possible is just wishful thinking.

Do we really value free speech anymore?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 30, 2018:

When a college decides not to host a political speech, that does not limit the speakers freedom of speech. They are under no obligation to provide a platform for anyone to speak from. It's not like the college is putting a gag order on the speaker. Colleges can freely choose which speakers they feel...

RoboGraham replies on Feb 1, 2018:

@Lancer Yeah that is very rude. The way to shut down people you don't agree with is to have a civil discussion and out debate them.

Spiritual Athiest/Atheist dating question

RoboGraham comments on Jan 31, 2018:

I'd say that, yes he should be respectful about your beliefs, However, you should also keep your mind open to what he has to say. You are an atheist, so you understand how ridiculous religion is. No offense but, frankly, the belief in anything in the realm of the supernatural is just as silly.

RoboGraham replies on Feb 1, 2018:

@DetroitKatie Nothing outside of the natural world can be experienced. Whatever happened, it was in your head.

What is your favorite cartoon show?

josh_karpf comments on Jan 31, 2018:

When my brain needs a rest, old Homestar Runner.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 31, 2018:

Homestar is so nostalgic for me.

Does this bother you?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 30, 2018:

I've no problem with hunting. It's necessary to keep animal populations under control since we humans have mostly eliminated the predators that would be doing that. However, hunting endangered animals, and hunting for sport generally, is really not cool.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@birdingnut Animals living in harmony, that sounds nice. Except for the munching of the pears part. Maybe you should booby trap your orchard. Get you some venison.

If you are here for the community rather than the dating, share your significant other and make ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 30, 2018:

I'm so glad you have decided to share Linda with us. When can we meet her?

RoboGraham replies on Jan 30, 2018:

I'm just kidding by the way. Don't freak out.

Who is your favorite villain?

ScienceBiker comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Emporer Palpatine, Star Wars "Young fool. Only now at the end do you understand"

RoboGraham replies on Jan 30, 2018:

It was exceedingly clever the way that he murdered his master, manipulated a bunch of apprentices, brought down the Republic, and nearly wiped out the Jedi. He was a true BAMF.

Who is your favorite villain?

btroje comments on Jan 30, 2018:

do the flying monkeys on the Wizard of Oz count?

RoboGraham replies on Jan 30, 2018:

They are minions, the wicked witch was the villain in that flick.

Where do you get your news from?

gater comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Fox news

RoboGraham replies on Jan 30, 2018:

Well that explains it.

Atheist Flight Attendant

AMGT comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Hahahahahaha.. That was great, thank you!

RoboGraham replies on Jan 30, 2018:

De nada.

Emotional responses.

Rugglesby comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I consider emotional responses and arguments aberrations, and tend not to enter into the discussion, you can't argue with an aberration.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@Dick_Martin Most definitely. We are human. Emotion plays a huge role in my decision making, I realize that. But at least we nonbelievers try to limit the control our emotions have over us by thinking logically.

What are your thoughts on the quote?

resserts comments on Jan 30, 2018:

I would never go out of my way to needlessly insult someone, but if someone is offended by my irreverence, my sense of humor, my opinions, etc., that's their problem, not mine. I feel about it much the way comedian Steve Hughes described it: https://youtu.be/ceS_jkKjIgo

RoboGraham replies on Jan 30, 2018:

Brilliant

Is this the smartest thing Trump has ever said?

gater comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Trump is a brilliant man, those that don't agree are clearly not aware.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@gater Even if every single one of those women are false accusers, have you not heard him brag about his pussy grabbing and walking in on Miss America Pageant contestants while they were naked in the dressing room? These are things that he said casually while being recorded. I find it very hard to believe that there is no misconduct from a man accused by so many and who is so entitled, arrogant, and chauvinistic as he is. And on top of all of that, he paid a porn star to keep quiet about an affair. Yes he is a really admirable family values type of guy.

Is this the smartest thing Trump has ever said?

gater comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Trump is a brilliant man, those that don't agree are clearly not aware.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@gater What happened to agree to disagree? You get your second wind? Trump is currently taking credit for Obama's sound fiscal policies. The consequences of his trickle down economics will not be felt until next year at the earliest. If the deficit is gone when Trump leaves office you will have my concession. How can that occur when the wealthiest people will be paying less in taxes? Unless massive cuts are made to programs that desperate people depend on. The way I see it, Trump has no plan to fix America. As I said when this discussion began, he is using his power to enrich himself, his family and others like him. Too many people are gullibly taking his word for it to the detriment of all of us. Did you believe him when he said Mexico will pay for the wall? Do you still believe it?

News Junkies?

Dick_Martin comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Here is a prediction: It seems entirely reasonable that McCabe leaving like this is a DOJ/Mueller honey pot sting and McCabe is the honey pot. It would not surprise me at all if it turns out that there is video, audio, witnesses, fingerprints, and a trail of evidence from Trump down to DOJ. This ...

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

I very much hope that Pence will go down with the sinking ship so he can't pardon Trump as Ford did Nixon. Also, I'm really dreading a Pence theocracy.

How do you tell religious people that you're an atheist?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 29, 2018:

When asked my denomination, I respond, Nondelusional.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@GreenAtheist Come again?

Emotional responses.

Rugglesby comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I consider emotional responses and arguments aberrations, and tend not to enter into the discussion, you can't argue with an aberration.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@Dick_Martin No, each brand gets a 1-10 rating for each of those 3 qualities. Then those 3 numbers are added together to get a total score for each beer. Highest score wins. The winner changes over time as my taste change and as I make more money the price category becomes less important. The winner of late had been yuengling but then I found out that the owner of that company endorsed Trump so I decided to boycott.

Is this the smartest thing Trump has ever said?

gater comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Trump is a brilliant man, those that don't agree are clearly not aware.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@gater That's what people say when they know they have lost the debate. Thank you for not resorting to name calling in your concession.

What kind of snob are you?

resserts comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Hmm, after reading that list I feel like I need to work on being more snobbish. ;) I have my own preferences, but I don't think that's snobbery. And I rarely care what other people enjoy. But, in the interest of being open and honest, here are some things I feel rather strongly about: - ...

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

I 100% agree about country music.

Emotional responses.

Rugglesby comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I consider emotional responses and arguments aberrations, and tend not to enter into the discussion, you can't argue with an aberration.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@Dick_Martin I score each beer by taste, price, and alcohol content. The one with the highest score gets my dollar.

Is this the smartest thing Trump has ever said?

gater comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Trump is a brilliant man, those that don't agree are clearly not aware.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@gater Taking from the poor and giving to the rich- Trump has removed federal subsidies to help poor people pay for health insurance. He is actively trying to undermine the ACA which helps sooo many poor people. He is allowing states to force poor people to work in order to receive Medicaid. Trump and republicans are now taking aim at food supplement programs. On the other hand, Trump recently signed a tax reform bill that grants large tax cuts to wealthy people and corporations and only minor cuts for middle and lower class people and those minor cuts only last for 8 years while the cuts for the rich are indefinite. This will also add massively to the national deficit. Grabbing pussy- This came from his own mouth. Do you not trust what he says? And Trump has been accused of sexual misconduct by 20 women but the republican congress refuses to investigate. Paris Agreement- Is it fair for us to put ourselves first, pollute as much as we please with no regard for the rest of the world while literally every other county has agreed to put limits on their carbon emissions? Climate change is a global problem which affects all and will take global participation to stop. If the worlds largest economy arrogantly decides to pull out, the entire world suffers. How can we call ourselves global leaders if we are the rogue nation refusing to do whats right?

Is this the smartest thing Trump has ever said?

gater comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Trump is a brilliant man, those that don't agree are clearly not aware.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@gater Taking from the poor and giving to the rich, grabbing women by the pussy without consent, pulling out of a climate agreement that the rest of the world supports... pretty evil stuff. She exaggerated but it still does not warrant calling her stupid. No one is calling you names for what you believe.

Is this the smartest thing Trump has ever said?

gater comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Trump is a brilliant man, those that don't agree are clearly not aware.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@gater I'm sad that you resort to calling someone not smart rather than debating the actual facts. It's an ad hominem and most of us avoid such fallacies on this site. And for the record HippieChick58 is a smart person.

Is this the smartest thing Trump has ever said?

gater comments on Jan 20, 2018:

Trump is a brilliant man, those that don't agree are clearly not aware.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@gater I am aware that he is very wealthy. Not all people are motivated by money but billionaires tend to be. One does not become a billionaire if money is not a major motivator.

Will religion ever die out?

Alynscott comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I hope so. Asimov said that if aliens were proven to exist religion would die out. Because religions say humans were created in gods omage so in whose image were aliens created.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 28, 2018:

If aliens were found, most religious people would probably choose not to believe it.

Do you have a favorite quote?

resserts comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I always liked the sentiment behind this quote illustrating a certain hypocrisy in Christian values: “But who prays for Satan? Who in eighteen centuries, has had the common humanity to pray for the one sinner that needed it most, our one fellow and brother who most needed a friend yet had not a...

RoboGraham replies on Jan 28, 2018:

Lucifer must not have been saved.

What if being stupid were to actually become a diagnosis?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 28, 2018:

That's already a thing. But we don't call it "stupid" the correct term is mentally handicapped.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 28, 2018:

@macrobius Stupidity is not a choice it's a lack on intelligence. If the lack of intelligence is severe enough, it is a mental disability.

Should crime be (just) punished?

Imatheistically comments on Jan 27, 2018:

If the surviving victims of crime were allowed to SENTENCE their criminal perpetrators, then THEY could determine what "compensation" was needed to give the victim the JUSTICE they are entitled to!

RoboGraham replies on Jan 28, 2018:

That is a horrible idea. It would guarantee that impartiality is thrown out the window and the sentence is reached emotionally rather than logically. It would be an extreme case of conflict of interests.

Is it worth moving to a blue state?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Blue states also tend to offer better government services. I have a very serious medical issue and I am extremely fortunate to live in Maryland where I am fully covered by medicaid. If I lived in a red state, I would most likely be completely fucked.

RoboGraham replies on Jan 26, 2018:

@silvereyes Conservative christians preach compassion but do not put their money where their indoctrination hole is.

Is christianity truely monotheistic?

SKDeitch comments on Jan 14, 2018:

All monotheistic faiths are evolved from polytheistic faiths in which a single god has become ascendant. In the Abrahamic religions the other gods have been demoted to angels and demons and sometimes other sorts of beings like djinni, imps or fairies. That said, Christianity is monotheistic. ...

RoboGraham replies on Jan 24, 2018:

But in peagan religions, there are multitudes of gods who are considered to be dieties and had nothing to do with the creation story. Just because only one of the gods is given credit for the creation and is more powerful than the rest doesn't make the others less than gods. And does Lucifer not have a distinct ego and personality? In my mind, any religion in which there are multiple beings who have supernatural powers is a polytheistic religion.

What was your worst church experiance?

IndridCold comments on Jan 23, 2018:

My worst church experience came as I was going through the process of being "confirmed" in the Catholic church. Every Thursday for several months, and then for a week straight the week before, I was forced to go to catechism class. I thoroughly HATED this. Anyway, that last week, we were ...

RoboGraham replies on Jan 23, 2018:

I wonder how the kids parents reacted to that incident.