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I AM A MUSLIM ASK ME ANYTHING? - MUSLIM DEFENDS ISLAM ACROSS AMERICA
Storm1752 comments on Mar 7, 2020:
Who cares if you're Muslim, and why are you proud of the fact?
I was raised Catholic, but I'm not now and haven't been for 50 years. I don't hang out with Catholics, avoid the topic whenever possible, and have many and varied interests unrelated to religion and culture at all.
Why do you care if ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
@Cutiebeauty Who cares if you're a tall, agnostic atheist raised a Catholic Muslim?
Storm1752 comments on Mar 7, 2020:
Who cares if you're Muslim, and why are you proud of the fact?
I was raised Catholic, but I'm not now and haven't been for 50 years. I don't hang out with Catholics, avoid the topic whenever possible, and have many and varied interests unrelated to religion and culture at all.
Why do you care if ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
@Cutiebeauty Who cares if you're a tall, agnostic atheist raised a Catholic Muslim?
Question for other non religious. who loves working out?
Storm1752 comments on Mar 7, 2020:
Why do you make a point of saying you don't care "if a man thinks I'm attractive or not anymore?"
It seems to me most people care if other people think they're "attractive." I know I do. I recently ballooned up to about 220 from my normal weight of 190, and I was appalled...too much (any) ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
@Lauraleigh39 Thanks for the very detailed answer!
Yes when it gets right down to it it's primarily for myself I'm getting back to something resembling respectable condition, rather than borderline obese. The chances I'll find another companion at this point are vanishingly small. And being retired, I've no co-workers to impress. The people at stores and shops could care less. My therapist just quit her job so there's not even her...
Sex? My last companion was constantly pressuring me for it until she finally gave up. She was a rather attractive 83, but that was too much of an age difference for me. Like you, porn is preferable to getting stuck in a deadend relationship with all it's obligations and demands on my time, mental reserves, and emotional stability.
In fact I'm now a recluse and enjoying my solitude, as long as I have something to occupy my time, which at present is building a pond.
So appearance is only secondarily to satisfy the sensibilities of other mostly non-existent people. It's a personal pride, a desire to extend my longevity, and to aesthetically please myself. Even if no one else cares, I certainly do!
As for people with purple hair and nose rings, their ideas of attractiveness are their own.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 7, 2020:
Why do you make a point of saying you don't care "if a man thinks I'm attractive or not anymore?"
It seems to me most people care if other people think they're "attractive." I know I do. I recently ballooned up to about 220 from my normal weight of 190, and I was appalled...too much (any) ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
@Lauraleigh39 Thanks for the very detailed answer!
Yes when it gets right down to it it's primarily for myself I'm getting back to something resembling respectable condition, rather than borderline obese. The chances I'll find another companion at this point are vanishingly small. And being retired, I've no co-workers to impress. The people at stores and shops could care less. My therapist just quit her job so there's not even her...
Sex? My last companion was constantly pressuring me for it until she finally gave up. She was a rather attractive 83, but that was too much of an age difference for me. Like you, porn is preferable to getting stuck in a deadend relationship with all it's obligations and demands on my time, mental reserves, and emotional stability.
In fact I'm now a recluse and enjoying my solitude, as long as I have something to occupy my time, which at present is building a pond.
So appearance is only secondarily to satisfy the sensibilities of other mostly non-existent people. It's a personal pride, a desire to extend my longevity, and to aesthetically please myself. Even if no one else cares, I certainly do!
As for people with purple hair and nose rings, their ideas of attractiveness are their own.
I AM A MUSLIM ASK ME ANYTHING? - MUSLIM DEFENDS ISLAM ACROSS AMERICA
zesty comments on Mar 6, 2020:
Islam is an extremely disgusting mental disease.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
@creative51 If Muslim radicals had nuclear weapons they would use them
zesty comments on Mar 6, 2020:
Islam is an extremely disgusting mental disease.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
@creative51 If Muslim radicals had nuclear weapons they would use them
I AM A MUSLIM ASK ME ANYTHING? - MUSLIM DEFENDS ISLAM ACROSS AMERICA
kitsummers comments on Mar 6, 2020:
The Quran is an evil book >>
Most evil teaching # 1: Islam's paradise of evil, demented, depraved sexual perversity
Verse 9:111 – Muslim's passport to paradise
"Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
Obama isn't Muslim.
kitsummers comments on Mar 6, 2020:
The Quran is an evil book >>
Most evil teaching # 1: Islam's paradise of evil, demented, depraved sexual perversity
Verse 9:111 – Muslim's passport to paradise
"Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
Obama isn't Muslim.
I AM A MUSLIM ASK ME ANYTHING? - MUSLIM DEFENDS ISLAM ACROSS AMERICA
BitFlipper comments on Mar 6, 2020:
I've encountered a pair of young men at our local Public Market. Very cordial. They hold a sign that says "Meet a Muslim". They aren't selling anything, they're just offering the opportunity for a little cultural exchange. I hung out with them for awhile. They were nice.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
Oh how wonderful and multicultural of you.
BitFlipper comments on Mar 6, 2020:
I've encountered a pair of young men at our local Public Market. Very cordial. They hold a sign that says "Meet a Muslim". They aren't selling anything, they're just offering the opportunity for a little cultural exchange. I hung out with them for awhile. They were nice.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
Oh how wonderful and multicultural of you.
I AM A MUSLIM ASK ME ANYTHING? - MUSLIM DEFENDS ISLAM ACROSS AMERICA
Stilltrying1964 comments on Mar 6, 2020:
Are you fucking crazy? Do you know where you are? I read some of the replies and then slammed on the brakes. Why was I even interested enough to do that? Fuck the fucking Muslims that throw gays off high places. I saw a lady at the bank this afternoon in a burka and it took all my restraint to not ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
@SanDiegoAirport Michael Moore doesn't give a d-mn what you think of him, loser.
Stilltrying1964 comments on Mar 6, 2020:
Are you fucking crazy? Do you know where you are? I read some of the replies and then slammed on the brakes. Why was I even interested enough to do that? Fuck the fucking Muslims that throw gays off high places. I saw a lady at the bank this afternoon in a burka and it took all my restraint to not ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 7, 2020:
@SanDiegoAirport Michael Moore doesn't give a d-mn what you think of him, loser.
This caught my attention. What are your thoughts?
RoboGraham comments on Mar 6, 2020:
Lat's not forget that Cuba accomplished these things while being under harsh economic embargo from the world super power which is just 90 miles from it's shores and the starting point for their economy was extreme poverty and near total dependence on the USA while under Batista.
Say what you ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 6, 2020:
Totally.
I was about to say the same thing.
RoboGraham comments on Mar 6, 2020:
Lat's not forget that Cuba accomplished these things while being under harsh economic embargo from the world super power which is just 90 miles from it's shores and the starting point for their economy was extreme poverty and near total dependence on the USA while under Batista.
Say what you ...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 6, 2020:
Totally.
I was about to say the same thing.
I have to be honest.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 5, 2020:
Let me clear this up for you once and for all:
The King James version misinterprets the Greek word 'aion' as meaning 'everlasting.'
The REAL interpretation is, 'an indeterminate period of time.'
Okay?
So if hell existed and you were so unfortunate as to go there, it'd be until god decided you'd...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 5, 2020:
@UUNJ Look it up. It's fascinating.
Just one more example how the good book has it a-- backwards and upside down, among other things.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 5, 2020:
Let me clear this up for you once and for all:
The King James version misinterprets the Greek word 'aion' as meaning 'everlasting.'
The REAL interpretation is, 'an indeterminate period of time.'
Okay?
So if hell existed and you were so unfortunate as to go there, it'd be until god decided you'd...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 5, 2020:
@UUNJ Look it up. It's fascinating.
Just one more example how the good book has it a-- backwards and upside down, among other things.
I have to be honest.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 5, 2020:
Let me clear this up for you once and for all:
The King James version misinterprets the Greek word 'aion' as meaning 'everlasting.'
The REAL interpretation is, 'an indeterminate period of time.'
Okay?
So if hell existed and you were so unfortunate as to go there, it'd be until god decided you'd...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 5, 2020:
@UUNJ Though as an agnostic let me emphasize my complete and utter CERTAINTY the words 'god' and 'hell' are by definition mutually exclusive.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 5, 2020:
Let me clear this up for you once and for all:
The King James version misinterprets the Greek word 'aion' as meaning 'everlasting.'
The REAL interpretation is, 'an indeterminate period of time.'
Okay?
So if hell existed and you were so unfortunate as to go there, it'd be until god decided you'd...
Storm1752 replies on Mar 5, 2020:
@UUNJ Though as an agnostic let me emphasize my complete and utter CERTAINTY the words 'god' and 'hell' are by definition mutually exclusive.
Do you think it is possible for a professing Christian to be agnostic?
maturin1919 comments on Mar 4, 2020:
As agnostic/gnostic refer to knowledge and atheist/theist refer to belief, yes.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
Not THAT again!
maturin1919 comments on Mar 4, 2020:
As agnostic/gnostic refer to knowledge and atheist/theist refer to belief, yes.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
Not THAT again!
Completely DISGUSTED last night watching reporters going maniacal with glee over Bidens wins.
Buddha comments on Mar 4, 2020:
I'm disgusted we with them too... I will not vote for Biden. He really seems to have dementia
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Buddha No.
Our primary in Florida is coming up and I'll vote for him. That's all I can do.
I'll be surprised if he wins, though.
Buddha comments on Mar 4, 2020:
I'm disgusted we with them too... I will not vote for Biden. He really seems to have dementia
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Buddha No.
Our primary in Florida is coming up and I'll vote for him. That's all I can do.
I'll be surprised if he wins, though.
Completely DISGUSTED last night watching reporters going maniacal with glee over Bidens wins.
Novelty comments on Mar 4, 2020:
It’s because socialism is Marxist communism said every expert that never took a political science course in their life.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Novelty, @ToolGuy Hey that's hilarious.
My problem is probably having to deal with so many trolls it gets hard after a while to tell the difference.
Novelty comments on Mar 4, 2020:
It’s because socialism is Marxist communism said every expert that never took a political science course in their life.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Novelty, @ToolGuy Hey that's hilarious.
My problem is probably having to deal with so many trolls it gets hard after a while to tell the difference.
Completely DISGUSTED last night watching reporters going maniacal with glee over Bidens wins.
Novelty comments on Mar 4, 2020:
It’s because socialism is Marxist communism said every expert that never took a political science course in their life.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Novelty Sorry. You sounded serious.
Novelty comments on Mar 4, 2020:
It’s because socialism is Marxist communism said every expert that never took a political science course in their life.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Novelty Sorry. You sounded serious.
Completely DISGUSTED last night watching reporters going maniacal with glee over Bidens wins.
Buddha comments on Mar 4, 2020:
I'm disgusted we with them too... I will not vote for Biden. He really seems to have dementia
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
Then who ARE you going to vote for? Nobody? Bernie's third party campaign? The Green Party?
A Democratic vote is the only one which will matter.
Buddha comments on Mar 4, 2020:
I'm disgusted we with them too... I will not vote for Biden. He really seems to have dementia
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
Then who ARE you going to vote for? Nobody? Bernie's third party campaign? The Green Party?
A Democratic vote is the only one which will matter.
Completely DISGUSTED last night watching reporters going maniacal with glee over Bidens wins.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 4, 2020:
Now c'mon! They would've gushed over a Bernie landslide, too
Surprised Bloomberg didn't do better; same with Warren...those two are reeling.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Charlene Look, a sizable percentage of the 'electorate' have been brainwashed into thinking Bernie is a far-left communist (which wouldn't bother me) instead of what he is: firmly left of center.
The left has to realize the ultra-right radical conservatives have succeeded in pushing everything to the right. They have to face up to the fact a center-left candidate is probably the best we can do.
That's not in my book 'mediocrity,' but rather an electable compromise between what we really want and what is possible.
Do you think the 'moderate' Democrats are REALLY that moderate? Or do they rationally see where the votes are and are pragmatically going there?
Storm1752 comments on Mar 4, 2020:
Now c'mon! They would've gushed over a Bernie landslide, too
Surprised Bloomberg didn't do better; same with Warren...those two are reeling.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Charlene Look, a sizable percentage of the 'electorate' have been brainwashed into thinking Bernie is a far-left communist (which wouldn't bother me) instead of what he is: firmly left of center.
The left has to realize the ultra-right radical conservatives have succeeded in pushing everything to the right. They have to face up to the fact a center-left candidate is probably the best we can do.
That's not in my book 'mediocrity,' but rather an electable compromise between what we really want and what is possible.
Do you think the 'moderate' Democrats are REALLY that moderate? Or do they rationally see where the votes are and are pragmatically going there?
Completely DISGUSTED last night watching reporters going maniacal with glee over Bidens wins.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 4, 2020:
Now c'mon! They would've gushed over a Bernie landslide, too
Surprised Bloomberg didn't do better; same with Warren...those two are reeling.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Bierbasstard Yes that is disturbing. Like a bunch of petulant babies.
Very, very dangerous and counterproductive attitude, too, as if 'they' are all in cahoots to beat him.
What nonsense.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 4, 2020:
Now c'mon! They would've gushed over a Bernie landslide, too
Surprised Bloomberg didn't do better; same with Warren...those two are reeling.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
@Bierbasstard Yes that is disturbing. Like a bunch of petulant babies.
Very, very dangerous and counterproductive attitude, too, as if 'they' are all in cahoots to beat him.
What nonsense.
Completely DISGUSTED last night watching reporters going maniacal with glee over Bidens wins.
Novelty comments on Mar 4, 2020:
It’s because socialism is Marxist communism said every expert that never took a political science course in their life.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
Forgive me, but that is one of the most uninformed statements I've ever heard.
Democratic Socialism=Marxist communism?!?
Where's the Dictatorship of the Proletariat, pray tell?
Novelty comments on Mar 4, 2020:
It’s because socialism is Marxist communism said every expert that never took a political science course in their life.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 4, 2020:
Forgive me, but that is one of the most uninformed statements I've ever heard.
Democratic Socialism=Marxist communism?!?
Where's the Dictatorship of the Proletariat, pray tell?
Well isn't this nice.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 2, 2020:
Bloomberg is the most electable candidate; too bad if some people don't like it.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 3, 2020:
@RoboGraham Excellent points.
I certainly hope you're right.
I'm not married to Mike...I like them all.
Obama won because of Iraq, the Great Recession, and McCain refused to throw the ravenous Pubs raw meat.
Plus he came on like a moderate in the Bill Clinton vein. Plus of course he's multi-racial and blacks turned out in droves.
Bernie is nominally Jewish, but in fact is agnostic and/or 'non-religious.'
This is great, as far as I'm concerned, but not so great for anyone religious, including lots of Independents.
Sure Trump isn't religious either, but he's conveniently anti-abortion and anti-gay so that doesn't count.
So he'll get no crossover votes, and fewer independent votes than otherwise would be the case.
And many Democrats are religious and would be turned off.
His only hope would be to inspire many other normally apathetic Democratic voters (for whom religion or lack thereof is not an issue) to actually get off their butts and VOTE.
Will they?
If he's the nominee, let's hope so.
There is also he comes off as a stars-in-his-eyes dreamer, not a serious politician.
Don't get me wrong: I agree with everything he says.
But I can imagine the Republican Propaganda Attack Machine can hardly wait to get their wagging tongues on godless communist Bernie.
Storm1752 comments on Mar 2, 2020:
Bloomberg is the most electable candidate; too bad if some people don't like it.
Storm1752 replies on Mar 3, 2020:
@RoboGraham Excellent points.
I certainly hope you're right.
I'm not married to Mike...I like them all.
Obama won because of Iraq, the Great Recession, and McCain refused to throw the ravenous Pubs raw meat.
Plus he came on like a moderate in the Bill Clinton vein. Plus of course he's multi-racial and blacks turned out in droves.
Bernie is nominally Jewish, but in fact is agnostic and/or 'non-religious.'
This is great, as far as I'm concerned, but not so great for anyone religious, including lots of Independents.
Sure Trump isn't religious either, but he's conveniently anti-abortion and anti-gay so that doesn't count.
So he'll get no crossover votes, and fewer independent votes than otherwise would be the case.
And many Democrats are religious and would be turned off.
His only hope would be to inspire many other normally apathetic Democratic voters (for whom religion or lack thereof is not an issue) to actually get off their butts and VOTE.
Will they?
If he's the nominee, let's hope so.
There is also he comes off as a stars-in-his-eyes dreamer, not a serious politician.
Don't get me wrong: I agree with everything he says.
But I can imagine the Republican Propaganda Attack Machine can hardly wait to get their wagging tongues on godless communist Bernie.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 29, 2020:
@jorj So to speak.
AS BEST THEY CAN.
You're a glass half empty kinda guy, ain't cha?
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 29, 2020:
@jorj So to speak.
AS BEST THEY CAN.
You're a glass half empty kinda guy, ain't cha?
A question: There is a bill circulating in the Utah legislator to legalize polygamy.
Cutiebeauty comments on Feb 28, 2020:
One wife, many husbands makes more sense.. because one man cannot satisfy more than one woman at a time and many men can't even satisfy one woman!!!
Storm1752 replies on Feb 28, 2020:
How true!
Cutiebeauty comments on Feb 28, 2020:
One wife, many husbands makes more sense.. because one man cannot satisfy more than one woman at a time and many men can't even satisfy one woman!!!
Storm1752 replies on Feb 28, 2020:
How true!
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 28, 2020:
@jorj All good points, but given the political climate these days after Pubs successfully brainwashed so many gun nuts and Jesus freaks it might've been the best we could expect.
First the Pubs wreck the economy and get us into phony wars, then the Dems come in and clean up the mess as best they can, but always half measures and Band-Aids, not systemic change.
Hey I'm with you a political revolution is needed; I just don't think anything short of a MAJOR economic and/or military upheaval will be enough to provoke it, and I don't think Sanders is the right messenger.
I could be wrong, and I may vote for him in the primary, but I just don't want to see yet another Northeastern socialist go down in flames...even though I personally am one myself.
Like it or not, the country has lurched so far right it'd take a 'miracle' for a true liberal-progressive 'lefty' to get elected, and we simply cannot afford another four years being pushed around by ultra-right fanatics.
If Ralph Nader's would've faced reality in 2000, we never would've never had the 2008 meltdown and the Iraq disaster. And that's only the tip of the iceberg, as you well know.
I fear if we do the same now ANOTHER buffoon even worse than W. will continue to allow these fanatics more time to consolidate power and perhaps ruin our democracy for good.
These are not alarmist rantings and ravings; this is real. Are you really willing to roll those dice?
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 28, 2020:
@jorj All good points, but given the political climate these days after Pubs successfully brainwashed so many gun nuts and Jesus freaks it might've been the best we could expect.
First the Pubs wreck the economy and get us into phony wars, then the Dems come in and clean up the mess as best they can, but always half measures and Band-Aids, not systemic change.
Hey I'm with you a political revolution is needed; I just don't think anything short of a MAJOR economic and/or military upheaval will be enough to provoke it, and I don't think Sanders is the right messenger.
I could be wrong, and I may vote for him in the primary, but I just don't want to see yet another Northeastern socialist go down in flames...even though I personally am one myself.
Like it or not, the country has lurched so far right it'd take a 'miracle' for a true liberal-progressive 'lefty' to get elected, and we simply cannot afford another four years being pushed around by ultra-right fanatics.
If Ralph Nader's would've faced reality in 2000, we never would've never had the 2008 meltdown and the Iraq disaster. And that's only the tip of the iceberg, as you well know.
I fear if we do the same now ANOTHER buffoon even worse than W. will continue to allow these fanatics more time to consolidate power and perhaps ruin our democracy for good.
These are not alarmist rantings and ravings; this is real. Are you really willing to roll those dice?
Who will win the next election . Trump or Sanders ?
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Maybe neither one.
Why the rush?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 28, 2020:
@Astonvilla1 No 'course not...those horses left the barn a long time ago!
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Maybe neither one.
Why the rush?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 28, 2020:
@Astonvilla1 No 'course not...those horses left the barn a long time ago!
WHY does the AHA questionnaire keep asking "do you believe---" As a Scientist one doesn't BELIEVE ...
lonenonbeliever comments on Feb 27, 2020:
That is a good point, but there are those of us who are on the fence, and not asimovian atheists, which I think is within the definition of agnostic.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@ToolGuy As usual you have the agnostic dead wrong.
But to get off the merry-go-round for a second, and speaking strictly for myself and not all Agnostics, I'm an atheist on a Supreme Deity, okay? No purple dragons in my garage, no fairy cities in the sky.
I'm AGNOSTIC about if there is some other definition of 'god.'
Not an Entity who answers prayers and in general micromanages my life, not one which created the world in seven days, not a Jehovah or an Allah or anyone like that.
E=mc√ means energy and matter are two forms of the same thing. It means EVERYTHING is the same thing.
Light is a particle under an electronic microscope, a wave viewed by a spectrometer. But it cannot be both, which means it is neither; it is something else entirely. So they call it a 'wavicle.'
It wasn't long ago we didn't have these instruments. How long before we have even more advanced ones which further boggle our minds?
The Big Bang is losing out these days to the Big Bounce, which postulates the universe expands to a certain point, stops expanding, then begins to contract, eventually reaching maximum density and explodes outward again.
Unlike the Judeo-Christian idea, this means there never was a time it didn't exist and was created. It's always been here. And will never come a time it ceases to exist
All this means is there is no need to imagine a 'god' who created it, and will some day destroy it or transform it or whatever.
So if we are to imagine a concept we can label 'god,' it has to be something completely different than what most of us were brought up to believe.
Just like Einstein completely transformed our ideas if what the physical universe is, to the point all we DO know is our five senses give us an entirely misleading, inaccurate, incomplete picture.
So too our idea of what 'god' is. The fact is, we have no idea. To even talk about the subject, we'd need a mathmatically precise nomenclature not currently within our grasp.
So that's what agnosticism is to me, as poorly expressed as it is.
lonenonbeliever comments on Feb 27, 2020:
That is a good point, but there are those of us who are on the fence, and not asimovian atheists, which I think is within the definition of agnostic.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@ToolGuy As usual you have the agnostic dead wrong.
But to get off the merry-go-round for a second, and speaking strictly for myself and not all Agnostics, I'm an atheist on a Supreme Deity, okay? No purple dragons in my garage, no fairy cities in the sky.
I'm AGNOSTIC about if there is some other definition of 'god.'
Not an Entity who answers prayers and in general micromanages my life, not one which created the world in seven days, not a Jehovah or an Allah or anyone like that.
E=mc√ means energy and matter are two forms of the same thing. It means EVERYTHING is the same thing.
Light is a particle under an electronic microscope, a wave viewed by a spectrometer. But it cannot be both, which means it is neither; it is something else entirely. So they call it a 'wavicle.'
It wasn't long ago we didn't have these instruments. How long before we have even more advanced ones which further boggle our minds?
The Big Bang is losing out these days to the Big Bounce, which postulates the universe expands to a certain point, stops expanding, then begins to contract, eventually reaching maximum density and explodes outward again.
Unlike the Judeo-Christian idea, this means there never was a time it didn't exist and was created. It's always been here. And will never come a time it ceases to exist
All this means is there is no need to imagine a 'god' who created it, and will some day destroy it or transform it or whatever.
So if we are to imagine a concept we can label 'god,' it has to be something completely different than what most of us were brought up to believe.
Just like Einstein completely transformed our ideas if what the physical universe is, to the point all we DO know is our five senses give us an entirely misleading, inaccurate, incomplete picture.
So too our idea of what 'god' is. The fact is, we have no idea. To even talk about the subject, we'd need a mathmatically precise nomenclature not currently within our grasp.
So that's what agnosticism is to me, as poorly expressed as it is.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@jorj That's possibly because Pubs started being stubbornly obstructionist about that time.
One of the last times they weren't, we balanced the budget for the last time in probably our lifetimes.
I doubt they'll EVER abandon their utterly phony supply-side economic voodoo. It's too conveniently logical, given their false premises, as a justification for an endless series of tax cuts for the wealthy, and dismantling the New Deal.
I WILL admit, Obama--because of the perfect storm of Iraq and the 2008 Great Recession--squandered a golden opportunity to fundamentally change the dynamic, and instead blew it by actually believing the Pubs would compromise on ANYTHING.
Instead of plucking low-hanging fruit, he went for the health care Holy Grail and got crushed.
Other than that, the Pubs have had it their way and are in the process of turning back the clock to pre-Enlightenment days.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@jorj That's possibly because Pubs started being stubbornly obstructionist about that time.
One of the last times they weren't, we balanced the budget for the last time in probably our lifetimes.
I doubt they'll EVER abandon their utterly phony supply-side economic voodoo. It's too conveniently logical, given their false premises, as a justification for an endless series of tax cuts for the wealthy, and dismantling the New Deal.
I WILL admit, Obama--because of the perfect storm of Iraq and the 2008 Great Recession--squandered a golden opportunity to fundamentally change the dynamic, and instead blew it by actually believing the Pubs would compromise on ANYTHING.
Instead of plucking low-hanging fruit, he went for the health care Holy Grail and got crushed.
Other than that, the Pubs have had it their way and are in the process of turning back the clock to pre-Enlightenment days.
WHY does the AHA questionnaire keep asking "do you believe---" As a Scientist one doesn't BELIEVE ...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 27, 2020:
What is the "AHA?"
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
Anyway, as an agnostic I believe lots of things.
I KNOW using MY eyes the sky is blue.
I believe (think) the L.A. Lakers are the best team in the NBA this year.
I also 'believe IN' them in the sense I think they have the 'heart' and 'guts' to win the championship. In this context ability and skill alone will not be enough, so to predict a championship one must have FAITH they also possess an indefinable, intangible, yet necessary, 'character.'
So, I think if the AHA is asking for an OPINION, 'belief' is the right word.
If there asking for anything more, 'belief IN;' that is, FAITH, is required.
As far as 'knowing' goes, however, as an agnostic there are very few things I'll admit to having absolute certainty about, outside of self-evident definitions.
(Btw, my faith in the Lakers is not sufficiently strong I'll put any money on them.)
Storm1752 comments on Feb 27, 2020:
What is the "AHA?"
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
Anyway, as an agnostic I believe lots of things.
I KNOW using MY eyes the sky is blue.
I believe (think) the L.A. Lakers are the best team in the NBA this year.
I also 'believe IN' them in the sense I think they have the 'heart' and 'guts' to win the championship. In this context ability and skill alone will not be enough, so to predict a championship one must have FAITH they also possess an indefinable, intangible, yet necessary, 'character.'
So, I think if the AHA is asking for an OPINION, 'belief' is the right word.
If there asking for anything more, 'belief IN;' that is, FAITH, is required.
As far as 'knowing' goes, however, as an agnostic there are very few things I'll admit to having absolute certainty about, outside of self-evident definitions.
(Btw, my faith in the Lakers is not sufficiently strong I'll put any money on them.)
WHY does the AHA questionnaire keep asking "do you believe---" As a Scientist one doesn't BELIEVE ...
Novelty comments on Feb 27, 2020:
Not all of us are scientist and when I’m associating with normal hominids I can say that I believe in evolution and they know exactly what I mean. With theist I’d have to spend the rest of the time we were together explaining that it wasn’t a faith statement. I have so little faith in faith ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
You don't believe IN evolution, do you, really?
The more accurate statement is, 'I believe evolution to be true.'
Right?
I believe life forms evolve, rather than appear always in static, finished form.
To believe IN something is a statement of faith.
I'm agnostic, but I don't believe IN agnosticism.
Hmmm....it can get a little ridiculous.
Novelty comments on Feb 27, 2020:
Not all of us are scientist and when I’m associating with normal hominids I can say that I believe in evolution and they know exactly what I mean. With theist I’d have to spend the rest of the time we were together explaining that it wasn’t a faith statement. I have so little faith in faith ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
You don't believe IN evolution, do you, really?
The more accurate statement is, 'I believe evolution to be true.'
Right?
I believe life forms evolve, rather than appear always in static, finished form.
To believe IN something is a statement of faith.
I'm agnostic, but I don't believe IN agnosticism.
Hmmm....it can get a little ridiculous.
WHY does the AHA questionnaire keep asking "do you believe---" As a Scientist one doesn't BELIEVE ...
powder comments on Feb 27, 2020:
Yes you do, or assume. You believe peer review is thorough. You have faith your car will start in the mornings so don't check fluid levels, pressures etc.
The trick is recognising what is belief/ assumed and what is actual knowledge. Breaking everything down into probabilities.....? Not my cup ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
I don't believe IN my car's mechanical and electronic soundness, though.
powder comments on Feb 27, 2020:
Yes you do, or assume. You believe peer review is thorough. You have faith your car will start in the mornings so don't check fluid levels, pressures etc.
The trick is recognising what is belief/ assumed and what is actual knowledge. Breaking everything down into probabilities.....? Not my cup ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
I don't believe IN my car's mechanical and electronic soundness, though.
WHY does the AHA questionnaire keep asking "do you believe---" As a Scientist one doesn't BELIEVE ...
Pedrohbds comments on Feb 27, 2020:
We all have stuff that we believe without checking. If you had to check everything you would go crazy.
But sometimes it is important to remember things like.
"O don't believe in evolution, I accept the vast number of evidences that shows evolution is a valid model"
Believe is a good ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
I believe I'm alive.
I don't believe IN my own existence.
Pedrohbds comments on Feb 27, 2020:
We all have stuff that we believe without checking. If you had to check everything you would go crazy.
But sometimes it is important to remember things like.
"O don't believe in evolution, I accept the vast number of evidences that shows evolution is a valid model"
Believe is a good ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
I believe I'm alive.
I don't believe IN my own existence.
the Nature of - Eternal Life -
and humanities irrational fear of - death -
the Joy of dying – ...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 26, 2020:
Very nice.
As an agnostic I'm able to say you might very well be right about what you are pronouncing. It certainly cannot be disproven.
Hopefully someday it can be proven...do YOU have concrete proof of any kind?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@KWAPELL7 Wonderful!
I'll look forward to them.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 26, 2020:
Very nice.
As an agnostic I'm able to say you might very well be right about what you are pronouncing. It certainly cannot be disproven.
Hopefully someday it can be proven...do YOU have concrete proof of any kind?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@KWAPELL7 Wonderful!
I'll look forward to them.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@jorj I DO believe Dems have starkly different agendas. To me, that is absolutely, without question, the case.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@jorj I DO believe Dems have starkly different agendas. To me, that is absolutely, without question, the case.
So, how many of youse out there in 'agnosticland' have actually considered whether your position is ...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Probable?
Do you mean 'tenable?'
If so, yes, I've considered it and having done so, decided it is the only rational position.
However, I also consider myself an agnostic Neo-Deist, so I'm an atheist when it comes to divine entities, but agnostic when it comes to a possible, but as-yet ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@Atheist3 I said I was AGNOSTIC, not a believer, BECAUSE I have no "concrete, credible evidence." I DO have circumstantial evidence for some things, such as reincarnation, or psychism. But that's not good enough
Don't you see the difference?
I DO have "concrete, credible evidence" there is no such thing as a "divine entity," however.
A "god" would answer prayer, for instance. The facts show prayer is statistically ineffectual.
A "god" would prevent suffering...or not create it in the first place.
A "god" would create independent entities with TRUE free will, such as himself. It does not; it FORCES them to act a certain way.
On and on. There is no end to the contradictions. This is, for me, evidence.
It may not be, for some people.
That's fine. They can make up their own minds.
But I'm talking about ME, not them.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Probable?
Do you mean 'tenable?'
If so, yes, I've considered it and having done so, decided it is the only rational position.
However, I also consider myself an agnostic Neo-Deist, so I'm an atheist when it comes to divine entities, but agnostic when it comes to a possible, but as-yet ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 27, 2020:
@Atheist3 I said I was AGNOSTIC, not a believer, BECAUSE I have no "concrete, credible evidence." I DO have circumstantial evidence for some things, such as reincarnation, or psychism. But that's not good enough
Don't you see the difference?
I DO have "concrete, credible evidence" there is no such thing as a "divine entity," however.
A "god" would answer prayer, for instance. The facts show prayer is statistically ineffectual.
A "god" would prevent suffering...or not create it in the first place.
A "god" would create independent entities with TRUE free will, such as himself. It does not; it FORCES them to act a certain way.
On and on. There is no end to the contradictions. This is, for me, evidence.
It may not be, for some people.
That's fine. They can make up their own minds.
But I'm talking about ME, not them.
Here's a kicker! In the bible when there is a reference to homosexual behaviour the word is more ...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Sex between a man and a boy?
(No sex between women and girls?
Why this sexist discrimination?)
Aren't we splitting hairs here?
By "boy" do we mean pubescent, from early childhood to puberty? Or are you still a 'boy' after puberty?
Pedophilia is to be discouraged under all circumstances, so if ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@Atheist3 Flippant.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Sex between a man and a boy?
(No sex between women and girls?
Why this sexist discrimination?)
Aren't we splitting hairs here?
By "boy" do we mean pubescent, from early childhood to puberty? Or are you still a 'boy' after puberty?
Pedophilia is to be discouraged under all circumstances, so if ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@Atheist3 Flippant.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@jorj We have a basic disagreement.
Not to be dismissive or rude, but if you disagree Dems are fundamentally preferable in almost every way there is no basis for further discussion.
There just isn't.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@jorj We have a basic disagreement.
Not to be dismissive or rude, but if you disagree Dems are fundamentally preferable in almost every way there is no basis for further discussion.
There just isn't.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@jorj Mondale and Gore might've been better than Reagan II and W., though.
And I'd have taken Hillary over Rump any day.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@jorj Mondale and Gore might've been better than Reagan II and W., though.
And I'd have taken Hillary over Rump any day.
Discovery of first genetic variants associated with meaning in life -- ScienceDaily
Debbera comments on Jan 15, 2019:
If we solely concentrate on the genetic variants in our differences the process becomes more complexed and diverse. It’s not the biological differences that creates our meanings in life but our similarities. Buddha and Jesus had genetic variants but their similarities where reflected in their ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
I doubt Jesus even existed.
Maybe a "genetic variant" created the vivid imaginations of those who created 'him.'
Debbera comments on Jan 15, 2019:
If we solely concentrate on the genetic variants in our differences the process becomes more complexed and diverse. It’s not the biological differences that creates our meanings in life but our similarities. Buddha and Jesus had genetic variants but their similarities where reflected in their ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
I doubt Jesus even existed.
Maybe a "genetic variant" created the vivid imaginations of those who created 'him.'
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@jorj I've said all I wish to say, made my point(s), and am done for now.
There's nothing I can add which wouldn't be repetitive.
I'd only recommend you look at Mike's positions, and compare them to those of the men I've mentioned,
Decide for yourself who are the elitist, dangerous, anti-democratic plutocrats working feverishly to strengthen our oligarchy, and who are working to re-energizere momentum toward egalitarian democracy.
Not one to paraphrase the book of lies, but---by their fruits thou shalt know them.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@jorj I've said all I wish to say, made my point(s), and am done for now.
There's nothing I can add which wouldn't be repetitive.
I'd only recommend you look at Mike's positions, and compare them to those of the men I've mentioned,
Decide for yourself who are the elitist, dangerous, anti-democratic plutocrats working feverishly to strengthen our oligarchy, and who are working to re-energizere momentum toward egalitarian democracy.
Not one to paraphrase the book of lies, but---by their fruits thou shalt know them.
This is especially for @St-Sinner Greta and Malala [twitter.com]
St-Sinner comments on Feb 25, 2020:
Malala Yousafzai is such a broad hearted, open minded person that she would meet anybody. I hope Malala can teach a thing or two about how to be respectful, not wag fingers at world leaders at the UN when you are just 16 and an invited guest.
Malala showed the world that you can be both - ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@St-Sinner Who pays you for this swill?
St-Sinner comments on Feb 25, 2020:
Malala Yousafzai is such a broad hearted, open minded person that she would meet anybody. I hope Malala can teach a thing or two about how to be respectful, not wag fingers at world leaders at the UN when you are just 16 and an invited guest.
Malala showed the world that you can be both - ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@St-Sinner Who pays you for this swill?
Buttigieg is a not only a Proxy for the Demo old guard leadership, he is now a front for the ...
of-the-mountain comments on Feb 25, 2020:
# More proof the Obstructionist republicans are using buttigieg as a proxy to destroy Sanders like the smear campaign of 2016 by Demo leadership!!!
## Bitter Buttigieg Challenges Nevada Caucus Results
##
(ConservativePeak.com) – After winning the Iowa caucus and coming a close second in...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
You are do obviously a troll it's coming out of your ears.
of-the-mountain comments on Feb 25, 2020:
# More proof the Obstructionist republicans are using buttigieg as a proxy to destroy Sanders like the smear campaign of 2016 by Demo leadership!!!
## Bitter Buttigieg Challenges Nevada Caucus Results
##
(ConservativePeak.com) – After winning the Iowa caucus and coming a close second in...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
You are do obviously a troll it's coming out of your ears.
Buttigieg is a not only a Proxy for the Demo old guard leadership, he is now a front for the ...
BitFlipper comments on Feb 25, 2020:
I thought Biden was supposed to be proxy for the evil Democratic Party. How many evil proxies do you think the evil Corporate Dems need?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@of-the-mountain Sounds like someone controls YOU.
BitFlipper comments on Feb 25, 2020:
I thought Biden was supposed to be proxy for the evil Democratic Party. How many evil proxies do you think the evil Corporate Dems need?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@of-the-mountain Sounds like someone controls YOU.
You know the more i am on here, the more i treasure the intelligence shown, and even the silliness ...
St-Sinner comments on Feb 25, 2020:
Everyone must vote but for the record, Bernie supporters sat out 2016 election !!!!!
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
Hi troll.
St-Sinner comments on Feb 25, 2020:
Everyone must vote but for the record, Bernie supporters sat out 2016 election !!!!!
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
Hi troll.
Ignorance often breeds paranoia.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 25, 2020:
I think he believes it in the sense he and his handlers want to dismantle the federal civil service, for that matter government in general, down to a skeletonized ghost of itself.
To enact New Deal legislation, Congress set up the bureaucracy to protect clean air and water, workers' rights, public ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@t1nick I'm not bring sarcastic.
I believe it.
Pubs are 'true believers,' fanatics who think they are unquestionably right; so delusional.
Democrats believe in the marketplace of ideas, compromise and consensus-building. In other words, everything is relative and democracy is an exercise in balancing competing interests.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 25, 2020:
I think he believes it in the sense he and his handlers want to dismantle the federal civil service, for that matter government in general, down to a skeletonized ghost of itself.
To enact New Deal legislation, Congress set up the bureaucracy to protect clean air and water, workers' rights, public ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 26, 2020:
@t1nick I'm not bring sarcastic.
I believe it.
Pubs are 'true believers,' fanatics who think they are unquestionably right; so delusional.
Democrats believe in the marketplace of ideas, compromise and consensus-building. In other words, everything is relative and democracy is an exercise in balancing competing interests.
Ignorance often breeds paranoia.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 25, 2020:
I think he believes it in the sense he and his handlers want to dismantle the federal civil service, for that matter government in general, down to a skeletonized ghost of itself.
To enact New Deal legislation, Congress set up the bureaucracy to protect clean air and water, workers' rights, public ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@t1nick This might be naive, but Democrats aren't TRYING to be conniving and underhanded. They're trying to do what's right.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 25, 2020:
I think he believes it in the sense he and his handlers want to dismantle the federal civil service, for that matter government in general, down to a skeletonized ghost of itself.
To enact New Deal legislation, Congress set up the bureaucracy to protect clean air and water, workers' rights, public ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@t1nick This might be naive, but Democrats aren't TRYING to be conniving and underhanded. They're trying to do what's right.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
dayII comments on Feb 22, 2020:
What does it tell you? Please expound.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham Nominate someone ELECTABLE. If it's not Bernie, keep him in the fold.
When the new president is sworn in, give Sanders a prominent, powerful job.
dayII comments on Feb 22, 2020:
What does it tell you? Please expound.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham Nominate someone ELECTABLE. If it's not Bernie, keep him in the fold.
When the new president is sworn in, give Sanders a prominent, powerful job.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Bierbasstard comments on Feb 22, 2020:
That might be because we live in a republic that has rules.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham You talk like everybody but Sanders are the "ruling elite," and unworthy of support. It's 'Bernie or Bust' in your warped view. You sound immature and naive: let's just throw the election to Trump if we can't have our way. WaWaWa!
ANYBODY in the Democratic field is better than ANY Republican!
If Sanders doesn't have a minimum needed for nomination, the RULES stipulate it goes to the convention.
That IS Democratic! Those ARE the rules!
I'm a huge Sanders fan. If he was ELECTABLE, I'd vote for him. But he is not, in my opinion.
If he's the nominee, I'll vote for him, of course. But for the sake of Democrats and the country, I hope he isn't.
Bierbasstard comments on Feb 22, 2020:
That might be because we live in a republic that has rules.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham You talk like everybody but Sanders are the "ruling elite," and unworthy of support. It's 'Bernie or Bust' in your warped view. You sound immature and naive: let's just throw the election to Trump if we can't have our way. WaWaWa!
ANYBODY in the Democratic field is better than ANY Republican!
If Sanders doesn't have a minimum needed for nomination, the RULES stipulate it goes to the convention.
That IS Democratic! Those ARE the rules!
I'm a huge Sanders fan. If he was ELECTABLE, I'd vote for him. But he is not, in my opinion.
If he's the nominee, I'll vote for him, of course. But for the sake of Democrats and the country, I hope he isn't.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham It's not enough to have a lot of money to be a plutocrat in today's America. You must also spend lavishly on candidates who embrace policies which add to income inequality, deny climate, denounce public education, condemn progressive taxation, among other things,.
People like the Koch brothers, Sheldon Adelson, Woody Johnson, Joe Ricketts, Foster Friess, Peter Thiel, Ken Langone, Norman Braman, and other Libertarian, Conservative, Objectivist (Ayn Rand philosophy of Makers and Takers) types.
Conversely, if you support candidates (or are a candidate yourself) who espouse policies which are progressive, you are not a plutocrat.
Trump is a plutocrat; Bloomberg is not.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham It's not enough to have a lot of money to be a plutocrat in today's America. You must also spend lavishly on candidates who embrace policies which add to income inequality, deny climate, denounce public education, condemn progressive taxation, among other things,.
People like the Koch brothers, Sheldon Adelson, Woody Johnson, Joe Ricketts, Foster Friess, Peter Thiel, Ken Langone, Norman Braman, and other Libertarian, Conservative, Objectivist (Ayn Rand philosophy of Makers and Takers) types.
Conversely, if you support candidates (or are a candidate yourself) who espouse policies which are progressive, you are not a plutocrat.
Trump is a plutocrat; Bloomberg is not.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
dayII comments on Feb 22, 2020:
What does it tell you? Please expound.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham And we'll remain under the incompetent and criminal management of Trump for four more years when our very survival may hang in the balance.
dayII comments on Feb 22, 2020:
What does it tell you? Please expound.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham And we'll remain under the incompetent and criminal management of Trump for four more years when our very survival may hang in the balance.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Bierbasstard comments on Feb 22, 2020:
That might be because we live in a republic that has rules.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham And YOU, by your unbalanced take on this, are acting like a stealth troll.
Bierbasstard comments on Feb 22, 2020:
That might be because we live in a republic that has rules.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham And YOU, by your unbalanced take on this, are acting like a stealth troll.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham Yes.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 25, 2020:
@RoboGraham Yes.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@RoboGraham I think you're just f--king with me.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@RoboGraham I think you're just f--king with me.
Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
What's in it for them?
Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down.
What do you think?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@fishline79 HEAVY sarcasm. It's Mick Jagger! What do YOU think?
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
What's in it for them?
Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down.
What do you think?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@fishline79 HEAVY sarcasm. It's Mick Jagger! What do YOU think?
Who will win the next election . Trump or Sanders ?
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Maybe neither one.
Why the rush?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@Astonvilla1 And we in our wisdom voted for the TV host. Can you believe it?
Imagine if we'd voted for Carter instead of Reagan, Gore instead of Bush, and Hillary instead of Carrot top, how different things would've turned out.
It really boggles the mind.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Maybe neither one.
Why the rush?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@Astonvilla1 And we in our wisdom voted for the TV host. Can you believe it?
Imagine if we'd voted for Carter instead of Reagan, Gore instead of Bush, and Hillary instead of Carrot top, how different things would've turned out.
It really boggles the mind.
The false choice of Mike Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign - Vox
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
I happen to totally disagree with the basic premise.
The Donald already set the precedent.
Get used to billionaires running for president; already a huge percentage of Congressmen are millionaires.
The Republicans have removed all barriers to campaign contributions. Modern American politics is ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@1of5 Yes, and I said the present 'rules' (or lack thereof) call for buckets of cash with which to brainwash people into voting for the lucky candidate showered with such beneficence.
(The REAL problem is people are so easily brainwashed, but that's another topic.)
Btw, we already ARE an oligarchy. It's just that now they're running for office themselves?
If Mike's an oligarch, at least he's OUR oligarch!
Just kidding, the real oligarch still hide behind politicians.
I think.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
I happen to totally disagree with the basic premise.
The Donald already set the precedent.
Get used to billionaires running for president; already a huge percentage of Congressmen are millionaires.
The Republicans have removed all barriers to campaign contributions. Modern American politics is ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@1of5 Yes, and I said the present 'rules' (or lack thereof) call for buckets of cash with which to brainwash people into voting for the lucky candidate showered with such beneficence.
(The REAL problem is people are so easily brainwashed, but that's another topic.)
Btw, we already ARE an oligarchy. It's just that now they're running for office themselves?
If Mike's an oligarch, at least he's OUR oligarch!
Just kidding, the real oligarch still hide behind politicians.
I think.
Another week is behind us.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
I want to understand what a REAL woman is all about!
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@EdEarl Oh, okay. Thanks.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
I want to understand what a REAL woman is all about!
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@EdEarl Oh, okay. Thanks.
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@RoboGraham ,No, it's the REPUBLICAN establishment who's into oligarchic plutocracy!
Jeez, get your labels straight.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@RoboGraham ,No, it's the REPUBLICAN establishment who's into oligarchic plutocracy!
Jeez, get your labels straight.
Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
What's in it for them?
Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down.
What do you think?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@fishline79 Haha....yes, it's The Church of the Sacred Bleeding Heart, but it's actually located in Los Angeles... sorry, I should've looked it up. It's a song about the Girl with the Faraway Eyes.
I was being playful/sarcastic/stupid.. The guy (Jagger) was singing the song IN Bakersfield. He was so happy to be informed if he sent in $20 "all my dreams would come true," he ran 20 red lights in [Jesus Christ's] honor.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
What's in it for them?
Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down.
What do you think?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 24, 2020:
@fishline79 Haha....yes, it's The Church of the Sacred Bleeding Heart, but it's actually located in Los Angeles... sorry, I should've looked it up. It's a song about the Girl with the Faraway Eyes.
I was being playful/sarcastic/stupid.. The guy (Jagger) was singing the song IN Bakersfield. He was so happy to be informed if he sent in $20 "all my dreams would come true," he ran 20 red lights in [Jesus Christ's] honor.
Perhaps someone can explain something to us "Lefties".
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
What's in it for them?
Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down.
What do you think?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@fishline79 You asked what do they WANT! SOME are already well-off--they want POWER through organized pressure exerted by the holy bleeding church of Jesus Christ somewhere in Bakersfield, California! (Stones)
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
What's in it for them?
Money, power, and the satisfaction they are doing the Lord's work. AND giving the red guy with the pitchfork a beat down.
What do you think?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@fishline79 You asked what do they WANT! SOME are already well-off--they want POWER through organized pressure exerted by the holy bleeding church of Jesus Christ somewhere in Bakersfield, California! (Stones)
It is telling that 5 out 6 of the presidential candidates of the organization which calls itself the...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@RoboGraham Nah that's far right.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 23, 2020:
Nah we're a bunch of neo-Stalinists who believe in fascist authoritarian dictatorships.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@RoboGraham Nah that's far right.
So first there were Russian trolls/bots tweeting/posting crap to hurt Hillary's campaign.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
"Cause divide and mistrust within our country?"
Does anybody need Russia's help to do that?
I trust the Republicans zero percent already. I guess it's theoretically possible using quantum mechanics, and 'butterfy effects,' to go into negative territory.
This might cause me to trust them -100%, ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@Captain_Feelgood I'm SERIOUS!
What do you want me to say? 'Oh, okay, I DON'T believe Bernie's conspiring with the Russians?.'
Okay, I don't.
StSinner's a worse troll than anything the Russians can throw at us!
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
"Cause divide and mistrust within our country?"
Does anybody need Russia's help to do that?
I trust the Republicans zero percent already. I guess it's theoretically possible using quantum mechanics, and 'butterfy effects,' to go into negative territory.
This might cause me to trust them -100%, ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 23, 2020:
@Captain_Feelgood I'm SERIOUS!
What do you want me to say? 'Oh, okay, I DON'T believe Bernie's conspiring with the Russians?.'
Okay, I don't.
StSinner's a worse troll than anything the Russians can throw at us!
I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do.
Matias comments on Feb 22, 2020:
If you (or Heinlein or whoever) break the wrong rules, you will find yourself in a place where you are no longer free (at least not in the ordinary meaning of the word)
I do not believe in this kind of flippant self-empowerment and moral autonomy.
No man (or woman or child) is an island
Storm1752 replies on Feb 23, 2020:
But maybe he doesn't FEEL like breaking laws that come with a stiff fine or a prison sentence!
Matias comments on Feb 22, 2020:
If you (or Heinlein or whoever) break the wrong rules, you will find yourself in a place where you are no longer free (at least not in the ordinary meaning of the word)
I do not believe in this kind of flippant self-empowerment and moral autonomy.
No man (or woman or child) is an island
Storm1752 replies on Feb 23, 2020:
But maybe he doesn't FEEL like breaking laws that come with a stiff fine or a prison sentence!
Just a thought I had from one that I dearly call 'friend'.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Well said.
About the Agnostic 'versus' Atheist squabble, it's all good. I love my atheist friends, AND my Christian friends.
Just because they're wrong doesn't make them bad people.
In person-to-person interactions, we don't sit around debating about it; there is so much more to friendships than ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@TristanNuvo I argue it here but never would in person!
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Well said.
About the Agnostic 'versus' Atheist squabble, it's all good. I love my atheist friends, AND my Christian friends.
Just because they're wrong doesn't make them bad people.
In person-to-person interactions, we don't sit around debating about it; there is so much more to friendships than ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@TristanNuvo I argue it here but never would in person!
(PDF) The Dawkins Delusion | Fred Perez - Academia.edu
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Would you like to summarize, outline, or otherwise distill some of these absurdities for us?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@WilliamFleming Yes, very, very confusing!
But I understand this: what we have is a series of chemical reactions. They take 'time,' but it's really a neverending process.
Similarly, the Abrahamic mindset is there is a God who created everything out of nothing and at some point POOF! It's gone.
Buddhists, for example, do not have the same perspective; they think there is a series of points: in the throes of gravitational forces the 'stellar material' implodes into a dense mass, from which it 'explodes' into life (is born), expands to fullness (lives its life), then begins to contract (begins to 'die'), until it reaches it's innermost, densest limit ('dies'), from which it explodes outward again and is 'born' anew, with no definitive starting point and no finishing line.
The debate about the nature of the universe itself--whether it started with a Big Bang and will fizzle out, OR whether it never began and will never end but instead continually expands and contracts forever--perfectly captures this difference in perception.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Would you like to summarize, outline, or otherwise distill some of these absurdities for us?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@WilliamFleming Yes, very, very confusing!
But I understand this: what we have is a series of chemical reactions. They take 'time,' but it's really a neverending process.
Similarly, the Abrahamic mindset is there is a God who created everything out of nothing and at some point POOF! It's gone.
Buddhists, for example, do not have the same perspective; they think there is a series of points: in the throes of gravitational forces the 'stellar material' implodes into a dense mass, from which it 'explodes' into life (is born), expands to fullness (lives its life), then begins to contract (begins to 'die'), until it reaches it's innermost, densest limit ('dies'), from which it explodes outward again and is 'born' anew, with no definitive starting point and no finishing line.
The debate about the nature of the universe itself--whether it started with a Big Bang and will fizzle out, OR whether it never began and will never end but instead continually expands and contracts forever--perfectly captures this difference in perception.
The false choice of Mike Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign - Vox
St-Sinner comments on Feb 21, 2020:
There is a wide range of false choices on the Democratic side from grandpa Biden to little Buttigieg including other wanna bes like Tusli Gabbard and the dropped out also ran horses like the hoopla king Beto O'Rourke. There is no dearth of false choices on our side.
I think we must realize that ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@St-Sinner Who told you a robber doesn't like being called a robber? Do you know some?
Prostitutes? They prefer other names, I'm sure. Besides, there's nothing inherently wrong with being one; it depends on context.
You don't like being called a troll? Or a mole? Too bad.
Your "truth" is counterfeit. Blaming Democrats for losing ground in a system rigged by Republicans is like blaming a lion for getting shot on one of those rigged 'trophy hunts;' it's as bogus as blaming a stooge for getting beat by a card shark. Neither the lion nor the man playing his hand honestly stands s chance.
Instead of blaming Dems, blame the cheaters. Come up with some constructive ideas.
You don't think the senior Dems don't know what's going on?
Forget the prople who watch Fox News and the dittoheads; they're hopeless.
But there are plenty others who aren't brainwashed or stupid who know what's going on, too, and will come around if given a great alternative.
That'll happen or not regardless of what YOU think the "truth" is.
St-Sinner comments on Feb 21, 2020:
There is a wide range of false choices on the Democratic side from grandpa Biden to little Buttigieg including other wanna bes like Tusli Gabbard and the dropped out also ran horses like the hoopla king Beto O'Rourke. There is no dearth of false choices on our side.
I think we must realize that ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@St-Sinner Who told you a robber doesn't like being called a robber? Do you know some?
Prostitutes? They prefer other names, I'm sure. Besides, there's nothing inherently wrong with being one; it depends on context.
You don't like being called a troll? Or a mole? Too bad.
Your "truth" is counterfeit. Blaming Democrats for losing ground in a system rigged by Republicans is like blaming a lion for getting shot on one of those rigged 'trophy hunts;' it's as bogus as blaming a stooge for getting beat by a card shark. Neither the lion nor the man playing his hand honestly stands s chance.
Instead of blaming Dems, blame the cheaters. Come up with some constructive ideas.
You don't think the senior Dems don't know what's going on?
Forget the prople who watch Fox News and the dittoheads; they're hopeless.
But there are plenty others who aren't brainwashed or stupid who know what's going on, too, and will come around if given a great alternative.
That'll happen or not regardless of what YOU think the "truth" is.
The false choice of Mike Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign - Vox
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
I happen to totally disagree with the basic premise.
The Donald already set the precedent.
Get used to billionaires running for president; already a huge percentage of Congressmen are millionaires.
The Republicans have removed all barriers to campaign contributions. Modern American politics is ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@1of5 Well, yes, you're supposed to put a fire out, not confront it with another fire. I think you get the gist of what I'm saying, though.
Instead of putting Mike down for being a billionaire, please note there's nothing inherently WRONG with making a lot of money; it's how you make it.
Unlike Trump, by all accounts he did so honorably, and that very fact won't be lost on a lot of people.
Bloomberg is right on the issues; yes, it's an indictment of the system-- you have to either be a whore or super rich to run for president these days. Republicans made sure campaign financing crashed and burned. That horse has left the barn, though, and the 'rules' are the rules, at least for now.
One way to get things back on track, obviously, is to elect Democrats and other progressives to office, and the only way to do that, equally obviously, is to VOTE and get independents to VOTE for progressives.
I love all the Democratic candidates; any of them is fine with me.
But Bloomberg is the one I consider most electable.
I think whoever it is, except maybe Sanders (who would be my first choice otherwise), will win.
Just my opinion.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
I happen to totally disagree with the basic premise.
The Donald already set the precedent.
Get used to billionaires running for president; already a huge percentage of Congressmen are millionaires.
The Republicans have removed all barriers to campaign contributions. Modern American politics is ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@1of5 Well, yes, you're supposed to put a fire out, not confront it with another fire. I think you get the gist of what I'm saying, though.
Instead of putting Mike down for being a billionaire, please note there's nothing inherently WRONG with making a lot of money; it's how you make it.
Unlike Trump, by all accounts he did so honorably, and that very fact won't be lost on a lot of people.
Bloomberg is right on the issues; yes, it's an indictment of the system-- you have to either be a whore or super rich to run for president these days. Republicans made sure campaign financing crashed and burned. That horse has left the barn, though, and the 'rules' are the rules, at least for now.
One way to get things back on track, obviously, is to elect Democrats and other progressives to office, and the only way to do that, equally obviously, is to VOTE and get independents to VOTE for progressives.
I love all the Democratic candidates; any of them is fine with me.
But Bloomberg is the one I consider most electable.
I think whoever it is, except maybe Sanders (who would be my first choice otherwise), will win.
Just my opinion.
(PDF) The Dawkins Delusion | Fred Perez - Academia.edu
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Would you like to summarize, outline, or otherwise distill some of these absurdities for us?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@WilliamFleming Quick question:
How is it that 'time' only felt by the mind is a "pychotic" event?
I agree 'time' is a human invention, but only as a convenient way to organize, and so put in order, events.
Telling someone you'll be somewhere at 8 a.m., 10 hours hence, is a lot more convenient and precise than saying, 'A little after the sun rises.'
How else could we do it?
And how is that 'psychotic?'
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Would you like to summarize, outline, or otherwise distill some of these absurdities for us?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@WilliamFleming Quick question:
How is it that 'time' only felt by the mind is a "pychotic" event?
I agree 'time' is a human invention, but only as a convenient way to organize, and so put in order, events.
Telling someone you'll be somewhere at 8 a.m., 10 hours hence, is a lot more convenient and precise than saying, 'A little after the sun rises.'
How else could we do it?
And how is that 'psychotic?'
(PDF) The Dawkins Delusion | Fred Perez - Academia.edu
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Would you like to summarize, outline, or otherwise distill some of these absurdities for us?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@anglophone Thanks. I'll bypass the first two for the moment, except to say, "the forgotten puzzle?" Huh? Does he even try to tell us what that is? I'm guessing no.
Anyway, you're talking about Big Bang versus Big Bounce.
Whether, distilled, some 'entity' CREATED the universe from a sub-microscopic speck (in itself an absurdity), OR
The universe (or universes) is/are cyclical, ever expanding and contracting, with no beginning and no end, is the issue..
The latter flies in the face of Judeo-Christian-Islamic belief, of course, so it is an important debate, though it doesn't necessarily follow there is no 'universal consciousness,' which some refer to as an alternative definition of 'god.'
Anyway, I'll glance briefly at Perez's train of thought, but I think I already know where he's going.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Would you like to summarize, outline, or otherwise distill some of these absurdities for us?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
@anglophone Thanks. I'll bypass the first two for the moment, except to say, "the forgotten puzzle?" Huh? Does he even try to tell us what that is? I'm guessing no.
Anyway, you're talking about Big Bang versus Big Bounce.
Whether, distilled, some 'entity' CREATED the universe from a sub-microscopic speck (in itself an absurdity), OR
The universe (or universes) is/are cyclical, ever expanding and contracting, with no beginning and no end, is the issue..
The latter flies in the face of Judeo-Christian-Islamic belief, of course, so it is an important debate, though it doesn't necessarily follow there is no 'universal consciousness,' which some refer to as an alternative definition of 'god.'
Anyway, I'll glance briefly at Perez's train of thought, but I think I already know where he's going.
The false choice of Mike Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign - Vox
St-Sinner comments on Feb 21, 2020:
There is a wide range of false choices on the Democratic side from grandpa Biden to little Buttigieg including other wanna bes like Tusli Gabbard and the dropped out also ran horses like the hoopla king Beto O'Rourke. There is no dearth of false choices on our side.
I think we must realize that ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
I couldn't disagree with you more.
I see why you're considered a troll.
OF COURSE we (not you, apparently) have to take back everything from the school boards on up, but that doesn't mean just give up on the presidency...what is wrong with you?
And calling the Democrats' highest elected officials "fossils" is not helpful.
Sure they're losing every battle at this stage of the war, but it's still early, believe it or not.
Stop being too subtle and clever by half. It's sickening to apparently have a mole in our midst, and to see first-hand how slick Republicans can be in using 'divide and conquer' strategems to divert attentions from the root cause of this crisis:
the "vast right-wing conspiracy" Hillary talks about, which calls for worm-like burrowing into every vulnerable crevasse, gradually exploiting every fissure in an already diverse and fragmented coalition, and eventually--they fervently hope--destroy it brick by brick.
Who is 'they?'
The oligarchs, in my opinion, who have already succeeded in so many ways to sieze power, and will stop at nothing to finish off democracy once and for all.
I wonder if someone recruited you to your cause, or you're a 'true believer...,' OR are you as blind as you sound, OR are you 'one of the gang' yourself?
Or am I way off the mark?
That's okay, I'm often mistaken.
St-Sinner comments on Feb 21, 2020:
There is a wide range of false choices on the Democratic side from grandpa Biden to little Buttigieg including other wanna bes like Tusli Gabbard and the dropped out also ran horses like the hoopla king Beto O'Rourke. There is no dearth of false choices on our side.
I think we must realize that ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
I couldn't disagree with you more.
I see why you're considered a troll.
OF COURSE we (not you, apparently) have to take back everything from the school boards on up, but that doesn't mean just give up on the presidency...what is wrong with you?
And calling the Democrats' highest elected officials "fossils" is not helpful.
Sure they're losing every battle at this stage of the war, but it's still early, believe it or not.
Stop being too subtle and clever by half. It's sickening to apparently have a mole in our midst, and to see first-hand how slick Republicans can be in using 'divide and conquer' strategems to divert attentions from the root cause of this crisis:
the "vast right-wing conspiracy" Hillary talks about, which calls for worm-like burrowing into every vulnerable crevasse, gradually exploiting every fissure in an already diverse and fragmented coalition, and eventually--they fervently hope--destroy it brick by brick.
Who is 'they?'
The oligarchs, in my opinion, who have already succeeded in so many ways to sieze power, and will stop at nothing to finish off democracy once and for all.
I wonder if someone recruited you to your cause, or you're a 'true believer...,' OR are you as blind as you sound, OR are you 'one of the gang' yourself?
Or am I way off the mark?
That's okay, I'm often mistaken.
I wish people would get it.
Matias comments on Feb 22, 2020:
That "God" is (also) a concept in the human brain does not exclude the possibility (!) that this concept represents some sort of reality (whatever it might be...)
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
Very true, my fellow agnostic.
Matias comments on Feb 22, 2020:
That "God" is (also) a concept in the human brain does not exclude the possibility (!) that this concept represents some sort of reality (whatever it might be...)
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
Very true, my fellow agnostic.
Religion is human self alienation
Matias comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Can't be true (whatever you mean by "self alienation).
religion is rooted in human nature, like art or language or music...
Thtat's the reason why it is so ubiquitous
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
Do you mean, 'searching for answers to life's great mysteries?'
Of which religion is only one avenue?
THEN I'd agree with you.
I'd argue Agnostics.com is another such avenue, and it sure ain't no religion!
Matias comments on Feb 22, 2020:
Can't be true (whatever you mean by "self alienation).
religion is rooted in human nature, like art or language or music...
Thtat's the reason why it is so ubiquitous
Storm1752 replies on Feb 22, 2020:
Do you mean, 'searching for answers to life's great mysteries?'
Of which religion is only one avenue?
THEN I'd agree with you.
I'd argue Agnostics.com is another such avenue, and it sure ain't no religion!
I've been thinking about the higher age group of this site and I think I got it figured out a bit.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 18, 2020:
Maybe.
Or else they don't think about their beliefs much. They're irrelevant, go without saying.
Just like we don't go around asserting vehemently there is no Santa Claus; we figured that out by second grade.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
@Joanne I guess I mean people in general, even believers and 'anti-believers' such as yourself, know no concrete evidence exists either way.
In that they share common ground with Agnostics.
Believers are indoctrinated into that belief.
'Anti-believers' received the same indoctrination, for the most part. Not all, but most.
So for them, it seems to me, it takes for many or most "a conscious act of will" to reverse that indoctrination. For some, it's an ongoing counter programming which takes years; maybe never IS complete.
I might not be talking about you.
You say you didn't choose to become an atheist. Okay, fine.
But I, for one, at one point in time maybe didn't 'decide' to become agnostic, but instead came to the realization I was one.
I didn't 'decide' to stop believing not only Jesus Christ wasn't divine, but went the extra mile he never existed at all, but instead read certain things convincing me of it.
That doesn't convince me an impersonal type 'god' doesn't exist, just not a separate ENTITY. So a deist, loosely, agnostically defined.
I just meant for a certain percentage of atheists it takes deliberate effort to take the exact opposite view of god than the one they were taught from infancy.
Agnostics travel a less difficult road, since they don't abandon the very CONCEPT of god writ large, only the type of god they can accept as being plausibly, scientifically possible.
Does that mean I think one is "necessary?" Yes, in the sense an explanation surely exists for 'all this,' a unifying force we may never understand.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 18, 2020:
Maybe.
Or else they don't think about their beliefs much. They're irrelevant, go without saying.
Just like we don't go around asserting vehemently there is no Santa Claus; we figured that out by second grade.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
@Joanne I guess I mean people in general, even believers and 'anti-believers' such as yourself, know no concrete evidence exists either way.
In that they share common ground with Agnostics.
Believers are indoctrinated into that belief.
'Anti-believers' received the same indoctrination, for the most part. Not all, but most.
So for them, it seems to me, it takes for many or most "a conscious act of will" to reverse that indoctrination. For some, it's an ongoing counter programming which takes years; maybe never IS complete.
I might not be talking about you.
You say you didn't choose to become an atheist. Okay, fine.
But I, for one, at one point in time maybe didn't 'decide' to become agnostic, but instead came to the realization I was one.
I didn't 'decide' to stop believing not only Jesus Christ wasn't divine, but went the extra mile he never existed at all, but instead read certain things convincing me of it.
That doesn't convince me an impersonal type 'god' doesn't exist, just not a separate ENTITY. So a deist, loosely, agnostically defined.
I just meant for a certain percentage of atheists it takes deliberate effort to take the exact opposite view of god than the one they were taught from infancy.
Agnostics travel a less difficult road, since they don't abandon the very CONCEPT of god writ large, only the type of god they can accept as being plausibly, scientifically possible.
Does that mean I think one is "necessary?" Yes, in the sense an explanation surely exists for 'all this,' a unifying force we may never understand.
Has rump just thrown the election in November2020???
Storm1752 comments on Feb 20, 2020:
This is ridiculous.
The REAL problem is, Republicans' continued war on the lower classes, and refusal to fully fund government programs.
There should be a balanced budget amendment, with a 4/5 majority to overspend by 10%! A unanimous vote beyond that.
Their supposed allegiance to "supply-side ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
@ToolGuy Yes, REASONABLE amounts of debt, not mountains of it it designed to subvert the entire system.
Big difference.
Maybe specify across-the-board cuts, including military, to go with national sales tax revenues to replace income tax?
SOME combination of cuts and tax increases, which is what Democrats have been proposing for years going on decades.
The details are not as important as voting in responsible, pragmatic, realistic DEMOCRATS, who will reverse these deliberately destructive policies.
We NEED a European-style socialist society, is the bottom line, which will put the needs of PEOPLE ahead of the needs of radical evangelicals and greedy oligarchs (to name a few).
Storm1752 comments on Feb 20, 2020:
This is ridiculous.
The REAL problem is, Republicans' continued war on the lower classes, and refusal to fully fund government programs.
There should be a balanced budget amendment, with a 4/5 majority to overspend by 10%! A unanimous vote beyond that.
Their supposed allegiance to "supply-side ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
@ToolGuy Yes, REASONABLE amounts of debt, not mountains of it it designed to subvert the entire system.
Big difference.
Maybe specify across-the-board cuts, including military, to go with national sales tax revenues to replace income tax?
SOME combination of cuts and tax increases, which is what Democrats have been proposing for years going on decades.
The details are not as important as voting in responsible, pragmatic, realistic DEMOCRATS, who will reverse these deliberately destructive policies.
We NEED a European-style socialist society, is the bottom line, which will put the needs of PEOPLE ahead of the needs of radical evangelicals and greedy oligarchs (to name a few).
Robert Heinlein :::
"""
A whore should be judged by the same criteria as other professionals ...
Wildflower comments on Feb 21, 2020:
I believe prostitution should be legal. Sex work is a profession, and those who perform sex work need to be civilly and legally protected.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
They should be treated the same as any other entrepreneurs
Look at all those empty stores in any small town these days.
It could provide a needed boost to local economies.
Prostitutes could be paid in vouchers redeemable at any local business?
Maybe that'd be too socialist.
Wildflower comments on Feb 21, 2020:
I believe prostitution should be legal. Sex work is a profession, and those who perform sex work need to be civilly and legally protected.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
They should be treated the same as any other entrepreneurs
Look at all those empty stores in any small town these days.
It could provide a needed boost to local economies.
Prostitutes could be paid in vouchers redeemable at any local business?
Maybe that'd be too socialist.
I haven’t had sex in so long that I almost had sex with a CHRISTIAN.
Charlene comments on Feb 20, 2020:
I always had fun with Catlics..😁
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
I was brought up Catholic and take my word for it, they just go to confession afterwards and all is forgiven.
Charlene comments on Feb 20, 2020:
I always had fun with Catlics..😁
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
I was brought up Catholic and take my word for it, they just go to confession afterwards and all is forgiven.
Has rump just thrown the election in November2020???
Storm1752 comments on Feb 20, 2020:
This is ridiculous.
The REAL problem is, Republicans' continued war on the lower classes, and refusal to fully fund government programs.
There should be a balanced budget amendment, with a 4/5 majority to overspend by 10%! A unanimous vote beyond that.
Their supposed allegiance to "supply-side ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
@Haemish1, @of-the-mountain Especially since Reagan. And to think I voted for him! Got sucked right in by Voodoo Economics!
Until I realized the enriched had no intention of plowing that money back into the economy, or repairing infrastructure. No!
Better to build factories in China, or hide it in offshore accounts. Or maybe buy a lake in the Adirondacks.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 20, 2020:
This is ridiculous.
The REAL problem is, Republicans' continued war on the lower classes, and refusal to fully fund government programs.
There should be a balanced budget amendment, with a 4/5 majority to overspend by 10%! A unanimous vote beyond that.
Their supposed allegiance to "supply-side ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
@Haemish1, @of-the-mountain Especially since Reagan. And to think I voted for him! Got sucked right in by Voodoo Economics!
Until I realized the enriched had no intention of plowing that money back into the economy, or repairing infrastructure. No!
Better to build factories in China, or hide it in offshore accounts. Or maybe buy a lake in the Adirondacks.
Has rump just thrown the election in November2020???
Storm1752 comments on Feb 20, 2020:
This is ridiculous.
The REAL problem is, Republicans' continued war on the lower classes, and refusal to fully fund government programs.
There should be a balanced budget amendment, with a 4/5 majority to overspend by 10%! A unanimous vote beyond that.
Their supposed allegiance to "supply-side ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
@Haemish1 Okay maybe a bit more flexible, massage the numbers and percentages somewhat.
The main point is:
stop this stealth war against democratically-approved socialist programs they KNOW can't be assaulted frontally, so are attacking through the back door by creating inevitable, catastrophic crises and, if necessary, collapse.
These radical subversives WILL take down the entire apparatus of government to get their way.
They have no respect for the wishes of the majority, only contempt for democracy itself.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 20, 2020:
This is ridiculous.
The REAL problem is, Republicans' continued war on the lower classes, and refusal to fully fund government programs.
There should be a balanced budget amendment, with a 4/5 majority to overspend by 10%! A unanimous vote beyond that.
Their supposed allegiance to "supply-side ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 21, 2020:
@Haemish1 Okay maybe a bit more flexible, massage the numbers and percentages somewhat.
The main point is:
stop this stealth war against democratically-approved socialist programs they KNOW can't be assaulted frontally, so are attacking through the back door by creating inevitable, catastrophic crises and, if necessary, collapse.
These radical subversives WILL take down the entire apparatus of government to get their way.
They have no respect for the wishes of the majority, only contempt for democracy itself.
Evolution is just a Theory?
CORRECT.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 15, 2020:
Hypothesis:
IF we evolved from apes, aliens MUST have altered our DNA, which is the "missing link" everybody is looking for.
This must be rigorously tested, subjected to double-blind studies, and peer-reviewed.
For starters.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 19, 2020:
@anglophone, @Robecology Not following you. What does this have to do with what I said, we evolved from octopi???
Storm1752 comments on Feb 15, 2020:
Hypothesis:
IF we evolved from apes, aliens MUST have altered our DNA, which is the "missing link" everybody is looking for.
This must be rigorously tested, subjected to double-blind studies, and peer-reviewed.
For starters.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 19, 2020:
@anglophone, @Robecology Not following you. What does this have to do with what I said, we evolved from octopi???
Evolution is just a Theory?
CORRECT.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 15, 2020:
Hypothesis:
IF we evolved from apes, aliens MUST have altered our DNA, which is the "missing link" everybody is looking for.
This must be rigorously tested, subjected to double-blind studies, and peer-reviewed.
For starters.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 19, 2020:
@anglophone Apes, yes, but possibly apes genetically altered to accelerate their evolutionary development.
How else can one explain civilization suddenly appearing as if out of thin air?
One day, a species of ape, the next, seemingly, building pyramids?
Storm1752 comments on Feb 15, 2020:
Hypothesis:
IF we evolved from apes, aliens MUST have altered our DNA, which is the "missing link" everybody is looking for.
This must be rigorously tested, subjected to double-blind studies, and peer-reviewed.
For starters.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 19, 2020:
@anglophone Apes, yes, but possibly apes genetically altered to accelerate their evolutionary development.
How else can one explain civilization suddenly appearing as if out of thin air?
One day, a species of ape, the next, seemingly, building pyramids?
I've been thinking about the higher age group of this site and I think I got it figured out a bit.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 18, 2020:
Maybe.
Or else they don't think about their beliefs much. They're irrelevant, go without saying.
Just like we don't go around asserting vehemently there is no Santa Claus; we figured that out by second grade.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 19, 2020:
@Doraz I mean, they are ALREADY Agnostic...I say 'agnostic' because I think most people are, naturally, without thinking about it.
I think it takes a conscious act of will to be atheistic. It's more a deliberate rebellion against not only a personal, Abrahamic 'god,' but the whole notion of god, period.
I've ALWAYS been agnostic and a non-believing 'neo-deist' (look it up, it's really a 'thing'). I just didn't know there was a name for it.
Likewise, it's my considered opinion most millenials--and others who care to investigate--will eventually find this a fitting name for what they've always thought anyway.
The crucial difference NOW, I think, is the internet, which empowers people to have all the pertinent information at their fingertips (which is why the radical right, no dummies, will eventually severely restrict it).
In my opinion.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 18, 2020:
Maybe.
Or else they don't think about their beliefs much. They're irrelevant, go without saying.
Just like we don't go around asserting vehemently there is no Santa Claus; we figured that out by second grade.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 19, 2020:
@Doraz I mean, they are ALREADY Agnostic...I say 'agnostic' because I think most people are, naturally, without thinking about it.
I think it takes a conscious act of will to be atheistic. It's more a deliberate rebellion against not only a personal, Abrahamic 'god,' but the whole notion of god, period.
I've ALWAYS been agnostic and a non-believing 'neo-deist' (look it up, it's really a 'thing'). I just didn't know there was a name for it.
Likewise, it's my considered opinion most millenials--and others who care to investigate--will eventually find this a fitting name for what they've always thought anyway.
The crucial difference NOW, I think, is the internet, which empowers people to have all the pertinent information at their fingertips (which is why the radical right, no dummies, will eventually severely restrict it).
In my opinion.
FRESH FROM TODAY'S INDEPENDENT NEWS.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 18, 2020:
I have to agree. Sanders is too old, but more importantly too Jewish. I love his "socialist" (left-of-center) ideology...I share it. If anything it doesn't go far enough.
BUT since liberals don't vote in high enough numbers to support a truly liberal candidate, a more *moderate" (conservative) ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 18, 2020:
@phoenixone1 I think Mike knows that. Unlike the other guy, he came by his billions honestly.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 18, 2020:
I have to agree. Sanders is too old, but more importantly too Jewish. I love his "socialist" (left-of-center) ideology...I share it. If anything it doesn't go far enough.
BUT since liberals don't vote in high enough numbers to support a truly liberal candidate, a more *moderate" (conservative) ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 18, 2020:
@phoenixone1 I think Mike knows that. Unlike the other guy, he came by his billions honestly.
I have been a member on this site now for nearly two years and I have come to an interesting ...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 18, 2020:
I know what you're talking about and I'm afraid I have 'out' myself as a frustrated agnostic who has all but given up trying to convince atheists they cannot by definition also be agnostic.
But now and again, depending on my mood, I'll gird my loins and once again join battle. I try to do it with a...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 18, 2020:
@Marionville Au contraire, the debate itself is invigorating in a sense.
That I am open to all viewpoints is liberating.
To wit: I believe as much in Yahweh as I do NO GOD, NO WAY.
See?
You're mistaken if you think Atheists outnumber Agnostics, btw, in the world at large. Even on this site the numbers are fairly even.
It's just much easier to articulate YOUR position because it is so much more absolutist, therefore simplistic.
The agnostic stance is nuanced and subtle. Everything is relative. We don't know anything.
Atheists, despite what you claim, KNOW there is no god. Don't try to deny it, or quasi-nuance it by saying you're 'sort of' agnostic because (of course) it can't actually be proven 100%
Yawn.
It's just that there are better ways than ad hominem attacks, more polite and civilized ways, to drive home the point Atheists and Theists are two sides of the same coin.
To me it's instructive and illuminating because, well, consider I think it IS possible to be an 'agnostic deist,' in that a deist believes in an uninvolved, impersonal 'god,' which seems much more in conformance with what we observe. THIS 'god' is not personally relevant, has nothing to do with our everyday lives, doesn't care what we do or not do, in my book isn't an 'entity' as much as an unknowable 'something.'
It'd clear up the 'determinalism' versus 'free will' conundrum, for one thing...for obviously nobody knows the future; it's not possible, period. Just like time travel is impossible.
It also clears up the question, 'If god created the universe, who created god?' The obvious answer is, the universe has always existed. Nobody created it.
Some agnostics would be very comfortable leaning that way. To me, the question is not, 'is there a god?'
Of course there is, if by that you mean, 'does the universe exist?'
The real questions are, WHAT is god? If everything is god, does that mean nothing is? Is consciousness god? Is everything conscious? Etc. The questions are endless and can only be discussed, never solved.
To me, belief and non-belief are beside the point.
What's the point?
Good question.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 18, 2020:
I know what you're talking about and I'm afraid I have 'out' myself as a frustrated agnostic who has all but given up trying to convince atheists they cannot by definition also be agnostic.
But now and again, depending on my mood, I'll gird my loins and once again join battle. I try to do it with a...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 18, 2020:
@Marionville Au contraire, the debate itself is invigorating in a sense.
That I am open to all viewpoints is liberating.
To wit: I believe as much in Yahweh as I do NO GOD, NO WAY.
See?
You're mistaken if you think Atheists outnumber Agnostics, btw, in the world at large. Even on this site the numbers are fairly even.
It's just much easier to articulate YOUR position because it is so much more absolutist, therefore simplistic.
The agnostic stance is nuanced and subtle. Everything is relative. We don't know anything.
Atheists, despite what you claim, KNOW there is no god. Don't try to deny it, or quasi-nuance it by saying you're 'sort of' agnostic because (of course) it can't actually be proven 100%
Yawn.
It's just that there are better ways than ad hominem attacks, more polite and civilized ways, to drive home the point Atheists and Theists are two sides of the same coin.
To me it's instructive and illuminating because, well, consider I think it IS possible to be an 'agnostic deist,' in that a deist believes in an uninvolved, impersonal 'god,' which seems much more in conformance with what we observe. THIS 'god' is not personally relevant, has nothing to do with our everyday lives, doesn't care what we do or not do, in my book isn't an 'entity' as much as an unknowable 'something.'
It'd clear up the 'determinalism' versus 'free will' conundrum, for one thing...for obviously nobody knows the future; it's not possible, period. Just like time travel is impossible.
It also clears up the question, 'If god created the universe, who created god?' The obvious answer is, the universe has always existed. Nobody created it.
Some agnostics would be very comfortable leaning that way. To me, the question is not, 'is there a god?'
Of course there is, if by that you mean, 'does the universe exist?'
The real questions are, WHAT is god? If everything is god, does that mean nothing is? Is consciousness god? Is everything conscious? Etc. The questions are endless and can only be discussed, never solved.
To me, belief and non-belief are beside the point.
What's the point?
Good question.
I have been a member on this site now for nearly two years and I have come to an interesting ...
Bigwavedave comments on Feb 18, 2020:
@marionville why spend your time that way? Isn't it better spent listening to music you love? Some people thrive on conflict.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 18, 2020:
Btw, I've got this weird little mini-anthem by Rainbow in my head and can't seem to shake it, The Temple of the King. It's quasi-religious but seems to be oddly anti-religious allegory, or something. Very amusing, anyway.
I sometimes listen to obscure little songs on You Tube all the time. Great way to kill the time.
Bigwavedave comments on Feb 18, 2020:
@marionville why spend your time that way? Isn't it better spent listening to music you love? Some people thrive on conflict.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 18, 2020:
Btw, I've got this weird little mini-anthem by Rainbow in my head and can't seem to shake it, The Temple of the King. It's quasi-religious but seems to be oddly anti-religious allegory, or something. Very amusing, anyway.
I sometimes listen to obscure little songs on You Tube all the time. Great way to kill the time.
It is an established fact that believers are deluded and liars.
Matias comments on Feb 17, 2020:
The importance of truth as such is overrated.
Many atheists harp on the fact that religious ideas are not true, which is totally correct but may be irrelevant, because what ultimately counts in evolution - its 'currency' so to speak - is not truth but practical viability ( i.e. survival and ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 18, 2020:
Your last sentence is ironic: it may have succeeded SO well it'll eventually be the end of us all!
Stay tuned.
Matias comments on Feb 17, 2020:
The importance of truth as such is overrated.
Many atheists harp on the fact that religious ideas are not true, which is totally correct but may be irrelevant, because what ultimately counts in evolution - its 'currency' so to speak - is not truth but practical viability ( i.e. survival and ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 18, 2020:
Your last sentence is ironic: it may have succeeded SO well it'll eventually be the end of us all!
Stay tuned.
Homepage just changed; must learn it again.
Fernapple comments on Feb 17, 2020:
There seem to be less icons on the like menu, again.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
@developer Why change it at all? How is this an improvement???
Fernapple comments on Feb 17, 2020:
There seem to be less icons on the like menu, again.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
@developer Why change it at all? How is this an improvement???
Homepage just changed; must learn it again.
maturin1919 comments on Feb 17, 2020:
Judging by the comments, change is scary.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
@maturin1919 In what way, precisely, is this an improvement?
Someone get bored up there in administration and decide to stir up a hornet'a nest just for the heck of it?
maturin1919 comments on Feb 17, 2020:
Judging by the comments, change is scary.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
@maturin1919 In what way, precisely, is this an improvement?
Someone get bored up there in administration and decide to stir up a hornet'a nest just for the heck of it?
I think you guys have the wrong idea about what you call "Hinduism"
Mofo1953 comments on Feb 17, 2020:
Just because you want to believe in bullshit of the worst kind doesn't mean we are dumb enough to do so. What the fuck are you doing in a site of non believers of religion and/or gods anyway?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
@WilliamFleming I agree, William.
This is a site for free exchange of ideas.
Mofo is a true believer in HIS point of view, and a hater.
Mofo1953 comments on Feb 17, 2020:
Just because you want to believe in bullshit of the worst kind doesn't mean we are dumb enough to do so. What the fuck are you doing in a site of non believers of religion and/or gods anyway?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
@WilliamFleming I agree, William.
This is a site for free exchange of ideas.
Mofo is a true believer in HIS point of view, and a hater.
Homepage just changed; must learn it again.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 17, 2020:
It sucks. What was wrong with it the way it was?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
@AstralSmoke There IS no homepage, as far as I can tell!
Storm1752 comments on Feb 17, 2020:
It sucks. What was wrong with it the way it was?
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
@AstralSmoke There IS no homepage, as far as I can tell!
SURELY been asked many times: if all movies disappeared from the face of the Earth except one, which...
NHjulie comments on Feb 8, 2020:
Such a hard question. I have so many go to movies. If I feel like a musical, comedy, stupid comedy, classic... Going by the question though it is not necessarily my first choice but the one which is best for the world as a whole. I've only seen it twice but I think Schindler's List would ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
I have it on my DVR. Been too long since I watched it.
NHjulie comments on Feb 8, 2020:
Such a hard question. I have so many go to movies. If I feel like a musical, comedy, stupid comedy, classic... Going by the question though it is not necessarily my first choice but the one which is best for the world as a whole. I've only seen it twice but I think Schindler's List would ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
I have it on my DVR. Been too long since I watched it.
SURELY been asked many times: if all movies disappeared from the face of the Earth except one, which...
rogueflyer comments on Feb 8, 2020:
I still like "Forest Gump". Probably seen it ten times but I still enjoy it every time.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
It's too right-wing for me.
rogueflyer comments on Feb 8, 2020:
I still like "Forest Gump". Probably seen it ten times but I still enjoy it every time.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
It's too right-wing for me.
SURELY been asked many times: if all movies disappeared from the face of the Earth except one, which...
tmonsta comments on Feb 14, 2020:
You should watch the original Tyrone Powers version of The Razors Edge. It's better, and would be my pick.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
Seen both and I disagree. Emphatically!
But I have strange taste...I love They Live, for example. Closet Classic!
Another, in the horror vein: Quarantine.
I'm the type who thinks Vanilla Sky is top 10.
tmonsta comments on Feb 14, 2020:
You should watch the original Tyrone Powers version of The Razors Edge. It's better, and would be my pick.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 17, 2020:
Seen both and I disagree. Emphatically!
But I have strange taste...I love They Live, for example. Closet Classic!
Another, in the horror vein: Quarantine.
I'm the type who thinks Vanilla Sky is top 10.
I discover more and more that in any group of people, there's a tendency for it to fragment.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
Agnostics don't agree there is no god. God is irrelevant. Only people matter.
That said, the Democratic Party is VERY fragmented.
Why?
Republicans have been systematically dismantling the Democratic system by which we establish what the majority wants the government to do.
Believing they speak ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 16, 2020:
@Varn, the parties are like day and night. Like you, it amazes me some otherwise (apparently) intelligent people say they are similar in any way.
They (apparently) know close to nothing about the situation in which we find ourselves, on the brink of ideological Civil War, with practically NO cooperation between the two warring camps.
Risking very little exaggeration, Republicans are now lying about anything for an advantage, corrupting our electoral system, running amok over civil liberties, debunking science, doctoring textbooks, making a mockery of the separation of church and state, debasing the free press, silencing critics, the list goes on and on...and for what?
To further empower and enrich the ruling elite, and strengthen a fascist oligarchy, leaving ordinary people bewildered and impoverished.
It is disgraceful what is going on, which is why I've stopped following current events.
The scary thing is, it could get much worse.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
Agnostics don't agree there is no god. God is irrelevant. Only people matter.
That said, the Democratic Party is VERY fragmented.
Why?
Republicans have been systematically dismantling the Democratic system by which we establish what the majority wants the government to do.
Believing they speak ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 16, 2020:
@Varn, the parties are like day and night. Like you, it amazes me some otherwise (apparently) intelligent people say they are similar in any way.
They (apparently) know close to nothing about the situation in which we find ourselves, on the brink of ideological Civil War, with practically NO cooperation between the two warring camps.
Risking very little exaggeration, Republicans are now lying about anything for an advantage, corrupting our electoral system, running amok over civil liberties, debunking science, doctoring textbooks, making a mockery of the separation of church and state, debasing the free press, silencing critics, the list goes on and on...and for what?
To further empower and enrich the ruling elite, and strengthen a fascist oligarchy, leaving ordinary people bewildered and impoverished.
It is disgraceful what is going on, which is why I've stopped following current events.
The scary thing is, it could get much worse.
Republicans vote more because they think god will send them to hell if they don't fight back against...
Varn comments on Feb 15, 2020:
Sadly, when our downward spiral becomes too evident, the left votes. So, wish for more ..Hell :S
Storm1752 replies on Feb 16, 2020:
Happened after Bush (though how he got elected to a second term is beyond me. Why do Democrats so often trot out such lame, wimpy candidates?).
Varn comments on Feb 15, 2020:
Sadly, when our downward spiral becomes too evident, the left votes. So, wish for more ..Hell :S
Storm1752 replies on Feb 16, 2020:
Happened after Bush (though how he got elected to a second term is beyond me. Why do Democrats so often trot out such lame, wimpy candidates?).
Republicans vote more because they think god will send them to hell if they don't fight back against...
Sticks48 comments on Feb 15, 2020:
If trump is not motivation enough, then I have no fucking idea what would be.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 16, 2020:
Sadly, Trump is not NEARLY enough.
Sticks48 comments on Feb 15, 2020:
If trump is not motivation enough, then I have no fucking idea what would be.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 16, 2020:
Sadly, Trump is not NEARLY enough.
Republicans vote more because they think god will send them to hell if they don't fight back against...
MissKathleen comments on Feb 15, 2020:
Work hard to register more moderate voters and get out the vote of Democrats and Independents.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 16, 2020:
Yes, but there is no comparable reward-punishment counter strategy.
Compelling ones, yes, but anything which compares to the threat of eternal damnation?
The only one I can think of would point out the bible does not explicitly threaten ETERNAL punishment, but only punishment of an "indeterminate length."
While this is true, it presupposes there is anything to be punished FOR
The argument there is nothing WRONG with abortion, or with being gay, or seeing the world in relativistic terms rather than in right-wrong, good-evil terms, falls on deaf ears.
MissKathleen comments on Feb 15, 2020:
Work hard to register more moderate voters and get out the vote of Democrats and Independents.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 16, 2020:
Yes, but there is no comparable reward-punishment counter strategy.
Compelling ones, yes, but anything which compares to the threat of eternal damnation?
The only one I can think of would point out the bible does not explicitly threaten ETERNAL punishment, but only punishment of an "indeterminate length."
While this is true, it presupposes there is anything to be punished FOR
The argument there is nothing WRONG with abortion, or with being gay, or seeing the world in relativistic terms rather than in right-wrong, good-evil terms, falls on deaf ears.
I've just started reading "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins and he say something that I never ...
JeffMesser comments on Feb 15, 2020:
well, I am sorry but that's rather myopic. religion served as a causal narrative as well as a set of social rules so saying it was or is completely useless is just wrong. I see dozens of people on this site lumping religion with culture when it suits them but drawing a distinction when it does not. ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
I wonder what you'd end up with it you synthesized all the world's religions into one?
It might be progress, anyway. Fewer wars, less blaming the other guy's god for everything wrong, etc.
JeffMesser comments on Feb 15, 2020:
well, I am sorry but that's rather myopic. religion served as a causal narrative as well as a set of social rules so saying it was or is completely useless is just wrong. I see dozens of people on this site lumping religion with culture when it suits them but drawing a distinction when it does not. ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
I wonder what you'd end up with it you synthesized all the world's religions into one?
It might be progress, anyway. Fewer wars, less blaming the other guy's god for everything wrong, etc.
I've just started reading "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins and he say something that I never ...
UpsideDownAgain comments on Feb 15, 2020:
If either belief system is superior, I would say it is polytheism. Having one god sets the situation up so that it is one dude with all the power and there are no checks and balances whatsoever. At least with multiple gods you have more human dynamics, like infighting and whatnot, and so when one ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
I don't think it works that way. The Paterfamilias rules the roost, so if anyone steps out of line, he or she gets slapped down, period.
It WOULD be better in terms of division of labor, though...God has an awful lot to do, lots on his plate, so being able to delegate responsibility here and there--Poisedon gets the sea, Thor gets the weather, and so on--would take a lot off his omnipotent shoulders.
Plus, it's just more interesting to have a whole cast of characters with colorful, idiocyncratic personalities.. who wants to deal with boring Odin all the time?
UpsideDownAgain comments on Feb 15, 2020:
If either belief system is superior, I would say it is polytheism. Having one god sets the situation up so that it is one dude with all the power and there are no checks and balances whatsoever. At least with multiple gods you have more human dynamics, like infighting and whatnot, and so when one ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
I don't think it works that way. The Paterfamilias rules the roost, so if anyone steps out of line, he or she gets slapped down, period.
It WOULD be better in terms of division of labor, though...God has an awful lot to do, lots on his plate, so being able to delegate responsibility here and there--Poisedon gets the sea, Thor gets the weather, and so on--would take a lot off his omnipotent shoulders.
Plus, it's just more interesting to have a whole cast of characters with colorful, idiocyncratic personalities.. who wants to deal with boring Odin all the time?
Gotta love the New Yorker magazine;
"Mike Bloomberg offers Trump $10 billion if he'll resign"?
AmmaRE007 comments on Feb 15, 2020:
The population of the USA rounded up slightly is 330 Million, divide by 2 is 165 million.. x $5. = well you do the math....
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
My check's in the mail.
AmmaRE007 comments on Feb 15, 2020:
The population of the USA rounded up slightly is 330 Million, divide by 2 is 165 million.. x $5. = well you do the math....
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
My check's in the mail.
I've just started reading "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins and he say something that I never ...
itsmedammit comments on Feb 14, 2020:
Guess it was becoming difficult to sell all those gods. The mono god seems to be changing as well. I've noticed (within my small world) a drift from believing in a sky daddy to fuzzier concepts such as a spiritual feeling or force. And for diversity some like to worship Mother Nature.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
@itsmedammit I don't know...depends on who you're talking to, I guess.
itsmedammit comments on Feb 14, 2020:
Guess it was becoming difficult to sell all those gods. The mono god seems to be changing as well. I've noticed (within my small world) a drift from believing in a sky daddy to fuzzier concepts such as a spiritual feeling or force. And for diversity some like to worship Mother Nature.
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
@itsmedammit I don't know...depends on who you're talking to, I guess.
I've just started reading "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins and he say something that I never ...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
I agree, with this caveat:
As an agnostic, I've the right to hypothesize all kinds of wild ideas; to wit:
IF you define 'god' as all matter and energy in the universe, possessed of a kind of 'consciousness,' the polytheistic model might be more appropriate;
that is, each particle, down to the ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
@SeriouslyNobody Hey...! Just saying...according to this...line of reasoning...yes, everything would be 'god,' but if you stop there, NOTHING would also be god, so why call it god in the first place? That's what you're saying, right?
And I'M responding, just to wildly speculate further, maybe consciousness, like energy, cannot be created or destroyed; in fact, may BE a form of energy.
This is a major bone of contention among people getting paid to think about things like this. (Must be nice, right?).
So our consciousness may also be impervious to breakdown, and just change it's characteristics depending on whether it's concentrated in a complex, organized structure (body) along with other 'god particles,' or undifferentiated in space. But once it's concentrated, does it become un-concentrated again, or stay integrated?
It may just fly apart, but then what about reincarnation (which has been circumstantially proven, in my mind at least)?
If it stays concentrated, it could go anywhere, into another body, to another planet or dimension, whatever.
Scattered about, then, particles would have very little consciousness, or 'god,' but aligned together, much more so.
In other words, we may be calling beings with a more evolved consciousness than us, 'god,' when all they really are is more advanced technologically. That technological sophistication may even lead to a type of immortality, if you want to go way out there into sci-fi land!
But sci-fi USED to be going to the moon, so who knows?
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
I agree, with this caveat:
As an agnostic, I've the right to hypothesize all kinds of wild ideas; to wit:
IF you define 'god' as all matter and energy in the universe, possessed of a kind of 'consciousness,' the polytheistic model might be more appropriate;
that is, each particle, down to the ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 15, 2020:
@SeriouslyNobody Hey...! Just saying...according to this...line of reasoning...yes, everything would be 'god,' but if you stop there, NOTHING would also be god, so why call it god in the first place? That's what you're saying, right?
And I'M responding, just to wildly speculate further, maybe consciousness, like energy, cannot be created or destroyed; in fact, may BE a form of energy.
This is a major bone of contention among people getting paid to think about things like this. (Must be nice, right?).
So our consciousness may also be impervious to breakdown, and just change it's characteristics depending on whether it's concentrated in a complex, organized structure (body) along with other 'god particles,' or undifferentiated in space. But once it's concentrated, does it become un-concentrated again, or stay integrated?
It may just fly apart, but then what about reincarnation (which has been circumstantially proven, in my mind at least)?
If it stays concentrated, it could go anywhere, into another body, to another planet or dimension, whatever.
Scattered about, then, particles would have very little consciousness, or 'god,' but aligned together, much more so.
In other words, we may be calling beings with a more evolved consciousness than us, 'god,' when all they really are is more advanced technologically. That technological sophistication may even lead to a type of immortality, if you want to go way out there into sci-fi land!
But sci-fi USED to be going to the moon, so who knows?
I've just started reading "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins and he say something that I never ...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
I agree, with this caveat:
As an agnostic, I've the right to hypothesize all kinds of wild ideas; to wit:
IF you define 'god' as all matter and energy in the universe, possessed of a kind of 'consciousness,' the polytheistic model might be more appropriate;
that is, each particle, down to the ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 14, 2020:
@SeriouslyNobody
Big difference in level of consciousness between an inanimate speck of dust and us!
If consciousness equals god, we're MORE 'god' than it is.
Among humans, the ones with telepathic powers or genius IQs or some other highly-refined talent might contain more god as well!
An alien of a extraterrestial super race would put any human to shame, god-wise...
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
I agree, with this caveat:
As an agnostic, I've the right to hypothesize all kinds of wild ideas; to wit:
IF you define 'god' as all matter and energy in the universe, possessed of a kind of 'consciousness,' the polytheistic model might be more appropriate;
that is, each particle, down to the ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 14, 2020:
@SeriouslyNobody
Big difference in level of consciousness between an inanimate speck of dust and us!
If consciousness equals god, we're MORE 'god' than it is.
Among humans, the ones with telepathic powers or genius IQs or some other highly-refined talent might contain more god as well!
An alien of a extraterrestial super race would put any human to shame, god-wise...
I discover more and more that in any group of people, there's a tendency for it to fragment.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
Agnostics don't agree there is no god. God is irrelevant. Only people matter.
That said, the Democratic Party is VERY fragmented.
Why?
Republicans have been systematically dismantling the Democratic system by which we establish what the majority wants the government to do.
Believing they speak ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 14, 2020:
@Omnedon Oh...well I stopped following the news after he got elected, so not up to speed on all that. I'll take your word for it.
But for sheer greed and criminality by the oligarchy, W.'s hard to beat.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
Agnostics don't agree there is no god. God is irrelevant. Only people matter.
That said, the Democratic Party is VERY fragmented.
Why?
Republicans have been systematically dismantling the Democratic system by which we establish what the majority wants the government to do.
Believing they speak ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 14, 2020:
@Omnedon Oh...well I stopped following the news after he got elected, so not up to speed on all that. I'll take your word for it.
But for sheer greed and criminality by the oligarchy, W.'s hard to beat.
I discover more and more that in any group of people, there's a tendency for it to fragment.
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
Agnostics don't agree there is no god. God is irrelevant. Only people matter.
That said, the Democratic Party is VERY fragmented.
Why?
Republicans have been systematically dismantling the Democratic system by which we establish what the majority wants the government to do.
Believing they speak ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 14, 2020:
@Omnedon Oh I don't know...W., Cheney, et al., killed hundreds of thousands and irreparably upended an already hopeless Middle East.
Too bad we couldn't have at least taken over the Iraqi oil industry, as planned.
(Oh...just checked: Western oil Giants have moved back in after being shut out since 1973.
Mission Accomplished!
Iraq has oceans of oil, second only to Saudi Arabia, so...
Well done!)
Storm1752 comments on Feb 14, 2020:
Agnostics don't agree there is no god. God is irrelevant. Only people matter.
That said, the Democratic Party is VERY fragmented.
Why?
Republicans have been systematically dismantling the Democratic system by which we establish what the majority wants the government to do.
Believing they speak ...
Storm1752 replies on Feb 14, 2020:
@Omnedon Oh I don't know...W., Cheney, et al., killed hundreds of thousands and irreparably upended an already hopeless Middle East.
Too bad we couldn't have at least taken over the Iraqi oil industry, as planned.
(Oh...just checked: Western oil Giants have moved back in after being shut out since 1973.
Mission Accomplished!
Iraq has oceans of oil, second only to Saudi Arabia, so...
Well done!)
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Agnostic, Humanist, Secularist, Skeptic, Freethinker
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