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Without words, what can beat this?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
Nice analogy. The spiritual fish is free to leap out of the water and glimpse a greater reality.
There should also be a bowl for the fish that is caught up in scientism and materialism.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
Nice analogy. The spiritual fish is free to leap out of the water and glimpse a greater reality.
There should also be a bowl for the fish that is caught up in scientism and materialism.
What would it take for us to truly protect our planet?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
“To save this planet, we need a serious resistance movement that can bring down the industrial economy. Deep Green Resistance evaluates strategic options for resistance, from nonviolence to guerrilla warfare, and the conditions required for those options to be successful. It provides an exploration of organizational structures, recruitment, security, and target selection for both aboveground and underground action.”
*Deep Green Resistance*
This is some serious and radical stuff. Jensen is calling for guerrilla warfare to bring down the industrial economy. What percentage of humanity do you think would survive if the industrial economy is brought down? Global warming is very slight and no one knows if it will continue. Destruction of the means to live would be quick, certain, and deadly.
I’ll take climate change.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
“To save this planet, we need a serious resistance movement that can bring down the industrial economy. Deep Green Resistance evaluates strategic options for resistance, from nonviolence to guerrilla warfare, and the conditions required for those options to be successful. It provides an exploration of organizational structures, recruitment, security, and target selection for both aboveground and underground action.”
*Deep Green Resistance*
This is some serious and radical stuff. Jensen is calling for guerrilla warfare to bring down the industrial economy. What percentage of humanity do you think would survive if the industrial economy is brought down? Global warming is very slight and no one knows if it will continue. Destruction of the means to live would be quick, certain, and deadly.
I’ll take climate change.
"Farmers in the middle of the country are about to get hit by what could potentially be the worst ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
Yep, meanwhile the southeast has had the hottest, driest September that anyone can remember. It’s all just weather, and these anomalies have been going on forever. It was even hotter here in the twenties and thirties.
I am afraid you are going to get yourself burned at the stake dubious if you keep it up with your heretical posts.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
Yep, meanwhile the southeast has had the hottest, driest September that anyone can remember. It’s all just weather, and these anomalies have been going on forever. It was even hotter here in the twenties and thirties.
I am afraid you are going to get yourself burned at the stake dubious if you keep it up with your heretical posts.
An explanation of MMT. Comments? [rwer.wordpress.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
Interesting ideas there to learn about. I gather that MMT is theory only and is widely criticized.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
Interesting ideas there to learn about. I gather that MMT is theory only and is widely criticized.
Kid's-eye view.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
Extremely mixed
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
Extremely mixed
Buddhist Economics: How to Start Prioritizing People Over Products and Creativity Over Consumption ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
While Buddhist Economics certainly makes some valid points, I think it might be somewhat idealistic to champion local production over the world economy. What works for a small town or village will not work for NYC, Tokyo, London.
Without modern mechanized agriculture I think there would have been a major die-off by now. You might think that a die-off would be a good thing, but we are wired to try to survive by any means.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
While Buddhist Economics certainly makes some valid points, I think it might be somewhat idealistic to champion local production over the world economy. What works for a small town or village will not work for NYC, Tokyo, London.
Without modern mechanized agriculture I think there would have been a major die-off by now. You might think that a die-off would be a good thing, but we are wired to try to survive by any means.
There is not such thing as reality
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
I think there is a reality but it is an ultimate reality beyond our sense world, and it’s nature is totally foreign to our way of understanding. Our personal realities are based on symbols and aren’t real. I think Donald Hoffman with his Conscious Realism has it right.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
I think there is a reality but it is an ultimate reality beyond our sense world, and it’s nature is totally foreign to our way of understanding. Our personal realities are based on symbols and aren’t real. I think Donald Hoffman with his Conscious Realism has it right.
The best book so far about the relationship of science and religion is Ian Barbour's "When Science...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
I agree fully with Barbour’s conclusion. The real dichotomy is not between science and religion. It is between courageous and open-minded seekers of truth and those who cling to narrow perspectives founded either on religious dogma or scientism. Those who pit science against religion have limited awareness of both IMO, and are wearing dark glasses to protect themselves from the glare of stark reality and our fundamental ignorance.
Einstein said at times that he was an atheist. Obviously he was not religious in a traditional dogmatic way. Yet he wrote this:
“Try and penetrate with our limited means the secrets of nature and you will find that, behind all the discernible concatenations, there remains something subtle, intangible and inexplicable. Veneration for this force beyond anything that we can comprehend is my religion. To that extent I am, in point of fact, religious.”
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
I agree fully with Barbour’s conclusion. The real dichotomy is not between science and religion. It is between courageous and open-minded seekers of truth and those who cling to narrow perspectives founded either on religious dogma or scientism. Those who pit science against religion have limited awareness of both IMO, and are wearing dark glasses to protect themselves from the glare of stark reality and our fundamental ignorance.
Einstein said at times that he was an atheist. Obviously he was not religious in a traditional dogmatic way. Yet he wrote this:
“Try and penetrate with our limited means the secrets of nature and you will find that, behind all the discernible concatenations, there remains something subtle, intangible and inexplicable. Veneration for this force beyond anything that we can comprehend is my religion. To that extent I am, in point of fact, religious.”
There seem to be a fair number of atheists on agnostic.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
I think that the question is meaningless. It is meaningless because there is no adequate definition of God. There is no adequate definition because all of our human concepts are based on an artificial and illusional frame of reference.
We can conceive of ultimate reality beyond our delusional bubble, but we lack the ability to understand the nature of that reality, and to stick some label on it such as “God” accomplishes nothing.
Neither belief nor disbelief seem appropriate to me. The only response that seems reasonable in the face of the staggering implications of the mystery of existence is total bewilderment, awe, wonder and reverence. Adding to the wonderous situation is the fact of our conscious awareness, a phenomenon that we take for granted, but which undergirds everything that we experience.
Edwin Schrodinger:
Consciousness cannot be accounted for in physical terms. For consciousness is absolutely fundamental. It cannot be accounted for in terms of anything else.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 10, 2019:
I think that the question is meaningless. It is meaningless because there is no adequate definition of God. There is no adequate definition because all of our human concepts are based on an artificial and illusional frame of reference.
We can conceive of ultimate reality beyond our delusional bubble, but we lack the ability to understand the nature of that reality, and to stick some label on it such as “God” accomplishes nothing.
Neither belief nor disbelief seem appropriate to me. The only response that seems reasonable in the face of the staggering implications of the mystery of existence is total bewilderment, awe, wonder and reverence. Adding to the wonderous situation is the fact of our conscious awareness, a phenomenon that we take for granted, but which undergirds everything that we experience.
Edwin Schrodinger:
Consciousness cannot be accounted for in physical terms. For consciousness is absolutely fundamental. It cannot be accounted for in terms of anything else.
There is not such thing as reality
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
Please elaborate. What is this that we are experiencing?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
Please elaborate. What is this that we are experiencing?
There are so many posts about people having to hide non belief or listen to others continue to ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
I’ve had your same experience. Nobody has bothered me for long. It’s never been a problem.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
I’ve had your same experience. Nobody has bothered me for long. It’s never been a problem.
North Carolina law prohibits cohabitation: [npr.org]
Isn't that amazing in these modern times?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
This is old, old news. The case has long since been decided and the law struck down by the NC Supreme Court. Why bring up something long since settled, except to have something to feel angry about?
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nc-cohabitation-law-struck-down/
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
This is old, old news. The case has long since been decided and the law struck down by the NC Supreme Court. Why bring up something long since settled, except to have something to feel angry about?
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nc-cohabitation-law-struck-down/
What is your favorite "meaning of life quote"?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
Edwin Schrodinger:
Consciousness cannot be accounted for in physical terms. For consciousness is absolutely fundamental. It cannot be accounted for in terms of anything else.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
Edwin Schrodinger:
Consciousness cannot be accounted for in physical terms. For consciousness is absolutely fundamental. It cannot be accounted for in terms of anything else.
Onward atheist soldiers.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
What a post! Damn, you must have more time on your hands than I do, and I’m retired.
Maybe the femur is from a bear. You mentioned a bear faced lie.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
What a post! Damn, you must have more time on your hands than I do, and I’m retired.
Maybe the femur is from a bear. You mentioned a bear faced lie.
The psychology of Outrage.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
Very good post Jack. I agree wholeheartedly.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
Very good post Jack. I agree wholeheartedly.
A question to all wise souls on this app.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
The US Constitution forbids congress to establish a religion, and it sanctions the free exercise of religion.
Saying the word “God” in public is not Congress establishing a religion.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
The US Constitution forbids congress to establish a religion, and it sanctions the free exercise of religion.
Saying the word “God” in public is not Congress establishing a religion.
It's sad that some ppl bully others, even on this site who you have to block.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong. For your own well-being you have to get things off your chest. As long as you don’t name names I think you’re OK.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong. For your own well-being you have to get things off your chest. As long as you don’t name names I think you’re OK.
Religion is a product of the imagination and has no basis in reality.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
Do you have proof for your statements?
Perhaps reality itself is a product of our imaginations.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
Do you have proof for your statements?
Perhaps reality itself is a product of our imaginations.
Ignore the ad stuff.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
I can handle about 200’ of sea level rise after which I will own beach-front property, not a bad prospect.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
I can handle about 200’ of sea level rise after which I will own beach-front property, not a bad prospect.
Carnivore Logic!
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
1973 bumper sticker:
“Eat a beaver, save a tree”
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
1973 bumper sticker:
“Eat a beaver, save a tree”
We humans just can't seem to avoid creating and dredging up ideas which promise eternal existence of...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
A lot of modern religious practice does seem centered on the goal of getting yourself into heaven, but with ancient religions only the gods and goddesses were immortal. The root of religion does not seem to be fear of death. I think the root of religion is the same as the root of art, science and philosophy. It is the exciting spark of awareness, which engenders curiosity, awe, appreciation and reverence.
We might as well quit bothering ourselves about any concept involving time, such a birth, death, creation, causation, etc. Time is a delusion. From a cosmic perspective there is only immortality. We are not what we think we are.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
A lot of modern religious practice does seem centered on the goal of getting yourself into heaven, but with ancient religions only the gods and goddesses were immortal. The root of religion does not seem to be fear of death. I think the root of religion is the same as the root of art, science and philosophy. It is the exciting spark of awareness, which engenders curiosity, awe, appreciation and reverence.
We might as well quit bothering ourselves about any concept involving time, such a birth, death, creation, causation, etc. Time is a delusion. From a cosmic perspective there is only immortality. We are not what we think we are.
Do people just know know about this site?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
At least half my acquaintance are non-religious, but none of them has declared themselves to be atheists or agnostics as far as I know. It’s not that they are afraid of repercussions. The average person is not very interested in religious questions. The average person is only mildly interested in academics of any sort, and they view pronouncements of any kind of “ism” as expressions of ego. They are more interested in sports, and don’t feel qualified to make grand pronouncements about reality. They simply don’t know and haven’t given such questions much thought.
Only a few people have bothered themselves with analyzing religious questions, and even fewer have the brass to make a public declaration of their grand findings.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 9, 2019:
At least half my acquaintance are non-religious, but none of them has declared themselves to be atheists or agnostics as far as I know. It’s not that they are afraid of repercussions. The average person is not very interested in religious questions. The average person is only mildly interested in academics of any sort, and they view pronouncements of any kind of “ism” as expressions of ego. They are more interested in sports, and don’t feel qualified to make grand pronouncements about reality. They simply don’t know and haven’t given such questions much thought.
Only a few people have bothered themselves with analyzing religious questions, and even fewer have the brass to make a public declaration of their grand findings.
"We all have gods, Martin Luther said, it is just a question of which ones.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 8, 2019:
I don’t do celebrities. My God is conscious awareness.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 8, 2019:
I don’t do celebrities. My God is conscious awareness.
Wonder who the murderer was hired by?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
I can’t imagine that Brown’s testimony was all that crucial. It was an open and shut case. I suppose that his testimony might have caused a longer sentence to be imposed. It seems improbable that anyone would kill him for that unless it was a deranged someone.
This is a situation where we just don’t know answers and shouldn’t speculate. Hopefully the case will be solved. It really is eerie though.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
I can’t imagine that Brown’s testimony was all that crucial. It was an open and shut case. I suppose that his testimony might have caused a longer sentence to be imposed. It seems improbable that anyone would kill him for that unless it was a deranged someone.
This is a situation where we just don’t know answers and shouldn’t speculate. Hopefully the case will be solved. It really is eerie though.
Saving the Planet Means Overthrowing the Ruling Elites
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
Isn’t it too early to take such a drastic step? We are all complicit—we all use fossil fuels. You can not rationally place all the blame on just a few. Revolution means destruction and death. Destroy the infrastructure and means of production and billions might die.
Far better IMO would be to invest in new technologies that actually address the problem—that is, if there really is a problem. These weather events that arouse such fear, they’ve been occurring forever. The US was actually hotter during the twenties and thirties than it is today, at least in many places.
I think we need to step back and take a deep breath. The earth’s temperature is only increasing 0.13C/decade. At that rate we can easily adapt as we go.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
Isn’t it too early to take such a drastic step? We are all complicit—we all use fossil fuels. You can not rationally place all the blame on just a few. Revolution means destruction and death. Destroy the infrastructure and means of production and billions might die.
Far better IMO would be to invest in new technologies that actually address the problem—that is, if there really is a problem. These weather events that arouse such fear, they’ve been occurring forever. The US was actually hotter during the twenties and thirties than it is today, at least in many places.
I think we need to step back and take a deep breath. The earth’s temperature is only increasing 0.13C/decade. At that rate we can easily adapt as we go.
Marijuana May Boost, Rather Than Dull, the Elderly Brain - Scientific American
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
I’ll keep that in mind in case I get old some day. Maybe by then it’ll be legal.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
I’ll keep that in mind in case I get old some day. Maybe by then it’ll be legal.
We've never had a more willing ally in a conflict with the exception of the Montagnards whom we also...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
The US can not continually police the world forever. It is too expensive and we don’t have enough resources.
The people in each region will have to work out their own problems.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
The US can not continually police the world forever. It is too expensive and we don’t have enough resources.
The people in each region will have to work out their own problems.
Do you Like Science?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
I try to live by the age-old wisdom, except for a bit of wine.
If you use moderation you can eat almost anything. I’d add moderate exercise such as walking.
What passes for science is often just advertising or propaganda.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
I try to live by the age-old wisdom, except for a bit of wine.
If you use moderation you can eat almost anything. I’d add moderate exercise such as walking.
What passes for science is often just advertising or propaganda.
“I consider myself one of the seven billion human beings alive today.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
Non-violence and compassion, not by trying to be non-violent and compassionate, but because non-violence and compassion are logically necessary. It is because we are all a single entity. What we do to others we do to ourselves. Makes total sense.
Had to google those words.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
Non-violence and compassion, not by trying to be non-violent and compassionate, but because non-violence and compassion are logically necessary. It is because we are all a single entity. What we do to others we do to ourselves. Makes total sense.
Had to google those words.
Only Zombies come back - but they grunt too much to tell us anything ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
I was not born and I will not die. I (We) are consciousness itself.
Within the sense world of our delusional state things come and go, but science posits that space, time and matter are not really there. No place, no distance, no cause, no duration, no speed, no creation, no destruction.
All of our bodies are just zombies.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
I was not born and I will not die. I (We) are consciousness itself.
Within the sense world of our delusional state things come and go, but science posits that space, time and matter are not really there. No place, no distance, no cause, no duration, no speed, no creation, no destruction.
All of our bodies are just zombies.
Just wondering to myself.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
It’s been so long since I was trying to “believe” that I’ve forgotten how much time I spent in that pursuit. Like you, it was probably just during Sunday sermons. Well, also there were Wednesday night prayer meetings, I guess to keep us from straying too much during the week.
I don’t call it “God”, but I think about nature and ultimate reality constantly every day. I am deeply aware of our existence as conscious beings and I am filled with wonder and appreciation.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
It’s been so long since I was trying to “believe” that I’ve forgotten how much time I spent in that pursuit. Like you, it was probably just during Sunday sermons. Well, also there were Wednesday night prayer meetings, I guess to keep us from straying too much during the week.
I don’t call it “God”, but I think about nature and ultimate reality constantly every day. I am deeply aware of our existence as conscious beings and I am filled with wonder and appreciation.
I'm so tired of seeing stories about hunters grinning like imbeciles over their kill.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
In the article Scott Van Zyl is identified as a crocodile poacher. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Van Zyl was a professional hunting guide. Also the article lumps together trophy hunting and poaching as though they were the same.
It is a deeply flawed article IMO. Before taking all that glee in the death of the hunter, be aware that two crocodiles were legally killed in searching for Van Zyl’s body.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 7, 2019:
In the article Scott Van Zyl is identified as a crocodile poacher. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Van Zyl was a professional hunting guide. Also the article lumps together trophy hunting and poaching as though they were the same.
It is a deeply flawed article IMO. Before taking all that glee in the death of the hunter, be aware that two crocodiles were legally killed in searching for Van Zyl’s body.
Sir Roger Penrose & William Lane Craig • The Universe: How did it get here & why are we part of ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
Well, it’s Christian based and I didn’t want to watch the whole thing. But I have a LOT of respect for Roger Penrose, who says he is an atheist. He also has a very deep appreciation for the great mysteries surrounding existence. And I believe that he is working on a theory that is somewhat related to universal consciousness.
Maybe I’ll watch it later.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
Well, it’s Christian based and I didn’t want to watch the whole thing. But I have a LOT of respect for Roger Penrose, who says he is an atheist. He also has a very deep appreciation for the great mysteries surrounding existence. And I believe that he is working on a theory that is somewhat related to universal consciousness.
Maybe I’ll watch it later.
The strong case for nuclear
In the US, there is a strong anti-nuclear stance that prevails over ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
You have convinced me. However, I still believe that a revolutionary new source of energy is just around the corner in the form of LENR, which used to be called Cold Fusion. If we had jumped on the new technology back in ‘89 with funding for scientific studies I think LENR would be in use today.
Just my opinion.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
You have convinced me. However, I still believe that a revolutionary new source of energy is just around the corner in the form of LENR, which used to be called Cold Fusion. If we had jumped on the new technology back in ‘89 with funding for scientific studies I think LENR would be in use today.
Just my opinion.
I just blocked two people which is a rarity for me.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
So what if the man is jealous of lesbians? He displayed courage and honesty in expressing his feelings and was met with a barrage of demonizing and racist responses.
I’d think that someone with truly liberal characteristics would have engaged in conversation. Nothing but paper liberals around this joint apparently.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
So what if the man is jealous of lesbians? He displayed courage and honesty in expressing his feelings and was met with a barrage of demonizing and racist responses.
I’d think that someone with truly liberal characteristics would have engaged in conversation. Nothing but paper liberals around this joint apparently.
I just finished 84 days at St.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
Congratulations and best wishes for the future!
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
Congratulations and best wishes for the future!
What one book would you keep?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
Bhagavad Gita.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
Bhagavad Gita.
What are the best places for people like us to live?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
I live in a small farming community in Alabama. This is the best place for me because country people tend to be honest, independent and individualistic, and they respect those traits in others.
If I had grown up in a large city I’d be a different person and would want the social and cultural amenities that cities offer.
I don’t think a persons opinions about religion are all that important—we can live anywhere.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
I live in a small farming community in Alabama. This is the best place for me because country people tend to be honest, independent and individualistic, and they respect those traits in others.
If I had grown up in a large city I’d be a different person and would want the social and cultural amenities that cities offer.
I don’t think a persons opinions about religion are all that important—we can live anywhere.
Many people today are angry - whether they are politically left or right.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
I am not angry. I have enough, and I have my one vote. That is my share of power.
Your last sentence tells it all. It is all of us together who make up this modern world. We all benefit from the economy of scale, but only by losing some of our self-autonomy. We are small fish in a big pond.
Welcome back!
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
I am not angry. I have enough, and I have my one vote. That is my share of power.
Your last sentence tells it all. It is all of us together who make up this modern world. We all benefit from the economy of scale, but only by losing some of our self-autonomy. We are small fish in a big pond.
Welcome back!
I just blocked two people which is a rarity for me.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
Drowning man arrested for disturbing the peace with his cries for help.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 6, 2019:
Drowning man arrested for disturbing the peace with his cries for help.
The religion of climate change & the new doomsday scenario
[onenewsnow.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
It’s a great article, and spot on IMO.
Thanks for posting.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
It’s a great article, and spot on IMO.
Thanks for posting.
How The Loss Of U.S. Psychiatric Hospitals Led To A Mental Health Crisis : NPR
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
The article states:
"State hospitals began to realize that individuals who were there probably could do well in the community," he tells Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson. "It was well-intended, but what I believe happened over the past 50 years is that there's been such an evaporation of psychiatric therapeutic spaces that now we lack a sufficient number of psychiatric beds."
I don’t think that’s what happened. I think that there were a series of legal cases challenging involuntary commitment of mentally ill patients. This article catalogs those cases.
https://mentalillnesspolicy.org/legal/mental-illness-supreme-court.html
Some horrible, horrible things used to happen in some of those mental asylums. Today there are strict requirements before a person can be hospitalized involuntarily. It has been decided that mentally disturbed people are better off in their communities rather than locked in an asylum and that they have a legal right to be free.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
The article states:
"State hospitals began to realize that individuals who were there probably could do well in the community," he tells Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson. "It was well-intended, but what I believe happened over the past 50 years is that there's been such an evaporation of psychiatric therapeutic spaces that now we lack a sufficient number of psychiatric beds."
I don’t think that’s what happened. I think that there were a series of legal cases challenging involuntary commitment of mentally ill patients. This article catalogs those cases.
https://mentalillnesspolicy.org/legal/mental-illness-supreme-court.html
Some horrible, horrible things used to happen in some of those mental asylums. Today there are strict requirements before a person can be hospitalized involuntarily. It has been decided that mentally disturbed people are better off in their communities rather than locked in an asylum and that they have a legal right to be free.
Confederate Flag ::: A comment about those who revere the Confederacy, and the Confederate Flag ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
I’d say the best course of action is for us to just ignore the Civil War and move on to happier and more productive thoughts. Forgiveness should be very easy at this late stage, generations later. It’s a simple matter of analyzing our thoughts, filtering out the ones that are untrue or distorted and reinforcing those that are realistic and conducive to mutual respect and national harmony.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
I’d say the best course of action is for us to just ignore the Civil War and move on to happier and more productive thoughts. Forgiveness should be very easy at this late stage, generations later. It’s a simple matter of analyzing our thoughts, filtering out the ones that are untrue or distorted and reinforcing those that are realistic and conducive to mutual respect and national harmony.
Some food for thought:
Peter Wessel Zapffe (1899–1990) viewed humans as a biological paradox.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
I strongly disagree with Zapffe on several points
Whatever traits we humans have are natural and beneficial. IMO deep conscious awareness lends the keenest motivation to live well and survive. Through consciousness we can see and appreciate our existence in all its beauty and awe. ANYTHING that arises is natural and it arises for reasons.
And how does he know that animals are not consciously aware also and can not comprehend their deaths? For all anyone knows animals might have consciousness superior to ours. Humans are encumbered in some ways by language—our way of knowing might seem stilted and contrived to animals. In order to survive we have sacrificed some of our earthiness—It’s ok though. We are still natural.
It sounds as though Zapffe was fraught with “disturbing and destructive thought and feeling” himself and he described four of his mental tools for dealing with that depression. They sound like pretty good tools. They must have worked for him since he lived over ninety years. I think though that he could have benefited from Rational Behavior Therapy. A smart guy like Zapffe would have been a prime candidate for self analysis.
Because Zapffe had those demons is no reason we have to follow suite. We can reject his gloomy opinions.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
I strongly disagree with Zapffe on several points
Whatever traits we humans have are natural and beneficial. IMO deep conscious awareness lends the keenest motivation to live well and survive. Through consciousness we can see and appreciate our existence in all its beauty and awe. ANYTHING that arises is natural and it arises for reasons.
And how does he know that animals are not consciously aware also and can not comprehend their deaths? For all anyone knows animals might have consciousness superior to ours. Humans are encumbered in some ways by language—our way of knowing might seem stilted and contrived to animals. In order to survive we have sacrificed some of our earthiness—It’s ok though. We are still natural.
It sounds as though Zapffe was fraught with “disturbing and destructive thought and feeling” himself and he described four of his mental tools for dealing with that depression. They sound like pretty good tools. They must have worked for him since he lived over ninety years. I think though that he could have benefited from Rational Behavior Therapy. A smart guy like Zapffe would have been a prime candidate for self analysis.
Because Zapffe had those demons is no reason we have to follow suite. We can reject his gloomy opinions.
Flu shot is critical, but only half of American adults plan to get it - ABC News
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
In the 1918 flu pandemic up to a hundred million people died. I expect those anti vaxxers would change their tunes PDQ if something like that happens again.
The VA gives me a free flu shot paid for by you taxpayers.
Thank y’all kindly.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
In the 1918 flu pandemic up to a hundred million people died. I expect those anti vaxxers would change their tunes PDQ if something like that happens again.
The VA gives me a free flu shot paid for by you taxpayers.
Thank y’all kindly.
There is a difference between that statements, "I don't believe in god(s).
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
IMO if a person were truly interested in whether or not there is a God they would be diligently searching, analyzing various god concepts, and looking at all available evidence with an open mind. If a person is merely sitting by idly, pretending to wait for someone to provide proof, then their mind is made up. They believe there is no God—they do not wonder if there is a God. Perhaps they erroneously believe that there is a “burden of proof” on a person making a “positive statement”, and that by claiming to be simply withholding belief, they see themselves as avoiding that alleged burden.
A persons opinion about religion is just that, an opinion, and is of little significance in the scheme of things. There will never be a proof. The question of God’s existence is founded in our human world of symbols and it means nothing from the perspective of ultimate reality.
IMO the most rational responses to the staggering mysteries of existence are awe, appreciation and reverence. And let’s add curiosity and wonder by all means!
Also bewilderment. Belief or disbelief play no role.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
IMO if a person were truly interested in whether or not there is a God they would be diligently searching, analyzing various god concepts, and looking at all available evidence with an open mind. If a person is merely sitting by idly, pretending to wait for someone to provide proof, then their mind is made up. They believe there is no God—they do not wonder if there is a God. Perhaps they erroneously believe that there is a “burden of proof” on a person making a “positive statement”, and that by claiming to be simply withholding belief, they see themselves as avoiding that alleged burden.
A persons opinion about religion is just that, an opinion, and is of little significance in the scheme of things. There will never be a proof. The question of God’s existence is founded in our human world of symbols and it means nothing from the perspective of ultimate reality.
IMO the most rational responses to the staggering mysteries of existence are awe, appreciation and reverence. And let’s add curiosity and wonder by all means!
Also bewilderment. Belief or disbelief play no role.
Man Awarded $750K in Lawsuit After Suing Wife's Lover: 'I Believe in the Sanctity of Marriage'
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
I see the makings for a cheap and tawdry novel. A husband and wife hatch a scam whereby the wife initiates an affair with some rich guy. They plan to sue for damages and split the money. Things get off course when the wife falls in love with the rich guy...
Somebody take it from here.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
I see the makings for a cheap and tawdry novel. A husband and wife hatch a scam whereby the wife initiates an affair with some rich guy. They plan to sue for damages and split the money. Things get off course when the wife falls in love with the rich guy...
Somebody take it from here.
Carol loves to visit Saint Martins Church in Birmingham to light candles for deceased loved ones.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
I think of something like that as an artistic expression—a little dramatic skit meaningful only to those who are attuned.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
I think of something like that as an artistic expression—a little dramatic skit meaningful only to those who are attuned.
From an atheist perspective (and I am an atheist), is there a difference between religion and a ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
Using the modern definition of a cult, I think that all religions have some degree of cultishness. There is a gradient though from something like Scientology, very cultish, to Unitarianism, only slightly cultish.
IMO the characteristics of a cult are authoritarianism, deification of the founders, requirement for belief in a creed, holy scriptures claimed to be the inerrant word of God. Also cults use fear and guilt as a means of mind control. Some use actual physical punishment and intimidation and will not permit their victims to leave the group. Cults also hound you for money.
It would be an interesting project for someone to make a chart ranking various religions according to their cultish characteristics. Someone else, not me. It could be a group effort. I would rate the Baptists as only moderately cultish. They are very democratic but they are cultish in various categories.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
Using the modern definition of a cult, I think that all religions have some degree of cultishness. There is a gradient though from something like Scientology, very cultish, to Unitarianism, only slightly cultish.
IMO the characteristics of a cult are authoritarianism, deification of the founders, requirement for belief in a creed, holy scriptures claimed to be the inerrant word of God. Also cults use fear and guilt as a means of mind control. Some use actual physical punishment and intimidation and will not permit their victims to leave the group. Cults also hound you for money.
It would be an interesting project for someone to make a chart ranking various religions according to their cultish characteristics. Someone else, not me. It could be a group effort. I would rate the Baptists as only moderately cultish. They are very democratic but they are cultish in various categories.
NFL fines Saints' Demario Davis $7,000 for 'Man of God' headband - AOL News
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
In this case the Saints eked out a win without the headband.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
In this case the Saints eked out a win without the headband.
Religious art can certainly be dreary and, ironically, uninspired (so much of "Christian rock, for ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
Expressions of art are beautiful, meaningful and uplifting, but only to those who have been immersed in a piece’s particular symbolism. As a child I was immersed in classical music because my sister was taking piano lessons, and I immersed myself into country music by listening to the radio. As a country boy I was very receptive and understood country music’s subject matter.
Here’s a country song that I especially like. Even if you don’t like country music, the warm smiles say a lot, and this is no ordinary fiddling, let me tell you.
https://youtu.be/Gm0AOz-1BwE
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
Expressions of art are beautiful, meaningful and uplifting, but only to those who have been immersed in a piece’s particular symbolism. As a child I was immersed in classical music because my sister was taking piano lessons, and I immersed myself into country music by listening to the radio. As a country boy I was very receptive and understood country music’s subject matter.
Here’s a country song that I especially like. Even if you don’t like country music, the warm smiles say a lot, and this is no ordinary fiddling, let me tell you.
https://youtu.be/Gm0AOz-1BwE
Answering the biggest question of all: why is there something rather than nothing?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
Maybe we can’t understand reality on a deep level because our perception is based on an artificial model of reality that is merely symbolic. We are accustomed to the symbols and never even think about them as other than real. Because of that, greater questions are meaningless and have no answers. Physics can step outside the boundaries to some degree using mathematics.
IMO it is perfectly legitimate to ask why. Only in a limited sense does “why” imply conscious intention. If I ask “Why did the tree fall?” I am not asking about the tree’s intention or motivation. I want to understand the circumstances that led to its fall.
Why does anything exist and not nothing? The question can not be answered within our frame of reference. First off, what is a “thing”? What is “existence”? In our world material objects exist in space and time, but according to quantum gravity theory there is no time, and what we think of as matter is just an interaction with no real substance. If time is only an illusion, then the ideas of causation, creation, motion, place, distance, etc. are just fluffy mind stuff.
There is, beyond the world of our perception, ultimate reality, great beyond great, evoking awe, inspiration and reverence.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 5, 2019:
Maybe we can’t understand reality on a deep level because our perception is based on an artificial model of reality that is merely symbolic. We are accustomed to the symbols and never even think about them as other than real. Because of that, greater questions are meaningless and have no answers. Physics can step outside the boundaries to some degree using mathematics.
IMO it is perfectly legitimate to ask why. Only in a limited sense does “why” imply conscious intention. If I ask “Why did the tree fall?” I am not asking about the tree’s intention or motivation. I want to understand the circumstances that led to its fall.
Why does anything exist and not nothing? The question can not be answered within our frame of reference. First off, what is a “thing”? What is “existence”? In our world material objects exist in space and time, but according to quantum gravity theory there is no time, and what we think of as matter is just an interaction with no real substance. If time is only an illusion, then the ideas of causation, creation, motion, place, distance, etc. are just fluffy mind stuff.
There is, beyond the world of our perception, ultimate reality, great beyond great, evoking awe, inspiration and reverence.
Everything starts with waking up.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 4, 2019:
The top 10 most capitalistic countries are:
Hong Kong
Singapore
New Zealand
Switzerland
Australia
Ireland
Estonia
United Kingdom
Canada
United Arab Emirates
The United States ranks 18th. Its weak spots are in business freedom and property rights. Its immense national debt also limits fiscal policy. It's created a future tax burden that will restrict taxpayer freedom.
https://www.thebalance.com/capitalism-characteristics-examples-pros-cons-3305588
If not capitalism, then what system do y’all propose?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 4, 2019:
The top 10 most capitalistic countries are:
Hong Kong
Singapore
New Zealand
Switzerland
Australia
Ireland
Estonia
United Kingdom
Canada
United Arab Emirates
The United States ranks 18th. Its weak spots are in business freedom and property rights. Its immense national debt also limits fiscal policy. It's created a future tax burden that will restrict taxpayer freedom.
https://www.thebalance.com/capitalism-characteristics-examples-pros-cons-3305588
If not capitalism, then what system do y’all propose?
It's Jesus that deserves the credit.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 4, 2019:
76% of medical doctors report a belief in God.
https://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money-digest/contributor/heidi-moawad-md/2016/10/surprising-results-about-physicians-belief-in-god
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 4, 2019:
76% of medical doctors report a belief in God.
https://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money-digest/contributor/heidi-moawad-md/2016/10/surprising-results-about-physicians-belief-in-god
The secret of happiness is often said to be many things, such as living in the moment, awareness, ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 4, 2019:
Yes, I think you are on to something here. Our default state is joy, but we are not aware of that joy if our minds are swirling around a bunch of semi-lies propagated by those who want us to be fearful or stressed. That would be politicians, advertisers, news people, church leaders, even family members sometimes. And we generate our own lies sometimes.
Maybe we need to set up personal filter systems to filter out all the negative and judgmental information and thoughts. John Nash said that he cured himself from schizophrenia by learning to police his thoughts.
My filters are set to block such input as: “We’re going to burn in hell” “We’re going to burn up from global warming” “We’re going to have a civil war” “Evangelicals are going to install a theocracy” “Trump is going to stage a coup” “Southerners are racist” “Republicans are racist” “Evangelicals are racists” .
I should not even be typing these lies because that feeds them into the subconscious. The result of thinking lies is sadness, depression, loneliness, poor health, poverty and death.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 4, 2019:
Yes, I think you are on to something here. Our default state is joy, but we are not aware of that joy if our minds are swirling around a bunch of semi-lies propagated by those who want us to be fearful or stressed. That would be politicians, advertisers, news people, church leaders, even family members sometimes. And we generate our own lies sometimes.
Maybe we need to set up personal filter systems to filter out all the negative and judgmental information and thoughts. John Nash said that he cured himself from schizophrenia by learning to police his thoughts.
My filters are set to block such input as: “We’re going to burn in hell” “We’re going to burn up from global warming” “We’re going to have a civil war” “Evangelicals are going to install a theocracy” “Trump is going to stage a coup” “Southerners are racist” “Republicans are racist” “Evangelicals are racists” .
I should not even be typing these lies because that feeds them into the subconscious. The result of thinking lies is sadness, depression, loneliness, poor health, poverty and death.
When you have to self-label, do you describe yourself as an agnostic, skeptic, non-believer--or ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 4, 2019:
You are the first person to ask. I sort of lean toward being ignostic, that is to say that the question of God’s existence is meaningless because “God” can not be defined. But also, the word “existence” is likewise undefinable and meaningless. Also, this “I” thing is an abject and total mystery.
Probably a more descriptive term would be “confusionist”. The trouble with saying you are a confusionist is that it presents a weak front so that some preacher or materialist is liable to leap in and try to de-confuse you, not realizing that he himself is even more confused—just propped up with lies.
The only glimmer of light I see in all the darkness is presented in the Upanishads under the label “Brahman“. I can’t really call myself a Brahamanist because attaching “ist” implies belief and in my world view belief has no place. I do not “believe”. I am aware and swept with awe, appreciation and reverence.
I guess I could say that I am an atitulist, one who does not label—but wait! “Atitulist” is itself a label.
This is going nowhere. Maybe it would be better if I just shut up. That’s it! Silence, or no answer.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 4, 2019:
You are the first person to ask. I sort of lean toward being ignostic, that is to say that the question of God’s existence is meaningless because “God” can not be defined. But also, the word “existence” is likewise undefinable and meaningless. Also, this “I” thing is an abject and total mystery.
Probably a more descriptive term would be “confusionist”. The trouble with saying you are a confusionist is that it presents a weak front so that some preacher or materialist is liable to leap in and try to de-confuse you, not realizing that he himself is even more confused—just propped up with lies.
The only glimmer of light I see in all the darkness is presented in the Upanishads under the label “Brahman“. I can’t really call myself a Brahamanist because attaching “ist” implies belief and in my world view belief has no place. I do not “believe”. I am aware and swept with awe, appreciation and reverence.
I guess I could say that I am an atitulist, one who does not label—but wait! “Atitulist” is itself a label.
This is going nowhere. Maybe it would be better if I just shut up. That’s it! Silence, or no answer.
Encourage or discourage joining marines?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I would do neither. The teen in question has to decide.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I would do neither. The teen in question has to decide.
Did I do wrong?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
You are not actually evil incarnate but I had fun clicking on that. :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
You are not actually evil incarnate but I had fun clicking on that. :-)
God works in mysterious ways...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
Very odd.
How is it that a couple of coils of DNA all curled up, lying in cells can control the development of an organism?
It seems analogous to a set of building plans all rolled up in a construction shack. The building doesn’t build itself. Someone has to interpret the plans and perform actions.
Maybe I’ll google. It seems impossible.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
Very odd.
How is it that a couple of coils of DNA all curled up, lying in cells can control the development of an organism?
It seems analogous to a set of building plans all rolled up in a construction shack. The building doesn’t build itself. Someone has to interpret the plans and perform actions.
Maybe I’ll google. It seems impossible.
Agnostics Qs
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I think the old storytellers had fun amusing people by making up supernatural beings that could do wondrous things. Children, excitable and gullible took the stories for truth as they were repeated around campfires down through the generations. We have the same thing today. There’s Superman et al.
There is a philosophical “god” that is impossible to define but is sometimes referred to as ultimate reality, nature, etc. Here’s Albert Einstein:
"I'm not an atheist, and I don't think I can call myself a pantheist. We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written those books. It does not know how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child dimly suspects a mysterious order in the arrangement of the books but doesn't know what it is. That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human being toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws. Our limited minds grasp the mysterious force that moves the constellations."
http://www.deism.com/einsteingodletter.htm
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I think the old storytellers had fun amusing people by making up supernatural beings that could do wondrous things. Children, excitable and gullible took the stories for truth as they were repeated around campfires down through the generations. We have the same thing today. There’s Superman et al.
There is a philosophical “god” that is impossible to define but is sometimes referred to as ultimate reality, nature, etc. Here’s Albert Einstein:
"I'm not an atheist, and I don't think I can call myself a pantheist. We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written those books. It does not know how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child dimly suspects a mysterious order in the arrangement of the books but doesn't know what it is. That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human being toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws. Our limited minds grasp the mysterious force that moves the constellations."
http://www.deism.com/einsteingodletter.htm
Anyone in New Orleans or near?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
Click on your picture and select “my profile”. Scroll down toward the bottom and you’ll see a list of people near you. Good luck!
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
Click on your picture and select “my profile”. Scroll down toward the bottom and you’ll see a list of people near you. Good luck!
Do human beings have an instinct for waging war? | Aeon Essays
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I saw a YouTube video of a group of male chimpanzees staging a raid on a neighboring clan. Chimpanzees are our closest animal cousins, so yes, I’d say that war is in our blood. Young male humans in cities are forever forming up into gangs and waging war—further evidence.
Just because some behavior pattern is in our genetics doesn’t mean that we are slaves to that behavior. Maybe conscious awareness will step in at times and direct us into more fruitful ventures. Libertarians generally oppose war. Vote Libertarian.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I saw a YouTube video of a group of male chimpanzees staging a raid on a neighboring clan. Chimpanzees are our closest animal cousins, so yes, I’d say that war is in our blood. Young male humans in cities are forever forming up into gangs and waging war—further evidence.
Just because some behavior pattern is in our genetics doesn’t mean that we are slaves to that behavior. Maybe conscious awareness will step in at times and direct us into more fruitful ventures. Libertarians generally oppose war. Vote Libertarian.
America’s Founders Wanted Church And State To Be Separate And So Should You
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I do not support our having an official religion—to establish one legally would require a change in the constitution. But in the worst scenario, suppose that such an official religion were established. Would that be the end of the world?
I would like to point out that in every Scandinavian country and Finland the official religion is Evangelical Lutheranism. England. Scotland and Wales all have official religions. Apparently in none of these places does it make a bit of difference whether or not there is an official religion. (Ironically the news outlet for this article is in the UK)
Apparently we need some sort of big scary threat going all the time. Maybe it’s just to keep our blood pressure up and keep us stimulated. A glass of wine would work as well.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I do not support our having an official religion—to establish one legally would require a change in the constitution. But in the worst scenario, suppose that such an official religion were established. Would that be the end of the world?
I would like to point out that in every Scandinavian country and Finland the official religion is Evangelical Lutheranism. England. Scotland and Wales all have official religions. Apparently in none of these places does it make a bit of difference whether or not there is an official religion. (Ironically the news outlet for this article is in the UK)
Apparently we need some sort of big scary threat going all the time. Maybe it’s just to keep our blood pressure up and keep us stimulated. A glass of wine would work as well.
America’s Founders Wanted Church And State To Be Separate And So Should You
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
There are very few people who advocate for the establishment of a state religion or theocracy in the US. Our constitution forbids congress to make a law establishing a religion, and pretty much every religious group strongly supports that provision. There is no need for alarm, no need for organized efforts in that regard.
Religion is a basic and integral part of humanity and you are not going to ever keep every shred of religious expression out of government. Examples:
Many VA hospitals have chapels for people to go for quiet prayer or meditation. Those chapels are perfectly legal. In the military there are chaplains, also in prisons.
Public libraries generally have a variety of books about religion. No one has called for banning those books so far as I know. Likewise museums often have religious art. NPR sometimes presents programs with religious themes. We have a right to free speech.
Religious people have a perfect right to band together in supporting laws or candidates for office. You can not deny them the right to free speech.
School vouchers or VA benefits can be used to attend religious schools. This has been upheld by the Supreme Court.
If government workers or officials want to meet for prayer sessions, that is their right and should be of no concern to others.
On the other hand, having “In God We Trust” on our coins might be construed by some as the establishment of a religion. It’s sort of far-fetched but am not opposed to removal of the phrase.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
There are very few people who advocate for the establishment of a state religion or theocracy in the US. Our constitution forbids congress to make a law establishing a religion, and pretty much every religious group strongly supports that provision. There is no need for alarm, no need for organized efforts in that regard.
Religion is a basic and integral part of humanity and you are not going to ever keep every shred of religious expression out of government. Examples:
Many VA hospitals have chapels for people to go for quiet prayer or meditation. Those chapels are perfectly legal. In the military there are chaplains, also in prisons.
Public libraries generally have a variety of books about religion. No one has called for banning those books so far as I know. Likewise museums often have religious art. NPR sometimes presents programs with religious themes. We have a right to free speech.
Religious people have a perfect right to band together in supporting laws or candidates for office. You can not deny them the right to free speech.
School vouchers or VA benefits can be used to attend religious schools. This has been upheld by the Supreme Court.
If government workers or officials want to meet for prayer sessions, that is their right and should be of no concern to others.
On the other hand, having “In God We Trust” on our coins might be construed by some as the establishment of a religion. It’s sort of far-fetched but am not opposed to removal of the phrase.
Is right and wrong relative or fixed (absolute)?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
In a few dire situations I think that torture would give the best outcome. One person might suffer, but in turn many lives might be saved. We have evolved to help each other survive, especially those in our groups.
From the viewpoint of nature, God, or whatever you want to call ultimate reality, a human body is nothing but an assemblage of energy, having little or no value. The entire chain of life as a whole however does have value and function or it wouldn’t exist IMO. Based on this opinion I try not to make moral judgments about the behavior of others.
We have to make personal decisions but we don’t have make moral judgments about the decisions of other people.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
In a few dire situations I think that torture would give the best outcome. One person might suffer, but in turn many lives might be saved. We have evolved to help each other survive, especially those in our groups.
From the viewpoint of nature, God, or whatever you want to call ultimate reality, a human body is nothing but an assemblage of energy, having little or no value. The entire chain of life as a whole however does have value and function or it wouldn’t exist IMO. Based on this opinion I try not to make moral judgments about the behavior of others.
We have to make personal decisions but we don’t have make moral judgments about the decisions of other people.
"When I was younger, I wish I had.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I wish I had taken piano lessons when my parents wanted me to. I wish I could have played soccer or done track. I wish I had learned Spanish, been more sociable.
But I did what I did and that’s OK. I’m just me.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
I wish I had taken piano lessons when my parents wanted me to. I wish I could have played soccer or done track. I wish I had learned Spanish, been more sociable.
But I did what I did and that’s OK. I’m just me.
Awesome picture
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
It is truly a striking image!
What is it? A photograph? Clouds? I don’t understand.
Regardless, all the elements of an inspiring landscape are there IMO.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 3, 2019:
It is truly a striking image!
What is it? A photograph? Clouds? I don’t understand.
Regardless, all the elements of an inspiring landscape are there IMO.
Sorry, I just can't HEPP it.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
he’p. :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
he’p. :-)
For those of you who have engaged in evolution/creation discussions with creationists, what have ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
The most honest answer for both parties is they are abjectly ignorant and confused and have no idea what’s behind this awe-inspiring reality.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
The most honest answer for both parties is they are abjectly ignorant and confused and have no idea what’s behind this awe-inspiring reality.
'Bring Your Bible to School Day': Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin touts event
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
What would happen if a student showed up with a book of Upanishads or maybe the Koran?
We think the worst, but we could be wrong.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
What would happen if a student showed up with a book of Upanishads or maybe the Koran?
We think the worst, but we could be wrong.
Sorry, I just can't HEPP it.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
It’s hard not to look down on people who use bad grammar and punctuation. They must not have had good English teachers in high school. Either that or they were too sexed up to pay attention.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
It’s hard not to look down on people who use bad grammar and punctuation. They must not have had good English teachers in high school. Either that or they were too sexed up to pay attention.
The Good Guy/Bad Guy Myth
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
Assigning good or evil to a person seems irrational to me. A person might be a danger to be dealt with but that doesn’t mean they’re “bad”. I understand dualistic thinking as a normal survival tool, but in our contemplative moments such thinking falls short IMO.
This reminds me of the starkly realistic Russian film *Elena*, in which a woman poisons her husband. None of the characters could be called “evil”—all are understandable as simply flawed humans.
Yes, in our American Hollywood culture we are presented with the good person, generally thought of as a victim, and the evil bad guy, one upon whom we can vent hatred and anger. I wish we could get away from the Hollywood model because it fosters all kinds of unhappiness and misery, even national discord.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
Assigning good or evil to a person seems irrational to me. A person might be a danger to be dealt with but that doesn’t mean they’re “bad”. I understand dualistic thinking as a normal survival tool, but in our contemplative moments such thinking falls short IMO.
This reminds me of the starkly realistic Russian film *Elena*, in which a woman poisons her husband. None of the characters could be called “evil”—all are understandable as simply flawed humans.
Yes, in our American Hollywood culture we are presented with the good person, generally thought of as a victim, and the evil bad guy, one upon whom we can vent hatred and anger. I wish we could get away from the Hollywood model because it fosters all kinds of unhappiness and misery, even national discord.
My faith in humanity has been partially restored.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
I have no dishwasher. Washing dishes by hand is a relaxing chore and requires almost no energy. Electric dishwashers make a lot of noise and use a lot of energy, and you actually have to hand wash first anyway and stack the dishes. Many people leave the dishes in the dishwasher afterwards. That warm, humid environment is perfect for bacteria.
The whole concept is a marketing scheme based on lies. The manufacturers actually claim that electric dishwashers use LESS energy than hand washing, an impossibility.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
I have no dishwasher. Washing dishes by hand is a relaxing chore and requires almost no energy. Electric dishwashers make a lot of noise and use a lot of energy, and you actually have to hand wash first anyway and stack the dishes. Many people leave the dishes in the dishwasher afterwards. That warm, humid environment is perfect for bacteria.
The whole concept is a marketing scheme based on lies. The manufacturers actually claim that electric dishwashers use LESS energy than hand washing, an impossibility.
Good article! I have to admit i agree
[scientificamerican.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
I had a great interchange with Marcelo Gleiser on the old *Atlantic Monthly* forum. He is a person for whom I have the utmost respect and admiration, one who is honest and courageous enough to face our inherent limitations in understanding reality, and to express humility, awe, appreciation and gratitude.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
I had a great interchange with Marcelo Gleiser on the old *Atlantic Monthly* forum. He is a person for whom I have the utmost respect and admiration, one who is honest and courageous enough to face our inherent limitations in understanding reality, and to express humility, awe, appreciation and gratitude.
Robert Jeffress Goes All In on “Civil War”
The evangelical pastor and Trump loyalist has had ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
Jeffress didn’t actually call for or predict civil war. What he said was that impeachment would cause “a Civil War–like fracture in this nation from which this country will never heal.” Under normal, sane social conditions such a statement by an insignificant individual would go unnoticed, but old DT had to repeat the statement and every left-wing media outlet had to jump on it and twist it into a call for war and violence.
I haven’t actually seen any analysis of the statement to determine whether or not it is true, but of course this is not about truth—it’s all about yelling and screaming, school-yard fashion. My opinion is that at least the first part of the sentence is true. Impeachment has a good chance of getting DT re-elected, and who knows what that will lead to.
For healing we need a better way of thinking. We need to graduate at least from elementary school.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 2, 2019:
Jeffress didn’t actually call for or predict civil war. What he said was that impeachment would cause “a Civil War–like fracture in this nation from which this country will never heal.” Under normal, sane social conditions such a statement by an insignificant individual would go unnoticed, but old DT had to repeat the statement and every left-wing media outlet had to jump on it and twist it into a call for war and violence.
I haven’t actually seen any analysis of the statement to determine whether or not it is true, but of course this is not about truth—it’s all about yelling and screaming, school-yard fashion. My opinion is that at least the first part of the sentence is true. Impeachment has a good chance of getting DT re-elected, and who knows what that will lead to.
For healing we need a better way of thinking. We need to graduate at least from elementary school.
It's finally raining!!!
Yay!!
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
What?? It’s dry as dust over here.
It’s not fair!
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
What?? It’s dry as dust over here.
It’s not fair!
My wife and I are planning a good old southern style fish fry for relatives at the end of the month.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
Sounds very good. Maybe I’ll stop by.
Ha, ha, just kidding.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
Sounds very good. Maybe I’ll stop by.
Ha, ha, just kidding.
Conscousness without a body?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
In order to discuss this you have to differentiate between bodily sentience and deep conscious awareness. Obviously bodily sentience or bodily consciousness are bodily traits that disappear at death. Deep conscious awareness is something totally different IMO. I lean toward thinking that it is not individual organisms that “have” that kind of awareness—the universe itself is consciously aware.
As an analogy think of a fleet of self-driving cars. Individual cars, sophisticated as they are, have no self-awareness or free will. But the fleet can be controlled by consciousness from a central headquarters.
This is different than the soul concept. A junked car is nothing but junk and there is certainly no car soul that survives in car heaven. At most some of the records of the car might be retained for awhile. The car was never anything but an assemblage of parts that we designate “car”, but that designation is purely artificial and contrived.
I checked the first option, but have to qualify. Our personal identity as an individual is illusion. Our true Self (singular) is consciousness itself, immortal by default because it belongs to ultimate reality beyond our illusory sense-world.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
In order to discuss this you have to differentiate between bodily sentience and deep conscious awareness. Obviously bodily sentience or bodily consciousness are bodily traits that disappear at death. Deep conscious awareness is something totally different IMO. I lean toward thinking that it is not individual organisms that “have” that kind of awareness—the universe itself is consciously aware.
As an analogy think of a fleet of self-driving cars. Individual cars, sophisticated as they are, have no self-awareness or free will. But the fleet can be controlled by consciousness from a central headquarters.
This is different than the soul concept. A junked car is nothing but junk and there is certainly no car soul that survives in car heaven. At most some of the records of the car might be retained for awhile. The car was never anything but an assemblage of parts that we designate “car”, but that designation is purely artificial and contrived.
I checked the first option, but have to qualify. Our personal identity as an individual is illusion. Our true Self (singular) is consciousness itself, immortal by default because it belongs to ultimate reality beyond our illusory sense-world.
Am I the only one who wants to punch people in the face when they say, “I live in a spiritual ...
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
Confusing. Anybody checking Yes!! Would be saying yes, you are the only one.
Depending on definitions, we do indeed live in a spiritual realm.
Sir Arthur Eddington:
The universe is of the nature of a thought or sensation in a universal Mind... To put the conclusion crudely — the stuff of the world is mind-stuff.
We are no longer tempted to condemn the spiritual aspects of our nature as illusory because of their lack of concreteness.
The scientific answer is relevant so far as concerns the sense-impressions... For the rest the human spirit must turn to the unseen world to which it itself belongs.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
Confusing. Anybody checking Yes!! Would be saying yes, you are the only one.
Depending on definitions, we do indeed live in a spiritual realm.
Sir Arthur Eddington:
The universe is of the nature of a thought or sensation in a universal Mind... To put the conclusion crudely — the stuff of the world is mind-stuff.
We are no longer tempted to condemn the spiritual aspects of our nature as illusory because of their lack of concreteness.
The scientific answer is relevant so far as concerns the sense-impressions... For the rest the human spirit must turn to the unseen world to which it itself belongs.
Be healthy.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
This is an interesting and provocative article, The new studies negate what we’ve been told about nutrition for a long time.
I still think that too much food, especially too much beef, is unhealthy. It’s hard to switch off all the mental conditioning to which we’ve been subjected over the years.
Thanks for posting. This information deserves to be disseminated.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
This is an interesting and provocative article, The new studies negate what we’ve been told about nutrition for a long time.
I still think that too much food, especially too much beef, is unhealthy. It’s hard to switch off all the mental conditioning to which we’ve been subjected over the years.
Thanks for posting. This information deserves to be disseminated.
Letter to the Editor: Does President Trump Really Care About "Religious Freedom?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
I think that Bruce Gerencser has it wrong. He is parroting the media story that DT was put into office by “evangelicals”. DT was actually put into office by a broad spectrum of voters across the country, and religion had little to do with it IMO.
The term “evangelical”, as used by left wing media outlets, is just a fabrication used to create division and fear.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
I think that Bruce Gerencser has it wrong. He is parroting the media story that DT was put into office by “evangelicals”. DT was actually put into office by a broad spectrum of voters across the country, and religion had little to do with it IMO.
The term “evangelical”, as used by left wing media outlets, is just a fabrication used to create division and fear.
Letter to the Editor: Does President Trump Really Care About "Religious Freedom?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
All politicians care mainly about ego gratification through the attainment of power. In order to hold onto power they sometimes fulfill a few of their campaign promises, which might incidentally benefit the country, or incidentally harm the country.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
All politicians care mainly about ego gratification through the attainment of power. In order to hold onto power they sometimes fulfill a few of their campaign promises, which might incidentally benefit the country, or incidentally harm the country.
Anyone else feel like the weather has been unusual in your area lately?
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
We have had an extremely hot and dry September where I live, hotter than any in my memory, however, if I search I learn that the weather was **even hotter and dryer** back in the twenties and thirties before I was born. I think these things go in cycles.
As a worldwide average, the temperature is rising only 0.13C/decade, nothing even remotely noticeable.
WilliamFleming comments on Oct 1, 2019:
We have had an extremely hot and dry September where I live, hotter than any in my memory, however, if I search I learn that the weather was **even hotter and dryer** back in the twenties and thirties before I was born. I think these things go in cycles.
As a worldwide average, the temperature is rising only 0.13C/decade, nothing even remotely noticeable.
Blog Post of a woman friend, also a mother of two kids: "The forces moving the universe in a good ...
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
She has a very positive and optimistic outlook that I admire greatly.
In moving away from her Catholic Faith it sounds as though she threw out the bath water and kept the baby.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
She has a very positive and optimistic outlook that I admire greatly.
In moving away from her Catholic Faith it sounds as though she threw out the bath water and kept the baby.
Darned global warming strikes again.
[ca.yahoo.com]
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
That storm is breaking all records.
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/september-snowfall-records-alberta
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
That storm is breaking all records.
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/september-snowfall-records-alberta
"Human CO2 Emissions Have Little Effect on Atmospheric CO2"
by Edwin X Berry
...
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
If I am reading it correctly, according to Dr. Berry, the rise in atmospheric CO2 has been overwhelmingly due to natural causes. CO2 does not accumulate in the atmosphere but rather flows through.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
If I am reading it correctly, according to Dr. Berry, the rise in atmospheric CO2 has been overwhelmingly due to natural causes. CO2 does not accumulate in the atmosphere but rather flows through.
Message from Banksy...
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
Pretty good statement.
This is an advertisement of sorts though isn’t it?
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
Pretty good statement.
This is an advertisement of sorts though isn’t it?
I figured out the math.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
You young fellers have so much ahead of you. Keep going. :-)
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
You young fellers have so much ahead of you. Keep going. :-)
IS STRING THEORY RELATED TO THE MUSIC OF THE SPHERES?
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
There could certainly be a connection and it is a valid topic for consideration. I doubt we’ll reach any kind of resolution here. I’m not holding my breath.
That’s interesting about the Sanskrit. Do you have a reference handy?
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
There could certainly be a connection and it is a valid topic for consideration. I doubt we’ll reach any kind of resolution here. I’m not holding my breath.
That’s interesting about the Sanskrit. Do you have a reference handy?
Arsonic found in bottled watter. [emergencyemail.org]
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
Arson is not likely to be committed with water.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 30, 2019:
Arson is not likely to be committed with water.
Trump election vs climate change demonstration in canada
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
Were you going to provide a link?
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
Were you going to provide a link?
Amazing how there are still people out there that think banning books is a good thing.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
I’m not sure if “banned” is the right word for those books. I’m supposing that some school libraries did not select some of the books, but it is the duty of school administrators to select books that they deem appropriate for their students. I have “banned” certain books from my house—*Pilgrim’s Progress* for example, but that doesn’t prevent others from owning the book.
If I hear that government has prohibited the distribution or ownership of a book I’ll take notice and react with alarm, but for now I plan to continue with my serenely idle retirement.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
I’m not sure if “banned” is the right word for those books. I’m supposing that some school libraries did not select some of the books, but it is the duty of school administrators to select books that they deem appropriate for their students. I have “banned” certain books from my house—*Pilgrim’s Progress* for example, but that doesn’t prevent others from owning the book.
If I hear that government has prohibited the distribution or ownership of a book I’ll take notice and react with alarm, but for now I plan to continue with my serenely idle retirement.
Is thinking that consciousness is a product of a vibrating universe a backdoor belief in God?
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
It would depend on how you define God. Because of old associations the word “God” seems somewhat tainted in some circles. It would probably be best to pick another label for universal consciousness.
Actually I don’t think belief need come into the picture. If universal consciousness is discovered it will just be knowledge. No one should feel compelled to believe or disbelieve anything.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
It would depend on how you define God. Because of old associations the word “God” seems somewhat tainted in some circles. It would probably be best to pick another label for universal consciousness.
Actually I don’t think belief need come into the picture. If universal consciousness is discovered it will just be knowledge. No one should feel compelled to believe or disbelieve anything.
The Misogyny of Climate Deniers
Why do right-wing men hate Greta Thunberg and Alexandria ...
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
Could it just be that many people, both women and men, don’t agree with the fear-based screeching about climate?
Instead of psychoanalyzing those with whom you disagree and attempting to demonize and stereotype them by the use of ominous labels, I would think that some calm and rational discourse would be better.
The trouble with a lot of political activism is that the activists are absolutely dead certain that their opinions are the only correct ones and that anyone who doubts must be coerced into submission.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
Could it just be that many people, both women and men, don’t agree with the fear-based screeching about climate?
Instead of psychoanalyzing those with whom you disagree and attempting to demonize and stereotype them by the use of ominous labels, I would think that some calm and rational discourse would be better.
The trouble with a lot of political activism is that the activists are absolutely dead certain that their opinions are the only correct ones and that anyone who doubts must be coerced into submission.
Is the Universe Conscious?
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
I do lean toward thinking that consciousness is primary in the universe and that our individual consciousness is an extension of universal consciousness. The concept resonates deeply with me on an intuitive level.
Unless you are willing to consider ESP research there’s really no scientific proof, but it is an intriguing bit of metaphysics. A number of many eminent physicists have proposed the concept in one form or another, and the idea is prominent in Hindu philosophy.
Here’s a link that describes some recent work:
https://www.ecstadelic.net/top-stories/the-unified-field-and-the-quantum-nature-of-consciousness
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
I do lean toward thinking that consciousness is primary in the universe and that our individual consciousness is an extension of universal consciousness. The concept resonates deeply with me on an intuitive level.
Unless you are willing to consider ESP research there’s really no scientific proof, but it is an intriguing bit of metaphysics. A number of many eminent physicists have proposed the concept in one form or another, and the idea is prominent in Hindu philosophy.
Here’s a link that describes some recent work:
https://www.ecstadelic.net/top-stories/the-unified-field-and-the-quantum-nature-of-consciousness
Religious Bullshit:
So, I was taught that God is all knowing, He knows the beginning and the ending...
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
Evil is just a human concept of no cosmic significance. You create evil in your mind by your own thoughts.
Don’t have to though.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 29, 2019:
Evil is just a human concept of no cosmic significance. You create evil in your mind by your own thoughts.
Don’t have to though.
Trump Is Now Trying To Get Mike Pence Impeached
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 27, 2019:
Not so. Trump said no such thing.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 27, 2019:
Not so. Trump said no such thing.
Let's END PERSONHOOD for corporations and get money out of politics.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 27, 2019:
Tread carefully here. The doctrine of corporate personhood has been deeply established for a very long time, not only in the US but in many other countries. There are some very practical reasons for this often misunderstood doctrine.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_personhood
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 27, 2019:
Tread carefully here. The doctrine of corporate personhood has been deeply established for a very long time, not only in the US but in many other countries. There are some very practical reasons for this often misunderstood doctrine.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_personhood
Is there anyone but agnostics or atheists in foxholes?
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 26, 2019:
I am reminded of an infantry squad leader who had written “GOD WALKS BEFORE ME” on his helmet, and he behaved as if it were true. I once asked a policeman about the hazards of his job. He said, “If God wants me to die I’ll die”. I don’t think that religion for them was something to be logically analyzed and plumbed for truth or falsity. Religion was a bulwark by which they lived.
Although not religious in the traditional sense, I have always felt buoyed up by the very fact of consciously aware existence in a staggeringly significant but mysterious reality. I felt privileged to be a witness to warfare, a basic human behavior all throughout our evolution. There were fearful and unpleasant events, but a soldier’s duty is to overcome and continue to function. In war there is no time to philosophize about religion or morality, and those who do are a danger.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 26, 2019:
I am reminded of an infantry squad leader who had written “GOD WALKS BEFORE ME” on his helmet, and he behaved as if it were true. I once asked a policeman about the hazards of his job. He said, “If God wants me to die I’ll die”. I don’t think that religion for them was something to be logically analyzed and plumbed for truth or falsity. Religion was a bulwark by which they lived.
Although not religious in the traditional sense, I have always felt buoyed up by the very fact of consciously aware existence in a staggeringly significant but mysterious reality. I felt privileged to be a witness to warfare, a basic human behavior all throughout our evolution. There were fearful and unpleasant events, but a soldier’s duty is to overcome and continue to function. In war there is no time to philosophize about religion or morality, and those who do are a danger.
I love all of you
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 26, 2019:
Great post Jeff, nicely phrased! I understand you perfectly.
Namaste and I love us back.
WilliamFleming comments on Sep 26, 2019:
Great post Jeff, nicely phrased! I understand you perfectly.
Namaste and I love us back.
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