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How Much Do We Know about the Prime Minister of Pakistan?
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
One shithole to another... They should get along fine.
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
One shithole to another... They should get along fine.
[alternet.
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
No maybe about it...
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
No maybe about it...
All of nature, indeed the entire universe is nothing but a gigantic super computer.
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
And in what universe is this computer?
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
And in what universe is this computer?
What are your thoughts on the protests in Hawaii over construction of a new telescope on Mauna Loa?
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
Once, while driving along the saddle road that crosses the Big Island, we chanced to see the military firing rocket propelled phosphorus bombs from helicopters. Explosions generated giant white clouds of gas. Yeah, the military needs to practice, but the notion of polluting the Hawaiian landscape with toxic debris was offensive. I've never heard of any protests by the natives against the military operations that are ongoing, probably because they know they wouldn't get anywhere.
Still, if the natives had a concern about their sacred lands, the construction of a telescope is a tiny inconspicuous sliver beside all the other development that has gone on. The real question is: why the protesters zeroed in on this project versus all the rest of the development that has defaced the island. Until that is explained, the protesters seem like Luddite opportunists to me, and get zero credence.
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
Once, while driving along the saddle road that crosses the Big Island, we chanced to see the military firing rocket propelled phosphorus bombs from helicopters. Explosions generated giant white clouds of gas. Yeah, the military needs to practice, but the notion of polluting the Hawaiian landscape with toxic debris was offensive. I've never heard of any protests by the natives against the military operations that are ongoing, probably because they know they wouldn't get anywhere.
Still, if the natives had a concern about their sacred lands, the construction of a telescope is a tiny inconspicuous sliver beside all the other development that has gone on. The real question is: why the protesters zeroed in on this project versus all the rest of the development that has defaced the island. Until that is explained, the protesters seem like Luddite opportunists to me, and get zero credence.
What are your thoughts on the protests in Hawaii over construction of a new telescope on Mauna Loa?
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
A couple decades ago, my friends and I sought to see the the newly completed Keck Telescope. It was the first large scale application of active optics. At the Visitor Center, they told us they didn't conduct public tours, but we decided to go up anyway. At the top, we saw people skiing and sledding down the sparse fields of snow. When we got to the telescope, the parking lot was filled with cars, but the facility was locked. We thought we'd wait for a while, and then, people started streaming out, getting in their cars and leaving. In a matter of minutes, all the cars were gone except ours and another group of astronomy fans. Again, the facility was locked up tight. Again, we waited for a while. Then, a lone car came and parked. A man unlocked the door and the woman went in. The man spoke to the other visitors and motioned them to come in. They, in turn, waved us in. Seems the wife of the Director became sick on the way down and wanted to come back up to use the bathroom. So, while she recovered, we got a free, exclusive tour. It was magnificent... Techie orgasm!!
racocn8 comments on Jul 22, 2019:
A couple decades ago, my friends and I sought to see the the newly completed Keck Telescope. It was the first large scale application of active optics. At the Visitor Center, they told us they didn't conduct public tours, but we decided to go up anyway. At the top, we saw people skiing and sledding down the sparse fields of snow. When we got to the telescope, the parking lot was filled with cars, but the facility was locked. We thought we'd wait for a while, and then, people started streaming out, getting in their cars and leaving. In a matter of minutes, all the cars were gone except ours and another group of astronomy fans. Again, the facility was locked up tight. Again, we waited for a while. Then, a lone car came and parked. A man unlocked the door and the woman went in. The man spoke to the other visitors and motioned them to come in. They, in turn, waved us in. Seems the wife of the Director became sick on the way down and wanted to come back up to use the bathroom. So, while she recovered, we got a free, exclusive tour. It was magnificent... Techie orgasm!!
These Democrats are as deplorable as Republicans.
racocn8 comments on Jul 19, 2019:
You and some others need to learn about the concept of false equivalence. However, it's likely that understanding false equivalence won't affect the true motives behind these views (or is it just lack of motive?).
racocn8 comments on Jul 19, 2019:
You and some others need to learn about the concept of false equivalence. However, it's likely that understanding false equivalence won't affect the true motives behind these views (or is it just lack of motive?).
In the beginning God told Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, and Evangelicals have ...
racocn8 comments on Jul 19, 2019:
The whole of Christian dogma hangs on the validity of the Adam and Eve myth. Without the Fall of Adam, there is no need for the propitiation of Original Sin, and thus no need for the human sacrifice/Jesus. Jesus mentions Adam in the same passage with Moses. Thus, Jesus believed both Moses and Adam were real people. Thus, Jesus did not believe Adam was a metaphor as so many now suggest. The proof that humans evolved from lower forms also prove that Eden, Adam and Eve never happened, and as corollary, that Christianity is a pack of lies.
racocn8 comments on Jul 19, 2019:
The whole of Christian dogma hangs on the validity of the Adam and Eve myth. Without the Fall of Adam, there is no need for the propitiation of Original Sin, and thus no need for the human sacrifice/Jesus. Jesus mentions Adam in the same passage with Moses. Thus, Jesus believed both Moses and Adam were real people. Thus, Jesus did not believe Adam was a metaphor as so many now suggest. The proof that humans evolved from lower forms also prove that Eden, Adam and Eve never happened, and as corollary, that Christianity is a pack of lies.
I am not an atheist.
racocn8 comments on Jul 17, 2019:
I am a non-theist, which is now the proper term for atheist. The Christians have misrepresented the definition of atheist to the point where the misrepresentation became the prevailing definition. Assholes.
What really matters is what humans should supposedly do if a God exists. Currying favor to get wishes (prayers) fulfilled does not seem especially spiritual or transcendent. And yet, that amounts to most of what religion is all about: rank superstition.
God, real or not, is irrelevant to our lives. (Say it isn't so, but if you do, have some decent evidence or something better than a fallacious argument.
If you seek clarity, study math, or any other science.
racocn8 comments on Jul 17, 2019:
I am a non-theist, which is now the proper term for atheist. The Christians have misrepresented the definition of atheist to the point where the misrepresentation became the prevailing definition. Assholes.
What really matters is what humans should supposedly do if a God exists. Currying favor to get wishes (prayers) fulfilled does not seem especially spiritual or transcendent. And yet, that amounts to most of what religion is all about: rank superstition.
God, real or not, is irrelevant to our lives. (Say it isn't so, but if you do, have some decent evidence or something better than a fallacious argument.
If you seek clarity, study math, or any other science.
Michael RUSE: "Dawkins et al.
racocn8 comments on Jul 17, 2019:
"...that all religion is necessarily evil and corrupting. This claim is on a par with golden plates in upstate New York."
That is false to the point of being a lie. Hitchens and Dawkins go to great lengths to justify their claim by citing example after example. Ok Mr. professional philosopher, tell us all how Hitchens and Dawkings are on par with Joseph Smith.
"Second, unlike the new atheists, I take scholarship seriously." Yeah, right. Doesn't seem like you shy away from being condescending, except that *your* arguments suck.
"Trying to understand how God could need no cause, Christians claim that God exists necessarily. I have taken the effort to try to understand what that means. Dawkins and company are ignorant of such claims."
Seriously? You seriously believe the 'New Atheists' to have been ignorant when they spent so much time challenging believers with, "Well, what caused God?" Yeah, I'd love to hear more of your efforts to understand the Christians efforts to explain God's intrinsic nature. Let's see just how deep that cesspool isn't.
I really, really hate trolls.
racocn8 comments on Jul 17, 2019:
"...that all religion is necessarily evil and corrupting. This claim is on a par with golden plates in upstate New York."
That is false to the point of being a lie. Hitchens and Dawkins go to great lengths to justify their claim by citing example after example. Ok Mr. professional philosopher, tell us all how Hitchens and Dawkings are on par with Joseph Smith.
"Second, unlike the new atheists, I take scholarship seriously." Yeah, right. Doesn't seem like you shy away from being condescending, except that *your* arguments suck.
"Trying to understand how God could need no cause, Christians claim that God exists necessarily. I have taken the effort to try to understand what that means. Dawkins and company are ignorant of such claims."
Seriously? You seriously believe the 'New Atheists' to have been ignorant when they spent so much time challenging believers with, "Well, what caused God?" Yeah, I'd love to hear more of your efforts to understand the Christians efforts to explain God's intrinsic nature. Let's see just how deep that cesspool isn't.
I really, really hate trolls.
CENTRAL AMERICAN ASYLUM SEEKERS CANNOT PASS THROUGH MEXICO AND CLAIM ASYLUM AT THE BORDER
The ...
racocn8 comments on Jul 16, 2019:
This will also be held up and eventually overturned by the courts. Another goofy distraction from the criminal proceedings that will pile up. By the time of the election, no one will even remember this one.
racocn8 comments on Jul 16, 2019:
This will also be held up and eventually overturned by the courts. Another goofy distraction from the criminal proceedings that will pile up. By the time of the election, no one will even remember this one.
What does Asylum Mean?
racocn8 comments on Jul 16, 2019:
Open Borders is a negation of our sovereignty. Lots of people want to come to the US from all over the world. Proximity should not give priority to those immigrants who happen to live nearby.
That being said...
Many of those seeking asylum are coming from countries who have suffered from America inflicting racist policies, particularly the War on Drugs and the promotion of corporate agriculture that displaces family farming. So, the US owes a major debt to the peoples of Central America; admitting asylum-seekers is a small down payment. Similarly, those displaced by the effects of Climate Change should also get a free pass.
Some of your statements are offensive and stink of racism:
*We have an artificial crisis created by selfish and lying immigrants to create one.
For Central American asylum seekers, this new place should be the neighboring Mexico, not America. *
Given Trump's long history of racism, his illegitimacy, incompetence and the GOP complicity in his criminality... Given all that, no amount of argumentation can confer moral standing, ethical standing, nor even legal standing to Trump's policies. He isn't just tainted, he is the poison itself (and Putin knew this). Nothing he has done will remain once he is unseated.
racocn8 comments on Jul 16, 2019:
Open Borders is a negation of our sovereignty. Lots of people want to come to the US from all over the world. Proximity should not give priority to those immigrants who happen to live nearby.
That being said...
Many of those seeking asylum are coming from countries who have suffered from America inflicting racist policies, particularly the War on Drugs and the promotion of corporate agriculture that displaces family farming. So, the US owes a major debt to the peoples of Central America; admitting asylum-seekers is a small down payment. Similarly, those displaced by the effects of Climate Change should also get a free pass.
Some of your statements are offensive and stink of racism:
*We have an artificial crisis created by selfish and lying immigrants to create one.
For Central American asylum seekers, this new place should be the neighboring Mexico, not America. *
Given Trump's long history of racism, his illegitimacy, incompetence and the GOP complicity in his criminality... Given all that, no amount of argumentation can confer moral standing, ethical standing, nor even legal standing to Trump's policies. He isn't just tainted, he is the poison itself (and Putin knew this). Nothing he has done will remain once he is unseated.
What stage do YOU think we’re at?
racocn8 comments on Jul 16, 2019:
Stealing and torturing children classifies as Stage 8. And, we also have Stage 10 Denial that the torture of immigrants is ongoing.
racocn8 comments on Jul 16, 2019:
Stealing and torturing children classifies as Stage 8. And, we also have Stage 10 Denial that the torture of immigrants is ongoing.
Trump's "RACISTS" twit.
racocn8 comments on Jul 16, 2019:
What is racist is telling these non-white women to go back to their own country. To ask what is racist, one would have to interpret the tweet in isolation from the very long history of racist actions taken by Trump, such as excluding non-whites from renting his properties, condemning the Central Park 5 after they were cleared; being the chief denier of Obama's birth certificate; the statement that immigrants are rapists and thieves; pulling foreign aid from non-white countries; calling non-white countries shit-holes; saying non-white representatives have a low IQ; saying good people on both sides; and so on.
After Trump's long history of racist behavior, why would you suppose that this was not more of the same? Are you trying to be semantically pedantic in pointing out that the tweets are not explicitly racist? Or, some other reason?
If you don't want to be attacked, you need to be much clearer in formulating your question. As always, if you are going to ask a hazardous question, make sure you have explained your motive insofar as motive classifies the context of the question and is thus often more important than the actual content.
racocn8 comments on Jul 16, 2019:
What is racist is telling these non-white women to go back to their own country. To ask what is racist, one would have to interpret the tweet in isolation from the very long history of racist actions taken by Trump, such as excluding non-whites from renting his properties, condemning the Central Park 5 after they were cleared; being the chief denier of Obama's birth certificate; the statement that immigrants are rapists and thieves; pulling foreign aid from non-white countries; calling non-white countries shit-holes; saying non-white representatives have a low IQ; saying good people on both sides; and so on.
After Trump's long history of racist behavior, why would you suppose that this was not more of the same? Are you trying to be semantically pedantic in pointing out that the tweets are not explicitly racist? Or, some other reason?
If you don't want to be attacked, you need to be much clearer in formulating your question. As always, if you are going to ask a hazardous question, make sure you have explained your motive insofar as motive classifies the context of the question and is thus often more important than the actual content.
That's all I have for today
racocn8 comments on Jul 15, 2019:
I don't recall the Bible recording anything opposing racism, much less by Jesus. No bona fide archeology nor historical evidence corroborate the existence of Jesus, so it is unlikely he existed. Most of the content from the Gospels comes from prior myths so that the content that is new is insignificant. Palestine is a 19th century term, so it is telling that it is applied. Still, the point is taken, that evangelicals and other Trump supporters have any connection to Christian doctrine, but hell, they don't believe in American values either.
racocn8 comments on Jul 15, 2019:
I don't recall the Bible recording anything opposing racism, much less by Jesus. No bona fide archeology nor historical evidence corroborate the existence of Jesus, so it is unlikely he existed. Most of the content from the Gospels comes from prior myths so that the content that is new is insignificant. Palestine is a 19th century term, so it is telling that it is applied. Still, the point is taken, that evangelicals and other Trump supporters have any connection to Christian doctrine, but hell, they don't believe in American values either.
Donald Trump tweeted:
“So interesting to see “Progressive” Democrat Congresswomen, who ...
racocn8 comments on Jul 15, 2019:
Try to keep up.
racocn8 comments on Jul 15, 2019:
Try to keep up.
I don't believe in voodoo, but hey - it's worth a try.
racocn8 comments on Jul 15, 2019:
So that's why my dick hurts...
racocn8 comments on Jul 15, 2019:
So that's why my dick hurts...
I wonder what he found.
racocn8 comments on Jul 15, 2019:
McKinnon says that he found lists of servicemen assigned to ships that were otherwise unlisted. The lists were titled *Non-Terrestrial Officers*. This was understood as evidence for a secret space program that developed vehicles back-engineered from UFO crashes. This is corroborated by whistle-blowers who describe US-made flying saucers and TR3B triangle type aircraft. That is where some of the missing trillions went that was a big deal just before 9/11. Chalk it up to conspiracy theory, but the MIC/Deep State have been pushing the debunking cover-story since Roswell. Hundreds have testified that they and their families have being intimidated with death threats for saying what they've seen. Intimidation wouldn't be necessary if it was just BS.
racocn8 comments on Jul 15, 2019:
McKinnon says that he found lists of servicemen assigned to ships that were otherwise unlisted. The lists were titled *Non-Terrestrial Officers*. This was understood as evidence for a secret space program that developed vehicles back-engineered from UFO crashes. This is corroborated by whistle-blowers who describe US-made flying saucers and TR3B triangle type aircraft. That is where some of the missing trillions went that was a big deal just before 9/11. Chalk it up to conspiracy theory, but the MIC/Deep State have been pushing the debunking cover-story since Roswell. Hundreds have testified that they and their families have being intimidated with death threats for saying what they've seen. Intimidation wouldn't be necessary if it was just BS.
I just read a news article about "climate despair" which discussed anxiety regarding unstoppable ...
racocn8 comments on Jul 12, 2019:
It is going to get very ugly. Basically as bad as most of your apocalyptic movies where nearly everyone is dead, or maybe even everybody.
While weather could create another Dust Bowl, the number of calamities will escalate until millions of refugees in various regions starve or are drowned and die off. Several other things overlap:
-The rest of the insects die off making food production scarce.
-The economic order will collapse--food, water and energy delivery will be cut off. Can WWIII be avoided?
-As disasters mount and people die off, existing nations will become hollowed out and fall.
-Order will be overtaken by martial law.
-Survivalists will fight against the military for control, and then for mere survival. The military referenced are those living in Deep Underground Military Bases (DUMBs).
-With the normal chains of disease interdiction hobbled, lethal viruses take off.
-If any humans survive, they will degenerate to primitives that *live in harmony with nature* (or what's left of it).
racocn8 comments on Jul 12, 2019:
It is going to get very ugly. Basically as bad as most of your apocalyptic movies where nearly everyone is dead, or maybe even everybody.
While weather could create another Dust Bowl, the number of calamities will escalate until millions of refugees in various regions starve or are drowned and die off. Several other things overlap:
-The rest of the insects die off making food production scarce.
-The economic order will collapse--food, water and energy delivery will be cut off. Can WWIII be avoided?
-As disasters mount and people die off, existing nations will become hollowed out and fall.
-Order will be overtaken by martial law.
-Survivalists will fight against the military for control, and then for mere survival. The military referenced are those living in Deep Underground Military Bases (DUMBs).
-With the normal chains of disease interdiction hobbled, lethal viruses take off.
-If any humans survive, they will degenerate to primitives that *live in harmony with nature* (or what's left of it).
The dating scene
racocn8 comments on Jul 9, 2019:
And just like Tyrannosaurus, vestigial forelimbs...
racocn8 comments on Jul 9, 2019:
And just like Tyrannosaurus, vestigial forelimbs...
Peterson thinks we got our ethics from our Judeo-Christian heritage.
racocn8 comments on Jul 9, 2019:
Peterson is a propagandist and demagogue for the right wing.
At 3:05 he excoriates Sam Harris with an absurdity wherein he falsely claims Harris advocates that people give up their connection with the *grounding in the transcendent* , a concept he dishonestly substitutes for religiosity. The claim that people, especially religious people, have a connection, much less a splinter of experience with the transcendent is asinine. Nowhere does Sam Harris advocate a disconnection from the transcendent. Quite the opposite is true; Harris often speaks of the utility of entering meditative states.
At 2:53, Peterson also equates the belief in god as being equal to having moral values. Again, zero connection. Then he presumes that non-belief means one believes they can do whatever they want. Wrong. Belief in god obviously never stops people from cruel immoral acts, and the attached dogma does a lot to promote violence.
At 3:52, Peterson equates psychopathic behavior with naked self-interest. He would have you believe the president is not a wacko, but only self-interested. Sorry, but real psychopathic behavior has nothing to do with self-interest, naked or otherwise.
At 3: 57, Peterson asks where is the pathway from rationality to egalitarianism, suggesting that there isn't one. The path is simple: seeing that one reacts with sadness and depression after seeing deprivation promotes the impulse to relieve the suffering with charity; that is egalitarianism.
At 4:27, Peterson says Harris and Dawkins deny that noble values derive from religious mythology, and that they suppose moral values are simply intrinsic. That's correct, but he infers that morality comes from religious mythology, and that non-believers must therefore be immoral in their character. As Harris and Dawkins point out, that is wrong, wrong, wrong. It's the same BS argument of religionists. Ethical and moral behavior are NOT predicated on belief in god, and to say so is an obvious lie. Peterson is a diarrhea-spewing asshole.
racocn8 comments on Jul 9, 2019:
Peterson is a propagandist and demagogue for the right wing.
At 3:05 he excoriates Sam Harris with an absurdity wherein he falsely claims Harris advocates that people give up their connection with the *grounding in the transcendent* , a concept he dishonestly substitutes for religiosity. The claim that people, especially religious people, have a connection, much less a splinter of experience with the transcendent is asinine. Nowhere does Sam Harris advocate a disconnection from the transcendent. Quite the opposite is true; Harris often speaks of the utility of entering meditative states.
At 2:53, Peterson also equates the belief in god as being equal to having moral values. Again, zero connection. Then he presumes that non-belief means one believes they can do whatever they want. Wrong. Belief in god obviously never stops people from cruel immoral acts, and the attached dogma does a lot to promote violence.
At 3:52, Peterson equates psychopathic behavior with naked self-interest. He would have you believe the president is not a wacko, but only self-interested. Sorry, but real psychopathic behavior has nothing to do with self-interest, naked or otherwise.
At 3: 57, Peterson asks where is the pathway from rationality to egalitarianism, suggesting that there isn't one. The path is simple: seeing that one reacts with sadness and depression after seeing deprivation promotes the impulse to relieve the suffering with charity; that is egalitarianism.
At 4:27, Peterson says Harris and Dawkins deny that noble values derive from religious mythology, and that they suppose moral values are simply intrinsic. That's correct, but he infers that morality comes from religious mythology, and that non-believers must therefore be immoral in their character. As Harris and Dawkins point out, that is wrong, wrong, wrong. It's the same BS argument of religionists. Ethical and moral behavior are NOT predicated on belief in god, and to say so is an obvious lie. Peterson is a diarrhea-spewing asshole.
China Muslims: Xinjiang schools used to separate children from families - BBC News
racocn8 comments on Jul 5, 2019:
I'm with Christopher Hitchens on this: religious instruction foisted on children is child abuse, and I have limited sympathy for parents, regardless of religion, who insist on trying to brainwash their kids with myths and hateful xenophobia.
However, in China's case, they are almost certainly seeking to instill Communist propaganda in place of Islam. This indoctrination is really its own myth-based religion and thus no better than Islam.
To be sure, separating children from their parents is horrific, and neither the Chinese nor Trump have anything like a good excuse.
racocn8 comments on Jul 5, 2019:
I'm with Christopher Hitchens on this: religious instruction foisted on children is child abuse, and I have limited sympathy for parents, regardless of religion, who insist on trying to brainwash their kids with myths and hateful xenophobia.
However, in China's case, they are almost certainly seeking to instill Communist propaganda in place of Islam. This indoctrination is really its own myth-based religion and thus no better than Islam.
To be sure, separating children from their parents is horrific, and neither the Chinese nor Trump have anything like a good excuse.
Whats your favorite conspiracy theory?
racocn8 comments on Jul 5, 2019:
That Reagan caused the Challenger disaster. NASA has all sorts of safety protocols in place and had delayed that launch several times before. Reagan had put out that he intended to speak with Sally Ride during his State of the Union Address. Thus, per Reagan's intent, the White House pressured Houston to override it's safety protocols and launch in spite of the cautions from Morton-Thiokol. All of that communication was erased and no mention of it made into the final accident report. The final report had zero mentions of communications with the White House, even though Reagan's intentions were publicly known.The only way Challenger could have launched was if the concerns about the O-rings were overruled for political purposes.
racocn8 comments on Jul 5, 2019:
That Reagan caused the Challenger disaster. NASA has all sorts of safety protocols in place and had delayed that launch several times before. Reagan had put out that he intended to speak with Sally Ride during his State of the Union Address. Thus, per Reagan's intent, the White House pressured Houston to override it's safety protocols and launch in spite of the cautions from Morton-Thiokol. All of that communication was erased and no mention of it made into the final accident report. The final report had zero mentions of communications with the White House, even though Reagan's intentions were publicly known.The only way Challenger could have launched was if the concerns about the O-rings were overruled for political purposes.
Don’t compare Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. It belittles Hitler. - The Washington Post
racocn8 comments on Jul 4, 2019:
The article takes a stand and defends it. The various defects in the arguments are noted by others.
The issue is the propriety of setting aside Godwin's Law in Trump's case. The article claims Hitler was psychopath whereas Trump is *only* a narcissist con-man. In my view, that puts too nice a face on it.
Yes, the Trump administration is a profoundly corrupt, financially, politically and morally, and probably still more. The amassing of power, however, in a context of overt racism, xenophobia, and religious support amounting to a personality cult - - Hitler is not that far off.
I'll steal a line from Kirk Douglas in the movie, 7 days in May. He says the assembled elements amount to *Capabilities* in intelligence terms. As far as capabilities, remember, Trump has his finger on the button. The difference, today, is that we stand to make WWII look like a firecracker if all those megatons start getting traded. Hitler never had anything close to what we've got. How did we let a certifiable narcissist, much less kidnapper, rapist, climate-change denier, and closet-Nazi become president? The Capabilities right now is that Trump will destroy the planet long before Ocasio Cortez' 12 year doomsday.
*Capabilities?* Have you noticed how Putin is teasing our armed forces with so-called incidents? If Trump is his stooge, and I'm not saying he isn't, why is Putin pulling these stunts. And the answer is, notwithstanding Trump, relations with Russia are at a low point with no upside in sight. And we don't have a legitimate diplomatic channel to Russia as long as Trump is in office. Agent or no, Trump is compromised as far as being able to have valid international relations with Russia; and it's showing. The Capability is that miscalculation is much more likely. The scuttled Iran attack fiasco is a good example.
Bill Maher has his dictator checklist. Comparing Trump to Hitler cannot be more apropos. And 7 Days in May is definitely worth re-watching. I didn't remember that it was written by Twilight Zone's Rod Serling.
racocn8 comments on Jul 4, 2019:
The article takes a stand and defends it. The various defects in the arguments are noted by others.
The issue is the propriety of setting aside Godwin's Law in Trump's case. The article claims Hitler was psychopath whereas Trump is *only* a narcissist con-man. In my view, that puts too nice a face on it.
Yes, the Trump administration is a profoundly corrupt, financially, politically and morally, and probably still more. The amassing of power, however, in a context of overt racism, xenophobia, and religious support amounting to a personality cult - - Hitler is not that far off.
I'll steal a line from Kirk Douglas in the movie, 7 days in May. He says the assembled elements amount to *Capabilities* in intelligence terms. As far as capabilities, remember, Trump has his finger on the button. The difference, today, is that we stand to make WWII look like a firecracker if all those megatons start getting traded. Hitler never had anything close to what we've got. How did we let a certifiable narcissist, much less kidnapper, rapist, climate-change denier, and closet-Nazi become president? The Capabilities right now is that Trump will destroy the planet long before Ocasio Cortez' 12 year doomsday.
*Capabilities?* Have you noticed how Putin is teasing our armed forces with so-called incidents? If Trump is his stooge, and I'm not saying he isn't, why is Putin pulling these stunts. And the answer is, notwithstanding Trump, relations with Russia are at a low point with no upside in sight. And we don't have a legitimate diplomatic channel to Russia as long as Trump is in office. Agent or no, Trump is compromised as far as being able to have valid international relations with Russia; and it's showing. The Capability is that miscalculation is much more likely. The scuttled Iran attack fiasco is a good example.
Bill Maher has his dictator checklist. Comparing Trump to Hitler cannot be more apropos. And 7 Days in May is definitely worth re-watching. I didn't remember that it was written by Twilight Zone's Rod Serling.
Faith is given, not inborn
you agree?
racocn8 comments on Jun 30, 2019:
What percent of the faithful are unaware that scientific truths or even just cultural facts disprove their beliefs? Sloth does account for the majority of faithful staying faithful. Indeed, their religion TEACHES them to be incurious. Here is truth: religion murders the mind and the soul.
Truth? Careful study requires that one has climbed to the top of Maslow's pyramid, and that is a luxury that few attain. Even fewer have the horsepower to grasp the equations and diagrams. Tragically, the search for real truth is an undertaking that few can pursue, much less grasp. And it shows.
racocn8 comments on Jun 30, 2019:
What percent of the faithful are unaware that scientific truths or even just cultural facts disprove their beliefs? Sloth does account for the majority of faithful staying faithful. Indeed, their religion TEACHES them to be incurious. Here is truth: religion murders the mind and the soul.
Truth? Careful study requires that one has climbed to the top of Maslow's pyramid, and that is a luxury that few attain. Even fewer have the horsepower to grasp the equations and diagrams. Tragically, the search for real truth is an undertaking that few can pursue, much less grasp. And it shows.
Maybe I'm looking for the impossible.
racocn8 comments on Jun 28, 2019:
Try to wrap your head around this: the Theory of Evolution has nothing ( nada, zero, empty set) to do with the origin of life. You claim you have studied evolution for 5-6 year and you still don't know this?
Now you have to prove that you are not a troll.
Just what aspect of life appears designed that could not have evolved, as every bit of biochemical data confirms?
What is bizarre is how Christians (et al) always make the argument by incredulity, but never apply even a fraction of the same skepticism toward their idiotic dogma. Dogma which is readily disproved by science, and just as quickly trashed by basic philosophical inquiry.
racocn8 comments on Jun 28, 2019:
Try to wrap your head around this: the Theory of Evolution has nothing ( nada, zero, empty set) to do with the origin of life. You claim you have studied evolution for 5-6 year and you still don't know this?
Now you have to prove that you are not a troll.
Just what aspect of life appears designed that could not have evolved, as every bit of biochemical data confirms?
What is bizarre is how Christians (et al) always make the argument by incredulity, but never apply even a fraction of the same skepticism toward their idiotic dogma. Dogma which is readily disproved by science, and just as quickly trashed by basic philosophical inquiry.
Meet the black humanist group challenging organised religion | The Voice Online
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Given that the opening referenced Blacks, surely one of the saddest aspects of American Blacks is the loyalty to the religion that rationalized their enslavement and denigration. The shift to Islam is only slightly worse.
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Given that the opening referenced Blacks, surely one of the saddest aspects of American Blacks is the loyalty to the religion that rationalized their enslavement and denigration. The shift to Islam is only slightly worse.
[youtu.be]
This is an intetesting take on religion.
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Only a minority, somewhere less than 20% need religion. Countries that have left religion behind have shifted towards non-belief fairly quickly, not unlike the overturning of LBGT bias. The US is getting much closer to this tipping point.
Arts, science and wisdom and philosophy are available to replace religion. They can do so very effectively without the religious inculcation of xenophobia, nonsense, hatred and anti-intellectualism. This is especially true when religion is weakened and ineffective in its denunciation or perversion of education. Which is to say that when religion is so weakened, rational and meaningful support can be better developed and disseminated.
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Only a minority, somewhere less than 20% need religion. Countries that have left religion behind have shifted towards non-belief fairly quickly, not unlike the overturning of LBGT bias. The US is getting much closer to this tipping point.
Arts, science and wisdom and philosophy are available to replace religion. They can do so very effectively without the religious inculcation of xenophobia, nonsense, hatred and anti-intellectualism. This is especially true when religion is weakened and ineffective in its denunciation or perversion of education. Which is to say that when religion is so weakened, rational and meaningful support can be better developed and disseminated.
The reason I am agnostic is because there is no proof that a God told man to compose religious texts...
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
First, the notion of God is intrinsically illogical, and these arguments by Epicuris are widely quoted. "“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?”
My ah-ha moment had to do with my utter boredom in Sunday school, and my disgust with my shallow classmates. I saw nothing meaningful to honor, except the pleasant songs.
Real school taught matters of substance with intrinsic meanings buried inside.
Also, I read "The True Believer" by Eric Hoffer.
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
First, the notion of God is intrinsically illogical, and these arguments by Epicuris are widely quoted. "“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?”
My ah-ha moment had to do with my utter boredom in Sunday school, and my disgust with my shallow classmates. I saw nothing meaningful to honor, except the pleasant songs.
Real school taught matters of substance with intrinsic meanings buried inside.
Also, I read "The True Believer" by Eric Hoffer.
I don’t believe in god, but I do think that there is something either spiritual or universal going...
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Try some CBD for your anxiety.
Remember that Christianity, like most other religions, is all about exclusion and xenophobia; that is where your dearth of kindness comes from. Similarly, education which is innately ennobling, education is feared as viable competition to religious faith/ignorance. So, maybe find comfort in a library or supporting education fostering organizations.
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Try some CBD for your anxiety.
Remember that Christianity, like most other religions, is all about exclusion and xenophobia; that is where your dearth of kindness comes from. Similarly, education which is innately ennobling, education is feared as viable competition to religious faith/ignorance. So, maybe find comfort in a library or supporting education fostering organizations.
Knitting website bans support for Trump
The popular knitting website Ravelry is banning users ...
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Trump only supports white supremacy for the evangelical vote. For Trump, it's just about $$$.
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Trump only supports white supremacy for the evangelical vote. For Trump, it's just about $$$.
Chicken pie anyone?
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Hey, it's been cooked. Still, I can't believe the things people will eat. I prefer to cultivate my palate in other ways.
racocn8 comments on Jun 25, 2019:
Hey, it's been cooked. Still, I can't believe the things people will eat. I prefer to cultivate my palate in other ways.
There are points in your life where you make decisions.
racocn8 comments on Jun 24, 2019:
What, you couldn't find anyone among the fake profiles Match posts as *entertainment*?
Match sucks. Don't waste your time.
As for love and connection, keep trying, but don't waste too much time; finding a mate is a sucker's bet in a such a screwed up culture.
racocn8 comments on Jun 24, 2019:
What, you couldn't find anyone among the fake profiles Match posts as *entertainment*?
Match sucks. Don't waste your time.
As for love and connection, keep trying, but don't waste too much time; finding a mate is a sucker's bet in a such a screwed up culture.
Finally! A solution to the high cost of pharmaceuticals!
racocn8 comments on Jun 21, 2019:
Hemp/CBD works extremely well to control anxiety...
racocn8 comments on Jun 21, 2019:
Hemp/CBD works extremely well to control anxiety...
Man must pay ex $15M after winning lottery during divorce, arbitrator rules
racocn8 comments on Jun 21, 2019:
He kept $24M. That should be enough, but it is still unfair. If it counts as income, then it should be averaged with the prior 9 years of marriage income.
The ex-wife should have to pay half for all the hookers he buys to replace her.
racocn8 comments on Jun 21, 2019:
He kept $24M. That should be enough, but it is still unfair. If it counts as income, then it should be averaged with the prior 9 years of marriage income.
The ex-wife should have to pay half for all the hookers he buys to replace her.
Trump Approves Strikes on Iran, but Then Abruptly Pulls Back
racocn8 comments on Jun 21, 2019:
Again, again, and again, a crisis is declared and then der savior steps in to fix it. If you believe Trump's claim that he pulled it back when hearing 150 casualties would be incurred, you are still hopelessly gullible.
racocn8 comments on Jun 21, 2019:
Again, again, and again, a crisis is declared and then der savior steps in to fix it. If you believe Trump's claim that he pulled it back when hearing 150 casualties would be incurred, you are still hopelessly gullible.
Asylum seekers? ask Godwin -
racocn8 comments on Jun 19, 2019:
It is vanishingly rare that Godwin's Law should be set aside. However, Trump and his racist followers are significantly comparable to Hitler and the Nazis. Trump and Hitler are both pathological liars, demagogues, and seek dictatorial power. A large percent of their followers believe in white nationalism and are drawn from the dregs of society. Separating children from their parents without any thought of reunification except in death... Does Trump and his supporters need to achieve actual death camps and gas chambers before concern is justified?
racocn8 comments on Jun 19, 2019:
It is vanishingly rare that Godwin's Law should be set aside. However, Trump and his racist followers are significantly comparable to Hitler and the Nazis. Trump and Hitler are both pathological liars, demagogues, and seek dictatorial power. A large percent of their followers believe in white nationalism and are drawn from the dregs of society. Separating children from their parents without any thought of reunification except in death... Does Trump and his supporters need to achieve actual death camps and gas chambers before concern is justified?
Is this writer correct? Do we owe Gore an apology? [npr.org]
racocn8 comments on Jun 19, 2019:
We owe ourselves an apology for our suicide.
For certain we should blame religion for preventing an honest conversation, although many others are guilty.
We're just not ready to rule the world, and extinction is the fate of nearly all species. Chances are, it'll get quite ugly before we dance into darkness.
I'd like to know how it happens, but maybe not be there to see it. Our only hope is a terrific plague, or a full-on meteor strike, or nuclear war. The Earth will recover, eventually.
racocn8 comments on Jun 19, 2019:
We owe ourselves an apology for our suicide.
For certain we should blame religion for preventing an honest conversation, although many others are guilty.
We're just not ready to rule the world, and extinction is the fate of nearly all species. Chances are, it'll get quite ugly before we dance into darkness.
I'd like to know how it happens, but maybe not be there to see it. Our only hope is a terrific plague, or a full-on meteor strike, or nuclear war. The Earth will recover, eventually.
If any, which 3 public figures have inspired you to make ANY change in your life that had staying ...
racocn8 comments on Jun 19, 2019:
R. Buckminster Fuller for his poetic examination of the future and fondness for efficient geometric solutions.
racocn8 comments on Jun 19, 2019:
R. Buckminster Fuller for his poetic examination of the future and fondness for efficient geometric solutions.
A Victim of the MeeToo Fear
Keanu Reeves is posing with multiple women, including Dolly Parton, ...
racocn8 comments on Jun 13, 2019:
It's a sad truth that if you have wealth, people will stoop to any lie if they think they can get a slice. Seeing Keanu behave so defensively is sad. Shame on the women who have claimed unwanted touching, whether to profit, to advance their cause, or to simply harm the accused. But shame on the abusers too (like Trump).
As it relates to unwanted sexual contact, what is unwanted is defined by the complainer. But this can be a false claim, and there's no way to know. Males and females have a profound tension because of all the differences, and it's plain that anger is a major component of the Incel and #metoo movements. This anger can also be seen among a few comments.
racocn8 comments on Jun 13, 2019:
It's a sad truth that if you have wealth, people will stoop to any lie if they think they can get a slice. Seeing Keanu behave so defensively is sad. Shame on the women who have claimed unwanted touching, whether to profit, to advance their cause, or to simply harm the accused. But shame on the abusers too (like Trump).
As it relates to unwanted sexual contact, what is unwanted is defined by the complainer. But this can be a false claim, and there's no way to know. Males and females have a profound tension because of all the differences, and it's plain that anger is a major component of the Incel and #metoo movements. This anger can also be seen among a few comments.
How any woman can continue to embrace Christianity is beyond me.
racocn8 comments on Jun 12, 2019:
The ease and inclination to give allegiance to another is the human version of biological symbiosis and colony-formation. Cells like the mitochondria ancestor became organelles inside other cells for the sake of symbiosis. Individual cells became colonies with sets of cells taking on specialized functions, and these sets of cells became organs. Multicellular organism also organize into colonies where sets of individuals take on specialized functions for the sake of the whole.
People in general, not just women, have an inclination to give up their individuality for the sake of the group's welfare. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. We can condemn how people give up their own self-interest for the group or for a leader. However, understanding that this behavior has a biological underpinning provides insight into the dynamics and functionality of this process. Seeing this in a scientific light may also help to diffuse the emotions that color our perception of these processes.
It may well be important, even critical, to understand colony-forming behaviors in order to reign in the untoward manipulation of religions, personality cults and political parties.
racocn8 comments on Jun 12, 2019:
The ease and inclination to give allegiance to another is the human version of biological symbiosis and colony-formation. Cells like the mitochondria ancestor became organelles inside other cells for the sake of symbiosis. Individual cells became colonies with sets of cells taking on specialized functions, and these sets of cells became organs. Multicellular organism also organize into colonies where sets of individuals take on specialized functions for the sake of the whole.
People in general, not just women, have an inclination to give up their individuality for the sake of the group's welfare. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. We can condemn how people give up their own self-interest for the group or for a leader. However, understanding that this behavior has a biological underpinning provides insight into the dynamics and functionality of this process. Seeing this in a scientific light may also help to diffuse the emotions that color our perception of these processes.
It may well be important, even critical, to understand colony-forming behaviors in order to reign in the untoward manipulation of religions, personality cults and political parties.
Let's make frowning a disease and smiling the cure! Life still hurts but I feel better about it now.
racocn8 comments on Jun 8, 2019:
How would women tell men they're too good for them?
racocn8 comments on Jun 8, 2019:
How would women tell men they're too good for them?
Rant: Not afraid to say that I've been living with depressing for quite some time now.
racocn8 comments on Jun 8, 2019:
I suggest that you try consuming full spectrum CBD extract. Alternately, you can contact me and I can send you some activated hemp flower.
racocn8 comments on Jun 8, 2019:
I suggest that you try consuming full spectrum CBD extract. Alternately, you can contact me and I can send you some activated hemp flower.
Mother says Utah officer pulled gun on her black son - 9 & 10 News
racocn8 comments on Jun 8, 2019:
Another policeman who is absurdly unqualified to hold a weapon.
racocn8 comments on Jun 8, 2019:
Another policeman who is absurdly unqualified to hold a weapon.
One of the most sensuous movie scenes. From Malena. [youtu.be]
racocn8 comments on Jun 6, 2019:
Her cross ruins it. What good is a beautiful body if you have to tolerate the vacuum inside. Better to get a dog.
racocn8 comments on Jun 6, 2019:
Her cross ruins it. What good is a beautiful body if you have to tolerate the vacuum inside. Better to get a dog.
Senator Schumer’s “divine” mission to serve Israel – Redress Information & Analysis
racocn8 comments on May 28, 2019:
I wouldn't call Schumer a scoundrel. The word scoundrel has a few positive romantic associations because of Star Wars and other media. For the behavior you noted, which clearly demonstrates a stance to a foreign country that is non-objective relative to his Oath, you rightly condemn Schumer. A-hole or something similar would be better than scoundrel. I'd be careful though, it could be mere rhetoric aimed at Jewish supporters. I can't think of a Republican who is better. Your context of Israel in the absence of comparable concern about all the Islamic states (that go far worse than Apartheid) begs the question, why.
racocn8 comments on May 28, 2019:
I wouldn't call Schumer a scoundrel. The word scoundrel has a few positive romantic associations because of Star Wars and other media. For the behavior you noted, which clearly demonstrates a stance to a foreign country that is non-objective relative to his Oath, you rightly condemn Schumer. A-hole or something similar would be better than scoundrel. I'd be careful though, it could be mere rhetoric aimed at Jewish supporters. I can't think of a Republican who is better. Your context of Israel in the absence of comparable concern about all the Islamic states (that go far worse than Apartheid) begs the question, why.
Does Trump think if he claims over and over again "the economy is the best ever" people will ...
racocn8 comments on May 28, 2019:
What nobody has figured out yet...
Why in the world would anyone be gullible enough to think that, of all the information released by the Trump administration, the economic information is true and reliable!!! That trick is not even original.
Holy frick.
That no one has picked up on this can only mean one thing. We are totally screwed.
racocn8 comments on May 28, 2019:
What nobody has figured out yet...
Why in the world would anyone be gullible enough to think that, of all the information released by the Trump administration, the economic information is true and reliable!!! That trick is not even original.
Holy frick.
That no one has picked up on this can only mean one thing. We are totally screwed.
Did Billy Graham do anything that injured our society?
racocn8 comments on May 28, 2019:
Why do you ask? You need a lot more context to prompt accurate answers.
You may as well ask if religion injured our society. Certainly, Graham promoted Christianity and all the sexism, bigotry, racism and brainlessness that goes with it. Those four features generate vastly more suffering than whatever benevolence than might accrue from Christian *good-works*.
racocn8 comments on May 28, 2019:
Why do you ask? You need a lot more context to prompt accurate answers.
You may as well ask if religion injured our society. Certainly, Graham promoted Christianity and all the sexism, bigotry, racism and brainlessness that goes with it. Those four features generate vastly more suffering than whatever benevolence than might accrue from Christian *good-works*.
Does this group do anything consrtuctive that benefits society?
racocn8 comments on May 27, 2019:
Remember that atheists are among the most reviled labels, even worse than Muslim. While a few people feel safe enough to come out of the closet, most people realize that declaring unbelief could make them unemployed, discriminated against, or otherwise subject to physical danger. Given that religion is a scourge and a poison on every level, and an imminent danger to humanity, encouraging like-minded atheists, the site is profoundly constructive to society. Many other countries have transitioned to non-belief and the US is close to the tipping point. Those who count the US as having a system better than fascism know that eroding religious belief cannot happen quickly enough.
racocn8 comments on May 27, 2019:
Remember that atheists are among the most reviled labels, even worse than Muslim. While a few people feel safe enough to come out of the closet, most people realize that declaring unbelief could make them unemployed, discriminated against, or otherwise subject to physical danger. Given that religion is a scourge and a poison on every level, and an imminent danger to humanity, encouraging like-minded atheists, the site is profoundly constructive to society. Many other countries have transitioned to non-belief and the US is close to the tipping point. Those who count the US as having a system better than fascism know that eroding religious belief cannot happen quickly enough.
Anti-gravity ice .
racocn8 comments on May 27, 2019:
Observe: 1) That particular cube has moved so that the far edge is above the tray surface, and the white opacity shows the ice no longer in contact with the mold on the near side. That suggests that the cube also has airspace at the bottom, and that may be the source of the water used to make the spike. 2) The cube on the near left has a slice of ice hovering over its surface. This indicates the tray was placed upside down after the initial freeze, and water collected on the top of the seal that commonly comes with this kind of ice tray. If one supposes that the ice tray was inverted and a warm object was placed on to or next to the spiked cube, one may envision a slow melting and refreezing of the water to form the spike.
Parenthetically, a visually comparable process is the generation of tin whiskers. In this case, tin alloy used for soldering will grow microscopic hairs, usually straight but sometimes curved. They are columns with stripes that likely reflect the part of the crystal domain exposed to the surface. This is a major issue as the EU seeks to remove lead from solder. At least 5 % lead is needed in the alloy to prevent tin whiskers from growing. If a circuit uses solder that grows tin whiskers, the whiskers can actually grow long enough to cause a short circuit and a failed circuit board. They have tried applying a conformal coating to stop the whiskers, and this often works, but sometimes the whiskers can still punch through!
racocn8 comments on May 27, 2019:
Observe: 1) That particular cube has moved so that the far edge is above the tray surface, and the white opacity shows the ice no longer in contact with the mold on the near side. That suggests that the cube also has airspace at the bottom, and that may be the source of the water used to make the spike. 2) The cube on the near left has a slice of ice hovering over its surface. This indicates the tray was placed upside down after the initial freeze, and water collected on the top of the seal that commonly comes with this kind of ice tray. If one supposes that the ice tray was inverted and a warm object was placed on to or next to the spiked cube, one may envision a slow melting and refreezing of the water to form the spike.
Parenthetically, a visually comparable process is the generation of tin whiskers. In this case, tin alloy used for soldering will grow microscopic hairs, usually straight but sometimes curved. They are columns with stripes that likely reflect the part of the crystal domain exposed to the surface. This is a major issue as the EU seeks to remove lead from solder. At least 5 % lead is needed in the alloy to prevent tin whiskers from growing. If a circuit uses solder that grows tin whiskers, the whiskers can actually grow long enough to cause a short circuit and a failed circuit board. They have tried applying a conformal coating to stop the whiskers, and this often works, but sometimes the whiskers can still punch through!
Afraid I must leave the Atheist community.
racocn8 comments on May 24, 2019:
No. No! NO! I, I am Batman
racocn8 comments on May 24, 2019:
No. No! NO! I, I am Batman
Nerds through history...
racocn8 comments on May 24, 2019:
I remember being told these stories were poems sung by troubadours in a mellifluous Greek dialect. Supposedly, it was a wonder to hear these bards hold forth with their tales. It was a charming image to contemplate as the presenter related the contents.
racocn8 comments on May 24, 2019:
I remember being told these stories were poems sung by troubadours in a mellifluous Greek dialect. Supposedly, it was a wonder to hear these bards hold forth with their tales. It was a charming image to contemplate as the presenter related the contents.
Todd Starnes Sold Us a War on Christianity. We Bought It. - Christ and Pop Culture
racocn8 comments on May 24, 2019:
I liked this summary:
"Starnes’s wide influence on evangelicals is alarming because he consistently deceives and manipulates facts in order to exaggerate or fabricate incidences of Christian persecution. These reports influence a great deal of people who often respond with hatred, anger, and disgust out of ignorance."
racocn8 comments on May 24, 2019:
I liked this summary:
"Starnes’s wide influence on evangelicals is alarming because he consistently deceives and manipulates facts in order to exaggerate or fabricate incidences of Christian persecution. These reports influence a great deal of people who often respond with hatred, anger, and disgust out of ignorance."
GOP defies Trump and joins with Democrats on measure to block president from abandoning NATO | Raw ...
racocn8 comments on May 23, 2019:
Surely every person who voted against the measure is an agent for Putin.
racocn8 comments on May 23, 2019:
Surely every person who voted against the measure is an agent for Putin.
Lol yes there are NO references to Jesus Christos in Star Wars, so turn about....👣
racocn8 comments on May 23, 2019:
Yeah, I really hate that meme.
racocn8 comments on May 23, 2019:
Yeah, I really hate that meme.
What small pleasures delight you?
racocn8 comments on May 23, 2019:
Being greeted by my dogs.
When my bluenose gives a full-throated howl.
The smell of my fingers after pinching a bud.
Sunset clouds lighting the scene pink and purple.
Unloading new photographs that are sharply focused.
Whenever my lady gives me a hug from behind.
racocn8 comments on May 23, 2019:
Being greeted by my dogs.
When my bluenose gives a full-throated howl.
The smell of my fingers after pinching a bud.
Sunset clouds lighting the scene pink and purple.
Unloading new photographs that are sharply focused.
Whenever my lady gives me a hug from behind.
GOP removes lawmaker's remarks from the record after dispute over border deaths
racocn8 comments on May 23, 2019:
They aren't just deplorable; they're despicable. And worse.
They don't want to be *replaced*, but they're not giving us a choice.
racocn8 comments on May 23, 2019:
They aren't just deplorable; they're despicable. And worse.
They don't want to be *replaced*, but they're not giving us a choice.
I really like this quote - there is always something to learn:
“The best thing for being ...
racocn8 comments on May 22, 2019:
I am very fond of the Merlin lines in Excalibur.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxXmoWkQhBI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaDo9PyCeLQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tch1CuMV9M
racocn8 comments on May 22, 2019:
I am very fond of the Merlin lines in Excalibur.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxXmoWkQhBI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaDo9PyCeLQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tch1CuMV9M
Donald Trump's current burst of behavior -- the absolute refusal to allow testimony or documents to ...
racocn8 comments on May 22, 2019:
Trump is an agent for Putin. Their agenda of racism, division and chaos are a complete success. The GOP are supporting Trump because they have been compromised, either by taking bribes or by decades of spying by David Pecker (National Enquirer). Probably quite a few Democrats are also controlled by the Putin-Saudi cabal. It would be wonderful if the Bezos incident forced Pecker to open his safe.
The Deep State orchestrated the whole thing and maybe they decided to hand the country over to Putin as a prelude to denuclearization. That's hard to fathom though given the utter corruption of the Russian state.
Maybe they have a deeper purpose. My optimistic fantasy is that they have set all this up to rub our noses in our own corruption and sedition, and to cultivate a determination to root out said corruption.
Or, the Deep State is filled with white supremacists who see Putin as an ally who supports stopping the proliferation of non-whites.
racocn8 comments on May 22, 2019:
Trump is an agent for Putin. Their agenda of racism, division and chaos are a complete success. The GOP are supporting Trump because they have been compromised, either by taking bribes or by decades of spying by David Pecker (National Enquirer). Probably quite a few Democrats are also controlled by the Putin-Saudi cabal. It would be wonderful if the Bezos incident forced Pecker to open his safe.
The Deep State orchestrated the whole thing and maybe they decided to hand the country over to Putin as a prelude to denuclearization. That's hard to fathom though given the utter corruption of the Russian state.
Maybe they have a deeper purpose. My optimistic fantasy is that they have set all this up to rub our noses in our own corruption and sedition, and to cultivate a determination to root out said corruption.
Or, the Deep State is filled with white supremacists who see Putin as an ally who supports stopping the proliferation of non-whites.
Trump is always giving "nicknames" to people he doesn't like.
racocn8 comments on May 21, 2019:
Fake American; along with his supporters.
racocn8 comments on May 21, 2019:
Fake American; along with his supporters.
[drive.
racocn8 comments on May 21, 2019:
While the Douma attack may have been questioned, Syria carried out at least 111 documented gas attacks with another +300 plus incidents that may or may not have come from Assad. The rockets were a message to stop violating international *norms*.
https://www.gppi.net/media/GPPi_Schneider_Luetkefend_2019_Nowhere_to_Hide_Web.pdf
racocn8 comments on May 21, 2019:
While the Douma attack may have been questioned, Syria carried out at least 111 documented gas attacks with another +300 plus incidents that may or may not have come from Assad. The rockets were a message to stop violating international *norms*.
https://www.gppi.net/media/GPPi_Schneider_Luetkefend_2019_Nowhere_to_Hide_Web.pdf
GOP: he is gay! That is wrong.
GOP: trump is just joking.
....
racocn8 comments on May 21, 2019:
a) Buttigieg is an avowed Christian and proud of it.
b) Buttigieg is tied to Navel Intelligence which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Deep State.
c) Buttigieg couldn't beat Trump if Trump were dead.
Vote with extreme caution
racocn8 comments on May 21, 2019:
a) Buttigieg is an avowed Christian and proud of it.
b) Buttigieg is tied to Navel Intelligence which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Deep State.
c) Buttigieg couldn't beat Trump if Trump were dead.
Vote with extreme caution
Susan Sarandon, Pamela Anderson & Roger Waters question silence on OPCW report on Douma ‘attack’...
racocn8 comments on May 21, 2019:
@THHA
https://www.gppi.net/media/GPPi_Schneider_Luetkefend_2019_Nowhere_to_Hide_Web.pdf
The OPCW may well have found that the Douma attack was staged. Indeed, the linked report shows that somewhere between a third to two/thirds could have been faked by the rebels. However, the report notes nearly 500 attacks were considered and, while 162 were *uncorroborated or dismissed*, 111 were* comprehensively confirmed.* So yeah, maybe the OPCW report discounted that one attack, but you're inferring that Assad hasn't used any gas! I admit I'm gullible to a degree, but I'm willing to suspect that at least one or more illegal and immoral gas attacks were committed by Assad. Assad is a monster. I love a good conspiracy, but I don't think I'm the gullible one to imagine that all 500 attacks were faked. What would be the motive in being an apologist for Assad?
racocn8 comments on May 21, 2019:
@THHA
https://www.gppi.net/media/GPPi_Schneider_Luetkefend_2019_Nowhere_to_Hide_Web.pdf
The OPCW may well have found that the Douma attack was staged. Indeed, the linked report shows that somewhere between a third to two/thirds could have been faked by the rebels. However, the report notes nearly 500 attacks were considered and, while 162 were *uncorroborated or dismissed*, 111 were* comprehensively confirmed.* So yeah, maybe the OPCW report discounted that one attack, but you're inferring that Assad hasn't used any gas! I admit I'm gullible to a degree, but I'm willing to suspect that at least one or more illegal and immoral gas attacks were committed by Assad. Assad is a monster. I love a good conspiracy, but I don't think I'm the gullible one to imagine that all 500 attacks were faked. What would be the motive in being an apologist for Assad?
Susan Sarandon, Pamela Anderson & Roger Waters question silence on OPCW report on Douma ‘attack’...
racocn8 comments on May 20, 2019:
Russia supports Assad and his use of chemical weapons. RT is Russia. Taking this report at face value invites criticism. What is interesting is the involvement of the celebrities, who have distinguished themselves on other occasions. My recollection is that the reporting of the chemical attacks presented numerous witnesses.
racocn8 comments on May 20, 2019:
Russia supports Assad and his use of chemical weapons. RT is Russia. Taking this report at face value invites criticism. What is interesting is the involvement of the celebrities, who have distinguished themselves on other occasions. My recollection is that the reporting of the chemical attacks presented numerous witnesses.
Racism .
racocn8 comments on May 20, 2019:
And the context? Jews are certainly bigots in various areas, but what did you expect? The real question here is why Israel is being singled out when all the countries of the middle east are so much worse. The answer to why Israel is constantly singled out, almost invariably, is its own bigotry.
racocn8 comments on May 20, 2019:
And the context? Jews are certainly bigots in various areas, but what did you expect? The real question here is why Israel is being singled out when all the countries of the middle east are so much worse. The answer to why Israel is constantly singled out, almost invariably, is its own bigotry.
I know this may be unpopular with some of my trans Atlantic friends but if America’s ideologies ...
racocn8 comments on May 20, 2019:
The US continues to lead the world in new (and back-engineered) technology. Russia used to be good at back-engineering, but it became so corrupt that it's only remaining specialty is espionage, which it has leveraged to take over both the Presidency and the Senate. China is catching up on the back engineering, but still wants the advantages the US as it struggles with merging capitalism and collectivism. Only a few other countries contribute to science and technology, and then, only in specialized fields. The US does remain strong in terms of citizens motivated to commercialize technology, but even US science has been hobbled by GOP know-nothing attitudes.
racocn8 comments on May 20, 2019:
The US continues to lead the world in new (and back-engineered) technology. Russia used to be good at back-engineering, but it became so corrupt that it's only remaining specialty is espionage, which it has leveraged to take over both the Presidency and the Senate. China is catching up on the back engineering, but still wants the advantages the US as it struggles with merging capitalism and collectivism. Only a few other countries contribute to science and technology, and then, only in specialized fields. The US does remain strong in terms of citizens motivated to commercialize technology, but even US science has been hobbled by GOP know-nothing attitudes.
Who was Jesus ?
racocn8 comments on May 20, 2019:
As noted, there are no contemporary records of said Jesus. Most of the story is plagiarized from previous myths so that if there were a Jesus, stripping out the previous myths leaves practically nothing of significance in terms of moral or ethical teachings. Also, the New Testament also has huge gaps in moral teaching, again, nothing denouncing slavery nor equal rights, etc.
The most telling issue of all religious texts is the utter absence of informed understanding of humanity or of the universe. Nothing approaching divine wisdom is presented; just dopey stories that are ambiguous and readily misinterpreted. Definitely not the quality one would expect of an omnipotent deity.
racocn8 comments on May 20, 2019:
As noted, there are no contemporary records of said Jesus. Most of the story is plagiarized from previous myths so that if there were a Jesus, stripping out the previous myths leaves practically nothing of significance in terms of moral or ethical teachings. Also, the New Testament also has huge gaps in moral teaching, again, nothing denouncing slavery nor equal rights, etc.
The most telling issue of all religious texts is the utter absence of informed understanding of humanity or of the universe. Nothing approaching divine wisdom is presented; just dopey stories that are ambiguous and readily misinterpreted. Definitely not the quality one would expect of an omnipotent deity.
Study: At least 78% of humanitarian aid intended for Palestinians ends up in Israel's coffers
racocn8 comments on May 15, 2019:
Would you like to buy a bridge?
racocn8 comments on May 15, 2019:
Would you like to buy a bridge?
Going in for a pre-employment drug test today.
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
I'm a light smoker, but I tested clean after only 7-10 days on a couple of occasions.
I believe corporations turned to testing for cannabis because they were forced to stop discriminating against their workers on other fronts (race, religion, age, etc.).
I did get a positive from codeine and Tylenol which I stupidly assumed was the same as Vicodin (which I had a registered prescription for). The two drugs only differ by one hydrogen atom, but that was enough. I ended up in Drug Rehab rather than lose my job. I revenged myself by costing the company millions in lost octane (*adjusting* the internal standards). Morale: Don't fuck with people if you don't have a good reason.
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
I'm a light smoker, but I tested clean after only 7-10 days on a couple of occasions.
I believe corporations turned to testing for cannabis because they were forced to stop discriminating against their workers on other fronts (race, religion, age, etc.).
I did get a positive from codeine and Tylenol which I stupidly assumed was the same as Vicodin (which I had a registered prescription for). The two drugs only differ by one hydrogen atom, but that was enough. I ended up in Drug Rehab rather than lose my job. I revenged myself by costing the company millions in lost octane (*adjusting* the internal standards). Morale: Don't fuck with people if you don't have a good reason.
Thoughts????
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
How smart is it to infer that one of the brightest politicians, known for her intelligence and cunning, is somehow dumb? Bad agitprop at best.
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
How smart is it to infer that one of the brightest politicians, known for her intelligence and cunning, is somehow dumb? Bad agitprop at best.
My mother is no longer alive, so I will post this . . . .
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
For seditionists too... "Four walls for a prison are three too many."
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
For seditionists too... "Four walls for a prison are three too many."
Republican law makers should follow this chart when it comes to proposing laws about women since the...
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
So say the women who insist on monogamy.
How does having a vagina dictate whether one can thoughtfully consider an issue? Oh, right...
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
So say the women who insist on monogamy.
How does having a vagina dictate whether one can thoughtfully consider an issue? Oh, right...
Come on , meet my friends, Saudi and Russia, Trust me, Israel loves you so much, We will take ...
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
Yes, Russia and Saudi Arabia are Israel's closest friends. But come on; portraying BN/Israel as a German Dachshund is insulting.
A story: An IDF guard is talking with a PLO guard. The PLO has a big German Shepard and is looking at the short, squat dog held by the IDF. They agree to let their dogs fight each other. After the German Shepard is torn to pieces, the PLO asks what sort of dog the IDF guard has. The IDF replies that, before his tail was removed, it was an alligator.
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
Yes, Russia and Saudi Arabia are Israel's closest friends. But come on; portraying BN/Israel as a German Dachshund is insulting.
A story: An IDF guard is talking with a PLO guard. The PLO has a big German Shepard and is looking at the short, squat dog held by the IDF. They agree to let their dogs fight each other. After the German Shepard is torn to pieces, the PLO asks what sort of dog the IDF guard has. The IDF replies that, before his tail was removed, it was an alligator.
A peaceful religion?
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
The way that religionists turn a blind eye to the evil done by their fellow-believers is either evil itself or evidence of a gigantic moral blind spot (perhaps a brain defect?). And, said moral blind spot is studiously omitted by religious dogmas. Christians and Muslims rarely, rarely call out their fellows for the evil committed by their co-religionists.
Atheists, on the other hand, are constantly reminded of Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot by these same religionists. But again, they are careful not to mention how these regimes became personality cults seeking to replace religion with communist doctrine. Very little history shows the victims of communism to have been slain for refusing to become atheists.
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
The way that religionists turn a blind eye to the evil done by their fellow-believers is either evil itself or evidence of a gigantic moral blind spot (perhaps a brain defect?). And, said moral blind spot is studiously omitted by religious dogmas. Christians and Muslims rarely, rarely call out their fellows for the evil committed by their co-religionists.
Atheists, on the other hand, are constantly reminded of Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot by these same religionists. But again, they are careful not to mention how these regimes became personality cults seeking to replace religion with communist doctrine. Very little history shows the victims of communism to have been slain for refusing to become atheists.
I have read thousands of books over the years and this includes both the bible and Tolkien's Hobbit ...
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
As blogs, tweets and other devices replace books, we should look forward to a transformation of religion in our lifetime.
The real question is which electronic communication device will substitute for the mind control function that religious holy books express.
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
As blogs, tweets and other devices replace books, we should look forward to a transformation of religion in our lifetime.
The real question is which electronic communication device will substitute for the mind control function that religious holy books express.
Marijuana decriminalization: Cincinnati takes first steps
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
The Sheriff expressed concern. Translation. What will I do if my men can't steal money from potheads? What excuse can my men use to hassle non-whites?
racocn8 comments on May 14, 2019:
The Sheriff expressed concern. Translation. What will I do if my men can't steal money from potheads? What excuse can my men use to hassle non-whites?
Karma?
racocn8 comments on May 8, 2019:
Anti-vaccination kooks and Creationists (and their like) should be excluded from all real educational institutions.
racocn8 comments on May 8, 2019:
Anti-vaccination kooks and Creationists (and their like) should be excluded from all real educational institutions.
Texas is about to make it illegal for a group of friends to drive to the polls together to vote | ...
racocn8 comments on May 7, 2019:
Remedies: 1) Violate the law and, when arrested, appeal to the Court as being unconstitutional. 2) Mobilize to vote for legislators that will undo the law.
racocn8 comments on May 7, 2019:
Remedies: 1) Violate the law and, when arrested, appeal to the Court as being unconstitutional. 2) Mobilize to vote for legislators that will undo the law.
Perfect!?
racocn8 comments on May 7, 2019:
Except that imaginary numbers actually can serve a constructive existential purpose (circuit design network analysis).
racocn8 comments on May 7, 2019:
Except that imaginary numbers actually can serve a constructive existential purpose (circuit design network analysis).
"If neo-Darwinism is true and reproductive success a measure of evolutionary fitness, then every ...
racocn8 comments on May 7, 2019:
A major part of evolutionary theory relates to fitness in the face of NATURAL selection. There's not much that is natural about the last 5000 years of human history.
The concept of *memes* comes from Dawkins' Selfish Gene, and those who understand that definition do compare self-replicating ideas as potentially parasitic. The formulation of religions as memes has more to do 1) with understanding how ideas spread; and 2) with the proposition that ideas may exist as nucleic acid polymers (either RNA or DNA) that are stored and retrieved memories. Plainly, memes have nothing to do with germline DNA unless you're a Lamarkian.
Why do you keep posting the absurd writings of Sacks? Other comments effective dissect the many flaws in his statement. What he's really doing is advancing a reason for atheists to be believers, which might be viewed as part of his calling (to disseminate disinformation). Lacking a basis in truth or logic, Sacks statement is just silly BS, and for you to repost it reflects on your own intellectual rigor. Why don't you tell us why you have an interest in this guy?
racocn8 comments on May 7, 2019:
A major part of evolutionary theory relates to fitness in the face of NATURAL selection. There's not much that is natural about the last 5000 years of human history.
The concept of *memes* comes from Dawkins' Selfish Gene, and those who understand that definition do compare self-replicating ideas as potentially parasitic. The formulation of religions as memes has more to do 1) with understanding how ideas spread; and 2) with the proposition that ideas may exist as nucleic acid polymers (either RNA or DNA) that are stored and retrieved memories. Plainly, memes have nothing to do with germline DNA unless you're a Lamarkian.
Why do you keep posting the absurd writings of Sacks? Other comments effective dissect the many flaws in his statement. What he's really doing is advancing a reason for atheists to be believers, which might be viewed as part of his calling (to disseminate disinformation). Lacking a basis in truth or logic, Sacks statement is just silly BS, and for you to repost it reflects on your own intellectual rigor. Why don't you tell us why you have an interest in this guy?
‘How can you be moral?’: Here are 9 questions you don’t need to ask an atheist
racocn8 comments on May 6, 2019:
Maybe standard stuff, but I thought it was a good compilation and put the points across well.
racocn8 comments on May 6, 2019:
Maybe standard stuff, but I thought it was a good compilation and put the points across well.
Democrat mocks Barr with bucket of fried chicken at hearing
racocn8 comments on May 3, 2019:
Amusing, yeah, but really not appropriate given the situation.
A bucket of tar and a bag of feathers would have been better.
racocn8 comments on May 3, 2019:
Amusing, yeah, but really not appropriate given the situation.
A bucket of tar and a bag of feathers would have been better.
For all the caffeine addicts out there.
racocn8 comments on May 3, 2019:
Substitute mushrooms for cups and it works just as well...
racocn8 comments on May 3, 2019:
Substitute mushrooms for cups and it works just as well...
I am an old, married man intending to stay married.
racocn8 comments on May 3, 2019:
It is the age old debate between direct honesty and politically correct diplomacy. The problem with direct honesty is that it tends to be brutal and insensitive. You may offend someone worth knowing, but then it's too late. (Men only get a second chance in the movies; Women feel so embattled that forgiveness is rarely forthcoming. Hell, most men won't even get a first chance.) The problem with politically correct diplomacy is that it is not sincere or honest and a few of the quality women may pick up on that. So, you have to put on your thinking cap and find some middle ground. Entertaining with humor is the best ice-breaker. Starting with hard questions is a turn-off. When it comes to flirting, it's pleasure first, then business.
racocn8 comments on May 3, 2019:
It is the age old debate between direct honesty and politically correct diplomacy. The problem with direct honesty is that it tends to be brutal and insensitive. You may offend someone worth knowing, but then it's too late. (Men only get a second chance in the movies; Women feel so embattled that forgiveness is rarely forthcoming. Hell, most men won't even get a first chance.) The problem with politically correct diplomacy is that it is not sincere or honest and a few of the quality women may pick up on that. So, you have to put on your thinking cap and find some middle ground. Entertaining with humor is the best ice-breaker. Starting with hard questions is a turn-off. When it comes to flirting, it's pleasure first, then business.
Did you like George Carlin?
racocn8 comments on May 3, 2019:
True, deep wisdom!!!
racocn8 comments on May 3, 2019:
True, deep wisdom!!!
I feel pretty lonely.
racocn8 comments on May 2, 2019:
Keep looking. What choice do you have? Consider therapy. Poll your friends to see what sharp edges might need rounding. Of course it would be great to find an intellectual equal, but realize that you might have to pull out all the diplomatic skill you have to put up with some kooky belief. That is part of the dance. Come on, lighten up. We don't have a monopoly on truth like the true believers do, and we should temper the confidence in our beliefs with probability. If you need to expound, come here and do it.
We're all eccentric to the point of madness. Our culture is almost wholly psychopathic, even more so in states like yours. Can you move to another state? Maybe take an anti-depressant to reduce your sexual need.
Find a subject you're passionate about and give talks about it. Sounds like you're approaching that. Maybe you could take your talk on the road?
Maybe enroll in some yoga classes, and, even better, teach it. Or cooking. Or sewing (not like Buffalo Bill).
racocn8 comments on May 2, 2019:
Keep looking. What choice do you have? Consider therapy. Poll your friends to see what sharp edges might need rounding. Of course it would be great to find an intellectual equal, but realize that you might have to pull out all the diplomatic skill you have to put up with some kooky belief. That is part of the dance. Come on, lighten up. We don't have a monopoly on truth like the true believers do, and we should temper the confidence in our beliefs with probability. If you need to expound, come here and do it.
We're all eccentric to the point of madness. Our culture is almost wholly psychopathic, even more so in states like yours. Can you move to another state? Maybe take an anti-depressant to reduce your sexual need.
Find a subject you're passionate about and give talks about it. Sounds like you're approaching that. Maybe you could take your talk on the road?
Maybe enroll in some yoga classes, and, even better, teach it. Or cooking. Or sewing (not like Buffalo Bill).
"Atheism deserves better than the new atheists whose methodology consists of criticizing religion ...
racocn8 comments on May 1, 2019:
What new atheist is Sacks referencing who "criticizes religion without understanding it (etc)" ? It's a straw man argument lacking even a single example. No, I've almost never heard an atheist advance an argument without the correct and specific biblical quotation. Without a name, Sacks's statement is nothing more than a pejorative polemic, and a self-serving one at that. What a surprise coming from a *holy* man. This a classic bit of projection.
Religion is all about lies and deception, misusing the awe of nature that is available without religion. Religions exchange the comfort of superstitious delusion for control and manipulation. Maybe it's the best bargain some people can get, assuming they had a choice.
For its dishonesty and deception, religions deserve all the mocking, ridiculing, caricaturing and demonizing that can be mustered. Just what deception is OK and *good*? Religion is not just about lying to attract believers, it is about denouncing non-believers as inhuman, immoral, mass-murderers. And it is about hiding the truths that *are* known.
Judaism, with its regard for scholastics, still won't incorporate a single scientific tenet, no matter how beautiful or elegant. Where is the wisdom of that? Judaism is still a form of obscurantism. Still worse are the Conservative and Orthodox versions which degenerate into cults and intellectual masturbation.
racocn8 comments on May 1, 2019:
What new atheist is Sacks referencing who "criticizes religion without understanding it (etc)" ? It's a straw man argument lacking even a single example. No, I've almost never heard an atheist advance an argument without the correct and specific biblical quotation. Without a name, Sacks's statement is nothing more than a pejorative polemic, and a self-serving one at that. What a surprise coming from a *holy* man. This a classic bit of projection.
Religion is all about lies and deception, misusing the awe of nature that is available without religion. Religions exchange the comfort of superstitious delusion for control and manipulation. Maybe it's the best bargain some people can get, assuming they had a choice.
For its dishonesty and deception, religions deserve all the mocking, ridiculing, caricaturing and demonizing that can be mustered. Just what deception is OK and *good*? Religion is not just about lying to attract believers, it is about denouncing non-believers as inhuman, immoral, mass-murderers. And it is about hiding the truths that *are* known.
Judaism, with its regard for scholastics, still won't incorporate a single scientific tenet, no matter how beautiful or elegant. Where is the wisdom of that? Judaism is still a form of obscurantism. Still worse are the Conservative and Orthodox versions which degenerate into cults and intellectual masturbation.
i did my final on black ahteist here it is In this course we reviewed the lives of Martin Luther ...
racocn8 comments on Apr 30, 2019:
The political/racist underfunding of Black schools surely contributes.
Perhaps the low probability of social advancement also provides an incentive to rely on existing spirituality for hope. Religion offers avenues for intra-racial support that aren't available from non-belief (so far).
Otherwise, the willingness of Blacks to remain attached to the religion that enslaved them seems bizarre.
racocn8 comments on Apr 30, 2019:
The political/racist underfunding of Black schools surely contributes.
Perhaps the low probability of social advancement also provides an incentive to rely on existing spirituality for hope. Religion offers avenues for intra-racial support that aren't available from non-belief (so far).
Otherwise, the willingness of Blacks to remain attached to the religion that enslaved them seems bizarre.
Schrodinger's cat plots his revenge from inside the box.
racocn8 comments on Apr 30, 2019:
And in case you wanted to know, the states of life and death are analogous to the wave-particle duality. The problem is people are mostly dead while they're alive. The other problem is that we misunderstand what these states really represent.
racocn8 comments on Apr 30, 2019:
And in case you wanted to know, the states of life and death are analogous to the wave-particle duality. The problem is people are mostly dead while they're alive. The other problem is that we misunderstand what these states really represent.
Does anyone else find it interesting that the vast majority of recent weather related disasters ...
racocn8 comments on Apr 30, 2019:
They are being punished by God for electing Trump. Just say it. You can suspend disbelief long enough to make your point to the idiots.
racocn8 comments on Apr 30, 2019:
They are being punished by God for electing Trump. Just say it. You can suspend disbelief long enough to make your point to the idiots.
What is with this Atheist/Agnostic divide stuff lately.
racocn8 comments on Apr 29, 2019:
Semantic meanings do change. Atheist started out meaning "without belief". Then the Christians campaigned against atheism claiming that it meant an active disbelief and rejection of (their) God. The new Christian definition shouted down the original definition and created the confusion noted in the original post. Hence, the new term *non-theist* which reclaims the original atheist meaning. Many other flavors of atheist have been advanced to define particular nuances, like *apatheism* and *anti-theism*.
racocn8 comments on Apr 29, 2019:
Semantic meanings do change. Atheist started out meaning "without belief". Then the Christians campaigned against atheism claiming that it meant an active disbelief and rejection of (their) God. The new Christian definition shouted down the original definition and created the confusion noted in the original post. Hence, the new term *non-theist* which reclaims the original atheist meaning. Many other flavors of atheist have been advanced to define particular nuances, like *apatheism* and *anti-theism*.
Death Threats and Drained Bank Accounts: Life on the Wrong End of the Mueller Probe - POLITICO ...
racocn8 comments on Apr 25, 2019:
Surely one of the most bizarre aspects of the Trump loyalists (and Trump himself) is the claiming of being a victim. Maybe it's PR, but I believe some of it's real. These people proclaim a lack of accountability and that it's the fault of their political opponents when they're caught participating in a criminal enterprise.
Maybe they're right? Maybe they expected to be treated according to the rules of the elite kleptocrats and figured the Justice Dept would ignore them also.
Between the 1% and the rest of us, it's a race to see who gets wiped out first.
racocn8 comments on Apr 25, 2019:
Surely one of the most bizarre aspects of the Trump loyalists (and Trump himself) is the claiming of being a victim. Maybe it's PR, but I believe some of it's real. These people proclaim a lack of accountability and that it's the fault of their political opponents when they're caught participating in a criminal enterprise.
Maybe they're right? Maybe they expected to be treated according to the rules of the elite kleptocrats and figured the Justice Dept would ignore them also.
Between the 1% and the rest of us, it's a race to see who gets wiped out first.
"The narrative that government is inefficient and its optimum role should be ‘limited’ to avoid ...
racocn8 comments on Apr 23, 2019:
Business schools and economic theory have been successfully stifled by political conservatives. Consequently, the few scholars who have a clue get minimal attention. Almost no credit is given to science and scientists for the intellectual capital they have created. Consequently, economists are mostly clueless as to the real source of wealth generation. Basically, all the credit goes instead to corporations. After making those giant mistakes, economic theory is essentially dead.
Just like governments, companies and corporation are far from efficient, fail frequently (which governments cannot afford to do) and are generally as corrupt as possible. And that is long before any sort of sociological goal has even been conceived. Government works to rein in the worst corporate abuses and often fails either by incompetence or bribery.
The genius founders (not) conveniently forgot the slide towards corruption in government and, except for the branches checking each other, utterly failed to outline even a single scheme to root out said corruption. In short, our system has been hopelessly corrupt from the outset and it shows.
Society routinely legislates morality and this society has allowed the wealthy to write two sets of rules. It's all too clear what needs to be done. I've got a little list, I've got a little list, and they'd none of them be missed, I'm sure they won't be missed... (Swing Mikado, G&S)
racocn8 comments on Apr 23, 2019:
Business schools and economic theory have been successfully stifled by political conservatives. Consequently, the few scholars who have a clue get minimal attention. Almost no credit is given to science and scientists for the intellectual capital they have created. Consequently, economists are mostly clueless as to the real source of wealth generation. Basically, all the credit goes instead to corporations. After making those giant mistakes, economic theory is essentially dead.
Just like governments, companies and corporation are far from efficient, fail frequently (which governments cannot afford to do) and are generally as corrupt as possible. And that is long before any sort of sociological goal has even been conceived. Government works to rein in the worst corporate abuses and often fails either by incompetence or bribery.
The genius founders (not) conveniently forgot the slide towards corruption in government and, except for the branches checking each other, utterly failed to outline even a single scheme to root out said corruption. In short, our system has been hopelessly corrupt from the outset and it shows.
Society routinely legislates morality and this society has allowed the wealthy to write two sets of rules. It's all too clear what needs to be done. I've got a little list, I've got a little list, and they'd none of them be missed, I'm sure they won't be missed... (Swing Mikado, G&S)
Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu: Leave No Palestinian or Arab Alive | Veterans Today | Military Foreign Affairs...
racocn8 comments on Apr 19, 2019:
You find an Israeli who mirrors what the Palestinians have been saying for the last seventy years. And what would be your motive?
racocn8 comments on Apr 19, 2019:
You find an Israeli who mirrors what the Palestinians have been saying for the last seventy years. And what would be your motive?
I just was contacted by Mavis the Powerball winner.
racocn8 comments on Apr 19, 2019:
Give them your Paypal account address and tell them to send it. If they refuse or ask you to send them information or money, it's a scam.
By the way, it's a scam. Review that it is your own greed that is blinding you to the evil of the scam.
racocn8 comments on Apr 19, 2019:
Give them your Paypal account address and tell them to send it. If they refuse or ask you to send them information or money, it's a scam.
By the way, it's a scam. Review that it is your own greed that is blinding you to the evil of the scam.
Amazon pays $0 taxes again this year on over $11 billion profit. Fair or not? [finance.yahoo.com]
racocn8 comments on Apr 19, 2019:
For anyone making over a million, not paying taxes is greed to the point of treason.
For Amazon, the non-payment is an ineffable insult, beyond any obscenity. Especially when it comes from a monopoly. The penalty should also be unmentionable.
What we really need is a maximum income limit, above which 100% is forfeit, for people and for corporations. If the company is too big, it should be split up. Failure to comply would be a capital offense with a bounty on those who offend.
racocn8 comments on Apr 19, 2019:
For anyone making over a million, not paying taxes is greed to the point of treason.
For Amazon, the non-payment is an ineffable insult, beyond any obscenity. Especially when it comes from a monopoly. The penalty should also be unmentionable.
What we really need is a maximum income limit, above which 100% is forfeit, for people and for corporations. If the company is too big, it should be split up. Failure to comply would be a capital offense with a bounty on those who offend.
What you think?
racocn8 comments on Apr 18, 2019:
So, as long as they don't seek to hurt you, truth means nothing.
No. Seeking to be honest and truthful is the foundation of morality. Seeking to just get along , truth be damned, is pure sloth. So is being incurious. It's not that they lack the horsepower; they just don't care to be responsible. Eventually, the ignorance becomes willful and arrogant, and that's when the violence kicks in. (Seen any scientists kill each other over disagreements?)
racocn8 comments on Apr 18, 2019:
So, as long as they don't seek to hurt you, truth means nothing.
No. Seeking to be honest and truthful is the foundation of morality. Seeking to just get along , truth be damned, is pure sloth. So is being incurious. It's not that they lack the horsepower; they just don't care to be responsible. Eventually, the ignorance becomes willful and arrogant, and that's when the violence kicks in. (Seen any scientists kill each other over disagreements?)
Amazing: Liberal white supremacy: I post a couple of bits about black people talking about black ...
racocn8 comments on Apr 18, 2019:
The lying for Jesus Trolls are at it again. Or is it coming from the Kremlin?
racocn8 comments on Apr 18, 2019:
The lying for Jesus Trolls are at it again. Or is it coming from the Kremlin?
Rick Santorum: Separation Of Church And State A Communist Idea, Not An American One
racocn8 comments on Apr 18, 2019:
Santorum is lying for Jesus. A common, even pervasive practice by true believers. Here, Santorum seeks to create identification between the Evangelicals and himself for future political support. It is immoral pandering at its most cynical, but fully expected by the White Fascists.
racocn8 comments on Apr 18, 2019:
Santorum is lying for Jesus. A common, even pervasive practice by true believers. Here, Santorum seeks to create identification between the Evangelicals and himself for future political support. It is immoral pandering at its most cynical, but fully expected by the White Fascists.
Another black man who speaks the truth::: Obviously an "enemy" to his race.
racocn8 comments on Apr 18, 2019:
No small part of the reason for black women not being married is that their prospective partner has been arrested for a drug crime and sentenced to decades under mandatory minimum sentencing. If the Innocence Project is any indication, a significant portion of the convictions were based on evidence planted by the police, and pursued by racist prosecutors.
While some Blacks may bring up the issue of Blacks-as-perpetual-victims, the reality of discrimination and ill-treatment is still all too real. Also real is that this complaint won't get much traction in a society which is intensely bigoted and maintaining a strong White Nationalist leaning. So it is wise for Blacks not to focus on being victims, but rather to lobby for ending racist (as practiced) drug war laws.
racocn8 comments on Apr 18, 2019:
No small part of the reason for black women not being married is that their prospective partner has been arrested for a drug crime and sentenced to decades under mandatory minimum sentencing. If the Innocence Project is any indication, a significant portion of the convictions were based on evidence planted by the police, and pursued by racist prosecutors.
While some Blacks may bring up the issue of Blacks-as-perpetual-victims, the reality of discrimination and ill-treatment is still all too real. Also real is that this complaint won't get much traction in a society which is intensely bigoted and maintaining a strong White Nationalist leaning. So it is wise for Blacks not to focus on being victims, but rather to lobby for ending racist (as practiced) drug war laws.
How many of you have been told you are going to hell?
racocn8 comments on Apr 17, 2019:
Remind them that according to their own bible, only 144,000 go to heaven. All the other billions go to hell.
Tell your accuser that according to their own bible, they are also more than 99% certain to go to hell with you.
racocn8 comments on Apr 17, 2019:
Remind them that according to their own bible, only 144,000 go to heaven. All the other billions go to hell.
Tell your accuser that according to their own bible, they are also more than 99% certain to go to hell with you.
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