Apparently in 2013 Oprah made the comment that Athists cannot feel awe and wonder.

richiegtt comments on Jan 13, 2018:

She has to appeal to the Nit wits that would vote for her

The use of marijuana

richiegtt comments on Jan 13, 2018:

I have never smoked cigarettes biut have smoked marijuana since my late 20s .There was a time I was smoking it to much and this lasted for about 15 years until I put a handle on it . I still smoke occasionally and enjoy it .I notice if I smoke marijuana it will heighten any emotion ,so if I think of something negative smoking will sometimes not be beneficial for me .I think it should be legal for many reasons

What are your thoughts on funerals?

richiegtt comments on Jan 12, 2018:

I do not believe in them nor do I want one for my self. If a close family member has one I will attend out of respect for the survivors. No one outside of my immediate family is aware of my non belief

Why aren't churches taxed, after all they are "For Profit" organizations?

richiegtt comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Because we do not have freedom FROM religion in this country only freedom OF religon.

Do you have a specific “OCD” trait?

richiegtt comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Everything in my house has to be perfectly level .All wall hangings ,furniture,Statuary in my yard, plants in pots,tool cabinets in my garage and everything else . I use water proof cedar shims to level every thing with the aid of a hand held level

Should we give religious believers a little more slack?

richiegtt comments on Jan 12, 2018:

Most of them were brainwashed from birth ,and they did not even choose to be what they are ,so sure I will give them some slack ,UNLESS they attempt to convert me in an annoying manner or are overly persistent

Get your flu shot?

richiegtt comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Always get it

Do you know a centenarian?

richiegtt comments on Jan 11, 2018:

My father is a 102 year old WW2 veteran ,and a retired New York City Fireman .Photo is at his 100th birthday party.I think genetics played apart in his life span .Both of his parents lived past 97 .He never smoked .He drinks one glass of sangria every day. They say small amounts of wine every day may be very beneficial to ones health.

New here

richiegtt comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Welcome. Unfortunately you will sometimes have people over react when they have their comments challenged and respond in a belligerent manner that is unjustified .

There’s plenty of evidence that cell phones are detrimental to academic achievement ,particularly ...

richiegtt comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Besides what you mention it is a known fact that students are using internet search engines to get answers to provided test questions .

Thoughts on kids? Have them? Want them? No!

richiegtt comments on Jan 10, 2018:

One 29 year old daughter who is a preschool teacher and still lives at home .Very good daughter ,never had an ounce of trouble with her ,and am very fortunate.Wife and myself never wished to have more than one child and never regretted it .Most people have more children than they can afford

Men, what is up with the fascination of a younger woman ?

richiegtt comments on Jan 10, 2018:

For me personally, when it comes to conversation the older the better . There is no one better to talk to than my wife’s 90 year old aunt . So many interesting stories . Obviously this has nothing to do with intelligence but I feel I have much more I can relate to with older woman.If men had more common sense they should stay with woman in their own age bracket for serious relationships. . Casual dating is other thing. I am married to a woman 9 years younger, and a lousy 9 year gap sometimes can prevent conversations on certain issues and events that she has no clue about

"We must question the story logic of having an all-knowing all-powerful God, who creates faulty ...

richiegtt comments on Jan 9, 2018:

So,if there is a God, I think most reasonable people might agree that he’s at least incompetent,and maybe,just maybe,doesn’t give a shit. -George Carlin

What do you read for pleasure/fun?

richiegtt comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I enjoy biographies, and any thing that may catch my eye in the book store . I recently finished the Sociopath next door

What if you are wrong and there IS a god

richiegtt comments on Jan 9, 2018:

One religious person I once talked to said God wanted no evidence of his existence because then everyone would believe in him . So I said what’s wrong with that . He then said that God wants to test people’s faith in him without proof . I then said why didn’t he just create people with faith ,with out the ability to question it . He then came up with the answer all brainwashed religious people come up with when there is no logical answer which is ( you do not question Gods actions )

Add your favorite Atheist quote: John Kelly Ireland: "" Who are the bigger fool's, those who are...

richiegtt comments on Jan 9, 2018:

Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature,the heart of a heartless world,and the soul of souless conditions.It is the opium of the people ( Karl Marx)

My very significant semi-other is a (non-churchgoing) christian.

richiegtt comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Believe me I know what you are going through.I have been married 35 years to a non religious believer, and I still get mad at times when discussing these matters so unfortunately you must get used to it . The best advice I can give you is if you really love the person this should definitely not be a deal breaker .Love is more important than a persons belief in a God .When you hear that people break up over these issues it’s probably because Love was lacking on one side or both

What mistakes have you seen people make that they turn around and blame on God?

richiegtt comments on Jan 8, 2018:

What really gets me is when believer lives a charmed life,and when some one close to them dies they say they stoped following their religion or are mad at god .This is like a spoiled brat. As soon as they do not get what they want they start whining . Why were they not mad when the rest of the worlds population has been suffering in the background

"Tell people there's an invisible man in the sky who created the universe, and the vast majority ...

richiegtt comments on Jan 8, 2018:

No one can take his place ,but I always liked Robert Klein and still do .Thanfully he is still with us

Should you ask first before you decide you want to follow someone?

richiegtt comments on Jan 8, 2018:

No it’s a compliment

Should we all get a flu shot, barring any allergy to the vaccine?

richiegtt comments on Jan 8, 2018:

I always get one out of respect to my elderly father who request that I do so . I have only once had a slight side effect that did not last a significant amount of time

What's your take on Fetish and kinky life styles and their craziness?

richiegtt comments on Jan 8, 2018:

A fetish or being kinky is only harmful if one partner is forced into it psychologically or physically .Kinky can be anything to anybody

Have you ever seen the tv series Maude from the 70’s?

richiegtt comments on Jan 8, 2018:

It was well written , unlike the dim witted scripts on today’s sitcoms

School of Life

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

My father who is 101 years old has so many stories to tell from the Great Depression to being on a destroyer that was hit by a kamikaze in WW2 and having to abandon ship in the middle of the ocean .Many more interesting events to numerous to mention

How do you motivate yourself?

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

My dog motivates me to get out of bed for his morning walk

Food—what’s your story?

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I find recipes In various places ,mostly in the Sunday newspaper and this gives me a chance to cook things I ordinarily would not

Should churches pay taxes? Ask Pat Robertson.

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I despise the fact that State and local government loose $71 Billion a year due to the fact Churches do not pay property taxes . That’s why I say we do not have freedom FROM religion if non believers have to support this superstitious crap with our money

If you could travel anywhere for free right now where would you go?

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

El Nido one of the worlds most beautiful islands in the Philippines

Do you trust easily or do you trust no one?

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I trust people to easily and am a pushover . I have lost thousands over the years to people because I felt sorry for them when they would ask me for loans of money and failed to pay it back

A lot of the religious people look down on atheist people and consider them to be immoral.

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Most religious people especially Catholics believe if you do not believe in god you are going to hell . Hell is associated with the devil ,so they associate non believers with the devil and the devil is in their definition immoral

Are you one to attend wakes and/or funerals?

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I attend out of respect for the survivors .Me and my wife have made it known to our daughter that we will not be displayed like this .No viewing

I dislike Dr.

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I can not stand this annoying guy and his smug know it all attitude

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I am of Italian heritage from both parents,and have never once in my entire life referred to my self as an Italian American .I do not even write this on forms I fill aut

Snow? In your town?

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Yes, in Bayside NY we got about 12 inches

I just tried a simple experiment.

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

Definitely,she was very lucky to start off in life with an open mind free of indoctrination

What is the happiest moment or event in your life?

richiegtt comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I have had happy experiences ,but unfortunately for me ,nothing stands out that I could say was the happiest experience

How do you handle Christian co-workers?

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Years ago I worked with a real Bible thumper and devout church goer who also happened to be one of the most honest sincere hard working and friendly guys I ever worked with .He always was in a good mood which put me in a good mood . I had absolutely no desire to let him know of my non belief . What purpose would this serve. As far as I am concerned religiosity is the least important factor in a coworker . There were non religious people there that I dreaded being around

There's 3 ways to log out.

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I was wondering why you were removed from my follllowing and followers list .Happy your back

Yes, dear.

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Arguing about a certain subject is fine unless people start to make insinuations on a personal level

What food has traumatized your taste buds?

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I am not a fussy eater and like practically everything ,except when I was visiting a friend years ago and they were serving chitterlings ( made from the small intestines of a pig ) this is one of the few foods I did not care for

Why Won't God Heal Amputees?

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

They are not that hi up on the prayer list .There are a lot of rich foot ball players out there praying to win the next game

My puppy, Monty, is 10 years old today .

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I can see you love your dog as I do mine

Until one has loved an animal, apart of one soul remains unwakened.

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

My entire life I have always had a love of pets of any kind and agree with this statment

Do you have close friends?

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

My best friend is my dog,no one can approach the love and companionship

I love the term Flattards for people who believe in a flat earth.

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

They should go to the edge and jump off

I thought James Randi put an end to Peter Popoff years ago, I am shocked to find he's still ...

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

There will always be gullible people that will fall for this nonsense. If you are a James Randi fan you should watch an excellent movie about him titled An honest liar

Do you consider yourself an intellectual elite or just an intellectual?

richiegtt comments on Jan 6, 2018:

I am neither .logical thinking ,common sense,open mind, being practical and having an inquisitive mind is what I am ,whatever that may be

How long do you think until religion is the minority on this planet, or in america

richiegtt comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Unfortunately other countries are becoming non believers at a faster rate than this country ,but when it comes to religion Muslims are the worlds fastest growing religious group.

Why should we respect religion, when they don't respect atheist?

richiegtt comments on Jan 5, 2018:

You do not have to respect religion for obvious reasons, but all religious people are different some respectable to atheists some not ,so you can not group all these people together .If a religious person respects our non belief we should respect their right to believe

I want to change my name.

richiegtt comments on Jan 5, 2018:

You should do whatever makes you happy

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

richiegtt comments on Jan 5, 2018:

First off, Your stating that male Circumcision is mutiilation is your opinion and one not held by many people in THIS country .There is a difference. With female mutilation which is carried out to control a woman’s sexuality and ideas about purity, modesty and beauty. There are also a myriad of negative medical Issues associated with this practice,not to mention the woman’s ability to have pleasurable sexual relations.On the other hand there are no negative medical problems related to male circumcision,in fact on the contrary,circumcised men have a lower risk of penile cancer and certain sexually transmitted infections including HIV, not including cleanliness issues. I never heard of a man that was unhappy being circumcised incluiding my self .It also reduces the risk of cervical cancer for woman .

Should we go to mars?

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Going to mars will not really accomplish or discover anything that the rovers and robots have allready discovered .

Should people that disagree with science be allowed to use advanced technology created by scientific...

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

They should be allowed to use advanced technology because people that believe in global warming and scientific reasoning use technology created by some people that do not believe in global warming or some scientific reasoning .It goes both ways

TV advertisements can entice me or drive me away.

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I tape the few programs I watch on a DVR so I can skip those annoying commercials

I just had blood work done.

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

When people say things like this to me I just go along with it .I respond with what I figure they would think is the appropriate answer .I see no need to embarrass people that are just attempting to be nice to me.I have no animosity towards people who believe in fairytales

In your experience, do you find that people are accepting or unaccepting of your non-belief?

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Here in N.Y.I know very few non believers .I am not open about my beliefs because I do not feel I have any reason to tell any body except a few close friends and my immediate family . I find it is useless to discuss these issues with most people because they are not interested in intelligent discussions concerning this subject

When someone undergoes a major lifesaving surgury, and it is successful, why is the credit given to ...

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Yeah , and If somthing went wrong and the patient died they would say it was Gods will or Gods plan ,so either way their God is great

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

My wife , and my dog .My wife gets up much earlier than me and says I get up to late.

Do you think that a person entering politics should be required to have a combo of relevant ...

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

What about not permitting a convicted felon to run for public office which I think is also important

What is your moral compass?

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

To a certain extent our culture plays a small part in our morality but my compass is I basically do not treat people differently than I would wish to be treated

Jesus or Superman?

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Superman, at least you could SEE who you are dealing with

How long will it be before we have an open Agnostic/Atheist presidential candidate?

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

You could not get an atheist/ agnostic canditate for dog catcher in this country

Do you believe in “free will”? Why or why not?

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

I do not believe in total free will .Why? Because how can you deny that your environment and genetically inherited characteristics play a part in your thought process ,therefore you are programmed to think a certain way.An example is an individuals religious beliefs which their environment brainwashed them into ,and their weak minded characteristics that they were born with that may prevent them from questioning this nonsense

Is this site addictive?

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Yes ,my wife confirms this on a regular basis

I believe religion is destroying our nation.

richiegtt comments on Jan 4, 2018:

Religion is not just detrimental to the nation but to all mankind

Men Or Women? Which Of The Two Is Most Intelligent?

richiegtt comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Definitely equal ,I would really be surprised if any one would think otherwise

How important is sex and sexual compatibility in a relationship for you?

richiegtt comments on Jan 3, 2018:

True love transcends sexual activity ,Case in point ,if one partner became physically disabled and is unable to perform sexually .If sex is what ties a relationship together ,this is not a healthy relationship in the first place

Since you all have been non believers, has it ever crossed your mind "what if im wrong"?

richiegtt comments on Jan 3, 2018:

I think when an individual transitions from a believer to a non believer this may cross your mind ,like it did mine occasionally,until you completely break free of the brainwashing and have a crystal clear mind and are then capable of thinking logically.

Have you ever thought about ( this is paraphrasing a Lily Tomlin routine, but it's a valid question)...

richiegtt comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Actually I get the impression that most religious people accept the silly notion that God speaks to them.

Marijuana for recreational or medicinal? Dont be shy?

richiegtt comments on Jan 3, 2018:

It should be legal . I once grew it for a couple of years

What's so important for a guy to be attractive to a lady according to Evolution.

richiegtt comments on Jan 1, 2018:

In the primitive man it was strength to fight off competing males just as it is today in most primates .When this factor is removed artificial traits take over such as social status etc.This leads to an inferior jean pool ,because the survival of the fittest does not play apart in reproduction.

Which sports/activities do you enjoy?

richiegtt comments on Dec 31, 2017:

I love to swim,walk my dog,kayaking,hike

Why is it that you never see atheists/agnostics killing each other over who's disbelief is the ...

richiegtt comments on Dec 31, 2017:

A good indication of the mentality of believers

What, not who, makes life worth living?

richiegtt comments on Dec 31, 2017:

The ability to help a friend or relative, learning something new ,my love of my dog, Traveling to a new place .Seeing my daughter healthy happy,and successful.

Should we be making plans for "when the shit hits the fan?

richiegtt comments on Dec 31, 2017:

I do not think life as we know it will not continue indefinitely.Civilization will reach a point where drastic changes will be made out of necessity not out of choice .The human race is to greedy and selfish to voluntarily change .Its human nature to care more about the present than the future .There is no profit to be made in less people ,less deforestion ,less depletion of natural resources ,or less of anything

Do you think human beings are naturally spiritual, regardless of supernatural belief?

richiegtt comments on Dec 31, 2017:

No people are born uncorrupted until someone decides to force their delusional beliefs on them .I think it comes down to the gullibility of the victims as to their ability to question what was taught to them

Ever get that nostalgic feeling about returning back where you grew up?

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

This is something I can not do ,due to the fact that I am still, living in the same house I was born in . I inherited this house from my father 35 years ago. He and my mother moved to another house and thankfully he is still there and healthy at 101 years old . I got married and raised my daughter here so it is 3 generations in the same house . I have made numerous renovations over the years but have never lived any where else.

Do you have a cheap restaurant you go to?

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

My favorite is a local All you can eat Sushi restaurant and sit down sushi bar which includes all you can eat appetizers,salads and everything including desert .It is $21.00 which is cheap for metropolitan New York

Chevy, ford, dodge, or what?

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

I really do not have a preference .I have owned all three. I like Ford due to its history and the great ideas and innovations that Henry Ford brought to the auto industry . Also Ford has one of the best sport cars right now in the new Gt that won 2017 Le mans and can out perform anything from Chrysler or Chevy at the moment . When it comes to Chevy you can not top the Corvette which is one of the most successful sport cars of all time .I admire dodge for its 70s muscle cars and Hemi engines and the fantastic Viper V10 engine which I have in my 2001 Viper GTS

Are you 100% certain that there is no god?

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

100% certain there is no God. Not 100% certain some higher intellect might have Once existed that created life that evolved to this state .A creator could create and cease to exist. I tend to believe that matter always existed only in different forms. If humans exist then why not the possibility of mortal creator . Each one can not be explained

Does all life have inherent value?

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

If the child is in constant discomfort and pain and has a very bad quality of life .I am sure some of the people answering this question would rather be euthanized rather than live in this condition . I personally would not wish to live in this way so If it was me I would want to be euthanized Also when I see parents of these children I often feel more sorrow for them than the disabled child ,they often suffer more psychological pain and have life long responsibilities ,put your self in their shoes

Should prostitution be illegal?

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

It should be legal .If it is legal it can be taxed and generate money .It will also save on the waste of time and money it costs police departments and the judicial system .It will also be safer because prostitutes will have to under go periodical testing for sexually transmitted diseases

Does the lack of beleif in an afterlife bring you fear or comfort?

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

No , Neither to the question .We revert to what we were before we were born -Non existence .Our bodies will become recycled matter in the universe ,so in other words the matter making up your body will always exist just in another form

People tell me there is no such as atheism.

richiegtt comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Consider your self fortunate, in that you were able to come to these conclusions

Tattoos??

richiegtt comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I do not have any ,but contemplated getting one .Tattoos can be very attractive until a person gets to many of them, and when they are so close together you can not make out a distinctive image .Some people are obsessed with tattoos and don’t know when to stop.Tattoos can be sexy on a woman as long as they don’t over do it.

So on Facebook I’m friends with 2 physicists Sean Carrol and Lawrence Krauss.

richiegtt comments on Dec 29, 2017:

There are people on this site I sometimes feel mentally inferior to on some subjects ,but I would rather be around people that I can learn from than the other way around

What are your thoughts about euthanasia?

richiegtt comments on Dec 29, 2017:

I believe that everyone should specify in their will how they feel about this . I personally would want this for my self if necessary . Other countries are way ahead in their views on this subject .Why is it that almost everyone is not against euthanasia for their pets but against it for people

I'm leaning towards "free will" being an illusion. Convince me otherwise.

richiegtt comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Genetic determinism (which I believe in ) may sound bad, but the alternative -that our lives are ruled entirely by the circumstances surrounding us sounds pretty depressing to me.

Why does it seem that some people are harder to brainwash than others?

richiegtt comments on Dec 29, 2017:

When I attended church as a child the priest used to say some prayers in Latin . The parishioners would just sit there like mindless sheep not even knowing when the heck he was talking about. This is was when I said to myself I have to escape this idiotic brainwashing.

What has led you to be atheist or agnostic?

richiegtt comments on Dec 29, 2017:

At a young age I started questioning the ridiculous ideas of the Catholic religion and over a period of time realized it was all nonsense .I was always interested in science as a child and all these moronic fairytales contradicted these scientific facts .

How Did you Discover Agnostic.Com?

richiegtt comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Somehow it showed up on another atheist site

Most of us on this site agree that there is no afterlife: reincarnation, heaven, hell, Nirvana.

richiegtt comments on Dec 28, 2017:

If a person has responsibilities to a child a wife Parents etc it would be irresponsible and selfish to do this. If you don't have these responsibilities, or do have these responsibilities and are a sociopath then this would be a viable option

Hypothetical: All of humanity is leaving Earth.

richiegtt comments on Dec 28, 2017:

I would not give them free will because if you give anything free will you will then be ultimately responsible for every thing that this species does, good AND bad. This is the same thing as when believers say God is not responsible for what humanity does to each other because he gave them free will which is bullshit

How much $ does a person need to be content & comfortably enjoy life?

richiegtt comments on Dec 28, 2017:

If people knew how to live on, and budget their income they would require less money. People live above their means with to many children, to many luxuries. Also people should follow a simple rule of having all necessities paid up in full and saving the rest before spending on luxuries.I have followed this rule my entire life and have never not saved a good portion of my income starting from my first job until now

Do you find it difficult to date as a non believer ? Would you date a believer?

richiegtt comments on Dec 28, 2017:

A good many people end up alone in life due to their inability to accept other peoples ideas or beliefs, or lack of beliefs . It’s only an issue if you choose to make it an issue.,this goes for believers AND non believers .Would I date one yes I married one and have been married for for 33 years with no problems concerning this matter . I have interesting debates with her once in a while but that’s it .Who wants to be with a person that agrees with every thing you do ,this makes for a boring relationship

Do you find it difficult to date as a non believer ? Would you date a believer?

richiegtt comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Before I was married it came down to the degree of their beliefs . If the individual was over involved or to much dedicated to certain beliefs and tried to get me involved I would never date this type of person . I have dated believers that never even asked me about my beliefs and did not have any attachment to a religion whatsoever and did not care about my non belief so in this case it is ok ,because it does not interfere with the relationship

Would you buy 'Made in America' even when it would be more expensive than a comparable product?

richiegtt comments on Dec 28, 2017:

No .If People purchassed items just because they were made in America the quality would go down .Case in point the American auto industry .They had to make better quality cars years ago because the quality of Japanese vehicles was surpassing that of American. Unfortunately companies only make better products when they are forced to due to competition

Parenting

richiegtt comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Even if it may not necessarily be true ,I think it is ok in certain circumstances because it gives a child the incentive to attempt to follow his dreams

How do you Celebrate new years eve??? Dont be shy!

richiegtt comments on Dec 27, 2017:

I will go to See the ball fall( countdown to 2018) in Times Square ,and then to a restaurant on 42st in Manhattan

World's First Sex Robot: A good or a bad idea?

richiegtt comments on Dec 27, 2017:

To each his own. Unfortunately ,any one that derives pleasure from this sort of thing is psychologically unbalanced . But as an idea goes it sure is a good idea for the inventor who is sure to make big bucks from all the nut jobs out there .