What is the value of money?

wordywalt comments on Feb 11, 2018:

The value of money is what the culture says it is. It is simply a regulated and agreed upon medium of exchange.

How important is it to the average athiest or agnostic to debunk religious beliefs?

wordywalt comments on Feb 11, 2018:

To me, it is important to debunk false religiously-based beliefs any time they are used in any area of public dialogue, public policy, erosion of constitutional safeguards, intrusion on our civil rights, or misrepresentation of scientific issues. In other words, any time they try to impose their false beliefs on me, I am prepared to fight.

Which do you think should play a bigger role in your life tolerance or compromise

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

There are many good times and places for both.

The Universe is approximately 13.

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Yes, but it is questionable if the earth will.

In the land of capitalism, capital is power. Why not use this to our advantage?

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

That is what is happening now. The problem is that we do not have the money that greedy big corporations and extremely wealthy people.

Where Do You Go When You Die? The Increasing Signs That Human Consciousness Remains After Death

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

+What the study is really saying is that we don't really fully understand the dying process. It simply takes longer for brain cells to die, even after they have apparently stopped functioning. Our consciousness does not go anywhere. It simply stops, although not as quickly as previously thought.

"In deep-red America, the white Christian god is king, figuratively and literally.

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Absolutely true. I grew up in a rural area and tiny town in the north Florida bible belt, and was just one of the boys growing up. After I grew up, had gotten both bachelors and graduate degrees, and had been exposed to other cultures, when I went "home" and saw old friends, I was surprised by the response. They didn't quite trust me anymore. I was not one of them anymore. I was an insider turned outsider -- and what was worse I knew them and their real thoughts too well. That made me a threat. That saddened me deeply!

The world is getting better, but...

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

+Things are not getting better! Given (1) the spinelessness and duplicity of the Republican party. (2) the flourishing of the culture of falsification spread by Fox and kin, (2) the debasing of both religion and politics by the evangelical Christian right, and (4)the intellectual, moral, and instrumental bankruptcy of the Trump cabal, both our culture and most of our institutions are being imperiled. We MUST put a stop to this horrendous coarsening of our society and institutions!!

The root of all cruelty

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Am not a subscriber, so can't get in the site. Could you summarize the gist of the article?

Trying to understand what this site is all about?

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

It is a place to share thoughts -- some solid and deep, some trivial, some weird. It shows that agnostics and atheists are not a homogenous group , but instead a collection from one end of the spectra to the others on others issues. We sort ourselves out by what we choose to respond to and what to ignore.

Kansas Scrambles To Change Rules After 6 Teens Enter Governor's Race : The Two-Way : NPR

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

Kansas politics has been a zoo of backward-facing simpletons for far too many years.

And this is why women live longer than men... - The Meta Picture

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

At least a few of us are not that stupid.

Just had a moment of clarity here.

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

For far too many Americans, the only time they seem to think about ethics is when they are negatively judging others. It seems that is has become far too easy, comfortable, convenient to cut moral corners and shrug it off as no big deal. That needs to change. But, so long as Fox News and the other ight wing propaganda machines -- and politicians like Trump and his supporters -- are around, they are teaching that it is okay to lie, cheat, and take advantage of others.

Hoping that 2018 is as good a year as 2017 was a bad. Thus far it HAS been!!! What about you?

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

It will not be a good year for me and for the American nation un the entire Trump cabal is gone.

Where were you when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated?

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

After teaching a high school chemistry class in St. Cloud, Florida, I had gone down to the teachers' lounge for a short break when I heard the word on TV. It was a real shock.

While I was departing the airport tonight, there were a few people standing between the terminal and...

wordywalt comments on Feb 10, 2018:

They can be as annoying as the 'Moonies" were in the 1970s.

Rituals.

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I have routines, but no rituals.

Government as a religion--I used to adore the FBI

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

There is no "government religion." I have NEVER adored any government agency. I do believe very much in our Constitution and in the concept of democracy. All of our institutions have sometimes veered off course. But, as a whole, they have served us well. It is OUR job to make sure they provide moral and effective government of, by, and for ALL of our people.

Community

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I am here for interesting dialogue.

Is it just me or are the terms liberal and conservative being used more now than ever?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Both terms are used more frequently by the political right in an attempt to divide. They try to use the term conservatives to falsely identify themselves as the good guys. And they throw the term "liberal" around right and left at any opportunity in an attempt to label and vilify anyone who thinks differently from them. These are the propagandistic games they play.

What do you do to keep your brain active?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

You think. You are constantly seeking new, valid information from any available and reputable source. You keep weaving that new info into the cognitive patterns you have already developed. You discuss issues with curious and open-mined people.

Are the new U.S. AG's rules on Religious litigation making America a theocracy?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

If he were to get his way, Sessions would do exactly that.

Do you think abortions should be illegal?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

No.

How can a country that prints it's own money be in debt and have so many homeless poor people?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Ask conservatives. They really do not give a damn about anyone who is not white, well off, and of the same cultural beliefs as they have.

What are the biggest factors in terms of financial success?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I don'te believe that there is a definitive answer. In some cases, vision, ingenuity and persistence are key. In others it is wise use of information. Those do require intelligence and persistence. In the case of others like Trump, the key factors are inherited wealth and advantage, and the hiring of an army of people to think and do work for you. Trump, himself does not have the wisdom, intelligence, work ethic, judgment, or backbone to anything of value.

Has anyone noticed a tendency within the scientific community to defend a paradigm?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

The scientific community has every right to defend a paradigm until definitive contrary evidence is confirmed.

I just got called a "progtard" on another site.

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Sounds like a south Georgia or north Florida lame attempt to manufacture a feeble attempt at an insult. Those bigots are not bright enough to come up with something better. I know -- I grew up there.

Do you have "Imposter Syndrome?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Accept the accolades. You have earned them.

I like to think I'm not overly presumptuous.

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Could also be that he or she is trying to deal with the seeds of doubt.

Changing Your Mind

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Oh, yes. I grew up in the bible belt of the deep south. While living in Berlin, Germany-- cut off from contact with Americans -- German friends were frequently asking me questions about the racial problems in the American south. Having grown up in the southern culture, I took many things for granted that I should not have. In answering questions, I simply ran out of rationalizations and excuses and admitted to myself that the racist culture of the south was inherently immoral.

Let’s suppose your son had a terminal illness and his death was imminent.

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I would choose not to attend, but certainly not out of disrespect or affection for the son. And, I would not offer any explanation-- as I would really own any explanation to anyone.

I never answer the "what if you're wrong?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

When it comes to refusing to in any religious or political total system ideology, I am not wrong.

If you are a person who was born in faith, did you feel betrayed by your loved ones that fed you ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

No. They thought they were doing the right thing for me. They were simply mistaken.

Does Everything Come at a Price?

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Every decision is an opportunity/cost or benefit/cost matter. There are always costs, no matter how minimal. The question is: Do the benefits outweigh the costs.

Why does it seem that so called Christians and other “peaceful” religions are becoming more ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

This isn't new. "Hell-fire and damnation" Christians have been around for a long, long time.

When I was young, very evangelical, and pretty much the only black person at my school and churches,...

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Glad, for your sake, that you broke away. The fact is that evangelical Christianity -- although it will not admit it -- has deep racist roots that go back over 200 years -- and that those tendencies persist today.

The people on this site are just wonderful.

wordywalt comments on Feb 9, 2018:

It is good. This is the way our entire system of public dialogue should work. Unfortunately, due to demagogues, propagandists, and true believers, it does not.

If someone is dying and a bystander chooses not to help, should they be held responsible?

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

If an intervention could have made a difference between life and death, and if the person knows how to conduct the intervention, yes.

They say, "A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Providing that the little bit of knowledge leads one to seek to understand more.

Seeing Inside the Sun - YouTube

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

He makes the point beautifully that science does not assume that it has the absolute answer, simply knows that the answers it has are simply approximation which give a partial but incomplete or flawed answer. And those approximations are constantly being improved by dialogue, study, and deep thought. That is the exact opposite of he behavior of the religious and/or political true believer in an inherently flawed total system ideology.

I just found out today that someone I used to be very close to died from cancer.

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

No. I do not cut ties easily -- only when I feel that I have been betrayed, taken advantage of, or seriously lied to.

Psychological Difference Between Liberals and Conservatives February 5, 2018 by Ed Brayton

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

This study is absolutely on target. Conservatives are much more tribal in their concern for people. They tend to care only for those who share their cultural beliefs and/or skin color In other words, they are inherently bigots, but simply cannot admit it. They are people who lack the moral courage to see themselves as they are.

Trickle Down Economics

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

No. Our personal income has not increased at all, but expenses have.

I have said this to my kids - When I get older, I am NOT going into a nursing home.

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Like you, I will not EVER be placed in a nursing home. If I am ever faced with that I will chose to end my life. A nursing home is not a life, but simply warehousing while awaiting death without dignity.

Does the doctor in the public hospital have the right to refuse life saving treatment due to ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

No! Patents' rights should always rule.

Trump Says America Is A Nation Of Believers : NPR

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

The fact is that Trump is a moral reprobate who cannot stop lying. He has ZERO core commitment to religion and is simply trying to use religion to increase his power.

Last part to my heart story.

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Try to write with more internally linked sentences and shorter paragraphs. As an old man with vision problems, just seeing a paragraph a whole page long discourages me from trying to wade through it. If you want more people to follow your posts, I encourage you to heed my suggestion.

I Would Love To Know Why Getting A Refund Isn't As Fast As Making A Purchase.

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

The answer is simple. Companies with questionable moral leadership try to discourage people from applying for refunds. It is a part of the culture of greed.

So does anyone care that Britain's Prince Harry is engaged? Does the monarchy matter?

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Not really to both questions.

In the phrase " If you don't believe in something you'll fall for anything" mean anything in ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

The problem with that statement is that if you believe in a total system ideology-- political or religious -- you have already fallen for something bogus.

Who in your opinion was the greatest American President and why.

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Certainly FDR And Lincoln both have to be near the top of the list.

I am a believer in Ancient Aliens.

wordywalt comments on Feb 8, 2018:

Not me.

What is a common saying or slang that you really dislike?

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

My pet peeve is the person who is constantly saying "you know."

"Socialism has a lot better chance of working in the US than elsewhere since we're the one country ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I am not sure about that. We have than enough dysfunctional ideology and ideation to prevent socialism from taking serious root here. And, that is a damned shame!

How can a christian believe in jesus and all the miracles and still understand that Zeus, Thor, and ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

ALL religions are largely mythology.

Have you thought about as to HOW many points are needed as levels are achieved.

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

If points and levels are your motivation, that might become a problem.

Christian author who said atheists ‘exacerbate evil’ was cheating on his wife with two women –...

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

The deliberate hypocrisy of many "Christian" leaders and spokespersons is astounding!

Which emotion is your greatest asset?

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

You overestimate the role of emotions. If we are truly intelligent people, our greatest asset is the ability to derive meaning from experience and learning -- the ability to build and use patterns of meaning which we cab use to interpret and respond effectively to the world we encounter. Emotions can -- but do not need to -- get in the way of that.

Jeff Sessions is installing ‘religious freedom’ czars in every U.

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Sessuions is a dangerous little (in every sense) man.

Before you were born, you had no consequence on the billions of people alive throughout time.

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

As an educator and as a person, I know that my thoughts and actions have influenced more than a few people over the years. Many of them will, in turn influence others that follow them. And so it goes. Those following will not know who you were, but will have been influenced by you. It is not as meaningless as you depict. So, you will need to be damned careful as to how you influence others.

Trump Outcomes

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

If si, it will be by sheer accident. The man lacks the intelligence, the vision, ability or moral backbone to do anything good.

Are any of you other old-timers out there having trouble keeping up with the youngsters (esp.

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I do not attend to age, but to the issue in the post and to the quality of thought expressed.

Have you ever had a conversation with a religious person in which you were able to alter their ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

If that is the case, he already had the seeds of doubt when the conversation occurred.

A bit of a thought experiment.

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Beyond our knowledge or our capability to determine.

Do you think you are well informed?

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Of course, it does.

Research suggests atheism will defeat religion by 2038 — myscienceacademy.org

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Let's hope that prediction is correct.

More Americans who consider themselves white are discovering they are part African through DNA tests...

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Through 23andme I found that I have a trace of black DNA. It is interesting, but not a shock.

Who are your favorite classical artists?

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Composers or artists? My all-time favorite performance was that of Slomo Minsk, playing the violin in his performance of Max Bruch's Violin Concerto Number 1 in G Minor.

One of My Heroes just Died Ive been on Vacation this week.

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

It is sad. But, we have such great memories to replay at will.

Is it in anyway, even if just barely, reasonable to think / believe that this nation's ills are ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

We, the people -- taken as a whole -- have been very negligent. We have allowed large segments of our culture to stagnate and grow in ignorance, misinformation, and racism or ethnocentrism. We have allowed a new set of propaganda media to misinform, inflame, and manipulate. Bu not taking on the right and obligation to get involved in our democracy, we have allowed self-serving ideologues and special interests to take charge. We can -- and MUST -- do better than that. .

Everyday I learn new words, now there's "Gerrymandering" that's a new one to me, how does this ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Both Democratic and Republican politicians and parties have used gerrymandering before to create an unfair political advantage the "stack the deck." But, today, Republican gerrymandering in states now controlled by Republicans at the state level that they are trying to create a stranglehold which will keep them in power for a long, long time. It has poisoned our politics at all levels -- local, state, and national.

Interesting read that gives a clear example of why trying to bring reason and logic to some ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

As a man born in that period and raised in the rural South, I can testify that every word in the article is true. We CANNOT let the ignorant and racist religiosity of both the southern culture and of evangelical Christianity poison our politics and run the future of our democracy. We must hammer this issue at those segments until they finally wake up and fly right.

In the nicest possible way is this just another 'piss up the wall' contest?

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I don't give a damn about the points. I just enjoy good dialogue on topics of my choosing. That is motivation enough.

Trump’s ‘marching orders’ to the Pentagon: Plan a grand military parade - The Washington Post

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

The arrogant and absurdly wasteful egomania of the man is beyond belief.

It looks like the new in thing is the Kindle--representing someone being classy and knowledgeable.

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

My wife has one and really likes it. She says that most of the time, it is quite easy to use.

What are your thoughts about fact oriented professions and fact based policies in the current ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Your last question is a bogus question. Fact-based decision making is divisive only when one group simplu does not want to recognize and abide by facts. Fact-based decision-making leans neither to the left or to the right. It leans toward reality and proper functioning The problem today is that the political right of today relies more on questionable ideology than on facts and reality.

Are you a simple creature?

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

No, I am not a simple creature. Rather, I am a multi-faceted creature with internal contradictions.

I am surrounded by friends and family who still ascribe to christianity.

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

True believers are hopelessly lost without their total commitment to their defining dogma. That possibility is so traumatizing that they cannot deal with it.

What do you consider to be the greatest nation on earth if you had to choose?

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I would say either Canada or Sweden.

See if you can keep a straight face with this one.

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Love it!

Can well educated people be given the label as being an intellectual?

wordywalt comments on Feb 7, 2018:

An intellectual is one who asks deep, probing questions about the nature of things and pursues the answers in a combination of rational thought and in all legitimate information sources, including dialogue. Learning intellectual thought processes is easier in settings like college. It takes an extraordinary person to become an intellectual without organized educational institutions.

Kentucky Passes ‘Don’t Say Darwin’ Bill

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

The uneducated people of Kentucky and the politicians who pander to them do some damned strange things!

Graves and burial plots?

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

I agree. When I die, here will be no grave or burial plot. To have my body buried in a cemetery plot would cost my family close to $10,000. Cremation costs less then $800.

I am surrounded by friends and family who still ascribe to christianity.

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

True believers ARE totally emotionally dependent on their dogma. It defines who they are and aspire to be, in their minds.

This quote by Adam Smith the Scottish political economist (1723-1790) said this; "The disposition to...

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

It is certainly of the greatest reasons for corruption.

Pope Francis accuses Chilean church sexual abuse victims of slander | World news | The Guardian

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

I thought he was a better man than that.

People who think about leaving religion but don't are more likely to feel depressed and hopeless

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

They literally mourn the fact that they did not have the courage to break away.

Do men ever find women with short hair attractive?

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

Depends on both the hairstyle and on the personality of the woman.

Not meaning to whine here (okay, I'll indulge.

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

Rest and do what the doctor wants. I know from past experience that it can take 6 months or more to recover if you let this get worse.

Millions willing to Work for Mueller for Free If That Would Speed Things Up- Borowitz Report

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

Whatever it takes to get the job done!

"We are opposed around the world by a monolith and ruthless conspiracy.

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

The "New World Order" is pure, non-existent crap -- the product of fevered minds searching for villains on whom to blame things. Find something productive to do.

I Helped Sell the False Choice of War Once. It’s Happening Again. - The New York Times

wordywalt comments on Feb 6, 2018:

Powell is right. The Trump cabal is dangerous.

One of the first things I ever read that helped validate some of the doubts I was having about ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 5, 2018:

No. Atheism has existed as long as religion has. There have always been doubters, and we comprise an increasing percentage of the population.

Correct me if I am wrong BUT I grew up believing that “men of God” were supposed to lead by ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Greed, greed, greed.

Why was Britain's universal health care blasted by US minority-elected president?

wordywalt comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Trump blasted it because he thinks doing so will resonate among his uneducated and ill-informed base who have falsely led to believe that any single payer health care system is bad. Also, by nature, Trump supports any profitable business, even if it soaks the consumer.

Does Nunes pose a conflict of interest?

wordywalt comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Nunes's behavior is more than a conflict of interest. It is an unconstitutional and illegal attempt to deter and block a totally legitimate -- and constitutionally critical-- investigation. He should be prosecuted along with Trump.

Any Paul Simon lovers? He's just announced his final tour. He's retiring.

wordywalt comments on Feb 5, 2018:

He will be missed. He is a very creative man, and the Simon and Garfunkel duo was the best musical pair ever!

How proud are you of your state?

wordywalt comments on Feb 5, 2018:

I live in Florida and I am not proud of the state. The politics of the state are backward and somewhat corrupt. It is stupidly pro real estate development and does not show the intelligence to invest in education and infrastructure. It makes little or no effort to diversify its economy, and does not produce near the quantity of good paying jobs needed and the dominant political forces try to hold wages down.

Purpose

wordywalt comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Something that you enjoy doing and that offers the possibility of accomplishing something worthwhile.

I live in West Tennessee and just about every road here has several churches why do we need these ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 4, 2018:

Because they can't even agree on which dogma to follow.