ThinkFast: July 20, 2006
ThinkFast: July 20, 2006
“Today, al-Qaida has not only regrouped, but it is on the march,” Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert at the Rand Corp, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Al-Qaida is now functioning exactly as its founder and leader, Osama bin Laden, envisioned it.”
Sen. John Thune (R-SD) said if he were running for reelection this year, “you obviously don’t embrace the president and his agenda.” “The first thing I’d do is acknowledge that there have been mistakes made,” Thune said.
Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH), who refused to back John Bolton to be U.N. Ambassador when he was first nominated last year, has caved. In an op-ed titled, “Why I’ll Vote for Bolton,” Voinovich said questioning Bolton’s renomination “would jeopardize our influence in the United Nations” and “undermin[e] our policies and agenda.”
Yesterday was the “deadliest day yet in the deepening two-front Middle East crisis.” “Israeli weaponry rained down on Lebanon throughout the day and into the night, killing 63 people by nightfall,” virtually all civilians, while two Israeli Arab brothers, ages 3 and 9, were killed by Hezbollah rockets “as they played outside in Nazareth.”
After promising to make its unconstitutional military commissions comply with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the White House yesterday took a “harder line” and announced it would propose “only minor changes” to the tribunals.
Sen. Mike DeWine (R-OH) “has pulled an image of a burning World Trade Center from a campaign commercial attacking Rep. Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) record on national security because the image was a fake.” The spot was produced by the firm responsible for the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth” ads.
Yesterday the House voted to “bar federal courts from ruling on the constitutional validity” of the Pledge of Allegiance. “We are making an all-out assault on the Constitution of the United States which, thank God, will fail,” said Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
The New England Journal of Medicine reports that many hospital patients who have a limited ability to speak English and who need a translator often don’t get one, which puts them at risk for poor and sometimes life-threatening medical care. One study showed that no interpreter was used in 46 percent of emergency department cases involving such patients.
“A federal Department of Homeland Security agent passed along information about student protests against military recruiters at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz, landing the demonstrations on a database tracking foreign terrorism.”
And finally: No need to be scared of the giant inflatable shark that miraculously swam through the Discovery Channel’s offices in Silver Spring, MD. After just one day of being on display, it seems to have been attacked.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
Yesterday the House voted to “bar federal courts from ruling on the constitutional validity†of the Pledge of Allegiance. “We are making an all-out assault on the Constitution of the United States which, thank God, will fail,†said Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
I think she means to say, the Senate is working within the constraints of the Constitution.
Agree with the move or not, they are definately well within their constitutional power in limiting the appellate jurisdiction of the courts. It’s funny that the same people that chide Congress for being too weak and not exercising it’s inherent powers cries out when they do.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:21 amAnd he coundn’t have done it without your help, George.
Heckuva job.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:23 amRight Chase, it’s so funny to disagree with things Congress does. Just because something is done legally doesn’t mean it’s right.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:29 amActully, the way I understand it, the federal courts and the US Supreme court’s “job” is to rule on the constutionality of a law.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:30 amRe Thinkfast’s “After promising to make its unconstitutional military commissions for suspected terrorists comply …”
That unfortunate phrasing needed a few re-readings to be clear. I first went, “Huh? When did we start making suspected terrorists lieutenants?”
July 20th, 2006 at 9:33 am#3 – I agree. I think restricting the courts’ jurisdiction here is a bit silly.
Nevertheless, doing so is not an “all-out attack on the Constitution” as Sen Pelosi claims. They are exercising their authority and acting affirmatively vis-a-vis another branch – exactly what so many here have demanded they do.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:34 am#4 – It is, but it’s the “perogative” of Congress to grant or restrict their appellate jurisdiction.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:35 am“Al-Qaida is now functioning exactly as its founder and leader, Osama bin Laden, envisioned it.â€
Is this a bigger accomplishment for Heir Bush than the 7.5 pound perch?
July 20th, 2006 at 9:37 aman image of a burning World Trade Center
Someone took hours to make a fake burning Trade Towers. Someone chose to do this. What a sick person to spend time creating such a thing.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:40 amI don’t think her statement is so unreasonable. Sure, technically it’s not unconstitutional. But, one can also argue it’s restrictive, which goes against the spirit or intent of the Constitution. One can argue the vote ignores separation of church and state. It’s the government stating “under God” must remain in the pledge.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:40 amYesterday the House voted to “bar federal courts from ruling on the constitutional validity†of the Pledge of Allegiance.
I guess Chimp set a precedent that if the Executive Branch could usurp authority of the Legislative Branch, that the Legistlative Branch can now go after the Judicial Branch.
So much for checks and balances. More like a King-of-the-Hill style power grab on Capital Hill…
They better hope that the military doesn’t want to get in on that…
July 20th, 2006 at 9:44 amVoinovich is a flip-flopper.
“A federal Department of Homeland Security agent passed along information about student protests against military recruiters at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz, landing the demonstrations on a database tracking foreign terrorism.â€
Sooner than you think we’ll see some guy standing in front of a tank at the Mall in D.C.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:45 amSomeone took hours to make a fake burning Trade Towers. Someone chose to do this. What a sick person to spend time creating such a thing.
Comment by unbelievable — July 20, 2006 @ 9:40 am
Yeah, but since a Republican did it in an effort to smear a Dem, Ann Coulter would be proud.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:46 amWhat a proud day – both of my Ohio Senators make the Thinkfast headlines.
The attacks on Sherrod Brown have already started here in Ohio and man are they FEAR FEAR FEAR FEAR FEAR FEAR – YOU WILL DIE IF YOU VOTE FOR SHERROD BROWN FEAR
July 20th, 2006 at 9:46 amVoinovich also cried in protest of Bolton.
These flakes need to be cast out.
What a joke.
Vote Independent, Vote for Moral Foreign Policy
July 20th, 2006 at 9:47 amIt’s the government stating “under God†must remain in the pledge.
Comment by Wilco — July 20, 2006 @ 9:40 am
Why not, at a teaching conference this week they said blessings and made all other references to god that are wholly unappropriate for elected government officials. Let’s just go ahead and make it manditory that we all go to a Protestant church on Sunday… (sarcasm off)
July 20th, 2006 at 9:48 amYeah, but since a Republican did it in an effort to smear a Dem, Ann Coulter would be proud.
Comment by WC — July 20, 2006 @ 9:46 am
Frankly, I can’t wait for some thirteen year old girls, bored at school, to accuse her of being a witch…
July 20th, 2006 at 9:49 amHow necessary is a bill to ensure the Pledge of Alligence doesn’t get tampered with. Under God was put in long after the original was written (by a man of the cloth I believe). Let’s put the same emphasis on all Pledges then. Like the one the President takes to uphold the constitution.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:50 am“A federal Department of Homeland Security agent passed along information about student protests against military recruiters at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz, landing the demonstrations on a database tracking foreign terrorism.â€
Remind me again: who was it that said we had nothing to be afraid of from warrantless wiretapping and the turning over of tens of millions of our phone records to the NSA??
Remember…
We’re only interested in tracking terrorists.
…and…
Trust me.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:50 amReply to #9 (unbelieveable)
What a sick person to spend time creating such a thing.
Especially since the real thing is so widely available…
I think I see where this is going…Mike DeWine pulls the fake WTC-in-flames footage, thus establishing himself as a fair-play kinda guy…never mind that he’s still exploiting the ‘terrorist’ attacks as a brazen campaign stunt…as long as he stood up and couragously aid ‘NO’ to fake footage, I guess he’s OK.
How much longer do they expect us to keep falling for this shit?
July 20th, 2006 at 9:51 amSen. Mike DeWine (R-OH) “has pulled an image of a burning World Trade Center from a campaign commercial attacking Rep. Sherrod Brown’s record on national security because the image was a fake.†The spot was produced by the firm responsible for the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth†advertisements.
How about the idiots who put together the fake mugshot of DeLay for the DCCC ad? Nice work on the prisoner number too: 91108GOP.
Both sides have sleezy ad guys, go figure.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:53 amReply to #19 (WC):
It’s true, WC, they are only interested in tracking terrorists…of course, they’ve redefined the term ‘terrorist’ sufficiently broadly to include most of the participants here, but that’s another issue…
July 20th, 2006 at 9:54 amThe Nazi’s of bushco are on the MARCH! Goose stepping, of course….
July 20th, 2006 at 9:54 amWill American taxpayers be footing the bill to rebuild Lebanon?
July 20th, 2006 at 9:55 amHow about the idiots who put together the fake mugshot of DeLay for the DCCC ad? Nice work on the prisoner number too: 91108GOP.
Both sides have sleezy ad guys, go figure.
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 9:53 am
Oh yes. A fake mug shot is SO much the equivalent of burning WTC towers.
At least we didn’t invade Brazil when DeLay was indicted.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:56 amBolton can kiss my ass.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:58 amHe’s personally responsible for acting like a damn clown to the rest of the planet.
Bush’s ‘Recess Appointment’ was because Bolton couldn’t get in on his own merit.
No class. No brain. No ethics.
Condi!…get off your dead ass & get over to Lebanon!
‘Appropriate time’…what the hell is that? After the bombing stops? You couldn’t
negotiate your way out of a wet paper bag.
So much for a ‘Statesman’ with a security history.
Boy, do these guys suck.
#10 – I think the other side would argue not permitting kids to say a prayer at their graduation, or before a football game is much more materially “restrictive”.
I guess the idea is no one is required to stand there and recite the Pledge. There were kids in my 4th grade class, deep in the Heart of Texas, who left the room every morning when the Pledge was being recited.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:58 amThe ladies love Bolton’s sexy mustache.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:58 amReply to #21 (Chase):
How about the idiots who put together the fake mugshot of DeLay for the DCCC ad? Nice work on the prisoner number too: 91108GOP.
Even if we accept the tired old Repug talking point of ’someone else did something similar, so it’s OK’, you must admit that there’s a substantial difference between mocking up an image of a single corrupt politician for political gain and mocking up an image to exploit a horrific national tragedy that claimed the lives of over three thousand Americans for political gain.
You do see the difference, right?
July 20th, 2006 at 9:59 amAnd while our congress is fiddeling with these issues there are thousands dieing because of their non attention to the bull shit bush Iraq/Israel war’s. Our representative are wasting time and lives. Where is the outrage, backbone and stand up attention to the big issues.. Why do they waste time and spend hours on flowered speeches about their narrow, local, petty posturing and pissing contests for their next election run..
It’s is way past time to get all these people out that have lost sight of the bigger picture….Peach, enviroment, safety and general welfare of all the people not just the chosen few…….Lebanon is being leveled by our bombs, given to one madman by another. Iraq is loosing in excess of 100 lives a day……Look at how many of our own service people have died 2,553 yesterday…..Katrina distruction still has not been taken care of…..N.O. is not fixed and in excess of 150,000 people from that mess are still displaced.. Intertainers have come to the rescue of our troops and displaced while our representatives play with each other in their political games…….Clean out the left, right and center of all our government offices…Like Jay mentioned in one of his post’s, term limits…..First let’s boot all of them out that have lousy track records and then set the term limits. No more cash cow representatives…….Blessings, Peace, work for life.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:59 am#25 – No, it’s not the same. But it’s in the same direction.
If you’re gonna use images of the WTC in flames (and I wouldn’t recommend that for anyone), then use the actual images. If you wanna use DeLay’s mugshot, use the actual mugshot.
Fabricating things like that is sleezy.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:01 amReply to #27 (Chase):
I think the other side would argue not permitting kids to say a prayer at their graduation, or before a football game is much more materially “restrictiveâ€.
You know, Chase…you can say a prayer to yourself…God will still hear it, I promise.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:02 amHow much longer do they expect us to keep falling for this shit?
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — July 20, 2006 @ 9:51 am
I’m guessing for as long as the majority does…
I was unable to vote Tuesday because I was at a conference out-of-town. But I watched the results of the primaries. Many incumbents were sent a vote of confidence. Including our Republican Govenor who most rednecks have been claiming to detest because he didn’t keep the rebel flag on the state flag… I’m guessing it wasn’t much different anywhere else. I have little hope for change in November as a result.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:03 amAt least we didn’t invade Brazil when DeLay was indicted.
Comment by WC — July 20, 2006 @ 9:56 am
Touche’!
July 20th, 2006 at 10:04 am#32 – Understood. But at a solemn event like a graduation, why not permit a prayer? If you are non-religous, lower your head and count to 10, or keep your head up and think of your shopping list.
If you’re argument is one of restriction, not permitting prayer in situations like that undermines your own argument.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:04 amNothing but lies and BS this morning. Spin is America, land of liars.
Moral decay starts at the top and has reached all the way through the courts, legislature and the press, which is in bed with those that they are to report on. They all reflect the true nature of the American people. To lye, cheat and steal without getting caught are the greatest attributes a person can have that “make it†in this country, and the rest of the population emulate them as demigods. The people don’t even care about honest elections and stand for nothing, while the people of Mexico are showing what it really takes to be a democracy.
Any knowledge of history shows that the US has been a corrupt nation bent on the overthrow of legitimate democracies or countries fighting for it over the last 108 years. The country also sets up dictatorships and disposes of them when it suits them. Now, the government of special interests are eating into the freedoms and liberties of the people which are showing that they clearly don’t care.
This nations is finished as a form of democracy and it’s demagoguery is obvious to everyone around the world now. A quote from Thomas Jefferson “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.†is where this country is today.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:06 amReply to #31 (Chase):
No, it’s not the same. But it’s in the same direction.
‘In the same direction’? Please…it’s about as much ‘in the same direction’ as a Bic lighter is ‘in the same direction’ as a flamethrower.
The issue is one of scale here, not direction, but you seem to be intent on sidestepping that.
Not to mention, all this pointless bickering over ‘fake images’ distracts from the real issue here…the issue that Repugs are again shamelessly exploiting the deaths of 3000 innocent Americans for political gain…3000 Americans that, incidentally, were killed on their watch.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:07 amFew Americans are capable of empathy and most don’t care. The “leadership†certainly doesn’t care. Very few really want any sort or form of peace. People that call themselves Christians in this country are liars. Jesus said, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’,. But I say to you, ‘whoever looks at a woman to lust after her in his heart has already committed adultery with her.’†In addition Jesus says, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not commit murder’, but I say to you, ‘whoever is even angry with a brother or sister is liable to judgement.’â€
July 20th, 2006 at 10:08 amTwo Faced… Republicans this is thee.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=COO20060720&articleId=2767
July 20th, 2006 at 10:09 am#27 Chase
I think the other side would argue not permitting kids to say a prayer at their graduation, or before a football game is much more materially “restrictiveâ€.
Personally I’m not a church going person but to those of you who think these evangelists and bible thumpers and politicians that preach from the mic are doing their religion justice, shouldn’t they actually be following what their religion dictates. Just because they say the words does not mean god is speaking through them. Men play with the fools that will follow them to get what they want.
Matthew 6:5-6: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men….when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret….”
July 20th, 2006 at 10:09 am#32 – And I understand the topic is the Pledge of Allegiance, not prayer at graduation.
I would say leave it up to individual districts who have a better understanding of their school population. I really think it’s feigned outrage when people call the Pledge offensive, or proselytizing, or isolating.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:10 amVote Independent, Vote for Moral Foreign Policy
Comment by Total Information Awareness — July 20, 2006 @ 9:47 am
NEXT TIME … THIS TIME WE NEED
OVERWHELMING DEMOCRATIC TURNOUT
THEY CAN’T STEAL IT IF IT ISN’T CLOSE
July 20th, 2006 at 10:10 amUnderstood. But at a solemn event like a graduation, why not permit a prayer? If you are non-religous, lower your head and count to 10, or keep your head up and think of your shopping list.
By that premise then, why not allow an homage to Satan and you can just lower your head and count to ten?
It’s because it is an ENDORSEMENT for religion – which is constitutionally illegal.
If you’re argument is one of restriction, not permitting prayer in situations like that undermines your own argument.
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 10:04 am
No it doesn’t. You can allow people to have a moment of silence to do with what they want. Or they can do it in between speakers when there is dead air. But to lead the prayer says that it is the standard. And to not go along with the standard is to be isolated and alienated. Something you as a teacher should understand is PUNISHMENT.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:10 amNot to mention, all this pointless bickering over ‘fake images’ distracts from the real issue here…the issue that Repugs are again shamelessly exploiting the deaths of 3000 innocent Americans for political gain…3000 Americans that, incidentally, were killed on their watch.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey
It suspicious how they have profited so much off 911. You would think they would hold 911 in higher reverence…. but I guess when your main concerns are power and bribes that things like 911 are just to be used for personal gain.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:11 amIf you’re argument is one of restriction, not permitting prayer in situations like that undermines your own argument.
It’s one of not recognizing a religion in the first place.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:11 am#39 – I’m not a church going person myself. But I know quite a few who are, and I see how important it is to them to pray. We prayed as a team before every game I played in both high school and college. To some it was very important; to others it was 30 seconds to sit there.
I’m not going to judge them or grade their true adherence to their faith – that’s someone else’s call.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:13 amI really think it’s feigned outrage when people call the Pledge offensive, or proselytizing, or isolating.
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 10:10 am
Well, let me clear that up for you. It’s not false. It’s real. Something you don’t understand because you cannot think outside yourself. We call that egocentric. Something most humans begin to outgrow around the age of 5, when they gain a perspective of others. The far Right just never seems to catch on to that awareness…
July 20th, 2006 at 10:14 amReply to #43 (Gerald Gibson):
It suspicious how they have profited so much off 911.
It’s far more than merely ’suspicious’…when one investigates the true extent of the profiteering, it’s an outright indictment…and that’s only investigating the cui bono aspect.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:15 amVoinovich said questioning Bolton’s renomination “would jeopardize our influence in the United Nations†and “undermin[e] our policies and agenda.â€
Bolton’s renomination DID jeopardize our influence in the United Nations and undermined our policies and agenda…
what a let down this voinovich is… why did they get to him?
July 20th, 2006 at 10:16 am#42 – I’m not a teacher, my apologies if I gave the wrong impression.
I think when I said “my 4th grade class” I was referring back to when I myself was in the 4th grade.
I don’t think there was a single day in my entire K-12 experience that we didn’t say the Pledge. I don’t remember anyone feeling forced or required to do so. We were told we did not have to participate and some did (I specifically recall the 2 children in the 4th grade). No one ever picked on them, singled them out, made fun of them, etc. I think that’s a red herring.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:17 amChase,
During the ‘blessings’ at meals at my conference, I looked around the room. When the majority of people do something and you don’t – you are isolated and seen as a rebel or worse. We are saying that removing the opportunity to isolate people is simply constitutional.
You sure don’t give our Founding Fathers very much credit.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:18 amI’m not going to judge them or grade their true adherence to their faith – that’s someone else’s call.
Comment by Chase
Well I hope you wouldn’t but that’s not the point. But forget it I don’t expect much rational thought or discussion. Just trying to point something out but alas blinded eyes never see.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:20 amU.S., Japan to Deploy Missile Defense Systems
By Anthony Faiola
Washington Post Foreign Service
Thursday, July 20, 2006; 9:44 AM
TOKYO July 20 — Amid heightened concerns over North Korean missiles in the region, the United States and Japan will begin deploying advanced, American-made surface-to-air missile defense systems on Japanese soil next month, officials from both countries announced Thursday.
The Pentagon will start relocation in August of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 system — the ballistic missile interceptors known as PAC-3 — along with 600 specially-trained troops from Fort Bliss, Tex., to a U.S. base in southern Japan.
…
Some experts, however, have questioned the success rate of the PAC-3 system in testing and say it still requires fine tuning.
“payin’ the bills”…
July 20th, 2006 at 10:21 amI don’t remember anyone feeling forced or required to do so. We were told we did not have to participate and some did (I specifically recall the 2 children in the 4th grade). No one ever picked on them, singled them out, made fun of them, etc. I think that’s a red herring.
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 10:17 am
Talk to Zookeeper. Her school threatened to bar her son from his graduation ceremony because he was refusing to say the pledge during homeroom. You may not be aware, but I assure you it occurs. I don’t say it, and believe me, I notice the looks and I feel their disapproval. It’s not a red herring – it’s a red state…
July 20th, 2006 at 10:21 amMatthew 6:5-6: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men….when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret….â€
so what do they do? BUILD MEGA CHURCHES (to rival sports stadiums!!!)
July 20th, 2006 at 10:22 am#47 – You were doing so good today, then you resort back to ad hominems.
What’s offensive to me is the militancy of the athiest lobby. At every opportunity they try and force their views upon everyone within earshot and they do so from such a smug perspective. At the very least, when a Christian goes all out and witnesses to you, their intent is saving your soul (which is nice of them, whether or not you want it.) In my experience, when a Christian missionary approaches you and tries to hand out materials and you say “no thanks” they usually so “god bless” and are on their way. Atheists tend to stick around and keep harping.
This happened here in SA a few months back and it perfectly illustrates my point.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:23 am#24 We should pay to rebuild Lebanon after all your tax dollars are destroying Lebanon thought the aggressive over reaction of the Zionists in Isreal.
Chase- would you graduation prayer include all possible faiths that might be present? Jewish, Islam, Hindu, ect? No likely only Christian, that’s why there is no prayer. As it was pointed out, pray to your own god in silence.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:23 amTHE STRATEGY:
Guys, go try this stuff at NewsMax or something. They’ll kick your a$$ out. You’ll all argue about anything with anyone anytime. It’s very easy to get you off topic and off message.
Comment by Bar — or neil, or jason, or randy, or chase, etc…
brick walls don’t move…
July 20th, 2006 at 10:26 amjust sayin’
Sorry, that is why should not we pay to rebuild Lebanon….
July 20th, 2006 at 10:26 am#54 – I’m sure it happens. I think those school administrators should be punished. It’s not right, nor Constitutional to force someone to participate in a prayer. That is the real intent of the Establishment Clause – the Founders wanted to make sure there was not state enforced religion.
To say that saying the Pledge has the effect of establishing a religion is absurd. You can still be Muslim, Buddhist, atheistic, whatever and nothing will happen to you.
I’m telling you, I’m as non-religious as they come. I think big public displays of religion are corny. At the same time I recognize how imporant religion is to so many (the majority) of this country. I’m permitted to think and do what I want.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:28 am#57 – If the graduation includes Buddhist students, Hindu students, Muslim students and they want to say a quick prayer similar to the Christian prayer, why not? I have no problem at all. Especially at something as solemn and once-in-a-lifetime as a graduation.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:30 amYou were doing so good today, then you resort back to ad hominems.
No, it wasn’t an ad hominem. It was pointing out the reality. If I’d meant to insult you, I’d have called you selfish. Egocentric, in context, is usually not an accusation, but an observation. Sometimes, observations can be negative. Doesn’t make them attacks.
Is that clear, dad?
What’s offensive to me is the militancy of the athiest lobby.
Well, you do have to fight an attack from one militancy with another. We are simply the equal and opposite reaction in response to the miltancy of the religious right… simple Physics.
At every opportunity they try and force their views upon everyone within earshot and they do so from such a smug perspective.
This is what you’ve been told our intention is – or what you assume it is? I used to be a Christian, I know what the Religious Right wants. I’m simply vocal of an equal and opposite amount to keep them from forcing their way (a theocracy) upon us all.
At the very least, when a Christian goes all out and witnesses to you, their intent is saving your soul (which is nice of them, whether or not you want it.)
It’s no different from an Atheist perspective. We’re trying to save you from organized religion and a theocractic society.
I don’t think preaching at me is nice of anyone. I have no soul that needs to be saved. And preaching at me in a condescending and arrogant manner (they are better than me) is wasting my time and annoying.
In my experience, when a Christian missionary approaches you and tries to hand out materials and you say “no thanks†they usually so “god bless†and are on their way. Atheists tend to stick around and keep harping.
My experience is the EXACT opposite.
Plus, I think they shouldn’t approach me. If I wanna know about their religion, trust me, it’s easy to reach them…
This happened here in SA a few months back and it perfectly illustrates my point.
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 10:23 am
Once? Chase, once does not constitute a majority.
Let’s put this in perspective.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:34 amReal good unbelievable;
You posted 10 out of the first 46 postings with your usual atheistic claptrap.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:36 amIt’s people like you that give Ann Coulter all the ammunition she needs.
Just implode already,or…….
Some people find it offensive to be told that because of their religious beliefs they are going to hell.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:36 amit sounds as if there are three neocons in black-face sitting right next to the microphones at the bush/naacp thing this morning….
July 20th, 2006 at 10:37 amVoinovich said questioning Bolton’s renomination “would jeopardize our influence in the United Nations†and “undermin[e] our policies and agenda.â€
Would that be the agenda where the US government emasculates the UN at the same time the head of our government whines that the UN isn’t doing enough to contain threats to world peace? Memo to the Bush administration and the republican congress: You reap what you sow.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:38 amTo say that saying the Pledge has the effect of establishing a religion is absurd. You can still be Muslim, Buddhist, atheistic, whatever and nothing will happen to you.
Did you miss what I said about Zookeeper’s son? That was something all right.
I’m permitted to think and do what I want.
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 10:28 am
Think – sure, but do what you want? Not really. There are laws for a reason.
Look, religious persocution is real. If you tolerate it or ignore it, it will fester. And then what will you do when you are forced to go to a state sponsored church on Sunday? It’s what the religious right wants. Ask them. They want a Christian nation. And if people like us don’t resist them, they will have it.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:40 amFake al Qaeda cells fabricated by the Mossad in Palistine. For more information see:
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/fakealqaeda.html
larouchepub.com – Mossad Exposed in Phony ‘Palestinian Al-Qaeda’ Caper
antiwar.com – By Way of Deception, by Justin Raimondo
khilafah.com – PA uncovers Israelis posing as Al-Qaeda
smh.com.au – Palestinians arrest al-Qaeda ‘poseurs’
Ha’Aretz – Ibrahim, the Shin Bet wants you to join Qaida!
AIPAC and CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America) will be fabricating US news. It is better to read Ha’Aretz than to believe anything on American television or print.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:41 amhi! hope you all read my column today…if your paper doesn’t subscribe to my syndicate, you just have to tell them to do so, kthnx!
anyway, here is the theme…by the looks of it, think progress agrees:
remember, kill the towel-heads and support the chosen people…it just feels good!
kisses,
ann
July 20th, 2006 at 10:42 amSome people find it offensive to be told that because of their religious beliefs they are going to hell.
Comment by Wilco — July 20, 2006 @ 10:36 am
Oh, I’ve heard that one many times. Considering Go to Hell is a derogatory comment, there is no positive way to take it. It’s meant to be a threat. So much so, that the California Unemployment Board ruled against an employer who told me that, after I quit and filed a claim.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:43 amMy brilliance and insight sometimes frighten me.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:46 amunbelievable > did you hear that voters who tried to vote for Rep. Cynthia McKinney on Diebold touch screen machines had their vote switched to Hank Johnson, just like what happened with Kerry votes switching to Bush! I have to give up on trying to do anything, because I told the Democrats before, and after, the 2004 election to make sure the voting systems were made honest, but they did basically nothing, so cheating is going to occur in November again! Honesty in counting the ballots is the most important thing to keep a democracy alive, but once fraud is allowed into elections it leads to dictatorship! Unfortunately Americans are clueless!
July 20th, 2006 at 10:47 amThis is the kind of stuff the reich wingers just love…A good hard look folks and you will see it is part of the war movement…More lives have been lost over relegion than any other cause, second is greed and land grabs…No I don’t have link’s to back up. Look at what’s going on in the world right now…Massive “if you aren’t with us, you are against us” thought process….The jews are leveling Lebanon and over run the christian part. All the diffrent faiths in Iraq are fighting over land tied to diffrent faiths…..Right here we are waging a tiny battle over the ” one nation under God” insert to the pledge that was put into force in 1952 I believe….Before that we had ” One nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”..There was no prayer when I was in school and my age group didn’t interject prayer into schools, rodeos, public gatherings or at the court houses….You want to pray, go to church or say the prayer in silence to your self..A moment of silence covers it best….Stop all this madness….Get over the shoving of one’s beliefs on to others. Let all own their own faith or lack of it as they choose.. Why do many think it is their right to tell another how they believe or make it mandatory to get more people to believe the way they do…All these things go hand in hand with negative thoughts to their neighbor if they think they are of a diffrent relegion or sexual preferance..Bashing some one on these issues is futil and ignorant….What makes it any of our business as a person how another person wants to believe or act. None. Unless some one is harming someone else and the one being harmed needs our help we have no right to judge…….We have no right to interfere….Why can’t we appreciate our neighbors for the simalaraties and embrace the exchange of thought that has brought them to their beliefs instead of condeming them because of a oposit view of our own…I was raised catholic, but have choosen a diffrent path as I grew older…I have met Mormons, Jews, Budests and Sufi priests and all are wonderful people, none hold to my thoughts on relegion or lack of but we share in all other important issues….Appreciate, honor and respect others. Learn from each other, stop the killing and distruction…End of soap box stand for today…….
Bull shit bush addressing NAAPC on CNN…..right now. This should be a good lieing speech.
Please ” Play Nicely” ladies and gentelmen…….Blessings, Peace, now
July 20th, 2006 at 10:48 amIt’s already a good day. No bar/neil to be seen.
That was just plain ugly.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:48 amWell, I sure am glad elections are run well in Ohio!
July 20th, 2006 at 10:48 amFor every wingnut who tells me to shut up, I will post twice as much.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:50 amI don’t think there was a single day in my entire K-12 experience that we didn’t say the Pledge. I don’t remember anyone feeling forced or required to do so. We were told we did not have to participate and some did (I specifically recall the 2 children in the 4th grade). No one ever picked on them, singled them out, made fun of them, etc. I think that’s a red herring.
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 10:17 am
What years were you in school? Just wondering. My 1-12 years (wasn’t required to attend K back then) was 1972-1984 in a very religious Northeast TN. Same here regarding the pledge, but I don’t remember anybody walking out during this time or just standing there remaining silent. In high school after saying the pledge, we had a moment of silence. In the 4 years that I was there, in a school with around 1300 students each year, no one that I know of complained that they couldn’t hold open prayer in class.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:50 amYou posted 10 out of the first 46 postings with your usual atheistic claptrap.
It’s people like you that give Ann Coulter all the ammunition she needs.
Just implode already,or…….
Comment by just go away
Iron Maidens .. a metal trap shaped like a human filled with metal spikes pointing INWARDS towards the body… this was used on people that didnt have the same religion as christians OR they did but was accused as NOT being christian by an angry lover, neighbor, crazy religious kook.
Rack .. a large wooden table where a person is straped in with ropes and a wheel is turned that makes the ropes tighter and tighter until the joints in the wrists, knees, elbows, and shoulders BURST… this was used on people that didnt have the same religion as christians OR they did but was accused as NOT being christian by an angry lover, neighbor, crazy religious kook.
Stake .. a wooden post driven into the ground with piles of wooden stacked around the bottom. A person is tied to this post and the wood at the bottom is set on fire. The person tied to the post slowly cooks to death… this was used on people that didnt have the same religion as christians OR they did but was accused as NOT being christian by an angry lover, neighbor, crazy religious kook.
It all started with a “Christian Nation”.
The Ann Coulters of the world can go to hell and if they EVER try this shit again we will help them get there faster. KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF THE PEOPLES NATION… The People came here to get away from religious crazies like fundamentalist christians and islamists…
Athiests do not have this type of history…. the CHRISTIANS are the ones that have some looking in the mirror to do.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:50 amMy brilliance and insight sometimes frighten me.
Comment by Wilco — July 20, 2006 @ 10:46 am
Yeah, me too :)
July 20th, 2006 at 10:51 amUnfortunately Americans are clueless!
Comment by Jay Randal — July 20, 2006 @ 10:47 am
I hadn’t heard. But it doesn’t surprise me. The neocon take over is happening because these people do not play by the rules. And then they are the first to condemn others who are gay or non-religious or something else that doesn’t hurt anyone else.
I was thrilled about Ralph Reed being defeated, however. It mean that there, at some point, are boundaries of what people will tolerate from elected officials. Sadly, I think they are way, way, way too far away from where they should be.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:56 amLISTEN TO SHARON !
that was beautiful !…
July 20th, 2006 at 10:57 amso what do they do? BUILD MEGA CHURCHES (to rival sports stadiums!!!)
Comment by madashell — July 20, 2006 @ 10:22 am
Well, of course! We have a church in town named “Higher Ground Baptist Church” that built a new building several years ago. The new building dwarfs the originial; it’s at least 5 times larger. Here’s the funny part: any member of the church wanting to get married must do so in the older building. Not sure why, but rumor has it the sanctuary in the new building is so large that it would be an embarassment having a relatively small number of people in such a large room.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:59 amAthiests do not have this type of history…. the CHRISTIANS are the ones that have some looking in the mirror to do.
Comment by Gerald Gibson — July 20, 2006 @ 10:50 am
That was amazing… Mind if I borrow it?
July 20th, 2006 at 11:00 am#77 – 89-01. In Texas.
I remember that was one of the first things on the first day of each school year: “you don’t have to say the Pledge. If you want wait in the hall, and come in after. Or stand there. Just don’t be disruptive.” They even sent home, in the “first-week packet” a sheet explaining the policy, that if accomdiation need be made, the would, etc etc. Maybe they were more out in front than elsewhere and I never realized it.
I have no problem with the Pledge. In fact, reading the words and taking them for what they are saying, it sorta brings a swell of pride to the chest. To me, the “under God” evokes the image of the “City on the Hill”, something we (supposedly) aspire to. I think even non-religious types can say the Pledge, and just fall silent for the ‘under God’ if it’s so offensive.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:01 amIs there any truth from the people that are supposed to look after the interests of the American people. I don’t think so.
Fake al Qaeda
http://www.fbi.gov/terrorinfo/gadahn.htm
Mossad Exposed in Phony `Palestinian Al-Qaeda’ Caper
http://www.larouchepub.com/other/2002/2949idf_qaeda.html
BY WAY OF DECEPTION – Israel pulls a fast one – and gets caught
http://www.antiwar.com/justin/j120902.html
Palestinians arrest al-Qaeda ‘poseurs’
http://www.propagandamatrix.com/palestinians_arrest_al_qaeda_poseurs.htm
Is ‘Al Qaeda’ the Modern Incarnation of ‘Emmanuel Goldstein’?
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/goldstein.html
Disinformation: CIA Posing as Al-Qaeda?
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4513.htm
Captured al-Qa’eda man was FBI spy
July 20th, 2006 at 11:03 amhttp://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article3884.htm
Athiests do not have this type of history…. the CHRISTIANS are the ones that have some looking in the mirror to do.
Comment by Gerald Gibson — July 20, 2006 @ 10:50 am
That was amazing… Mind if I borrow it?
Comment by unbelievable
Hell it is a glaring truth. If it needs repeating then this country has NO clue what American and Western history in general has been all about.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:05 am#72 – Jay – Do you have any news source for the McKinney-Diebold story? I’ve done some hunting but everything looks like rumors and such on blogs.
I’m very interested to read more.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:05 amI bet it would’ve been cool to substitute one’s own god for “God” in the pledge. Like, Allah, Odin, or Flying Spaghetti Monster.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:06 am…I think…
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 11:01 am
ok…
so, what else is new?
July 20th, 2006 at 11:06 am#84
think even non-religious types can say the Pledge, and just fall silent for the ‘under God’ if it’s so offensive.
Comment by Chase
Kind of like your own signing statement, huh? How nice of you to think of others. Expecting them to keep quiet and not speak. Must be a conservative trait to expect that of others. You never have said why it is so important that that phrase has to be inserted in the pledge in the first place. Why does it have to be there when it wasn’t there when it was written? Isn’t that rewriting history?
July 20th, 2006 at 11:07 amchase – i didn’t mean that the way you will probably take it…
July 20th, 2006 at 11:07 amall i meant was… ok – what you think, now let’s change the subject…
Or would a teacher find that disruptive? “One nation, under the Flying Spaghetti Monster, indivisible…”
July 20th, 2006 at 11:08 amI have no problem with the Pledge. In fact, reading the words and taking them for what they are saying, it sorta brings a swell of pride to the chest. To me, the “under God†evokes the image of the “City on the Hillâ€, something we (supposedly) aspire to. I think even non-religious types can say the Pledge, and just fall silent for the ‘under God’ if it’s so offensive.
Comment by Chase
Ya and if the Jews dont want to attend those huge gatherings in stadiums with the flag waving good white christian nazis chanting “Death to Jude!” they can just stay home and listen to a radio show… nothing bad happens to you just sitting in your house listening to radio show while the crazies are cooking themselves up into a frenzy.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:08 am-Chase: “sorta brings a swell of pride to the chest”, I just got douche chills. Another Texass freak.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:11 amI think even non-religious types can say the Pledge, and just fall silent for the ‘under God’ if it’s so offensive.
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 11:01 am
Sans the ‘under God’ part, I still wouldn’t say it.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag…” I’m not pledging allegiance to anything, as the future is unknown, and I don’t want to go back on my word should I ever decide to leave this country if it becomes a theocracy – but I’m certainly not swearing to inanimate objects.
I didn’t say it last year, and I won’t say it this year. Nor will I require any of my students. Oddly, in high school, my experience has been that those who say it are actually in the minority. And I live in a red state.
Chase, I never recall being told we didn’t have to say it. And I certainly as a tecaher have not been told that I should tell this to the students. Might be different at my new district, but I won’t know until I finish new teacher training. I’ll let you know.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:12 amYa and if the Jews dont want to attend those huge gatherings in stadiums with the flag waving good white christian nazis chanting “Death to Jude!†they can just stay home and listen to a radio show… nothing bad happens to you just sitting in your house listening to radio show while the crazies are cooking themselves up into a frenzy.
You ok today, Gerald? Standing at your desk, before 3rd grade math is whipping the kids into a “Jew-killing” frenzy?
July 20th, 2006 at 11:12 amChase > McKinney on her own site has links to articles about it! Has not gotten mainline coverage in the press yet! Diebold machines are very easy to program to switch votes, or to tally the votes fraudulently! I would like to see all voting equipment with a verifiable paper trail! Touch screen machines should be used for target practice at shooting ranges!
July 20th, 2006 at 11:13 amChase, if the ideal for the U.S., as you believe is put forth in our Pledge of Allegiance, is “one nation under god” then how is that not governmental endorsement of a religion?
July 20th, 2006 at 11:14 amHell it is a glaring truth. If it needs repeating then this country has NO clue what American and Western history in general has been all about.
Comment by Gerald Gibson — July 20, 2006 @ 11:05 am
I just liked the way you put it in context with all those medieval torture devices…
Sadly, I think it does bear repeating. People seem to be forgetting our past.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:14 amYou ok today, Gerald? Standing at your desk, before 3rd grade math is whipping the kids into a “Jew-killing†frenzy?
Comment by Chase
You try picking ONE thing out of the MASSES of fronts that the religious right is attacking Americanism and try saying that is all there is to it. ALL of these attacks MUST be rolled back. They all add up to kids growing up thinking a THEOCRACY is normal … just like the Hitler Youth thought it was normal to talk about killing jews.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:14 amChase – The election results…
http://www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/election_results/2006_0718/02002.htm
July 20th, 2006 at 11:17 am#95 – Well I love my country. I love my state. I’m just that kinda guy I guess.
I really don’t know the policies. I know at both districts I attended during my K-12 they were very accomodating.
#94 – “I just got douche chills. Another Texass freak.”
I think it’s cute how you run your lip and don’t have the balls to even put your name to it. No shocker you have don’t have much pride – the lily-livered usually dont.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:18 amGive a great big smile to everyone you see today….Strangers for the most part think you are nut’s and it scares them. People you know will think you have a secret or know something they don’t and it will make them crazy as well…..Especialy if you are sad or depressed because of life events,,smile ( they )will think you are up to something….(’u')..Blessings..P.S. do something nice for someone, even small act’s of kindness are remembered for a lifetime….
July 20th, 2006 at 11:21 am#97 – Yeah, I’m not seeing articles about it on her site. Mind linking one?
July 20th, 2006 at 11:21 amI’m a bill collector, Sharon. I am contractually obligated to never be nice.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:22 amOr would a teacher find that disruptive? “One nation, under the Flying Spaghetti Monster, indivisible…â€
Comment by Wilco — July 20, 2006 @ 11:08 am
Only if you consider the Jesus Freaks running home in tears to tell their parents who then barrage you and your school with angry phone calls demanding your immediate resignation and disembowlment…
I had an incident last year with a student who was upset that ‘god’ was not the correct answer to the question ‘How was the solar system formed?”, therefore giving her a B on a test. She went and told her parents some lies about me, and pretty much educated me on why there is a significant Science teacher shortage in this state. It’s also why I decided to leave the school district. The principal did not handle the incident well, and I chose to move on.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:26 amThe Establishment clause intended to prevent a “Church of England” scenario here. It wasn’t meant to infringe on the Free Exercise (::gasp::, that’s also protected!).
July 20th, 2006 at 11:29 amWow. So science is wrong when religious answers can be used? What’s the point of science class? Q: What type of cloud is this? A: A God cloud. CORRECT!
July 20th, 2006 at 11:30 amSo as long as the President isn’t the head of the national church, then everything is fine?
July 20th, 2006 at 11:32 amComment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 9:21 am
Chase, once again you show yourself to not be a Constitutional Law scholar.
The issue here is: can Congress pass an unconstitutional law and then pass another law to strip jurisdiction from the federal courts regarding the first law? This issue has never been directly addressed, but odds are the Supreme Court would end up striking both laws as an unconstitutional infringement on people’s rights under the Constitution.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:38 amJust a bit of history and geography:
In our country, we only had a Pledge to the Nation… under the dictatorship of the fascist dictator Franco… Maybe is time to move ahead, America.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:38 amWhat causes rain? A: God watches Ole Yeller
July 20th, 2006 at 11:38 amSuppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.”
— Mark Twain
July 20th, 2006 at 11:38 amWhich is why I believe the Democrats should do a MASSIVE absentee vote push this time! Especially in the poor precincts where they were made to stand in line for hours, and in any precinct where electronic voting machines are to be used.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:43 amWell Wilco, even you can change that….Your job is a choice, if you like it stay with it if not change it……
Unbelievable, Kate, Gerold and all, rather I believe the way you do on relegion or lack of is not an issue for me. Let me tell you one and all I appreciate your views, links and thoughts on matters…..It is not my need to change anyone but to learn….In the learning process I meet and read many good and bad thoughts from many people…Sometimes I lash out at others but for the most part I listen and then offer my views. Neither do I care if others agree with me..I have enough like minded friends for my own support…..Once again you are appreciated for your contrubutions….Blessings…Peace
July 20th, 2006 at 11:46 am#110 – This is a very interesting case of jurisdiction stripping.
I tend to think Congress can strip anything they want from the courts’ appellate jurisdiction. As Article III, Sec 2 states:
where the “cases before mentioned” include, inter alia laws “arising from the Constitution.”
I think the only classes of cases Congress can’t take from the courts are those specifically given to the court as original jurisdiction, that is
(also from Article III, Sec 2)
July 20th, 2006 at 11:51 amReligion is the single most destructive force ever to corrupt humanity; …
July 20th, 2006 at 11:53 amClearly they missed the “Mission Accomplished” sign.
Meanwhile, the CIA unit designated to tracking down Osama bin Laden was disbanded.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:54 amChase > check buzzflash.com site > they have a few articles linked on the McKinney voting abnormalities! atlantaprogressivenews.com has an article: “Machine Vote-flipping Claimed in McKinney Primary > July 18, 2001.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:57 am2006 > lol my error
July 20th, 2006 at 11:58 amWhat causes rain? A: God watches Ole Yeller
Comment by Wilco — July 20, 2006 @ 11:38 am
oh man, imagine if he was reading “Where the Red Fern Grows”…
Religion is the single most destructive force ever to corrupt humanity; …
Comment by madashell — July 20, 2006 @ 11:53 am
but also the most uniting…
July 20th, 2006 at 11:58 amit would be hard to put GREED in 2nd place…
Reply to #118 (Briseadh na Faire):
Meanwhile, the CIA unit designated to tracking down Osama bin Laden was disbanded.
That’s OK…Osama’s been dead since 2001 anyway (although, for a corpse, he does tend to make a lot of appearances via audio and video tape…)
July 20th, 2006 at 11:58 amThe Establishment clause intended to prevent a “Church of England†scenario here. It wasn’t meant to infringe on the Free Exercise (::gasp::, that’s also protected!).
Comment by Chase — July 20, 2006 @ 11:29 am
You just typed it and yet you are missing it… We too are hoping to prevent a Church of England scenario by making sure the theocrats are kept in check. Power can be gained incrementally… And if you condone or allow someone to keep taking inches, eventually, they will have gone a mile…
But thanks for telling me what the Founding Fathers had intended. Must make you really rich to be able to read the minds of dead people…
July 20th, 2006 at 12:00 pm#120 – I was gonna say – to hell with Diebold and vote switching, if it’s 2001, they turned a black-box into a time machine!
Thanks for hunting it down, I’ll check it out.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:00 pm#118 BnF Yep! your correct and may I add. The country that once was known as the strongest, most just and benolevent in the world (USA) has become a mere rabid banana republic run by a madman who does not protect the constitution but works to distroy it….Sad, terrible times…..Work for change all….Demand Peace in the world…..Blessings
July 20th, 2006 at 12:04 pmWow. So science is wrong when religious answers can be used? What’s the point of science class? Q: What type of cloud is this? A: A God cloud. CORRECT!
Comment by Wilco — July 20, 2006 @ 11:30 am
I marked her answer wrong and refused to change it. Her grade stood. (She still made an A in the class, which is what I think this was really about – using religion to intimidate).
No matter what Chase says, it is difficult to be an Atheist in a red state. Because I can’t say “Well, I believe in God, but this is what the textbook and teh curriculum require me to teach.” It is what I believe. Though, I did have a couple of student who answered the question and then wrote “But I believe it was made by God.” They got full credit for knowing the Science answer.
I’ve also learned to make that question multiple choice… Though, I’m teaching Architecture this year and not Science.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:06 pmChase, I am familiar with Article III. I am also familiar with the constructs of Constitutional Law interpretation, which you, clearly, are not.
Congress cannot use a constitutionally valid process (passing laws) to achieve an unconstitutional result (deprivation of rights under the constitution). Otherwise, for example, Congress could pass a law making it legal to use self-incriminating statements exacted under torture against alleged terrorists, then pass another law stripping federal court jurisdiction from any question arising under the first law. The process would be valid. The result would be a statutory elimination of the 5th Amendment prohibition of the federal government compelling a person to be a witness against himself.
The Supreme Court would likely strike down both laws as unconstitutional, even though on their face both laws were authorized under the constitution.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:09 pmThe only architects I know of are IM Pei, Frank LLoyd Wright, and Mike Brady.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:09 pmSharon – “mere rabid banana republic”
Do you know what a banana republic really is?
It’s “[a] small country that is economically dependent on a single export commodity, uch as bananas, and is typically governed by a dictator or the armed forces.”
The US may be many things – a 1-crop country we aint.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:09 pmThanks for your support Sharon. I have friends of other religions who understand my anti-organized religion stance, and don’t judge me for being an Atheist. It’s too bad that they are the exceptions to their faiths and not the rule.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:10 pmThe House and Senate today are going to pass a resolution proclaimed 100% support for Israel in declaring war on the civilians of Lebanon, and the Congress claims thay are not owned by Israel?
July 20th, 2006 at 12:11 pm129 – ah but we put billions into our number 1 export – Democracy!!!
July 20th, 2006 at 12:11 pmThe only architects I know of are IM Pei, Frank LLoyd Wright, and Mike Brady.
Comment by Wilco — July 20, 2006 @ 12:09 pm
My entire second semester will be taught on the principals of Mike Brady… (that was a running joke among my circle of friends in college actually).
I’m actually planning to ask them the first day if they can name five architects other than FLW…
July 20th, 2006 at 12:12 pmOsama’s dead.? are you sure, do you have a link.? Please post so I can dispell the rumor I herd he was vacationing on an old pig farm in Crawfor, Texas……LOL….Blessings
July 20th, 2006 at 12:12 pm122,
Osama bin Laden = Goldstein.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:12 pmThe US may be many things – a 1-crop country we aint.
Comment by Chase — July20, 2006 @ 12:09 pm
bananas = bombs
July 20th, 2006 at 12:13 pmI’m not much a fan of Brady’s work, but I did like the changes to the White House he proposed as president.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:15 pmThat’s what makes this a particularly interesting situation.
If jurisdiction were stripped, do you think the Court would override the will of the elected branch? Would the case be justicable in the first place (after all, the Constitution itself leaves appellate jurisdiction to Congress – the quintessental political question, no?)
July 20th, 2006 at 12:16 pmReply to #124 (Sharon Cox):
Osama’s dead.? are you sure, do you have a link.?
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/osama_dead.html
July 20th, 2006 at 12:17 pmI’m not much a fan of Brady’s work, but I did like the changes to the White House he proposed as president.
Comment by Wilco — July 20, 2006 @ 12:15 pm
Did those changes involve a Democrat or Independent for President? Then I would like them too :)
Other than The Brady house, what did he design? You know, though, I think I’m gonna mess with them a bit and tell them that he is my favorite architect… If I can keep a straight face it might buy me some respect :)
July 20th, 2006 at 12:22 pmOh the Hypocrisy! GOP Ad Shows Opponent Next To Burning Twin Towers Just Days after GOP Criticizes Dems for Showing Iraq Coffins
Submitted by BuzzFlash on Wed, 07/19/2006 – 7:40pm. Analysis
A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS
An attack ad by Sen. Mike DeWine (R-OH) shows his campaign opponent, Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), above a darkened clip of the World Trade Center burning on September 11 in an attempt to show that Brown is “weakening America’s security.” The commercial isn’t just in poor taste, it’s also hypocritical in response to Republican criticism just last week about a Democratic ad showing flag-draped coffins from Iraq. Other images highlighting Bush’s failures over the past few years were also shown, such as gas prices, New Orleans, pollution, and job losses. GOP outcries included comments like “outrageous,” “distasteful,” “inappropriate,” “this crosses the line,” and “it makes my stomach turn.”
July 20th, 2006 at 12:24 pmApparently for Republicans, showing the negative effects of GOP rule is not acceptable, but showing thousands of innocent Americans dying is hunky-dory.
That Osama link reminded me of these people:
http://www.alaska.net/~clund/e_djublonskopf/Flatearthsociety.htm
July 20th, 2006 at 12:25 pmIn one of the Brady movies, Mike is elected President. Carole is his Veep. He redesigns the White House to look more like the family’s home.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:26 pmReply to #142 (unbelieveable):
How so?
July 20th, 2006 at 12:28 pmBush – Stoned? Drunk? Medicated? Retarded? Presidential Tester for the Pharmaceutical Industry? You Decide……..
July 20th, 2006 at 12:29 pm142. I linked to it..if its real, well…Otherwise, very good satire.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:30 pmI really think it’s feigned outrage when people call the Pledge offensive, or proselytizing, or isolating.
Comment by Chase
July 20th, 2006 at 12:33 pm—————
Of course.You KNOW the hearts and minds of all.
#147 – I’m not offended if I hear a Jewish prayer, a Muslim prayer, or whatever – I don’t see how saying “under God” is offensive.
Besides – what God? Hasn’t “G-d” been sufficiently sanitized lately that it could mean anything/one (even the “Purple Spaghetti Throwing Monster” or whatever)?
July 20th, 2006 at 12:40 pmlittle bits of hope….
Tom DeLay’s Corrupt Fundraising Arm Gets Hit with One of the Largest Fines in FEC History 7/21
July 20th, 2006 at 12:45 pmUm, it’s the Flying Spaghetti Monster, thank you very much. His noodly goodness is not just any GOD.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:48 pm#149 – There isn’t one founder of our country who would have agreed with a mandatory peace-time loyalty oath.
No one’s making the Pledge mandatory. in my comments above, I’ve been in full support of giving kids – and their parents – the option if they want to say it, not say it, leave the room.
It’s plainly not mandatory. But to bolster your position, you need to cast it as mandatory, huh?
July 20th, 2006 at 12:50 pm#151 – Yeah, but when you say “under God”, can’t you imagine him and not the Christian God, or Vishnu or whoever else? Couldn’t it mean whatever you want it to mean?
July 20th, 2006 at 12:53 pmWilco – you should always post the link!
Chase – check it out! good reading… good fun too…
http://www.venganza.org/
July 20th, 2006 at 12:54 pmChase, is that the intent? Everyone knows what god is being referred to. It’s not “under SOME god”, or “under ANY god.”
July 20th, 2006 at 12:59 pmTo get the effect you think it maybe has, shouldn’t it be “under many gods”?
And that still excludes those who don’t believe in a god. Since it is the NATION’s pledge (not little kids’ pledge), it is the nation’s mission statement. It is a statement of what the nation, as dictated by the GOVERNMENT, believes. Remember, it’s the government who inserted “under god” into the pledge. It is establishing religion (just at best a generic one).
#129& Unbelievable. I take that back, a little. We aren’t a one banana republic we are an orange, apple and bomb republic. Yes I know what a banana republic is Chase…Do you know what our trade defecit is.? I myself would have to look it up but know it is stagering and allowed to be so by our own so called representatives. Do you know what our foreign owned national debt is.? Close to 11 trillion….Do you know how much of the good old USA is now owned and controled by foreign interests. ?DUBI ports included. Since all things are relative I am saying our country has been sold off or outsourced to the rest of the world. We no longer have control of our money or our country…..Here comes the euro (sp?). Yep I know a little about a lot…
#131 Jay that is terrible……The shere madness of all this is stagering…..Email all you representatives as I will do and demand peace, now….
Trip Master #139, thanks for the link and #142 Unbelievable thank you as well..LOL..will read them at length later…..I still think Osama is in Crawford…
BnF, that Goldstein remark was priceless…….Blessings all, Peace, demand it…
July 20th, 2006 at 1:08 pmHow so?
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — July 20, 2006 @ 12:28 pm
I’m assuming it was satire… I just thought it was so well done that it sounded as real as something like the Flat Earth Society (those people are serious, though).
July 20th, 2006 at 1:27 pmSome comic relief…
PET RULES
To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door – nose height.
Dear Dogs and Cats,
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The
other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw
print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it
becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the
slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t
help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry
about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure
your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they
sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out
to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight
out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is
nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If
by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it
is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your
paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the
same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years –canine
or feline attendance is not required.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat’s
butt. I cannot stress this enough!
To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on
our front door:
To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You don’t.
2. If you don’t want their hair on your clothes, stay off the
furniture.
(That’s why they call it “fur”niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it’s an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter
who is
short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn’t speak clearly.
Remember: Dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
1. Eat less
July 20th, 2006 at 1:32 pm2. Don’t ask for money all the time
3 Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don’t hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don’t smoke or drink
8. Don’t have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don’t want to wear your clothes
10. Don’t need a gazillion dollars for college, and…
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.
Well, my dog always hung out with his drug abusing friends.
July 20th, 2006 at 2:03 pmAnd they were cutters, too!
Reply to #160 (unbelievable):
It is not satire. Take a good hard look at the ‘Osama’ featured in the ‘9/11 confession video’ (you remember…the one our boys ‘found’ in Jalalabad…) (link here), and compare him to known authentic images of Osama bin Laden.
Now do the same thing with the 2004 video (link here).
Osama hasn’t made a verifiable audio or video recording since 2001.
July 20th, 2006 at 2:10 pmUnbelievable, cute, had seen that one before and worth the reread……I have some pretty funny signs and bumper stickers myself….On my door is a bumper sticker that says ” yes I am a witch, deal with it”, on My truck among others is ” Mandatory labotamies for Republicans, it is the law”…On my fridge my favorite Maxine post is….Getting older is like visiting an all you can eat buffet. What should be hot is cold, what should be firm is limp and the buns are bigger than anything else on the menu……..Smile all, confuse and frighten the masses……..Light candles, say a prayer (if that’s what you do).smudge your neighbor hood with sage and sweet grass for those inclined to do so, fast, what ever and call all your representatives and demand Peace……..Blessings
July 20th, 2006 at 2:54 pmSharon,
While I was out getting migraine meds (damn, the sun is bright today), I saw a bumper sticker that read, “Hug a Logger, You’ll Never go Back to Trees.”
Gag me. Sharon, I’m sure you’ve been within sniffing distance of a logger…’nuf said.
July 20th, 2006 at 4:20 pm154 – are we forgetting the Great Pumpkin?
July 20th, 2006 at 5:37 pmUmmm, did you go off-topic for a second and start to describe a particular person in the Bush Administration?
;-)
July 20th, 2006 at 5:41 pm[...] Think Progress [...]
July 20th, 2006 at 5:56 pmI really think it’s feigned outrage when people call the Pledge offensive, or proselytizing, or isolating.
Comment by Chase
—————
Of course.You KNOW the hearts and minds of all.
Comment by Steve53 — July 20, 2006 @ 12:33 pm
#147 – I’m not offended if I hear a Jewish prayer, a Muslim prayer, or whatever – I don’t see how saying “under God†is offensive.
Besides – what God? Hasn’t “G-d†been sufficiently sanitized lately that it could mean anything/one (even the “Purple Spaghetti Throwing Monster†or whatever)?
Comment by Chase
—————-
So,if you’re not offended by a thing,then no one else can possibly be offended by the same thing?
So young.So self-absorbed.
July 20th, 2006 at 7:07 pmApparently for Republicans, showing the negative effects of GOP rule is not acceptable, but showing thousands of innocent Americans dying is hunky-dory.
Comment by madashell — July 20, 2006 @ 12:24 pm
I have literally been fighting for years now against believing that our own government could possibly be complicit, let alone actively involved, in 911. Despite the fact that my hackles went up the first time I saw GW on the campaign trail, and saw then the formation of the group around him. When I was 5 years old, I saw Richard Nixon on the tv (he was Vice President at the time). I told my mom that there was a really scary man on the tv; he was like the wolf in the story of Red Riding Hood. (Analyze THAT story for what I mean.) I realize now that I recognized Evil as a child and that ability to recognize Evil hadn’t been lost over the years.
I look at what has been gained by this administration by what they, themselves, call the “New Pearl Harbor.” I don’t believe many or even a few of those far-right Republicans in the Congress would have knowledge of or would have approved of such a travesty, But I fear that the truth is that the destruction of the Towers and the deaths of almost 3,000 is also an affect of the GOP rule.
July 20th, 2006 at 7:58 pm# 163…then this type of story puts us even further down the rabbit hole.
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2006/070306.html
By the way, Unbelievable…thanks for the Pet Rules. Laughter is healing, and we need, so much, such a belly laugh right now!
July 20th, 2006 at 9:00 pmGlad you all enjoyed the funny. I figured we were all over due for a bit of real humor. :)
Well, I start new teacher training tomorrow, and then pre-planning next week, and then school starts August 1st. So I’m gonna be busy the next few weeks… but hopefully not too busy to hang out a bit and point out the obvious to the trolls :). Enjoy your evening.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:05 pmZooey, I was at a street fair last year and one of those guys in dirty suspenders, big beard, chewing tobacco stuffed in his cheeks and holding a huge paper cup full of beer asked me to dance. Yikes!…The visual memory and smell test is still there….I said no thank you and kept moving up wind of him, bless his heart…. Nite all…..Blessings and Peace for all..
July 21st, 2006 at 12:04 amTREATISE
July 21st, 2006 at 12:42 am174, I thought I recognized the words of Sun Tzu.
July 21st, 2006 at 1:53 amWhy is it that ‘christians’ think that whatever they want, they should get, and if anyone objects, it is because they are ‘haters’, and should be ignored, because they are motivated by ‘evil’, in whatever form is handy at the moment. Yet at the same time they also want to be the ONLY ones who are allowed to decide for everyone else as well. The ‘Ten Commandments’ displayed anywhere at all, ‘under God’ in the Pledge, and so on. That is fine by them! But stem cell research, or gay marriage? OH HELL NO! Because it goes against their ‘beliefs’, and therefore, is wrong. They even make up things to be offended by. They are professional ‘victims’. So how about a ‘deal’? ‘Christians’ get School Prayer, we get a Constitutional amendment, allowing for abortion, with no strings attached. How does that sound?
July 21st, 2006 at 2:46 am