2004-12-27
What Jane Smiley said.
Why Americans Hate Democrats - A Dialogue - The unteachable ignorance of the red states. By Jane Smiley: "The reason the Democrats have lost five of the last seven presidential elections is simple: A generation ago, the big capitalists, who have no morals, as we know, decided to make use of the religious right in their class war against the middle class and against the regulations that were protecting those whom they considered to be their rightful prey - workers and consumers. The architects of this strategy knew perfectly well that they were exploiting, among other unsavory qualities, a long American habit of virulent racism, but they did it anyway, and we see the outcome now - Cheney is the capitalist arm and Bush is the religious arm. They know no boundaries or rules. They are predatory and resentful, amoral, avaricious, and arrogant. Lots of Americans like and admire them because lots of Americans, even those who don't share those same qualities, don't know which end is up. Can the Democrats appeal to such voters? Do they want to? The Republicans have sold their souls for power. Must everyone?"
2004-12-20
Conservatives Hate America
A man's right to abortion
Rising Hegemon: Bobo's World -- the Dark Underbelly: "For some men, she (Pat Brown, a criminal profiler based in Minneapolis) said, the situation boils down to one set of unadorned facts: 'If the woman doesn't want the baby, she can get an abortion. If the guy doesn't want it, he can't do a damn thing about it. He is stuck with a child for the rest of his life, he is stuck with child support for the rest of his life, and he's stuck with that woman for the rest of his life."
This entry deals with the horror of pregnant women being murdered, usually by the unwilling fathers-to-be. I don't mean to diminsh this, but I think the above quote hits it right on the head; if men had the same right to avoid unwanted parenthood as women do, these violent murdeous acts probably would happen a lot less.
This entry deals with the horror of pregnant women being murdered, usually by the unwilling fathers-to-be. I don't mean to diminsh this, but I think the above quote hits it right on the head; if men had the same right to avoid unwanted parenthood as women do, these violent murdeous acts probably would happen a lot less.
2004-12-14
Who is Behind the Attack on the United Church of Christ?
The Institute for Religion and Democracy. Fear it. Its sole purpose is to destroy progressive religious movements.
Fred Clarkson explains (via Who is Behind the Attack on the United Church of Christ? by MAX BLUMENTHAL)
Fred Clarkson explains (via Who is Behind the Attack on the United Church of Christ? by MAX BLUMENTHAL)
2004-12-13
Atheist discovers 'the science of God'
The whole Anthony-Flew-now-believes-in-god thing has been pretty overblown, and Rhoderick pretty much feels the same way I do.
If you consider yourself an atheist or an agnostic then I hope your reasoning for your disbelief isn't intellectual masturbation, egoism, or any other ridiculous nonsense. The ultimate goal of all nontheists should be to seek the truth, despite what it may be.
For many years I've believed the answer is similar to what Professor Antony Flew is proposing: there may in fact be some form of higher intelligence. I'm not arrogant or confident enough to propose that such a thing is impossible. Neither should you be. My ideas are the result of years of thought and, most especially, personal study in physics. The most interesting topic in physics that relates to theism is "time." I suggest you look into it (I suggest this book, and this book).
(Some of my "strong-atheist" readers are probably pissing pumice and exhaling sulfur right now. That's fine with me. There can never be enough pumice and sulfur.)
I am confident however that the Judeo-Christian God does not exist. I'm also confident that the Bible is a creation of mankind. The evidence is voluminous and quite convincing. (Emphasis added.)
But why should atheists be "alarmed" at the idea that higher intelligence may exist? No atheist should be alarmed, only intrigued. And if an atheist is alarmed by such a proposal then I suggest that he is not an atheist but a fool. Closed-mindedness is welcome in the world's various organized religions, and they're always recruiting.
To this I would add that (1) there is still no evidence for this intelligence; (2) even if this intelligence exists, it isn't necessarily a "supernatural" intelligence, and (3) there's no reason we have to worship this intelligence or do what it says. Also, dare I say it, Flew's judgement might be wrong.
Turnspit Daily: December 05, 2004 - December 11, 2004 Archives
If you consider yourself an atheist or an agnostic then I hope your reasoning for your disbelief isn't intellectual masturbation, egoism, or any other ridiculous nonsense. The ultimate goal of all nontheists should be to seek the truth, despite what it may be.
For many years I've believed the answer is similar to what Professor Antony Flew is proposing: there may in fact be some form of higher intelligence. I'm not arrogant or confident enough to propose that such a thing is impossible. Neither should you be. My ideas are the result of years of thought and, most especially, personal study in physics. The most interesting topic in physics that relates to theism is "time." I suggest you look into it (I suggest this book, and this book).
(Some of my "strong-atheist" readers are probably pissing pumice and exhaling sulfur right now. That's fine with me. There can never be enough pumice and sulfur.)
I am confident however that the Judeo-Christian God does not exist. I'm also confident that the Bible is a creation of mankind. The evidence is voluminous and quite convincing. (Emphasis added.)
But why should atheists be "alarmed" at the idea that higher intelligence may exist? No atheist should be alarmed, only intrigued. And if an atheist is alarmed by such a proposal then I suggest that he is not an atheist but a fool. Closed-mindedness is welcome in the world's various organized religions, and they're always recruiting.
To this I would add that (1) there is still no evidence for this intelligence; (2) even if this intelligence exists, it isn't necessarily a "supernatural" intelligence, and (3) there's no reason we have to worship this intelligence or do what it says. Also, dare I say it, Flew's judgement might be wrong.
Turnspit Daily: December 05, 2004 - December 11, 2004 Archives
2004-12-10
"Of course, if you're gay, this particular traffic light never changes to green."
Guardian Unlimited | Arts features | 'We have to protect people'
The axis of evil is "Hollywood, the music industry". We have an obligation to "save society from moral destruction". We have to prevent liberal libarians and trendy teachers from "re-engineering society's fabric in the minds of our children". We have to "protect Alabamians".
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"Dig a hole," Gerald Allen recommends, "and dump them in it."
Of course, Allen was talking about books. He was just talking about books. He never said anything about pink triangles.
My head hurts.
The axis of evil is "Hollywood, the music industry". We have an obligation to "save society from moral destruction". We have to prevent liberal libarians and trendy teachers from "re-engineering society's fabric in the minds of our children". We have to "protect Alabamians".
-----
"Dig a hole," Gerald Allen recommends, "and dump them in it."
Of course, Allen was talking about books. He was just talking about books. He never said anything about pink triangles.
My head hurts.
2004-12-09
You're an atheist!
Which Enemy of the Christian Church Are You?
Take More of Robert & Tim's Quizzes
Watch Robert & Tim's Cartoons
Duh!
2004-12-01
World AIDS Day - 1 December 2004
