Friday, January 14, 2011
Cancer Sucks
2010 was a horrible year. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in February and I have undergone a marathon of treatments that included chemo, radiation, surgery, and more chemo. I am coming off of my last chemo treatment and I am 100% cancer free for now. I hope to re-start posting here very soon.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Back In the Saddle Again
After a short (hiatus/sabbatical/vacation) from posting I found that somehow my account had gotten screwed up and I have had to re-post all of my old posts. I have kept the text of tehse old posts unchanged and re-posted them all today.
White Supremecist Shoots Two People At Holocaust Museum
Today, a white supremacist shot two people at the US Holocaust museum.
When the current administration came out with a report in April that said that right-wing extremist groups were a huge threat in our country, people like Rush Limbaugh and Fox News criticized it. Not one month later we have a dead women's health doctor and now an attack on the Holocaust museum with two people shot by white supremacist.
Are Rush and Fox and company going to change their tune? My guess is that they will continue to "denounce" the violence while still criticizing the apparently accurate and vindicated report. To clarify, the shooter is NOT a Christian and I don't mean to imply that he is. In fact, an online story seems to indicate that he is anti-christian so he may be an Odinist which seems to be, besides Christianity, the other major religion of white supremacists according to Wikipedia.
I only mean to vindicate the report and cast derision on Limbaugh and Fox, etc.
UPDATE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
When the current administration came out with a report in April that said that right-wing extremist groups were a huge threat in our country, people like Rush Limbaugh and Fox News criticized it. Not one month later we have a dead women's health doctor and now an attack on the Holocaust museum with two people shot by white supremacist.
Are Rush and Fox and company going to change their tune? My guess is that they will continue to "denounce" the violence while still criticizing the apparently accurate and vindicated report. To clarify, the shooter is NOT a Christian and I don't mean to imply that he is. In fact, an online story seems to indicate that he is anti-christian so he may be an Odinist which seems to be, besides Christianity, the other major religion of white supremacists according to Wikipedia.
I only mean to vindicate the report and cast derision on Limbaugh and Fox, etc.
UPDATE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
Christians React to Murder of Doctor with Love
As everyone has likely heard by now, a doctor who performed abortions was murdered in his church. My first thought was, "Another example of how religion can make people do horrible things." I then realized that I did not have any evidence that the murderer was a religious person. I briefly scolded myself, but then realized that it speaks volumes in and of itself that my first thought turned to a Christian believer as the murderer.
My next thought, however, was "What do teh Christians" think of this? Well, I visited a few online forums for Christians and alot of the reaction was more horrifying than I imagined it would be. I have posted some likes at the bottom of this post, but here are the highlights:
"I do not support this, but I do understand this."
"He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword."
"Is this a false report? Why would an abortionist go to church?"
"Whatever “church” Tiller attends must be worshipping satan."
"jury (of one) nullification"
"This is what happens when the United States Supreme Court, the legal system, and our elected officials, and even some religious institutions, have all been corrupted to the point that a man can profit so much from killing babies."
"Why is the death of a satanic worshipper tragic?"
"The real tragedy is the number lives he has taken. Not to mention the women who have had to live with what they have done to their babies."
"I hate that somebody shot him to death because it makes us all look like whackos. And for those who would tell me that the lives of others are more important that our image, please spare me. I already know that truth."
"Our cause is not helped by acting like a bunch of 3rd world muzzies. " (Emphasis mine)
"May he rot in hell alongside the mothers who aided him in his “business”."
"He reaped what he had sown: violent death."
"Reichstag Fire." (Implying that, like the famous fire that Hitler used to grab power, this was a conspiracy by the left to create a cause with which to grab more power.)
"Tiller has committed outrage after outrage and not only gotten away with it, he has made a fortune! Sooner or later this had to happen."
"The time for civility is quickly running out IMHO. In 10 years, we may wind up looking back at this moment as the first shot in the second American civil war."
"I’m sorry but I feel no sympathy at all. Absolutely none."
"We all need to be armed. I don’t want to think it, but I am worried that things will become so bad, this nation may be facing another revolution. All the signs point to the Kenyan communist, who is surrounded by America haters, being sent here to destroy this nation."
"But thanks for the admonishment to be polite, that's the main thing. Everyone knows their roles, don't rock the boat."
"Tiller Shot & Killed? Thousands of unborn children claim self defense."
"This is wrong if it was done by a pro-lifer. However, I find it very suspicious that one week after polling data shows Americans are more pro-life than ever before, this murder occurs." (wow)
"Was it one of BO’s storm troopers who pulled the trigger?" (I assume BO = Barrack Obama)
"If he had found Christ he would have retired."
"Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.—Matthew 26:52, King James Version"
"Could this be called ‘a very late term abortion’?"
And this was just within the first 100 posts out of over 1500 posts so far!
Sad.
Source:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261656/posts?q=1&;page=1#1
Another forum:
http://www.christianforums.com/t7371408/
UPDATE: Another forum with similar comments from Christian teens http://www.christianteenforums.com/Dr-George-Tiller-Murdere-t59554.html
ANOTHER UPDATE: http://www.stormfront.org/forum/showthread.php?t=605434
NOTE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
My next thought, however, was "What do teh Christians" think of this? Well, I visited a few online forums for Christians and alot of the reaction was more horrifying than I imagined it would be. I have posted some likes at the bottom of this post, but here are the highlights:
"I do not support this, but I do understand this."
"He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword."
"Is this a false report? Why would an abortionist go to church?"
"Whatever “church” Tiller attends must be worshipping satan."
"jury (of one) nullification"
"This is what happens when the United States Supreme Court, the legal system, and our elected officials, and even some religious institutions, have all been corrupted to the point that a man can profit so much from killing babies."
"Why is the death of a satanic worshipper tragic?"
"The real tragedy is the number lives he has taken. Not to mention the women who have had to live with what they have done to their babies."
"I hate that somebody shot him to death because it makes us all look like whackos. And for those who would tell me that the lives of others are more important that our image, please spare me. I already know that truth."
"bush2 failed miserably with his "friendly tone" and I'm beginning to think we MUST bring a gun to a gun fight if we have any chance to win this battle against satan and his minions. ""Two thoughts beyond the ‘what right-wing nut thought that this was a good idea?’
1. Consider a leftwing assassin, along the lines of the black college student who defaces her own dorm or car with nooses so she can cry ‘racism.’
2. The theme of today’s Psalm was
R. Alleluia.
If you take away their breath, they perish
and return to their dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.Was this just some form of house/earth-cleaning?"
"Our cause is not helped by acting like a bunch of 3rd world muzzies. " (Emphasis mine)
"May he rot in hell alongside the mothers who aided him in his “business”."
"He reaped what he had sown: violent death."
"Reichstag Fire." (Implying that, like the famous fire that Hitler used to grab power, this was a conspiracy by the left to create a cause with which to grab more power.)
"Tiller has committed outrage after outrage and not only gotten away with it, he has made a fortune! Sooner or later this had to happen."
"The time for civility is quickly running out IMHO. In 10 years, we may wind up looking back at this moment as the first shot in the second American civil war."
"I’m sorry but I feel no sympathy at all. Absolutely none."
"We all need to be armed. I don’t want to think it, but I am worried that things will become so bad, this nation may be facing another revolution. All the signs point to the Kenyan communist, who is surrounded by America haters, being sent here to destroy this nation."
"But thanks for the admonishment to be polite, that's the main thing. Everyone knows their roles, don't rock the boat."
"Tiller Shot & Killed? Thousands of unborn children claim self defense."
"This is wrong if it was done by a pro-lifer. However, I find it very suspicious that one week after polling data shows Americans are more pro-life than ever before, this murder occurs." (wow)
"Was it one of BO’s storm troopers who pulled the trigger?" (I assume BO = Barrack Obama)
"If he had found Christ he would have retired."
"Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.—Matthew 26:52, King James Version"
"Could this be called ‘a very late term abortion’?"
And this was just within the first 100 posts out of over 1500 posts so far!
Sad.
Source:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261656/posts?q=1&;page=1#1
Another forum:
http://www.christianforums.com/t7371408/
UPDATE: Another forum with similar comments from Christian teens http://www.christianteenforums.com/Dr-George-Tiller-Murdere-t59554.html
ANOTHER UPDATE: http://www.stormfront.org/forum/showthread.php?t=605434
NOTE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
Child Abuse, Torture, and Rape: All part of Faith-Based Initiatives
In a story reported widely today, the conclusions of Ireland's Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse were released. As could be expected, the level of child abuse, torture, and rape in Christian schools in Ireland was found to be astronomically high. The 2,600 page report found that,
As is typical, the religious institutions are in damage control mode. They are denying the reports and, at the same time, saying that the people who were responsible are long dead:
It is time that the concept of "faith-based initiatives" are attached to the negative connotation that they so obviously deserve.
UPDATE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
The report found that molestation and rape were "endemic" in boys' facilities, chiefly run by the Christian Brothers order, and supervisors pursued policies that increased the danger. Girls supervised by orders of nuns, chiefly the Sisters of Mercy, suffered much less sexual abuse but frequent assaults and humiliation designed to make them feel worthless.
"In some schools a high level of ritualized beating was routine. ... Girls were struck with implements designed to maximize pain and were struck on all parts of the body," the report said. "Personal and family denigration was widespread."
As is typical, the religious institutions are in damage control mode. They are denying the reports and, at the same time, saying that the people who were responsible are long dead:
"But most leaders of religious orders have rejected the allegations as exaggerations and lies, and testified to the commission that any abuses were the responsibility of often long-dead individuals."However, the 2,600 pages hits like a professional boxer. The conclusion is a firm rebuke of the Christians claims:
"A climate of fear, created by pervasive, excessive and arbitrary punishment, permeated most of the institutions and all those run for boys. Children lived with the daily terror of not knowing where the next beating was coming from," the report concluded.I have said it before and I will say it again now. Religious institutions are continually given undeserved benefit of the doubt. From deference to religious schools to the concept of "faith-based initiatives" that politicians push upon us, they use their hypnotic spell that they have oh so many people under to grab power and money.
It is time that the concept of "faith-based initiatives" are attached to the negative connotation that they so obviously deserve.
UPDATE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
U.S, Military Infiltrated by Fundamentalists: Part II
In my previous story about Jeff Sharlet's piece for Harper's, I discussed how the fundies have stepped up their infiltration of the U.S. Military. Today, I saw a story on Gawker that showed the cover pages from Donald Rumsfeld's defense briefing presentations. You MUST take a look at these. Notice a pattern? Every one of them has a Bible quote on the cover. Samples include:
UPDATE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
- Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. Isaiah 26:2
- For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 1 Peter 2:15
- Their arrows are sharp, all their bows are strung; their horses' hoofs seem like flint, their chariot wheels like a whirlwind. Isaiah 5:28
- Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
UPDATE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
All Praise God's Plan and Free Will
WARNING: This story is about very disturbing events. Anyone who does not handle stories about children being abused by their parents well should avoid this! Scroll down for story.
In a story today, a local Bakersfield news station is reporting on a father who got high on PCP and ate the eyeballs out of his four year old son's eye sockets. Both eyes are reported to be damaged beyond repair. The son was found naked and bleeding by neighbors and could only say "Daddy ate my eyes."
I wept out loud upon reading this story. The absolute horror of this event is not in the physical attack itself, but the fact that it was a four-year-old's own father who did this. I was shaken to the core and it took me a long time to recover to the point that I could think about it. The first reaction I had when I could analyze it dispassionately was, "This type of thing happens all the time all over the world. Why do people still think 1) there is a god, and 2) she is worthy of worship?"
The inevitable answer from the Christians I speak with is "free will." This is, of course, total bullshit. For one thing, what happened to the boy's free will? I would assume that he wanted to avoid this. But more to the point, as I wrote yesterday, the pat answer of "free will" doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
Also as I discussed earlier, Nancy Grace was the first person to yell "There is a GOD" when a 4 year old girl was found soon after being abducted. Why doesn't she yell "Praise the Lord! More proof of God" when a boy has his eyeballs eaten out of his head by his own father? Even if she knows that this is evil behavior, she should still say "See? Look at the glory of free will that God chose to give us." As Rick Warren wrote in his best-selling The Purpose Driven Life:
UPDATE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
In a story today, a local Bakersfield news station is reporting on a father who got high on PCP and ate the eyeballs out of his four year old son's eye sockets. Both eyes are reported to be damaged beyond repair. The son was found naked and bleeding by neighbors and could only say "Daddy ate my eyes."
I wept out loud upon reading this story. The absolute horror of this event is not in the physical attack itself, but the fact that it was a four-year-old's own father who did this. I was shaken to the core and it took me a long time to recover to the point that I could think about it. The first reaction I had when I could analyze it dispassionately was, "This type of thing happens all the time all over the world. Why do people still think 1) there is a god, and 2) she is worthy of worship?"
The inevitable answer from the Christians I speak with is "free will." This is, of course, total bullshit. For one thing, what happened to the boy's free will? I would assume that he wanted to avoid this. But more to the point, as I wrote yesterday, the pat answer of "free will" doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
Also as I discussed earlier, Nancy Grace was the first person to yell "There is a GOD" when a 4 year old girl was found soon after being abducted. Why doesn't she yell "Praise the Lord! More proof of God" when a boy has his eyeballs eaten out of his head by his own father? Even if she knows that this is evil behavior, she should still say "See? Look at the glory of free will that God chose to give us." As Rick Warren wrote in his best-selling The Purpose Driven Life:
Because God made you for a reason, he also decided when you would be born and how long you would live. He planned the days of your life in advance, choosing the exact time of your birth and death. The Bible says, "You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!" [Psalm 139:16]Does Rick hear of this boy and think, "Praise the Lord. His plan for this boy is glorious?" No. of course not. Nobody sane does. People who hear or see things like this and think that they are good are insane.
UPDATE: After a technical issue and an absence, I have had to re-post all of my old posts. As a result there will be many posts listed as published today, Dec 3, 2009, that were posted sometime earlier in the year, but I do not know the exact date. this post is one of them.
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