tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87149852954764474942024-03-12T17:27:10.737-07:00The Book of StoriesRamblings of A Normal, Working, and Pagan Man.bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-30955763120313480502014-10-15T20:03:00.001-07:002014-10-15T20:20:15.267-07:00Rambling of a Normal Guy: Stories from Camp Wonton (Prologue) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yKeANRAubJlDqBGxrGvzle8sYN_XdLvQ04D01UMemBB2diUDMzkza6jZG2e86BV40zjTlj4wfF0i-OkmVmYRGkprfbctbBGE24yo90pOHeiSUBffTFQX40YF-resu0-H-lBf0S1OBiZa/s1600/campwonton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yKeANRAubJlDqBGxrGvzle8sYN_XdLvQ04D01UMemBB2diUDMzkza6jZG2e86BV40zjTlj4wfF0i-OkmVmYRGkprfbctbBGE24yo90pOHeiSUBffTFQX40YF-resu0-H-lBf0S1OBiZa/s1600/campwonton.png" height="176" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Welcome
to another addition of ramblings of a normal guy. This is my
special column where I go off on wild rants complaining about the things
that happen and effect my (and ours) every day life. Of course, this
won't be the case today, since "Camp Wonton" is just a fun and rather
silly side project a group of friends and I thought up one night.
Because of the
excessive amounts of silliness that will be featured, <b>a large amount of
inappropriate language will most likely be used</b>. Not to mention some rather horrid attempt to hit on a lesbian. So sit back and enjoy our stupidity! </i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Chapter:</b> <u>The Prologue</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jamie Rowley has
entered the room. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jamie Rowley has
renamed the room Weekend getaway. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heidi Morgan has
entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">John Mellon has
entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Henry ‘Ashka’
Biddle has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kacyn Evanowicz has
entered the room. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sean O'Neill</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lanie Duff</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Karl Beck</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kyle Michael Walls</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eddie Malone</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bruno Paula</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Danielle Fish</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Steve Pak</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nero Altezio Strife</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Melyssa Kennedy</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> has entered the room.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Kyle Michael Walls:</b> Room
party! *rips pants off*</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Melyssa Kennedy</b>:
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Glitter for everyone! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey Lanie, I got a room you can enter.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Lanie Duff</b>: FU Biddle.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> I told you every night to your
picture. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Lanie Duff:</b> …. Oh my God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Die, just die already. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Melyssa Kennedy:</b> Guess what guys;
I’m going to another Offspring concert! Front row seats! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Nero Altezio Strife:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully you won’t get eaten by a pterodactyl.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Kyle Michael Walls:</b> Speaking
of eating, I’m hungry!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Eddie Malone:</b> Me to, what do you
want? I feel like cooking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Kyle Michael Walls:</b> MAH
DICK.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Eddie Malone:</b> Not sure how I can
cook your dick, but now I’m feeling some deep fried dick now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> Someone is having nightmares
tonight.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Danielle Fish:</b> ALL SHALL BURN AT
MY GAZE, ALL SHALL KNEEL BEFORE MY GLORY.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Eddie Malone:</b> Hunny, I’m a queen
and I only get on my knees for Kyle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span class="entity">Bruno Paula</span>:</b> Make it stop
dad, make it stop. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Danielle Fish:</b> Btw have Zach next
to me, just in case you need to ask him a question. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Danielle Fish:</b> Hope we’re not
being a bother! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Karl Beck:</b> Yea… so one of Sean’s
boob bags burst, and he is busy cleaning that up. I’ll tell him everything that
is going on…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Karl Beck:</b> And wtf is going on already…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> Come to the dark side, we have
cookies!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kacyn Evanowicz:</b> I don’t wanna. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Jamie Rowley:</b> Wow…</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Jamie Rowley:</b> So, before this gets any worse, guess what
guys! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> Lanie is pregos with my baby? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Lanie Duff:</b> I’m going to rip Hank’s dick off and beat him
with it?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> Hott…..</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Kyle Michael Walls:</b> You
figured out what you would do for a klondike bar? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Eddie Malone:</b> I know WHO I would
do. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Nero Altezio Strife:</b> Septa Raptor?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>John Mellon:</b> GUYS I’M DRUNK AND IM NOT WEARING PANTS
AGAIN. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kacyn Evanowicz:</b> Oh dear….</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Kyle Michael Walls:</b> Be right
over!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Eddie Malone:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take pictures dear, and make sure you bring
back some cheese; we are all out of cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Jamie Rowley:</b> … no. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Danielle Fish:</b> DID YOU FIND A WAY
TO BRING BACK THE MAYAN’S? I FELL LIKE BURNING THEM IN HELL FIRE AGAIN. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Jamie Rowley:</b> …. No.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Melyssa Kennedy:</b> You won a
contest to meet offspring? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Jamie Rowley:</b> Close, but still no.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Jamie Rowley:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won
a company contest; it’s a fully paid trip to the company cabin! I can bring as
many friends as I want. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> Cool! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Lanie Duff:</b> Lucky son of a bitch! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Heidi Morgan:</b> Party at Jamie’s place!<span class="entity"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kacyn Evanowicz:</b> Must be nice.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>John Mellon:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CAN
WE GO DRINKING IN THE WOODS; I HAVE TO TAKE A MAJOR PISS FACTOR.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> What even is a piss factor? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>John Mellon:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’M
TAKING A HUGE PISS IN THE WIND! WEEEEEEE LOOK AT THEM GO!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Nero Altezio Strife:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better watch out or Septa will hit you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Jamie Rowley:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously
guys? You’re all special. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kacyn Evanowicz:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I guess you want us to go or something? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Jamie Rowley:</b> You got it! Everyone in this room are
people I want to come with me. What do you all say? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Lanie Duff:</b> If I can get off sure.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*snickers* </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Lanie Duff:</b> Crawl up your own ass and DIE Hank!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Kyle Michael Walls:</b> Sounds
like fun!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Eddie Malone:</b> A weekend without
drama? I am so in. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> I’m game assuming I can get off to.
</div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Danielle Fish:</b> SINCE I WISH TO
WRESTLE A BEAR, I WILL GO AS WELL. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Danielle Fish:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh I should make cookies! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Karl Beck:</b> Sean and I are in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> How’s the boob bag?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Karl Beck:</b> Total loss </span><span class="entity"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Melyssa Kennedy:</b> OMG YES! Steve
and I are in, right Steve?!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Steve Pak:</b> Don’t I have a say in
this?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Melyssa Kennedy:</b> Nope!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span class="entity">Bruno Paula</span>:</b> Since mom and
dad are going, I’m going to. Just no sex sounds this time!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> No promises, daddy is freaky in the
woods. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Lanie Duff:</b> I hate you so much. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Kacyn Evanowicz:</b> I guess I’m in to… assuming I can get
off of work. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Jamie Rowley:</b> Awesome! I’ll send everyone the info, and
we can arrange rides and such.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Lanie Duff:</b> Oh man this is going to be so balling! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>….</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Lanie Duff:</b> One word, little man. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>John Mellon:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA BOOZE
AND BITCHES! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Danielle Fish:</b> THIS ALSO APPEALS
TO ME!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Henry ‘Ashka’ Biddle:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which part? The booze or the bitches?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity"><b>Danielle Fish:</b> Do I have to pick
one?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity">Jamie closed the lid to his laptop, he
could already feel the begins of a headache coming one. While he considered them
all great friends, and wouldn’t trade them for anything in the multiverse, this
didn’t mean said friends couldn’t be trying at times. Getting them organized
was bad enough, getting everyone there and agreeing on something was going to
be a complete nightmare. However, even as he began writing up directions, guest
list and what people would need, he knew this would be a great time. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In fact, </i>he mused, he was really hoping
for this to be the time of their lives! Jamie suddenly stopped and shook his
head. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Why does that make me sound like a
total creeper” </i>he said out loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="entity">As one by one agreed to this fortunate
vacation, another watched with almost gitty excitement. It would have taken
months, if not years to gather up this many Sundayers in one place, but now Jamie
had unknowingly presented the perfect opportunity. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Now</i>, the person mused, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">now I
can take them out… one by one. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-47089132631452665592014-06-06T16:54:00.003-07:002014-06-06T16:55:51.935-07:00Rambling of a Normal Guy: Student vs Professor, Evolution vs Creationism, Make believe vs reality. <div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoTxZzPAChueiilspVweJnzaZpprWomvD3TV0cLlVcPq9xor4HTZiRgyYQaJ9m0jILUgmWJIT5LPN8NflvB0kBJQtSgXXjm4LGljmRyBcbQkp6goFuKuR4UKCRftQ46w76QbzsFcx6yrE/s1600/pcv1-cthulhu-fish-emblem-monochrome_design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoTxZzPAChueiilspVweJnzaZpprWomvD3TV0cLlVcPq9xor4HTZiRgyYQaJ9m0jILUgmWJIT5LPN8NflvB0kBJQtSgXXjm4LGljmRyBcbQkp6goFuKuR4UKCRftQ46w76QbzsFcx6yrE/s1600/pcv1-cthulhu-fish-emblem-monochrome_design.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cthulhu doesn't give two shits about Evolution or Creationism...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Welcome to another addition of ramblings of a normal guy. This is my
special column where I go off on wild rants complaining about the things
that happen and effect my (and ours) every day life. Because of the
excessive amounts of stupidity that will be featured, <b>a large amount of
inappropriate language will most likely be used</b>. Also expect a large
helping of calling out and "I don't give a crap". Rated M for mature,
and read at your own risk. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>For the purpose of this blog
little c christian refers to "fake look at me cry" religious people.
Christian with a big C refers to people who actually follow Christ. </i></span><br />
<br />
As anyone who have ever written a blog, drafted newspapers or envisioned novels can tell you, the Muse can be a cruel mistress sometimes. One moment she is with you, dancing with ideas and words, the next she is leaving you cold and alone. Stories, so many and faster than fingers could type, are now replaced with nothing but barren fields, devoid of all life. How can I update this blog, how can I keep it current if nothing comes to me? What shall happen if I never hear the good song of the Muse again? I know the source true, but what good does it do me? When Fred Phelps was excommunicated from the WBC and then finally passed away, the WBC really just doesn't matter anymore. Oh sure, they will try to attention whore still, but honestly, their time has come and pass, it's as if they have all passed away. The source of my ramblings was gone, and so was any ambition to write. But thankfully, I think the spell might have finally been lifted, if only for a time.<br />
<br />
<i>And it's all thanks to Facebook.</i><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
For anyone who's spent any time of Facebook, and who hasn't at this point, you will almost immediately notice just about anything can be found there. You can find thousands of pictures of cats and hundreds of photos of meals, of friends and family, of attention whoring and agendas that make your head spin. And yes, I freely admit in taking part of all of it, because... well what else are we going to do in our work time? Work? Yea screw that! One such post came in the form of the <i>one in the million upon million</i> posts about the whole evolution vs creationism debate. Yes I know, I'm sick of the bullshit surrounding it as well, but the thing will just not die. Now as for this post, it wasn't anything new, I've already seen it a number of times from a couple of years back, not to mention a few different variations, but yet today, something clicked. <br />
<br />
TRUE STORY!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Professor : You are a Christian, aren’t you?<br />
Student : Yes, sir.<br />
Professor: So, you believe in GOD ?<br />
Student : Absolutely, sir.<br />
Professor : Is GOD good ?<br />
Student : Sure.<br />
Professor: Is GOD all powerful ?<br />
Student : Yes.<br />
Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to
heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD
didn’t. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?<br />
(Student was silent.)<br />
Professor: You can’t answer, can you ? Let’s start again, young fella. Is GOD good?<br />
Student : Yes.<br />
Professor: Is Satan good ?<br />
Student : No.<br />
Professor: Where does Satan come from ?<br />
Student : From … GOD …<br />
Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?<br />
Student : Yes.<br />
Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?<br />
Student :Yes<br />
Professor: So who created evil ?<br />
(Student did not answer.)<br />
Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?<br />
Student : Yes, sir.<br />
Professor: So, who created them ?<br />
(Student had no answer.)<br />
Professor: Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and
observe the world around you. Tell me, son, have you ever seen GOD?<br />
Student : No, sir.<br />
Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your GOD?<br />
Student : No , sir.<br />
Professor: Have you ever felt your GOD, tasted your GOD, smell your
GOD? Have you ever had any sensory perception of GOD for that matter?<br />
Student : No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.<br />
Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?<br />
Student : Yes.<br />
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol,
Science says your GOD doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?<br />
Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.<br />
Professor: Yes, faith. And that is the problem Science has.<br />
Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?<br />
Professor: Yes.<br />
Student : And is there such a thing as cold?<br />
Professor: Yes.<br />
Student : No, sir. There isn’t.<br />
(The lecture theater became very quiet with this turn of events.)<br />
Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat,
mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have
anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no
heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as
cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We
cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat,
sir, just the absence of it.<br />
(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theater.)<br />
Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?<br />
Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?<br />
Student : You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of
something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing
light. But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its
called darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, were
you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?<br />
Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man ?<br />
Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.<br />
Professor: Flawed ? Can you explain how?<br />
Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue
there is life and then there is death, a good GOD and a bad GOD. You are
viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can
measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity
and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either
one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact
that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the
opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do
you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?<br />
Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.<br />
Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?<br />
(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going.)<br />
Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at
work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor.
Are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a
preacher?<br />
(The class was in uproar.)<br />
Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?<br />
(The class broke out into laughter. )<br />
Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s
brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So,
according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable
Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due
respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?<br />
(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable.)<br />
Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.<br />
Student : That is it sir … Exactly ! The link between man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.<br />
<br /></blockquote>
</blockquote>
If you haven't seen this variation before, you will still recognize the point of the story. It was written for the sole purpose of making people of faith feel good about themselves for outsmarting a professor of science. Because science for some reason is the evil devil of the world now... In any case, if presented in a non-dickish way, it substance of the story really shouldn't matter. If people of faith want to feel good about being part of this or that faith, they should! I would seriously wonder and worry about said person if said person DIDN'T feel good about being part of their faith. <i>Note: not talking about attention whores here. </i>On the same token, if people want to feel good about science, then go for it! Science has given us a LOT of cool things, one of which I am using to write and post this blog. So with all this feel goodness going about, what could be the source of my rant? The utter bullshittness (that's a word right) and stupidity of the post. Did you notice it? Well let's break this down.<br />
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<b>Section 1</b>: Is God real, and if so what alignment is he? <br />
<b>Who's the idiot</b>: Both of them<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Professor : You are a Christian, aren’t you?<br />
Student : Yes, sir.<br />
Professor: So, you believe in GOD ?<br />
Student : Absolutely, sir.<br />
Professor : Is GOD good ?<br />
Student : Sure.<br />
Professor: Is GOD all powerful ?<br />
Student : Yes.<br />
Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to
heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD
didn’t. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?<br />
(Student was silent.)<br />
Professor: You can’t answer, can you ? Let’s start again, young fella. Is GOD good?<br />
Student : Yes.<br />
Professor: Is Satan good ?<br />
Student : No.<br />
Professor: Where does Satan come from ?<br />
Student : From … GOD …<br />
Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?<br />
Student : Yes.<br />
Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?<br />
Student :Yes<br />
Professor: So who created evil ?<br />
(Student did not answer.)</blockquote>
In the first section of this post, we are lead to believe that the professor representing science, is winning a debate with a student who represents faith. <i>Side note here, depending on your variation the professor could also be a Atheist</i>. The first act of stupidity is cleverly written to be done by the professor. The instance is by assuming "all powerful" is the same as "controlling everything". Just because one has the power to do something, does not mean they could or should do it. Also just because one does or does not do something, does not automatically mean they are good or evil. Just because something dies, does not mean some cosmic deity must be
blamed for it. In fact blaming "x reason of death or bad thing" on a
deity is just as bad as saying "Satan made me do it.". </div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<br /></div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
Now for this student. While I understand their silence is for the purpose of making the faith victory later all more stunning, I would seriously question if the student is of any faith. Said student claims to have faith (and even "wins" at the end) and all the student can do is stand there like a bleeding idiot? Would it really be that hard to say "God gave us free will, and we are responsible for ourselves and the evil we bring into the world"? The only conclusion I can draw from this is that the student seriously believes God controls everything, thereby making his God (like it or not) the most evil thing ever in the history of everything. Good going there ace...</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" height="50" width="400" /></a> </div>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<b>Section Two</b>: Because Science said so<br />
<b>Who's the idiot:</b> The professor </div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<br /></div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?<br />
Student : Yes, sir.<br />
Professor: So, who created them ?<br />
(Student had no answer.)<br />
Professor: Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and
observe the world around you. Tell me, son, have you ever seen GOD?<br />
Student : No, sir.<br />
Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your GOD?<br />
Student : No , sir.<br />
Professor: Have you ever felt your GOD, tasted your GOD, smell your
GOD? Have you ever had any sensory perception of GOD for that matter?<br />
Student : No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.<br />
Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?<br />
Student : Yes.<br />
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol,
Science says your GOD doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?<br />
Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.<br />
Professor: Yes, faith. And that is the problem Science has.</blockquote>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
Depending on the how and why this conversation was taking place, the professor is probably completely justified in what he is doing. Chances are (as many of us have seen many many times) the professor was put into a position where a uppity religious students fell back on the "it happened because God said so" argument. With respect to religion, you do not belong in a science classroom. People also did not pay good money to attend a religion rant in a science class room. If this happened in a class I paid for, I would be in the students face telling them to fuck off already. Religion has it's own place, and that is it's place of worship, at home, in faith schools and in the hearts of people who keep it. Religion is, and will always be, a close personal relationship with the divine, and what ever you may call that divine. Science is not of religion, and religion is not of science. Now even with this understood, the way the professor went about it was not very nice, nor was it professional. </div>
<br />
Is there sickness in the world?<br />
~ Yes, of course there is and SCIENCE gives us explanations on how each of them came into being.<br />
<br />
Is there immorality in the world?<br />
~ Yes but this is based on the person, situation and perception of the time and society. <br />
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<br />
Is there Hatred in the world? <br />
~ Hatred is a emotion experienced by humanity that can be born from any number of sources. While granted, one of these sources can and is religion, that doesn't make it the singular fault of religion. <br />
<br />
Is there ugliness in the world?<br />
Beauty, like most anything else, is in the eye of the beholder. <br />
<br />
The professor continue on to say <i>"according to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol,
Science says your GOD doesn’t exist"</i>. While entirely true, there is no physical evidence of any deity figure(s), science also says that lack of evidence does not mean something does not exist. Science also does not have a problem with faith, mostly because a person's religion is their own. What science <u><b>DOES</b></u> have a problem with, and is often misinterpreted by "religious" people, is the notion that science is out to destroy religion. True science is out there for science, to learn grow and adapt.<br />
<br />
It's also because of that last line we can tell this never really happened. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" height="50" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Section Three</b>: So.... winter isn't coming? <br />
<b>Who's the idiot</b>: Student<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?<br />
Professor: Yes.<br />
Student : And is there such a thing as cold?<br />
Professor: Yes.<br />
Student : No, sir. There isn’t.<br />
(The lecture theater became very quiet with this turn of events.)<br />
Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat,
mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have
anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no
heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as
cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We
cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat,
sir, just the absence of it.<br />
(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theater.)</blockquote>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<br />
Working in customer service, and with people in general, I interact with this type of people a lot. The type of self important douche bags who think they know everything and use silly word plays as some ploy to seem more enlightened than they really are. <i>Honestly it because they are so fucking stupid they can't understand shit. </i>Word games are honestly nothing more than a waste of everyone's time.
Cold isn't real and is just a lack of heat? Then is red not real because it's just lacking all the other colors? Cold isn't real because it's just a word we use to describe something? Then I guess nothing is real because every fucking word in our language is used to describe something. Hot is used to
describe something of high temperature, cold is for low temperature. Fire is an example of something that is burning while ice is an example of water that is frozen. We can measure levels of heat and cold by way of temperature. But if measuring something is so important to being true, then since the student's deity can not be measured...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" height="50" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Section four:</b> The night is a lie...<br />
<b>Who's the idiot:</b> Student<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?<br />
Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?<br />
Student : You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light. But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?<br />
Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man ?</blockquote>
<br />
Darkness, the polar opposite to brightness, is understood to be an absence of visible light. It is also the appearance of black in a colored space. Humans are unable to distinguish color when either light or darkness predominate. In conditions of insufficient light, perception is achromatic and ultimately, black. I would also like to point out again, and chances are again and again, that the absence of something does not make it suddenly not real. Much like the absence of evidence of a deity figure... to which the student already agreed with. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" height="50" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<b>Section five:</b> Because.... reasons?<br />
<b>Who's the idiot:</b> Student<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.<br />
Professor: Flawed ? Can you explain how?<br />
Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good GOD and a bad GOD. You are viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey? </blockquote>
<br />
While I understand this whole post was an attempt to take a stab at evolution and create a feel good moment for people of certain faith, the whole thing is really nothing more than a cluster fuck. It really makes me wonder what the author was thinking when they wrote it, and what they possibly thought it would accomplish if people actually thought about this whole thing for a moment. In any case, this person jumps around to a few different points, that I will address below. <br />
<br />
<i>You argue there is life and then there is death </i><br />
This was never a argument, nor something one can disagree with or challenge. The process of conception, of birth, life and death, has been observed so many times that we don't even think about it anymore. In addition to this, the professor didn't argue their was life and then death, what was said was:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to
heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD
didn’t. How is this GOD good then?"</i><br />
(Student was silent.)</blockquote>
Clearly he stated that a deity who controls everything, killed his relative with cancer. This point was not refuted by the student. <br />
<br />
<i> a good GOD and a bad GOD</i> <br />
The professor point, made over the course of a few lines of conversation, was not concern of a good deity source or a evil deity source. The point made, and not refuted, was that ALL concepts and perceptions of good and evil comes from a single (assuming said source is real) source, the deity of the student. Which, for me at least, begs the question, why was a god even mentioned in a science class to begin with? The professor should have even tolerated a religious outburst in class, since a science outburst in a church would not be tolerated. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>You are viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure.</i><br />
Again the professor wasn't measuring a deity figure at all, the professor was stating that no evidence for said deity figure could be found. A point that the student did not argue with.<br />
<br />
Before I move on to the next point, I won't to take a moment to write about something that has always bothered me. While the mystery and awe factor associated with a deity being unknowable might at first seem all deep and cool, but is actually a very dangerious consept to support. A deity who can not be understood, who can not be fully known or reviled, is a deity that can hide something. We do not even tolerate such behavior in ourselves (humanity) and know how it can lead to disastrous ends... now imagine what a deity can/could do with that. If I was this professor, I would also point out that one can not assume their deity is good or evil, or even that any attached holy texts are true because of this. In the specific case of this student, since no one was around to say for sure that god inspired the bible, how can anyone say that is the case? Using the agurment that "the bible says the bible is true" is not a valid claim. Since other religious texts say the same thing, they must either be assumed as true as well, or else a hypocritical atmosphere takes hold. The bible is not true because it says it's true, it becomes true because YOU (as in the student) says it is. <br />
<br />
<i> Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and
magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.</i><br />
Science can't explain a thought? Lol wut? Science says that the first major step in the development of life was
the cell, a membrane-enclosed space that allowed groups of chemical
factories we call genes to stay together and not mix with other genes.
This allowed the cell to perform the tasks of finding and absorbing
chemical energy and convert it into more usable forms so it could grow,
divide into more cells and avoid getting absorbed itself. But every
cell had to be able to perform all these functions by itself, which
meant that it couldn't get too big or its functions would become
inefficient and more likely to die.
Some cells learned to specialize and cooperate with other cells, so that
no one cell had to do all the work. These cells each got very good at
one particular function, such as transforming energy, transporting
nutrients or getting rid of waste. So they learned how to organize
themselves in ways that were more efficient for the whole colony. This
was the beginning of organic life and it allowed these composite life
forms to get much bigger, but only to a point. The farther apart one
organ is from another, the harder it is for each organ to cooperate with
the other. A stomach needs to signal to a mouth when it's empty. A
heart needs to tell a lung it needs more or less oxygen. And a toe
needs to tell a leg muscle to pull on it when the toe senses too much
heat or cold. So another type of cell developed, the nerve cell, which provides the
ability for various parts of the body to signal each other and
coordinate their activities. As these activities got more complex, the
signaling system had to get more complex too, becoming a control system
that interpreted signals and directed responses to the various other
parts of the body. It was all autonomic, nothing we would call
thinking. A complex organism that could coordinate itself successfully
live on to reproduce. One that didn't, died out. But then there were new developments. Certain brain cells learned how
to record repetitive neural events, becoming learning and memory. Some
brains developed enough control capacity that they became aware of what
they were doing. And some became capable of thinking abstractly, about
things that had happened and things that might happen, which allowed
them to plan for the future. All these developments improved survival
odds, but they did not create a separate being inside the brain. They
were simply a very well-organized group of cells with complex functional
capabilities, capable of reprogramming themselves in real time.
One of the advantages of abstract thought is that it doesn't require
awareness of every molecule of structure or erg of energy to operate.
One can use symbols of objects, concrete or abstract, to work out
arrangements among them and form an idea. One can then create a process
for making the idea come true in real life, or to decide whether the
idea is good enough to make the effort. You're not actually making
anything yet, just rehearsing the process, but what is actually
happening is a series of logic tests going on in your mind. Because the
brain develops spontaneously from genetic instructions and environmental
limitations, its logical organization is a work in progress, and its
decisions are affected by the quality of its sensory input. By being
aware of these processes at the symbolic level, we discern that we are
thinking. We are not aware of which logic neurons are interacting with
which memory neurons or which sensory neurons, we just know that it's
raining outside and we should probably wear a hat, or that if Andy is in
the meeting, it will be best not to mention sports. <br />
<br />
TLDR: Your thoughts and personality are devolved by outside and surrounding stimuli.<br />
<br />
And honestly... if you can't understand your own thoughts, that's really your own damn fault. <br />
<br />
<i>To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that
death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of
life: just the absence of it. </i><br />
Death has a very firm basis in reality, and I'm socked the student would even try to argue against that. For humans at least, everyone that has ever lived has or will die. <u><b>Death is very much a real thing, something that can be seen and recorded</b></u>. The process of dying can be measured over time or obsevered in real time. It can be documented and repeated in ALL organic subjects. The claim that it can not exist as a substantive thing just blows my mind. If we are also speaking strictly science here then yes, death (ending of all biological functions within a organic unit) is the opposite of life (the continuation of all biological functions within a organic unit). <br />
<br />
<i>Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?</i><br />
And now we finally arrive at the real purpose of this train wreck of a post. Pardon me while I roll my eyes and address this crap in the next section. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" height="50" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<b>Section six</b>: Selective facts are fun<br />
<b>Who's the idiot</b>: Student <br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.<br />
Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?<br />
(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going.)<br />
Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor. Are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?</blockquote>
<br />
Oh zing! I bet the professor is going to need a major burn heal for that fully compelling and full proof argument against evolution! Since one can not see it happen, occur or even exist, then it must only be an opinion right! Or not, since the whole thing is based on bullshit and the student even winds up killing his own religious argument. However, first things first. For the comment about evolution never being observed <a href="http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-misconceptions.html">Mark Isaak wrote a pretty damn good piece on the subject.</a> He address not only that, but other misconceptions people often have about the theory of evolution. If you ever have a few minutes to kill, I highly recommend you read the full post. For now, I would like to quote part of it here: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="observe">
<b>"Evolution has never been observed."</b>
</a>
<br />
Biologists define evolution as a change in the gene pool of a population
over time. One example is insects developing a resistance to pesticides
over the period of a few years. Even most Creationists recognize that
evolution at this level is a fact. What they don't appreciate is that this
rate of evolution is all that is required to produce the diversity of all
living things from a common ancestor.
<br />
The origin of new species by evolution has also been observed, both in the
laboratory and in the wild. See, for example,
(Weinberg, J.R., V.R. Starczak, and D. Jorg, 1992, "Evidence for rapid
speciation following a founder event in the laboratory."
<i>Evolution</i> 46: 1214-1220).
The
<a href="http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-speciation.html">
"Observed Instances of Speciation" FAQ</a> in the talk.origins archives
gives several additional examples. Even without these direct observations, it would be wrong to say that
evolution hasn't been observed. Evidence isn't limited to seeing something
happen before your eyes. Evolution makes predictions about what we would
expect to see in the fossil record, comparative anatomy, genetic sequences,
geographical distribution of species, etc., and these predictions have been
verified many times over. The number of observations supporting evolution
is overwhelming.What hasn't been observed is one animal abruptly changing into a radically
different one, such as a frog changing into a cow. This is not a problem
for evolution because evolution doesn't propose occurrences even remotely
like that. In fact, if we ever observed a frog turn into a cow, it would be
very strong evidence <i>against</i> evolution.
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="thermo"></a><br />
I would also like to point out, two side bits. Making a claim of <i>"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and
cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor. Are you not
teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher"</i> is counter productive. Not only is it simply not true, such logic can be effectively used against the student. Since no one has observed (and has evidence of) a deity figure and his/her/it's work, then any talk of faith or mention of dogma is actually an opinion and not a fact. There can not be a "one true religion" because it can not be proven or seen. Also, I would like to point that trying to make science out to be some kind of religion would and should be disastrous. In America, and much if not all of the developed world, we have laws against discrimination. Even more so when it comes to religion. If science was considered a religion, and was reclassified as such, any attempt to dogma from other faiths would be considered discrimination, something (the student's) faith often cry about themselves. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" height="50" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Section Seven:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAKG-kbKeIo">Did we just go full retard</a>?<br />
<b>Who's the idiot</b>: Student <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?<br />
(The class broke out into laughter. )<br />
Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?</blockquote>
If this was an actually occurred, something that happened in the class room and reality, I would demand the school remove this student from the class and NOT allow them to return. While the argument may have netted some worth (assuming it was a real professor and not one made up by the religious author), the statement really sums up the whole mood and intelligence of the student. Science does not say anywhere that the professor does not have a brain, and to say otherwise is just fucktarded. FFS! Yo, student. The professors brain can actually be seen, it's called a fucking xray you dumb shit. Or is that to much like magic for you and therefor evil? Is Neurosurgery just some new age fad and brain cancer just a fucking lie?<br />
<br />
This is almost done right? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj43z9wHueQmHHd6XuFTA-HRAnLm30Nk_4D48KBg08GV3CfoDSeTaEt0iSH-q2VxAo3SDoOM6e3jF7Vs9PjbZTw_v2pcQuHkKMYvAU79Ft58KJ1o-2MYQldg-mJK-g2sNmK-07CN0yFUqh/s1600/page-separator.png" height="50" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Final section:</b> CAUSE ONLY MY FAITH!<br />
<b>Who's the idiot</b>: The Author. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.<br />
Student : That is it sir … Exactly ! The link between man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.</blockquote>
I... I don't even.<br />
<br />
<br />
I was going to have a separate section of a little conclusion thing, but now seems like a good time as any. At this point, I am superseding all previous "who's the idiot" and replacing them with "The Author" The author has obviously never been in a science classroom or is just to fucking stupid to remember anobything from it. A professor of science would NEVER EVER say "just take it on faith" and leave it at that. That is not what science is, nor is it what science is about. Take the debate between Ham and Bill Nye and focus on their answers for "what would make you change your mind". <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTT-2jU3QC_gqouem3WUCTGPH-S1nAVATXEFTaHnlrhJmX07IilvMBf6ZTNgXZAkh2QF5l1rUOiFVYyqPgO4rbzWbAJz2w-1_S04JA1ap-blXkcXgDkizCeShtmTiSRg_1xKU9OpzD-Dr/s1600/user1487482_pic109826_1393814128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTT-2jU3QC_gqouem3WUCTGPH-S1nAVATXEFTaHnlrhJmX07IilvMBf6ZTNgXZAkh2QF5l1rUOiFVYyqPgO4rbzWbAJz2w-1_S04JA1ap-blXkcXgDkizCeShtmTiSRg_1xKU9OpzD-Dr/s1600/user1487482_pic109826_1393814128.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
That is why religion must stay out of science class. When a scientist is presented with evidence that their theory was wrong, the scientist must accept it (and does) and moves on. Religion will never do that, no matter how wrong they may be. I'd also like to point out that a professor of science would never say what was posted up there. They would say <i>"follow the scientific method, and see where the evidence leads you. Accept proof, not faith.".</i> I would also like to point out that faith is NOT the only thing that keeps us alive and moving since Atheists are doing rather well... <br />
<br />
<br />
Ugh... I'm done with this shit, I still have<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/threadsoffate/"> a game to work </a>on and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTCMeJ_ij41mqAbc27c4p5Q">let's play videos to edit.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
* Just to make this so much easier on myself, I'll say it here. If you are anti-science, don't even bother commenting on this post. Not only do I not deal with idiots that far down the totem poll, the irony of any post you would make might blow up the internet. </div>
bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-13749293433941138892014-02-15T20:10:00.003-08:002014-02-15T20:17:25.439-08:00Rambling of a Normal Guy: No shirt, no shoes, no homosexuals? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeWPQgObFkAEzOwR1dM4TZEzuPSGFZ2tMD-qDAwAlmnH6h3wRVi0SA6uw8SPSKzhaOqBUErLY9Vc9gyyRfm3PTXTpss5iQXxLnUOXvrTUr7zuZvXKcmAughed3ESbs-JH1-z_bzUrrnyt/s1600/CA-20001-534x330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeWPQgObFkAEzOwR1dM4TZEzuPSGFZ2tMD-qDAwAlmnH6h3wRVi0SA6uw8SPSKzhaOqBUErLY9Vc9gyyRfm3PTXTpss5iQXxLnUOXvrTUr7zuZvXKcmAughed3ESbs-JH1-z_bzUrrnyt/s1600/CA-20001-534x330.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Welcome to another addition of ramblings of a normal guy. This is my
special column where I go off on wild rants complaining about the things
that happen and effect my (and ours) every day life. Because of the
excessive amounts of stupidity that will be featured, <b>a large amount of
inappropriate language will most likely be used</b>. Also expect a large
helping of calling out and "I don't give a crap". Rated M for mature,
and read at your own risk. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>For the purpose of this blog little c christian refers to "fake look at me cry" religious people. Christian with a big C refers to people who actually follow Christ. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i></i></span><br />
With constant reminders of how we are in the modern age, how we are so advanced and enlightened, how I live in richest, most powerful and most free nation in the world, I'm getting really fucking sick and tired of stories like <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/states-fighting-refuse-services-gays-021903325.html">this</a>. How can we call ourselves the land of the free when we actively seek to deny human rights to humans? You can't say its "religious rights" when you deny rights to another, even more so when they are the same rights you would raise a bitch fest over. To make a long story short, recently the Kansas House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would
allow people and businesses to refuse service based on sexual
orientation or marital status if doing so would be contrary to the
“sincerely held religious beliefs of the individual. "Religious beliefs" wasn't clarified by the article or by the state Rep, but considering the track record, one can safely assume it means <u><b>his</b></u> version of what he calls christian beliefs. Also while I find the whole law insulting on a purely human level, what really stuck out with me was this;<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><br />
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1392486733237_1270">
<i>State Rep. Charles Macheers
drafted the proposed legislation and argued it would prevent “hurtful”
discrimination, claiming the bill would give business owners their right
to religious freedom.</i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1392486733237_1275">
<i>“There
have been times throughout history where people have been persecuted for
their religious beliefs because they were unpopular,” Macheers said.
“This bill provides a shield of protection for that.”</i></div>
</blockquote>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmc9gSqawJcUyG0RPcqIHYBunEpx5vYH3EzyeFaMpZK1aP2TS6rPEVPpJVBbKUluXFgVY30UNnZ3QWHG7WlKrQpiOnhzc0-OwH-KM4xfRTX2_OhG-yHPSzeBpYav9CHSEnbY7O5Qc43r6N/s1600/tumblr_lz3dsp803E1qbjc2ao1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmc9gSqawJcUyG0RPcqIHYBunEpx5vYH3EzyeFaMpZK1aP2TS6rPEVPpJVBbKUluXFgVY30UNnZ3QWHG7WlKrQpiOnhzc0-OwH-KM4xfRTX2_OhG-yHPSzeBpYav9CHSEnbY7O5Qc43r6N/s1600/tumblr_lz3dsp803E1qbjc2ao1_1280.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$4:0">When I think of the story of Jesus, denying life and love is not the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, here he is, forging a law that would do just that. Conservative Republicans
and the "religious" right in general need to stop crying in pseudo outrage over sharia law
when they are guilty of the same bullshit agenda. The lack of history about our very nation,
compassion for fellow human beings, and i</span></span><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">ntegrity for their own word is appalling. What happened to the party that freed the slaves and fought for civil rights? </span>Just look what they do with their "cries" for religious liberty. <span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">Anything associated with Islam and it's suddenly insta-bad. Sharia law is evil! It has no place in America! It must be banned from all forms of government! Pagans, Hindus or any other minority faith want equal rights? Want fair treatment under the law? Sorry no can do because only one version of one faith is allow in these parts. But use (christian) God into the mix and/or call it christian and it's suddenly good. God told me to do this, therefor it's right! You can't do anything against me, because my faith says I can do this! Waaaaaaaaaah I won't religious freedom, but screw all the other faiths. If I'm not center stage I'm being persecuted! </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">How about no. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0">I get it, I really do. Religious liberty or religious freedom to these people means that only <i>christian</i> sharia law is constitutional, is moral. It's adolescent at best, deadly at worse. I know I already said this, but how can they honestly justify denying rights and services they themselves would not tolerate? Would they be ok with</span></span></span></span></span> hospitals denying Christians services? Of course not, because such a thing would be outrageous. But here we are, in 2014, with already cases of religious people denying rights to homosexual couples. One wonders how long before people start dying over this... because you know some will.<br />
<br />
Silly me actually thinks even a fundamentalist (of any faith) would agree the loss of one life is one to many... but that might be hopping for to much. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0F-rTzkCBX2bhEsmbOIzebQ1fNGoMX5TDurzqbApu6J5Fd-nMw65fAyX9zSXnvvA8oRId025LcVxNeagwS8-ZEb8A7hdtE4uH-5KH_c2zgq8HY-86LpZweEen3ACto6_JXMpYeAkWwsZ/s1600/christianfascismprisoner-e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0F-rTzkCBX2bhEsmbOIzebQ1fNGoMX5TDurzqbApu6J5Fd-nMw65fAyX9zSXnvvA8oRId025LcVxNeagwS8-ZEb8A7hdtE4uH-5KH_c2zgq8HY-86LpZweEen3ACto6_JXMpYeAkWwsZ/s1600/christianfascismprisoner-e.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0">How many times must we have bigotry concealed behind religion before it is no longer tolerated? How many times must we suffer a potentially
murderous situation when police and medical professionals can deny life saving
services before it is no longer tolerated? When will people wake up and learn that one's faith is one's faith, it is not something to be forced on others. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0">I want to end this blog with a speech from </span></span></span></span></span>Dan Savage, which just about sums up this blog better than I ever could. <br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2b.1:3:1:$comment10203214112823102_7052009:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“People often point out that they can’t help it. They can’t help with the anti-gay bullyings because it says right there in Leviticus, it says right there in Timothy, it says right there in Romans that being gay is wrong. We can learn to ignore the bullshit in the Bible about gay people the same way we have learned to ignore the bullshit in the Bible about shellfish, about slavery, about dinner, about farming, about menstruation, about virginity, about masturbation. We ignore bullshit in the Bible about all sorts of things.<br />
<br />
The Bible is a radically pro-slavery document. Slave owners waved Bibles over their heads during the Civil War and justified it. The shortest book in the New Testament is a letter from Paul to a Christian slave owner about owning his Christian slave. And Paul doesn’t say Christians don’t own people. Paul talks about how Christians own people. We ignore what the Bible said about slavery because the Bible got slavery wrong. Sam Harris in Letter to a Christian Nation points out that the Bible got the easiest moral question that humanity has ever faced wrong: slavery.<br />
<br />
What are the odds that the Bible got something as complicated as human sexuality wrong? 100%. The Bible says that if your daughter’s not a virgin on her wedding night – that a woman isn’t a virgin on her wedding night, that she shall be dragged to her father’s doorstep and stoned to death. Callista Gingrich lives. And there is no effort to amend state constitutions to make it legal to stone women to death on their wedding night if they’re not virgins. At least not yet. We don’t know where the GOP is going these days. People are dying because people can’t clear this one last hurdle. They can’t get past this one last thing in the Bible about homosexuality.<br />
<br />
One thing I want to talk about is – ha, so you can tell the Bible guys in the hall that they can come back in because I’m done beating up the Bible. It’s funny that someone who’s on the receiving end of beatings that are justified by the Bible, how pansy-assed some people react to being pushed back. I apologize if I hurt anyone’s feelings but I have the right to defend myself, and to point out the hypocrisy of people who justify anti-gay bigotry by pointing to the Bible and insisting that we must live by the code of Leviticus on this one issue and no other.”</blockquote>
<br />
Bible isn't a buffet? Who would have thought... bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-55836588699375879332014-01-13T19:46:00.001-08:002014-02-15T20:15:16.580-08:00Rambling of a Normal Guy: ... and you are crying why?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zYqEPIdhd6kaPpaa6-jRDT7oatDK3Qj0GJkVK7ddezPS6CuTq965g3wvkDUUyR8GbmnNMFAIV91QwkPMA7oXxxsOLhcbk0haUOCXaSCufr8xM7E88xkgPvHzrPPds-6ao5_47obTDRsE/s1600/jill-greenberg-crying-photoshopped-babies-end-times-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zYqEPIdhd6kaPpaa6-jRDT7oatDK3Qj0GJkVK7ddezPS6CuTq965g3wvkDUUyR8GbmnNMFAIV91QwkPMA7oXxxsOLhcbk0haUOCXaSCufr8xM7E88xkgPvHzrPPds-6ao5_47obTDRsE/s320/jill-greenberg-crying-photoshopped-babies-end-times-17.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Welcome to another addition of ramblings of a normal guy. This is my
special column where I go off on wild rants complaining about the things
that happen and effect my (and ours) every day life. Because of the
excessive amounts of stupidity that will be featured, <b>a large amount of
inappropriate language will most likely be used</b>. Also expect a large
helping of calling out and "I don't give a crap". Rated M for mature,
and read at your own risk. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i><i><u><b>You've been warned by the way, there will be lots of cursing or/and offensive comments.</b></u> </i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you will pardon me if I open this post with a "back in my day" moment. You see, I was born around the same time as the modern internet. <i>That would be AOL 1.0 kids. </i>Having grown up with the internet, I'm no stranger to the activities and questionable things people do there. But as I grow older, I grow more and more concerned by a pattern I am seeing. I watch the younger generation become addicted to twitter, myspace, facebook and more. They put their personal lives on full display then complain when people comment on it. I would think if you want something kept private, you wouldn't put it on a public forum. Same with being left alone. If "something really bad happened, but I don't want to talk about it", then keep it to yourself, not Facebook. It gets even worse when it comes to opinions. To many of the younger (and even older) generations, they are starting to think opinions are the same as fact. They will make a statement, then expect everyone to agree with it, then cry is someone dare speaks against it. With this type of disturbing attitude allowed to fester and grow, they become one of the worse things this world can produce... the attention whore. The attention whore is a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking,
beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as
indicated by five (or more) of the following:
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention. Will produce videos or make up drama in order to get said attention back.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Interaction with others is often characterized by "hey look at me, me me me me me". Any deviation away from them will result in child like tantrums. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will often try to downplay or belittle others then cry, complain and act hurt when their plans do not net them more attention. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will often expect others to do as they want (all the time) because they are the center. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions. Will often use said emotions to play overdone or made up drama for even more attention.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will use physical appearance, attitude, ideology or some form of "religion" to draw attention to self.
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail. Otherwise known as "Talking a lot but saying nothing."
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion. Will also use other legitimate misfortune or situation to draw attention to themselves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is suggestible and will often join any social/political/religious group that gives them attention. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will use "selective memory" or completely rewrite the past in order to make themselves appear more than they are. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you ever worked in customer service, or spent five minutes on Facebook, you know exactly what I am talking about. The one who always posts about "being so fat" but weighs 100lbs soaking wet? The one who overreacts over the simplest things? The one who thinks they can tell others what they can and can not do based on weight ("you can't cos-play, you're fat")? The "this post is about me (when it's not), I'm mad now"? All are examples of such. So what does this have to do with today's post? Because today, we have a "religious" douchbag who thought it was a great idea to attention whore... then complained about it.</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxX0mhmw668QJfQENWq20yolzfndSwBDB4gTq0WatLkopFxzt3qpOz5Cil4MWccmNtIcR1TvXmmSY64oCKzmA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>As always, watch the video first.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you get about forty seconds into the video, their are a few things you should already know. First, there is a <u><b>lot</b></u> of butt hurt coming. Sure they try to pass it off like they don't care, or they rised above it. But there is a <b>LOT</b> of butt hurt there. Second, they are under the impressed that they matter. Note the arrogant smug smile he wears the whole time. How he believes he speaks from a point of high morality. They also want everyone to know about their butt hurt. Finally, despite their innocent act, they knew exactly what was going to happen. You don't walk into a place (any place) with a chip on your shoulder and a offensive shirt not expecting something. They where looking for trouble, and actively seeking attention. Again, take a look at the man's smug arrogant look and his wife egging him on.<i> </i>It's almost like they are following a script, all planned out for maximum attention. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So ready for a crazy video full of fake religious bs? Let's do this...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHuB-aAgpoUmhfa-zokXVnXbgV38bqFLLXOMjrNYg-6FHBWzcezIzsRqFrlQI1Lo2dLjjHvIIUv-hRi7dazzKvGCLZd8D_yIkkh4vZIPWeQqk31YVwLNqJcH6qRT3tSwIFP6yEyxsiLWi/s1600/003fbb7bed40cfb035659fa03fec6651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHuB-aAgpoUmhfa-zokXVnXbgV38bqFLLXOMjrNYg-6FHBWzcezIzsRqFrlQI1Lo2dLjjHvIIUv-hRi7dazzKvGCLZd8D_yIkkh4vZIPWeQqk31YVwLNqJcH6qRT3tSwIFP6yEyxsiLWi/s320/003fbb7bed40cfb035659fa03fec6651.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Even the poor cat can't take the stupid. </i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said</b><i><b>:</b> " Oh my goodness. If you ever been to whole foods, if you never been, it is the most gay friendly place and grocery store on the planet. The gay world loves whole foods. Especially this whole foods right here in Baltimore.... (Some rambling on trying to remember where he is). Its a very gay friendly area, very gay friendly, extremely gay friendly..."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i>
Have you ever heard the phrase "anti-gay people think/talk about homosexual acts more than actual homosexuals do"? What we have here is video proof of just that. Just like I said before, we could just watch the first, what forty seconds, and know what the whole damn video is going to be about. We know this guy is going to go off in some home made, over dramatized, anti-gay <i>"feel bad for me not them</i>" rambling that amounts to nothing. It's so practice, it's so proper, what tv show is this for, because I know it's scripted. There is zero chance in hell this is his first time, even less so that it will be his last. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He will always find ways of becoming a victim, he will always find a way to be a attention whore, and he will always feed off of it... all the while trying to pass of some <i>"doing some god's work"</i> bullshit excuse. Also, unless the target audience of this video is a group of mentally deficient people with the IQ of 1, then one does not really have to repeat "this is a gay friendly area" every second, for a full minute either. <i>Nor do they have to do it for the whole damn video. </i>We bloody get it. The douche don't like gays, and he wants everyone to know he is making a anti-gay rant video. Everyone be sure to shower him with love and attention, or else he may shiver up and die!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Was that bitter old man of me? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm also not sure how I feel about the rest of it. Sad, pissed off, ready to grab my <span class="st">shillelagh and go full crazy Irish on someone</span>? Think I'll wait till I'm done to decide. What I am talking about here is his effort to dehumanize his enemy. You see, it is a well known tactic that in order to desensitize the masses to a enemy(s) one wants gone, one gets said masses to believe the enemy is no longer human. By doing so, you can then justify just about anything to get ride of them. The way he keeps using gay as a negative term. It's both insulting and unacceptable. Gays are people, and nothing a book or person can say will ever change that. I mean, would he find it acceptable if I used such a tone to describe his fellow Jehovah Witnesses? How about making the outrageous claim that all Christians are child molesters? Would he like any of that? No! He would film several more videos filled with fake out rage and several cherry picked verse from the bible "proving" his way is the only right way. He would also make frequent mention about he was the real victim of the mess he caused. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fucking coward, this is the reason why we can't have nice things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said:</b> <i>"And the lord sent us here today."</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-0ktCHWR70Lk7L5Ul4KTy8_DBmvZC1z12yaUxUuw0pxdmHWY_MZ5lJCaseWxv6eguogtlpaGuiGD4JxA6tgBh4ZTsw_YaM9sGloSezOMfn0bYO_wXACSUMSKBp2R8955Jy4mhTBGZ_fE/s1600/cat+face+palm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So there is this card game I love to play. It's called bullshit. It's a lot like Uno, but with more drinking and cheating. If you think someone is cheating during the course of the game, you can call "Bullshit". And that's what I'm doing now. Do people like this have any idea how fucking annoying this phrase is? Do they ever give thought are care on how offensive it is to believers and non-believers alike? The guy later admits he passed by the place a dozen times but never went in. But oh, when gay people are there, suddenly "the lord" want's him to cause drama? Maybe he should just grow a fucking pair, man up, and admit HE wanted to do it. Cause his explanation is utter bullshit. People seriously that full of themselves to think the lord Jesus Christ spoke personally to them? That he hand picked them to be the sole vesicle of his word? Are they saying he told them to disturb people shopping for food with their out of place nonsense? (Protip: A food store is not a church) Did the Christ really tell them to use his name so they could get their jollies with everyone paying attention to them? I don't remember Jesus ever throwing a #attentionwhoresareawesome on twitter. Did Christ really ask them to do things he would never do, nor never did himself? The answer is simple, no he did not. The God(s) do speak, but I refuse to believe they tell you to be a stuck up prick or to relive what you see on Jerry Springer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a final note on this, "<i>the lord said to did this</i>" or <i>"God(s) said that</i> <i>was ok to do" </i>has been used to excuse so much bullshit, I'm ashamed to be part of humanity. "<i>Oh God told us to protest here</i>", "<i>God told me to shot that fag</i>", "<i>God told me to bomb this</i>", <i>"God told me to war on you"</i>... how about no. </span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What you are hearing is not the voice of the divine, it is the voice of your own egotistical bullshit. </b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've said it before, but it can not be said enough. This man is not a example of Christ like behavior. He is not a WWJD or even a victim. Everything that happened, he wanted this to happen. I might even go so far as to say he begged for it. He wanted the drama, he wanted the confrontation, he wanted the attention. He knew this area was a openly gay friendly (he sure in hell said it enough), and he acted and dressed himself for the attention he sought. He bore his ego with pride, and he even wore a shirt that he knew perfectly well would cause a rise. So no, the lord did not send this man anywhere... it was his own ego and greed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VyGRO0QpbItyjNlguCgjaSGH9V_MKWzGErTxunZ2n1I4wr51v48OQD9oMEGE1cwKuq0KCRtO1IT_2W4nfAAT5icXcoXgqrCeY5jM5MMq4WTO_MSg3z5a08AASYarEE-9f7JoRtiVjReA/s1600/gtfo_take_fail_cat_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VyGRO0QpbItyjNlguCgjaSGH9V_MKWzGErTxunZ2n1I4wr51v48OQD9oMEGE1cwKuq0KCRtO1IT_2W4nfAAT5icXcoXgqrCeY5jM5MMq4WTO_MSg3z5a08AASYarEE-9f7JoRtiVjReA/s200/gtfo_take_fail_cat_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>If only it was that easy...</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said: </b><i>"And I gotta tell you.... I'm being honest, that's the only way I know to be. Coming to Baltamore this time of year intimidated me. *Some mumbling about where he has been and where the lord sent him*"</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Only being in my thirties, there are still many things I do not know, understand or have experienced. But having since grown into my adult years, I realize I will never be the smartest nor wisest person. After all, I am only human, a human that gets some things right, and more things wrong. Yet, I don't think I will ever be able to understand this man, no matter how long I live. How can a person, who dresses themselves in both clothing and ego for the purpose of attention, claim foul when they get it? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How can they claim to be the real victim when they caused the drama to begin with? I can't shoot a baby, then claim it was all the babies fault. I can't walk into a place and yell fire, then not accept responsibility for it. So why does this behavior become ok when religion is involved? If he truly feels the need to witness so bad, then he should also accept the responsibility of what he is doing. If he want (and he does) to go into some place to cause drama and be highly offensive, then he should accept the responsibility of his actions. I mean, fucking hell, Christ preached love and acceptance and didn't shy away from being crucified! But what does tiny things like that matter to religious nut jobs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is no secret <a href="http://www.theocracywatch.org/">religious fanaticism</a> is a problem in America, with this video is proof enough. For what ever reason, and not matter what age, these people are instilled with the idea that their faith is the only true one, and all others are wrong. While this in itself wouldn't be a problem, what they do with it is. They hold this notion that hellfire awaits everyone but their own, and will delight in telling people every chance they get. You're gay? DEATH! Believe woman are people? DEATH! Are for equal rights? DEATH! Are a different faith? DEATH! Different version of same faith? DOUBLE DEATH! These delusional people will do anything to force their faith onto others, as if conversion numbers really mattered. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the end, the only thing this type of silly behavior demonstrates is weakness. Weakness in themselves, and in their faith. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After all, if one honestly felt as <i>strong</i> about their faith as they claim, they would have
no need to care about conversion numbers, about forcing their faith on
others, about mounting an army to invade the
lands of nonbelievers or flying plains into buildings. What this guy, and others like him, need to do is pick what to believe, and leave everybody else out of it! Does he honestly think Allah gives a flying fuck about someone who obeys the Seven Pillars of Islam
and then crash planes into tall buildings? Does he think God loves someone ever so much when they tie a gay to their car and drag them to death? Does he think the Pagan Gods will be happy with some stuck up snob thinking they are better because they are Pagan? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fuck no. </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So want to stop feeling intimidated? Then stop being a giant douche for the sake a drama.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said: <i>"</i></b><i>*More mumbling about where Christ sent him and his time off* We've been here (the area where he lives) for a month and a half, but we've never gone inside. But this afternoon we went inside. There are so many gay people that work inside that whole foods store. So many gay people and so many gay friendly people. They didn't like us at all. The hatred they had on their face was quite plan. We are not easily </i><i><i>intimidated</i>, I was a little intimidated. "</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While writing this entry, I will freely admit I lost my shit twice. I'm also not talking about cursing, I'm talking about punching holes in the wall here. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How dare this little fuck demean and dehumanize PEOPLE just because they are gay. How dare he belittle anyone who see them as people! How dare he judge and torment anyone who refuses to hate on gay because some fucked up book says so. If he wants to use religion as a excuse to be a grade A cunt, fine. But what he needs to realize is that we don't have to hear it. We don't have to tolerate speech that his hateful or tries to promote violence. He can keep it to his own church, he can keep it to his own family and his own damn followers. By the Gods of high sphere, I am seriously fucking sick and tired of these so call religious cunts who think it's ok to degrade and belittle people simply because they are different. How fucking dare her belittle my friends and family! Being gay is not a negative thing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh wait, what was that thing about treating others the way you want to be treated? Guess he didn't get the memo. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said: <i>"</i></b><i>It's not easy to witness to people who hate you. </i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Let me tell you something, gay people are just so bitter and resentful.</i></span>"</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hatred is intrinsic to the human animal.</span> Hate is a part of our life, that is spawned from our environment. It comes from the way we grow up, from things we learn from our parents or social group, it can be tought and often learned. Hate is never "just because" but can effect anything. While there are still more knee jerk reactions when it comes to religion than I like, not all of them are without merit. <br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj952Y82J4pw6GtWPTn02G4Q1XqPJrEmLnX8Sx2yl4Ho3dNqy_1LzpBAK7yFQT7MnPJzaP5F2reqt-8DeYqoMpmYhBJZ40bLDAT54-bLZCH_Ka-bAbuvHpZj_UBcwXD72m5MdmVqpEQdhIC/s1600/damian1+%28Custom%29.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj952Y82J4pw6GtWPTn02G4Q1XqPJrEmLnX8Sx2yl4Ho3dNqy_1LzpBAK7yFQT7MnPJzaP5F2reqt-8DeYqoMpmYhBJZ40bLDAT54-bLZCH_Ka-bAbuvHpZj_UBcwXD72m5MdmVqpEQdhIC/s200/damian1+%28Custom%29.jpg" width="200" /></a>26
year old Damian Furtch was on his way home from work at a restaurant
late Sat night (Sunday morning), when he stopped off at a McDonalds in
NYC’s West Village to get some food.While inside the restaurant Damian
noticed 2 men staring at him, giving him “looks”. It was late, Damian
was tired, he felt uncomfortable and he didn’t want any trouble so he
left. He was across the street, walking away while on the phone to a
friend when the 2 men from McDonalds approached him and asked him “if he
had a problem” before he knew it he was punched in the face by one man,
then instantly felt another punch by the second perp, and then he heard
it – “You Fucking Faggot” , the words as hurtful as the punches. <a href="http://stephww.wordpress.com/2011/03/27/beat-because-he-is-gay/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjz_xdeL_2_P6EQvJVRwPYjrdy5oo-BVt7Out_lMHoY_BcA3afyMgTAhtEVuXU9D69C6F_l-oXZegMNNpI_kYxd8DLIrEtg_YOIlfNKCd1NTCv5isCG7Fjoq1SSvn3gLspu5ll2pj7e2i/s1600/6a00d8341c730253ef017d3ca9f0dc970c-800wi.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjz_xdeL_2_P6EQvJVRwPYjrdy5oo-BVt7Out_lMHoY_BcA3afyMgTAhtEVuXU9D69C6F_l-oXZegMNNpI_kYxd8DLIrEtg_YOIlfNKCd1NTCv5isCG7Fjoq1SSvn3gLspu5ll2pj7e2i/s200/6a00d8341c730253ef017d3ca9f0dc970c-800wi.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mark
Little and his partner, Dustin Martin, visited Asheville a few weekends
ago. The couple say they were walking down the street when people in a
passing car began harassing them. Little told WBTV, when they asked the
people to stop, a passenger jumped from the car and attacked them.
Little says he and his partner are concerned police aren't taking the
crime seriously. <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2012/10/charlotte.html#ixzz2AcSDa8XE" target="_blank">Source</a></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwJ2gV8b7Q7H-z9tmvJUGdtBTg41BQsxeLEj389HvcYgQobgfw2fBqP2-iHnzn2FEfk_5jaybpKKsOmliQC-yJxDxoDXvRfxk8rLTIFA_fg3a7wRLOjC2ZeXa-4fcd03lnMIyBIwbynPr/s1600/Screen-shot-2011-02-07-at-4.40.00-PM-1024x757+%28Custom%29.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwJ2gV8b7Q7H-z9tmvJUGdtBTg41BQsxeLEj389HvcYgQobgfw2fBqP2-iHnzn2FEfk_5jaybpKKsOmliQC-yJxDxoDXvRfxk8rLTIFA_fg3a7wRLOjC2ZeXa-4fcd03lnMIyBIwbynPr/s200/Screen-shot-2011-02-07-at-4.40.00-PM-1024x757+%28Custom%29.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Laura
Gilbert, 25, told WRBL 3 News that she had gone to The Villa outside
Opelika with her friend from high school, Sheila Siddall, to celebrate
Siddall’s birthday by singing karaoke. Gilbert said she felt
uncomfortable as soon as she walked into the bar and people began
staring at her, but she stayed because she didn’t want to ruin Siddall’s
birthday celebration. <a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/watch-attack-bar-time-lesbian-injured-arrested-1063790.html" target="_blank">Source</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6ol694FI70TLpGOO_1c0gOe4rEikESl42nSw4TTCaUxDzxP9w-sY_WOXTn7zBdUjZk7cWo6lnAlHmn5Zc_tCXiuKK8xuo87XXZRwe4d9Ixr3MjFZ2u5JbWkDdPuiR3n07dyqakYCbgvl/s1600/cwpics6.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6ol694FI70TLpGOO_1c0gOe4rEikESl42nSw4TTCaUxDzxP9w-sY_WOXTn7zBdUjZk7cWo6lnAlHmn5Zc_tCXiuKK8xuo87XXZRwe4d9Ixr3MjFZ2u5JbWkDdPuiR3n07dyqakYCbgvl/s200/cwpics6.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bishops
in Chile have condemned the murder of Daniel Zamudio, a gay man who was
gruesomely beaten and succumbed to his injuries on March 27 after being
in a coma for nearly four weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Chilean bishops'
conference leader and Archbishop of Santiago, Ricardo Ezzati, voiced
solidarity with Zamudio’s friends and family and called for justice in
the case. <a href="http://clericalwhispers.blogspot.com/2012/04/chilean-bishops-condemn-brutal-murder.html" target="_blank">Source</a></span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsxJWhjhByBvSuJ8Nu-Wx1gVVxZ-KShRCg6bOlc7wLgtNZAD7okhXy1XM1WCQxHEHHakcvikRi-l01hu1TdLj9rvDOlHgJu8dLqLf5bHDtt7cV9BWwIf3JWPAQfj2J8HfTyk3kf1qnS2-/s1600/New+folder_AutoCollage_9_Images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsxJWhjhByBvSuJ8Nu-Wx1gVVxZ-KShRCg6bOlc7wLgtNZAD7okhXy1XM1WCQxHEHHakcvikRi-l01hu1TdLj9rvDOlHgJu8dLqLf5bHDtt7cV9BWwIf3JWPAQfj2J8HfTyk3kf1qnS2-/s200/New+folder_AutoCollage_9_Images.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Frequent protests against the homosexual population. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Proest+against+gays&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=Protest+against+gays&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&spell=1">https://www.google.com/search?q=Proest+against+gays&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=Protest+against+gays&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&spell=1</a></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So yea,<i> </i>it's not easy to get along with people who hate you, and wish to see you burn. It's not easy to get along with people who support violent acts against people who are different. It's not easy to get along with people who call you demon. It's not easy to get along with people who treat others as less than human. It's not easy to get along with someone who thinks the only rights gays should have are "aid, death and hell". What this guy doesn't get, is by his words or actions, he had the power to teach others to treat him with dignity and respect, or with fire and brimstone. By his words and actions, he taught others to treat him with fire and brimstone. When you are a dick, don't be surprised when you get dickish behavior back. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But maybe he can't be blamed for being so blind to others. Sure, he has a ego and attitude that is totally unacceptable, but his previous comments might be a product of his upbringing. I mean, it's really hard to see the plights and hardships of others when you are so sheltered from the world. How could he be expected to see how gays are beaten and killed for just being gay? How could he possibly know about being denied basic human rights, work, and happiness? Such things would require he actually take notice or care how they live, and what they have to live with. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unless such things are taught at a early age, kids will never learn to care about others. Obviously he wasn't taught in Christ's ways as a kid.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFI1BMQO2IyCWJMwkrWzgAGw9uQ944oJZB2fQ9PHVii9kPpWFK1rcx5a_D95snv4NP9ONvAr1V8Iwp1mQJ07ZBNh1wsul93010RSVCDrkXzJyjKWoSNbzZHqCOZvk9cwOostp-06xmsB9/s1600/pagebreak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFI1BMQO2IyCWJMwkrWzgAGw9uQ944oJZB2fQ9PHVii9kPpWFK1rcx5a_D95snv4NP9ONvAr1V8Iwp1mQJ07ZBNh1wsul93010RSVCDrkXzJyjKWoSNbzZHqCOZvk9cwOostp-06xmsB9/s320/pagebreak.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Aright, my tolerance for this guy is growing ever thinner, and it feels like my head is going to explode soon. My thinks my punching bag will get a lot of work tonight... In any case, how about we wrap this up shall we? <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said: <i>"</i></b><i>We where sitting down, we deiced to get something from the food bar and eat it here. And there was a gay guy who came up to us and told us what he thought of us. Multiple times."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Translation: <i>"</i>I wasn't getting enough attention with the shirt I was wearing, so I looked for any reason to say longer. Now I'm going to piss and moan like a little bitch about a person who made comments about my shirt.<i>"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Honestly, this whole religious front his is trying to put up is not only a obvious sham, but also just sad. Christ never treated people like this, not even nonbelievers and people who put him on a cross. He was never insulting or belittling, nor was he ever "I'll burn you for shits and giggles". He was a kind man, a man who was gentle with his words and his teachings. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He was also never a douche, unlike some of his followers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said: "</b><i>He called us a tool. Multiple times."</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>... </i>really? This is what set you off? This is was got you super insulted and scared? Are you really that thin skinned that you can't take a grade school insult? Christ suffered and died on a cross for hours because of his views, I would think he could suck up a small insult. Bloody hell, I've been called a LOT worse at work and brushed it off like it was nothing. But hey, he does have one small point in there. Bringing a message of "you will burn in hell because I hate you" doesn't make one a tool. It makes them a fucking douche bag. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said:</b><i> "And when he first came, approached us</i> <i>I got a little excited." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He got all excited over finally getting a rise in people? What a huge bloody shock! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said:</b><i> "And my wife told me to calm down, and here's what happened I did, right away."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Calmed down so much that you continued to make a eleven minute video over your ego high? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said:</b><i> "You see, people seem to thing... that you have to talk to someone... in order to witness to people. Oh come on."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yea, you can wear dumb ass shirts and cry like a bitch on the internet. Good job there buddy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What he said:</b><i> "You couldn't talk to him. And most gay people, you can not talk to them."</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Really?<i> </i>I can't talk to gay people? Then how the hell do I hang with a bunch of them every Sunday? How the hell have we picked up doing really bad voice acting with them? Am I missing something here? Oh wait, maybe it has something to do with the fact I'm not trying to send them to hell, beat/kill them because they are gay, or not acting like a giant douche bag. Maybe he should try dropping the whole "Jesus told me to burn you" agenda and talk to gay people like normal people. Because, you know, gays are people after all...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i><b>What he said:</b><i> Come on moms and dads, you know what I'm talking about. You can't really talk to your gay son or your gay daughter. Can you? The more you say to them, the more angry they get."</i></span><br />
<br />
Ok, that's it. I'm done.<br />
<br />
There is only so much utter bullshit I can take in a day before my head wants to explode. Going after the family unit? Trying to put a wedge between parents and their children? Listen fucktard and listen well. Not everyone is like you. Not everyone is a cuntish heartless asshole that should have been aborted at birth. Some parents actually love their children. Some parents don't see being born gay as a problem. Some parents can actually see their "gay child" as a person. Or do you seriously fucking believe "beating the gay" out of your child is a good thing?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-47151724757800768532013-09-09T09:05:00.002-07:002013-12-24T20:21:21.833-08:00Rambling of a Normal Guy: You know what they say about Opinions....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVzqN42AnEbknRttGYOmcvaFqf-kUlcQwDmvpxwTffjGDqBISEzbvW-Ff_MsF07_cwPxkyRrvcj3cRbXndbZJbjGUkY_BqqzcGRRuOZPhJFBPDQUvYZ0hrWOUxy4lQ5JCneLnWUjKESSx/s1600/annoyed-cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVzqN42AnEbknRttGYOmcvaFqf-kUlcQwDmvpxwTffjGDqBISEzbvW-Ff_MsF07_cwPxkyRrvcj3cRbXndbZJbjGUkY_BqqzcGRRuOZPhJFBPDQUvYZ0hrWOUxy4lQ5JCneLnWUjKESSx/s320/annoyed-cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i>Welcome to another addition of ramblings of a normal guy. This is my
special column, where I go off on wild rants complaining about the things
that happen and effect my (and ours) every day life. Because of the
excessive amounts of stupidity that will be featured, a large amount of
inappropriate language will most likely be used. Also expect a large
helping of calling out and "I don't give a crap". Rated M for mature,
and read at your own risk. </i><br />
<br />
So if you've been reading my blog for a while, you probably figured out two things about me. The first, is that I do not write often because of time, work and all around laziness. The second is that when I do write, it is because of something that is very important to me. So why I am writing today, right smack in the middle of programming my own game? Well you see, while I was on Facebook looking over various post of cats, cats, and more cats (did I mention cats?), I found a random post by a friend. It was a picture of a news article about a woman speaking about the evils of "the gays". True, we have freedom of speech in the US, so she is welcome to say what ever she wants. But while everyone is entitled to their opinion, everyone is also entitled to respond.. especially when they are being a whiny bitch. The image below is the article in question, I highly recommend reading it first... despite that nature of the article.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEAyN03_SwcOqFAQChwU2cVrTsGijIjhxZGk-A9QeLXPDMrzKJQJqYJuDwwCy_-10u2duLJUMhroQ27uSZEaYxY0h06KYm63al2n_Wte_oGv6uiRFbHlaRaWfYo2gZ5iK9S0qN1T9bsw4/s1600/1237933_651922291057_2096413541_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEAyN03_SwcOqFAQChwU2cVrTsGijIjhxZGk-A9QeLXPDMrzKJQJqYJuDwwCy_-10u2duLJUMhroQ27uSZEaYxY0h06KYm63al2n_Wte_oGv6uiRFbHlaRaWfYo2gZ5iK9S0qN1T9bsw4/s400/1237933_651922291057_2096413541_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click it to make it bigger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You know after reading it over a few times, I actually find a few things amusing about it.<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"></span><br data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[1]" /></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]">First and foremost is that she is a woman with a opinion. Why is this
surprising? I wonder this "wild woman" knows that not to long ago a
successful campaign to desensitize people to the sinful behavior of a
woman having free will enabled her to have this opinion. I mean if she
truly believes in the status quo, and the bible she claims to follow,
she would stfu and obey any man she was sold/given too. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[6]">Read a book? Sure, I'll read the holy book where you get most of your
anti-gay crap from. I'll read the same holy book that records and
glamorizes the killing of thousands, the rape of woman and girls,
slavery, and murdering of babies. "But that's just Old Testament" they
will say. To which I would respond, if you are going to take one piece
from it, you must follow all of it. Its a holy book, not a fucking
buffet you can take what you want from. UGH!</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[9]">Moving on, if she is going to make a claim as something true, she
better have <u>facts</u> to back it up. Which she doesn't of course, since
homosexuality is indeed natural. Ever see that meme "homosexuality if
found in 400+ species and homophobia just one?" Yea that isn't just a
saying, it's actually true. But then again, we already knew science is
of the devil to these so called "religious" types right?</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[12]">Did this idiot really just try to pull a "right is right and wrong is
wrong"? Again The Law of the Land for the longest time AND the bible
state that women need to be silent, need to obey the man they where
given/sold to. That changed, from "right" to wrong. Black people where
held as slaves and was held as right both in the bible (well slavery in
general) and as law. That changed from "right"
to wrong. I could go on and on with this point but why bother? Just
because some bimbo with a book said something is right, doesn't make it
so. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[15]">And now we have the argument that is so tired, it was dead out of the
gate. Equal rights (because that is what it is) has nothing to do with
religion, even more so because not every gay is religious.
This has everything to do with her huge ass ego. Since she can't force
her religion on everyone, since she can't force her beliefs on the world,
since she can't control people any more, she is suddenly being
oppressed. I think she needs to step outside her box and see that her
version of faith does not control everything, nor do we the people want
it to. And really? Religious houses are always exempt from many laws,
I'm not sure what she is bitching about. Religious houses can not be
forced to marry whom they do not want to. As for business... unless they
are worshiping the dollar, they are in violation of their religious
beliefs. Again a craft store is not a church, it is a business, not a
religion. </span><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[18]">But
she is right about one thing, America is on a very dangerous downward
slope. If we continue to allow religious law to trump the law of the
land, when will it end? Will all Christian law be allowed to trump? Will
all Jewish law be allowed to trump? Will Muslim law be allowed to
trump (it's amusing to watch their head explode at the mention of that)? How about various Pagan laws? If not, then why is my faith not
important as this woman's? </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[21]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[24]">Finally, it's about time to stand up and be counted? Make her voice be
heard? Sorry I must have been mistaken, I could have sworn I experienced
20+ fucking years of having their voice forced on me. </span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[21]"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[24]"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2ml9].[1][4][1]{comment10152179296542586_34131045}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[21]">Does she really care about faith, or just her huge fucking ego?</span></span></span>bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-23147008743579082982013-07-15T13:57:00.001-07:002014-01-03T18:17:17.245-08:00Ramblings of a Pagan Guy: Really Fox? Really? AGAIN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s1600/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s320/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Over
the years, I have found that many a person has this strange idea
when it comes to the Pagan faiths. It as if, you know as soon as one converts,
they [the pagan] are thrown back to the middles ages. People have
this rather quirky notion that pots and pans turn into wands and
broomsticks, that tables and chair turning to sacrificial altars and
stone circles. At best, many people think that once one devotes themselves
to the God and Goddess, reality bleeds away is magically replaced
with Hogwarts schools and Weasly like houses. At worse, they believe that
our God and Goddess are just whores, or the Christian devil.
With this miniblog series, it is my hope to not only document my time growing as a Pagan, but to address these and many more
misunderstood concepts so that we will be see as people. We are not
the demons some people try to make us out to be.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Special thanks to<span class="fcg"><span class="fwb"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vampiressbella" target="_blank">Jennifer Arend</a> for giving me the heads up. Stay strong and awesome sister! </span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="fcg"><span class="fwb"><br /></span></span></div>
Back in my day, which is surprisingly not that long ago, journalism meant something. It was a group of people and organizations that worked hard to seek out the truth of a story and report on it. Opinions where kept to talk shows, and fast (actual facts) where presented with out political influence. Sites like policofacts really wasn't needed because reporters where ready to fact check the hell out of everything. But now a days? Not so much. Now a days, we have idiots on NBC (or what ever BC it was) making the absolutely rubbish claims that Normans where nothing more than sex crazed prostitutes. Seriously man, you're not <i>Bill O'reilly,</i> stick to reporting on facts, and facts that can actually be backed up. (Protip: We know where the moon and waves come from) <br />
<br />
So what's the point of today's post? Well, it seems our darling Fox News is up to some silly crap again. Meet me past the break to share my surprise. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQsdpEPWrCp9lb2EZKKKZIh21hYvW73UBVUZ_GhPKjzegYh2hm6idYpLVRzNT-2mcBMqjhRo0Z9geZNJz78uR6S3pjNKvA2sov3nFO9oqSvZD2zi2V7E1gCgn6Ew0pXrVTAiGP4xE9pmO/s1600/ecee914fcba2ac64af4a860eccb2e515_xlarge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQsdpEPWrCp9lb2EZKKKZIh21hYvW73UBVUZ_GhPKjzegYh2hm6idYpLVRzNT-2mcBMqjhRo0Z9geZNJz78uR6S3pjNKvA2sov3nFO9oqSvZD2zi2V7E1gCgn6Ew0pXrVTAiGP4xE9pmO/s320/ecee914fcba2ac64af4a860eccb2e515_xlarge.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Every time Fox goes about <i>crying</i> about religious persecution, I seriously want to die inside. I want to know how they can sit in front of the camera, day after day, and complain about religious persecution when they are in fact, doing it themselves. Two wrongs don't make a right, nor does fake outrage fix anything.<br />
<br />
Le'sigh.<br />
<br />
Now take a moment and remember with me to a few issues back. Our <i>friends</i> at Fox where fake raging over <a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2013/02/ramblings-of-pagan-guy-when-adults-act.html" target="_blank">how the greedy Pagans where for "demanding" more days off</a> from school than anyone else. Not only was this simply not true (pagans have less days off than Christians), they also has the insulting audacity to compare being Pagan to a woman's once a month. Not sure how bleeding from one's reproductive units is like religion, but eh it's Fox. Surprisingly, the backlash from their indecent segment lead to their lead anchor man apologizing for the whole incident. Sure it was half hearted and mostly empty, but it's more than anyone else ever got. So it's all done and over with now right?<br />
<br />
<br />
Yea... no.<i> </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i> </i><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwsJXoLEJQPz9Okiptx6Z_6Fta3O_qSjLsNzqaT0EMtiVvwL28S1FPXt5PWwVK6naPJGPzYhwEQL2h4QQ8geA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>All from the same person who is angry because she </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>can't throw people behind a fence and watch them die.</i></div>
<br />
<b>What she said:</b> <i>But this isn't the only part of Obamacare the social engineers are facing. The U.S. Catholic bishops and leaders of other faiths told the administration that the latest rewrite of the so-called contraception mandate is not acceptable. What the Obama people don't get is that forcing people to buy into a plan that subsidizes contraceptives, abortion inducing drugs and sterilization is a brazen violation of the separation between church and state.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
When I first read this, I was actually pretty upset. Not with what she was saying (at least not right away), but because she was willingly validating the stereotype and spiritual STD that seems to be running rapid in Catholics today. These so called Catholics accepted the twisted idea that theirs is the only faith in the world, and even worse the only one that has the right to exist. They think "god" (aka their own ego) gave them special rights and privileges to do as they please. They believe this same "god" gave them the right to force their version on morality on anything they see. Then these same people pick and choose what they want from the bible, treating like a buffet and not a holy book, to justify what ever they believe at the time. Anything, be it a person, idea or law, that works against their total control of everything is a insult and a form of religious persecution. <i>But Hank, total control? Really? </i>I may be a bit paranoid at times, but when a religion groups screams "god said so" when trying to force laws that only they agree with... <br />
<br />
But to what she said...<br />
<br />
How nice it must be to part of a faith that finds it acceptable to ignore the separation of church and state by it's own pleasure! How wonderful it must be to push their religious law on non-believers without paying the entrance fee like the rest of us! How hard and sad for them it must be to come to terms with the fact there are other faiths, everyone should just lay down and die for them! How hard it must be for them, to be so persecuted by the government for forcing health care on churches! They should be able to worship craft goods in peace! Wait... what do you mean craft stores aren't places of worship? Lies and slander!<br />
<br />
Yea...I trust the sarcasm is not lost.<br />
<br />
The point is, unless this tart is willing to submit to Muslim law (she's not), they she has zero right to force feed her religion on everyone else. She isn't special, she isn't a special little snowflake, and she needs to wake the hell up and see that. <br />
<br />
<b>What she said:</b> <i>It is above all a matter of conscience, a moral standard foreign to Obama's secular creed. This is an administration that routinely runs roughshod over the sanctity of human life, a core value of Christians, Orthodox Jews and many others, appalled at the President's mean audacity. It's called religious liberty and it is the bedrock of this country's founding principles.</i><br />
<br />
I often wonder why secular is always used as such a negative term.With a "modern" history that spans two thousand years, we can see that religion in power hasn't always been a good thing. This isn't even limited to one religion either. Human sacrifice<b> </b>for the good of the state?<b> </b>Owning slaves because X god said it was ok? Allowing torture, burnings, and feeding to the lions just because they don't share the same faith? The simple fact remains;<b> Power and faith should never, ever mix. </b>Yet when it comes to a government that isn't faith endorsed, it's like the bloody Apocalypse. I seriously think a all powerful deity could care less about our trivial political system. And if He/She/It did want to back something, I would think they could do it themselves. Because you know, all powerful. But I digress.... again.<br />
<br />
Before we move on, I think one other point really needs to be made. You have the right to religion, any religion you want. You have the right to practice your faith in any means you deem fitting (assuming you're not killing or harming anyone). You have the right to enforce upon yourself what ever religious rules you deem fit in your home or place of worship. You do not have the right to force your religious, moral or ethical code on the masses just because you think you are right. If I might use a example, it's kinda like the whole gay marriage "issue". If your faith is so against same sex marriage that is fine. Just don't get one and don't allow it in your church. But do not tell me I can't conduct on in my sacred circle, grove, or others in their places of worship. Your faith, what ever that may be, does not control the whole of the planet, it does not dictate the lives and fates of other people! So next time dear lady, when you call religious discrimination check to see if it really is! Most of the time it will just be another case of of baby crying because they aren't controlling everything. <br />
<br />
Now back to her next point. Honestly now woman, when you work <a href="http://www.ceasespin.org/ceasespin_blog/ceasespin_blogger_files/fox_news_gets_okay_to_misinform_public.html" target="_blank">for a company who sued for their right to lie on tv</a> and <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/10/25/797064/-Fox-News-admits-they-lie-and-distort-the-news-so-why-so-pissy" target="_blank">call it news, you really forfeit your right to conscience</a>. But for a moment, let's forget about inconvenient notions like that. Let's for a moment consider what she is saying. She is saying that her Catholic morality is better than secular. If you want to compare Catholic morality, <i>and more to the point actual actions</i>, to secular you will find that Catholics have a lot of blood on their hands. Wars, crusades, inquisitions, purges in the name of God are not in fact a good thing. It means either you God demands blood sacrifice or his followers are just making crap up. And let's not forget, the bible is a holy book, not a buffet. You have to actually follow <b>all the rules in there</b>, or you just label yourself a hypercritical git. Finally if you are so gun ho about religious liberty, I also assume you will reverse your opinion and accept Shariah law? Would you also be willing to accept Pagan, Hindu, Buddiest, Shinto law?<br />
<br />
After all religious liberty is a founding principle right? Just as your faith can dictate law, so should others. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig94TA0oDPriMQ23n6qYIn1S_CB18PJxEb0p4E39P6xv6w4bipRfBGKx5vJC4guhIkMcQqmtNuQLbucqtkZbmyXlMn03qbDzvZSv7Ao6hyPa9rWpAMqA-8of8JL_WnvANzfdlr4NOgf4f4/s1600/moron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig94TA0oDPriMQ23n6qYIn1S_CB18PJxEb0p4E39P6xv6w4bipRfBGKx5vJC4guhIkMcQqmtNuQLbucqtkZbmyXlMn03qbDzvZSv7Ao6hyPa9rWpAMqA-8of8JL_WnvANzfdlr4NOgf4f4/s320/moron.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What she said: <i>Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore told Congress last year and I quote, “This is not even a matter of whether contraception may be prohibited by the government. This is not even a matter of whether contraception may be supported by the government. Instead, it's a matter of whether religious people and institutions may be forced by the government to provide coverage for contraception or sterilization, even if that violates their religious beliefs.”</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Do I really need to point out the fact that a Bishop trying to push a law that fits his <u>religious agenda</u> is a clear violation of church and state? Unless this man is paying his taxes and his church (as in actual church) is being forced to provide health care, then why is he even giving a opinion as a representative of his church? You can't complain about separation of church and state, when church is all up in the state. Equal rights, equal responsibility. <i>However</i>, I will agree this is not a matter of contraception any more. Considering many plans covered contraception (even plans agreed upon by so called "religious business") before Obama-care, it's easy to see why. What this is, or has become, is a attempt to insert one version of religion into state and federal law. If we are to believe the "fair and balanced" view point that church and state should be separate, then why is this even being considered? Why is it even being encouraged? Ignoring one faiths attempt to control law, where would they even draw the line? Will they fight equally hard to allow Shariah law in the work place, despite their political and social views already saying no? Will they fight equally hard to allow the rejection of blood transfusions and fertility drugs? Will they follow strict biblical law and disallow anything that goes against natural law? Or even worse, disallow all medical help and use faith healing? <br />
<br />
After all, if we are going to mix faith and state, all faiths must have a say....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4GqAh2j7uDSqDBdY9Q5scT8qPffCDur9QQWuIe7QM9cd3nj98KlmZK87ZtKay-XgBjHw8ICrKwK0SciFNZaUgxUnQrUrr1gPCYCTa0VzwWV-ekm6Byz1tVdEX1B-_ypazu_pCAMTjrK1/s1600/Fun_Cat_STFU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4GqAh2j7uDSqDBdY9Q5scT8qPffCDur9QQWuIe7QM9cd3nj98KlmZK87ZtKay-XgBjHw8ICrKwK0SciFNZaUgxUnQrUrr1gPCYCTa0VzwWV-ekm6Byz1tVdEX1B-_ypazu_pCAMTjrK1/s320/Fun_Cat_STFU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>What she said: </b><i>The Obama administration has made several bad faith attempts to fiddle with the contraception mandate's punitive character by juggling the bookkeeping methods, but the stern consequence remains. Those who don't agree to sign up must be punished and pay the exorbitant fines.</i><br />
<br />
I really hate stereotypes. I hate how they are so broadly insulting, how intellectually bankrupt they are, and how they only exist to piss people off. The only thing I hate more is idiots that justify them. Lady news reporter who can still wear a cross on her neck and freely practice her faith, put down the god damn victim card already. Better yet, go home... you are clearly toooo drunk to think properly. All religious institutions and even religious non-profit organizations are exempt from this part of Obama-care. That's not bad faith attempts, that's accounting for religious "freedom". But for the sake of argument, let's explore that consideration for a moment. Let's say I'm a Catholic who doesn't want to fund X because it's against my faith. I am granted such a exemption because of faith, shouldn't I then be bound to my faith laws to establish I am indeed Catholic? Considering the point of being in business is to make money, shouldn't as a Catholic business owner, still be held to such biblical verses as:<br />
<br />
<b>Matthew 19:21:</b> <i>Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."</i><br />
<br />
<b>1 John 3:17</b>: <i>If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no
pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?</i><br />
<br />
<b>Matthew 25:31-46</b>: <i>"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.</i> (TLDR: Those who have been blessed with wealth must share generously with the poor)<br />
<br />
<b><span class="jquote"><span class="jquote"> </span></span></b><span class="jquote"><b>Luke 16:13:</b> <i>"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and
love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve
both God and money."</i></span><br />
<br />
<b>Prov 30:8-9</b> <i>Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me
only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and
say, "Who is the Lord?" Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor
the name of my God.</i><br />
<br />
There are of course more, but I think I've made my point. Unless they are actually following their bible, how can they claim to be a Catholic business? Even more so, how dare they claim any faith, just to save a buck. Religion is, and should always be, about a personal relationship with the Divine, NOT about money. Oh and as for your little side comment about fees and such, I have some news for you. Myself, and people of like mind are a little tired of your church causing us huge fines and larges amount of money. How you ask?<br />
<ul>
<li>Why do I have to pay income, land, and retail taxes but the church can hold large sums of land without paying taxes on them.</li>
<li>Why can the church get large sums of money for "faith bases initiatives" but my faith can not? </li>
<li>Why can the church be exempt from many taxes and laws but mine can not? Further more why is only your faith allow to push law, but others are looked down upon?</li>
</ul>
<br />
If I wanted to take this a step further, I don't agree with a lot of things Republican have forced (in my opinion anyway) into law, yet I am still forced to follow and even pay for it. How many wars are and have been fought without the concent of the population who where forced to contribute to it? How many programs funded with tax payer money that went to corrupt politicians and equally corrupt programs? How about this? My faith clearly allows for gay couple to be married, but YOUR religious laws prevent that. Why are my religious rights pushed aside, when yours must be front and center... not to mention controling every little thing? This is not religious freedom, this is discrimination while hiding behind a cross. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What she said: </b><i>Driving Obamacare is an eagerness to placate perpetually outraged feminists and press home fidelity to secularism at the expense of religious freedom. Their zeal to stamp out insurance to faith and conscience is extraordinary really. It's difficult to imagine any past president taking such license in this matter of faith and morals.</i><br />
<br />
I hope you will pardon me for a moment, but the bitter angry part of me wants to have a word on this;<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Driving modern day Republicans and followers of Fox news is an eagerness to placate perpetually outraged right wing dominionismist and press home fidelity to ONE religion at the expense of all others religious and life freedoms. Their zeal to stamp out rights from others not of like mind is extraordinary really. It's difficult to imagine any past people taking such license in this matter of faith and morals. After all ego is a sin. </i></blockquote>
So, we have moved on from (one version of) faith being the poor poor victim to the sole purpose of Obamacare is to make outraged feminist happy? Also couldn't the victim or "you are only doing this for x" point be made without being so insulting? And who writes this stuff? Are they stoned? High? Seriously how the hell can this lady do her opinion piece (which it is, it's not news) week after week with a straight face. It's just not right! I also find anything of a moral nature coming from the same woman who was all pissy about not being able to throw people behind fences and watching them die, laughable. Listen lady, no one questions government protection in the form of police,
firefighters, and the military. But when it's protection of our health, a
bright line appears that says "socialism" or "attack on faith".<br />
<br />
<br />
As a final point, I want to bring up <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_affiliations_of_Presidents_of_the_United_States#List_of_Presidential_religious_affiliations_.28by_President.29" target="_blank">this list</a>. See anything interesting? Until the 1950's many past presidents either rejected religion, rejected one religion ruling them all, was all hands off, or wanted nothing to do with religion in politics. If we refer to our found fathers when making laws, religion wouldn't even be considered. So please, consider that before you try to throw your ego around. <br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>What she said: </b> <i>Consider the Diocese of Pittsburgh which has filed one of the more than sixty law suits against the Obama White House. Pittsburgh church officials want to know how the Department of Health and Human Services developed the onerous regulations, and they've been stonewalled at every turn.</i><br />
<br />
I always find this type of argument odd when I hear it from religious people of any kind. How can a person proclaim this or that faith be front in center in making government laws, but in the same breath freak out if government dare steps near religion? You honestly can't have it both ways, either government and religion is friendly, or they stay the frack away from each other. Even more so this is the same news station that routinely complains <i>"people need to pay more and get less free rides</i>". If they really believe this, one wonders why she/they hasn't screamed for the church to start paying taxes...<br />
<br />
But I digress.<br />
<br />
In any case, in response to her comment I would like to know what "onerous regulations" she is talking about since actual places of worship are exempt. Oh wait... do I have to mention again that a book store is not a religious building? <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What she said: </b><i>The feds told them that responding to freedom of information requests as to how the Obamacare architects created the new rules will cost about two million dollars and a wait of five years. A lawyer for the diocese rightly calls it a shocking disregard for their obligations as government officials.</i><br />
<br />
Ok, honest question here.... what the hell is your source for this? I tried keyword searches for Obamacare architects created the new rules will cost about two million dollars and a wait of five years, church obamacare two million dollars and a wait of five years, church obamacare two million dollars, church sues obamacare two million dollars, Diocese of Pittsburgh sues obamacare, and could only find mention of it on a few blogs whose information contradicts (price tag and years is always different). So if a commenter can find a actual source for this, I'll return to it then. <br />
<br />
And honestly the government taking it time or being misleading with something? Well colored me surprised... or should I say "Mission accomplished"?<br />
<br />
<b>What she said: </b><i>Some would add that such disregard is deeply rooted in the extraordinary creeping paganism that makes a mockery of the so-called separation between church and state, not to mention the President's very oath of office.</i><br />
<br />
And by "some" you mean you right? If not, then why not have the courage and journalist dignity to list your sources. Come on, arn't you guys suppose to be super proud of your faith, of doing "God's" work, and standing up for what you believe in? Stand and be counted! Or do you just enjoy using other faiths as punching bags, as you so claim happening to yourself? Actually you know what really pisses me off about this? It's not even the fact Fox is once again attacking another faith, it's the fact they are making people of the faith look bad... again. In the quest for ratings and money, you once again sell out anything for your own personal gain.<br />
<br />
Shame on you. <br />
<br />
But now for your actual point you failed to make. Heading to the internet again, I did several searchs with the key words "pagans against separation of church and state" And do you know what I found every freaking time? We Pagans have been pushing not only to enforce but expand the separation of church and state, not lessen it. Seriously, nearly every search I did <a href="http://politics.pagannewswirecollective.com/tag/separation-of-church-and-state/" target="_blank">this was always the first hit.</a> You know what it is? It's a site writing about the dangers of church and state. That's right a pagan run political sight that speaks about the dangers of church and state united.<br />
<br />
Oh what was that about "fair and balanced" again?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv40tSPEY1RFVUWEfRudYrffvXdKgkEDer968ELZT-Gnn8As7Xjr8lxKHEQhHmZ0l0DsxO1xEcvwIT3Fr-5KETUF76EDrNQ6Eq1k9MBCAmkiPj6SVhps7jg8kHhbIBqueEzxybak7pp9Zd/s1600/cat_stupid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv40tSPEY1RFVUWEfRudYrffvXdKgkEDer968ELZT-Gnn8As7Xjr8lxKHEQhHmZ0l0DsxO1xEcvwIT3Fr-5KETUF76EDrNQ6Eq1k9MBCAmkiPj6SVhps7jg8kHhbIBqueEzxybak7pp9Zd/s320/cat_stupid.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>What she said: </b><i>Small wonder the Wall Street Journal calls the Affordable Care Act “a fiasco for the ages.” How does this President utter the words of our National Anthem while pursuing this blatant attack on an American birthright?</i><br />
<br />
<br />
I agree with you 100% here, this whole thing is a fiasco, Obamacare should not have been delayed, or rewritten because of religious nuts. It should not have had (what 42 now) votes to repeal that have failed each time. It should not be delayed again to give business time to adapt and conform to the law. So yes, it is a fiasco, and that's what you meant right? Because that is what you where referencing with the quote.<br />
<br />
<b>What she said: </b><i>And how do Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, both loudly professed Catholics, defend their shilling of this clear violation of church teaching? Biden actually went on record saying “Obamacare is no threat to religious liberty.”</i><br />
<br />
Little lady, your bible is suppose to be the singular source of divinity and divine law in your life. It's pages are suppose to be directly inspired (or written) by the hand of God himself. All of it is then the word of God. So until you can stop being lazy and actually follow your own holy book, you have NO right to judge that "Catholicness" of another. Do you really want a "you without sin cast the first stone" moment here? Oh, and Obamacare is not a threat to religious liberty. You are confusing religious domination again. You are not the dark lord, your religion is not the one ring and it will never rule them all. <br />
<br />
<b>What she said: </b><i>As for Ms. Pelosi, she famously said “I'm a devout Catholic and I honor my faith and love it.” But they have this conscience thing. Reread your catechism Nancy. And by the way, stay out of my local church. Yes. I saw you.</i><br />
<br />
Stay out of my bedroom,<br />
Stay our of the bedroom of my friends and family, <br />
Stay out of my faith,<br />
Stay out of my pocket,<br />
Stay out of my private life, <br />
Stop using my tax dollars for your faith,<br />
Stop pushing for your faith (and only your faith) to rule over them all. <i></i><br />
Stop using a fake victim complex to make people feel bad for you.<br />
<br />
Over and out.<br />
<br />
<br />bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-13117133089304004642013-05-16T16:24:00.002-07:002014-01-03T18:17:17.240-08:00Ramblings of a Pagan Guy: Stupid Cliches We Use (2)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s1600/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s320/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Over
the years, I have found that many a person has this strange idea
when it comes to the Pagan faiths. It as if, you know as soon as one converts,
they [the pagan] are thrown back to the middles ages. People have
this rather quirky notion that pots and pans turn into wands and
broomsticks, that tables and chair turning to sacrificial altars and
stone circles. At best, many people think that once one devotes themselves
to the God and Goddess, reality bleeds away is magically replaced
with Hogwarts schools and Weasly like houses. At worse, they believe that
our God and Goddess are just whores, or the Christian devil.
With this miniblog series, it is my hope to not only document my time growing as a Pagan, but to address these and many more
misunderstood concepts so that we will be see as people. We are not
the demons some people try to make us out to be.</i><br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When I first came up with the idea of this blog, and even this series, a few things quickly came to light. The first, which I'm sure you can guess, is my utter lack of proper spelling and grammar. Hey this is Amerikca, I can does what I want! Coming in a very close second place, was the realization this would take up a lot of time creating. I can't tell you how many times I had to write, rewrite, disregard and start anew something
just because I hated even just a single word or phrase. Even now, I want to stop
writing this installment to completely rewrite everything on my blog. <i>Thanks
scumbag brain! </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
As I pressed on, continuing
to write about this or that experience, working past personal inadequacy and such,
something completely unexpected happened. Just days after posting my first
issue, I started receiving emails about my ramblings. This in itself wasn’t all
unexpected; in fact you might even say I was awaiting "you're stupid
die" emails. So, unsurprisingly, I ignored my email box, unable to bring myself to even look at it. Working in customer service, and having to deal with <i>joyful</i> customers on a daily basis, you can imagine the things I conjured up with. But you know what? My curiosity got the
better of me. It's like saying "don't press the big red
button"! As I read over them, one by one, I got a feeling I never thought I would get. Email after email was filled with words of
encouragement, of stories relating to my own, and of thanks for doing what I
did. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
How <b>awesome sauce</b> is that? <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
With the dealings with my earlier life scribed and posted, and when I began throwing around ideas for the first draft of "Stupid Cliches we use" I thought all of that would come to a end. Surely someone would take major offense, no matter how nicely I put it, and the "Let's bash Ash" bandwagon would roar into life. But you know what? That totally didn't happen. Once again the awesomeness of the community shined like the summer sun. Just a few days ago, when I thought about abandoning this series, the emails started pouring in again. "I'm glad someone finally said it!" "It's about time someone posted about this crap!" "Just read your article, flipping amazing! When's part 2?" For a person who believes their rambling the akin to crap, I can honestly tell you such emails do a lot for me.<br />
<br />
So before I go off on a rant, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who took the time to write in, to say a few words, and to keep me going. I actually have a special folder in my gmail account just for these. When ever I have a bad day, or just want to punch someone in the throat, I take a moment and load up my email. Because nice words can go a really long way. So yea, you're all awesome sauce. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Oh and one final note:</i><br />
In the <a href="http://www.witchvox.com/" target="_blank">the Witches’ Voice</a> version of this posting, I had a disclaimer going on how I didn't want to offend anyone and even going so far as apologizing for it. This was brought up in a few of your emails, and all I have to say is you are all 100% right. When dealing with the problems with ourselves we can not afford to baby it or even sugar coat it. </blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoxVGJaujmz4O0wY532wujLxfJlT9WWbw3BcnXfsIpzNTRXSYfWev-qqU_QEpZIynI2qGZVBBrHlz99H4ZYfldlR_f2z1jFNeakkIY3tmoPuZVZkQQ6gvimOssTCBiBv8P1DFev-cLbgy/s1600/boomstick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoxVGJaujmz4O0wY532wujLxfJlT9WWbw3BcnXfsIpzNTRXSYfWev-qqU_QEpZIynI2qGZVBBrHlz99H4ZYfldlR_f2z1jFNeakkIY3tmoPuZVZkQQ6gvimOssTCBiBv8P1DFev-cLbgy/s320/boomstick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>"<b>I'm a great and powerful witch in possession of the original necronomicon (or some other mystical sounding book)."</b></i><br />
<br />
As humans, and social animals, we love to show off. Be it a sexy dress, killer hair style (redheads are hot), rocking pack of abs, amazing HD video card or what now, we want to be noticed. We love things like Facebook and YouTube because it helps us achieve this. We want to be the center of attention, even if it's for a brief time. While there is nothing wrong with this, taking it to far or going about it the wrong way, can be devastating. The jersey shore or spreading gods love by wanting to lock gays behind electric fences are just two ways how this can be bad in everyday and religious life. So how does this apply to us? Let me tell you a story of the first time I heard the above. <br />
<br />
I was at <a href="http://www.newhopepa.com/" target="_blank">New Hope</a> for the local Samhain festive celebrations and enjoying the company of fellow Pagans. Hailing from a largely Catholic area, it's a rather good change of pace to mingle with people who share the same faith... not to mention the utter lack of "burn in hell. If I also recall, I made for a rather sexy elf. But I digress again... As I was enjoying myself talking to this person and that, I literately ran into this poor woman. I wasn't paying attention and I think we both might have had a few to many. <i>Hey, we pagans love our Ale! </i>Already being being in such high pleasant spirits, we both laughed at the moment and quickly got to talking. I was enjoying myself even more since I was talking with a pretty girl, until she mentioned her path. "Yep" she said, "I'm a seventh generational witch and get this, I own a orginal copy of the necronomicon!" I laughed, thinking it was a pretty good joke and told her that Alhazred stole my copy (if you get the joke, give yourself a cookie). She made a sour face but we continued on. We conversed for a bit more than merrily parted ways, all in all a good time. It wasn't until later that I learned that she was being 100% serious and that other people actually believed her. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuV-hGJkZ45j9yarNW6jfn1C0CQjimuSpPnefTbbRQAsDb_MXgrNEcWAJEwsnbNdSVqZaLTgCkkU38PUPRZbfySjY9G2Xw5gkd0Ai-xf0_GGUdD6TRqxRXPd6QKZeejO3hfND0_A-ykZl/s1600/cthulhu_rising_by_somniturne1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuV-hGJkZ45j9yarNW6jfn1C0CQjimuSpPnefTbbRQAsDb_MXgrNEcWAJEwsnbNdSVqZaLTgCkkU38PUPRZbfySjY9G2Xw5gkd0Ai-xf0_GGUdD6TRqxRXPd6QKZeejO3hfND0_A-ykZl/s320/cthulhu_rising_by_somniturne1.jpg" width="320" /></a>For my readers who may not know, The Necronomicon is a fictional grimoire appearing in the stories by horror writer H. P. Lovecraft and his followers. It was first mentioned in Lovecraft's 1924 short story "The Hound", written in 1922, though its purported author, the "Mad Arab" Abdul Alhazred, had been quoted a year earlier in Lovecraft's "The Nameless City". Among other things, the work contains an account of the Old Ones, their history, and the means for summoning them.Other authors such as August Derleth and Clark Ashton Smith also cited it in their works; Lovecraft approved, believing such common allusions built up "a background of evil verisimilitude." Many readers have believed it to be a real work, with booksellers and librarians receiving many requests for it; pranksters have listed it in rare book catalogues, and a student smuggled a card for it into the Yale University Library's card catalog.<br />
<br />
It's rather sad that this book, one that was also never fully completed, is still often mentioned as a great book of magical workings (by <i>some</i> fellow pagans) and even brought up frequently in the churches around me as proof that Pagan religions are evil. Seriously, how can a book of <b><u>pure fiction</u></b> be used as evidence of, well anything? It's like using the book <i>Her Dark Materials </i>as proof the Catholic church is a collection of reality jumping war mongers. So yea, that loud thumping sound? That would be my head hitting the desk a few times. Listen people, this is not a actual "magic" book, HP Lovecraft never actually traveled the cosmos to learn from it, and last time I checked New York was still around*1. But in the same breath, I must say don't get me wrong. There are some really nice and ancient books of wisdom
and magic out there (hell I have half of them on my kindle), but for the
love of Odin, if anyone tries to use the above crap on you they are either mentally touched or playing a con. I know I've mentioned this before, but I think it is so important (or should be) to us that it must be said again.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Being of the Pagan faith was never about who has the most powerful book, wand, or popularity meter. It's about connecting with nature, with the divine and most importantly seeing we are all connected in this wondrous beautiful thing called life.</b></blockquote>
<br />
...Don't ruin it with MTV reality TV show crap. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>"As a witch I have to wear...."</i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKBPHws5L7kF3pt4qY00YNNVY8w-MmJrWo7O_I7UJq2YyIDLAmIjUB-nPByLuTeStbEKcTIckJbtzkRYtUvzonhY6t3YlGHGVkUAzn3s-69ycVDaC2R8PEMGKQCgTURcm6m8sKx9RkK0r/s1600/fairuza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKBPHws5L7kF3pt4qY00YNNVY8w-MmJrWo7O_I7UJq2YyIDLAmIjUB-nPByLuTeStbEKcTIckJbtzkRYtUvzonhY6t3YlGHGVkUAzn3s-69ycVDaC2R8PEMGKQCgTURcm6m8sKx9RkK0r/s1600/fairuza.jpg" /></a>Once or twice a year, I have the pleasure of attending the <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parenfaire.com%2F&ei=JGiVUayaEMu40AHgh4DQCQ&usg=AFQjCNEQt8upbxiqt8krKz3GkLouKm_Q1g&sig2=4hESY-eQUUX59wStU4ZjeQ&bvm=bv.46471029,d.dmQ" target="_blank">renaissance fair</a>. It's a time when we can regress to an early age, disregard tv and cell phones for a time, wear awesome clothing and drink a lot. After a twenty buck admission fee, which is also cheaper if you come in costume, you are given a day long event of good food, games, shows and times with friends. What is there NOT to like about it?!?! What could make this even better? Well getting to walk around in my druid outift and showing off my tattoos! The only bad thing is having to leave when the day is over and return to this crappy thing called reality. <i>I don't like it much either. </i><br />
<br />
But when I do, I always make a return to my everyday style of clothing, which is conveniently wearing anything that is not dirty. When it comes to matters of faith, I wear what ever makes me feel comfortable and proper for the occasion... or if the weather is right, nothing at all. <br />
<br />
What does any of this have to do with the point? <br />
<br />
The pagan faiths is not a religion about fashion, it is a religion of the heart and soul. What you wear does not make the Pagan, and in fact clothing is entirely optional. While it may be cool to cosplay your favorite anime character or pretend your a Celtic warrior of old, keep in mind this is your <u>own personal tastes</u>, and not matters of faith. As a member of the Pagan faiths, you do not <i>"omg I so have to wear"</i> robes, elegant dresses, silver moon armor or other crap from hot topic. Faith should never dictate what you must wear during your everyday life. Declaring yourself a Pagan doesn't automatically compel you to get a Hot topic members card and as much black makeup as you can get. <i>If anything that would be a mockery. </i>Wear what feels right, what feels proper and what helps best connect you to nature, and with the God and Goddess.<br />
<br />
Fashion is a invention of humanity, not of nature after all.... <br />
<br />
<i></i>
<i></i>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>"I'm Wiccan, so I hate all Christians." </i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE5aYNC9E2dpwgTgQN4w_LL-y34Wyz8tR3uNLtlzC9M0cibbuH50p3MpqxKzGh-eTEikQNJ9kzZdjBrdxM4Gh7zM_HgEeWyKbvLar4umwNW6ii1wBXnCnrG0gncjl6xxMRryltGi_kJrF/s1600/Iago_KHREC.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE5aYNC9E2dpwgTgQN4w_LL-y34Wyz8tR3uNLtlzC9M0cibbuH50p3MpqxKzGh-eTEikQNJ9kzZdjBrdxM4Gh7zM_HgEeWyKbvLar4umwNW6ii1wBXnCnrG0gncjl6xxMRryltGi_kJrF/s320/Iago_KHREC.png" width="320" /></a>Recently, I had the opportunity to visit my friend in Texas. Not only was the weather amazing, but everyone was so nice and polite... a big change from the people I have to deal with here at work. While I was down there, and in one of our many conversations, my friend mentioned how it seems that Christians have become more and more of a punching bag as of late. I'm, or should I say we, are not referring to the "let's burn gays and throw them behind electric fences" Christians, we are talking about every day people who follow Christ. And you know what? After thinking it over, I came to the conclusion that he was right. Because of the over vocal idiots of the faith (and seriously who doesn't have them?) and because it seems very little or nothing at all is being done to put them down, Christianity has been taking a lot of cheep shots. While some/many/all of it may be justified (I'm not going to go into that here), this is not a matter of faith. <br />
<br />
To become a Pagan, or to join any faith for that matter, to simply spit upon another is a horrid reason to convert. Not to mention shallow and just stupid. But yet, I still see it far to much. I can't tell you how many Facebook groups I have join hoping to find a nice Pagan community to socialize with, only to leave moments later because every frigging post was anti-Christian. Oh their god is a lie, oh their god is totally evil, oh their god is ok with molesting children, oh <i>blah blah blah. </i>Seriously, bitter old lady much? Yes, I know many of us (myself included) are ex-catholics, and have some really bad experiences from it, but that doesn't give us a free pass to be bash them every single second we can. I thought we where all better than this? I thought, that because of our many stereotypes, that we knew the actions of a few should never judge the whole.... Which brings me to the final point today:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>"Since I'm a Pagan, I'm better than... "</i></b><br />
<br />
You are better than no one child. You are a flawed, imperfect being just like every other person on this planet. You where neither born special, or are entitled to anything, simply because you are you. Furthermore, one does not prove they are better with petty words, but with actions that benefit and better themselves, their family and the world around them.<br />
<br />
<br />
Well then... I hope you enjoyed this companion piece to first of my cliches writing. If you found yourself in this or the previous rambling, do not become disheartened or angry with the world. Change and adapting is part of nature, and part of who we are. It is never to late to change for the better, to attune for past sillyness, and to make life better for yourself and the world around you. Walk always in the light of the God and Goddess, and blessed be to you and yours. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>*1 One of the many stories in the book was about how Cthulhu ruined New york. </i><b><i> </i></b>bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-63092384349327639892013-02-18T16:47:00.002-08:002014-01-03T18:17:17.257-08:00Ramblings of a Pagan Guy: Really Fox? Really?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s1600/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s320/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Over
the years, I have found that many a person has this strange idea
when it comes to the Pagan faiths. It as if, you know as soon as one converts,
they [the pagan] are thrown back to the middles ages. People have
this rather quirky notion that pots and pans turn into wands and
broomsticks, that tables and chair turning to sacrificial altars and
stone circles. At best, many people think that once one devotes themselves
to the God and Goddess, reality bleeds away is magically replaced
with Hogwarts schools and Weasly like houses. At worse, they believe that
our God and Goddess are just whores, or the Christian devil.
With this miniblog series, it is my hope to not only document my time growing as a Pagan, but to address these and many more
misunderstood concepts so that we will be see as people. We are not
the demons some people try to make us out to be.</i><br />
<i> </i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<br />
Keeping touch with various liberal and progressive groups on facebook, as well as there respected news sites, I get a lot of stories that make my head hurt. In fact, it's getting to the point where I just want to stop following everything all together. I'm sick of the political undertones, of the opinions being regarded as facts, and anyone with a over sized mouth is automatically right. But until the day when I finally throw up my hands and say to hell with it all, I must press on. After all, being a good red blooded Irish American I can always fancy myself a drink, a love of life, red heads and a good fight.<br />
<br />
So we press on. <br />
<br />
When the muse hits me and I write my ramblings for what ever reason, I try to be direct and least insulting as possible, especially when it comes to religion. While having a go with the "elect" members of the WBC, I must know and remember they do not represent all of the followers of Christ. Just like pedophiles, "holy" murders and so on. The moment I forget myself and this, I become no better than them. Do I slip up from time to time? Sure I am only human after all, and to claim perfection on my part would just be stupid. But like I said, I know who the good ones are, who the bads ones are, and never willingly apply the few to the whole. <br />
<br />
But you know what <i>really</i> pisses me off? Like "<i>Omg I just my hot topic membership card, I am so Wiccan now."</i> piss me off? When we have grown adults, who are responsible and portray "fair and balanced" aura on national TV, resemble nothing more than a pack of immature children in order to obtain ratings and attention. Honestly if all you are after is cash, then please refrain from calling yourself fair and balanced reporters of the news. But what the hell am I talking about? On February 15th, Fox and Friends aired what contained one the biggest demonstration of ignorance I have seen this year. Not only do the openly mock another faith, <i>my faith</i>, while whining about being persecuted, they do with mirth seen at good times with friends. How professional of them...<br />
<br />
The whole thing was so horribly wrong and painful to watch, that I'm not even sure I'll get to it all in this posting... but I shall try me best.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/E-DRloGOzRg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
The video in question.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh Mother Goddess, giver of life and worker of the forge, give me strength to deal with humanity and it's great amounts of stupid... When I first viewed the above, you can say I was annoyed at it with a "what ever" attitude attached. After all, I thought this was just another case of some stuck up religious nitwit with a big mouth and some air time. Do a search on youtube and you can find a million other videos with the lack of intelligence. But as I watched it again, and then again, paying attention to each of her words, my blood really began to boil. This person portrays herself as doing a favor for us... what she is doing is showing just how much more real Christians need to do to clean up the members of their faith. The amount of under handed insults she makes, and her utter audacity in the way she tells us we should be grateful for her expert advice, makes me sick to my stomach. People like this.... well there is no curse in the tongues of man, elves or ents to properly state how I feel about her. But for my readers who many not honestly get it, who may not understand just how many underhanded insults there are, or just want to see me go off on a rant...<br />
<br />
I'm going to break down this video just like I did the WBC ones, and also glaze over the fact she thinks Pagans and Wiccans are the same thing.<br />
<br />
<b>What they said: </b><i>"How many Wiccans are there? Is that a big religion? No not may, but maybe you and I should go for it, we get a heck of a lot more days off."</i><br />
<br />
The first thing that came to mind upon hearing this, was to send a long letter explaining how we don't let idiots into our faith just so they can have extra day, just like Catholics aren't all about the money. What I managed to conjurer up (and still haven't revived a response for) is the following; <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Dear Fox News,</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
While we are always welcoming additional members in the Pagan faith, we regret to decline your application. This decline is based on the understanding that you lack not only wit and intelligence, but just want to exploit us for days off. This is not a reason to convert or adopt any faith and I strongly suggest you reevaluate yourself and your deep desire to exploit things for personal gain." </blockquote>
<br />
After that, I hit up Google quickly to see what the census reports say about our numbers. The closest thing I could find was a 2011 report stating their where 700k Pagans in America. Not bad considering we still live in a time when we still can't be open about our faith all the time. But for a moment, let's forget about numbers. Because honestly, what do numbers matter when it comes to faith? When did faith become a popularity contest? When did faith become <i>"oh look I have more followers then you, I must be right!</i>" Not only does that make you look increasingly stupid and shallow, but opens you up to a whole can of worms. How would she, as a member of such a outright majority religion, address pedophile priests and what seems to be the church's reluctance to do anything about it? Would she agree with the Archbishops that all lawsuits should be dropped because they have ill effects on the church? See I can relate stupid crap to faith as well! Go me! Numbers do not determine validation or even invalidation. It just means more people believe in some particular path than another. And honestly, if she think numbers is even a consideration in the authenticity of any faith, she really has <b>big</b> mental problems. Find Christ Tammy, you really need him in your life. <br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What he said: </b><i>"20% of the holidays listed in the MU holiday guide are Wiccan, what's going on here? That seems bizarre." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you work with children, you not only get a lot of joy out of it, you also get a lot of headaches too. There is always a lot that must be done, a lot that must be cared and watched over, and every moment can become a teaching lesson in life. Having worked with kids and know how their brain work, Mr Carlson's comments come as little surprise to me. You see as any parent, guardian or babysitter will tell you, our younger generation lives in a type of bubble world that can be a blessing and a curse. Assuming normal circumstances, our children have everything handed to them, and their happiness a top priority. <i>And what parent wouldn't do anything for a smile on their kids face? </i>Sometimes, this can cause a spoiled or "I'm the center of the universe" type attitude. Tolerating just for a time, we (as in parents) work hard to prepare them properly for the world ahead. So it is... let's go with disconcerting, when we she such childish behavior emulated in adults. Mr Carlson, one would have thought that after the elections and just how badly you "predicted" the election results, that your bubble world would have been discarded as utter silliness. I guess I was wrong.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr Carlson, I would like to introduce a new world into your vocabulary. It's a scary word true, but with time, I think you can handle it. The word is inclusion. That is, despite differences in age, sex, race, or religious beliefs, all are welcome to practice without being mocked or degraded. Sure we may disagree, but rights should never be trampled on. I know crazy right? In a world of six billion people, not everyone is going to agree with you or even share in your narrow view of the world. There will be people of different social, political and religious thinking who believe they are just as right as you are. Sure this can cause some drama down the road, but as long as we remember we are all human, and all should be granted respect, then humanity will be stronger with this inclusion.<br />
<br />
Regrettably, this means you will have to abandon your bubble world that has you as center of attention, but even you will be better for it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> What she said:</b> <i>"Look I'm a big fan of people living lives that best suit them, and uh I don't know any Wiccans, maybe on a really bad day I might turn into one, I'm not sure...." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When making a effort to convince a audience (either in person or on TV) that you are all for inclusion and free religious pratice, it's generally not a good idea to follow such a statement with a insult found in most grade schools. When you have to resort to cheap insults, then you succeed in only making yourself the fool. To degrade others in such a manner, is not the sign of a enlightened person, no matter how much you try to make yourself out on TV. Would she find it acceptable to say "Well I'm all for Catholics, but since they rape kids I hate them." Since it's a complete rubbish and untrue statement, I would assume no. Do unto others remember Tammy?<br />
<br />
Yet is still amazes me really, how they all all sit there, televised on a station that claims "fair and balanced" with a straight face. It amazes me how they can say so many things, and how they are huge fans of people living their lives the way they want, and then moments later insult their way of life as nothing. What's with the cheap menstrual joke? That's not being mature, it's not being professional, and it's not being fair and balanced. It's being a prissy jerk that I abandoned back in grade school. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<b>What she said after:</b> "<i>...but you know what I think this is? It's really it's it's actually i think its about people who are not chirstians, you know the majority, Christians, Jews, Muslims, this is the majority of Americans, certiantly a majority of americans are christain well close to 80% at this point..."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I have to apologize for for any mistakes above. Her bumble mumbling made it exceedingly difficult to transcript what the hell she was saying. You would think something who is this "educated" and works on the radio would be able to speak well. <i>And what the hell does she keep looking at? </i>So listen little lady, you really need to go home, you're obviously drunk. You can't even complete a sentience without inserting some demented pissing contest thing in it. Your host is really no better, but let's not digress to that yet. When speaking about religion, if you must throw out you are a majority religion (protip: you shouldn't) then you only need to say it once, maybe twice. Congrats, numbers don't mean shit if you lack true faith in your heart. Any way, you do not have to mention majority this and that every other word like some self important git. What do you hope to accomplish? That you have a ego you can't control? That you are somehow better than everyone else because your a majority? Yea that doesn't work in the real world... you know that thing you need to join. While we are on this, what possible faith connection could you find between a over inflated ego about Christianity and the Pagan faiths? You have one God, we have many. You believe earth was given to you, to do as you please. We believe that everything is alive, and we must work with the Earth not against it. You erect church as your place of worship, the outdoors is our church. We let both sexes serve in rituals, while only some sects allow women to be priest. Some of us like to skyclad, many of you think nakedness is a sin. We also allow homosexuals in, and I won't even bother to say what Fox has said about that. I could go on and on, but I think everyone gets the point. We both have our good, we both have our bad and we both have our differences. Just because we are different does not make one or the other inherently bad. Open up that holy book of yours, it even says it in there.<br />
<br />
<i>Sigh.</i><br />
<br />
You also have the audacity to say that Jews and Muslims fall under the Christian umbrella. I'm honestly not sure if this stems from ignorance or just ego, but either way you are insultingly wrong. Seriously, how completely mental do you have to be to make that connection? Jews, who predate your faith by a thousand or so years and suffered more than you ever will, do not believe Jesus is the son of your God and still are waiting for the savior. They do not follow the commands of the pope and actually find some of his practices hateful. They also are pretty good with the peace and love part, something you fakes still as of yet to grasp. With Muslims, perhaps you have heard "there is only one God and Mohammad is his prophet"?<br />
<br />
Or are you still to busy thinking they are all terrorist? <br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>What she said after that:</b><i> "...but the fact is it's less about elevating other religions and individuals and more about diluting the dynamic about what's imporant in peoples lives.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By this point in the video, my Irish blood was boiling so much that I think my face was on fire. I was also flinging profanities at my monitor like explosions occur in a Die Hard movie. Seriously this is her example of how a person who is accepting acts? How a educated person acts? Rubbish, all rubbish. But hey with such a high point hit so quickly, the rest of the video wouldn't be as insulting right? .... right?<br />
<br />
The pagan faiths are, by large, about connecting with our natural world, the divine and seeing the beauty of life in all things. We respect all life and do our best to do no harm, you know what the non-jerk Christians do too. These things are important in our lives, they reflect how we live our lives and interact with others. Let me say that again, <b>these things are important in our lives. </b>How is that diluting in any way? How is actually living and following the things that are important to us diluting? And Tammy dear, do you even know what dynamic means? It means ever flowing, ever changing, NOT static. What does this mean? It means that just because you are part of some made up attention seeking religion that you claim is Christianity, it doesn't mean you are right. They do not have the sole right to dictate what is important in peoples lives and what they should care about. Hell you're not even a religious leader, so what are you doing commenting like that anyway? <br />
<br />
Sadly I already know what your reasoning will be, because I have heard it a million times before. It's because you believe your holy book gives you the right to say anything and insult everyone not like a carbon copy of you. First and foremost, if you honestly think Jesus intended the bible to be used as a personal ego boost, stop shoving it down peoples throats and read it for once. Don't go all cry baby on me saying you have, because chances are you haven't. There is a reason actual studies show Atheists know more about the bible than Catholics do. But for now, let me give you a few good tid bits from it. Jesus, the guy you claim to follow, suffered died and on the third day rose from the dead to use his blood to cleanse us of our sins, not so you could be a self important douche. You will also find that he was not only humble to a fault, used is time to help others, and not cry and whine about a store sign at Christmas.<br />
<br />
But if you are just looking for a yelling match, I'll give you that. All the stuff that your book says Jesus did? Pagan Gods did it first, sometimes thousands of years before he did... and they say they are right as well. <br />
<br />
Boom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What they said:</b> <i>"Look i think if you are Wiccan or pagan type you're really anti-establishment. I don't think you need the establishment to recognize you. That's a really good point." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh darn, you found us out. That's right everyone, Tammy found out our deep dark evil secret. We Wiccans and Pagans are nothing more than a bunch of sex crazed, church burning anarchists that just want to watch the world burn as we drink and make love to our hereto and homosexual partners. <i>Que eye roll animation here. </i>Oh but wait, if we look outside your little bubble world we see that your statement is utter bs. Seriously, anti-establishment? Ok sit down Tammy, this is going to come as a huge shock to you. Little princess, believe it or not we Pagans work, love, live and and fight for America. We work in shops, gas stations, as IT's and clerks. We love our friends and neighbors and take a mate when the time is right, if it ever is. We worship in peace and do no harm to life. This is who we are and we love our (sometimes) dysfunctional country. You may recall when your own news station reported when a group of us "anti-establishment" Wiccans went to DC to sweep away the negativity so Obama could start fresh? So take a moment to think, why would we want to bring down the country that supports us? <br />
<br />
You then go on to say that we don't need the establishment to recognize us. Re-watch your interview Tammy, actually pay attention. With your completly and utter lack of care for any faith that is not your own, do you think any minority religion would do well? Do you honestly think people like yourself would be able to hold back from mocking, discriminating and eliminating us from your bubble perfect world? Since you can't even do it in a three minute clip, I shall assume no. So yea, we do need the establishment to recognize us so we have legal protection aginst small minded egotical bigots like yourself.<br />
<br />
Oh yea, we <u><b>are</b></u> protected and recognized under the law, deal with it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>What he said:</b> <i>"I would like to do a poll, who could name 8 Wiccan holidays, I don't think your average Wiccan could." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Samhain, Yule, Imbolic, Ostara (my favorite), Beltane (my favorite with a red head), Litha, Lammas and Mabon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What she said:</b> <i>"Look Halloween is their new year. So I guess you get Halloween off now."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look, Halloween is not the new year. Halloween is the day kids (and many awesome adults) play dress up for free candy. <span style="font-size: small;"><b>Samhain</b>, and is the third and final Harvest. The dark winter
half of the year commences on this Sabbat.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer
November 1st. It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other
being Beltane. It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time
and space are temporarily suspended, and the Thin Veil between the
worlds is lifted. Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones
is easy at this time, for they journey through this world on their way
to the Summerlands. It is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor
the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her
aged Consort.
<br /><br />
Originally the "Feast of the Dead" was celebrated in Celtic countries by
leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering
dead". Today a lot of practitioners still carry out that tradition.
Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits
of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set to the table and
around the hearth for the unseen guest. Apples were buried along
roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to
provide for them. Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like
protective spirits, for this was a night of magic and chaos. The Wee
Folke became very active, pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans.
Traveling after dark was was not advised. People dressed in white (like
ghosts), wore disguises made of straw, or dressed as the opposite gender
in order to fool the Nature spirits.
Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Third Harvest, Samana,
Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Vigil of Saman,
Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. Also known as All Hallow's Eve,
(that day actually falls on November 7th), and Martinmas (that is
celebrated November 11th), Samhain is now generally considered the
Witch's New Year. If you're Christian, you also happen t<span style="font-size: small;">o call it All souls days<span style="font-size: small;">, <span style="font-size: small;">day when you remember the <span style="font-size: small;">ones who ha<span style="font-size: small;">ve passed and pray for them. <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">We call that a burn by the way....</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What <span style="font-size: small;">she then said: </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">"you know there is <span style="font-size: small;">ten of them (holidays) and they out number<span style="font-size: small;"> all the other..."</span></span></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ms Tammy, m<span style="font-size: small;">ight I suggest a trip to the wizard of Oz, <span style="font-size: small;">if you ask ni<span style="font-size: small;">cely <span style="font-size: small;">he may be able to grant you a brain. With it you can see that ten <span style="font-size: small;">is not <span style="font-size: small;">the same as eight. I wish <span style="font-size: small;">you the best of luc<span style="font-size: small;">k in this journey. A<span style="font-size: small;">s a side <span style="font-size: small;">note, <span style="font-size: small;">later in the show<span style="font-size: small;"> one of your co<span style="font-size: small;">-hosts makes the mention multiple times that we <span style="font-size: small;">MU makes inclusion for twenty pagan holidays <span style="font-size: small;">instead</span> of t<span style="font-size: small;">he <span style="font-size: small;">e<span style="font-size: small;">ight mentioned. <span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps they can fol<span style="font-size: small;">low you to the land of OZ and learn that twenty <span style="font-size: small;">percent</span> does not <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">equal</span> eight either. Oh and before we move on to your next point, I would like to point out that </span></span></span></span></span></span>Christian<span style="font-size: small;">ity has </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">192 <span style="font-size: small;">days of <span style="font-size: small;">celebration</span>, not <span style="font-size: small;">including<span style="font-size: small;"> days of prayer </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>or "instead of <span style="font-size: small;">a unity week lets pray to god instead"<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">So no<span style="font-size: small;">, we e<span style="font-size: small;">vil Wicc<span style="font-size: small;">ans and Pagans don't outnumber you. You<span style="font-size: small;">r<span style="font-size: small;"> <i>"more than everyone e</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>l</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>se"</i> p<span style="font-size: small;">enis is till bigger. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Another deep sigh.</i></span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then she said:</span></span></span></b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span> <i>"You know <span style="font-size: small;">religions</span>, actual<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">religions</span>. " </span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Deep. Breath... </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remember when <span style="font-size: small;">Tammy said she respected <span style="font-size: small;">all faiths and how people live? Remember when Fox claimed to be fair and balanced? Yea good times... </span></span></span> Anywho guys, welcome to America, a land founded on rel<span style="font-size: small;">igious freedom for all people<span style="font-size: small;">, not <span style="font-size: small;">just you.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>You know the <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">amendment</span> that states freedom of religion<span style="font-size: small;">? How about the court <span style="font-size: small;">case that established Wicca as a <span style="font-size: small;">legally</span> <span style="font-size: small;">recognized</span> <span style="font-size: small;">re<span style="font-size: small;">ligion?</span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">Of course you have, you guys over at <span style="font-size: small;">Fox are all about the <span style="font-size: small;">proper rule of law! So then why the comment? </span></span></span></span></span></span>Maybe you should<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> consider mov<span style="font-size: small;">ing or <span style="font-size: small;">joi<span style="font-size: small;">ning a faith that actually <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">enforces</span> its "loving<span style="font-size: small;">" nature. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b>What she said:</b> <i>"Ther<span style="font-size: small;">e are ways that people can take off for their specials, but your going to get looked at funny if you ask for <span style="font-size: small;">Halloween</span> off." </span></i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I wonder how she would respond if she was forced to take vacation days for taking off for Christmas. Judging from her attitude this whole time, not to mention how other people act on Fox, I'm going to guess not very well. So then why resort to yet another insult about people asking for the same thing? We don't want special treatment, we don't want special rules or anything silly like that. We only want what you have enjoyed for so long. Why is this a bad thing? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What she said:</b> <i>"I do think its insulting if you are a wiccan or pagan."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
If you want to see something that is truly insulting, replay your interview. If you want me to put it into context for you, I'll be happy to do that as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>What she said:</b> <i>"And besides if your atheists or even a pagan isn't every day a holiday? If your celebrating nature that's a every day experience." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is highly encouraged that each day be glory of the lord (in this case Christ). Each moment should be a reflecting and emulation of the life Christ so the world can know just how great and loving he is. So then Tammy, if you are bound (or should be bound) by such advice and teachings, why are you insulting others for doing the same? And why the hell do you think atheists are religious? Do you have a computer or smart phone? Google what you say before you open your mouth and look like a total idiot. They don't believe in God or any divine figure. Gods above, someone introduce this woman to Wikipedia! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What she said:</b> <i>"Only a country that has been to rich for to long could be this frivolous... *reads MU statement on inclusion* So they hate Orthodox Christianity. " </i><br />
<br />
Wut...<br />
<br />
Really? Like really really? Ok you know what, screw Fox News, screw the rest of the blog and screw this git. There is only so much stupid I can take before I want to punch a wall.. and that was a few comments ago. If you want to piss and moan about how your so discriminated against, while discriminating against others, do it on your own time. I'm sick of hearing about some fake war on Christmas, on how everyone hates Christianity and how you're all going to be locked up, when none of this crap isn't actually happening. Keep this crap to your own churches, don't lie to the public just for attention. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No wait, you know one more comment....<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What she said:</b> <i>"This is about Wiccan's and Pagan being used for a political agenda to down grade what is important to the majority of Americans. I think this is a anti-traidition action, and I think wiccans and pagans should be angry for being used." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
You are 100% right, we hate being used by Fox News for ratings. Please stop.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>UPDATE: </b></u></span><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4618588662885" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4618588662885</a><br />
<br />
If the above isn't shocking enough, you should see bill O'reilly weighing in on the "issue". Yes, that's really him, the loud mouth idiot... actually being civil and fair about it. Perhaps all the doomsday people are right, the end is near >_></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-86499948422446301132012-11-07T15:05:00.000-08:002014-02-15T20:15:16.624-08:00Ramblings of a Normal Guy: A Rambling for Gay Marriage Part 2!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vNCGhw0CbYa8mSpW1eed2TZLgczNKwV9BTC2O4mUGc6ZAT07ciNr8VC2zgcv6gVK1GJQrwanZPpdYlIudj7PYSAiSx_rJpADtKuMTl_cTs3Fd8Nh-Pj6LjqGJuo0jAFVuxRF_Gemm0iy/s1600/NOM-logo-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vNCGhw0CbYa8mSpW1eed2TZLgczNKwV9BTC2O4mUGc6ZAT07ciNr8VC2zgcv6gVK1GJQrwanZPpdYlIudj7PYSAiSx_rJpADtKuMTl_cTs3Fd8Nh-Pj6LjqGJuo0jAFVuxRF_Gemm0iy/s320/NOM-logo-.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Welcome to another addition of ramblings of a normal guy. This is my
special column where I go off on wild rants complaining about the things
that happen and effect my (and ours) every day life. Because of the
excessive amounts of stupidity that will be featured, a large amount of
inappropriate language will most likely be used. Also expect a large
helping of calling out and "I don't give a crap". Rated M for mature,
and read at your own risk. </i><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>WARNING</b>: <i>There might be some disturbing images in this rambling of people that where beaten and abused. This is the world we live in, and a world which such utter bullshit happens. I ask you not to look away, but if you must just be warned. Also as a note, this was suppose to be just a part two, but because of the length and amount of ranting, I had to move this to a three part project. </i></blockquote>
<br />
And so... here we are again.<br />
<br />
When I was first considering <a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2012/02/ramblings-of-normal-guy-rambling-for.html" target="_blank">writing the previous rambling for equal rights and equal marriage</a>, it took a considerable amount of time to get from start to finish. Formulating <i>the how and why</i> took far more time than I first anticipated, my bad thinking it would be a quick fix. Eventually it took a mental push in the form of being <strike>forced</strike> asked to write this, to finally get the ball rolling and the paper finished. As I began to write, and the paragraphs started forming, I knew this wasn't going to be pretty. When one challenges a long held religious beliefs, especially when they are considered so central to ones faith, one must go about it slowly, logically and with care. If one does not, the entire thing will turn into nothing more than a bitch fest. After all, saying "You're stupid" doesn't even work for kids anymore... So then, when the job was finally completed, five big points where addressed that opponents like to use to justify their mistrust/hate/oppression with equal rights. When I hit the publish button I knew it wouldn't take long to get interesting emails. <i>Oh boy where they fun too. </i>But all in all, I was pretty much done with the subject. I was also content to have just one issue of it because, if you allow me a moment of pride<i>,</i> I thought one was enough. Anything more would just be an annoying circle jerk and saying the same bloody thing over and over and over again.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then I had the unfortunate pleasure of being refereed to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cQCi4ehXkg" target="_blank">NOM's recent video</a>. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
How does one put into words the chaotic array of emotions one feels when they are so completely and utterly disgusted with something? Can words even do the emotions justice? To say I felt disgusted to be human would have been a understatement, I wanted to <u><i>weep</i></u> for the future of humanity. Even now as I scramble to put words to thoughts, (it's going to be another long one) and even more so coherent thoughts, I can not fathom nor comprehend such blind ignorance to the world. How anyone could so calmly, collectively and without care discount a portion of the population and then assert false witness about them <i>chills me to the core</i>. How many times will humanity have to engage is this oppressing malarkey before we learn from our mistakes? Just how many cases could I list here that are as examples of human bigotry... to damn many. In a time when the world is at our finger tips, when TV and the internet
can show you every corner of our world and beyond, when mundane things
like skin, sex and love should not matter for we all live on the same
Earth, we have people still using their "faith" to force the world to be
what they want.To use "faith" to repress other, to discount them as less then human... What has happened to us?
What has happened to concepts of <i>assuming not harm is being done, </i>live and let live? Where is the acceptance of all people? Where the hell has our humanity gone? But before I degrade myself into another side rant, let's get right to the post. In today's post I will be dealing with the rather ugly and uneducated comments that appear with the attached video. <br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>This is the best one I've seen too, [name]. I particularly love the part when they play cricket sounds when it's time to explain the benefits of ssm to society. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
S<i>till waiting for that explanation myself. Whenever I've asked it, either it was ignored or the subject changed.</i></blockquote>
<br />
Ignorance is like fear, it can be the mind killer and the destruction of all that is good. When we live in a glorious age when information in written, audio and video formats, is but a click away, allowing oneself to be ignorant (and self important about it) should be a punishable crime. How can anyone make a informed decision, one that may effect the lives of so many, when so many of the facts are either ignored or never searched for? When a individual says and promotes things like above, when they purposely stay ignorant and then LIE about the subject, they become are no better than the ghosts they are trying to demonize. Never once, has anyone ignored or backed down when asked how SSM benefits society, it has always been answered, and answered at length. Putting your fingers in your ear and singing to yourself so you can't hear it doesn't change this.... and it's honestly shameful to think otherwise. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>If marriage in general is a benefit to society, and not just to the man and woman who are part of it, then gay marriage would have
the same benefit. The union of two people in what ever pairing it happens to come in also causes the relationship to solidify and cause a stable household to form. Children are not needed for this to occur, as shown by naysayers and the Church<b> not</b> going after childless couples. </li>
<li>In cases forming the "family unit" or procreation, the benefit are two fold. Since it is a biological fact that homosexual couples can not produce children on their own, they also have zero chance of producing children in poverty. This mean they are not burdening the system or the community with children they can not afford.<i> Aka less children on welfare.</i> Secondly, it is a unfortunate cold hard fact that we as a nation either can't or refuses to take care of all the children we already have. While many "religious" groups and people express the need to aid their fellow human, it seems many of them would rather spend money on big houses and cars, then actually helping people. <i>Again giving a bad name to a good thing. </i> Gay marriages, and the union that comes with it, would allow another option for children who have no family. I am speaking about adoption. Having two loving parents, that have to go about a very LONG process to adopt the child, is far better than having none at all.</li>
<li>While the current health of America may be improving, and will hopefully continue to improve now that Obama has won a second term, this recovery is still occurring at a slow pace. This is mostly because our leaders are too busy fighting <i>each other</i> instead of doing their jobs. When times are hard, and even harder to make ends meet, additional sources of income can not only be amazing, but also a life saver. The additional revenue generated from <u>any marriage</u> is just one instance of this. Not to mention once they are married they will need a house, then insurance, then cement, concrete, wood, grass seed,
sprinklers for home improvements and maintenance, security systems to protect the home.. well the list really does go on and on. </li>
<li><b>Married couples also spend more money supporting their families than single people.</b> </li>
<li>Gay marriage is also about acceptance. By allowing gay to be citizens and people like the rest of us, it allows the person to freely live their life in a manner that serves
their own interests and happiness. Personal interest, happiness, and
the ability to choose our own destiny, and in this case life partner,
are inherently beneficial to the success of a society by allowing each
person to achieve their own personal greatness without fear of reprisal
or restriction. In short, being able to freely and truly love another without some nut screaming in your ear about hell, is really good for one's mental health. </li>
<li>The promotion of a more open and secure atmosphere. This can not be stated enough! Having homosexuality not seen as a sin or crime would be akin to how we no longer see slavery as acceptable, blacks as a cursed races, or anyone not a Christian American as devil worshipers. </li>
<li>America needs more marriages, not more stupid ass made for TV 60 second marriages. America also needs to rid itself of religion in politics, because no one religion should ever be made to rule them all. </li>
<li>Another benefit is in the <b>very children homosexual couples seek to love and protect</b>. Imagine you are a child, who was adopted by a homosexual couple. From having no family, to having two loving parents is amazing! No longer are you just a number and a face, you are a child who is loved and cared for! WTF does it matter who the parents are? Two dudes, two chicks, a man and woman? If the love and support is there, what more do you need? But wait, imagine if these children have to witness "religious groups" proclaiming the union of their adopted parents as sinful and a crime. What does that say about the kids? What does it do to these poor children to see so much hate? People against SSM like to talk about doing it for the kids, but how is traumatizing them doing the children any good? </li>
<li>Finally all people of this once great nation will finally be equal under the law, just like the Constitution and Bill or Rights demands. Everyone will be much happier having been granted equal treatment under the law, which also leads to less frustration, anger and discrimination. Everyone will finally find out that the myths, lies, negative innuendo and stereotypes were wrong all along and society will become 'more fair' for everyone. Intelligence, compassion, tolerance, understanding, righteousness and freedom will take a HUGE step forward</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
As I write the final statments concerning this comment, I am reminded of two rather famous statements. The first was by Pope John Paul II to which he said <i>"A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest
members and among the most vulnerable are surely the unborn and the
dying,"</i> Can we as a society, a society of many faiths and ideas, say we are so morally and ethically high and mighty when we allow how ever so many of our minorities (in this cases homosexuals) to be treated and regarded as less than human? Do you honestly think such injustices will not be laughed at in years to come? See how idiotic we consider people forty plus years ago who thought blacks where not people, and should not attend white schools. It wasn't right then, and it sure in hell isn't right now. Oh and before anyone says <i>"We don't do that, we just don't want ....</i>", when anyone denies another the same rights they enjoy, rights that where not earned but given at birth, then you are treating the person as less then human. The color of your skin, the country of your birth, or the person you love should never deny anyone rights. Equal rights is not only the fight to assure all people are treated fairly, it's also the fight to keep your rights from being taken.<br />
<br />
Our final quote is from Pastor Martin Niemoller;<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"In Germany<br />
They first came for the communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. <br />
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. <br />
Then they came for the trade-unionists,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. <br />
Then they came for the Catholics,and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.<br />
Then they came for me–– and by that time <br />
no one was left to speak up"</blockquote>
<br />
Something to think about...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSckfHMIUpaStDG7My5kYjC-zjEO51KnB1yPMMdzTPeVpBaxW58BAdRhx0Xg2oXXPjutPu2-OWn5CzDWEzpTleBM3TxCYSVluH36-fsLN7tJWKeKVr4jJTpOdYlsWZvpDSpGnqircJGFTK/s1600/cat-sexy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSckfHMIUpaStDG7My5kYjC-zjEO51KnB1yPMMdzTPeVpBaxW58BAdRhx0Xg2oXXPjutPu2-OWn5CzDWEzpTleBM3TxCYSVluH36-fsLN7tJWKeKVr4jJTpOdYlsWZvpDSpGnqircJGFTK/s1600/cat-sexy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"But what about tolerance? Yes, SSM advocates need to be more tolerant."</i></blockquote>
As I have already mentioned above, we live in a wonderful gifted world where information, ideas, images and sensations are moments away. We can boot up our home computers, laptops or even phones and within moments be cruising the streets of Japan in real time, watching the birth of a new island because of a underwater eruption or even watching a revolution in the middle east play out. It seems like everything in the world is at our finger tips! In a world of such glorious free access of information, long held beliefs are bound to clash and this my readers, is where tolerance comes in. While my personal hope of a world where we all get along famously will probably never happen, we must always work for such or at least, we must repesect each others right. We respect each others right to live by their own code, <b>their own faith</b>, and their own way <i>assuming they do no harm of course. </i>The above comment does not do this, and even as a straight white man, I am horridly offended by it.<br />
<br />
Tolerance must not only must be shown in the first place, but tolerance is <b>a two way street</b>. Labeling part of the population as "abominations", "freaks of nature", and "f-gs", is not tolerance... <u><b>it's hate speech</b></u>. When you dehumanize a part of the population, preach that it is a good idea to throw them behind fences and the government should kill them, that isn't free speech, some bullshit religious right, or tolerance... <u><b>it's hate speech</b></u>. <i>By the way, this goes both ways too. Saying "death to all priests/Catholics/[insert group here]" because the actions of a few isn't free speech, its hate speech. </i><br />
<br />
If you also allow me a bit of regression and immaturity, I would like to throw out "If you want tolerance, lead by example..."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj952Y82J4pw6GtWPTn02G4Q1XqPJrEmLnX8Sx2yl4Ho3dNqy_1LzpBAK7yFQT7MnPJzaP5F2reqt-8DeYqoMpmYhBJZ40bLDAT54-bLZCH_Ka-bAbuvHpZj_UBcwXD72m5MdmVqpEQdhIC/s1600/damian1+(Custom).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj952Y82J4pw6GtWPTn02G4Q1XqPJrEmLnX8Sx2yl4Ho3dNqy_1LzpBAK7yFQT7MnPJzaP5F2reqt-8DeYqoMpmYhBJZ40bLDAT54-bLZCH_Ka-bAbuvHpZj_UBcwXD72m5MdmVqpEQdhIC/s200/damian1+(Custom).jpg" width="200" /></a>26 year old Damian Furtch was on his way home from work at a restaurant late Sat night (Sunday morning), when he stopped off at a McDonalds in NYC’s West Village to get some food.While inside the restaurant Damian noticed 2 men staring at him, giving him “looks”. It was late, Damian was tired, he felt uncomfortable and he didn’t want any trouble so he left. He was across the street, walking away while on the phone to a friend when the 2 men from McDonalds approached him and asked him “if he had a problem” before he knew it he was punched in the face by one man, then instantly felt another punch by the second perp, and then he heard it – “You Fucking Faggot” , the words as hurtful as the punches. <a href="http://stephww.wordpress.com/2011/03/27/beat-because-he-is-gay/" target="_blank">Source</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjz_xdeL_2_P6EQvJVRwPYjrdy5oo-BVt7Out_lMHoY_BcA3afyMgTAhtEVuXU9D69C6F_l-oXZegMNNpI_kYxd8DLIrEtg_YOIlfNKCd1NTCv5isCG7Fjoq1SSvn3gLspu5ll2pj7e2i/s1600/6a00d8341c730253ef017d3ca9f0dc970c-800wi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjz_xdeL_2_P6EQvJVRwPYjrdy5oo-BVt7Out_lMHoY_BcA3afyMgTAhtEVuXU9D69C6F_l-oXZegMNNpI_kYxd8DLIrEtg_YOIlfNKCd1NTCv5isCG7Fjoq1SSvn3gLspu5ll2pj7e2i/s200/6a00d8341c730253ef017d3ca9f0dc970c-800wi.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Mark Little and his partner, Dustin Martin, visited Asheville a few weekends ago. The couple say they were walking down the street when people in a passing car began harassing them. Little told WBTV, when they asked the people to stop, a passenger jumped from the car and attacked them. Little says he and his partner are concerned police aren't taking the crime seriously. <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2012/10/charlotte.html#ixzz2AcSDa8XE" target="_blank">Source</a></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwJ2gV8b7Q7H-z9tmvJUGdtBTg41BQsxeLEj389HvcYgQobgfw2fBqP2-iHnzn2FEfk_5jaybpKKsOmliQC-yJxDxoDXvRfxk8rLTIFA_fg3a7wRLOjC2ZeXa-4fcd03lnMIyBIwbynPr/s1600/Screen-shot-2011-02-07-at-4.40.00-PM-1024x757+(Custom).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwJ2gV8b7Q7H-z9tmvJUGdtBTg41BQsxeLEj389HvcYgQobgfw2fBqP2-iHnzn2FEfk_5jaybpKKsOmliQC-yJxDxoDXvRfxk8rLTIFA_fg3a7wRLOjC2ZeXa-4fcd03lnMIyBIwbynPr/s200/Screen-shot-2011-02-07-at-4.40.00-PM-1024x757+(Custom).png" width="200" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Laura Gilbert, 25, told WRBL 3 News that she had gone to The Villa outside Opelika with her friend from high school, Sheila Siddall, to celebrate Siddall’s birthday by singing karaoke. Gilbert said she felt uncomfortable as soon as she walked into the bar and people began staring at her, but she stayed because she didn’t want to ruin Siddall’s birthday celebration. <a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/watch-attack-bar-time-lesbian-injured-arrested-1063790.html" target="_blank">Source</a></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6ol694FI70TLpGOO_1c0gOe4rEikESl42nSw4TTCaUxDzxP9w-sY_WOXTn7zBdUjZk7cWo6lnAlHmn5Zc_tCXiuKK8xuo87XXZRwe4d9Ixr3MjFZ2u5JbWkDdPuiR3n07dyqakYCbgvl/s1600/cwpics6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6ol694FI70TLpGOO_1c0gOe4rEikESl42nSw4TTCaUxDzxP9w-sY_WOXTn7zBdUjZk7cWo6lnAlHmn5Zc_tCXiuKK8xuo87XXZRwe4d9Ixr3MjFZ2u5JbWkDdPuiR3n07dyqakYCbgvl/s200/cwpics6.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Bishops in Chile have condemned the murder of Daniel Zamudio, a gay man who was gruesomely beaten and succumbed to his injuries on March 27 after being in a coma for nearly four weeks.<br />
<br />
Chilean bishops' conference leader and Archbishop of Santiago, Ricardo Ezzati, voiced solidarity with Zamudio’s friends and family and called for justice in the case. <a href="http://clericalwhispers.blogspot.com/2012/04/chilean-bishops-condemn-brutal-murder.html" target="_blank">Source</a></blockquote>
<br />
Sorry, can't hear you over the sound of <u><b>your</b></u> awesome examples of tolerance...<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>This is the best ad I've ever seen for saving traditional natural marriage!!! It needs to be run in every state that is considering denying children the right to a mother and father this election.</i></blockquote>
Where is a good face palm graphic when you need one... If the commenter, or anyone for that matter, honestly thinks having a mother and father is the only thing you need for a child to be raised right, you are suffering for a serious case of delusions. Having some with the "right equipment" accounts for less than nothing, its the love and support behind that, that actually matters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Children have a right to both biological and legal ties to both parents. Only marriage can offer that. NO SS union can do so. It's a biological impossibility.</i></blockquote>
Opponents of same sex marriage often reference how biology can be used against same sex marriages. Since the parents often lack biological ties, there is nothing said parents can do to raise the child effectively or properly. Inso facto, they are purposely hurtful to the child. Ignoring the fact that their are plenty of cases where SSM children where raise just as well as heterosexual couples for moment, I wonder why this person also hates heterosexual adoption so much. After all, adopted parents are not biological parents, but I have not once seen NOM go after adopted parents...<br />
<br />
I would also like to point out the children put up for adoption can (and are often encouraged) to seek out their biological parents to form some type of connection with them. I am unsure why the comments is stating otherwise, but there it is. Oh and legal ties are also forfeit during the adoption process.. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Gay marriage is an empty pretense and like most counterfeits it cheapens and degrades the real thing. Great video, NOM. </i></blockquote>
The act of marriage has change a lot over the years, from property (the woman) being purchased for a few animals, from arraigned marriages, to union of power and wealth, to finally for love. The evolution of marriage, and any previous incarnations and unmentionables it may have represented, no longer binds or influences us today. Where am I going with this? It was my hopes to address such commentator's of bullshit mountain on the actual NOM article, but I have since been banned for exposing their hate organization. So I must now do so here, if you honestly feel that some outside force cheapens and degrades your marriage, then the problem lies with <u><b>YOU</b></u><b> </b>not the outside force.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>NO!!! The government purpose of marriage is procreation and doing what is best for all of us including children. NO SSM!</i></blockquote>
When comments like this come up, it really saddens me to know that NOM moderates it's comments and does not allow for free discussion on the posted topic. When such comments (as the one above) are moderated and allowed, NOM send the clear message that they either do not care about the truthfulness of comments, or do not bother to check anything out. <i>Honestly I think it is both. </i>The owners of NOM seem to only care if the comments are anti-gay, and if so they are happy with it. So since I am unable to give them a verbal bitch slap on their own turf, I shall have to do it here. Summarized from Wikipedia: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
According to the United States Government Accountability Office there are statutory provisions in which marital status is a factor in determining benefits, rights, and privileges. These rights and responsibilities apply to only male-female couples, from the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act defining marriage as between a man and a woman.Prior to the enactment of DOMA, the General Accounting Office identified 1,049 federal statutory provisions in which benefits, rights, and privileges are contingent on marital status or in which marital status is a factor. An update was published in 2004 by the GAO covering the period between September 21, 1996 and December 31, 2003. The update identified 120 new statutory provisions involving marital status, and 31 statutory provisions involving marital status repealed or amended in such a way as to eliminate marital status as a factor.</blockquote>
<br />
<h2>
<u><span class="mw-headline" id="Rights_and_benefits">Rights and benefits</span></u></h2>
<ul>
<li>Right to benefits while married:
<ul>
<li>employment assistance and transitional services for spouses of
members being separated from military service; continued commissary
privileges</li>
<li>per diem payment to spouse for federal civil service employees when relocating</li>
<li>Indian Health Service care for spouses of Native Americans (in some circumstances)</li>
<li>sponsor husband/wife for immigration benefits</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Larger benefits under some programs if married, including:
<ul>
<li>veteran's disability</li>
<li>Supplemental Security Income</li>
<li>disability payments for federal employees</li>
<li>Medicaid</li>
<li>property tax exemption for homes of totally disabled veterans</li>
<li>income tax deductions, credits, rates exemption, and estimates</li>
<li>wages of an employee working for one's spouse are exempt from federal unemployment tax<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><a href="https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Rights_and_responsibilities_of_marriages_in_the_United_States#cite_note-2"></a></sup></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Joint and family-related rights:
<ul>
<li>joint filing of bankruptcy permitted</li>
<li>joint parenting rights, such as access to children's school records</li>
<li>family visitation rights for the spouse and non-biological children, such as to visit a spouse in a hospital or prison</li>
<li>next-of-kin status for emergency medical decisions or filing wrongful death claims</li>
<li>custodial rights to children, shared property, child support, and alimony after divorce</li>
<li>domestic violence intervention</li>
<li>access to "family only" services, such as reduced rate memberships
to clubs & organizations or residency in certain neighborhoods</li>
<li>Preferential hiring for spouses of veterans in government jobs</li>
<li>Tax-free transfer of property between spouses (including on death) and exemption from "due-on-sale" clauses.</li>
<li>Special consideration to spouses of citizens and resident aliens</li>
<li>Threats against spouses of various federal employees is a federal crime</li>
<li>Right to continue living on land purchased from spouse by National Park Service when easement granted to spouse</li>
<li>Court notice of probate proceedings</li>
<li>Domestic violence protection orders</li>
<li>Existing homestead lease continuation of rights</li>
<li>Regulation of condominium sales to owner-occupants exemption</li>
<li>Funeral and bereavement leave</li>
<li>Joint adoption and foster care</li>
<li>Joint tax filing</li>
<li>Insurance licenses, coverage, eligibility, and benefits organization of mutual benefits society</li>
<li>Legal status with stepchildren</li>
<li>Making spousal medical decisions</li>
<li>Spousal non-resident tuition deferential waiver</li>
<li>Permission to make funeral arrangements for a deceased spouse, including burial or cremation</li>
<li>Right of survivorship of custodial trust</li>
<li>Right to change surname upon marriage</li>
<li>Right to enter into prenuptial agreement</li>
<li>Right to inheritance of property</li>
<li>Spousal privilege in court cases (the marital confidences privilege and the spousal testimonial privilege)</li>
<li>For those divorced or widowed, the right to many of ex- or late spouse's benefits, including:
<br /><ul>
<li>Social Security pension</li>
<li>veteran's pensions, indemnity compensation for service-connected
deaths, medical care, and nursing home care, right to burial in veterans' cemeteries, educational assistance, and housing</li>
<li>survivor benefits for federal employees</li>
<li>survivor benefits for spouses of longshoremen, harbor workers, railroad workers</li>
<li>additional benefits to spouses of coal miners who die of black lung disease</li>
<li>$100,000 to spouse of any public safety officer killed in the line of duty</li>
<li>continuation of employer-sponsored health benefits</li>
<li>renewal and termination rights to spouse's copyrights on death of spouse</li>
<li>continued water rights of spouse in some circumstances</li>
<li>payment of wages and workers compensation benefits after worker death</li>
<li>making, revoking, and objecting to post-mortem anatomical gifts</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>
<u><span class="mw-headline" id="Responsibilities">Responsibilities</span></u></h2>
</li>
<li>Spousal income and assets are counted in determining need in many forms of government assistance, including:
<ul>
<li>veteran's medical and home care benefits</li>
<li>housing assistance</li>
<li>housing loans for veterans</li>
<li>child's education loans</li>
<li>educational loan repayment schedule</li>
<li>agricultural price supports and loans</li>
<li>eligibility for federal matching campaign funds</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Ineligible for National <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Affordable_Housing" title="Affordable Housing">Affordable Housing</a> program if spouse ever purchased a home:</li>
<li>Subject to conflict-of-interest rules for many government and government-related jobs</li>
<li>Ineligible to receive various survivor benefits upon remarriage</li>
<li>Providing financial support for raising children born of the marriage.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Even with the final bullet point mentioned children born of the marriage, there is still nothing in these guide lines stating marriage is <i>only for procreation</i>. I also find it odd that a group of people who so readily complain about the government interfering with their personal lives, now wants the government to infer with others personal lives and dictate what they can and can not do, and who they can and can not love. <br />
<br />
<br />
And the final comment for today:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>You forget--tax breaks are benefits--not rights. You have a right to marry, according to the parameters of the institution. You do not enjoy unalienable rights to benefits. If there were no tax breaks, would you SSM?</i></blockquote>
Under the current tax code and law, (I had to look it up, I am so dumb when it comes to taxes) various benefits such as deductions, shared tax forms and tax credits are granted to couples that are married. In addition to this, rights to house, home, and visitations are granted. When a group, organization or government does not allow for the same benefits to be shared by <b>all couples</b> regardless of age,sex or gender, what is being said is that one is a valid marriage and one is not. What equal right groups are fighting for is not to save a couple bucks on their tax returns but to have both heterosexual and homosexual marriage to be treated <b>the same</b>. Why is this such a sin? I would also like to point out that because of increasing amount of religious interference in law, homosexual couples are not even allowed to visit loved ones in the hospital <i>"if they don't agree with being gay"</i> that is unacceptable. A persons religion should NEVER be allowed to deny a loved on the right to see a ill family member or mate. Never!<br />
<br />
....Oh and same sex couples, even without tax breaks, still get married, so I guess they still SSM. *rolls eyes*<br />
<br />
God damn.<br />
<br />
bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-50385815725058496592012-09-05T16:30:00.000-07:002014-01-03T18:17:17.252-08:00Ramblings of a Pagan Guy: Stupid Cliches we use<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s1600/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s320/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Over
the years, I have found that many a person has this strange idea
when it comes to the Pagan faiths. It as if, you know as soon as one converts,
they [the pagan] are thrown back to the middles ages. People have
this rather quirky notion that pots and pans turn into wands and
broomsticks, that tables and chair turning to sacrificial altars and
stone circles. At best, many people think that once one devotes themselves
to the God and Goddess, reality bleeds away is magically replaced
with Hogwarts schools and Weasly like houses. At worse, they believe that
our God and Goddess are just whores, or the Christian devil.
With this miniblog series, it is my hope to not only document my time growing as a Pagan, but to address these and many more
misunderstood concepts so that we will be see as people. We are not
the demons some people try to make us out to be.</i><br />
<br />
When I somehow manage to get myself out of bed, which usually involves an unnecessary amount of screaming and cursing, I liked to start my day out with a little ritual. I enjoy some lemon aid, more toast than anyone should eat, and a nice helping of <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/" target="_blank">thinkprogress</a> for my news. While every news program, website and blog has a agenda and bias of some sort, I find that thinkprogress at least makes it tolerable for a bit. While I was scanning the numerous stories of how Mitt Rommy managed to screw yet another thing up, and even more numerous comments on it, I found a random link to "10 Cliches Christian's should never use". Written and later expanded upon by Christian Piatt, it gave some interesting insight to how some "religious" sayings can just be mean, or down right insulting. From the first paragraph I knew it was going to be good;<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"We Christians have a remarkable talent for sticking our feet in our
mouths. When searching the words most commonly associated with
“Christian,” the list ain’t pretty. I think part of this can be
attributed to a handful of phrases that, if stricken from our
vocabulary, might make us a little more tolerable. Yes, these things may
mean something to you, but trust me, non-Christians don’t share your
love for these tried-and-true cliches."</i></blockquote>
If you are interested here is <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christianpiatt/2012/07/ten-cliches-christians-should-never-use/" target="_blank">part one</a> and <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christianpiatt/2012/07/ten-more-cliches-christians-should-avoid/" target="_blank">part two.</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFo12rzn5GWa7YQe35YjOd2TfDfgdUyaJyRquCEew-eY1VpwbmishQD9Qpbw0y96RMv6UeIVIMlnvCis6SSLNynV5IRu_qvkNzPHioDp_4gBleDWE1ArOqrEkX9x5UaE2dMk_u9RYxoV7/s1600/Dec-6-Cat-WTF-Cat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFo12rzn5GWa7YQe35YjOd2TfDfgdUyaJyRquCEew-eY1VpwbmishQD9Qpbw0y96RMv6UeIVIMlnvCis6SSLNynV5IRu_qvkNzPHioDp_4gBleDWE1ArOqrEkX9x5UaE2dMk_u9RYxoV7/s320/Dec-6-Cat-WTF-Cat.png" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Cat hates your fake outrage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After reading and very much enjoying both posts, I began to see the further merits of his rambling. Despite the comments calling Christian a "anti-Christ" and "false prophet", every religion that has even been or shall ever be could have this applied to it. <i>Because it's true. </i>Let's face it, no matter how great we think we are, or how much of the moral high ground we may have, we still have our idiots. The loud mouth git who just wants to cause drama in the name of [x] religion, the one who holds up what ever holy symbol and shoves it in peoples faces, or even the "convert to [x] religion or burn!" people. We all got them, and we all hate them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In my previous rambling, I spoke about how it was growing up as Pagan in a community that wasn't always accepting. I wrote about how it wasn't rainbows and sunshine (like with most minority religions), but in time it got better, almost to the point where I can laugh about many such incidents now. Now, I think it is only fitting that I write about the frustrations I had with my own community, and by that, I mean the idiots that give us all a bad name.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>"<b>Well because of The burning times I suffer...."</b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEb-Dbz_vdNBT57uP07Bttgc3dRukH1T1I-EUBO5toSx4stMVe2dIiXrUHX4O546Hwmaks6iLXyskpNtzVXokqA3iBA4-rbTm3LMNEDhkoiclI5qWdBdcdmwQlPOKSTaoK9ga8bjyNw49/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEb-Dbz_vdNBT57uP07Bttgc3dRukH1T1I-EUBO5toSx4stMVe2dIiXrUHX4O546Hwmaks6iLXyskpNtzVXokqA3iBA4-rbTm3LMNEDhkoiclI5qWdBdcdmwQlPOKSTaoK9ga8bjyNw49/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>Let's begin with one of the two cliches I have heard and the one that really just make me want to stab them in the eye with a really hot and greasy french fry. It is a constant source of migraines to know some idiots have turned a historically tragic event into a "I'm more persecuted than you" or "Wahhhh pity me" fodder. Seriously we are not kids, we shouldn't act like this. <br />
<br />
The term <i>"Burning times"</i> refers to one of the many dark time in our history (1692-ish) when men but mostly women, where burned at the stake, sunk to the bottom of a river, <i>or worse</i> because they where accused of being witches. During the trials, witnesses would recount said persons flying on brooms, casting spells to harm a neighbor or having sexy time with the devil. Apparently watching some one having sex wasn't a crime... but having sex was. While people burn at the stake, and witch trials are historical true, some of us have gone a bit to far with their interpretation of events. According to the theory, nasty evil Christian witch-hunters who's single minded purpose was to root out practitioners of older pagan religions roamed the lands unchecked and unchallenged. <i>Que typical horrir theme here. </i>Stories of Satanic worship, strange sex orgies and stranger things still where just made up in order to sway the masses into believing Wicca was a major problem.*1 Also because women where often the most targeted during this various trials and executions, it was believed that every woman was put down was indeed a witch. Why? Because women were generally considered the caretakers of magical and divine knowledge. <i>And people say women don't do anything, ha! </i>During this time, over nine million pagan lives were wrongly taken simply because they where Wiccan. Wikipedia tells me;<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"</i>This number was first calculated by an 18th century German who used a
single location over a short span of time as his sample and then
multiplied it to cover the entire period of the trials across the entire
continent."</blockquote>
<br />
Yea, so a couple points here:<br />
<ul>
<li>While events like the Salem witch trials and various "witch burns" are historically true, it was not because so and so was a wiccan, pagan or something of that nature (is that a pun?). Wicca is the modern day reconstruction of the old pagan beliefs that was founded in the 1950's... way AFTER the witch burnings. Also the majority of the people accused of being a witch and burned where in fact not witches at all. Anyone who was not Christian (this includes Jews), where Christan but may have acted funny, looked funny, had over sized breast, healed with herbs, or was not well liked in the community was subject to "witch burnings". Think of it as a giant popularity contest gone wrong. This was shown repeatedly when the so called witness from the trails later admitted what they said was a lie and wanted the other person to suffer for [x] reason. </li>
<li>Historians, and ones who actually know their stuff, put the actual number between 40,000 and 100,000 wrongful deaths. This is based
upon trial records and taking into consideration that not all records
have survived or were even taken in the first place. Honestly nine million people would most deferentially been better recorded and held in the same fear as the black death or even later the holocaust. </li>
<li>Making the claim the "nine million of us where murdered in cold blood" is not only very vane but also very untrue. When people of this mind make the claim, they also make the claim they are worse of than the Christians who where lion feed and even more worse off than the Jews during the holocaust. This alone gives them
permission to approach the rest of the world with "you owe me something" attitude... <i>and working in retail that really pisses me off.</i> Honestly now, it wasn't nine million poor innocent Wiccan's that died, hell it even wasn't "us" for that matter. Randomly picking out events from history then getting all whinny about it isn't a excuse to bad mouth others who happen to share a religion (Christianity) with the
witch-hunters of four hundred years ago. My mom is Christian and raised me very well, does that me she should be punished for some idiots actions 400 years ago?</li>
</ul>
<br />
Not only is the myth of the "Burning Times" false (or in some cases misunderstood), it's also disrespectful to the real victims of the witch-persecutions. If you really want to claim the moral high ground, then skip trying out for "the Most Persecuted Group in History" award. Honestly you are not suffering because of the burning times, and there are no evil witch hunters out to get you. <i>"But what about that Christian that's bothering and hating on me!</i>" They would have done it anyway, like many idiots, they are only using religion as a excuse for things they would have done anyway.<br />
<br />
Doing no harm also means not bashing other faiths for the actions of the idiot population.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>"This pentacle means I'm a real pagan"</i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r8at-xyt7p4xP21ge79vNv_hbSixKgXvp3i4qMdOZcFBAifoYOQssNPcF1BKQxIZX7I52uXMQ_eC2N3erd9FDtAdZqr5jeRDrDHM9PQF6nZ-mZfQ2BgJHEAc76XXFYdM0SB5tR8c2oGg/s1600/19141446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r8at-xyt7p4xP21ge79vNv_hbSixKgXvp3i4qMdOZcFBAifoYOQssNPcF1BKQxIZX7I52uXMQ_eC2N3erd9FDtAdZqr5jeRDrDHM9PQF6nZ-mZfQ2BgJHEAc76XXFYdM0SB5tR8c2oGg/s320/19141446.jpg" width="320" /></a>And now we come to the second thing that really burns me up. Every time I hear someone say this, at least from the type of people we are talking about today, I want to load up Civ5 and watch the world burn.<b><i> </i></b>The pentacle is a holy sign for people who believe (meaning and mileage may vary), and is rather useless for people who know nothing about it. Shockingly, buying some cheap ass necklace from hot topic does not automatically make you anything... save for a few dollars poorer. While many of the pagan faiths have adopted a "feel good and accept yourself" and "find your own way to the divine" attitude and way of life, there is a lot more to it. <i>Like you know the God and Goddess for one... </i>Wearing certain types of clothing, jewelery or using certain buzz words does not a Pagan make. The meaning, the heart and the will must be there.. else it's all useless and offensive fluff. This isn't MTV sweaty, and Wicca/Paganism isn't a reality tv show with glitter and bling. Please keep that crap out of our faith.<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>"I'm Wiccan, I can do and believe what ever I want" </i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJ0rpsCkbuQn227suhvJOEY4XnTHmT9WvL1Jn0Mpp7SOxy55_NIUYU6WMqCtZ9LGq1wmuD3rstq61-m2oU5xkmf_irHQY1LdajdyVkkz0l-JryD5yeiK24x3kxqJvctT7JK8qiwxoaqcE/s1600/pelosi-witch+~2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eFyNNP1cw6oBiOZ_M4zm4LfcrTQdBkLJ7AvMEjwCx74-6Dul8nKXMI6kNmGnXWfyaEWz1pgIqVsDyjniTaruruv0Eyj4ItwiHi6ImITByFwmjKaI2mcZ1rtb4a1R4kalTyYfFzR3dQFx/s1600/406010_392142494211932_1071514511_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eFyNNP1cw6oBiOZ_M4zm4LfcrTQdBkLJ7AvMEjwCx74-6Dul8nKXMI6kNmGnXWfyaEWz1pgIqVsDyjniTaruruv0Eyj4ItwiHi6ImITByFwmjKaI2mcZ1rtb4a1R4kalTyYfFzR3dQFx/s320/406010_392142494211932_1071514511_n.png" width="320" /></a>Wicca is a wonderful religion, one that I am proud to openly practice and support. It is because of how open we are, how accepting we are, on how we see that all faces of the God/desses (regardless of faith) are of the Divine that we have come to know so many as brother and sister. We see all paths (that are born of love and trust) as the correct path, as the right path. It is because of this openness that many unfortunately believe that they can call themselves Wiccans and just make it up as they go along.<br />
<br />
Sorry kido, but that kind of crap attitude just doesn't fly with us. We have moral standards, ethical codes, rites and worship that connects all and makes us who we are. Throwing on a cape and calling the flying spaghetti monster does not make you a pagan. Either learn our ways, or find something else to bastardize. If this is ever so harsh to you, then perhaps the Pagan faiths are not for you...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>"Hey look at me! I'm a seventh generation/incarnation Wicca from [insert powerful family/mythical being here]"</i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb32VUFEA5OI7-bv9Al1IVn6Nd24KJlSDK9Di9mvDT0zY8sNroxRXakvHR5oQathkUbJDZloKVQ9zxORZXMa3szUtvNCLR6n4Dy5xelnc2hwhPxW6Y-tM-q4xBXhtNi-RwIl2sRJAW7lq8/s1600/tumblr_me8krkvoSs1qkmpgxo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb32VUFEA5OI7-bv9Al1IVn6Nd24KJlSDK9Di9mvDT0zY8sNroxRXakvHR5oQathkUbJDZloKVQ9zxORZXMa3szUtvNCLR6n4Dy5xelnc2hwhPxW6Y-tM-q4xBXhtNi-RwIl2sRJAW7lq8/s320/tumblr_me8krkvoSs1qkmpgxo1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Awesome, now what's your point? In a previous time when life was simpler and we lived (mostly) with the land, I was a healer who used herbs and various potions to help the sick and dieing. Does that mean I know anything about healing now? Hell no! The closest I come to it, is being a acceptable healer in a video game. While it may be cool to be part of a generalization family of pagans, this is something that should be shared and honored by the family, not thrown in peoples faces for popularity. Just like in Harry Potter (please pardon the reference) being part of a "long time magical family" does not make you any better or worse than anyone else.<br />
<br />
Remember Wiccan and the various Pagan faiths are religions, not popularity contests. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's it for today my fellow brothers and sisters! Join me next time when I respond to comments and hopefully work on the second part of this (assuming I don't get to much hate mail.) Blessings to all, and to all a good night !<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*1 Hmmm making stuff up to confusing the masses, sound like our currently political climate doesn't it?<br />
<br />
*2 Yea that's a stab at the idiots from the Westboro Baptist Cult. bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-68948187416464129552012-07-19T14:37:00.000-07:002014-01-03T19:01:00.692-08:00Religious Nuts Exposed: Predictions about Obama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s62MO_AV47QdG4Yg0VSGzBWL5q6Km5i9eNaKL67aRrVcZOJf7wwSFAIQTUYGiwQCPFygcGh9pA585Nire6c9_wqy5iKN2CYns5KEgWPO88W5qq64aVD371GlQY6KUvbe8DAIfgKK0KA7/s1600/owned-Westboro-Baptist-Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7s62MO_AV47QdG4Yg0VSGzBWL5q6Km5i9eNaKL67aRrVcZOJf7wwSFAIQTUYGiwQCPFygcGh9pA585Nire6c9_wqy5iKN2CYns5KEgWPO88W5qq64aVD371GlQY6KUvbe8DAIfgKK0KA7/s320/owned-Westboro-Baptist-Church.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>The Westboro Baptist Church (or WBC) is an Independent Baptist
“church” known for its extreme stance against homosexuality, other
religions, and anything else that tickles their fancy. They are also
known for their greatly offensive protest activities against fallen
service men/woman and high profile aka popular people. In this special
section created for the <b>WBC Cult Exposed</b> we will explore their
hateful and distorted “divine” teachings and expose them for what they
truly are, a hate group who uses religion for personal power. </i><br />
<br />
By the Earth Mother, how long has it been since I last sat down and wrote one of these? Must have been at least a couple of months, at the very least. Maybe it's been work that has been keeping me away? Work has been killer with the amount of hours I needed to put into it, <i>many of them off the clock</i>. This or that has been breaking down will this person or that has been causing more problems then good. Maybe it's been my personal life; no never mind I don't have one. Maybe it's just that the WBC really hasn't done anything worth writing about? Sure they still protest funeral and blow more hot air than a balloon, but what's new? They have been doing the same tired crap now for years and it's getting easier and easier to tune out. The WBC just isn't that important anymore. However this coming week changed everything, what is it you wonder? Was it some photoshopped protest? Saying the 1st amendment had holes in it... in Canada? Claiming to be in the UK when they are banned from the country?<i> </i>No, it's something even better!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">ITS THE END OF THE WORLD!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL8KQL178hlxLj-Xn174gyjgBOkMYseX3L2nv4DXJk3zoh989W9E9AqjmoPz5xSXcHwKqxUpS5SVBx7jm4yFUoFPuynBQMO2p1yY7czBUK1NCNcvs4HnN0NtSUuR_ImzZAE-kLIEcO08p/s1600/attention-people-of-earth-we-will-expurrminate-you1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL8KQL178hlxLj-Xn174gyjgBOkMYseX3L2nv4DXJk3zoh989W9E9AqjmoPz5xSXcHwKqxUpS5SVBx7jm4yFUoFPuynBQMO2p1yY7czBUK1NCNcvs4HnN0NtSUuR_ImzZAE-kLIEcO08p/s320/attention-people-of-earth-we-will-expurrminate-you1.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I for one, welcome our furry overlords...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They warned us you know, they really did... <br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I hope and pray that this humble blog entry finds everyone well enough, I know these times have been hard on all of us. Ever since the rise of the "Beast Obama" we have all been forced to follow his will and bear his mark. So many people have been slaughtered, and sometimes it seems that not even God can save us. Our once beautiful green Earth, our dearest mother, has been transformed to one of cold hard barren death. Where once plentyful rainwater kissed the planet and gave new life to man and animal like, we now have rain of fire the burns and scars all. How I miss our wonderful forests and the green grass under our feet. Our once grand cities not littered trash heaps of decaying metal and flash. What little remains we cling to in a vain attempt to remember what was, but will never be again... Why oh why did we not heed the wise and every caring words of the WBC when we had the chance? Why did we not heed thier warning about Obama! Why did we not-<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i></i><br />
<i>Oh wait, that's right, the WBC lies about everything and are full of fail. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
As many false prophets in the past have become, so now does Shirley Phelps and the WBC join the ranks of idiots who thought only they knew the will of some god. Just as before, they will be mocked for no only crying wolf, but trying to make themselves look awesome in the process. What am I talking about you ask?<br />
As you may not be aware of, at the inauguration of President Obama, Shirley Phelps (who's twitter account now is blocking everyone) made the announcement the he (Obama) only had three and half years to complete his task as the Anti-Christ. Within this three year period, he was suppose to launch an attack on Israel, destroy the world economy, institute "the mark" and bring forth pain and suffer unlike the world has ever known. In short, the end times. <i>Zombies may or may not be included.</i><br />
<br />
However seeing as we are all alive and kicking; I guess they where wrong.... again. <i>Let me show you my shocked face... </i>In order to offer up proper proof of the WBC's fail, we at WBC cult exposed spent about twenty minutes fighting with Windows Movie Maker to produce this informational video. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/19lTYrYQJO0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-3046750601302029042012-05-25T13:49:00.002-07:002014-02-15T20:15:16.557-08:00How WBC Fails: The complete collection Vol 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdebQ5iw0kOyvdJSLeH4twnmk7O4EzN3j0qadynxAs_lSigZVC-VjpgZj7lRUBJwncA1uU40tb-CPNpDgSCIhocM4vi1ES6_MUTsUV30ueAmZnknICHQlwJ68H0PVKQJyTnwhvrib1Oww1/s1600/768cfd0c-722b-4e20-b0ef-4e53f5daf14b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdebQ5iw0kOyvdJSLeH4twnmk7O4EzN3j0qadynxAs_lSigZVC-VjpgZj7lRUBJwncA1uU40tb-CPNpDgSCIhocM4vi1ES6_MUTsUV30ueAmZnknICHQlwJ68H0PVKQJyTnwhvrib1Oww1/s320/768cfd0c-722b-4e20-b0ef-4e53f5daf14b.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Westboro Baptist Church (or
WBC) is an Independent Baptist “church” known for its extreme stance
against homosexuality, other religions, and anything else that tickles
their fancy. They are also known for their greatly offensive protest
activities against fallen service men/woman and high profile aka popular
people. In this special section created for the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WBC Cult Exposed </b>we
will explore their hateful and distorted “divine” teachings and expose
them for what they truly are, a hate group who uses religion for
personal power.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Blogging: </b><br />
<br />
<ol>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/04/rambling-of-normal-guy-wbc-fails-on.html" target="_blank">How WBC fails at twitter</a></li>
</ul>
Not to long ago, this little blogger issued a contest of shorts to the
folks of the Westboro Baptist Church. If you are blissfully unaware of
what these <i>things</i>… er people are, then you are one lucky person <br />
<ol>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/04/rambling-of-normal-guy-wbc-fails-at.html" target="_blank">WBC fails at Email</a></li>
</ul>
While spending my off hours trolling the WBC (can it be
considered trolling?), the email for the cult was posted on their
twitter account. AWESOME! I thought, I could pose my Q&A again
without the need to shorten it. Well I got an email back, and not
surprisingly it's something I would expect from a second grader. <br />
<ol>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/08/ramblings-of-normal-guy-why-do-i-even.html" target="_blank">Why do I even bother with the WBC?</a></li>
</ul>
I was once asked why I even bother with the crazies, and here is why. <br />
<ol>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-wbc-fails-at-blogging.html" target="_blank">Fail At Blogging</a></li>
</ul>
Who knew? The most hated family in America also fails at blogging. SHOCKING! <br />
<ol>
</ol>
<b>Interviews and Tv Spots: </b><br />
<ol>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-wbc-fails-with-special-guest-nate.html" target="_blank">How WBC Fails: With special guest (No H8) Nate Phelps</a></li>
</ul>
<b>Nathan "Nate" Phelps</b> (born November 1958) is an author, speaker on religion and child abuse, and an LGBT advocate.<sup id="cite_ref-GlobeandMail-2010_0-0"> </sup> The seventh child of Pastor Fred Phelps, Phelps has been estranged from the majority of his family since his 18th birthday.<sup> </sup>Phelps
has since declared himself an atheist. He is known for his open
criticism of the Westboro Baptist Church through literature, interviews,
public speaking at atheist conventions and his website. He states that
his father abused him and the other Phelps children and believes that
the church is an organization for his father to "vent his rage and
anger." Today I am now happy to present part one of the email Q&A I
had with Nate Phelps, otherwise known as the No H8 Phelps. <br />
<ol>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-wbc-fails-didja-really-just-say.html" target="_blank">Didja really just say that?</a> </li>
</ul>
Our words are also not free floating, easily said then quickly
forgotten. Our words can linger on in people and thought, or even echo
forever in the ages. Like what is said about the internet, once you say
something it is more than likely recorded somewhere. Today’s edition
deals with language in a much different way than the previous “God H8’s”
series. In such previous titles we explored how their main message of
each video was hateful and… well crap. In today’s edition I want to
return to their previous video and twitter postings to explore the items
we might have missed. You know, the little things they let slip that
gives hint to just how deep the rabbit hole goes. <br />
<ol>
</ol>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-wbc-fails-redrum.html" target="_blank">God Bless America (2012)</a></li>
</ul>
Shirley, along with other female members of her "church", preached
about a Jewish video that taught America's how to murder the WBC. While
many, myself included, would call their religious and political views
extreme, making a movie for the purposes of "Idiot's Guide to killing
WBC"... is a bit much. I was also curious that it was Jewish in nature.
You would think a people who have suffered <b>A LOT </b>would turn their nose to such actions. The video in question is the trailer for a new fictional movie is called <i>God Bless America (2012).</i> A how to guide for killing the WBC? Wut?!?<i><br /></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Videos - God H8's series</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-wbc-fails-at-videos-119.html" target="_blank">People should be accepted for who they are. </a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-wbc-fails-at-video-219.html" target="_blank">He who is without sin, cast the first stone.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-wbc-fails-at-video-319.html" target="_blank">Eating Shellfish is the same sin as being a fag. </a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-wbc-fails-at-video-419.html" target="_blank">Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. </a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-wbc-fails-at-video-519.html" target="_blank">God gave man free will.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-wbc-fails-at-video-619.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">God does not hate.</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-wbc-fails-at-video-719.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">God loves everybody.</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-wbc-fails-at-video-819.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Hell's not a real place, it’s a state of mind</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-919.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">I’ll Pray for you</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1019.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">The Bible is subject to interpretation</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1119.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Jews didn't kill Jesus - He was a Jew</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1219.html" target="_blank">For God so loved the world</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1319.html" target="_blank">Judge Not That Ye Be Not Judged</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1419.html" target="_blank">God don't make no junk</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1519.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1619.html"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">God loves the sinner, hates the sin</span></a></li>
<li><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1719.html" target="_blank">God doesn’t cause bad things to happen to people.</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1819.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">That's Only Old Testament Stuff</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-wbc-fails-god-h8s-1919.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Accept Jesus as your personal savior</span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"></span></a></li>
</ol>
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"> </span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"> </span>bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-7595628694149832322012-05-15T16:58:00.002-07:002014-01-03T18:17:17.261-08:00Ramblings of a Pagan Guy: Growing Pains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s1600/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s320/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Over
the years, I have found that many a person has this strange idea
when it comes to the Pagan faiths. It as if as soon as one converts,
they [the pagan] are thrown back to the middles ages. People also have
this rather quirky notion that pots and pans turn into wands and
broomsticks, that tables and chair turning to sacrificial altars and
stone circles. To many people think that once one devotes themselves
to the God and Goddess, reality bleeds away is magically replaced
with Hogwarts schools and Weasly like houses. They also believe that
our God and Goddess are just whores, or even worse the Christian devil.
With this mini-set it is my hope to address these and many more
misunderstood concepts so that we will be see as people too. We are not
the demons some people try to make us out to be.</i><br />
<br />
Before we begin, let’s be 100% honest with ourselves; growing up can be a real - well I let you choose your descriptive word there...<br />
<br />
<i>Forcefully</i> being removed from a blissful world of near perfect entertainment with friends, caring for nothing and using your parents money like candy is not a super awesome thing. Being forcefully injected into a world of cold hard and unforgiving reality is not something anyone embraces either. <i>But that's life, as they say.</i> Traversing the sands of time towards the march of adulthood, our childhood joys are replaced with worries about puberty, voice cracking, social awkwardness, jobs, pay checks, taxes, bills, dating, Facebook and so much more. When you throw in our “glorious” technological age where every embarrassing moment can be recorded and put on YouTube in under ten seconds, one wonders how teens don’t suffer more mental break downs.<br />
<br />
So yea, life just sucks sometimes.... <br />
<br />
When last we gathered, I wrote about how Christianity just wasn’t working
for me, even at a young age. Even then I had to many question, to many thoughts that didn't add up, and to many “you will understand when you are older” comments in response. <br />
<br />
Having survived the test of time, and being far older now than I was then, I really find such comments insulting. Hey how about instead of dodging the question, you actually come up with some answers? This is your faith after all, isn't? How can a baby be born evil? There is no sin there,
that child is the closest thing to purity humanity we will ever see. If God
is sovereign and controls everything, what right does he have to punish
people doing his will (be it good or bad)? If Christ was all about
peace, love, helping EVERYONE, why do so many of his followers scoff at
doing such?<br />
<br />
Like I said, to many questions, zero acceptable answers.<br />
<br />
So after much soul searching, research, and help from actual supportive
people, I am now part of the Pagan fold.<i> </i>But<i> </i>what does any of this blabbering (I know I do tend to ramble on) have to do with today’s <i>Rambling of a pagan guy</i>? As we already know from personal experience, growing up today is not a easy thing to do. When anyone grows up willingly embracing a religion many considering "Satanic", well that just makes a bad trip worse. Today's rambling is part of the on going thing to record my experiences as a teen and young adult, and part message to the younger generation of Pagans out there. We "old heads" know what you are going threw, and we know the constant pain and mental abuse you experience at the hands of ignorance. <br />
<br />
<b>You are not alone.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0com9hyy8CHGa24DsSPp9kwo7hRO3Qc5EqqCue9ThL4f_JD7ldCwdbik0ESSd0036bzUNT_53mLxcmzgUzNfhvhRA9kmo_vX3xQy80fgAbz2bzvuKoQpbLTipDSLmYUbUBBBMDh9DccJ/s1600/hC3CAEB27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0com9hyy8CHGa24DsSPp9kwo7hRO3Qc5EqqCue9ThL4f_JD7ldCwdbik0ESSd0036bzUNT_53mLxcmzgUzNfhvhRA9kmo_vX3xQy80fgAbz2bzvuKoQpbLTipDSLmYUbUBBBMDh9DccJ/s320/hC3CAEB27.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
Like many teens, <i>of any era</i>, I spent a lot of time at school wishing I could spend significantly less time there. Classes that bore little effect or relevance with the real world would blur together with class I was actually suppose to pay attention to. At some points it seemed like I was being forced feed a raging river of text book knowledge eight hours a day. Ugh! While my freshman year was traumatic enough with the "normal" crap, my religious problems really didn't start until my second year of high school. After bearing my first pentacle with (somewhat exaggerated) youthful gusto, two unfortunate things conspired to make the rest of my stay at Arch Bishop Ryan a rather unpleasant one. First was the very hot blooded teenager who believed very strongly in human rights, the second was the Catholic school taking a deem view of other faiths. One might even say they belittled other faiths. Does that sound incredibly bitter to anyone else? Well, in all honestly, it should. There is no nice way to described being bullied because your Pagan. <i>Bloody hell</i>, there is no nice way to describe any type of bullying now is there?<br />
<br />
<br />
In any case I can remember the single event that set the theme for the remaining three years of high school. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M65AmX8C8bYtkAcr1ZWpj7JkZRehoIrQa6lk_bk-eIvKhogZddLVqY1Lly7Vo7XZaCh3TUz2bfGfCc7goNrMNr-asbclrMwTn-2Mt6ZGqDoUNECT3Q-abuF3SjlahMkOGv6mN-rP1atf/s1600/2615665828_5b14c0fce0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4M65AmX8C8bYtkAcr1ZWpj7JkZRehoIrQa6lk_bk-eIvKhogZddLVqY1Lly7Vo7XZaCh3TUz2bfGfCc7goNrMNr-asbclrMwTn-2Mt6ZGqDoUNECT3Q-abuF3SjlahMkOGv6mN-rP1atf/s320/2615665828_5b14c0fce0.jpg" width="320" /></a>It all started with my religious teacher I had the misfortune of having during my second year of high school. He was unable to consider or explore others point a view, and he was <u>always</u> right because "God said so". Frequently during class he would take great pride in himself for belittling, dehumanizing and demeaning anything that didn't fit his perfect image of <i>his</i> world. As you can imagine, he even went to the point of identifying students who needed special "preaching" to. I remember at least three of us in the class.<br />
<br />
The first was a quite Jewish girl who you swore wasn't actually there. She was the type of person who never said anything, never socialized much with classmates but always turned in homework in time with no questions asked. <i>Yes I had a crush on her too. </i>She wore the Star of David (it's was silver with glitter stuff on it) around school expect when she enter "Religious Studies" as the course was named. Our teacher had a annoying habit of writing up anyone who wore necklaces in class, save if it bore a cross on it. When class began he would start with a prayer that always mentioned something to the effect "Forgive the Jews for murdering Christ, and allow them to see the light and convert". When asked just how all Jews where responsible, and how they killed Christ when he still is around, he would retort with either "you wouldn't understand" or threats of detention. He would also attack their beliefs (only Jesus can save) and places of worship (if there isn't a cross, it's not a place of worship), even going as far to question their parenting skills (who would let their kids willingly go to hell?). <i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Bloody well disgusting. </i><br />
<br />
The next person was a <b><u>extremely brave guy</u></b> who came out while attending a Christian high school. Keep in mind this was before people started waking up to bigotry, before the "No H8" campaign and even before the "It's get better" project. To identify yourself as a homosexual was to shoot yourself socially in the face. But this kid did not care, this is how he was born and would not be ashamed of it. Seriously how awesome is that? When our religious teacher learned of his "horridly blasphemous fact" we had a week long retreat explaining the dangers of homosexuality and how it would destroy the world if left unchecked. <i>Oh how I wish I was making this up. </i>At the end of the retreat, the teacher had us all write essays on how we felt about homosexuals wanting to destroy the world. <i>I got a F for refusing to do it. </i>The student lasted about three (4?) months of this bullying before he literately told the teach to "take your bs religion and f- off". I never did see him again, I just hope he is still ok...<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally there was me, the horrible pagan who apparently worshiped the devil (or Satan). But a bit of back story first. Having finally scored myself a steady job (to which I am still here, 13 years after) I used my first pay check on two things. My first cell phone, and a pentacle. The cell phone was this little piece of crap thing that I would probably be embarrassed to have around now. <i>What? A little vanity never hurt anyone...</i> The second was my first pentacle and it was pretty bad ass if I do say so. It was made of pewter metal and shaped to look like the whole thing was made out of branches. I later painted browns and greens into it. Anywho the first day I wore it into school was the first day I got my first real taste of religious bigotry. When our religious teacher saw it, he went on a rant that would dwarf all of my <i>Ramblings of a working guy </i>combined. He bellowed about how I was bringing the devil in this Sanctuary of Christian learning. He told me to remove the evil symbol and rebuke Satan right away of I would be written up and given dentition. Being the hot blooded Irishman I am, I refused and told him what he could do with his suggestion.<br />
<br />
That's how I ended up in this discipline office. <i>And yes it was my own fault. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
From here on out, it become a weekly trend that degenerated into some completely mental. So much so that I'm now totally embarrassed of it, and wouldn't waste my time with now-a-days. It would start with the religious staff calling me to the discipline office to have my pentacle removed, despite the fact it didn't violate the school code. <br />
<br />
<b>Staff</b>: You can't wear necklaces during school hours. <br />
<b>Me</b>: Since when?<br />
<b>Staff</b>: Since always Mr Biddle, do not talk back to me.<br />
<b>Me</b>: But students are wearing crosses around their necks all the time...<br />
<b>Staff</b>: That's different! <br />
<b>Me</b>: ... but it's a necklace...<br />
<b>Staff</b>: Talk back again and that's double dentition. <br />
<br />
Obviously the above wasn't word for word<i>, </i>but it still the general gist of the conversations I had. Religious double standards where a way of life when at AR, and there was little that could be done about it. In conjunction with the above I was also suggested (aka forced) into spending time with the religious counselors at least once a mouth, in order to pray away this evil satanic influence inside of me. I still remember our first meeting too...<br />
<br />
<b>Counselor</b>: How are you doing today Mr Biddle?<br />
<b>Me</b>: Peachy...<br />
<b>Counselor</b>: Great! Now how is Jesus in your heart today?<br />
<b>Me</b>: What? (I could have just lied to her and been our in two mins, but no I wasn't thinking) <br />
<b>Counselor</b>: Jesus in your heart sweaty. <br />
<b>Me</b>: Oh.. I'm not Catholic. <br />
<b>Counselor</b>: Oh? What are you then, Jewish?<br />
<b>Me</b>: I'm Wiccan.<br />
<b>Counselor</b>: Oh my! You know you are worshiping the devil then!<br />
<b>Me</b>: Not really. I have a God and Goddess. (It was Horus and Bas at the time) <br />
<b>Counselor</b>: That is just a illusion put on by the father of lies. You must pray with me before it's to late!<br />
<b>Me</b>: I'll pass.<br />
<b>Counselor</b>: But if you don't you will burn in hell! Is that what you really want?!<br />
<b>Me</b>: I don't believe in hell, we rock out in the summer lands until we are reincarnated. Well if we need to be.<br />
<b>Counselor</b>: This "summer lands" is really hell.<br />
<b>Me</b>: No, it's really not. <br />
<b>Counselor</b>: But it is dear. <br />
<b>Me</b>: Do I dictate your beliefs to you?<br />
<b>Counselor</b>: Pardon? Well no, Jesus does that.<br />
<b>Me</b>: So I don't tell you what you really believe and don't believe in?<br />
<br />
<b>Counselor</b>: No...<br />
<b>Me</b>: Then don't tell me what I believe in and what this or that actually is. I can do that just fine myself. <br />
<b>Counselor</b>: You seem a bit hostile, don't you think this could be from Satan -<br />
<b>Me</b>: No it comes from constant harassment from religious idiots like yourself who insist on making everything evil that doesn't conform to your bs way of thinking. Stop forcing your religion on me, and you will find me in a better mood. <br />
<br />
I learned a very important lesson from that first three and a half hour meeting. I learned that sometimes it's best to pick and choose your battle, rather than going in cannons firing. If I would have just told her what she wanted to hear, I wouldn't have had to suffer three years of "religious counseling". In place of hour long prayer meetings I could have been in the library seeking out information on the world wide web (which was still in it's teen years back in my day). Yet still I can't see myself doing any different. It was utterly disgusting how one group of people could tell another they where wrong and going to hell... all because they thought the bible said so.<br />
<br />
<i>So yea high school was fun growing up...</i><br />
<i> </i> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO0zxre98sGUt0YULVq3-T9Kxgpjpe1-5JTGZPD65dJ4I_Mna_5204hpUpkleYzQnaJhDMOnv7KTi7vy0cDzK05QVwvAzIbEa43E4Xy9K1MM1OF00M319LHBFZXCKhwgi9IOOWHLliPbt/s1600/cat__s_facepalm_by_meneatereater-d32w5qk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO0zxre98sGUt0YULVq3-T9Kxgpjpe1-5JTGZPD65dJ4I_Mna_5204hpUpkleYzQnaJhDMOnv7KTi7vy0cDzK05QVwvAzIbEa43E4Xy9K1MM1OF00M319LHBFZXCKhwgi9IOOWHLliPbt/s320/cat__s_facepalm_by_meneatereater-d32w5qk.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The home life wasn't nearly as bad as high school, and was always a loving home to say the least. But there was always that religious problem that hung in the air that no one ever wanted to talk about. Having my brother already renounce Christianity (I think he is a Atheist now) my mother was determined to have a proper Christian son. Oh by the Gods, she would go off on proud speeches about me being a alter boy. But none of this would ever work, because I've already been converted for some time. After a failed and rather embarrassing attempt to have my brother "talk the Wiccan thing out of me", they mostly resorted to dropping sad hints here and there. But no matter what they tried, there would forever be that religious rift where she could not accept my religion, and I could not accept being a Catholic. It was a couple of years later, after many attempts to guilt trip me just didn't work, we stopped talking about religion all together. As I grew older, as I ventured into the "real world", I found myself not really giving a damn anymore. There was nothing I could do to change the minds of people who used religion for ego, profit or attention. There was also nothing I could ever do to be accepted by these people. So I just stopped caring. In my heart I know the path I have taken is right for me, and honestly that's all that really matters. <br />
<br />
<br />
Before we part there is just one bit of wisdom I would like to pass on to the younger generation. There are going to be times when you can not avoid a verbal fight. When this happens, remember that shouting, screaming and cursing is not always the best solution. These people are out to get you mad, to make you look like a insane git. Remember who you are and never sink to their level. There will also be times when the bulling will be so bad, you will wonder what is the point of life. There will be times when the black and blue marks are just to bloody much to handle any more. This I know from personal experience, and yea it really sucks. No matter how bad it gets, no matter how low they try to drag you down, no matter how much the all loving bs'ers rant or beat on you, <b>you are better than them.</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>You are a beautiful miracle of nature, you are a blessed child of the God and Goddess, you are friend and brother/sister to nature. Never let anyone drag you down. It gets better and you are not alone. </b></blockquote>
<br />
Much love and blessing,<br />
Ashka Ryo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-81885555301302967292012-03-24T07:31:00.001-07:002014-01-03T19:01:00.726-08:00Ramblings of a Normal Guy: How cults work<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKauEtzNH65TQxEsohQOxVNd6FLvjH66sgMyRRoPaVaBi9GuwTgcwklR8cQyeSAmpOfcokTBi5xx-XoAOlAfszUT47powiD04jqE0u56OQduxr1gATUEjPwU3UzDP1X9vTLVEbwy3p_4Bh/s1600/cthulhu-cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKauEtzNH65TQxEsohQOxVNd6FLvjH66sgMyRRoPaVaBi9GuwTgcwklR8cQyeSAmpOfcokTBi5xx-XoAOlAfszUT47powiD04jqE0u56OQduxr1gATUEjPwU3UzDP1X9vTLVEbwy3p_4Bh/s1600/cthulhu-cat.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Your cult will never be as cool as Cthulhu. Or cats.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>Welcome to another addition of ramblings of a normal guy. This is my
special column where I go off on wild rants complaining about the things
that happen and effect my (and ours) every day life. Because of the
excessive amounts of stupidity that will be featured, a large amount of
inappropriate language will most likely be used. Also expect a large
helping of calling out and "I don't give a crap". Rated M for mature,
and read at your own risk. </i><br />
<br />
Today's posting actually came about from a Q&A session on twitter. The person in question had a lot of questions about cults. So good in fact, that I thought it would be a good idea to make a blog post about them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>How can mind control be done on a person by a cult wherein that person forgets his loved ones and is not able to breath without that cult? Is it possible answer in details explaining in depth. </i><i>~Anonymous</i></blockquote>
Cults.<br />
<br />
Devoted to spheres of religious and/or political influence, such organizations often make outlandish claims to secret knowledge or divine right to justify their existence. Some cults you may have heard before; Jonestown, Order of the Solar Temple, Heaven’s Gate, and the children of Branch Davidians. <i>And look how well they turned out. </i> Some recent cults (at least of religious nature) that have evolved are the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, the Church of Scientology, The Family, and of course the Westboro Baptist church.<br />
<br />
When presented to the general public, cults usually appear with eye pleasing homes, gardens blossoming with life, and faces that never seem to stop smiling. An air of not only authority but tranquility is always presented to shine the group in the best possible light. <i>They are the only light and hope for the world type of bs. </i>This is done so for all intent and purposes, any onlooker would believe the cult houses a wonderful utopian world. This is also why many of these cults look down on the rest of the world; said cults are just so much better and closer to (whatever) than everyone else.However just like Tauntauns, if you guessed they where bad on the outside, they smell even worse on the inside. Once exposed for what these cults really are, stories of cult abuse, sexual abuse, and/or greed <b>always </b>follow. This is why you always find such strong controlling leaders; cults by their very nature seek to control the senses and minds of everything around it to hide this fact for as long as possible. This is also why cult leaders are always desperately seeking fresh blood to join their ranks. They want your unquestioned obedience (by various means), and all of your waking time (free labor) and of course your bank account. <i>All must bow down before their master.</i><br />
<br />
Disturbing ant it? Today’s interesting question (we do love them) asks about one of the methods employed by cults; <b>Mind control</b>.<br />
<br />
When someone mentions Mind Control, what is the first thing you think of? Do you have mental images of aliens using advanced technology to make slaves out of the human race? Maybe some misplaced thoughts of voodoo spells that create zombie hordes? Maybe even some evil sith lord using the force? As much as cults would enjoy the before mentioned, there is no one magical device that can free a person of their free will (at least yet). A whole system must be put in place in order to take advantage of a weaken state, or to deceive the person in question. In the simplest terms, Mind Control is a slightly misunderstood term applied to the systematic psychological techniques used either forcefully or quietly reprogram a person’s way of thinking. For example, think of it as a mental shotgun and the cult member a mobster. As a mobster would hold up a store and demand “give me all your money”, so to will Cult members. Instead of cash however, cult members will demand unquestioned obedience for your life. They will frequently point the gun at new/possible recruits and say “We are the way; we are the only true way. Leave us and your soul will be damned forever.”<br />
Now since you asked for a break down and some details; let’s see what we can do for you.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Deception</b>: Because by their very nature of being self defeating and destructive organization, deception or “twisting the truth” are always employed by cult leaders and recruiters. Have you ever noticed the new <i>trendy</i> survey takers at the mall? They are often young, dressed expensively and very easy on the eyes. It is a common (but still vane) fact that the better you look, the better the response you will get. Cults know this, and seek to take advantage of this. Slick, trendy, good looking and highly energetic/charismatic recruiters will tell you all about how they help the poor, support peace and love, and are totally for the environment. They will tell you how happy you will be in their group, how joyous and wonderful every day is (and everyone in the cult will always seems very happy and enthusiastic, often under threat of pain) and how much more meaning your life will have. They will tell you that you will become part of something that is so much bigger than any one person, and how history will forever love and remember you. They will tell you how everything is so super cool and happy in their group. Recruiters have to do this because “in a month we are going to drink some kool-aid” really doesn’t sound that appealing.</li>
<li><b>Just try it, risk free</b>: Just as salesmen will try to pressure sales you into buying what ever junk they have at the moment, cult recruiters will do anything in their power to have you spend a weekend with the cult. They know that once you are inside the cult complex; there is a huge change you will never leave. Once inside, you will be bombarded with so much fake love and friendship you won’t know which was is up or down. Everyone will become instant friends and will always be happy to remind you how great it is here, and you should never leave. They will use anything to get you to stay, even guilt trips. If this was at a car dealership, we call it <i>pressure sales.</i> </li>
</ul>
Then once you are in:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Fear</b>: Either by deception, sneakiness or flat out truth, once you are in, you will be taught the Cult leadership is to be feared. With a claim that the divine above has given them earthly power to command, cult leaders will claim to have direct authority to control almost all aspects of your life. <i>This also usually includes sex.</i> Anyone who dares speak our against the leadership is committing a most grievous sin, just as anyone who questions the cult would also be questioning God. Guilt will be used to control you. Anything that doesn’t go right will always be your fault, because you didn’t try hard enough or because your heart is still filled with sin. “Give yourself over the cult!” They will say, this would be the only way to succeed. Breaking points will be used to break down any mental defenses as to make you mentally numb and dumb. The only thing you are allowed to feel is what the cult tells you to feel. Everything else is evil.</li>
<li><b>Time based</b> or <b>mental fatigue control</b>: Falling under the “distraction” category, time based and mental fatigue aims to keep current or potential members so busy with large amounts of work that they either do not have to time to think about what is going on, or are too tired to care. As people spend more and more time in the highly manufactured cult environment, they begin to grow accustomed to it and sadly accept it.</li>
<li><b>Be my friend!: </b> A common human need is to love and feel loved. This feeling of love can be expressed to/from family members, to/from friends and to/from lovers. Knowing the power of relationships and the feeling of acceptance, cult leadership will often have other members strictly devoted to “insta-friend” activates. Often employed on new or potential members that have strong feeling of loneliness, they will shower the person with love, affection and feelings of true acceptance and friendship. Over time this will create a feeling of “how could such a loving group be wrong!” Once this is accomplished, these new “friends” will drop hints that if the person ever leaves or disagrees with the cult they will lose all your new friends. This unspoken threat influences the person to be far more accepting of the cult.</li>
<li><b>Information Control</b>: Otherwise known as propaganda, cult leaders will seek to completely control the informational flow in and out of the cult members. They first begin by drilling their members with the impression that any information that stems from outside the cult is either wrong or down right evil. Anything that speaks against the cult is considered blasphemous and should be destroyed.<i> Kinda like how your parents drilled you to take out the trash until you did it on your own. </i>The only information that is allowed to pass freely and unfiltered is information from the cult command structure. Going hand in hand with “If you leave us, you are damned” social reprogramming mentioned before, cults will threaten to expel any members that speak about or distribute contraband material.</li>
<li><b>Big Brother</b>: As a off shoot of the above, cults often employ a buddy or big brother/sister system to encourage, guide and (forcibly) keep struggling members for treading down the “wrong path” In addition to this each member of the cult is highly encouraged to keep an ear out for anything that might be contrary to what the cult wants. This may even come with award as added incentive. This forces everyone around them, from fear of being expelled or worse, to be perfect little cultist.</li>
<li><b>A lie becomes truth</b>: Finally, the combination of all the above listed (and most importantly the two just mentioned) creates an atmosphere where many members may hide their true feelings in order not to get reported to the leadership. If this is continued for to long, the person will believe the lie is the truth… that is when they will have been fully “mind controlled” by the cult.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Ones a person is out of their clutches(cults) do they continue keeping a track on that person can they get that person back? Can you also tell their motives what do they want from a person?? </i><i>~Anonymous</i></blockquote>
<br />
<i>Once a person is out of their clutches (cults) do they continue keeping a track on that person can they get that person back?</i><br />
It depends on both the cult, the membership and the circumstances of the person leaving. If the person was proving to strong willed and infectious on others, the leadership will often actively find ways to get rid of them. Better to out the person and be done with it. In most other cases the cult will keep tabs on members that left and will try to get them back. Using the Westboro Baptist Church as a example, we see this in action. When Nate and Marje Phelps both left the cult, because the hate and violence became to much for them, the family kept track of their movements and engaged in a strong campaign to bring them back. It would later prove successful in Marjie’s case.<br />
<br />
<i>Can you also tell their motives what do they want from a person??</i><br />
Their motives are simple. They wish to control everything, and never allow “one of the flock” to leave and expose any secrets they might know. <br />
<br />
<i>Edit: This extra part came from twitter “and for how long they keep a track on that person?”</i><br />
I may sound like a broken record here, but it again depends on the cult. In my research the longest I ever found was two years.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Is there a way these cults can be punished or reported? Also how they involve aperson sexualy when he has no intention of doing it?? Also you mentioned that they control the senses of the victim how is that possible??</i> ~<i>Anonymous</i></blockquote>
<br />
<i>Is there a way these cults can be punished or reported?</i><br />
Like any other organization, “religious” or otherwise they are still bound to the law of the land. When in the public eye (recruiting at the local mall, some type of rally or protest) you will always see them take great care to make sure none of their members step out of line as to be arrested. Regrettably most of the law breaking problems occurs behind closed doors, and the victim will either be to traumatized to say anything, feel that this is the way of things, or wait to long to report the crime. <br />
<br />
<i>Also how they involve a person sexually when he has no intention of doing it??</i><br />
If you have ever studied rape, you may have heard the curious instance where the victim begins to feel bad, or even have feelings for the rapist. Like rape, there is nothing logical when cults use sex to control. Feelings are a very powerful emotion, and when wrapped around someones finger, a very powerful control agent. <br />
<br />
<i>Also you mentioned that they control the senses of the victim how is that possible??</i><br />
Torture and mental reprogramming is a very powerful, and very scary thing. While I could easily write all day on this, I want you to watch this video. It will give you a good idea on how torture works, and how it can be effective in controlling people.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>What can be the reason for any cult to keep a victims clothes do they have any power or they use voodoo? What can be the reason for visiting the birthplace of the victim? are they good hackers too?</i> ~<i>Anonymous</i></blockquote>
<br />
<i>What can be the reason for any cult to keep a victims clothes do they have any power or they use voodoo?</i><br />
Being a Pagan myself, I am fully aware of the power of the “unseen world” as some call it. However when it comes to this, cults have a devious method to their madness. Taking of clothing from new members is akin to a alpha dog act disguised as a act of compassion. It says “Rejoice brother/sister you are throwing your old evil life behind!” while also saying quietly and maybe even unknown to the new member “You belong to us now”<br />
<br />
<i>What can be the reason for visiting the birthplace of the victim?</i><br />
Your birthplace (while good or bad) has a very strong emotional tie within you. When a cult allows you to visit it is the final test to see just how brainwashed you are. Cult leadership will often only let the person visit home when they know perfectly well the person belongs to them. <br />
<br />
<i>are they good hackers too?</i><br />
That depends on person to person. Many cults actually seek to cut themselves of completely from the world, this includes the internet too. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>How exactly the recruiters control the senses of a person also how is reprograming done? Do they use hypnosis but in that case a person should remember that he was hypnotised or drugged? ~Anonymous</i></blockquote>
We actually just had someone ask that question. Controlling the senses, mind control, and reprogramming come in many types, shapes and sizes. From pain and drugs, to imaginary and emotional overload. Here’s a you tube link that best sums it up:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5rsxXRoD5U&feature=related" target="_blank"> click here</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Is there anything cults are scared of? Do they feel insulted if one of their new member goes back to his family? What is the difference between a leader and recruiter how the whole system works?</i> ~<i>Anonymous</i></blockquote>
<br />
<i>Is there anything cults are scared of?</i><br />
In one simple word: transparency. By their very nature, cults want to keep everything in horse, and have none of it seen by the public eye. When free exchange of knowledge is present, cults have a habit of running. <br />
<br />
<i>Do they feel insulted if one of their new member goes back to his family?</i><br />
Insulted, more than likely not. If it was a relatively new member, they would pay it very little mind. After all a newest member would know very little of the true purposes of the cult, or what went on behind closed doors. At best there would be a announcement to the cult that “X member was not worthy of being saved” and let go.<br />
<br />
<i>What is the difference between a leader and recruiter….</i><br />
Cult leaders will always be the ones who have the final say in everything, and always be the ones with the most money in the group. In short, their word is law and it is everyone else job to follow it. Recruiters are specially picked people who have high energy, high charisma and very high loyalty to the cult. As their name implies they are tasked by the leader to get as many new members as fast as they can. <br />
<br />
<i>….how the whole system works?</i><br />
The system can differ from cult to cult but generally the command system is as follows;<br />
<br />
Leader (unquestioned leader who’s word is law)<br />
|<br />
|<br />
A special <i>trusted </i>counsel of people who assist the leader to keep control of everything. (This may or may not include recruiters)<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
Everyone else.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>In one on one cult relationship is recruiter aware of the background of the new member in advance? How they target the right person? How are recruiters trained?</i><br />
<i>Anonymous</i></blockquote>
<br />
Have I mentioned yet how much I love these questions? It’s very refreshing to be asked these good questions by someone who actually wants to learn! <br />
<br />
<i>In one on one cult relationship is recruiter aware of the background of the new member in advance?</i><br />
In cases where they are targeting one specific person, then any and all information will be attained by the cult before hand. However this rarely happens as cults either wishes to get as big as possible in the quickest period of time, or is not very picky on their membership. Generally recruiters prefer to target specific places in a city/town rather than a person and different social habits. Think of it as social profiling but for cults.<br />
<br />
<i>How they target the right person?</i><br />
When speaking about cult members, the “right person” is anyone who is willing or weak willed enough to fall for their recruitment methods. Being weak willed (aka dumb) and having a rather large bank account is also a plus for any cult.<br />
<br />
<i>How are recruiters trained?</i><br />
Curiously enough, being a cult recruiter is much the same as working in retail. In retail you are trained to see signs in the customer to see if they partial to a item, to see if asking price is to high or low, and to see their general mood. You are basically trained to judge from body language what the customer is feeling. When it comes to cults, the product they are selling is bondage to the cult, to they are trained to see certain signs in people. Such actions as always keeping your head down, avoiding eye contact with people, uneasiness in groups of people and even attempts to avoid people are flags to recruiters. They see these people as social outcasts wanting little if anything to do with people around them. In many cases these are people that are easily forgettable, to which the cult can do with them as they please. In many other cases, these are people who basically don’t “fit in”. This is pure joy to a cult, because they can appear as the person place for the person, a place of acceptance and belonging.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>What happens to a new member who leaves his family and join the recuiter?Is he handed over to other ppl or stays only with the recruiter? Also if a cult can mind control he can anyway take that member anytime but why in most of the cases they want the member to leave his family by his own wish.</i> ~<i>Anonymous</i></blockquote>
<br />
<i>What happens to a new member who leaves his family and join the recuiter? Is he handed over to other ppl or stays only with the recruiter?</i><br />
Didja ever change from one school to another mid school year? Having experienced it myself, I think what happens is a lot like that. You see when you change schools; the teacher in charge will always surround and pair up the newest student with “the good kids” of the class. This is in hopes that the good kids will make a good lasting impression on the newest member of their class. This is in much the same way as what a cult does. New recruits are immediately surround with “insta-friends” who will be all to happy to be the persons life long friend (and keep them in the cult). <br />
<br />
<i>Also if a cult can mind control he can anyway take that member anytime but why in most of the cases they want the member to leave his family by his own wish.</i><br />
I was a bit confused with the wording of the question, but I think I got it right. The use of mind control is more like mental reprogramming that takes time and effort to properly pull off. The amount of time it takes to pull this off differs from person to person. While cults would ideally prefer for members to ditch their friends and family by their own accord (and right away), this rarely happens. In most cases, let’s say a month just for the hell of it, after the reprogramming is done, they will allow the now fully loyal member to return home and denounce the family.<br />
<br />bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-1177337333103437962012-03-13T20:57:00.001-07:002014-01-03T18:17:17.236-08:00Ramblings of a Pagan Guy: Answering the call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s1600/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s320/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Over the years, I have found that many a person has this strange idea when it comes to the Pagan faiths. It as if as soon as one converts, they [the pagan] are thrown back to the middles ages. People also have this rather quirky notion that pots and pans turn into wands and broomsticks, that tables and chair turning to sacrificial altars and stone circles. To many people think that once one devotes themselves to the God and Goddess, reality bleeds away is magically replaced with Hogwarts schools and Weasly like houses. They also believe that our God and Goddess are just whores, or even worse the Christian devil. With this mini-set it is my hope to address these and many more misunderstood concepts so that we will be see as people too. We are not the demons some people try to make us out to be.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
For Christmas this year, both my brother and I found "family tree" style decorations for mom. The past year she has really been getting into this whole genealogy thing, we both figured it was a quick and painless way to make her happy.*1 Not to mention be seen as actual caring sons! <br />
<br />
On my brother's side, he found a very nice <a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-View-Family-Metal-Collage/dp/B005G6THCK" target="_blank">metal tree</a> where the ends doubled as picture holders. It's currently hanging in the "dinnering room" if you want to call it that. For me, I found this <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&sugexp=llsin&gs_nf=1&tok=_AEAh8EJrb7IJVCvHmBnPA&pq=metal+family+tree&cp=16&gs_id=9b&xhr=t&q=family+tree+wall+decal&client=firefox-a&hs=tf8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1024&bih=585&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=10705643624946077444&sa=X&ei=jkJZT-SnJor10gH36aCiDw&sqi=2&ved=0CJwBEPMCMAA" target="_blank">wall design</a> thing that can be worked and designed in any way you please. The leaves (at least that's what I think they are) also double as picture frames and can be placed where you please. It is pretty neat, and a lot bigger than the link imply. Typical of the mom attitude, she was ever so pleased with what her boys did for her. <i>And yes, moms are the only ones allowed to over embellish things! </i>After the normal family parties and merry wishing, Mom spent the next three months finding just the right places for her trees and just the right photos for it. As you might have <i>also </i>guessed, the first photos to come out where the baby photos. A never ending supply of pictures from my birth, baptism, first steps, first time I escaped the baby play crib, confirmation and so on flowed more easily than any water or beer I've seen. <i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Hell I didn't even know it was possible to have this many photos >_></i><i> </i><br />
<br />
As the endless process of "yes and no" to this or that photo seemly took years to accomplish, I took notice to some slight tone changes in the way she talked. Where once she wouldn't stop talking about how fracking cute I was as a alter boy, how wonderful and blessed my first communion was, or how adorable I was at my confirmation, that all abundantly ended with the high school years. While she didn't (nor wouldn't) show any type of negativity in her voice, you could still tell there was a slight awkward uneasiness in the air. Confused at first, I suddenly hit me one night while staring at a owl statue (may it burn in hell forever). The reason, which is now clear as day, later became the inspiration for today's <i>rambling of a pagan guy.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
Like many children of this great (yet sometimes dysfunctional) country of ours, I was born into a loving and Christian household. At the tender age of something, I was baptized Henry John Biddle before the church and cleansed of "original sin". In grade school I was encourage to become an alter boy and assist the church in any way I could. By the seventh grade I was once again brought forth in front of the church to confirm my faith in Christ. As a boy who wanted to make his parents happy, <i>while driving them nuts</i>, I of course did everything they wanted and was expected of me. Knowing nothing of the other religions other than they where sinful to God, I was content with Christianity.<br />
<br />
Content but <i>confused</i> <i>and just not feeling right.</i><br />
<br />
By the fifth grade I felt something was off, something wasn't right. Honestly, something just didn't feel right about a faith about a all loving God (who sacrificed a mortal shell for others) condemning others to hell because of silly notions. But no matter what I thought, still being young I had no idea what to do with it. At times, I thought even I was being silly myself. By eight grade I was starting to ask questions that would stick with me. How could a baby be born with sin? Holding a just born child accountable for something someone else did thousands of years ago is just stupid. Why would an all-loving God hate people? If everything is according to God's plan how can God hate them for it? Why was there no mommy God but only a father God? For that matter why where woman not included in the big stuff? What's the point of mass when all you do is repeat the same thing over and over again? The whole mass thing felt more like a Borg cube than anything else. The main answer I would get to any of these questions was "<i>you will understand when you're older</i>"<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnhfoa3YYe8J7-1xXj-yVF92FYhqfIORyeqEWEEzDB0qOgDqqhxzrF-MmokY2qABYkgQufcs1Ihyphenhyphene1lMfQSLdDP4TKswkiCCE_2y1BBxjh_kGMDoHeQlO0Rh4B4yyBwDPNkcW2qMtpAnN/s1600/tumblr_mtnaeaNWys1roe6ofo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnhfoa3YYe8J7-1xXj-yVF92FYhqfIORyeqEWEEzDB0qOgDqqhxzrF-MmokY2qABYkgQufcs1Ihyphenhyphene1lMfQSLdDP4TKswkiCCE_2y1BBxjh_kGMDoHeQlO0Rh4B4yyBwDPNkcW2qMtpAnN/s320/tumblr_mtnaeaNWys1roe6ofo1_400.jpg" width="320" /></a>As I moved into the summer break after grade school, I knew Christianity wasn't for me. Sure, it may work well for other people, but for me... nothing. But even then, nothing new would take hold. I mean, hello it was summer time! I had far more important things to do like play Suikoden and Kingdom Hearts! Who has time for some lame thing like religion, when I had dragons to slay! <br />
<br />
But yea, as the summer ended and my first year of high school began, things began to stir once more. As a freshman, aside from being harassed to no end, I was exposed to new ideas and new ways of thinking. Many of these idea where frowned upon and even called "Satanic" by the administration and teachers, but they still flourished with students. Within all this entanglement, information and disinformation I experienced a religion that I actually felt something for.<br />
<br />
<b>Wicca. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
As days passed, I found myself spending more and more time in the school's library. This rather small but open place of free and unbiased learning was my personal sanctuary against a rather aggressive attacks (yes both physical and mental) against anyone who thought outside the box. It was a place where I could go to learn things for myself, without anyone bothering me or throwing out some unneeded religious context. From here I could be protected from the world. From here I didn't have to fear. All because I didn't want to push the poor gay kid down the stairs, because I actually wanted to know a girl before anything else happened, because I wouldn't "pray" to a God I really didn't believe in...<br />
<br />
As the winter waned, and I grew close to people with a brain, I was given a proper opportunity to study Wicca beyond such concepts of "OMG FIREBALL SPELL!" and "I WANT TO FLY A BROOM". I learned Pagans where not green skinned women but a flourishing natural earth based faith, I learned that Wicca was the old ways reborn. I learned of the God and Goddess, both of whom had nothing to do with Satan. I learned of their love, their connection to nature, and how all things shared in it. I learned of how we where all brothers and sisters in life, and how religion shouldn't divide us. After a full year of proper learning and studying, I was able to officially take on Wicca by my second year of High school.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I bore the pentacle and I bore it with pride. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Join me next time when I do into detail about the growing pains of a teenage Wicca. bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-27595704168330728112012-02-17T17:04:00.002-08:002014-02-15T20:15:16.553-08:00Ramblings of a Normal Guy: A Rambling for Gay Marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CbmbdWK6338?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Welcome to another addition of ramblings of a normal guy. This is my
special column, where I go off on wild rants complaining about the things
that happen and effect my (and ours) every day life. Because of the
excessive amounts of stupidity that will be featured, a large amount of
inappropriate language will most likely be used. Also expect a large
helping of calling out and "I don't give a crap". Rated M for mature,
and read at your own risk. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">So before we do this, I need to get a few things straight;</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">As many of you know by now, I have this growing desire to be pat of and participate in the human rights moment. Why? Because... well it's just not right how humans treat each other. It's deplorable really. The color of one's skin should not dictate social standing, just like who one's love shouldn't get them chained to a car and dragged to death. Seriously, how could anyone thing this is ok to do? How the fuck could anyone think it's ok to kill another because they are gay? <u><b>All people are equal, all people have the right to life and all people have the right to love</b></u>. No "god", no bullshit religion, and no book could nor should ever take that away. <i>And no, being gay doesn't lead to bestiality. </i>So it was probably because of this belief, that I was asked to write a essay <i>for</i> gay marriage. Sure, no big there!</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yet confident in my choose, a bit of iffyness hits me. It can be best described as doing something you know is right, but also knowing it isn't going to be pretty. As I'm sitting here formulating how I'm going to write this, my brain box races with different ways this will all play out. The purpose of this rambling is to open eyes, not a bitch fest.*1 I happen to know a few people who are very religious, one happens to be a great friend. I want to go about this to show that gay marriage really isn't this horrid thing, not do anything to offend his beliefs. Can I actually do this? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Another point I want to make before I begin in this; when one uses the bible to make arguments about anything of a (non)religious nature, a certain mind set is present. The bible is a two thousand old year old book that many believe is without question or suspect. Within the pages, such people say that nothing is subject to interpretation, nothing is in need of being "updated" to current times and nothing is in need of editing in, out or changed. The bible is a book said to have divine inspiration, and as such should not be held to any mortal law or thought. Each person <b>should</b> and <b>MUST</b> have the right to believe in what they hold true, even if we and others think them batshit insane. While I may find much of Christianity suspect, and the ideas of Creationism just silly, each person that holds true belief in it, must forever be allowed to do so in peace. Religion and faith is their personal relationship in the Divine, not a bloody boxing match! My only problem comes when people use such religion for ego, profit or (in this case) to deny others civil rights. </span></span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Religion is yours to keep, not force on others. </span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now that I'm here, and as I further organize my thoughts about this, and I'm just about ready to get started, I come to the realization I will probably offend some people. No matter how one puts it, how nicely it is said or what evidence is presented, there will always be at least one person who takes offense. When one mixes speaking about human rights, taboos and the bible, well let's just say it rarely ends well. As I said before, people have very specific and fixed ideas when it comes to their religious worlds, and when questioned, it is rarely handled civilly. <i>But I seem to be repeat loop here.</i> The purpose of today's <i>Ramblings of a Normal Guy </i>is not to insult or shake ones faith. If you are offended by this, <i>and you are not a egotistical a-hole</i>, I do apologize but ask you to read on. If it shakes your faith in what ever you hold, these are issues you should probably address with yourself. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">So yea... here goes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLsTTC5qwFjQqdSsA7rR4fSrCnEpb2LP35yexc7cNsISdgHGOYR3rHnaulZlp7VKEGMwynHlK7Qyg10D_6OmO4mr08eSensbB_phBRQhlhFo2L7RENTjRSpu8ZaFh1vOKCt_AeTMYajPk/s1600/6751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Gay.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Back in my parents time, it was a sexual orientation spoken about only in whispers; if anyone would speak of it at all. To define one's self as homosexual was to bring about the wrath of the community upon you. Such a <i>unclean choice </i>was considered worse than how we (should) consider rape. The few who where courageous enough to publicly declare their status or where found out, where subjected to firings, exorcisms, mental reprogramming, death, and more. Fortunately as the after effects of the Age of Aqueous continue to fester and grow, many people are waking up to question established and demeaning taboos. Is being gay really this horrible world destroying thing? Would allowing gays to marry really destroy all freedom? How are gays not people too... they live, breath and work just like the rest of us, right? But as many join the fight for equality, still many others seek to keep the status qua, be it for personal power, sheep like mentality, honest (in their view) religious belief or uneasiness of change. Many religious communities are forming and leading efforts to preserve what they feel is the "traditional definition of marriage". They feel that acceptance of homosexuality and their legal civil unions would destroy the morality of our nation, bring about God's wrath and ultimately end freedom. <i>One would think allowing politicians to accept bribes for votes AND tolerating the practice of such would end morality... but what do I know. </i>But is any of this really true? What does the "traditional definition of marriage" even mean?! It is my hopes with this rambling to explore these main arguments and see how they really hold up. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><u>Argument 1: Marriage is "One man One Woman" anything else ruins marriage. </u></b></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Opponents (forth with defined as against marriage equality or gay marriage) say that the bible defines the marriage union as one man and one woman. In <b>Genesis 2:24</b> it states <i>"This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh."</i> In <b>Genesis 6: 1-2</b> we also read <i>"And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose".</i> For the sake of time, we will ignore the incest implication (of course if we ignore one thing in the bible, why can we ignore others?) of Genesis for the time being, we have this and <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/marriage-bible-verses/" target="_blank">other verse</a><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/marriage-bible-verses/" target="_blank">s</a> that many opponent use to feel confident that the traditional definition of marriage is indeed one man and one woman. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Only that it's not. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Abijah</b> was the second King of Judah (911-908 BC). He was the son of King Rehoboam and Maacah, the grand-daughter of Absalom. He was a sinner as was his father, and his heart was not right with God. However, in a battle with Israel, he defies Jeroboam's powerful army and tells the people of Israel "do not fight against the Lord God of your fathers, for you will not succeed." God used Abijah and the men of Judah to turn the tide of the battle against King Jeroboam and the army of Israel, defeating Israel and capturing the cities of Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron. Abijah's reign lasted three years, he had 14 wives, and 22 sons and 16 daughters. When Abijah died, he was buried in Jerusalem, and his son, Asa, became the new king of Judah. <b>1 Kings 15:1-8</b> and in <b>2 Chronicles, chapter 13</b> is where his story can be found. <b>... as stated he had 14 wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters." </i><b>2 Chronicles 13:21</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Abraham</b> migrated with his father Terah from Ur to Haran. After his father's death God called Abraham to go to the land that he would show him where he would make of Abraham a great nation. Abraham went to Canaan with his wife Sarah and nephew Lot. As Abraham and Sarah grew older they had no children, so Abraham fathered a son, Ishmael, through Sarah's servant Hagar. The birth of Ishmael did not fulfill God's promise of a child to Abraham and Sarah so the promise of a great nation remained unrealized. God reaffirmed his promise to give Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars in heaven, however, and God made circumcision the sign of his covenant relationship. When Abraham was 100 years old, Sarah bore a son named Isaac. God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac. As they traveled, Isaac asked what they would sacrifice and Abraham replied that God would provide the lamb. As Abraham made ready to sacrifice the boy, God intervened and spared him, and Abraham sacrificed a ram caught in the bushes. The New Testament portrays Abraham as an example of faith, affirming that the promises God made to Abraham extend to all who believe. <b>... he had three wives. </b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar."</i> <b>Genesis 16:1</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><br />
</b><i>"And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife."</i> <b>Genesis 16:3</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah."</i> <b>Genesis 25:1</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Caleb</b> was in the Exodus with Moses, Aaron and Joshua. He was one of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan. He gave an honest report, as did Joshua, and was granted entrance to the promised land later. When Israel entered Canaan forty years later, Caleb was granted by Joshua, the area around the city of Hebron, for his faithfulness<b>... he had five wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And Caleb the son of Hezron begat children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth: her sons are these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon. And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur."</i> <b>1 Chronicles 2:18-19</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And Ephah, Caleb's concubine, "</i> <b>1 Chronicles 2:46</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"Maachah, Caleb's concubine, "</i> <b>1 Chronicles 2:48</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>David</b>, a shepherd, was the son of Jesse of Bethlehem. He was anointed by Samuel to be successor to Saul who was first king of the united Israel. David entered Saul's service as a musician, but when David defeated Goliath, the Philistine champion, Saul became jealous. Soon Saul tried to kill David, but Saul's son Jonathan, who was David's close friend, helped him to escape. David lived as an outlaw for a time. Once Saul entered a cave where David was hiding. Instead of killing Saul, David secretly clipped off the corner of Saul's robe, showing his loyalty to the king. Eventually, Saul died in battle with the Philistines, the men of Judah made David their king. After winning a war against the followers of Saul's son, David was chosen as ruler by all the tribes of Israel. His reign began in 1000 BC. He captured Jerusalem and made it his capital. David broke the Philistine power, united the country, brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and established Jerusalem as the religious center. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, but repented. He was forced to flee from Jerusalem when his son Absalom rebelled, but when Absalom was killed, David grieved deeply. Shortly before David died, he indicated that his son Solomon should succeed him on the throne. God promised David that one of his sons would always be on the throne, and the New Testament finds this promise fulfilled in Jesus. .... <b>had at least 18 wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife."</i> <b>1 Samuel 18:27</b>. (See also <b>1 Samuel 19:11-18; 25:44</b>; and <b>2 Samuel 3:13-14; 6:20-23</b>.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife."</i><b> 1 Samuel 25:39</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives."</i> <b>1 Samuel 25:43</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife,"</i> <b>1 Samuel 25:44</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;"</i> <b>2 Samuel 3:3</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron."</i> <b>2 Samuel 3:4-5</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And David took him more concubines and wives"</i> <b>2 Samuel 5:13, 1 Chronicles 14:3</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things."</i> <b>2 Samuel 12:7-8</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And David comforted Bathsheba his wife..."</i> <b>2 Samuel 12:24</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house."</i> <b>2 Samuel 15:16</b>. (See also <b>2 Samuel 16:21-23.</b>)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Eliphaz</b> the Temanite was more sympathetic in his counseling than Job's other two friends, Bildad and Zophar. But he too wanted Job to admit that his punishment by the Lord was just, for the sins he committed. Eliphaz was the oldest of the three friends and was a very religious man . Because he was the oldest, he was the first one to speak to Job. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar were instructed by God to sacrifice seven bulls and seven rams in atonement for the way they acted towards Job.<b>... he had two wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz "</i> <b>Genesis 36:11-12</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Elkanah</b> was a Levite (see Levites) who became the father of Samuel (who is regarded as the last of The Judges and the first of The Prophets), although not without The Lord's assistance. As had been the case with Sarah, who The Lord miraculously helped to become the mother of Isaac, so too Elkanah's wife Hannah was given to bear children in answer to prayer. Elkanah was married to two women, but only one had children: "he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children." Hannah was however a woman who worshipped the true God. The Lord answered her prayers for a child, who turned out to be Samuel, a man of God after whom two books of the Hebrew Scriptures have been named.<b>... he had two wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah"</i> <b>1 Samuel 1:2</b></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Esau</b> and Jacob were twins, born to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau was the first of the twins to be born. He was covered with red hair, and was called Esau. Some scholars believe that the word Esau means "hairy." Esau became the ancestor of the people of Edom ("red."), which was a country near Israel during ancient times. Before Esau's birth, the Lord told Rebekah that her older son would serve the younger son . This was an unusual concept in ancient times because the oldest son was regarded as the heir of the father's wealth, power and authority. Esau was born first. But when his twin brother Jacob was being born, Jacob's hand was holding onto Esau's heel. This was taken as a sign that Jacob wanted to be born first. Later in life, Jacob continued to show that he wanted to be his father's heir.<b>... he had three wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:"</i> <b>Genesis 26:34</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife."</i> <b>Genesis 28:9</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Ezra</b> was the leader of a group of Jews returning to Jerusalem from the Babylonian Exile in 458 BC, during the reign of King Artaxerxes. When Ezra learned that the renewed Jewish community in Judah lacked spiritual direction, he got permission from the king to lead 1,754 exiles to Judah, to give a firm foundation to Mosaic Law there. Ezra convened the people for a public reading of the Law. Ezra was a descendant from the priestly line of Aaron, and the author of the Old Testament Book of Ezra. The name Ezra means "God helps."<b> ... he had two wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took."</i> <b>1 Chronicles 4:17-18 </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Gideon</b> was the son of Joash the Abiezrite from the town of Ophrah. He was Israel's fifth Judge. During Gideon's time, a large army of Midianites and other nations had gathered against Israel. The Lord told Gideon that he would be made strong and that he was to save Israel from the Midianites. Gideon raised an army of 32,000, but after several tests by the Lord, the army was whittled down to 300 men. God did this so that the people of Israel would not boast to him that they saved themselves by their own strength. At night, Gideon and his 300 men lit torches, blew trumpets and shouted. Then they stood by and watched as the enemy panicked and began fighting and killing each other. Midian never recovered from this defeat, and there was peace for 40 years during Gideon's lifetime. Gideon lived to be an old man. After he died he was buried near his father in the town of Ophrah. His victory over the Midianites was remembered for many generations as the "Day of Midian". <b>... had at least two wives. </b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives."</i> <b>Judges 8:30 </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Jacob</b> was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, the brother of Esau, and the grandson of Abraham and Sarah. The stories about Jacob are in the book of Genesis and take place during the Ancestrial Period. Jacob was known for trickery. He came out of the womb grasping his brother Esau's heal. Later he persuaded Esau to sell him his birthright and tricked Isaac into blessing him instead of Esau. Fearing his brother's anger he fled to live with his uncle Laban. On the way he had a dream in which he saw a ladder extending to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. Jacob married two sisters, Rachel and Leah, and also had two concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah. These four women bore him twelve sons. Jacob became wealthy while working for his uncle Laban. Eventually jealousy among Laban's sons forced Jacob to flee back to Canaan in spite of his fear of Esau. On the way he wrestled an angel all night. In the morning the angel changed Jacob's name to Israel and he became the father of the nation that bears his name. His sons gave their names to the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob eventually migrated to Egypt to be with his son Joseph, who had been sold there as a slave but later rose to prominence in Pharaoh's court. <b>...he had four wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her." </i><b>Genesis 29:23</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also."</i> <b>Genesis 29:28</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob went in unto her."</i> <b>Genesis 30:4</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br />
"When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife."</i> <b>Genesis 30:9</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Moses</b>' story begins with his preservation as a child in the reeds by the river Nile. Moses was brought up in Pharaoh's court in Egypt. As an adult Moses was angered by the oppression of the Hebrew people. Seeing an Egyptian task master beating a Hebrew, Moses killed the Egyptian and fled to Midian. While Moses was a shepherd in Midian, God spoke from a burning bush and called him. His task was to go back to Egypt to bring about the deliverance of God's people, Israel. God also disclosed that the divine name was "I Am." When Moses hesitated, God told him that his brother Aaron could be his spokesman. The plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, the gifts of manna, quails, and water in the desert were signs that God was leading his people. Moses brought the law from Mt. Sinai. Moses was unique in that he spoke with God "face to face." While in the wilderness, Moses failed to honor God for providing water from a rock. Because of this God did not allow Moses to enter the promised land, but only to look at it from Mount Nebo in the land of Moab. He died in Transjordan. <b>.... he had two wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<i>"And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter."</i> <b>Exodus 2:21</b>. (See also <b>Exodus 18:1-6</b>.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman."</i> <b>Numbers 12:1</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Saul</b> was anointed by Samuel to be the first king of Israel. He was the son of Kish, a wealthy man of the tribe of Benjamin. His first test came when he successfully rallied the men of Israel against the Ammonites, proving himself to be an able soldier. When Saul became moody, David entered his service as a musician. Later, David gained fame as a warrior and Saul became jealous and tried to kill him. David fled and lived as an outlaw. Eventually Saul and his sons and the men of Israel fought a battle with the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. Before battle Saul had a medium call Samuel's ghost back from the dead. In the battle they were disastrously defeated, the sons of Saul were slain, and Saul fell upon his own sword. <b>...he had two wives.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle." </i><b>1 Samuel 14:50</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?"</i> <b>2 Samuel 3:7</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In total, one can find at least <b>forty big name</b> cases recorded in the Bible that either ignore or completely invalidate the <i>one man one woman</i> concept. The bible also makes mention and imply such practices where common with "the little people" too. With so many recorded cases of polygamy and so many more <i>implied</i> one can come to the conclusion that God was OK with such practices. After all he gave the children of Abraham a nation of their own. More importantly it brings into question this very statement of "<i>only one man and one woman</i>" idea of traditional marriage. But what about claims this is from the Old Testament and therefor not binding to modern Christians? All I can say is this; If you use the Old Testament to support your arguments against homosexuality, then you must follow and accept ALL OF THE BIBLE. This holy book isn't a buffet, don't insult it by treating it as such. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y8jSGgawwZR2HpfwU1EGpNh5cYC48pcb-D9I6F7VpV7q-bu5iWFCkDkMU7Vln9hLm1Cerm3IQmJQ21PfS09pBPgCqNT4-UKqgq6oAO7pTC74tf-wX5Pgo59fbKz8sLuZHzQhmQornFNG/s1600/379795_331124150235290_100000131239879_1531066_318916243_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y8jSGgawwZR2HpfwU1EGpNh5cYC48pcb-D9I6F7VpV7q-bu5iWFCkDkMU7Vln9hLm1Cerm3IQmJQ21PfS09pBPgCqNT4-UKqgq6oAO7pTC74tf-wX5Pgo59fbKz8sLuZHzQhmQornFNG/s400/379795_331124150235290_100000131239879_1531066_318916243_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>
</b></u></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>Argument 2: Homosexuality is against the bible!</b></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Said to be brought forth by a devil (not Satan) or demon depending on translation, and/or one's own impure thoughts, opponents will say that homosexual relations are born of sin. They will say that the bible labels such instances or acts "as acts that defies the will of God and ignores established natural laws". In <b>Leviticus 18:22</b> we read <i>"Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable"</i> to speak against men and <b>Romans 1:26</b> <i>"Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones."</i> is said to address homosexuality in women, but not directly state it (many "sex positions" where considered unnatural). But it would be short sighted of me to only address these two, and not the whole of the argument. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Old Testament:</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The first mention of homosexuality in the Bible is in<b> Genesis 19:1-13</b>. Related here is the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it's rather fiery and explosive end. During the course of the story's events, we learn that villagers attempted to rape two messengers of God who had come to visit Lot. In a effort to save these messengers, Lot offered his two daughters in their stead. <i>Awesome parenting there by the way. </i>Later we learn that because of this and <u>other widespread and unrelated sins</u>, God destroyed the cities with fire and brimstone. The surrounding cities where also destroyed but where given no name. We next move on to Leviticus for the next two mentions of homosexuality. <b>Lev 18:22</b> says <i>You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination</i>. <b>And Lev 20:13</b> says <i>If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.</i> *4</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Homosexual actions as stated in the bible are associated with idolatrous cult prostitution. You can see an example of this in<b> 1 Kings 14:24</b> and <b>15:12</b>.
If we refer to the original texts, we see the Hebrew word for these
acts (as stated in Leviticus) is tow’ebah. Tow’ebah bears the meaning of
“morally disgusting”, but what is lost in the translation is “with very
strong idolatry undertones”. Thus, many Bible scholars believe the
condemnations in Leviticus are more a condemnation of the idolatry than
of the homosexual acts themselves.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I would also like to take a side moment and expand upon this a bit. In the Old Testament, we see that Jews where forced to become little more than hermits and exiles, and as such the life of the Jewish people did not allow for prisons or rehabilitation. It also did not allow time to understand, expand one's mind or call into question <u>social taboos</u>. New ideas, new ways of thinking, even questioning everything and finding ourselves just didn't happen back then... well at least for the Jew for a while. Such was their way of life that everything had to be in a define order, which any previewed chaos being routed asap. We see this in how the Old Testament commands death by stoning or worse for the crimes of murder, attacking or cursing a parent, kidnapping, failure to confine a dangerous animal, witchcraft (KJV only), sorcery for harmful ends, sex with an animal, doing any work on the Sabbath, incest except with Adam & Even and various kids, adultery, homosexual acts, prostitution by a priest's daughter, blasphemy, false prophecy, perjury in capital cases and false claim of a woman's virginity at the time of marriage. <i>One could even face death for not being a <u>proper woman</u> and <u>slave</u>.</i> Now considering these same people are not out murdering the population for such acts today, one wonders about this buffet style of thinking again. <i> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">However, as anyone<i> </i>who claims faith in Christ knows, such harsh treatments are no longer required or tolerated (<b>John 1:16-17, Romans 8:1-3, 1 Corinthians 9:20-21</b>). The concern with punishment is now secondary to Jesus' message of repentance and redemption. It’s all God (and Jesus) are love, and we all know what love is. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>New Testament: </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">While Christ paid more attention to his message of salvation than concerns with earth bed pleasures, he did mention a few things on sexual immorality. Reading <b>Mark 7</b>, you will come across a verse that states <i>“What comes out of you is what defiles you. For from within, out of your hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile you."</i> The problem with this is no definite description of what is "sexual immorality" is given. Could it refer to homosexuals? Could it refer to prostitutes? Women who have sex and birth children outside of marriage? The million and one different sex positions humanity has come up with over the years? Or could it mean none of these... When you have so many topics that are defined clearly in the bible, one wonders why sexual immorality was left so vague. Also something about a all knowing, all seeing God inspiring a vague bible passage comes to mind.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In <b>Corinthians 6:9-11</b> Paul speaks to his Christian followers<i> Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.</i> Doing a quick Google search, one can quickly find the bible has been translated in many different ways, and as such, things that where once clear as day become clouded and confused. The word for male prostitute or the act of, literally means "soft to the touch". In biblical times, such a word was used as a slur to refer to Catamites. This was done in much the same way we use various slurs for other nationalities today. Arsenokoites is another word for sodomite or a person who engages in any kind of unnatural sex, aka a <i>Catamite</i>. Perhaps Peter was throwing out there that these people who kept Catamites boys and slaves where the sinners here. Just a thought…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The final verses to be addressed are <b>Romans 1:25-27</b> and <b>1 Timothy 1:8-10</b>. Speaking plainly about the evils of homosexuality (this time for <i>both</i> sexes), such verses once again in the context of idolatry. In this case, we are referring to a old practice in the old pagan faiths. Such women mentioned in this verses where engaging in a cheapened form of what is referred to as “sexual knowledge awaking”. I more than likely got the name of the act wrong, but it gets the point across. Before the times of Christ, religious women where considered the holders (or gatekeepers) of universal knowledge. By a man (one who has great power) having sex with said High Priestess, he could be awakened to the universe.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'll end this section with a few quick points; </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Are consensual (as in agree upon by two willing adults) homosexual acts prohibited by the Bible, or were the Bible passages intended to apply only to homosexual acts of rape, prostitution, pederasty and idolatry? This is not examined or referenced in the bible. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is the supposed New Testament prohibition against homosexual acts an important spiritual law for all times? Or was it just a warning against creating a scandal that was taboo for the day? Other such out-of-date laws would be slavery (<b>1 Corinthians 7:21-22, Ephesians 6:5-6)</b>, the role of women (<b>1 Corinthians 14:33-35</b>), and dress (<b>1 Corinthians 11:4-7</b>). </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Homosexual acts are not listed in the Ten Commandments or by Christ during his time with us. In the entire text of the bible homosexuality is only mentioned twelve times. In comparison, the sin of hatred is mentioned 21 times, lying and false testimony 30, greed, avarice and covetousness 40, theft 42, adultery 52, murder 57, self-righteousness 79, and idolatry 169 times.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>Argument 3: Homosexuality is against nature!</b></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">When opponents mention natural laws, they are saying that homosexual relations are "naturally sterile" and unable to preform what nature intended. Sterility is the physiological inability to effect sexual reproduction in a living thing, members of whose kind have been produced sexually. <i>Or simply put, you can't make babies. </i>Sexual sterility effects both male and females of all race and age groups. However under normal conditions, both hetero or homo couples, men or women, are still capable (and do) produce sperm and eggs for reproductive purposes. One's sexuality does not change or effect this. <i>This is a proven fact. </i>However I can see where they are trying to go with this. Using the argument from Christian site against the evils of homosexuality;</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Marriage is not just any relationship between human beings and as such rooted in human nature and thus governed by natural law. They will continue to say natural law’s most elementary precept is that “good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided.” By his natural reason, man can perceive what is morally good or bad for him. Thus, he can know the end or purpose of each of his acts and how it is morally wrong to transform the means that help him accomplish an act into the act’s purpose.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">First and foremost, it's 2012. Women are people too, always using this "he" crap is demeaning to everyone. <i>Don't be that guy. </i>Now, marriage is the social presentation and representation of the religious and/or legal union between two (or more) people. <i>Protip here: marriage was around before religion</i>. Differentiating thoughts of the marriage union are as numerous as the reasons why one participated in marriage. Some examples of "the thoughts of union" include attitudes and taboos while record reasons range from legal, social and libidinal to emotional, economic, spiritual, and religious. We see these throughout history as arranged marriages, family obligations, the legal establishment of a nuclear family unit, the legal protection of children and public declaration of commitment. Such relationships are, in addition to being rooted in (or should be) the love they feel in each other, are bound to natural law. After all, humans are still a part of the natural world, despite our best attempts otherwise. The rest of the presented argument falls short, or as I like to say <i>"complete and total crap".</i> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let me take it piece by piece;</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">1) The most basic and elementary law of nature is to ensure the continued balance of all life. Sometimes this calls for the creation of life in <a href="http://www.biobay.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">many wondrous forms</span></a>. Sometimes this balance calls for the <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/planet-earth/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">evolution of life</span></a>, changing what we once knew to better live and grow. Sometimes it calls for the end of life, what we refer to as "<a href="http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_25" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">natural selection</span></a>". Sometimes nature calls for<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=Af7IwQWJoCMC&pg=PA161&lpg=PA161&dq=instance+where+animals+stopped+reproducing&source=bl&ots=TZl4YuYvKl&sig=7y978TqcoBhIpq_EFGxox-Owk9k&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Y-w1T_fAFIG90AH7zdnhAg&ved=0CCkQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=instance%20where%20animals%20stopped%20reproducing&f=false" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> reproduction to slow or even stop</span></a>, as to not over tax the environment. Even more so, some animals even <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequential_hermaphroditism" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">change sexes</span></a> </i>if one gender is found to limited. <i>Would that be transgender? </i>If a species, subspecies or genetic adaptation can not be sustained by nature, it will die out. That, my readers, is the prime law of nature. Considering homosexuality in humanity has been preset for at least <i><u>Four Thousand Years</u> </i>of recorded history, and in all of the animal kingdom for much longer.... </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">2) Next we deal with the supposed morality that comes with natural law. Be they inspired by a divine power or great scholars, such moral and ethical codes are the sole creation of the human sphere and subject to the ever changing opinions of just what is moral and ethical.<i> Remember, the submission of women and the ownership of slaves was once considered morally acceptable.</i> Concepts of "good" and "evil" do not exist in nature for they are neither needed for life, nor necessary for the continued balance. Additionally humans are not born with this "natural moral code" because we are in fact, products of our surroundings. When we look around, watch TV, or browse the internet, we find bitter and sometimes violent moral disagreements about <a href="http://holybulliesandheadlessmonsters.blogspot.com/2012/02/another-false-religious-liberty-case.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">religion</span></a>, euthanasia, animal rights,<a href="http://holybulliesandheadlessmonsters.blogspot.com/2012/02/whines-about-attacks-on-religious.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">social justice</span></a>, <a href="http://holybulliesandheadlessmonsters.blogspot.com/2012/02/noms-maggie-gallagher-caught-lying-on.html#.Tzn0y_SFGv8.twitter" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">gay rights</span></a> and many other issues. If we take this into consideration along with the vast gulfs that separate the moral outlooks of different cultures, we can see that this universal inborn moral codes just isn't there. Taken to the extreme we can see how some people insist they are right, and all others are wrong <i>even to the point of "holy" wars.</i> Again if such a inborn moral code existed, such disagreements would not occur. If such inborn moral codes existed, there would have been no need to write up this bloody long post. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">3) Finally, we see that homosexual unions are considered sinful and abominations because they can never accomplish the purpose of sexual relations, that is to produce a child. This will be addressed in the next section (that actually deals with "openness to life") but I would like to make one quick point. If humanity is to be held to such "natural moral" and religious standards, than why are heterosexual unions that are sterile, couples are elder age, and couple who engage in sex but do not produce a child every single time not living in sin? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>Argument 4: "Gay marriage" is not open to life! </b></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Opponents will say that gay marriage can never be allowed or even tolerated because they can never create families. Anything that does not coincide with the sacred format of "one man one woman" is a abomination to the Lord. If homosexual unions where to harbor any thoughts of having a family they must circumvent nature by costly and artificial means or employ surrogates. To do this, is to preform acts that defies the will of God and is unnatural... making the apparent sin even worse. However, to say such a thing is not only shortsighted but equivalent to a double edge sword. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let me explain why;</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is shortsighted to say that same sex unions are not open to life is because of what opponents often and conveniently forget about, adoption. With the current legal battle between people and groups for/against same sex couples, you will occasionally hear about how some states and organizations ban gay adoption. <i>#fail </i>Because of this, opponents will also point out they shouldn't be allowed to marry. Such bans are due to religious morals and more about gay discrimination than child welfare. Why? Because even before some Republicans and religious groups decided to make this an "end of times issue" there where already thousands of children living in gay couple households. Referring to the 2000 AD census reports thirty three percent of female same-sex couple households have at least one child in them, while twenty two percent of male same-sex couple households have at least one child too. Keep in mind, this is a report from <i>twelve years ago</i>. Civilization hasn't collapsed and the only thing morally bankrupt are the idiots we put into office.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MLnn96n3Lpg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>What was that about gay parents destroying morals? </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Studies conducted by the American Psychological Association (Policy Statement on Sexual Orientation, Parents, & Children 2001) examined the emotional, physical and "sexual" effect of children raised by a homosexual parent or parents. These studies concluded that there is ultimately <b>no difference</b> in developmental outcomes as compared with children raised by heterosexual parents. There report is summarized below; </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Researchers Judith Stacey and Timothy Biblarz of the University of Southern California reported the results of their examination studies on gay parenting. Stacey and Biblarz found that although "the authors of all studies almost uniformly claim to find no differences in measures of parenting or child outcomes," their examination of the data suggests that the children of gay parents demonstrate some differences in gender behavior and preferences. Lesbian mothers reported their children, especially daughters, are less likely to conform to cultural gender norms in dress, play, and behavior, and are more likely to aspire to nontraditional gender occupations, such as doctors, lawyers, or engineers. <i>Women doctors and lawyers!?? END OF THE WORLD!</i> They also discovered that the children of gay and lesbian parents are no more likely to identify themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual than the children of heterosexual parents.</span></span></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuAmjZExgY8GKhWCv4CBqT7pV9dCDjXibBslFXUuqdSIQWYwvRnSsZ84mTtqMzvjA-ns5oeMz6bm2GY7ViaoxNYWBYJ9Dp2_UBNXc0yr_SHD-geoC2qPSUiGCfsnEUnMxA5CyByEkp-DJ/s1600/straight-people-have-gay-babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuAmjZExgY8GKhWCv4CBqT7pV9dCDjXibBslFXUuqdSIQWYwvRnSsZ84mTtqMzvjA-ns5oeMz6bm2GY7ViaoxNYWBYJ9Dp2_UBNXc0yr_SHD-geoC2qPSUiGCfsnEUnMxA5CyByEkp-DJ/s200/straight-people-have-gay-babies.jpg" width="148" /></a></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Stacey and Biblarz also found that the children of homosexual parents show no difference in levels of self-esteem, anxiety, depression, behavior problems, or social performance, but do show a higher level of affection, responsiveness, and concern for younger children and seem to exhibit impressive psychological strength. Gay parents were found to be more likely to equally share child care and household duties, and the children of gay partners reported closer relationships to the parent who was not their primary caregiver than did the children of heterosexual couples. <i>"These findings imply that lesbian co-parents may enjoy greater parental compatibility and achieve particularly high quality parenting skills, which may help explain the striking findings on parent-child relationships."</i> Stacey and Biblarz point out that the differences they found should not be considered deficits. <i>"They either favor the children with lesbigay parents, are secondary effects of social prejudice, or represent 'just a difference' of the sort democratic societies should respect and protect."</i> They go on to stress that categorizing parents as gay or heterosexual <i>"erroneously impl[ies] that a parent's sexual orientation is the decisive characteristic of his or her parenting."</i> They suggest that sexual orientation only matters because homophobia and discrimination say it matters. </span></span></blockquote>
<h4>
</h4>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">When doing my research about the practices of adoption and the effects the parents have, I found that children waiting for adoption range anywhere from 50,000 to 120,000. These numbers could be even higher if you take into account children that are forced to live on the street or worse. Such high numbers can not easily be explained away by the parents suddenly dieing or not honestly being able to raise the child. Many of these children where cast out because they where prom babies, oops babies, or simply inconvenient to have around. Many of these children where taken away from their heterosexual parents because of cases of child abuse (<i>fucking good for nothing wastes of flesh "parents"</i>) or molestation. How many children, who have scars deeper than anything physical can show, will find a home? These are the children no one wants, because it is to hard to deal with the emotional burden of such. <i>And may the Gods forever bless the kind, generous and unbelievably awesome people who do. </i>Another interesting piece of information I found while researching this, is that many same sex couples are actually adopting the children with the greatest need. The report says that so many homosexual couples are looking to adopting children from the child welfare system that they are willing to take the children others do not want. With so many children waiting to be adopted (not to mention the feeling of being a store commodity rather than a living person) you would think allowing gays to adopt would be a no brainier. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'll conclude this part with a quote from Dan Savage, an author, syndicated columnist of the New York Times, and adoptive father, wrote. <i>"The real choice for children waiting to be adopted in Florida and elsewhere isn't between gay and straight parents, but between parents and no parents."</i> To deny a child a home because someone wants to cry religious hell... it's just not right. Religion is not meant to hurt others or deny children homes. Being used as such is just well shameful don't you think? </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcT3dn60oSD3N1F5ZsmPSZJFtYLh76PCqUHX-ExVzr_RufCVgDS6CSVQsQrqFOlTNACtbRS2LSkN21fm4Rq-_l60N5TjLQl39UMTvJfjLQmTKiudxqw9-Xtymbvl6-yS2yQF-M0wSibv0/s1600/ist2_4771315-sword-cross-swords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now, it is a double edge sword to say that same sex unions are not open to life because of what I underlined at the beginning of this section. "<u>They must circumvent nature by costly and artificial means or employ surrogates"</u> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Right from a Christian site: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"So what is an infertile Christian couple to do? It is good to seek advice from gynecologists and other fertility specialists"</i></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Fertility drugs</b> remain the primary treatment for women with ovulation disorders; some are taken orally and some are injected. In general, these medications work by causing the release of hormones that either trigger ovulation or regulate it. Even if you're using assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization, fertility drugs are still an important part of treatment. Since the number and names of all of the infertility medications may seem dizzying, here are the basic facts on the drugs most commonly prescribed. The following are common drugs used; </span></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Clomid</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Serophene</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pergonal</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Repronex</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Fertinex</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Follistim</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Gonal F</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Novarel</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Ovidrel</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Pregnyl</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Profasi</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Menogon</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Puregon</span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Depending on the cause, surgery may be a treatment option for infertility. Blockages or other problems in the fallopian tubes can often be surgically repaired. Laparoscopic techniques allow delicate operations on the fallopian tubes.If you have endometriosis, your doctor may treat you with ovulation therapy, in which medication is used to stimulate or regulate ovulation, or in vitro fertilization, in which the egg and sperm are joined in the laboratory and transferred to the uterus. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Each year thousands of babies are born in the United States as a result of ART. An ART health team includes physicians, psychologists, embryologists, laboratory technicians, nurses and allied health professionals who work together to help infertile couples achieve pregnancy. The most common forms of ART include: </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>In vitro fertilization (IVF).</b> IVF involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with a man's sperm in a dish in a laboratory, and implanting the embryos in the uterus three to five days after fertilization.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Electric or vibratory stimulation to achieve ejaculation.</b> Electric or vibratory stimulation brings about ejaculation to obtain semen. This procedure can be used in men with a spinal cord injury who can't otherwise achieve ejaculation.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Surgical sperm aspiration.</b> This technique involves removing sperm from part of the male reproductive tract, such as the epididymis, vas deferens or testicle. This allows retrieval of sperm if the ejaculatory duct is blocked.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).</b> This procedure consists of a microscopic technique (micromanipulation) in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to achieve fertilization in conjunction with the standard IVF procedure.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Assisted hatching.</b> This technique attempts to assist the implantation of the embryo into the lining of the uterus by opening the outer covering of the embryo (hatching).</span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">When heterosexual couples are unable to produce a child, they seek medical treatment. Many can be "cured" with drugs, others with expensive operations; many of which have been outlined above. If we are to accept universal morals and ethical standards, then such practices as the one above should be considered a <u><b>sin</b></u> for everyone. Why are the above treatments that bypass nature, <i>and the will of God if what </i><i>opponents say are true, </i> acceptable in the eyes of the Church despite the fact they defy what nature attended? If one was born with fertility difficulties, or completely unable to create children, who are we to deny what God and nature intended? Should not the <i>"circumventing nature by costly and artificial means or employ surrogates</i>"*2 abomination and sin apply to all people? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Like the double edge sword, double standards are never a good thing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHypjztJ_-Pta7bhSRZBpGWTittaQivicZNsojvtZT9oajuMPgHJ-x2gcghY5d7p-0AS7poZL-xjFp-QD2850vNGMgVegx14JKSaBJqoIewCDBrG3DE4d10jzjj60Sg1ETeT6-DzoiRB0/s1600/picture-37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHypjztJ_-Pta7bhSRZBpGWTittaQivicZNsojvtZT9oajuMPgHJ-x2gcghY5d7p-0AS7poZL-xjFp-QD2850vNGMgVegx14JKSaBJqoIewCDBrG3DE4d10jzjj60Sg1ETeT6-DzoiRB0/s320/picture-37.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><u>Argument 5: Same-sex marriage would bring about divine retribution.</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fear has many logical and manipulative uses. It can be used as a early warning system to keep you from entering into a situation that might hurt you. You may have heard it refereed to as "that little voice in my head". It can be used to motivate you away from some really stupid idea, or give you the heads up when something isn't right. It can be used to give you the will to break out of a dangerous situation or be used by others to control you.</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>V</b>arious political and religious leaders have suggested that Hurricane Katrina, which killed 1,836 people, was sent as a divine retribution for the sins of New Orleans, or of the South, or for the United States as a whole. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin is said to have asserted in a speech on January 16, 2006, addressing the effects of Hurricane Katrina, <i>"Surely God is mad at America"</i>. </span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>A</b> handful of politically conservative Christians blamed 2005’s Hurricane Katrina - which struck New Orleans, Louisiana, and left more than 1,800 dead - on the Crescent City’s embrace of gay pride events.<i>“All hurricanes are acts of God, because God controls the heavens,”</i> John Hagee, a Texas-based evangelical pastor who leads the Christian Zionist movement in the United States, said after Katrina. “<i>I believe that New Orleans had a level of sin that was offensive to God, and they are – were recipients of the judgment of God for that.</i>"</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>T</b>wo days after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the Rev. Jerry Falwell said the attacks were, at least in part, God’s judgment on those who would secularize American public life. <i>“I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America, I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen,'</i>” Falwell said on Pat Robertson’s “700 Club" program. <i>"God will not be mocked,”</i> said Falwell, who was made famous by leading the Moral Majority in the 1980s. In a phone call to CNN later the same day, Falwell stepped back a bit, saying that only the hijackers and terrorists were responsible for the attacks. But Falwell reiterated that forces trying to secularize the U.S. <i>“created an environment which possibly has caused God to lift the veil of protection which has allowed no one to attack America on our soil since 1812."</i></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">For alpha status or personal power, bullying results in a need to control others by fear and/or physical confrontations. Bullies will engage in constant undermining and dis-empowering by whittling away at your self-confidence and self-esteem. Such behavior is widespread in our school systems and largely tolerated. Constant trivial nitpicking criticism sows the seeds of self-doubt which eventually take root and sprout into full-blown fear. In many cases the victim of bullying will withdraw from society, become social outcast with poor social skills, or worse of all, commit suicide. Bullies will even form wolf packs to engage in isolating, bad-mouthing, and make your life a living hell. Such things happen with all peoples and all age groups. When this is applied to religion, things get even worse. To bully for personal power, glory and having your way suddenly becomes acceptable because "god said so". These religious bullies do not care if the victim is of the same faith or even same ideas. They will cheer when their victims die, saying it was god's will. They will then go on to say only their way is right and poo on everyone else. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/165829/WESTBORO-BAPTIST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gen/165829/WESTBORO-BAPTIST.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>An example of a religious bully</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sw72NhXib5Pi5ujsMfYl7jLR317rgcPEVJHSaDi1WGWQWRbROlW_WaS0quMcgk2JxdK9G-2zTVCTei5uiPFBKXpHL2uKNIQWhnc59YonPDib4k6MGrLp0-4YSzP1yq-c3qPpAeadKLEO/s1600/wbc-protesters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">So where am I going with this?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyone with access to some type of social media, can tell you how often stories of death appear. Listening to your radio will tell you of various accidents on this road or that highway. Watching tv before dinner will show you about this shooting or that hit and run. Spending some time before bed on the internet will tell you about how these very stories are happening all over the world. Because we have such easy access to information from around the world, these religious people and communities are either misunderstand the "signs" or see a opening to control people by fear and escape goats. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The world is far more interconnected than it was even fifty years ago. During the times of the bible, it could take days, sometimes weeks to receive information from border to border. <i>Assuming they got it at all. </i>Until the invention of the printing press, and in some cases telegraph, many people wouldn't know anything outside their community. Now information can be beamed from one end of the world to the other in seconds. Youtube can produce news faster than TV and radio combined. Twitter can tell us what some guy just ate on the other side of the world. So its not the fact things are taking place more and more, its just we are now hearing about them more and more.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The sphere of humanity has increased in population by, well lets just say a crap ton, since the times of the bible. Where once humanity existed in only a few locations, now from the icy arctics to the deepest seas, we touch every inch of the globe. As such, population numbers have increased and the amount of land available and liveable has stayed the same. A earthquake that may have taken down a small town block of a hundred people in the past, now takes down a high rise apartment building with a thousand people. This is not divine punishment but merely a effect of increased population growth. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Last year (2011) 2477 earthquakes, 3 tsunamis, 1,897 tornadoes, 20 tropical cyclones, 19 tropical storms, 7 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes occurred. Such recorded numbers will change as our technological advancements become more accurate and attuned to such events. Each year, we find more of these events are recorded. Sometimes, like in the case of rogue waves, new events are added. If such events are the "wrath of god", why do we not hear about all of them from religious leaders? Because they can not be used to cause fear and control people.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">With the amount of information readily and freely available concerning the sins of humanity committed on a daily and hourly basis, why is homosexuality the one that will call forth divine wrath? Why are people who are born homosexual (because of god's will according to them) singled out when they are spoken about least in the bible? </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>I also have to question any theology that portrays God as some sort of violent, capricious bogeyman who must be supplicated, like the malevolent spirits of animist traditions, by sacrifices and incantations....</i><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just something to think about, hopefully for the better. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfnZRnd7cVXyMcQDDMOk2L_mV-mIX3PqK5p2jlD5tg5gn3n7uPv5iRPn4OyQLfvRhwUaGcN3gpp3ClDNGXCKA9Q_ZdgO34MRZDDL7BxIEOvl73Y4SxBob1sxq2Onkw7WCdZHy4uQkIPMR/s1600/Thank-You-Kind-Sir-Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfnZRnd7cVXyMcQDDMOk2L_mV-mIX3PqK5p2jlD5tg5gn3n7uPv5iRPn4OyQLfvRhwUaGcN3gpp3ClDNGXCKA9Q_ZdgO34MRZDDL7BxIEOvl73Y4SxBob1sxq2Onkw7WCdZHy4uQkIPMR/s320/Thank-You-Kind-Sir-Cat.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>*</i>1 I already had to rewrite this damn thing <strike>once</strike> <strike>twice</strike> <strike>four</strike> <strike>5</strike> <strike>6</strike> <strike>8</strike> 12 times already. <i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>*2 </i>Before anyone get's pissy, no I don't think any of these are sinful. I fully support anything a woman needs to do to keep herself healthy and if so wishes, the ability to bare children.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">*3 <span class="redheading">In a previous <i>How WBC Fails,</i> I already addressed how bad translational and out of context effects how we read things.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="redheading">*4 </span>Editors note: Holy crap that is violent! <span class="redheading"> </span></span></span>bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-33041224364103479742012-02-02T16:31:00.000-08:002014-01-03T19:01:00.648-08:00Religious Nuts Exposed: God Bless America (2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKlHWs6Vyp5w7T8HkvVp0RYijL5KqijdfrFgzFEIXqk6a3eRpf9Nu5GV3A-yGX_93-ngJhpN5065pBWuWDOthVr0-ttJdlLoC0xr619005AeRn7-VYZRSLlalG4jppCFOHVxSCy44C2j7/s1600/hypocrisy_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKlHWs6Vyp5w7T8HkvVp0RYijL5KqijdfrFgzFEIXqk6a3eRpf9Nu5GV3A-yGX_93-ngJhpN5065pBWuWDOthVr0-ttJdlLoC0xr619005AeRn7-VYZRSLlalG4jppCFOHVxSCy44C2j7/s320/hypocrisy_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awarded to the Westboro Baptist Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>The Westboro Baptist Church (or WBC) is an Independent Baptist “church” known for its extreme stance against homosexuality, other religions, and anything else that tickles their fancy. They are also known for their greatly offensive protest activities against fallen service men/woman and high profile aka popular people. In this special section, we will explore their hateful and distorted “divine” teachings and expose them for what they truly are, a hate group who uses religion for personal power. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
So, I was planning to take a break from <i>How the WBC Fails </i>series to take time to write about other things in my life, most importantly <b><i>my faith</i></b>. I really want to take the time and write about the many wonderful things my faith has gifted to me. I want to write about how it opened my eyes and calmed my mind. I want to write about how the God and Goddess has helped me so. While many others may see Paganism as of the devil, we who are actually informed, see our faith, our religion, our heart, as joining with the natural world and coming to terms with ourselves. <i>Yes I know it's a run on sentence, but I really don't care :) </i>For the most part, this is still the case. <i>Ramblings of a Pagan Guy: Light and dark</i> is sitting in my draft section ready to be finished. However, I just had to point Firefox over to twitter (and Facebook). As anyone with a desk job can tell you, this is <i>disastrous. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng2xI9E508k/TyrU72hHmaI/AAAAAAAAAUM/L7no54w8Iak/s1600/dielol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcnWLF10tyU74DJWEpqR7gwtpa-a5aw3o7G_DTY0wKqQRQqsWbBnTU3RThilpfzYA8z3ilhzktAN60TdA-HGjbjYtg4cSVD18pSzoQvY2XNu_XfHs9Cgdn0EGabHAYQMbj-gu_SXxodQd/s1600/dielol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcnWLF10tyU74DJWEpqR7gwtpa-a5aw3o7G_DTY0wKqQRQqsWbBnTU3RThilpfzYA8z3ilhzktAN60TdA-HGjbjYtg4cSVD18pSzoQvY2XNu_XfHs9Cgdn0EGabHAYQMbj-gu_SXxodQd/s400/dielol.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A how to guide to kill the WBC! Wut?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
The picture above is was sparked my interest and ultimately this posting. Shirley, along with other female members of her "church", preached about a Jewish video that taught America's how to murder the WBC. While many, myself included, would call their religious and political views extreme, making a movie for the purposes of "Idiot's Guide to killing WBC"... is a bit much. I was also curious that it was Jewish in nature. You would think a people who have suffered <b>A LOT </b>would turn their nose to such actions. The video in question is the trailer for a new fictional movie is called <i>God Bless America (2012). </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/uz_WRWzkimw/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/uz_WRWzkimw&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/uz_WRWzkimw&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Expect for release later this year, the movie plot revolves around the average looking American main character Frank. During the start of the trailer, we learn that his life is a pile of total fail. By mental illness or just giving up, he finds himself no longer able to tolerate the stupidity of this world. Reality televisions shows, spoiled brats who need a swift kick in the pants, and general assharty have all become to much of Frank. <i>You and me both brother. </i>Throwing reason to the wind, Frank takes a gun and declares war on the worst of society. Everyone<i> </i>from attitude girly teens, idiots who won't shut up in movies, to even a play of the WBC are lined up in his sights. During his rather bloody travels he finds a friend and accomplice in a 16 year old girl. <i>And she is a firecracker. </i>After taking the time to watch the trailer and not make crazy assumptions based on a still, I learned that unsurprisingly Shirley's tweet is misleading. <br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Reading over the cast and production crew, nothing screams "this is a Jewish film". </li>
<li>The only thing Jewish I can see in the movie, is a sign saying "God hates Jews". </li>
<li>This is a movie about a mentally ill man who does something we have all secretly wished to do. </li>
<li>In no way does it resemble a "Idot's guide to killing people" or even focuses on the WBC. </li>
</ol>
<br />
Again after actually watching the bleeding trailer, you see this movie is about <i>(for better or for worse)</i> a two person war against all that is stupid. If the WBC wishes to includes themselves in such "stupid", well then so be it. If they wish to take on the label of what is actively wrong with this world (<i>and what the rest of us already knew)...</i> well lace that bitch up and wear it!<br />
<br />
Way to nail yourself to a wall there Shirley. Or should I say #godsmack?<br />
<br />
Before I end this, I would like to take a quick moment and address the second tweet you saw above. <i>"Lame. I don't like your words so die"</i>. A rather surprising statement from Rebekah and even retweeted by Shirley. As they say, it is in very poor taste to call upon death or suffering upon anyone because of different beliefs. While they be labeled as stupid or rude to others, others still may find them acceptable. Ultimately the brain dead teen and reality shows will be forgotten and they really do no harm. I applaud the WBC for supporting such a messag-<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLmZNHCXLNAOACPtaSVNWVoj-MYS41fZWdEz7M9z0wOazxRp0ypAZoEnJoI7etTZadVaV6siJHkqabfnGN6DYrEyDhKOvWcs0EIqnJ1Y2q93gzyuM62nagfR6jEtsnGfpK8wGLbOvJcmf/s1600/911giftfromgod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLmZNHCXLNAOACPtaSVNWVoj-MYS41fZWdEz7M9z0wOazxRp0ypAZoEnJoI7etTZadVaV6siJHkqabfnGN6DYrEyDhKOvWcs0EIqnJ1Y2q93gzyuM62nagfR6jEtsnGfpK8wGLbOvJcmf/s320/911giftfromgod.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-M02qqRF0HrIwsSv4LPqkvJnrCW2QzSDVcwnPaUODV2hm-M0leMiMHVqsjcRdrtcExdmFS7Qs_Uqdd9ELdJI9YD8YwrXkWbK4jBtURHoIo5iTFIrDBjb1R-TeDfhswU1DsSxFZO8n9XK/s1600/Westboro-baptist-protest-picket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-M02qqRF0HrIwsSv4LPqkvJnrCW2QzSDVcwnPaUODV2hm-M0leMiMHVqsjcRdrtcExdmFS7Qs_Uqdd9ELdJI9YD8YwrXkWbK4jBtURHoIo5iTFIrDBjb1R-TeDfhswU1DsSxFZO8n9XK/s320/Westboro-baptist-protest-picket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprGOJBSDY21CC2iwIxg_dYk_UiopcczM1GWSTTiyLlhEKXeVHJZhyphenhyphenfzI2WQgoed3LT4cL7mn6QzZqUdKIkB_asI0ZZmAJ5JMpjfWxEi71f7uLerlHnFuQa14XM_Mkng-NHVVTq1BI7qUy/s1600/westboro+baptist+church+god+hates+fags+enablers+evil+sinners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprGOJBSDY21CC2iwIxg_dYk_UiopcczM1GWSTTiyLlhEKXeVHJZhyphenhyphenfzI2WQgoed3LT4cL7mn6QzZqUdKIkB_asI0ZZmAJ5JMpjfWxEi71f7uLerlHnFuQa14XM_Mkng-NHVVTq1BI7qUy/s320/westboro+baptist+church+god+hates+fags+enablers+evil+sinners.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9vBvGcJzrg1V4ArmJi4_p5y_mYNsByV1cirmSusezT-_s8ORIiFcqyMCfumccwJeejCCSg6FQ3uuc1RXRTnWgpEddw-rXdTVhyYW_JHRk5kNbrqecLJd26rAEPxb53k0YUp-7BBsGWoU/s1600/godkilledyoursons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9vBvGcJzrg1V4ArmJi4_p5y_mYNsByV1cirmSusezT-_s8ORIiFcqyMCfumccwJeejCCSg6FQ3uuc1RXRTnWgpEddw-rXdTVhyYW_JHRk5kNbrqecLJd26rAEPxb53k0YUp-7BBsGWoU/s320/godkilledyoursons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstdI1AgJr-9L-RoI9TKn9vyYcfcqQ9QlGQFeCGbPk39fV1HfhMVQzyNXzWpSS2aR4HSoYwIZPFlg3BbCLDrbtoRK3Lb9b43JYH-f6cNRNNyeAWWBTWskANjxDSa1chMfHRQoHB0rsTDcM/s1600/polls_deathpenaltyforfags_1943_848785_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstdI1AgJr-9L-RoI9TKn9vyYcfcqQ9QlGQFeCGbPk39fV1HfhMVQzyNXzWpSS2aR4HSoYwIZPFlg3BbCLDrbtoRK3Lb9b43JYH-f6cNRNNyeAWWBTWskANjxDSa1chMfHRQoHB0rsTDcM/s320/polls_deathpenaltyforfags_1943_848785_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
... oh.<br />
<br />
Ummm.....<br />
<br />
....Godsmack #2?<br />
<br />
Guess they can't take what they do on a daily bias then.bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-4551114387152815452012-01-29T08:39:00.000-08:002014-01-03T18:17:17.248-08:00Ramblings of a Pagan Guy: Every Journey....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s1600/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwQO0PBhlrzeOaX2uyiD0iefUwImKkbEUO9IqAjH5BVgNIbTWQqiDw1VVi2C4MTmxWLNCYoCF9ZfjjGH0bhV6dTZAj61q9SLM_jW59z_GeJkKVaZ8fcf25rRQZJ58ktk6_iGL5f8IMBOx/s320/Wicca_by_avrilfanforever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Over the years, I have found that many a person has this strange idea when it comes to the Pagan faiths. It as if as soon as one converts, they [the pagan] are thrown back to the middles ages. People also have this rather quirky notion that pots and pans turn into wands and broomsticks, that tables and chair turning to sacrificial altars and stone circles. To many people think that once one devotes themselves to the God and Goddess, reality bleeds away is magically replaced with Hogwarts schools and Weasly like houses. They also believe that our God and Goddess are just whores, or even worse the Christian devil. With this mini-set it is my hope to address these and many more misunderstood concepts so that we will be see as people too. We are not the demons some people try to make us out to be.</i> <br />
<br />
Let's begin by facing the truth. Many young people first come to Wicca (and by extension the Pagan faiths) because they want to feel powerful. They may have seen a movie with three attractive women flinging fireballs like people throw water balloons. They see this and want to be able to do this, they want to do this to people who bully them, who annoy and piss them off. <i>If you work in retail, you hold this as a private fantasy. </i>Then their are the young people (and enlighten adults) who see the various pagan faiths for what they are. They come not for power to control, dominate or harm, but for of self-knowledge, empowerment, and freedom of spirit. They have heard the call of the God and Goddess, they have felt the touch of nature and they want to answer the call. They have seen the need for balance, between good and evil, light and dark, life and death. <br />
<br />
When one begins to study they, like myself, often turn to books and the internet (Internet was still a baby back in my day) to find what they seek. By stark contrast of our brothers and sisters of days past, we have a wealth of knowledge right at our finger tips. But even this is both a blessing and a curse. Shorting what is religion, and what is some bullshit becomes harder as "sources" grow. So as I sat here watching the History channel, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to revisit the <i>Ramblings of a Pagan Guy. </i>I wanted to take the time to clean up, remove rubbish and make a meaningful effort to bring words to my faith. But even as I sit here, I find myself aghast as to where to start. It's funny too, I can write for hours about the WBC and their horrid ways, but when it comes to my faith... I hit a wall. It's all here, the ideas and faith, they all dance in my head and held well in my heart. But how do I bring the proper words to them where they do not sound silly or wrong? <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>What the frack am I going to do?</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Then, while enjoying the wondering creation of Snapple, it hit me. Why do I not start the way I did? By asking questions of my friends who are Pagan and started me on a rather green path? So without further adue, allow me to present the first edition of the new <i>Rambling of a Pagan Guy... </i>and the Q&A I asked of others, and others asked of me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQFByD_zo8ESXZA0l26g2H8dD2aa1CydG4-2UO9dJ-GMmJo6vg84H27goW_kVTTmJr6wcVz7IIAH6gF3L9yaEWRJWo27jtBQF-4XY9HE88-SGTZ8P8CGbyoCuup1lX1qI1WmcI1cMZDiv/s1600/128673516079177260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQFByD_zo8ESXZA0l26g2H8dD2aa1CydG4-2UO9dJ-GMmJo6vg84H27goW_kVTTmJr6wcVz7IIAH6gF3L9yaEWRJWo27jtBQF-4XY9HE88-SGTZ8P8CGbyoCuup1lX1qI1WmcI1cMZDiv/s320/128673516079177260.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>About the Faith</u> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Witches, Wicca and Pagans. I hear these a lot, are they same?</b><br />
While a good question, it is often formed in a very rude and condescending way. It's also usually followed with "<i>oh you're just a devil worshiper too!</i>" It's also time's like this I am thankful I am not married yet. I could hear my wife say <i>"Mr Hank, get your ass to bed already and stop answer stupid shit." </i>When not asked in a jackass way, this is a fairly common question I get, <i>other than the devil rubbish</i>. When one speaks of the old ways, they understandingly often confuse the terms together assuming that it is all the same. After all, many Witches and Wiccans, do share beliefs in the divine, magic and nature. However there is still a bit of explaining to do. “Pagan” is an umbrella term that includes many different spiritual polytheist (many Gods) belief systems – in short all witches and Wiccan's are Pagan, but not all Pagans are Wiccans or witches. The Greek, Roman, Sumerian, Egyptian, Wiccan,Witch and many other faiths all fall under this term.<br />
<br />
<i>As a side note:</i> <br />
If you are wondering about how Wicca falls into this, Gerald Gardner around the 1950's brought Wicca to the public, and many contemporary Pagans embraced the practice. Although Wicca itself was founded by Gardner, he based it upon the old pagan faiths. So while Wicca may be the old ways reformed and reborn, not all Pagans are Wiccan. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Wait you're a man? I thought all witches (or whatever you call yourself) where women?</b><br />
When asked what my religion is, I am usually presented by a odd look from at least one person. Assuming they are open minded they then assume that being a Wiccan or Pagan is a woman only thing. As a repetitive of the people who can take a piss standing up, let me tell you this is not the case. While this may open up a can of worms so to speak, I'm still going to say it. People who say only women can be real [pagan sect] are either full of themselves or complete shit. While there are sects that do focus on the feminine divine, the Pagan faiths welcome both men and women with open arms. If we are speaking about Wicca, the faith construct is about balances the polarities... the Goddess and the God, male <i>and </i>female. In the other various Pagan faiths, both men and women serve as equals of faith.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>So do Pagan's worship the devil or not?</b><br />
I will only quickly address this question, because honestly I am sick of hearing it. Satan, <i>or the god of evil</i>, is a religious concept held by only certain monotheist faiths, mostly notably the Christians. Christian's see him as a evil a-hole who wants to ruin everything. Pagans, while having a strong moral structure and firm belief in what is right and wrong, fird the idea that some red skinned, over weight bouncing idiot with a pitch fork focusing us to do wrong is just plain silly. In short, either one of us worship the jerk. <br />
<br />
<br />
<i>As a side note:</i> <br />
<br />
There is also no relation between any of the Pagan faiths and the Church of Satan, which was created by the late Anton LeVey in the 1960s. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do you people really think Paganism is thousands of years old? Do you honestly think that Wicca is thousands of years old?</b><br />
Varying in both age and style, ALL the Pagan faiths can claim roots ranging from our old shamanic style cave dwellers to the ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, Greeks and Druids. What roots they claim depends on the traidtion and belief systems. Brought to the public view around the 1950's Gerald B Gardner presented us with the old ways combined and reborn: what we now call Wicca. It is the rebirth of the old ways. <i>A rebooting if you will. </i>Wicca takes it roots from the Druids of Ireland, from the Sumerians and Egyptians, from the wise woman and men from Europe. <i>Hands in many pots type of deal. </i>Many of the main principles are the same, but the structure is different.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do Pagans have things like church? </b><br />
When and if we feel the need to to share and celebrate with others of similar faith and beliefs, we of the Pagan faiths form groupings called Covens. A Coven (<i>or sometimes grove if you're into the celtic path)</i> is a community of pagans who gather together for ceremonies of worship, mutual support or various group rituals. Some examples include Drawing Down the Moon, the blessing and welcoming of a new child into the world or celebrating the Sabbats.<i> Sabbats are our holidays. </i>Wiccan covens are generally jointly led by a High Priestess and a High Priest, though some are led by only one or the other. <i>It really depends on size and who want's to take the responsibility. </i>In other forms of Paganism, covens are sometimes run as democracies with a rotating leadership by both sexes.<b> </b>As for the size and membership of our "churches" no formal number is requested or required, but you will never see anything like a mega church. As a general rule of thumb, you will find frequent mention of the size of thirteen. This is in both reference to the Murray's theories and being a nice round and manageable number. Remember a Coven is suppose to be a personal spiritual center, not a political nightmare.<br />
<br />
<i>As a side note:</i><br />
As already mention, there are many reason why groups will come together to form a coven; one of which is to celebrate our holidays or Sabbats. Our Sabbats are as follows;<i> </i> *1<br />
<br />
<b>Name:</b> Imbolc<br />
<b>Date: </b>Feb. 1st or 2nd<br />
This is a celebration of fertility and designates the middle of winter. <span style="font-size: small;">Imbolc, (pronounced "IM-bulk" or "EM-bowlk"), also called Oimealg, ("IM-mol'g), by the Druids, is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word "oimelc" which means "ewes milk". Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders. It is the time of Blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year. It is the festival of the Maiden, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid's snake emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Ground Hog Day), and in many places the first Crocus flowers began to spring forth from the frozen earth. The Maiden is honored, as the Bride, on this Sabbat. Straw Brideo'gas (corn dollies) are created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flower bedding. Young girls then carry the Brideo'gas door to door, and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen. Brighid's Crosses are fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun. <br />
</span><br />
<br />
<b>Name</b>: Beltane<br />
<b>Date:</b> April 30 or May 1<br />
Many Wiccans and Pagans celebrate Beltane. It is one of eight solar Sabbats. This holiday incorporates traditions from the Gaelic Bealtaine, such as the bonfire, but it bears more relation to the Germanic May Day festival, both in its significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as May pole dancing). Some traditions celebrate this holiday on May 1 or May day, whiles others begin their celebration the eve before or April 30th. <span style="font-size: small;">Beltane has long been celebrated with feasts and rituals. The name means fire of Bel; Belinos being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation feast we now celebrate. As summer begins, weather becomes warmer, and the plant world blossoms, an exuberant mood prevails. The May pole was a focal point of the old English village rituals. Many people would rise at the first light of dawn to go outdoors and gather flowers and branches to decorate their homes. Women traditionally would braid flowers into their hair. Men and women alike would decorate their bodies. Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passion. Ancient Pagan traditions say that Beltane marks the emergence of the young God into manhood. Stirred by the energies at work in nature, he desires the Goddess. They fall in love, lie among the grasses and blossoms, and unite. The Goddess becomes pregnant of the God. To celebrate, a wedding feast, for the God and Goddess must be prepared. Breads and cereals are popular. Try oatmeal cakes or cookies sweetened with a dab of honey. Dairy foods are again appropriate...just make a lovely wedding feast and you are sure to enjoy yourself! An early morning walk through a local park or forest could be fun for everyone. Gather up some plants or flowers to display in your home. Mom and daughter could braid their hair, and weave in a few tender blossoms</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Name:</b> </span>Lughnasadh<br />
<b>Date: </b>Aug 1<br />
At Lammas, sometimes called Lughnasadh, it's time to celebrate the first harvest of the year, and recognize that the hot summer days will soon come to an end. T<span style="font-size: small;">he plants of spring wither and drop seeds to ensure future crops. G</span>rains are ready to be harvested and the fruits are ripe for picking. We can give thanks for the food on our tables. Lughnasadh means the funeral games of Lugh (pronounced Loo), referring to Lugh, the sun god. However, the funeral is not his own, but the funeral games he hosts in honor of his foster-mother Tailte. For that reason, the traditional Tailtean craft fairs and Tailtean marriages (which last for a year and a day) are also celebrated at this time. As autumn begins, the Celtic Sun God enters his old age, but is not yet dead. The God symbolically loses some of his strength as the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<b>Name:</b> Samhain<br />
<b>Date:</b> Oct 31<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Samhain, (pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne) means "End of Summer", and is the third and final Harvest. The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat. It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer November 1st. It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other being Beltane. It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended, and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted. Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, for they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands. It is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her aged Consort. <br />
<br />
Originally the "Feast of the Dead" was celebrated in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering dead". Today a lot of practitioners still carry out that tradition. Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set to the table and around the hearth for the unseen guest. Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them. Turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits, for this was a night of magic and chaos. The Wee Folke became very active, pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. Traveling after dark was was not advised. People dressed in white (like ghosts), wore disguises made of straw, or dressed as the opposite gender in order to fool the Nature spirits. <br />
<br />
</span><b> </b><br />
<b>Name: Yule</b><br />
<b>Date: Dec 21(ish) </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) is when the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, t</span>he sun's "rebirth" was celebrated with much joy. On this night, o<span style="font-size: small;">ur ancestors celebrated the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life that warmed the frozen Earth. </span>From this day forward, the days would become longer. <span style="font-size: small;">Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" with toasts of spiced cider. Children were escorted from house to house with gifts of clove spiked apples and oranges which were laid in baskets of evergreen boughs and wheat stalks dusted with flour. The apples and oranges represented the sun. The boughs were symbolic of immortality (e</span>vergreens were sacred to the Celts because they did not "die" thereby representing the eternal aspect of the Divine).<span style="font-size: small;"> The wheat stalks portrayed the harvest, and the flour was accomplishment of triumph, light, and life. Holly and ivy not only decorated the outside, but also the inside of homes, in hopes Nature Sprites would come and join the celebration. A sprig of Holly was kept near the door all year long as a constant invitation for good fortune to visit tthe residents. </span>Mistletoe was also hung as decoration. It represented the seed of the Divine, and at Midwinter, the Druids would travel deep into the forest to harvest it.<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Name:</b> Ostara</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Date</b>: Mar 21</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As Spring reaches its midpoint, night and day stand in perfect balance, with light on the increase. The young Sun God now celebrates a hierogamy (sacred marriage) with the young Maiden Goddess, who conceives. In nine months, she will again become the Great Mother. It is a time of great fertility, new growth, and newborn animals. The next full moon (a time of increased births) is called the Ostara and is sacred to Eostre the Saxon Lunar Goddess of fertility (from whence we get the word estrogen, whose two symbols were the egg and the rabbit.</span><br />
<br />
<b>Name:</b> Litha<br />
<b>Date:</b> June 21st or 22nd<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although the name Litha is not well attested, it may come from Saxon tradition -- the opposite of Yule. On this longest day of the year, light and life are abundant. At mid-summer, the Sun God has reached the moment of his greatest strength. Seated on his greenwood throne, he is also lord of the forests, and his face is seen in church architecture peering from countless foliate masks. Midsummer Night's Eve is also special for adherents of the Faerie faith. The alternative fixed calendar date of June 25 (Old Litha) is sometimes employed by Covens. The name Beltane is sometimes incorrectly assigned to this holiday by some modern traditions of Wicca, even though Beltane is the Gaelic word for May.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b>Name:</b> Mabon<br />
<b>Date: </b>Sept 21st<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mabon, (pronounced MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn) is the Autumn Equinox. The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally, and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark. We also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of this year's crops. The Druids call this celebration, Mea'n Fo'mhair, and honor the The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth. At this festival it is appropriate to wear all of your finery and dine and celebrate in a lavish setting. It is the drawing to and of family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at Samhain. It is a time to finish old business as we ready for a period of rest, relaxation, and reflection. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Is it also true you go to your church naked? </b><br />
<br />
What this is referring to is the practice of Skyclad. Meaning, to be clothed by only the sky, we Pagans see is a return to our natural forms. After all, nudity is considered sacred for it is how we came into the world, and how we where created from the natural act of sex. Despite what others may think, there is nothing wrong with our natural bodies, nor is there anything wrong with liking them. In the use of magic (I'll go into this more later) it is symbolized by being one with nature, and leaving behind the mundane. In addition, it is also believed that clothing restricts the natural flow of energy that is working in us. So by doing away with clothing, and shaking of the city as it where, we are more attune with the natural energy we work with. So yea Pagans in both faith and magic <i>can </i>pratice naked if they wish. This practice is in no way required or demand. <br />
<br />
<i>As a side note:</i> <br />
I hating seeing myself naked.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>If you think you are sooooo right about your "religion" why don't you try to convert people?</b><br />
<i>Pardon me sir or ma'am, have you heard the word of the Goddess lately? Prehaps you would like to par-take in some lovely Wiccan cookies? *2 Lord Cthulhu want’s you to prevent forest fires!</i><br />
<br />
When many of our younger members <i>and a few older ones, </i>begin their walk with the God and Goddess, they find from proper research and conversation, that we do not activity seek out others to convert. It is also true that we discourage and look down up such activities. Sounds crazy huh? The idea of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not seeking out</i> is an ideal that many people seem to have trouble understanding. Wouldn't you want to share your faith with the world? Honestly no. While every Pagan truly believes our callen path is the right one… it’s right one<i>, for us. </i>Each practitioner of the faith, each follower of Bass and Zeus, of Puck and Isis, each one of us where drawn to the faith because of a need for a deeper relationship with the God and Goddess. We felt a kinship with the various Pagan branches, and by our will we sought them out. All because it was right... <i>for us. </i>Having no need to validate ourselves to others, we are content to follow our own hearts. If our ways, or any ways for the matter, are what the person wants for, they will find it without human (and sometimes petty) intervention. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Of Magic</b></u><br />
<i>Honestly I was thinking about not even addressing many of these because magic is a system NOT a religion. But since they come up so often, and because it would have been something nice to have when I was younger...</i><br />
<u><b><br />
</b></u><br />
<b>So you use magic and stuff? Like cast spells and fire balls?!?</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The point of magic is to make the "bendable" world bend to your will... Unless you possess a rock-firm faith in your own powers and in the operability of your spell, you will not achieve the burning intensity of will and imagination which is requisite to make the magic work."<b> <br />
</b></blockquote>
It is true that the Earth based faiths believe in the concept of magic; a force they see as being capable of manipulation through the practice of spells and ritual. Pagans use and work <i>with </i>the forces of nature within sacred circles to bring about real changes in the physical world. Common practices of such spells and rituals include those used for healing, for protection, fertility, or to banish negative influences. Within our book of shadows, one may find many spells of such and other nature. We are taught that one must use magic wisely as things simply to no appear out of no where. If one calls for the rains, one must also be aware that the rains are being taken from somewhere else. However as said as above, we work WITH nature, and can not do anything unnatural. <i>So no flinging fire balls at idiot customers sadly. </i><br />
<br />
<i>A side note:</i><br />
I want to make one thing <b>clear</b> again. Magic is a system of using will to bring forth change, it is not a religion system. So while Pagans are open to the idea of magic and it's uses, it is NOT required of the faith to practice magic. In fact many Pagan's couldn't be bothered with magic at all, this is perfectly acceptable. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do Pagans use crazy death magic then?</b><br />
Death magic is often assume to be some evil "made for tv" thing and is often misunderstood. But before I go into that, allow me to address what many people <i>think</i> death magic is. When one hears the term "death magic" one assumes one of two things. The first is the practices of necromancy, or the use of magic to raise the dead for purposes most foul. They envision evil witch(s) with legions of zombies at their command, attacking poor defenseless people and cities. <i>Awesome in movies, not so much in reality. </i>Even the Egyptians, who where all about the dead, never used such magic to raise the dead as zombie hordes. The second thing assumed is the same evil witch(s) casting a spell most foul to murder another poor defenseless person. <i>These people play to many video games</i> <i>and are probably mental for entertaining such thoughts.</i> Magic is bound to the rules of nature, we can not bend or break them to suit our petty human needs. Since not even nature can raise the dead as zombie, nor can we. And even if we could, the rules and acceptable actions are much the same as they where back then. <i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Aka we don't do stupid shit. </i><br />
<br />Now for the other side of the coin. Pagan's of both the present and the past <i>can</i> engage in communication with the dead. Egyptians, Sumerians, and I believe the Celts where big into speaking with the dead. While not required in any fashion, and a major pita to do sometimes, one can still speak with a recently dead assuming said dead person has not passed on to the next life. This can be done for a variety of reasons from the "saying final goodbyes" to asking for advice from honored elders. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How about curses then?</b> <br />
This is another misunderstanding, but the short answer is yes; but not in the way you’re probably thinking. Magic is a force of will that make changes in the physical world. Like the sun in the sky and the water we drink, it is neither good nor evil... it just is. So while it is possible to take such systems (MAGIC IS NOT A RELIGION) and use them for evil, such rubbish is not acceptable in the Pagan communities. Aside from the 3 fold rule and the "do no harm" religious belief, one is also taught to use magic wisely and not for greed. This does not prevent us from using subtle magic to protect ourselves and others. When I speak of curses like this, I’m not talking about making someone head explode <i>(that would be kinda cool I admit)</i>; I’m referring to something like “And let this person see not their target, let their hate be infective, let their efforts fail and sour” So In a sense we do use curses, but not in the hellish evil way some people would make you believe.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Can I get a love spell?</b><br />
Love is a <b>very powerful</b> emotion. It can drive a person to do great heroic deeds that inspire stories for generations to come. It can drive a person to madness and beyond. It can create and stop wars that have or will last for decades, it can redefine and expel social taboos. It can bring us to emotional highs or crumbling falls. Love is a very basic human need, the need to share our lives with another whom we deeply care about. When in love, and not having that love returned, people's mind will sometimes... become illogical and do things that are just stupid. <i>Ex: Love me or some person dies. </i>To this end, many people will do anything for love, even create rocking 80's song. To find this return of unnatural love, a person may use money, power, physical confrontation or sadly even magic. While assisting someone with a "love spell" may seem like a good idea at the time, <i>Oh if only he/she was with me we be happy forever! </i>it is actually a very dangerous endeavor, both mentally and physically. <br />
<br />
In the simplest sense, what you are doing is mind control. Assuming you have the power to do this, the target of the spell has their free will is cast aside and replaced with a love of a person that is not real. By preforming this spell (or having it done for you) you force emotions, attention and attractions upon a person who would not otherwise partake in them. You are forcing them to take a different road in life and possibly even denying them true love. By this same standard think of yourself as well. Would you really want a love that was fake, would you be able to live with that nagging feeling that this love is forced, fake as the "love" you see on tv, and is not returned freely? Do you really think you could bear that mental burden? <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Can you pagan change yourselves into animals?</b> <br />
Physically no. Humanity was created in such a way that the need for a metamorphosis was not needed. We do not enter into magical cocoons and become beautiful butterflies or the wasp man. Being bitten by a bug doesn't grant us super spider powers either. No, you are stuck with the body you are born into. No matter what you do, <i>no matter how many pees and carrots you eat</i>, you are not going to physically turn into an animal ever. However shapefhisting on the spiritual level is a totally different thing. By our will and spirit, we can call upon the visuals of our animal brothers and take on their many aspects. We can let our mind's eye sour to new sighs by the power of the raven's form, we can find new strength and courage by wolf and bear, we can find new life and excitement by otter's playful form.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Silly Stupid Questions:</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>Do Pagans have some type of mark on them? Something that says "I was born a witch"?</b><br />
Despite what <i><strike>some idiots</strike></i> some misinformed people may say,<i> </i>Pagans are people to. We are white and black. We are men and women. We come in sizes from extra small to extra large. We are born as we are, and accepting or changing religions does not changes us physically. This rather rubbish idea begin in the mid 1600's when witch hunters came up with the idea that physical deformities (one of which was a third nipple) where actually "witches marks". These marks where said to be the marking of the <strike>dark lord of Mordor</strike> the devil to show is dominance over a person, and to show they had dark powers. <i>Kinda like saying "you are mine now" </i>Satan created these mark by raking his claw across flesh, licking (yes you read that right) or by using a hot iron. <br />
<br />
So yea, complete bs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Are Pagan's able to touch the holy bible of the Lord Jesus Christ? Does it hurt to do so?</b><br />
The bible is said to be a two thousand year old book created after the death of Jesus to canonical his life and teachings. While many people put special stock to it's pages, the bible is still a book like anything else. As such we are able to touch and even read it. In fact I do so on a weekly basis in my battle against <a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/search/label/WBC" target="_blank">the Westboro Baptists cult. </a><br />
<br />
<b>Is it true that witches fly on booms? Can all Pagan's do this?</b><br />
How amazingly sweet would that be! I wonder how much money could be saved on car insurance and gas alone? Probably enough to feed a small third world nation... On man and think about it! No more car repairs, no more long lines at the airport listen to some bitchy kid, no more traffic jams or vender benders! Regrettably however this is not the case. The Gods did not create us with wings and the winds did not see a need to grant us the gift of flight. Ah well...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Pagans eat babies and do animal sacrifices!</b><br />
<br />
If anyone ever tells you this, and they state it as fact and not jest, backhand the person for being a completely mental tart who spends to much time thinking about eating babies and animal sacrifices. <br />
<br />
<i>As a side note:</i><br />
<br />
All life is held a sacred because we believe the Divine exists in all things. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Dear Mr Wiccan dude, do all witches wear point hats and have warts?</b><br />
Dear random person, no we do not. Being a city witch myself, I can be found in what ever happens to be on sale or found cheap. If I have money to burn, or a present of some kind, I like anything with Cthulhu or Prinnys on it. My "pagan" outfit is based on Celtic garb, which I am actually looking to update. I also bath regularly and am free of noticeable infections on my person. I do have a scar on my chin that proves I am more fragile than glass however. <i>That's a funny story for another time. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Are you like the "ZoMg Oh NoEs! It’s the end of the world, the sky is falling! HOLY MUDKIPS SAVE US!" cults?</b><br />
<b> </b>Silly question is silly. As already described, the Pagan faiths are a religion, a belief system; it has never been a cult. We do not have end of the world predictions, cult complexes, nor money or attention seeking prophets rambling on about repenting or "the end is here". Oh and mudkips don’t love you, so deal with it.<br />
<br />
<b>Massive orgies? Is this true, sign me up!</b><br />
<i>Oh bloody hell.</i> People of the pagan faiths like to have sex, just like every other breathing person on the planet. Where do you think kids come from, Sears? Sexual activities are based on the individual, and at the whim of the individual. They are NOT based on some form of religious practice. If a person is having an orgy of some shorts, it because they want to... not because of some lame ass religion excuse.<br />
<br />
<b>Are all Pagan raging homosexuals?</b><br />
Is everyone on the internet a bloody witless git? Are all black people looters and white people lazy? Pagan are people, and this is probably something I can not say enough. Like people, pagans are white, black, red and yellow. They are hereto and homo, they are straight edge and drugies. They are people, and as such have the variety of habits people have. I hope this answers your question.<br />
<br />
<i>As a side note:</i><br />
The pagan faiths to not discriminate based on age, sex or sexual orientation. You are born with the divine inside you, and you are perfect in your own way. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>You need to find Jesus, Pagans use the sign of the devil blah blah blah!</b><br />
The church of Satan, and by extension screwed up people looking for attention, use both the five pointed star AND the holy Christian cross as a mockery. This gits use sacred symbols in perverted forms for both shock value and insult. Since I know for fact Pagans do not worship or follow the Devil despite the use of a pentacle, I will assume the same about Christianity despite them using a cross.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I see you like to talk about Christans a lot. Hater.</b><br />
More than half of these questions listed here where asked Jesus' followers. It is also no secret that many people claiming to follow Jesus' true teaching think of us (the pagans) as evil and burning in hell. When so called Christan's are the one coming after you most of the time, you tend to see them a lot in the questions they ask. Do the old ways hate Jesus? No, we have problems with the idiots who use religion as an excuse to be an ass.<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed this first edition of the new <i>Ramblings of a Pagan guy, </i>and hope that you learned something, however small, today. <br />
<br />
Until next time, Blessed be. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*1: All source information (and more) was found http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/holindex.htm because they did a far better write up then I could at 3am in the morning.<br />
<br />
*2 Screw you girl scout cookies! Screw you and your deep dark powers of delicious cookie making. bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-40942534148987504242012-01-09T22:47:00.000-08:002014-01-03T19:01:00.658-08:00Religious Nuts Exposed: Didja really just say that?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEX8tXDuhybMwlBljJADljgt9_l3YJppblxxB81vgQfqNE3DYQUkFtz9p1XMu2e6Z3_GSJCoeMMnd7z57wf-jJ2BBEYPyTKweYvwlDfdvx8CGMoiQz2Rn-WcXHkWfaJoK_TgR98dBsVRr/s1600/Screen-Shot-2013-04-18-at-2.39.22-PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEX8tXDuhybMwlBljJADljgt9_l3YJppblxxB81vgQfqNE3DYQUkFtz9p1XMu2e6Z3_GSJCoeMMnd7z57wf-jJ2BBEYPyTKweYvwlDfdvx8CGMoiQz2Rn-WcXHkWfaJoK_TgR98dBsVRr/s400/Screen-Shot-2013-04-18-at-2.39.22-PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>The Westboro Baptist Church (or WBC) is an Independent Baptist “church” known for its extreme stance against homosexuality, other religions, and anything else that tickles their fancy. They are also known for their greatly offensive protest activities against fallen service men/woman and high profile aka popular people. In this special section, we will explore their hateful and distorted “divine” teachings and expose them for what they truly are, a hate group who uses religion for personal power. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
From the very birth of our world, the very first time spoken by woman or man; when the first words were uttered, the ability to communicate became an important part of our lives. For the use of religions rites, for the deepest explorations of science, to every day use with friends and family, these words drive our world forward like nothing could or ever will. Without communication, without these words of language, we would never have formed communities, (arguable) grew as a civilization nor have really cool things like video games and the internet. Love, laughter, friendship, and virtually every emotion we feel as human beings can be inspired by words. Unfortunately all the bad stuff like fear, anger, and hatred, can also be invoked by our words. <i>Leave it to humans to screw something up >_></i> Our words are also not free floating, easily said then quickly forgotten. Our words can linger on in people and thought, or even echo forever in the ages. Like what is said about the internet, once you say something it is more than likely recorded somewhere. Today’s edition deals with language in a much different way than the previous “God H8’s” series. In such previous titles we explored how their main message of each video was hateful and… well crap. In today’s edition I want to return to their previous video and twitter postings to explore the items we might have missed. You know, the little things they let slip that gives hint to just how deep the rabbit hole goes. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrlZxUdoVmEUG2fxddtK08XFx0LYsKEa0e0nvM0YoV6qlXk2rhdaUYheos_X-Hbq3WxLXMbVSSC2c06Oh3wqHv_hGlq6Len-nmL3FfYHDAsCIMc1-xTXzkyL48JiCei5berccK5DCeBLE/s1600/funny_cat_pictures_255.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrlZxUdoVmEUG2fxddtK08XFx0LYsKEa0e0nvM0YoV6qlXk2rhdaUYheos_X-Hbq3WxLXMbVSSC2c06Oh3wqHv_hGlq6Len-nmL3FfYHDAsCIMc1-xTXzkyL48JiCei5berccK5DCeBLE/s320/funny_cat_pictures_255.gif" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some of you think I do this for the cat photos, these people are 100% right.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Shorting past the million of wonderful cat videos on youtube, you might be lucky to find videos of a different non-cat nature. Some of these videos might even star the WBC. After watching a couple of these (assuming you can stomach them), you come to see a quirky pattern. When ever the opportunity for the providable 15 minutes of fame presents itself, the person recording and/or asking the questions are always met with some short of aggressively "<i>we are right</i>" attitude, heavily lined with ego that would naturally come with it. While having a decent opinion of yourself isn't a bad thing (one might even say its healthy to do so), catering "I'm just better than you" with it is in poor taste. <i>Also entering into any conversation with phasers firing isn't going to help either.</i> When a serious question is asked, one should not retreat to fits of laughter, random lines from a poorly parodied song, or "you're a rebel obey or perish". <br />
<br />
Our first video and point begins around <i>2:56;</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/isY1wsGcH9k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Brick Stone: </b><i>Why aren't you guys killing gays? </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>WBC member:</b> <i>Because that's the governments job to do that.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<i>Didja really just say that?! </i>Well of course they did! Unsurprisingly cult members (especially leaders) never want to get their hands dirty .... with anything. In the same breath where they claim they are non-violent and totally peaceful, the cult will then encourage other people to do it for them. <i>Well [insert divine thing here] said to bring the sword, so it's ok for YOU to kill this person. </i>Remember instances of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate_%28religious_group%29">Heaven's Gate</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Solar_Temple#Mass_murders_and_suicides">Order of the Solar Temple</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown">Jonestown cult</a>? Instead of (if you pardon the phrase) manning up and doing it themselves, their dumbass cult leaders used the tired Kool-aid cliche. Any person with time to kill can stand outside with a sign and rambling off some per-programed message(s), <i>hell I do it every day for work. </i>But what about actually doing the "uneasy" stuff the religion asks? <a href="http://bible.cc/luke/12-33.htm">Sell all their possessions</a> including your high end computers and plasma tvs? Help the poor and needy with more than just "repent or die"? Have the wisdom to know what is just a story and what are life lessons? Despite holy edicts, writings or "prophets" words, when it comes to doing the "uneasy" cults <b><u>always</u></b> fail short. What does all of this have to do with the video? While I have no wish for the WBC to get violent, and I am eternally grateful they hasn't restored to such yet, one wonders why they insist on and <u>even praise</u> others for doing the dirty work. Christ did not preach or live a life of violence, <i>It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves (</i><b>1 Samuel 17:47</b>)! Christ also said thou shall not kill....</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/S4VotYtn2OU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I find myself really enjoying the videos produced by Brick Stone. <i>Which is probably why you find two of them here... </i>In nearly every video concerning the protest the WBC puts on, you will more than likely find people shouting, various creative use of curses, counter signs and some short of stun to belittle or embarrass. While I <b>HIGHLY </b>recommend and encourage people to continue this (and by the Gods use your words not your fists), sometimes something different can be kinda cool. Like the young man who used the WBC protest as a fundraiser for cancer, Brick uses their momentum against them. Short, sweet and to the point, the way Brick calls them out on both their actions and beliefs in a humorous way really is refreshing. True it isn't very G rated at times, but he gets the point across. <i>Let's face it, the WBC really isn't G rated themselves</i>. In this video, starting around 2:18(ish) among other things, Brick asks Shirley about our current president... <br />
<br />
<b>Brick:</b> <i>What do you think is more likely in American, an openly gay President or a openly black President?</i><br />
<b>Shirley:</b> <i>The president that's sitting in the white house now, the beast, the anti-Christ Obama, he is going to be the last president of doomed America. </i><br />
<br />
Not only did they say that, they said that and more:<i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.godhatesfags.com/letters/20090512_open_letter_elect_jews.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIktj_fd13S-zju2GbLvpZq1k27njuzZTqmU7xQpgP-nutz867s1xyVzeIvwWTs77K8_mIWFl148ui4WRuhE6iOMwjf_kBIjjjtKrJ-ahu3gvFVWytY-IZ4NThy2yWRIrTm-44CZpwAGg1/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.godhatesfags.com/letters/20090512_open_letter_elect_jews.html">Link to full article.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Matthew 24:44</b><i>: So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.</i><b><i> </i></b><br />
<br />
After having a quick discusion on twitter about what the Anti-Christ is and how there could very well be more than one, I returned to this section to make sure everything was spot on. Having bible knowledge that could very well dwarf major cities, you think the WBC wouldn't make such a statement blindly. Perhaps they where just referring to Obama being one evil sob and not the bringer of the end times? However after reviewing their video above (<a href="http://www.signmovies.com/">and others</a>) their <a href="http://www.godhatesfags.com/letters/20090512_open_letter_elect_jews.html">website</a>(<a href="http://www.beastobama.com/">s</a>), not to mention general comment they make on twitter, the various members make it pretty clear what is going down. The end times are here, and Obama brought it. With Presidential elections just around the corner, I wonder how they will react when Obama doesn't lead the charge while breaking the seven seals or better yet... loses the elections.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/l1qcqfQ9Sdw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Despite a church policy of no female preachers, and constant reminders on their twitter, Shirley Phelps has risen to be the (current) main spokesperson for the church. <i>With great power comes great responsibility. </i>When instilled with such a title, when becoming the face and voice of the thing she wishes to represent, one would assume Shirley would be held to the utmost biblical standards. After all being such a public endeavor, every little action will always be watched and judged. I direct you to fast forward the video about to 1:05(ish) <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Atheist:</b> <i>Sam... Sam... are you the <span class="st">illegitimate</span> one?</i><br />
<i>Silent Pause </i><br />
<b>Shirley</b>: <i>*laughs*</i><br />
<b>Sam:</b> <i>What does that mean. </i><br />
<b>Atheist: </b><i>Christ, are you thick do you know what illegitimate means?</i><br />
<b>Sam</b>: <i>Am I thick?</i><br />
<b>Atheist:</b> <i>Yes where you born outside of marriage. </i><br />
<b>Sam</b>: <i>*shakes head*</i><br />
<b>Atheist</b>: <i>Were you?</i><br />
<b>Sam:</b> <i>That's none of your business.</i><br />
<b>Shirley:</b> <i>*more laughing* </i><br />
<br />
<br />
In her battle against anything under the sun, one of her main ones being single/unwed mothers, Shirley Phelps had gone and got herself knocked up... outside of of wedlock. What's worse, it took her nearly a full minute of being asked over and over again to admit to it, all the while complaining about it. He was only doing the very thing the WBC <b>demands</b> and <b>practices</b> itself, rebuking others of their sins. Why the need for childish posturing, moments of awkward silences and "dumb card" moments, to finally say she did? She should be rejoicing for her sin being exposed!<br />
<br />
So she had a kid out of wedlock. So what? For many of us, this would have been a no-issue. She made a religious mistake, but she kept with it. She had a kid, she didn't take the easy way out (abortion) and she cared and enriched (debatable) the child with her way of life. However, it is her own way of life, her religious stances that bring forth problems. According to her and the churches religious beliefs, this is a mortal sin that anyone taking part of will burn in hell forever for. Yet Shirley eventually acknowledges the fact but bares no responsibility for it... aka it's not her fault. Oh and despite what Sam said, both he and his mother know perfectly well what the Atheist is getting out.<br />
<br />
Sam is a member of the self proclaimed <i>"Only true church of the lord Jesus Christ"</i> despite the fact he was created out of wedlock. <b>Deuteronomy 23:2</b> states '<i>'A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to his tenth generation shall he not enter into the congregation of the LORD".</i> Further reflection of the bible yields various passages where we learn God outlines the martial boundaries. In <b>Hebrews 13:4</b>. <i>“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”</i> Take a second and reread the last portion of that verse. The big guy upstairs makes it clear that any ruff and tumble outside of the marital relationship will be condemned by God (e.g. “the adulterer”) but so too will sexual relationships before marriage (e.g. “sexual immorality”). Shouldn't all be held to the same standards and no special treatment be allowed?<br />
<br />
Now fast forward to 1:50.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Atheist</b>: <i>Are you going to hell!?</i><br />
<b>Shirley</b>: <i>If the Lord Jesus Christ did not die on that cross for me and my sins, I am going to hell. </i><br />
<b>Atheis</b>t: <i>Are you going to hell because you had a son outside of wedlock? </i><br />
<b>Shirley</b>: <i>That would not be the reason. </i><br />
<b>Atheist</b>: <i>Why not? Because you atoned? </i><br />
<b>Shirley:</b> <i>I couldn't possibly atone! I just told you that i</i><i>f the Lord Jesus Christ did not die on that cross for me and my sins, to pay that price.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
While attempting to confuse or deflect the issue at hand, the main point the Atheist is presenting is still made. You can not claim Jesus died for your sins, that any debt your sin may have created was paid in full, all the while telling other people they need to take responsibility for their sins (that God made them do) and they are going to hell for it. Another interesting note Shirley makes her is no matter what she does, or how horrid the sin, she will never be held responsible or accountable for any sin because Jesus died for her sins.... All because she said so. <br />
<br />
Oh and why can't anyone else make this claim? Was is this only exclusive to the WBC?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVAlKuqjnx72ofNPE4OIkijm_Y4fLoKiQmShMoo3sqDx1sgn6ifRRa_544zn-IjM87SgP7SZZxiYwUvlWHM9A_nHGeJKIuenZWL1Pc9w3IotJ7L3PZYG9lvWJIooFqXTV2DwsHM6L9ZLR/s1600/i39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVAlKuqjnx72ofNPE4OIkijm_Y4fLoKiQmShMoo3sqDx1sgn6ifRRa_544zn-IjM87SgP7SZZxiYwUvlWHM9A_nHGeJKIuenZWL1Pc9w3IotJ7L3PZYG9lvWJIooFqXTV2DwsHM6L9ZLR/s1600/i39.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Westboro believes all social media (things like Facebook, tumblr, imageshack and all of the internet) was created for the sole use and discretion of their members. <i>Wbc must love their porn then. </i>As such, they take great pleasure in any posting service that can target a lot of people and in turn, get them a lot of attention. This in itself has nothing wrong with it, after all what would be the point of having a Facebook or twitter otherwise? The trouble comes from when you use it as a sanctuary for hate speech and making false claims at Divine whatever. <b>Matthew 7:15</b> <i>Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzze5Cn9ajukIyWF3ff4AAR10R-Q5J1d_RoSfr5jj0ABroUL99iCS3ABACT_FeN8b8gpQGS5zARJygSRbZasuTqKIHM06GgZ-qtEAVrUKpl47sBzIXpIY4QUdpzDOCCdvo2HnRJXifw3MY/s1600/wbc+is+god.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzze5Cn9ajukIyWF3ff4AAR10R-Q5J1d_RoSfr5jj0ABroUL99iCS3ABACT_FeN8b8gpQGS5zARJygSRbZasuTqKIHM06GgZ-qtEAVrUKpl47sBzIXpIY4QUdpzDOCCdvo2HnRJXifw3MY/s320/wbc+is+god.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Again with the "because we said so"?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4eROTnccpmKitKMCyFDvUiaMnEWl4Dr_KHFYy8ceUbczwDGVjutJRNnfk2DQ_sGAxixUDkFz5CEMeMS_TXYWK7192QnKqbI6CO80WSNTrZPeo4m4EwB4zErZYzQlQp5mKP2diN9lcVjv/s1600/butyoudid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4eROTnccpmKitKMCyFDvUiaMnEWl4Dr_KHFYy8ceUbczwDGVjutJRNnfk2DQ_sGAxixUDkFz5CEMeMS_TXYWK7192QnKqbI6CO80WSNTrZPeo4m4EwB4zErZYzQlQp5mKP2diN9lcVjv/s320/butyoudid.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>See the second video where Shirley says it. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tnvvyF38E977uwOU4fdD1wY4odIwNRcs7oaDPfjG1ie1eoKaY1nhmZhxnSxf5MGsXU-n79gmZUl1vSVYTawkiqlTrxmQ7nzMncB-37eznUNPNeCm2mu5ayPhzk4O71lbSv4EKuCiUaF0/s1600/sdasdsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tnvvyF38E977uwOU4fdD1wY4odIwNRcs7oaDPfjG1ie1eoKaY1nhmZhxnSxf5MGsXU-n79gmZUl1vSVYTawkiqlTrxmQ7nzMncB-37eznUNPNeCm2mu5ayPhzk4O71lbSv4EKuCiUaF0/s400/sdasdsa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christ is not a Idol, nor is having a day to celebrate the birth of the "prince of peace"</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCCsuVsjWzVM29kbjgmm28k-Z2Ykif9wEXVau4hUnO0pL3kHVHTd4L7sITrICjtuD9PftSD6wlWCVP8C0qBpox5oM4icmahMCpq_6-rWWY3VEWp3bSqjY4yYVkk5jcWv91DIkKEbsT0el/s1600/uyguyfuyjfyu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCCsuVsjWzVM29kbjgmm28k-Z2Ykif9wEXVau4hUnO0pL3kHVHTd4L7sITrICjtuD9PftSD6wlWCVP8C0qBpox5oM4icmahMCpq_6-rWWY3VEWp3bSqjY4yYVkk5jcWv91DIkKEbsT0el/s320/uyguyfuyjfyu.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Totally not for attention right? </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqcG9B1U-HjLyQJsUOktgLx3k0_OjLiitlUqKmoFu3MmDxQyoMBZzoqTksO-FjEgOLhHeh4Q0SpgPQOtr4csAij3xl2Jtcur-jrlPYanNnNyK_KdFCFv2TuqKuvvUw4zNQLnmTnw5f7YW/s1600/yearight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqcG9B1U-HjLyQJsUOktgLx3k0_OjLiitlUqKmoFu3MmDxQyoMBZzoqTksO-FjEgOLhHeh4Q0SpgPQOtr4csAij3xl2Jtcur-jrlPYanNnNyK_KdFCFv2TuqKuvvUw4zNQLnmTnw5f7YW/s400/yearight.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>So much for the God sent the shooter hash tag huh?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So things to think about huh? I will leave you today with the video below, and wish you all a good night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/3flO-cQ_RSg/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3flO-cQ_RSg&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3flO-cQ_RSg&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-38858968094354225452011-12-29T10:21:00.000-08:002013-12-24T20:53:57.338-08:00Rambling of a Working Guy: Working with People (2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MBfXHxQr047dRXhyphenhypheniPgkRElthKjnnAF3PNQ9YGVbiN2ODxMbH5YPWWireutL0nJtxXG1Aok4tu3ZOVJ-ouz5cEl5d5SPeNkGDjpuAuOFulergGytBbpAE-GbU5AxwYK66985Xkislg1S/s1600/overworked-cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MBfXHxQr047dRXhyphenhypheniPgkRElthKjnnAF3PNQ9YGVbiN2ODxMbH5YPWWireutL0nJtxXG1Aok4tu3ZOVJ-ouz5cEl5d5SPeNkGDjpuAuOFulergGytBbpAE-GbU5AxwYK66985Xkislg1S/s320/overworked-cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sA29_kM_Xg4/TvkHJNNudkI/AAAAAAAAAQg/md-I4YMNtxI/s1600/97486216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<i><b> </b></i><br />
<i>No matter what field of work you are in, be it in the office building, a stall at the local mall, Best Buy or Walmart, even a game room with hordes of children or street corner doing… whatever it is you do, there is always that one thing that pisses us all off. The customer, source of all evil (and income) for our way of life. From pure idiotic actions and sayings you wonder how they continue to reproduce. Ramblings of a Working Guy talks about the various "joyful" events these idiots give us. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
During this festive time of year, we are suppose to inspire and spread cheer, good will, and peace to all. What actually happens is declaring all out war with anyone. Sad really. I mean just look around you, you have malls crowded with hoards of rampaging gits ready to spill blood for some stupid toy, you have people (<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/business/29walmart.html?pagewanted=all">really really</a>) pounding down doors to get into stores, you have this silly <i><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/the-real-war-on-christmas_b_1151709.html">"The war on Christmas"</a>. </i>Not to mention the people who just enjoy complaining and causing drama. So in the spirit of this "festive" time, I thought I go about listing the common complaints we retail workers have to deal with <u>every</u> <u>single</u> <u>year</u>. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When it’s time to close, it’s time to close.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Waltzing into a location, and expecting full service for as long as a person demands minutes before closing, is not only a dick move, but will only ultimately succeed in annoying us to no end. When a establishment has a closing time (let's say 11pm), then that is when all things are said and done. That time is not negotiable, nor does it not apply to people with <i>"I'm a special snow flake"</i> attitude. Regrettably, this is most prevalent the eve of any major holiday and suffered by the poor employee's of Walmart and Kmart. So honestly, does one really need to try every appliance? Does one really need to see a sample of every pattern? Does one really need to ask them to “look in the back” for this one style seconds before closing? Does one really need to try on fifty million outfits only to put all but MAYBE one back? Does one really need to do all of these things minutes before closing time? Believe it or not, we retail workers <b>are people</b>. We have lives, we have families, and we have things to prepare for. Customers are not the center of the universe, and they are not always right. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<i><b>When a ad says limited quantity, don't expect one to be waiting just for you. </b></i><br />
Stores only have so much of any given item. After all stock rooms are only so big, you can't keep a billion of each item in stock. When said inventory runs out there is little, if anything, they can do to replenish it that day. These things take time, and it really isn't anyone's fault. However when such a thing happens, there is always at least one person who will complain about not getting "their" item. They will scream and rant about how they came from across the globe for that one item, and now they can't get it. Furthermore these people will demand to see a manager about compensation for such a event. <i>"Well since this happened, don't I get offered something for free?"</i><i><b> </b></i>Considering such a event could have been avoided if they called ahead, no nothing will be/should given.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Watch. Your. Own. Damn. Kids!</i></b><br />
Working in an arcade you come to expect a certain degree of crazyness. It’s all good, because it’s just kids being kids. I would much rather them be happy and enjoy their childhood than growing up to be emotional stunned cons. Letting children who can barely walk, run around rampant and UNATTENDED is generally a poor thing to do as a parent. Actually letting any child run around reenacting Godzilla unattended is a bad thing. As any retail person will relate, <i>we are trained to assist the customer in finding items, directing them around the store, performing sales and the like</i>. In amount of training I have received from various locations, never once where we taught the lessons of babysitting, nor how to train children how to act in public. In short, we are not babysitters! That is the job of the parent and it reflects on them.Yes, we are well aware it can be a total PITA watching kids and juggling bags galor. We are really willing to cut some slack, as long as said person is not a total douche about it. Leaving bags on top of counters (where we help customers), leaving strollers in front of everyone’s way, blabbing on the phone while the kids reenact WW2 are things we shouldn’t have to tolerate. It's your damn child, if you didn't want to watch or take responsibility for it, you should have kept your legs closed. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sometimes it’s just a friendly greeting. </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The majority of us are by the hour employees, me included. We do not get bonuses nor do we get commission. Hell we are lucky if we get a monetary Christmas bonus most of the time! The only encouragement we have to interact with customers is to make sure they keep coming back so we can keep getting a pay check. Also, as said before, we are people just like you. We are local people of the working middle class. <i>Just like you. </i>As such, we have a tendency to at least say hi to people, even total strangers. So when a customer enters our store, when they are shopping about, or even doing this or that, when a employee greets you, we really are just being friendly.<br />
<br />
Honestly, there is no secret conspiracy going on to empty a wallet and sign away any life savings. We don’t get marked on how many people we greet, nor do we get a gold star or something stupid like that. Shooting back with <i>“Leave me alone I’m just looking”</i> or anything of like shatters the mood, and kills any further politeness in your direction. That one stupid item that someone needs? Sorry we are busy with other customers who arn't dicks, and no we aren't going to rush them either. That special coupon that gets x off the total bill that only the cashiers know about? Kiss that goodbye! (<i>It's amazingly awesome when you get something like this, I actually got 50% off my bill because I was super nice with the staff) </i>Any type of further service needed is going to be crap… because that's how the employees where treated. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If you need help, just ask. </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Once a week, or every other week, we have the wonderful day of payday! Granted that experience only lasts a few moments once we realize all the money is going to bills. We get these paychecks because of our job, and part of our job is to assist the customer. So if you honestly need help with something, be if finding an item, looking for a certain pattern, or just have general questions, ASK! Standing in the middle of the isle signing as high as you can while complaining just makes you look like a booming idiot. Also please keep in mind, that depending on the size of the store, a worker can not always be right next to you every second you’re there. Sometimes you will have to wait a moment or two for help. Sometimes you will actually have to put some effort and walk to the customer service desk or heaven forbid look in another isle. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Know your limits.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Watching just one kid can be a handful. Every little light and sound can be a potentially disastrous distraction. Add bags, strollers and even more kids, <i>it can be murder</i>. So it’s always important before going out, to know exactly what the limits are, and what is over the limit. <i>Hell this can be applied to just about anything, yes? </i>If it is found that one is unable to watch and properly care for x amount of children, it's not shameful to admit such.<b> It's knowing what the limits are and avoiding a very bad situation. </b>If one is unable to handle what they have either get a baby sitter or , <i>as harsh as it may sound, </i>don’t go out. Honestly it is not our responsibility to watch the children, nor should it be our problem. THEY ARE YOUR CHILDREN!!!! Sometimes one must just admit it can't be done, and stay home. <i>"But I have to do this, I have no one to watch my kids"</i> While understandable and something that does happen, people like this must also remember they are THEIR kids, not ours. Do not force your "problems" onto other people. Also, <u><b>never EVER</b></u> use a disabled child as an excuse to be a prick. These kids are part of the nicest people in the world, and know only perfect love and trust.<i>"Well my kid is retarded so you have to do what I say" </i>(Yes I got this once), is inexcusable, and incredibly egotistical. They no longer care about the child, they are only using the child for their own selfish ends. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i>Cell phone or Customer Service. Not both.</i> </b><br />
Waiting in line, especially if it is a long one, can really be a pain sometimes. We still have X amount of things on our list to do, and have fifty million more places to go. Every minute waiting in line is another minute we have to tack on to an already short day. <i>Honestly there is never enough hours in a day! </i>While waiting in line, one might be convinced to check their email, do some texting, or even browse Facebook. While playing on the cell phone is ok, make sure it's put back down. One of our top annoyncess when trying to assist a customers, is when said customer is chatting away on their phone. We shouldn’t have to talk over the customer AND the person on the phone. Not only that, but while they are screwing around talking or texting, any number of things can happen that would only lengthen their time in line. Just like in the movies, put the cell phone down and pay attention. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What ever you may think, being rude doesn’t get you jack. </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Screaming, yelling, dehumanizing and belittling are things one would never want inflected upon themselves. As retail employees are still people (despite the uniform), doing such actions to them will net nothing in return. Honestly, how anyone ever thought being a douche to customer service was a good thing, is beyond me. It's much like what I said above. When anyone does this, when they flaunt a “I’m better than you” attitude, it not only pisses everyone off, but only winds up screwing the person instead. Any help needed with be sub-par, any special discounts are now gone, and my fellow employees will most certainly NOT go out of their way to help people like this. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBaJd8BlOg0SlYYBzyjShnmZUtpQ5nBdUSXPxgUZr61Lqc-5wnvaVTqZQJaEFX9S1WTHZZmBY2bRwPRBxctA_1ZIGbJ0Jmq1XHv5-qR35F07-WgWtiFLlQQRXfJE_jvEoCeY5vodvIVVn/s1600/hC0161CBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBaJd8BlOg0SlYYBzyjShnmZUtpQ5nBdUSXPxgUZr61Lqc-5wnvaVTqZQJaEFX9S1WTHZZmBY2bRwPRBxctA_1ZIGbJ0Jmq1XHv5-qR35F07-WgWtiFLlQQRXfJE_jvEoCeY5vodvIVVn/s320/hC0161CBC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><i>Now, how about we end this little thing with a few personal experiences eh? </i><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
Apparently manners are now racist. Who knew?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me:</b> Here you go (ending the sale)!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer:</b> <i>*takes the item and goes to leave*</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me:</b> You're welcome and have a great day now!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer:</b> EXCUSE ME!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me:</b> .... uhhh have a nice day?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>I don't remember saying thank you!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me: </b>Ok?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer:</b> How dare you, trying to put me down just because I'm black!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me: </b>.....</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>Yea that's what I thought, damn white people.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me: </b>So because I said your welcome and have a great day, I'm racist?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>DAMN RIGHT! I am never coming here again! <i>*leaves mumbling how evil we are*</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Co-worker:</b> Wtf just happened?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me: </b>I have no idea..</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
At some point in your life, I can guess you've been to an arcade. You play some games, get some tickets then get a toy you will probably break five minutes after getting it. When a customer comes up with their tickets, we generally show the customer where they can pick from. At some point this practice became offensive to a customer;</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Me</b>: You have (x amount) today, so you can pick from -</blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>We arn't blind we can see the prices for things.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: Ok then, please take your time looking around, and let me know when you are ready. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer:</b> *after about five minutes* This is stupid.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: Something I can help you with?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>How much is that thing with the 200 on it?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: 200 would be the price for it. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>Well how was I suppose to know that?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: Because as you already told me, you can see the prices on things. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>.... </div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Even better is when people try to threaten me, because I am a small guy. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: How much do you have today? Ok you have 200 (think it was around that much) points, you can pick anything from our first showcase, as well as the first shelf from the second showcase.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>We're not f***ing worthless idiots like you, we can see the where pick from.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: .... all right then. Please take your time and let me know when you are ready. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>We are ready now, that's why we are here.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: All right, what can I get for you?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>We don't know yet, can you give us a f***ing second? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: ... take as long as you like.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
*I go to help other customers*</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>You know that was really f***ing rude. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: What was?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>Helping these other aholes while we where here. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: Sir, please watch your language, we do have kids here. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>I don't give a f*** about them. I'm a grown f***ing man, pencil dick!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: And as such, you should be man and fatherly enough to want to see a good example for your child. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>You're lucky I don't fucking kill you for that comment.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me:</b> And we are done here sir. You may either leave willingly or by the police that are on their way. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer:</b> I don't give a f*** about them, I'll f***ing shoot them too!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: Sir, I'm not sure if that is the best thing to say in front of your kids.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>BRING IT!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
*At this point I'm just trying to clam him down until the police arrive. When they do, the guy does a 180*</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Me</b>: It's this guy right here.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer: </b>Pardon? What did I do? I'm just here with my kid trying to get some prizes right kido?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Customer's kid</b>: Daddy, why did you say you would shoot him (aka me) and the police?</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
And with that, happy holidays all. bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-34013887154195630782011-12-02T17:05:00.000-08:002014-01-03T19:01:00.655-08:00Religious Nut Jobs: Fail At Blogging<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6s4RU4zzuVqwijR2b7sFFRI8Ggv7SwytBFos0bjkL69oocns88BnrSAjmvXYZtQjS32JQaAJsa1qWCkpUgwS1qyHsTw5yPdg2p-nXLLrQjg79c8OmjxJpV8CBf9FDb1npatuF970BhnM/s1600/jon_stewart_rails_against_the_westboro_baptist_church-1280x900.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6s4RU4zzuVqwijR2b7sFFRI8Ggv7SwytBFos0bjkL69oocns88BnrSAjmvXYZtQjS32JQaAJsa1qWCkpUgwS1qyHsTw5yPdg2p-nXLLrQjg79c8OmjxJpV8CBf9FDb1npatuF970BhnM/s400/jon_stewart_rails_against_the_westboro_baptist_church-1280x900.jpg.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>The Westboro Baptist Church (or WBC) is an Independent Baptist “church” known for its extreme stance against homosexuality, other religions, and anything else that tickles their fancy. They are also known for their greatly offensive protest activities against fallen service men/woman and high profile aka popular people. In this special section, we will explore their hateful and distorted “divine” teachings and expose them for what they truly are, a hate group who uses religion for personal power. </i><br />
<br />
So I’m in a bit of an odd mood at the moment. I’m excited for the up coming commercial Christmas, but no so much for the “five months of bills” part. Honestly, why does everything need to cost so bloody much these days?! I am super excited about the amazing Yule celebrations this year, but will probably one again find myself solo in such celebrations. It would seem not many pagans are to be found in a mostly Catholic area. But then again, I do have a rather impressive collection of Doctor Who on my hard drive now, so all can’t be that bad eh? After all who doesn’t think Doctor Who is amazingly awesome?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
But hold up there, there is more to this opener than just that. I recently found myself in a bit of a mix concerning this series for my blog. After the very long but rewarding experience of discrediting and disproving their ridiculous rubbish called “God H8’s” videos, I figured I would take some time and have a go at them on twitter. Maybe something shorted for people to read would be a nice bit of change, because as my one friend and fellow manger likes to say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“you write freaking books”</i>. So yea, the WBC do ever so love the attention, and many of their twitter posts are just gems for proving the deep seated insanity they have. My personal favorite to debate with is the Godhatesu fellow, how he retreats to “obey or perish” when called out on a lie or bible inconsistency is something precious to my heart. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But then they blocked me. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8XHXYIJZnj9hW8rZYVb56xxUMmBPm8hlAXZGciE9zNuZHengBHBhzLNE5qa8QqA7A9LcQXFt_dZWQ7gUiS2D5voTX8_0d9wq8B3sUZaudtbgy4LjcrDtSkjkpdOe1iwz5Cp1BWUhoFPm/s1600/why-u-do-dis-to-meh-sadface-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8XHXYIJZnj9hW8rZYVb56xxUMmBPm8hlAXZGciE9zNuZHengBHBhzLNE5qa8QqA7A9LcQXFt_dZWQ7gUiS2D5voTX8_0d9wq8B3sUZaudtbgy4LjcrDtSkjkpdOe1iwz5Cp1BWUhoFPm/s320/why-u-do-dis-to-meh-sadface-.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>i needz moar cat pics...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Well dear me, that certainly put a damper on that idea didn’t it? You certainly can’t debate or have a go with people that refuse to listen (not that they listened much to begin with). It’s funny you know, I can almost hear Shirley now professing her twisted logic on the subject. By blocking the rebel heathen masses on twitter, God has also silence them in life, for none can ever stand against the word of the almighty! Because of this, there is simply nothing I or anyone can do now, for our words will no longer be heard and we where depowered by the god of the WBC- </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
… oh wait.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
By the god’s the silly gits are off their rockers! When will this faithless band of nutters learn that blocking does nothing good for their cause, but only hurts it! Blocking people from twitter does nothing to silence us, and only serves to question. Why would a bunch of “elect people of God” feel the need to block out the words of others? Wouldn’t their strong and unshakable faith in the “true” words be unaffected by such things? So yes, my little opener for this blog is a thank you to the WBC, for now I join a long list of people would have been blocked by the cult for doing what they wanted… <a href="http://www.twitvid.com/GSDPK">telling them the stinking truth. </a> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So while twitter is no longer a active option (aside with helping out with the fine people over at @Westborocult) to get the word on such a despicable cult of lies, this leaves me a bit more time to work on my blog… and that’s where the idea of today’s posting came from. While I work on my blog, why don’t I work on theirs as well? So with as much times as I can afford these next couple of days, let’s have a look at their “perfect” blog…<br />
<br />
<i>Edit: I was going to continue on with this for a few weeks, but I decided last night to split it into parts. Mostly because someone on twitter gave me a smashing idea and I want to do that :)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What they say is in red, just in case you couldn’t tell. </i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">Post: </span><a href="http://blogs.sparenot.com/godsmacks/2011/12/07/gay-rightsdeath/"><span style="color: red;">Gay Rights=Death!</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">Date: December 7, 2011</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">THANK GOD FOR PLACING WBC IN DOOMED AMERICA TO PREACH TO FAG-ENABLING</span> <span style="color: red;">BEAST OBAMA!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">In Geneva yesterday the Obama administration, through fag-loving,</span> <span style="color: red;">baby-killing witch Hillary Clinton, warned the world against gay and lesbian discrimination, declaring to use foreign assistance to back up their threats. “Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights. It should never be a crime to be gay.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">GodSmack!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">God said it was a crime worthy of death!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth</span> <span style="color: red;">with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Lev.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">20:13.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">Christ is soon returning!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">[T]he same day that Lot went out of Sodom it</span> <span style="color: red;">rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shallit be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. (Lk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">17:29-30.)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://www.atvtoday.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3120:hilary-clinton-speaks-up-for-gay-rights&catid=5:lgbt&Itemid=11">Link to what they are talking about.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So who writes this rubbish? You would think with a family as large as theirs, one or two of them would be capable of producing something resembling a proper posting from a adult. <i>But no, we get something produced for grade K. </i>Honestly now, I want the name of the WBC member so I can godsmack them upside their head for doing such bloody poor work. Given a macpro (without spell check) and twenty minutes time, my nephew could come up with better. What is this, Fox news now? <i>Bloody hell! </i>So let's address this blog then and get this stupidity over with. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Generally after a month or so navigating the internet, one learns that typing in ALL CAPS makes anyone neither cool nor leads credit to a message. My dear mother, who still can't get any appliance to stop flashing 12:00, even knows this. <i>That is saying a lot too.</i> Moving on we quickly learn why there is a reason the old oracles of both the Polytheistic and Monolithic faiths where vague. When writing gibberish like this, you should <i>never</i> list anything specific when dealing with the end times, for it will be used against you when it doesn't come to pass. A perfect example of this is naming Obama as the beast and stating (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4VotYtn2OU&feature=related">by video</a>) that he will be the last President of Doomed America is one such example. Doing such things will only place you in the same fail boot as the crazy preacher guy who got us "Rapture day 2011". <span style="color: black;">They are however right on one part, had they not been placed in America, their hate filled rambles would not be tolerated and they would either be in jail or shot. <i>Gee wiz all that for one all caps sentence >_> </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">Onto the rest of this rubbish, we see that the WBC are having a go with Hillary Clinton for actually giving a damn about human rights. <i>How horrid of her right?</i> Her statements <i>“Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights. It should never be a crime to be gay.” </i>may sound a bit off at first, but it actually makes perfect sense when you thing about it. Despite what many of small narrow minds and big mouths would want to force you to believe, homosexuals are people too. The second anyone dehumanize a group they make the next step become easier and easier. If you deny the basic human rights to gays simple because they like the same sex, you are only setting yourself up to fall in right with them. You believe in God? You no longer have rights! You have white or black skin, kiss your basic human rights good bye. So not only are they destroying rights for all, they are calling Ms Clition a witch (which she is not) and a child killer (we call that slander). Honestly, when I point out a fault with the WBC, I take the time to link the proof of said event. So why can't the WBC take the time to prove their "facts". <i>Oh wait they can't. </i> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As for the rubbish about <b><span style="color: black;">Lev. 20:13</span></b><span style="color: black;">, I'll point you towards one of my <a href="http://dwellerofrhymes.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-wbc-fails-at-video-319.html">How WBC fails at videos</a> for that, because honestly I already sick of the WBC hate for the day. Oh and a bit of a warning if you clink the link above, its a bit of a read. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">I would like to end this quickly with a a bible verse, because if Jesus is really coming how will he judge the WBC? Will he look favorably on their hate and disgust, or will he refer to <b>Philippians 2:3-8?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: black;"> </span></b><span style="color: black;"><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d;">Post:</span></b><span style="color: #c0504d;"> <a href="http://blogs.sparenot.com/godsmacks/2011/12/08/wbcs-bringing-it/" title="Permalink to WBC’s Bringing It!"><span style="color: #c0504d; text-decoration: none;">WBC’s Bringing It!</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d;">Date</span></b><span style="color: #c0504d;">: None given</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">HALLELUJAH! 2011 IS A RECORD YEAR FOR $1 BILLION<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">DISASTERS!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked…verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. (Ps. 58:10-11.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">Blizzards, tornadoes, floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">GodSmacks! WBC’s bringing them!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple… Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth… Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the<br />
world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy<br />
nostrils. (Ps. 18:6-15.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">WBC prays for more!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers. (1 Pet. 3:12.)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Oh bloody hell,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">God does not get angry </b>more like upset at stupid gits. God is saddened by the way his children act and behave, he wishes the best for us and get upset when we do really stupid stuff. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You know like a parent would…</i> Every one of us has a choice to make and the responsibility to take because of it. The fact that some are more easily drawn into a life of “sin” is a sure sign that God does not control our lives but rather gives us our own choice. And why would he want to control every second? Sounds terribly boring to me. In any case to say things like “God made you gay because you are gay and you are going to hell for it” is not only silly, but forces all of humanity to worship a evil puppet master called god. After taking all this time actually learning and reading the bible, I see the Christian God not as a puppet master, but a love father. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His followers on the other hand need a bit of straighten up. </i>God loves us , mankind, that he gave us the choice to love him or reject him. God let us know what would happen to us due to the choice we made. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
To call upon judgment with anyone that doesn’t agree with you, like the WBC claims it can do, it not only silly, but wholly against the words of the bible!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mt 5:44:</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 13:35:</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By this shall all men know that your are my disciples, if you have love one to another .</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jo 3:15</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If it is unmistakably true the WBC can call down the ‘righteous’ fury of a all powerful god with such events listed above, then why are less and less people dying from such events? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://reason.org/news/show/extreme-weather-kills-fewer-people">http://reason.org/news/show/extreme-weather-kills-fewer-people</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;"><a href="http://blogs.sparenot.com/godsmacks/2011/12/05/power-of-the-dog-2/" title="Permalink to POWER OF THE DOG"><b><span style="color: black;">Post:</span></b><span style="color: #c0504d;"> POWER OF THE DOG</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: black;">Date: </span></b><span style="color: #c0504d;">December 5, 2011 </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">PRAISE GOD! FAGS WILL NOT REST UNTIL EVERYONE KISSES THEIR BACKSIDES!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">Headline: Michigan Mayor’s Anti-Gay Slur Prompts Protest</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">Fags are protesting tonight at City Hall because of a comment the newly-elected mayor of Troy,MI, posted on Facebook last June saying, “I think I am going to throw away my I Love New York carrying bag now that queers can get married there”. Fags claim they are mad because she called them “queers”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="color: #c0504d;">Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore they shall fall… </span></i><span style="color: #c0504d;"> (Jer. 8:12.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">GodSmack!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">They’re really mad because she’s not praising their fag-filth and promoting their agenda to sodomize Doomedamerica– not yet!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="color: #c0504d;">But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.</span></i><span style="color: #c0504d;"> (Isa. 57:20-21.)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;"><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/12/michigan-mayors-anti-gay-slur-prompts-protest/"><span style="color: black;">The link to the story</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #c0504d;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Before I begin with what is said, I wanted to take a moment and mention something directly to the WBC member in charge of publishing; it's something I have the most terribly awful feeling that I will be mentioning far too often. When referring to any story or headline, LINK THE DAMN ARTICLE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT! Honestly! It takes five bloody seconds to clink the rody <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"add or remove link"</i> button and insert the web address you where just at. Judging from the mostly cut and paste job and spotty language used in this posting, the whole endeavor took you, what two minutes tops? Either do it right, or do nothing at all. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ugh.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ok now onto this mess then. From the story on ABC news, the first few lines listed here are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mostly </i>correct. Protesters where planning a rally that night outside of the city hall to protest anti-gay remarks made by Mayor Janice Daniels. Daniels, the newly-elected mayor of one of Detroit’s biggest and most cosmopolitan suburbs, is currently under fire for making vulgar remarks about gays on her Facebook page. A Tea Party supporter elected last month, she posted a status report in June saying: “I think I am going to throw away my I Love New York carrying bag now that queers can get married there.”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The post, which has since been deleted, came a day after New York legislators voted to allow gay marriage in their state. The Daniels comments, just made public last week, have since gone viral on the web and caused a firestorm in Michigan. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Returning back to what the WBC posted, we are then presented with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore they shall fall… (Jer. 8:12.)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
….. Oh Gods above help me, where do even begin?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pardon me, this might get a little ranty.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
With the freedom of speech (which is a human right), groups of people can change the course of history by bringing attention to events. They can stand up to the course and flow of time and demand to be seen and their message heard. For better or worse, such actions must be protected by law, or else socity would stagnate and emotion would be the stuff of legends. By staying within the law and bring a peaceful showing, such people can expose the evils of a shadow group, they can bring to light a wrongful oppression, they can call proper attention to a message of peace and love, they can do so much without the use of verbal or physical violence. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Regrettably they can also be used for the wrong ends too.</i> Peaceful protests by any group of people who <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">truly believe</i> in something should always be allowed. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hell they should be encouraged too. </i>Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t this cult fight to the highest court of the land over such an understanding? Freedom of speech is freedom for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ALL</i>, not just a group of people who wish attention. Personally I think if you are unable to allow others the right to do the same thing, you should then not have the right yourself. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But that’s just me. </i>What we have here, and what the actual news is saying happened, is a group of people that are sick and tired of supposedly professional elected officials carelessly throwing around slurs likes it’s grade school again was protested. Nothing about forcing a “fag agenda” on anyone, they only ask for the same rights <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everyone else </i>has. Oh the evils of such a thing /rolls eyes. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And honestly, throwing away a perfectly usable bag because you want a be a jerk ass? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Before parting ways again, because ranting does take up to much of my time, and there are other postings to write about, I would like to advise against linking a passage of the bible that can easily be used against you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AND</i> make you look like a ass in the process. Take <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 26:24-26 </b>for example. It reads <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations </i>(Read <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 6:16-20</b> too!) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. </i>Members of the cult are never assumed when called out on their lies, their hate, and the suffering and death they wish upon the world. They just sing their praises to their god ego. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Also wasn't hate likened to murder in the bible? Just something to think about.... </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Post:</b><span style="color: #c0504d;"><a href="http://blogs.sparenot.com/godsmacks/2011/11/28/barney-fags-legacy/" title="Permalink to Barney Fag’s Legacy"><span style="color: #c0504d;"> Barney Fag’s Legacy</span></a></span><b><span style="color: black;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: black;">Date: </span></b><span style="color: #c0504d;">November 28, 2011 </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">THANK GOD FOR BARNEY FAG!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">WashingtonPostAlert: Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) will not seek re-election…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">Too late. Barney made you say with one voice: WE WILL NOT OBEY GOD! God hates fags! Barney worked his mischief; destruction is imminent. <b>GodSmack!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #c0504d;">For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit…they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of [God's elect remnant]…Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?…[a]horrible thing is committed in the land;…prophets prophesy falsely…priests bear rule by their means…my people love to have it so:…what will ye do in the end thereof? Jeremiah 5</span></b><span style="color: #c0504d;"> <b>ALL OF IT!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #c0504d;">Please dear Lord, destroy them!</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">What is being done here is a media trick that is also prevalent with Fox ‘news’. While providing as little information as possible, the reporter attempts to lead the audience in a direct they know are not supported by the facts. Take for example Fox’s attack on Present Obama saying he left God out of his thanksgiving address and how a horrid tragedy it was*1. It’s a form of misdirection and manipulation if you will. In this case, the WBC author is attempting to lead us to believe that Rep Barney Frank is not seeking reelection because of some moral or legal outrage. It’s a good ploy, I’ll give them that. With the recent indecent images on twitter and the sexual misconducts of certain republicans, it’s easily made believable. But all of this begins to fail when you take moment to think about it. The people of the Westboro cult love to talk, the love to point out all the faults of the world and love to point fingers. So isn’t Barney Frank reason for not seeking re-election listed? What is the purpose of rambling on with a silly bible version when you don’t list the reason why! So why horridly evil thing was exposed to force such a withdraw from the man? The answer is a simple nothing. The man is <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/rep-barney-frank-retirement-sparks-tributes-to-legacy-in-congress-greatest-quotes/2011/11/29/gIQAYsey9N_story.html">retiring</a> and has nothing to do with god smacking him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">But what about that bible verse, honestly it has to have some point right? While I could buy a bit about government officials being less than honest folk (har har), the reason <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">they </i>list is far from grace. The WBC claims because Barney Frank was an openly gay government official who, among other things, worked for equal rights, he must then be a horridly evil wicked man who wants to destroy the world. Of course ample proof of such actions is also provided in the posting as well- wait… oh. But hey while we are at it, I can post bible verses too;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: black;">Psalm 11:5:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> <i>The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Kinda makes requests to "destroy them" seem less godly doesn't it?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">*1 For the record, he was neither the first person to do it nor did he actually do it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-17236647767965515072011-11-26T12:50:00.000-08:002014-11-02T14:57:17.161-08:00Rambling of a Normal Guy: The "War" on the holidays.<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTWoogP65Hi9Hh2RSN2nQHfPBc1sjqsVwGzFBNQq4xzMt4e4yMs26RIf_feuQDZMSvsTTokY0y8mzOMHOMXpOgWSz9d3L_wLOXjXd6d5lmOWeN9Z6wF_Otdcsirgtu4SGlHcT888e9d2g/s1600/grumpy-cat-christmas-omg-cute-things-120612-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTWoogP65Hi9Hh2RSN2nQHfPBc1sjqsVwGzFBNQq4xzMt4e4yMs26RIf_feuQDZMSvsTTokY0y8mzOMHOMXpOgWSz9d3L_wLOXjXd6d5lmOWeN9Z6wF_Otdcsirgtu4SGlHcT888e9d2g/s320/grumpy-cat-christmas-omg-cute-things-120612-02.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<i>Welcome to another edition of Ramblings of a normal guy. This is my special column, where I go off on wild rants complaining about the things that happen and affect my (and ours) everyday life. Because of the excessive amounts of stupidity that will be featured, a large amount of inappropriate language will most likely be used. Also expect a large helping of calling out and "I don't give a crap". Rated M for mature, and read at your own risk. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtl0dxgQoeL2C2VuS4nKCOvwqz5KphHCcbchYq2p3lNszKEGhRMbzWt8lURDaFkCo4IWc7izjNXlN2d4hseQBkIkQzVfm6_4iWaH_KToBz4VK-M8yaIUpF2Xg3vsx_INygO34_tenD-vG/s1600/christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtl0dxgQoeL2C2VuS4nKCOvwqz5KphHCcbchYq2p3lNszKEGhRMbzWt8lURDaFkCo4IWc7izjNXlN2d4hseQBkIkQzVfm6_4iWaH_KToBz4VK-M8yaIUpF2Xg3vsx_INygO34_tenD-vG/s1600/christmas.jpg" /></a><br />
Ah December,<br /><br />For as long as I can remember, it was a super special awesome chocolaty covered the time that meant free presents and days off from lame school. Oh yea! Take that stupid school and your “learning” and “building a better future”! Who needed such trivial things when I could devote my beautiful mind (lol @ Bush for that) to more important mental actives like building a kick ass snow fort to destroy my enemies with. Yes world, even at the tender age of ten I was mass producing snow castles to save us from the zombie apocalypses. You're welcome. However a curious thing happened as time progressed, and as I grew older. I learned that life wasn't all about bribing Santa with good behavior and getting the shit I wanted. No, there was also the “giving” part too. You see, this time of year isn't just about getting free stuff, it's a time to reflect on just how much our lives really don't suck (serious try being homeless first) and to share in the spirit of giving and good will to all. I don't know about you guys, but this is certainly something we can use more of... all year around too. As time continued to pass, as so it always does, I had the unfortunate meeting of another thing that happens this time of year. It’s when the entire population of "religious" dumbass comes out to pollute the world with their meaningless drivel and all around bullshit. This year, and I am sure for many years to come, it just seems like any idiot with a computer is trying to claim some type of a victim complex. Search any media sight; blogs, google, twitter, Facebook, TV (or hell, even Fox, they love to cause drama), and you will always see at least one of the following two examples posting or rambling off;</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The first of the two is the “Victim complex” Fucktard. These types of people make it their life desire to be the center of attention. Were they not hugged enough as a child? Do they just want to be famous or popular on the internet? Either way, these people wish for nothing more than hordes of people (either physically or over the net) to take pity on them and shower them with attention. They will find anything, nothing is sacred to them, not even religion, that is a "hot topic" and needless attach themselves to it, calling themselves the victim. When December rolls around, you can often hear them saying;<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“I am so sick of everyone saying “happy holidays”. This is a Christian nation and as such, we ALL celebrate Christmas! END. OF. STORY. Its CHRISTmas, not happy holidays not Xmas! Stop being so disrespectful, it’s the day of Christ’s the word’s savior was born! Stop this war on Christianity, stop oppressing and censoring me, and put the CHRIST back in Christmas. “</i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Either in response to, or as a after birth to the above, we have the second of our examples, the</span> <u>Know it all Douchebag</u>. These people claim to know everything about everything, have vast sources of knowledge that would make the Library of Alexandria look like shit, and love to cause drama for shits and giggles. You can easily spot them when reading a very nice article wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. In this same article that no one is force feeding religion or calling for burning the world, this person will post;<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“Christmas was stolen from the poor persecuted Pagan’s by warmongering Catholics, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FACT</b>. They are nothing more than greedy aholes who want to take and steal everything for themselves. <b>ALSO FACT.</b> Now go away and stop shoving the bible down us.” </i></blockquote>
</div>
When I sat down and began writing this, the urge in me to reach out and smack some idiots grew and grew. What have we as a people become? What ever happen to good will to all and the week long celebration of being alive? Oh sure, there are idiots who would like nothing more than to watch all of Christianity (even the good people) burn, just as there are people who would love for all non-Christians burned at the stake. But now is not the time for that utter bullshit. Beat the kids upside their heads and take away their toys. Remove the mic from the loud mouth "BURN IN HELL" preacher, take the laptop off the troller and general douchbag, block out the shitty YouTube channel of JesusWarrior777, remove the webcam from the "Christianity is only here to steal and kill" and by the God's turn off Fox. In fact, how about we just take what follows and throw it out the window....<br /><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"Its Christmas not Xmas!"</b></i></div>
</blockquote>
This persistent, and rather annoying, misconception resurfaced some years ago when evangelist Franklin Graham and CNN journalist Roland S. Martin. Graham raised a fuss over it. According to them, abbreviating Christmas to Xmas was a grave insult to Christianity and a "war" on Christ himself. As a person who paid attention in history class, and would later foster a great love for history, a part of me wants to die every time I hear this. What such evangelist fails to realize (or just refuse to see) is that the symbol X, Xt and XP have a long and respectable history with Christianity, and has NOTHING to do with being insulting or launching a way. In fact, all you have to do, looking on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xmas" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> (and the linked sources) to see why;<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zVc-mhIEluoRE_bLpoRXLxAHmJQCdqLxggvtL_fHMfrE9cQdLxGHVBo5WwcSdKXfDJVwZP-VO-9EnaN0KBxwL3A32PMlPxErbOnKYgVP1Mp3-vLFwGjNU_SALS3ZiROGimQMk1piM9uu/s1600/150px-Simple_Labarum2.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zVc-mhIEluoRE_bLpoRXLxAHmJQCdqLxggvtL_fHMfrE9cQdLxGHVBo5WwcSdKXfDJVwZP-VO-9EnaN0KBxwL3A32PMlPxErbOnKYgVP1Mp3-vLFwGjNU_SALS3ZiROGimQMk1piM9uu/s1600/150px-Simple_Labarum2.svg.png" /></a></div>
Xmas is a common abbreviation of the word Christmas used by Christians for a least a thousand years, if not more. As stated above, there is a annoying misconception that the word Xmas is a secular attempt
(or "war") to remove the religious tradition from Christmas by taking the "Christ"
out of "Christmas". However this is simply not the case. The "-mas" part is from the Latin-derived Old English word for Mass, while the "X" comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, translated as "Christ".<br />
<br />
If we continue with this, we also see the word "Christ" and its compounds, including "Christmas", have been abbreviated in English for at least the past 1,000 years, long before the modern "Xmas" was commonly used. "Christ" was often written as "XP" or "Xt"; there are references in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as far back as 1021. This X and P arose as the uppercase forms of the Greek letters χ and ρ used in ancient abbreviations for Χριστος (It's Greek of Christ), and are still widely seen in many Eastern Orthodox icons depicting Jesus Christ. The labarum, an amalgamation of the two Greek letters (the big picture to the left), is a symbol often used to represent Christ in Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian Churches. <br />
<br />
The Oxford English Dictionary and it's supplement have cited usages of "X-" or "Xp-" for "Christ-" as early as 1485. The terms "Xtian" and less commonly "Xpian" have also been used for "Christian" as far back as 1640 and "Xtianity" for "Christianity" from 1634 on. So as we can see for ourselves X does not mark the spot for "opperession, removal and war" <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"Christmas wasn't in December, FACT! Christian stole this day from the persecuted Pagans! FACT!"</b></i></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsorrEykt9_AA9U2Ap53w1yAEnaLsyxoWu3WgetEdVwH3mjDBVFhDYM2UT3z33FT6ojhYPaJqYwyeks0Z8lQnB7kRRnIQ0206xs9wtOHS_22NXqvedbNhbvGVrLXE-CI7oPDJV-w4PWn2M/s1600/wtf_cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsorrEykt9_AA9U2Ap53w1yAEnaLsyxoWu3WgetEdVwH3mjDBVFhDYM2UT3z33FT6ojhYPaJqYwyeks0Z8lQnB7kRRnIQ0206xs9wtOHS_22NXqvedbNhbvGVrLXE-CI7oPDJV-w4PWn2M/s1600/wtf_cat.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Thanks to my dealings with the WBC and general religious asshats, I have come to have a certain degree of familiarity with the Christian bible *1. Because of this, I can safely and certainly say that the first part of the above statement is actually true. The child Christ wasn't born in on December 25th in the year 0 AD. Bible accounts actually suggest more of a early spring to early summer time frame. However today, Christians around the world join hands and celebrate his birth on this date. So how the hell did December 25 come to be associated with Jesus’ birthday? Let's do a bit of biblical and historical searching.<br /><br />When we first look to the bible, because you know the NT is all about Jesus, we are offered few clues. The celebrations of Christ's birth are never mentioned in the Gospels or Act, while the few places his birth is mentioned offer fewer clues still. One such example of reference states "shepherds tending their flocks at night when they hear the news of Jesus’ birth" (Luke 2:8). As stated and suggested by biblical experts, such a reference would suggest a spring time frame for in the colder months of December, sheep might well have been corralled. To compound the issue, early Christian writers such as Irenaeus or Tertullian make no mention of any birth celebrations, while the Origen of Alexandria even goes as far as to say any type of birth celebration would be nothing more than pagan practices. Yes, even back then their where religious assholes. To find the earliest mention of December 25 as Jesus’ birthday we have to refer to historical records in the mid-fourth-century, or three hundred years after the birth of Christ. During this time, we find Christianize Rome accounting almanacs that lists the death dates of various Christian bishops and martyrs. In this book we can find December 25 marked as natus Christus in Betleem Judeae or “Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea.<br /><br />However we are still left with the burning question, just how did the 25th of December becomes the Christmas we know today? The truth is we can never be entirely sure and can only guess at what history provides us. What did happen and still does today during the December holidays was the celebration of Yule and Saturnalia which included various customs of gift giving, decorations of greener times, lights, feats and kick ass parties. Pagans love to party. It was time when the great Sun god was reborn, when the cold and bitter winter months slowly waned and soon spring would be here. So yes, elements of the festival that developed from the fourth century until modern times may well derive from pagan traditions with the actual date might really derive more from Judaism—from Jesus’ death at Passover, and from the rabbinic notion that great things might be expected, again and again, at the same time of the year—than from paganism. Then again, in this notion of cycles and the return of God’s redemption, we may perhaps also be touching upon something that the pagan Romans who celebrated their pagan rites, and many other peoples since.<br /><br />But I really have to ask here, does it honestly fracking matter? Christians, like the Pagans of the time, needed something, anything during the cold winter months to latch on to, to give them hope of better and more prosperous times. Saturnalia, Yule, Christmas or whatever you want to call it, is a time of good will and celebrate. Why the hell should I care if you call your God Thor, Thasos, Cronos, G-d or Jesus. If someone wishes you a "Happy Holidays", don’t be a giant douche about it. On the most basic level, these people are wishing you a happy and joyful time. There is no evil intention here to kill Christ or Christianity, so don't add it. The same goes for "Merry Christmas", they are not forcing feeding religion down you, or forcing Christ into your life, on the most basic level they are wishing you a merry 25th of December....<br /><br />...And is that really a bad thing?<br /><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_BSxzn0w-dikNte5xQ4AngqqDoNtqJPv1zEoEDqs8AEwTRjYJZsYCobWWWn136gjN5bxjgm8HTK9DuuiljiU8T6YWAZrhnSVtVKSDNsez8GIhbNyuiNEoLfCjzChrbwf-Fetqj3d5KJf/s1600/00-dennis-the-cat-thief-30-09-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_BSxzn0w-dikNte5xQ4AngqqDoNtqJPv1zEoEDqs8AEwTRjYJZsYCobWWWn136gjN5bxjgm8HTK9DuuiljiU8T6YWAZrhnSVtVKSDNsez8GIhbNyuiNEoLfCjzChrbwf-Fetqj3d5KJf/s320/00-dennis-the-cat-thief-30-09-12.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"I am so sick of everyone saying “happy holidays”, its CHRISTmas, the day of Christ’s the word’s savior birth. Stop this war on Christianity, stop oppressing and censoring me, and put the CHRIST back in Christmas in your store signs!"</b></i></div>
</blockquote>
Jesus, if you're out there, grant me the serenity to deal with your followers....<br /><br />In order to properly address such a vain and self center statement, I want to take you into the world of the retail worker. The world of retail is a very competitive and cut throat environment. It’s a world where one mistake could lead to total collapse and where good deeds easily and eagerly goes unnoticed. In this world where profit means life, and by extension staying in business, many stores will resort to even the most minor of gimmicks in order to get the edge. If this means dancing like an idiot in a chicken costume, so be it. If these means huge tacky signs with more lights than should be naturally possible, then so be it. If this means waking up and seeing you’re not the only religious group in town... well then kido suck it up! While some would contribute it to the decline of some shorts, I would prefer to repeat what I already said. People in America are waking up to the fact that Christianity is not the only religion to exist in this Country or even the world. Because of this, and because the customer base is as broad as all hell, many retailers have taken note that Christmas is NOT the only holiday in December… there is in fact a crap ton. <br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_winter_festivals</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Winter Solstice: 21,22 December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Saint Nicholas' Day: 6 December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Christmas Eve: 24 December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Christmas: 25 December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>12 Days of Christmas: 25 December through 6 January</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Saint Stephen's Day: 26 December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Saint John the Evangelist's Day: 27 December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Holy Innocents' Day: 28 December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Saint Sylvester's Day: 31 December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Watch Night: 31 December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Modranect: December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Yule: December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Hanukkah: Week long in December</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Yalda: 21 December </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Saturnalia: First week of the Winter Solstice</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Day of the birth of the Unconquered Sun): 25 December</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYaTnrzNFY23glHrAXwNBlha-6C9TtBEGagqRnGeZ9lGe96PcLqNtUywoiVfRhq4wRcsumHZtnVfYnaRaCNRILMBv-noGlQv4S3juO4mvSnLZICUXTKR1lBZfiiK63ztojFvhjruz0h7x/s1600/Missing+Person+2009+Sundance+Portrait+Session+69BU7ceW6B0l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYaTnrzNFY23glHrAXwNBlha-6C9TtBEGagqRnGeZ9lGe96PcLqNtUywoiVfRhq4wRcsumHZtnVfYnaRaCNRILMBv-noGlQv4S3juO4mvSnLZICUXTKR1lBZfiiK63ztojFvhjruz0h7x/s320/Missing+Person+2009+Sundance+Portrait+Session+69BU7ceW6B0l.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />Would you really want to be the person tasked with putting up that many signs? Would you honestly want to take the time to properly take them all down too? I’m honestly having cold chills just thinking about it. So for the sake of either simplicity or acknowledging other holidays occur, many store fronts have adopted the “happy holidays” slogan. Now before we move on to our last point, I want you to take a good long look to the person in the photo. Can you tell with religion they are? Are they Christian? Maybe they are Jewish? Maybe they are nothing at all! In a world where a face can belong to any religion without outwardly showing it, there is nothing wrong with saying "happy holidays". In a world where this person can be any number of faiths, is it not then acceptable not to assume they share your same faith? Saying "happy holidays" is not declaring war on any religion just as saying "Merry Christmas" isn't declaring war on the Jews.<br /><br />Something to think about... </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"Oh you're so smart, what would a real [Insert religion here] do or say?"</b></i></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Easy, not be a fucktard and act like a butt hurt twilight fan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI0vZHZ859ozrdndXzwQ4gBBfN9ZWpC5pOMCly-uzqEX1mFQZnL6SnSrQHEs6LgnGaO7zDnf3wteSxWpeCC1Q8Y3RP-eabLZGwSMf18TLDThFS91XGM7sg8ZIv_7FNDTDBgg6gFQ7-MkX/s1600/ht_shock_060727_ssv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI0vZHZ859ozrdndXzwQ4gBBfN9ZWpC5pOMCly-uzqEX1mFQZnL6SnSrQHEs6LgnGaO7zDnf3wteSxWpeCC1Q8Y3RP-eabLZGwSMf18TLDThFS91XGM7sg8ZIv_7FNDTDBgg6gFQ7-MkX/s320/ht_shock_060727_ssv.jpg" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
If you are one of my fellow Brothers or Sisters in the Pagan faiths, by Odin, don’t get your panties in a twist ok? If someone wishes you a "Merry Christmas" then take it for what it is. They (at least the noncrazies) aren’t shoving the bible down you; they aren’t telling you to burn in hell, they are wishing you a merry December 25th. Merry and joyous times are a good thing remember? If some random stranger at the store, some old lady at the bus stop, a priest or a nun on the streets or someone at work wishes you a Merry Christmas, don't feel odd or strange wishing it right back. As Pagans, we know sending out positive energy is not only a good thing, but we shall receive positive energy in return (three fold rule if you will).<br /><br />If you are Christian, sit down and take a deep breath. This may come as a shocking surprise to you, but it really doesn't hurt or affect your “strong and unshakeable” faith in Jesus or any other part of the holy trinity to wish others a happy holiday or a joyful season. You are not pissing on anyone's grave, casting God out of your life or whatever other nonsense you can think up by saying "Happy Holidays". Going to others celebration doesn't encroach on your Christmas celebration of Christ's Birth (so why are you getting others presents again?) and spinning a dradle doesn't dim the lights of your yule inspired Christmas tree. Least we forget while we are too busy playing the victim that Christ doesn’t give a damn about any date on any made up human calendar. Fucking eh! This is Christ we are talking about, he cares more about you feeding the hungry; he cares about you tending to the sick; he cares about you doing good to those who don't seem to deserve it; he cares about you helping the poor, the depressed, the downtrodden and the weak. He cares nothing about the deal you got at Walmart or what sign is in the fracking window. <br /><br />Just please, for the love of the Divine, to anyone reading this for whatever reason, remember that December is a joyful time in the middle of the dead winter. Don’t be that guy and ruin it with your drama. Celebrate, be happy, and give praise for what ever divine you believe in!<br /><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
*1 <i>My friend actually jokes I know more about the bible than most Christians. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-27253047948213264892011-11-14T11:24:00.000-08:002014-01-03T19:01:00.638-08:00Religious Nut Exposed: With special guest Nate Phelps (1)<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>The Westboro Baptist Church (or WBC) is an Independent Baptist “church” known for its extreme stance against homosexuality, other religions, and anything else that tickles their fancy. They are also known for their greatly offensive protest activities against fallen service men/woman and high profile aka popular people. In this special section<b>,</b> we will explore their hateful and distorted “divine” teachings and expose them for what they truly are, a hate group who uses religion for personal power. </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi7NBd3MXTBF3vwVQgfPq3lAXaDWVCNFqBqOkoLTzIkM42WgKLAETKKxiTErrz892DXxOU-r7TmIh5BlGAcOxWpg0BWAGswwi8__jRkgfVDQ1OVg6kqzEEUeL9FNKwHJSYMkuk2ls6R6b/s1600/102811_escaped_son_of_westoro_001_t_w600_h1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi7NBd3MXTBF3vwVQgfPq3lAXaDWVCNFqBqOkoLTzIkM42WgKLAETKKxiTErrz892DXxOU-r7TmIh5BlGAcOxWpg0BWAGswwi8__jRkgfVDQ1OVg6kqzEEUeL9FNKwHJSYMkuk2ls6R6b/s320/102811_escaped_son_of_westoro_001_t_w600_h1200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Nathan "Nate" Phelps</b> (born November 1958) is an author, speaker on religion and child abuse, and an LGBT advocate.<sup id="cite_ref-GlobeandMail-2010_0-0"> </sup> The seventh child of Pastor Fred Phelps, Phelps has been estranged from the majority of his family since his 18th birthday.<sup> </sup>Phelps has since declared himself an atheist. He is known for his open criticism of the Westboro Baptist Church through literature, interviews, public speaking at atheist conventions and his website. He states that his father abused him and the other Phelps children and believes that the church is an organization for his father to "vent his rage and anger." Today I am now happy to present part one of the email Q&A I had with Nate Phelps, otherwise known as the No H8 Phelps. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">Question: Having watched a few of your interviews (and site) before, I saw that you spent nearly eighteen years with the church before deciding to leave. Considering the strength of their… convictions, how was it like living with it day to day? Was there any form of community religious events like masses? Was the day to day life affected by the religious beliefs? Was it perhaps a case of “there where good times and bad” or just of series of bad to worse (or good to better) days?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3333ff;">We usually had two church services on Sunday. Beyond that there were regular references to god in our daily lives, verses to memorize, screamed references to biblical passages when our father was raging at us. On regular occasions we either had bible conferences at our church with several families traveling from Indianapolis or we went to their church. It's hard to explain the broad picture fairly. Of course there were good times. We spent an inordinate amount of time away from our home and father when we sold candy and we found ways to keep ourselves entertained. With so many siblings it was easy to feel connected. As a young child I was profoundly curious and disinclined to adhere too rigidly to the rules if it interfered with my explorations. On those occasions that my father found out, I was labeled a son of Belial. My childish misbehavior took on gargantuan, eternal significance. As you might imagine, Fred did not tolerate even a whiff of defiance. Anytime we addressed our father or mother, we were expected to end our comments with "Ma'am" or "Sir". As I said, we had an entire life away from our father that included an understanding that any rule violations occurring outside his awareness would never be passed on to him. It was too dangerous. So we learned and lived with an undermining deceit. We also learned that honesty was dangerous because the consequences were so distorted. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">Question: By way of Google news, YouTube, and twitter I have read and seen a good deal of cases and accusation of abuse in both physical and mental sense. My question in regard to this is if there was any truth to this? As much as I would hate to believe any parent harming their child, the WBC isn’t known for their… kindness. Where you ever the victim of such actions and/or witnessed them? If so would you mind describing them a bit? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3333ff;">My father was physically, verbally and psychologically abusive to his wife and children. He used his biblical authority to beat all of us with a mattock handle. Often times the beatings were so sever that the flesh was broken and bled. He would have hours long raging fits where he threw things and used language so ugly and harsh I can't repeat it. He used bible passages to condemn even the slightest violation and swear the violator to an eternal, hellish punishment. When he was in one of his rages he lost all contact with reality and rational thought. Often times the raging would go on so long, I can recall, more than once, standing in his presence, the back of my body swollen, bruised, and bleeding, his spit in my face, watching and listening to him rage and literally falling asleep on my feet. If you had a chance to see the recent video of the Judge beating his daughter, that's a very mild, but apt, example of my father. I think that video goes on for 7 or 8 minutes. My father's violence would last for 2 or 3 hours before he ran out of steam. So...yes...I'd say there was violence growing up there. And I will say, for the record, every time Shirley or Margie equivocates in the slightest on that topic, they are lying through their teeth. An interesting behavior for one of god's elect, no?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">Question: The WBC has become infamous for protesting the funerals of high profiles people and service men/women, while displaying their message of “God hates X”. During your time with the church and your family, was this type of actions being undertaken by them? Was the general atmosphere of these protests that take place now, also prevalent in the house hold? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3333ff;">There was never any formal campaign as such, but the same message was taught constantly behind the pulpit and my father was always in a battle with someone either inside our home or out in the community.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">Question: With regards to their convictions and beliefs, how did you feel about them at first? Where you much like the other children and accepted what your parents taught? <i>After all who would want to purposely mis-instruct their children?</i> Or did they never really click at first? If possible could you speak about when the sense of “no this is wrong” did begin to form?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3333ff;">Of course I believed it in the beginning. As you say, it's all we knew and a child naturally trusts their parents to reflect the reality of the world. I don't mean this as a conscious decision of the child, it's hardwired in us. By the time I was 10 or so, I was aware of confusion in my mind. I recall being terribly embarrassed by the words and deeds of my father when I was exposed to them in public. I suppose this indicated some fundamental difference between my father's temperament/personality and mine. When I ran away from home on the night of my 18th birthday, I left with a certainty that I was going to eventually be punished by god, die and spend eternity in hell. I also left with a certainty that I knew no other alternative. While I couldn't have articulated it as such, I understood even then that my idea of reality was fatally different from his.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">Question: While I can imagine the cult mindset of unquestioned loyalty and belief in Fred Phelps was present, was there any room to bring forth questions about the religion the WBC follows? Where they questions welcomed or shot down? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3333ff;">To ask questions beyond a clarifying form was considered evidence that god wasn't working in your heart. It has cost several members their eternal security (as WBC sees it)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black;">Question: When the sense of wrongness began to form and take hold, how did you first react? Did you bring questions and concerns to you family members or hold them to yourself? Would it be possible to describe what you did with said feelings and if brought to your parents, how they reacted? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #3333ff;">As I said before, I didn't openly question them ever. It just wasn't even an option in my mind. Not just because of the risk of being labeled reprobate, but because my relationship with my father was virtually non-existent and what there was of it was one of fear and intimidation. I can recall asking my mother why she stayed in such an abusive relationship and being told that I just didn't understand. </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-44313106888059802952011-10-27T16:50:00.000-07:002014-02-15T20:15:16.567-08:00How WBC fails: God H8's 19/19<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>The Westboro Baptist Church (or WBC) is an Independent Baptist “church” known for its extreme stance against homosexuality, other religions, and anything else that tickles their fancy. They are also known for their greatly offensive protest activities against fallen service men/woman and high profile aka popular people. In this special section, we will explore their hateful and distorted “divine” teachings and expose them for what they truly are, a hate group who uses religion for personal power. </i><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kviHx7bEstw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Part</b>: 19/19</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Name</b>: <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Accept Jesus as your personal savior- Pt 19 WBC's GOD H8S vid </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<strike><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Link:</b> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> <a href="http://www.twitvid.com/UWO1T">http://www.twitvid.com/UWO1T</a></span></strike><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b>Update:</b> Videos have been removed. Blog now shows video of all of them combined. </span><strike><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></strike></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Bible Verse use: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>John 6:44: </b><i><span class="woj">"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
And so here we are...<br />
<br />
With the final movie of the god h8's series now under review, this blogger finds himself recalling the past and how much it has effected him. <i>All I need now is some prune juice, a rocking chair and some kids to tell "back in my day"...</i> When I look back at all the traveling I have done, all the people I have met because of joining the anti-wbc movement, I see how this endeavor has allowed me to see so much more than the sheltered child of my youth could. I have always said how there is a <b>HUGE</b> difference between <i>saying</i> and actually being part of a religion, but to see it first hand. It's can be a beautiful and wonderful thing at times or like in the case of our cult, perverted to be a horrid disgusting thing. I have seen how belief and faith are what truly makes a person, not just saying the religion they follow. I have seen that while life does get better, victory can not be claimed just yet. Hate, discrimination, deceit and just not giving a damn still have a iron hold. So much so that no single event will ever change it. Remember back a little under four years ago, when the presidential elections where taking place? For the first time in... well ever, a black man was running for the highest office in the land. Not only was he running, but with a amazing use of his well devolved public speaking skills he actually won! For many, this seemingly impossible election heralded the end of racial hate. It was thought that with the election of this single man the long history of inequality would finally close. <i>>_> </i>The whole race card thing would become a thing of the past, and things like "you're black" and "you're white" would be replaced with "you're human" <i>Yea right, this is humanity we are talking about!</i> Despite all the feel good mojo we had floating around, the worse still pollutes it. Violence and misdeeds committed against people because of bullshit excuse of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation remains a serious problem in America.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
As Americans, <i>no screw that</i>, as PEOPLE we all must have a stake in reducing hate. These crimes, misdeeds and general bullshit are used for attention, power and ego. They are intended to intimidate not only the individual victim, but the whole community too... does this sound familiar to anyone else? Yea, this shit is nothing more than adult bullying... and this just what the Westboro Baptist Church is. In today's final video of the God H8's series, we are told in no uncertain terms that we can not accept Jesus as a savior, and we are all just lazy homo's who like to sin. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJJ_yw5Hc11mCcMK-SrlHk3LohNaxwFOC8JHywmSt4685DAPIGJS13qYyjaMKazSwUB0LXMqTGRj6DYNo0FAmraF3joXUBoXhXqXkdE0RXboTzy3iOib_D4sGS8kkAjGkBzyThQZoMqHu/s1600/haters-gonna-hate-cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJJ_yw5Hc11mCcMK-SrlHk3LohNaxwFOC8JHywmSt4685DAPIGJS13qYyjaMKazSwUB0LXMqTGRj6DYNo0FAmraF3joXUBoXhXqXkdE0RXboTzy3iOib_D4sGS8kkAjGkBzyThQZoMqHu/s320/haters-gonna-hate-cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What she said:</b> <i>"There are a couple of problem with the call of letting Jesus in your heart and accept him as your personal savior"</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In previous "educational" video produced by the family, cheap tricks where often used (in vain) in order to bait the audience into accepting as truth, their version of the bible. <i>"Gays are evil you idiot! God said it because we said it!"</i> <i>"Shrimp is the same as being gay! No you idiot its not, but let me continue proving the gays are evil and related to eating shrimp! You're all dummies for not following our religion!" </i>As with any video made today, insults, name calling, questioning audience intelligence and bait and switches, do nothing to forward the cause of the group. Congratulations, you regressed your group back to the times when kids did this in the school yard. I'm sure they are sooooo proud. While you are busy acting like K8 students and being ever so proud of it, the message you where trying to present is be ignored as a whole. But wait, we have a slight twist today! While the greedy egotistical attitude is still present, today's video play's the name game. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What she said:</b> <i>"Number one, no man can accept Christ, for the lord Jesus Christ said <b>John 6:44"</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>What she also said:</b> <i><b>"</b>To accept Christ makes man more powerful than God, you strip him of his sovereignty. If you can accept or deny Christ what do you need a savior for?"</i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is somewhat fitting and ironic that I have NCIS on while reviewing this video. Currently I'm watching the episode called “Suspicion”. When a marine guy is found murdered in a small town motel room, the NCIS team must find the person who murdered her, even though the local town authorities had already "investigated" the crime three days earlier. <i>They also really messed it up too. </i>Gibbs needs to determine if the crime is related to a terrorist cell. When the team firsts arrives at the small town”and a few things are explained, one of the officers says "I think we have a break down in communication". This is what we have here today, and if you will follow, I will explain just how. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When one ponders the faith of the Christians, there is one fundamental and vital question that is always asked; <i>what must I do to be saved</i>? Do I pray a lot? Do I have to sell everything and live on the street? Do I knock on people’s doors and throw a bible at them? Should I follow the bible and emulate what Christ did? Should I ignore all that and protest for attention? When one seeks to answer this sometimes perplexing question, they are often told to <i>"accept the lord Christ into your heart, and accept him as your personal savoir"</i> Be it from conversations, conventions, television shows, radio/pod broadcasts or the web, will find this phrase everywhere through the Christian world. Many energetic preachers and evangelist use the phrase "accept Jesus into your heart" despite the fact word for word like that never appearing in the bible. What the WBC says here, that accepting can not only be done, but it foolish to try such a thing. Although the expression is common enough, that doesn’t always make it right. How is one suppose to accept the lord into your heart? How does it even work? Are we supposed to shove a buddy Jesus into our hearts? Are we supposed to participate in some psychobabble experience? Is it symbolic gesture? Well if it is, what the frack is it supposed to mean and what is it supposed to do? … and why does it sound like I’m supporting the WBC here.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Well fear not, because I am not. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When human's look at the meaning of things, especially from something so long ago, we have a very bad habit of over complicating thing. We try to find hidden meanings in everything. Why else are there things like the bible code and aliens in the bible? Why we are so busy over complicating simple statements, we fail to see the words for what they are. So let’s stop of a second here and take note of a few verses in the bible. Not the one listed in the video, because frankly it’s just silly. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<i><b> </b></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<ul></ul>
<ul>
<li><i>Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you (or in you), it means you have failed the test. </i><b>2 Corinthians 13:5. </b></li>
<li><i> </i><i>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. </i><b>John 3:16</b></li>
<li><i>He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him</i>.<b> John 3:36</b></li>
<li><i>Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life</i>. <b>John 5:24</b></li>
<li><i>I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.</i> <b>John 8:24</b></li>
</ul>
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have stated to many times before how religion is a farce without faith, without <b>true belief</b> in it. If Christ had intended for us to say "I believe in Christ we are now saved" or even have us "elect" with autosave, then such things as the 10 commandment and the beatitudes would have never been issued. Why give the people a set of rules if they are meaningless to salvation? Why demand a certain standard of actions and morality when they are meaningless in the end? Why? Because saying you are of this religion or follow some guy means shit. We can see such a statement emulated in <b>2 Corinthians 13:5. </b>When Peter was speaking (or at least in letter form), he knew perfectly well how easy it was to claim "oh I follow Christ", but it was quite a different thing to stick with it. Remember who denied Christ three times? Yea.... So while you will not find word for word that statement <i>"accept the lord Jesus into your heart and allow him to become you personal savior"</i>, you will find it's spirit everywhere.<br />
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<ul>
<li><i>Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.</i> <b><span class="redheading">James 4:8</span></b><i> </i></li>
<li><i>"The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth"</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> <b>Psalms 145.18</b></span> </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span class="redheading"></span></b><i><b> </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When Christ was sent to Earth to teach of the love of the father, it was not to condemn but to save! He came to build not to destroy. He came for life, not for death. He wanted humanity, his flock, to accept his teaching of love. He wanted us to take this message of peace and love into their hearts and <b>believe</b>. He wanted us to all be children of God, and share in the close personal relationship he had with his apostles. Not only that, but he wanted us to live and share in God the Father. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nwpFajwnrrwCgczIiJqzG03tGUhyrR8O3TYZmT35zZrClWzO945r-b6CsCzaAbtM4AVFlMD7iRJp0xmjpwlTmrJx3dYFnhyphenhyphenQ5hXg2wlG7_2Kz0YrDIxLymLyOh0eAzNkA8z5XKSx_FTF/s1600/jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nwpFajwnrrwCgczIiJqzG03tGUhyrR8O3TYZmT35zZrClWzO945r-b6CsCzaAbtM4AVFlMD7iRJp0xmjpwlTmrJx3dYFnhyphenhyphenQ5hXg2wlG7_2Kz0YrDIxLymLyOh0eAzNkA8z5XKSx_FTF/s1600/jesus.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>What she said:</b><b> "</b><i>Calling him your personal savior is calling him your personal bell boy blah blah blah"</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my twenty nine years of life, which admittingly isn't that much, I have met a lot of people. While these people vary in both appearance and opinion, I never once heard <u>anyone</u> say this stupidity or even act like this was the case. Jesus being a personal bell boy? <i>Ummm yea right. </i>But I wonder for a moment if it was wise for our host to say this? Could not the WBC saying how Christ is their personal vengeance machine doing the same thing? Are they not turning Christ into <i>their </i>personal bell boy? So before I digress any more, let me ask <i>what was Jesus' mission on Earth</i>? <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Jesus came to help us with our saving throws. <i>It's a DnD term ask you're local geek or nerd for assistance</i>. What is most important and often missed by the cult, is that Jesus’ mission to Earth directly affects our lives now and forever. He came not to destroy humanity or to protest dead people, he came to restore humanities close and personal relationship to God the Father. When one takes the time to read the whole of the bible (another thing the WBC doesn't do) one can see that everything about the big guys mission is about SAVING. I mean bloody hell, his name even means “Jehovah saves”. How could a person's name who describes his mission so well actually want what the WBC claims? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<b> </b><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Matthew 1:21-23</b> tells us <i>"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><i></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></i> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Jesus' life and sacrifice made it possible for us to live in God and for God to live in us not so the WBC could inlist fear and hate in the world. Life not death, love not hate, hope for the future, not eternal damnation. This is Jesus, and is not the WBC. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">...<i>wow finally done!</i> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I would like to take a moment before we part, and end this chapter with thanking all of my readers for being with me this far. The comments and emails I have received (here, on twitter, and tumblr) have been very... well just frigging awesome. It really confirms the feeling that what I, and many others are doing, are doing the right thing. Thank you all, and may what ever Divine you believe in, be with you always.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Blessed Be,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Hank Biddle </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Author of the Book of Stories.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br />
</span></div>
<i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<i><b> </b></i></div>
bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714985295476447494.post-46183269606466035962011-10-04T18:57:00.000-07:002014-02-15T20:15:16.572-08:00How WBC Fails: God H8's 18/19<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>The Westboro Baptist Church (or WBC) is an Independent Baptist “church” known for its extreme stance against homosexuality, other religions, and anything else that tickles their fancy. They are also known for their greatly offensive protest activities against fallen service men/woman and high profile aka popular people. In this special section, we will explore their hateful and distorted “divine” teachings and expose them for what they truly are, a hate group who uses religion for personal power. </i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kviHx7bEstw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Part</b>: 18/19</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Name</b>: <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">That's Only Old Testament Stuff- Pt 18 of WBC's GOD H8S vid </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<strike><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Link:</b> <a href="http://www.twitvid.com/ROEA6"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">http://www.twitvid.com/ROEA6</span></a></strike><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Update</b>: Videos have been removed. Blog now shows video of all of them combined. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Bible Verse use: </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Pet 1:21</b>:<i> Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 15:4:<i> </i></b><i>For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Luke 16:17</b>: <i>And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Timothy 3:16: </b><i>All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness</i></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaojtHZa8UGF7tFctuTMDzCmbnXqa5rpQPZShhSd6FoGi2bY_dr7q_KO6K86xrDm6wrWGp35fTJDgjwXLyXYqI_yNPdetqbUfQYsxneezxNLPPhXiQ6xxIZKKxfIiq4XX6ez31wIHIEtQ/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaojtHZa8UGF7tFctuTMDzCmbnXqa5rpQPZShhSd6FoGi2bY_dr7q_KO6K86xrDm6wrWGp35fTJDgjwXLyXYqI_yNPdetqbUfQYsxneezxNLPPhXiQ6xxIZKKxfIiq4XX6ez31wIHIEtQ/s320/untitled.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And child protective services are where?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There is a common bond that links all of the <a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Pagan-and-Earth-Based/index.aspx">Earth based faiths</a> together, a need for simplicity. Pagan's do not over complicate lives or teachings. They do not rely on “the great mysteries of some far away place” when the Divine is present all around us. They live their lives with nature, not against it and do no harm and do what we will. It’s even reflected in another of their many sayings “<b>in perfect love and perfect trust</b>.” In short, it means when one is giving ones self to another or to the Divine, on does without reservation, with nothing but love in their hearts and bearing no ill. No what if’s, do double standards, just like the Beatles, all we need is love. To fill ones lives with such senseless hate, it's considered a abomination! Why fuzzle your life with stupid drama when you don’t have to? This is why I am so disgusted already with this video, how could the WBC do this to a child, then display it proudly like that? What this cult is doing to this child, the hate they are filling him with… it unforgivable. Even worse, they (the kids) are seen as disposable shields rather than a life. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsorrEykt9_AA9U2Ap53w1yAEnaLsyxoWu3WgetEdVwH3mjDBVFhDYM2UT3z33FT6ojhYPaJqYwyeks0Z8lQnB7kRRnIQ0206xs9wtOHS_22NXqvedbNhbvGVrLXE-CI7oPDJV-w4PWn2M/s1600/wtf_cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsorrEykt9_AA9U2Ap53w1yAEnaLsyxoWu3WgetEdVwH3mjDBVFhDYM2UT3z33FT6ojhYPaJqYwyeks0Z8lQnB7kRRnIQ0206xs9wtOHS_22NXqvedbNhbvGVrLXE-CI7oPDJV-w4PWn2M/s320/wtf_cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel slightly better now...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In today’s video from our favorite non affiliated Baptist church, we have a apparently de-evolved member Jon (I refuse to believe any adult can be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> childish without having some short of problems) addressing the message of “that is only old testament stuff”. Peeling back the layers of needless insults and ego plays, I believe they are trying to retort the claim that the Old Testament shouldn’t be followed simply because it’s old. With an assortment of other claims about the bible being eternal and eternally obeyed, he ends standing on the US flag with arms up as if saying “bring it”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i> </i> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What he said:</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“That’s Old Testament *childish action* you think dummy? That’s why I quoted it. Same author, same message.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Frequently when writing these rebukings and rebuttals, I have an opportunity to mention how childish insults, cheep word plays and assumptions do little for informational videos. If you are unable to stick to the facts, and feel the need to resort to name calling, your entire message comes into question. This is perhaps, aside from needless hate towards everything under the sun, is the continuing theme and similarity of all of their videos. But come on, how many times can I say the same thing? Moving right along we see Jon end with the statement “same author, same message”. Is the Old Testament really bound to Christians and MUST be followed to the letter as the WBC teaches? Is it also the same message and theme as the New Testament? The answer to both, is a nice big NO!</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What the WBC seems to ignore many times or “selective bible hear” is that the Old Testament or Jewish holy book was given to the children of Israel. They where the first chosen (and according to the bible, the only) people of God since the fall of man. God, being the loving father that he was, wanted his children to grow right and proper and as such a lot of hand holding occurred. Why else do you think there are a billion and one laws in this bible? These laws covered virtually everything in their society, for example laws for obeying, pleasing and worshiping the divine are uttered almost every other page. Other laws and hand holding included atone for sins, nation distinction, animal sacrifices and daily life actions. None of the Old Testament law however, is binding on current Christians today. When Jesus’ mortal form died on the cross, and we as a people grew spiritually by the teachings of Christ, He put an end to the Old Testament law (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Romans 10:4</span>; <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Galatians 3:23-25</span>; <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Ephesians 2:15</span></b>). Or if you prefer a nice nerd term, the faith got a expansion pack that changed the game for the better. <br />
<br />
But that doesn’t mean we are lawless. You don’t have to be Divine to see humans have a grand old time turning anything good into shit if left alone with no moral guidance. So in place of the various Old Testament laws, Christ gave his flock (which where growing up spiritually) a new law standard. This law would sum up all that was good in the old testament and give new direction to the followers of God. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind…and to love your neighbor as yourself” (</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Matthew 22:37-39</span>). </b>If we obey those two commands, we will be fulfilling all that Christ requires of us: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments”</i> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Matthew 22:40</span></b>). </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Luke 16:16</span></b>: The law and the prophets were until John [the Baptist]: since that time the kingdom of heaven is preached. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Romans 6:14</span></b>: Ye are not under the law, but under grace. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Romans 7:4, 6</span></b>: Ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ.... We are delivered from the law, that being dead. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Romans 10:4</span></b>: Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Galatians 3:13</span></b>: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Galatians 3:24-25</span></b>: Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Galatians 5:18</span></b>: But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Ephesians 2:15</span></b>: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Colossians 2:14</span></b>: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances ... nailing it to his cross. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Old Testament law was never intended by God to be the universal law for all people for all of time. We are to love God and love our neighbors. If we obey those two commands <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Matthew 22:37-39</span>, </b>faithfully, we will be upholding all that God requires of us.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What he said:</b> “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The holy men of old spoke as they where moved to speak by the holy ghost”</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Pet 1:21</b> is in the background during this. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What an interesting mistake the WBC made here. What they meant to display while Jon prattled on was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Peter 1:21</b>, which is a biblical verse stating that all writings of the bible, various prophecies and <i>such</i> was inspired by the Divine and not by man. However what they displayed was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Pet 1:21 </b>which states <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.”</i> Believed in HIM! Not Fred Phelps, not the WBC and their double standards, but the lord Jesus Christ. The God of the REAL Christians. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But for the sake of argument, let us assume what Jon says is correct. Everything in the bible is as it says, <i>divinely</i> inspired and must be followed by all people who claim to follow the words of the most High. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>We begin with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Leviticus 20:13, </b>and the favorite subject of this “church”. If we are to take it at face value and ignore translation and cultural errors (because who wants to be right after all), then we see that every homosexual must be put to death. This is the word of the lord, and it must be followed people! The word of the lord will not be ignored! *<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">While we are on the topic of ignoring, best not think about the verse “treat thy neighbor as you would yourself” or “Do onto others as you would do onto me (Jesus)”</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Leviticus 19:19 </span></b><span style="color: black;">tells us </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">we shouldn’t have a variety of crops on the same field.</span></i><span style="color: black;"> Which sucks since our modern agricultural systems allow for a wide variety of crops to be grown and cared for on the same lands; also different crops can and are planted on the same land at different times of the year. But hey even the WBC works hard to grow their own food right? They have NEVER eaten out at all… ever…. Right?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black;">As we move on, we see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Don't wear clothes made of more than one fabric</i> in <b>Leviticus 19:19. </b>Everything from shoes and socks (and ceiling wax… ask your parents) to Steve’s sorry comment about always wearing Jeans so you're not a slut, is made with a wide variety of fabrics. Next time you buy a shirt, just take a quick look to see what it is made of. Seeing as if your old enough to read this, and as such have been wearing such sinful clothing for a while, you too are going to hell. Sorry… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unless your elect then you can pick what you want to follow I guess…..</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black;">Next <b>Leviticus 19:27 </b>reads <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Don't cut your hair nor shave. </i>Oh dear, we take notice many of the WBC members reframe from having long beards (or any facial hair) and long hair. I’m sure there is a very reasonable expiation for this right? Oh god told them to go to the hair cuttery right? It was discount day or something?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Leviticus 20:9 </span></b><span style="color: black;">tells us </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Any person who curseth his mother or father, must be killed</span></i><span style="color: black;"> which would be like… every person that ever existed right? What child hasn’t had a tiffy with their parents at some point? Praise God that the WBC followed suit with this when they killed the one young lady who was removed and left their church… what? Oh… she left and is living happily now isn’t she? Err ummm REPENT! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">If a man cheats on his wife, or vise versa, both the man and the woman must die.</span></i><span style="color: black;"> (<b>Leviticus 20:10</b>). But but but… how else would we have such <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fine and intellectual </i>programming such as Jerry Springer? God loves day time television! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">If a man sleeps with his father's wife... both him and his father's wife is to be put to death. </span></i><span style="color: black;">(<b>Leviticus 20:11</b>) That’s like… your mom dood.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">If a man sleeps with his wife and her mother they are all to be burnt to death. </span></i><span style="color: black;"> (<b>Leviticus 20:14</b>) Deep fried goodness?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
9.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If a man or woman has sex with an animal, both human and animal must be killed.</i> (<b>Leviticus 20:15-16</b>). And then eaten…</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">10.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If a man has sex with a woman on her period, they are both to be "cut off from their people"</i> (<b>Leviticus 20:18</b>) If this didn’t scare you out of having sex ever, then nothing will.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
11.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="color: black;">Leviticus 21:9 </span></b><span style="color: black;">(see the pattern yet?) tells us </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">If a priest's daughter is a whore, she is to be burnt at the stake.</span></i><span style="color: black;"> Staying true to the words of the bible, and proving that they can indeed lead by example Fred Phelps, upon learning of such a horrid act set his daughter Shirley to flames and most certainly did not make her one of the main spokesmen of the church. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
12.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anyone who curses or blasphemes God, should be stoned to death by the community </i>is told by <b>Leviticus 24:14-16. </b>So tonight at 8 tune into FOX when we have people without sin cast the first stone! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
13.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anyone who dreams or prophesizes anything that is against God, or anyone who tries to turn you from God, is to be put to death </i>as told by <b>Deuteronomy 13:5</b> (because we just can’t use Leviticus now can we?) pretty much damns every young male who has ever lived too. Sorry guys but that nice person from TV you just dreamt about, your going to hell for that. If your inquiring about who *I* am going to hell for, that would be the red headed nerd named Felicia Day. Oh and Ms Cleo is going to hell too. Wonder if she <i>saw</i> that coming! (bad joke is bad >_>)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
14.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>Deuteronomy 13:6-10 </b>tells us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If anyone, even your own family suggests worshipping another God, kill them.</i> ... because killing others just isn’t enough! Oh did I forget to mention that we should just ignore that pesky commandment that says something about not killing? Yea it's just a silly foot note anyway. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
15.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><b>Deuteronomy 13:12-15 </b>tells us since killing your own family isn’t enough <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If you find out a city worships a different god, destroy the city and kill all of it's inhabitants... even the animals.</i> Because "holy" wars are the best way of spreading the word of an all loving god! Hey if they are dead they can’t disagree with us right! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
16.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kill anyone with a different religion. </i>(<b>Deuteronomy 17:2-7</b>) Man of man, I do love me some killing in the morning! Hey how about we ignore Christ’s stupid message of peace love and the free meal and just kill everyone! </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
17.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Oh shoot! If we are going to get some killing on we will need someone to tend to our homes. Luckily <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Leviticus 25:44-46 </b>tells us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
18.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Oh and let’s not forget out family values too! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If you buy a Hebrew slave, he is to serve for only six years. Set him free in the seventh year, and he will owe you nothing for his freedom. If he was single when he became your slave and then married afterward, only he will go free in the seventh year. But if he was married before he became a slave, then his wife will be freed with him. If his master gave him a wife while he was a slave, and they had sons or daughters, then the man will be free in the seventh year, but his wife and children will still belong to his master. But the slave may plainly declare, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children. I would rather not go free.' If he does this, his master must present him before God. Then his master must take him to the door and publicly pierce his ear with an awl. After that, the slave will belong to his master forever.</i> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Exodus 21:2-6</b>) AND <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are. If she does not please the man who bought her, he may allow her to be bought back again. But he is not allowed to sell her to foreigners, since he is the one who broke the contract with her. And if the slave girl's owner arranges for her to marry his son, he may no longer treat her as a slave girl, but he must treat her as his daughter. If he himself marries her and then takes another wife, he may not reduce her food or clothing or fail to sleep with her as his wife. If he fails in any of these three ways, she may leave as a free woman without making any payment. </i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(Exodus 21:7-11) </b>Hey just as the WBC also teaches, god made you to be a slave so deal with it.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
19.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>And when these good for nothing slaves try to speak up, we will remind them of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Exodus 21:20-21</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And I think to myself… what a wonderful world.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
*<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And just in case someone doesn’t get it, I honestly think all the above number points are complete and utter horse s***</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What he said: </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The Old Testament words where written for our comfort and learning. That we through the patience and comfort</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of these Old Testament writings might have hope” </i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Should I mention that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 15:4 </b>says<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the <u>scriptures </u>might have hope</i> and not old testament like Jon tries to pass off? While the term scriptures could very well refer to the Old Testament stuff (some of comforting lines you just read too) is also refers to the teaching of Christ. Christ was sent to Earth to give hope and redemption to the people. Need I say more?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What he said: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The new testament is mostly quotes, paraphrases, and explanations of what was written in the Old Testament.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The New Testament is the birth, life, teachings and mortal death of Jesus. Considering Jesus came to form a new covenant with humanity (or New Testament if you will) I wonder where exactly Jon got this idea from. Does Jesus use various stories from the Old Testament? Sure he does. Does he follow it word for word striking down people left or right, or does he teach about love, understanding and that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you do nice things? Remember when Jesus forgave that nameless woman who did a no no sexual act instead of stoning her to death like it says in the Old testament laws? Yea.....</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What he said: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The lord Jesus *</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Luke 16:17 appears* </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">promised that Heaven and Earth would pass away before the old Testament words loose their value. “</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<i></i><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When we consider the Old and New testaments of the Jews and Christians rather than auguring about “YOU MUST FOLLOW EVERYHTHING EVEN IF WE DON’T” perhaps it would be better to liking them to a child and their loving parents.When a child is young there is much hand holding with rules and such (Old Testament). This is not to punish or demean the child, but it is to assure the child grows up safely and properly. For example we tell our children not to touch the stove because it’s hot and burns like hell (even if the buggers still do it). As time passes and the child slowly grows in both height and knowledge we are given more freedom because we have more sense about the world around us. Because of this we are now allowed to touch the stove because we will no longer burn the house down, This is the New Testament. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So to sum up the rebuking, because its already late and I want to watch this movie on Cthulhu, Christians are not held to the rules of the Old Testament, but are held to the expanded and matured version that is the New Testament. You know the one that has the message of peace and love? </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So dear Jon, you asked people to bring it,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And I just did.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
bookofstorieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14220507594275219138noreply@blogger.com1