Oil Spill Devastation

[Monker]

As I have said before........both parties suck. I laugh myself senseless when I hear how racist Conservatives are if they disagree with any policies that Obama comes up with. I have no problem with him as a person, but I don't agree with his policies. Does that equate me to be a racist? I have protested the huge deficit that is being built by our Congress. Does that equate me to be a racist? The answer is no. It is a tacktic of the extreme left to silence anyone who dares to disagree with their ideas. Call them a racist. It doesn't matter if it is true or not. Call them a racist and they will back off any arguement they may have. This sickens me to no end. I am not talking about all Democrats. Just the fringe nut jobs.

Here is a history lesson for those who think the Democrats are such champions of the minorities. It was the Democrat party that made up a great deal of the Jim Crow laws. These "laws" were established to keep the black man as a second class citizen. They wouldn't even allow them to vote. The Democrats not only killed blacks but white Republicans. I could never support such a party, who now pander to the minorities because they know they will give them more votes. They sicken my stomach.

Of course you ignore the fact that it was northern Democrats who pushed forward with civil rights legislation, and the fact that this angered southern Democrats into switching parties...such as Strom Thurman. The Republicans didn't fight for civil rights. They couldn't care less ..and in fact joined with southern Democrats several times to block legislation such as lynching laws.

So, when you sit in disgust at the actions of southern Democrats...remember that those people became disgusted with northern Democrats wanting civil rights bills - and they switched parties to become Republicans.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/struggle_congress.html

[The_Noble_Cause]

I have protested the huge deficit that is being built by our Congress. Does that equate me to be a racist? The answer is no. It is a tacktic of the extreme left to silence anyone who dares to disagree with their ideas. Call them a racist. It doesn't matter if it is true or not.

If you held your tongue during the past eight years while expenditures were not offset by either budget cuts or new taxes, your motives are suspect and should be questioned. Is it automatically a race issue? I don't think so. Personally, I think the rise of FOX News and the explosion of Limbaugh-wannabes has rendered the country nearly ungovernable under a Democratic administration. From here out, expect Teabaggers to put on tricorne hats and march on cue every time a Democrat wins.

Here is a history lesson for those who think the Democrats are such champions of the minorities. It was the Democrat party that made up a great deal of the Jim Crow laws. These "laws" were established to keep the black man as a second class citizen. They wouldn't even allow them to vote. The Democrats not only killed blacks but white Republicans. I could never support such a party, who now pander to the minorities because they know they will give them more votes. They sicken my stomach.

And here's a history lesson for you - those were southern democrats. Support for civil rights was divided down regional lines. Northern liberal Republicans supported Civil Rights. Currently, such liberal RINOS no longer exist in the party, or are being actively purged from it's ranks. After the Civil Rights act, the GOP's presidential candidate of that same year campaigned against it, and Dixiecrats like Strom Thurmond made the switch to the GOP. The party would go on to exploit "states rights" and the specter of “Cadillac driving welfare queens” for the next forty years.

[artist4perry]

I have protested the huge deficit that is being built by our Congress. Does that equate me to be a racist? The answer is no. It is a tacktic of the extreme left to silence anyone who dares to disagree with their ideas. Call them a racist. It doesn't matter if it is true or not.

If you held your tongue during the past eight years while expenditures were not offset by either budget cuts of new taxes, your motives are suspect and should be questioned. Is it automatically a race issue? I don't think so. Personally, I think the rise of FOX News and the explosion of Limbaugh-wannabes has rendered the country nearly ungovernable under a Democratic administration. From here out, expect Teabaggers to put on tricorne hats and march on cue every time a Democrat wins.

Here is a history lesson for those who think the Democrats are such champions of the minorities. It was the Democrat party that made up a great deal of the Jim Crow laws. These "laws" were established to keep the black man as a second class citizen. They wouldn't even allow them to vote. The Democrats not only killed blacks but white Republicans. I could never support such a party, who now pander to the minorities because they know they will give them more votes. They sicken my stomach.

And here's a history lesson for you - those were southern democrats. Support for civil rights was divided down regional lines. Northern liberal Republicans supported Civil Rights. Currently, such liberal RINOS no longer exist in the party, or are being actively purged from it's ranks. After the Civil Rights act, the GOP's presidential candidate of that same year campaigned against it, and Dixiecrats like Strom Thurmond made the switch to the GOP. The party would go on to exploit "states rights" and the specter of “Cadillac driving welfare queens” for the next forty years.

Lincoln was the party of Republicans. Southern Democrats voted against anything the Republicans believed in. Tell me all of a sudden that the south became Republican run? Please. The south still votes primarily for the Democrats. And the North were not so chummy with blacks as they suggest. They did not do anything for quite some time for african americans. Keeping them in tennement houseing. Tell me how wonderful it is for them in the projects today.

[The_Noble_Cause]

The Republicans didn't fight for civil rights. They couldn't care less ..and in fact joined with southern Democrats several times to block legislation such as lynching laws.

That's not entirely true. The Democrats/LBJ pretty much stole the issue from the GOP. Historically, the issue had been theirs (Civil Rights Act of 1866, 1957). At the same time, those bills were pushed by Eisenhower and the Radical Republicans. Neither of whom have much in common with today's right wing.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter ... bills-196/

[artist4perry]

Look, understand one thing. I don't think all Democrats are monsters, on the contrary some are well meaning and are trying to help. But the same goes for Republicans. I just don't see a blanketed situation where all Dems or all Reps are racists.

I think Deano's heart is sincere. I think he means well and wants what is best for our country. But I beleive many here on both sides wish for the best for our country. I just get ill when I hear someone labled a racist because they disagree on policies.

And your right........southern Democrats were aweful. I have said as much. The KKK came from this party. I just don't see how any party has done all they can to help the minorities except for where it could harbor votes for them. It is shameful and wrong.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Lincoln was the party of Republicans.

I'm assuming you meant to say that the Republicans were the party of Lincoln? Either way, you're talking ancient history. The Republicans were also once the party of Teddy Roosevelt - probably the most radical and socialist president in our history. So? What's your point? Abolition was not politically popular and Lincoln didn't even run on it, so what are you trying to say?

Southern Democrats voted against anything the Republicans believed in. Tell me all of a sudden that the south became Republican run? Please. The south still votes primarily for the Democrats. And the North were not so chummy with blacks as they suggest. They did not do anything for quite some time for african americans. Keeping them in tennement houseing. Tell me how wonderful it is for them in the projects today.

I still don't know what you're talking about. The vote tally for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 speaks for itself.

[artist4perry]

Lincoln was the party of Republicans.

I'm assuming you meant to say that the Republicans were the party of Lincoln? Either way, you're talking ancient history. The Republicans were also once the party of Teddy Roosevelt - probably the most radical and socialist president in our history. So? What's your point? Abolition was not politically popular and Lincoln didn't even run on it, so what are you trying to say?

Southern Democrats voted against anything the Republicans believed in. Tell me all of a sudden that the south became Republican run?

Again, I have no idea what this means.

Please. The south still votes primarily for the Democrats. And the North were not so chummy with blacks as they suggest. They did not do anything for quite some time for african americans. Keeping them in tennement houseing. Tell me how wonderful it is for them in the projects today.

I still don't know what you're talking about. The vote tally for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 speaks for itself.

I was refering to Monker saying that the Southern Democrats switched parties. Many of the southern states still vote heavily Democrat. Arkansas being one of them. The vote tally for the civil rights act does not explain why in northern states african americans still are disadvantaged in their living and working conditions. It isn't just a southern problem as many northerners want to say. It is a problem all over. But to say that one is a racist because they vote for one party or the other is stupid. Both parties harbor racists that support them. Racists are all over this country. I have moved frequently and have seen racism everywhere I have lived. Skinheads are nothing more than modern day KKK. They reside up north and out west. Not one part of our country have an edge over being more supportive to minorities. I beleive it is ignorant people who harbor racism. Not an entire blanketed group.

[ohsherrie]

Here is a history lesson for those who think the Democrats are such champions of the minorities. It was the Democrat party that made up a great deal of the Jim Crow laws. These "laws" were established to keep the black man as a second class citizen. They wouldn't even allow them to vote. The Democrats not only killed blacks but white Republicans. I could never support such a party, who now pander to the minorities because they know they will give them more votes. They sicken my stomach.

I'm way ahead of you on that. Maybe you are the one who needs a history lesson.

In the early twentieth century the two parties virtually swapped social philosophies. The republican party that Lincoln belonged to, was started to champion the common man and for many the party of abolution.

During the industrial revolution it became the party of the Railroad and Industrial Barons. The Astors, Van Der Bilts, etc bought the party and the candidates that represented it. That's when it became the Grand Old Party. When the Military Industrial Complex began forming in the late 40's and early 50's it also became the party of the Industry of War. When the guns that were developed by and for the Industry of War started hitting the streets, it also became the party of gun worshipers and the all mighty gun lobby was formed. The Falwell Moral Majority's campaign to put Reagan in office is what made it the party of people who believe that all species of animals on the earth marched two by two onto a boat and road out a flood that covered the entire earth. That's where the party's base is today.

Over this period of time while the republican party was becoming what it is now, more and more people were becoming disenfranchised by that party because they weren't rich, or they didn't want to solve problems with guns and wars or didn't want to drink the bible thumpers' kool-aid or be told who they could love or what their reproductive rights were. They migrated to the Democratic party which has become the party of people who care about people and real human rights like the right to health care rather than the right to carry a gun and form a militia. People who believe every man's right to earn a decent living for his family is more important than a greedy corporate baron's right to put millions out of work to make billions and buy more politicians.

[Rockindeano]

Many of the southern states still vote heavily Democrat. Arkansas being one of them.

Huh? The South is Democratic? Are you high? Only just this year did some states in the South go blue(presidential politics). Virginia and North Carolina. I don't consider Florida a real "Southern state" as there is an influx of Northeast blue hairs who typically lean left moving into Florida. Hell Ginger, Arkansas and Tennessee didn't even go blue when Al Gore ran for president. He couldn't even carry his own state and if he had, he would have been president instead of that stupid sonofabitch we ended up getting. Obama carried NC and FL because he is black, and the fact Bush was so fucking terrible.

The South is more red than any place in the nation. Hell, the GOP has had a stronghold on it for decades. Again, I am talking presidential electoral college politics.

[The_Noble_Cause]

The vote tally for the civil rights act does not explain why in northern states african americans still are disadvantaged in their living and working conditions.

I can't speak to the larger question of racial income inequality. My only point is, it's a cartoon oversimplification to say all liberals were this way and all conservatives were that way. When it comes to civil rights, the history is not that cut and dry, there are regional and demographic factors. In some cases, a Northern Rockefeller Republican may be more liberal than a Southern Conservative Democrat.

It isn't just a southern problem as many northerners want to say. It is a problem all over. But to say that one is a racist because they vote for one party or the other is stupid. Both parties harbor racists that support them. Racists are all over this country. I have moved frequently and have seen racism everywhere I have lived. Skinheads are nothing more than modern day KKK. They reside up north and out west. Not one part of our country have an edge over being more supportive to minorities. I believe it is ignorant people who harbor racism. Not an entire blanketed group.

I agree 100%. I know racists who vote Democrat. I know racists that vote Republican.

[artist4perry]

Here is a history lesson for those who think the Democrats are such champions of the minorities. It was the Democrat party that made up a great deal of the Jim Crow laws. These "laws" were established to keep the black man as a second class citizen. They wouldn't even allow them to vote. The Democrats not only killed blacks but white Republicans. I could never support such a party, who now pander to the minorities because they know they will give them more votes. They sicken my stomach.

I'm way ahead of you on that. Maybe you are the one who needs a history lesson.

In the early twentieth century the two parties virtually swapped social philosophies. The republican party that Lincoln belonged to, was started to champion the common man and for many the party of abolution.

During the industrial revolution it became the party of the Railroad and Industrial Barons. The Astors, Van Der Bilts, etc bought the party and the candidates that represented it. That's when it became the Grand Old Party. When the Military Industrial Complex began forming in the late 40's and early 50's it also became the party of the Industry of War. When the guns that were developed by and for the Industry of War started hitting the streets, it also became the party of gun worshipers and the all mighty gun lobby was formed. The Falwell Moral Majority's campaign to put Reagan in office is what made it the party of people who believe that all species of animals on the earth marched two by two onto a boat and road out a flood that covered the entire earth. That's where the party's base is today.

Over this period of time while the republican party was becoming what it is now, more and more people were becoming disenfranchised by that party because they weren't rich, or they didn't want to solve problems with guns and wars or didn't want to drink the bible thumpers' kool-aid or be told who they could love or what their reproductive rights were. They migrated to the Democratic party which has become the party of people who care about people and real human rights like the right to health care rather than the right to carry a gun and form a militia. People who believe every man's right to earn a decent living for his family is more important than a greedy corporate baron's right to put millions out of work to make billions and buy more politicians.

Sweetie, I live in the south. This is the montra of far leftists. We are for the people. Right. I am not for the Republican party either. Look where I said both parties suck. I don't follow either party because they both have flaws.
Fallwell is a hypocritical nut job. Always was.

Being a christian myself I appreciate the Bible thumper comment........very funny......I have never tried to impose my personal beleifs on anyone. And I don't beleive that government should fund abortians. It is murder to those who don't belive in it. If you want it legal and want to pay for people to have it done with your money your entitled. I just don't personally feel it something I want to support with my tax dollars. I am for medical reform, not forced medical.

What we have here is a difference of oppinion on policy. I have no problem with you disagreeing with me at all. Choice is healthy, that is what our country is established on, freedom of choice.
You seem to follow all the revisionary history. All of a sudden the Democrats saw the light, and were so for the equality of man..........thus african american children still live in sub par houseing, and have low income jobs, or no jobs. This is in New York, California, the south and all over our country. That health care your talking about will make a family choose between getting manditory health care, or feeding a family. Do the Democrats mean well, yes, do the Republicans mean well? Yes. I think it is just a disagreement on pollicies. We all want what is best, but differ on how to go about it. I think we need to just scrap the whole party thing and just work on what is best.

[ohsherrie]

The South is more red than any place in the nation.

Yeah, especially the necks of the rethug base down here. Those are the gun toting bible thumpers.

[artist4perry]

The South is more red than any place in the nation.

Yeah, especially the necks of the rethug base down here. Those are the gun toting bible thumpers.

I live in the south, my neck is not red, and I am not a redneck. Do some live here? yes. They are poor whites mostly. Ignorance as I said breeds bigotry. I am a christian as I said. I have no gun and don't want one. I do know many good people who hunt to keep the population of deer and other animals down plus to help feed their family. You seem very against Christians and owners of guns. Last time I checked the Constitution protects our rights to both.

[ohsherrie]

Last time I checked the Constitution protects our rights to both.

Last I checked nobody was trying to take those rights away, we just don't want you trying to impose your beliefs on us or making laws that require us to live and teach our children according to your tenets.

I'm not against Christians per se, I'm against all organized religion because I believe them to be the biggest cons ever perpetrated upon mankind and the cause of more war and destruction of life than anything else in history.

I also live in the south, and my husband is an avid hunter, but he doesn't pay dues to the gun lobby because he sees it for the rip off and negative influence on the government that it is. He's seen too many people that he's grown up around or known his entire life, who are so poor that they have to hunt to feed their families but will dutifully put one dollar out of every 10 in a damned collection plate to support the preacher and unfailingly pay their NRA dues. They're the ones around here that have signs in their yard saying "I'm NRA and I Vote". Guess who they vote for.

[artist4perry]

Last time I checked the Constitution protects our rights to both.

Last I checked nobody was trying to take those rights away, we just don't want you trying to impose your beliefs on us or making laws that require us to live and teach our children according to your tenets.

I'm not against Christians per se, I'm against all organized religion because I believe them to be the biggest cons ever perpetrated upon mankind and the cause of more war and destruction of life than anything else in history.

I also live in the south, and my husband is an avid hunter, but he doesn't pay dues to the gun lobby because he sees it for the rip off and negative influence on the government that it is. He's seen too many people that he's grown up around or known his entire life, who are so poor that they have to hunt to feed their families but will dutifully put one dollar out of every 10 in a damned collection plate to support the preacher and unfailingly pay their NRA dues. They're the ones around here that have signs in their yard saying "I'm NRA and I Vote". Guess who they vote for.

What part of the south do you live in? Just curious. I am not for the NRA either, don't get me wrong on that. My faith is not an organized religion. Each church is to itself, we do not have a headquarters, or group running the whole deal. I beleive hypocrites used religion as a cause to do horrible acts in history. If you study Christ's teachings you know he said he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword. He was not for violence of any kind......even though he suffered at the hands of violent people. I am not touting the good of any party. Both are flawed.

[ohsherrie]

You seem to follow all the revisionary history. All of a sudden the Democrats saw the light, and were so for the equality of man..........thus african american children still live in sub par houseing, and have low income jobs, or no jobs. This is in New York, California, the south and all over our country. That health care your talking about will make a family choose between getting manditory health care, or feeding a family. Do the Democrats mean well, yes, do the Republicans mean well? Yes. I think it is just a disagreement on pollicies. We all want what is best, but differ on how to go about it. I think we need to just scrap the whole party thing and just work on what is best.

If the Democrats had stayed in power as they rightfully should have in 2000 there wouldn't be nearly as many people of all colors and ethnicity living in poverty in this country as there are since Bush sold all of our jobs to the highest corporate bidder and there wouldn't be nearly as many people without health care coverage.

I do agree that we need to scrap the party system.

Oh, and I live in Virgina.

[lights1961]

Last time I checked the Constitution protects our rights to both.

Last I checked nobody was trying to take those rights away, we just don't want you trying to impose your beliefs on us or making laws that require us to live and teach our children according to your tenets.

I'm not against Christians per se, I'm against all organized religion because I believe them to be the biggest cons ever perpetrated upon mankind and the cause of more war and destruction of life than anything else in history.

I also live in the south, and my husband is an avid hunter, but he doesn't pay dues to the gun lobby because he sees it for the rip off and negative influence on the government that it is. He's seen too many people that he's grown up around or known his entire life, who are so poor that they have to hunt to feed their families but will dutifully put one dollar out of every 10 in a damned collection plate to support the preacher and unfailingly pay their NRA dues. They're the ones around here that have signs in their yard saying "I'm NRA and I Vote". Guess who they vote for.

well its been awhile then since you checked... brady bill #1... altering the rights to bear arms... is first step in taking the rights away... ask smokers... and it never ceases to amaze me this line... Iam not against religion... per se... against all religion??? relegion is not to be against... its be studied...and in the religion you believe in, you believe that there is someone higher than you... this line shows
that you are intolerant... with out trying to be intolerant... you cant have it both ways... you cant be not against christians per se, but against ALL organized religion... period.

[artist4perry]

Oh sherrie just one more thing........I don't have a problem not teaching religion in school. That is a parents choice not the schools. I am a teacher by trade, and I do not ever teach religion in an art class. I do teach about religion as far as art history goes because it is part of the Middle ages, and most of midevil art. Also about muslim faiths due to the muslim era of art. But not the tenents of either religion........just that both were a part of each history. Matter of fact kind of thing.

Oh and hello Virginia! I hear it is pretty out there.

[ohsherrie]

well its been awhile then since you checked... brady bill #1... altering the rights to bear arms... is first step in taking the rights away... ask smokers... and it never ceases to amaze me this line... Iam not against religion... per se... against all religion??? relegion is not to be against... its be studied...and in the religion you believe in, you believe that there is someone higher than you... this line shows
that you are intolerant... with out trying to be intolerant... you cant have it both ways... you cant be not against christians per se, but against ALL organized religion... period.

Nobody has done anything to take away the "right to bear arms" that is in the constitution. When that document was written the there were no automatic or even semi-automatic weapons and there is no reason for anybody to need to own one.

I said I'm not against "Christians" per se, I just don't buy the fantasies. I am against organized religion because it is a con and just another of mankind's means of gaining power and control over others. I couldn't care less what any individual person wants to believe as long as they don't try to impose it on me or influence the society and culture that I live in with it.

[Rockindeano]

Last time I checked the Constitution protects our rights to both.

Last I checked nobody was trying to take those rights away, we just don't want you trying to impose your beliefs on us or making laws that require us to live and teach our children according to your tenets.

I'm not against Christians per se, I'm against all organized religion because I believe them to be the biggest cons ever perpetrated upon mankind and the cause of more war and destruction of life than anything else in history.

I also live in the south, and my husband is an avid hunter, but he doesn't pay dues to the gun lobby because he sees it for the rip off and negative influence on the government that it is. He's seen too many people that he's grown up around or known his entire life, who are so poor that they have to hunt to feed their families but will dutifully put one dollar out of every 10 in a damned collection plate to support the preacher and unfailingly pay their NRA dues. They're the ones around here that have signs in their yard saying "I'm NRA and I Vote". Guess who they vote for.

well its been awhile then since you checked... brady bill #1... altering the rights to bear arms... is first step in taking the rights away... ask smokers... and it never ceases to amaze me this line... Iam not against religion... per se... against all religion??? relegion is not to be against... its be studied...and in the religion you believe in, you believe that there is someone higher than you... this line shows
that you are intolerant... with out trying to be intolerant... you cant have it both ways... you cant be not against christians per se, but against ALL organized religion... period.

Dude, check yourself- the Brady Bill is a great bill. It has no intentions of taking away the 2nd amendment. It has to do with making sure the proper channels are followed so that certain individuals do not get their hands on guns. The asshole that shot Brady...you still think he should be granted the right to bear arms? LOL, come on man...no one is taking hunting rifles away...stop blindly following the fucking NRA for Christ's sake. The bill is to ensure the safety of the American citizen, "rights" be damned. The Constitution guarantees the citizens of this nation the "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" not go walk down the street and get shot at because someone needs their gun fix. The NRA is laughable. These assclowns advocate the need to possess machine guns and automatic weapons. Where's the need for that shit? Really?

[Rockindeano]

I said I'm not against "Christians" per se, I just don't buy the fantasies. I am against organized religion because it is a con and just another of mankind's means of gaining power and control over others. I couldn't care less what any individual person wants to believe as long as they don't try to impose it on me or influence the society and culture that I live in with it.

See Catholic Church. A most corrupt entity that feels they are above the law. Such a crock of shit. They hide behind their horrific wrongdoings in the name of Christ. Fuck that.

[ohsherrie]

Oh sherrie just one more thing........I don't have a problem not teaching religion in school. That is a parents choice not the schools. I am a teacher by trade, and I do not ever teach religion in an art class. I do teach about religion as far as art history goes because it is part of the Middle ages, and most of midevil art. Also about muslim faiths due to the muslim era of art. But not the tenents of either religion........just that both were a part of each history. Matter of fact kind of thing.

Oh and hello Virginia! I hear it is pretty out there.

I don't care much for the Russian Icons and some of the more impressionistic styles of religious art, but some renaissance art is beautiful. The history of the relationship between art and religion is interesting and at times a little disturbing.

I don't consider that teaching religion as long as the students are taught to appreciate the "art" of it and not to worship the subject matter.


Yes, there is still some beautiful country around here. A lot of it has been destroyed due to the relaxed environmental laws that has led to wholesale clear-cutting of so much of our hardwood forests.

[lights1961]

Last time I checked the Constitution protects our rights to both.

Last I checked nobody was trying to take those rights away, we just don't want you trying to impose your beliefs on us or making laws that require us to live and teach our children according to your tenets.

I'm not against Christians per se, I'm against all organized religion because I believe them to be the biggest cons ever perpetrated upon mankind and the cause of more war and destruction of life than anything else in history.

I also live in the south, and my husband is an avid hunter, but he doesn't pay dues to the gun lobby because he sees it for the rip off and negative influence on the government that it is. He's seen too many people that he's grown up around or known his entire life, who are so poor that they have to hunt to feed their families but will dutifully put one dollar out of every 10 in a damned collection plate to support the preacher and unfailingly pay their NRA dues. They're the ones around here that have signs in their yard saying "I'm NRA and I Vote". Guess who they vote for.

well its been awhile then since you checked... brady bill #1... altering the rights to bear arms... is first step in taking the rights away... ask smokers... and it never ceases to amaze me this line... Iam not against religion... per se... against all religion??? relegion is not to be against... its be studied...and in the religion you believe in, you believe that there is someone higher than you... this line shows
that you are intolerant... with out trying to be intolerant... you cant have it both ways... you cant be not against christians per se, but against ALL organized religion... period.

Dude, check yourself- the Brady Bill is a great bill. It has no intentions of taking away the 2nd amendment. It has to do with making sure the proper channels are followed so that certain individuals do not get their hands on guns. The asshole that shot Brady...you still think he should be granted the right to bear arms? LOL, come on man...no one is taking hunting rifles away...stop blindly following the fucking NRA for Christ's sake. The bill is to ensure the safety of the American citizen, "rights" be damned. The Constitution guarantees the citizens of this nation the "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" not go walk down the street and get shot at because someone needs their gun fix. The NRA is laughable. These assclowns advocate the need to possess machine guns and automatic weapons. Where's the need for that shit? Really?

nah... if they are assholes.. the the pro choice advocates are the same way...

the NRA want to make sure nothing and I mean nothing changes in the document of the 2nd admendment... just like the pro abortion side prtects there rights...and wants nothing to intefer with the ROE vs WADE... issue....both extreme... and both think they are right...

and ohsherrie...no worries on the religion thingy... we just have a different philosphy about what its about...

but its good to get back in the debate...

[ohsherrie]

and ohsherrie...no worries on the religion thingy... we just have a different philosphy about what its about...

but its good to get back in the debate...

Yeah, I didn't realize how much I missed it.

[artist4perry]

well its been awhile then since you checked... brady bill #1... altering the rights to bear arms... is first step in taking the rights away... ask smokers... and it never ceases to amaze me this line... Iam not against religion... per se... against all religion??? relegion is not to be against... its be studied...and in the religion you believe in, you believe that there is someone higher than you... this line shows
that you are intolerant... with out trying to be intolerant... you cant have it both ways... you cant be not against christians per se, but against ALL organized religion... period.

Nobody has done anything to take away the "right to bear arms" that is in the constitution. When that document was written the there were no automatic or even semi-automatic weapons and there is no reason for anybody to need to own one.

I said I'm not against "Christians" per se, I just don't buy the fantasies. I am against organized religion because it is a con and just another of mankind's means of gaining power and control over others. I couldn't care less what any individual person wants to believe as long as they don't try to impose it on me or influence the society and culture that I live in with it.

We all influence society and culture every day. And I don't have a problem with anyone not beleiving in religion. But the extremisms of doing away with christmas......removing the name of God from everything spending billions of dollars to do so . Is some peoples way of snuffing the freedom of expression of religion. No one has to celebrate christmas. No guns are held to anyones head to buy a tree or a present. I don't care if someone wants to put up a minora or a budda or whatever floats their boat. If I don't believe in it, an immage somewhere on court street is not going to make me all of a sudden switch faith or beleifs. Tolerence goes for all of it. Tolerence for the cross in front of the church. Tolerence for the Nativity scene. (By the way, I don't celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday) Tolerence for all.

We all have an influence. I don't beleive in forced religion, or cramming it down anyones throat. If you force someone to believe.........do they believe or are they pretending to protect themselves? You completely do away with the whole premise of most religions........personal will to choose. It should be a choice and not forced.

Society and culture has had religion as an influence throughout history of this nation. Morals? Where do morals come from? Amazingly enough they mirror Christian morals. Thou shalt not kill. Though shalt not steal. etc......

[ohsherrie]

Society and culture has had religion as an influence throughout history of this nation. Morals? Where do morals come from? Amazingly enough they mirror Christian morals. Thou shalt not kill. Though shalt not steal. etc......

People began organizing societal codes long before those codes were attributed to a religious tenet. People began burying and paying homage to their beloved dead long before there was any religious connotation applied to it. Mankind developed religion out of ignorance at a time when there were no scientific explanations for their existence or many of the phenomena that they witnessed or experienced in their lives.

But, if you like thinking otherwise that's OK too. I love Christmas, but like you said, not as a religious holiday. It's more of a winter festival type of thing with me. I think the only reason it's, unlike Easter, still recognized in government agencies as a national holiday is because the economy is so dependent upon it.

[Rockindeano]

We all influence society and culture every day. And I don't have a problem with anyone not beleiving in religion. But the extremisms of doing away with christmas......removing the name of God from everything spending billions of dollars to do so . Is some peoples way of snuffing the freedom of expression of religion. No one has to celebrate christmas. No guns are held to anyones head to buy a tree or a present. I don't care if someone wants to put up a minora or a budda or whatever floats their boat. If I don't believe in it, an immage somewhere on court street is not going to make me all of a sudden switch faith or beleifs. Tolerence goes for all of it. Tolerence for the cross in front of the church. Tolerence for the Nativity scene. (By the way, I don't celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday) Tolerence for all.

This is a good post. Tolerance needs to work each and every direction. I do feel Christmas is unfairly leaned against. Too much of nothing is done to do away with Christmas. People should respect each other's desires and not be so fuckin fickle. Big deal, it's a Goddamned manger scene? WTF is the big damned deal? Now I am getting riled up.

[artist4perry]

Society and culture has had religion as an influence throughout history of this nation. Morals? Where do morals come from? Amazingly enough they mirror Christian morals. Thou shalt not kill. Though shalt not steal. etc......

People began organizing societal codes long before those codes were attributed to a religious tenet. People began burying and paying homage to their beloved dead long before there was any religious connotation applied to it. Mankind developed religion out of ignorance at a time when there were no scientific explanations for their existence or many of the phenomena that they witnessed or experienced in their lives.

But, if you like thinking otherwise that's OK too. I love Christmas, but like you said, not as a religious holiday. It's more of a winter festival type of thing with me. I think the only reason it's, unlike Easter, still recognized in government agencies as a national holiday is because the economy is so dependent upon it.

I guess on this we agree to disagree. I think man has always had a sense of God, thus the morals we all instintively have. I think the world in all its wonders is too complex to be mere accident, but by great design. As an artist I strive daily to improve on my hopeless quest for perfection of image reproduction. It is so complex in beautiful......even the common frog, or bugs have a beauty of their own, and purpose. How all things serve a purpose, and work in simbionic (sp?) harmony one with the other. Such complexities mere accidents? That takes a great deal of faith in my oppinion. But again, I have no problem with anyone not beleiving. I just ask to have tolerence to allow me my faith. And you seem to be kind enough to do so.

Christmas helps the economy, good will to others, and gets a few grouches to give up the humbug............its all good. It allows families to spend much needed time together as well. Those who don't like it, can look at it this way........christmas comes but once a year. And they get to buy stuff cheeper!

[Rockindeano]

.even the common frog, or bugs have a beauty of their own, and purpose. How all things serve a purpose, and work in simbionic (sp?)

Oh Hell no. The water moccasin serves absolutely NO purpose other than to scare the shit out people.

[ScarabGator]

.even the common frog, or bugs have a beauty of their own, and purpose. How all things serve a purpose, and work in simbionic (sp?)

Oh Hell no. The water moccasin serves absolutely NO purpose other than to scare the shit out people.

I see those motherfuckers all the time out here in the woods!!!!!