This past election the voice of the clear majority of Americans was politically silenced.
We were silenced by the results of the fatal flaw in our democratic representative republic. The Electoral College proved to be the poison pill in our Constitution that abetted a tyranny of the minority, the Extremist Minority.
Yes there were factors apart from the Electoral College that had some effect. Turnout is always an element. The partisan interference by a crooked FBI director was an unprecedented corruption of his office. An open invitation for Russian hacking from Trump revealed the warped and unpatriotic character of our next president. Corporate media’s false equivalences and Clinton’s flaws provide many answers to how it happened.
The reasons don’t matter so much anymore. The damage has been done. Something else matters now.
When the Extremist Minority seizes one-party rule, resistance is the only recourse for the majority. We the people, we the Silenced Majority, must resist. We resist, or the authoritarian agenda forged by the hate-fueled Extremist Minority will prevail, until the inevitable destructions wrought by such tyranny ensue.
We must understand, even if we resist quickly, we may not be able to prevent or delay those destructions inevitably wrought by tyranny.
We the Silenced Majority must resist by wielding our power, our right of free speech. And we must resist emphatically, while we still have that right.
What is left of our free press will be further muzzled by the Extremist Minority. Far Right propaganda will be intensified. Dissent will be suppressed and viciously attacked.
This is certain.
But we have to remember how the Extremist Minority rose to power.
Nobody whined louder than the racist and greedy Tea Party fringe when the dreaded Black Man won the White House. FOX(R) sponsored their events and gave them their megaphone. Ever the lapdogs, corporate media followed.
The Tea Party cult was never a majority, but they dominated the political discourse through constant attention from the corporate media. Trump would employ this tactic with a vengeance. His racist and demonizing birtherism fostered hate and ignorance in the most gullible and bigoted of our population. Throughout the election year, no voice was heard more than his in our corporate broadcast media.
Bullies are always the loudest.
We the majority must be louder.
And we need to learn something else from the Tea Party. We must be more active. We must march. We must speak. We must write, and call our representatives and senators until they listen and respond.
We must attend any forum or town hall meeting that allows us to voice our concerns to House and Senate members.
They will be under great pressure to conform to the dictates of the Extremist Minority Administration and the Republican Party.
They must understand they will be hearing from us until the agenda of the Extremist Minority is defeated. They must know they will be voted out if they fail to defend our cause for freedom, equality and democracy.
We the people, we the Silenced Majority, must demand our rights. We must demand our Constitutional regulation of commerce, and our Constitutional provision for the general welfare. We must demand public ownership and benefit from public resources. We must demand public education and public health.
If we do not, the Extremist Minority will sell it all off, or outright give it to their friends.
We must demand an end to aggressive militarism. We must demand an end to brutal law enforcement and unjust laws. We must demand living wages, safer working conditions, and employee rights.
We must expose the corruptions, and demand accountability from the elites of the Extremist Minority.
The barbarians have crashed the gates and taken power. Civilization and humanity are imperiled by a narcissistic, authoritarian lunatic endorsing another nuclear arms race. He has a cabinet and advisors consisting of billionaires, racists, and paranoid, conspiracy mongering generals. This merging of authoritarian power is how fascism takes hold over democracy.
The struggle for freedom, justice, equality and democracy never ends.
If we do not resist with conviction and passion, we shall certainly surrender in final defeat to the tyranny of the Extremist Minority.
We were silenced by the results of the fatal flaw in our democratic representative republic. The Electoral College proved to be the poison pill in our Constitution that abetted a tyranny of the minority, the Extremist Minority.
Yes there were factors apart from the Electoral College that had some effect. Turnout is always an element. The partisan interference by a crooked FBI director was an unprecedented corruption of his office. An open invitation for Russian hacking from Trump revealed the warped and unpatriotic character of our next president. Corporate media’s false equivalences and Clinton’s flaws provide many answers to how it happened.
The reasons don’t matter so much anymore. The damage has been done. Something else matters now.
When the Extremist Minority seizes one-party rule, resistance is the only recourse for the majority. We the people, we the Silenced Majority, must resist. We resist, or the authoritarian agenda forged by the hate-fueled Extremist Minority will prevail, until the inevitable destructions wrought by such tyranny ensue.
We must understand, even if we resist quickly, we may not be able to prevent or delay those destructions inevitably wrought by tyranny.
We the Silenced Majority must resist by wielding our power, our right of free speech. And we must resist emphatically, while we still have that right.
What is left of our free press will be further muzzled by the Extremist Minority. Far Right propaganda will be intensified. Dissent will be suppressed and viciously attacked.
This is certain.
But we have to remember how the Extremist Minority rose to power.
Nobody whined louder than the racist and greedy Tea Party fringe when the dreaded Black Man won the White House. FOX(R) sponsored their events and gave them their megaphone. Ever the lapdogs, corporate media followed.
The Tea Party cult was never a majority, but they dominated the political discourse through constant attention from the corporate media. Trump would employ this tactic with a vengeance. His racist and demonizing birtherism fostered hate and ignorance in the most gullible and bigoted of our population. Throughout the election year, no voice was heard more than his in our corporate broadcast media.
Bullies are always the loudest.
We the majority must be louder.
And we need to learn something else from the Tea Party. We must be more active. We must march. We must speak. We must write, and call our representatives and senators until they listen and respond.
We must attend any forum or town hall meeting that allows us to voice our concerns to House and Senate members.
They will be under great pressure to conform to the dictates of the Extremist Minority Administration and the Republican Party.
They must understand they will be hearing from us until the agenda of the Extremist Minority is defeated. They must know they will be voted out if they fail to defend our cause for freedom, equality and democracy.
We the people, we the Silenced Majority, must demand our rights. We must demand our Constitutional regulation of commerce, and our Constitutional provision for the general welfare. We must demand public ownership and benefit from public resources. We must demand public education and public health.
If we do not, the Extremist Minority will sell it all off, or outright give it to their friends.
We must demand an end to aggressive militarism. We must demand an end to brutal law enforcement and unjust laws. We must demand living wages, safer working conditions, and employee rights.
We must expose the corruptions, and demand accountability from the elites of the Extremist Minority.
The barbarians have crashed the gates and taken power. Civilization and humanity are imperiled by a narcissistic, authoritarian lunatic endorsing another nuclear arms race. He has a cabinet and advisors consisting of billionaires, racists, and paranoid, conspiracy mongering generals. This merging of authoritarian power is how fascism takes hold over democracy.
The struggle for freedom, justice, equality and democracy never ends.
If we do not resist with conviction and passion, we shall certainly surrender in final defeat to the tyranny of the Extremist Minority.
Posts
308 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 308 of 308Nat Hentoff, the honest liberal, dead at 91.
http://www.enterstageright.com/archive/articles/0499hentoff.htm
Thanks for the notice, Chuck.
Just the facts from an honest liberal.
https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/trumps-dangerous-war-press-freedom
From: Trump’s Dangerous War on Press Freedom
By Nat Hentoff and Nick Hentoff
“I like scrutiny,” Trump told journalists at a press conference this week, before repeatedly maligning them as “dishonest,” “sleazy,” “disgusting” and “not good people” who “make me look very bad.”
Trump’s outrageous attacks are only the latest assault in a war on press freedom he has waged throughout his campaign, and which he told a journalist at the press conference he intends to carry on into the White House.
At his rallies, Trump has frequently belittled journalists, whom he keeps restricted to a small fenced pen. He’s called reporters “liars,” low-lifes” and “dishonest scum,” as he singles them out for ridicule before the jeering crowd.
“We’re going to open up libel laws and we’re going to have people sue you like you’ve never got sued before,” Trump told journalists at one rally, promising to punish the publication of “purposely negative stories.”
“Donald Trump misunderstands — or, more likely, simply opposes — the role a free press plays in a democratic society,” said Thomas Burr, the National Press Club president. “Reporters are supposed to hold public figures accountable. Any American political candidate who attacks the press for doing its job is campaigning in the wrong country. In the United States, under our Constitution, a free press is a check on politicians of all parties.
“If we are to demand that other countries respect the tradition of a free press, we must also practice that here at home.”
But don’t expect any such demands from Trump if he’s elected president.
Obama Accuses Sanders Supporters Of Undermining Obamacare
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-01-08/obama-accuses-sanders-supporters-undermining-obamacare
"Bush's war in Iraq killed far more Christians than Che and Castro combined."
I suspect this is another lie from you, prove it's not with your source or retract.
Whose is your Saviour DD?
"Bush's war in Iraq killed far more Christians than Che and Castro combined."
Not that Cuba is a liberal democracy:
Death Penalty Law Status
Abolitionist de facto. The last execution in Cuba took place in 2003
We believe that there is no-one under sentence of death in Cuba. There was no one on death row at the end of 2014, and we have recorded no new death sentences since then. On December 28, 2010, Cuba’s Supreme Court commuted the death sentence of Cuba’s last remaining death row inmate, a Cuban-American convicted of a murder carried out during a 1994 terrorist invasion of the island.
http://www.deathpenaltyworldwide.org/country-search-post.cfm?country=cuba
Wiki:
Various estimates have been made to ascertain the number of political executions carried out on behalf of the Cuban government in Cuba since the revolution. According to Amnesty International, death sentences from 1959–87 numbered 237 of which all but 21 were actually carried out.
The vast majority of those executed following the 1959 revolution were policemen, politicians and informers of the Batista regime accused of crimes such as torture and murder, and their public trials and executions had widespread popular support among the Cuban population. Most scholars agree that those executed were probably guilty as accused, but that the trials did not follow due process.
==
And then there are the dead Iraqi Christians tolerated by Saddam but killed in the civil war Bush created.
How the Iraq War Became a War on Christians
In March 2003, on the eve of war in Iraq, Pope John Paul II dispatched Cardinal Pio Laghi, a senior Vatican diplomat, to Washington to make a final plea to Bush not to invade. Laghi, chosen for his close ties to the Bush family, outlined “clearly and forcefully” the Vatican’s fears of what would follow an invasion: protracted war, significant casualties, violence between ethnic and religious groups, regional destabilization, “and a new gulf between Christianity and Islam.” The warning was not heeded.
Rosie Malek-Yonan, an Assyrian Christian who testified before Congress, would call the Bush administration a “silent accomplice” to “incipient genocide.” Anglican Canon Andrew White of Baghdad’s Ecumenical Congregation captured the reality with blunt precision: “All of my leadership were taken and killed—all dead.”
One day, Bush may look back on the neglect of the Middle East’s Christians with similar regret. Cardinal Laghi would recall that Bush “seemed to truly believe in a war of good against evil,” that his work was providential. “You might start, and you don’t know how to end it,” the prelate warned. In this sense, the Iraq War continues, and with it the deliberate extinction of Middle Eastern Christians.
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/how-the-iraq-war-became-a-war-on-christians/
"So whose pussy did Jesus grab?"
Context:
Dear Leader says he never needed to ask for forgiveness. It must be OKIYAR.
You ask what Christian would make such a repulsive and foul comment, but don't question the person who boasted of committing the repulsive and foul deed.
What kind of Christian would tolerate that from their Dear Leader? What kind of Christian supports torture? What kind of Christian defrauds people in a Trump University scam? What kind of Christian wants to give the rich tax cuts, and reduce food stamps for the poor? Etc, etc, etc.
Thank you for exposing the real you.
DD,
Do you know what this term means?
"In this sense"
More bad news for DD, JG and liberals every where.
Fiat to invest $1 billion in Michigan, Ohio plants, create 2,000 jobs.
Trump’s Unexpected Win Has Democrats Coping With A Vastly Smaller Job Market For Their Skills…
There is no longer a jobs market for degree holders in unicorn breeding and rainbow identification.
The job market is about to get even more crowded for Washington Democrats, as thousands of Obama appointees join the hundreds of Clinton campaign staffers looking for employment.
Time to get a real job!!!
"One of my personal goals for the New Dark Age of Trump is to patronize more Mexican, Arab and Black owned restaurants and businesses. "
Glad to see you're a practicing capitalist!!
As long they are owned, operated by American citizens, and the people they employee are legal citizens, sounds like a great way to spend your income. Even more good news is after Trump's tax cuts take effect you'll have more of your own money to spend!
Win win win
"Anti-Mexican bigotry was the reason cannabis was criminalized and the disastrous war on drugs was launched. " Sure DD, it's all about race isn't it?
How bizarre!
Dave Dubya: "One of my personal goals for the New Dark Age of Trump is to patronize more Mexican, Arab and Black owned restaurants and businesses."
Good for you, Dave. We certainly see eye-to-eye on this. I've actually been doing this for several years. I no longer frequent corporate chain-owned restaurants, and always "eat local". If I can't, I eat at home.
By the way, I just replied to the so-called Christian, RepubliKlan Chuck ("Majormajor"), on Tom's latest post. I'm sure Tom won't release it until he gets over his post-election binge. Nonetheless, Chuck is up to his usual stupidity. The nitwit just refuses to read. No change.
Chuck,
Obviously you didn't understand me when I said I'm a democratic socialist and capitalist. I understand capitalism often fails and socialism is the only remedy for those failures. We need both, not one or the other.
But that kind of thinking is alien to your cult of the Free Market God.
As long they are owned, operated by American citizens, and the people they employee are legal citizens
That rules out patronizing Trump businesses, doesn't it?
I'm not rich, but my house is paid for and I am reasonably well off. Much to be thankful for. Not greedy for wealth, mansions, planes and yachts.
Google "Marijuana prohibition Mexicans" for a history lesson.
Learning. "How bizarre".
Meanwhile emboldened Trumpists are at it again.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/salvadorhernandez/maryland-racist-note?utm_term=.af6NA6px9l#.wwp3ZEKq1b
A Jewish Couple Say They Received A Racist Note After Hanging A Black Lives Matter Flag
Police are investigating the alleged note, which contained a hand-drawn, yellow Star of David and the word “Jude.” ("Jew" in German)
Jewish couple Sonya and Mikey Franklin also told BuzzFeed News their Rockville home was vandalized with toilet paper thrown around their trees and eggs thrown at the side of their car.
“The purpose was to scare us, and they succeeded because we’re scared,” Mikey Franklin told BuzzFeed News. “Not that people will harm us, but that there are people that would do this in our very diverse area.”
The handwritten note, scribbled in a block-type handwriting, also included a yellow star of David and the word “Jude” (German for Jew), similar to the badges Nazis made Jewish people wear during the Holocaust.
This is Klan-servative fascism. This is Klan-servative terrorism. And yes, this is all about race.
What do YOU think it's about, Chuck?
Trump isn't an American citizen?
And yes if Trump hires illegals at one of his business then I will not spend my money at that business. Would you do same at a non Trump business?
"alleged note" that's what I read, how'd you miss that"
What do you think about the 4 blacks kidnapped and tortured a mentaly disabled white man?
Hate Crime or work place violence
There's a photo of the "alleged note".
Sorry you can't read anything, or look at pictures, that indicate Klan-servative hate.
Deflect much?
--
And yes if Trump hires illegals at one of his business then I will not spend my money at that business.
I'm happy to help your cause.
=
Trump Hired Polish Illegal Immigrants to Build Trump Tower
And that's not even the worst part.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/trump-hired-polish-illegal-immigrants-to-build-trump-tower/article/2001294
==
...it’s worth looking back at the ways he has benefited both personally and professionally from a, let us say, relaxed attitude toward U.S. immigration law.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/08/30/donald_trump_s_history_of_using_undocumented_immigrant_labors.html
==
Trump’s Dirty History of Hiring and Exploiting Undocumented Workers
From models...
For a cot in a small room with five other people, Trump Model Management charged the women $1600 a month. But Trump had these models right where he wanted them as reflected in “Anna’s” observations.
Each of the three former Trump models said she arrived in New York with dreams of making it big in one of the world’s most competitive fashion markets. But without work visas, they lived in constant fear of getting caught. “I was pretty on edge most of the time I was there,” Anna said of the three months in 2009 she spent in New York working for Trump’s agency.
Anna and Kate said the company coached them on how to circumvent immigration laws. Kate recalled being told, “When you’re stuck at immigration, say that you’re coming as a tourist. If they go through your luggage and they find your portfolio, tell them that you’re going there to look for an agent.
...To construction workers;
Trump Tower was built by undocumented workers.
According to testimony in a protracted civil suit in federal court, the laborers were paid $5 an hour or less when they were paid at all. Some went unpaid after the contractor had financial troubles. A few never received even the paltry sum that was owed them for their dirty and hazardous efforts preceding the construction of Trump’s monument to his own wealth.
The common element between Trump’s models and the people who built Trump Tower doesn’t end with the fact that Trump knew they were undocumented. He exploited them knowing full well that fear is more powerful than any gag order. The fear of deportation assured Trump he could stiff them without consequence and subject these human beings to sub-human working conditions.
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/09/02/trumps-dirty-history-hiring-exploiting-undocumented-workers.html
Chuck "majormajor" Morre: "What do you think about the 4 blacks kidnapped and tortured a mentaly disabled white man?"
Chuck, this is my first time hearing about this! Did they hurt you badly? I'm sorry for your misfortune. Get better soon.
JG,
You just proved that you are a low information elitist liberal.
Still praying for you.
;)
Chuck, besides already being barbarized, you now have to contend with being brutalized. Very sad. Don't worry, the prayers and well-wishes from around the world will mend you quickly.
I hope you paid your last health insurance premium.
Chuck, why didn't you read the articles first, before leaving the links to the three sites you claimed proved there were plans proposed by the GOP to replace the Affordable Care Act? All three articles said otherwise.
I'm sure you're embarrassed -- and rightfully, should be. That's quite a stupid error you made. But don't worry... I will not laugh this time. [snicker]
Chuck, you're nothing but a typical RepubliKlan Christian imposter. You're supportive of kicking at least 30 million people to the curb -- with absolutely nothing to replace what's in place. Jesus would never have condoned this, yet you support this.
All in an attempt to spite the black man. Chuck, you're a fake and a fraud.
(By the way, it's still funny that you never took the time to read the articles you claimed proved the GOP had plenty of plans to replace the ACA. What's even more amusing is that the articles you referenced actually supported the main theme of Tom Degan's post. Smooth move, Ex-Lax!) [snicker]
Still praying or you JG.
JG,
Are you sure it's not 20 million or 40 million? Better stop using Buzz Feed as your source.
Is it spite to say that blacks are not better off today than they were 8 years ago?
Is it spite to quote AG Holder's black crime statistics?
It's always about race and racism with you JG isn't it. Even when there is none, at it's core, it's about racism.
Is it spite to say blacks can commit a hate crime?
Do you feel spite towards Clarence Thomas, Larry Elder, Tony Dungy, Thomas Sowell, Star Parker or any conservative black?
Is it spite to point out the laws regarding pot in Mexico and the USA are almost the same? That's spite towards the black man? Pointing out that fact is bigotry towards Mexicans?
Is it spite when you mock the faith of others? I readily admit I'm not perfect, that I'm completely capable of doing wrong for what I believe to be the right reasons. I know that I have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But I also know that God forgives my failures, my falling short when He provided the substitute to bear the punishment due me. It is that substitute which I claim as my only redemption, not my good thoughts, good deeds. God does not "grade" on the curve.
Is it spite for you, one who doesn't believe that Jesus is the only substitute given to pay for your failures to meet the standards of a righteous God, to claim I am a fake Christian when I don't meet your standards of the very faith you mock?
Despite your best efforts JG, I am still praying for you.
I have to thank Chuck for his momentary lapse of honesty.
I readily admit I'm not perfect, that I'm completely capable of doing wrong for what I believe to be the right reasons.
“Doing wrong for the right reasons” is not the message of Jesus. It is the agenda of the radical Right. Business is business, amirite?
This is the dark heart of authoritarianism. The ends justify the means. This is the Con-servative Creed. This is why they lie, cheat, deny science, suppress democracy, spread hate, and level false accusations. It is in service to their far Right ideology and ultimate service to mammon.
The fact others suffer for their beliefs is irrelevant.
How many wrongs will be committed in service to their so-called “make American great again” agenda? Torture, incarceration without charges or legal representation, military aggression, have all been the methods employed by the Right to serve their “right reasons”.
Soon those “right reasons” will be suppressing dissent and a free press, and allowing a Trump and his Corporate Cabinet to pillage our nation to further enrich their cronies.
As I type this, Dear Leader is giving his press conference, whining about Hillary and debate questions. Will doing wrong in service to Trump really be for the “right reasons”?
Demeaning blacks through evil false and propaganda that says voting for the other side is equal to slavery is also one of those cases of “doing wrong for the right reasons”. Their morals are so twisted they can’t even see the hate and falsehood behind their insulting rhetoric.
“Values”? No. This behavior shows lack of values.
His stated loyalty is to capitalism, not to follow the commands of his Savior to love the Creator and his neighbors. He serves a system with no conscience, no justice, and no mercy. “Love thy neighbor?” No way. Some of them are blacks, Muslims and liberals to be hated and demonized.
Authoritarian Republican “Christians” are the worst hypocrites. He fits the title of John Dean’s book on Right Wing authoritarians, “Conservatives Without Conscience”.
But I also know that God forgives my failures,
Not if one is unrepentant, embraces hateful ways, and openly states a willingness to do wrong again.
Chuck is an unrepentant sinner. He serves mammon, capitalism and the Republican Party over the teachings of Christ. Hell awaits him. The Devil will show him what “doing wrong for the right reasons” looks like.
DD
Still running from my questions?
"Anti-Mexican bigotry was the reason cannabis was criminalized and the disastrous war on drugs was launched."
What a crock, cannabis is still criminalized in Mexico. Mexico is bigoted towards Mexicans. I forgot, the last refuge of liberals is the race card.
LOL
You again misinterpret what I said. I said if a Trump business employed illegals, I wouldn't spend my money there. NOT if a building was erected by illegals.
Capeesh?"
Same ole DD, using racism when he can't deal with reality. Can't handle the fact that blacks are worse off now than they were 8 years ago. After 8 years of a black democrat President. 8 years of more broken promises. It's racism to say blacks voting democrat has gotten them zip!!
LOL
You know DD Obama asked black voters to vote for HRC because it would be good for his legacy. Isn't it odd how black voter turn out was down compared to 2008 and 2012. Why do you think that happened DD? Are black voters fleeing the democrat party?
Hmmm?
Did someone ask a reasonable question?
There were some things I agreed with Dave on in one of his previous posts, if you just changed a few words:
" 'Doing wrong for the right reasons' is not the message of Jesus. It is the agenda of the radical Left. Business is business, amirite?
This is the dark heart of authoritarianism. The ends justify the means. This is the Progressive Creed. (Ask Mao, Castro, Pol Pot, Stalin, Kim Jong Un, Che, Hugo Chavez etc. etc. etc.) This is why they lie, cheat, deny science, suppress democracy, spread hate, and level false accusations. It is in service to their far left ideology and ultimate service to mammon, power, and hedonism.
The fact others suffer for their beliefs is irrelevant.
How many wrongs were committed in service to their so-called 'hope and change' agenda? Torture, incarceration without charges or legal representation, military aggression, have all been the methods employed by the left to serve their 'right reasons'."
There! NOW it is accurate and makes sense! :)
TP,
Projection again, old buddy. We know it makes you feel better, though. Just like poor Dear Leader whining and projecting about intel being like "Nazi Germany" out to get him.
"Doing wrong for the right reasons" is exactly what your fellow con Major BS admitted to. You chose to project it at me, just like two authoritarian peas in a pod.
(Did you see his multiple ID slip when "Just the Facts" referred to his alter ego's statement as his own?) You guys amaze me with your easy relationship with dishonesty. IOKIYAR, after all. Must be your Klanservative Klantation upbringing. ;-)
Soon you will be cheering Dear Leader as he attacks dissent, demonizes those who disagree with him, and demonizes and suppresses free speech and a free press. It's the con thing all the way. Soon you will believe Dear Leader over journalism, over science, over human decency and over common sense. You're halfway there. Just declare climate change is a Chinese hoax and be done with it.
There! NOW it is accurate and makes sense! :)
The word is con-sense. Con-sense is demonizing and equating progressive ideals of equality, democracy, Constitutional regulation of commerce, civil liberties, public education, public health, public safety nets, equal application of justice, environmental protection from polluters, etc, with DICTATORS!
Yes, those who caused real suffering. No wonder you want to project that unto liberals.
But as I said, suffering is irrelevant to the dark heart of authoritarianism. Torture, incarceration without charges or legal representation, military aggression are hallmarks of your Chickenhawk Decider, GW Bush.
You know, the guy who left Obama the worst economy since the Great Depression, who lied to us, invaded Iraq, and left them in a state of civil war that spawned ISIS.
"Bush, who?" Amirite?
DD
Oh I forgot you and only you get to decline to answer questions, like the good liberal god you are.
DD.
Will you eat crow when your predictions about the next 4 years turn out false?
Will you eat crow when you are proven wrong like pot/Mexican claim?
Is it any wonder that America is laughing at you and your fellow liberal crybullies?
Liberals wet themselves over "top" secret file on Trump leaked by Buzz Feed. Top Russian agent Natasha her associate “Boris Badenov” are named as being Trump's control agents.
Smirk
LOL
;-)
Chuck "majormajor" Morre: "I readily admit I'm not perfect, that I'm completely capable of doing wrong for what I believe to be the right reasons."
Adolf Hitler, and all his henchmen, used the same excuse when they justified the extermination of millions.
"I also know that God forgives my failures, my falling short when He provided the substitute to bear the punishment due me."
I see where you learned the useful art of deflection. So you're telling me that gives you license to blame all your failures and transgressions on the robed guy with long hair and sandals? What happened to the idea of personal responsibility? Oh, I see, you don't need it as long as you can hide behind Jesus, right?
No, Chuck, your god provided the role model you're supposed to strive to emulate. That's it, in a nutshell.
You're so fucked up. [head shaking] You disgust me. You fraud.
JG
So you are perfect? Where did I say I blamed Jesus for my sins? You can't show me, cause I didn't. But in your Buzz Feed way of understanding, you didn't see where I said nothing I could ever do would make things between God and I right.
The passage says "all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God". The word "all" includes you JG. Nothing that your hands or mine will ever do will over come this truth. So the question then becomes what happens to "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"? (as an open minded progressive liberal, I'd be surprised if you didn't want to know the answer, you might start here: www.google.com/search?q=jonathan+edwards+sermons&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8)
My personal responsibility is what I believe to be the chief means of man, and that is to know God and enjoy him forever. (try here for an explanation www.worldinvisible.com/library/tozer/5f00.0888/5f00.0888.03.htm)
But here's the rub, God is pure, sinless, righteous and demands all humans be the same.
As I already said, all have sinned, all are guilty in God's court of law, all deserve God's justified punishment.
Read John 3:16. "Jesus took our sin on himself, on the cross. He chose to receive punishment for our sin, so that our sin would no longer be a barrier between us and him. Because he fully paid for your sin, he offers you complete forgiveness and a relationship with him." I've done nothing to deserve this gift, as it is a gift of God. God selects who he
Doesn't mean I'm perfect. Doesn't mean I won't fail, doesn't mean I'm any better than anyone else, doesn't mean I have no personal responsibility for my actions, doesn't mean I will escape the fruits of my failures while here on earth. It simply means that now I can know God and enjoy him forever.
NOTE: never once did I blame anyone other than myself for my failures.
(Still Praying for you JG.)
JG,
Everything about Chuck is anti-Christ. He hates. He lies. He's loyal to capitalism over compassion. The money changers in the temple were his noble "job creators" of the time, no doubt. He emulates the Pharisees, the ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity.
He would have been one of those demanding the uppity hope and change Dirty Liberal be crucified. Peace, compassion, and love? Bah! amirite?
Wealth and domination over others are the "values" cons like Chuck embrace. At any price, by any wrongful means.
Chuck refused my suggestion to educate himself and has chosen willful ignorance of history and facts again:
Will you eat crow when you are proven wrong like pot/Mexican claim?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/dope/etc/cron.html
Mexican immigrants introduce recreational use of marijuana leaf
After the Mexican Revolution of 1910, Mexican immigrants flooded into the U.S., introducing to American culture the recreational use of marijuana. The drug became associated with the immigrants, and the fear and prejudice about the Spanish-speaking newcomers became associated with marijuana. Anti-drug campaigners warned against the encroaching "Marijuana Menace," and terrible crimes were attributed to marijuana and the Mexicans who used it.
Dear Leader is the new champion of this same bigotry.
Mexicans were demonized by White Klan-servatives before they demonized liberals. Chuck chooses to be ignorant of this. Hmmm. I wonder why....
Could it be his Klanservative Klantation mentality?
A vote for Republicans is a vote for the Klantation, amirite?
Repeat after me:
A vote for Republicans is a vote for the Klantation.
A vote for Republicans is a vote for the Klantation.
A vote for Republicans is a vote for the Klantation.
It's got to be true if we repeat it enough. Or does that only work for racists and fascists and their "voting for democrats is the same as plantation slavery"?
And they wonder why we don't respect their twisted views and resentful demeaning attitude.
Welcome to Klantation Nation, where the Klansmen parade in celebration of Dear Leader's victory.
This cult believes their Orange Savior is the "only one" who will make America great.
Smells, looks, and feels just like fascism.
Oh Dave. I don't know why I am even surprised by you anymore.
All I did was to change your exact words from "right" to "left" and then throw in a few historical examples of people that actually did the things you project onto the right and you decide to have a hissy fit.
Your response is to accuse me of projection and to assume that I will soon be supporting Trump in the eradication of our rights. Let me assure you that just as I spoke up and fought against that with Obama, I will do the same if and when it occurs under Trump. If you had really paid attention over the years, your statement that I would be cheering for "Dear Leader" as he usurped our rights would have seemed ludicrous to you. Too bad that you only paid lip service in passing as Obama did usurp our rights. You are really good at giving long line-by-line diatribes against real and IMAGINED offenses by Bush though.
As for climate change, I don't buy the Chinese hoax nonsense, but I don't buy the anthropogenic agenda-based assertions for it either. There are too many questions and falsified data from these "scientists" to simply take them at their word. Too many reputable scientists are able to poke holes in their "settled science". I am open to looking at new evidence and I absolutely think we have a responsibility to take care of our earth as good stewards of it, but I strongly suspect at this point that climate change is just another method of control for the left.
As for your clever definition of "con-sense", it was all of those LEFTIST dictators that publically espoused many of those values and rights you listed while persecuting and killing their citizens. THAT is the true LEFTIST legacy, my friend. Are there some right-wing authoritarians that did the same? Yes, sadly. However, history shows that the left pretty much has that category won by a HUGE margin.
As for MajorMajor, I really don't care what pseudonym he chooses to go by. There are times he makes great points. That doesn't mean that I necessarily agree with him on everything, just as I am sure he doesn't always agree with me. That is okay, no matter what name he goes by.
Sadly it seems that most of what now passes for debate on your blog has devolved to the equivalent of "I know you are, but what am I?"
"He would have been one of those demanding the uppity hope and change Dirty Liberal be crucified. Peace, compassion, and love?"
Sounds like Dave is equating President Obama with the messiah. Wasn't I criticized for suggesting such a thing awhile back? Hmmm....
"Everything about Chuck is anti-Christ. He hates. He lies."
That is pretty extreme hyperbolic rhetoric there Dave. Words mean things and have consequences, my friend. You may disagree with Major's views (and mine) but that hardly makes him the anti-Christ or hateful. I do not recall seeing evidence of him hating anyone. Perhaps I missed that posting of his. Seems like you are wanting to up the ante on this absurd debate. In the words of MajorMajor, "I will pray for you." Sincerely, I will.
TP,
Dave is equating President Obama with the messiah
Utter con-sense.
Obviously you have failed to see, or ignored, the numerous times I've corrected Major BS's lies and misinformation. Just because he shares many of your false beliefs doesn't make them true.
Words mean things and have consequences
But not yours? "Liberal Plantation", "liberal media", liberal agenda of "killing citizens", Conspiracy of evil climate scientists, ad nauseam.
This is ALL TRUMPISM now. And your words are part of it.
Sigh...
Dave says "the right does x" and it is fact.
I say, based on historical fact, that "the left does x" and I am a demonizing racist Trump supporter.
Got it.
No, I don't think Sanders is the equivalent of Pol Pot, nor do I think it is likely that Trump will be either. I have some serious concerns about Trump, but like Obama, I am waiting until he gets into office first and starts to govern before I come unglued.
I guess I won't waste any more of your time as it is all just evil, racist, Trump rhetoric to you when someone disagrees.
TP,
"When someone disagrees" it is fine with me. Say you disagree and explain why. If you respond with personal accusations, and the things Trump or other Republicans say that are demeaning, insulting and false, then I will call it according to my morality and sense of human decency.
If I learned I was saying something about a minority that many of them regard as insulting, I would desist. My moral center demands it.
I have quoted Black Americans saying your plantation meme is insulting to them. You dug in and embraced it. You dismissed the millions of insulted Blacks because a couple "conservative Blacks did it". Do you believe Jesus approves of your demeaning and insulting words to Blacks? Evidently you do, and I noted that as an example of “Doing wrong for the right reasons.”
Maybe this insulting meme best illustrates the difference between progressives and conservatives?
I don't think Sanders is the equivalent of Pol Pot,
That's not what this says:
This is the Progressive Creed. (Ask Mao, Castro, Pol Pot, Stalin, Kim Jong Un, Che, Hugo Chavez etc. etc. etc.)
I realize you were playing with my words, instead of rationally responding to the issues given.
The context begins with a mistaken slip of honesty from Chuck.
“Doing wrong for the right reasons.”
This is the dark heart of authoritarianism. The ends justify the means. This is the Con-servative Creed. This is why they lie, cheat, deny science, suppress democracy, spread hate, and level false accusations. It is in service to their far Right ideology and ultimate service to mammon.
I have continually shown evidence supporting my statement. The context is even based on a direct quote from your fellow conservative.
If you disagree with any of this, spare the accusations and demonizations and, rationally explain why you believe me to be in error.
Chuck is incapable of responding rationally. You seem unwilling to do so.
I get it. Today's politics are loaded with emotion-charged issues and beliefs. It's difficult for all parties to communicate through that fog of emotion.
I have friends who voted for Trump, believe it or not. We disagree but do not resort to accusation and insult. We're decent enough to not to be at each other's throats. We understand we have a deeper bond than politics. Too many people can't see this truth.
And that's what it takes. Basic human decency. Communication and dialogue can only begin there.
Dave Dubya to T. Paine: "The context begins with a mistaken slip of honesty from Chuck. 'Doing wrong for the right reasons.' This is the dark heart of authoritarianism. The ends justify the means. This is the Con-servative Creed. This is why they lie, cheat, deny science, suppress democracy, spread hate, and level false accusations. It is in service to their far Right ideology and ultimate service to mammon."
Amen.
T. Paine to Dave Dubya: "I have some serious concerns about Trump, but like Obama, I am waiting until he gets into office first and starts to govern before I come unglued."
There's no need to wait. He revealed himself to be the racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic, white ethno-nationalist -- that he is -- during the presidential campaign. I don't recall Obama shouting or chiding similarly denigrating characterizations during his own campaign.
Do you?
And do you really believe Trump's "governing style" will be refined and less nauseating?
Really?
JG, the 20th century is replete with examples of what happens when left wing authoritarians take complete power over their populace. They too, in many cases, were justifying their atrocities of doing the wrong things for the right reasons. The people and cases I cited are just a few of the historical examples of such and therefore, Dave's assertion that such things are only a part of a "con-servative creed" is demonstrably false, sir.
Trump has said many disturbing things during his campaign, and that is why I refused to vote for him. We will see if his actions follow his words on some of the more extreme, ill-considered, and morally wrong measures. If so, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you and Dave in denouncing him and trying to hold him accountable. That said, I think Trump is simply a boorish fool and most of his rhetoric was for publicity and self-aggrandizement. He doesn't have much in the way of deplorable actions to back up much of his nauseating rhetoric thus far. Am I being naive in assuming he won't be a complete ass? Perhaps, but I am praying and hoping he will become a decent constitutionally-minded president. God knows we need one and are well overdue for such a president.
Some of Obama's pre-presidential ACTIONS he tried to hide and obfuscate from the public. My concerns were great upon his taking office accordingly. Despite that, I still tried to give him the benefit of the doubt until he took office and proved all of my fears as justified.
I hope that Trump will not prove your fears (and many of mine) to be similarly justified. I will withhold judgment though until I see if the actions are as disgusting as some of the rhetoric was.
T. Paine: "Dave's assertion that such things are only a part of a 'con-servative creed' is demonstrably false..."
Never saw the word "only" in Dave Dubya's assertion, Mr. Paine. You'll have to cite a date/time for me.
"Some of Obama's pre-presidential ACTIONS he tried to hide and obfuscate from the public."
I'm not sure whether that's correct or not correct, so forgive me if I don't recall. The observations of Trump's antics during the campaign are still vivid in my mind, so you'll have to remind me.
"My concerns were great upon his taking office accordingly."
My concerns are great prior to Trump taking office. And no, because of what I do know, I can't grant him the benefit of the doubt. He's gone too far for that.
"I hope that Trump will not prove your fears (and many of mine) to be similarly justified."
It's too late for hopes and dreams. Those eras are behind us. We're in a crisis period right now, similar to the other crises we survived as a nation (i.e., Revolutionary War, Civil War, Great Depression/WWII). We're not going to make it through to a better place this time. Trump is the wrong person, at the wrong time. I shudder to think that anybody could think he's shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of a George Washington, an Abraham Lincoln, or a Franklin Roosevelt.
We're doomed. As I've said many times on Tom's blog in the past, the next president would be "the closer". Now, unimaginably, Donald Trump is that next president. If you're a follower of baseball and how the game's played today, he's walking in from the bullpen now.
JG
Why are you running from my pointing out your lying about me again?
"Where did I say I blamed Jesus for my sins? You can't show me, cause I didn't. But in your Buzz Feed way of understanding, you didn't see where I said nothing I could ever do would make things between God and I right."
Still praying for you JG and you as well DD.
Chuck "majormajor" Morre: "Why are you running from my pointing out your lying about me again?"
Chuck, I apologize for using the incorrect word. That said, let's agree that you did indicate Jesus was your "substitute". Used in that context, your claim is that whenever you feel like sinning in any capacity...in any way imaginable, it's okay because you have Jesus to stand in your place and be your own personal whipping boy. Sorry, chump, it doesn't work that way. Take personal responsibility and quit hiding behind a proxy.
That's why I said you're fucked up, and that's why I said you're a fraud. I haven't changed my feelings about that.
And, please, take the time instead and pray for yourself. You desperately need it. You're a sick and despicable human being. There's nothing your Jesus can do for you. He kicked you to the curb a long time ago.
JG, you are correct. Dave never used the word "only", but the context and implications of his statement seemed to point to that erroneous assertion. You must admit that, sir.
As a side note, in reference to your comment to MajorMajor, hope always exists in the world. It does not matter what horrible, despicable, evil things one has done in the world. If he or she truly repents in their heart and tries to abide by the Lord's commandments, he or she will be forgiven. Jesus can do all things. Thankfully that includes saving sinners like me from damnation.
JG,
"your claim is that whenever you feel like sinning in any capacity...in any way imaginable, it's okay because you have Jesus to stand in your place "
Again you show how little you understand the Christian faith. No where have I said that I have license to sin as I wish, or do more wrong. I have never claimed to be perfect or that I ever will be while living on this earth. That is your interpretation of something I never said. In fact if you want to really understand what I as Christian am saying I suggest you read the 6th Chapter of Romans.
I already pray for myself JG, would you please pray for me as well? And forgive me my sins that I have committed towards you?
Praying you do so JG.
Chuck "majormajor" Morre: "Again you show how little you understand the Christian faith."
No, I understand plenty about it. It's you who doesn't heed the true teachings of the Rabbi Jesus. You, instead, choose to follow the teachings of Paul.
"No where have I said that I have license to sin as I wish, or do more wrong."
You implied it with your statement, "I also know that God forgives my failures, my falling short when He provided the substitute to bear the punishment due me." Sounds like a James Bond "license to kill" platitude to me.
"I have never claimed to be perfect or that I ever will be while living on this earth."
I'm sorry you feel that way, Chuck. I would never lend myself to a teaching that saw fault with me. Paul was a ball-buster in that regard. My faith, though, tells me I'm perfect in every way. I'll stick with mine. It's more user-friendly. It accepts me the way I am -- perfect in every way. A creation of the sun, the moon and the stars!
You can keep your so-called "Christianity" with it's guilt-trip parade. That's not my way of living. But, hey, different strokes for different folks, right? ;-)
"In fact if you want to really understand what I as Christian am saying I suggest you read the 6th Chapter of Romans."
I don't. I have no interest at all, actually.
You ought to call your religion "Paulism", instead of Christianity, since you follow his laws and commandments and not those of Rabbi Jesus. I find that very peculiar.
That's enough, Chuck. I gave you your five minutes of "Jesus time" with me. No more. It's on to bigger and better things! So, tell me, what do you think of your Dear Leader's latest fiasco known as GoldenShowerGate? True...or not true? We'll soon be finding out.
T. Paine: "You must admit that, sir."
Actually, I don't, Mr. Paine. I always interpreted Dave's statements to mean the current state and condition of the Republican Party and the conservative agenda.
"...in reference to your comment to MajorMajor, hope always exists in the world."
Yes, but if you'll reread my paragraph you'll realize I was making an observation pertaining to this particular turning, the crisis period. (There's a time to reap, and a time to sow.)
"If he or she truly repents in their heart and tries to abide by the Lord's commandments, he or she will be forgiven. Jesus can do all things."
There's nothing to be forgiven, Mr. Paine. I chose to be here -- at this time and in this place. It was my choice.
And, I'll say the same to you as I said to Chuck: I wish you'd follow the dictates of Rabbi Jesus instead of those co-opted and twisted by the Pauline linage. If done from the onset, possibly this world would have been a more beautiful and peaceful place.
I can't believe Obama will be gone in a few days.
It seems like yesterday he said he would heal the planet and stop the oceans from rising.
I even bought Hope And Change pajamas.
Oh well, even if they repeal his signature program Obamacare and the Democrat Party has its lowest representation at the Federal and State level in 100 years, he still is the greatest Black President America has ever had. amirite?
Michael (aka Chuck, aka Majormajor), Obama was only the warm up act. The headliner, Trump, is getting ready to wow the crowd. He'll make America grate again.
Hey, I heard that way more bus permits have been issued for the Woman's March on Washington than have been for Trump's Inauguration the day before. Many more expected for the protest than the Inauguration. Liberalism trumps Trump!
Funny, huh?
Hilarious, actually...
lol JG,
My doctor says I am now a victim of PBA (Pseudobulbar Affect), just like Danny Glover, whose symptoms include uncontrollable crying.
It started on November 8 when Trump won North Carolina and I started crying uncontrollably and then crapped real bad in my Hope And Change pajamas.
Sounds to me like you and Dave also have bad cases of PBA. Did your uncontrollable crying also start on November 8?
Chuck "Michael Stivic" Morre: "Sounds to me like you and Dave also have bad cases of PBA."
Nope, not me Chuck. In actuality it has been funny watching Dear Leader make an ass of himself. As I've already mentioned, frequently, to you and others, I'm not a Democrat. I stopped crying many years ago after I finally realized that the country had already turned itself over to the corporatists.
Now I'm just waiting for the next shoe to fall. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the absurdity of the political theater bullshit -- and rubbing your nose in it! ;-)
JG,
Did you see what a fool Jill Stein made of herself with the recount effort?
She got the exposure she was looking for but showed everyone that she is a buffoon.
What moron would vote for her?-)
JG, DD there is treatment for PBA.
Chuck "Michael Stivic" Morre: "Did you see what a fool Jill Stein made of herself with the recount effort?"
Actually, Chuck, it was a brilliant maneuver. By bringing attention to the probable illegitimacy of the Trump win, she had nothing to lose -- and the nation stood to win. Just like the felonious recount in Florida in 2000, the jackals cheated their way to a White House address.
"What moron would vote for [Jill Stein]?"
The morons voted for either Trump or Clinton -- expecting to counter the power of the billionaires by electing a billionaire, or by voting for business-as-usual but expecting a different result. The enlightened few, who saw through the scam and wouldn't be fooled, voted for Ms. Stein (or any of the other third-party candidates).
You can see what category you fall into, right Chuck? ;-)
"...there is treatment for PBA."
You're the one diagnosed with the malady, not me. Despite the medication your doctor prescribes, it will not keep you from crying the next four years.
Be careful, though, and let your medical practitioner know that you're on other medication for your schizophrenia. Drug interactions can kill.
You see Michael, JG and DD align with the CPUA
Chuck, you told Michael, your other self, that Dave and I align with "Central Processing Unit Architecture"? What the hell does that mean?
You're mixing your medications again, aren't you? I told you that's not safe. Hey, to counteract the effects, go to the bathroom and take five to ten more each. It'll help you to relax. ;-)
Error, should have been CPUSA but you knew that.
Liberals and members of CPUSA are unhinged.
Look at the exchange between JG and myself, so much "love" from the left.
Then there are these:
Liberals just say no to freedom of speech unless it's liberal free speech.
DAVIS, Calif. (KGO) --
The UC Davis College Republicans canceled an event featuring conservative commentator Milo Yiannopulos and pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli Friday after protests erupted on campus.
Real liberal diversity.
Opera star Andrea Bocelli backs out of singing at Trump's inauguration after receiving death threats.
Inauguration Protesters Plan To Destroy Property And Disrupt Balls.
Unhinged at the thought of a successful Trump Presidency.
Chuck "majormajor" Morre: "Error, should have been _______." [fill in the blank]
Of course it's an error. It was written by a conservative.
"Look at the exchange between JG and myself..."
More like "deranged" -- by yourself.
"Opera star Andrea Bocelli backs out of singing at Trump's inauguration after receiving death threats."
No, she dropped out because she said she will not sing for only 10 people...and only $10. Of course she didn't really expect the $10 because she said she knew how Trump has a history of stiffing his workers.
"Inauguration Protesters Plan To Destroy Property And Disrupt Balls."
The huge protest is scheduled the next day -- which is expected to be at least ten times larger than the rabble of deplorables attending his scaled-down Inauguration. Also, Trump will have finished his balling the night before. Don't worry, Chuck, if not we promise we won't walk in on him. ;-) Don't want to disrupt his "pussy grabbing".
My sincere apologies to those who realize Andrea Bocelli is a male tenor in the world of opera. When I wrote my response to Chuck Morre's characteristic lies, above, I didn't know this.
I'm guessing Mr. Bocelli has received a lot of free promotional tampons in the mail over the years. ;-)
Bill of Rights Socialism
Socialism is a common-sense path to a fairer, more prosperous and more democratic USA. Socialism is also a desperate necessity as capitalism and its unrelenting drive for profits threaten to make our planet uninhabitable. Working families in America – the 99% - between us create all the products and services that make our country the richest nation in the history of humankind. It doesn’t make sense that these collectively produced resources are owned and controlled by a tiny handful of billionaires. The fight for socialism is a dynamic process to fulfill the vision of a future of peace, justice and fairness for our nation and our world.
JG, we need the controlled demolition of Capitalism just like WT7. amirite?
Chuck (aka Michael Stivic), I see you're plagiarizing again. There's never a coherent original thought from you. You're incapable. You're unable.
You're a fraud.
OK JG,
When will you come clean and admit you plagiarize our fellow Marxist Chris Hedges?
Chuck (aka "Michael Stivic"), any time I use the quoted material from someone else, I either notate the source after the material, or quote the material then provide a hyperlink to the source. You never do. You know why? Because you're dishonest and a taker.
You're a fraud and a thief.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/14/opinion/sunday/eight-was-enough.html?ref=opinion&_r=1
"IT wasn’t supposed to end this way for Democrats.
Eight years ago, Barack Obama won the presidency promising to transform America. A supremely self-confident politician, Mr. Obama was the object of extravagant hopes that he nurtured and encouraged.
After his Super Tuesday primary victories in 2008, Mr. Obama said that the movement he began would “ring out across this land as a hymn that will heal this nation, repair this world, make this time different than all the rest.” He would slow the rise of the oceans, end wars abroad and bridge political divisions at home. For his supporters, Mr. Obama was almost a figure of myth, comparable to Lincoln. When he won the presidency, nothing seemed beyond his reach.
Yet after two terms of the Obama presidency, the Democratic Party is weaker than it has been since the 1920s. Republicans now control the presidency, the Senate, the House and a strong majority of governorships and state legislatures. President Obama’s repeated personal appeals to his supporters to vote for Hillary Clinton in order to preserve his legacy failed to put her over the top. The man who seemed to hold such promise for his party ended up taking a scythe to it.
What happened?"
LOL on this NYTimes article.
What happened was Obama turned out to be a super smooth talking bullshit artist and won't have a pot to piss in for his legacy! amirite?
JG
Still praying for you.
NYTimes continued
"Start with the economy. It’s true that he inherited a wicked recession, that unemployment is much lower than when he entered office and that the stock market has reached an all-time high. On the flip side, the economic recovery has been unusually weak, with annual growth never exceeding 3 percent. (Until Mr. Obama, every president since Herbert Hoover had at least one year of 3 percent growth.) The labor force participation rate is at the lowest it has been since the 1970s. Since 2008, real wages have remained the same or fallen for the bottom four-fifths."
Can you believe that people at the NYTimes have finally taken off their "Hope and Change" glasses?
NYTimes continued
"To make matters worse, the Obama presidency has been characterized by injurious incompetence, in particular with regard to his signature achievement, Obamacare. The unveiling of the website was a disaster, and the promises the president made — that Americans could keep their doctors and plans if they chose to — were false. Mr. Obama guaranteed lower insurance costs to families and lower health costs to the taxpayer; instead, costs rose. Several of the state-run exchanges appear to be headed for collapse."
Has the NYTimes finally figured out that Obama has been a disaster? Better late than never I suppose. amirite?
Chuck, you're still a fraud. Nothing's changed.
JG
I'm not perfect, but God who I'm praying to is.
Chuck, I don't always do the correct thing, but I was created perfectly by the ultimate life-force of the Universe. I don't require salvation, for it's in this perfection that all humankind, and all other beings and creatures -- and Mother Earth itself -- will achieve spiritual unity, peace, tranquility and acceptance of all.
You see Chuck, "Heaven" is not some outward or distant place to be achieved only upon death of the physical. It's actually inside us all, right now, in what we do on this planet to be good stewards to all living things. It's total understanding of the "god" that lives within us all -- all creatures great and small -- in our quest for, and living of, dharma.
Keep praying, though, for if it's in your ultimate purpose to attain your "Heaven" only upon your end of human existence, then your life upon this planet is a meaningless time of waiting. Keep waiting, Chuck. I don't wait anymore. I've found my "Heaven" in the here and now, and it's really a wonderful experience.
I'm happy for you JG and unlike you, I will not mock or belittle your faith.
Chuck, I'll mock your faith every time I see the hypocrisy of your practice -- what Rabbi Jesus taught juxtaposed with what you and millions of other so-called "Christians" practice. As long as you refuse to commit to carrying out the words of your Jesus, but instead dwell upon the words of Paul, I will point it out to you.
Even the Pope admonishes those who operate and live their lives as "closed Christians", unable or unwilling to reach out to those in the most need, but instead "parked" in the comfort of their faith -- the selfishness of their faith. Here, read for yourself what he said in his homily this very morning:
“Let us ask ourselves the question: How am I? How is my life of faith? Is it a life of horizons, of hope, of courage, of going forward; or a lukewarm life that doesn’t even know to endure ugly moments? And that the Lord might give us the grace, as we have requested in the Collect [Opening Prayer], to overcome our selfishness, because parked Christians, stationary Christians, are selfish. They look only at themselves, they don’t raise their heads to look at Him. May the Lord give us this grace.”
I'm sorry, Chuck, but you can't be both totally Christian and totally capitalist. You're going to have to give up one. Which will it be?
JG,,
By what authority, other than your own, do you determine what is to be mocked and what isn't when it comes to a persons faith?
Unlike Mr. Paine, I am not a Roman Catholic. I therefore do not hold the Pope or any other human as being perfect, infallible. Only God is infallible.
Which leads to the beginning of my original statement of faith that no one is without sin, no one is perfect, yet God demands this. So what is a sinning, non perfect human going to do with an angry God?
Paul, who you dismiss and I suspect you refuse to read, said in Chapter 6 of Romans that we should not sin more to gain more grace or forgiveness from God. Or as you implied Christians can sin all they want because Jesus paid for their sins. That is not at all what Christians believe, nor is it what Paul says. For that matter what Jesus taught.
It seems you believe that the mark of a Christian is how much they give to others, not what their relationship is with a perfect God. Simply put, man can not work their way to perfection in order to be in the presence of God. I believe you get around this by believing that you were created perfectly and do not need salvation. Does this perfect creation and oneness with the universe include those still in their mothers womb and aborted? Does abortion then destroy the perfection created by the ultimate life-force of the Universe, and the spiritual unity, peace, tranquility and acceptance of all?
JG, "you can't be both totally Christian and totally capitalist", if this is true, then why isn't Christianity as you have defined it, the State religion of socialist/communist nations?
JG, I am fascinated by your seeming juxtaposition of a Jesus-centric and a Pauline-centric form of Christianity next to each other as if they were two separate faiths. I have only heard one other individual (who wasn't a total crack-pot) make a similar case. He used to frequent many of the same blogs I, and perhaps you, perused. His nom-de-plume is John Myste.
Anyway, I will answer you in the same way I did him. I find nothing contradictory in Paul's epistles in the Bible from the teachings of Christ. Paul does not have the ability to forgive man's sins. It is only God that holds that power, so Christians believe. Paul points out God's commandments so that we might avoid sin and thereby not cut ourselves off from Christ's grace.
And yet, in nearly every letter Paul wrote, he always pointed to God's love and saving grace as the very point of his writing. He was a persecutor of the body of Christ until he was knocked off his horse and blinded on the road to Damascus. It wasn't Paul's works that saved him. It was his then-found faith in Christ that did.
That said, as Christians we should be known by our acts of love in Christ's name. Faith without works is dead, scripture tells us. Those works are not the part that will get us into heaven. It is our faith that is carried out by how we live our lives that will determine that.
Continuing, an appropriately regulated capitalism provides the very best method for raising the most people out of poverty. The excesses, greed, and crony capitalism are NOT what I am referring to here. It is the simple exchange of currency for goods and services that creates jobs and further goods and services that I am referencing.
Capitalism, when done justly is the equal sharing for opportunity. Socialism/Communism is the equal sharing of misery. It invites even greater cruelty and hardships. There is a reason why Reagan, Thatcher, and St. Pope John Paul II fought against it in the 20th century and hastened the collapse of the USSR accordingly.
Lastly, MajorMajor, just to clarify, I and all properly catechized Catholics do not hold Pope Francis or any other human being to be without sin or infallible. Pope Francis is a good and loving man, but he is still a flawed human being, my friend. Pope Francis would be the first one to tell you so too. :)
TP
Thanks for the clarification and correction, I apologize if I offended in any way.
T. Paine: "His nom-de-plume is John Myste."
Yes, I remember John Myste. Good man.
"That said, as Christians we should be known by our acts of love in Christ's name. Faith without works is dead, scripture tells us."
Thank you for the clarification. That's just the point the Pope was making in his Tuesday homily that I referenced -- and which Chuck disagrees.
"Continuing, an appropriately regulated capitalism provides the very best method for raising the most people out of poverty. The excesses, greed, and crony capitalism are NOT what I am referring to here. It is the simple exchange of currency for goods and services that creates jobs and further goods and services that I am referencing."
Thank you, once again, for your confirmation. Apparently your buddy, Chuck, doesn't agree. Any regulation, according to him, equates to socialism or even communism. So, I suppose, that's why he labels both Dave Dubya and me communists.
Chuck "majormajor" Morre: "By what authority, other than your own, do you determine what is to be mocked and what isn't when it comes to a persons faith?"
By what authority do you claim that black lives don't matter?
"Which leads to the beginning of my original statement of faith that no one is without sin, no one is perfect, yet God demands this. So what is a sinning, non perfect human going to do with an angry God?"
My "god" is never angry. My "god" is merciful and all-loving and cares for everyone equally.
"Paul, who you dismiss..."
So you figured that out -- finally. Yes, he saw an opportunity and took full advantage of it. Paul was a hunkster, a snake oil salesman. If alive today in America he'd undoubtedly be a Republican.
"Simply put, man can not work their way to perfection in order to be in the presence of God."
Actually, that's exactly why humankind is here. Our human role here is to work toward perfection of the spirit. Otherwise, there's no reason to be here.
"I believe you get around this by believing that you were created perfectly and do not need salvation.
Believe what you want. Nonetheless, my maker wouldn't create something not perfect.
"Does this perfect creation and oneness with the universe include those still in their mothers womb and aborted?"
Of course -- just as it includes those who wantonly pollute our air, our water and destroy our earth and its myriad of species, purely for greedy purposes. It also includes those who seek profit through policies of permanent war. The list is endless. Humankind is still "perfect" -- all of it -- although the spirit needs work. Again, it's the reason we're here.
"...why isn't Christianity as you have defined it, the State religion of socialist/communist nations?"
I suppose it's for the same reason that I'm not Christian. The faith doesn't follow the teachings and dictates of Jesus.
JG
You still don't get it do you? Christianity is not a works faith, but a relationship faith with God.
Are you saying that socialism/communism is really Christianity?
I agree with you that the spirit of mankind needs work, lot's of work. But here's the rub, if it's a spiritual thing, not a human thing, and mankind needs work, how can mankind fix it's spiritual self? Laws don't change the spirit, if they did there would no longer a need for new laws. What do you see as the solution?
And finally, I'm glad you recognized how destructive abortion is.
JG
"My "god" is merciful and all-loving and cares for everyone equally." Then why does mankind need govts. and laws?
"By what authority do you claim that black lives don't matter?"
Show the quote quote where I said that, or retract your statement. I'm a bit tired of your attributing statements I haven't made to me. Back it up and don't give me your
normal reply that you "feel I implied it", give the actual quote, or admit that you fail to met your own standards in these posts makes YOU the fraud!
MajorMajor, no worries, my friend. No offense was taken. I simply wanted to clarify any misconceptions.
JG, I agree with you regarding John Myste. He is a good man. He always cracked me up even when he had the audacity to disagree with my extremely brilliant points! :)
As for capitalism, it is flawed, but far less so than any other forms of economics. That is why PROPER regulation to prevent monopolies, and reasonably protect workers' safety, and the environment are appropriate. All of the additional red tape bureaucracy though only serves to strangle business and makes it far more costly which is ALWAYS passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices.
As for the Black Lives Matter group, I would agree with them absolutely that black lives matter. Where I disagree is the implication from many of these good people that other lives are inferior or don't matter as much. That is simply racism by another name which is just as disgusting as when a Klan rally pronounces the same thing in reverse.
Life is a priceless gift from God. It matters above all, hence my opposition to abortion. All of us are endowed and gifted with that divine spark of life within us to use so that we can do good or ill in the world, regardless of the color of the skin God has chosen to wrap around us.
So where is our gracious host, Mr. Dubya, lately? Did he go on a vacation? Is he protesting Trump's inauguration? Or did he simply conclude (correctly) that his politics are whacky and he should just quit arguing? :)
"Or did he simply conclude (correctly) that his politics are whacky and he should just quit arguing? :)"
Has hell froze over and I missed it?
Chuck "majormajor" Morre: "Christianity is not a works faith, but a relationship faith with God."
The first part of your sentence is very obvious; the second part cannot be achieved without the first.
"Are you saying that socialism/communism is really Christianity?"
Are you?
"...how can mankind fix it's spiritual self?"
By helping mankind. It's the only way. Otherwise, as the Pope mentioned (and which I provided the link previously), you're only a "parked Christian".
"Laws don't change the spirit, if they did there would no longer a need for new laws."
Sure they do. Everything we do in life changes the spiritual-self. Everything has an impact. As humankind becomes more humane, compassionate and loving, the spiritual-self of each evolves and becomes closer and closer to its universal truth.
Yes, there's a ton of work ahead. Get busy!
"And finally, I'm glad you recognized how destructive abortion is."
So is war, especially those borne out of greed and profit motivation -- such as the wars in Iraq, and the U.S. policy of permanent war that's supported by both wings of the corporatist party.
"Then why does mankind need govts. and laws?"
I already explained, above, but mostly to protect the innocent from the con-sense of people like you.
"Show the quote quote where I said that, or retract your statement."
It's very obvious that you feel the Black Lives Matter organization and movement has no validity. For this reason, and this reason only, I refuse to retract my earlier statement.
You're still a fraud.
T. Paine: "As for capitalism, it is flawed, but far less so than any other forms of economics. That is why PROPER regulation to prevent monopolies, and reasonably protect workers' safety, and the environment are appropriate."
Please tell that to your Bible-thumper friend. He's disagreed with me when I've said the same thing -- going as far to label me a communist.
"Where I disagree is the implication from many of these good people [of Black Lives Matter] that other lives are inferior or don't matter as much."
There's never been an implication that other lives don't matter, only that other lives are not ended in cold-blood by criminal officers of the law during routine traffic stops.
"Life is a priceless gift from God. It matters above all, hence my opposition to abortion."
I'm personally against the ongoing U.S. foreign policy of permanent war. Why haven't you jumped on that bandwagon?
"All of us are endowed and gifted with that divine spark of life within us to use so that we can do good or ill in the world..." [Bold font added for emphasis]
Please pass this along to your Bible-thumper buddy. He disagrees -- says that "good works" is unnecessary.
"It's very obvious that you feel the Black Lives Matter organization and movement has no validity. For this reason, and this reason only, I refuse to retract my earlier statement." JG
"By what authority do you claim that black lives don't matter?" JG
JG, you are a liar and a fraud Prove you aren't.
"There's never been an implication that other lives don't matter, only that other lives are not ended in cold-blood by criminal officers of the law during routine traffic stops."
JG, I respectfully disagree, sir. The proof of this is seen when folks acknowledge that Black lives absolutely matter and so do all other lives too. Many in the BLM movement are enraged at this line of thought and shout down those with the temerity to say such things. The implication, to my mind, is that they must not think that all lives are similarly precious then.
Further, any cop that uses deadly force without just cause should be fully punished to the highest extent allowed by law as an example for other such cops. That said, I think that there is a incredibly small percentage of officers that are actually lawless and racist. Hell, some of the officer shootings of black people were done by black officers and yet they were still accused of racism. The race card is a horrible thing to use when racism is not involved. It diminishes the evil when real racism occurs. (That is a huge part of my issue with Mr. Dubya on this accordingly.)
"I'm personally against the ongoing U.S. foreign policy of permanent war. Why haven't you jumped on that bandwagon?"
As a Navy veteran and a vet of the first gulf war, I can assure you that I abhor war. It should always be the very last option and then only in cases of self defense, vital national interests where lives are at stake, or in the protection of the innocent when warranted. We have not abided by the Constitution in the declaration of war for decades under many presidents. Obama even upped the ante by violating the constraints of the War Powers Act with his pro-longed entanglement in Libya which ultimately fomented the attack on Benghazi. You and I are probably not as far off on this issue as you may suppose, JG.
As for our friend, MajorMajor, I do not know what all he believes other than what he has told us specifically here. That said, it is my belief that works will not earn nor ensure one's salvation. Only a belief and acceptance of Christ will do that. That said, one's love is then proved by how one lives his life and the works he does in that love. If one says that he loves his wife but does nothing to ever care, provide, or work for her interests, then that is a pretty hollow love at best. Like scripture says, faith without works is dead.
I assume that MajorMajor is saying the same thing that I am. Works alone will not get you into heaven. It is faith that is evidenced by one's life and its works in living that faith that will.
JG
You are a liar.
TP
I am a Reformed Protestant Christian.
Chuck "Just the Facts!" Morre: "JG, you are a liar and a fraud Prove you aren't."
Well, well, well. It appears the fourth repressed personality of the Four Horse's Asses of the Apocalypse has stirred. ;-)
Chuck "majormajor" Morre: "I am a Reformed Protestant Christian.
Just as I thought... a "millionth generation" protestant splintering from the Roman Catholic Church that was started by a wayward priest named Martin Luther. Yes, you're definitely a Bible-thumper.
You're so far down the food-chain of modern Christendom that you're able to make your own rules. ;-) How convenient. Mr. Paine will not make a comment because I know he agrees.
T. Paine: "That said, one's love is then proved by how one lives his life and the works he does in that love."
Thank you for validating what I've been saying: "Good works" is a part of the equation -- not faith alone.
Please explain this to our knucklehead friend -- all four of him. ;-)
Gotta get going... I have a protest to lead!
JG,
According to the New Testament, Satan also believes in Jesus. Why else would he have tempted him personally?
Belief alone saves no one. Love is action, not belief. The Two Commandments are totally about love. I learned this as a young Catholic. That is the fruit by which we know the true followers.
The Beatles spread a message of love more than most far Right "Christians" ever could.
As Wendell Berry said:
"We cannot know the whole truth, which belongs to God alone, but our task nevertheless is to seek to know what is true. And if we offend gravely enough against what we know to be true, as by failing badly enough to deal affectionately and responsibly with our land and our neighbors, truth will retaliate with ugliness, poverty, and disease."
=
“Especially among Christians in positions of wealth and power, the idea of reading the Gospels and keeping Jesus' commandments as stated therein has been replaced by a curious process of logic. According to this process, people first declare themselves to be followers of Christ, and then they assume that whatever they say or do merits the adjective 'Christian.'”
― Blessed are the Peacemakers: Christ's Teachings of Love, Compassion, and Forgiveness
DD
Do you believe everything Jesus said or only the parts that fit your political agenda?
Chuck,
Do you believe everything Jesus said or only the parts that fit your political agenda?
That question would apply to you as well. We never hear a peep from you about the rich man and the eye of the needle, and the money changers in the temple, serving mammon, and the hypocrisy of the literal-minded fundamentalist Pharisees ignoring the intended message of their written words.
Sounds familiar.
You said you are loyal to capitalism, and are willing to do the wrong thing for the right reason.
Seems you have some flexibility in your dogma.
I was a spiritual seeker from a young age. I've attended Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran and other services. I've shared fellowship with some Hindus in their devotions too, and found them as kind and loving as any Christian group.
I have friends who are Muslim, and friends who are Trump voters.
I'm not very "churchy", but I try to remember, and follow, the Two Commandments in my interactions with our fellow children of God.
Loving the Creator, and respecting and protecting His creation, along with loving our fellow man as our selves is the best possible path for humanity. The pursuit of mammon, war, and greed are the opposite.
"We're all in this together" is quite compatible with my politics.
Serving mammon and the war machine is not.
And it occurs to me you may not understand this response, and may declare the Devil behind my words. And I'm good with that because saints, philosophers, scientists and prophets have always met with that reaction.
You would only be putting me in their group by disrespecting what I say in response to your question.
If you get it, all the better. But that might be asking too much. ;-)
"Loving the Creator, and respecting and protecting His creation, along with loving our fellow man as our selves is the best possible path for humanity."
Dave, I agree with you completely on your following statement. It is nice that we can find common ground, my friend.
Cheers!
TP,
We may scrap a bit, but I know we'd get along well on a nice cool trout stream.
Words conveyed face-to-face communicate better than scribbled notions.
I'd share your Wild Turkey, but I may also share a nice bottle of Lavagulin Scotch I got for Christmas, (Yeah it doesn't look good, but I don't binge on it).
I never liked Scotch, but it seems the good stuff is an easier acquired taste.
Here's to our common, and sometimes convoluted, pursuit of decency. "Clink".
Dave and Mr. Paine, I toast you and your reaching out in these ever dividing times. Must be the former Catholic boy in me. ;-)
Skål...
Dave, I love Scotch, but unfortunately not the cheap stuff. I don't make a habit of it accordingly as I'd go broke. Amazingly for Utah, there is a great distillery called High West that makes a wonderful whiskey called "Campfire". It tastes very similar to the very expensive Laphroaig Scotch. It still ain't cheap, but cheaper than Laphroaig.
Regardless, I'll raise a glass in your honor tonight! :) And since JG has such a great conciliatory demeanor, I will honor him with another glass too! Lol!
Now if we could only find a trout stream that wasn't covered with snow and ice! :)
DD
What's your take on serving Jesus 1st ?
Chuck "majormajor" Morre: "What's your take on serving Jesus 1st ?"
Honoring a reservation. ;-)
Its a new dawn in America everyone!
The people pulling the wagon of freeloaders in America have elected someone to Make America Great Again!
Thank you Obama for your 8 years of service removing seats at historic levels of the Democrat Party at the State and Federal level!
JG,
You are s liar.
Major,
Don't take JG seriously.
JG thinks WT7 was brought down by controlled demolition as discussed on his dead blog. No medication can help this mentally sick person with such beliefs.
No doubt he will be a cuckoo bird in his next incarnation.
Chuck "ArchieBunkerNYC" Morre: "Don't take JG seriously."
I speak only the truth, and with integrity. So tell me, are you the second or third Horse's Ass of the Apocalypse? I don't remember. Guess I "held my breath" too many times while protesting against Biff and his legendary "pussy grabbing" at the Women's March on Washington today.
"JG thinks WT7 was brought down by controlled demolition as discussed on his dead blog"
I'm glad you read the post. If you'll read the book I referenced, as a matter of fact any written by David Ray Griffin, you'll know it was.
Of course it takes a giant leap of faith to believe in the words penned by someone else, doesn't it? Especially when they were written a long time ago. All those stories, after all, could be make-believe. It's possible it's only the author's way to cheat you out of your hard-earned money, or to control you -- have power over you. Right? There are many motives involved any time you rely on the words someone else supposedly heard, or the events someone else supposedly saw. You never know. And really, unless they were actually there, at the scene, that allows even more doubt to seep in.
"No doubt he will be a cuckoo bird in his next incarnation.
Anything -- just as long as I don't come back as a Republican.
"I speak only the truth, and with integrity."
JG
Only in your dreams, liar.
Thank you, Pope Francis, for warning against the despotism and totalitarianism that comes in the wake of alt-right populism.
This is exactly what Dave Dubya and I have been saying since long before the election. Heed the warning. Things will never be the same again -- and I don't mean in a good way.
The slide toward the abyss accelerates exponentially...
Oh, did you see where Biff's first official stop was as the newly appointed commander in chief? He visited CIA headquarters in Langley. I suppose he thought, after bad-mouthing the spy agency while on the campaign trail, he ought to grovel and make amends. "I am so behind you", he told CIA officials.
I guess better a knucklehead than a bullet in the head, huh?
LOL on the Women's March
All the celebs crying in their beer. Hillary was supposed to win! The polls all said she would win! He grabbed a pussy, how can he win?
To borrow from Hillary, What difference at this point does it make if he liked to grab pussys? Hillary is mad because Bill hasn't grabbed hers in over 25 years.
Too bad Sore Losers. The people pulling the wagon of free loaders have had enough and voted in someone to end the Liberal Plantation.
I speak only the truth, and with integrity."
JG
Only in your dreams, liar.
Chuck "ArchieBunkerNYC" Morre: "The people pulling the wagon of free loaders have had enough and voted in someone to end the Liberal Plantation."
Unfortunately, you've only succeeded in voting in the horse's ass who will lead the slide over the cliff. He's known as the 45th. Historians will refer to him as the last.
Thank you for your part in destroying the republic.
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