tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post9072679011217750735..comments2023-11-24T03:48:54.813-05:00Comments on No More Hornets: Christ's Christmas Gift from the HouseThe Exterminatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-35382901441031663872007-12-16T02:43:00.000-05:002007-12-16T02:43:00.000-05:00Catherwood:I must say, I was surprised that more D...Catherwood:<BR/><BR/>I must say, I <I>was</I> surprised that more Democrats didn't balk at the resolution. I think those who voted against their own conscience -- <I>and</I> the spirit of the Constitution -- may not <I>deserve</I> to be re-elected, narrow margin or not. On the other hand, giving their opponents the "weapon" of their having voted "nay" on this bill would have created endless opportunites for them to speak in favor of diversity, against "monkey business as usual," and as champions of the Constitution. Instead, they put their fingers into the air to see which way the wind blows. That's <I>exactly</I> the same mentality that ropes them into voting for unjust wars and against environmental initiatives. <BR/><BR/>Now, as far as wine goes, "Parradux" (that's a cab-zin concoction, right?) sounds great, and even better as a second-course following a Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc. But I'd hope you can slosh through a third bottle, because I also gotta recommend a fantastic California Bordeaux-style blend my wife and I tried at a tasting the other night. Unfortunately, it's got one of those sexy-for-teenagers names: "Seduction." Still, you could always hide the label.<BR/><BR/>To the rest of my readers: You never can predict what you'll learn here at <I>No More Merlot</I>.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-86265580835661279112007-12-16T02:01:00.000-05:002007-12-16T02:01:00.000-05:00Having a different opinion doesn't mean it's wrong...Having a different opinion doesn't mean it's wrong or based on ignorance of the issues. It's a reflection of a difference in interpretation of those issues and the "possible" consequences of decisions "possibly" made regarding those issues. Branding all of those who voted for this thing as theocrats is wildly myopic in my opinion. The vast majority of our Congressmen are rank political opportunists. From their self aggrandizing point of view, there were simply too many negatives to voting against this resolution. A great many congressional races are decided by very narrow margins. Why give their potential opponents a weapon with which to harm their re-election chances? I don't seek to exonerate this self serving behavior, by either party. I do know that it exists and has since the beginning of the country, at every level of government.<BR/><BR/> I fully expect those in Congress who attend the prayer breakfasts daily and wear their faith on their sleeve like a badge of honor to continue to try to turn this country into a theocracy. I just think that their chances of success are lower than they were 10 years ago. I applaud the nine who voted with the courage of their convictions. That they're Democrats doesn't surprise me. That they weren't joined by at least a couple of Republicans who see themselves as strict constructionists isn't much of a surprise. I've never voted for a Republican in my life but the reasons have as much to do with their positions on social justice and environmental issues as their possible pledge of fealty to the likes of Pat Robertson.<BR/><BR/> Now, if we can't find a Heitz Cellars cab, a Duckhorn "Parradux" would do, or the Kim Crawford.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-48250670280993493572007-12-14T02:18:00.000-05:002007-12-14T02:18:00.000-05:00JP:I think the 372 theocrats realized they could g...<B>JP</B>:<BR/>I think the 372 theocrats realized they could get around the Establishment Clause because a resolution is not a law. And the First Amendment says <I>Congress shall make no law ....</I><BR/><BR/>Clearly, though, HR 847 violates the <I>spirit</I> of the Constitution -- and if anyone running for president had a backbone, he or she would mention this.<BR/><BR/><B>Catherwood</B>:<BR/>You speak about the nine who voted their beliefs as if all the rest did not vote their beliefs. Is this an attempt on your part to exonerate Democrats again?<BR/><BR/>It was DaVinci, not Evo, who said we're making too much out of this. Evo's just as pissed off as the rest of us <I>reasonable</I> people. <BR/><BR/>I'm not concerned that this resolution will be read and admired by the idiot public. What concerns me is that future <I>legislators</I> will point to this wording as some kind of precedent. No, they won't claim it's a <I>legal</I> one, <I>per se</I>, but they'll tout it as a statement reflecting the feelings of nearly the entire House. Some of the wording of HR 847, I predict, will sneak its way into legislation that's anti abortion, or anti stem cell research, or anti gay marriage. Sentences and phrases from the resolution may be used in a bill banning challenges to laws that violate the Establishment Clause. I'm afraid that there's specific language in this resolution that might show up in a declaration of "holy" war against a non-Christian nation. And of course, large chunks of the document lend "official" support to the concepts that the United States was <I>founded</I> as a Christian nation and, in fact, <I>is</I> a Christian nation.<BR/><BR/>Now that I've shown you why you're just so completely wrong about this, what were you saying about that '01 Heitz "Bella Oaks" cab?The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-66895442223666505402007-12-14T01:25:00.000-05:002007-12-14T01:25:00.000-05:00Arriving fashionably late to the party, I can only...Arriving fashionably late to the party, I can only add a few points gleaned from the thread of this conversation and filtered through my own views.<BR/>1. The nine who voted their beliefs took less of a risk than might be thought. In the grand scheme of things, this resolution was put forward to give the bible thumpers something to put in their church bulletins. With the current administration, it's not like those churches have to worry about losing their 501(c)(3) status. As to its importance, has anyone seen any mention of this issue in the "drive by media", as Rush likes to call it? I haven't and I doubt I will. The nine obviously represent districts where the electorate has a decidedly progressive bent anyway. Otherwise these folks couldn't get elected in the first place. So even if some whacked out god group tries to hold them accountable back home, no one will pay much attention.<BR/>2.I believe Mr. Evo is right, we are making too much out of this. This is one of those attempts at feel good politics that also has a sharp barb buried in its entrails. No doubt it was put forward to claim its author as a true patriot and believer. That's guaranteed to generate campaign dollars later and, in his mind, the possibility of a large stick with which to beat anyone brave enough to vote against it. His problem is that no one but us and the bible thumpers are ever going to know about it because it's not getting any mainstream media coverage. Much as we might like to dream that these pages are being anxiously awaited in homes all across middle America, it ain't happening.<BR/>3.I would agree with phillychief when he said way back at the beginning of this thread that the next move could be a resolution recognizing the importance of a daily bowel movement. It's about that important. There is a danger that the Al Quaida types across the pond may use this as more evidence of the crusade mentality here, but we've given them so much already in that vein that this one won't make much difference.<BR/>4.By this time next year, few if any will remember this exercise in intolerance. Hunter Thompson once wrote about seeing a massive wave of rationalism crest and wash back to the west. I believe we've seen the massive wave of christian fundamentalism expend itself and its potential for even more radical change in our country. We are still in great danger. Bush has been able to pack the courts with weasels whose "judicial activism" will make the Warren court look like they had their hands tied and were blind folded. Worse yet, many of them are relatively young and will be able to serve long terms. Somehow, we'll have to deal with that.<BR/><BR/> Now, how about some wine? Anyone got a nice '01 Heitz "Bella Oaks" Cab laying around?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-81891919543101009342007-12-13T22:10:00.000-05:002007-12-13T22:10:00.000-05:00Geez, a bit late to this, what else is there to ad...Geez, a bit late to this, what else is there to add. Horrible indeed.<BR/><BR/>What about the establishment clause?JPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00682007915158940095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-58400644608443520982007-12-13T12:39:00.000-05:002007-12-13T12:39:00.000-05:00How do they square this up, I wonder? Being both H...How do they square this up, I wonder? Being both Hez'b'shekel and hez'b'allah at the same time?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-66276329265054386292007-12-13T12:03:00.000-05:002007-12-13T12:03:00.000-05:00Well, truth be told, Davinci and Ex., what they wa...Well, truth be told, Davinci and Ex., what they want to say is "See! Even though we are divided on lots of things, we can join together in consensus. We are the <I><B>parties</I></B> of god." <BR/><BR/>Remember, there's only one atheist in the house who will admit to it. My guess is the vote has smoked out a few others.Spanish Inquisitorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05261181794832002207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-31751743205017466902007-12-13T10:48:00.000-05:002007-12-13T10:48:00.000-05:00Although you may be correct DaVinci that many of t...Although you may be correct DaVinci that many of the Reps had that in mind when they voted, that doesn't discount the potential that lies within and the very real ramifications that may manifest. <BR/><BR/>Furthermore, I don't think we can react enough, say too much, too often or too loudly.PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-71397403726572340102007-12-13T10:47:00.000-05:002007-12-13T10:47:00.000-05:00DaVinci:You guys are making too much out of all th...DaVinci:<BR/><I>You guys are making too much out of all this. ... It's all about party right now so they can say we are the party of god.</I><BR/><BR/>Yeah, and then when they continue using taxpayer money to support faith-based charities, and start urging public schools to teach creationism as science, and decide that stem-cell research should not be funded because it offends the religious sensibilities of Catholics and fundamentalists, and that maybe we should step up our "crusade" against non-Christian nations, and, hey, why don't we ban atheist books in schools? ... <I>then</I> they can say "We are the Party of God" EVEN LOUDER. Just like Hezbollah does.<BR/><BR/>That comment you made was just ignorant, DaVinci, and way beneath you.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-62001250197846525992007-12-13T10:06:00.000-05:002007-12-13T10:06:00.000-05:00You guys are making too much out of all this. It's...You guys are making too much out of all this. It's just throwing the xtians a bone at the holiday season and the eve of an election year. Atheists just arent political enough to understand how this shit works. It's all about party right now so they can say we are the party of god.DaVincihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01743995597143833646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-54594047325613893582007-12-13T09:58:00.000-05:002007-12-13T09:58:00.000-05:00Evo, you asked:Can you draw any conclusions at all...Evo, you asked:<BR/><I>Can you draw any conclusions at all from the fact that ALL 9 were Democrats?</I><BR/><BR/><B>Conclusion 1</B>: There are only 9 Democrats in the House who aren't weasels.<BR/><BR/><B>Conclusion 2</B>: There are 9 Democrats who will have difficulty getting party funding in the next election. <BR/><BR/><B>Conclusion 3</B>: John Evo is still struggling to find <I>something</I> -- <I>ANYTHING</I> -- positive to say about the Democratic party.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-73784207278057671662007-12-13T06:36:00.000-05:002007-12-13T06:36:00.000-05:00*Looks at his American passport....sighs and puts ...*Looks at his American passport....sighs and puts it back in the draw*Urban Vikinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09542187749190057874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-74717854666445817152007-12-13T03:38:00.000-05:002007-12-13T03:38:00.000-05:00Ex, while 9 is a pathetically low number, can you ...Ex, while 9 is a pathetically low number, can you draw any conclusions at all from the fact that ALL 9 were Democrats?John Evohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10868904051881865159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-82681299724450607502007-12-13T00:17:00.000-05:002007-12-13T00:17:00.000-05:00We all need trench coats and shades. Who's got cha...We all need trench coats and shades. Who's got chains? Smoke grenades? <BR/><BR/>Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? No! When the going gets tough... the tough get going!PhillyChiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355892225956705948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-33201783967201445712007-12-13T00:08:00.000-05:002007-12-13T00:08:00.000-05:00Babs & Philly:OK, you've got your assignment. The ...<B>Babs & Philly</B>:<BR/>OK, you've got your assignment. The militant atheist cabal is depending on you.<BR/><BR/><B>Anon</B>:<BR/><I>As for our elected officials, many are afraid to come out as an Atheist, Pagan, Buddhist, etc.</I><BR/>Yeah, I hate it when people won't identify who they really are.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-49782961969163191342007-12-13T00:04:00.000-05:002007-12-13T00:04:00.000-05:00Anonymous said: The religious revolution is just b...Anonymous said: <I>The religious revolution is just beginning.</I><BR/><BR/>I suppose you mean the atheist revolution! I don't see it nearly as much of a "revolution" as an attrition.<BR/><BR/>@ Ex - Point taken. Guard up.John Evohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10868904051881865159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-57095886833074759062007-12-12T23:45:00.000-05:002007-12-12T23:45:00.000-05:00They're just grasping at straws. Despite their "st...They're just grasping at straws. Despite their "statistics", more and more people are leaving the church. As for our elected officials, many are afraid to come out as an Atheist, Pagan, Buddhist, etc. The religious revolution is just beginning. There is much more to follow...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-62695992701519088362007-12-12T23:19:00.000-05:002007-12-12T23:19:00.000-05:00This is depressing and scary. Okay, Philly, you g...This is depressing and scary. Okay, Philly, you got the marbles, I got the baby Jesi. What the hell kind of country am I living in? And don't you just know all the evangelicals are claiming this as a victory. <BR/><BR/>What a load of crap.Babs Gladhandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05120612577936100239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-64858425228536213712007-12-12T23:00:00.000-05:002007-12-12T23:00:00.000-05:00Stefan:Intolerance: it’s not just for Republicans ...<B>Stefan</B>:<BR/><I>Intolerance: it’s not just for Republicans any more.</I><BR/>There, in a short snappy slogan, is exactly how I feel about the Democrats. <BR/><BR/><B>Evo</B>:<BR/><I>Hillary Clinton might, during an election, say that “god gives me strength”. But I’m sure as hell a lot less worried about her attacking a country, against all advice, simply because “god told me I was right”.</I><BR/>Well, you can feel less worried about her, but I'd advise you not to take anything for granted. If a Democrat gets in, you'd better not relax your guard. Don't forget: We have a Democratic Congress <I>now</I>.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-69866035845802068442007-12-12T22:31:00.000-05:002007-12-12T22:31:00.000-05:00I accidently cut out part of my last comment. I w...I accidently cut out part of my last comment. I was also going to say that I am not one of those "don't waste your vote" people. I agree with Ex that it's a legitmate way to express dissent.<BR/><BR/>If you want to vote 3rd Party, for your self or for Bozo the Clown, I'm cool with that. But there is something called "reality" too. Reality, in this case, is that <I>somebody is going to get elected</I>. <BR/><BR/>If I wasn't <I>extremely</I> worried about the fate of the Constitution - in a very immediate sense, I might agree with a plan that more or less assures defeat of Democrats, just in the name of getting less theistically inclined ones down the road. <BR/><BR/>I just happen to have a very sick feeling that our basic freedoms are at stake right now. ANY move away from what Bush/Cheney has wrought upon the American people is good news.John Evohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10868904051881865159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-7242146312472015122007-12-12T22:24:00.000-05:002007-12-12T22:24:00.000-05:00In an era where cultural polarization is becoming ...In an era where cultural polarization is becoming the norm, support of such an insulting and divisive measure by so many prominent and oftentimes rational Democrats is hugely disappointing, and betrays either a general lack of courage or an utter disregard for millions of nontheistic Americans.<BR/><BR/>Intolerance: it’s not just for Republicans any more.Stefan Monsaureushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05264920034572705964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-37593906135627200022007-12-12T22:16:00.000-05:002007-12-12T22:16:00.000-05:00Sure, if Democrats pander to theists to get electe...Sure, if Democrats pander to theists to get elected, you could make the argument that they will be just as bad as the Republicans. You COULD, but it would be disingenuous. We have seen the difference between a "god fearing" Republican and a "tip of the hat to god” Democrat for - well, forever. There is a difference and it’s a difference I can tolerate (while continuing to work on lessening the god-grip even more).<BR/><BR/>In order to embrace a wide array of propositions that appeal primarily to Democratic voters, there is no way to be as fundamentalist as a Republican can be (and IS). Hillary Clinton might, during an election, say that “god gives me strength”. But I’m sure as hell a lot less worried about her attacking a country, against all advice, simply because “god told me I was right”.<BR/><BR/>Listen, we can argue this endlessly. I see and understand Ex's point on this. I'm not likely to change his mind and he's not likely to change mine. But we do have areas (many areas) of solidarity. We need to use our combined strengths in those sectors.<BR/><BR/>Letting these bastards know what HELL really is, should be one of our focuses!John Evohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10868904051881865159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-88414986571753220692007-12-12T21:23:00.000-05:002007-12-12T21:23:00.000-05:00tina:You asked, Just who does an atheist vote for ...<B>tina</B>:<BR/><BR/>You asked, <I>Just who does an atheist vote for anyway?</I><BR/><BR/>Normally, I'd say that one's atheism shouldn't even be an issue. This year, I don't know. I think mine <I>is</I>, only because there are major Constitutional, domestic, and foreign policy issues involved. <BR/><BR/>The best advice I can give you is to keep listening to what the candidates say. Then, if you're sickened by all of them, as I've been so far, go write in a name (I'll probably write in my own) or pick a third-party candidate. I think that's better to do than merely sitting on your hands, because at least you can tell yourself that you were involved in the process. And I believe -- many would disagree -- that expressing your dissatisfaction with all listed candidates is an acceptable way of being involved.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-46873418796142858862007-12-12T21:13:00.000-05:002007-12-12T21:13:00.000-05:00SI:Not one of them. And they're not coming in as j...SI:<BR/>Not one of them. And they're not coming in as junk or spam, because I always check those, too.<BR/><BR/>Hmmmm. You could send your email to someone else and ask him or her to forward it.The Exterminatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14452054124550486048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36453833.post-37232898840835936002007-12-12T21:10:00.000-05:002007-12-12T21:10:00.000-05:00I have a confession to make...I have never voted, ...I have a confession to make...I have never voted, ok kick me! I deserve it. But better late than never right? Just who does an atheist vote for anyway? I'm serious, I'm new to this and I really don't know. I can thank my son Larro for pushing me on this.<BR/><BR/>It's going to be hard to click that "publish your comment" button....tina FCDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10037896362034609151noreply@blogger.com