thehawke
freely admits to licking rocks
My Lord and Master
Member since January 2006
Posts: 866
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Post by thehawke on May 7, 2006 15:24:59 GMT -5
Hmmm, I wonder if this is in the wife's bookcase. Looks like a great read.
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Post by krazydiamond on May 7, 2006 16:14:56 GMT -5
i got to agree with Mark....
"All that you touch All that you see All that you taste All you feel. All that you love All that you hate All you distrust All you save. All that you give All that you deal All that you buy, beg, borrow or steal. All you create All you destroy All that you do All that you say. All that you eat And everyone you meet All that you slight And everyone you fight. All that is now All that is gone All that's to come and everything under the sun is in tune but the sun is eclipsed by the moon. "
(i bow to the Floyd,)
KD
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inflight22
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2006
Posts: 710
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Post by inflight22 on May 7, 2006 16:45:51 GMT -5
Go, Hawke! The part of the constitution that I hold very dear, and which I feel is most often threatened, is separation of church and state. I think it's time that religious beliefs got out of the marriage institution. Churches are free to decide who to marry/not marry, but the government needs to remember that law should not be dictated by religious beliefs.
Hang in there. Things are progressing, and someday you will be able to marry. It has taken us a long time to grant rights to other minorities, including voting rights. Now, domestic partnerships are being covered by more insurance companies, when a few years ago, it was unheard of. Your time will come.
Thanks, kg1960. That was all very well said of Paine- funny how some who refer to our founding fathers to promote their opinions are either very unaware of who they really were, and how they really felt. Or else they're hoping others don't know. And then again, our constitution can be very much like the Bible. Interpretted differently depending on who you talk to.
jj
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thehawke
freely admits to licking rocks
My Lord and Master
Member since January 2006
Posts: 866
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Post by thehawke on May 7, 2006 19:53:57 GMT -5
Thanks, kg1960. That was all very well said of Paine- funny how some who refer to our founding fathers to promote their opinions are either very unaware of who they really were, and how they really felt. Or else they're hoping others don't know. And then again, our constitution can be very much like the Bible. Interpretted differently depending on who you talk to. jj Which is why it is SO important to fight against extremist appointments on the US Supreme Court. Because how they interpret our constitution does have far-reaching consequences.
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lithrick
no posts
Member since July 2006
Posts: 0
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Post by lithrick on May 12, 2006 15:16:41 GMT -5
Hermatite, You mentioned a link to a video, that you believe we have both seen. Is the video you are referring to Alex Jones's "Martial Law 9-11: The Rise of the Police State"? I have only seen the last two hours of this video, and it is very disturbing and gut-wrenching to think that maybe, just maybe, some of what Mr. Jones is purporting is true. I don't want to get into it here, as it is very complex and I do not want to stir up the forum again. Folks can check out Alex Jones's material at >http://www.infowars.com/< if they wish. Yes, it's the Internet, and yep, anyone can post anything. Also, it is true that anybody who is slick enough with words and media can make you believe anything. I'll try to keep an open mind.
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Post by connrock on May 14, 2006 10:08:20 GMT -5
Hi folks, I've read a lot of this thread but not all of it.I started to reply quite a few times and I hope this time I do!
I see a growing infection in this Country caused by our own rights and freedoms and they are being destroyed from within by a small group who seem to be afraid of a Christian God.Why are they so afraid of Him?
Is it because He teaches us right from wrong?Is it because He teaches us to love one another and to forgive?
Here's a little food for thought.
It seems to me that some of the American people have excepted the fact that Bill Clinton lied when he said he didn't have sex in the Nations Capital.It's a done deal and has gone by the wayside,,,,,,Right?
What would have happened if Bill hung a big crucifix on the wall in the same room and refused to take it down?Would it still be an issue?
Why is it that some people in this Country can except the fact that our President perjured himself in front of the entire world and shamed us all by having his sexual pleasures satisfied in "OUR" public building but yet,these same people would be upset with Bill Clinton having a crucifix on that wall?
Could it be that a crucifix symbolizes a very powerful belief to those who wish to believe in it? Why do those who choose not to believe in it fear and hate it so much?
We've pushed our "rights" to the limit when the A.C.L.U. can muster up millions of dollars to defend the rights of an "axe murderer" but WILL NOT defend the rights of a Christian!
connrock
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Post by xenaswolf on May 14, 2006 16:54:54 GMT -5
One of the foundations of this country was built upon FREEDOM OF RELIGION. Now, if we all symbols of the Christian religion to be placed in our government buildings, there should also be a place for Jewish, Pagan, Muslim, Buddist, etc etc etc. That would be the democratic way. My opinion is, if you can't allow all religions equal access, no religion should be allowed.
As for would the situation have been different if there were a crucifix in the room, I doubt it. People are gonna do what they are gonna do...and religion didn't stop Pres. Kennedy from messing around with Marilyn Monroe.
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Post by docone31 on May 14, 2006 17:43:09 GMT -5
I think it is a question of having/not having honour. With honour, there is a code of conduct. All the rest is talk. There was a time when 1984, Brave New World, Animal Farm was recquired reading in school, now it is Verbotten! It then starts with the children. It is not this God, or that God, or the big end, or the little end, it is honour, or the lack thereof. A person of honour does need a law to not steal. A person of honour does not need a slogan to whip him into shape, a person of honour does not do it because everyone is doing it. A person of honour does not live by the end justifying the means. A person of honour does not need religion, but, religion can open the eyes of a person without honour. A person of honour does not need patriotism, but patriotism can make a person of honour. Etc. To live by the letter of the spirit is death, but, to live by the spirit is eternal life. I think, as a nation, we have lost our honour. Perhaps this is what we need to regain honour. Hopefully, it will not go too far.
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sherry
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2006
Posts: 102
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Post by sherry on May 14, 2006 19:16:09 GMT -5
Well, let me just share with you a bumper sticker that I saw once:
"I love God. It's his Fan Club I can't stand."
Sums it up perfectly for me.
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Post by docone31 on May 14, 2006 20:14:55 GMT -5
In our wonderment, and silence, we feel the eternal. In a crowd, someone always wants to take charge. Our silence, serenity, and wonderment turn to doubt. The fan club wants to take over, make laws to have power. What was once so simple became so complex. My primary chosen profession, was pastor. I did the whole gig. Seminary, masters in biblical study, doctorate in divinity. All Ivy League. From a very young age I felt a calling. However, being in the fan club got real old real quick. As associate pastor, I told a story. A young child and his parents suddenly found out they were expecting. The child constantly asked his parents, "When the baby is born, can I hold him?" They always reassured him. The time came, the child was excited, and looking forward to a brother or sister. The parents came home with his sister. He asked them,"Can I hold her?" They told him he was not old enough. All he asked was if he could hold his sister. Over, and over. Finally his parents agreed, if only for a moment. They cautioned him to hold her securely, to not move around, to be very careful. His parents passed the newborn baby to her brother. Her brother immediately ran off with his sister, ran into a room, and locked the door! His parents were terrified! They tried to open the door, they tried to break down the door, they scrambled for a key. They kept threatening him, yelling at him, banging on the door. He locked the door behind him, gently lowered his sister comfortably onto a couch, making sure she was secure. He looked behind him at the door his parents were trying to break down and said..... "We do not have much time, they will come in soon, "Can you tell me about God?" The congregation was silent, I finished my sermon. At the end of the service I was taken aside by the head pastor and told not to greet the folks leaving the church. It was my last formal sermon. I was terminated that afternoon. I played rock and roll, worked in corporate America, retired from the military all lumped together. I had been trying to open up folks eyes to the music of the silent, of the closeness of the heart at the beginning. Of the awareness of the innocent. Today, I am a jeweler, available to also speak to those who are afraid to look, or feel. Last weekend I married a couple who had been thrown out of their church, rejected by their parents. I was the only pastor who would perform their ceremony. They came to the shop today. They gave me a picture of me performing the ceremony. Their parents came to the service, and now they all speak. I always figuired, any club who wanted me as a member, I did not want to join. Maybe I was right. I do salute the flag, and anyone who doesn't want to, I figuire I fought for his right to feel that way. I took a bullet 20yrs ago, helping a woman out of a crack house. No one showed up, inspite of their talk. Today, she is married, has a child, and is an addiction counselor. I never let her know my name. I still have the bullet, and she is still trying to find out. I do not have any answers. When I think I know the answer, I find out there was more to the question. Do they know why? Do I know why? Do I know me? Do I know them? All I know, is tomorrow will be here whether I am here or not. Maybe I should hang around long enough to see it. You all too, I would miss you.
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AgateChaser
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2006
Posts: 167
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Post by AgateChaser on May 14, 2006 21:36:49 GMT -5
I am so glad I was able to read this ENTIRE thread before posting. Talk about a rollercoaster ride of emotions! I don't know where to start or if I'll even remember everything I wanted to write. Here it goes...
First, and foremost, I stand up, hat off, hand over my heart, tears in my eyes, singing our national anthem even if it's being presented on television! I would be lying if I said that it didn't bother me when others didn't do the same but, because we are blessed enough to be citizens of this great country, we have the RIGHT to do as we please. I come from a very long line of military family and I myself served during Desert Storm. I personally believe that I am blessed to live in the United States. I feel that I should honor my country by standing for the anthem, saying the pledge, and anything else patriotic I can do. I raise my American flag every day along with a "Support the Troops" flag. I have a military license plate. I am a disabled american military veteran and extremely proud of my country!
BUT.....to sit here and think that everyone else in the United States should feel this way would be...well...insane! That's the best part of living here! Folks, we have the right to our own opinion! How awesome is that? I don't like what is going on in Iraq but, there are so many reasons our guys can't come home yet. I wish they could come home, too. I can express my love for the USA and the next guy could express his hate without fear of retribution. Thank God for Freedom of Speech!
I am a Christian but, I do not believe that people who don't believe in MY God shouldn't have the same rights I have! Whether this country was built on the foundation of God or not...we were still afforded religious rights. I agree with other posters that Seperation of Church and State should really reflect just that. Why should a person have rights held from them because the government doesn't like their sexual orientation?
Hawke, I personally think it's wrong that our government disallows rights to people because of their choice of spouse! The constitution was set up to protect us from this yet, it continues. I would never call you the names you quoted and I pray our government changes some day.
Xenaswolf, what an excellent point about religious rights!
One last thing I want to say and that's it. I promise! I love this forum and I love you guys! I really do! I have never been a member of another forum anything like this one. It's so great to be able to chat with others and be around people who can apologize and accept apologies graciously. I hope I don't offend anyone and, if I do, please accept my sincerest apologies.
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lithrick
no posts
Member since July 2006
Posts: 0
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Post by lithrick on May 15, 2006 15:30:08 GMT -5
Hello, I've continued to follow this thread and am well taken in by the deep and thoughtful words that have been posted. I'm not seeing that "mindless conformity" that I was going on about before. You folks are very mindful, deep, independent thinkers. Also, conformity isn't necessarily bad or done consciously. A person once pointed out to me that my constant struggle to not conform causes my actions to be controlled by societal standards as much as, if not far more than, someone who is a "conformist". Often, conformists are not consciously conforming. They are simply good folks who are living harmoniously within their own cultures and societies.
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Post by docone31 on May 15, 2006 18:44:29 GMT -5
Some conformity is a good thing. However we have to continue our thoughts in spite of opinion. For example, If the King has no clothes, and everybody is so conditioned they see clothes, then the person who has no preconception who blurts out will incurr their embarassement/rage. I am a jeweler by trade, I was a talker, actor, rock "star", and just big mouth in general. All through seminary, I was haunted by the verse, "The first shall be last, the last shall be first". I have always tried to go against the tide. I loved the controversy. I still love the controversy. Some things though are not so controversial. If I jump off a three story building, I am going to be hurt. I know this, as when I was younger I tried to make it not so, every time I got out of the cast from the last time. Eventually, I gave up, and figuired the Grumps knew at least something. MY tools, I design a lot of my tools, however they are based on really old technology. The newer pieces of equipment, just do not perform as comprehensively as the older styles. The first shall be last, the last shall be first. When I became a jeweler, I began to understand that verse and apply it. Conformity, some conformity is a strategic issue. Giving up the inner thoughts to be like someone else, the choices should be solid. First impressions do not neccessarilary tell the whole story. I personally like to see if it works ten years down the road before I teach it to someone. I believe, with the abscence of honour, in some measure we all teach what we hated most. We do not mean to, but only in hindsight do we realize what we miss. Freedom, is nothing left to lose. Let a drunk write a song in a black out that tells a story. It is easier to pass through the eye of the needle as a poor man, than a rich man. With nothing to guard, our hands are free. As soon as we get something, sooner or later, someone covets it, and we have to also protect it, if we value it. If the Eye of the Needle is the destination, we need to unload our posessions to pass through the portal. If we leave them behind, they will be gone when we come back out. Better to have them safely somewhere else, if we can find a safe spot. If we cannot guard everthing at once, better to learn to use what is, rather to depend on things of rust and moth. When we get back, if they are still there, they will have broken down by lack of use. Proper use of conformity is like taking a small squad into battle. If we are in a battle, and have something other than what was to offer. I like these folks here also. They be cool.
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lithrick
no posts
Member since July 2006
Posts: 0
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Post by lithrick on May 16, 2006 13:54:50 GMT -5
I've conferred with Hermatite and have the video link. I encourage all to view this video, but I must warn you that it is very disturbing. Even if you believe it is all mostly hogwash, there is simply too much self-evident information presented to easily flush it free from your thoughts. As Usamericans, we must be constantly vigilant that that which the Usamerican founders went through Hell to gain is not lost through the misuse of power and office, and the slick tactics of those who would betray the very people they purport to serve. We all know that many politicians are corrupt, but how many, and to what extent? I fear to find out. Anyhow, here is the link: >http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2023320890224991194&q=loose<.
Also, I wish to include in this message the lyrics to the song I mentioned a while back. It is an old Iron Maiden song from their "Powerslave" album (1984), but is more relevant than ever. It is called "2 Minutes to Midnight". I fear that we now have less than 1 minute to midnight.
2 Minutes To Midnight
[Smith, Dickinson]
Kill for gain or shoot to maim But we don't need a reason The Golden Goose is on the loose And never out of season Some blackened pride still burns inside This shell of bloody treason Here's my gun for a barrel of fun For the love of living death
The killer's breed or the Demon's seed, The glamour, the fortune, the pain, Go to war again, blood is freedom's stain But don't you pray for my soul anymore.
2 minutes to midnight, The hands that threaten doom. 2 minutes to midnight, To kill the unborn in the womb.
The blind men shout "Let the creatures out We'll show the unbeliverers." The napalm screams of human flames Of a prime time Belsen feast ... yeah! As the reasons for the carnage cut their meat and lick the gravy We oil the jaws of the war machine and feed it with our babies.
The killer's breed or the Demon's seed, The glamour, the fortune, the pain, Go to war again, blood is freedom's stain But don't you pray for my soul anymore.
2 minutes to midnight, The hands that threaten doom. 2 minutes to midnight, To kill the unborn in the womb.
The body bags and little rags of children torn in two And the jellied brains of those who remain to put the finger right on you As the madmen play on words and make us all dance to their song To the tune of starving millions to make a better kind of gun.
The killer's breed or the Demon's seed, The glamour, the fortune, the pain, Go to war again, blood is freedom's stain But don't you pray for my soul anymore.
2 minutes to midnight, The hands that threaten doom. 2 minutes to midnight, To kill the unborn in the womb.
Midnight Midnight Midnight It's all night
Midnight Midnight Midnight It's all night
A note about "Usamerican"... I realize that "American" is the "proper" term. It has always bothered me, though, that since America runs from the northernmost tip of the Queen Elizabeth Islands in Canada to the southernmost tip of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, it seems unfair to use the term "American" to refer only to the people from just one of the many nations that make up America. I know that many people mentally connect the word "America" to just The United States of America, and, of course, everyone knows that an American is someone specifically from that one American nation. Still, it is "The United States OF America", not "The United States that is America".
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Post by hermatite on May 16, 2006 14:37:40 GMT -5
Hey I just gave the link. I don't believe a single thing in the video. Don't shoot the messenger. And American is a term used for citizens of the United States. As a Canadian, I prefer to be called "Canadian" thanks.
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181lizard
Cave Dweller
Still lurking :)
Member since December 2005
Posts: 2,171
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Post by 181lizard on May 16, 2006 21:05:59 GMT -5
Today is Tues 5-16 and I just read this thread from start to finish.
Oy Vey!
Total rollercoaster. Too many thoughts ran through this pea brain as I was reading. Very hard at times to follow. (made my head hurt!) Did anyone ever stop to think that mayyybbeeee THAT might be a reason a discussion, such as has happened here, would be reason enough in itself for people to take the easy, uninformed way, out?
People are funny creatures. Many are lead by the heart or brain. Some both. But one thing I've found to be somewhat universally true...people are lazy! Having to think, disect, turn things over to get a better look can be tiring. Most people will end their participation by becoming beligerent & drawing that proverbial line. (and the older we become, the worst we get!)
I figure I'm of average intelligence. Better at some things...not so good at others. But I feel I'm fairly intouch with people overall. Found lots of things to muddle here, But came to a final conclusion on one given subject...
Doc & Blarney...you two make me stop in my tracks! On one hand, I think your intelligence levels are so superior to mine, I feel like a rube. Then I start laughing cause of the little things I notice in between, so I don't feel quite so stupid. Then I really read again to find what I think are your truths.
I'll end here by saying, thank god for thoughts & words, this very intelligent & articulate board (hats off to Mark & others) & Doc...ya need to write a book! I'd buy!
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greenmann
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2005
Posts: 325
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Post by greenmann on May 17, 2006 1:43:51 GMT -5
wow, what a thread... take a break for a week or two and look what happens As tempted as I am to get into the whole discussion, I think I will just comment on a question Connrock asked- " I see a growing infection in this Country caused by our own rights and freedoms and they are being destroyed from within by a small group who seem to be afraid of a Christian God.Why are they so afraid of Him? Is it because He teaches us right from wrong?Is it because He teaches us to love one another and to forgive?" speaking as a gay pagan (or perhaps, more truthfully, a pantheist), who grew up as most Americans of my generation, nominally christian, I personally believe you are confusing a generally rosy ideal of what it means to be christian with what I see as the reality of Christian behavior in this country, and more specifically the rhetoric being shoved down our collective throats by an increasingly strident and conservative Christian Right. As Xena stated, there SHOULD be a separation of church (all church) and state. Yet the Republican Party is now pretty much being pushed and shoved into this and that corner by Christian Conservatives to the point that other viewpoints within the party (including the generally moderate "New Deal" type republicans, Libertarians and other moderate groups traditionally aligned with them) are being alienated and marginalized in the power structure of the party. As I see it, the "small group of people" reacting to this erosion of the separation of church and state within the Republican Party and the government as a whole, by stridently opposing ANY mention of religion in state affairs is just the tip of a very important iceberg. American Politics has almost always been like this- a general push from one side somehow gets balanced by a reaction from the opposing view. Its supposed to get people talking and debating the issues, but somehow these days people are not talking so much as bashing each other up over it. In this particular discussion, the undercurrent is that, whatever they say they believe, the Moral Majority, Evangelical "Born Again" Christian Right, whatever you want to call them, are some of the most hateful politicians on the current political map. Far from loving their neighbors, they want to control everyones right to choose who they love, how they marry, what religion they hold sacred and what rights they are able to have and hold dear. Its hard to say the Christian Conservatives are teaching love and respect when they are stridently gay bashing in the national media. Hawke's lament about gay rights is definitely part of this- the main thing blocking that is RELIGIOUS dogma, which equates homosexuality with unforgivable sin. Believe what YOU want, that is no part of MY religion, and I prefer not to believe in a religion that would be so hateful as to condemn a person for how and who they love. Personally I think that is the height of hypocrisy (isn't Jesus supposed to be the prince of peace and the one who coined the phrase "love thy neighbor"? Then there's that whole passage about letting he who is without sin throw the first stone...) but the point should be that the whole discussion should have no place in a political debate. The job of the state is not to mandate morality, but to create a legal system that is fair to ALL its citizens. Ask a gay man or woman who has spent the last 5 years caring for their aids inflicted partner (all on their own since the family has all but ostracized them) how fair it is for an estranged parent/sister/brother to come in and deny them access to their loved one's death bed in the hospital. But since the legal system refuses to recognize same sex partners as a valid legal entity, there is no legal recourse for a gay couple in this situation. Where is the Christian love and compassion in this? And yet there are cases of pastors doing this to the partners of their gay children. Is this the morality you want to teach/preach? Is this the forgiveness the christian religion offers non-believers? But this is exactly the face of christianity many of us are reacting against, and for good reason. Sherry, if you ever find out where to get that bumper sticker, please tell me, I want one! For a while, I was sorely tempted to have two stickers on my truck- one that said "support our troops", the other that said "get the hell out of Iraq". Personally I don't see these as mutually exclusive ideas. I would certainly stand and take off my hat, and sing under my breath as the anthem played (any louder and i would be sorely testing anyone within earshot I fear), but I also would support the right of any american to burn said flag in protest if that is what they need to do. I served my country as best I was able. Not in the military (I would make a horrid soldier... can't follow orders to save my soul.) I served in the peace corps, and am proud of that service, while having no illusions that I gave anywhere near as much as the villagers in Panama where I was stationed gave me. I saw a lot in those 2 years that made me both question my country and thank god for being a "Norte Americano". And I firmly believe I did as much in that service as people in the military to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Not all fights are won with guns or swords. Panama has a lot of the same freedoms we share. It should, their government was patterned after our own here, and their citizens are given many of the same freedoms of choice and voice. But they all know through hard experience that all it takes is one dictator to stand all of that on its ears, and those freedoms can be a fleeting thing. Funny, many conspiracy theorists say that the CIA had a hand in ousting Torrejos (by all accounts a fairly benevolent dictator, for all he was rather anti-American) and getting Noriega in power in Panama. Guess when we invaded their country and kidnapped... oops, I mean indicted Noriega, we were just cleaning up past mistakes. I wonder what cleanup we will have to do in Iraq in another 50 years? Or maybe it will be elsewhere by then... But that has nothing to do with the respect I have for the symbols of this country- the flag, the anthem, the White House, etc. As others have said, I personally think it is just plain impolite to talk during the anthem, to leave your hat on, to let the flag fall to the ground. It's bad breeding. But I probably would not go so far as to tell someone off for it. I'm too polite for that I guess. These symbols though, they stand not for the imperfect government that is currently in power, to me they stand for the ideals that are the bedrock of American society- Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Temperance (the old word for tolerance), Freedom of Religion, the right to say what you think and think what you want. The right to trial in a court of law in front of your peers if accused. That is what the flag stands for, not some old fart sitting behind a desk in an office oddly shaped like an oval, scheming for world domination. Heh, I wasn't gonna comment on the whole thing. Oh well, told ya I couldn't follow orders, not even my own Peace Out, Brett
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KG1960
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2008
Posts: 512
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Post by KG1960 on May 17, 2006 20:18:20 GMT -5
Brett, well said. Here is a link where you might find your sticker. I did see a button with that saying on it. Here's the link: www.evolvefish.com/fish/buttons-ss3.htmlTheir home page is this: evolvefish.com/index.htmlDisclaimer time: I don't necessarily agree with everything on this site, and one could probably find something offensive somewhere in there to oneself, but a lot is interesting.
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on May 18, 2006 9:59:10 GMT -5
Doc & Blarney...you two make me stop in my tracks! On one hand, I think your intelligence levels are so superior to mine, I feel like a rube. Then I start laughing cause of the little things I notice in between, so I don't feel quite so stupid. Then I really read again to find what I think are your truths. Liz - Thanks for the compliment (i think)..but I don't consider myself on a par with Doc...he's one of them thar college edumacated fellers Intelligence is like time... relative. I just went a few rounds with the local community college... I'm sort of an autodidact. And...I love to read anything I get my hands on. As for the movie that Lithrick posted the link to...I find it intriguing to say the least. I've always thought that when some corruption is discovered and reported on by the press we only see the tip of the iceberg. I would think that the 911 tragedy is no exception to that rule... Maybe some day we will know the truth, maybe not but the movie (Loose Change) makes an excellent point. Democracy must be defended with diligence from both enemies within and without. Complacency is the disease of Democracy.
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lithrick
no posts
Member since July 2006
Posts: 0
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Post by lithrick on May 18, 2006 10:01:20 GMT -5
Sorry, there, Hermatite; I didn't mean to word my message the way I did to where it sounded like you too were a believer in that video. Also, please do not be offended that I view you as an American, too. It is not in a nationalistic sense; it is only in a dual-continental sense. It is no different than calling a Chinese or a Polish person "Eurasian". I fully respect your nationality as a Canadian, and I fully respect Canada as a proud and independent nation.
This brings me to something that I've been wondering about: the Canadian people's sense of national pride and patriotism. I have some questions for you and the other RTH Canadians, hoping that you all will share how patriotism and national pride is viewed and expressed in your nation.
1. In general, among the Canadian people, how much emphasis and importance is placed on patriotism and national pride? I realize that that may not be a simple question to answer, and I realize that a general answer may not be possible.
2. Are the codes of conduct upon hearing your national anthem and viewing/displaying your flag pretty much the same as it is for folks in the U.S.A. with their national anthem/flag?
3. Since 09/11/'01, there has been a huge outbreak of "bandwagon patriotism" here in the U.S.A., where suddenly it is super-trendy to display lots of Usamerican flags, lots of red, white, and blue; and have many patriotic magnetic ribbons displayed on your vehicle(s). One cannot help but wonder at the individual's/individuals' true motivations for displaying so many patriotic this-and-thats. Did Canada experience a similar outbreak of bandwagon patriotism following 09/11/'01?
4. What is the average Canadian's view of their Usamerican neighbors/country? Is it pretty much benign, or is there a sense among some Canadians that the U.S.A. and its citizens are a little arrogant and overly militaristic?
I hope that you all will feel free to answer openly and honestly, and I trust that no one will be offended by any of your answers. At the very least, please do not attack anyone who answers for any of their answers.
Finally, I invite RTH members from other nations to share their views as well from the perspective of their nation/nationality. I think we can gain much from understanding each other's/others' perspective(s).
Thank you.
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