Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Sunday, December 9, 2012
We are but Fractals (1)
was just sitting here, thinking of things i think a lot.
a while back, i had posited "Define your god." Although i had conversed with many about their "g/God(s)," there were no takers to print, which was cool because it gave me more time to refine mine ...and create this run-on sentence.
it would be completely unwarranted for me to claim, really, any sure amount of intelligence, yet i am about to spew. What proceeds is by no means attributed to fact, or at least not currently, and i make no claim to be absolutely certain, or even certain enough that what i type next is presented factually. i make no attempt to dissuade or persuade save what's sensible. if i make any sense at all. i would welcome any critique of the presentation of this essay ...constructively, of course.
___________________
as many know, i'm an agnostic/atheist when it comes to the g/God(s) question, and as many have found, i enjoy being asked. Probably because of the dichotomy i see in my story. *hopefully i'm using that word right* The story, especially in its whole is quite tangential ...tangentuous, if you will.
NOTE: there is purpose in my grammar and punctuation, but that's a whole 'nother story.
when the question comes and the opportunity for discussion is presented, i love answering 'what made you [me] a non-believer?' ..."an answer to prayer." I attribute my disbelief in any of the g/God(s) to an answer to prayer. kinda odd, i know.
before my second year in the air force, i got this roommate. i had been quite comfortable after a good while without a roommate, and really wasn't keen on it ...but i didn't have a say anyway. *please picture a smile on my face as i tell this bit of background to the prayer* Well, during that time solo i was balancing new money (not well, i may add), a pretty cool job and training, a certain amount of freedom, and a seedling of faith in Jesus Christ (please note the capitalization).
given the inevitability of the occupation, i made sort-of a plea, with God (again, capitalization). "I want to know if You are real. Please, Lord, give me a roommate that can help me understand You ...and not a dick about it." When it came time to meet the guy, as i strolled into his room, there lying at the foot of his bed ... i smiled. new guy is fresh outta tech school ...and he's a christian ...with a Student Bible. lo, that wasn't the answered prayer in reference, but it was convincing enough then to what became my rebirth. not right then, it took a bit. my new roommate and i hit it off pretty well. to this day, and for many more i can safely assume, i consider him one of my best friends, and respect him greatly for being the man that he is. He's a Christian, along with his family ...and a respectable, honest man. it wasn't long before our circle of friends was pretty much the same, and attending the same bible studies and 'pizza parties.' we were both hungry for the Word and the Will of God. of course we had our slips, and i'm blessed beyond measure that some of my slips didn't cost me certain life-long friendships, or even my career.
Jump forward; Join a local church (non-denom, semi-charismatic), a good church with good people, and get baptized. i also came to believe in the Holy Spirit and believed i was baptized in such. my "church" experience was actually quite good. i grew a lot ...and fucked up a lot. after about a year of (at least in my opinion) accelerating growth in my faith, and involvement with youth and prison ministries, my constant prayer was to be able to "have an answer for my faith" through the truth. i would all but beg just to understand truth. and then, it happened ...a renewed vigor for bringing the Word of God deeper into my soul, as i saw things line up that tested well with the Word. but it was also then that the Word started to seem inadequate ...and conflicting. that didn't sway my solid faith at the time, though. there were so many things, all that i had read before, studied before that were coming more real; feeling as if i could put myself in the shoes of each character that was being "revealed" to me. My favorite book became 'Esther' of all things. the zeal had me believe that those seemingly inadequate and conflicting things would soon be understood, and the Word of God refreshing its credit as inspired and infallible.
the growth continued with sputters of life here and there. this 'essay' isn't supposed to be a biography, so i'll save you the 'sputters.' Yet, despite the sputters, i felt a relative steady climb in my faith ...definitely more than a mustard seed.
___________________
after a bunch of trials and tribulations, bandwagons and circles, actions and consequences, it wasn't life that was deteriorating my soul. when i would get on my knees ...when i opened the book, the answer for the faith was inadequate ...more and more, infallibility was becoming a worthless claim. inspired remained on the table for a long time, but infallibility fell. even one inconsistency throws the whole of the faith into quakes. My prayer still remained, "i want to know truth."
long story, shortened (a bit), i felt "lead" to back up and take in a wider view. there was a time (in the really good growth days) i had felt lead to try to understand the other faiths, like i was being 'prepped' to meet and be available to witness to those of other faiths. understanding where they are coming from makes great strides in communication. and, there were such encounters. well, that 'leading' prepped me ...to begin seeing a MUCH bigger picture. Something a lot closer to the truth i had been praying for.
for the sake of certains who may read this, i do understand and am willing to accept what consequences befall me doubting your g/God(s). if eternal separation from [he/she/it/them] in perpetual torment is my destiny, then at that time i would have no choice but to accept it. but i am willing to place my existence (and afterlife) on the table that no g/God(s) presented for belief is worthy of that faith.
but, i do have a pet theory ...
____________________
i'm supposing, by now you're wondering, "is he ever getting to the point?" or that i'm just rambling, or this is getting a little too long, but there is reason for backstory. i'm sorry. i did warn the 'whole' story is "tangentuous." i'm cuttin' out a lot (obligatory 'lol'). and i'm breaking the whole thing up.
____________________
grew up kinda typical upper-central states, small towns surrounded by agriculture ...christian by claim. we pretty much had a belief in the christian god, read the bible here and there (i actually enjoyed it and read it quite a bit), went to church, did the good neighbor thing, behaved (generally), etc. etc. Had influence from a good general range of denominations. we prayed, many times as a family, but we weren't "begging" for anything from God ...just bless the food, help so-and-so, sorry for being a dumbass. but, we meant it. we believed in Him and we're supposed to pray to talk to Him, and he gave us the Lord's Prayer.
i digress ...my mom, who grew up on a farm, loves the stars and she loves sharing that with us kids. it was a common 'mom-and-kids' thing to go out in the country (which was really easy when we lived in Granville) and stare at the stars ...watching for shooting stars ...and, of course, u.f.o. stories. My Mom planted a seed in me early on ..."keep watching." she was a big, big fan of Carl Sagan, also.
it was my mom's inspiring awe for astronomy (other sciences included) that sparked my love for science, and it was that 'leading' for a panoramic view of the truth that now leaves me nearing forty.
^to be continued^
a while back, i had posited "Define your god." Although i had conversed with many about their "g/God(s)," there were no takers to print, which was cool because it gave me more time to refine mine ...and create this run-on sentence.
it would be completely unwarranted for me to claim, really, any sure amount of intelligence, yet i am about to spew. What proceeds is by no means attributed to fact, or at least not currently, and i make no claim to be absolutely certain, or even certain enough that what i type next is presented factually. i make no attempt to dissuade or persuade save what's sensible. if i make any sense at all. i would welcome any critique of the presentation of this essay ...constructively, of course.
___________________
as many know, i'm an agnostic/atheist when it comes to the g/God(s) question, and as many have found, i enjoy being asked. Probably because of the dichotomy i see in my story. *hopefully i'm using that word right* The story, especially in its whole is quite tangential ...tangentuous, if you will.
NOTE: there is purpose in my grammar and punctuation, but that's a whole 'nother story.
when the question comes and the opportunity for discussion is presented, i love answering 'what made you [me] a non-believer?' ..."an answer to prayer." I attribute my disbelief in any of the g/God(s) to an answer to prayer. kinda odd, i know.
before my second year in the air force, i got this roommate. i had been quite comfortable after a good while without a roommate, and really wasn't keen on it ...but i didn't have a say anyway. *please picture a smile on my face as i tell this bit of background to the prayer* Well, during that time solo i was balancing new money (not well, i may add), a pretty cool job and training, a certain amount of freedom, and a seedling of faith in Jesus Christ (please note the capitalization).
given the inevitability of the occupation, i made sort-of a plea, with God (again, capitalization). "I want to know if You are real. Please, Lord, give me a roommate that can help me understand You ...and not a dick about it." When it came time to meet the guy, as i strolled into his room, there lying at the foot of his bed ... i smiled. new guy is fresh outta tech school ...and he's a christian ...with a Student Bible. lo, that wasn't the answered prayer in reference, but it was convincing enough then to what became my rebirth. not right then, it took a bit. my new roommate and i hit it off pretty well. to this day, and for many more i can safely assume, i consider him one of my best friends, and respect him greatly for being the man that he is. He's a Christian, along with his family ...and a respectable, honest man. it wasn't long before our circle of friends was pretty much the same, and attending the same bible studies and 'pizza parties.' we were both hungry for the Word and the Will of God. of course we had our slips, and i'm blessed beyond measure that some of my slips didn't cost me certain life-long friendships, or even my career.
Jump forward; Join a local church (non-denom, semi-charismatic), a good church with good people, and get baptized. i also came to believe in the Holy Spirit and believed i was baptized in such. my "church" experience was actually quite good. i grew a lot ...and fucked up a lot. after about a year of (at least in my opinion) accelerating growth in my faith, and involvement with youth and prison ministries, my constant prayer was to be able to "have an answer for my faith" through the truth. i would all but beg just to understand truth. and then, it happened ...a renewed vigor for bringing the Word of God deeper into my soul, as i saw things line up that tested well with the Word. but it was also then that the Word started to seem inadequate ...and conflicting. that didn't sway my solid faith at the time, though. there were so many things, all that i had read before, studied before that were coming more real; feeling as if i could put myself in the shoes of each character that was being "revealed" to me. My favorite book became 'Esther' of all things. the zeal had me believe that those seemingly inadequate and conflicting things would soon be understood, and the Word of God refreshing its credit as inspired and infallible.
the growth continued with sputters of life here and there. this 'essay' isn't supposed to be a biography, so i'll save you the 'sputters.' Yet, despite the sputters, i felt a relative steady climb in my faith ...definitely more than a mustard seed.
___________________
after a bunch of trials and tribulations, bandwagons and circles, actions and consequences, it wasn't life that was deteriorating my soul. when i would get on my knees ...when i opened the book, the answer for the faith was inadequate ...more and more, infallibility was becoming a worthless claim. inspired remained on the table for a long time, but infallibility fell. even one inconsistency throws the whole of the faith into quakes. My prayer still remained, "i want to know truth."
long story, shortened (a bit), i felt "lead" to back up and take in a wider view. there was a time (in the really good growth days) i had felt lead to try to understand the other faiths, like i was being 'prepped' to meet and be available to witness to those of other faiths. understanding where they are coming from makes great strides in communication. and, there were such encounters. well, that 'leading' prepped me ...to begin seeing a MUCH bigger picture. Something a lot closer to the truth i had been praying for.
for the sake of certains who may read this, i do understand and am willing to accept what consequences befall me doubting your g/God(s). if eternal separation from [he/she/it/them] in perpetual torment is my destiny, then at that time i would have no choice but to accept it. but i am willing to place my existence (and afterlife) on the table that no g/God(s) presented for belief is worthy of that faith.
but, i do have a pet theory ...
____________________
i'm supposing, by now you're wondering, "is he ever getting to the point?" or that i'm just rambling, or this is getting a little too long, but there is reason for backstory. i'm sorry. i did warn the 'whole' story is "tangentuous." i'm cuttin' out a lot (obligatory 'lol'). and i'm breaking the whole thing up.
____________________
grew up kinda typical upper-central states, small towns surrounded by agriculture ...christian by claim. we pretty much had a belief in the christian god, read the bible here and there (i actually enjoyed it and read it quite a bit), went to church, did the good neighbor thing, behaved (generally), etc. etc. Had influence from a good general range of denominations. we prayed, many times as a family, but we weren't "begging" for anything from God ...just bless the food, help so-and-so, sorry for being a dumbass. but, we meant it. we believed in Him and we're supposed to pray to talk to Him, and he gave us the Lord's Prayer.
i digress ...my mom, who grew up on a farm, loves the stars and she loves sharing that with us kids. it was a common 'mom-and-kids' thing to go out in the country (which was really easy when we lived in Granville) and stare at the stars ...watching for shooting stars ...and, of course, u.f.o. stories. My Mom planted a seed in me early on ..."keep watching." she was a big, big fan of Carl Sagan, also.
it was my mom's inspiring awe for astronomy (other sciences included) that sparked my love for science, and it was that 'leading' for a panoramic view of the truth that now leaves me nearing forty.
^to be continued^
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
He said it!
Charlie Chaplan wrote and spoke these words many, many years ago as part of "The Great Dictator (1940)." I would recommend watching the movie, for the sake of this man's contribution to comics and film, but mostly for the passionate speech he gives.
______________________________________
"I'm sorry but I don't want to be an emperor. That's not my business. I don't want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible; Jew, Gentile, black men, white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each others' happiness, not by each other's misery. We don't want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way.
"Greed has poisoned men's souls; has barricaded the world with hate; has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge as made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in man; cries out for universal brotherhood; for the unity of us all.
"Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world, millions of despairing men, women, and little children, victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people. To those who can hear me, I say "Do not despair!" The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.
"Soldiers! Don't give yourselves to brutes, men who despise you and enslave you; who regiment your lives, tell you what to do, what to think and what to feel! Who drill you, diet you, treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder! Don't give yourselves to these unnatural men---machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have a love of humanity in your hearts! You don't hate! Only the unloved hate; the unloved and the unnatural.
"Soldiers! Don't fight for slavery! Fight for liberty! In the seventeenth chapter of St. Luke, it’s written “the kingdom of God is within man”, not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people, have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy, let us use that power.
"Let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill their promise. They never will! Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people! Now let us fight to fulfill that promise! Let us fight to free the world! To do away with national barriers! To do away with greed, with hate and intolerance! Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness.
"Soldiers, in the name of democracy, let us all unite!"
______________________________________
"I'm sorry but I don't want to be an emperor. That's not my business. I don't want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible; Jew, Gentile, black men, white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each others' happiness, not by each other's misery. We don't want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way.
"Greed has poisoned men's souls; has barricaded the world with hate; has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge as made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in man; cries out for universal brotherhood; for the unity of us all.
"Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world, millions of despairing men, women, and little children, victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people. To those who can hear me, I say "Do not despair!" The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.
"Soldiers! Don't give yourselves to brutes, men who despise you and enslave you; who regiment your lives, tell you what to do, what to think and what to feel! Who drill you, diet you, treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder! Don't give yourselves to these unnatural men---machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have a love of humanity in your hearts! You don't hate! Only the unloved hate; the unloved and the unnatural.
"Soldiers! Don't fight for slavery! Fight for liberty! In the seventeenth chapter of St. Luke, it’s written “the kingdom of God is within man”, not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people, have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy, let us use that power.
"Let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill their promise. They never will! Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people! Now let us fight to fulfill that promise! Let us fight to free the world! To do away with national barriers! To do away with greed, with hate and intolerance! Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness.
"Soldiers, in the name of democracy, let us all unite!"
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Healthy discourse or a mistake?
Those who know me or keep up with my posts know that i am outspoken
with my opinion on many matters and hide nothing. Unfortunately, that
outspokenness has caused some uproar.
I recently posted as a 'public' status my answer to a question posed. The question was simply asking when was the first time trying any drug. My post was such:
The grand discussion thence proceeded with family members, friends and acquaintances chiming in. Of the over 50 comments left on the thread, there were two contributors that i didn't see coming -- my ex-wife and 14 year old daughter. Why i didn't see them coming is a discussion for another time, but where the discussion went definitely gave me pause, and another status update, "going through evaluation."
Thus, my evaluation:
I definitely could have (and some would say should have) not posted the status publicly and avoided the issue all-together, but that definitely would have been against my personal agendas of transparency and activism. i am not afraid nor ashamed of my stance on the subject and welcome discussions of such. No change is ever brought about by inactivity. With that said, do i regret that my ex-wife and daughter got involved, or felt the need to get involved? Well, honestly i couldn't care less what my ex thinks, but what hurts is the discourse between my daughter and i. It was never my intent to approach the discussion of drugs with my daughter in this way, but now the box is open and i am sure my next visit will be an adventure. What it does tell me, though, is what she is being fed. She had made the comment, "I DON'T want to be taught about drugs, I want to be warned!" An issue of semantics; warn about drugs or teach about drugs. Although i most definitely see the place for warning someone of the possible dangers surrounding drug use/abuse, on its own it does not do the subject justice and is left wide open for bias abuse (by bias abuse i would refer to the example of religious fundamentalism involvement in politics/government). An honest impartation of knowledge or instruction is far more useful and enforces the exercise of wisdom based on facts. i would most definitely warn my daughter of the negative effects of drug use (to include tobacco, alcohol and various prescriptions), but not without giving her the facts. Besides the legality of such, the physical and mental development is hindered/altered when at the yet developing stages of life. Having correct knowledge vs. a biased warning better prepares them for possible confrontations and pressures in the future by peers and outsiders AND still leaves them with their own free-will decisions in maturity. Would i condone my daughter partaking in drugs of any recreational sort at age 14, or 12, or 16? Emphatically NO! Do i want her to be properly equipped/guarded if-and-when she is approached with the opportunity under peer-pressure to partake? Emphatically YES!
Just saying "no" is weak (IMHO), but there is a great deal of strength in understanding why "no." Just reiterating a societal dogmatic agenda proposed by 'authorities' (and i use that loosely) flaunts a weak mind that has jumped on a bandwagon. Knowing the unbiased facts of a matter and then saying 'yea' or 'nay' exhibits an exercised mind and purposeful free-will. We have created an environment where personal responsibility and accountability are null-and-void and the exercise of "free-will" is delegated by the 'authorities.' That is not the country our ancestors and forefathers fought and died for. The illegitimate use of greedy power has derided the personal liberties/freedoms this nation was founded on. It is time truth and facts are forefront in every societal debate or discussion of pertinence to the "greater good" of the whole. Prohibition (in the arena of alcohol/drugs) has caused more harm than good, fed the appetite of criminality, grossly misdiagnosed the ills of justice, imprisoned the impoverished, fattened the greedy -- all on the taxpayer dollar with nothing to show for it but MORE of the same.
Am i worried where my public stance on this issue will take my relationship with my daughter? A little. I sure as hell don't want this chasm to be between us (this isn't the only thing dividing us), nor do i want it between me and any other family member or loved one, but a few years ago i saw something in the world. Deception, greed and dogma have muddied the once crystal-clear-down-to-the-bottom pool of life. It's going to take a lot of work, but i would love to see that pool cleaned up. It can be pristine again. i want my daughter to experience life the way it should be experienced. i'm sure you want the same for yours.
With all this said, i haven't deleted the aforementioned post from my wall ...but i have changed its visibility to 'friends.'
But, this post will remain 'public.'
Enjoy life
Truth, Knowledge and Humanity
I recently posted as a 'public' status my answer to a question posed. The question was simply asking when was the first time trying any drug. My post was such:
"alcohol i started when i
was probly 11 or 12. cigs when i was 26. cannabis @ 27. AMT @ 29.
Ecs (and various designer), LSD and psilocybin @ 30/31.
Of
it all, wish i NEVER would have started cigarettes, i'm not much of a
drinker anymore, would love a mushroom weekend, some acid for xmas
...and love the ganja. End the insanity. End the war on drugs. End
prohibition. End the lies."
The grand discussion thence proceeded with family members, friends and acquaintances chiming in. Of the over 50 comments left on the thread, there were two contributors that i didn't see coming -- my ex-wife and 14 year old daughter. Why i didn't see them coming is a discussion for another time, but where the discussion went definitely gave me pause, and another status update, "going through evaluation."
Thus, my evaluation:
I definitely could have (and some would say should have) not posted the status publicly and avoided the issue all-together, but that definitely would have been against my personal agendas of transparency and activism. i am not afraid nor ashamed of my stance on the subject and welcome discussions of such. No change is ever brought about by inactivity. With that said, do i regret that my ex-wife and daughter got involved, or felt the need to get involved? Well, honestly i couldn't care less what my ex thinks, but what hurts is the discourse between my daughter and i. It was never my intent to approach the discussion of drugs with my daughter in this way, but now the box is open and i am sure my next visit will be an adventure. What it does tell me, though, is what she is being fed. She had made the comment, "I DON'T want to be taught about drugs, I want to be warned!" An issue of semantics; warn about drugs or teach about drugs. Although i most definitely see the place for warning someone of the possible dangers surrounding drug use/abuse, on its own it does not do the subject justice and is left wide open for bias abuse (by bias abuse i would refer to the example of religious fundamentalism involvement in politics/government). An honest impartation of knowledge or instruction is far more useful and enforces the exercise of wisdom based on facts. i would most definitely warn my daughter of the negative effects of drug use (to include tobacco, alcohol and various prescriptions), but not without giving her the facts. Besides the legality of such, the physical and mental development is hindered/altered when at the yet developing stages of life. Having correct knowledge vs. a biased warning better prepares them for possible confrontations and pressures in the future by peers and outsiders AND still leaves them with their own free-will decisions in maturity. Would i condone my daughter partaking in drugs of any recreational sort at age 14, or 12, or 16? Emphatically NO! Do i want her to be properly equipped/guarded if-and-when she is approached with the opportunity under peer-pressure to partake? Emphatically YES!
Just saying "no" is weak (IMHO), but there is a great deal of strength in understanding why "no." Just reiterating a societal dogmatic agenda proposed by 'authorities' (and i use that loosely) flaunts a weak mind that has jumped on a bandwagon. Knowing the unbiased facts of a matter and then saying 'yea' or 'nay' exhibits an exercised mind and purposeful free-will. We have created an environment where personal responsibility and accountability are null-and-void and the exercise of "free-will" is delegated by the 'authorities.' That is not the country our ancestors and forefathers fought and died for. The illegitimate use of greedy power has derided the personal liberties/freedoms this nation was founded on. It is time truth and facts are forefront in every societal debate or discussion of pertinence to the "greater good" of the whole. Prohibition (in the arena of alcohol/drugs) has caused more harm than good, fed the appetite of criminality, grossly misdiagnosed the ills of justice, imprisoned the impoverished, fattened the greedy -- all on the taxpayer dollar with nothing to show for it but MORE of the same.
Am i worried where my public stance on this issue will take my relationship with my daughter? A little. I sure as hell don't want this chasm to be between us (this isn't the only thing dividing us), nor do i want it between me and any other family member or loved one, but a few years ago i saw something in the world. Deception, greed and dogma have muddied the once crystal-clear-down-to-the-bottom pool of life. It's going to take a lot of work, but i would love to see that pool cleaned up. It can be pristine again. i want my daughter to experience life the way it should be experienced. i'm sure you want the same for yours.
With all this said, i haven't deleted the aforementioned post from my wall ...but i have changed its visibility to 'friends.'
But, this post will remain 'public.'
Enjoy life
Truth, Knowledge and Humanity
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Mentally Ill?
I recently read an article on the site Atheism Exposed , entitled "Are Atheists Mentally Ill?" I would recommend reading that particular article before reading my response that i emailed to the author, but that's up
to you. If anyone finds discrepancy in my response, please feel free to
comment on such.
_________________________________
Just got done reading your article "Are Atheists Mentally Ill" on your site, Militant Atheism Exposed. I plan on reading more of your articles as time allows, but i felt a need to address this one.
I am afraid you are misguided in your attempt to 'prove' your premise. You were definitely correct in your opening of that article that both camps [i would say all camps] suffer populations of mentally ill/crazies/nuts/psychos to varying degrees, but i feel you failed in your overall claim that "atheists rely heavily on the psychological defense mechanisms of denial, rationalization, repression, suppression and displacement" to reject the existence of God. It seemed to me that instead of general psychological attributes to show possible mental illness, you did more to say they are mentally ill because they don't believe in God. Understandably, you are approaching this from a Christian perspective, but in making claims about another group of people (especially if you're going to claim they are 'ill') it is not only prudent but essential to define the group correctly, else-wise your entire claim is null.
First, you base your article on the idea that your (Christian) perspective is reality and atheists are rejecting that reality with "mind games," assuming that it is an already founded fact and not providing any examples to back your claim except to say "It is the view of this author that the existence of a Creator is the most provable of all realities and that the proofs are 'many' and 'sufficient.'" You also didn't sufficiently explain the atheist rejection: they do not believe in ANY god (not just yours) because there is NO evidence to support the existence of any deity. Throughout history, man has given a god the credit for the unexplainable. History is replete with stories of various gods from multitudes of cultures and societies, many of which are extremely similar to others and most claiming sovereignty and superiority. There is absolutely nothing different coming from the judeo-christian belief, so there is no reason to accept one over another if accepting any at all.
Rationalizations: Your argument here, to me, just does not make sense. Something either is or is not logical. If someone is fooled by 'logic-sounding' speak, then they just do not know enough to be making a judgement -- period. The logical reasoning i have heard (by many of the authors you note throughout your site) are not "why God does not exist, or why they cannot accept the existence of God," but rather how giving credit to a deity for something that clearly is not correct is illogical and the definition(s) of given god are negated by the actions of the god and by other characteristics attributed to them ...thus given god doesn't exist and is not worthy of worship. Atheists (the smarter ones, at least) will use demonstrable, sound rationalizations from across the spectrum of disciplines, whereas religion/faith can ONLY use circular reasoning inside of itself. The reasoning "because the bible says so" is ludicrous, given how observable evidence, logic and scientific ventures have shown it to be inaccurate.
Repression: your definition here is correct, but not applicable in this argument because, again, you are assuming you are correct and assuming there is a pain to be blocked. Projecting your assumption to a subject does not make your argument valid. Rather, the rest of the paragraph throws it out by claiming 'design' and 'artist' for the existence of what is. "All of existence yells out 'design.'" I beg to differ: All of existence yells out "careful where you step." This planet is abundant with natural existences that are not 'human-friendly.' From microbiological organisms to natural disasters, all of existence is up-for-grabs at any moment. The 'beauty' that you speak of is subjective -- beauty is in the eye of the beholder -- beauty is only skin deep. I would recommend understanding what pareidolia is.
"The atheist mind will not stop and observe and see the connection." Myself, and many others i associate with (and i know we're not alone) love laying out in the yard, or walking through the swamp or trees, or watching birds and bees, or planting and nurturing -- we do stop, and observe the 'beauty' of it all. But again, beauty is subjective. We do see the connection, just not the connection that you're proclaiming. The connections we see (demonstrable evidence) have nothing to do with an invisible deity's magic wand, but with each other ...affecting each other ...relying on each other. Even, i would say, the unpleasant ones like army ants and wasps. There is nothing to repress in nature: it's where we learn everything from. Nature has ALL the answers, and none of them point to a deity ...yet, at least.
Suppression: again, your definition is correct but your application is not. There is no rejection on the part of atheists for the "concept of design ...daily being reinforced by all the sciences" because there is no such reinforcement by the sciences, only a projection of one's ideology or, dare i say ignorance (not meant to be derogatory - please refer to the definition of ignorance). The "fair and sufficient analyses" are out there and are being done, and i would say again, none point to a deity. Natural cause and effect.
Displacement: can't really argue with you here, except to say that atheism does not recognize a god, thus 'anger' or 'hurt' cannot be directed toward a god. Only one who believes in the existence of a god can direct emotion to that god. For atheists, we don't blame god(s), we blame the arrogantly ignorant actions of those who do or do not believe in a god for certain atrocities.
"Over-relying on [defense mechanisms] to cope with life and specific pains in life can lead to disjointed thinking and emotional immaturity." You are correct, but using this to claim that atheism is a mental illness is completely misguided and misleading.
I look forward to your response, if any.
Truth, Knowledge and Humanity
_________________________________
Just got done reading your article "Are Atheists Mentally Ill" on your site, Militant Atheism Exposed. I plan on reading more of your articles as time allows, but i felt a need to address this one.
I am afraid you are misguided in your attempt to 'prove' your premise. You were definitely correct in your opening of that article that both camps [i would say all camps] suffer populations of mentally ill/crazies/nuts/psychos to varying degrees, but i feel you failed in your overall claim that "atheists rely heavily on the psychological defense mechanisms of denial, rationalization, repression, suppression and displacement" to reject the existence of God. It seemed to me that instead of general psychological attributes to show possible mental illness, you did more to say they are mentally ill because they don't believe in God. Understandably, you are approaching this from a Christian perspective, but in making claims about another group of people (especially if you're going to claim they are 'ill') it is not only prudent but essential to define the group correctly, else-wise your entire claim is null.
"The mind of many atheists protects itself from these realities by rejecting God’s existence."
First, you base your article on the idea that your (Christian) perspective is reality and atheists are rejecting that reality with "mind games," assuming that it is an already founded fact and not providing any examples to back your claim except to say "It is the view of this author that the existence of a Creator is the most provable of all realities and that the proofs are 'many' and 'sufficient.'" You also didn't sufficiently explain the atheist rejection: they do not believe in ANY god (not just yours) because there is NO evidence to support the existence of any deity. Throughout history, man has given a god the credit for the unexplainable. History is replete with stories of various gods from multitudes of cultures and societies, many of which are extremely similar to others and most claiming sovereignty and superiority. There is absolutely nothing different coming from the judeo-christian belief, so there is no reason to accept one over another if accepting any at all.
defense mechanisms to block out the pain.
Denial: can't really argue with you on this one.
there are multiple reasons anyone can give for denying something,
whether it is sufficient is the question. yes, many (hopefully not
most) deny simply on the premises you propose (i wouldn't go so far as
saying mentally ill though). But for myself, and many others like me,
it goes back to no evidence supporting the existence of. IMO, this is
pretty much where atheists/agnostics differ. Atheists, for the most
part, flat out discount the existence, whereas agnostics believe there
is no evidence in either direction thus no claim til one or the other
has that evidence. i personally lean more to being agnostic, but i will
say with almost certitude that NONE of the surviving, viable faiths of
today are correct.
Rationalizations: Your argument here, to me, just does not make sense. Something either is or is not logical. If someone is fooled by 'logic-sounding' speak, then they just do not know enough to be making a judgement -- period. The logical reasoning i have heard (by many of the authors you note throughout your site) are not "why God does not exist, or why they cannot accept the existence of God," but rather how giving credit to a deity for something that clearly is not correct is illogical and the definition(s) of given god are negated by the actions of the god and by other characteristics attributed to them ...thus given god doesn't exist and is not worthy of worship. Atheists (the smarter ones, at least) will use demonstrable, sound rationalizations from across the spectrum of disciplines, whereas religion/faith can ONLY use circular reasoning inside of itself. The reasoning "because the bible says so" is ludicrous, given how observable evidence, logic and scientific ventures have shown it to be inaccurate.
Repression: your definition here is correct, but not applicable in this argument because, again, you are assuming you are correct and assuming there is a pain to be blocked. Projecting your assumption to a subject does not make your argument valid. Rather, the rest of the paragraph throws it out by claiming 'design' and 'artist' for the existence of what is. "All of existence yells out 'design.'" I beg to differ: All of existence yells out "careful where you step." This planet is abundant with natural existences that are not 'human-friendly.' From microbiological organisms to natural disasters, all of existence is up-for-grabs at any moment. The 'beauty' that you speak of is subjective -- beauty is in the eye of the beholder -- beauty is only skin deep. I would recommend understanding what pareidolia is.
"The atheist mind will not stop and observe and see the connection." Myself, and many others i associate with (and i know we're not alone) love laying out in the yard, or walking through the swamp or trees, or watching birds and bees, or planting and nurturing -- we do stop, and observe the 'beauty' of it all. But again, beauty is subjective. We do see the connection, just not the connection that you're proclaiming. The connections we see (demonstrable evidence) have nothing to do with an invisible deity's magic wand, but with each other ...affecting each other ...relying on each other. Even, i would say, the unpleasant ones like army ants and wasps. There is nothing to repress in nature: it's where we learn everything from. Nature has ALL the answers, and none of them point to a deity ...yet, at least.
Suppression: again, your definition is correct but your application is not. There is no rejection on the part of atheists for the "concept of design ...daily being reinforced by all the sciences" because there is no such reinforcement by the sciences, only a projection of one's ideology or, dare i say ignorance (not meant to be derogatory - please refer to the definition of ignorance). The "fair and sufficient analyses" are out there and are being done, and i would say again, none point to a deity. Natural cause and effect.
Displacement: can't really argue with you here, except to say that atheism does not recognize a god, thus 'anger' or 'hurt' cannot be directed toward a god. Only one who believes in the existence of a god can direct emotion to that god. For atheists, we don't blame god(s), we blame the arrogantly ignorant actions of those who do or do not believe in a god for certain atrocities.
"Over-relying on [defense mechanisms] to cope with life and specific pains in life can lead to disjointed thinking and emotional immaturity." You are correct, but using this to claim that atheism is a mental illness is completely misguided and misleading.
I look forward to your response, if any.
Truth, Knowledge and Humanity
Friday, November 11, 2011
i beg of thee!
"...it is their right, it is their duty ..."
From a multitude of sources and leanings, the 'Occupy' movement is being covered, and scrutinized. Only a couple months in to the movement, it has gone from a relatively small group of disenchanted occupying New York to hundreds of cities around the globe. Amazingly, no recognized leadership is being claimed by the occupiers, as if they're waiting on the leadership to come to them. Well, maybe that's the point.
Even before the occupy movement started, recent years have seen an increase in civil uprisings against their respective leaders. Movements declaring "we're tired of your shit!" The occupiers in this more recent movement are basically saying the same thing. They are also proving to everyone that they do not individually have to agree on everything, but they all agree on one thing: the system has been corrupted by profit and power. It's difficult to argue that.
Watching or reading the coverage by multiple news media, we are bombarded with phrases of police brutality, vandalism, prolific drug use, rape, incoherent statements, mis-education ...to the point that the overall message is being stifled. This is much more than just a faction rising. This is not a liberal or conservative propaganda machine, nor is it just a bunch of hippies and sympathizers. This is a movement by the people against the corrupt, despotic state of bought leadership who have shown little or no concern for the well-being of its citizens.
Although i personally prefer a more civil and formal approach to addressing grievances, it is difficult to find blame in much of the behavior of the occupiers. Many feel there is little option left and time has passed to regard civilities. They have been pushed in to corners and see no point in regarding formalities to address the grievances anymore. We will listen or they will get louder. They have forgone respect for process because processes can be bought. They have lost respect for elected offices because they also can be bought. Even when groups have tried to be civil and do things 'by the book,' they have been 'allowed' to protest in the corner, removed from public. Riot police are called in to 'keep the peace' at a peaceful assembly, then videos and testimony show law enforcement beating protesters. The reason the occupiers are not listening to your ordinances and warnings is because you haven't listened to them. They are trying to tell you that "of ...by ...for the people" has been replaced by "show me the money." Do you really expect them to respect you? I, for one (of the 99) do not respect you, and i will without hesitance throw my voice in with the occupiers and, we will not stop occupying until you get the point.
This movement gives me a more ensured hope that my faith in humanity is not a lost cause. To see such a wide demographic in solidarity is inspiring. The voice is empowering, knowing that "We the people" still has power. I proudly stand with my brothers and sisters declaring in protest the injustices of greed in power.
With that said, i must also say this: it pains me that there are some in this movement giving credence to the claims by some that this has turned into mobs of lawlessness. If we are going to stand in accord fighting injustice then we must be that example of behavior we desire to see from them. Violence ...vandalism ...rape -- there is NO excuse for these activities, and i beg of everyone to do their part in ensuring these things are not part of your occupation. To those who are the offenders, GET OUT! i have no qualms with the cops nabbing your ass. Your actions are a disgrace to the movement. Also, we cannot be a hindrance to the rest of the population (the rest of the 99%), for they too are trying to ensure their security and stability.
i would beg of everyone to please educate yourselves on all these issues that we have individually. Work with or form solution groups in your areas to not only tell the 'powers that be' that there is a grievance, but how we can make the changes that will "...form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity ..." It is time to show them we are more than a bunch of factional deviants. We are Americans, and we vote.
We are 99%
From a multitude of sources and leanings, the 'Occupy' movement is being covered, and scrutinized. Only a couple months in to the movement, it has gone from a relatively small group of disenchanted occupying New York to hundreds of cities around the globe. Amazingly, no recognized leadership is being claimed by the occupiers, as if they're waiting on the leadership to come to them. Well, maybe that's the point.
Even before the occupy movement started, recent years have seen an increase in civil uprisings against their respective leaders. Movements declaring "we're tired of your shit!" The occupiers in this more recent movement are basically saying the same thing. They are also proving to everyone that they do not individually have to agree on everything, but they all agree on one thing: the system has been corrupted by profit and power. It's difficult to argue that.
Watching or reading the coverage by multiple news media, we are bombarded with phrases of police brutality, vandalism, prolific drug use, rape, incoherent statements, mis-education ...to the point that the overall message is being stifled. This is much more than just a faction rising. This is not a liberal or conservative propaganda machine, nor is it just a bunch of hippies and sympathizers. This is a movement by the people against the corrupt, despotic state of bought leadership who have shown little or no concern for the well-being of its citizens.
To them:
Although i personally prefer a more civil and formal approach to addressing grievances, it is difficult to find blame in much of the behavior of the occupiers. Many feel there is little option left and time has passed to regard civilities. They have been pushed in to corners and see no point in regarding formalities to address the grievances anymore. We will listen or they will get louder. They have forgone respect for process because processes can be bought. They have lost respect for elected offices because they also can be bought. Even when groups have tried to be civil and do things 'by the book,' they have been 'allowed' to protest in the corner, removed from public. Riot police are called in to 'keep the peace' at a peaceful assembly, then videos and testimony show law enforcement beating protesters. The reason the occupiers are not listening to your ordinances and warnings is because you haven't listened to them. They are trying to tell you that "of ...by ...for the people" has been replaced by "show me the money." Do you really expect them to respect you? I, for one (of the 99) do not respect you, and i will without hesitance throw my voice in with the occupiers and, we will not stop occupying until you get the point.
To us:
This movement gives me a more ensured hope that my faith in humanity is not a lost cause. To see such a wide demographic in solidarity is inspiring. The voice is empowering, knowing that "We the people" still has power. I proudly stand with my brothers and sisters declaring in protest the injustices of greed in power.
With that said, i must also say this: it pains me that there are some in this movement giving credence to the claims by some that this has turned into mobs of lawlessness. If we are going to stand in accord fighting injustice then we must be that example of behavior we desire to see from them. Violence ...vandalism ...rape -- there is NO excuse for these activities, and i beg of everyone to do their part in ensuring these things are not part of your occupation. To those who are the offenders, GET OUT! i have no qualms with the cops nabbing your ass. Your actions are a disgrace to the movement. Also, we cannot be a hindrance to the rest of the population (the rest of the 99%), for they too are trying to ensure their security and stability.
i would beg of everyone to please educate yourselves on all these issues that we have individually. Work with or form solution groups in your areas to not only tell the 'powers that be' that there is a grievance, but how we can make the changes that will "...form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity ..." It is time to show them we are more than a bunch of factional deviants. We are Americans, and we vote.
We are 99%
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Solutions for Sustainability
It's 7pm, November 8th and there's now just over a dozen locals gathered in this small meeting room of the Senior Resource Center for this presentation of Lester Brown's proposals for a practical approach to the human factor on the global climate. Plan B is Brown's response to a "world on the edge."
...humanity toward a sustainable society ...
In 1974, Lester Brown founded, with the aid of a grant from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Worldwatch Institute, devoted to analysis of global environmental issues. A thinktank focused on environmental issues, the goal was to educate the people and government about environmental problems and to recommend actions. He was also given the MacArthur Foundation's genius award in 1986.
At the Earth Policy Institute, which he established in 2001 after leaving Worldwatch, Brown's interdisciplinary experience provided him with a refined ability to notice and track trends. This new project was devoted to providing a plan to save civilization.
...to be addressed ...
After watching a portion of the Plan B Movie, the speaker, Rebecca Heyer escorted us through a selection of slides covering the four main goals of the proposal. This is also where the night was opened to more of a discussion over the bullets. The first two, stabilizing population and eradicating poverty can both be handled with one global initiative ...education. According to one attendee, " ...births decline when standards of living improve ..." The consensus of the trends that Lester Brown brings to light show strong, relative correlations between population, poverty and education. The lower/lacking education in societies or cultures tend to have higher population rates and higher poverty numbers. The trends also indicate that in cultures where women are better educated, they in turn contribute more in the direction and well-being of the family unit, to include the size of the family unit.
Social goals was the third of the proposal. From individual resolutions of saving energy costs at home and recycling, to local city planning of biking/walking paths and community gardens and much, much more, there is a myriad of activities that as individuals and as communities we can all get more involved in to be more self-sustainable. Being self-sustainable also means less reliant. Local involvement in city, county and state dealings with things like water and air quality, ground contamination, and efficient energy policies and programs put the power of the people in the forefront.
The fourth goal discussed is the local, state and global effort of restoring the Earth. According to Lester's plan as calculated in 2009, a global commitment of $110 billion towards restoration efforts could make the difference in the direction of human impact on the global climate. From planting trees and the conservation cultivation of topsoil, to the protection of biological diversities and rangelands or fisheries. The list goes on and on of things that can be done, locally and globally.
At least according to the slides presented (and i always urge further reading and research), local and state initiatives around the globe have made tremendous differences in relatively short periods. In South Korea, they have reforested 65% of its land. Over the last 25 years, the United States has reduced soil erosion 40% by retiring cropland and practicing conservation tillage, while increasing grain harvest 20%. Fishing restrictions in 6600 sq. miles of marine reserve in the Gulf of Maine has increased population over 90%, size over 30% and diversity 20% of the different species of fish there ...within two years.
...you, me, them ...
Awareness is the first step to any problem encountered ...individually and communally. Recognizing that there is a problem that needs to be addressed precludes any direction of solutions. The next step is educating yourself, first on the general impact then the big picture. The links provided in this article and a general web search will be all one needs for a beginner's course on the subject. Connect with others in the local environment that share the interest or that we can learn more from: all sides, all disciplines. Then, getting involved locally with organizations or groups working toward this sustainability. Right here in Pensacola, we have 350Pensacola/Sustainable Gulf Coast program, the newly formed Pensacola Solutions Project, the University of West Florida student-led green energy initiative for the campus, not to mention the average local citizen adapting their own environments and business owners promoting sustainability efforts, and several more. I personally would recommend beginning by reading this government article on the impact of human activity on the global climate and environment. Also, sites such as Dirty Kilowatts/Environmental Integrity Project can give the viewer a run down on plants that emit dangerous levels of toxins and poisons into the ground and air.
The debate goes on over the degree to which human activities have affected global climate, or could have in the future but, it is undoubtedly true that an impact HAS been made, and an impact CAN be made.
...humanity toward a sustainable society ...
In 1974, Lester Brown founded, with the aid of a grant from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Worldwatch Institute, devoted to analysis of global environmental issues. A thinktank focused on environmental issues, the goal was to educate the people and government about environmental problems and to recommend actions. He was also given the MacArthur Foundation's genius award in 1986.
At the Earth Policy Institute, which he established in 2001 after leaving Worldwatch, Brown's interdisciplinary experience provided him with a refined ability to notice and track trends. This new project was devoted to providing a plan to save civilization.
...to be addressed ...
After watching a portion of the Plan B Movie, the speaker, Rebecca Heyer escorted us through a selection of slides covering the four main goals of the proposal. This is also where the night was opened to more of a discussion over the bullets. The first two, stabilizing population and eradicating poverty can both be handled with one global initiative ...education. According to one attendee, " ...births decline when standards of living improve ..." The consensus of the trends that Lester Brown brings to light show strong, relative correlations between population, poverty and education. The lower/lacking education in societies or cultures tend to have higher population rates and higher poverty numbers. The trends also indicate that in cultures where women are better educated, they in turn contribute more in the direction and well-being of the family unit, to include the size of the family unit.
Social goals was the third of the proposal. From individual resolutions of saving energy costs at home and recycling, to local city planning of biking/walking paths and community gardens and much, much more, there is a myriad of activities that as individuals and as communities we can all get more involved in to be more self-sustainable. Being self-sustainable also means less reliant. Local involvement in city, county and state dealings with things like water and air quality, ground contamination, and efficient energy policies and programs put the power of the people in the forefront.
The fourth goal discussed is the local, state and global effort of restoring the Earth. According to Lester's plan as calculated in 2009, a global commitment of $110 billion towards restoration efforts could make the difference in the direction of human impact on the global climate. From planting trees and the conservation cultivation of topsoil, to the protection of biological diversities and rangelands or fisheries. The list goes on and on of things that can be done, locally and globally.
At least according to the slides presented (and i always urge further reading and research), local and state initiatives around the globe have made tremendous differences in relatively short periods. In South Korea, they have reforested 65% of its land. Over the last 25 years, the United States has reduced soil erosion 40% by retiring cropland and practicing conservation tillage, while increasing grain harvest 20%. Fishing restrictions in 6600 sq. miles of marine reserve in the Gulf of Maine has increased population over 90%, size over 30% and diversity 20% of the different species of fish there ...within two years.
...you, me, them ...
Awareness is the first step to any problem encountered ...individually and communally. Recognizing that there is a problem that needs to be addressed precludes any direction of solutions. The next step is educating yourself, first on the general impact then the big picture. The links provided in this article and a general web search will be all one needs for a beginner's course on the subject. Connect with others in the local environment that share the interest or that we can learn more from: all sides, all disciplines. Then, getting involved locally with organizations or groups working toward this sustainability. Right here in Pensacola, we have 350Pensacola/Sustainable Gulf Coast program, the newly formed Pensacola Solutions Project, the University of West Florida student-led green energy initiative for the campus, not to mention the average local citizen adapting their own environments and business owners promoting sustainability efforts, and several more. I personally would recommend beginning by reading this government article on the impact of human activity on the global climate and environment. Also, sites such as Dirty Kilowatts/Environmental Integrity Project can give the viewer a run down on plants that emit dangerous levels of toxins and poisons into the ground and air.
The debate goes on over the degree to which human activities have affected global climate, or could have in the future but, it is undoubtedly true that an impact HAS been made, and an impact CAN be made.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Occupying the Plaza (on a Beautiful Day)
I arrived early, shortly after two pm.
Parked down the street from the scheduled occupation. Gotta move the car in two hours.
There are probably a hundred folk gathered around in little circles, each with their own discussions ...especially when they're silent.
Father Nathan just passed by. Johnny is here: knew he would be. Met and chatted with some guy named Gordon.
More are arriving. Bunch of tables so far up and down the plaza, and I'm sure more to come. They're all here for the same occasion, but what's their reason? Why are teens with gauged piercings sharing space with older gentlemen and ladies, some with trinkets, instruments, signs and shirts? Three generations ...with a common thread that is not blood, yet pulsing through their veins providing the aliment for the cause.
I'm sitting across from Winston Arnow, enjoying a brilliantly welcoming, something, something day.
Conversations -- ADEP, social services, politics, greed, corporations, Rick Scott health care. We'll leave the opinions to themselves ...maybe.
"You gave my sign away, that I made this morning!?" Gordon jokingly pokes at his friend.
Johnny has bumper stickers ...$2; newsletters and mags for free. Cameras all over ...and sunglasses, hats, chairs, balloons ...even some bongos, an accordion and guitars.
"The bottom line is greed. You can't regulate greed. We can only regulate actions."
"This is where all the angry debate is going to happen!" says a white guy in sunglasses, motioning loose circles with both hands generalizing an area on the plaza steps where over a half dozen men with opinions stand and sit telling each other the facts with devout sincerity in their tones. This is also the part of the plaza where the soapbox will 'occupy.' How's that gonna go?
I hear music. Down the walk, I think someone has set up a small band. Eventually, I'll make my way back down the walk and check it out. For now, I'll watch and listen as well over a hundred (maybe two) have chosen to occupy.
Time to move the car from the '2 Hour Parking' spot. Good time to grab a bite to eat.
___________
WUWF 88.1 FM keeps me company as I drive around looking for a safe parking space within walking distance from the occupation. Even during the pledge drives I prefer listening to NPR. "Ah, here we go."
But, I digress ...
"This is not capitalism. This is not socialism. This is corporatism ...[We need to] stop looting and start prosecuting!" rallies one man on the soapbox.
"Silent no more!" another man iterates a few times, each time louder prompting the crowd to chant.
A few hundred by now, many encircling the soapbox in front of the MLK Jr. bust. It's almost 5pm.
"We have a problem with the system ...it's not working for the 99%!"
"Solidarity!"
A solidarity kaleidoscope.
Hearing conversations of varying agendas and opinions. Twice now, I've signed petitions for county commissioner ballot names. Both 'no party affiliation' which is definitely a plus, and probably intentional; Are they claiming 'no party' to appeal for numbers in a crowd emphatically fed-up with the established political arena, or are they genuinely grass-rooting and have a plan to make a difference -- that WOULD make a difference? We could only hope and wait.
Besides the obvious personal discussions people have as they find friends and meet strangers, the overwhelming congruous spirit is one of change - something all here heard a couple of years ago, but most are still waiting for. I get the feeling that they're tired of waiting ...and sick of the rhetoric. The issues of change, that at least this spirit in America has been propagating for decades, in corporatism, politics, healthcare, environmental influences and the polygamist marriages of.
"Read the Constitution. Read the Declaration of Independence ..."
I've been reading a copy of the Federalist Papers (it's a long, deep read). The same spirit, although quite muddled from over two centuries of socio-political interests and ills, that fought for a land of freedom and seceded from tyranny is here: to pursue life, liberty and happiness: to promote a protected freedom, foreign and domestic. Remembering history and engraving a platform for personal, communal, spiritual, political and economic freedom that is based on the lessons learned.
From the foundation of this nation, future generations were advised of what can come -- what WILL come if we don't protect that freedom; What to expect in opposition; Where the line between security and freedom lies. We were warned about those that thrive off of the deprivation and enslavement of the populous. Those leeches who religiously suck life from those who have little choice but to succumb to the ever-deepening avarice pool. Some of those warnings even came from slave owners.
Seeking more solid ground, and hopefully not willing to settle for just a 'less-filthy pond,' the occupiers demand a fair shake; Demand that one percent does not make a majority; Demand that corporations do not govern through their pocketbooks, but rather the people govern the institutions; Demand that those elected into office understand 'We the people' not 'I, the fat pig.'
Well, at least that's what I came away with.
It's 6:15pm ...the crowd is thinning.
Parked down the street from the scheduled occupation. Gotta move the car in two hours.
There are probably a hundred folk gathered around in little circles, each with their own discussions ...especially when they're silent.
Father Nathan just passed by. Johnny is here: knew he would be. Met and chatted with some guy named Gordon.
More are arriving. Bunch of tables so far up and down the plaza, and I'm sure more to come. They're all here for the same occasion, but what's their reason? Why are teens with gauged piercings sharing space with older gentlemen and ladies, some with trinkets, instruments, signs and shirts? Three generations ...with a common thread that is not blood, yet pulsing through their veins providing the aliment for the cause.
I'm sitting across from Winston Arnow, enjoying a brilliantly welcoming, something, something day.
Conversations -- ADEP, social services, politics, greed, corporations, Rick Scott health care. We'll leave the opinions to themselves ...maybe.
"You gave my sign away, that I made this morning!?" Gordon jokingly pokes at his friend.
Johnny has bumper stickers ...$2; newsletters and mags for free. Cameras all over ...and sunglasses, hats, chairs, balloons ...even some bongos, an accordion and guitars.
"The bottom line is greed. You can't regulate greed. We can only regulate actions."
"This is where all the angry debate is going to happen!" says a white guy in sunglasses, motioning loose circles with both hands generalizing an area on the plaza steps where over a half dozen men with opinions stand and sit telling each other the facts with devout sincerity in their tones. This is also the part of the plaza where the soapbox will 'occupy.' How's that gonna go?
I hear music. Down the walk, I think someone has set up a small band. Eventually, I'll make my way back down the walk and check it out. For now, I'll watch and listen as well over a hundred (maybe two) have chosen to occupy.
Time to move the car from the '2 Hour Parking' spot. Good time to grab a bite to eat.
___________
WUWF 88.1 FM keeps me company as I drive around looking for a safe parking space within walking distance from the occupation. Even during the pledge drives I prefer listening to NPR. "Ah, here we go."
But, I digress ...
"This is not capitalism. This is not socialism. This is corporatism ...[We need to] stop looting and start prosecuting!" rallies one man on the soapbox.
"Silent no more!" another man iterates a few times, each time louder prompting the crowd to chant.
A few hundred by now, many encircling the soapbox in front of the MLK Jr. bust. It's almost 5pm.
"We have a problem with the system ...it's not working for the 99%!"
"Solidarity!"
A solidarity kaleidoscope.
Hearing conversations of varying agendas and opinions. Twice now, I've signed petitions for county commissioner ballot names. Both 'no party affiliation' which is definitely a plus, and probably intentional; Are they claiming 'no party' to appeal for numbers in a crowd emphatically fed-up with the established political arena, or are they genuinely grass-rooting and have a plan to make a difference -- that WOULD make a difference? We could only hope and wait.
Besides the obvious personal discussions people have as they find friends and meet strangers, the overwhelming congruous spirit is one of change - something all here heard a couple of years ago, but most are still waiting for. I get the feeling that they're tired of waiting ...and sick of the rhetoric. The issues of change, that at least this spirit in America has been propagating for decades, in corporatism, politics, healthcare, environmental influences and the polygamist marriages of.
"Read the Constitution. Read the Declaration of Independence ..."
I've been reading a copy of the Federalist Papers (it's a long, deep read). The same spirit, although quite muddled from over two centuries of socio-political interests and ills, that fought for a land of freedom and seceded from tyranny is here: to pursue life, liberty and happiness: to promote a protected freedom, foreign and domestic. Remembering history and engraving a platform for personal, communal, spiritual, political and economic freedom that is based on the lessons learned.
From the foundation of this nation, future generations were advised of what can come -- what WILL come if we don't protect that freedom; What to expect in opposition; Where the line between security and freedom lies. We were warned about those that thrive off of the deprivation and enslavement of the populous. Those leeches who religiously suck life from those who have little choice but to succumb to the ever-deepening avarice pool. Some of those warnings even came from slave owners.
Seeking more solid ground, and hopefully not willing to settle for just a 'less-filthy pond,' the occupiers demand a fair shake; Demand that one percent does not make a majority; Demand that corporations do not govern through their pocketbooks, but rather the people govern the institutions; Demand that those elected into office understand 'We the people' not 'I, the fat pig.'
Well, at least that's what I came away with.
It's 6:15pm ...the crowd is thinning.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
HIRE, Employment and Perjury
Last thursday, when i returned to work after a most enjoyable vacation in Denver, Co., i was informed that five employees were laid off, including myself. Half-expecting the layoffs to soon be coming, the news was not a surprise ...the timing was, but not the news. With that, my vacation got extended a few days - unplanned, but welcomed.
Generally the optimist (with a few peculiarities) ...don't panic ...open-minded and fair ...approaching each day as if it's a new or further adventure. Not to say that the inadvertent extension of my vacation didn't stress me some, i was not going to allow this unfortunate occurrence to obstruct my plans of enjoying life. i made a few notifications and gave thought to how to remedy the loss of income, including the possibility of unemployment compensation (although i loathe the thought); activities to begin the first day of the next week.
Those who know me well know how i feel about capitalism/economics, welfare, politics; Where our nation has been, where we are, and where we're going (especially if we don't clean up our act). i despise dishonesty, disrespect and greed. i am a proud Citizen of this country - i love this nation and believe in its greatness, even with it's faults. And it greatly unnerves me when citizens, groups, businesses and corporations, politicians, parties and lobbyists INTENTIONALLY misuse/abuse the system for personal, political or corporate gain, and this on the backs of anyone they see fit, most particularly the taxpayers holding this nation together. Do you see the nerve fraying yet? Our nation, and many/most other nations on this blue dot are in peril because of a virus that too many are infected with and DON'T CARE! That virus is greed.
i could go on for pages about this atmosphere, and i rather would, but i digress. What brings me to write this blog was an incident today - an example. A former employer of mine called me after hearing i was laid off to offer me some temporary work with an associate of his. In the acceptance of the work, i needed to go apply with a local temporary labor source (to be left unnamed). I was handed all the paperwork, sat down and diligently filled everything out. One of the forms did not apply to me, so i left it blank for them to use in the future with someone else who did qualify. When i handed the paperwork back in, they noted that i still needed to fill out that form. When i informed them that the form did not apply to me, it was stated that i still needed to fill it out so they can get their incentives under the HIRE Act. "I can't. That would be falsifying a document." i informed them, receiving a reply of "this is just for our records." We kept the conversation short, ending with "i'm not sure if we can hire you." A decision was made to state on the form that i refuse to sign the affidavit, signing ONLY that i refuse to fill out and sign the form.
Now, i hope, giving the benefit of the doubt, that the office personnel just did not understand what the affidavit stated (although, that is their job), and i hope they are not in the business of scamming the taxpayers. There are most likely many who have filled out this statement and signed it NOT understanding what the affidavit is for. i, for one, will not perjure myself for the sake of personal, political or corporate avarice. And i beg of all to rid themselves of such.
The form i was presented to sign is W-11 HIRE Act Employee Affidavit, in which it states "I certify that I have been unemployed or have not worked for anyone for more than 40 hours during the 60-day period ending on the date I began employment with this employer." I was laid off one week ago. The form further states "Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this affidavit and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete."
Letting the rest of you decide ...
Generally the optimist (with a few peculiarities) ...don't panic ...open-minded and fair ...approaching each day as if it's a new or further adventure. Not to say that the inadvertent extension of my vacation didn't stress me some, i was not going to allow this unfortunate occurrence to obstruct my plans of enjoying life. i made a few notifications and gave thought to how to remedy the loss of income, including the possibility of unemployment compensation (although i loathe the thought); activities to begin the first day of the next week.
Those who know me well know how i feel about capitalism/economics, welfare, politics; Where our nation has been, where we are, and where we're going (especially if we don't clean up our act). i despise dishonesty, disrespect and greed. i am a proud Citizen of this country - i love this nation and believe in its greatness, even with it's faults. And it greatly unnerves me when citizens, groups, businesses and corporations, politicians, parties and lobbyists INTENTIONALLY misuse/abuse the system for personal, political or corporate gain, and this on the backs of anyone they see fit, most particularly the taxpayers holding this nation together. Do you see the nerve fraying yet? Our nation, and many/most other nations on this blue dot are in peril because of a virus that too many are infected with and DON'T CARE! That virus is greed.
i could go on for pages about this atmosphere, and i rather would, but i digress. What brings me to write this blog was an incident today - an example. A former employer of mine called me after hearing i was laid off to offer me some temporary work with an associate of his. In the acceptance of the work, i needed to go apply with a local temporary labor source (to be left unnamed). I was handed all the paperwork, sat down and diligently filled everything out. One of the forms did not apply to me, so i left it blank for them to use in the future with someone else who did qualify. When i handed the paperwork back in, they noted that i still needed to fill out that form. When i informed them that the form did not apply to me, it was stated that i still needed to fill it out so they can get their incentives under the HIRE Act. "I can't. That would be falsifying a document." i informed them, receiving a reply of "this is just for our records." We kept the conversation short, ending with "i'm not sure if we can hire you." A decision was made to state on the form that i refuse to sign the affidavit, signing ONLY that i refuse to fill out and sign the form.
Now, i hope, giving the benefit of the doubt, that the office personnel just did not understand what the affidavit stated (although, that is their job), and i hope they are not in the business of scamming the taxpayers. There are most likely many who have filled out this statement and signed it NOT understanding what the affidavit is for. i, for one, will not perjure myself for the sake of personal, political or corporate avarice. And i beg of all to rid themselves of such.
The form i was presented to sign is W-11 HIRE Act Employee Affidavit, in which it states "I certify that I have been unemployed or have not worked for anyone for more than 40 hours during the 60-day period ending on the date I began employment with this employer." I was laid off one week ago. The form further states "Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this affidavit and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete."
Letting the rest of you decide ...
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Proud to be minuscule
Recently, a discussion was posted on a group site that i subscribe to asking basically 'where are the agnostics.' Following is an edited copy of my response which i would like to share.
-------
It was actually not too long ago i had to be corrected on my definitions of agnostic and atheist, and the difference in how the terms are applied. To those of you who know what i am referring to, thank you. With that, i am proud to say that i am an agnostic who believes in the likely possibility (not necessarily probability) that a (or group of) supreme being(s) exist. But, to qualify that belief, 'God' is to be defined as omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent RELATIVE TO THE OBSERVER. i also hold that 'God' is far too expansive to be restricted/confined to a proverbial box. there is a poster posing "Understanding God ...good luck with that." i want it painted as a mural on my living room wall.
Atheist is not a title i can claim, since i do have a belief, but that belief is not something that guides my 'moral' character, nor provides me with a comfort of redemption/salvation that i must proselytize. It is a belief that our portion of knowledge is comparable to a grain of sand in the cosmos. We do not know, and probably will not know in our lifetime (the human existence as we know it today) enough to declare or disprove 'God.' My moral character and comfort come not from a 'religious' base, rather from humanity and all of its diversities/adversities. Life is my religion ...humanity is my conscience ...truth is my bible.
Ken and Humphrey [two other individuals in the group] partook in a discussion in the thread that i feel would be a good topic possibly for one of our 'Socrates Nights': telling others how to live. Is it anyone's right to tell another how to live or what to believe in? Who's duty is it to ensure the truth is spread, especially given that 'truth' is all-too-often relative to an individual's prescribed set of beliefs in something that most likely cannot be quantified by scientific measures (or, at least not yet)? What is (i.m.o.) our duty as people is to be ready to give an answer for our belief, without biases and rude/crude 'bashings' of the beliefs of others. Degrading another human for their inadequate/inaccurate religious base can and will only harm the process (and deservedly putting into question the degradors belief), whereas open and honest presentation of facts/truth are most often at least given an ear. There is enough out there to present from within the established/organized theocracies (namely christianity, judaism and islam, to include all their offshoots) that what they hold to is AT BEST a misrepresentation of the truth; More-than-not, a downright fabrication or distortion, and a tool for social conform/control.
So, i am proud to consider myself an agnostic. i am proud to acknowledge the fact that i do not know enough. i am proud to have relieved myself of the constraints of prescribed theism. i am proud to be a minuscule life-form in the cosmos looking up in awe and wonder. and i am proud to believe (i.m.o.) i am on the right track, accompanied by many other 'passengers' who proclaim they don't know s&*t.
Does that get me a brownie?
-----
Truth, Knowledge and Humanity ...get the point.
-------
It was actually not too long ago i had to be corrected on my definitions of agnostic and atheist, and the difference in how the terms are applied. To those of you who know what i am referring to, thank you. With that, i am proud to say that i am an agnostic who believes in the likely possibility (not necessarily probability) that a (or group of) supreme being(s) exist. But, to qualify that belief, 'God' is to be defined as omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent RELATIVE TO THE OBSERVER. i also hold that 'God' is far too expansive to be restricted/confined to a proverbial box. there is a poster posing "Understanding God ...good luck with that." i want it painted as a mural on my living room wall.
Atheist is not a title i can claim, since i do have a belief, but that belief is not something that guides my 'moral' character, nor provides me with a comfort of redemption/salvation that i must proselytize. It is a belief that our portion of knowledge is comparable to a grain of sand in the cosmos. We do not know, and probably will not know in our lifetime (the human existence as we know it today) enough to declare or disprove 'God.' My moral character and comfort come not from a 'religious' base, rather from humanity and all of its diversities/adversities. Life is my religion ...humanity is my conscience ...truth is my bible.
Ken and Humphrey [two other individuals in the group] partook in a discussion in the thread that i feel would be a good topic possibly for one of our 'Socrates Nights': telling others how to live. Is it anyone's right to tell another how to live or what to believe in? Who's duty is it to ensure the truth is spread, especially given that 'truth' is all-too-often relative to an individual's prescribed set of beliefs in something that most likely cannot be quantified by scientific measures (or, at least not yet)? What is (i.m.o.) our duty as people is to be ready to give an answer for our belief, without biases and rude/crude 'bashings' of the beliefs of others. Degrading another human for their inadequate/inaccurate religious base can and will only harm the process (and deservedly putting into question the degradors belief), whereas open and honest presentation of facts/truth are most often at least given an ear. There is enough out there to present from within the established/organized theocracies (namely christianity, judaism and islam, to include all their offshoots) that what they hold to is AT BEST a misrepresentation of the truth; More-than-not, a downright fabrication or distortion, and a tool for social conform/control.
So, i am proud to consider myself an agnostic. i am proud to acknowledge the fact that i do not know enough. i am proud to have relieved myself of the constraints of prescribed theism. i am proud to be a minuscule life-form in the cosmos looking up in awe and wonder. and i am proud to believe (i.m.o.) i am on the right track, accompanied by many other 'passengers' who proclaim they don't know s&*t.
Does that get me a brownie?
-----
Truth, Knowledge and Humanity ...get the point.
Friday, November 26, 2010
112610
so, its the day after thanksgiving and i'm trying to motivate myself to accomplish something other than depriving my butt cheeks of air.
it's drizzling outside, just ate a roast beef sandwich, drinking a coke (should be a pepsi, but i'll deal), and craving another cigarette that i don't need.
Hmm! What to do, what to do ...
Lately, i've been asking myself if all that i search for is worth the search, especially given that my life expectancy probably won't be more than about 80 years (a survey i once took said i was already passed), and i'm convinced that in just a few short years (like 3 or 4) the world will be quite a different place from what it is now. Then i just reassure myself with "what else am i gonna do with my time other than indulge in debauchery while pretending to be happy with the way things are and/or are going?" Is not the meaning of life to live? so, i fill my plate with heaping helpings of everything on the buffet line, only to be too stuffed to enjoy the rest of the day. I have this problem of grabbing more than i can possibly eat, knowing i can't leave food on the plate ...a dilemma having more implications than just at the dinner table or couch.
My whiteboard is full of things i 'need' to do/find, from philosophy and religion to economics and quantum physics.
My browser window has at any given time more tabs open to a slew of sites than necessary ...but necessary.
My email has more messages than i can read before falling asleep.
My 'youtube' account is probably more confused than i am.
I have opened three facebook groups: two to search for/discuss/disseminate knowledge of humanity, and one for my presidential campaign. Not to mention the groups I like to keep up with, and a couple of those damned games.
I keep running out of hard drive space, and just recently uninstalled some programs to make room.
I have stashes of wood, glass and corian for projects around the house that i'm sure i won't get to before i add something else.
My daughter lives an hour away and there's a lifetime of things i want to share with her but have no clue how.
so on and so on ...
and i don't do crack.
i should go on a diet. stop putting so much on my plate, and only get more after i've finished a helping. but then another dilemna arises ...one morsel opens up a box of other morsels, which is a part of a collection of boxes on a pallet, in a shipping yard ...endless morsels that eventually 'might' satisfy. maybe my problem is refusing to limit life. i want to live my life in such a way that makes my passing not an end but an answer.
oh, woe is not me. I live in the greatest country on the planet, with a warehouse of tools not far from my fingertips, and i am really my only enemy. for that, i am thankful, yet overwhelmed.
in closing, life may be busy, but life is grand.
it's drizzling outside, just ate a roast beef sandwich, drinking a coke (should be a pepsi, but i'll deal), and craving another cigarette that i don't need.
Hmm! What to do, what to do ...
Lately, i've been asking myself if all that i search for is worth the search, especially given that my life expectancy probably won't be more than about 80 years (a survey i once took said i was already passed), and i'm convinced that in just a few short years (like 3 or 4) the world will be quite a different place from what it is now. Then i just reassure myself with "what else am i gonna do with my time other than indulge in debauchery while pretending to be happy with the way things are and/or are going?" Is not the meaning of life to live? so, i fill my plate with heaping helpings of everything on the buffet line, only to be too stuffed to enjoy the rest of the day. I have this problem of grabbing more than i can possibly eat, knowing i can't leave food on the plate ...a dilemma having more implications than just at the dinner table or couch.
My whiteboard is full of things i 'need' to do/find, from philosophy and religion to economics and quantum physics.
My browser window has at any given time more tabs open to a slew of sites than necessary ...but necessary.
My email has more messages than i can read before falling asleep.
My 'youtube' account is probably more confused than i am.
I have opened three facebook groups: two to search for/discuss/disseminate knowledge of humanity, and one for my presidential campaign. Not to mention the groups I like to keep up with, and a couple of those damned games.
I keep running out of hard drive space, and just recently uninstalled some programs to make room.
I have stashes of wood, glass and corian for projects around the house that i'm sure i won't get to before i add something else.
My daughter lives an hour away and there's a lifetime of things i want to share with her but have no clue how.
so on and so on ...
and i don't do crack.
i should go on a diet. stop putting so much on my plate, and only get more after i've finished a helping. but then another dilemna arises ...one morsel opens up a box of other morsels, which is a part of a collection of boxes on a pallet, in a shipping yard ...endless morsels that eventually 'might' satisfy. maybe my problem is refusing to limit life. i want to live my life in such a way that makes my passing not an end but an answer.
oh, woe is not me. I live in the greatest country on the planet, with a warehouse of tools not far from my fingertips, and i am really my only enemy. for that, i am thankful, yet overwhelmed.
in closing, life may be busy, but life is grand.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
090210
What comes to mind at 1027am this thursday, common era 2010?
''On the road again;
just can't wait to get
on the road again.
Chasing highways,
Making music with my friends;
I can't wait to get on the road again.''
I'm about to leave the alabama welcome center on i-85 south from atlanta. Beautiful day for a walk in a well maintained casual rest area. Stole a rock ...watched a spider ...complimented a BIG mastif (i believe).
''On the road again;
just can't wait to get
on the road again.
Chasing highways,
Making music with my friends;
I can't wait to get on the road again.''
I'm about to leave the alabama welcome center on i-85 south from atlanta. Beautiful day for a walk in a well maintained casual rest area. Stole a rock ...watched a spider ...complimented a BIG mastif (i believe).
083010
After far too long procrastinating, i'm posting what should have been the third blog by now ...at least. And my next blog was supposed to be a response to a discussion my friend keith and i had on facebook. Lol, that'll b next.
I wasn't feeling all that great in my gut this morning and it just gradually got more icky, so i left a little after eleven. Stomach still a little upset, but i don't wanna go to the house; i wanna see a movie on the big screen, probly making myself sicker with the popcorn or nachos. So, i got a ticket for 'Inception' @ 1pm.
There sure aren't many people here on a monday, 12:30.
I haven't heard anything bad about the movie; but, i have heard viewers were pleasantly surprised (paraphrased). We'll see ...
******
I wasn't feeling all that great in my gut this morning and it just gradually got more icky, so i left a little after eleven. Stomach still a little upset, but i don't wanna go to the house; i wanna see a movie on the big screen, probly making myself sicker with the popcorn or nachos. So, i got a ticket for 'Inception' @ 1pm.
There sure aren't many people here on a monday, 12:30.
I haven't heard anything bad about the movie; but, i have heard viewers were pleasantly surprised (paraphrased). We'll see ...
******
081010
It must suck for cats with missing fangs. Do they get made fun of in the neighborhood? Would the kittens of the area tell stories of the old hermit cat who had to eat funny 'cause it lost one fending off an attack from a dog; or even made fun of for being the over-talkative fat cat who was always lookin' for a scratch ...wink-wink, nudge-nudge, you know what i mean.
It's wednesday, the 11th of august, 2010 CE, and i am using the notes feature of the nokia n810 for the first time. I was thinking this might be the break i was looking for. Utilising this little thing, i don't have to worry about re-transcribing auto to digital: besides, the damned speech recognition 'recognizer' and i don't seem to get along. Plus, having this available at more-than-not opportunities to record thoughts and collections. I wonder if i need a grammar checker on this thing ..?
Oh, but i do still need to 'retranscribe' the previous collective. I'm just saving the future. What a novel idea.
I now have the second of three highest scores on this game in this fangled gadgetry ...the other two are tagged as my accomplishments, also ...although, i don't recall ever playing that game on this thing before ...
And sudoku tricks cats.
It's wednesday, the 11th of august, 2010 CE, and i am using the notes feature of the nokia n810 for the first time. I was thinking this might be the break i was looking for. Utilising this little thing, i don't have to worry about re-transcribing auto to digital: besides, the damned speech recognition 'recognizer' and i don't seem to get along. Plus, having this available at more-than-not opportunities to record thoughts and collections. I wonder if i need a grammar checker on this thing ..?
Oh, but i do still need to 'retranscribe' the previous collective. I'm just saving the future. What a novel idea.
I now have the second of three highest scores on this game in this fangled gadgetry ...the other two are tagged as my accomplishments, also ...although, i don't recall ever playing that game on this thing before ...
And sudoku tricks cats.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Blog your God.
I talked myself into finally getting another blog in.
It has been a while, not because I haven't wanted to blog (everyday I want to blog), but because I have been finding and learning so much, ever evolving sight, convincing me more and more that the truth IS out there ...and IN there. 'In' being your own. Knowing what I know now, I know that I know not enough.
Actually, I'd like to make this a challenge, also: Blog YOUR God.
I MUST put a little 'disclaimer' here:
In no form, do I intend to degrade any person for their faith-based system of belief. With that, I must also warn that I believe that the majority of faith-based systems are mis-understood, and in most cases idiotic. I have many friends, covering a good chunk of belief systems out there, and where we differ we respectfully disagree. On last note (of disclaimer), I am always open for discussion and willing to admit fault where needed. With knowledge comes understanding ...comes wisdom.
Another admission; no, I am not a scholar, nor have I done ALL the research. The search for knowledge in one's lifetime is never-ending.
Remember later; The firing of neurons/Synapses
In my studies (which are in no way complete), it has become more and more noticeable the similarities in the stories of man, passed generation to generation ...era to era ...millenia to millenia. Put all the stories (no, not literally all, there are exceptions to the rule) from all the societies, from all ages in what we can decipher from recorded history, backed by social adherence and archaeological finds, and (if you don't fall asleep first) it is quite easy to see the same basic story/plot. Like how much of what is modern entertainment media (theater, print, screen) just rehashed stories, with different characters in different places. Or, the 'remakes' of populars, maybe throwing in a new slant. And, how each and every story has some basis in fact, whether it be locale(s), names, events. Storytellers take what they know (which in most cases is based in what they've heard) and retell, most often with exaggeration. As the story goes on, it most often gets little omissions, personal twists, moral implications, and so on. That is how storytelling is, and, as we have seen repeatedly, always has been.
Ever wonder why ethnicities are usually depictable/recognizable? Ever notice the 'mistaken identity' phenomenon? Ever notice how some people, even separated from relation and ethnicity, have some very similar traits/characteristics? "Bird nose," hairline, voice control, eye shape, metabolic tone ...Ever wonder why?
As nature occurs, elements act and react with surrounding elements as elements do. Not all elements "live in the same neighborhood." The neighborhood of this hydrogen living in France might not have the same 'ethnic' population as a hydrogen living in Hawaii. Yet, elements do as elements do ...some elements get along and some don't. But, like elements do like things with other respective elements. It's a big, chaotic circus. Some come away winners; some just have fun; some leave disappointed; and some don't leave at all.
Now, take the previous three paragraphs and ponder: The development of structure (and it is all structure) is very similar to a story that goes through the ages. Along the way of development, stories change. The sustainable ("believable") characteristics of the story get passed on. Some stories last a long time. Some don't. Some similar characteristics/traits get passed along, even through many dilutions. ALL still retain an origin ...a portion of truth, fact.
Even a short comparative lesson in theology and philanthropy/sociology can just about convince anyone that what they hold dear to as 'common belief' is AT BEST a misunderstood story ...retaining still it's portion of truth, fact. Not to 'pick' on Christians, but to hold their scriptures as THE Word of God over ALL works, with all it's little 'inerrant' discrepancies, is as logical as holding to worship of the god Horus, or Osiris, or Thor ...or my microwave. Let us delve there a bit, sorta.
The definition of myth: The term "myth" is often used colloquially to refer to a false story; however, the academic use of the term generally does not pass judgment on its truth or falsity. In the study of folklore, a myth is a symbolic narrative explaining how the world and humankind came to be in their present form. Many scholars in other fields use the term "myth" in somewhat different ways. In a very broad sense, the word can refer to any traditional story.
The definition of faith: is the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, concept or thing.
The definition of religion: is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a supernatural agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
The definition of story: is a common term for a description of a sequence of events, notably:a traditional form of storytelling, told to a child to prepare them for sleep; a narrative used in organization studies; a fictional narrative of briefer length than a novella.
From 'creation' to 'enlightenment' or 'apocalypse,' there's the 'damsel,' the 'distress,' the 'king,' the 'hero,' the 'city,' and the 'country.' The heroes have their fame, the kings their kingdoms, the damsels their knights ...prayers and adoration ...exaltation and coronations. What is notable in all the themes are mainly two things (all the other common themes can be grouped): A beginning and a prophesied 'end' or 'change.'
Back in 1993, I had a (what I considered) life-changing event. Not anything massive like loss of loved-one or near death experience, but an 'answer to prayer.' The moment exhilarated my soul and sparked a fire. I was 'saved,' and believed it. That flame lasted until another 'answer to prayer' revealed depth. The latter prayer was to teach me truth. I dove and dove and dove into everything i felt lead to that would help me understand more my divine relationship. I was drawn heavily into creation and eschatology. It was in that 'dive' that i realized many don't know their own faith. "Spread the good word," and "be a witness" rang the bell ...so, i sought the Spirit in sharing my knowledge with others, in hopes to 'save their souls' or 'admonish the spirit.' There, i learned 'inerrancy' ...and hypocrisy. "Those who have ears to hear, let them hear" that even if Christianity was correct, the Holy Scriptures are AT BEST inspired by Elohim, not THE Word of God. Same exact principle for all other faiths.
Just noticed that this is gonna be pretty long.
Again, i must note, that i do not want to seem to be 'picking' on the Christians. Quite the contrary, actually. I speak of the Christians in this piece because i came from the Christians, and i studied my arse off. The scripture speaks of knowing "His Word" and having it in your heart, and being able to give answer for the faith. The world had questions and was lost; The Word of God had the answers. Right?
Now, let's jump to some physics. If you read Stephen Hawking "The History of Everything" and "The History of the Universe" ...i'm probably 85% in-line with that thinking. LOL, in no way am i inferring that i'm in the same caliber. There's a couple things i would not fully agree with, or see a different alignment, but for the most part, maybe 90%, that is how it is.
Now, let's take this all in; Storytelling/stories, elements, myths, religion, history, physics ...let's throw it all in to:
Synapses in the brain
Electrical pulses
Neurons firing
Cause ...effect
I DO believe in a 'higher' or 'supreme power.' I DO believe that religion has played and will continue to play a vital role in the development of culture and power. Unfortunately, because we are animals who need rewards, there will be greed, thus the misuse and abuse of power through religion mainly. I believe that religion provides, where truth and honesty abound, structure and guidance along one's way. It provides perspective and meaning to life. Lo, i say, no religion today, save a miniscule may, has the way.
"God" is a GREAT storyteller who wanted to tell a story. As the words came to his thoughts, like fairies all a buzz, they made real what never was.
A synaptic connection in the mind of God ...BIG BANG!
The entire universe, in all its wondrous array and complexity, is the intellectual property of God. Interactions built stories upon stories; legends and epics.
So, what does that mean for life? Now, that is a conversation.
**definitions were snagged from wikipedia.com. i strongly endorse personal research against any claim made by any entity. resources abound, use them all.**
It has been a while, not because I haven't wanted to blog (everyday I want to blog), but because I have been finding and learning so much, ever evolving sight, convincing me more and more that the truth IS out there ...and IN there. 'In' being your own. Knowing what I know now, I know that I know not enough.
Actually, I'd like to make this a challenge, also: Blog YOUR God.
I MUST put a little 'disclaimer' here:
In no form, do I intend to degrade any person for their faith-based system of belief. With that, I must also warn that I believe that the majority of faith-based systems are mis-understood, and in most cases idiotic. I have many friends, covering a good chunk of belief systems out there, and where we differ we respectfully disagree. On last note (of disclaimer), I am always open for discussion and willing to admit fault where needed. With knowledge comes understanding ...comes wisdom.
Another admission; no, I am not a scholar, nor have I done ALL the research. The search for knowledge in one's lifetime is never-ending.
Remember later; The firing of neurons/Synapses
In my studies (which are in no way complete), it has become more and more noticeable the similarities in the stories of man, passed generation to generation ...era to era ...millenia to millenia. Put all the stories (no, not literally all, there are exceptions to the rule) from all the societies, from all ages in what we can decipher from recorded history, backed by social adherence and archaeological finds, and (if you don't fall asleep first) it is quite easy to see the same basic story/plot. Like how much of what is modern entertainment media (theater, print, screen) just rehashed stories, with different characters in different places. Or, the 'remakes' of populars, maybe throwing in a new slant. And, how each and every story has some basis in fact, whether it be locale(s), names, events. Storytellers take what they know (which in most cases is based in what they've heard) and retell, most often with exaggeration. As the story goes on, it most often gets little omissions, personal twists, moral implications, and so on. That is how storytelling is, and, as we have seen repeatedly, always has been.
Ever wonder why ethnicities are usually depictable/recognizable? Ever notice the 'mistaken identity' phenomenon? Ever notice how some people, even separated from relation and ethnicity, have some very similar traits/characteristics? "Bird nose," hairline, voice control, eye shape, metabolic tone ...Ever wonder why?
As nature occurs, elements act and react with surrounding elements as elements do. Not all elements "live in the same neighborhood." The neighborhood of this hydrogen living in France might not have the same 'ethnic' population as a hydrogen living in Hawaii. Yet, elements do as elements do ...some elements get along and some don't. But, like elements do like things with other respective elements. It's a big, chaotic circus. Some come away winners; some just have fun; some leave disappointed; and some don't leave at all.
Now, take the previous three paragraphs and ponder: The development of structure (and it is all structure) is very similar to a story that goes through the ages. Along the way of development, stories change. The sustainable ("believable") characteristics of the story get passed on. Some stories last a long time. Some don't. Some similar characteristics/traits get passed along, even through many dilutions. ALL still retain an origin ...a portion of truth, fact.
Even a short comparative lesson in theology and philanthropy/sociology can just about convince anyone that what they hold dear to as 'common belief' is AT BEST a misunderstood story ...retaining still it's portion of truth, fact. Not to 'pick' on Christians, but to hold their scriptures as THE Word of God over ALL works, with all it's little 'inerrant' discrepancies, is as logical as holding to worship of the god Horus, or Osiris, or Thor ...or my microwave. Let us delve there a bit, sorta.
The definition of myth: The term "myth" is often used colloquially to refer to a false story; however, the academic use of the term generally does not pass judgment on its truth or falsity. In the study of folklore, a myth is a symbolic narrative explaining how the world and humankind came to be in their present form. Many scholars in other fields use the term "myth" in somewhat different ways. In a very broad sense, the word can refer to any traditional story.
The definition of faith: is the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, concept or thing.
The definition of religion: is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a supernatural agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
The definition of story: is a common term for a description of a sequence of events, notably:a traditional form of storytelling, told to a child to prepare them for sleep; a narrative used in organization studies; a fictional narrative of briefer length than a novella.
From 'creation' to 'enlightenment' or 'apocalypse,' there's the 'damsel,' the 'distress,' the 'king,' the 'hero,' the 'city,' and the 'country.' The heroes have their fame, the kings their kingdoms, the damsels their knights ...prayers and adoration ...exaltation and coronations. What is notable in all the themes are mainly two things (all the other common themes can be grouped): A beginning and a prophesied 'end' or 'change.'
Back in 1993, I had a (what I considered) life-changing event. Not anything massive like loss of loved-one or near death experience, but an 'answer to prayer.' The moment exhilarated my soul and sparked a fire. I was 'saved,' and believed it. That flame lasted until another 'answer to prayer' revealed depth. The latter prayer was to teach me truth. I dove and dove and dove into everything i felt lead to that would help me understand more my divine relationship. I was drawn heavily into creation and eschatology. It was in that 'dive' that i realized many don't know their own faith. "Spread the good word," and "be a witness" rang the bell ...so, i sought the Spirit in sharing my knowledge with others, in hopes to 'save their souls' or 'admonish the spirit.' There, i learned 'inerrancy' ...and hypocrisy. "Those who have ears to hear, let them hear" that even if Christianity was correct, the Holy Scriptures are AT BEST inspired by Elohim, not THE Word of God. Same exact principle for all other faiths.
Just noticed that this is gonna be pretty long.
Again, i must note, that i do not want to seem to be 'picking' on the Christians. Quite the contrary, actually. I speak of the Christians in this piece because i came from the Christians, and i studied my arse off. The scripture speaks of knowing "His Word" and having it in your heart, and being able to give answer for the faith. The world had questions and was lost; The Word of God had the answers. Right?
Now, let's jump to some physics. If you read Stephen Hawking "The History of Everything" and "The History of the Universe" ...i'm probably 85% in-line with that thinking. LOL, in no way am i inferring that i'm in the same caliber. There's a couple things i would not fully agree with, or see a different alignment, but for the most part, maybe 90%, that is how it is.
Now, let's take this all in; Storytelling/stories, elements, myths, religion, history, physics ...let's throw it all in to:
Synapses in the brain
Electrical pulses
Neurons firing
Cause ...effect
I DO believe in a 'higher' or 'supreme power.' I DO believe that religion has played and will continue to play a vital role in the development of culture and power. Unfortunately, because we are animals who need rewards, there will be greed, thus the misuse and abuse of power through religion mainly. I believe that religion provides, where truth and honesty abound, structure and guidance along one's way. It provides perspective and meaning to life. Lo, i say, no religion today, save a miniscule may, has the way.
"God" is a GREAT storyteller who wanted to tell a story. As the words came to his thoughts, like fairies all a buzz, they made real what never was.
A synaptic connection in the mind of God ...BIG BANG!
The entire universe, in all its wondrous array and complexity, is the intellectual property of God. Interactions built stories upon stories; legends and epics.
So, what does that mean for life? Now, that is a conversation.
**definitions were snagged from wikipedia.com. i strongly endorse personal research against any claim made by any entity. resources abound, use them all.**
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