Thankfully Governor Gavin Newsome Blocked Patricia Krenwinkel Parole | Change.org

David1955 comments on Oct 19, 2022:

Every Governor has done this with the main Manson goons and skanks for decades. I understand that the parole boards make these parole decisions based on criteria, so they follow the rules, but they know the Governors can over turn, which thankfully they do. If would be so much better, to save stress on families, if they just made it life without parole. Weirdly, in Manson's case his parole hearings ( always a farce) were every 7 years, but with his goons who did most of the murdering it's every couple of years. All very odd. May they all die in prison. They've never told the truth behind the crimes, and all the murders committed, to this day. Most of them peddle BS religion as well.

John Lennon's Killer Tells Parole Board There Was "Evil In My Heart"

David1955 comments on Nov 7, 2022:

This piece of crap has tried it all in 40 plus years. First it was 'the devil made me do it'. When that didn't work to get him released and then go on the Oprah show or whatever he changed to 'yes I knew what was doing and I'm really sorry.' Now it seems he's going back to the Devil and evil. This weasel is like other weasels like the two Manson men mass murderers, Watson and Davis, who will do anything from jesus to tears to get parole. I have no confidence, none, zero, in the US justice system, but I just hope the politics will keep this guy in prison, as is the case with the Manson scum. I also agree that were he released, someone might take justice into their own hands. I have felt the same about the Manson scum. I hate that Watson so much I could imagine doing him myself.

Dear Elon Musk, Please buy FOX News next.

David1955 comments on Nov 13, 2022:

I still think he'll end up selling Twitter back to the people who created it, at a huge financial loss, as well as loss of face. Personally, I hope it disappears.

In a real representative democracy's, a 27% voter turnout would be considered a failure.

David1955 comments on Nov 15, 2022:

A real representative democracy would have a multi party system, to reflect the socio-economic system, an independent authority to draw up electorate boundaries and count the vote (without people with guns at ballot boxes), compulsory voting and every facility to enable pre and postal as well as on the day voting, sensible laws regarding political donations and funding, and political parties that prevented crooks and grifters and racists and fascists from running for office. For starters. America is not a representative democracy but an oligarchic binary political party Republic.

Trump explodes at special counsel appointment: ‘I am not going to partake in it’ - NewsBreak

David1955 comments on Nov 21, 2022:

Well he bluffed that Mueller guy right well enough, so I suppose he'll bluff this new guy. Of course Mueller was a back teeth Republican so that was hardly a shock. I suspect if Trump got a parking ticket he'd deny the car was his, claimed he had a right to park there, claim he was framed, and pursue all the courts and investigations until he was let off. I'm surprised this AG can even decide which tie to wear in the morning. Months, years go by, and no charges laid, then he waits until Trump announces his candidacy for 2024 and now suddenly they need a special counsel. Honestly. Kabuki, and not very convincing Kabuki.

With all the chest-beating and cries of "mea culpa" by the Liberal Party, they still do not, and ...

David1955 comments on Nov 28, 2022:

They've got no vision for reforming Australia, so how could they reform themselves? They will simply hope and wait that times will again serve their elitist, reactionary, culture politics and fear agenda. Sadly, this will probably happen.

"No Question of Russian Involvement" in "Alleged" German Coup | The Independent

David1955 comments on Dec 8, 2022:

Maybe America can learn from this. I mean, when a group plots a coup you arrest them from the top down and send a shiver through anyone in the cause and this shit will not be tolerated. Now, in America, when a coup is attempted, months and years go by, eventually a few low level creeps get arrested, but the financiers and top people go on as they were to plan the next one. Not a good look to the rest of the world. Yes, America could definitely learn something from Germany on this.

I know that if I were such a fuckin' idiot that I supported a party whose leader just said he wanted...

David1955 comments on Dec 9, 2022:

I just wish these so-called conservative atheists loonies would stop calling themselves atheists and staining the term.

I thought this one was very appropriate for those who still support Biden and Harris and think the ...

David1955 comments on Jan 25, 2023:

Speaking for the thinking world, we'll take Biden et.al. over the toxic poison offered by your fascist Republicunts party any day. Smoke that.

It is becoming increasing obvious that in the absence of the administrator of this site that it is ...

David1955 comments on Jan 26, 2023:

Yeah it's a bit like the plane on auto pilot after the pilot bailed out. Soon or later, no fuel, or a mountain ahead. I wish someone would create something in open source land for us all to parachute to.

Homosexuality 'not a crime': Pope Francis criticises discriminating laws [euronews.com]

David1955 comments on Jan 26, 2023:

More Vatican double talk. The idea is 'god doesn't hate you for being gay, so come back to the church and hopefully with god's guidance you'll be a 'normal' heterosexual person again.' Won't work.

THERE ARE NO ATHEIST BABIES (from an atheist website) .

David1955 comments on Jan 29, 2023:

I approach this differently. In my view, sadly, unfortunately, regrettably, people are born with a wired predisposition to religion -- actually non rational beliefs and mysticism-- ranging from very low to nill ( like me) to moderate to extreme dependence and adherence ( religious fundamentalists), just as people are born with other predispositions. I am the first to admit this is a topic of contention amongst some atheists, who like to think we are 'all born atheists but socialisation does the rest', and a sore point with religionists, pseudo religionists and alike who see this as atheist arrogance. My understanding is that the clinical study of this suggests that people are born predisposed to mysticism more than others, but in any case this remains one of those issues that gets people's feathers flying. In the end, all I'd like see is religion reduced to a personal internal habit, like pornography, which, if you absolutely have to have, then keep it at home and away from the children until they're old enough to decide for themselves. In other words, goodbye formal religion. My dream. Best we could hope for.

Saw this full page add in the Seattle Times.

David1955 comments on Jan 30, 2023:

Funny, since old Pope Frank Eyes is currently over there laying down the law about traditional Catholic 'values' -- moral narrow mindedness -- to appease the lunatic core believers. Perhaps he was shaken by the late ( good) George Pell's back stab letter telling him the Catholic rump hate him and his 'reform' is a farce. I suspect Franko has decided he's no longer fooling the so- called progressives, so he might as well suck up to the traditionalists to shore up his position. All a farce.

The antivaxers among us are adamant and unrelenting.

David1955 comments on Feb 2, 2023:

Yes, if no vaccines had been developed, and millions and millions of more people were dead or dying, this anti- vac brigade would have mounted an attack on science, saying 'see, science is over rated and can't solve problems.' We live in the age of the perpetual angst, where a segment of the population handle their grievance against the unrelenting rate of change by always taking the opposing position and looking for a fight about it. We all feel the pressure of this unrelenting change, but some of us try not just to give in to our negative natures.

Ballooning Concerns “Rebekah Jones tweet giving NORAD explanation for all these UFO detections ...

David1955 comments on Feb 13, 2023:

I'm waiting for the cyclinders to come crashing down on us, and then slowly unscrew and release machines to ray-zap our asses to toast with little green men at the helm. HG, where are you? Maybe you were right.

Is this song about a sexual predator coming on to a very young girl?

David1955 comments on Feb 21, 2023:

A lot of songs from the 50s and 60s have lyrics about being in love with and desiring 16 and 17 year olds, that would never make it today. It was a different time. These weren't taken as literal or condoning this kind of thing. Like a lot of TV, movies and songs from back then, you have to contextualise them instead of applying modern moral outrage. My background in history has given me this perspective.

WTF? Did someone forget to take their medication? [twitter.com]

David1955 comments on Mar 19, 2023:

Said it before, say it again. Musk is another Howard Hughes. He'll end up in a sad state, like Hughes did. I do not wish that on anyone, but this guy is now more dangerous than useful.

Capitalism rules, communism drools.

David1955 comments on Mar 21, 2023:

Reading this thread , where do these crazies like Franco and Interloper come from, and why do they join a site like this and peddle their reactionary loony toons nonsense? Desperate to kick up dust for self-validation, I summize. And mostly they're Americans, full of toxic, simplistic binary reductionist thinking.

Are the days of "American exceptionalism" over?

David1955 comments on Mar 23, 2023:

Long over. In some ways WW2 was the worst thing that ever happened to the US. They came in as late as possible; most Americans didn't want to (America first), then acquiring a false sense of self- righteousness and invincibility, proceeded to create an Empire, of intertwined corporate and military interests, instead of evolving to try to achieve its ideals of freedom and democracy, and inspire these globally. The long sad list of disastrous wars and interventions and interference overtly and covertly has been the result. In response they have flooded us with endless propaganda from Hollywood reinforcing these myths and pretentions. American capitalism is brutal and anything but a role model. American politics is a corrupt binary system under the hegemony of the country's elites. American legal system mostly suppresses a huge and growing underclass, while protecting wealth and privilege. And so on. Americans at their best can be an exceptionally creative people, but there's no exceptionalism about their systems or governance. If Trump has shown anything, it is that American exceptionalism is a myth; the structures are weak and corruptible and the same forces that we've seen in the past in crumbling countries and empires, can apply there. I'm not sure, however, if most Americans realise how unexceptional America looks from an international perspective these days, as America limps along between elections, and the authoritarian groups plot relentlessly towards the end of what is called democracy there.

Shouldn't a Justice of the Supreme Court know the law and observe ethical standards?

David1955 comments on Apr 20, 2023:

In a real democracy, yes. In America? Erhhh

Judge warns Trump: ‘Inflammatory’ statements about election case could speed trial - POLITICO

David1955 comments on Aug 12, 2023:

With any hope, he won't listen. With more hope, he'll ignore the judge's warning and she'll find him in contempt of court and put him in the slammer. Let's hope.

Been getting Gateway 503 error. Is it just me?

David1955 comments on Aug 14, 2023:

It's aliens. You've pissed them off. :-) ( couldn't resist)

Uproar On X: Elon Musk Says Blocking Users Will Be ‘Deleted’

David1955 comments on Aug 18, 2023:

Musk is dangerous, and will burn himself out like Howard Hughes. In the meantime, let him destroy that toxic platform. Hope Meta, with fellow toxic authoritarian Zuckernuts has the same fate. I hear people say, look at what Musk has achieved. Well, I'm not a rich asshole going into space; I'm never going to buy a Tesla car, and can't afford it. Lots of people do things that are good for everyday people. Musk ain't one of them.

One must state it plainly.

David1955 comments on Aug 22, 2023:

Couldn't agree more. Religions still don't know what's going on, always looking in the rear vision mirror.

Trump should be barred from taking office.

David1955 comments on Sep 1, 2023:

If one had any confidence that any administrative body in the US had any real power, authority, determination or resolve to enforce such a ban, that would be great. I, for one, do not.

I think we've got a new scumbag in our group, and he's worse the @1patriot guy.

David1955 comments on Sep 30, 2023:

Who?

Quite disappointed in Elon Musk, always thought he was a man of principal, willing to go against the...

David1955 comments on Nov 28, 2023:

Musk, a man of principle? I know a Robber Barron authoritarian when I see one, and I saw him that way right from the start. Americans are besotted by wealth and rich 'winners', oblivious to the reality behind such people.

I'm going to make this brief.

David1955 comments on Dec 16, 2023:

I wouldn't trust the right wing stooges on your Supreme Court for one second. However, one factor that might prevent them from such a ruling in Trump's favour is that the same immunity would apply to the Democratic Presidents which they clearly hate. Having said that, they might figure that the Democratic party is very weak in some ways, and have principles, which clearly the Republican party does not, so they might risk protecting Trump in order to facilitate authoritarian Republican rule, in which case any use of the law to mitigate Republican authoritarianism would be dismantled and it would be clear to the world that nothing can stop America's descent into one party rule.

A bit of news for tech nerds.

David1955 comments on Jan 22, 2024:

I don't know about this but personally I'm hoping for a purely Linux OS to run on Android phones. Indeed I'd like to have the real choice of a Linux phone. Android is Linux based but pure Google proprietary os. I'm looking to be completely non google and use Linux and open source on everything. Getting there, but alternatives to Android are limited.

I do not believe in god. I am an atheist ...

David1955 comments on Jan 23, 2024:

He's a great guy. More Orville please Seth, with those strong secular themes.

Long but cogent analysis of why Trump is going to get reelected, and what a nightmare it's going to ...

David1955 comments on Feb 2, 2024:

America does seem to be on a path to self destruction. The impact on all of us will be huge and appalling. A global realignment of the world's most important 'democracy' ( so called ) towards the world's authoritarians. As a student of history I see this as a result of American corrupt systems, especially since the 80s, and a bit of bad karma ( consequences) of American post WW2 imperial fantasies, including interfering the world with impunity while allowing the homeland to decay, both physically and systemically. Perhaps an American dark age will produce a struggle which will rejuvenate America, but I don't care to live through it. What is so disturbing to me is not the fascist wing of the Republican party -- it's always been there -- nor the fascist elites within the American ruling class-- they've always been there, including supporting the Nazi's in the 1930s until they suddenly became patriotic and supported the American war effort after Pearl Harbor. No, what's shocking to me is watching ordinary poor MAGA Americans, poor, powerless, stupid, ignorant, and dillusional clamouring for authoritarianism. The WW2 generation, mostly gone, would be appalled. Those who forget history, or are too stupid to learn it, will have to repeat it, and the consequences will be on all of us, not just Americans. From my local perspective, Australia, as Australia is up America's butt, and has been since 1941, with both our major parties snivelling for Yankee approval, I wonder what will happen if America goes rogue fascist. Our snivelling politicians cannot be trusted to have the balls to challenge America. But Australians might just stand up, like they did against the Vietnam War. I was one of them, though a teenager. Back on the streets again after 54 years. I'd be there. I called out Yankee bullshit 54 years ago, and I'd do it again.

Charles Manson: God is my best friend ...

David1955 comments on Feb 12, 2024:

I don't recall Manson saying that, but that psycho may have. He did tell his brain dead moronic followers he was sort of Jesus. They say nationalism is the last refuge of the scoundrel, well in my view religion is the first refuge of the scoundrel.

We live in the new Twilight Zone...

David1955 comments on Feb 27, 2024:

There was the episode with Dennis Hopper playing a nasty as a fuck American nazi type in which the theme was, you think it can't happen here in America, well it can, if people give in to fascist hatred. It was Rod Serling's warning. Were he around, he'd be horrified at America now, but not surprised. Instead of the junk that passes now for American TV, perhaps they should replay TTZ.

She won't set a trial date.

David1955 comments on Apr 15, 2024:

She should never have been made a judge in the first place. Bloody Republicans will appoint anyone to be a judge if they are party hacks. Fruit of the poisonous legal system tree.

I simply do not understand how and why any decent, honorable person can identify with or support ...

David1955 comments on Apr 18, 2024:

I realised long ago that Trump is a kind of magnet and conduit for a lot of people who have grievances against what they see as the smarty pants elites, the interest groups, upwardly mobile groups, cultural warriers they see ramming stuff down their throats, government interference, and many others they think are the source of their failure and frustration. They don't see how class and power works, or how Trump is the embodiment of it, not their savour from it. The tragedy of America is that if this underclass or movement were to chanel their power into a movement for real change, by gutting the Republican party into irrelevance and instilling such electoral fear into the Democratic party that it had no choice but to embrace a real reform agenda, then it could achieve real change in America. Instead they waste their power on a grifter who will do nothing but make their lives worse, and a party and elites that will profit from it. It amazes me how little real understanding there is in mainstream American analysis about Trumpism and its causes. They are mostly locked into the 'bad man who ruined America' thesis, which explains nothing.

What I want to know is why these a-hole billionaires (Bezos, Branson, Musk, et al) are so obsessed ...

David1955 comments on May 16, 2024:

Remember what George Carlin used to say about rich men and their dick waving? If he were still around he'd be having a field day with these rich assholes and their big flying space dildos. I despise the lot of them.

Dollars to doughnuts Trumpty Dumpty will back out of the debates.

David1955 comments on May 22, 2024:

He'll find some excuse and blame Biden. He's so obvious, except to his moron followers. They fall his tough talk and empty promises.

Atheism is the religion of self imposed ignorance.

David1955 comments on Jun 26, 2024:

Clearly what you know about atheism could be written on a postage stamp in large crayon. But who takes any notice of the village idiot.

Luntz: Trump ‘committing political suicide’ as Harris seizes ‘intensity advantage’

David1955 comments on Aug 16, 2024:

Ah yes, but winning an election is one thing; claiming and certifying an election in the US, that is another thing entirely now.

In the early days of agnostic.

David1955 comments on Oct 17, 2024:

I agree it was more discussion and debate oriented back then, sometimes quite heated, over atheism and so on. Now it is inundated with issue news posts, many not intended for serious comment, and a few noisy right wing loonies, though to be fair they were around back in 2017 as well. Part of my disappointment is that it never became and international site. The membership is overwhelmingly American and infected or affected ( take you pick) by the American disease of the current American political polemic. I'm not sure what I expect from this site anymore, and I suppose that's a sign of apathy.

That's a good start....

David1955 comments on Oct 11, 2018:

Funny, since all the people cited belong in the Dark Ages.

It's Tuesday

David1955 comments on Oct 14, 2018:

My EYE nearly POPPED out. (Cryptic)

Atheist = Depressed?

David1955 comments on Oct 22, 2018:

Depression to varying degrees, feelings of inadequacy, isolation, loneliness, disconnection from meaningful life, and even feelings of despair, are a characteristic of modern life. The reasons are complex, and explanations differ. But these feelings cut across all groups, religious and non religious alike. It's important to avoid the stereotypical thinking that somehow the religious are 'fulfilled' and happy because their deity or savour or cosmic duck 'loves' them. Newly minted weepy-eyed 'Jesus loves me' Jesus freaks aside, for their Jesus-self medicated 'joy' is temporary at best, they aren't. We are all in the same boat.

Is This Taboo?

David1955 comments on Oct 29, 2018:

Ask Prince Charles how it worked out with Diana all those years ago. Not well. On the other hand, he and Camilla were "at it" so to speak some time before, and are very likely still at it all these years later. Lesson there.

Gab.

David1955 comments on Oct 30, 2018:

So, now I know what Gab is. Didn't know before. Pardon my ignorance. I'm just not good with right wing loonies. It's a weakness. Hope we aren't the Droids they're looking for. :-)

As a conservative atheist I feel like I am alone in this world socially and romantically

David1955 comments on Nov 9, 2018:

Reading this post and comments, what we seem to have here is a guy who claims to be a conservative and an atheist, and is sort of looking for sympathy. (Or a girlfriend). Really? In this world now I have no sympathy for conservatives, or conservatives masquerading as libertarians, even if they call themselves atheist. *Every atheist I admire, respect, or look up to are progressive or at least progressive-left leaning, and not one is conservative.* The world has changed, and I have no time for conservatism any more.

I firmly believe there are three main reasons why trump got in.

David1955 comments on Nov 17, 2018:

I think you need to distinguish between the so-called Trump working class base -- which you are referring to in your post, who got a Trump religion, are TV trained, and loathed Clinton -- and other true-believer conservative Republicans who knew that Trump was a phoney, a fraud, a crook, a liar, and a moral cretin, but once he took the nomination supported him. The first group are delusional and have a faith based belief, like a religion. The latter are not delusional, but frankly would vote for the Devil, if he were Republican.

Do we have any fans of Bill maher on here, I'm sure their are some, I was one up until recently when...

David1955 comments on Nov 19, 2018:

He's an atheist brother and a progressive, funny, insightful, passionate, and enjoys being politically incorrect, and on that I'm with him 100%. I don't agree with those who think you can be atheist and progressive or left wing, but don't say anything to put anyone's nose out of joint whatever you do. We've had that for too long, and as a result we've got this right wing Trumpian backlash, and not just in the US. Enough. I like him and I like the way he jumps both on the Crazy Right and the Regressive Politically Correct Left. Genuine left wingers have a sense of humour and thick skins. I do.

For 40-50,000 years Australian First Nations People have nurtured and developed the environment.

David1955 comments on Nov 20, 2018:

It's hard to disagree. However, it cannot be said that had the British not arrived and colonized when they did, another colonial power would not have, with equal or worse consequences for the native population. The expansion of colonialism, and then early industrialization, would have made this inevitable. To imagine that the indigenous population of Australia could have been left untouched in an undeveloped land to the present time defies the reality of the growth and spread of global evolution. So the inexorable forces of history are to blame, I suppose, not that that gives any comfort. I'm old enough to remember how indigenous people were treated in the past, not just the people, but the utter disregard of the culture. A lot has changed since then. It started to change after Whitlam, in my view. I can't speak with authority about how to solve all the problems. But at least we remember the history and want to correct it, and that's the difference between imperfect liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes, which black out or rewrite the past.

Have you guys been spreading discontent?

David1955 comments on Dec 7, 2018:

No need to spread it. It's a self replicating virus. I keep saying that the labor party needs to firmly reject economic rationalism, stand for a real reform agenda, fight on principle, win government with an agenda, not by default, and *fucking stand for something* which they haven't done since the Hawke- Keating contagion in the 80s. (Pardon my French, but I'm sick of the ALP here).

Early Russian outreach to Trump campaign detailed by Mueller

David1955 comments on Dec 9, 2018:

It would appear that Mr Mueller had a choice of either going for the jugular, or death by a thousand cuts with Trump. Wisely, he's chosen the latter. Going for the jugular can miss. A thousand cuts gets you in the end. It also allows for the possibility that a Trump, in his desperation, will do something so illegal it'll be impossible for his base and the sycophants in his party to ignore. I also do not discount the possibility that the Russians will release killer info about Trump. They'd enjoy putting their figurative foot on his neck. What have they to lose? The sensible people in the US know about Putin. He is enjoying humiliating the US, and his prestige with the autocrats in the world would only grow. I predict!

For ancient history fans

David1955 comments on Dec 23, 2018:

That second one could be Trump talking to Roger Stone. Cave men with clubs is about their level.

Ideas for family fun for the holidays.

David1955 comments on Dec 24, 2018:

"White baby boomers' descent into fascism has turned me into a hardcore socialist.." is so good I wish I'd thought of it. And to think many of them were of the Woodstock generation. Never thought I'd get to loathe many of my own generation.

New Jersey AG has obtained evidence of possible crimes at Trump's golf club — and Mueller, FBI are...

David1955 comments on Dec 29, 2018:

And the noose tightens. If they go back to Trump's lemonade stand when he was 10 years old, they'd probably find he stole the recipe, cheated with small cups, and swindled his friend out of the take. Honestly.

Happy new year to admin dude and site support and everyone who is giving me this site .

David1955 comments on Jan 1, 2019:

Totally.

Here's a question for the group: Does anyone know if Mueller has interviewed the Keebler elf ...

David1955 comments on Jan 11, 2019:

Since he had dealings with Russians, hence his recusal, I'd say he would have to be at some point. Since he's now a Trump weasel, I hope he gets himself into trouble for falsehoods. But that guy, to quote a Blackadderism, is as slippery and as as slimy as a slippery slimy thing.

Mueller looks to tack Trumps hide to the barn wall. [newsweek.com]

David1955 comments on Jan 14, 2019:

My fear is that the core Trump Cult that we now know comprises 25% or so will never, as cultists do, renounce their cult leader, and will be oblivious to all facts, findings and evidence, like cultists are religionists always are, and dig in and become more toxic and belligerent and a dangerous base for Trump or Trump like figures. Some will never see this as anything more than "the system" which their "hero" took on, destroying him. It's fantasy. There is a system, but Trump is part of it, albeit a fringe crazy, and he never had any intention of doing anything other than rorting it for himself. Discrediting Trump won't make this toxic base evaporate, I'm sure if it.

It's public holiday here today.

David1955 comments on Jan 28, 2019:

I support change. Australia Day is really Anglo Australia Day. It's time to recognize the other side of the equation, from the view of the Aboriginal people, and the great diversity of Australia. Anglo Australia biased conservatives will resist this to the end. They already see their Anglo-ized Australia changing all around them. This is another nail in their coffin, as they see it.

It has just come to my attention that the 26th of January is not only the date Australia celebrates ...

David1955 comments on Jan 29, 2019:

As always happens, there is the real person who lived, and there is the mythologised figure that people create afterwards. Reagan, Jesus, and yes Churchill. On it goes. I agree with you. Not just Gallipoli, but WW1, the Lusitania wasn't it? Sacrificed because Churchill wanted the US in the war, then covered it up at the enquiry. What Churchill was, was a sacrificer of poorer people because he thought the noble cause was worth it. But not him and his class.

God does exist .

David1955 comments on Feb 9, 2019:

Are you trying to convince us, or yourself? The latter, I suspect.

Fellow agnostics, how do you feel about believers joining?

David1955 comments on Feb 16, 2019:

This has been raised and discussed almost from the day the site started, so it's hardly new. That's the first point. My view can be easily stated: I don't think believers should be banned from the site, but I wish they wouldn't join. My only qualification is that I do think sometimes individuals join who are notionally believers but leaning towards secularism and away from religion, and this is a place where they can engage with non believers and explore their doubts anonymously. Not many like that, but some. I'm happy to encourage such people.

I just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed Agnostic and all those whom I've had conversations ...

David1955 comments on Feb 26, 2019:

Yes, more of us should be saying this. With the squabbles and debates about blocking and so on that gets too much attention here, it's easy to forget that most people here do the right thing, even if they disagree on points.

Dual senate?

David1955 comments on Feb 28, 2019:

Fragmenting the Senate by creating a second 'Precious' Senate? I think not.

I really had not considered the "Is atheism another religion" argument and the first four of the ...

David1955 comments on Mar 22, 2019:

'Atheism is religion' is the weakest argument of the weakest religious apologists who have nothing to say in defense of their bronze age myths, and their imaginary God.

What Are Your Thoughts About Spiritualism ?

David1955 comments on Mar 28, 2019:

I think you are confusing spirituality with mediums talking to the deceased. The first is about the non physical world, mysticism and so on, and people have all kinds of versions of that. I reject it all. The second is about unscrupulous frauds taking advantage of gullible or vulnerable people. It is appalling.

Someone said that even if you don't believe in God, it is advisable to live your life as if there is...

David1955 comments on Apr 5, 2019:

Based on the assumption that any God is so stupid that it wouldn't know you were faking it. It's not like gods are omnipotent or omniscient or anything. If there's anyone you can pull wool over their eyes, it's a God. Yes sir.

Imagination works!

David1955 comments on Apr 6, 2019:

Or trickle down delusional thinking.

God, Irony and non-believers As I wander through this site and read here and there a connecting ...

David1955 comments on Apr 7, 2019:

You begin with a false assumption: that science is, has or will prove that God does not exist. Science is under no obligation to prove this negative, any more than it is to prove any other negative. If believers wish to try to "prove" their alleged God, then that's up to them, though it's a fool's errand, and actually they don't want to anyway. The whole premise of your post is questionable to say the least, and so therefore is your "conclusion".

We absolutely need to find a way to establish dialogue between competing groups.

David1955 comments on Apr 13, 2019:

You lost me at "The Universe in its infinite wisdom..."

Elizabeth Warren is gaining stock in my opinion.

David1955 comments on Apr 20, 2019:

I like the fact that she doesn't just waffle on about America the wonderful and all that kind of stuff, but says specific things, as in " this is what I'm going to do...A, B, C.." That is what you need. Enough Obama-like poetry. Clear prose.

What is with this Atheist/Agnostic divide stuff lately.

David1955 comments on Apr 30, 2019:

You know, I agree with you, and up until I joined a couple of years ago I thought agnostics and atheists were comrades together in the same struggle. Then, I joined this community. Quickly I got told by agnostics that theirs was the "more nuanced position"; that atheists were no different from theists because we both have a "faith based belief" in something, unlike the purity of the agnostic; that the atheist has to "prove" that no God exists; and that we atheists are influenced by modern radical terrible awful harmful "leaders" like Richard Dawkins who have been like the black death to non-believers....and so it went. Whoa! I thought we were on the same side here? Well, attacks like that have an impact. You step back. Do you ignore them, or do you deal with the points. Well, obviously the latter. So, that's what has happened. Frankly, I don't want to argue with agnostics, I want to challenge religions. But there it is. I add I thought the agnostic/atheist squabble had actually toned down lately.

Mueller complained that Barr’s letter did not capture ‘context’ of Trump probe - The ...

David1955 comments on May 1, 2019:

What will it take for Mueller to man up and come out? Two years of abuse and personal attacks, the obvious attempt to scuttle his report, and still he won't call a press conference or demand to appear before Congress, to tell his story. Man up, Mueller! Your country needs you.

Perhaps atheists need religion to exist to justify their position.

David1955 comments on May 6, 2019:

The only thing atheists need is religion to disappear into the other side of history where it belongs, with all the other discredited irrational beliefs.

Why are agnostics and atheists so hostile to my non-theistic belief of theological noncognitivism?

David1955 comments on May 16, 2019:

Speaking as an atheist, I'm just unimpressed by linguistic wordplay and word games. I just want to free the world from the toxicity that is religion, in all its forms, delusions and camouflage.

Do you think that studying the history of the world helping to make everyone become agnostic or ...

David1955 comments on May 25, 2019:

I certainly wish people would read about the history of religions, especially their own, from serious secular historians trained in the historical method. (It isn't true that all history is subjective. That's a cope out. Does anyone here believe that the history of nazi crimes in WW2 is a matter of personal historical interpretation. I very much doubt it.) People based their lives and values on a religion, or so they say, but are too goddam lazy to read one damn historical book about the foundation and history of their religion! Frankly, it pisses me off. And then they want my "respect" for their religious views, views that are based on ignorance and intellectual laziness. From my own experience when people do read seriously about their religion they start to think seriously about their "faith". Religion is an intellectual disease of ignorance, and knowledge is the cure.

Just presented to me on f'buck, I don't know how or why:

David1955 comments on Jun 1, 2019:

It's funny, when I hear the phrase, The Christian Right. I always say, "Is there any other kind?" As if there's the Christian Left or the Christian Centre. I believe at one time there was a left wing Catholic group called Liberation Theology. (My friend wrote a Thesis on them. No doubt they've all been shot by now.) These Christos make me laugh. They prattle on about Jesus and the poor, all those dreary Hollywood movies with their Jesus sticking it to authority and the saviour of the poor and meek, but universally modern Christianity is the religion of right wing moralistic elitism and oligarchy and reactionary politics. Name the country, Australia included, it's always the same. I spit on them for their fragrant hypocrisy.

Just curious. Who would not have joined this forum if it was called atheist.com?

David1955 comments on Jun 9, 2019:

I wish it was called that.

Questions.

David1955 comments on Jun 10, 2019:

Yes, the site is America-centric and Christianity-centric, but it reflects the current membership. I would very much like it to be even more global in the future and standing up to religions generally. I wonder how many out there are afraid to criticize Islam like they do Xianity for fear of being called Islamaphobe? These politically correct times...

I’ve been claiming to be Agnostic for over a year and a half now, but I’m leaning more towards ...

David1955 comments on Jun 22, 2019:

Walk right this way....just a little bit further...pleased to have you in the fold.

For the past week I've been beside my best friend and his 2 sisters as their mother entered the end ...

David1955 comments on Jul 9, 2019:

I went through the same thing for my own mother only last January. The whole week time stopped. All of the arguments evaporate, and you just deal with it, believer or non believer. My siblings are believers, while I am defiantly not. We all went through it the same. In the end, for all of us, that's the reality of it. I like to think that the non religious face these things as honestly as we can. Like you are.

I have a question for the people that are 100% certain that no gods exist. How are you THAT certain?

David1955 comments on Jul 24, 2019:

The problem is in the phrasing of the question. The question is not "why are you 100% certain that no Gods exists?" but "why are you certain that there is *no evidence whatsoever* that Gods exist?" Answer: "Because no one has presented any, ever. Believers always reply on supernatural arguments, and these are not evidence, but assertions and faith-based beliefs. That's why I don't have the same problem that agnostics have with this question. It's not a belief plucked out of the air, but rather a position based on the fact that no evidence exists, to date. Should anyone find such 'evidence' then we would look at it. I'm not holding my breath.

Mad at god or don't believe?

David1955 comments on Jul 25, 2019:

I'm mad at the *concept* of god, as it is one of the most dangerous concepts ever invented by humans, responsible for such misery, especially a mono-theistic god which inevitably leads to heretics, factions, rival theologies, and war and death. That does *not* equate to being mad at a god that I somehow secretly believe in. No sir.

This announcement may bring delight or dismay.

David1955 comments on Jul 28, 2019:

Pity. He could be a bit snarky at times, and it wasn't necessary. Often times though, I found his comments interesting.

Just as an fyi, there is NO way 45 can actually DO anything about overturning the 14th Amendment.

David1955 comments on Aug 22, 2019:

Problem is, US institutions have proven to be so weak (and revealed to the world) over the Trump period, I don't think anything is impossible, especially with Trump's enablers, legal and political, who seem determined to bring about white nationalist rule to the US. The insipid Meuller report, after all the huffing and puffing and claims about what a great "institutionalist" he is, was the last straw for me, though I predicted it here months before and was mauled for it. What a Kabuki show your politics is, and poor Kabuki at that. Sad to say.

This afternoon, I was playing games on my computer while overhearing programs about serial killers ...

David1955 comments on Aug 25, 2019:

A further point here that one of the most insidious things about monotheistic religions is that they create a god with rules and commands, punishable by all kinds of terrors, but god itself is immune to its own moral and ethical laws. It can kill and punish with impunity, because god is always "good" no matter what. It has a kind of cosmic diplomatic immunity from all crimes. So then, when god "tells" its celebrants and followers to kill and do violent acts against transgressors, then the immunity flows on to them: god is always good and so are they, no matter what they do. The crimes of religions, cults, god- hearing loonies and all the rest are justified on the basis of this twisted, sick logic. And it stems from a belief in a single, true and always "good" god. Its gotta go!

Community Senate The literal meaning of the word "senate" is Assembly of Elders.

David1955 comments on Sep 4, 2019:

This site is a small oasis for the non-religious, mostly, in an internet of blather. Focus on the positives here, I suggest.

Catholics to gather near Vatican next month to pray for Church in her hour of crisis | News | ...

David1955 comments on Sep 7, 2019:

Let's hope their prayers are not answered. I do wish someone would send in a criminal investigation team and some forensic accountants to investigate this church and its activities.

Since it's controversial, I'll join in. New profile picture:

David1955 comments on Sep 8, 2019:

This guy is a full-on religious bore, is he not?

Trump is facing ‘very unpleasant’ jail sentence in New York after Michael Cohen flipped again: ...

David1955 comments on Sep 12, 2019:

I've heard too many stories over the past two years about how the law is going to catch up with Trump. It never happens. I'm sorry, I just don't believe the law applies to big fish in America. Scapegoats, yes. These things can be dragged out and appealed until nothing happens. Except for scapegoats. I said this during the Mueller Kabuki show. I got criticized, but i was right. Only scapegoats. See if I'm right again. Sorry, but this fantasy that Trump will get his legal just desserts is just that: a fantasy. Only scapegoats. Cohen, Manafort.....Roger the moron what's his face...General Treasonous...etc

Why why why do religious people think they can make a believer out of an atheist?

David1955 comments on Sep 22, 2019:

Don't tolerate it. I don't. Set them straight. From my experience there is no-one a believer will run away from faster than a commited atheist.

Is this the situation with the majority of Agnostics.

David1955 comments on Sep 27, 2019:

Guess I'm part of the minority here as I never have and never will post for points. I'm too old for that kind of crap. I was pleased to finally reach level 8, but it just took its course and time.

Is thinking that consciousness is a product of a vibrating universe a backdoor belief in God?

David1955 comments on Sep 29, 2019:

No, the universe is a cosmic egg laid by a cosmic duck, and consciousness is the effect of the background cosmic flapping. I read that on a wall I think, or maybe it came to me during a fever. :-)

In this crazy, mixed up world there are women who support Trump, and African Americans and Latinos ...

David1955 comments on Oct 14, 2019:

When cult followers follow a cult, there is no connection to logic and reason. It makes them feel good, feeds their desire to get back at the ones they don't like or blame. As atheists and agnostics we shouldn't be surprised. When this site started a couple of years ago, there were quite a few nonbelievers who were Trumpsters. Lots of arguments back them. I don't read any Trumpsters now here. Maybe they are in groups cheering their beloved mop-haired dictator wanna be. I'm glad I don't read them anymore. Any freethinker - nonreligious person who favours Trump either doesn't understand embryonic fascism, or non-religious thinking, or both.

For those who didn't watch Bill last night.

David1955 comments on Oct 19, 2019:

I've become less and less of an admirer of NDGT over recent years, but in this show he hit some high points. I did NOT agree, however, with his assertion about the differences between objective and personal truths. Personal truths be damned. That's an opinion, which may or may not be true. Jesus is my saviour, his example, is not a truth of any kind, including personal. It's an opinion which lacks evidence. Jesus and God hate gays, likewise might be someone's bigoted opinion but it is not a personal "truth" for the same reason, no proof or evidence. He devalues the meaning of truth to say otherwise. Like many public figures he still feels the need to "respect" religious nonsense, lest he offend believers. Humbug. On the other hand I cheered when he said we should not so much consider ourselves as members of various races and instead see ourselves as all of the *human race*. Indeed, racial tribalism is hindering us as a species.

Confidence in Australia’s democratic system is at an all-time low.

David1955 comments on Oct 21, 2019:

When you have no hope for any political party, and no hope that your preferred party is capable of change, then there's nothing left to hope for.

I just read that there have been approximately 108 billion people in history.

David1955 comments on Nov 3, 2019:

Yes, and think about the poor suckers, millions and millions of them, who lived and died for thousands of years *before* Christianity . They didn't even have a chance! It was only after the first century AD when god said, 'Ok, I'm gonna knock this chick up, get myself born, preach, do miracles, get myself tortured and killed, come back, briefly, and then anyone who doesn't believe in me will go to Hell.' Christianity, you gotta love it.! (Not)

Hillary Clinton is talking like she might get into the Democratic presidential race.

David1955 comments on Nov 14, 2019:

Will someone PLEASE tell the Clintons to shut up, go away, and enjoy their millions with their rich friends. Jeez, can't they take a hint? Even Bill Maher said so on his show a while back.

The plot to wage war on Christianity and Christmas is a wholehearted conspiracy theory that has no ...

David1955 comments on Nov 23, 2019:

It's transferred anger and fear. Christians sense the growth of secularism, the increasing numbers of openly stated non religious people, the indifference towards religions of Millennials, and this scares them. So they invent imagined wars against their silly festivals and the rest of their Bronze Age beliefs, both to rally their followers and to have an 'enemy' that is 'persecuting' them. It's obvious and pathetic really. What they are having a war against is change and social evolution, and no one wins that war.

I for one cannot Wait until Giuliani starts giving testimony.

David1955 comments on Nov 25, 2019:

He won't. One thing that has appalled me about US politics over recent months is how people are subpoenaed by the Congress and then they virtually say, 'Screw You" and nothing happens and no one has the power to do anything. Off they go to court and on it goes. In any system of any worth they would be arrested and charged. So, I don't think he will give evidence. They will find ways to stall and delay. Sorry to say. I'd like to see him get the works.

Oh what fun it to an Atheist at this time of year.

David1955 comments on Nov 28, 2019:

Usually any cutting remark to the botherers will make them run a mile. It's soft targets they are after, not up front nonbelievers. But, don't beat yourself up too much. Even I have been known to make the occasional quip at the believers. Yes, even me! Recently I was jogging along an esplanade I live near, and two botherers were knocking at some sap's door, and I called out, "Don't waste your time. I'm sure it's a house of the Devil!" They shot around and glared disapprovingly as I jogged by grinning. But anyway, you should know better than to talk to Xians about the real history of their religion. It's not like they are interested or anything. As comic Dave Allen once said, Jesus was born at Christmas and died at Easter. He didn't hang around long, did he?