Can anyone relate?

David1955 comments on Oct 7, 2020:

Religions are just based on these false assumptions, which you seem to give some credence.

Trump's doctor makes it clear he shouldn't be leaving the hospital yet

David1955 comments on Oct 5, 2020:

Wait for day 9. From what I've read, day 9 is the day when this thing turns nasty, even if the patient has been making progress.

Imagine a scenario where Donald Trump and Melania emerge in two weeks time from Walter Reed National...

David1955 comments on Oct 4, 2020:

It's hard too see that even this scenario could negate the reality of the epidemic that Trump ignored, downplayed and made much worse as a result. Also, the reality that the great bulk of the population could never receive these new wonder drugs would also be clearly obvious. The scenario that Trump might have a mild case, and bounce back in two weeks, thus cementing his reputation amongst his cult followers of his Jesus-like miracle powers would be a concern, but given his age and medical state I suspect that's not likely.

Are ScumMo and Co. for real?

David1955 comments on Oct 3, 2020:

You know the old right wing saying: if you should continue to fail, try try the same old discredited policies again and again.

Now they’ve No Platformed Richard Dawkins

David1955 comments on Oct 3, 2020:

Ridiculous. But I'll wager you'll get comments here from some about how awful Dawkins and others in his circle are for atheism because they speak plainly and sometimes say what the politically correct brigade don't approve of. They're not usually atheists, though.

President Donald Trump tweets he and first lady Melania Trump test positive for Covid-19 ...

David1955 comments on Oct 2, 2020:

There's a tendency to say something mean like, 'well serves yourself right!' but taking a less malicious view this can only be a huge crisis for the US government, depending on how far it has spread. No one abroad on the side of liberty and freedom enjoys seeing the US destabilised like this including me.

YouTubers are upscaling the past to 4K.

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2020:

I don't see the problem. If new technology can enhance old footage then good. I've watched a lot of enhanced footage on YouTube and I think it is extraordinary. Having grown up watching jerky old footage played at the wrong frame rate ect and loving history as I do I think it is amazing what they do now. They complained when they digitized music; they complained when they colorized movies, so I'm not surprised about this. If they don't like it then watch the jerky grainy original footage on archives.

The Truth About Modern day Atheism: They Hate Christianity! - YouTube

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2020:

I hate Christianity, but not Christians, unless they are evil criminal people. In much the same way I hate Nazism but I don't hate German people. It's the ideologies and religions we should hate, not the people who become trapped by them.

I just heard that there was recently an abandoned church fire in a nearby town.

David1955 comments on Oct 1, 2020:

Every time I read about Christian destruction of western knowledge in the early centuries of Christianity, essentially producing the Dark Age of a thousand years, I feel the urge to want to go out and burn down a cathedral or some such. So far I've managed to resist.

The Criminal Case Against Donald Trump Is in the Works

David1955 comments on Sep 30, 2020:

And he knows it too. Even if he pardons himself, which would be the death nail in US credibility, hopefully your state prosecutors would still move on him. This could have been so different if Mueller had done his job, been a man instead of a Republican, and exposed Trump's criminality. Now he's defending himself. Too late.

Our favourite Catholic is on the move again.

David1955 comments on Sep 29, 2020:

I was right! I read today he's back in Cesspool City in an 'undefined role'. That would be PoopFrank's money chaser. These guys.... all crooks.

Our favourite Catholic is on the move again.

David1955 comments on Sep 28, 2020:

I predict he'll end up back at Frank's side in their corrupt cesspool known as the Vatican. He's good at finding the dough, lost in accounts and so on. He found a couple of lost billion last time, and Frank was ever so pleased. "You just keep thinking up new ways to find money Butch-George; that's what you're good at" i can hear Frank say.

Well I'll darned, just got a a very earnest and most unexpected APOLOGY of all things from ...

David1955 comments on Sep 26, 2020:

Is his name Ned Flanders by any chance? :-)

NASA Lays Out $28 Billion Plan to Land First Woman on the Moon With the Artemis mission, NASA ...

David1955 comments on Sep 23, 2020:

Perhaps they should consider making the first woman on the moon the Statue of Liberty. The US doesn't really want her any more it seems,

☦️☪️☯️☸️✝️🕎🛐✡️🔯🕉️📚📖💩🚽🔥

David1955 comments on Sep 23, 2020:

Love your posts.

Unsure if this has ever been posted before but here goes anyway.

David1955 comments on Sep 23, 2020:

I'll stick my head out and go with B.

For anyone wondering how I feel about religious people - this is my stance (major rant).

David1955 comments on Sep 21, 2020:

Now that's the kind of 'in your face here it is too bad if you don't like it' kind of atheism I'd hoped to find when I joined this site. The 20th Century atheist approach was to be polite, respect people's religion, and we'll all gradually move toward greater secularism. How did that work out? Evangelism, Islamic fascism, Church sexual and other criminality, the creeping collusion between religious extremism, moralism and anti modernism and anti-diversity, and political fascism. I call that a failure. New Century, new approach. The more they call atheists names and vilify us, the more they reveal their fear of secularism, the more I know we are succeeding. It's a long haul. As Bertrand Russell said, the struggle against mysticism, supernaturalism and magic based thinking -- the real fundamental issue here --- has been going on since the time of the Greeks. It's still going on. That is what religion is. It's like this horrid COVID virus -- it keeps coming back, mutates and seeks to spread wherever it can. Evil viruses, both biological and mental, have only one solution: eradication, no matter how long it takes.

So it can be done if the Dems grow a spine and do it. [youtu.be]

David1955 comments on Sep 20, 2020:

I just watched this on TYT, and thought Cenk is probably right: the Dems will probably fold, like they usually do, so scared not to offend their ruling class patrons. Sad.

Please raise your hand if you're an atheist AND antitheist.

David1955 comments on Sep 19, 2020:

My profile identifies me as exactly that, and I don't care who knows it.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Dies At 87 : NPR

David1955 comments on Sep 18, 2020:

As a student of history I have to ask myself if this will be the final nail in the American Republic's coffin, and the point where the transition to the Fascist Oligarchy of America became inexorable.

YouTube has gone beyond greed and hate!!! Now YouTube has commercials every four to five ...

David1955 comments on Sep 17, 2020:

Yes it's really ticking me off too. I wish they'd never sold it to Google. I wish there were a good alternative not greedy profit driven. They screw over channel providers too.

How Atheist Eat Babies! [youtube.com]

David1955 comments on Sep 17, 2020:

The little girl is thinking, ' this is my slightly crazy atheist dad. What can I do?" :-) Like most atheists David, you know, I like babies, but I just can't eat a whole one." Just a decade since you turned from the Dark Side to the Rebels on the side of light? What took you? :-)

Atheist religion

David1955 comments on Sep 16, 2020:

Yes, and they left with a bloody nose. Well, alright, I'm joking. But any such comments get the strongest rebuke, and I don't care who it is. 'Your atheism is just another type of religion' is the cheapest most ignorant thing anyone can say to an atheist. When it comes from a religious person it's par for the course for their foolish arguments. But when it comes from an agnostic, as has happened, it's particularly annoying and frankly dispiriting. This is the kind of crap that religionists love to hear. It only helps religion.

America's just a reality show.

David1955 comments on Sep 15, 2020:

A rather sad and pathetic reality show, speaking from an international perspective. It almost seems to be like the curtain being pulled back on the wizard of Oz. Exposed. A lot of us who have studied the US class and power structure are not so much shocked by the corruption of America, but rather astonished at how quickly and totally it has become obvious to the rest of the world that tended to buy into or be fooled by the US facade of democracy. Whatever happens in November, there's no going back in time.

How to subliminally let your neighbour know what you think of them?

David1955 comments on Sep 14, 2020:

And if the neighbour is male? I have an asshole neighbour, as it turns out, but since he seems dangerous I wouldn't risk it. You can choose a house, but not who lives next door, eh?

(We are all energy.) Scientists say the “soul” does not die. [curiosmos.]

David1955 comments on Sep 13, 2020:

Well, computers die, and software corrupts and is non functional. This is just using the contemporary vocabulary and constructs and analogies of the day. 100 years ago they probably talked about trams and horseless carriages as metaphors for life and death and souls. This text sounds sciency but is pseudo science i suspect. And if the soul returns to the universe, whatever the hell that means, what happens when the universe dies, as they now believe in trillions of years? Will these souls die then, or go on to another universe? See where this leads. Like belief in God, you think you are explaining a mystery, but in fact just creating more while not explaining the first.

Pope Francis Says Having Sex And Eating Good Food Is 'Simply Divine'

David1955 comments on Sep 13, 2020:

How does he know? He's never tried the first Or has he? Has he been watching Pornhub?

A Happy Bill Maher Back In The Studio — “There’s Real People. Thank You Jesus!”

David1955 comments on Sep 12, 2020:

Great to have the studio format back, modified to the current times. Not the best show though. The guests were a bit lame, and he needs 3 for real energy. Nice to see Ewan McGregor; interesting what he said about Scots being progressive folks, and I think that's right. I agree with him that Scotland should kiss the UK goodbye, though that's a decision for them of course. Bill gets battered left and right, but I still like him a lot.

Even a scum bucket like Arnold is voting Democratic.

David1955 comments on Sep 10, 2020:

I guess he hopes Trump won't be back.

Atheism is not a philosophy; it is not even a view of the world; it is simply an admission of the ...

David1955 comments on Sep 10, 2020:

Works for me. Have thought so since I was young.

Now, okay I'm an Aussie and our Election/Voting Laws are probably different to the U.

David1955 comments on Sep 9, 2020:

Honest to (the non existent) God ( I don't believe in), you would think that the US -- the greatest country in the world, or so they keep telling us globally -- would understand some basic democratic voting principles: . Elections run by an independent publicly paid authority and staff, not partisan party hacks. . Electoral boundaries based on demographic data, and principles of science, reviewed and changed transparently by the above mentioned authority. . Voting counting by non partisan people, with very harsh penalties for any corruption and fraud. . Voting for electorates and parties and candidates, not for faceless electoral college hacks, like back in the time of Paul Revere, riding to Washington with the results. . Scrupulous postal voting procedures which clearly pick up any attempt at double voting. . Clear processes of sending out postal vote forms, uncorrupted with no possible interference by party hacks. . Recognition that universal voter registration, updated between elections by independent authority, not to mention the value of compulsory voting ( which actually means having to submit a voting form, whether or not you actually vote for anyone is up to you). Are these things too much to expect in a country which invades other countries with reckless abandon bringing "democracy" (while dragging in friends and allies like here in Australia) not to mention interfering in the political affairs of any country it sees fit to, on the grounds of lack of democratic processes?

An opinion - Why Trump Supporters Can’t Admit Who He Really Is [theatlantic.com]

David1955 comments on Sep 8, 2020:

Yes, and some people can never admit they were wrong. Never. Can't admit even to themselves. Their psychology will not allow it. All they will admit is a forced error, but it wasn't their fault. Get enough of this type of psychology together and you have a cult.

4 Essential Elements of Agnosticism

David1955 comments on Sep 8, 2020:

I found this passage a tad questionable: "Agnostics Find The Same Fulfillment From Agnosticism That Others Find From Religion This idea of “not knowing and never knowing” actually brings us the same fulfillment that others get from believing that they’ve found the truth. It is quite a peaceful and tranquil ideology. We have come to terms with it, and would never ask for you to do the same." What is this based on, I ask an an atheist? I doesn't bother me; I find it amusing if anything.

There is no democracy when states conspire against individuals identifying state lying & immorality ...

David1955 comments on Sep 8, 2020:

Yes I agree. Look, I think Assange went off the rails, but what the true story is about that, with all the Yankee spin and propaganda and maybe false flag operation, we just do not know. America is so corrupt i doubt everything it says about everything, frankly. Inanycase, the gutless complicity of the sycophantic Australian government over this and everything else with America is shameful. Pilger is right as he often is. We all know that Australia has been America's bitch since the alliance in 1941, and the Whitlam slapdown in 1975 was a permanent reminder that we should never ever consider having an independent foreign policy. It's shameful, and you can choose any political party as they're all the same. Australia should be helping Assange, but Australia's balls are in a jar in Washington and likely to stay there.

Osama bin Laden's niece backs Donald Trump's re-election - Business Insider

David1955 comments on Sep 7, 2020:

I'm sure this lady has America's best interests at heart, just like her late uncle Osama. With friends like these...

As far as I can tell, atheists are the most depressed and negative-minded people on this site.

David1955 comments on Sep 7, 2020:

"As far as I can tell..." you say? With a post and generalizations like that, I don't think you can tell all that much. If someone wrote this post and replaced atheist with agnostic, you'd be up in arms. Honestly.

My girlfreind and I went to dinner with friends.

David1955 comments on Sep 7, 2020:

maybe you and your girlfriend should do take-out next time. :-) Well, sounds like one of those situations when an ignorant religy just has to be brought down to size. I know the deal. If folks like us don't do, then who will? Many times we just let it go; it's just not worth it. But on occasion someone like that just needs to be brought face to face with their own ignorance and gullibility. Never expect anyone like that to admit they don't know what they're talking about, but some of it sinks in, maybe, and can bring about a change in thinking, or spur them to do a little reading, maybe, perhaps. Was this an older guy, or younger? I ask because from my experience people of a certain age who've lived always with a religion, will never let go, even if they are full of doubts. It is like renouncing a large part of their lives. It's like the movie The Matrix when Morpheous tells Neo that they don't wake up many to the falsehood of the Matrix around them because for many the mind can never let of the illusion, even in the face of overwhelming definitive evidence. Religion is like that too.

Is there anything that can be done about people who post things multiple times in the same group?

David1955 comments on Sep 5, 2020:

Yes, it's annoying, and seems to generate different replies to the various repeated posts. Glad you mentioned it.

Jeffrey Goldberg: I think Trump is genuinely confused by service

David1955 comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Trump is genuinely confused by decency. Has no understanding of it at all.

For those holding out for an effective vaccine for Covid19-84.

David1955 comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Why would you trust the Russians? Personally, I don't think any effective universal vaccine is come any time soon, perhaps never. Partial effectiveness for some groups maybe. I hope I'm wrong, but the way this thing mutates and changes is a huge concern.

Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are ‘Losers’ and ‘Suckers’ - The Atlantic

David1955 comments on Sep 4, 2020:

The question for me is not why he says these things, because it is plain to see that he is a worthless individual, but why do millions of Americans continue to support him, no matter what?

Groaner coming

David1955 comments on Sep 2, 2020:

Sounds like one of Data's jokes.

This is a quote from Tony Abbot, former Australian PM.

David1955 comments on Sep 2, 2020:

Hey @powder re: Tony Abbott. Seems like the Brits have the balls to say what we Ozzies won't about the Abbott person: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/misogynist-former-pm-tony-abbott-torn-apart-by-british-politician Thought of you when I read this.

This is a quote from Tony Abbot, former Australian PM.

David1955 comments on Sep 1, 2020:

Abbot's a typical contemporary right winger. He knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. I hear he's looking to get back into politics. I predicted that when he lost his seat. He's worthless and has no skill other than preventing progress or undoing past progress. He's a political virus himself, that won't die.

The magazine is up and available but the color scheme is horrible and very difficult to read.

David1955 comments on Aug 31, 2020:

it looked good to me. I use the dark theme. So disappointed not to see Middleway's promised article on agnosticism. I was sooooo looking forward to it. Just have to wait I guess.

Life in Lockdown

David1955 comments on Aug 31, 2020:

You left one out: * work as usual and earn money to try and keep a roof over one's head. (Some of us still have yet to join the idle rich. Yet again, some of us never expect to.)

What determines whether a person is a Christian or not?

David1955 comments on Aug 31, 2020:

There isn't one, and there never has been any definitive definition of what Christian means, or even Christianity, over 2,000 years. It's whatever people want to say it is. That's the simple truth of it. Like any meme, it can evolve and mutate any way it wants. One might think that some basic criteria might apply, like belief in the Abrahamic God and son of that God. But no, there are some post-Christian churches who don't believe in a personal God, but rather a big cosmic energy thingy , and Jesus is not a real historical figure but an inspirational mythical whatnot, and yes they call themselves post Christians, or something meaning that. Ultimately when something can mean anything you like, in truth it means nothing or whatever you want it to be. Christianity is based on a God saviour meme that has been knocking around human religious history for something like 10,000 years or longer. It just keeps evolving and mutating, as it has for millennia. What makes a Christian a Christian? Anything you want.

Millennials are losing their religion—and social media might explain why

David1955 comments on Aug 28, 2020:

Yes, interesting. This trend has been noted in research for some time. I think the factors are many, and some are noted here. Of interest to me will be the impact of this pandemic on younger generations. Subjectively of course I hope the impact may promote affirmation of science and evidence thinking. But objectively it will take time before the long term impact is known of what we are going through on young people and religion generally. To me, religion has not looked good during this crisis. We will just have wait for the research to filter through.

Why do Atheist like to talk about God so much?

David1955 comments on Aug 28, 2020:

False statement as a question. Poor posting. Below I have said why.

Has anyone put forward an article for the new magazine yet ? Just wondering.

David1955 comments on Aug 26, 2020:

I may be wrong, but I'm guessing this magazine will have a lot of long posts recycled, particularly from the more hobby horse enthusiasts around here. Know what I mean?

the Divine - Eternal - Spirit - Being - Self - that UR - as an Entity whose origin was derived from...

David1955 comments on Aug 25, 2020:

"Who put the bomp in the bomp bah bomp bah bomp Who put the ram in the rama lama ding dong Who put the bop in the bop shoo bop shoo bop Who put the dip in the dip da dip da dip Who was that man I'd like to shake his hand He made my baby fall in love with me (yeah)"

Just wondering why Donald Trump has never called Putin a nasty little nickname, as he has so many ...

David1955 comments on Aug 24, 2020:

A dog always licks its master and pines for attention and approval.

INTRODUCTION I found out last week that one of our longstanding members, @Word, had been homeless...

David1955 comments on Aug 23, 2020:

Could you just tell us how you found out about this, and why you feel confident, as you seem to be, that the information is correct? Thanks.

A rumour has been doing the 'rounds' that Mrs.

David1955 comments on Aug 23, 2020:

Jesus won't allow it, or the Liberal Party HQ, or Rupert Murdoch. Mrs ScumMo will have to invest in one of those battery operated personal pleasure devices that I don't really understand because I'm too young and naive.

Some people poo-poo "conspiracy theories" out of hand, they hear the term, and immediately assume ...

David1955 comments on Aug 22, 2020:

'Conspiracy theory' has become a new weapon for power in all its forms to neutralise challenges to 'official stories', or 'official history as i call it, a term I loathe. They have made the term so loaded that the mere use of the term immediately disparages anyone who says, 'I believe there are serious problems with this official account'. "Conpiracy theorist! Conspiracy theorist!.. put on your metal hat and take your meds!" Well, the one thing i know from the past 60 years of history is this: power lies. All power - government, corporate, military, agencies.etc. They lie. So, I'm a student of history, and history is about looking at and looking back at contemporaneous accounts and applying the historical method and review. So let's agree that there is a spectrum, from people who believe that aliens built the pyramids and are living now in Atlantis, and Q-Anon, to others who raise serious questions about official explanations by corrupt bastions of power. You are right, we shouldn't lump them all together. I have never forgotten that Woodward and Bernstein were sort of conspiracy theorists. They suspected that the US president and others had conspired to do criminal activities. They were lucky. In their hard work and research, the help of Deep Throat, John Dean coming forward, and Nixon's tapes, they were able to prove that their suspicions were right. That's how much help they had in proving their case. Power has smarted up since the 1970s. Now it's harder to prove their lies, and anyway they can just cry out 'Conspiracy theory! Conspiracy theory!"

For members who have received their Agnostic .

David1955 comments on Aug 21, 2020:

Im in Australia and it arrived with no issues in a reasonable period of time. That was before COVID and the mad King Donald's post office 'reforms' however. No fee.

The surprising mission of the Postal Service police who arrested Stephen Bannon ...

David1955 comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Bannon being arrested is the best news I've heard for some time. Evil people like him are the ones behind Trump. Good to hear.

Some of them even have difficulty with simple counting.

David1955 comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Not to mention verbs. Ah, well, being a cult follower and literate is a big ask for some as well.

Star Trek, always a beautiful series to watch.

David1955 comments on Aug 19, 2020:

I confess I have never seen Counsellor Troi so pointedly beautiful, if you catch my meaning. Is that a fake photo? I confess that Jeri Ryan is a fine looking woman, but then I've always been a sucker for women with big eyes. (yes, eyes).

Your thoughts on SkidMarks desire to make vaccinations mandatory?

David1955 comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Assuming the proposed vaccine is safe, suitable for every age and type of person -- and this is unknown as yet -- why is it ok for the government to impose restrictions on movement and other respects of our liberty, based on the principle of authority to protect population, but authority to vaccinate everyone is not ok?

Should Edward Snowden be pardoned ? Why/not ?

David1955 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

No. Another Putin play. All charges should be dropped against him and he should be allowed to return home and resume his life. No pardon required, especially from a criminal president doing Putin's bidding.

I always ask them.. What about the millions of years before the Jesus story?

David1955 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Secular historians on religion claim that religious belief goes back 40,000 years on this planet. That 40 times a thousand. Detailed history on religion goes back 10,000 years. So what God and his brat were waiting for, I have no earthly idea. Presumably all who lived before Christianity went to hell, no exceptions or exclusions, since all their beliefs were wrong. As for asking Christians they neither know nor care. They live in a time bubble where everything before Jesus popping up is irrelevant (well, okay, maybe Moses et.al) and that's good enough for them.

godiscancelledparty [youtu.be]

David1955 comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I loved this episode and this part especially this part. Jesus was cool with slavery. Well, of course. Reminded me of that story from Dr Richard Carrier about Jesus rejecting hand washing for good sanitation as it was unnecessary, he said. He was son of God, miracles, made the universe, etc but knew nothing about germs. Of course.

When is Jesus coming back? The question on the lips of almost every believer.

David1955 comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I wouldn't blame him for not coming back! Would you, given the flogging and nailing last time? These Christians are so gullible.

This is how I know that my religion is the ONLY WAY, and the RIGHT WAY to Heaven.😂😁😂

David1955 comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I can hear the great Richard Dawkins in his reply, What if I'm wrong...well, we could all be wrong... what if you're wrong about the God up the tree?

One of my local churches posts the creepiest signs.

David1955 comments on Aug 14, 2020:

typical Christian view of their cosmic slavery religion under their slave owner God. Yuk.

Hello fellow agnostics, just joining up. So what's the latest word in the world of agnosticism?

David1955 comments on Aug 14, 2020:

This world is atheism and agnosticism and all aspects of non religious belief. The higher proportion of members here are atheists, or it was the last time I looked at the figures. The site name is agnostic.com but that's just the domain name.

Will Trump seize the opportunity to innoculate Americans with the Russian developed C19 vaccine?

David1955 comments on Aug 13, 2020:

Even the weakened US drug approval laws would prevent that, but who knows, between him and his fellow fascist stooges in government, anything is possible. I don't think he would risk it, though. Trump's play would be that a great vaccine, maybe Vlad's, will be available AFTER the election, so vote for me now. His dumb as a stump followers would probably believe him.

Alt Jesus.

David1955 comments on Aug 13, 2020:

It is amusing isn't it that a religion that has at its centre a mythical figure who, in a modern interpretation, is associated with the poor, the downtrodden, challenging authority, and preached love and forgiveness, and yet now is almost universally associated with power, wealth, anti-modernism, regressive, narrow-minded and moralistic reactionary conservative thinking, as well as anti-diversity prejudices. And yet so many "good Christians" are utterly oblivious to the core myths of their religion, and their personal hypocrisy. Jesus really is a meme that people just create based on their own prejudices. Two thousand years and continuing.

What do you think about never retiring?

David1955 comments on Aug 11, 2020:

No everyone gets to love the work they do, like Mr. Lightfoot. artists are different, bless them. Long may he continue.

I have purchased the web domain atheistscafe.

David1955 comments on Aug 9, 2020:

do you mean atheist community specifically, or anyone is non religious? Hope you get something going.

How Covid-19 Signals the End of the American Era - Rolling Stone

David1955 comments on Aug 9, 2020:

Well, yes, but it was the final nail in the coffin, so to speak. Had American political, legal, electoral and financial institutions been healthy, and US Democracy real rather than the sham which it really is, then we wouldn't be reading articles like this. It seems everything in our age occurs in real time and before our eyes, including the decline of empires. I fear for the future however, with the US increasingly joining the alliance of authoritarianism in the world. Even if Biden wins I doubt his capacity, or his party's, to reverse the tide, and the forces of authoritarianism behind Trumpism will reinvent, regroup and plot. American exceptionalism seems to have evolved into the American tragedy.

If I was agnostic then should I also be ambivalent about the likelihood of an extant easter bunny ...

David1955 comments on Aug 9, 2020:

Isn't it just easier to be a non believer in anything without evidence -- God, Easter B, Tooth Fairies, Trump's promises... and so on? Well, I think so.

One thing is certain above everything else and that is: this madness will end soon.

David1955 comments on Aug 9, 2020:

Well, "It is a tale, Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing". As long as know that and keep it real, we're that much better off for the knowing.

Question: are there foreign trolls on here?

David1955 comments on Aug 8, 2020:

There's one here, on the right wing side, I've called "Comrade", not because we are but because I suspect he's one, if you know what I mean. He was very keen to scuttle Bernie S. Wonder why?

Trump claims Joe Biden will 'hurt God' if elected president – video | US news | The Guardian

David1955 comments on Aug 7, 2020:

Trump is too stupid to understand the logical absurdities of his nonsense, and so are the pathetic people who continue to be his 'base' who no doubt will believe him. 'TFGers' Kyle Kulinski of Youtube's Secular Talk them: Too Far Gone-rs. In any Cult there is always a percentage who will always believe it, even if the cult leader is dead, in jail or utterly disgraced. They are too far gone; their minds permanently corrupted. With a Cult as big as Trump's that's a large number. Trumpism will outgrow Trump. See if I'm wrong.

Well, for the first time in years we have had really decent rainfall here Far Western N.

David1955 comments on Aug 7, 2020:

And I wish I were in hot Thailand, away from the miserable Australian cold winter weather, standing at a social place drinking a non alcoholic beverage, chatting with some nice local ladies about the matters of philosophy or some such. Oh, in case I didn't mention it, I hate Australia in winter. Enjoy your rain. Personally I don't like it. I have leak at the back of my house.

G'day Fellow Aussie Sceptics, please join me in raising a hearty Cheer of Welcome to our Newest ...

David1955 comments on Aug 6, 2020:

Welcome. @Girlwithsmiles

There are still journalists around.

David1955 comments on Aug 5, 2020:

As an Australian I guess you'd picked up on Swan's face during the interview that typical Australian perplexed look, namely, "Mate, what the fuck are you talking about?" Did you pick it too?

Thank Glob this evil monster didn't get his way thanks to the selfless heroes known as Establishment...

David1955 comments on Aug 3, 2020:

An inevitable outcome of a binary right wing political party structure under the control of a ruling class whose only loyalty is to itself.

The Prosperity Gospel VS The Actual Gospels Everybody knows the gospels of the bible are Matthew,...

David1955 comments on Aug 3, 2020:

How do we define a fraudulent business? 1. They make claims they can't justify. (Religion, tick) 2. They take money on false pretences. (Religion, tick) 3. They avoid accountability and transparency. (Religion, tick) 4. They are run by disreputable people. (Religion, tick) 5. Investigations always reveal criminal activity - financial, sexual, other. (Religion, tick) 6. At heart, despite claims of good deeds, they are always about one thing: money. (Religion, tick) By every definition, religions are fraudulent enterprises. The Evangelist wealth gospel shysters and crooks are just more obvious about it, because they focus on vulnerable and ignorant people.

As Victoria, Australia heads for Stage 4 lockdown a few random thoughts borrowed from fbuk.

David1955 comments on Aug 3, 2020:

@FrayedBear @Triphid I'm starting to get concerned about Australians protesting against the lockdowns and restrictions, breaking rules, and getting agro about it. Like, do any of us like this misery we are going though? Hell no! It is what it is. We have to do what we have to do. I'm worried the American disease is also spreading here --- stupidity. Do either of you agree that this is starting here and people are starting to resist? We could easily become like the US.

As Victoria, Australia heads for Stage 4 lockdown a few random thoughts borrowed from fbuk.

David1955 comments on Aug 1, 2020:

Ps. Why the hell do some people break the rules and do the wrong thing? I was just reading about that in Vic and NSW. Are they stupid or somethin'?

As Victoria, Australia heads for Stage 4 lockdown a few random thoughts borrowed from fbuk.

David1955 comments on Aug 1, 2020:

Feel very sorry for our fellows in Victoria. Wondering here in SA if/when this round 2 will begin. I tell you, this f'n thing is going to slowly strangle us, unless something comes along to change the equation. As to your question, who knows the best advice; however sneezing seems to have evolved by nature for the purpose of spreading bugs between us. Perhaps that's how herd immunity finally occurs, but in the process many die, of all these bugs

America Was Ripe For Humiliation  | Above the Law

David1955 comments on Aug 1, 2020:

From a foreign perspective, I think this is right. Were I to draw on my Hegelian studies, I might conclude that American contradictions have finally reached a breaking point and we see it happening. Truth is, America has never lived up to its ideals, but no Empire does. But, the macro changes over the past half century have pressed America's fault lines to what we see now. These trends include globalization, the decline of manufacturing, the corrupt finance sector which has grown in response, and neoliberal economics which has pushed the totally corrupt Republican party into authoritarianism. America had fooled itself into thinking its exceptionalism was doing well, and that it was strong -- an illusion fueled by a bloated military, a corrupt finance industry, and myths about its superiority. But Trump pressed all the political and legal pressure points, and that illusion of strength crumbled. COVID pressure stressed America's health and government systems, and they have been found wanting. It's tempting to think that had Trump not been elected all would be well. This is false. Trump is an effect, not a cause, the result of systemic decline, and an inability of the US to adapt to the 21st Century, instead of resorting to self delusions. Obama could have been the reformist Presidency America needed, but he simply wasn't what he promised to be. We know who followed him.

I so much hate to say "I told you so," but it seems I may have been right on the money when I ...

David1955 comments on Jul 31, 2020:

Well, the person who said this loudly from the beginning, and was laughed at a bit, in my view, was Bill Maher. He kept saying it on his show, and guests laughed and said 'oh that won't happen Bill' but now nobody laughs. I don't think it took the powers of Nostradamous to see it way back then, but thinking it and saying out loud are different things, and Maher said it years ago. And yes, Trump only cares about running out the clock on his crimes for legal action.

This IS my own opinion here so sue me if you will.

David1955 comments on Jul 30, 2020:

On the pollies, yes, I agree. But how do you define "ALL peoples of GREAT Wealth.." ? I don't think the pollies cut would yield much. But I do agree that a wealth tax on the genuinely wealthy, who get their money from investments, not actual work like the rest of us poor bastards, should pay a wealth tax. They have been living high on the hog for decades, due in no small part to ALP governments and their policies. We don't want to start hitting people who are comfortable financially, however, and cause that scare campaign and backlash. Having said all that, there's buckley's chance that this will happen, even if there were a Labor Government. The free market... market forces..... and all that crap being the new secular religion.

US coronavirus: Nation could see deaths in the 'multiple hundreds of thousands,' group says - CNN

David1955 comments on Jul 29, 2020:

Whatever the terrible final toll is, I just hope it hangs around the Republican party and Trump like a dead rat forever, that this tragedy spurs the US back towards science and that young people will look at the disgraceful role religion played behind the scenes, and they become more secular as a result. We can only hope that some good eventually results, but it won't be soon, sadly.

The lies.

David1955 comments on Jul 26, 2020:

Where have all the Trump supporters gone (on this site)? Long time passing. Where have all the Trump supporters gone, long time ago? Gone vanishing, all of them. Oh, did they ever learn, oh, did they ever learn? Well, if they ever did, none had the guts to admit it on this site.

This is the poster child for white privilege, white supremacy, and hypocracy. Agree or disagree.

David1955 comments on Jul 26, 2020:

I loathed her when she used to appear on CNN, especially with her 'friend' Cuomo, bullshitting apologisms for Trump, that were laughably absurd, and he even said so to her. Even then she would invoke her so-called conservative Christian credentials. That was before she ass kissed herself into this 'job'. I think she needs a brain scan, like a lot of these braindead right-wingers, to check for blockages to the reasoning part of the brain. Alternatively, she knows that Trump is scum, and she figures the high profile will advance her 'career'. If that is so, then she is merely a moral vacuum and self-promoting opportunist.

The Democrats will not win the presidency or Congress until they purge their support for regressive...

David1955 comments on Jul 26, 2020:

" a classical liberal, free-market candidate" ? You've got one. Joe Biden. Except he's not even what you call 'liberal' but conservative. What the hell are you complaining about!?

"Theists are godless to ...they just dont believe it"...Ode any thoughts on this??

David1955 comments on Jul 25, 2020:

Yes, they are atheists are all gods except the god they are born into and believe in. But try to convince them of that. They will try anything not to acknowledge the fact.

I never knew this but then I don't buy Nutella!

David1955 comments on Jul 25, 2020:

Can't read it, as I'm not and never will be Facebook. But just to say I'm a Peanut Paste guy (yes, Paste, not that Yankee butter nonsense) now and always will be. Yes, I know it ain't good for you, but I just like it, see. Just to say. :-)

Will the grim reaper get busier in the USA?

David1955 comments on Jul 24, 2020:

We have to prepare ourselves for the collapse of America, whether short-term or long term. I'm not sure even a Biden win will help that much in the short term, and the earliest that would be is January, even if the fascists behind Trump move out. I predict the debt and economic collapse will lead to a collapse in the US dollar. I do not think it is alarmist to see a catastrophic event unfolding. Sure, it would have been bad even if Trump had not been the President, but the Republican maladministration, stupidity and corruption has made this a pivot point for America from which it may never recover. The US has amazing powers of reconstruction, but this perfect storm of politics, economics, and a medical and health disaster is unprecedented. I feel great empathy for the people of America, but I despise their sham of a republic and it's ruling elite.

LOL. Trump's dementia test.

David1955 comments on Jul 23, 2020:

they should have given Trump a test matching his personality: What is this? -- it's a bribe. (Correct) Who is that? -- it's a porn star. (Correct) What numbers should you keep on speed dial? -- Call Girls. (Correct) Etc. He'd pass with flying colours. :-)

What is your take on life now?

David1955 comments on Jul 23, 2020:

Who crawls into their grave, except maybe zombies? I wouldn't equate a battered body with living life to the full. Our bodies break down and die, that's just how it is. We can try to look after ourselves despite this knowledge anyway. I feel that that is what we should do. Living life to the full really depends on resources to do things, not battering ourselves. I guess I see a false equivalence here.

Movies with religious themes...what are your thoughts?

David1955 comments on Jul 23, 2020:

I am grateful that Monty Python's Life of Brian effectively ended the old Hollywood corny Biblical movies that were so dreadful and Hollywood silly. The Python's humour exposed them for the nonsense they were. Hollywood still makes stupid religious movies, but either they are modern day corny evangelist Xian feel-good fare for the gullible-faithful, or they make blood and gore and guts Mel Gibson religious blackmail type movies, intended to try and scare the faithless into submission. Pathetic either way.

My comfort in Absurdism I used to be religious.

David1955 comments on Jul 22, 2020:

I've never believed in the idea of being at 'peace.' People at so called peace are locked into a false kind of certainly, I find. (Religious people often talk the peace their 'faith' gives them.) I don't believe in certainty. I think we have to accept the chaos, not indulge in false peace, based on what, false certainties? A mind in flux is a mind still being challenged. That's healthy. If you read Camus you'll know his Outsider proclaimed that certainties, other than death, are not worth a single hair on a woman's head.

Having lived Thailand many years and dealing with Australian immigration/ embassy, all I can say is ...

David1955 comments on Jul 22, 2020:

My own experience of the Aust Embassy wasn't much better. Informed expats told me the main attraction for bureaucrats getting a gig at the Aust Embassy in Bangkok was -- a nice salary plus perks and lots of time to frequent the bars and hump bar girls. I suspect some truth.

Yup, would definitely be great!

David1955 comments on Jul 19, 2020:

Great for, whom?