Lancer's Profile

Christian terrorists are quite smart

webbew1 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Your average garden variety terrorist is pretty empty headed. It's the rare one that isn't who can do real damage on a large scale. Crazy is dangerous, but there is nothing is more dangerous than crazy and smart.

Lancer replies on Dec 30, 2017:

With a combination of crazy and smart plus a willingness to die for their ideology it's very difficult to defeat that enemy

Christian terrorists are quite smart

SamL comments on Dec 30, 2017:

Yes. I believe there are a few smart ones that send the dumb ones out to die and kill. I'm not sure what you mean about a random car/knife rampage. Driving a car or truck intentionally into a crowd of people was not dumb at all. It was planned but didn't go as well as planned. I've never heard of a ...

Lancer replies on Dec 30, 2017:

Shanghai China. 1 guy killed 30 people using kitchen knives. He was smart. Muslims drive car into people in London, kill 5 or so people. They don't think about how to maximise the number of deaths, hence why I think most of them can barely count to 10

Christian terrorists are quite smart

Unicorn1824 comments on Dec 30, 2017:

They can be intelligent in practical, technical issues but still batshit crazy. May of the Nazi leaders were doctors.

Lancer replies on Dec 30, 2017:

Honestly. The nazis weren't that bad. Japanese, Russians and Chinese were wayyyyyyyyy worse. Not to mention the USA. but I agree they did some bad things.

What do you think of Peace?

twshield comments on Dec 19, 2017:

I would replace war with The hunger games arena and let the country leaders fight to the death!

Lancer replies on Dec 29, 2017:

That'd be mildly entertaining. I'd watch that. But only the bad leaders. Like say a country votes whether or not their leader partakes in the battle royal.

What do you think of Peace?

maxtrax comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Peace is not the absence of war, peace is real, it is embodied in every human as a real alive entity, full of the same elements which make up the whole universe, it is not something you can learn about by reading or talk about, but you have to feel it in your own body, a tranquility, which has ...

Lancer replies on Dec 29, 2017:

I was just talking about the definition of the word.

Does anyone else know the meaning and purpose of life?

42Stardust comments on Dec 29, 2017:

The purpose of life is to give life purpose. And one gets to do that and control it and modify it and admire it, and that is wonderful.

Lancer replies on Dec 29, 2017:

That's a subjective purpose of life. I was looking for the objective meaning and purpose of life

Drug users

markdevenish comments on Dec 10, 2017:

I despise your stance . if you legalise everything then deal with addiction as a mental health issue. you take away the huge profit levels. grass coke and opium cost the same as coffee to produce. it is the PROFIT that causes the crime . to alter one's state of consciousness is your own wish PERIOD

Lancer replies on Dec 29, 2017:

No. I think legalising it removes the profit. I didn't make hat clear, sorry, my bad. I just think that if we legalise it then we will be able to create a quality control. Because most drug dealers are selling impure products, they test them by selling them. If we legalise it and produce it using controls. Then it will be safer for consumers. If we legislate it within reason then we will make it safer for law abiding citizens.

Drug users

Janus819 comments on Dec 29, 2017:

Deterrence doesn't work well. The punishment you propose doesn't fit the crime. If anything, the war on drugs needs to end by making them legal so they start being regulated and taxed like at a liquor store or a pharmacy. Most drugs aren't as bad as the legal ones. Marijuana is particularly safe.

Lancer replies on Dec 29, 2017:

Fair enough. I'm in favour of legislation of drugs. But I want a special administrative zone to be created where they can be sold & used recreationally. If people want them for parties then they'll need a permit. Just make the detrimental effects of drugs aware then let the people do as they wish. Within reason. Drugs & driving will obviously be a no tolerance thing. Just like drunk driving.

What countries have you traveled to?

kensmile4u comments on Dec 25, 2017:

US, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Panama, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, England, Scotland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Brazil, Japan, South Korea.

Lancer replies on Dec 29, 2017:

A wise response. I will take your comment to heart ????????

Hot dogs and onions

Kreig comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Underneath or on top, doesn't really matter. So long as onions are there. But the cheese has to be *both* underneath and on top.

Lancer replies on Dec 28, 2017:

Smother of Cheese. Drowns in molten fondue. The true source of instand diabetus maximum. I'd have cheese with a hot dog every time... If only I was back in AUS ????????????

Hot dogs and onions

Coffeo comments on Dec 12, 2017:

You live in England, so presumably you have a English sausages, a bit like our Australian ones and not remotely like American ones. In which case, grilled onion and tomato sauce on top of the sausage. If American sausage, I don't care: I wouldn't eat one no matter where you put the onion.

Lancer replies on Dec 28, 2017:

I know bunnings hot dogs vary a lot in quality. But I'm mainly referring to Australian BBQ hotdogs. I'm not a fan of the German bratwurst personally. I can't speak for the South African hotdog since I've never had one. But Aussie hot dogs beat American, UK, Asian countries.

What countries have you traveled to?

kensmile4u comments on Dec 25, 2017:

US, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Panama, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, England, Scotland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Brazil, Japan, South Korea.

Lancer replies on Dec 25, 2017:

Which was your favourite?

What countries have you traveled to?

Nilkin67 comments on Dec 22, 2017:

I have been to every continent except Antartica when I was in the USAF. And I missed the Antartica trip by one person. Mainly wanted to get to New Zealand where they stage out of, oh well. Australia, Phillipines, S. Korea, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Iceland, UK, Belgium, Somalia, Turkey,...

Lancer replies on Dec 23, 2017:

I know what you mean. I enjoy talking to people from different countries to learn about what they're actually like. There are so many things that we can learn from each other if we put aside our race and just talk about the things we have in common. I think the world would be a better place if instead of waging wars we put aside our differences and met on equal ground to share food, music and other aspects of our different cultures. One of my families secret recipes wouldn't have been made if my mum & dad from different cultures hadn't met.

Comment an uncommon word & it's definition

icolan comments on Dec 20, 2017:

Defenestrate: throw (someone) out of a window. Backpfeifengesicht: German, popular translation: a face in need of a slap.

Lancer replies on Dec 21, 2017:

I like that German one ????????

What do you think of people that think all you need is the Bible?

Lancer comments on Dec 20, 2017:

Next time someone says "all you need is the bible" Respond with the following: "Prove it. Take off your clothes, leave your phone, money, shoes, water, food and all other luxuries. Walk out into the nearest forest and take only your bible. If what you say is true then prove it. Stay in the ...

Lancer replies on Dec 20, 2017:

At least it's a good example of a time when a christian says "What would Jesus do?"

What do you think of Peace?

Lucas20520 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

This is a silly poll. To say "we as humans would have chosen peace over war" if war is bad and peace is good is way too simplistic.

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

You make a good point. I agree with what you're saying

What do you think of Peace?

evidentialist comments on Dec 18, 2017:

You know, I see a lot of negativism here. Comments such as '...the way it has always...' and '...a natural instinct to...' are exactly why we still engage in senseless and costly conflicts. The words we use and the manner in which we speak them is a clear indication of what is going on inside. A ...

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

I understand that you intent. But regardless of how we talk about war, it will not indirectly influence a persons mentality significantly enough to cause them to change. I understand you are talking about small changes to spread over a large number of people but the fact remains that no matter how much we convince people to aim for peace. We will always end up with war. This is why what you are saying won't work. It is habitual for human beings to engage in conflict. War is just the climax of such action.

Do you like guns?

Nilkin67 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

I am a gun owner I support the 2nd Amendment I am not a crazed Militia nut on a compound in the backwoods I do see firearms as a deterrent to tyranny There are plenty of gun laws on the books. The background checks are good, but as was the case recently the USAF failed to submit information ...

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

You are correct in everything you say sir. Good to see some people are still righteous in their beliefs.

What do you think of Peace?

DerekJ63909 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

You will never have peace as long as countries have a readily available military.

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

The military isn't the problem. They are a means to an end. The problem is war mongering politicians who pay people to start a war and send their countries children to fight and die, killing the children of other nations. Politicians like Tony Blair and George Bush are no better than common Warlords in Afghanistan or Iraq. The military doesn't do anything unless the government tells them to do it. I trust the military way more than I trust any government. Soldiers don't want to go to war, they don't want to kill. They are forced to because politicians want to sell guns, ammunition, vehicles, oil, etc. Warriors just want to protect their people. Politicians just want to protect their assets.

What do you think of Peace?

Lucas20520 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

This is a silly poll. To say "we as humans would have chosen peace over war" if war is bad and peace is good is way too simplistic.

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

Why? War is generally bad for the majority but good for a specific minority. Peace is generally good for the majority and can be less beneficial for a specific minority. Human beings don't like peace, otherwise we would make more compromises to maintain it.

What do you think of Peace?

KatrinaC13 comments on Dec 19, 2017:

I dont see how people think the world is okay as is. I just dont.

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

The grass is always greener on the other side. Sure the Earth might not be in a great shape but it could be far far worse.

What do you think of Peace?

MichaelSpinler comments on Dec 18, 2017:

all to often its political, and not humanitarian driven. america has made it a money grab. for the rich . they try to sell us that crap about protecting american freedom. while they send young kids to die, to line there pockets with money. none of these countries we are at war with pose any real ...

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

That's a very good observation.

What do you think of Peace?

resserts comments on Dec 18, 2017:

If we no longer had the *impulse* for war, I think that would be a good thing. I'd love to see a day when we all manage to share the earth with some universal goals for all humanity to thrive in an age of scientific discovery and technological marvels. If we just had some restriction where we ...

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

I too wish for a day when we as a society focus on scientific research and promote morals & values consistent with maintaining peace between each other.

What do you think of Peace?

Paul628 comments on Dec 18, 2017:

I voted to replace war with something. The question wasn't why we think ending war or changing the way things are won't work. It only asked what we would prefer if we could change it. Replace it with better communication and mutual humanitarian causes is what I would do.

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

Good job to both of you. I was hoping someone would come up with something new :)

What do you think of Peace?

evidentialist comments on Dec 18, 2017:

You know, I see a lot of negativism here. Comments such as '...the way it has always...' and '...a natural instinct to...' are exactly why we still engage in senseless and costly conflicts. The words we use and the manner in which we speak them is a clear indication of what is going on inside. A ...

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

We aren't the cause of conflict, we only make observations of the truth. Speaking about war in a different way doesn't really matter at all. If we change the way we speak, it doesn't change the fact that people are dying in other countries, I think that's a bit off the mark. Talking about conflict doesn't cause it. If we went to the extreme and stopped talking about war completely then that's the same as pretending it doesn't exist.

What do you think of Peace?

Gabriel_B comments on Dec 18, 2017:

I think we have war as a way of depopulating as well as for obtaining land.

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

That's 100% correct from a purely logical basis. The only thing that war succeeds in doing is transporting nutrients to desert areas in the form of dead bodies, much like bees germinate flowers as they move along to collect pollen. Population control & Environmental rejuvenation.

What do you think of Peace?

DragonFZ comments on Dec 18, 2017:

War is the rich and powerful game and using us as pawns.

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

Hence why I would never be a soldier. I have no problem fighting to protect my loved ones, but fighting in a foreign country under the guise of "defense" or "peace keeping" is just plain wrong. My country only has a defense force and yet we have overseas military bases. How does that make sense? Not attacking you. Just using a rhetorical question. I'm not trying to insult your intelligence, I just sounded a bit aggressive in that last part.

What do you think of Peace?

evidentialist comments on Dec 18, 2017:

I think war should become ritualized in the following manner: Any leader who wishes to go to war with any other leader must file a written declaration of war outlining all the reasons for the conflict and the expected spoils should he/she/it win the conflict. The other leader then has the ...

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

I could imagine countries abandoning their research on firearms and attempting to create a Chuck Norris - Steven Seagal hybrid to defeat their enemies. Then there'd be a face-off between America's hybrid and Russia's Putin/Lenin hybrid. Germany would create a karl marx / hittler hybrid. World war 3 in a 1 v 1 v 1 3 way of humanities strongest. The the words uttered in the audience would be "Whoever wins, we lose..."

What do you think of Peace?

wordywalt comments on Dec 18, 2017:

The human species will never be without war given human greed, competition for limited resources, demagogic leaders of total system ideologies willing to create wars and enough "true believer" followers. etc. The best we can do is try to limit wars by any and all legitimate means.

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

Your approach is very pragmatic and probably one of the most accurate comments I've seen so far

What do you think of Peace?

KKGator comments on Dec 18, 2017:

Not to be Debbie Downer, but I don't believe humanity is capable of maintaining peace. I don't believe there is a rational choice to be made. Human nature makes many of us competitive. Power begets power, greed begets greed. We are still animals at our base core.

Lancer replies on Dec 19, 2017:

I agree with what you say. There is a very specific reason that human beings have not been able to abstain from warfare. I like to think that peacetime isn't any better or worse than wartime for some people. In war there is death and destruction, in peace there is death & destruction. The only difference is that in peace we can rebuild faster than people can kill or destroy. Which is why it isn't much of a problem.

Drug users

Lancer comments on Dec 3, 2017:

To be honest, this isn't my real opinion. I believe that all drugs should be legalized in "special administration zones" in every country. It'll give people a place where they can waste their money and become worse off financially but I don't judge. Allowing people to slowly kill themselves is a ...

Lancer replies on Dec 17, 2017:

@Atheopagan Sure only a handful of them die from drug use, but think of the lives they affect. People doing drugs cause huge amounts of mental stress on their families and friends. Parents can wonder what they did wrong, spouses can suffer abuse and kids can be forever scarred. It's not the death of the drug user that matters, it's the life they lead up until their death. That is what matters.

Need some social etiquette advice (not related to religion)

Lancer comments on Dec 16, 2017:

There's no real need for a new card. I do not recommend sending her a note in her Christmas card as it could possibly make her more emotional (mainly due to it being Christmas). If you are going to take any future action then I suggest a face to face consolation. People need that kind of interaction...

Lancer replies on Dec 17, 2017:

You're welcome. Sorry I can't be of more help, I don't have much experience with people in situations such as these. I hope it all goes well

Safe Spaces

bingst comments on Dec 7, 2017:

@Lancer What is a Safe Space anyway? Do you have some kind of description to reference?

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

I think we need to get rid of this "entitled" idea. No matter how well off someone appears, they still have to go through hell in life. I came from a very fortunate background but that doesn't mean I never experienced unfortunate circumstances. We shouldn't hear more from less entitled people and less from more entitled people. We should hear from everyone equally. That's the only way we can benefit as a group or society. We benefit when everyone has equal say in the matter. I would never assume someone is entitled or not based on what they have or what they don't. Some of the happiest people in the world have the least wealth. Also assuming that entitled people are aggressive is quite an arrogant allegation don't you think?

Survival game - If you were to be reborn in a new world (still retaining your old memories) and you ...

rick80013 comments on Dec 16, 2017:

Metal detector, 20 lbs of feminized cannabis seeds, AK47 and ammo, tablet full of tunes, movies, maps and mechanical schematics, solar powered generator, recipe for chocolate, NASA Behemoth vehicle adapted for solar power, body armor, Eva Green

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

I like the way you think my good sir.

Do you like guns?

sassygirl3869 comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Guns are evil-we need gun background checks, stop selling guns to mentally ill and gunstocks should be outlawed. I hate guns.

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

Just saying. In Australia we did have a case of a person who went to a gun range and walked out with the rifle when the reception was unattended. They went on to kill their parents then them self. Now we have to lock people in the shooting booth. Although Australia is the country that when we had a criminal who killed 2 police officers. Once the man was released and applied for a license to shoot feral animals, was granted the license and he bought a hunting rifle. We're stupid in AUS and now that we have feral Africans and Middle Eastern runts committing so much crime that white people are moving out of their neighborhoods, you have to beg the question if we did the right thing in either case.

I believe in freedom of association, be that the intoxicated(drunk), racial heritage, religion, sex...

Lancer comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Well in order for human beings to continue to commit violence against one another, it is necessary for us to create ways in which we can differentiate each other and divide society into groups. Without division we won't have conflict. Only the true intelligent humans can put aside their ...

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

If we wanted to we could have a whole ideology around "Peace kills. Did you know more people die during peace time than in war time? The modern world has so much peace that the leading causes of death is vehicular collisions, substance abuse and domestic violence. Stop peace before it's too late. Join the fight against peace, Join the war" Just a joke. Not to be taken seriously.

Do you like guns?

sassygirl3869 comments on Dec 15, 2017:

Guns are evil-we need gun background checks, stop selling guns to mentally ill and gunstocks should be outlawed. I hate guns.

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

@Harleyman I completely agree with you. It's funny really, in australis at the moment there's a gang of 8-20 year olds called the Apex gang. It's a bunch of African and middle eastern refugees who deal drugs, illegal guns, etc. They break into houses, threaten families, best up old people, etc. As a result of the police commissioner saying "there is no Apex gang, it's not a big issue". The people who have been robbed 2-3 times are fed up and Melbourne has seen an increase in baseball bat sales. The people who defend their homes are charged with assault. It's a mad world. You are absolutely right in what you are saying. The current gun laws are being enforced and the illegal guns are the problem. The biggest problem I hate about Australia is the way they deal with guns. If a man uses an illegal gun to commit a crime, the government response is "well obviously the gun laws on legal gun owners is insufficient. We must charge them more money to have a gun" which is idiotic and absurd. I do hope that people begin to realise that the root cause of all gun violence is gangs and mentall ill people.

Do you like guns?

zanyfish comments on Dec 15, 2017:

I'd like to vote, but the options are somewhat "all over the place" since they are not mutually exclusive, so I'm not sure how anyone could select one option. You're also "leading the witness" with the way the question is phrased :)

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

I clicked "multiple choices" but it didn't work I guess ????

Do you like guns?

JosephHarrison comments on Dec 15, 2017:

I'm in the UK. I've only ever used firearms during my time with the army cadets. I have to say, it was exhilarating. That makes me worry; you need a certain amount of self-control to prevent that exhilaration from taking over. Some people don't have that control. Also, the USA has a mass ...

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

Humans will kill, doesn't matter what weapons they have. Remember in China when a man with some knives killed 30+ people in an open area? Or when 12 Islamic extremists killed 3000+ people with planes? Or in europe and the UK where he weapon of choice is a truck and machetes? We can't stop people killing unless we target the root of the problem. The weapons use is irrelevant.

Do you like guns?

Fluffykytten comments on Dec 15, 2017:

We don't have a lot of gun crime here, and have never had school kids murdered in their place of learning. But I am sure the right to have them is far more important.

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

Correct me if I'm wrong. But in New Zealand you can buy an M4 or AK-47 or AUG steyr semi-automatic firearm if you have the requisite license and paperwork? A country where you can but the same guns as Americans but there have been almost no mass shootings or abuses of firearms. Is this a cultural thing or are the New Zealand media just really good at keeping a lid on it for the rest of the world? I've never watched NZ TV so I don't know.

Do you like guns?

FynTul comments on Dec 15, 2017:

There are plenty of background checks in place for anyone buying a gun legally. Try to buy one? Plenty of tech out there to help locate illegal firearms if anyone really wanted to push the issue. Night vision, metal detection, even those little radar guns the police use could serve other purposes.

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

I like how you really know what you're talking about. There are so many people I've talked to who think that an American drivers license is all you need. The legislation and process is pretty sound at the moment. The only loophole is private sales.

Do you like guns?

LeighShelton comments on Dec 15, 2017:

we shouldn't still be having war and killing each other anymore. maybe there is the odd use for guns

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

Killing each other is the oldest past time in human history. We can't take that away from people. It's their birth right.

Do you like guns?

HarrySlick comments on Dec 15, 2017:

There are way to many guns in circulation in this country for any new gun laws to have any effect . Strict gun laws should have been inacted many many years ago

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

I agree that there is no longer any chance of the gun laws working. But should they really have been inacted years ago? The American government is a known creator of terrorist organisations. They cause political instability and chaos in foreign countries. The American people need to help keep the government in check. Also people need to realise. The only person that can protect me is myself. We can't all afford armed bodyguards like politicians. If politicians were any good at their jobs then they wouldn't need protection.

Do you like guns?

haslr comments on Dec 15, 2017:

I'm all for restricting hunting, some animals are in danger of extinction as it is but i"m all for using guns for self defense

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

In Australia we have a big problem with "no hunting" zones. Places where feral dogs and cats inhabit. They go to farms & rip livestock apart limb from limb. We need to stop his but the government isn't concerned about animal cruelty. Is being ripped apart less painful than a bullet to the skull? I agree with guns for self defence but we also need to use them to cull rabid pest animals.

Do you like guns?

HeathenFarmer comments on Dec 16, 2017:

I own guns they are a necessary tool on my farm, I had no problem registering them, storing them safely or being licensed as an owner. I have hunted in the past for food and sport but, now I only hunt when I have a problem predator. I have had handguns in the past but, I found them useless as a ...

Lancer replies on Dec 16, 2017:

I can understand your point of view. But the American constitution permits citizens the right to own firearms. The reason being so that they can oppose a tyrannical government if one should ever arise. People say things like "that was in the day of muskets" but they neglect one important fact. Yes it was when there were muskets. However that was the best firearms technology at the time. It was cutting edge and it was the same as what the military had. Fast forward to today and you will see an American citizen with a semi-automatic rifle compared to a military with tanks, drones, artillery, air support, missiles, nuclear weapons, etc. Yet that man with a rifle is dangerous compared to the military he must fight if the government was tyrannical? It's ludicrous. Also if people just replaced their metal alloy bullets with rubber ones. There wouldn't be as big a problem.

Survival game - If you were to be reborn in a new world (still retaining your old memories) and you ...

Annaleda comments on Dec 13, 2017:

So only 2000 years ago? We were capable of making everything we have now back then, we just didn’t have the knowledge. So I really can’t think of much to bring, since I would be bring my knowledge with me.

Lancer replies on Dec 13, 2017:

I was thinking things like electricity, if you started people off with wind turbines and water wheels then maybe we would be able to start off the electrical age with a green start instead of fossil fuels. Engineering, chemical and mechanics books would be invaluable to people back then but you would need to teach them since the books would be too advanced for ancient humans.

Survival game - If you were to be reborn in a new world (still retaining your old memories) and you ...

Annaleda comments on Dec 13, 2017:

So only 2000 years ago? We were capable of making everything we have now back then, we just didn’t have the knowledge. So I really can’t think of much to bring, since I would be bring my knowledge with me.

Lancer replies on Dec 13, 2017:

I would've thought a couple books on things you don't know might be handy. To help in building new technologies? Or just be some fun reading material

Survival game - If you were to be reborn in a new world (still retaining your old memories) and you ...

TommyMeador comments on Dec 13, 2017:

2 jars of peanut butter, 4 boxes of Ritz crackers, and 6 eight packs of Cokes.

Lancer replies on Dec 13, 2017:

Economically speaking, those items would be priceless if taken back in time. The supply would be so low and the currency comparatively not been depreciated for 2000 years. So they'd be worth the equivalent of millions

Are we good or evil?

Noobody comments on Dec 13, 2017:

why people debate on old ideologies from the past with hatred and pointing out fact from the past. we are not living in the past. why don't we focus on present issues and matters, such as the racism dividing people, goverments that are against people, the actual wars in the middle east, and how to ...

Lancer replies on Dec 13, 2017:

But the first step to fixing a current problem is determining the root cause... located in the past. So in order to learn, we look at past mistakes and try to prevent them from reoccurring. Also fixing the current problems is easy, the only problem is people. Trying to stop racism, sexism, tyranny, etc. is easy to do, you just think logically. Unfortunately people don't do that, they think with the equivalent of a metaphorical dick, AKA their emotions. They make opinions, ideals, arguments out of their emotions. They wave their opinions around in other peoples faces and scream and shout about their problems without considering that their problems might be very insignificant to the innocent victims of their out of control actions. You can never convince the majority of the population to think logically, which is why we shall always have racism, war, poverty, tyranny, etc. And I accept that. Also there's a good quote for this. "If you fight of your own free will, any resulting crime or punishment is of your own making. Accepting them is part of that ideal. But if that desire was borrowed from another, the the ideals you hold are mere fantasies. There must be a reason for fighting. But that reason must never be someone else's ideal. Else you will repeat the cycle until you die, still clinging to ideals that are not your own. That is why your ideals are meaningless. Are you finished? Cause this will never be finished. A battles not like some stupid argument. As long as someones still breathing, the fight isn't over. You want a reason for fighting?" -Archer Emiya No matter what era humans are in they never learn. Bloodshed is natural, it's normal, it has not stopped for thousands of years and will continue long after we are all dead. We need problems, we crave struggle. We subconsciously seek to cause pain, suffering and despair because that's what makes us human. Our flaws are our humanity.

If humanity was put on trial by an advanced race of aliens, how would you defend humanity and argue ...

Lancer comments on Dec 13, 2017:

Me: Honorable aliens. As you can clearly see, we as the human race have killed millions of our own people throughout history. We will accept the sentence of suicide at our own hands. We will most likely start killing each other off when our population exceeds the resources of our planet. This ...

Lancer replies on Dec 13, 2017:

Exactly. It reminded me of an episode of Rick & Morty where some women threaten to kill Rick and he's like. "Just give me a gun, I'll kill myself"

If you could bring a fictional character to life, who would it be and why?

Lancer comments on Dec 12, 2017:

Archer Emiya from Fate Stay Night unlimited blade works. It'd nice to talk to a guy who wanted to be a hero but ended up being forced to kill an infinite number of terrorists, extremists and anyone deemed to be "evil" until the end of time. Hard way to live, even harder way to die.

Lancer replies on Dec 13, 2017:

Yeah. His English voice actor was perfect. His voice made the seriousness, anger and condescension of the character really stand out. Plus unlimited blade works is much more gruesome than the original fate stay night. So many people die. Great storyline, great animation. Overall a good watch.

What would you consider to be the 3 most important technological advances in science?

Lancer comments on Dec 12, 2017:

- electricity - médecine - warefare/weaponry (because what improves technology faster than a little unhealthy life at risk competition)

Lancer replies on Dec 13, 2017:

I know it's a sad truth but weapons, the threat of weapons or the threat of imminent death really are the ultimate driving forces behind human innovation.

Hot dogs and onions

Coffeo comments on Dec 12, 2017:

You live in England, so presumably you have a English sausages, a bit like our Australian ones and not remotely like American ones. In which case, grilled onion and tomato sauce on top of the sausage. If American sausage, I don't care: I wouldn't eat one no matter where you put the onion.

Lancer replies on Dec 13, 2017:

I'm in the UK now and I've travelled to the USA several times. I've travelled all over the world and I can say with 100% assurance that Aussie snags from Bunnings on a Sunday afternoon are the greatest testament to hot dog kind ever, for all time.

How many people here consider themselves to be an independent like myself, with no affiliation to a ...

Lancer comments on Dec 12, 2017:

I think we can all agree that no body's values lay entirely in one party or the other. There are many issues throughout the world that we have a range of different opinions on. Politics isn't black or white. There are many different shades.

Lancer replies on Dec 12, 2017:

Also I'm a Libertarian. I love my privileges and am sad that I don't have very many of them.

Are we good or evil?

pmslater comments on Dec 12, 2017:

Dude how can you respect Nazi's in the context of today? Would you respect the Tories if they managed to sort our economy by putting Poles or Muslims in work camps? I appreciate the utilitarianism however can any majority real feel comfortable enjoying wealth and privilege at the cost of a ...

Lancer replies on Dec 12, 2017:

That's a fairly good point. I just personally try to stay neutral in most issues. However I just want to point out that imposing my values of life, freedom, equality, etc. On someone else is wrong. The west did it to the Middle East and now the reverse is happening. I just see the blood being shed in the western world as a result of the blood of Muslims, Christians and Jews that we killed in the Middle East. It's just an exchange. I steer clear of affiliating with political or religious organisations for that very reason. I will never let another persons ideal become my ideal. That is what has perpetuated a cycle of conflict that will last centuries. I will live by my own ideal, my own values because I can control them and I am not manipulated by them. What people fail to realise is that every government has sacrificed their citizens in preference of self preservation. England, America, Australia, China, France, etc. The list is endless. No country truly considers their citizens lives to be worth very much. Which I find unfortunate but I don't think nations should agree with my value for human life. good and evil are objective terms on the surface. But they are based on opinions from a person with specific values. Making their use subjective. Not much else to say. I'm just rambling anyway. Have a nice day.

I come from a Muslim country, where I lived since birth for 37 years (Now I am 40) and I can tell ...

Lancer comments on Dec 11, 2017:

I won't disagree with you but I will add one point. It's true that a lot of Muslims are the same as Christians in that they smoke, drink, gamble and have families. However I think the main reason that they become terrorists is due to the corrupt Imam's who seek out young, lonely and uneducated ...

Lancer replies on Dec 12, 2017:

Okay, fair enough. I was just trying to give the Muslims the benefit of the doubt since I've only read about 20 pages of the Quran before getting bored with it so I don't know much about it's contents. But I will now agree that it is an aggressive and threatening religion.

What one question do you want answered the most?

Lancer comments on Dec 11, 2017:

How can I acquire immortality?

Lancer replies on Dec 11, 2017:

I've got big plans for the future. That's why I'm interested in it. The SENS foundation is a big part of it for me.

Are there any agnostic Trump supporters?

Lancer comments on Dec 11, 2017:

He's not the best man for the job, but he's the best option they had. I'd rather a man who speaks the truth than a woman who leaves her people to die then tries to cover it up. Besides, Trump is taking a logical process to his job and is doing well.

Lancer replies on Dec 11, 2017:

Guys let's be honest here. It doesn't matter who was going to become president. People will continue to die from war, poverty, sickness, crime, etc. That's the lovely world we have created. All I'm saying is that I don't trust Hillary one bit. I think that Trump has more potential as a president because he's not a run of the mill politically correct puppet like the rest. He represents the collective will of the American people. Trump supporters are the majority. I accept that it's difficult to accept for some people but we need radical change. All western nations are heading down a very self destructive path and Trump is trying to prevent his country from that. That's all.

Drug users

markdevenish comments on Dec 10, 2017:

I despise your stance . if you legalise everything then deal with addiction as a mental health issue. you take away the huge profit levels. grass coke and opium cost the same as coffee to produce. it is the PROFIT that causes the crime . to alter one's state of consciousness is your own wish PERIOD

Lancer replies on Dec 11, 2017:

So if you remove the profit then we remove the incentive for crime. What's the problem?

Drug users

SoloSentient comments on Dec 9, 2017:

Something that I haven't see in this very interesting post is our country's long history of using military presence and covert intelligence operations being funded by the most lucrative cash business ever created; drugs. Iran-Contra Affair, smuggling in military coffins, Noriega in Panama. ...

Lancer replies on Dec 10, 2017:

That's a very interesting point. The drug trade seems to be as lively as ever. The only time drug users cut back is if they run out of money. And if they do run out of money the they just mug people or steal from homes. My city's ICE usage dropped by 60% and the police took credit for it when in actuality my city is experiencing an economic catastrophe on par with an economic depression. Businesses are going broke, mines are shutting down, engineers are losing their jobs among other workers. It's a mess.

Drug users

SoloSentient comments on Dec 8, 2017:

Any conversations about drugs that begin with the premise that all drugs are the same and that all drugs are bad cannot be a fruitful exchange of ideas. Alcohol, nicotine and legally prescribed opiates are the deadliest drug problems, right NOW, if we are being honest. Illegal guns are not the ...

Lancer replies on Dec 9, 2017:

That seems reasonable.

Future technology

webbew1 comments on Dec 8, 2017:

I'll take the space arc. But if the AI companion looked like Kate Upton and had the sex drive of a porn star, that would be a difficult one to turn down.

Lancer replies on Dec 9, 2017:

That could probably be arranged. Let's say they are a synthetic/organic hybrid which can imitate and look like whoever you want.

Future technology

Skyfacer comments on Dec 8, 2017:

You've missed one. Even though it's never happed to me (as yet) I'd like to have a special personal computer that can track down and zero in on those mongrel extortanists that send out encryption codes that block your files until you pay a ransom. After my special computer tracks them down it'd ...

Lancer replies on Dec 9, 2017:

Not really. The price of life is death. It will be paid sooner by bad people than god people.

Should euthanasia or "death with dignity" be available to anyone upon demand under controlled ...

Lancer comments on Nov 27, 2017:

What is life but freedom? Freedom to live the way we want and to do the things we do. True, suffering is part of life and we should try to reduce suffering when it happens. If people are living through excruciating pain then I believe it is their decision if they want to end their life, on their ...

Lancer replies on Dec 9, 2017:

Well there's always an anesthetic and a gun. But that wouldn't be legal for the rest of the world. Only America.

Safe Spaces

wordywalt comments on Dec 7, 2017:

We should set universal ground rules for discussing and debating issues. Those ground rules should include he following" 1. When asked to do so, you will make explicit your unstated assumptions so that they can be examined. 2. You must support any assertion with proven facts and/or ...

Lancer replies on Dec 8, 2017:

I mostly agree but there are certain times when this is not possible. When 2 people with 2 different perspectives and each had a different set of memories to back up their claims, then it becomes difficult to identify who is correct. For example lets use the asians are bad drivers stereotype. Say one British man lives in asia and he sees 1 crash a week. He can say asians are bad drivers. Mainly because he is the only british man driving in his city and he has never seen a british driver crash his car. But when he voices his opinion, another british man goes to shut it down, claiming it's racist. The 2nd man who has only lived in britian and is out on holiday would say that british drivers are bad. Mainly because he has only ever seen british people in car accidents. Not the best example. But it just shows how when we use our personal experiences as evidence, a grey area of "what is perceived to be truth" occurs.

Safe Spaces

Arasmuson comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I love a good debate! I am open minded and will listen and try to understand the other persons point of view. I don't take it personal when their views differ from mine. I'm always curious and will to learn something new. I am also able to change my point of view, if they have a valid argument. When...

Lancer replies on Dec 8, 2017:

I understand both your concerns. I take the stance of "don't attack unless attacked first" and I always think a few seconds forward as to how a person might attack me from their position, posture, skill, etc. I agree it is difficult for an aggressive person to come back to their senses but I would wait for them to calm down. Because nothing is resolved if we simply walk away. If every person in the world got up and left when they were verbally harassed then we would be an entire race of triggered, self-satisfied and arrogant believers that we were righteous in our actions. We need discussion and we need to wait for the other side to compose themselves, that could mean walking away and coming back or it could mean changing the way we persuade them. We can't always change others but we can always change ourselves.

What do you think about this quote?

andygee comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Was that from Farnam's Freehold?

Lancer replies on Dec 8, 2017:

My bad. I've never read that book before.

Starship Troopers

MissMay comments on Dec 8, 2017:

I wish I could've gotten into it. It was so dry and full of military jargon though. How far in would I need to get for it to become more interesting?

Lancer replies on Dec 8, 2017:

You're right that the first half of the book is pretty average and slow, but around about the middle section it starts to really focus on the philosophical beliefs of the author. I don't have the book on me so I can't quote a page number but it's worth a read. I'm about 60% finished but had to postpone it due to coursework.

Safe Spaces

Arasmuson comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I love a good debate! I am open minded and will listen and try to understand the other persons point of view. I don't take it personal when their views differ from mine. I'm always curious and will to learn something new. I am also able to change my point of view, if they have a valid argument. When...

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

I completely agree with most of what you say. The only place I differ is that I would continue the discussion even if the person was being argumentative and attacking me, I wouldn't consider myself the victor. I would take a break to leave them calm down and then I would re-engage in the discussion with them.

Safe Spaces

bingst comments on Dec 7, 2017:

@Lancer What is a Safe Space anyway? Do you have some kind of description to reference?

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

To a normal person I'd say a safe space is a place where you aren't ridiculed or insulted for your opinion. A place where you can say what you truly believe and where you can also discuss your perspective with different people safely and respectfully. To an easily triggered person I'd say it would be the event horizon of a black hole, from which even light cannot escape. No clashes of opinions, no arguments, no "hate speech" or racism, no sexism or aggression. Just pure physics and bone crushing pressures.

What is the main reason why you are not religious?

Lancer comments on Dec 7, 2017:

I didn't think it made sense that an omnipotent being would create creatures in their image and then create millions of species of animals, parasites, bacteria and toxins that could kill them in so many ways. It makes no sense. Also most if not all religions have blood on their hands, both ...

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

Could be, but I don't think the Christians would like the idea of light cumming from God, in that way.

What do you think about this quote?

SKDeitch comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I have always admired Heinlein's spunk and audacity, but he is too quick to resort to violence. He swears by the punch in the nose as the universal problem solver.

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

I understand what you mean but I can't offer my opinion on Heinlein, I never met him in person since he died before I was born. Did you know him?

What do you think about this quote?

Tomm comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I don't have a particular problem with your quote, but it seems to me that it makes everything morally subjective. What I find tolerable, others may not, what I find obnoxious, others many not.My moral responsibility may be different from others, et cetera.

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

What is moral and what is not is the same as knowing right from wrong. We can all agree on most things at the personal level.

What do you think about this quote?

markdevenish comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I wish you'd used ethically instead of morally as ethics promote the species but morals are imposed by men in silly hats

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

I didn't write the quote. It was Robert A Heinlein

What do you think about this quote?

wordywalt comments on Dec 6, 2017:

That is the classic existential stance shared by every existential thinker.

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

ok

What do you think about this quote?

tsjames comments on Dec 6, 2017:

" If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them." I have a problem with the second part of this quote. Who defines "obnoxious"? It can't be a free for all. We operate in a social sphere and that we need some agreed-upon rules for interacting with one ...

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

We define what obnoxious is. If there is a law that is generally unpleasant then it is judged to be obnoxious. Yes there are all rules that we must follow, but sometimes we can leave a little bit of room for people who say want to smoke a joint. If they're not hurting anyone else then let them do as they please. Some rules like Australia's laws and sentences are a joke. You get rewarded with prison if you commit a crime. The prisons are like 5 star hotels. Gym, library, 3 meals a day, your own room, etc. Women's prisons are far far better as well.

What do you think about this quote?

andygee comments on Dec 6, 2017:

Was that from Farnam's Freehold?

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

No. Robert A Heinlein. A science fiction author.

What do you think about this quote?

JLFowler comments on Dec 6, 2017:

The thing is that there are certain rules we all must abide by for society to work, and believe me you want society to work. Then there are rules and laws that are arbitrary and authoritarian, and these must be completely disregarded for a person to be free.

Lancer replies on Dec 7, 2017:

I know that there are certain rules that we all have to abide by, but sometimes some of the most heartwarming memories we have were made when we weren't exactly following the rules. Reading between the lines is good as long as no one is hurt. Also I agree with your statement. I just wanted to add my thoughts

Agnostic.

Lancer comments on Dec 6, 2017:

I agree. I don't feel as safe posting controversial things though. I've had 3 people private message me about how they've reported me for my views even though I treat them with respect and only debate/discuss their argument based on my personal experiences. I agree that 98% of people here are ...

Lancer replies on Dec 6, 2017:

I'm just a bit of a heavy thinker so I understand that some of the subjects that I mention are quire confronting for some people. I agree that for the most part, like 98%, the dialogue is very open, engaging and fun. I have learnt a lot from other people on this website and I have a lot of fun here :)

3 main religions

MarcO comments on Nov 24, 2017:

Well, Christianism is Judaism +1 prophet, Islam is Christianism +1 prophet, it's pretty much all the same religion with different sects. They are usually grouped together as "the Abrahamic religions" or "the religions of the book". I personally find other religions much more interesting and diverse....

Lancer replies on Dec 6, 2017:

Killing is natural. We do it all the time, just because the life we take is a human life doesn't make it any better or worse than the lives of animals or plants. All life is worth equal value, killing any life, works in the same way

Weapons

Benthoven comments on Nov 18, 2017:

Wit... If you can talk yourself out of a conflict in the first place, then self-defense is much easier.

Lancer replies on Dec 6, 2017:

@Benthoven I've talked about it lightly with people but I don't want to bore them with a story of me being beaten unconscious whilst failing to save my dad. I'm not angry 24/7. I just understand that a targeted application of force is sometimes required in order to reduce the number of casualties. I prefer and aim to promote peaceful discussion. But if someone won't listen and keeps trying to attack me or my family (Physically) then I will end them. Although I wouldn't lay a hand on someone if they verbally threatened, abused, swore, etc. at me. Words are just words. If they however backed it up with a physical attack then that's the point where they cross the line and need to be dealt with.

Combat training

evergreen comments on Dec 5, 2017:

Maybe not so much "combat" training - but martial arts of some sort, and general self defense. Aside from the obvious, they give confidence, discipline, a place of mental quiet, and the kind of attitude that quietly prevents most attacks or bullying from happening in the first place !

Lancer replies on Dec 6, 2017:

I completely agree with you. the combat training thing was just a personal interest of mine. But I agree that we should make self-defense available to all.

Weapons

BucketlistBob comments on Nov 17, 2017:

It was me telling my mother that my poor sister ate the candy. Cheap rock hard candy. I blaimed my poor sister. I was so evil as a kid. Man. Karens dead now. Drug overdose. Damn.