I think what surprises me most is the look of confusion on people's face when you say that you don't...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

It's sometimes like that here in the sticks in northern Wisconsin. I can relate to that confused look on people's faces when you say you don't believe in God. I had one lady and she seemed happy, or excited or something, and she said, "I've never met an atheist before!". Kind of like she had just ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 10, 2018:

@Kojaksmom lol. "What did you feed them?". Babies!

Are any of you folks trans-humanists?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 8, 2018:

You mean kind of like that old show "The Bionic Man"? Is there a way to make humans less selfish and aggressive? Those traits helped us when everyday was a survival test for individuals, but it might be our downfall as a species - nuclear war or global warming.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 10, 2018:

@VirginCotton Definitely believe bad parenting and criminal and aggressive behaviors can be learned, and that happens all the time. To be a sociopath one has to have an inability to feel remorse or empathy for others. I worked in a prison for a brief time and work with people on probation for various crimes. A lot of them have exhibited bad parenting and aggressive, and obviously, criminal behaviors. However, most of them exhibited an ability to have remorse and feel empathy. I only worked with a few who did not seem to have that in them. I remember one guy. He was telling me about when he shot his step-brother in the eye. I asked him if he felt bad about that. Long story, but he was pondering it and seemed confused that he didn't. He had been in and out of foster homes his whole life, and his dad was abusive and his mother was a drug addict.. I'm sure that his upbringing had a lot to do with it, but not everyone who has that childhood is going to be a sociopath. If that makes sense. Genetic research has also shown a strong correlation between certain genetic variances and anti-social (sociopathic) tendencies. I mentioned the addiction part because I once read an article that made a lot of sense, in general, about the nature vs nurture debate. It stated everyone has a different predisposition level to alcoholism. For one person it may just take one drink, which I think is probably pretty unlikely. However, for someone else it might take drinking heavily everyday for years. With about everything, I think it is environment interacting with ones predisposition to whatever is being looked at. So there is my long winded response. Damn, texting on a small phone can hurt the thumb after awhile. Hope that clarifies my thoughts for you.

Are any of you folks trans-humanists?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 8, 2018:

You mean kind of like that old show "The Bionic Man"? Is there a way to make humans less selfish and aggressive? Those traits helped us when everyday was a survival test for individuals, but it might be our downfall as a species - nuclear war or global warming.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 9, 2018:

@VirginCotton It seems it's a mixture of genetics and environment. Kind of a cop out answer. Like addiction, if one has the genetic propensity for it then certain environmental conditions can trigger it. Such as bad parenting, social surroundings that reinforce criminal and aggressive behaviors. I don't know, it's hard to teach empathy, but maybe possible to get them to understand consequences....but then maybe they learn legal ways to be sociopaths. Hard to change personality

I was telling a friend today that there are times that I wish I was an alcoholic, because whenever I...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Maybe there will come a time this site has chat rooms, and maybe one of the chat rooms will be a support group. Atheists and agnostics are welcome, and often the majority, at Unitarian Universalist churches

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 9, 2018:

@Manimshut yah. I didn't know we could do that

ORAL SEX, are you getting as much of it as you want?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I'm not getting any because my neck isn't long enough

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 9, 2018:

@NoahBuiltDeArk impressive

Do you have PTSD?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I'd be interested in the specifics of the high B complex vitamin regime

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 9, 2018:

@EllenDale thanks. Wow. Kind of complicated but I'll figure it out. Actually, I'm a therapist and I work a lot with people with PTSD

Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.

Crimson67 comments on Feb 9, 2018:

I consider myself very happy so I may not be as intelligent as I think I am.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 9, 2018:

There are many types of intelligence

Do you have PTSD?

Atheistman comments on Feb 9, 2018:

PTSD is a made up bullshit term, it doesn't exist. People make all kinds of shit up. If something happened in the past you keep replaying it in your mind over and over. You choose to go that. You don't have to, its like you have a choice. Stop thinking about whatever happened in the past and ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 9, 2018:

If it was that easy people with PTSD would have already done that. Do you really think they want to live with PTSD every day? Most people start out trying the simple approach you mention. "I just won't think about it." In life that is what people naturally do. If something bad happens to us our natural response is to tell ourselves, "Just don't think about it." With trauma all that does is suppress it until it is triggered, and for some it is constantly triggered. I don't know what you are so pissed about but it's blocking your understanding and compassion.

Do you have PTSD?

AMGT comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Yes, I’ve been diagnosed behind my young son’s violent murder. Constant anxiety. Intrusive thoughts. I’m activated when positive and negative memories of my son surface, but it’s most intense when crime scene thoughts pop off in my brain. When I’m triggered, I panic, I have a terror ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 9, 2018:

That's a lot to deal with. I'd say keep on dancing.

I really like this come back.

AxeElf comments on Feb 9, 2018:

And what if they say, "Oh but I do! A rose by any other name smells as sweet, and God by any other name is still God."

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 9, 2018:

Well then I'd give them credit for not being narrow minded and probably not someone interested in starting a holy war. However, I would think such a person would be less likely to question why I don't believe in God.

Are any of you folks trans-humanists?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 8, 2018:

You mean kind of like that old show "The Bionic Man"? Is there a way to make humans less selfish and aggressive? Those traits helped us when everyday was a survival test for individuals, but it might be our downfall as a species - nuclear war or global warming.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 8, 2018:

@arnies I suppose you are probably right. We need some but it is overly encouraged in society. For example, if you accept global warming is real and man made, it is unreasonable that we are not taking more drastic changes to combat it - considering the urgency. This, IMHO, is due to people not looking at the common good but rather their own short term interests...... Black, blah, blah..... Anyway, my main thought was about treating sociopaths. I'm a therapist and have worked with a few. I don't believe I've worked with any psychopaths. Working with sociopaths is hard in the sense it is hard to make actual changes in their personality disorders. The main reason I believe is because with therapy a client's motivation is key to any real improvement. I have tried different techniques to instill emphathy but so far no luck. Another quick note in my long winded response, I think the mental health field has gone too much towards the medical model, and not focusing enough on societal impacts on the individual. Decreasing sociopathic behavior, people, might be found in looking at it from a sociological perspective.

Valentines Day coming up.

diabhal comments on Feb 8, 2018:

I'd like to take you out to lunch , to wine and dine and chat We'd shoot the breeze on politics, share pictures of our cats But I'm on agnostic.com so I may stay at home And lay in bed unwashed and drunk and typing on my phone. Short? Check Robust? I'd say yes Suitable? Ok I'll keep trying

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 8, 2018:

Very nice

"A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no ...

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 7, 2018:

What should women's ethical behaviors be based on?

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 8, 2018:

@Ad4hubby oh no. I've been with religious women, definitely not.

In the nicest possible way is this just another 'piss up the wall' contest?

Uncorrugated comments on Feb 7, 2018:

Your post about points, points out the points system is pointless or points to the point that some people gain points for pointless reasons. My point, points out that is is pointless pointing the finger at the points people make getting their points across. Of course, you could point out that...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 7, 2018:

Lol

Fellow sad singles, let's play a game.

Rugglesby comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I know I am not what most women want, I could well change many things about myself, the only thing I am willing to change is my weight, but with all the others, I am still not the model that is wanted. I am happy enough in myself, and no-one is on my radar as being a must have at this time.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 7, 2018:

In the words of Willie Nelson, "If I was the man that you wanted, I wouldn't be the man that I am."

When life hands you lemons do you pray for lemonade?

MarcIveson comments on Feb 7, 2018:

I squeeze them into a gin and tonic.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 7, 2018:

Nice

My friend has symmetrical face and I tell them they should try modeling.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 6, 2018:

I believe if a woman gets a compliment on her looks from a man she doesn't know well, she usually does not take it as a compliment if she's not into him, because she heard it as him saying he wants to have sex with her and she's usually right.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

@LeighShelton I got it. We can't help it. It's in our DNA

Woooo hooooo hooozie!!! I made it to level seven!!! I would like to thank the little baby Jesus ...

CeciRosane60 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Man you need to get out more :-p

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

@CeciRosane60 lol

My friend has symmetrical face and I tell them they should try modeling.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 6, 2018:

I believe if a woman gets a compliment on her looks from a man she doesn't know well, she usually does not take it as a compliment if she's not into him, because she heard it as him saying he wants to have sex with her and she's usually right.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

@M121 yah that's why I clarified I was just responding to that one sentence

My friend has symmetrical face and I tell them they should try modeling.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 6, 2018:

I believe if a woman gets a compliment on her looks from a man she doesn't know well, she usually does not take it as a compliment if she's not into him, because she heard it as him saying he wants to have sex with her and she's usually right.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

@LeighShelton well it's a good thing you're not a rapist...not sure if I'm understanding you, but if I'm secretly lusting a woman I usually keep it secret. Don't really want to make them feel uncomfortable

My friend has symmetrical face and I tell them they should try modeling.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 6, 2018:

I believe if a woman gets a compliment on her looks from a man she doesn't know well, she usually does not take it as a compliment if she's not into him, because she heard it as him saying he wants to have sex with her and she's usually right.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

Oh. That was just in response to your first sentence in your last paragraph.

At the risk of stirring the pot, I'd love to know where folks stand on Ayn Rand.

NerdyOkieDude comments on Feb 6, 2018:

To call her a hack of a philosopher would be unkind to hacks. To call her "novels" indulgent drivel is to imply that there isn't some utility in drivel. To call her a hypocrite, would be an insult to the run of the mill hypocrite. To call her devotees sociopaths with the moral intuitions of a ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

So I take it you don't like her :)

Why argue about God or any belief?

bobbyk1960 comments on Feb 6, 2018:

There is one true God Jehovah Adonai the God of Israel and the Bible says that a fool has said in his heart there is no God

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

Wait! How did I miss the irony. We are asked why we argue/debate God when spirituality is a private matter. I present the above comment as "exhibit A" for my defense of why we must debate it.

Why argue about God or any belief?

bobbyk1960 comments on Feb 6, 2018:

There is one true God Jehovah Adonai the God of Israel and the Bible says that a fool has said in his heart there is no God

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

Perhaps you didn't understand the "agnostic" part in Agnostic.com. I think you are in the wrong place my friend.

Why argue about God or any belief?

Aquaman comments on Feb 6, 2018:

Your question could make a good point, and I wish I could agree with you. Unfortunately, inherent in the claims you make to form the grammar of the question, are false premises. If religion was a private matter, there would be no debate. If muslims weren't blowing themselves up, if jews weren't ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

Now that's a good answer too

Why argue about God or any belief?

David1955 comments on Feb 6, 2018:

Here's the problem: If people just had their own spiritual whatever and it was internal to them and it was private and so on, then that would be nice and they could believe any darn thing they like, including God. But, they don't just do that, do they. No, they have religions, with churches, and ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 6, 2018:

Now that's a good response

Woooo hooooo hooozie!!! I made it to level seven!!! I would like to thank the little baby Jesus ...

CeciRosane60 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Man you need to get out more :-p

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 5, 2018:

I know! That's what I keep telling the guards but they don't agree.

Are you afraid of heights?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 5, 2018:

Yes I have a fear of heights

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 5, 2018:

@Sarahroo29 It's probably more problematic for you being in Colorado. No mountains where I'm at. It was more of an issue for me when I lived out west

Pat Robertson is recovering after suffering a stroke

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

Too bad he can't recover from his narrow minded, self absorbed and hateful way of thinking.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 5, 2018:

@atheist611 true

Who will win the Super Bowl?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I'm the only one who thinks Eagles will win

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Guess I was right

Superbowl Sunday question

Piece2YourPuzzle comments on Feb 4, 2018:

It's kind of disturbing to see all the judgment over people who like sports. The same can be said of anything that anyone else likes to watch or participate in. To each their own. There are people who see movies or theater as equally pointless. It's all just entertainment. It's like the people who ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 4, 2018:

I'm a big football and basketball fan. I'm also a liberal and an atheist. I've grown use to it being looked down on by many in those groups I've mentioned above. Whatever, I am who I am. When there were the widely reported domestic cases last year involving NFL players, I heard comment after comment about how violent NFL players are. I checked multiple sources and none of them showed that NFL players are charged with domestic violence at a higher rate than the rest of the population.

What is Zionsm?

azzow2 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I know a town named Zion in Pennsylvania and I have discovered there is a country In Africa called Zion

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 4, 2018:

There is a town in Illinois named Zion also. It's the only dry town I know of in Illinois.

Pat Robertson is recovering after suffering a stroke

MichaelSpinler comments on Feb 4, 2018:

damn, my prayer for his death almost worked

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 4, 2018:

Lol

Can you make an argument for why free will exists?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I have my doubts that I actually have any free will over my actions, but the judge evidently thought I did.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 4, 2018:

@Donotbelieve that's good

Did you notice Bernie Sander's did not say "god bless America" in his response to the state of the ...

stinkeye_a comments on Feb 3, 2018:

A Jewish socialist who wants to give away free healthcare...I guess Jesus *has* returned...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

Lol

Did you notice Bernie Sander's did not say "god bless America" in his response to the state of the ...

Stevil comments on Feb 3, 2018:

That's why I love Bernie. Jesse " The Body is an atheist too. I would vote for him. A president should be able to wear a feather boa and look good doing it.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

Lol

Soulmates

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

The problem with believing the highly illogical, thanks Spock, notion of a soulmate, is that it is a setup for a life of misery if your soulmate turns into your little demon from hell. I worked with a woman in her late twenties. She said she was done with romance. She believed she had met "the ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

@HeyHiHullo lol

What is your good news and bad news?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

The bad news is that it is so damn cold outside with more snow to come, Trump is still POTUS and I live among his supporters, I live paycheck to paycheck, I'm exercising but the weight isn't coming off, the cat chewed through the cord on my phone charger. .......I'm sorry, what was the rest of the ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

@EllenDale lol. Ummmm yes?

Soulmates

Condor5 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

To me it's simply a romantic concept, and not a very practical one. In a world of 6+billion people, even if you narrow that down to legitimate prospects, that's what? maybe 100 million tops? What are the chances of you happening to meet that 1 in 100 million? Can't buy it, sorry. And if one thinks ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

I was just going to say well said. Now I feel like I'm interrupting....

Christian Blogger: Yoga Was Designed To Cause A ‘Demonic Trance’ | HuffPost

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 3, 2018:

Should we have another conversation with atheists/agnostics about how religion is harmless and live and let live? Do you really think those who feel they have a "special knowledge of the truth", without an ounce of evidence, will leave you be to live your life as you chose? It is delusional to ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

@icolan of all the online atheist/agnostic groups I have been on, this one seems the kindest. I've been on some that would get, what I felt, way too ugly in regards to religious people. Being here I find myself in the unusual, and uncomfortable, position of feeling like some of the posts and comments give religion too much of a pass. It was in response to that.

What is your good news and bad news?

resserts comments on Feb 3, 2018:

The good news is that atheists have hundreds of delicious baby recipes. The bad news is that I'm a vegetarian.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

That gave me a good laugh. You being vegetarian is good news for the babies!

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

The most per mile walking I did was 70 miles in 2 days. It was on the Ice Age trail in southern, WI. I hiked from the trail head to a hotel in Whitewater. I then spent the night in a hotel that had a hot tub. The next day I walked the 35 miles back to my car. The hotel clerk was confused by the...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 3, 2018:

@Davesnothere I'm glad this thread brings back fond memories. Yes, hiking north to south would be a less populated journey. I ran into one independent fellow going that direction. He seemed quite happy and independent. I never made it to the northern states. I also never had anything but power and granola bars, and dehydrated meals cooked on a small burner. Well except for the times I hopped off the trail, stayed in a hotel and ordered pizza. Respect for you for staying on the trail, going north to south, and creative cooking along the way. Barring something unexpected, I will not be taking the hike again.

Michele Bachmann asked God for a sign about running for U.S. Senate and the Lord delivered

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

She used to seem out of the mainstream of the GOP. Now she fits right in...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

@tioteo oh yah

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

The most per mile walking I did was 70 miles in 2 days. It was on the Ice Age trail in southern, WI. I hiked from the trail head to a hotel in Whitewater. I then spent the night in a hotel that had a hot tub. The next day I walked the 35 miles back to my car. The hotel clerk was confused by the...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

@Davesnothere lol. I would have loved some of that on the trail. My trail name was "bookboy". I gave myself that name because I was a book salesman at the time. One night at a shelter we were joined by a guy who was just doing an overnight trip. We kept calling each other by our trail names without thinking about it, it was second nature by then. Finally he asked, "What the hell's with these names?".

Just curious about political affiliation.

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 2, 2018:

For 36 years I was a proud Democrat. Now I don't know what I am. I guess I might be a Justice Democrat- a movement that backs only Democrats who pledge to not have super PACs

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

@phil21 yah. Check them out.

Today's political climate

Treasurehunter comments on Feb 2, 2018:

The USA must have the fittest ruling party in the world. I was watching the SOTUS speech and the Republicans kept doing stand ups all the way through the speech while the Democrats tended to sit it out and make a run for it at the end.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

@Treasurehunter now that you mention it I've seen videos of them getting physically aggressive. Maybe that would help in this country...well probably not...but they tend not to get heated face to face but rather not talk directly to each other...and go vent in their echo chambers

I'm asking this not based on one's personal beliefs, but what is most appealing?

Mannym comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I know the one I wouldn’t pick. It would be the 72 virgins one. Having to deal with one mother in law is tough, imagine having to deal with 72 mothers in law.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

Perhaps there would not be 72 mother-in-laws. It's possible some of the 72 virgins would be sisters.

How many of you have thought of relocating due to your beliefs?

DJ_Blaser comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I would love to live in a more progressive place. Southern Wisconsin is not extremely religious but still very....... content with theirs and other's meager lot in life under the thumb of people like Gov. Scott Walker. They complain to each other but do nothing about it.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

Yah, I lived all over southern Wisconsin. I now live in "north central" Wisconsin?" I can't say for sure it is not a change in me, but I found in southern Wisconsin people were more open minded, especially the more urban areas - Madison, Racine and Kenosha.

About you?

Donotbelieve comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I am fucking nice.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

Lol

Today's political climate

Lancer comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I'm not really political because I care about my future career and employ-ability. What I find funny is that people put their ego before their humanity. They just see someone with a different political view as "The Enemy" and this is wrong. A person who loves Trump for instance is the same as a ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

Trump is not about putting country first. He spouts that off as red meat for his base. Trump is about putting Trump first. His constant trips to Mar-a-Lago, to stay in a hotel he owns, costs tax payers millions. He passed a so called "tax reform" bill that surprise, surprise, benefits people like him the most. To add insult to injury he lied and said the tax bill would hurt him. Oh wow, he settled for I believe 35 million, right before being elected, for running a fraudulent University, and conning people out of their money. He is now working on his biggest con-job of all, the entire country. The things I mentioned are only a tiny fraction of examples. Time magazine documented 2,000 lies he has told since taking office. I won't be singing kumbaya with him anytime soon.

Today's political climate

Treasurehunter comments on Feb 2, 2018:

The USA must have the fittest ruling party in the world. I was watching the SOTUS speech and the Republicans kept doing stand ups all the way through the speech while the Democrats tended to sit it out and make a run for it at the end.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

It has become increasingly more divided

Today's political climate

Gert comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I'm not! I have been. Active even. It became clear to me that politics in general is not really "for the people" but the "people are for the politics", although there are people that really try different. It's all the hunt for ego-conformation (individual or in groups), interests, money, chisel a ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

@Gert wear that label with pride. Oh. The "lefty" label

I need 6,649 more points to hit LEVEL 7.Should I offer sex or continue posting amazing questions?

NicThePoet comments on Feb 1, 2018:

How about questions about sex?? It's one of my favorite topics, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I feel like I'd be able to have frank discussions here without some slimy dudes taking that as their cue to send dick pics to my inbox.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

Here you go

"The Wise speak, because they have something to say - The Fool, because they have to say SOMEthing.

AMGT comments on Feb 2, 2018:

"There isn't time, so brief is life, for bickerings, apologies, heartburnings, callings to account. There is only time for loving & but an instant, so to speak, for that." -Mark Twain "It's stupid when girls say they can't find a guy, yet they ignore me. Its like saying you're hungry ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

Lol. I like the part, "some guy on twitter named Mike".

Am I too young?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I don't have any advice on dating. However, it's interesting you get accused of being a Trump supporter for not being "a hard left liberal.". I suppose I could be classified as "a hard left liberal" and I have been accused of being a Trump supporter for complaining about the Democratic Party.. You ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

@WizardBill Here is my story on the day of the general election. I really, really didn't want Trump as president. I also was finding it hard to vote for Hillary after what happened in the primaries. Leading up to election day I watched the polls closely. I didn't know what I was going to do until the day of the election. The MSM was showing Hillary up by 4 or 5 in Wisconsin. I figured it was one vote anyway and I was sure Donald the douche wasn't going to win...Hell the MSM was presenting it as a foregone conclusion Hillary was going to win. I voted Jill Stein. I took the day off and went fishing. I live in a conservative area, and on the way fishing I kept passing Trump signs in people's yards. That made me nervous. I went home later and watched the results come in. I was in shock. The next day, hell for the next few weeks, I had a strange and eerie feeling, like I was living in a dangerous country. That being said, I'm torn, I still don't want to back corporate candidates. It's a mess and I believe the saying that power corrupts

I'm asking this not based on one's personal beliefs, but what is most appealing?

Mannym comments on Feb 2, 2018:

I know the one I wouldn’t pick. It would be the 72 virgins one. Having to deal with one mother in law is tough, imagine having to deal with 72 mothers in law.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 2, 2018:

Lol

Tell me, what is the successful recipe for a successful marriage?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Live in seperate towns?

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 1, 2018:

@Freedompath absences makes the heart grow fonder

Does this sound like love?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

Obviously not love, but if one has a need/desire for drama in their life, this is perfect. It's not for me. I got tired just reading the story.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 1, 2018:

@EmeraldJewel it wasn't the writing. It was all the cheating on who and is he lying and the gossiping....oh boy. The games people play.

Am I too young?

Rudy1962 comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I don't have any advice on dating. However, it's interesting you get accused of being a Trump supporter for not being "a hard left liberal.". I suppose I could be classified as "a hard left liberal" and I have been accused of being a Trump supporter for complaining about the Democratic Party.. You ...

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 1, 2018:

@WizardBill I'm with you on that. Jeff, I've heard that argument. Democratic party needs to choose better candidates so they don't have to resort to using fear and shame attempts to get people to vote for them. There was definitely a huge anti-establishment, air for change, sentiment in the 2016 election. The populous had the choice between a very establishment candidate and a con-man so they chose the con-man. Call me a "pouty bitch" but I'm done voting for politicians who are bought and paid for by corporations. All sell out politicians have led to income disparity increasing, which has led to individuals becoming so desperate they fell for a con-man like Trump.

Let's play a game, my fellow heathens! See how many points you can rack up per the sinner sign! I ...

AviatorJim comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I only scored 10. But I'm wondering who isn't on that list.

Rudy1962 replies on Feb 1, 2018:

Dead people?

What’s a petty reason you won’t date a man/woman?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

They get a restraining order against me.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

@FrayedBear thanks. Good advice

“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.

ChrisR comments on Jan 31, 2018:

I always risk looking like a fool, and sadly, often end up feeling one too - but that's love and hope - they are cruel mistresses. I am a sucker for a pretty girl who needs help and is stuck in a bad relationship but that means I am a great shoulder to cry on and hear the most heart breaking stories...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

You have entered the "friend zone".

What’s a petty reason you won’t date a man/woman?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

They get a restraining order against me.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

@FrayedBear again?

If you are here for the community rather than the dating, share your significant other and make ...

webbew1 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Rosey....

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

LMAO!

Has anybody taken out anybody from here?

Reaver85 comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Yes and with a silenced 9mm

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

Lol

I don't confuse book learning with intelligence, they go well together, are not mutually exclusive ...

IntellectualRN comments on Jan 31, 2018:

Intelligence and higher education (fancy book learnin' to Trump supporters) are certainly not the same thing, but I'm sure there's a strong correlation between them. Ultimately, an argument must stand or fall on its merits and not who is putting it forward and what their educational background may ...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

Yuppers. That there fancy book learnin ain't gonna make Merica great again.

Why do some comments have a "yes" or "no" option on them before people can click that they like ...

atheist comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Some responsible people are entrusted with the power to decide whether your post is acceptable to be commented on. Ohhhh! The power! I can be bought! :)

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

Lol

Why do some comments have a "yes" or "no" option on them before people can click that they like ...

evidentialist comments on Jan 30, 2018:

It is a way of lightening the load on Admin by spreading out the monitoring load.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 31, 2018:

Well in that case. I'm all for helping out. I appreciate this site

Why do some comments have a "yes" or "no" option on them before people can click that they like ...

SteveB comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Level 6 and above people can approve posts of newer members. This spreads the administration of the site around a bit so that the admin does not have to do it all. If you are above a level 6 you can see all posts approved or not.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

Thanks

Why do some comments have a "yes" or "no" option on them before people can click that they like ...

NothinnXpreVails comments on Jan 30, 2018:

Yeah? What level? Is it in the tutorial?

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

Lol

Get Ready to Cringe: Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Warning People Not to Masturbate – Friendly Atheist

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Sorry. I wanted to read the entire article but I have to go masturbate now.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@JeffMurray lol. I'm not telling

How old were you when you first watched porn?

Anonbene comments on Jan 30, 2018:

I hope to soon. I hear it's quite popular among the kids nowadays.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@EricTrommater lol

Seems like as safe a place as any to ask this! Many men say they like a strong woman.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I think it's best to keep it real and let the chips fall where they will. If one ends up alone, living in a dumpy apartment above a laundry mat, talking to two ungrateful cats, and spending too much time online; well so be it!

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@btroje ahhhh. I've grown attached to these entitled kitties

Seems like as safe a place as any to ask this! Many men say they like a strong woman.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I think it's best to keep it real and let the chips fall where they will. If one ends up alone, living in a dumpy apartment above a laundry mat, talking to two ungrateful cats, and spending too much time online; well so be it!

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@btroje lol. Yah. I love dogs but too much work.

What are your views on polygamy?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 30, 2018:

I worked with a guy who had four live in partners. It seemed to work for him. That being said, there are numerous cases in which polygamy involved minors, incest and domination.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@BlueWave Yah. I would think so. I was specifically thinking of the "old school" Mormon sects in rural Utah. The LDS church has now officially banned polygamy. However, in these old sects the wifes are often under age, are just expected to marry certain men and not given a choice, and are expected to be subservient. It is, or at least was, a bit of a stand off between authorities and human services Vs these Mormon sects.

What are your views on polygamy?

Rugglesby comments on Jan 30, 2018:

I don't have a problem with it, but I can't get/keep one partner, so small steps.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

Lol

Dating dealbreakers

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Having a murder charge within the last year

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 30, 2018:

@FrayedBear oh yah. I would never date a corporate politician or dictator

News Junkies?

Dick_Martin comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Here is a prediction: It seems entirely reasonable that McCabe leaving like this is a DOJ/Mueller honey pot sting and McCabe is the honey pot. It would not surprise me at all if it turns out that there is video, audio, witnesses, fingerprints, and a trail of evidence from Trump down to DOJ. This ...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

I didn't know Watergate sent that many people to prison. I guess, like then, this Whitehouse investigation will also exclude prison time for the top dog. No offense to dogs, just a saying.

Dating dealbreakers

EricTrommater comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Well, she has to be breathing.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

Lol

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

The most per mile walking I did was 70 miles in 2 days. It was on the Ice Age trail in southern, WI. I hiked from the trail head to a hotel in Whitewater. I then spent the night in a hotel that had a hot tub. The next day I walked the 35 miles back to my car. The hotel clerk was confused by the...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@Leutrelle it was 18 years ago I did the Appalachian Trail. It was cool. Lots of socializing, especially at night in the shelters that were lined across the trail . I always wanted to do it again.. I couldn't until after I retire and children are grown. I will be 67 then and would need to be in better shape than I am now at 55...who knows, maybe. I'd say you should go for it!

Get Ready to Cringe: Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Warning People Not to Masturbate – Friendly Atheist

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Sorry. I wanted to read the entire article but I have to go masturbate now.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@commander42 lmao.

Today I learned if you have lots of comments to a post, there's a "next" button.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I find the people here intelligent and kind and even wise. That being said, even with a high quality group, it still holds true here that if you want to get a lot of attention then piss people off. I know it worked on me, I responded. But be honest, you really didn't think that calling people ...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@ravnostic nothing wrong with a healthy debate. I mean there could be other reasons to post here...but nothing wrong with a healthy and respectful debate. I've learned a lot from hearing the other side, well when my ego allows it.

Transgender and Bathrooms

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 29, 2018:

I don't know but my guess is it has to do with the many sexual hangups humanity has. Boobs in public are great for trying to sell us stuff, but boobs in public to feed a child? Unacceptable. I was once at a concert and the line was so long for the women's restroom, they started using the men's. ...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@BlueWave I was going to say. I used to clean restrooms. Women's was sometimes worse

The one philosophy I've been intrigued by since high school is "solipsism".

birdingnut comments on Jan 28, 2018:

If the weed is strong enough, one hit can trash you and make it difficult, if not impossible, to tell if you are asleep or awake. Sometimes sitting down for a while helps, or a few drops of iodine in water, but if you are truly trashed you may not be able to do that, and will have to ride it out.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@birdingnut Thanks. I have seen explanations of this double slit experiment before. I found it fascinating at the time. However, afterwards I asked the obvious question, "How do the scientists know what the particles are doing when they are not watching?" This explains it. If you aren't growing tired of questions, why was this experiment the start of quantum theory? Do they have theories on why an observer changes what particles/energy do? Fascinating stuff.

A lot of angry and/or uneducated atheists around here...

Chryflvrantacid comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Possibly people are angry because they have been mistreated by theists? Or maybe people are angry because theists are concrete thinkers and refuse to admit they have no evidence in their favor? Or maybe the anger stems from a dislike towards weakness (many theists need religion because they can not...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DObJ6najyhc ???? Stephen Colbert's Midnight Confessions - YouTube

A lot of angry and/or uneducated atheists around here...

ReadyforaChange comments on Jan 29, 2018:

You lost me at angry and/or uneducated athiests and I don't know who the fuck you think you are? Judgement is one of the biggest reasons I am an athiest. Go preach somewhere else.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

Direct and to the point.

The one philosophy I've been intrigued by since high school is "solipsism".

birdingnut comments on Jan 28, 2018:

If the weed is strong enough, one hit can trash you and make it difficult, if not impossible, to tell if you are asleep or awake. Sometimes sitting down for a while helps, or a few drops of iodine in water, but if you are truly trashed you may not be able to do that, and will have to ride it out.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 29, 2018:

@birdingnut I'm thinking about it and curious, but can't figure it out. What is the connection between quantum theory and solipsism? I mean I understand the "matter as derivative of consciousness" part". I guess I don't understand quantum theory

" You can't love others until you learn to love yourself ", is one of the most selfish and damaging ...

UrsiMajor comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I think this old saying had noble intentions but had its limitations as you've noticed. Possibly, the meaning of this phrase was that we have to know when to get out of a bad relationship when it is causing us harm - no matter how much we love the significant other. I have a brilliant friend who...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

@UrsiMajor thanks

" You can't love others until you learn to love yourself ", is one of the most selfish and damaging ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 28, 2018:

In my enthusiasm I commented before reading the other comments...Damn, I probably wouldn't of had to comment had I read them. The people on this site never cease to amaze me with their wisdom and critical thinking. I swear, I've never seen a site like this before.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

@BlueWave yah. Makes sense

Good morning everyone! So a friend of mine responded to a pastors video about a black man asking if...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

It does get old. Religious people feel free to openly express their beliefs. However, if someone says they don't believe in God, they are considered rude and aggressive. Oh yah, or a militant Atheist. People think they are open minded by saying "I accept you're an atheist, but don't go around ...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

@Diogenes lol. Yah... If they know you're a non-believer and they say, "God bless you" or something to that effect; they are either very dense or being passive aggressive.

" You can't love others until you learn to love yourself ", is one of the most selfish and damaging ...

UrsiMajor comments on Jan 28, 2018:

I think this old saying had noble intentions but had its limitations as you've noticed. Possibly, the meaning of this phrase was that we have to know when to get out of a bad relationship when it is causing us harm - no matter how much we love the significant other. I have a brilliant friend who...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

Can you tell me the name of the book?

The one philosophy I've been intrigued by since high school is "solipsism".

birdingnut comments on Jan 28, 2018:

If the weed is strong enough, one hit can trash you and make it difficult, if not impossible, to tell if you are asleep or awake. Sometimes sitting down for a while helps, or a few drops of iodine in water, but if you are truly trashed you may not be able to do that, and will have to ride it out.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

I did have to ride it out, which is a story all in itself. I told myself that if I could just get to the bottom of the ski hill I would sit down, sort it out, and wait for my buddy to show up. As I was sitting in the snow this young kid fell in front of me. He was struggling to get up. There was no way in hell I was moving. Finally this lady came by and helped him up. She then gave me the, "you are an asshole" look. I couldn't quite tell her, "Look lady I'm too stoned to help the kid.".

Have you ever felt depressed and singled out while single on Valentine’s Day?

EricTrommater comments on Jan 26, 2018:

The whole holiday is designed to make people feel depressed and excluded.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

I thought it was so businesses could make money

Have you ever felt depressed and singled out while single on Valentine’s Day?

EricTrommater comments on Jan 26, 2018:

The whole holiday is designed to make people feel depressed and excluded.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

I thought it was so businesses could make money

Have you ever felt depressed and singled out while single on Valentine’s Day?

resserts comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Being single on Valentine's Day is awesome. First, you save a crazy amount of money. Second, there's no stress over getting the right gift and planning the perfect date. Third, you can spend the entire day in the comfort of your own home watching Netflix in your underwear while eating junk food.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

I like the way you think

Have any of you tried online dating?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

"Jesus is boo"?

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

@Labratthecattron I would have been tempted to try and get a date with her, just so I could ask her what the hell that means

I have a friend.

SchuylaRDiamond comments on Jan 27, 2018:

So you're the guy who Sally ,er, Mary wants to marry because she has fallen in love with you. But you, you just want to engage in the horizontal boogie a couple of nights out of the month sans any commitment. Shame on you! Cut the lady some slack for crying out loud! Look, break out the old credit ...

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 28, 2018:

Lol

The one philosophy I've been intrigued by since high school is "solipsism".

hankster comments on Jan 27, 2018:

wouldn't consciousness just be a figment of its own imagination?

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 27, 2018:

Whoa....

Greetings and salutations to all out there.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Welcome, and when you learn how to interact with this site would you let me know how?

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 27, 2018:

@Freedompath I paid the administrators off

The one philosophy I've been intrigued by since high school is "solipsism".

ASTRALMAX comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I wonder would a conference of solipsists deteriorate from an argument into a fight about which one of them is real. One way of expressing what Descartes meant is, “I am aware of my existence”.

Rudy1962 replies on Jan 27, 2018:

Lol on the first part