Question for older 50s+ Members Has anyone ever created a 50s+ video chat room for its Members?

Storm1752 comments on May 19, 2020:

Just curious; how old ARE you? When I think '50+' I don't think that 'old.' 80+, yes, I think you can talk about 'old,'--although readers over 80 might not agree!

In my last post I mentioned how Christ had no knowledge of science, especially biology and ...

Storm1752 comments on May 18, 2020:

He didn't exist.

She means YOU should pay your fair share. [nypost.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 18, 2020:

So she thinks she doesn't owe it. Maybe she doesn't.

Many people accuse Atheists as being “Devil worshipers or evil doers.

Storm1752 comments on May 18, 2020:

Atheism is a BELIEF IN the NON-existence of god, so it's a belief system. BUT it's also a BELIEF IN the NON-existence of Satan. Anyway a true God wouldn't create a Satan.

Recognition merited.

Storm1752 comments on May 18, 2020:

Depends on the breasts.

Coronavirus could push Social Security to insolvency before 2030 - POLITICO

Storm1752 comments on May 17, 2020:

And Republican wing nuts are using the crisis and the skyrocketing federal deficit ($4 trillion+ this year) as an excuse to slash not only Social Security but all other federal departments not named Defense. Of course the solution has always been and still is HIGHER TAXES for the rich and corporations. It OF COURSE was a bad idea to slash these taxes beginning in the 1980s in the first place. They used bogus supply-side trickle-down voodoo Reaganomics to tell us a rising tide would lift all boats, then shipped all the jobs overseas and all the cash to offshore accounts. Boy did WE ever get duped and screwed! But this "vast right wing conspiracy" has been cranking out lies since Brown v. Board of Education got the whole charade off the ground...a guy by the name of James McGill Buchanan talked George Mason University into a department and the Koch Brothers (among many others) into thick wads of cash, and voila! Cato Institute, Heritage Foundation, FreedomWofks, the Federalist Society, and an alphabets' soup of others appeared as if out of nowhere to start indoctrinating and brainwashing the American People into thinking and voting themselves right up Sh*t Creek. So no, regrettably, it's not surprising at all.

Is Putin Is Well on His Way to Stealing the Next Election ?

Storm1752 comments on May 17, 2020:

I don't even have to read the links to say, 'Of course!' But I'll take a look anyway. Oh...you mean OUR elections.

I wonder how many churches will close for good due to covid-19.

Storm1752 comments on May 17, 2020:

The mega churches will thrive. They're evangelicals in Sunbelt areas with well-off, upwardly mobile suburbanites. These 'churches' are actually mini-conglomerates, and spin out 'franchises' the same way as Burger King or Home Depot. Not your parents' neighborhood church.

Someone please save me from my conspiracy-theory-loving neighbors.

Storm1752 comments on May 17, 2020:

What conspiracy? The vast right-wing one? Where they use the virus and the skyrocketing federal deficit ($4 trillion + this year) to slash Social Security and other federal departments not called Defense? THAT conspiracy? The conservatives have been setting the trap for an occurrence like this beginning, oh, 70 or so years ago with Brown v. Board of Education. James McGill Buchanan from George Mason University was the guy who kicked it off, massively funded by the Koch Brothers and other super wealthy guys who want to keep their money (all of it) even if it means subverting or destroying democracy. THAT one? Oh, sorry, wrong conspiracy.

What would you do/say if a Christian friend told you they're questioning their faith?

Storm1752 comments on May 17, 2020:

Wait for him to ask questions.

Electrons may very well be conscious. [m.nautil.us]

Storm1752 comments on May 17, 2020:

Amazing. Electrons thinking? Thought IS an aspect of 'consciousness,' and from there we could further postulate an interconnectedness of all consciousness into a ''universal mind.' This in turn could serve as a hypothetical definition of 'god.' In this scenario 'god' would truly be EVERYTHING in a Pantheistic sense. If true, how would a 'universal mind' function? Not as a singular entity, apparently, but maybe as a conduit, through which every particle of matter communicates with every other one? How would this be appropriately thought of as 'god?' Clearly in a very different way than the god of old-school religious thought. To me a very intriguing line of reasoning.

I hate Theists

Storm1752 comments on May 17, 2020:

Omg. Especially Islamic theists----whose juvenile rump offshoot religion is even more deformed than Christianity and Judaism combined! Sorry if this flies in the face of group think, but Trump's anti-Islam attitude is the only thing I agree with him about. They are so inbred and retarded I cannot stand the sight of a burka walking tent or a 'holy' Koran. If I could burn ONE book and by so doing make it go away forever, that would be that one, with stiff competition from the...other one from that general area. Apparently that particular barren wilderness plays funny tricks with the mind. Sorry for the rant. I feel better now.

Anything! (but that)

Storm1752 comments on May 17, 2020:

Funny. True.

I checked in to see what agnostics are up to these days.

Storm1752 comments on May 17, 2020:

Hi! Maybe you can help us: there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding between our two groups, because while Agnostics and atheists are "related" in some ways (non-religious), in others we're very different. As an agnostic, I find atheists condenscending, as if Agnostics 'just aren't there yet," are "on the fence," etc., etc., as if Agnosticism is some sort of half-baked transitional phase, rather than the permanent philosophy, outlook, whatever you want to call it, very separate and distinct from atheism. Perhaps you can correct their mistaken impression their "stand" is somehow more 'heroic,' or 'principled,' or more obviously imbued with common sense, when the truth is an excellent case can be made for either discipline. Of course, being agnostic myself, I think my approach MUCH more rational, but here and now is not the time for another trip on that merry-go-round, but COULD potentially be an outside chance, with your help, to persuade our atheist acquaintances and friends, details aside, of the very significant gulf between our two perspectives. I hope so, and they might SOME DAY gain more respect and appreciation for those differences, as well as our relatively--in my opinion--less notable similarities. I hope they might cease and desist thinking of themselves as something like the big brother, or senior partner, and recognize once and for all their OPINIONS are just that, and their true belief no different than any other in it's vehemence, arrogance, and close-mindedness. I want to stress I'm not talking about ALL atheists. The more 'open-minded' ones seem to want to call themselves 'agnostic atheists,' even though it's a self-contradictory label which cuts right to the core of the misunderstanding of which I speak. Thanks. Any help would be appreciated.

Does being an agnostic mean that you’re on the wall or you lack acceptance?

Storm1752 comments on May 16, 2020:

Ho hum. It means I DON'T KNOW. Period. I have OPINIONS, but that's not the same thing. Speculating is fun, but that's all it is. There are lots of reasons to 'take a stand' one way or the other, but I don't because there's that nagging voice inside of me, telling me 'I really don't know.' And I don't. Now, I DON'T believe in a personal, Abrahamic god. Atheist on that one. But my idea of 'god' is more Pantheistic, or a "collective unconscious," which I acknowledge may be a bunch of hooey, so I'm agnostic. There's also a nagging voice telling me it may NOT be a bunch of hooey. It's NOT that I'm undecided, but that I've not enough evidence to know, and probably never will. Atheists say they DO know. Good for them. I don't.

PRAYER In your own opinion, why do you think so many christians believe in the power of prayer?

Storm1752 comments on May 16, 2020:

No.

I have heard many people over the years say that they would not want to live forever even if they ...

Storm1752 comments on May 16, 2020:

The truth, I would guess, 100% would choose immortality, and once chosen would choose to REMAIN immortal at any given point. I think the repulsion from death is 'infinite.' One would always choose the knowledge of life. This is because no one knows for sure WHAT happens when we die--not a theist, agnostic, not atheist. If we DID know, our decision would be much, much easier. True annhilation and Oblivion---immortality would be a no-brainer. Afterlife---depends on what kind. Reincarnation---death, because the ultimate destination is immortal enlightenment. Seems pretty simple to me.

Is consciousness limited to the Homo sapiens species.

Storm1752 comments on May 15, 2020:

Which is why I'm a (sharply draws in breath) Agnostic Neo-Deist Pantheist! Maybe we're all conscious in the same way, are interconnected, and the sum total of energy and matter (times the speed of light squared) is 'god!' Then again, maybe not...just a thought.

Wondering why some people are conspiracy-theory prone?

Storm1752 comments on May 15, 2020:

I believe in the "vast right-wing conspiracy" Hillary Clinton rants on and on about... Do I need help?

I am agnostic because I want to have an open mind! Really?

Storm1752 comments on May 14, 2020:

It's really very simple:. Atheists-- believe in NO GOD. Theists-----believe in GOD Agnostics--no evidence upon which to base a belief.

I watched or listen to about 90% of Dr.

Storm1752 comments on May 14, 2020:

Dropped? From where?

How the conspiracy theories are winning - [nature.

Storm1752 comments on May 14, 2020:

Don't bother with that false 'debate,' which rages on in the room next door to the great controversy: 'The world: six days, 6,000 years, or a really lonnnnng time?'

Books that poison your mind and your heart and I'm a Lefty Libertarian.

Storm1752 comments on May 14, 2020:

A LEFTY Libertarian? Isn't that yet another self-contradictory label? I thought Libertarianism was just left of absolute anarchy...

Not all that long ago I asked on this site " What is the worst phrase in the English/US language?

Storm1752 comments on May 14, 2020:

It ain't nothing but a thing. Perfectly puts most things in perspective...it (insert situation) IS something to be considered and addressed, but let's not take it TOO seriously! It's a 'thing,' to be sure, but that's all it is, and in due time it'll pass into history like every OTHER thing since time began.

Will there be any unity of purpose in the US? It's not looking so. [johnpavlovitz.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 14, 2020:

This doesn't address the article directly, but hopefully relates: since Trump was elected, I've enforced my own personal news blackout...no print, radio, or TV media. I get most of my news here on this site, and thank you for the information! I think this has helped me retain my sanity and positive outlook, because I did recently peek into MSNBC and was struck by the incredibly dour, negative tone...I had no idea! I CHOOSE to believe things will be improving soon, because our own personal head space is the only thing we truly control, and I have enough problems without concerning myself with things I can't do anything about. That's Stoic philosophy in a nutshell. A lot of people here would do well to read up on it.

An interesting overview of all the angles ... Why Do Men Pay for Sex?

Storm1752 comments on May 12, 2020:

Men pay for sex either overtly or by other means. Or is that cynical? Maybe, but it's a common feeling. Superficially, there should be nothing wrong with paying for sex. If both parties are entering into a voluntary agreement, both are treated with respect, and the services performed are percieved as equal to the renumeration, it should be a win-win. And maybe that's the case. There may be other cases, unlike a plumber fixing a leak, wherein there could be some sort of psychological and/or psychological damage. I guess that's the risk you take. I personally would give it a shot for the experience if nothing else

"All you have to do is look around you and see the beauty of god's creation!" It's like you've ...

Storm1752 comments on May 12, 2020:

Pretty in Pink... The beaks are terrifying to the insects on which they so happily and rapaciously feed, but from a distance are quite becoming.

Wow. Just wow. [youtube.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 12, 2020:

At least MAYBE these Neandrathal-ish displays will result in AT LEAST a civilized human in the office again.

An interesting (not necessarily accurate) perpective [youtube.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 12, 2020:

He's estabishing certain premises with which I might or might not agree. I personally think people are a combination of individual and social elements. Very few of us could survive on our own. We depend on each other for not only material substenance, but also emotional, psychological, and 'spiritual' support. BUT we also need solitude, freedom, and autonomy. We need Democrats AND (unfortunately) Republicans, ideologically. We need towns and cities AND to get away to great, wide-open spaces. So to artificially say we're PRIMARILY one or the other is a fallacy. We need both.

After a 30 year stint as a Christian, I am celebrating 3 year of deprogramming .

Storm1752 comments on May 12, 2020:

If I were you I'd stay with those good feelings and not allow yourself to get distracted by the negativity inherent in the Christian religion. Concentrate on the positive. It's like being a vegetarian or even a vegan: at first you're awash in the glow of being so healthy and free of planet-destroying guilt, but at some point you look around and realize the world hasn't changed! Still a McDonald's and Burger King on every corner, still the grocery shelves are overflowing with meat, billboards, TV commercials, aieee! Everywhere you look, there it is! Like an alcoholic trying to avoid alcohol's ubiquitousness. Or a food addict trying to avoid junk food! Like an agnostic trying to avoid religion! It's actually not quite as bad as meat, booze, or even junk food. Unless you go looking for it, it usually leaves you alone, and it's easy enough to avoid in everyday life (except for the omnipresent, 'Have a blessed day!' and annoying stuff like that. So try to put up with the negativity on this site and elsewhere. It really is great to put all that childish, paranoid fear-mongering behind you and begin seeing the world in a more free, unblinkered light. Don't give that back up by replacing it with yet ANOTHER pair of dark sunglasses. Just watch where you look, and especially watch where you step. Lots of people don't clean up after their pets.

Pardon me in advance, but WTF is up with all the santa claus for grown ups/ god posts on an agnostic...

Storm1752 comments on May 12, 2020:

It IS very annoying. An agnostic site contaminated by hard-left atheists with 'god issues.' I'm an Agnosticist who likes to look at the sunny side of my freedom from religion, but I can't help putting in pointed bards at the sourdoughs who insist on making blatantly obnoxious and presumptuous comments about everything god-related, as if it's a given fact there's 'no god, no way,' when all that's established fact is we simply don't KNOW if there's a 'god' or not. Sigh... So it's a neverending battle versus the know-it-alls who like to think they dominate this site. MY viewpoint and attitude is, a better, more constructive pursuit is speculating about a potential REDEFINITION of 'god' into some kind of impersonal, non-theistic, 'universal consciousness' which permeates all life, explains it, and potentially gives it meaning. This would all be conjecture, of course, because even IF there's a god there's no way--given our limited present data base--we can prove our disprove it's existence. Which is why I personally think of myself as an 'agnostic Neo-Deist,' or, in my less cheerful moods, an 'Ignostic.' Whatever I am, my Outlook on life in considerably more upbeat than some of the nihilists, anarchists, iconoclasts, anti-natalists, etc., who populate this site. It's STILL a great place to go, however, despite all the negative noise, and occasionally toss in a sunbeam, or an arrow, or a positive affirmation even with the uncertainties of life it's still a beautiful thing. (So scr*w 'em if they can't take a joke.)

Anyone starting to come around to my opinion about Elon Musk being a bad guy yet?

Storm1752 comments on May 11, 2020:

I have no problem with Elon Musk. None at all.

I've long found this to be true.

Storm1752 comments on May 11, 2020:

'Pseudoscience' is beliefs mistakenly or fraudulently based on the scientific method. In conversations you often have casual references to something which is based on the scientific method, or is something with legitimate scientific (factual) underpinnings, so while not 'scientific' itself, are valid extropolations. From a valid premise, all kinds of speculations can emerge. Surely you're not saying this is 'pseudoscience,' or that EVERYTHING should be fact-checked prior to utterance. If that were the case, there wouldn't be much to talk about! By the way, what DO two strict atheists talk about? Do they have an encyclopedia and dictionary at the ready to double-check statements for sound deductive thinking? I think the internet has cleared up and clarified many foggy, imprecise ideas. It is very easy to pick up one's phone and learn more about this or that assertion. I do it often. Learn a lot that way.

Lying Christian Pastor: It’s “Scientifically Impossible to Be an Atheist” | Hemant Mehta | ...

Storm1752 comments on May 11, 2020:

Having chosen to not read the entire text, is it indisputably "scientifically impossible" to ESTABLISH and PROVE the non-existence of ANY god? No. It IS, in my opinion, possible to "prove" certain KINDS of gods cannot exist, simply because the definitions themselves are self-contradictory. (For instance, a 'good' god cannot create a 'hell.') However, one is free to make up ANY definition of 'god' one desires, then argue for and against it. Because this is hypothetically true, and 'god' is a word with elastic properties, I postulate, it WOULD be "scientifically impossible" to deny the existence of ANY legitimately defined god.

In Search of God’s Perfect Proofs

Storm1752 comments on May 11, 2020:

I don't see the mathematical logic. You'd think it'd be the other way around.

So it’s been a while and since I’m taking a little time off I figured I’d by and stir some ...

Storm1752 comments on May 11, 2020:

Tara Reade is lying. Feel better?

Believers advise me that if I require evidence for God, I must first trust in God by accepting his ...

Storm1752 comments on May 11, 2020:

If you're asking a Theist, you came to the wrong place.

America's Great Divide: Robert Reich Interview | FRONTLINE - YouTube

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

The .05% versus the 95.5%, and the 0.5% are winning. Bingo.

Is a democracy the best form of government?

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

How about an A.I. supercomputer? We could dump all the info in there and see what comes out.

Do you think Biden and Trump will ever have a public debate?

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

Nah...Trump would never agree...unless he thinks Biden's dementia has progressed far enough to give him an edge. Even so, Biden would take him apart.

Wheres Bill Clinton?

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

YOU'RE the one who sounds creepy, my friend. Get help.

Death takes us all, as an atheist i have no reason to fear it, I have respect of it.

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

As an agnostic, I don't fear death OR look forward to it. It's irrelevant.

Excellent perspective of the Tara Reade/Joe Biden situation by Bill Maher. [youtube.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

Earth to troll: If you stopped watching Fox News long enough to investigate Tara the Victim, you'd realize she's LYING. But you'll believe them, won't you, about anything negative they say about good 'ol Joe? You're pathetic.

Interesting reporting about Tara Reade and her exploits. [medium.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

Sounds like a typical Republican attack job, maybe not started by Pubs, but you can believe spread by them far and wide. Tara Reade is a pathological liar in her own right. What surprises me is so many supposedly Democratic supporters so rabid to criticise Biden for ANYTHING no matter how specious the source. It's despicable. Earth to trolls: Bernie lost. Instead of bashing Biden, why not leave and start organising that Sanders' third-party campaign? I'm sure it'll be very successful--at getting Trump reelected, which is obviously your goal anyway.

Democracy is Broken: Why 51% of Sanders Supporters are Considering a 3rd Party ...

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

51% of Sanders' supporters are idiots. Vote for half-glass-full Joe Biden.

Wow! Can you believe it?

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

Huh?

Morals.

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

The Golden Rule is all anybody needs to know about morality.

IS there anything the people really CAN do to reduce or stop the deliberate feeding of hate and ...

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

Fact-check on the internet., Then vote.

10 Reasons People Are Leaving Christianity | Hemant Mehta | Friendly Atheist | Patheos

Storm1752 comments on May 10, 2020:

I don't have to sit through the video. The reasons are obvious.

Apparently out of the loop regarding organizations and individuals defending our non-religious ...

Storm1752 comments on May 9, 2020:

Thanks. I really like Ron. Please note Agnostics can support the Freedom From Religion Foundation also.

Why is it that the supporters of a divisive, hate filled, and conspiracy theory promoting president ...

Storm1752 comments on May 9, 2020:

United THEY stand...against US.

US blocks UN vote on ceasefire. [commondreams.org]

Storm1752 comments on May 9, 2020:

I love the WHO, so don't take this the wrong way, but a global ceasefire because of the pandemic? Are they kidding? How absurd.

What do you think of a first date with social distancing?

Storm1752 comments on May 9, 2020:

What's a 'date?'

Here's a real shocker. .....not really, but still.... [salon.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 9, 2020:

Since I loathe all Republican with an equal percentage of intensity, I don't care about the details of their latest act of hypocrisy.

Religion its real good or bad ?

Storm1752 comments on May 9, 2020:

Because it blocks other trains of thought which might have emerged. Agnostics believe ANYTHING is possible, given a certain set of premises. People might argue about conclusions, but more often, I think, about the underlying assumptions. Faulty reasoning leads to faulty conclusions. If your underlying assumptions is there is certain kind of god (or if you're an atheist assume there ISN'T), and if this assumption is not true, then obviously everything you say past that point is untrue. Since NO assumption about the subject of god can be considered 'true,' no conclusions based on any such assumptions can be considered valid. SO, an agnostic approach permits ANY possibilities equal validity, and if and when we uncover more information about the subject of 'god,' our minds will be free to accept these newly-discovered facts without prejudice.

The secular survey is out and the Friendly Atheist has the low down, excellent report! ...

Storm1752 comments on May 7, 2020:

It's pointless to bring this up but 'agnostics' ARE non-religious.

Lying Christian Pastor: It’s “Scientifically Impossible to Be an Atheist” | Hemant Mehta | ...

Storm1752 comments on May 7, 2020:

I disagree the burden of proof lies more heavily on theists OR atheists. It's an equally onerous burden, because neither group can prove their position. Theists cannot prove god exists. Atheists cannot prove god doesn't exist. It's a draw. A tie. A dead heat. Agnostics, on the other hand, HAVE no burden of proof, so 'win' by default. Sorry. Now go home.

I just saw this as I checked my feeds and email for the first time today.

Storm1752 comments on May 7, 2020:

No comment necessary. If Nino Vitale is the face of god, god is much uglier than even I imagined!

Chris Hedges on Chomsky/lesser-evilism [youtu.be]

Storm1752 comments on May 7, 2020:

Biden is BY FAR the superior choice. Unilateral surrender is not a solution. Abandoning the playing field to far-right fascist oligarchs is not going to help matters. Chris Hedges means well but is espousing a classic case of letting the perfect get in the way of the good. For him to claim Noam Chomsky just doesn't get it is hilarious.

My religious wife watches Christian movies and I hate it.

Storm1752 comments on May 6, 2020:

Get a new wife.

New report finds nonreligious people face stigma and discrimination

Storm1752 comments on May 6, 2020:

Either it never comes up, is no big deal, OR I just avoid the whole thing by intentional vagueness or outright lying. Works great. (I tell my mother, a devout Catholic, OF COURSE I believe in God. The truth is, as an agnostic I have no clue but think it's possible. Sort of. In a way. Why upset her and open up THAT can of worms?) In general, Catholics either don't care, find it an interesting subject, or at most give me a quizzical look...how odd to even TALK about it! Catholics are NOT Evangelicals, are more live and let live. See, since I WAS baptized (at five days old) I guess I'm covered no matter WHAT! Me? I could care less, since I don't know WHAT I think! Some may think I'm cowardly for not 'standing up for' my 'beliefs,' but I really truly don't HAVE any beliefs, so I don't take the subject seriously.

Wow! There IS a God after all! [nydailynews.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 6, 2020:

And this is a big deal why?

Two different predictions. Which do you think is the closest? [anticap.wordpress.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 6, 2020:

Quick rebound, because the unemployment numbers are artificially depressed, so as soon as the 'all clear' is sounded people will forget all about it.

[realclearpolitics.

Storm1752 comments on May 5, 2020:

James Carville is a Democrat. He wouldn't kill for power; only Pubs do that.

Maybe a little perspective. [thehill.com]

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

Crank up the NBA playoffs!

So if Tara Reade appears to have a credible case or accusation against Biden for sexual assault, do ...

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

C'mon Tom, you were never going to vote for Joe anyway, were you? Is that ALL you have? What happened to the Ukraine thing, btw? Haven't heard anything about that one lately...

How do you rationalize the paranormal?

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

Never experienced anything like it, but I believe you. It just confirms to me the atheistic no-to-everything-not-absolutely-provable is just a sterile, non-productive reaction to the legitimately abusive overreaches of organized religion Any time one ideology or religion or point of view tries to shoehorn every round peg into every square hole you'll end up with the same pile of splinters.

Truly sad how these people stay in office.. [cagw.org]

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

Baloney. CAGW is a stealth conservative hate group and part of the "vast right-wing conspiracy" Hillary warned us against. It's part of the huge network of NGOs, think tanks, foundations, legal associations, media propagandists, etc., set up by super-rich oligarchists like the Koch Brothers to manipulate and corrupt our democracy. Before anyone buys into what people like this are selling, consider the source.

[youtu.

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

I have a hard time thinking of Joe Biden as a molester of women. Sorry. I just do.

Politics today :The Complete Summary

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

You...HATE me? But I'm STUPID! You should feel SORRY for me!

Pulitzer winner Chris Hedges: These "are the good times — compared to what's coming next" | ...

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

Yawn The idea 'America' was in the golden past a "shining city on a hill," as a deluded Ronald Reagan put it, was always a pleasant fantasy, born out of the special circumstances of World War II and a good geopolitical location. The United States was never really "exceptional" in any unique, unassailable way. We rebelled against our own government and somehow got away with it. We took over the middle of the continent, from defenseless, primitive people, We economically went through many periods of boom and bust, Socially we behaved (still do) like any other human beings, The Civil War had to happen because the South was (still is) an embarassment; the North was morally superior and militarily stronger. It's ironic the South now politically has the upper hand--a source of ceaseless amazement. After a disastrous depression, we we're FORCED to get into World War II, and took way too much credit for the 'win,' after which we appointed ourselves (with a straight face) the World's Policemen. Today we're a mess, but we always have been a mess. The only things which set us apart are A gigantic military An ego the size of Gibraltar, Good movies. Two big oceans.

Summer Body.

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

I have a May body right now...a little flabby and sad...but I shall emerge like a Monarch Butterfly, spread my wings and SOAR when the time comes!😀

I'm getting tired of seeing this "Are we living in a simulation?

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

Well...are we?

"When considering how to answer the question How should we live?

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

First, supply basic necessities, Second, accumulate reserves, Third, enhance aesthetically, Fourth, satisfy curiousity, Fifth, respect 'natural law' and Golden Rule, Sixth, help deserving others, Seventh, be kind to oneself.

For the grammarians: The atheist might say, “If there WERE a God there would be no unjustified ...

Storm1752 comments on May 1, 2020:

I'M agnostic and I wouldn't say anything remotely like that. I'd say, "If there IS a god, it is impersonal and uninvolved in the minutae of individual lives. "Other than that, not much of anything about any prospective 'god' can be deduced or even induced by the details of the physical world, except perhaps SOME explanation for it's existence must be obtainable, given more research and investigation." Then I'd go back to my TV program.

Are we the baddies?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 27, 2020:

Yes we're 'baddies,' but with redeeming characteristics. We'll know we've become truly psychopathically dangerous when they put a muzzle on the press, particularly the internet. That's the point of no return: press censorship.

Is true communism in my case Anarcho Communism possible in the world?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 27, 2020:

Yes. Based on modern technology it's not only possible but inevitable Hierarchies are necessary to establish pecking order, status, power relationships, and of course how the profits are distributed; the higher up, the more money. When and if full automation is achieved and a large percentage of the population is freed from routine, repetitive labor, the non-working segment will be given a Basic Universal Allocation. This would be pro forma, to ensure rational distribution of goods and services. Money itself would be eliminated from circulation. The working segment will be given additional benefits, status, etc., so it won't (at first) be pure communism, but it'll be close.

This ran in The Irish Times April 25, 2020.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 27, 2020:

It really is unbelievable. As my life has gone on, as the super-rich gradually siezed the levers of power, as the liberal agenda took hit after hit, my opinion of my own country has gotten progressively worse. It's not only a shame, the U.S. is now a huge, bloated military, a major denier of all obvious problems and opportunities, and it seems little else...all flash and hype, patriotic songs and slogans, but little substance. It didn't have to be this way.

Have we normalized hypersexuality in the USA?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 27, 2020:

It's all a myth manufactured by salespeople to hype their latest product.

Want to hear a good blonde joke? Kayleigh McAnany, Trump's peroxide press secretary.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 26, 2020:

No thanks.

Reforming Islam [youtube.com]

Storm1752 comments on Apr 26, 2020:

Hopeless.

Gnostic Atheist, Agnostic Atheist, Agnostic Theist, or Gnostic Theist?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 26, 2020:

It's only a spectrum in some people's minds.

"Going Clear Scientology And The Prison Of Belief.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 26, 2020:

Not worried about it because it seems membership would be self-limiting because most people aren't rich enough to stick with it for long. True?

When I die, as we all must, I hope for peace: maybe even a dreamless sleep as the Buddhist's yearn ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 26, 2020:

I think there may be an afterlife, but why worry about it now? Fear of hell? As we have 'proven' over and over again, there's no such thing. Fear of loss of self? Not a 'thing' in my book. The moment of death only hurts for a second.

A Poll: Should President Trump resign due to his mishandling of the SARS-CoV-2 Crisis?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 26, 2020:

What good would that do? It'd install Mike Pence, who is 100 times worse than Trump ever thought of being. Pence would have the full-throated support of the evangelicals and other far-right types, and would probably stand a better chance of winning. Trump is a figurehead (and not a very good one) and has no real power except that given him by his staff, cabinet, behind-the-scenes power brokers, Congressmen, etc. He's given them free reign to pursue their agenda of dismantling the New Deal and devolving power to the states, where policy is much more easily controlled by these "special interests."

Were Nazis Socialists?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 26, 2020:

Abuse of the word makes for great right-wing misinformation campaigns. According to them, "socialism" equates to authoritarian dictatorial communism, ala the old USSR, North Korea, etc., or in the Nazi's case not much of anything. It's shameful but 'whatever works,' they must think.

When your perspective is based upon logic and facts, proof would be a requirement for any ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 25, 2020:

There's lots of circumstantial evidence extranormal/supernatural phenomenon exists. No evidence for an Abrahamic personal 'god,' however.

Mark Blyth is on of the best political economists in the world.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 25, 2020:

I agree with most of it, but not that there's just one party (the Money Party) in the U.S. I get the general idea; money rules Congress. But there's STILL big differences between Pubs and Dems

Towards radical skepticism: Philosophically, I am a radical skeptic.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 25, 2020:

You're very sure your name is Peter, but not certain? That's head-scratcher.

Could this be the end of the world?

Storm1752 comments on Apr 22, 2020:

Technology will bail us out. A few more major crises, like a major war, will bring enough people to their senses to shift momentum.

Looks like some anti trumpers are trying to thin that herd a bit.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 22, 2020:

Yeah I don't get it. Who's the enemy in this protest?

5 facts about the religious makeup of Congress | Pew Research Center

Storm1752 comments on Apr 22, 2020:

Missing link? In what way? This is extremely predictable. You HAVE to be religious to get elected because religious people vote more than other groups. Duh

Trump orders ships to be fired upon

Storm1752 comments on Apr 22, 2020:

Does anybody care?

This article in the Atlantic seems to think that the never trumpers will forge a coalition with the ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 22, 2020:

To me this is completely beside the point. Call Trump anything you like. He draws his talent from the conventional Republican ranks. With him in power, the anti-abortion/NRA types are in a superior position, as is the usual Hoover/Heritage crowd. That's why the anti-Trumpers will shut up and play ball.

It is OK to look [youtu.be]

Storm1752 comments on Apr 21, 2020:

Not very realistic. Like she said, it's genetic, and big breasts ARE sexy. That doesn't mean it's okay to openly ogle, or catcall, or make rude or offensive comments (unless openly invited). But the physical response is involuntary, for the most part. Why? It shouldn't make any difference... a woman is a woman is a woman. However, is a young, attractive woman (in ways other than breast size) treated differently than an old, wrinkled woman? Of course. Why? They're the same inside, after all, deserving of equal treatment. I say get real. She might as well be complaining about the weather.

POST-NORMAL PANDEMICS: WHY COVID-19 REQUIRES A NEW APPROACH TO SCIENCE “In addressing ...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 20, 2020:

Seems like a pretty weak argument spoken in unappealing bureaucratese. The stilted language serves to both legitimize AND obscure the apparent appeal for more diverse inputs, a different relationship between man and the rest of the ecosystem, a generally healthier world through a more holistic approach... Are they proposing NOT developing tests, quarantines, and vaccines? Calling for a new societal paradigm, a restructuring of institutions to make them less elitist and more democratic, only means something if specific strategies are proposed. How does all this nattering translate into new approaches, policies, and remedial actions? This is all very vague and, as I said, obscure. Give me a real, concrete plan.

[rawstory.

Storm1752 comments on Apr 20, 2020:

Agree because they're programmed robots doing the bidding of the "vast right-wing conspiracy," of which right-wing media propaganda is an activist arm. It's fake protest by a tiny majority, intended to rile up similarly programmed follower-level fellow travelers. I don't mind, frankly, personally, because I'm retired and it's easy for me to isolate myself,. Since they stand a better chance of contracting the disease, moreover, perhaps it'll show these robots that acting ignorantly is not a game, and have real-world consequences, like sickness and death.

Biden 2020!!! Who is with me???

Storm1752 comments on Apr 20, 2020:

It will be a new era! The conservative movement will be losing momentum as many of their old guard begin to leave the stage. That movement was a reaction to the leftist movement of the 60s and 70s, I think. The millennials will change all that in the decades to come. They are not as polarized.

Who on here is an Anarchist? Just curious...

Storm1752 comments on Apr 20, 2020:

It's a great, yet unattainable, ideal. Like Libertarianism.

Does this change your opinion about voting for Joe Biden? [nymag.com]

Storm1752 comments on Apr 20, 2020:

No, I've always liked him, despite his less-than-perfect record.