Debunking 5 'Patriotic' Myths Republicans Actually Believe are True | Forward Progressives

tioteo comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I am glad to see this post. I am so old that I can actually remember when "under God" was added to the pledge and what a pain it was to remember to include it at first. Patriotism comes from the heart, not from the lips.

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

tioteo comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Thinking is good. Some theists should try it.

Greetings and salutations to all out there.

tioteo comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I'm of the opposite tract in a sense. I was born in the south and have many virulently loquacious evangelical relatives still there. The area where I live now in the midwest is similar to there, just not as openly friendly. There are some of us everywhere, but not all are easy to spot. The science of why people don't believe in science? Damned good question.

LOVE AIN'T NOTHING BUT A FOUR LETTER WORD Or is it?

tioteo comments on Jan 27, 2018:

It's a daily thing, and it depends. I call to check on the brittle diabetic next door. I drive a lady to a doctor's appointment when she needs it. I hug my daughter for no apparent reason. Little things mean a lot.

How many of you are still in touch with an ex, someone you had some sort of relationship with or ...

tioteo comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I keep in touch with my high school sweetheart. She is a lovely person now, as she was then. We were just too young then.

Anyone have funny/great pet or animal tales to tell?

tioteo comments on Jan 27, 2018:

When I was much younger we had a basset hound, a notoriously stubborn breed. House training was not going well. One night I put papers down for her. The next morning she had messed everywhere but on the papers, and there weren't many of those places. I was younger and less patient and more quick tempered, so I kicked her on the rear hip in anger. I jammed and bruised my toe (served me right). She limped around the house all day, pausing to look at me with that sad, soulful face. I wanted to crawl in a hole. Around sunset, I retrieved her leash to take her for a walk. She jumped and almost waltzed around the house; she loved her walks. Trot, trot, trot. No hint of a limp was seen on the whole walk. We came back to the house. I opened the front door. She trotted in, turned and looked at me, and then started to limp again! I don't think I've ever been played that well by anyone else. I laughed, petted her, and congratulated her for being so smart.

Affairs of the heart.

tioteo comments on Jan 27, 2018:

No fun, but I'm glad you are okay now. Now you know more what to expect. Take care.

"To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with." -Mark Twain

tioteo comments on Jan 26, 2018:

My favorite author.

For me, genuine charity (defined by the "Principles of Charity" an ethical discussion by several ...

tioteo comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I think you're overthinking this......but you are thinking. Too few do that.

Just this morning, I heard this TV ad for hearing aids .

tioteo comments on Jan 25, 2018:

It's an act. Some people are lured by irrationality and willingly take the bait.

Hope your day is Awsome

tioteo comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Right back at you.

Talking with a friend while playing Dungeons & Dragons, a question came up.

tioteo comments on Jan 25, 2018:

It is a game, by nature a fantasy.

At least this feller understands his faith... [baptistnews.com]

tioteo comments on Jan 25, 2018:

This is definitely right on point.

Part 1 of 2 I was born into an Evangelical Christian household and got “saved” at age twelve.

tioteo comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I have found that life can a journey of self-discovery, even at my age. It takes time, introspection, and open-mindedness toward life, but especially toward yourself. You've made many strides. Keep up the journey.

In September 2013, I was knocked down at a pedestrian crossing on my way home from work.

tioteo comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Good for you and your country's health care system. The good folks over here don't love their neighbors enough to care about their health.....and please note the sarcasm.

Are you a fan of live theater?

tioteo comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Love live theater. I have acted since I was 11 and directed for the las 30+ years. My favorite show to watch was Les Mis. My favorite show to act in was My Fair Lady (Alfie Dolittle). My favorite show to direct was Steel Magnolias.

How did we let an unqualified Fundamentalist use our educational system to indocturnate our kids?

tioteo comments on Jan 22, 2018:

We've dealt with her for years in the area where I live. Since we can't teach religion in public schools, she wants to do away with public schools. Unfortunately, she is on a bigger stage now.

Hi all! I'm a musician, pianist (for my own enjoyment these days) and choral singer.

tioteo comments on Jan 22, 2018:

That's how it is. In the past, much of the music was definitely religious in nature; we can't get away from it--nor should we. The past is the past. Music is music.

I live in India and I have not met a single friend or family member in India who is an atheist, I ...

tioteo comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I have met numerous Indian atheists over the years. Good luck in your quest to make connections.

Donald trump Iq test

tioteo comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I like this. Thanks for sharing.

Is this the smartest thing Trump has ever said?

tioteo comments on Jan 20, 2018:

It may be the last thing he got correct.

Do you feel it is necessary to be anti religious groups of people to be agnostic or atheist?

tioteo comments on Jan 15, 2018:

No.

So, I just watched the end of the football game between the Saints and the Vikings this evening.

tioteo comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Not any more. I guess I have become immune.

What is with the hatred of police officers?

tioteo comments on Jan 14, 2018:

I don't hate police officers. Most of them do their job and help society. A few have overstepped their authority, but they are the exception.

Re: Prayer requests.....

tioteo comments on Jan 14, 2018:

If I respond, which I never do to the blanket posts, I say something like "Sending positive thoughts."

Listen to What I say-Sarah Huckabee Sanders

tioteo comments on Jan 14, 2018:

Every time she opens her mouth the word "idiot" comes to mind.

Well it happened.

tioteo comments on Jan 13, 2018:

Some of us have huddled and decided to picket your home. One wanted to run you out of town on a rail after tarring and feathering. Be warned!

It's Time to Start Calling Evangelicals What They Are: The American Taliban

tioteo comments on Jan 13, 2018:

There is too much truth here......unfortunately.

Why are you labeling me?

tioteo comments on Jan 13, 2018:

Labeling occurs on both sides of the fence. When I was much younger, I dated a lot of older women. A few people made remarks. We ignored it. Then they stopped.

I just pulled this from Facebook : And below, in the comments, someone said : "we need ...

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

I hadn't seen this Sagan quote before. Like it! Thanks for sharing it.

God doesn't exist, blah blah, Religion is for stupid people, blah, blah, "you are just cherry ...

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

I didn't proselytize when I was a church member; I don't proselytize now. I am not, however, afraid to express my opinion.

What are we looking for?

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Some people like to use other people. We align ourselves with them without realizing that. When we do realize it, it is best to end it. That is one scenario. Two people must share, have common goals, and ultimately love the other more than they love themselves in order to live together until they die. That is hard to do, but it can be done. I have known such couples. Both have put all they were and all they had into their partnership. That is what made it last for 50, 60, 70 years.

Two trees have stood side by side in a forest for many, many years.

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

All my old jokes have come back to haunt me. Like it!

Much thanks to my betters.

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Are you satisfied with that?

The Reason Britain Loves Tea - YouTube

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

As a tea snob (only loose leaf, precise steeping times, careful timing of infusions, etc.) myself, this was a bit of the history that I hadn't come across.

I always had doubts about the story of Lot.

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

More logical than the original, but the original story was bunk anyway.

If this isn't true right about now, I don't know what is.. had to share.. :)

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Glad you shared. My favorite chuckle of the day.

What song would you want played for your funeral?

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony....Yeah, I'm different from most.

I sometimes asked to speak at various organizations.

tioteo comments on Jan 11, 2018:

Like it. I like to tell this with an old priest--Irish, of course because I like to do the brogue--and a new priest.

Intentional or not?

tioteo comments on Jan 10, 2018:

Wasn't he named after the brand of jeans? You know, Rustler? (Yeah, I'm just having a little fun.)

I've been a dedicated atheist for 9 years now.

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

Hope is one thing; expectation is another. Having lost your son, your hope for him to have an afterlife is rational.

I am a huge reader.

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

Have you ever tried "Asimov Science Fiction" magazine? There's a lot of good reading in it, and it's not too expensive.

A man opened a new husband store.

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

This was definitely a good laugh.

There have been 700 proposals in Congress in the last 200 years to amend the Electoral College, more...

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

Yes, it should be. Its inclusion in the Constitution came at a time when the states were more important than the citizens. At least for me, that time has passed. Within recent memory, we have had two presidents elected by the Electoral College who lost the popular vote. The ballot of an individual voter in California or New York should have as much weight as the ballot of a voter in Wyoming.

"Being an atheist means you have to realise that when you die, that really is it.

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

None of what we do as a race will amount to a blip on the timeline of the universe; therefore, we must be content to know that what we do as individuals will be remembered only by a few for a very short time, but to those few, we should try to leave worthwhile memories.

"We must question the story logic of having an all-knowing all-powerful God, who creates faulty ...

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

First time I've seen this. Right on!

Anyone have a match?

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

The pic is great!

Do you play a musical instrument?

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

I am a music lover. I listen mostly to classical, but not to the exclusion of all other genres. I don't play any instruments, but I do write songs (lyrics with the tune in my head) for some bands around who want originals. There are a number of people here who play.

Hello folks! I'm new here.

tioteo comments on Jan 9, 2018:

You'll have to be the judge. Lots of things get mentioned, discussed (or cussed). I haven't found people to be unkind yet. Most are encouraging. Many are thought-provoking. Welcome. I hope you enjoy.

Nature and 'spirituality'

tioteo comments on Jan 8, 2018:

I can agree with that. I think the spirituality comes from within, but I think I understand what you're saying.

It’s hard to feel bad for pure disrespectful people, who have little to none respect for other ...

tioteo comments on Jan 8, 2018:

They will never see themselves as anything but right. I spent three summers in D.C. and obnoxious people like this were all too common. They are so enraptured by the correctness of their message that they don't realize that the effect they are having is just the opposite of what they want. Idiots!

Christian women throwing a fit after atheist post a bible scripture on the back of his vehicle.

tioteo comments on Jan 8, 2018:

It's what I'd expect, in fact, what most of here would expect.

I have recently joined this agnostic/atheists group.

tioteo comments on Jan 8, 2018:

Welcome. There is no shortage of banter here. Hopefully, there will be no shortage of ideas.

Hi, I'm here to chat with like-minded people.

tioteo comments on Jan 8, 2018:

There are many different points of view within this group of similarly-minded people. Most of us are willing to chat; some of us are even willing to listen. Welcome.

Are you a philosophical kind of thinking or feeling person?

tioteo comments on Jan 8, 2018:

You may quote me on this...or not..."Life is too important to be taken too seriously."

Do you/How do you celebrate the solstices & equinoxes?

tioteo comments on Jan 8, 2018:

I look at the calendar, say, "Well, it's the first day of ____", and take another sip of my tea.

I am guessing the educational level in this group is higher than average. True or not?

tioteo comments on Jan 7, 2018:

I think so. Whether formally educated or not, people on this site seem to have honed their thinking skills.

Church weddings?

tioteo comments on Jan 6, 2018:

Certainly. Attendance is not acceptance. Besides, it's out of respect or to support someone.

Hello, new here.

tioteo comments on Jan 5, 2018:

For most of us, much like you, the separation from religion is a gradual process. The departure is made all the more difficult because many, if not most, of our contacts are involved in the religion as well. Often our family, including spouse, does not share our desire to leave and fights or obstructs in any way possible. It's not an easy process. I'm still going through it myself, but each day is easier. Keep in mind that, above all, you must be true to yourself.

Why are so many people still OK with the abhorrent practice of male genital mutilation ...

tioteo comments on Jan 5, 2018:

My own experience is for infant circumcision. I was not circumcised as a baby. In first grade my foreskin was pinched in my zipper as I was closing it. This didn't become a problem until I matured. Then the foreskin would not retract over the head during an erection. This led to problems with my first attempt at copulation, leading to almost emergency circumcision, which led to pain and....well, it wasn't pleasant. I wish I'd had it done much younger.

THE AMERICAN IDENTITY.

tioteo comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I am an American of predominantly European lineage, but the cultural lineage now is American.

Are there any creative writers in the group?

tioteo comments on Jan 5, 2018:

Probably, depending on what I'm trying to say.

I recently argued with a woman at a New Year's party about what was more painful, giving birth or ...

tioteo comments on Jan 5, 2018:

I can't say what it's like to deliver a baby. I didn't enjoy being hit in the scrotum. They're not the same and have different outcomes. I'm glad my wife put it all behind her and had our second child. Our kids make our lives more fulfilling.

I want to change my name.

tioteo comments on Jan 5, 2018:

If it is that important to you, change it. However, no longer is your name your label. My given name is a derivative of a name meaning "gift of god." My parents had no idea of that when they gave it to me; they liked the sound of it and that it was short. It doesn't bother me, no matter its origin.

Is anyone else on here part of the LGBT community?

tioteo comments on Jan 3, 2018:

Welcome. I am straight. I support your right to be you.

I believe in the power of faith.

tioteo comments on Jan 2, 2018:

You can have faith in anything, but if you don't put in the preparation and hard work, it won't serve you at all. Those things give you confidence, and confidence serves you well. That is not a higher power; that is your power.

Why I'm no longer asked to make cookies for the church bake sale ... ;)

tioteo comments on Jan 2, 2018:

LOL

I still remember sitting in church at age 5 listening to this guy telling me I was a sinner.

tioteo comments on Jan 2, 2018:

I was exposed to similar experiences as a child. It eventually took its toll on me and the church lost out.

Do you believe in Astrology?

tioteo comments on Jan 1, 2018:

It's mythology, nothing more.

Do you taunt the religious?

tioteo comments on Dec 31, 2017:

Not as long as they don't taunt me.

Christianity truly used to give me peace.

tioteo comments on Dec 30, 2017:

"Hey, let's stop excusing evil and do something about it!" Like that.

If you were given the chance, would you want to be famous?

tioteo comments on Dec 28, 2017:

Famous? Maybe not exactly. Recognized for positive accomplishment? Definitely.

GOP's love of Jesus real?

tioteo comments on Dec 28, 2017:

The GOP is opportunistic; there is no person, belief, or opportunity that they won't exploit if they can, authenticity be damned!

Baron de'Holbach "If we go back to the beginning, we shall find that ignorance and fear created ...

tioteo comments on Dec 28, 2017:

An old quote comes to mind: Man created god(s); god(s) did not create man.

Any musicians out there? I'll show you mine if you show me yours ;)

tioteo comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Although I don't consider myself a musician, I have written a number of songs for local bands who want to do originals and not covers. I think some were pretty good, but none have been made into "hits."

Which books in the Christian Bible do you think contain the largest amount of nonsense?

tioteo comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Genesis. Both versions of the creation given were taken from other sources and have been shown to be scientifically inaccurate, yet creationist Christians continue to cling to their infallibility, leading to the great ignorance found today.

Can you be agnostic and still think evil exists?

tioteo comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Evil is a human concept. It exists because we have standards of behavior which we expect others to follow.

I think one of the most surprising things about being a non-believer of a god is when talking to ...

tioteo comments on Dec 27, 2017:

Many who say they are believers aren't.

Any older experienced atheists around here have any life advice for a young man entering into the ...

tioteo comments on Dec 25, 2017:

Be introspective. Come to know yourself from the inside out, then be true to that self.

Are atheists a growing population?

tioteo comments on Dec 23, 2017:

That depends on our diet.

What are your feelings on Christmas?

tioteo comments on Dec 23, 2017:

I enjoy much about it: the music, the idealism associated with it. I dislike the greed, selfishness, and overdone bling. I suppose the extremes are bound to be in evidence.

I recently posted about losing one of my cat family,and,got very little response.

tioteo comments on Dec 23, 2017:

Having read most of the other comments on your post, it is obvious many of us did not see the post in a timely manner, if at all. I don't check in every day so....anyway, I am sorry for your loss. Pets are our friends, our family. I wish you well.

If you had to name the current chapter of your life, what would you call it?

tioteo comments on Dec 22, 2017:

The Slope Becomes a Precipice

When a rotten politician is in your pocket, possibilities are endless. Am I Wrong?

tioteo comments on Dec 22, 2017:

When a rotten politician is in your pocket, you'd better change your pants.

I truly believe that I'm god.

tioteo comments on Dec 21, 2017:

Know what you mean. I'm the one who hears and answers.

The Apocrypha. Has anyone read them?

tioteo comments on Dec 19, 2017:

I've read them, but it has been years. You have a valid point on the infallibility issue.

Does happiness really come from within?

tioteo comments on Dec 19, 2017:

We cannot always choose the stimuli around us, but we can train ourselves to choose how to react to it. I guess I'm saying, we can choose to be happy, but it's not always easy.

Even as a child, raise to attend a main line Protestant church, I never bought into the Biblical ...

tioteo comments on Dec 12, 2017:

Interesting you should raise these points, especially mentioning Scientology. L. Ron Hubbard was a science fiction writer who wanted to create a religion that would endure when he was dead, which he did. His stories, though sometimes not bad, were never in a league with the best writers and would not have sustained his memory, but his religion does. It's a similar story with the Mormons, who were roped in by a charlatan and huckster who now lives on, in a sense, in the religion he created. Logic and veracity be damned, huh?

Where are all the good, tolerant, creative, funny, open-minded and available men?

tioteo comments on Dec 10, 2017:

Good luck in your quest.

I have been watching Chance this past weekend, and the protagonist makes this statement at the end ...

tioteo comments on Dec 10, 2017:

"Life is too important to be taken too seriously."

An unofficial question: if Agnostic.com had a mascot who or what should it be?

tioteo comments on Dec 10, 2017:

How about a platypus?

At what age do you think children are responsible enough to make the right decision?

tioteo comments on Dec 2, 2017:

This is a progression. Making proper choices comes as a result of their observing you, making mistakes and learning from them, and interacting with the world. It is very important that they receive guidance and acknowledgement when they do make proper decisions. As they grow older, they should make more and better decisions.

At family gatherings I am always the colorful one in a room full of pale skin and tan clothes.

tioteo comments on Dec 2, 2017:

Are you ostracized for it? I hope not.

Three men die on Christmas Eve and are met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.

tioteo comments on Dec 2, 2017:

One I hadn't heard. I like it!

“I found a bear by the stream,” says the minister, “and preached God's holy Word.

tioteo comments on Nov 30, 2017:

An oldie but a goodie!

Coffee or tea?

tioteo comments on Nov 30, 2017:

Black tea is more of a pick-me-up than green or white tea because it has more caffeine, but a cup of tea generally has much less than a cup of coffee.

Coffee or tea?

tioteo comments on Nov 30, 2017:

I am a tea "snob", according to some people. I drink only infusions from whole leaves, with timed infusion, proper temperature, and filtered water. There are many varieties of black teas, green teas, white teas, and oolong teas. For me, it's black tea in the morning and then green or white tea in the afternoon. Enjoy! Everyone is different.

I was tagged to write a wild dating story.

tioteo comments on Nov 30, 2017:

That was how it was when I was dating. Having been married for 50+ years, I wouldn't know where to start now. It's a good thing my wife and I are in decent health. I must say that when I was dating I expected no "favors" other than the chance to get to know a girl. I hope you have many nice days.

I lay outside one night on my back.

tioteo comments on Nov 28, 2017:

Hook 'em; then reel 'em in. Well played.

Do you think there needs to be a creator to explain the universe ?

tioteo comments on Nov 26, 2017:

Man's nature is to question. The problem with religion is that it purports to explain everything while showing glowing errors in logic; myth is not science. We must continue to examine our place in the universe, even though that place/time might be less than a blip in the totality of the universe; therefore, the answer is no.