I believe there are people that truly need the dogma and comfort of religion.

wordywalt comments on Jun 23, 2018:

That is because they feel inherently weak or powerless, and sold their sold to become absolute true believers in the religious dogma. They do that do gain the power of the religious group and the perceived certainty of purpose and meaning. They are captives of their religion and its leaders.

Why do conservative Christians feel oppressed?

wordywalt comments on Jun 23, 2018:

Evangelical true believers feel that the absolute certainty of their dogma entitles them to intrude on the lives of others and to impose their dogma on others to further their cause. They feel that any attempts to limit their intrusive and abusive behavior is oppression. In other words, they really don't give a damned about us and our rights, nor do they feel bound by the U.S. Constitution.

I got a 15 gallon Pomegranate tree, when planting it I noticed it has ants that looks like are ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 23, 2018:

There are a number of sprays that will get rid of the aphids. Watch the ants and see where the worker ants are going. If they have a next in the ground . If the worker ants have a trail from the tree leading to the ant hill or next, get Orthonex (a white powder)and sprinkle powder along the trail. The worker ants will get it on their bodies and take it into the next, where it will wipe out the entire next or colony. Without the ants, you will not have aphids.

Food for thought over the weekend: What is the cause of human suffering?

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

That is a very simplistic and inaccurate position.

Can we quite the “White Privilege” nonsense?

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

South Carolina has been a center of the :white privilege" movement in the USA since the early 19th century. You are going to have one helluva time getting rid of it there.I grew up in the southern bible belt, but I could not live there today.

What activities do you participate in regularly that are environmentally friendly and do your ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

I grow 3 vegetable gardens a year.

Men place almost as much importance on humour as they do on appearances and women want to find a ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Some men do. But, some men have zero sense of humor, and some are not humorless, but naturally serious people.

I am looking for some suggestions on making a small water fountain where I don't need to pump water ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

If you are growing a garden in the soil, as opposed to pots or containers, what you are seeking my not be feasible. Every time you till up the soil, you would have to take the system out and disassemble it. You also have problems with clogs and leaks. I understand your desire for it, and considered it, but decided against it.

Just had the heart-breaking realization on a wholey visceral level that the pain of rejection hurt ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Thrre are risks in any relationship. We just need to be honest with ourselves to ensure that the risks are not wild ones.

How many languages do you speak? List them in the comments.

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Just English and German.

Is traveling and being exposed to other people and cultures important and why?

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Yes, so long as one stays in the culture long enough to be truly immersed in it. That immerson gives one the experience which enables the person to see their own culture without blinders on.

My sister, a christian, is curious about athiesm.

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

The important thing to understand is that atheism is not an "ism", in terms of being a dogmatic ideology. It is simply the rejection of religion and deities. I would recommend that she read about existentialism.

Quick poll how does everyone feel about GMOs?

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Well studied GMOs are not a threat to anyone.

That was fast! a reply to Melania's Jacket.

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Melania is not a nice, innocent person. She knew what kind of a man she was marrying and did it for the money.

This is from my last home in Florida.

wordywalt comments on Jun 22, 2018:

I have 10 pineapple plants in my yard in Tampa. Right now 5 of them have maturing fruit.

Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Why ask questions about a nonexistent being?

Are these true about philosophy?

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Every philosophy starts out or is premised on some basic assumptions. Those assumptions may be empirically true, empirically false, or unprovable. The accurate interpretation of a philosophy is that which its creator(s) intended. An accurate analysis of a philosophy is based on analysis of the basic underlying assumptions, empirical analysis of purported statement of fact, and examination of the philosophy's internal logic. It may be possible to base a philosophy on math, but most are not,so based.

This bothers me.

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Not in any colleges or universities I have ever been a part of, except for a damned few ideological "true believer" nuts. Be careful that you don't paint everything in a false hue!

True commitment takes effort and sacrifice. Do you choose your commitments wisely ?

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Except for my first marriage, I have made my commitments wisely. In my first marriage, I put in the effort and sacrifice, but my efforts were not reciprocated.

Trump's America and the rise of the authoritarian personality

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

We must stand up and squelch the forces that Trump energizes.

The Illuminations of Hannah Arendt

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

I encountered Hannah Arendt's work 50 years ago in graduate level political sience and international relations classes. A brilliant and insightful woman!

'Bungling amateur' Trump has started a trade war without understanding trade or war or China: ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

There is no doubt that the imbecile Trump is a damned poor player who struts and frets his hour upon the stage. It is entirely up to US to ensure that he is heard no more!

In conclusion to my earlier post, about the God note in my mail box, I share what Bertrand Russell ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

Superb logic.

Are you the kind of person who could forgive two-faced people?

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

No. If I can't trust the person, I want nothing to do with him or her.

What books should all atheists read?

wordywalt comments on Jun 21, 2018:

There are no such books. We each have our own path. There is no one ideological dogma.

Volunteer Work, pros and cons

wordywalt comments on Jun 20, 2018:

My entire career was spent focused on helping people and schools. I had little time or desire to do additional volunteer work. Even today, I do not volunteer for organizations, as a have no desire to be directed by others. I gladly help individuals in my own way.

GOP Congressional Candidate Wants Mandatory Prayer In Public School

wordywalt comments on Jun 20, 2018:

In other words, he does not give a damn about the US Constitution.

‘Womp womp’: Corey Lewandowski mocks story of child with Down syndrome separated from parents - ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 20, 2018:

He is just another of the moral imbeciles in the Trump cabal.

Quiz: How well can you tell factual from opinion statements? | Pew Research Center

wordywalt comments on Jun 20, 2018:

It is not hard. You just have to be skeptical, objective, and logical.

How far back can you remember?

wordywalt comments on Jun 20, 2018:

Whyen I was 3 or 4 years old, we were visiting my grantparents at their farmhouse in Lafayeete County, Florida. Near the house was a large wooden water talk on a platform. Wile playing with cousins, I decided to climb the ladder on the side of the water tank to the top. My uncle saw me, scolded me and chased me down. I was so bent out of shape that I decided to punish the adults who were limiting my freedom. The house was built on 3 foot high brick piers and a crawled under the house to the middle pier and hid. After a while the adults noticed that I was missing and started looking or me, going all around the farmstead looking for me. I just sat there in glee, feeling that they were getting their just desserts. After a while, I got tired of it and crawled out. The adults were so glad to see me that all I got was hugs.

So, my great nephew will be staying with me for the next month or so, he is fifteen years old and ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 20, 2018:

Call him out on the issue in a calm, but firm way. Set limits with consequences and point out to him that the decision is his and that any consequences he will be bringing on himself.

U.S. Quits UN Human Rights Council, Saying It’s Anti-Israel - Bloomberg

wordywalt comments on Jun 20, 2018:

Just one more instance of the Trump cabal gutting legitimate and helpful functions of government. Do EVERYTHING you can to wake ALL Americans up from this nightmare!!!

Who here has had a root canal? Please tell me about your experience, good and bad.

wordywalt comments on Jun 19, 2018:

It hurts, but the pain is gone in a day or two. I"ve had much worse pain.

Do you keep your emotions and feelings to yourself ? Or do you allow others in ?

wordywalt comments on Jun 19, 2018:

It depends on how much I trust the other, and whether or not I have any desire to engage in an interpersonal relationship with that person.

Why label ourselves as heathens?

wordywalt comments on Jun 19, 2018:

I am a principled human being. Screw labels!

Atheists And Social Justice

wordywalt comments on Jun 19, 2018:

We have an obligation to contribute to the definition of social values, and to see that morality is de-linked from religion.

My mantra is "this too shall pass.

wordywalt comments on Jun 19, 2018:

Let's just make damned sure that it passes, with a great big helping hand (or boot) out of the door ASAP.

Pass it on

wordywalt comments on Jun 19, 2018:

Stephen Miller should never be let near any federal building. The only building fit for him would be an outhouse!

What are some effective ways to get out of your broke, depressed, hopeless slump?

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

Get your ass in gear and get up and DO something -- even if it is wrong. Emotion and action are keys.

Generations ----- 1. Which named generation do you most identify as your own?

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

I as born as a member of the silent generation. But, I identify with the protest generation of the late 1960s to mid 1970s.

Generations ----- 1. Which named generation do you most identify as your own?

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

I as born as a member of the silent generation. But, I identify with the protest generation of the late 1960s to mid 1970s.

Children are bargaining chips

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

The Trump administration is a cabal of pure evil!

Children are bargaining chips

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

The Trump administration is a cabal of pure evil!

Children are bargaining chips

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

The Trump administration is a cabal of pure evil!

Balanced people

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

Balance has never concerned me. I believe that we need to stay physically and mentally active, and that we need to maintain our moral integrity. As I do not believe that we have a soul, I do not attend to that issue at all.

So do all atheists accept the scientific consensus about evolution and have you met some that ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

Like you, I have never encountered -- in person or in comments -- who rejected evolution and its substantial scienctific evidence.

Do you believe it's unethical to eat meat?

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

NO. We are biologically hunters and gatherers.

To do after one’s inner voice and conscience, rather than as being told?!

wordywalt comments on Jun 18, 2018:

To be a "true believer" is purely and simply contrary to my inner core, my sense of who I am and who I want to be. As a young person, I was a "seeker" vulnerable to consideration of religious and political ideologies as I sought to define myself. Today, I refuse to be the captive of any religion or "ism." I, and I alone, am personally responsible for my actions and choices and their consequences.

What Does Religious Liberty Mean to the Unaffiliated? - TheHumanist.com

wordywalt comments on Jun 17, 2018:

It means the valid assertion of freedom from religion, if one so chooses.

Stephen Miller (Remember his face).

wordywalt comments on Jun 17, 2018:

Miller is a vicious reactionary demagogue.

Do you face your issues head on ?

wordywalt comments on Jun 17, 2018:

I try to, but don't always succeed. I don't believe that anyone fully succeeds at this task.

Is Atheism a belief system?

wordywalt comments on Jun 17, 2018:

No, atheism is not an ideology or a philosophy, but can be used as a building block in both.

The Twelve Worst Ideas Organized Religion Has Unleashed on the World.

wordywalt comments on Jun 17, 2018:

I agree on all 12 points.

What do you think about the idea that the human capacity for "Hive Mind" ?

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

That is why highly effective organizations form supportive teams.

If your partner has no interest in religion but has a family who does and he/she insists on ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

When I lived in the same state, I did join them for holiday get-togethers. I attended few weddings or funerals, however. (only 1 of each).

Why would someone do this?

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Gross.

My best friend passed away two years ago this past April.

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

I do not believe in spontaneous combustion. I also do not believe that anyone would voluntarily do this to themselves. The possibility of murder should be thoroughly investigated.

Sitting here at my cousins funeral thinking about how much I don’t want this circus when my time ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

There will be no funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life to mark my death. I will be cremated. I am to be cremated. MY ashes are to be taken to Kansas where she and my two daughters will scatter my ashes on Lucas Point on '"Wilson Lake.As they are scattering the ashes, the melody, Ashoken Farewell" is to be played on an electronic device. That is exactly the way I want it to be.

Fossil find offers first evidence of four-legged aquatic ancestors in Africa

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Interesting.

Soft on STDs - TheHumanist.com

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Religion and conservative politics are endangering health care in the USA.

Doctor Plays God, Church Blames Patient - TheHumanist.com

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

His medical license should be revoked.

Will Trump win in 2020?

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

No. Enough people in the USA see just how corrupt, morally bankrupt, and sociopathic the idiot Trump is.

It is Trolland Dump's B'day... Here is a present for it!

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

A true and accurate representation.

Religion and evolution? No way, says Richard Dawkins

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

I would agree. Religion interferes with natural evolution.

I always knew that religion created conflict across the world.

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

It is a bit more complicated and pernicious than that. Too many evangelicals are trying to comingle religion and politics to gain the power to force their dogma down our throats, and too many politicians are using religion to gain votes. The overall result is terribly erosive to our democracy.

America: Do you believe Canada is a socialist country?

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

No, Canada is not a socialist country. It is a social democracy -- a productive mixture of free enterprise, socialism, and a political democracy. We have a lot to learn from Canada's efforts.

I'm concerned about the Boy Who Cried Wolf.

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

Under Trump and his irrational fear mongering, hate mongering, and his attempts at idolization of himself as the glorious leader, and with his racist and reactionary base, there is a real danger of it happening here -- unless we stop it. We have never before seen anything like this --so depraved -- in our country!

Im Libertarian. Any more here?

wordywalt comments on Jun 16, 2018:

But, I hope, not an Ayn Rand believer?

Should we be debating theists?

wordywalt comments on Jun 15, 2018:

Only under stringent ground rules which would not allow the theists to escape into irrationality.

Religious law may be coming to America.

wordywalt comments on Jun 15, 2018:

We MUST fight against the evangelicals in this tendency -- in the judicial system, in the court of public opinion, and by making politicians know that they will pay a price for betraying our democracy and Constitution

I'm sure this has happened to all of you and I'm seeking a good solution: You come up on someone ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 15, 2018:

I simply say, "Excuse me."

I just read a quote from Carl Jung.

wordywalt comments on Jun 15, 2018:

The only mystery is exactly how life arose. We all know how it ends.

During times of great hardship, the believers have their books, their houses of worship and their ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 15, 2018:

Friendships.

Summer’s coming, what’s your favorite hobby?

wordywalt comments on Jun 15, 2018:

My favoreite summer hobby is counting the days until the autumn cool-down. I detest heat and humidity.

Sarah Sanders on family separation: it’s “biblical to enforce the law” - Vox

wordywalt comments on Jun 14, 2018:

Sanders is a damned liar. It is neither moral or "biblical."

Letting Go of Toxic People is a Step Towards Happiness

wordywalt comments on Jun 14, 2018:

I agree wholeheartedly!

Aren't we all free thinkers"

wordywalt comments on Jun 14, 2018:

Let me make your joke serious: Not all atheists are free thinkers. Any atheist who is still a committed "true believer" in any ideological dogma -- political, economic, or philosophical -- is not a free thinker.

Hello fellow Agnostics, Seeking your experience and ideas as tonight I am pondering the impact of ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 14, 2018:

What do you mean by intention? Be more specific or give examples.

What do you see as the biggest threat to the future of our grandchildren?

wordywalt comments on Jun 14, 2018:

I view 3 things as huge threats: (1) overpopulation, (2) fossil fuels, and (3) Donald Trump

Ever read someone's long posting and think, "There's 3 goddamn minutes of my life I'll never get ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 14, 2018:

If the post is written well and includes short paragraphs, it does not bother me. But, if it poorly written, rambling, and/or one big blob, I stop reading after the first couple of sentences.

Phooey! I have gray leaf mold on my yellow squash.

wordywalt comments on Jun 13, 2018:

The disease is called powdery mildew. Once it gets started in a crop, you can slow it down, but you can't stop it. The key is prevention. Both Ortho and Bayer have fungicides that can help. I actually spray the soil where I am going to plant squash before I till it up. Once the squash has come up or as soon as you place squash plants in the soil, They need to be sprayed with fungicide at least every couple of weeks to keep the milder from eve getting started. If you are going to go strictly organic, there is no way to stop it.

Completely baffled by people who still support him.

wordywalt comments on Jun 13, 2018:

The factsw speak for themselves.

Does anyone else also think televangelists who make their business off of conning people by taking ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 12, 2018:

All televangelists are morally reprehensible.

Today my friend had to euthanize her beloved dog.

wordywalt comments on Jun 12, 2018:

I detest such maudlin thought. No organism has a soul.

Faith... is it good?

wordywalt comments on Jun 12, 2018:

If "faith" means blind belief in anything, it is no virtue

Hot Button Question 3

wordywalt comments on Jun 12, 2018:

Extremism in pursuit of any "ism" is no virtue.

Well.

wordywalt comments on Jun 11, 2018:

Sheer cowardice mixed with self-absorption.

The biggest difficulty I have as an atheist is that I am a teacher and have to deflect questions ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 11, 2018:

That is a small price to pay for the important freedom. As a former high school teacher, I was glad to just not discuss religion in any way.

More often that not, this stems to be true. Their true colors come out in time.

wordywalt comments on Jun 11, 2018:

This statement almost completely describes the behavior of my first wife in our long marriage. I would only add that she also chose to turn most conversations into vicious, hurtful -- and senseless -- wars.This is why I have not spoken to her in almost 25 years.

Do you have an issue with people taking a knee?

wordywalt comments on Jun 11, 2018:

No. Tim Tebow did it long before the current Trump=provoked issue arose, and no one said a thing.

There are scientists doing research on religion (anthropologists, cognitive and social ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 11, 2018:

Blind hagtred is equally limiting and destructive as religious "true belief."

Yes! Straight from the horse's mouth.

wordywalt comments on Jun 10, 2018:

Very damned good!!!

Loss of American Jobs?

wordywalt comments on Jun 10, 2018:

Of course it will. He is such a destructive idiot!

Not able to cope up the "Transition to Atheist"! Its been 5 months I have transitioned this way ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 10, 2018:

I grew up in a situation similar to yours. But, when when I left religion behind, I never missed it at all. If you were to go vack into a religious congregation, you would know in your own mind that your behavior is basically false. I do not see how you could find that sitisgying.

Question. How do you feel about needing to put your hand on a bible in court to be sworn in?

wordywalt comments on Jun 10, 2018:

Let me suggest that we mount a movement to use a copy of the U.S. Constitution for swearing in witnesses, as opposed to the Bible.

Well I"m finally finish planting, and I got a nice rain today, which is just what the garden needed.

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

In Florida, my tomato plants have played out already, and I'm getting ready to plant a summer crop of white acre peas. Had 11 weeks of awesome black heirloom tomatoes.

I don't know why its becoming harder and harder to relate to people in US especially where women ...

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

What behaviors in others are giving you the most concerns? How do you respond to them?

Why is the topic of over-population never discussed when considering climate change, sustainability,...

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

You are absolutely right. I can remember in the 1960s when we were talking about the "population bomb" and the absolute need for ZPG (zero population growth). Then suddenly all of the attention went away, but the problem did not. Humans.all too often, have a stupidly short attention span. Our problems with pollution(land,water, and sea) and global warming are defintely linked with too damned many people consuming too damned many resources and creating huge wastes.

Love this!

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

Love it!!

I see Donald Trump has called for the G7 countries to re-admit Russia to the group, so that it again...

wordywalt comments on Jun 9, 2018:

Of course. It is abundantly clear that Putin has his hooks into Trump so deeply that Trump, himself, is a clear and present danger to our democracy, our country, our principles, and our people. Anyone who continues to support Trump is condoning treason and betrayal.