Sadly seems to be true

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Beautiful depiction of Republican hypocrisy.

He Became A Celebrity For Putting Science Before God.

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

If they cannot control those character flaws, they will eventually pay the price.I am not surprised. A lot of men who are :"good" men in some ways still have some character flaws.

OK.

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I find it most interesting that not ONE of most rabid and vociferous gun pushing advocates has ever dare to attempt to answer this gentlemen's valid questions? Have his questions shamed you into guilty silence?

OK.

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Superbly posed questions!! Those advocating widespread ownership of all kinds of weapons will not be able to answer your questions with any facts, truthfulness, or morality. But their views are far from rational or moral.

YES! I'm turned loose from PT and OT and home health.

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Go for it! Do whatever it takes to provide yourself with some quality of life in your remaining time. I am 81 and 11 years ago after a heart attack and having a pacemaker implanted, I started an exercise routine with weights at the gym I have stayed with and steadily increased the weight training routine over the entire time. Today, my heart strength is above normal, my weight is down by over 20 pounds, and I have been told by trainers that I work out with the heaviest weights of any man my age that they know of. I am physically strong, but don't have the endurance of youth. Go for it. Even giving it a try is worth it.

What's "contagious?"

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

A yawn.

SURPRISINGLY SMART?

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

I think that a lot of types of animals are more intelligent than humans give them credit for being.

How about a GPS safety device placed on all new guns that engages in proximity to any public ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

If one assumes that guns must be available, your solution has merit. I don't assume that guns must be available. We, as a society, have every reason to place reasonable restrictions on the ownership of guns to bolt action and lever action rifles and shotguns. The primary purpose of all other weapons is killing people.

Does anyone know about the “for profit” prison system in the US?

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

From everything that I have heard the for profit prison programs should be terminated forthwith. They have great potential for abuse, exploitation, graft and corruption, embezzlement and fraud. All of those things have occurred. in for profit prisons.

One of my friend has a friend that wrote his views on religion.

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

Love it!

They are really scamming the brainwashed and vulnerable.

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

They are greedy charlatans!

Is trump being silly suggesting to fight fire with fire, ie.

wordywalt comments on Feb 22, 2018:

No, he is not being silly. He is an intellectual and moral idiot!

Fellow conservatives and gun rights supporters! I have started a group called conservative atheists.

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I would be happy to see you converse among yourselves. To most of us, what you say is simply illegal, unfounded ideological tripe without a factual, moral, or intellectual base.

Anyone here active with petitions etc to put a stop to the free ride that organized religion is ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

What it will take is a religious financial scandal so bad that it arouses the anger of many people -- just like the school shootings are doing with the gun issue. We need some great investigative journalism about the financial dealings of churches and religious organizations.

Anyone else feel there is too much political news dominating everyday life lately?

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

In the U.S., yes -- because of an egomaniacal, sociopathic president, a Congress domnated by Republicans who only know how to prevent constructive action and to play senseless political games based on moribund ideology. The same is mirrored at the state level in too many states.

Companionship

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

If you like doting and unquestioning obedience and affection.

This quote has taken me years to come to understand.

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

The Marshall Plan was both humane and brilliant. As a result of it, both Germany and Japan are strong allies. If Israel would make a similar attempt with Arab nations and the Palestinian Arqabs, there might be a chance for peace in the Middle East. But, Netanyahu is too arrogant and demagogic to do that.

Do you try not to think about religion at all?

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Most of the time religion is simply not a part of my thought processes. It is not that I consciously try not to think about it. It is simply not relevant to my life.

Billy Graham, dead today at 99.

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Billy Graham was an honorable man. Franklin is not.

I was recently asked, if I could teach anything in the world, what would it be?

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Start with the theme: Art reveals the culture. Then pick a few periods of history and show what the art reveals about the culture.

The difference between dogs and cats - all you need to know

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I like the spunk in cats!

Do you like tea? If so, what kind do you drink?

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

I like strong iced tea, but not much of a hot tea drinker.

What are you favourite roadtriping/driving music or albums?

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Classical music after the Baroque period.

Explain what intimacy means to you, in 20 words or less than that.

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Emotional closeness and poignancy.

Dallas official asks NRA to consider another city for annual convention - ABC News

wordywalt comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Hooray for Dallas! The official shows moral courage and backbone!

Oldies but Goodies..

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

My parents didn't really give me any musical influence. My musical tastes are acquired from the places and times which I lived most fully. I was in Berlin from 1959 - 1962 and attended concerts with most of the big names in jazz -- Ella, Satcho, the MJQ, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Brubeck, Oscar Peterson -- ad grew to love modern jazz. I lived through the late 1960ws and 70s on college campuses (both in grad school and as a college instructor) and loved the folk and protest music, and the great music of the 1970s. I also acquired a real taste for classical music from Beethoven on to modern composers. My favorite classical composers are Max Bruch, Aaron Copland, Stravinsky, Sebelious, and others.

Second day in a row that the weather was perfect for a bike ride! I love the wind in my hair, the ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Up until 3 years ago, I walked 3 - 5 miles a day. My main outdoor activity today is vegetable gardening. I do work out with heavy weight 3 times a week at the gym to compensate for giving up walking. .

Religious suffering

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I didn't have nightmares, but I had fear -- of hell, of not being good enough, etc. I did not like the feeling of being "bad" for just being a normal teenager. That is one of the reasons I moved away from religion.

Do you save seeds from your veggie garden to plant next year?

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Yes, I always save seeds from my heirloom black tomatoes -- the most delicious tomatoes I have ever eaten. They have the size and texture of beefsteak tomatoes, but are more juicy and more delicious. If anyone wants some of the seed, send me a message on this site. This year's tomato crop -- 18 plants -- is already going strong. Plants are 2 - 3 feet tall and full of blossoms. Living in central Florida enables me to get an early start.

I didn't figure I'd encounter trolls on this site.

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

There are a few irrational, angry demagogues on this site who do not know how to carry on rational discourse -- an d don't appear to even want to know how to.

If man doesn't exist does the the universe exist?

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

That is not an intelligent question. Man is not the crux of the universe and the universe will be here long after all traces of the human species are gone.

Can you fall in love with someone who you've never met in person?

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Through written communication one can certainly feel increasing attraction to the person based on expressed attitudes, beliefs, and emotions. But, the accuracy of those expressed things can only be determined in person. In other words, don't fall too hard before you really know the person.

How about a non-hysterical discussion about guns in the US?

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Substantially improving background checks is needed. But, it is not enough. We must chip away at the pieces which are contributing to the blood bath. Outlaw assault weapons and automatic and semiautomatic handguns. Get rid o bump stocks. Get rid of high capacity magazines. Limit the purchase of ammunition. Limit the number of guns one can purchase in a year. Outlaw gun shows. The manufacturers and purveyors of these things are greedy vultures threatening public safety in our country. Every time we can enact one of these, we increase public safety. One step at a time!

Do/did you teach your children about religions?

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I did not teach my daughters anything about religion. If a question came up, I answered it honestly. If they asked me what I believed, I told them. If they wanted to go to church with a friend, I let them. My approach was simply: It is your life. Those are your choices.

I am definitely not a fan of Karl Marx but he did say what I believe is right is: Religion is the ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 20, 2018:

I would change Marx's statement to "Religion is a vehicle for deluding and controlling people."

Kids

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

2 daughters, 3 grandchildren, one great-grandson -- all in Kansas, where AI resided for 17 years. I now live in Florida.

A Muslim told me today at my place of work that I'm going to hell.

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

True believer Muslims are just as harshly judgmental as true believer Christians.

Would you deny someone a date if they were wearing something you didn't like?

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Depends on how tasteless it is.

I’ve noticed something on here.

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

The reason that there are more liberals and progressives on this site, is that they are people who reason deeply and who have managed to free themselves of mind-restricting dogmas -- both religious and political. As a whole, they are more intellectually honest. As a whole, conservative atheists have kicked religion, but have not yet freed themselves of mind-restricting political dogmas.

Is it just me, or does it seem like the more religious someone is, the more they seem to fear death?

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

You are correct. The fear of death is a major reason why many turn to religion. But, for many, if not most of them the y fear that they have not been good enough to be granted access to heaven, so fear the possibility of eternal damnation. Fear is a center of their lives.

Our little town is now dealing with some "separation of church and state" issues.

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

All public funds should be withdrawn forthwith.

CDC Scientists Plea to Congress: Let Us Research Gun Violence

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Absolutely the right thing to do! The only reason that it is not happening is that Republican politicians have sold their souls, honor, and patriotism to the HRA.

Newt Gingrich: “Atheist Philosophy” More Dangerous to Christianity Than Terrorists – Friendly ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Newt Gingrich is among the most morally bankrupt political figures in this country. His statements are rife with reasoning errors and with deliberate distortions and misstatements. In short, he is also deeply intellectually dishonest. Yet his ego is so huge that he thinks he is absolutely brilliant: If you do not think so, just ask him.

Do you think the recent upsurge in overt religion is a direct result of our weakened economy?

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

No. It is more due to the aggressive attempts of evangelical religions to expand their sphere of control.

Religion and politics are the same - it's all about control

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

You are on the right general track, but not accurate. Religion is a total system ideology -- one which purports to include and explain everything. There are also political total system ideologies, including communism. All total system ideologies are totalitarian systems demanding obedience to false dogma. Those systems are all about control.

Joe Biden might run for President. I love this man! Your thoughts?

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I would love a ticket of Biden and Elizabeth Warren.

How do you socialize?

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I have never been in a situation in which a large percentage of the people are agnostics or atheists. Religion simply does not even come up as a topic in my contacts with all sorts of people the vast majority of the time. I guess that I simply attempt to relate to and deal with all sorts of people. I do object if they try to foist their religious beliefs on me.

What is your biggest fear?

wordywalt comments on Feb 19, 2018:

Alzheimer's or dementia.

Congrats to all of you for seeing that the ideas presented by organized religion are a load of ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

An unanswerable question not worth pondering.

What does "coffee" mean to you?

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

If you get those kinds of socially incompetent cues from a man, dump him quickly.

Obedience to parents

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

Most parents sometimes pry too much. When I was home in the summer while in college I played cards with friends (not gambling) until late at night once a week. The next day, we would go through a routine, until he finally gave up. He would start in, Where did you go last night, son/" I would respond, "out.". Then he would ask, "What time did you get in/" I would answer, "Late." Basically, I was indirectly telling him that if he did not trust me, I was not going to tell him.

How do you handle talking to a parent when they are politically opposite of you?

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

Stay away from politics. He is not going to change, and neither are you. If he starts on politics, walk away.

Who gave you the 'birds and bees' lecture

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

No one gave me the "birds and bees" lecture. I learned from my fellow teen-agers, from observing animals , and later from college biology classes. That is why, in 1966, as a high school biology teacher, I introduced a united on sex education (against the principal's wishes -- "if there is any problem, it's your ass." Not a single parent or student complained.

Is intelligence or wisdom more useful?

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

Wisdom is applied intelligence, ergo more useful.

Difference in intelligence in a relationship

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

Possible, if the intelligent partner is a nurturing and forgiving partner.

What value is there in freedom of the press?

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

Your statement is so poorly worded that I am not sure what you are trying to say, or what your point is.

Is ignorance bliss?

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

No. I know of no such studies that are recognized as legitimate.

Someone recently posted a cow joke in one of the groups.

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

What was that all about?

Do you read you read books for your significant other?

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

If I could, I would.

One attempted shoe bombing on a plane.

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

That is because too damned many of our politicians have sold their souls to the NRA and gun industry! It is time to rise up and kick every damned one who is on the take from the NRA out of office!!

Hey! I'm Evelyn! I'm originally from Oklahoma and currently reside in Kansas -- attending graduate ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

Sure. Ideologically both Kansas and Oklahoma have come to resemble the deep south more and more.

Massive study of Australia's gun laws shows one thing: they work

wordywalt comments on Feb 18, 2018:

Spread that message far and wide. Shout it out over the rooftops! Cram it down the gun nuts' throats!

So I posted something earlier that I took down because my intentions were being misunderstood.

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

You are welcomed as a fellow discussant and opinion sharer. Unfortunately, on any medium, there are always a few men who are moral idiots who try to hit on any woman they hope might be vulnerable in some way. Most of us men are simply more than willing to simply accept you as one of us.

What do you think about Germany's proposal to make public transport free?

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Germany has long been one of the most advanced nations in providing essential services through government. We could lean a lot from them.

How long did it take you to get over your divorce?

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

I was happy when my first wife filed for divorce. I even thanked the process server effusively. Getting over the divorce was easy. Getting over 30 years of a terrible marriage took much longer. I had nightmares for years.

What's your favorite book? I loved Atlas Shrugged, Anna Karinena, and Guns, Germs, and Steel.

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

My all time favorite is STEPPENWOLF by Herman Hesse. I read ATLAS SHRUGGE and found it interesting, but troubling. After I read the rest of Rand's works I realized that the reason it was troubling was that all she was saying was (1) greed is good; (2) all forms of government are bad, and (3) there should no limitations on a person's "rights" -- regardless of the consequences of not limting them. Rand never got over being a member of a family of Russian oligarchs, and have lost everything to the Bolsheviks. She never matured morally and remained an extreme libertarian and an anarchist at heart.

Loneliness

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

I don't know how to respond to you. I am often alone, both by circumstance, and by choice. It is seldom that I feel lonely.

At what point will the mass shooting become, too horrific?

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

They already have. The only things standing in the way of doing something about is are the NRA and morally bankrupt politicians who have sold out to the NRA.

Does anyone get a high from learning?

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

It is a fantastic high when I achieve a sudden breakthrough in thought and a number of things I had learned or thought about earlier click into place!

I still see more liberal gun grabbers making poor arguments for gun control.

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

You must be one of thos Russian plants intending to stir up discord in our country. It is hard to believe that any American could be so aggressive, arrogant, misinformed and violence prone.

April 20th Proposed School Walk Out Day for School Shootings

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Do it!

"How can you be a moral person and be an atheist?

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Simply tell the questioner, "Your question is intrusive and rude." Then do not respond further.

Did you arrive at your decision of belief by means of research and critical thinking or merely ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

By critical thinking, having read the bible 3 times as a teenager, and learning what I did in science. I did not research religious question with specificity. Simply, what I learned showed me that religion did not match reality.

I still see more liberal gun grabbers making poor arguments for gun control.

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Tat is an outright lie. The 2nd Amendment does NOT give private individuals the right to own all available weapons. Many military weapons are not available for private ownership, nor should they be.

Second Amendment myths everyone should stop believing | TheHill

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

The content of thiws article should be spread in ALL media.

How many republican atheists/agnostics are members of this website?

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Until today's Republican politicians show some moral backbone, and until Republicans give up their obsession with moribund ideology, I would not consider calling myself a Republican.

What is the meaning of meaning?

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Meaning is the attributed definition and attached value which a person gives to an object or event. It does not exist independent of the human mind.

The obsession with weapons...

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

The obsession with weapons is a sickness. Having fired powerful rifles, Browning automatic rifles, and machine guns, I can tell you that it does give one a sense of power, a macho-feeling. But., that is a feeling which should be suppressed strongly unless one's life is in eminent danger. To give in to the feeling, even for recreation is to curry violence in oneself.

Christian Host: School Prayer Would Have Prevented Florida School Shooting

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

What lying absurdity!

How do I back out gracefully?

wordywalt comments on Feb 17, 2018:

Just level with her. Tell her that her extreme religiosity is making you feel very uncomfortable and that you do longer wish to go on the trip.

My mum is coming to stay for a couple of days which is great, I miss her very much.

wordywalt comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Just be respectful of your mother and of her right to believe.

Do you trust the government as a source of information?

wordywalt comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Not any part of the Trump administration. Other administrations yes, to some degree. Depends on who issued the information.

Has anyone read the Communist Manifesto?

wordywalt comments on Feb 16, 2018:

Yes. I have read it, as well as DAS KAPITAL. The Manifesto was a brief rationale and call to action by Marx. It has some appeal, but it hides the true nature of communism. If you really want to understand communism, the ONLY book to read is THE NEW CLASS by Milovan Djilas. Djilas was an ardent communist and served as the vice president of Yugoslavia under Tito. He came to understand the true nature of communism and became disillusioned with it. The book analyzes the true nature of communism and how it is a totally flawed total system ideology which is inevitably totalitarian. He served 20 years in Yugoslav prison for writing the book. The book is the best analysis of communism ever written.

Russian Ties?

wordywalt comments on Feb 16, 2018:

For the sake of our democracy and nation, let's hope so.

Public gym vs fitness home dvds?

wordywalt comments on Feb 16, 2018:

I'll take a public gym any day. I don't slack off in public and I enjoy seeing friends at the gym..

Rejecting the notions about gods are a healthy starting point.

wordywalt comments on Feb 16, 2018:

All religions are total system ideologies (ones which purport to include and explain everything). All total system ideologies (including political ones , like communism) are totalitarian in nature. They will, given half a chance, establish a religiously controlled dictatorship. That is why we CANNOT let evangelical Christians comingle religion and politics. They will create regimes like Iran and Turkey.

A sobering chart .... how do we fix this !??

wordywalt comments on Feb 15, 2018:

This chart should be posted in every printed news source in the entire country!

Has life been decent or good to you for the most part?

wordywalt comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Yes. There have ben real highs and lows, but, for the most part, good.

For those who drink wine,what's better? Red wine or white line?

wordywalt comments on Feb 15, 2018:

They are both good with different foods and ondifferent occasions. For general consumption, I prefer white.

Teach your daughters to be breadwinners.

wordywalt comments on Feb 15, 2018:

All people should be encouraged to be all they can be.

I've been on a few sites & have wasted my time only to find an email box full of dick pics & REALLY ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 15, 2018:

Hope you will find a better class of people here.

How many of you Lost a Relative or a Loved One to Gun Violence on U.S.A

wordywalt comments on Feb 15, 2018:

I have never lost a relative to gun violence. I am an owner of a shotgun and 2 rifles. I will NEVER own a pistol or an assault weapon. Even though I fired "expert" with an assault weapon in the US Army, IU am totally against private ownership of all assault weapons. I am also against private ownership of all automatic and semiautomatic weapons, including pistols. I totally oppose "open carry" and favor only special permits for concealed carry based on possible danger. I also oppose all gun shows.

Harrison Ford: "We've got people in charge of important shit who don't believe in science"

wordywalt comments on Feb 15, 2018:

What is worse, they are trying to profit from disbelieving science. Down deep, I really believe that those evangelical leaders and corrupt politicians who profess disbelief in science really know that the scientific data are correct, but admitting that would interfere with their lust for power and wealth. That makes hem abominable people!.

I'm having a serious emotional dilemma and was hoping to get some solid advice from rational people.

wordywalt comments on Feb 15, 2018:

You could let her know that you are hesitant to even raise the topic, but that you find her attractive and would be interested in pursuing a closer relationship if she is interested -- but, if not, you are not offended.

How Australia and Britain Tackled Gun Violence

wordywalt comments on Feb 15, 2018:

The only civilized nation which has made no attempt to deal with guns and gun violence is the USA. We should be ashamed of that fact.

Megachurch pastor’s $230K Bentley sparks criticism: ‘He’s sucking the community dry’ – ...

wordywalt comments on Feb 14, 2018:

All churches, NGOs, end organized pressure groups should be required to undergo a yearly audit by an independently assigned and certified auditor, with the results made public.

Trump Budget Sends $1 Billion To Private Religious Schools

wordywalt comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Should be challenged in court.

I'm coming to the realization that there are many liberals here.

wordywalt comments on Feb 14, 2018:

You should celebrate the fact that we have sufficient diversity in thought on this site to have a healthy dialogue, providing that all are willing to be civil and agree to abide by the boundaries of rational discourse Yet, you want to create a group of "true believers" who only want to talk among themselves and reinforce their chosen dogma. I totally disagree with the establishment of such groups.

If you were a beer, what would you be? I'd be a hazy juicy New England style IPA

wordywalt comments on Feb 14, 2018:

I would be a Berlin stark Bier. Es schmeckt so gut!

Does anyone else do culture immersion when you travel?

wordywalt comments on Feb 14, 2018:

Living immersed in another culture enables a genuine understanding of that culture. It also teaches you a lot about yourself and your native culture.. One of the things you learn quickly is that when speaking with a person from a different culture, you do not always start from the same assumptions, and you sometimes have to go back and state assumptions up front when beginning the dialogue.