Oct 31, 2008 - 04:05:27 CDT
In the final days before this election, I find myself thinking of what our founding fathers would think of the issues and candidates.I think we are moving away from the principles and values our country was founded upon, as well as forgetting why our founders were so concerned about the protection of our freedoms and rights. Our country was founded on Christian values and principles for the freedom and protection of all our citizens.
The basic Christian platforms that are so important to me and to all future generations concern the abortion issue and gay rights.
I believe that Satan is in control of many areas of our country and our government. He (Satan) has blinded our eyes and closed our ears to the truths we should follow. He fools us into believing that God really doesn't mean what He (God) says in the Bible concerning these items. The Jewish religion and Islam teach the same basic truths about these practices as does Christianity.
So as you approach the ballot box this Nov. 4, remember you will be accountable to God at heaven's door. Does God want any abortion, partial or other? Does he want gay marriages? Case closed - amen.
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 12, 2008 2:44 PM:
7th Seal wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:41 AM:
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 9, 2008 9:18 PM:
For all of our sakes, I hope youre mistaken. If not, the Mayans prophecy doesnt sound so bad after all. Good Luck, VoR "
7th Seal wrote on Nov 9, 2008 11:41 AM:
VoR wrote on Nov 9, 2008 1:45 AM:
Communism
n
1. Marxist-Leninist system: the Marxist-Leninist version of a classless society in which capitalism is overthrown by a working-class revolution that gives ownership and control of wealth and property to the state
Totalitarian is considerably more accurate. Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending either their government or their deplorable human rights record. At best you could say they're Communist in name only.
I'm also not taking issue with your assertion that the wealthy of the world are seeking greater control of it's governments & financial resources. In fact I think you are probably right. My question is, What can any of us do about it? "
7th Seal wrote on Nov 8, 2008 3:28 PM:
VoR wrote on Nov 8, 2008 1:00 AM:
How did you vote? "
Big Foot wrote on Nov 7, 2008 8:31 PM:
7th Seal wrote on Nov 7, 2008 8:04 PM:
CH wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:57 PM:
Shouldn't you be busy firing your employees and liquidating your business instead of always posting? "
dante wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:21 PM:
Kent wrote on Nov 7, 2008 5:21 PM:
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 7, 2008 5:16 PM:
In 2003, the 1% with the highest salaries paid more than 34% of the nation's federal income tax; the 10% with the highest salaries paid more than 66% of the total income tax; the top 25% paid 84% of the income taxes; and the upper 50% accounted for nearly 97% of US income tax revenue.
This is an inevitable consequence of the concentration of wealth. People who do not have much money simply cannot pay high taxes, even when they pay a greater percentage of their earnings in taxes. The top 1 or 2 % can afford to pay higher taxes without it even effecting their lifestyles.
This isn't rocket science. Let's get this country moving again by getting behind President Obama's economic plan.
US Income Statistics:
Top 1% - $350,000 and up
Top 1.5% - $250,000 and up
Top 5% - $167,000 and up
Top 20% - $92,000 and up
Top 25% - $77,500 and up
Middle 20% - $35,000 to $55,000
Middle 33% - $30,000 to $62,500
Bottom 25% - $0 to $22,500
Bottom 20% - $0 to $18,500
Bottom 10% - $0 to $10,500
SOURCE: US Census Bureau,
2006; income statistics for the year 2005 "
PoeticJustice wrote on Nov 7, 2008 4:32 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 7, 2008 3:55 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 7, 2008 3:53 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 7, 2008 3:48 PM:
By the way.... What was Barack Obama doing when he was age 17, 18, 19 20 21? When did he serve!
"You have been rendered irrelevant" ....... By you? I don't think so....I am still here! Better begin to take your meds again! "
Online Editor wrote on Nov 7, 2008 3:05 PM:
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 7, 2008 2:54 PM:
Someone has to pay for our economic recovery, It's time that those who have benefited the most pony up most of the revenue to pay for it.
Data Summary:
An estimated 2.7 million U.S. adults (around 1%) in 2004 had gross assets of $1.5 million or more. In total, these top wealth holders owned nearly $11.1 trillion in assets. After accounting for debts and mortgages of $850.1 billion, these individuals had a combined net worth of over $10.2 trillion.
US Census Bureau figures
In case you forgot, here's a good example:
Oct 30, 2008 12:23 PM EDT
Exxon Mobil posts biggest US quarterly profit ever
By JOHN PORRETTO
AP Business Writer
HOUSTON (AP) -- Exxon Mobil Corp., the world's largest publicly traded oil company, reported income Thursday that shattered its own record for the biggest profit from operations by a U.S. corporation, earning $14.83 billion in the third quarter.
Exxon said net income jumped nearly 58 percent to $2.86 a share in the July-September period. That compares with $9.41 billion, or $1.70 a share, a year ago.
The previous record for U.S. corporate profit was set in the last quarter, when Exxon Mobil earned $11.68 billion.
Revenue rose 35 percent to $137.7 billion.
On average, analysts expected the company to earn $2.39 per share in the latest quarter on revenue of $131.4 billion.
Setting U.S. profit records has become commonplace for the oil giant.
In fact, if one-time gains like bankruptcy settlements and spinoffs are stripped away from other companies, Exxon Mobil owns the record for the top 10 most-profitable quarters for a U.S. company, as well as the largest annual profit.
2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. "
Dew wrote on Nov 7, 2008 2:43 PM:
Wasn't it Chris Mathews that got the 'thrill up his pants leg ......?'LOL "
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Nov 7, 2008 2:01 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 7, 2008 12:46 PM:
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=313438
A media analyst says MSNBC host Chris Matthews effectively admitted yesterday he was an unpaid member of Barack Obama's press office.
Matthews appeared Thursday on MSNBC's Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough and was asked for his opinion about Congressman Rahm Emanuel's initial public reluctance to accept the position as chief of staff for president-elect Obama. Emanuel has since accepted the post.
During the MSNBC interview, a suggestion was made that there might be turmoil within the new Obama administration, but Matthews refused to get drawn into the conversation, instead saying that as a reporter he was unwilling to "question motives."
Matthews: It's my Job as a Journalist to do Everything I Can to Make This New Presidency Work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6pq_Pwjwc0
Very interesting video! Please watch it!
Maybe this is ONE reason why Obama won! How many other 'journalists' out there worked to get obama in so that they could cash in someway.... "
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:52 AM:
To VOR wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:35 AM:
Wow, you really believe that the middle class needs to be paid back by taxing the wealthier people. Alot of those wealthier people you speak of are the small businesses that make over $250K, who by the way are not wealthy...upper middle class maybe, but not wealthy. You really want to tax them in these troubled times? I don't want those with money to be taxed higher so that I can get "paid back". That just doesn't seem right. What people have to understand is that the stock market is not a savings account, it's an investment with risk attached. If you want to keep your money safe, leave it in the bank in a CD. Don't be expecting to get paid back because you lost it in the market. Nobody forced you to put it in there and if you want to play the game, then expect that you might get burned. Obama needs to understand that the market is tanking because he is threatening to raise taxes on small businesses and raise the capital gains. "
VoR wrote on Nov 7, 2008 3:22 AM:
Wake up Wall Street! Your shameful era of unbridled greed is coming to a swift and certain end. There's a new sheriff in town. A President who's working for us now. Remember us, we're the little people who's toil made your wealth possible, before you sold us out.
Those Bush give away tax cuts are set to expire and now you'll have to start to pay back some of what you've stolen from hard working, middle class, taxpaying American people.
You owe us about $750 billion for starters. Pay up! "
care wrote on Nov 6, 2008 5:53 PM:
care wrote on Nov 6, 2008 5:30 PM:
Something to think about wrote on Nov 6, 2008 5:24 PM:
Personal discretion wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:56 PM:
Kent wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:39 PM:
market wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:36 PM:
Kent wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:33 PM:
Mom of PRE-teens wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:29 PM:
Notnek wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:07 PM:
care wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:00 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 6, 2008 3:59 PM:
" Dew the Fairness Doctrine makes so there is equal time for the other side, it does not muzzle them, fear not they can still spew their hate and rants."
I guess that is what Joel Heitkamp and Ed Shultz and Alan Colmes along with a lot of otherLiberals, have been shouting for the last few years! Why has Nancy Pelosi been so gung ho about the Fairness Doctrine being put back into place for the radio air waves? What is she so afraid of? If they HAVE to have equal time to both sides the shows will be shut down.... Is that what you want? I think the Dems would love to shut down all the right wiings shows! But there are a lot of left wingers out there too, although they do not get the listeners that the right wing gets! I know that is what Nancy Pelosi wants to shut down... FREE SPEECH!
But, how is it that the Mainstreanm News outlets have gotten by with promoting Obama, having about 70% favorable items on Obama ( even when it was still a race between Clinton and Obama) and about 21% favorable for McCain (these reports vary depending on where you get the info from but, one can read it almost anywhere on the web) Where was the Fairness Doctrine for these 'NEWS' shows? "
mom-of-teens wrote on Nov 6, 2008 3:25 PM:
Online Editor wrote on Nov 6, 2008 3:07 PM:
Rugby Reader wrote on Nov 6, 2008 3:00 PM:
Meagan wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:45 PM:
care wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:44 PM:
CH wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:59 PM:
wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:46 PM:
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:19 PM:
Ok, now I see where you are coming from.
Sorry I bothered you.
Goodbye "
Daycare Mom wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:00 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 6, 2008 12:59 PM:
With a new "Fairness Doctrine" backed by an Obama White House, political talk, as we know it, will end.
If these forces of darkness win, Rush, Imus, Hannity, Savage, Beck, and dozens of other major hosts will be muzzled by using federal regulations to control political talk. It doesn't matter though that most of the Mainstream Media (Newspapers and TV) have openly been pushing to get Obama in the Whitehouse.
Maybe now some of you can see why some of us were afraid of Obama getting in and the Democrats having complete control over all our lives! "
no more rage wrote on Nov 6, 2008 12:52 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 6, 2008 12:51 PM:
Obama's 'mettle' will be tested..... It is beginning already! Yesterday.... Russia. Today..... Iran. I do want this country to be strong and to stay strong!
The Democrats posting here acting like the election of Obama was just going to really change the world and everyone is going to live happily ever after is just a bit much! Yes, it is a good thing that we elected a Black man, it says a lot for our country but, in the same respect it would have said a lot for this country to have elected a Woman for President or for V.P.
I also think that President and Mrs. Bush have done an outstanding job of making this transition for the next President an outstanding one! They both have been warm and supportive of the next family moving into the Whitehouse and Bush has been active in getting Obama briefed in all that he will be needing to make sure that this country is well taken care of. I do not ever remembering this happening when another President took over. In fact I remember well what a terrible man Truman was when he left office! Yes, I remembe back that far! "
mom-of-teens wrote on Nov 6, 2008 12:01 PM:
Dew, your post made it sound like you were talking about ALL Democrats, not just the ones you have talked to. Thanks for clarifying that for us! "
krten wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:39 AM:
Here is your answer which you have longed for...
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2008/11/06/ap/us/d949d9t80.txt "
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 6, 2008 10:53 AM:
Thank you. Your's is the attitude that just might bring this nation together again. You have not only my thanks, but also my respect. Let's show this world that America really is the beacon of freedom, equality & liberty. We can do it...Yes We Can.
Again Thanks, VoR "
Full of Faith wrote on Nov 6, 2008 10:46 AM:
Dew wrote on Nov 6, 2008 10:46 AM:
mom-of-teens wrote on Nov 6, 2008 9:15 AM:
Strong in my faith wrote on Nov 6, 2008 7:13 AM:
Brad wrote on Nov 6, 2008 6:22 AM:
VoR wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:24 AM:
Wether you believe it of not I was 100% behind President Bush on 9-12-01, and fully supported the invasion of Afghanistan.
Anytime a new president is forced by events to show his metal & bearing to those who would do evil to us as well as to the rest of a skeptical world that he indeed has the backing of our citizens.
I appreciate that you and many others have doubts about Obama's political agenda & character and maybe you don't have room to do it when I read comments like your going to "hold his feet to the fire" on all of his promises. I know that you understand the enormous challenges he will be faced with from day one as he takes on all that comes with that office.
Personally, I felt a level of pride in my country last night that I hadn't felt since the moon landing.(yes, I'm that old) The election of Barack Obama speaks volumes to the entire world about wether we actually practice the principals we preach and how far we have come. The quality of change this represents has restored our opportunity to refurbish the respect of our world image.
As a fellow American I ask you to give him a year or so to see what he can do. "
K wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:54 PM:
To Diana, keep this in mind:
Jesus himself was the biggest liberal to ever walk to earth. "
reader wrote on Nov 5, 2008 6:59 PM:
Kent wrote on Nov 5, 2008 6:33 PM:
GOP Corruption wrote on Nov 5, 2008 5:22 PM:
mom-of-teens wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:16 PM:
Rasmus wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:48 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:48 PM:
CH wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:28 PM:
Did you give your employees their Pink slips yet?
Dew is sad while the rest of the world holds Pro-America rallies for the 1st time since 2002!!! "
PoeticJustice wrote on Nov 5, 2008 2:04 PM:
What a shame -- what an embarrassing, stinking, rotten shame.
Nay-saying North Dakota has doomed itself to sit in the red hot darkness of regret -- grumbling, sulking and burning in the fires of the faithless. Meanwhile, the rest of America will be proudly shedding its old, crusty, fear-laden cocoon and preparing to transform into a beautiful new winged creature flying toward the light of tomorrow.
You had your chance, North Dakota. You blew it. "
Michael wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:52 AM:
This is nuts wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:17 AM:
MamaMia wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:06 AM:
Dew wrote on Nov 5, 2008 10:41 AM:
because my Ggod was very clear in that She wants .....LOL, I thought, for a school teacher you could spell better than that....
You can tell me to put a sock in it.... but, I recall how the Dems blasted Bush from Day 1....Now, I will return the favor!
What is the stock market doing today?
Looking forward to when Obama brings all the troops home from Iraq by the end of 2009! "
MamaMia wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:44 AM:
sammyhain wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:40 AM:
This is nuts wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:41 AM:
Dew wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:38 AM:
I know the stock market will not be going up this morning! Hang tight onto you pocketbooks..... YOUR taxes are going to go up!
Checks are in the mail folks.... the poor are going to get a bunch of money to make this economy GROW! (lol) "
mom-of-teens wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:15 AM:
In the Know wrote on Nov 5, 2008 7:29 AM:
dof wrote on Nov 5, 2008 6:53 AM:
Rugby Reader wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:50 AM:
Jaded Christian wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:36 AM:
You are almost right. When the Romans conquered an area they made a deal with the local rulers. The deal was that the local rulers (in this case religious) could still run things but they were not allowed to have their own military or police. Just pay taxes to Rome and do as normal. When someone violated a law they were expected to notify the Romans and bear witness at trial.
So basically it sounds like Pontius Pilate could care less about Jesus but a wealthy religious group wanted him dead. No doubt the same moneychangers whose tables he turned over on the temple steps.
Roman soldiers were very accustomed to crucifying people who had committed local crimes but had caused no problems to them. All in a days work.
Why were there moneychangers? Or why did the Romans tolerate the forced trading in of Roman Money in exchange for the Israelite money that was required by local leaders to be the only money used for the yearly religious festival. Maybe the Romans got a cut?
But the real story was that Jesus put himself in that position in order to change the way things were being done. Everything he did in life was designed to convince the grassroots poor to organize and object in a humble way while worshiping the only God who counts. "
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 5, 2008 1:20 AM:
Please be specific & attribute your source materal. Then we can both have a good laugh. "
krten wrote on Nov 4, 2008 11:57 PM:
Big Foot wrote on Nov 4, 2008 10:47 PM:
IT HAPPENS wrote on Nov 4, 2008 10:42 PM:
Matt wrote on Nov 4, 2008 9:09 PM:
To Diana wrote on Nov 4, 2008 6:29 PM:
wow. wrote on Nov 4, 2008 4:33 PM:
to Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 4, 2008 4:32 PM:
Halatbis wrote on Nov 4, 2008 4:09 PM:
It looks to me that they had a separation of church and state there as well. Some historians write about the Romans as passive occupiers or rulers---they left the people to their daily living as long as they kept the peace and did not interfere with the Roman administration. "
Religious Critic wrote on Nov 4, 2008 3:32 PM:
MamaMia wrote on Nov 4, 2008 2:00 PM:
krten wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:50 PM:
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:25 PM:
Thanks for the input. Granted, the specific terms "community organizer" & "governor" do not appear in any of the biblical texts, however scholarship on these two individuals is actually very extensive. The references below are exactly as they appear on Wikipedia. The link is provided for you. I hope it helps.
Many modern scholars hold that the canonical Gospel accounts were written between 65 and 110 CE, four to six decades after the crucifixion, although based on earlier traditions and texts, such as "Q," sayings gospels, the passion account or other earlier literature (See List of Gospels). Some argue that these accounts were compiled by non-witnesses, although this view is disputed by Christian apologists. There are also secular references to the life of Jesus, although they are few and quite late. Almost all historical critics agree, however, that a historical figure named Jesus taught throughout the Galilean countryside c. 30 CE, was believed by his followers to have performed supernatural acts, and was sentenced to death by the Romans possibly for insurrection.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historicity_(Bible_Studies)#Historicity_of_Jesus
*
*
Pontius Pilate's title was traditionally thought to have been procurator, since Tacitus speaks of him as such. However, an inscription on a limestone block known as the Pilate Stone apparently a dedication to Tiberius Caesar Augustus that was discovered in 1961 in the ruins of an amphitheater at Caesarea Maritima refers to Pilate as "Prefect of Judaea". The title used by the governors of the region varied over the period of the New Testament. When Samaria, Judea proper and Idumea were first amalgamated into the Roman Judaea Province, from 6 to the outbreak of the First Jewish Revolt in 66, officials of the Equestrian order (the lower rank of governors) governed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontius_Pilate#Titles_and_duties "
Matt wrote on Nov 4, 2008 9:51 AM:
mom-of-teens wrote on Nov 4, 2008 9:14 AM:
Religious Critic wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:48 AM:
demigod wrote on Nov 4, 2008 2:48 AM:
Matt wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:16 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:57 PM:
Listen to what Hillary said about who was the better man for the job McCain or Obama......This a a tape of Hillary talking:
http://gretawire.foxnews.com/2008/11/02/wait-until-you-hear-this-hillary-clinton-talking-about-senator-mccain-and-senator-obama/comment-page-1/ "
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:53 PM:
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:49 PM:
Dew wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:33 PM:
" Well the ulterior motives for this letter are obvious. Diana's son in law is the ND Republican party chairman.
OH, now if my son-in-law is a Democrat, I HAVE to be a Democrat? How weird some people are! "
Honest Omar wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:12 PM:
To Diana wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:41 PM:
And this woman has NO place to be preaching. Anybody who knows her can attest to that.
For her to bring god into this is sickening. "
Jaded Christian wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:41 PM:
You are slowly getting there. Last point first.
Jesus would like B-1 bombers. Remember he said Give to Caesar that which is Caesars.
And if you are referring to Iraq as your preemptive war, remember there were two Iraq wars and a big violation of the peace agreement between the two. Iraq was using poison gas on their Kurds practically before the ink was dry on the peace treaty.
The regular shooting at our planes in the no-fly zone was a bit much.
I am not aware of any preemptive wars but the theory of preemptive war is pretty basic. In the nuclear age you do not wait for the next Peal Harbor done this time with nuclear weapons. Doing everything to prevent suicidal maniacs from getting and using nuclear weapons is a good idea.
Electing someone to our highest office who is more concerned about the Poor of Chicago might be counter productive. Chicago is rich enough to take care of its own poor.
The democrats have already blocked most oil drilling and nuclear power in this country which only makes us all a bit more poor, and less able to help the poor. We now import 70 percent of our oil and must rely on our large reserves of coal and natural gas. Obamba and his left wing Democrat supporters want to block coal use in this country. That will mean even more poor and us less able to help them.
Vote democrat if you want but you should also buy a bicycle and get used to the idea of China and Russia finally winning the cold war.
The left wing radical side of the democrat party has spent years dragging backward on our efforts to drill for oil, build nuclear reactors, or police hot spots in the world. Not much logic there. "
Geoff wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:16 PM:
CH wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:06 PM:
No wonder I voted Obama "
Jaded Christian wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:00 PM:
Over and over you are almost right. Before you understand our original English Colonies it might be helpful to understand Spains Colony called New Spain formed by the Conquistadors. They sent only males in the lower soldier rank and those males married native women. It cost lots of money to pay military men. It costs lots of money for the rich Spanish nobles that bought ships, hired a crew, created sugar cane slave islands, and shipped back rum, sugar, molasses, and other food items in the unsanitary empty returning slave boats. Spain was long the richest country in the world shipping gold and silver from central and south Americas mines, and leather and wine from the Mission Indians labor.
You are correct that the English royalty contrived a scheme of colonizing this country by sending unpopular people and groups. However instead of the Spanish system of royals paying for everything, the English system charged the people they shipped over for the trip, sold them land over here, and had them pay taxes on the land.
As you can imagine the English system was more cost efficient in the long run.
England even had camps full of Protestant Germanic immigrants fleeing the wars between Catholic and Protestant. England was happy to charge them to ship them to the new colonies also. If they could not pay they signed themselves into indentured servitude for 4 years. They were held on the ship at arrival until someone bought their debt or a relative paid.
The history of this country is far more interesting than the tourist history in most books.
Basically this was said to be the New Promised Land similar to what is in the Old Testament.
The Oceans that had isolated the American Natives for thousands of years had now failed them. The Aztecs would no longer be permitted to take enemies and slaves to the top of Pyramids. Their world had become one of guns and European diseases. "
CH wrote on Nov 3, 2008 3:59 PM:
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 3, 2008 1:11 PM:
I would ask that each person think about why this country was founded in the first place and choose the candidate they believe will truly lead this country to be way you want it to be.
A fair request followed by a good point.
This nation was founded by descendants of a group oppressed pilgrims who left Europe to escape religious persecution from the English Church and government and after a grueling 66-day sea journey marked by disease, the Mayflower dropped anchor inside the hook tip of Cape Cod (Provincetown Harbor) on November 11, 1607.
I strongly believe that Senator Barack H. Obama is by far the most qualified candidate to lead this country. That's why I voted for him last week. "
dur wrote on Nov 3, 2008 12:53 PM:
sammyhain wrote on Nov 3, 2008 12:15 PM:
Chavez wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:04 AM:
10 - You vigorously deny the existence of thousands of gods claimed by other religions, but feel outraged when someone denies the existence of yours.
9 - You feel insulted when scientists say that people evolved from other life forms, but you have no problem with the Biblical claim that we were created from dirt.
8 - You laugh at polytheists, but have no problem believing in a Triune God.
7 - Your are outraged when you hear of Allah's atrocities, but you don't even flinch when hearing about how God slaughtered all the firstborn babies of Egypt and ordered the killing of entire ethnic groups in "Joshua".
6 - You laugh at Hindu beliefs that deify humans, and Greek claims about gods sleeping with women, but then contend that the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary, who then gave birth to a man-god.
5 - You are willing to look for loopholes in the scientifically established age of Earth (4.5 billion years), but find nothing wrong with believing dates Bronze Age tribesmen concocted guessing that Earth is a couple of generations old.
4 - You believe that most of the population of this planet with the exception of those who share your beliefs will spend Eternity in an infinite Hell of Suffering. And yet consider your religion the most "tolerant" and "loving."
3 - While modern science, history, geology, biology, and physics have failed to convince you otherwise, someone rolling around on the floor speaking in "tongues" may be all the evidence you need to "prove" Christianity.
2 - You define 0.01% as a "high success rate" when it comes to answered prayers. You consider that to be evidence that prayer works. And you think that the remaining 99.99% failure was simply the will of God.
1 - You actually know a lot less than many atheists and agnostics do about the Bible, Christianity, and church history -- but still call yourself a Christian. "
JC wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:41 AM:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
and God approves this message! "
VoR wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:39 AM:
Remember, When you speak to God you're praying, When God speaks to you you're schizophrenic. God tells me it's Obama by a landslide, Weeeeeeee! Doggonit
To whomever stole my Obama yard sign, Tomorrow we'll both know if it worked. "
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:01 AM:
Jesus was a Community Organizer.........Pontius Pilate was a Governor. .
Case closed - amen "
Disappointed wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:43 AM:
MamaMia wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:13 AM:
McCain wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:56 AM:
squidward wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:55 AM:
god says wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:40 AM:
To SJO wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:26 AM:
I couldn't disagree with you more! God didn't institute government. That's something man made. Something we as a society made up so that people could feel power. He didn't make Republicans and Democrats, the presidency, the Congress, etc. We did that all on our own thinking that we needed to put people into groups and classes exactly the opposite of anything God would have wanted. We as a society needed to have government because people have no self control and left on their own would destroy each other. I believe God is very sad about the government and many of our politicians. "
Yikes wrote on Nov 3, 2008 6:05 AM:
Also, if anyone truly believes that Satan "is in control of many areas of our country and our government," then our system of checks and balances is going to make his presence awfully difficult to remove...even if the next president is endorsed by God.
This editorial is a prime example of why there needs to be a seperation of church and state, a wall of seperation which was created by one of our most famous founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson.
I wonder what he would think of this editorial? "
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 3, 2008 12:11 AM:
The subject of this board is, How would God want us to vote?
Apparently we agree that the Old Testament was written from the perspective of those who lived in the "Bronze Age" and seems fairly silly to contemporary sensibilities.
Approaching this question from the Christian perspective, particularly considering the stated economic proposals of the two major candidates is quite simple;
Matthew, Chapter 19, verses 16 - 24
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?
17 And he said to him, Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.
18 He said to him, Which ones? And Jesus said, You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,
19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
20 The young man said to him, All these I have kept. What do I still lack?
21 Jesus said to him, If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.
22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.
24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
I think Jesus might have a position about pre-emptive wars and the B-1 bomber too, don't you? "
CH wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:59 PM:
So God is pro death penalty, pro war, pro gun, anti health care for all, anti poor, anti sick? "
Jaded Christian wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:39 PM:
I find that higher moral standards and religion usually go together. Or at least they inspire each other in some kind of interesting competition perhaps.
I have found the New Testament Christian Religion much more logical than any of the previous European religions (Roman, Egyptian, Anglo Saxon Paganism or Witchcraft).
I find the Old Testament to be very much like the other old war religions. But times were tough for everyone many years ago. Even for my Germanic people.
http://www.resurrectisis.org:80/IceAge.htm
It now seems obvious that any high school student knows enough science to pick apart the Old Testament if he so desires. The idea that an angry God would destroy a persons crops by weather, insect or disease is scary but it is not science. We now know what drives most weather or insect infestations. Like previous religions it seems driven by fear of what was unknown at that time. Perhaps the book in the Old Testament that I like the least is the book of Job.
Jesus was the most influential person who ever lived. He gave his all to induce change.
The Christian teachings of Jesus did not include much about the Old Testament, he taught a better way. The eye for an eye was replaced by turn the other cheek. People can accomplish great things when they get along and work together.
Maybe it is time that Christians again focus first on the teachings of Christ.
Let us stop casting lots to see if it was Jonah who caused the storm. Let us stop throwing Jonahs into the sea.
Lest all our children reject this like previous war religions. "
to not really a mix wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:55 PM:
Halatbis wrote on Nov 2, 2008 6:52 PM:
The concept is not complicated---it is all about who is a willing giver; and who is having his goods taken from him. If you are still having trouble with this go see a Pastor or Priest. "
sjo wrote on Nov 2, 2008 5:40 PM:
Not really a mix wrote on Nov 2, 2008 4:15 PM:
This is nuts wrote on Nov 2, 2008 3:37 PM:
Christians know who God would like them to vote for, it is not just about gays and abortion either. "
Case Closed wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:32 PM:
haze wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:26 PM:
impressive wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:46 AM:
Point to Ponder wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:16 AM:
21 Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.
Gosh, does this mean that Jesus was a (gulp) SOCIALIST and wanted to "spread the wealth?" Funny how the Fundos love to scream about abortion and gays, but grow eerily silent when the issue of Jesus's message about poverty gets brought up. Next, you'll be shocked to find out that he was probably not Caucasion, but had a darker skin complexion than the paintings you see in church. "
CeeCee wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:04 AM:
NoDak John wrote on Nov 2, 2008 3:18 AM:
Foreign investors hold much of the debt created by printing more and more dollars. Most of those who call themselves Americans have not so much as a clue and think we can spend our way out of debt. Foreign investors have too much riding on this election. Watch the stock market on Wednesday. They do KNOW the candidates. "
In the Know wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:21 AM:
Voice of Reason wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:17 AM:
Who could argue with your clear and valid point. Only strict adherence to God's divine law is acceptable. God really does mean what He says in the Bible. We must change our sinful ways and obey all of his holy laws.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Would you clarify? Can I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them?
(Lev.24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev.20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging, that God instituted government in the Book of Genesis and it still exists today.
Your devoted disciple and adoring fan, VoR "
xyz wrote on Nov 1, 2008 11:45 PM:
Need Oil wrote on Nov 1, 2008 11:20 PM:
Numerous college professors and environmental TV programs sing the same old song. We are the only bad guy. We are the only country that needs to worry about global warming or global anything.
It is almost as if the Democrats are being paid off by foreign countries to block progress in this country. Buying 70 percent of our oil energy from other countries is driving us broke. Buying most of our consumer goods from places like china also ships huge amounts of our money overseas. How hard do you need to look to find an American made product in any local stores.
If God bothered with trivial things like politics he would probably recommend John McCain. God has rescued his butt so many times he must have something in mind for him.
Maybe he has already done his job. Maybe his job was to get Sara Palin onto the national stage so that four years from now she can be our Margaret Thatcher. "
Big Foot wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:14 PM:
Andy wrote on Nov 1, 2008 3:20 PM:
wally wrote on Nov 1, 2008 3:04 PM:
I don't know what earth you live on, but the earth I live on also has China on it. Did I miss the sunday school class where God created another earth? Someone please tell me where this other earth is. Sounds kind of nice since it does not have global warning. "
Rights wrote on Nov 1, 2008 2:42 PM:
Regarding our rights, George W. Bush has eroded our rights (through the Patriot Act) more than all of the previous presidents combined!
Who was right beside President Bush during this time and voted with him on invading Iraq and on the Patriot Act! If you guessed John McCain, they you are right!
The framers of the Constitution wanted a separation of Church and State. Im always leery of candidates and letter writers who try to use God to justify injustice as mentioned above. "
Point to Ponder wrote on Nov 1, 2008 11:39 AM:
Notnek wrote on Nov 1, 2008 9:25 AM:
Halatbis wrote on Nov 1, 2008 8:38 AM:
So many people seem to take the Christian (or Jewish or Muslim) beliefs to mean that they are being dictated to as the way they should live----I don't think that is the message that comes from them. You have a right to not listen, but that is not the right to insult and denigrate. "
Mike R wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:32 AM:
Need Oil wrote on Nov 1, 2008 12:52 AM:
And still some people are focused on homosexuals and abortions?
Being Halloween I would rather focus on witches.
I turned on the television yesterday and Martha Stewart was dressed like a vampire. But research shows no biblical bias about vampires. Only witches are supposed to not be suffered to exist. I saw some of them tonight but it was just kids faking it to score some candy. Nothing is real anymore.
Long ago Africans practiced the same witchcraft religions that were once practiced all over Europe.
http://www.archaeology.org/0811/etc/witches.html
Come to think of it Voodoo is still legal in Florida and many Caribbean Islands. The Christians killed witches all over Europe but Spains Christian King considered Puerto Rico and Haitis voodoo slaves too valuable to kill. Portugal felt the same in Brazil. Lots of witches were spared and the tourist industry is better off for it.
I wonder whose side Satan was really on.
Fortunately our Indians, Blacks, Homosexuals, witches and even the French helped us fight off our last King and form a More Perfect Union. It worked so well it encouraged the French people (many of them homosexual) to have their own revolution against their own king.
Then they and all our other diverse immigrants helped in our Civil War to end Slavery.
When I was in the navy a friend loved to steal my latest girlfriend. No homosexual ever stole a girlfriend of mine?
I agree to sending our factories to places like China so they can have global warming and then destroy the earth over there not here.
I think Satan is confusing the Democrats and tempting them with all that Fanny Mae kick-back money that helped them not investigate the mortgage scams. "
Rich wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:29 PM:
We are going to wake up to a nightmare regardless of who gets elected. It's a no-win situation this time around. Washington needs a total house-cleaning. Even though you think waking up to a McCain victory would be a nightmare, don't forget the other half of the population feels the same way about an Obama win. I think both sides are right, so why fight about it. "
Case Closed wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:02 PM:
1. A liar (Weapons of Mass Destruction) (Thou shalt not lie) George Bush
2. Someone who would invade a country that did not attack us (Thou shalt not Kill) George Bush
3. Someone who would commit adultery (McCains affair while he was still married to his first wife) McCain
Yes, I hope you remember these when you go to the ballot box on November 4th case closed amen. "
Nonsense wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:56 PM:
FYI, Diana Peterson: the word "god" is not mentioned once in our constitution. Not once. I cannot thank god for that, but you might! "
Rugby Reader wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:07 PM:
CS wrote on Oct 31, 2008 7:49 PM:
PoeticJustice wrote on Oct 31, 2008 4:50 PM:
Get your own house in order before you start trying to tear mine apart. I pray to GOD these fascists are put in their place this coming Tuesday. "
PoeticJustice wrote on Oct 31, 2008 4:37 PM:
Bearing in mind that you will be accountable to SATAN at the Devil's door -- be aware you are personally responsible for how you act, what you write and who you vote for. "
spearphish wrote on Oct 31, 2008 4:25 PM:
Economic Conservative wrote on Oct 31, 2008 4:22 PM:
oh brother wrote on Oct 31, 2008 4:09 PM:
WHATEVER wrote on Oct 31, 2008 4:03 PM:
engr wrote on Oct 31, 2008 3:20 PM:
Ezra - I believe He is telling us the way He want's us to vote...just listen. "
Honest Omar wrote on Oct 31, 2008 3:18 PM:
WIKI rules wrote on Oct 31, 2008 2:17 PM:
"The story about God, his forgiveness through Jesus, tells us he is interested in our lives and our actions. " Key word- "STORY". There are a great many moral tales in the history of man, I especially enjoy those of the Greeks, but I don't kid myself that Zeus has any say in the outcome of the elections. "
Casual Sophist wrote on Oct 31, 2008 2:12 PM:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
If we believe that there truly is no God and our actions as a nation, culture and society verify that, it is logical to say that we do not have unalienable rights. Therefore, it is logical to say that our individual rights to have life, enjoy liberty and pursue of happiness must take a secondary position to the primacy of some other requirement or government desire to ensure all citizens receive the same fair treatment and freedom. This is not about religion. It is about our core values as American citizens. What is important to us? What has meaning to us? What brings us together? What do we respect? I fear for our Republic. "
Gary wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:49 PM:
If we do not deal with the important issues facing humanity and our planet, we are doomed. And soon.
In other words, for you "Christians", if God created earth and people, shouldn't we be taking care of it and ourselves?
We don't, at this time, need another candidate that merely panders to their base fundamentalist constituency. "
Wiki rules wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:06 PM:
Bellamy's original Pledge read, "I Pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The pledge was supposed to be quick and to the point. Bellamy designed it to be stated in 15 seconds. He had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity but decided they were too controversial since many people opposed equal rights for women and blacks.
The Knights of Columbus in New York City felt that the pledge was incomplete without any reference to a deity.[4] Appealing to the authority of Abraham Lincoln, the Knights felt that the words "under God" which were from Lincolns Gettysburg Address were most appropriate to add to the Pledge. The Knights of Columbus tried repeatedly, but they were unsuccessful in their attempts to persuade the United States government to amend the pledge. It was a Presbyterian minister who made the difference in 1954 by preaching a sermon about Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. As Lincoln Sunday (February 7, 1954) approached, Rev. Docherty knew not only that President Dwight Eisenhower was to be in attendance. Eisenhower had the wheels turning in Congress to incorporate Dochertys suggestion into law. On February 8, 1954, Rep. Charles Oakman (R-Mich.), introduced a bill to that effect. On Lincolns birthday, four days later, "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance
Hardly the idea of our founding fathers! All you religious zealots could use a lesson in history! "
Christopher wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:00 PM:
Jesus was counter-culture, liberal, radical, preached LOVE and PEACE, hung out with prostitutes and thieves.
Jesus was NOT corporate, conservative, capitalist, war-mongering, nor "American".
Gimme a break. You fundamentalist religious extremists will be the death of us all. "
Christopher wrote on Oct 31, 2008 12:56 PM:
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!
If you need spiritual guidance, if you live for the "next world" go to church! When it comes to the people's business, politics, global affairs, humanity, we're living in THIS WORLD. Let's take care of each other and ensure future generations of human beings will enjoy walking the earth.
We were created with FREE WILL!
VOTE OBAMA! "
Mary Ann Collins wrote on Oct 31, 2008 12:44 PM:
Bis. Dem. wrote on Oct 31, 2008 12:30 PM:
So God himself personally came to you and told you how he would like you to vote? WOW!! Ever heard of this thing called "separation of church & state?" Read up on it... it's very interesting. "
NYxND wrote on Oct 31, 2008 12:29 PM:
WHATEVER wrote on Oct 31, 2008 12:10 PM:
NYxND wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:47 AM:
"Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear."
...Thomas Jefferson
"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion, as it has in itself no character or enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen, and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."
...excerpt from the Treaty of Tripoli drafted and initially signed during Washington's Presidency. Translated by Washington's chaplain, Joel Barlow. Approved by congress June 7th, 1797 and signed by President John Adams June 10th. "
America wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:43 AM:
VOTE FOR McCain/Palin to keep God in our schools, on our money, and in this country we love. "
ann wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:41 AM:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html "
NYxND wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:34 AM:
I'm frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in "A," "B," "C" and "D." Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me?
And I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of "conservatism."
Barry "
Wow Diana wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:23 AM:
BILLITH GARRITH wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:18 AM:
BK wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:18 AM:
warmachine wrote on Oct 31, 2008 11:00 AM:
JV Journalism wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:41 AM:
Online Editor wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:37 AM:
Economic Conservative wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:30 AM:
Religious Critic wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:14 AM:
Religious Critic wrote on Oct 31, 2008 10:11 AM:
1) The Constitution of the United States be shredded and, subsequently, The Faith outlawed by the government;
2) Christians stop pinning their hopes to the status of socio-political issues like the ones you name.
3) And if folks would stop writing letters like this.
Vote our consciences? You bet, but I'll contend with you 'til Rapture that not one convert is made,nor is the kingdom of Heaven established, at the ballot box.
Render unto Caesar what it Caesar's and render unto God what is God's.
"really" I love your post and "Ezra" and "Ted" you make great points. "
In the Know wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:57 AM:
NDr wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:36 AM:
Chavez wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:30 AM:
I remember a line from a Woody Allen movie, "Hannah and Her Sisters" in which one of the characters says "If Jesus could come back and see what is being said and done in His name, He would never stop throwing up." Your letter elicited a gag relex in me that I will be fighting for at least the rest of the day. "
lil T wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:08 AM:
This is nuts wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:06 AM:
It amazes me that on all of these forums the anti-Christian folk come out in groves saying how wrong Christians are. The fact is the other major religions believe the same when it comes to abortion and same sex relationships.
Is the majority of the worlds population wrong and a few that just want it their way right? "
MamaMia wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:03 AM:
krten wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:03 AM:
GOD wrote on Oct 31, 2008 9:02 AM:
Economic Conservative wrote on Oct 31, 2008 8:52 AM:
Dave wrote on Oct 31, 2008 8:47 AM:
ND Conservative wrote on Oct 31, 2008 8:40 AM:
WHATEVER wrote on Oct 31, 2008 8:28 AM:
Rugby Reader wrote on Oct 31, 2008 8:22 AM:
Oh Please. wrote on Oct 31, 2008 8:22 AM:
It irratates me when these radical religious people use God for an excuse when it comes to gays and abortion. But are willing to overlook any of the ten commandments, divorce, or birth control use.. I guess my bible leaves out the part where God said to write letters to the editor in judgement of others. "
Grumpy Old Republican wrote on Oct 31, 2008 8:12 AM:
I will ultimately cast my vote for the same candidate as Diana will. However, my decision is made based on my beliefs about such paltry things as the economy, national security, taxes, etc. I refuse to be so arrogant as to claim I know what God thinks or how He wants me to vote. "
Already voted wrote on Oct 31, 2008 7:55 AM:
BabyT wrote on Oct 31, 2008 7:41 AM:
Joe Citizen wrote on Oct 31, 2008 7:26 AM:
Ted wrote on Oct 31, 2008 6:50 AM:
really wrote on Oct 31, 2008 6:45 AM:
Ezra wrote on Oct 31, 2008 5:42 AM:
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Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
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