Thursday, October 28, 2010

The Silliness of Religion

The Silliness of Religion

I was doing some reading and came across George “Goofy” Bush’s statement that, “God wanted me to be President….”
And all this time I thought it was a frivolous lawsuit filed with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Was I one of the few who saw Bush’s statement as something we should have been alarmed at?
I mean, back during the American War of Independence, my ancestor and others put their necks in a noose to create this country. They no longer were going to have a King or Queen rule them and their country because “God” had decided it.
No, the founders of the United States had decided that “they” were going to choose their own leaders.
Not some “God.”
Not some religious leader.
The people were.
Seems that there are those who are opposed to what our “Founding Fathers” and my ancestor created.
Or what untold numbers have given their lives and limbs for on battlefields around the world.
So when I see these individuals who are frothing at the mouth about President Obama, I just think back to George “Goofy” Bush, and say to myself….
”God wanted Obama to be President…”

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

One for the Money...Two for the Show...

I haven’t posted in a while. To be honest with you, I’ve really found nothing that has made me want to “post.” But in the last couple of days, the election of a Senator in Kentucky, where Rand Paul is running has caused me to want to post.

Politics is a dirty thing. Name calling, accusations, mudslinging, are the “standard.” You have to have a thick skin to be in that field. Sarah Palin is one who really shouldn’t. Her skin is very very thin. But this isn’t about her.

As you know, I’m an atheist. I have been one since age six. I guess that makes me what is “wrong” with America and the world. In some arenas I can only assume that I am the “root” of all “evil.” But that also means I don’t vote for a candidate due to their religion or religious views. Nor do I accept a candidate for public office that has a religious leader backing them. You can then safely assume that I am a firm believer in the “Separation of Church and State.”

Now as of late the concept of “Separation of Church and State” has been debated. Many attribute it to Thomas Jefferson. But the concept was around long before Mr. Jefferson was born. It wasn’t anything new Mr. Jefferson created. But that oddly enough, is ever brought up.

But has caused me to post has to do with Rand Paul one time beliefs and actions. The actions were something he did while in college. His belief was a form of Buddhism. Now, I’m in no way a Rand Paul supporter. I currently live in his father’s congressional district here in Texas.

What I am posting about is not about Rand’s politics, but the fact that his opponent has gone after his onetime “beliefs.”

What a sad state of affairs we are in. Rand’s political views or economic views are not important. But his onetime religious views are. In our country the Constitution and Bill of Rights state that there shall not be a “religious” test for office. This fixing on Rand’s onetime religious practice is or should be a non-issue in the election. But then, when you are dealing with a group filled with angry people, anything you can direct their angry at, especially if it is one of their own candidates, I guess it is a good thing.

I think such actions are total “clap trap.” And as an American I think we, the people, ought to expect better from those who seek public office. And what’s more, I think it is time we began to demand better.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

PERSPECTIVES



Today I did something that I only do for weddings and funerals: I went to a church.
A “relation” was celebrating their birthday and chose to do so at the church they attend. That’s fine. The gathering wasn’t religious in nature. No praying, or speaking in “tongues” nor was there any snake handling.
Having to answer “natures call” I headed off to the restroom.
Just before getting there I saw a flyer for the church’s summer camp for kids. Of course it was religious. But what really got me was that they used a cartoon on it’s cover.
Now it wasn’t the fact that they were using a cartoon on the cover, it was the cartoon they had chosen to use.
The cartoon was one that I’ve seen on various web pages and folders of atheists. And it is anti-religion.
So I am standing there looking at this flyer asking myself just why in world would they use such a thing?
Then it dawned on me.
THEY HAD TOTALLY MISSED THE ENTIRE MEANING OF THE CARTOON!
The derogatory message the cartoon was sending was totally misunderstood by the person or people who chose to use it.
Now, there was a side of me that said I should bring this to these peoples attention. Then the other side said, that if they are as blind to the blatant meaning of the cartoon, would they even after being shown the real meaning, would they even then understand it?
Thinking about all those narrow minded people who are so wrapped up in their religion and their beliefs, I decided not too.
Just my little “jab” at their little world and their even smaller world view.

And here is the cartoon is at the top of the page....

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Atheist and want to hold Public Office in America? GO FOR IT!

Fortney Hillman "Pete" Stark, Jr. (born November 11, 1931) is an American politician from the state of California. A Democrat, he has been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1973 (37 years), currently representing California's 13th congressional district in southwestern Alameda County. Currently he is the sixth most senior Representative as well as 8th most senior member of Congress.

AND IS AN ATHEIST.

United States Constitution Article VI
All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.
This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.

Why?
Why is this part of the Constitution?
Why did the Founding Father’s have this as part of the Constitution?
The answer is very simple:
HISTORY
George Santayan’s famous quote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” was published in 1905.*
The Founding Fathers were well ahead of their time but they knew their history.
Sadly many today do not wish to study history or learn from it’s lessons. These are the lessons of mankind. Our successes, achievements, follies and failures. The good, the bad and yes, the ugly.
At first the United States was organized as a Confederation.
The result was a weak Federal government. While there were some productive measures taken, overall the “Confederation” form of government was not working. A stronger form of government was needed by the young country.

The country needed a government that could guarantee stability. “On the same sheet of music.“ Some issues the country was facing were: order, property rights, lack of economic stability, state taxes and problems with foreign trade.

Then there was Shays’ Rebellion. The country was for the lack of a better term, in a “recession.” In New England it was worse. High prices, high taxes and veterans who’d never been paid. Many feared debtors prison, losing all they had and forced to become tenant farmers.

In short, a new form of Government was needed. This lead to the Continental Congress convening and writing the Constitution completed in September 1787. By July 1788 New Hampshire ratified the US Constitution which created the new government and the scheduling of an election. In March 1789 the 1st Congress was held and Washington was inaugurated that April.

Ok. So what does this have to do with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, the Founding Father’s were closer historically to the rule of countries by Kings and Queens. Where the Pope or a religious leader could bring a country to its knees by a papal decree. Or where wars could be started for no other reason then for personal glory of the crown.
The Founding Father’s knew and understood that they had the ability to free themselves and the people of the United States from such tyranny.
They were also well aware of the war between Catholics and Protestants.

And the uses and abuses of Religious Tests that had been applied in England and other countries.
Remember the story of the Pilgrims? Why they left England and eventually settled in America? For Religious Freedom. They were escaping from a national religion, the Church of England.
And then there is the subject of Churches subjecting people to taxes.

So the Founding Father’s made sure that no religion or church enjoyed any advantages or disadvantages because of an established “National” religion. Religion had no relevance in a person’s citizenship, the right to vote or hold office and therefore no political privilege or
discrimination.

This is potent stuff. This is the stuff that makes religions and it's leaders back off. The “teeth” that religion and religious leaders had were pulled out. In other words, religion could not be used against the United States as a weapon or a tool for extortion or blackmail.

You see, in the 1600’s and the 1700’s in England, they had “Religious Tests” to exclude anyone who wasn’t a member of the Church of England from holding office. In other words if you were Catholic, nonconforming Protestants or Jewish, you were not going to hold office.

Now, just how long do you think it would take for someone like Mike Huckabee or Mit Romney to start screaming bloody murder if they had to take such an oath? Or were denied office? Or not even allowed to run for an office? These are two American politicians who are very
religious and let you know they are. They attempted to run for President representing the Republican Party in the 2008 elections but lost to John McCain. McCain lost to Obama.

There are six states: Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas that have laws on their books that essentially do no allow atheists to hold office.
Nice try guys.
Sorry.
No go.

Constitution of the United States says there isn’t a religious test.
And, as we all know from our government classes, the US Constitution cannot be superseded by a State’s Constitution.

And the icing on the cake is the case of, Torcaso v. Watkins, 367 U.S. 488 (1961) was a United States Supreme Court case in which the court reaffirmed that the US Constitution prohibits States and the Federal Government from requiring any kind of religious test for public office.

So the next time some yahoo whose been listening too much to “talk radio” or some talking head on “Fox,” just remember that the Founding Father’s had their heads on straight. They foresaw that one day, some religious half wit would try to use religion to force their way of life on you and they created the “No Religious Test” clause of Article VI.


*George Santayana, The Life of Reason or The Phases of Human Progress: Reason in Common Sense, Chapter XII, "Flux and Constancy in Human Nature"

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Do Very Relligious People Scare You?

Do religious people scare you?
Do their actions or their mannerisms raise the hair on the back of your neck?
A few years ago I saw a well known TV Preacher at a national political convention.
He had his "entourage" with him. I guess that’s the nice way of saying, “pack” like a pack of wolves.
The "vibrations" they gave off were the kind that made a person become very "vigilant." I’m saying that because these are the feelings I was having as I watched them walk by.
They just made you feel that they were up to no good and that you had to keep your eye on them.
Like they could quickly turn on you in a wink of an eye.
And have no remorse in doing so.
Like a pack of wolves or wild dogs.

How many “Religious” leaders or “religious” politicians or some “religious” TV personalities exhibit some or all of the following?

http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html



1. Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
2. Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
3. Authoritarian
4. Secretive
5. Paranoid
6. Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
7. Conventional appearance
8. Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
9. Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life
10. Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
11. Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
12. Incapable of real human attachment to another
13. Unable to feel remorse or guilt
14. Extreme narcissism and grandiose
15. May state readily that their goal is to rule the world


These are sociopath traits.

This is a summary common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.

Glibness and Superficial Charm


Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."

Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt

A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

Incapacity for Love

Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Natur
e
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

Irresponsibility/Unreliability

Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle

Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

Now, again, just how many “TV” preacher, religious leaders, “religious” politicians have these traits?
Am I saying they all are like this? No. But take a step back and with what you’ve read, see how many have these traits

What is your view on this?

Monday, June 14, 2010

If you’re horny and you know, it’s too damn bad…so says God



Seems that the bible pounders just want to control every aspect of your life.
They even want to know what you’re doing in your bedroom.
Funny thing is, they don’t want the government to pry into their business. But because “God” is on their “side” they assume they have the right to stick their noses into everyone personal and private business.
It’s the same with the abortion issue. They honestly believe it’s their duty to intervene in a persons private matters. And if need be, some of them will actually kill to do so.
And have.
And will do so again.
“God” is on their side…..
Kinda like to rival sports teams praying to defeat the other prior to the game. I still haven’t figured that one out….
So here it comes with a women, who is married, had sex with her husband, BEFORE THEY WERE MARRIED!
So what?
Well here’s the “what.” It cost her her job as a teacher in a “Christian” school.
Seems pre-marital sex was a no-no. I’m sure every employee there including some of the students have never ever masturbated, been sexually assaulted, abused, or had sex before they were married.
They must have ice machines in each office and classroom. Either that or everyone is medicated.
Saltpeter anyone?
I think the vast majority of these people have a lot of repressed issues.
It reminds me of a couple who had a daughter who was five. They made her wear a bra. A five year old child wearing a bra. Is it just me or were those people wound a bit too “tight?”

Well here’s the story. Let me know what you think.

http://blogs.ajc.com/cynthia-tucker/2010/06/14/christian-school-teacher-gets-fired-for-fornication-%e2%80%94-with-her-fiance/
Cynthia Tucker
Political commentary from Pulitzer Prize winner Cynthia Tucker

“Christian” school teacher gets fired for fornication — with her fiance

12:33 pm June 14, 2010, by ctucker
This morning, NBC’s Ann Curry interviewed a Florida woman, Jeretta Hamilton, who was fired from a private school for having sex with her fiance before marriage. The principal found out when she applied for maternity leave and he did the math — like folks used to do back in the 1950s. The termination letter told her to ”consider the testimony of the Lord.”
Hamilton may have a good case in federal court, but could she actually be surprised that a Christianist school gets in a snit over fornication? Isn’t that in its rule book (figuratively, if not literally?)
From NBC
Jarretta Hamilton and her husband of 16 months, Samuel Treftz, told TODAY’s Ann Curry Monday that the termination violated federal anti-discrimination laws. In addition, they allege in a pending lawsuit, the school’s principal, Jon Ennis, invaded Hamilton’s privacy by telling other teachers and the parents of her students the exact reason she was fired.
“When they let me go, they told the entire staff in a staff meeting that I had been fired and the reason why they let me go. And then they called all of my parents to my fourth-grade students and told them, as well,” Hamilton said.
Ennis declined to appear on TODAY, citing a lawsuit filed by Hamilton against the school. But in a pre-recorded report filed by NBC News’ Mike Taibbi, Ennis was asked if he stood by the firing. “Yes, absolutely,” he replied. . .
“I was only requesting a standard six weeks maternity leave and as the conversation progressed, he said, ‘I’m just trying to do the math here. When did you get married?’ ” Hamilton told Curry.
School principal Jon Ennis defends the teacher’s firing on moral grounds.
“I said Feb. 20,” she continued. “He said, ‘Well, did you conceive prior to marriage?’ I answered and I told him, ‘Yes.’ ”
A week later, she was notified that she was terminated. The school has asked Hamilton to withdraw her suit over her firing.
“Jarretta was asked not to return because of a moral issue that was disregarded, namely fornication, sex outside of marriage. The employment application, which she filled out, clearly states that as a leader before our students we require all teachers to maintain and communicate the values and purpose of our school.
“We request that Jarretta withdraw her complaint and consider the testimony of the Lord,” the letter concludes.
I hold no brief for schools such as this, where Christian fundamentalism overlooks much of Christ’s ministry — which focused on poverty and (yes, Glenn Beck) social justice — and emphasizes a narrow morality revolving largely around sex. But I do wonder how Ms. Hamilton could have been surprised by it, since she teaches there.
There are hundreds of thousands of schools all over the country with a religious orientation — Catholic schools, Episcopal schools, Methodist schools, Jewish schools and Greek Orthodox schools. They vary in their ecumenicism and their approach to religious instruction. Some require all students to attend a religious service; some don’t.
But those with “Christian” in the name are known for a very narrow reading of the Bible that eschews the teaching of evolution, celebrates militarism and denounces gay rights. I wouldn’t send my child to such a school, but it seems they ought to have a right to fire teachers for fornication if they choose.
But they should have included a morality clause in the contract.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The United States was not "Founded" as a "Christian Country"


I am an American.
On top of that I am also a Texan.
I was born in Texas and can trace my family coming to Texas in the 1850’s.
Most of my family came from the United Kingdom. The rest came from Europe.
Some have been in the United States since the early 1700’s. Some fought in the American Revolution against England.
For what I can tell, they all were “Christians” of some sort or another.

I am an Atheist.
I’ve been an Atheist since the age of six.
I have a degree in History from Texas A&M University. It is a University that is conservative. There’s nothing “liberal” about it.

In order to graduate from high school in Texas, you are required to take a government class that covers both Texas and the Federal Government.
In order to graduate from a college or university in Texas you are required to take:
Six hours of American History
Three hours of Texas government
Three hours of American Government.
So you’re looking at a total of 12 hours of American history and government.

I’ve heard many a time my fellow student whine about having to take these classes that they’ll never use.
They use them. Or should I say, they “don’t” use them every time there’s an election.
I do.

I also use them when I hear such myths as, “America was founded as a ‘Christian’ country.”
It wasn’t.
“There’s nothing in the Constitution about ‘Separation of Church and State.‘”
There isn’t.
Any reference to “religion” is in the Bill of Rights:

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.


http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html

So what does that mean?
It means we don’t have a “National” religion like we did when we were the colonies and part of England.
This is religion is known as “The Church of England.” King George III was the head of it. As have all Kings and Queens have been going back to Henry VIII.
Henry, if you recall, told the Catholic Church and the Pope where to go and started his own.
You see, one of the reasons the American Revolution happened was that we felt we were not being fairly treated as our fellow Englishmen were in England. That we were not being “Represented” but were still being “Taxed” as all English subjects were.
Hence, “Taxation without representation.”

Also, for well over a thousand years, Kings and Queens had used the “Church” vis-à-vis religion to enforce and validate their positions, their power, and the rule.
The Founding Father’s knew this.
And didn’t buy a word of it.

In fact George III wasn’t even English. That’s also reflected in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. That’s why Arnold Schwarzenegger can’t be President.
But that’s for another time.

So when George Bush #43 say, “God wanted me to be President…” he should have been removed from office.
James Bakers law firm and a frivolous lawsuit got Bush #43 into office. Not “God.”
And how Mr. Baker was treated by Bush #43 in his second term, haunts Mr. Baker to this day.

But that’s not what I want to talk about.
What I want to talk about is the silly notion that the United States was founded as a “Christian” country.
It wasn’t.
It’s a myth being promoted by people who know nothing of the History of the United States and know even less about it’s government.
This can easily proven with a quick American History lesson.
One of the earliest issues the young country of the United States had to deal with were the Barbary Pirates. This cumulated in the Treaty of Tripoli.

Authored by American diplomat Joel Barlow in 1796, the following treaty was sent to the floor of the Senate, June 7, 1797, where it was read aloud in its entirety and unanimously approved. John Adams, having seen the treaty, signed it and proudly proclaimed it to the Nation.

Art. 11. 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 of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan 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.

http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/treaty_tripoli.html

So even as far back as 1796, the Senate of the United States gave proof not only to the people of the United States, but the world as well, that it is NOT a “Christian” country nor was it FOUNDED as one.

So when you hear this myth being promoted, you have the ability to be a “Myth Buster” and set the record straight. And please, reference Article I of the Bill of Rights and the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli that was ratified by the United States Senate and signed by the President John Adams.

And just to tweak their noses a bit more, remind them that John Adams also signed the Declaration of Independence and therefore a Founding Father.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Let’s REGRESS…not PROGRESS!


I live in Texas.
I’ve always been an atheist.
All my life I’ve had to put up with these bible pounding clowns who think their “Manure” does not stink.
Well it does.
I’ve seen these clown just ruin a college.
At first there were no preachers on the Board of Regents.
Then one day there was one.
Then two.
The next thing you knew all the Regents were preachers.
That lead to the demise of the college.
It lost it’s accreditation.
Eventually it reopened without the preachers.
It is now under another name.
But there aren’t any preachers involved in the running of it.
I watched these bible pounder clowns infect the Republican Party in Texas starting around 1984.
It just went down hill after that until 1992.
They finally drove the Republican Party into the ground with Georgie Bush #43 at the controls.
There is a reason you do not mix religion with government.
The last time they tried that in America they ended up burning people at the stake.
These clowns just have to show off their religion at every chance.
It’s like they have nothing else to offer.
And if things go tits up, they say it was, “Gods will.
Great.
Leave us with their mess to clean up.
In Stafford, Texas a couple of years ago the city council put a stop to any more places of worship to open in the town.
WHY?
Simple.
There were so many that there was not enough tax money to operate the town.
If they opened anymore then they were going to have to raise peoples taxes in order to make up for the short fall.
That means all those tax free places of worship would then be sucking off the American Taxpayer.
NOT A GOOD THING.
The local businesses consisted of two gas station vis-a-vis convince stores and a bowling alley.
Of course you had clowns like Pat Robertson who had to through in his addled two cents.
He gibbered on his TV show about it.
They tried to make the city council look like real anti religious goons.
Fact is, they were doing their job and protecting the people of Stafford from having to pay out their hard earned money to support a bunch of “non- profit” groups.
Sorry, we’re not here to pay or support places of worship.
Now we have a board that is headed by a bible pounder.
He does not care about the children’s quality of education.
He only cares about making a back door change in order to sneak religion into the class room.
They tried it in different ways.
They try to have the Bible studied as Literature.
No. Sorry. Nice try.
Then there is the comparative study ploy. Then there is the Intelligence Design ploy.
Now they are attempting to redo history…again.
Sorry campers.
Then there is that approach that separation of Church and State is not in the Constitution of the United States.
Well guess what, they are right.
On that point.
But they won’t tell you that there isn’t an official religion of the country or a state religion.
Maybe they might want to go back and study the History of the American Colonies when we a part of England and that the Church of England was the Official Religion of England.
And we were part of England.
They seem to ignore the fact that many came to this country to have FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND FREEDOM FROM RELIGION.
These people risked it all on a long ocean voyage that by todays standards would curl you toes.
If you didn’t die of disease on the way over.
Or die form an illness.
Or if the ship sunk.
It was that dangerous.
But thousands did.
And lots died trying.
But they just won’t bring that up.
Maybe if they did they’d find themselves in a very hard fought battle to pull off what they just did.
Oh well, their actions, which were not stopped will only lead to many civil cases in the courts.
Had they been held accountable, these cases which will come would never have had to happen.
BUT HEY! THEY AREN’T THE ONES HAVING TO PAY FOR THE LEGAL FEES ARE THEY!
Remember,
Pray in One Hand,
Piss in the Other….
and see which one fills up first…..

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Pole-Dancing Miss USA a Conundrum for Muslims


Pole-Dancing Miss USA a Conundrum for Muslims
Why?
This is America.
Pictures of her competing in a Detroit radio’s station’s “Stripper 101” pole dancing contest held in 2007 have hit the net.
Okay so she won the thing. She got her own stripper pole and adult toys.
Honestly, she sounds like my kinda girl…
So she came here as a baby. She attended a “Christian” school but celebrates both Muslim and Christian faiths.
Well, ok, so the religion thing does tend to through a wrench into things but I think I might be able to over look it.
There are those saying it’s cool. And those who you’ll find anywhere called “tight asses” who have problems with her in a two piece swim suit.
I’m sure the women went through a ton of wax to be able to wear it.
And then there are the “Muslims” who won’t like the clothes she wears. I know people of other faiths who won’t like the clothes she wears.
Most of them wish they could fit in the clothes she wears.
Then you have the ones saying she has family in terrorist groups.
What about those in the us who blow up abortion clinics and shoot doctors that perform abortions?
Aren’t those terrorist acts?
Sure they are.
Oh, sorry, they have “God” behind them…
Now there are those who see her wining as an honor and that the Arabs and Muslims in the US are part of America.
This is how I feel about.
When I travel out of the country I look upon myself as a guest.
I must be a good guest and abide by the hosts rules.
I avoid a ton of problems and troubles when I travel.
I have looked at moving to another country.
I know if I do so I will:
A. Have to learn speak their language
B. Have to learn to read their language.
B. Adjust to their customs and ways of doing things.
So when I hear people saying that they aren’t happy with someone like the new Miss America, my response is…
DEAL WITH IT.
You don’t like seeing her in a two piece swim suit?
Turn the page.
Change the channel.
Cover your eyes.
You want to live here?
Then live like the people here do.
If you have a problem with that, you are free to leave at any time.
Now I didn’t use to be that way, but I’m becoming that way.
I guess what I’m seeing is people from certain parts of the world wanting a better life and moving to the west.
Well we do things differently here.
We have a better life.
That’s usually why people move to a new place.
THEY WANT A BETTER LIFE!
So if getting a better life means you have to make some changes, THEN DEAL WITH IT AND CHANGE! ADAPT. FIT IN. GET LAID. GET LAID OFTEN. Geezzzz
Like the man said, “You don’t change the village to fit the village idiot.”
Personally I’d like to know what she did with the pole and the adult toys….
I know I know, if I was religious I’d burn in hell……

So what are your thought on this?

Friday, May 14, 2010

My Response to National Prayer Day.....



In response to the National Day of Prayer, or rather, the National Day of “Trying to do something without actually doing anything” I offer up a,
“National Atheist and Freethinkers Day of SLEEPING IN!
Instead of people ruining their knees by kneeling on them all day long….
Instead of people prostrating themselves on the floor and getting dirty…
Instead of people having to face a certain directing and bending back and forth six times a day…
Instead of people not having an alcoholic drink of some sort…
Instead of people not being able to enjoy oysters, shrimp, crab, or lobster…..
Instead of people not being able to enjoy a delicious grilled hand and cheese sandwich….
Instead of people giving something up they enjoy for a few weeks….
Instead of people having to haul their rears out of bed early on Saturday or Sunday mornings…..
Instead of people having to hang out at a place of worship on Friday when they should be at Happy Hour…
Instead of people having to deal with incontinences put upon them by their religious beliefs….
Everyone regardless of their race, religion, or national origin gets to STAY IN BED AND GET SOME WELL DESERVED SLEEP.
Everyone regardless of race, religion or national origin will be well rested and refreshed.
Morning traffic will be reduced.
Combustion engine emissions will be reduced.
Millions of gallons of fuels well be saved.
Wrecks and fender benders will be reduced.
No one will be speaking in tongues because they’ll all be asleep, and snoring.
Couples can have a chance at some unrushed “slap and tickle.”
Fox News, Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh can rail against the “liberals” and God Damn Atheists and Freethinkers because everyone is asleep and not listening to their shows.
Rachael Maddow can show up to MSNBC in her flannel PJs and slippers.
Keith Oberman doesn’t have to worry about having a stroke while going after the conservatives.
The Catholic Church doesn’t have to open early for morning services.
AND…..
Sarah Palin can have a new ghost written book about the “God Damn Atheist and the Liberals undermining the American way by finally letting the people of the United States get some sleep.”

Now, there will be those who protest.
There always are.
I’m sure Pat Robertson will tell everyone that “Jesus slept for your sins…”
There will be that one mullah who’ll blame it all on the decadent west and the posturepedic mattress because, well, the Prophet didn’t have one….just a carpet.
And the rabbi who’ll complain that, “Mosses his followers didn’t get to roam the desert for forty years by staying in bed all day….And don’t think God doesn’t know.

Of course the Buddhists response to all this will be, “Sleep happens…”

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Ten Commandments but not 610 Jewish Commandments.....




Sarah Falin...er…Palin was being interviewed and said something to the effect that the United States laws were based on the Ten Commandments.
This only proves that the quality of the American Education system is in very bad need of repair.
And to think that this individual could have been a heart beat away from the Presidency.
Now, mind you I know this women is out to make a buck.
She does not care what she says.
She does not care if anyone gets hurt by what she says.
She does not care if there are any ramifications from her speeches.
She put the “dollar” above her duties as the duty elected Governor of Alaska.
She did not care about her supporters.
She did not care about the people of Alaska.
She did not care that she “burned” those who worked to put her into the Governor office of Alaska.
It’s all about the “dollar.”
Now she’s out saying that the United States laws are based or should be based on the Ten Commandments.

Well how about we “bump it up a notch” and instead of just using the Ten Commandments, we use the JEWISH COMMANDMENTS!
There are 610 Commandments that the Jewish religions must follow.
Not 10.
Not 20.
Not 30...
BUT 610!

Funny thing, this guy named Jesus was Jewish.
He had to follow all 610 of them.
Supposedly Palin is one of his “followers” when not chasing the almighty dollar.
So doesn’t just stand to reason that if this guy name Jesus had to follow all 610, don’t you think one of his most out spoken followers should follow the same 610?

Now that just might put a kink in Falin’s …er Palin’s reasoning…If there is any reasoning.
But we all know the dirty truth.
Palin is out to make a buck.
Plain and simple, it’s all about the money.
SHOW PALIN THE MONEY! SHOW PALIN THE MONEY!

Now I’ve mentioned before in another posting that I’m all for putting Commandments in the public schools.
BUT….
I want the JEWISH COMMANDMENTS put in the schools.
All 610 of them.
Hey, this guy name Jesus had to follow them so why not his followers?
And hey, the Jewish kids already follow them so part of the battle of getting the kids to do so has already gotten a foothold.
What more could you ask?

When the United States was created the laws did away with Kings, Queens, and noble titles. There wasn’t an official religion for the country. The Founding Father’s had good reason for that. Seems that King George III was also the head of the Church of England. They had first hand experience under that kind of rule.
They didn’t want it.
Hint hint hint.
Again, this shows the failings of the American education system because if Palin had had a decent education she would have known this.
But she bounced around colleges like a ball bounces off a wall.

While I don’t put much if any “stock” of what Palin saids, what bothers me is that there are those who do.
And it’s these individuals that scare me.

So what’s your take on this?

Thursday, April 1, 2010

IS IT JUST ME OR......


It seems that my face book account has been closed. They won’t tell me why. However, on their “Ask” page it does list some things. But nothing to indicate as to why my account was closed.
Now, I’ve not stalked anyone.
I’ve not threatened anyone.
I have however, been threatened for my lack of religious “beliefs.”
I just wonder if those individuals had their accounts closed as well?
Now did I post thing like I post on here?
Yes.
I had one picture that was removed some time ago.
Not a problem.
Had I asked a lot of people recently to become friends?
Yes I had.
But I for the most part only invited those with the atheist “A” on their picture.
I did send them a question asking as to “why” but I’m not betting the ranch on it.

MY LETTER TO THEM:


I have been informed by my account on your site has been disabled.
I have received threats from some members and have actually filed a complaint against one who makes it a hobby to find those, like myself, who are an atheist.
I have also been verbally attacked by others in the past.
I have also have some trouble recently with someone trying to hack into my e-mail account here on yahoo.
I may have also had someone try to hack into my account on Facebook.
I have NOT received ANY notification of my being in ANY VIOLATION of your company's policy.
I think I may have had a photo removed but that, if it did happen, was quite some time ago.
Now I have recently attempted to add "Friends" who are also atheists like myself.
I have also joined some groups that are atheist based as well. Some are located outside the US.
As for those individuals I have attempt to add, the mast majority of them have the atheist "A" on their photo or something similar.
I do not go out looking on your site for trouble.
I do not go out looking for religious believers of any kind to attack or try to change them to my way of thinking.
But I along with other atheists have had people attacks us and in some cases tell us to "die" and what have you.
Is that an accepted action Facebook allows for those who follow a religion? To attack others who do not?
Could you also tell me just how many other Atheists have had their accounts closed for similar things?

Or could you inform me of who has been trying to hack into my account?
Sincerely, Ima

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition boys!


Well now it looks like the Gun Toating Bible Pounders got busted by the FBI because they were planning a “revolt” to “save” America.
But fortunately, we were saved from them. For the time being that is.
Might I go out on a limb here and wonder if Sarah Palin is their poster girl?
And just why do they think (I’m using that term loosely) they have the right to “save” us?
I sure didn’t.
And I’m a vet.
It’s a piety the Cold War isn’t on anymore. I honestly believe that when there was a big bad USSR it served as a “break” on nut cases like these. As long as there was an enemy to direct your hate and anger at we didn’t turn too much on ourselves.
It’s kinda like the Mid East. As long as Israel is there, then the other countries in the region won’t go after each other.
It was point out by a Jewish writer a few years ago that if the Palestinians just said, “Screw it we’re moving to Miami” then the Israelis would dance in the streets. After a few months though, the Israelis would turn on each other on the question of “Jewishness.”
After tearing each other up for a couple of months, the Israelis would look around and say, “Screw it. We’re moving to Miami too!”
Now the rest of the people in the Middle East would dance in the streets because Israel was gone. Then, they’d stop, look around and say, “Why are we living under this kind of government?”
That’s when the leaders of the Middle East countries would start to go to war with one another to keep their people’s attention occupied.
So, you see, using the Israeli model we here in the United States of Hysteria need a viable enemy to keep us busy.
Who are these bible pounding “we’re gonna save America yahoos?” Have they ever served in the military? Could they even get in the military. And what makes them think that we all want to live like they do?
Maybe it’s time we had an Atheist Militia.
Naw…it’s better if we just step back and let these yahoo’s go after each other.
Either that or draft them and send them to Iraq or Afghanistan.
Those boys and girls gots guns too!
And better yet, they’ve got “God” on their side too…..

Friday, March 19, 2010

I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THE LIBERAL PRESS AND THE PROGRESSIVES IN THIS COUNTRY

Ok so there are those against having health care for everyone in the United States.
They have it in England, Germany, France, Canada, and a whole list of others.
Of course, there are those who in those countries who do not like it. Then they just need to pay for their own coverage.

Funny thing is, having been in the insurance game the first thing you learn is that there will be someone who’ll call up and tell you they are tired of their employer’s health care plan. They are going to buy their own.
So you get their information and get them the quote.
When they find out how much a private policy will cost them, they’ll tell you, “I’ll get back to you on this..”
They found out just how much a PRIVATE PERSONAL HEALTH CARE POLICE will actually cost them.
It ain’t cheap.
They got and get sticker shock.
And you know, that Employer Paid for health care plan just doesn’t’ seem that bad now.

So let’s go one step further.
Let’s stop all this “Socialism”, “Communism”, “Liberalism”, yada yada yada.
Let’s take away Social Security and Medicare.
There is no reason why the American People nor their government should or need to pay for some elderly person’s health care nor supplement their pension.
If they didn’t save enough for their retirement then that’s THEIR PROBLEM.
If they didn’t save enough to pay for their health care when they got old then THAT’S THEIR PROBLEM.
If they had too many kids and couldn’t save then that’s THEIR PROBLEM.
In fact, their children ought to then PAY FOR THEIR HEATH CARE.

And let’s go even further.
Why should employer’s pay for their employee’s health care?
They have no LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY TO DO SO, SO THEY SHOULDN’T.
All those employee benefits, save for employee sponsored one’s are 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
That mean’s those employee health and life benefits are being paid through
BACK DOOR SOCIALISM!

This needs to be stopped NOW!
The same applies for government employees.
They, like all American’s should be paying for their own health care.
Why are they sucking off the Government nipple then?
Because they work for the government?
That’s stupid. That’s a was of tax payers money.
We can cut billions across the country by cutting out government employee life, health and retirement benefits.
No where in the US Constitution nor Bill of Rights does it state that Government employees are entitled to such things.
NO WHERE.
Nor does it say our elected officials are entitled to any life, health or pension benefits. So why are the American People being burdened with this ‘Socialism?”
This is totally UN-AMERICAN and needs to be stopped NOW.

If these people complain then what they need to do is simply quit wasting their money on things they do not need. People do not need big cars or trucks. There is public transportation available. They don’t need cable TV or satellite TV, internet access, computer games and so on. They don’t need such things as beer or alcohol, pizza, soda, ice crème, candies and a whole list of things. It’s a huge long list.
They have to simply prioritize things they need to live and what they don’t need. Like braces for people teeth. There is no medical reason why a person has to have straight teeth. It is just cosmetic. Plain and simple.

So when I hear people like Glen Beck crying on TV about “Progressives”, and “Liberals’, and “Communists’ and “Socialists” he needs to actually take a leadership role. The same for the likes of Sarah Palin.
They need to go to their employer and tell them that they need to remove them from their employee benefits plan. Remove them from their employer pension plan. In fact they need to tell their employers that they need to hire them on as a contractor.

This will do two things.
The first is that the employer will no longer have to match their contribution to Social Security and Medicare payments which is about 7.5% currently. This will also reduce their Employee Benefits costs. Therefore reducing the “Back Door Socialism” that is being funded by the American Government and the American Taxpayer.
Second thing they as Americans and true believers in non-socialist forms of government will assume the full burden for their Social Security and Medicare taxes. This will be around 14% of what they earn. In addition they will be then responsible for their own health care, life insurance and retirement. The tax payer will no longer have to should this and their burden.
Now for those who have a pre-existing medical condition they will be able to get coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act or COBRA. They will be covered and will have to pay for their own health care. But as well all know this should be a personal responsibility and not a government responsibility.
So you see, we are able to free ourselves from our government nipple at any time. We the People have the ability in the United States to provide for ourselves and not rely on our government nor our fellow tax payers to do so.
Anything else is either: Socialism, Communism, Liberalism or Progressivism. And as we all know any of these things or a combination of them is not American.


So what’s your take on this?

Monday, March 15, 2010

It is time to put the American People FIRST!

My former business partner died about 4 weeks ago. She had been fighting cancer for over 15 years.
Due to a third rate doctor and an HMO, she was misdiagnosed and nickel and dimed to death for years by them.
But HMO’s are very proven experts in the “Nickel and Dime” game.
I use to be in the insurance business back in the mid 1990’s.
It was the “Seniors” market. Medicare and Long Term Care.
Many people switch to the HMO’s for the “free” insurance.
Most of them had never ever paid for full health care in their entire lives. Their employer provided it for them. They paid a co-payment. Some paid a relative small monthly fee.
But they never ever paid for the full coverage.
In fact, one of the first lessons you learned in the business is that someone would be tired of their employer’s coverage and call up to get a quote. They’d be all hot and bothered and were ready to pay for their own.
Well, you get their information, do all the leg work, and get the quote.
This is when they got “Sticker Shock” at the price of a personal health care plan.
They almost always responded, “Umm ok, let me think about this and I’ll call you back…”
They never ever called back.
When they found out just how much it cost, well, then their employer’s plan just wasn’t that bad then.
So you’d have these people who were now going on Medicare. Medicare is a wonderful thing.
Medicare was created back in the early 1960’s. It was attempted once before back in the 1950’s under Harry Truman. But it got shot down. But under LBJ it passed.
The reason Medicare was created was that senior citizens retirement and savings were being wiped out by medical costs.
Funny thing.
You may have never ever had a sick day in your entire life, but when you get older you body starts to break down and is therefore weakened and susceptible to various illnesses and conditions.
And these people were too old to go back to work.
But since most of these people had always been covered by their employer, they never ever had to pay for full coverage.
So they get on Social Security and register for Medicare. Well, they see that the government was taking X amount of money out of their Social Security checks to apply to Part A of their Medicare payment. Actually, it was just a paper work shuffle by the government. Had they just taken the amount out before they got their monthly check, they’d have never noticed and would not have complained. Back then it was $45 a month.
Well, many saw that and screamed holly hell for that.
Then they had to pay for a Medicare Part B supplement. Back then these ranged in price from $45 a month to just over a $100 a month.
Not bad actually. So if you got the whole shebang, you were looking at around $140 or so a month for a wonderful all encompassing health care plan.
And the wonderful thing is, IF YOU PAID FOR THE EXACT SAME THING FROM AN INSURANCE COMPANY IT WOULD HAVE COST THEM HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OR CLOSE TO A THOUSAND DOLLARS A MONTH.

But they didn’t’ see that.
So what the government did, in order to actually get people off Medicare was allow Senior HMO’s to come into being.
What actually happened was that the Senior when they signed up for the HMO, was actually dis-enrolling from Medicare. And that whopping $45 a month? It was now sent to the HMO and not back to the Government.
So these people thought they were getting “free” health insurance. They weren’t.
They were getting the shaft.
It was common for a former client to call up about every three or four months crying that their spouse was dead. The HMO wouldn’t treat them and they died. They wanted to know what we, the insurance agent could do for them.
We could do nothing.
That was between them and the “Free Insurance” HMO.

So when I see these clowns like Palin out there screaming about “Death Panels” I just laugh like a drain.
Insurance companies have had their own “Death Panel” for years.
Oh, and the line of “there will be a bureaucrat between you and your doctor” line?
You mean like the bureaucrat that works for the insurance company?
The one that tells you they won’t cover the medical help you need?
Even though it says in your plan it IS covered?
The ones who deny your claims?
THOSE BUREAUCRATS?
They don’t work for the government, they work for the Insurance Corporations.

So this is how I feel.
I’m am TIRED of seeing the citizens of the US get stuck for trillions of dollars for frivolous wars against Third World Countries who are of no threat to the US at ALL.
I’m tired of seeing companies cry that there is too much government regulation and when it’s reduced they run amuck.
THEN they run to the US Government crying that the government needs to bail them out.

I think it’s time for the US to have a national single payer health care plan.
All we have to do is make Medicare available to EVERYONE.
To pay for it?
How about a National Sales Tax THAT IS ONLY USED AND CAN ONLY BE USED FOR THE NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PLAN.
ANY MONEY LEFT OVER IS SAVED OR ROLLED OVER INTO THE NEXT YEARS BUDGET.
The excess won’t go into the General Fund like Social Security is.

The time has come.
It’s time to put the fear mongering away, the hysteria away, and put the American People on top.

Monday, February 1, 2010

When down and out, hungry, in shock, and at a mental low point offer them a “bone.”

I’m amazed how religions offer help but use it to “convey” their message. The “Evangelicals” are off to Haiti to bring help and so on. Personally, I think that’s great. In fact, I want them to stay there and don’t come back.
Now most of the people of Haiti are Catholic. I know that just upsets the likes of Pat Robertson. Why? I would think that they don’t get his show there. And since they might not get his show he can’t tap them for some money.
I think that the Evangelicals believe that they can use this as a way to establish a larger footing there. But, having seen how religions and religious leaders go after each other when their turf is up for grabs, I don’t think the Evangelicals have a good chance of becoming the “new” religion in Haiti.
I remember back when Jerry Falwell and Jimmy Baker were having at it after Baker’s scandal broke. Oh those boys can quote that bible. Of course most of it is taken out of context.
But really, who wants to take the time and memorize a book of fiction front to back and back to front. And there aren’t that many pictures. And of course we all know how the story ends.
Here’s a story that talks about it. Here’ s the link so you can read it in full.
http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/evangelicals-find-opportunity-in-haiti-quake-aftermath/19339030

The Evangelical preacher talking about how his church is having to step into the breech because the government can’t. Makes me think of another religious group in Afghanistan doing the same thing.
It’s called the Taliban. Seems the Afghanistan government is not able to step into the breech and the Taliban is filling this and other voids.
I’m sure, since it’s a Faith Based Group nothing much will come of it….

So what’s your feelings about this?

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

ASK ANY RELIGIOUS LEADER AND THEY TELL YOU THE MONEY'S NOT IN THE PLATE BUT IN THE WALLET




A few years ago a friend and I were driving out in the country and found a nice little town to check out. We were just killing some time, checking out the towns history, some of the shops and it’s history. It was settled back in the 1800’s by mostly German immigrants.

Of course there were the ever present churches. This is the Bible Belt. My friend is ¾ American Indian and while raised a Catholic follows her American Indian ancestors faith. But she still every so often has a soft spot for the Church.

So there was this pretty little Catholic Church. It’s neat, clean, well tended too. The lawns are well manicured. She wanted to going in, check it out and maybe light a candle. Maybe remember some of her childhood memories. This was fine by me. She knew I was an atheist and was fine with that.

I looked around and saw no cars in the parking lot. In fact, I didn’t see anyone around. I said, “It looks like it’s closed.” She then informed me that the Catholic Church never locks it doors. It’s always open. No one is ever turned away.

So we walk up to the front doors. She reaches out to open the door and low and behold, the doors are locked. I could tell she was rather taken aback by that fact, but taking it in stride tells me, “I guess times have changed…”

Now some of you are saying, “What has this to do with being an atheist or free thinker?” I think that it’s a reflection of today’s religion. Not only Christianity, but all religions, it’s various Political Action Committees (PACs) they finance, and it’s leaders.

These people are scared. If you think an abortion clinic is well protected, go look at some of these Pro Life groups facilities.

I subscribe to a variety of things on the net. Some are political in nature, others are business related, art related, or quirky in nature. Some deal with security. One of the sites I subscribe too is Security Director News ( http://www.securitydirectornews.com).

This issue had an article dealing with crime directed against churches. Interestingly enough, there is, and I know you all will find this so hard to believe, crimes directed against places of worship in every state of the US. Oddly, it does not get that much press. A lot of things religions, religious leaders, and it’s followers do, against the local, state and federal laws gets reported in the news.
I don’t know if it’s not politically correct to report this.
I don’t know weather the editors or news directors think it’s not news worthy.
And I don’t know weather the publication, reporting or publicity of crimes directed against places of worship, religions, religious leaders or their followers, or by these groups is not, due to the nature of the crimes is suppressed.

What do these organizations and their followers have to be fearful of? I think it’s something that we all need to take a look at and be aware of.

But here is the article in full. I’ve included the page on the internet as well.


SECURITY DIRECTOR NEWS

http://www.securitydirectornews.com/?p=article&id=sd201001dEoWq

Churches urged to 'look within' to enhance security
By Leischen Stelter - 01-12-2010

CINCINNATI, Ohio—A study released in January found that there were more than 1,200 crimes against churches across the country in 2009, ranging in severity from vandalism to violent crimes. This is the first year this study has been conducted.
The report, Crimes Against Christian Organizations in the United States, found that burglaries were the most common crime, with 779 incidents making up 63 percent of all crimes reported against churches, followed by 149 thefts (12 percent) and 98 cases of arson (8 percent).
While burglary was by far the most commonly reported incident, it was not the most expensive crime against churches. Instead, internal theft, which made up only 4 percent of all incidents, cost churches nearly twice as much as burglaries at an estimated $13.5 million compared to $7.8 million from burglaries.
Jeffrey Hawkins, executive director of the Christian Security Network, which conducted the study, said he wasn’t surprised by the results, but that church leadership tends to express shock when incidents occur at their places of worship, particularly internal theft.
“When you’re following this all year long and see it repeated over and over again, although the incidents are different, you see the same patterns and realize that it’s not an anomaly, it’s more of a trend,” he said. “So when talking about where to stop the biggest dollar risk, churches have to look to within.”
While it’s hard to generalize what churches need in terms of security, Hawkins said one overarching policy that all churches should implement is performing background checks on all staff and volunteers. “Churches are suffering internal loss because they don’t have internal controls,” he said.
The first hurdle to getting church leadership to address these security needs is to “get over this it-can’t-happen-here mentality,” Hawkins said. “They have to take responsibility and be proactive to prevent and deter crime and they can’t sit back and do nothing.” A common issue with churches in particular is that they have a misconception about what security really means. “They want to be open and inviting and they think security will make it look like a prison,” he said.
As far as implementing specific security measures, Hawkins said every church is different and there’s no single solution, but all churches should establish a safety team ministry, a group of individuals who are dedicated to safety and emergency planning for the church. And, he said, before churches start worrying about purchasing security equipment such as video surveillance and alarm systems, he said they need to have these teams in place to first evaluate their specific risks.
And while this study brings to light the security issues churches across the country are facing, future reports will be able to determine if 2009 was an above average year for crimes against churches. “As we get more information and data, the biggest thing is trending,” said Hawkins. “Was this a typical year or a particularly bad year because of the economy? This report really brought up more questions than answers at this point.”


So what is your opinion on this?

Monday, January 4, 2010

Even in prison you can't get away from them...

I’ve had a couple of friend who worked as prison guards.

Mostly they work at the “State” level but also one who works on the Federal level. Reading this news article just made me laugh.

A convicted rapist is an atheist. He's also open about it. At least the guy is straight forward about being an atheist.

You get a lot of prisoners who “find God” as a way to buy favor and make themselves look good to various groups and the parole boards.

If only my friends could sit down with the “Happy Band of Do Gooders” and let them explain EXACTLY what goes on inside, they might find more “productive” things to do with their “doing good” works.


Like look at internet porn…

But the best was when he filed a complaint about his “Cellie.” If you only knew how many times I wanted to do that with just some stranger on the street or those clowns who come knocking on your door early Saturday morning to “bring you to God.”

Well here’s the story and the link to the page.
Enjoy.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2791077/Rapists-whine-at-sharing-cell-with-Christian.html


RAPIST’S whine at cell with Christian

AN atheist rapist has complained that his human rights were breached by having to share a prison cell with a Christian lag.


Barman Steven Relf, 40, was jailed indefinitely after admitting raping two women he targeted when he served them drinks in a pub.
Police branded him a "sexual predator" and said he could have had as many as 40 victims.
In a letter to an inmates' magazine, Relf wrote: "I recently had the displeasure of sharing a cell with a Bible-thumping believer."
A source said Relf was "furious" at having to share at Manchester Prison with the Christian convict and wanted him to be "evicted".
He said: "He moaned about how the guy wouldn't shut up about God. He said he wanted to speak to a lawyer about his rights so he could be moved cells."
The other inmate was later transferred.