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?

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?

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.

TOP TEN CREATIONIST ARGUMENTS..or so they think

Jesus Will Survive

Meanwhile in the USA: Preacher Jealous of a Real and Successful Entertainer

Rev. Fred Phelps, hungry for any press vis-a-vis attention has yet again made another outlandish statement .
I guess they all want to be the next Falwell or Robertson or Olsteen.
I kind of equate them to famous rock stars.
It's just that Robertson, Olsteen and the late (not late enough) Falwell come across as wanna be rock stars in the religious entertainment industry.
They have their TV shows, they have their big audiences, they have their big stages and their big productions.
Aren't their "Mega" churches meant for that? High end religious entertainment productions?

The makeup artists! The production staff! The control room! The show director! The lights! The cameras! ACTION!
Well it seems that Rev. Freddy Phelps is off attacking the latest female "thing" in sexy outfits in the world of Rock.
Why?
I think because this entertainer is in the press, on the air ways, and has some commercials.
And she does this wearing all those neat, suggestive, sexy outfits.
That only someone of a certain age and figure can wear.

Not me.
Nope.
Sorry.
I know my limits.
No Italian fashions for me.
And no Speedo swim suits either.
I really don't want to go through my life with the memory of men, women and children gazing upon me in a Speedo, then throwing their hands up to cover their eyes and hear their shrill screams of, "MY EYES MY EYES I'M BLIND!
There's enough horror in the world as it is.
Enough about me....

This young female entertainer who is meeting with success has now become his target.
Oh come on. You know as well as I do these clowns need someone to "hate" to give their sad little lives some "meaning."
His target is Lady Gaga.
It's a true piety that Lady Gaga must now have this leach attempt to gain some notoriety through her hard earned success.

The entertainment business is exceedingly competitive.
For those who succeed off their hard work, sacrifice and effort there are countless scores who don't.

Enter Rev. Fred Phelps hoping to ride in the slip stream of Lady Gaga's success.

Here's the story:

Rev. Fred Phelps: 'God Hates Lady Gaga'
http://www.popeater.com/2009/12/23/fred-phelps-god-hates-lady-gaga/#addcomments
Dec 23, by Marc Schneider

Fans have a new reason to love Lady Gaga now that the notorious Westboro Baptist Church officially hates the singer.

The Kansas-based congregation, helmed by Rev. Fred Phelps and consisting largely of his offspring, announced plans Wednesday to picket Gaga's Jan. 7 show in St. Louis, calling the 'Bad Romance' star a "hussy" and a heathen for "seducing a generation."

A press release for the 'God Hates Lady Gaga' protest contains no mention of the church's signature issue, hatin' gays and such, but one can assume they don't approve of Gaga's bisexual leanings and tolerance of homosexuality.

Instead, the folks who shamefully protest funerals of fallen servicemen focus on Gaga's artistic merit. "There's nothing new or different about this particular hussy's pretentious prancing," the statement reads.

Further, Westboro implores Gaga's fans not to be seduced by her charms.

"Even as she gives lip-service to 'liberating' her young fans, Lady Gaga brings them into slavery to their own corruption, teaching them to glory in their shame. She hates you!"

In case you're itching to join the protest or any counter-protests, here's the info: Thursday, Jan. 7 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm outside the (fabulous!) Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis MO.


So what's your take on this?
I didn't know God hated Lady Gaga. I didn't know "God" had a " hate list ." Silly old atheist me. When I hear all these Bible or Koran or what ever religious book they have to pound on, say that "God loves you..." I thought that was all inclusive.
I guess some exceptions do apply

Catholicism: The “Because We Say So” Religion unless you've got a lot of money...

I came across this article while surfing. Here in the United States the Catholic Church used it’s followers to push a “No Abortion Funding” through the Congress. In most places, if a politician wants to be elected, they must, in most cases, become “Pro Life.”
I know of only one openly Atheist congressmen.
Back in the mid 1980’s the Christian Coalition showed up at the Republican Party. They wanted to do the following:
1. Stop abortion. 2. Take away Gay rights. 3. Put prayer back in school.
We fought them back. But looking back, we should have hunted them down and killed them.
They look at kindness as a “weakness.” The same for:
Fairness
Justice
The Constitution
The Bill of Rights
Personal Freedom’s
Freedom of Choice
The right of a person, both Male and Female to have control over their body.
The list can go on and on…
By all rights the acts of the Catholic Church here in America for this last transgression should in it self put it’s priests, bishops, nuns, all it’s buildings, and it’s property on the tax rolls.
It’s time for them to pay their fair share of taxes since they want to use their followers as their “Agents” to promote their agenda.
They have been crossing the line of Separation of Church and State for some time now.
This article is from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). It was published on December 9th of this year.
It deals with three women from Ireland who wanted to have abortions.
Some of us on here are Pro Choice and others are Pro Life.
That is fine.
I myself believe that a person, male or female have the right to have control over their body.
No government. No elected official. No Priest, Preacher, Bishop, Minister, Pope, Arch Bishop, Rabbi, Imam, Mullah, Ayatollah, no any religion of any sort can tell me what I can or cannot do concerning the medical needs of my body.
I am an American.
I am a Free Person.
If you choose to have an abortion that is a personal and private matter between you and your physician.
If you don’t that is a personal and private matter between you and your physician.
Plain and simple.
As I have posted before:
It’s no bodies business but your own.
It’s never been anyone else’s business.
Those who think it is need to mind their own business and in short, BUTT OUT.
If they have an issue with that then they can move to some other country where it is expected of your to spy on your neighbor and their personal and private business.
I suggest the following countries for starters: Communist North Korea Communist Cuba Communist Mainland China Iran Saudi Arabia

That aside, it’s an interesting article.
But what I want to point out is the futility of stopping abortion.
You cannot legislate “morality.”
We tried that in the United States in the late 1920’s.
It was called Prohibition.
If failed miserably.
It lead to the creation of large organized crime families.
Countless murders.
Countless crimes.
And people still drank alcohol.
Eventually those who wanted Prohibition went public and asked for it to be overturned.
The same applies with abortion.
If a women wants one, she will find a way to have one.
Science, medicine and technology have progressed to the point where we have such things as:
The Morning After Pill
The Abortion Pill
Birth Control Pills
And others
But you still have those individuals who honest believe that:
Sex education will only lead to people having sex.
Condoms will only lead to people having sex.
Birth Control Pills will only lead to people having sex.
And so on…
I have some bad news for these people.
Sex is part of our makeup.
Now I could go on and give a list of sayings for and against abortion.
But the simple fact remains. If a women wants to have an abortion she will have one.
The same applies to Drugs and Alcohol. If a person wants them, they can get them. They’ll even pay a lot of money to have them.
So this article talks about a suit brought by these three women who had to travel to England to have an abortion.
In Ireland it’s against the law save for certain situations. Yes, the life of the mother is in danger.
And yes, the Catholic Church had a hand in these laws.
But what the Catholic Church won’t tell you is the South American country where all abortions are outlawed and what the affect of that has been.
Sad.
And to prove just how bad the law in Ireland has failed, about 140,000 Irish women have gone to England to have abortions.
It’s the same everywhere.
If a person is inhibited from having one, they will go where they can.

Here’s the story.

Wednesday, 9 December 2009
BBC
Ireland's abortion law challenged in European court The Irish Republic's strict abortion law is being challenged in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8403013.stm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/

The legal action has been brought by three Irish women who say the effective ban on abortion in Ireland violates the European Convention on Human Rights.
All three have traveled to Britain to have abortions.
The Irish government has engaged two leading lawyers to argue its case that the country has a sovereign right to protect the life of the unborn.
The three Irish women will be identified only as A, B, and C during the Strasbourg court hearings.
They argue that being forced to travel abroad for abortions endangered their "health and well-being" as safeguarded by the European Convention on Human Rights.
The two constitutional lawyers representing the government of Ireland argue that the convention's safeguards cannot be interpreted as endorsing the right to abortion.
'Draconian'
Abortion is illegal in Ireland, a deeply Catholic country, unless the life of the woman is in danger.
The Irish constitution was amended in 1983 to include the "Pro-Life Amendment", which asserted that the unborn child had an explicit right to life from conception.
The case is the first challenge to Ireland's abortion laws in more than 15 years, the BBC's Europe correspondent Jonny Dymond says.
Almost 140,000 Irish women have traveled to Britain over the past 30 years to have abortions, our correspondent adds.
The Irish Family Planning Association welcomed the challenge to the laws, which it described as "draconian".
It said they violated international human rights norms "because they inflict such grievous harm to women's health and well-being".
But Johanna Higgins, co-founder of the Association of Catholic Lawyers of Ireland, told the BBC's World Today programme that a ruling against Ireland would be an infringement of its ability to decide its own laws.
"Whatever the human rights aspects are of this, abortion is illegal in Ireland because it is a criminal offence," she said.
"If I were in any country and this were to go against Ireland, I would be very concerned that the Europeans feel they can step into domestic law."

What' your take on this subject?