Atticus

[Dwight] question [/Dwight]: is it possible for one to be opposed to gay marriage and not be homophobic, in your opinion?

in my experience most homophobia is rooted in upbringing/environment, rather than religion. it's the old-time fear of the unusual, the different. while some may attempt to justify/rationalize their fears with religion, I doubt it as the true cause I say this because many of the same people, while they may say that they're opposed in religious principle, to for instance cheating, or lust/porn, or worshiping money, or racial prejudice, have little actual opposition in the practice of their daily lives. but have them encounter an openly homosexual couple in a starbucks and they spin into a f

I imagine God gets quite a kick out of people using prayer to ask for results.

my post referred to spiritual people advertising or promoting THEMSELVES--as in "look at what a great Christian I am, send my church [me] money" I wasn't saying that religious people don't attempt to teach others about their beliefs. It is also one thing to share one's beliefs and entirely another to beat others over the head with them As for me, I don't believe that I have any business telling anyone whether God is involved in baby spearings. God didn't tell me about that. I do know that I've seen God work in my life, and that's not something that someone else's words can affect. For

happy birthday matt!!!

I have not read this entire thread, so forgive me if this point has been raised, but it should be noted that most spiritual people truly following the tenets of their faith do not feel the need to advertise or promote themselves. what I mean is that the religious caricatures one sees in the media shouldn't be taken as trustworthy examples of the many spiritual people in the world who do wonderful things for themselves and others.

congrats Chris!!!

this was your quote. if you'd like now to talk about what some group of people's actions "point to" that's fine, but don't pretend that discussion about the future of the country is entirely precluded just because someone has "more fun" talking politics with others who agree with one.

sure they do. the thread title is "it's more fun talking politics with people who agree with you," not "I will only discuss politics with people who agree with me."

what did the fake republican plan fake the fakees into?

is the hand on ice?

I know you're pissed and I know you're depressed over these things, and I genuinely feel for you. I used to walk around with a lot of fear, anger and resentment. I don't have to anymore. I just think that the feelings you have for the people with whom you disagree are a cancer to you, rather than any sort of real refuge. it is exhausting to be so frustrated all the time. I know from experience.

and I don't think you're a moron or a sub-species because we disagree. that's the difference. I happen to think that criticizing Palin's views, policies, statements, etc. is perfectly fine and healthy. I think that slamming Palin or anyone who supports her (as people, as opposed to their views) is a form of ego-stroking. The fact that you disagree with me doesn't make me angry, or make me feel the need to denigrate you to feel better about myself.

it is not just this thread, but also the dozens that have preceded it, in which posters attack not just people's political or religious views, but virtually every aspect of their existence. I don't see what's healthy or helpful about it.

I don't think there is anything wrong in thinking that it's a lapse in judgment. And I think it's perfectly reasonable in this case to state publicly that one believes another is having a lapse in judgment in supporting Palin as a candidate for president. That is a civil line of discussion. that's not what I was referring to (and if I wasn't clear then that is my fault)--I'm referring to the ego-masturbation that people engage in by the wholesale slamming of the palin-followers over and over and over and over and over again in order feel superior to them, and how traditionally that is not

I'm pretty sure you understood that I was referring to the ways in which the "frustrated middle American followers" are treated by certain members of this board and in the articles GON and others post, not defining "frustrated" but I wouldn't want to make assumptions

surely the way to open the minds of these voters and help them see your point of view is to continue to refer to them as fucking morons and berate every inkling of their lives. sounds like a plan.

I am bitterly envious. congrats!!!

I was with you people til you started dissing twinkies

I honestly did not know this was coming

Via Chicago

Taylor Swift is awesome. you people just don't "get" her.

you obviously haven't met ction

put out when wilco feel like it, and sound however wilco want it to sound. you will all need much less medication when you come around to accepting this premise. although to be perfectly honest, it really should be recorded on ction's terms, or not at all.