A Man Said To The Universe

Been listening to Mr. Hitchens making his rounds on the radio/podcasts and am enjoying having someone finally saying to some of these faithful things that need to be said. I am sure a lot of people don't like his abrasiveness, but isn't it the kid gloves we often use that simply allows the nonsense to go on? Most recently, on NPR's On Point Mr. Hitchens dismantled a megachurch preacher's "god healed my daughter" story. The preacher gave his account of his sick daughter (hodgkins, I believe) and how they did treatment with (reportedly) a poor prognonsis. So he prayed real hard and is daughter got better and that had to be proof of a god and miracles (with absolutely 0% irony). Hitchens did not waiver and pointed out that his daughter HAD treatment, might that not be the cause? Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, he called him on why is he special? What about all the true, fervent prayers for children that went unanswered?

The gloves are truly off in the public forum and I think it is a very good thing.

Christopher Hitchens was on the Open Source radio show recently and caused a fuss (no surprise). In response, the next day they had Alan Callahan as one to respond. He made it plainly clear they many of the faithful still simply refuse to actually listen to what the neo-atheists (shudder...I had that term, buy they insist on using it) have been saying. (read on...)

Former President came out and said what needed to be said about the current inept and destructive administration. And then he didn't. [sigh] (read on...)

Okay...show of hands...

Who wants to the on the receiving end of this? What if it is with regards to global warming response? Sure the line is from "The Hunt for Red October" but it has some significant meaning here. (read on...)

Most progressive are still uneasy about our control in congress and not totally sure we can win the White House in 2008. Though there are some good people in place and some good candidates, it is by no means a sure thing. So I was thinking...what if we helped the other side? (read on...)

Well I hope I don’t die too soon

I pray the lord my soul to save [this line not so much - vagrant]

Oh I’ll be a good boy, I’m trying so hard to behave

Because there’s one thing I know, I’d like to live

Long enough to savour

That’s when they finally put you in the ground

I’ll stand on your grave and tramp the dirt down

from "Tramp the Dirt Down" by Elvis Costello on the album "Spike"

I know its not nice to speak ill of the dead, but as for Jerry Falwell I can only say this... (read on...)

The answer is, of course: me.

And of course regressives == conservatives.

And I think it sums everything up with regard to the neo-cons. The position at its heart is selfish, self-centered, and fear based. Everything eventually comes down to self interest for them.

• The economy is to make me rich.


• Defense is to keep me safe.


• Religion is to get me to heaven.


• I don't want to have to pay anything to help the poor.


• I don't want to pay for infrastructure that benefits all


• ...and on.
  

Often there is the attempt to mask the selfishness under the mask of self sufficiency, but at its heart it is only petty self interest.

It is not limited to the individual. There is a strong "in group" mentality, manifested mainly by religious participation, which creates a bizarre and dangerous feedback loop fed by self interest and the irrational belief that they "know" the truth. I personally cannot fathom how they can handle the cognitive dissonance generated by the difference in their actions and espoused belief system.

The constant chant from the regressives (neo-conservatives but I have decided to start calling them what they are) about how they are against higher taxes has caused me to hit my limit on my bullshit detector. The simple dismantling question to this stance is this:

What about inflation?

"Wha?" you say? "That is not anything like what I was expecting" crossing your mind?

Let me explain... (read on...)

And now its time for an installment of "Crap on the Shelves!" Yes, your favorite show that lets you know the truth about products you see on television!


Okay, not really, but I am going to look at a product today: Nature's Cure Two-Part Acne Treatment. Seems like an okay thing, right? Well yes and no. (read on...)

Well duh.

I know, but they have topped themselves with their "debate" with the Rational Response Squad. (read on...)

How often have we heard doofi (plural of doofus) claiming that "Science doesn't/can't explain everything"? I would assume for most of you (as it is for myself) its lots. Well you know what? Its true. [GASP!] But it also doesn't mean squat. (read on...)