The Politics Thread - please direct all related posts here..

[richardhutnik]

Why I’m a Conservative Republican

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/arach ... llywood%29

Interesting. But I find it a funny thing that whenever you start talking about these together: Conservative, Republican and Christian, you get a really weird sort of distortion field, albeit it is different than a liberal, Democrat and "Christian" one. In this, I see individuals who argue for things I am hard pressed to see Jesus would argue for (and the OT prophetic texts also). Like, can someone answer me who Jesus would waterboard? Oh wait, waterboarding has nothing to do with what Jesus had concerns about. But I guess gay marriage does. I could swear the Conservative Republican "Christian" is the one who believes we shouldn't burn Bibles, but they need to be put up on a shrine in court houses and said out society is based on it (and the Constitution is an extension of it). It is meant to be so scared, no one should really do what it says, particularly when it means that it can be used to argue services to the poor shouldn't be cut.

Anyhow, carry on. I think the world would be better off if Christians acted like Christians and actually did what the book said, instead of arguing that we should waterboard people. Also, I don't see how saying you are "pro-life" merely is "pro-birth".

- Rich

[richardhutnik]

Arlin Specter in the Democratic primary lost today.

Rand Paul (Ron Paul's son) wins the Republican primary in Kentucky.

- Rich

[orangeblobman]

Rich, the problem with Christianity is that it is disconnected from reality, it's not a practical religion. Turning the other cheek and all that stuff might be fine as an idea but it will get you slapped around in the real world.

A perfect Christian is a dead Christian in the sense that his 'by the book' religious devotion must lead to his demise.

Hey look at what I found in the comments section of that site the guy above you linked to, I thought it was pretty funny:

10 reasons I voted Democrat...

1 - Freedom of speech is fine as long as I am not offended by it.
2 - I am 26, sponging off my mom and now I get free Health Care.
3 - The government has the right to tax your earnings and give me things I want.
4 - Murdering helpless babies is ok as long as we keep all death row inmates alive.
5 - Mexican imigrants have a right to free health care and education at your expense.
6 - Pouring water on a terrorist's face is horrible, but killing a baby in the womb is good.
7 - No one needs a gun, there is always a cop standing by to protect me from criminals.
8 - Global Warning is a fact, even though the weatherman can't tell if it will rain next week.
9 - Profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but taxing the same gallon of gas at 25% is good.
10 - Businesses do not need profits, all profits should be used to support imigrant Mexican workers.

[seren]

Hey I found the following list. It is fun too:

I vote Republican because:

1) Freedom of speech is fine as long as it is not unpatriotic. Disagreeing with me is unpatriotic.
2) I love me some Medicare, but I prefer Chinese pay for it.
3) Drill baby drill. Swimming in oil is extra fun.
4) The government has the right to indebt future generations for irrelevant wars as long as I don't have to pay taxes.
5) I support the troops. They need jobs. We need to stay in course.
6) I need a semi-automatic to prevent being mugged.
7) I love me some fetus and call them cutie babies, but I refuse to contribute to its health care if the baby is born with pre-existing condition.
8) It is OK to subsidize big businesses at the expense of taxpayers, but don't ever think about helping the poor and needy.
9) Unions are evil. They hurt profits.

and my favorite:
10) I believe that global warming is a big fat lie because the weatherman can't tell if it will rain next week.

[richardhutnik]

Rich, the problem with Christianity is that it is disconnected from reality, it's not a practical religion. Turning the other cheek and all that stuff might be fine as an idea but it will get you slapped around in the real world.

A perfect Christian is a dead Christian in the sense that his 'by the book' religious devotion must lead to his demise.

If I offer the other cheek, I get to see if the person actually has bad intentions or not. The same texts you allude to also tells people to be on guard about wolves in sheep's clothing and also not to throw pearls to pig or good food for dogs (and you have exhortations to be wise and smart in what you are doing, but practice peace). What it does do is repeatedly offer a chance for someone to repent and return back to the way of life (see the prodigal son parable). Forgiveness isn't some sort of license for someone to then go ahead an exploit more. It means that a person who owes doesn't have to pay you back for what they own. We have this in the American legal system, in the form of bankruptcy. And the Golden Rule has show up in various forms across a wide range of ethical systems. The Christian expression of it is far more proactive than others. And the focus on forgiveness is one of the few ways people have to end a cycle of war between individuals or communities. Someone has to stop wanting to be paid back, in order for there to stop the need to way to "get even".

This being said, feel free to post any objections you have regarding it. What you may object to isn't what is actually practice Christianity, but is some sort of warped version that isn't properly understood. Also, it would be good to not allow one's own personal biases get in the way of seeing a bigger picture. I would say there is a good chance your current condition has shaded your view of things to find Christianity not realistic.

- Rich

[orangeblobman]

Rich, the problem with Christianity is that it is disconnected from reality, it's not a practical religion. Turning the other cheek and all that stuff might be fine as an idea but it will get you slapped around in the real world.

A perfect Christian is a dead Christian in the sense that his 'by the book' religious devotion must lead to his demise.

If I offer the other cheek, I get to see if the person actually has bad intentions or not. The same texts you allude to also tells people to be on guard about wolves in sheep's clothing and also not to throw pearls to pig or good food for dogs (and you have exhortations to be wise and smart in what you are doing, but practice peace). What it does do is repeatedly offer a chance for someone to repent and return back to the way of life (see the prodigal son parable). Forgiveness isn't some sort of license for someone to then go ahead an exploit more. It means that a person who owes doesn't have to pay you back for what they own. We have this in the American legal system, in the form of bankruptcy. And the Golden Rule has show up in various forms across a wide range of ethical systems. The Christian expression of it is far more proactive than others. And the focus on forgiveness is one of the few ways people have to end a cycle of war between individuals or communities. Someone has to stop wanting to be paid back, in order for there to stop the need to way to "get even".

This being said, feel free to post any objections you have regarding it. What you may object to isn't what is actually practice Christianity, but is some sort of warped version that isn't properly understood. Also, it would be good to not allow one's own personal biases get in the way of seeing a bigger picture. I would say there is a good chance your current condition has shaded your view of things to find Christianity not realistic.

- Rich

Hey Rich, you can do you know what with my current condition.

I'm sayin', I'm all about givin alms and all that dope ****, but I ain't on the rope, kid.

What I'm seeing is like an Avatar-like tree-worshiping religion that really gets to the energy source.

[richardhutnik]

Hey Rich, you can do you know what with my current condition.

I'm sayin', I'm all about givin alms and all that dope ****, but I ain't on the rope, kid.

What I'm seeing is like an Avatar-like tree-worshiping religion that really gets to the energy source.

Pardon me for saying this, but... what the huh? I have no idea what you are trying to say, because it looks in no way connected to what I wrote. On top of that, the wording is confusing, so I can't deduce what you are saying. I don't know, by what you wrote whether you subscribe to a religion like the N'Avi, or that you think Christianity is a front to that religion.

Also, in regards to your current condition you discussed on here, I was commenting that could end up shading yourself to believe life is really harsh, and you can't turn the other cheek, because you would get run over if you do. That definitely could shade things.

- Rich

[orangeblobman]

Hey Rich, you can do you know what with my current condition.

I'm sayin', I'm all about givin alms and all that dope ****, but I ain't on the rope, kid.

What I'm seeing is like an Avatar-like tree-worshiping religion that really gets to the energy source.

Pardon me for saying this, but... what the huh? I have no idea what you are trying to say, because it looks in no way connected to what I wrote. On top of that, the wording is confusing, so I can't deduce what you are saying. I don't know, by what you wrote whether you subscribe to a religion like the N'Avi, or that you think Christianity is a front to that religion.

Also, in regards to your current condition you discussed on here, I was commenting that could end up shading yourself to believe life is really harsh, and you can't turn the other cheek, because you would get run over if you do. That definitely could shade things.

- Rich

Take it easy, palm tree.

You ain't about it, Rich. What I'm saying is that in jail, all you got is God and the Bible, or some Testament. And that's all you got with you, working for you. I read and understand your posts, they're graceful.

What's harsh to me is the prospect of having to son so many people in jail.

As far as politics, I'm happy for any politician that wants to do things right. Like you had Rand Paul, but he's the offspring of a radical. His dad is a little shady, probably racist man. I'm good.

[cgf]

I don't think Ron's racist, naive and crazy sure, but I don't think he's a racist.

[richardhutnik]

Take it easy, palm tree.

You ain't about it, Rich. What I'm saying is that in jail, all you got is God and the Bible, or some Testament. And that's all you got with you, working for you. I read and understand your posts, they're graceful.

What's harsh to me is the prospect of having to son so many people in jail.

As far as politics, I'm happy for any politician that wants to do things right. Like you had Rand Paul, but he's the offspring of a radical. His dad is a little shady, probably racist man. I'm good.

I am not sure what kind of Christianity you are talking about here. I know this is in the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 25):
31"But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34Then the King will tell those on his right hand, 'Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. 36I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.'

In that, when then Jesus was asked when they did that (and those who failed to asked), the reply was "to the least of these". The Christian faith isn't supposed to be just some book with stories that you end up having faith in and... by and by... on the other side... you will get it. Christians are supposed to be doing more. This isn't supposed to be something that has no value. Look at also what the Book of James says, regarding what "true religion" is:
James 1:27. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Because of these, and other texts, you get people of the Christian faith motivated to do things, because they believe Jesus tells them to.

In regards to Rand Paul, or anyone, it is good to not speculate, "probably a racist". Unless you know for sure, don't speculate that. I know the story behind how Ron Paul was said to be a racist, and saw how it ruined his longshot campaign in 2008.

- Rich

[orangeblobman]

I don't know Rich, I'm a little lost on your main point in that last post.

[richardhutnik]

I don't know Rich, I'm a little lost on your main point in that last post.

Real Christianity wouldn't consist of one man, one Bible with God alone in prison. That is what I am saying. It actually calls for more than that. I don't care whatever people say or would argue against it, that is what the Gospels say, and is in keeping with the Old Testaments prophets have said, and also what Christian tradition holds on to. It isn't supposed to be a man alone with some belief and a book, no matter what some Christians will tell you.

As James 2:16 says: If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

- Rich

[orangeblobman]

I don't know Rich, I'm a little lost on your main point in that last post.

Real Christianity wouldn't consist of one man, one Bible with God alone in prison. That is what I am saying. It actually calls for more than that. I don't care whatever people say or would argue against it, that is what the Gospels say, and is in keeping with the Old Testaments prophets have said, and also what Christian tradition holds on to. It isn't supposed to be a man alone with some belief and a book, no matter what some Christians will tell you.

As James 2:16 says: If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

- Rich

I fancy myself an intelligent fellow but am obviously no match for your dope fresh mind. Still not clear on the main point here, so I suggest we let it rest. I should think twice before engaging in the politics thread again.

[richardhutnik]

As James 2:16 says: If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

- Rich

I fancy myself an intelligent fellow but am obviously no match for your dope fresh mind. Still not clear on the main point here, so I suggest we let it rest. I should think twice before engaging in the politics thread again.

You have more important things to worry about than what usually goes on, so that is likely for the best. The point is that the Christian faith is to actually have practical application. Anyhow, take care.

- Rich

[fullermd]

How are race relations in the country? Are they better or worse since President Obama took office?

[richardhutnik]

How are race relations in the country? Are they better or worse since President Obama took office?

Why would they suddenly become better or worse? Obama getting elected would have potential for longer term impact, measured in years and decades, not quickly, even a few years. Changes in attitudes take a long time. At least hate for Obama gets expressed in other things besides race. People take hate at him for maybe being a Muslim rather than the fact he isn't fully white.

- Rich

[fullermd]

How are race relations in the country? Are they better or worse since President Obama took office?

Why would they suddenly become better or worse? Obama getting elected would have potential for longer term impact, measured in years and decades, not quickly, even a few years. Changes in attitudes take a long time. At least hate for Obama gets expressed in other things besides race. People take hate at him for maybe being a Muslim rather than the fact he isn't fully white.

- Rich

PRESIDENT Obama is not Muslim, he is Christian. Are you saying that he is hated? If so, it is not because he is Muslim, because he is a professed and practicing Christian. I wonder why he is hated so much? Could we deductively reason why, by demographically defining who hates him so much? Just curious. What do you think?

[richardhutnik]

How are race relations in the country? Are they better or worse since President Obama took office?

Why would they suddenly become better or worse? Obama getting elected would have potential for longer term impact, measured in years and decades, not quickly, even a few years. Changes in attitudes take a long time. At least hate for Obama gets expressed in other things besides race. People take hate at him for maybe being a Muslim rather than the fact he isn't fully white.

- Rich

PRESIDENT Obama is not Muslim, he is Christian. Are you saying that he is hated? If so, it is not because he is Muslim, because he is a professed and practicing Christian. I wonder why he is hated so much? Could we deductively reason why, by demographically defining who hates him so much? Just curious. What do you think?

Unless "Muslim" is a codeword for "Black" the point I am saying here is that Obama is attacked for being a foreigner, or a Muslim, and his race isn't brought up. They don't bring up Black, and they look for something else, like Muslim, because it is apparently appropriate to equate Muslim with terrorist.

The hatred of him has to go somewhere, and it is into Marxist and Muslim. Apparently they want to spin that his is a Muslim-Marxist who attends a radical liberal "Christian" Church. Yes, I actually had someone tell me there was such a thing as a Muslim church. The race of Obama isn't brought up. I guess hate has found something else to latch on beyond race.

- Rich

[fullermd]

Unless "Muslim" is a codeword for "Black" the point I am saying here is that Obama is attacked for being a foreigner, or a Muslim, and his race isn't brought up. They don't bring up Black, and they look for something else, like Muslim, because it is apparently appropriate to equate Muslim with terrorist.

The hatred of him has to go somewhere, and it is into Marxist and Muslim. Apparently they want to spin that his is a Muslim-Marxist who attends a radical liberal "Christian" Church. Yes, I actually had someone tell me there was such a thing as a Muslim church. The race of Obama isn't brought up. I guess hate has found something else to latch on beyond race.

- Rich

So, you are saying that he is hated. However, the justification for this hate is the opinion that he is Marxist/Muslim. Am I correct in saying that? If I am. I am having a hard time seeing how this is a valid justification. Has he ever said that he was Marxist/Muslim? Is there any evidence of him being a member of a Marxist/Muslim organization in the past? Just what is it about him that affiliates him with either of those persuasions? I would answer this question as NO, there is nothing concrete either in his past or present that directly affiliates him with Marxism or Islam. So, given this fact, it is time to shift our analysis regarding the origin of this hate from the President, who is hated, to the orignators of this hate. Demographically, who are they? What type of history is associated with them? Are there historical or present facts that associate them with hatred of other people? If so, towards whom and why has that hatred been so prevalent? Is there any connection that can be made to this hatred of the President (and his family) and historical facts/incidents of hatred in this country?

I ask all of these round-about questions, when it is much more simple and realistic to utilize the historical and modern day evidence to show the prevalent approach and hateful disposition towards African American people. It was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (just 45yrs ago), that African Americans could even vote in this country (legally). This discrimination happened on such a scale that the federal government had to get involved, due to the protests that occurred throughout the country by African Americans, especially throughout the South. Now, just 45 yrs later those same people who were refused the right to vote, are represented by the President of the United States. If you think, given the history of this country, that this doesn't produce fear and hatred unlike any other, this conversation is mute. There are forces at work, that are really looking to reverse the clock on African American people. It is a very sad situation, but the situation none the less. The fact that they will never be able to achieve this doesn't stop their efforts to do so. African American people in this country are really at risk of being made the scape-goats for a failing economy and nation, similar to how the German's made the Jews resulting in the holocaust. Will President Barrack Obama be able to reverse the damage, political and economic produced by almost a decade of unjust foriegn policy and irresponsible 'defense' spending accounting for trillions of dollars? Very unlikely. The damage done to the country by Bush, is what got President Obama elected. It was obvious to most, that a change was necessary. Hatred, racial hatred, is on the rise. The physical manifestations of it are rising as well. Hate itself not humans is the enemy.

[richardhutnik]

No, I am not saying the direction of his hatred is justified, or even correct in the charges. It has gotten stupid. I swear the GOP, in order to mask that it doesn't really want to be conservative, but also pander to extreme wings, has ended up positioning the Democratic side as more and more extreme. So, to be able to do both, they keep pushing the extreme labels of the Democrats out there, and particularly the likes of Barrack Hussein Obama (the use of that feeds into it, except that people probably forgot already who Hussein was). The underground wants to spin him as Marxist, Muslim and also a member of a Liberation Theology Church. They want to think that all three can coexist together, and the likes of Fox News feeds into it. It enables them to want to back Romney, eventhough Romney had set up a health care plan in Mass. that is like what Obama had proposed across the country.

What I am saying is hatred isn't based around race, but everything else. The need for power and to vilify the liberal side, and Democrats is stronger than any hatred of the race of Obama. This is what I was trying to say here. There is a need to hate, and make up any reason to do so. It is because the GOP is at risk of fracturing at this point and time, with Tea Party and moderates at odds with each other. So, if you can get everyone to hate the Democrats, it works to hold them together.

- Rich