Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Discuss the latest political news.
User avatar
flopstock
Posts: 7406
Joined: Sat Dec 29, 2007 2:52 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by flopstock »

Ted Cruz Calls Tabloid Report on Alleged Affairs 'Garbage' - NBC News

Ted Cruz called a tabloid story of alleged extramarital affairs "utter lies" and blamed Donald Trump "henchmen" for pushing the story.

"This garbage does not belong in politics," Cruz told reporters while campaigning in Wisconsin.

A National Enquirer story claimed Cruz had five affairs. Two of the women mentioned in the reported affairs have publicly denied the claims.





-------------

It is nice that Cruz would leave marital litmus tests out of the election.

Of course, the republican impeachment was because Bill lied, not because he had the affair.. :thinking:

It's kinda fun watching Karma in action sometimes:sneaky:



I think Trump is doing a preemptive strike so that no one attacks his personal life.
I expressly forbid the use of any of my posts anywhere outside of FG (with the exception of the incredibly witty 'get a room already' )posted recently.

Folks who'd like to copy my intellectual work should expect to pay me for it.:-6

User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

Does the US not provide civil redress in a defamation suit, if the allegations are essentially false?

Though I note that "This garbage does not belong in politics" isn't exactly a denial. And if the allegations are in fact true then they're relevant in politics to the extent that they would indicate a deeply-engrained deceptive nature, at which point we should be awarding the reporter on the National Enquirer a Pulitzer for investigative journalism.

Surely finding adulterous fornicators in the Senate is like shooting fish in a barrel.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
User avatar
Bryn Mawr
Site Admin
Posts: 16201
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:54 pm

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Bryn Mawr »

spot;1494152 wrote: Does the US not provide civil redress in a defamation suit, if the allegations are essentially false?

Though I note that "This garbage does not belong in politics" isn't exactly a denial. And if the allegations are in fact true then they're relevant in politics to the extent that they would indicate a deeply-engrained deceptive nature, at which point we should be awarding the reporter on the National Enquirer a Pulitzer for investigative journalism.

Surely finding adulterous fornicators in the Senate is like shooting fish in a barrel.


In any parliament - the power of politics appears to attract them.
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

But why do they wear Chelsea football kit? I never understood that bit.







[1]: Yes, I have red http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/ ... s.review17

It's just that Mellor is too swinishly vile not to stick the metaphoric knife in, even if it's a blatantly fictional metaphoric knife. The man represents everything that's awful about the Conservative Party, to almost the same extent bloody Portillo does.

Max Clifford is more swinishly vile on an altogether deeper level.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
superhorn
Posts: 33
Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2015 2:26 pm

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by superhorn »

Ted Cruz and Donald Trump - the pot is calling the kettle black . Two of the worst scoundrels in America ! ROFLOL !!! The terrifying thing is that either of these

slimy little bastards could be the next U.S. president . You would be better off voting for a pile of manure to sit in the White House .
gmc
Posts: 13566
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:44 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by gmc »

If trump deosn't get elected how likely are his supporters to take up arms? He doesn't seem to attract the most peaceloving people. It'slike something out of the deep south during the civil rights movement
User avatar
AnneBoleyn
Posts: 6631
Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2011 3:17 pm

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by AnneBoleyn »

gmc;1494234 wrote: If trump deosn't get elected how likely are his supporters to take up arms? He doesn't seem to attract the most peaceloving people. It'slike something out of the deep south during the civil rights movement


Unlikely & those stragglers would be shot.
gmc
Posts: 13566
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:44 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by gmc »

were I an ameruican I think i would be more worried about the christian right and their desdire to re-write the constitution than tne talaban or anythuing else maybe trumop has the virtue of saying what he is actually thinking what really puzzles mw is why any woman wpould support policies that take away thei rights.
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13739
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by LarsMac »

Well, I don't believe all the talk about Trump saying what he is thinking, because I don't believe that he is .

As for women, voting away their rights, that has puzzled me for years.

When we lived in Arkansas, the women at the Church we were attending were all doing exactly that, because their men told them to.

Even many of the women in my extended family are of that ilk.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

gmc;1494239 wrote: were I an ameruican I think i would be more worried about the christian right and their desdire to re-write the constitution than tne talaban or anythuing else maybe trumop has the virtue of saying what he is actually thinking what really puzzles mw is why any woman wpould support policies that take away thei rights.Not to be argumentative for its own sake, but can you give me some examples of the Christian right's "desdire [sic] to re-write the constitution"?

The constitution of the USA is pretty rigid, very rarely new amendments are added. The only "re-writing" that comes to mind was the repeal of prohibition. I'm not saying that there were no other instances, but offhand I can't think of any.

There is no doubt that there are religious extremists in the USA and elsewhere. Their influence in the USA is minimal.
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13739
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by LarsMac »

Mark Aspam;1494244 wrote: Not to be argumentative for its own sake, but can you give me some examples of the Christian right's "desdire [sic] to re-write the constitution"?

The constitution of the USA is pretty rigid, very rarely new amendments are added. The only "re-writing" that comes to mind was the repeal of prohibition. I'm not saying that there were no other instances, but offhand I can't think of any.

There is no doubt that there are religious extremists in the USA and elsewhere. Their influence in the USA is minimal.


You've not seen all the hullaballoo over the years to get something in the Constitution to protect the Flag, or to outlaw abortion, Force a balanced budget, define marriage, make English the official language, and such?

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Portal:U ... nstitution
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

LarsMac;1494245 wrote: You've not seen all the hullaballoo over the years to get something in the Constitution to protect the Flag, or to outlaw abortion, Force a balanced budget, define marriage, make English the official language, and such?

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Portal:U ... itutionWhy do you think I've not seen that? Which of those were successful ?
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13739
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by LarsMac »

Mark Aspam;1494247 wrote: Why do you think I've not seen that? Which of those were successful ?




The discussion was around the "Christian Right" desiring to change the constitution. No their success in doing so. (Thank God)

Mark Aspam; wrote: Not to be argumentative for its own sake, but can you give me some examples of the Christian right's "desdire [sic] to re-write the constitution"?
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

LarsMac;1494248 wrote: The discussion was around the "Christian Right" desiring to change the constitution. No[t] their success in doing so. (Thank God)OK, and I said:

"There is no doubt that there are religious extremists in the USA and elsewhere. Their influence in the USA is minimal."

So?

I'd think that you'd be more worried about elsewhere.
User avatar
Bryn Mawr
Site Admin
Posts: 16201
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:54 pm

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Bryn Mawr »

Mark Aspam;1494251 wrote: OK, and I said:

"There is no doubt that there are religious extremists in the USA and elsewhere. Their influence in the USA is minimal."

So?

I'd think that you'd be more worried about elsewhere.


Sorry but from the reporting we see here the influence of the Christian Right on the politics of the USA is immense - not necessarily in the acts they get passed but in the attitudes that the politicians adopt to placate them.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

Bryn Mawr;1494252 wrote: Sorry but from the reporting we see here the influence of the Christian Right on the politics of the USA is immense - not necessarily in the acts they get passed but in the attitudes that the politicians adopt to placate them.I don't read British print media so I will at least temporarily assume that there are indeed Brit publications that report things like that.

Can you give some SPECIFIC examples of "immense influence" by the American "Christian right"?

I am a Catholic married to a Jew. We have lots of Protestant friends, I can't think of a single one of them whom I would characterize as having an interest in influencing politics BASED ON THEIR RELIGION.

They certainly might wish to influence it otherwise. That's called "voting". I do so myself whenever there is an election or referendum.
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13739
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by LarsMac »

Mark Aspam;1494251 wrote: OK, and I said:

"There is no doubt that there are religious extremists in the USA and elsewhere. Their influence in the USA is minimal."

So?

I'd think that you'd be more worried about elsewhere.


And, pray tell, what could I possibly have to worry about more than religious extremists, these days?

"Their influence in the USA is minimal." You say?

They have only managed to push back nearly a century's worth of progress. They have driven unions into the ground. they have helped the Corporations to gut the workforce in this country. They have stifled most attempts at reasonable healthcare, left women looking for coat hangers, and managed to convince poor people that the big corporations deserve tax subsidies while the middle class supports the war effort.

They dedicate themselves to trying to change the laws, and the Constitution, and the very fabric of our civilization to fit their very narrow views of the Universe?

Sure, nothing to worry about there.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
gmc
Posts: 13566
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:44 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by gmc »

Mark Aspam;1494244 wrote: Not to be argumentative for its own sake, but can you give me some examples of the Christian right's "desdire [sic] to re-write the constitution"?

The constitution of the USA is pretty rigid, very rarely new amendments are added. The only "re-writing" that comes to mind was the repeal of prohibition. I'm not saying that there were no other instances, but offhand I can't think of any.

There is no doubt that there are religious extremists in the USA and elsewhere. Their influence in the USA is minimal.


That was arguably a classic case of the religious right having their way to the detriment of society as a whole.

But my comment was about the desire of the religious right to re-write the constitution and impose their will on non believers.

But for examples of attempts to impose their beliefs how about attempts to overturn roe vs wade, opposition to marriage equality, opposition to allowing acccess to family planning - you even had a presidential candidate on the record as saying he would like to ban contraceptives altogether even if he did think it would not be possible to do so. What about recent cases where employers have been allowed not to provide family planning under obama care (leaving aside the oddity of having employers have such a hold over employees in the first place). Much of then opposition to social security seems to come from a belief that it should be the function of charity not the state to p[rovide for the needy. Obviously i can't and don't claim to be an expert pn american politics which is rather one of the reasons I seek your opinion. It is a discussion foum after all

It seems to me they haven't succeeded because they haven't had enough political power but when they do get it locally they seem to have no hesitation about walking over everybody elses rights. What do you think would happen to abortion rights and marriage equality if a candidate from the religious right held office?

I am a Catholic married to a Jew. We have lots of Protestant friends, I can't think of a single one of them whom I would characterize as having an interest in influencing politics BASED ON THEIR RELIGION.




try asking the catholics if they obey their pope when it comes to contraception and how it influences their voting. Theoretically protestants are supposed to find their own way to god. I think people should vote on issues in a rational basis having thought through matters for themselves. if you are religious you have essentially taken the moral decision to take moral decisions based on what your religious faith tells you. If that was all they did I'd have no problem but many seem to think they have the motal higjh ground and their opinion the right one. We have them over here as well and we do seem to pander to what are essentially religious bigots when we should really tell them to get stuffed.



posted by bryn mawr

Sorry but from the reporting we see here the influence of the Christian Right on the politics of the USA is immense - not necessarily in the acts they get passed but in the attitudes that the politicians adopt to placate them.






I would echo that. You do get the impression the religious right have a baleful influence so please excuse the curiosity.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

LarsMac;1494254 wrote: And, pray tell, what could I possibly have to worry about more than religious extremists, these days?

"There influence in the USA is minimal." You say?

They have only managed to push back nearly a century's worth of progress. They have driven unions into the ground. they have helped the Corporations to gut the workforce in this country. They have stifled most attempts at reasonable healthcare, left women looking for coat hangers, and managed to convince poor people that the big corporations deserve tax subsidies while the middle class supports the war effort.

They dedicate themselves to trying to change the laws, and the Constitution, and the very fabric of our civilization to fit their very narrow views of the Universe?

Sure, nothing to worry about there.Wow - it's going to take time to respond to this post and the two which follow it, before getting specific, I can only say that all three posts pretty much prove my point - lots of ranting , few or no legitimate examples. But let's start with Lars.

Most of the things you're complaining about are the result of capitalism, not religion; capitalism regards the almighty dollar as its god.

Abortion should be a matter between the woman, her physician, and if she is religious her spiritual adviser. If there are not legal abortions there will be illegal ones. Most intelligent people understand that. If a woman is convinced that she wants to abort - legally and there is no such possibility in her area, she can go elsewhere and there are organizations that will assist her in that regard.

The constitution thing we've already addressed, there is no SERIOUS effort to change it, there will always be malcontents and nutcases, taking them seriously is silly.

The other posts I will address later, I promise - I just don't have time now.
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

Mark Aspam;1494253 wrote: Can you give some SPECIFIC examples of "immense influence" by the American "Christian right"?I subscribe to the National Catholic Register newsletter. It regularly publishes fundamentalist religious dogma and opinion aimed at influencing the political pressure in America toward right-wing policies, based solely on their Roman Catholic outlook.

I know, I know - "there will always be malcontents and nutcases, taking them seriously is silly". I disagree. The National Catholic Register has a powerful voice and some of its contributors would be condemned as terrorists if they were foreign Muslims instead of US Christians.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

spot;1494257 wrote: I subscribe to the National Catholic Register newsletter. It regularly publishes fundamentalist religious dogma and opinion aimed at influencing the political pressure in America toward right-wing policies, based solely on their Roman Catholic outlook.

I know, I know - "there will always be malcontents and nutcases, taking them seriously is silly". I disagree. The National Catholic Register has a powerful voice and some of its contributors would be condemned as terrorists if they were foreign Muslims instead of US Christians.I'm not familiar with the publication. I will try to find a copy.

Most of the Catholics I know, and CERTAINLY those within my own circle of CLOSE acquaintances, are pretty much liberal to middle-of-the road. I don't question that right-wing Catholics exist, I just don't know any.

I do sometimes read the National Catholic REPORTER (not Register) at the library, it is rather liberal and independent.
gmc
Posts: 13566
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:44 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by gmc »

Why just worry about the catholics?

Joint Declaration of Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill - Vatican Radio
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

gmc;1494255 wrote: 1. That was arguably a classic case of the religious right having their way to the detriment of society as a whole....

2. ...(a) how about attempts to overturn roe vs wade, (b) opposition to marriage equality, (c) opposition to allowing acccess [sic] to family planning -

3. ...you even had a presidential candidate on the record as saying he would like to ban contraceptives altogether even if he did think it would not be possible to do so.

4. ...try asking the catholics if they obey their pope when it comes to contraception and how it influences their voting. Well, taking them one at a time...

1. WHAT was arguably a case of that? You've lost me here.

2. a. Completely unsuccessful. Anybody can ATTEMPT to do anything that is not illegal.

b. No idea what you're referring to here. Equality of what?

c. Opposition by whom? I know of no such blockage of access.

3. Who was that? That's a new one on me.

4. I don't have to ask about that, the current view of the RCC is that family planning should be left to the parents' consciences. Why would that affect their voting?

gmc, I don't mean this to be personally offensive, but your posts on this and other subjects make me wonder where you're coming from. You claimed in a different

thread that Donald Trump had called upon his supporters to riot if he did not get the nomination. That is blatantly false, as I pointed out on that thread.

Some of what you've claimed here is equally nonsensical.

I don't want to accuse you of outright lying, so I gotta ask, are you getting this nonsense from Scottish news sources? Care to name them?

I'm a true American mongrel - part Welsh, part English, part Scottish, part German, part Jewish.

I lived in Germany for eight years. I've visited England. I've visited Wales. I've never had the least inclination to visit Scotland. The Scots seem to me to have a reality - or lack thereof - all their own, and you are a perfect example.
User avatar
tude dog
Posts: 5121
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:48 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by tude dog »

Progressives have found that the easiest way to change the Constitution is by appointing Justices to the Supreme Court who ignore what it says.





Classic example Roe v Wade
What happened to Kamala Harris' campaign?
She had the black vote all locked up.
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

Mark Aspam;1494258 wrote: I do sometimes read the National Catholic REPORTER (not Register) at the library, it is rather liberal and independent.


National Catholic Register | NCRegister.com
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

tude dog;1494262 wrote: Progressives have found that the easiest way to change the Constitution is by appointing Justices to the Supreme Court who ignore what it says.
You're evidently badly governed.

I'd vote Trump, in your position.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
User avatar
Bryn Mawr
Site Admin
Posts: 16201
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:54 pm

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Bryn Mawr »

Mark Aspam;1494253 wrote: I don't read British print media so I will at least temporarily assume that there are indeed Brit publications that report things like that.

Can you give some SPECIFIC examples of "immense influence" by the American "Christian right"?

I am a Catholic married to a Jew. We have lots of Protestant friends, I can't think of a single one of them whom I would characterize as having an interest in influencing politics BASED ON THEIR RELIGION.

They certainly might wish to influence it otherwise. That's called "voting". I do so myself whenever there is an election or referendum.


When voting becomes block voting then it goes well beyond the normal business of politics - I seem to recall a Church that expelled members for the *sin* of voting Democrat.

As to your not knowing anyone who would do so that does not surprise me as the phenomenon appears to be regional.

Apart from pointing to the activities of people like Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwall and Sarah Palin I cannot give you specific examples - I'm not close enough to the subject, but the strong impression is that the religious right, the moral majority as they like to call themselves, conservative fundamentalist Southern Baptist types, wield a lot of influence within the Republican Party.
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

Just because he's dead doesn't mean we should forget that Great Friend of Presidents, Billy Graham. Not what you'd call a Socialist, Dr Graham, he did tend to favor The American Way.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
User avatar
tude dog
Posts: 5121
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:48 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by tude dog »

spot;1494265 wrote: You're evidently badly governed.

I'd vote Trump, in your position.


How do you figure? I never ever said anything like women should be punished for getting and abortion.



Trump backs off call to punish women for abortions if they're banned

Forget the abortion issue. Far as Trump goes one more time he shows a lack of understanding issues which come in front of him.

My post concerning Roe v Wade was not about abortion, but the lack of rational judgement in the courts ruling.
What happened to Kamala Harris' campaign?
She had the black vote all locked up.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

Bryn Mawr;1494266 wrote: 1. When voting becomes block voting then it goes well beyond the normal business of politics.

2. I seem to recall a Church that expelled members for the *sin* of voting Democrat.

3. As to your not knowing anyone who would do so that does not surprise me as the phenomenon appears to be regional.

4. Apart from pointing to the activities of people like Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwall and Sarah Palin I cannot give you specific examples - I'm not close enough to the subject, but the strong impression is that the religious right, the moral majority as they like to call themselves, conservative fundamentalist Southern Baptist types, wield a lot of influence within the Republican Party.1. I'm not sure what you mean here. Voting in the USA is by secret ballot. Whom anyone votes for is none of anyone else's business.

2. I've never heard of that. Care to name the Church? And how would they know?

3. Well, if you've followed the recent state caucuses you see that different parts of the USA tend to lean in different overall directions; the individual voter can still vote for whomever he/she wishes. I'm not sure of your point here.

4. Jerry Falwell has been dead for years. Sarah Palin is a moron, but putting that aside, she certainly has the right to espouse whatever political agenda she favors. I haven't been following the activities of Pat Robertson, he is quite elderly, you are certainly aware that he once ran for president and made an absolute ass of himself in so doing.
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

Mark Aspam;1494269 wrote: 2. I've never heard of that. Care to name the Church? And how would they know?
It was very public back when it happened. My word we laughed.

Preacher Denies Purging Congregation of Democrats | Pensito Review
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
User avatar
Bryn Mawr
Site Admin
Posts: 16201
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:54 pm

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Bryn Mawr »

Mark Aspam;1494269 wrote: 1. I'm not sure what you mean here. Voting in the USA is by secret ballot. Whom anyone votes for is none of anyone else's business.

2. I've never heard of that. Care to name the Church? And how would they know?

3. Well, if you've followed the recent state caucuses you see that different parts of the USA tend to lean in different overall directions; the individual voter can still vote for whomever he/she wishes. I'm not sure of your point here.

4. Jerry Falwell has been dead for years. Sarah Palin is a moron, but putting that aside, she certainly has the right to espouse whatever political agenda she wishes. I haven't been following the activities of Pat Robertson, he is quite elderly, you are certainly aware that he once ran for president and made an absolute ass of himself in so doing.


1) Block voting is a simple concept - when a distinct group of people agree to, or are pressured into, voting for a particular candidate in order to secure from that candidate an agreement, tacit or otherwise, to follow a certain agenda.

2) OK, I've found the reference - my memory's not as bad as I thought it was :-

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/16/us/po ... rayer.html

3) You appear not to come from an area of fundamentalist beliefs. In a liberal area I would not expect you to have come across the types of pressure I'm describing.

4) They were examples of people who's appeal appeared to be dictated by their religious beliefs rather than by their political agenda - see (1).

Where political candidates appear to be unelectable if they stand up and say "I'm an atheist" then I'd say that religion was having an unhealthy influence on politics - vote for the politics of the candidate, not his religion. It's very noticeable that the Trump is avowing religion during the campaign that is a long way from statements he made before it.
gmc
Posts: 13566
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:44 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by gmc »

Posted by mark apsam

1. WHAT was arguably a case of that? You've lost me here.




What I wrote

That was arguably a classic case of the religious right having their way to the detriment of society as a whole.




if you don't know the role religion played in the prohibition act you should maybe read up about it. Arguably it was an act that did littlel to benfit america

2. a. Completely unsuccessful. Anybody can ATTEMPT to do anything that is not illegal.




What I wrote

But my comment was about the desire of the religious right to re-write the constitution and impose their will on non believers.




You rather make my poiint for me. They want to change things the fact they haven't done so yet is not for a lack of trying.

b. No idea what you're referring to here. Equality of what?




gay marriage

c. Opposition by whom? I konw of no such blockage of access.


So you don't knoiw about the attacks on planned parenthood both in cutting funding, legislative changes and actual physical attacks.

Types of Attacks

Violent attacks are nothing new for Planned Parenthood - CBS News

. Who was that? That's a new one on me.




Rick Santorum

Rick Santorum Wants to Fight ‘The Dangers Of Contraception’ | TIME.com

Rick Santorum is coming for your birth control - Salon.com

Here is an actual Rick Santorum quote: “One of the things I will talk about, that no president has talked about before, is I think the dangers of contraception in this country. And also, “Many of the Christian faith have said, well, that’s okay, contraception is okay. It’s not okay. It’s a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be.


gmc, I don't mean this to be personally offensive, but your posts on this and other subjects make me wonder where you're coming from. You claimed in a different

thread that Donald Trump had called upon his supporters to riot if he did not get the nomination. That is blatantly false, as I pointed out on that thread.




I'm not taking it personally and even if I thought you did mean to be offensive I wouldn't waste a lot of time worrying about it therec are enough people who actually know me that are oiffended by me as it is.:D

Donald Trump on brokered convention: 'I think you'd have riots' - CNNPolitics.com

"I think you'd have riots. I think you'd have riots," Trump said Wednesday on CNN's "New Day." "I'm representing a tremendous many, many millions of people."


you might think that is a not too subtle hint to riot if he doesn't get the nomination I beg to differ.

I don't want to accuse you of outright lying, so I gotta ask, are you getting this nonsense from Scottish news sources? Care to name them?




I've just linked you to some of them. I am not in the habit of making assertions i can't back up. I occasionally trawl american media following what I find interesting. I can point you to dozens of such items. It's not noinsense if it is actually factually correct hwever much you might want it to be.

The possibility of a fundamentalist takeover of the US features in some american scifi writing the likes of the handmaids tale, the postman I used to think it ridiculous but crikey when you look at what some of the christian right are trying to do you begin to wonder. the prospect of a burn again christian or donald trump as president is a terrifying propspect. Good grief you even have a religion started by a science fiction writer (I quite like battlefied earth)

I lived in Germany for eight years. I've visited England. I've visited Wales. I've never had the least inclination to visit Scotland. The Scots seem to me to have a reality - or lack thereof - all their own, and you are a perfect example.


You should have done you might have been surprised at the erudition and intellectual capacity of the average scot. As to reality this is a discussion forum discuss what I'm saying just because you have never heard of rick santorum or planned parenthood shouldn't stop you checking up on my facts if in error please feel free to show where they didn't say or do such things.

I'd quite like to visit america maybe I should try and do so before the lights go out.
User avatar
tude dog
Posts: 5121
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:48 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by tude dog »

Complements from the Religious Right (whatever that is).

gmc;1494272 wrote: I'd quite like to visit america maybe I should try and do so before the lights go out.


What happened to Kamala Harris' campaign?
She had the black vote all locked up.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

gmc;1494272 wrote: Posted by mark apsam



What I wrote



if you don't know the role religion played in the prohibition act you should maybe read up about it. Arguably it was an act that did littlel to benfit america



What I wrote



You rather make my poiint for me. They want to change things the fact they haven't done so yet is not for a lack of trying.



gay marriage



So you don't knoiw about the attacks on planned parenthood both in cutting funding, legislative changes and actual physical attacks.

Types of Attacks

Violent attacks are nothing new for Planned Parenthood - CBS News

.

Rick Santorum

Rick Santorum Wants to Fight ‘The Dangers Of Contraception’ | TIME.com

Rick Santorum is coming for your birth control - Salon.com





I'm not taking it personally and even if I thought you did mean to be offensive I wouldn't waste a lot of time worrying about it therec are enough people who actually know me that are oiffended by me as it is.:D

Donald Trump on brokered convention: 'I think you'd have riots' - CNNPolitics.com



you might think that is a not too subtle hint to riot if he doesn't get the nomination I beg to differ.



I've just linked you to some of them. I am not in the habit of making assertions i can't back up. I occasionally trawl american media following what I find interesting. I can point you to dozens of such items. It's not noinsense if it is actually factually correct hwever much you might want it to be.

The possibility of a fundamentalist takeover of the US features in some american scifi writing the likes of the handmaids tale, the postman I used to think it ridiculous but crikey when you look at what some of the christian right are trying to do you begin to wonder. the prospect of a burn again christian or donald trump as president is a terrifying propspect. Good grief you even have a religion started by a science fiction writer (I quite like battlefied earth)



You should have done you might have been surprised at the erudition and intellectual capacity of the average scot. As to reality this is a discussion forum discuss what I'm saying just because you have never heard of rick santorum or planned parenthood shouldn't stop you checking up on my facts if in error please feel free to show where they didn't say or do such things.

I'd quite like to visit america maybe I should try and do so before the lights go out.g, I appreciate that you took the time to reply item by item! I was not aware of the Rick Santorum quote.

Those who think that Planned Parenthood should not be government-subsidized are certainly entitled to that opinion.

Was The Handmaid's Tale set in the USA? I thought that it was in Canada, but I'm not sure.

I think that you might have misunderstood my comment on prohibition; I noted that it was the ONLY instance that I could recall in US history that a constitutional article was overturned or reversed.

To show you that there are no hard feelings on my part, I'd like to close with my favorite Scotsman joke, you've probably heard it before, and you are of course welcome to respond with your favorite American joke. Fair?

A young Scottish couple, from the highlands, were madly in love and planned to marry soon. One day, however, they had a terrible argument, so severe that their union seemed unrepairable.

The young lass went off to London to start anew. Not long thereafter, the young man realized what a mistake they had made and set off for London to find his true love and rekindle their union.

Having grown up in a rural area, he had no idea of what a huge metropolis London was, and was quite bufuddled regarding how he might find his lost love in such a huge city.

Arriving at Trafalger Square, he boarded a London double-decker, hoping against hope that from the upper level he might see his lost love somewhere along the route.

Before the bus had a chance to depart, however, an absolute miracle took place. He looked down at the Square and - amazing! - there she was!!

He banged on the window and yelled like a madman, she looked up, saw him, and her face became radiant as she motioned for him to come down and join her!

But he wouldn't leave the bus because he'd already paid his fare!

And alas, he never saw her again.
User avatar
LarsMac
Posts: 13739
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:11 pm
Location: on the open road
Contact:

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by LarsMac »

Mark Aspam;1494256 wrote: Wow - it's going to take time to respond to this post and the two which follow it, before getting specific, I can only say that all three posts pretty much prove my point - lots of ranting , few or no legitimate examples. But let's start with Lars.

Most of the things you're complaining about are the result of capitalism, not religion; capitalism regards the almighty dollar as its god.

Abortion should be a matter between the woman, her physician, and if she is religious her spiritual adviser. If there are not legal abortions there will be illegal ones. Most intelligent people understand that. If a woman is convinced that she wants to abort - legally and there is no such possibility in her area, she can go elsewhere and there are organizations that will assist her in that regard.

The constitution thing we've already addressed, there is no SERIOUS effort to change it, there will always be malcontents and nutcases, taking them seriously is silly.

The other posts I will address later, I promise - I just don't have time now.


So, your saying that none of those attempts at changing the constitution were really serious about doing so. What? They were just joking around?

Some of those attempts ended up failing votes in Congress, some are actually out waiting for States to ratify them. But they are not serious?

Not sure I understand what you would define as a serious attempt.

Are you saying that Franklin Graham and his bunch are not really serious about forcing their own ideas on the general public?

I am just asking.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
- DH Lawrence
gmc
Posts: 13566
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:44 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by gmc »

posted by mark apsam

g, I appreciate that you took the time to reply item by item! I was not aware of the Rick Santorum quote.

Those who think that Planned Parenthood should not be government-subsidized are certainly entitled to that opinion.

Was The Handmaid's Tale set in the USA? I thought that it was in Canada, but I'm not sure.


You're still missing the point. They're not expressing their opinion tro which they are perfectly entitled when they take action to close it down because family planning is against their religious beliefs they cross over to imposing their beliefs on everybody else. It's not a dabate about whether planned parenthood should be government subsidised. #

The handmaid's tale was set in america.

As to the scotsman joke he was more likely aberdonian. I never tell american jokes to americans, they either don't understand irony or think you're just being anti-american.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

LarsMac;1494284 wrote: 1. So, your [sic] saying that none of those attempts at changing the constitution were really serious about doing so. What? They were just joking around?

2. Some of those attempts ended up failing votes in Congress, some are actually out waiting for States to ratify them. But they are not serious?

3. Not sure I understand what you would define as a serious attempt.

4. Are you saying that Franklin Graham and his bunch are not really serious about forcing their own ideas on the general public?

I am just asking.1. No, you weren't paying attention, I said that none of them came anywhere near success - the constitution is simply not that pliable.

2. Would you give some examples? I'm not saying that you're wrong, but I have no idea what you're referring to. What attempts to change the constitution are pending? Please be specific.

4. I've never heard of Franklin Graham. Is he the late Billy Graham's son? I just don't run in those circles. Please fill me in, what is he proposing? If it has to do with altering the constitution, it's not likely to happen. But I'd still like to know.

I don't remember Billy Graham as being particularly political. As I recall, he was more into salvation through faith alone, which is, of course, contrary to Jesus Christ's entire mission. But that's a separate matter.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

gmc;1494287 wrote: You're still missing the point. They're not expressing their opinion tro which they are perfectly entitled when they take action to close it down because family planning is against their religious beliefs they cross over to imposing their beliefs on everybody else. It's not a dabate [sic] about whether planned parenthood should be government subsidised.I don't know of anyone "taking action" to do that. Can you name some PP clinics that have been forcibly closed down? I'm not denying that there are or were any, I'm just asking.

There are a lot of things that are against my religious and ethical beliefs, we could start with deceptive advertising, I've never considered taking action to prevent it, I just don't patronize businesses who advertise deceptively.

There is a PP clinic right in my neighborhood, to my knowledge they have had no trouble. This is in Champaign, Illinois, home of the Fighting Illini. PP is something they don't seem to be fighting about.
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

Mark Aspam;1494289 wrote: I don't remember Billy Graham as being particularly political.Seriously? Which broom cupboard have you hidden in for the last sixty years? This is the White House Chaplain you're talking about. I can see Eisenhower, JFK, Johnson, Nixon, Obama, Reagan, Clinton, both Bushes, Carter just on Page 1, and you don't think the man was political?

A Prince of War Exposed

The 13-page letter is undeniable. Would you say it's apolitical? In a sane world the man would have been jailed for war crimes, he was the Christian evangelical wing's Khomeini.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

spot;1494292 wrote: Seriously? Which broom cupboard have you hidden in for the last sixty years? It's probably because I grew up as a Catholic and we didn't pay much attention to Protestant preachers. I still don't.

In that vein, I'm not sure that he had much influence on JFK. But I might be wrong, as I said, I'm not sure.
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

Mark Aspam;1494294 wrote: In that vein, I'm not sure that he had much influence on JFK. But I might be wrong, as I said, I'm not sure.It was the early sixties. Even in England Roman Catholics didn't get much of a look-in when it came to church unity. Not even in the eighties - I remember being told by a Methodist prayer-leader back then that he'd be attending a discussion between the local Christian churches and the Roman Catholics.

As I recall, there was contention before the 1959 election centered on whether JFK would feel compelled to do what the Pope told him to do.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

spot;1494295 wrote: 1. I remember being told by a Methodist prayer-leader back then that he'd be attending a discussion between the local Christian churches and the Roman Catholics.

2. As I recall, there was contention before the 1959 election centered on whether JFK would feel compelled to do what the Pope told him to do.1. When I lived in Knoxville, Tennessee my landlord was a Methodist minister in nearby Clinton. The local Catholic priest was one of his best friends.

2. Well, I remember that contention and it was only among those who knew nothing of Catholicism, because of course the pope has no such authority.

Just one more Scot joke and I PROMISE I'll call it quits. Cross my heart.

A young Scotsman goes into a shoe store to buy a pair of work shoes, and the clerk fits him.

The next day the young man returns, claiming that the shoes are too small.

"Really?" asks the clerk, "Sir, I was sure that they were the correct size yesterday, let's just check.....why sir, these shoes fit you perfectly!"

"Aye, laddie", said the young man, "but they're very tight for my brother who works the night shift!"
User avatar
spot
Posts: 41769
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:19 pm
Location: Brigstowe

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by spot »

Mark Aspam;1494296 wrote: 2. Well, I remember that contention and it was only among those who knew nothing of Catholicism, because of course the pope has no such authority.


You might like to read Kennedy's own address on the topic. It definitely mattered that he nailed his independence to the mast.

ADDRESS TO SOUTHERN BAPTIST LEADERS (1960)
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

spot;1494298 wrote: You might like to read Kennedy's own address on the topic. Oh, I don't have to do that, I remember it well - not word for word, but it was quite noteworthy at the time.

Of course, it shouldn't have been necessary. Baptist LEADERS should have had some idea of how the Catholic Church is structured.
gmc
Posts: 13566
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:44 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by gmc »

posted by mark apsam

I don't know of anyone "taking action" to do that. Can you name some PP clinics that have been forcibly closed down? I'm not denying that there are or were any, I'm just asking.




read the articles I linked to. If someone cuts your funding or passes new ordinances that mean you cannnot stay in buiiness to say they are not being forced to close is a semantic red herring

But if you want a couple more

Indiana Shut Down Its Rural Planned Parenthood Clinics And Got An HIV Outbreak

Indiana Shut Down Its Rural Planned Parenthood Clinics And Got An HIV Outbreak




Indiana’s GOP-led state legislature was one of the first to declare war against Planned Parenthood in 2011, when it passed a bill that defunded the family planning provider because some of its clinics offer abortion services. A federal judge later blocked that law from going into effect, but the state has continued to slash various sources of funding to Planned Parenthood at a time when the cost of operating a medical facility continues to rise.




Louisiana Abortion Clinics Closing

It only takes few seconds to do a search and find the information youself you know.

There is a PP clinic right in my neighborhood, to my knowledge they have had no trouble. This is in Champaign, Illinois, home of the Fighting Illini. PP is something they don't seem to be fighting about.




That's one out of how many states? You're taking a general statement and arguing it's untrue because it's not happening where you are. It's similar to me saying it's raining here and water shortage and water quality doesn't seem to be a problem can you show me any areas where it is a problem? I'm not denying that there is or aren't any just asking.

Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

gmc;1494309 wrote: read the articles I linked to. If someone cuts your funding or passes new ordinances that mean you cannnot [sic] stay in buiiness [more sic] to say they are not being forced to close is a semantic red herring Well, I don't want to be accused of being anti-semantic, but we are talking apples and oranges here.

I said FORCIBLY closed down. There isn't any obligation of government to pay for things that their citizens don't wish to subsidize. Citizens who DO wish to fund PP can do so privately.

As I've stated here before, more than once, my opinion as a citizen is that a woman who does not wish to have a child should not conceive. If she does so and wishes to end the pregnancy, that should be a matter between her, her doctor, and if she is religious her spiritual adviser.

That's pretty much it, g. Would you have wanted your mother to abort you? Me neither.

P.S. Does PP exist in Scotland? If so, is it government funded? Just curious.
gmc
Posts: 13566
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:44 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by gmc »

posted by mark apsam

I said FORCIBLY closed down. There isn't any obligation of government to pay for things that their citizens don't wish to subsidize. Citizens who DO wish to fund PP can do so privately.


Did you actually bother reading those links?

Forcing someone to shut down does not necessarily mean they actually storm the building. You're still splitting hairs, they're (the christian right) using political power when they get it to shut down access to family planning because they think it immoral and a woman should not have a right to choose when they become pregnant or have access to the contraceptive pill because they have decided it is an abortificant. No one i s forcing the rleigious to use family planning if they don't want to but to porevent access for those who wish to do so is wrong. NB No one is forcing them to use the likes of planned parenthood if they don;t want to.

As I've stated here before, more than once, my opinion as a citizen is that a woman who does not wish to have a child should not conceive. If she does so and wishes to end the pregnancy, that should be a matter between her, her doctor, and if she is religious her spiritual adviser.




so why do you think it is justified to take steps to prevent the woman having a choice in the matter? Do myoun thinkim it morally wrong that the state should provide welfare and healthcare for those who can't afford it?

P.S. Does PP exist in Scotland? If so, is it government funded? Just curious.




Not by that name but yes we have a national health service which is state funded and also the privately run marie stopes clinics. We too have our christian right that have a baleful influence on society primarily in keeping sectarianism alive and well.

That's pretty much it, g. Would you have wanted your mother to abort you? Me neither.


How is that relevant?
Mark Aspam
Posts: 668
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:00 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by Mark Aspam »

gmc;1494319 wrote: How is that relevant?I think that it's ENORMOUSLY relevant. We're talking about a human life here. Were I in a position, and I probably won't be, but just suppose, of knowing a young woman who had not wished to become pregnant and was considering an abortion, I would do about anything including getting down on my knees and begging, that she would reconsider and fulfill the pregnancy, making the newborn available to loving foster-parents.

Now, having said that, I think that our exchanges here have become pretty much circular and not worthy of continuing. Each of us is obviously entitled to his own opinion.

The one thing I don't understand, however, and maybe gmc or others on the thread will comment, is why Brits and Scots, and probably others abroad, are so interested and so critical of American realities such as religious diversity.

It's something that we just kinda sorta take for granted. An American fact of life, and not likely to change anytime in the forseeable future. At age 75, I certainly won't be around to see it change, nor, I think, will my son or my granddaughter.
gmc
Posts: 13566
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:44 am

Republicans are definitely keeping themselves in the news.

Post by gmc »

Mark Aspam;1494335 wrote: I think that it's ENORMOUSLY relevant. We're talking about a human life here. Were I in a position, and I probably won't be, but just suppose, of knowing a young woman who had not wished to become pregnant and was considering an abortion, I would do about anything including getting down on my knees and begging, that she would reconsider and fulfill the pregnancy, making the newborn available to loving foster-parents.

Now, having said that, I think that our exchanges here have become pretty much circular and not worthy of continuing. Each of us is obviously entitled to his own opinion.

The one thing I don't understand, however, and maybe gmc or others on the thread will comment, is why Brits and Scots, and probably others abroad, are so interested and so critical of American realities such as religious diversity.

It's something that we just kinda sorta take for granted. An American fact of life, and not likely to change anytime in the forseeable future. At age 75, I certainly won't be around to see it change, nor, I think, will my son or my granddaughter.


How did this end up being about abortion? I thought it was about how the religious right are trying to change your constitution and all you have said is well they haven't succeeded, which no one claimed they had (well apart from prihibition) while semmingly deliberatiely missing the point that they are trying to do so. We're (or at least I am) trying to get a better perspective on what is going on and how real a threat it is by asking amricans what they think. Taking your diversity religious diversity for granted does not seem wise when you have groups trying to change it and make america a christian country and propogate myths that is was founded on christian principles. They make fun of what you call liberals and progressives because of their tolerance an requste that all are treated with respect and the likes of donald trump gets loud cheers when he wants to build muslim ghettoes and deport mainly catholic immigrants back to where they came from.

It's interesting because the religious right is so alien it's hard to understand why it seems so prevalent in the states it's also somethng that features a great deal in your literature, films and fictional writing. The US is the most powerful nationn on the planet when a president starts claiming that god told him to invade iraq (george Bush) and it seems to be a feature in your current election then it is of understandable interest. Much of the present mess in the middle east can be laid at the door of GW and his willingness to bend the truth to get agreement to invasion and the gullibility of european leaders particularly our own who waited till he left office before he started mentioning god was telling him what to do. Had he done so while in office he would have been ousted very quickly indeed. We prefer our leaders to make decsisions on a rational basis or at least appear to. Someone who thinks god is talking to him arguably should not be running a secular state at least not unless they are prepard to accept they do n ot have the right to impose theie religion on others.

If you don't want to discuss it fair enough but you can surely appreciate why it interests us. It seems to be a factor in your current elections even donald trump is going to church these days. I don't mean to offend you it's just interesting trust me I don't spend all my time thinking about it.
Post Reply

Return to “Current Political Events”