text:
What Religion Becomes a Political Hopeful Most?
John McCain, who was baptized, raised, and educated (at an exclusive private school in Alexandria, Virginia) in the Episcopal faith but recently declared himself a Baptist in a transparent effort to pander to a heavily Baptist South Carolina primary electorate, is hardly in the best position to make informed judgments about who is or is not well grounded in any religion. (Read more about McCain's rationale for suddenly declaring himself a Baptist in my Sept. 24 post on The Secularist's Corner .)
My only "religious" requirement for a candidate is that he or she have a thorough understanding of and respect for the distinction between private faith and the public interest. Since I never expect to have the opportunity to vote for a candidate who is not a member of some religious denomination--given the proclamations of faithiness that are required of every aspirant to the American presidency--I prefer candidates whose religious traditions emphasize the importance of freedom of conscience and the separation of church and state.
I would not vote for a Catholic like Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who believes that government power derives not from the will of the people but from a supreme being, and who has also declared that the Constitution does not require respect for the rights of atheists, deists, or polytheists. I would vote for a Catholic who agrees with President John F. Kennedy's famous statement that, "I do not speak for the church on public matters, and my church does not speak for me."
I would not vote for a right-wing Baptist who opposes abortion rights and the teaching of evolution in public schools, but I would vote for (and did vote for) a Baptist like President Jimmy Carter, who comes from the open-minded tradition within his faith that fought, along with eighteenth-century freethinkers, for a secular constitution that respects the rights of both believers and nonbelievers.
I would not vote for an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jew who wants to obtain public tax money for Jewish schools. I would vote for any Jew who comes from the historic Jewish tradition that reveres America's separation of church and state and realizes that the Jewish success story in America owes everything to that separation.
I'd vote for a Muslim like Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota but, no, I wouldn't vote for a Muslim who wanted tax funds for schools specializing in Arabic culture--or any other religious and/or immigrant culture.
I would not vote for an atheist in the moldy intellectual mold of Ayn Rand, who believed that "every man for himself" was the only proper credo for a society. I would vote for an atheist, if one were ever nominated, who believes that it is the responsibility of a rich society to help its poorest members.
I would, in particular, never vote for hypocrites who try to sound more religious than they really are in order to pander to the religiously conservative sector of the electorate.
It would be nice to have the chance to vote for a candidate who has considerable knowledge both about America's religious and secular traditions. As Steven Prothero noted in his book Religious Literacy, fewer than half of Americans in this supposedly devout nation can name the four gospels or Genesis as the first book of the Bible. Do any of them have the chutzpah to run for high office? Remembering Howard Dean's 2000 statement that the Book of Job was his favorite passage from the New Testament, I suspect that yes, the religiously ignorant do run for public office in droves.
And of course, those who are ignorant (both willfully and heedlessly) of America's proud secular traditions are amply represented at the highest levels of government. Tell them that the framers deliberately omitted any mention of God from the Constitution (because of all the trouble that governmental obeisance to a supreme being, or different ideas of a supreme being, had created in the Old World), and these ignorant people call you a liar. Some of them become quite flustered when presented with a copy of the Constitution that proves the absence of any acknowledgment of divine government power.
To return to the subject of the Episcopal Baptist John McCain, he would, I suspect, argue that a Christian is a Christian is a Christian. (Except, of course, in a state with a heavy representation of Baptist voters.) Perhaps if he campaigns in Massachusetts, he will declare himself a Catholic.
Susan Jacoby
October 9, 2007; 10:32 AM ET
Save & Share:
Previous: Religion, Not Religiosity |
Next: Yes and No
Such religious expediency is far from new.
Consider King Henry IV, France's only Protestant king; he converted to Catholicism out of political expediency in mostly-Catholic France, stating that "Paris is well worth a mass."
Likewise, 1950's Presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson had converted from Unitarianism to Presbyterianism, and 1990's Presidential candidate Bob Dole had converted from Methodism to some more fundie sect.
And someone pointed out that Stevenson attributed his "conversion" to the fact that a Presbyterian church was more conveniently located. Dole said that the doctrines of the Methodist church were not consistent with his "Christian beliefs." How many Methodist votes did he lose because of that?
Posted by: Loren Petrich | October 20, 2007 4:02 PM
Report Offensive Comment
As an athiest, I'm a bit irritated by the implication that atheism can lead to objectivism; as if being religious is a factor in caring for poorer people than yourself. Why then, is the most economically right-wing party in America the most pious?
Posted by: Tom | October 10, 2007 5:46 AM
Report Offensive Comment
As an athiest, I'm a bit irritated by the implication that atheism can lead to objectivism; as if being religious is a factor in caring for poorer people than yourself. Why then, is the most economically right-wing party in America the most pious?
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2007 5:45 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Norrie, From your mouth to the gods ears...as long as the Pagan was honest and worked for what was right for the country. There are many Pagans that I would not want to hire as dog catcher, but there are some that I would vote for for the senate or President without a worry.
I did not know about the Vermont Statehouse...how wonderful. Your state is many times blest. Do you know the story of Demeter, Persephone and Hecate?
"The rites of Eleusis overshadowed the civilization of that time, absorbing other smaller schools, and influencing the development of democracy, culture and the arts.
- Geoffrey Hodson, "The Still-functioning Greater and Lesser Mysteries"
The Rites of Demeter were held at Eleusis.The ancients in Greece created democratic government...while they were honoring the Gods.
The Lady standing in New York harbor is the Goddess Libertas; Goddess of Individual liberty. Our Lady Justice is the Goddess Themis. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us...and that includes the gods.
The concepts that this country is so proud of was born in the temples of the Gods; Freedom, democracy,equality,liberty, justice...name it, the Gods made it so first.
The Lady Demeter is one that I honor, also Her daughter Kore-Persephone.
I am the blessed Mother, the gracious Lady of the harvest. I am clothed with the deep, cool wonder of the Earth and the gold of the fields heavy with grain. By me the tides of the Earth are ruled ; things come to fruition according to my season. I am refuge and healing. I am the life-giving Mother, wondrously fertile.
Oh and Mr. Mark, capitalize the P in Pagan please.
Posted by: Terra Gazelle | October 10, 2007 12:11 AM
Report Offensive Comment
The Fool in his heart says there is no Tinkerbell.
Posted by: Paulie | October 9, 2007 8:35 PM
Report Offensive Comment
"In a more enlightened future, mankind will, thankfully, be shown and realize that we are not the center of the universe."
Hmmm, with each passing year and still no contact with other galactic humanoids, maybe we are.
Posted by: Concerned The Christian Now Liberated | October 9, 2007 5:54 PM
Report Offensive Comment
In a more enlightened future, mankind will, thankfully, be shown and realize that we are not the center of the universe.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 9, 2007 1:45 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Religious thinking is the epitome of thinking in the box.
The box is shaped like a church.
In that box everybody nods together and thinks the same things.
Thus is everyone's belief reinforced and cemented.
The greatest lies and the most nonsensical ideas,
are irresistible in such a box.
The middle east,and the US are maybe
the last great bastions of ancient religious superstitions,
where they continue to indoctrinate their children
into believing in the supernatural.
One day,hopefully,in a more enlightened future, it will be against the law.
Posted by: Jamie | October 9, 2007 1:35 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Mr. Mark, my friend,
If you read Robert Frost's poem, "The Witch of Coos", about "old-believers" just across the river from Vermont in New Hampshire, or if you observed Vermont farmers at events on the State House lawn, you might not be so quick to write:
"Of course, even the most-religious can't or won't really object to the pagan goddess because they consider that to be a fairy tale, the equivalent of having Winnie-the-Pooh sitting atop the Court building. In that, they are correct - a pagan goddess is no more real than the gods they worship."
Some of the folks in our hills take Demeter-Ceres quite seriously, though the "new-believers" (Christians) don't.
Best wishes.
Posted by: Norrie Hoyt | October 9, 2007 8:27 AM
Report Offensive Comment
In decades past it was common for those who couldn't face up to the reality of pornography and what it portrayed, to call it "boring".
Posted by: Norrie Hoyt | October 9, 2007 8:09 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Posted by: Anonymous | October 8, 2007 8:20 PM
Report Offensive Comment
NORRIE HOYT writes:
"I do find it delightful that, while Alabama had its Ten Commandments forcibly expelled from its Supreme Court building, a statue of a pagan goddess stands atop Vermont's State House, which contains the legislative chambers and the Governor's ceremonial office."
Of course, even the most-religious can't or won't really object to the pagan goddess because they consider that to be a fairy tale, the equivalent of having Winnie-the-Pooh sitting atop the Court building. In that, they are correct - a pagan goddess is no more real than the gods they worship.
But I can't help but believe the Xians would be in an uproar if the statue were that of Mohammed or Allah, or if there were a statue of Jesus sitting there with calls for it to be torn down.
The trick is to get those who follow the 3 great religions to admit (realize?) that their gods are fairy tales as well.
Perhaps then we can adorn our Statehouses with more Ethan Allen types.
Posted by: Mr Mark | October 8, 2007 5:07 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Of course I agree with you. I was having a little hopeful fun.
I do find it delightful that, while Alabama had its Ten Commandments forcibly expelled from its Supreme Court building, a statue of a pagan goddess stands atop Vermont's State House, which contains the legislative chambers and the Governor's ceremonial office. Once in a great while, truth and right prevail, even in a government building.
The grand front entrance doors to the State House are guarded by a supersized heroic statue of Vermont's founding hero, Ethan Allen, who wrote extensively of the errors of the Christian religion, and of his hatred for it.
Come and visit us in Vermont, y'all! You'll have a pleasant respite from Bush, big cities, reactionary Republicans, religious fundamentalists and theological crazies (though you can visit the birthplace of Joseph Smith).
***[This advertisement not yet approved by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing]***
Posted by: Norrie Hoyt | October 6, 2007 8:39 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Hi Norrie,
You certainly seem more optimistic about the idea of a Pagan presidency in the future than I am. Maybe I should put bars on my windows to keep out the flying pigs. :)
I figure the atheists and Pagans right now have about a neck-and-neck shot at being the person that most voters in this country would never go for. A couple of coworkers were talking not too long ago in my office about someone who was an atheist and one said 'at least they're not Pagan'. Little did they know.. the Pagan was watching everything. :)
Even as a Pagan, I'm not sure I'd want a Pagan to be elected President solely on a religious basis.
There seems to be something about politicians in general. They may sometimes get into it for the right reasons initially, but given a taste of power, it usually doesn't stay that way. And I always hate to see a good person brought down that way, no matter what their religion.
If someone has a religion, of any kind, but wants to keep it out of government, then they'll have my attention. If they have good ideas, can take responsibility for their actions good and bad, and bring some inspiration to the office, they'll have my vote.
Posted by: Priver | October 6, 2007 3:07 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I just found your posts earlier in this thread. It's good to see you here. I hope all's well with you and your family.
It was nice of you to write:
"Surely as a believer, if I am in a foxhole with Norrie Hoyt and Maurie Beck, and a grenade comes in, I would throw myself on the grenade thinking I'll go to heaven with 72 virgins waiting for me (You got to ask Yoyo on the 72 virgins in heaven. The Qu'ran never specified the gender or numbers). At least I'll save Norrie Hoyt and Maurie Beck and be a martyr for them:)."
I appreciate your altruistic intention and, if I were in a foxhole, I know I'd feel a lot better if you were there beside me. But I wouldn't want you to immolate yourself on a grenade so that I'd survive.
As at least a quasi-Buddhist, I have some prospect of being reincarnated and having a fresh start toward enlightenment, while I'm not at all sure what, as a Muslim, your afterlife destination would be.
So my advice to you would be to try to save yourself physically.
Jihadist and Susan,
With all this discussion of religion and government/politics, I thought you might enjoy this post I made on another thread:
"The present Vermont State House was built in 1859.
"Since then, its golden dome has been topped with a tall wooden carving of the Greco-Roman pagan goddess Demeter-Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and fertility.
"For the last 148 years, all of Vermont's laws have been made under her oversight and tutelage.
"When the time is right, Vermonters will see that she is lodged atop the U.S. capitol building.
"Then the first pagan U.S. President will be elected.
"Be patient - your time is coming."
My wife and I were married in the State House (still the only couple to have been married there), directly below the three-dimensional image of Demeter-Ceres.
We later had two fine sons - certainly conclusive evidence of the power of our fertility goddess - can images of Yahweh do as much?
We wrote our own marriage vows - promising to stay together as long as we felt like it. Good Pagan doctrine, is it not?
Best to both of you.
Yours in Demeter-Ceres.
Posted by: Norrie Hoyt | October 6, 2007 2:37 PM
Report Offensive Comment
"... the American version of representative government assures that such qualities as intellect and ethics as might equip a man to lead a powerful nation responsibly are precisely the qualities that would prevent him from subjecting himself to the debasing performances of vote begging and delegate swapping. It is a truism of American politics that no man who can win elections deserves to." ~Trevanian, "Shibumi"
On top of that observation (which I happen to agree with) we are faced with this... polls tell us that an atheist cannot get elected to high office. Also, about 40 studies over the past 80 years tell us that the MORE intelligent a person is, the LESS likely they are to be religious. Why?... Well I think it is because the more intelligent a person is, the sharper their critical thinking skills (potentially) are... and religious 'belief' simply cannot withstand the bright, glaring light of knowledge, reason and critical thought. It just evaporates... poof. When we get into the ranks of the smartest people... the elites of science... we find that less than 5% of them harbor any beliefs in divine powers.
How about that? The smartest people among us... the ones that have proven ability for critical thinking... will never run, because they know that they do not have a snowball's chance in hell of getting elected.
Polls tell us that around 10% of the population are atheists... so that means that there should be about 10 atheist Senators and about 43 atheist Representatives... but there is only ONE member of Congress who acknowledges that he is an atheist. SO... are there about 53 members of congress who are LYING about their religious beliefs, because they know that they have to do that in order to get elected? Or, are there LESS than that, because atheists will not run? OR... since the studies tell us that the smarter someone is, then the LESS likely he is to be religious... and there are LOTS of smart people in congress... does that mean that there are MORE than 53 lying atheists in congress?... alongside all the RELIGIOUS liars?
Which is worse?... Having a climate in which the very best, very smartest, most ethical, most qualified people can not even THINK about running? A climate where the only way a really smart, critically-thinking person can get elected is to compromise his ethics, and LIE about his religious convictions?
It is my contention that about 85%+ of the population of the USA is actually INCAPABLE of critical thinking... and based upon my observations that religious belief is a pretty reliable indicator for the ABSENSE of critical thinking skills... and based upon the DECLARED religious belief of members of Congress, I'd have to say that 99.8% of congress does NOT possess critical thinking skills... so I'd say we're pretty much screwed, no matter HOW this turns out. (Not that that represents a change, or anything like that.)
Somehow, it is not very encouraging to think that the few members of congress that might actually HAVE critical thinking skills (save ONE) are liars.
Here's a question that I'd like to see asked in the next Republican presidential debate...
Senator Brownback... as President, what steps will you take to advance the fundamentalist Christian 'dominionist' agenda, that being to overturn the Bill of Rights and transform the USA into a fundamentalist Christian theocracy, based on Old Testament biblical law?
Followup question: So, Senator... after you are elected, how long would it be before you use the 'bully pulpit' to 'explain' to the Americal people how our country is ordained by scripture to take the lead in implementing the 'rule of God' here on earth... charged with facilitating the setup of the conditions that are prophesied to precede the return of Our Lord Jesus, the destruction of 'un-saved', and the establishment of His new Kingdom here on earth?
I know that Brownback is a 'dominionist'... anybody know of any others?
We are truly screwed.
Posted by: DuckPhup | October 5, 2007 6:25 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Joe Jew writes:
"Any believer will find it hard to swallow her assertion that believers are less entitled to a share of Tax- payers money than atheists. Since when do believers not pay tax."
You're kidding right? Or did you miss the point entirely?
If not, then I want the taxpayers to build and fund my church next!
It's the Church of Holy Cow which of course is tax exempt!
Why is it that believers always want something for nothing? Maybe it's because they are just used to getting inside deals and preferential treatment!
Posted by: Freestinker | October 5, 2007 4:33 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Jihadist - I think you've failed to make your point as to the superiority of Islam over Buddhism. While it's true that you can find despotic rule in Buddhist countries, the entire Muslim world is ruled by despotism, either militarily or through monarchical rule - in either case, autocractic and authoritarian through and through. The is seen by many as both primitive and even atavistic by many in other parts of the world.
You don't have the moral high ground here in any sense - Islam contributed greatly in the distant past to world culture via mathematics and literature (the great Sufi poet Rumi comes to mind) - but now and in the recent past the Muslim world is contributing oil, and lots of it .... this is just commerce after all, and the authoritarian few in oil-generating countries are the ones benefiting to a hugely excessive degree.
Any religion will have a hard time claiming the moral high ground when taken over time and at a cultural level - religion is afterall a function and reflection of the greater society and culture in which it's embedded - we need to view religion more in an anthropological and sociological sense, if we're to make any sense of it at all in my opinion.
Posted by: Terry | October 5, 2007 10:42 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Thanks for the long and short of the Strauss & Howe thesis. I'll pick up the book when I get a chance.
Hello, my friend. How are you??? You were scarce on these blogs for a while, but I see you bounced back.
Posted by: Gaby | October 5, 2007 10:33 AM
Report Offensive Comment
The 9/11 Saudi Attas were devout believers. They offered, like Jesus, the "ultimate sacrifice". They had very "realistic" ideas about their afterlife. They were certainly no atheists, to whom according to Bush the Constitution does not apply, therefore eligible to be first rate US citizens. They took their religion seriously. They were no hypocrits. They had a clear concept about meriting paradise. Wonderful people, for the criteria the religious posters have to offer. I cannot find any other criteria they have NOT in common with the most devout and pious Christian ilk, no matter of which particular denomination.
Main distinction: Their creed starts with an "I", the others' creed starts with a "C".
If you think they were crazy, just continue thinking... and you might come to astounding conclusions!
Posted by: Gerry | October 5, 2007 9:29 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Atheistic rants tend to have one common factor they are outdated and show no awareness that eighteenth century postulated are simply obsolete. What sets this article below the norm is the arrogant assumption of the writer that her outdated views are somehow consistent with her own former faith.
She is obviously as ignorant of Judaism as she is of the origins of her own beliefs.
Any believer will find it hard to swallow her assertion that believers are less entitled to a share of Tax- payers money than atheists. Since when do believers not pay tax. Back in the days when her views first were articulated, there was a brave man who coined a slogan: No taxation without representation. Obviously this goes against the writers belief, in disbelief.
Posted by: Joe Jew | October 5, 2007 2:36 AM
Report Offensive Comment
"There really is a god there really is a god there really is a god there really is a god there really is a god there really is a god there really is a god".
Mother Teresa.
What I Believe
Posted by: Anonymous | October 4, 2007 9:11 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Its part of that Pilgrim streak that leads Americans to be so moralistic, and the fact that America was settled by immigrants belonging to religious movements (Quakers, Mormons, Protestants of many flavors, etc), not to mention later waves of Catholic imigrants from Ireland and Italy.
In Strauss & Howe's theory, every 4th generation is consumed by spiritual issues. There is a linkage down through the generations that were Reformationists, Abolitionists, Prohibitionists, etc. to Baby Boomers. The idealistic outlook that fostered the civil rights and "peace and love" movements of the sixties is the same one that has led us to fight the "values wars" of the 2000s. All of the primary actors in the conflicts are Baby Boomers: Jerry Falwell, Pat Robinson, the feminist movement leaders, Bush, the Clintons, etc.
Our parents, the ones who fought WW-II, were of a generation that was named the Civic generation by Strauss & Howe. The Civics also recur every 4th generation. There are 2 more generational types: one that falls between the Civics and the Baby Boomers and one that came after the Baby Boomers (so-called Gen-X). These other 2 generational types also recur every 4th generation and have their own attributes.
The authors have devised approximately 20-year periods to delineate the generations. The Boomer generation (according to their theory) is made up of people born approximately 1945 to 1964. Those born between 1926 to 1945 were too young to serve in WW-II, but they fought the Korean War. The Civic generation, who came into adulthood during the depression and WW-II, were born approximately 1906-1925.
The Civic generation is of a type that builds society's institutions. When they age, they cede control to the next generation which is mostly concerned with not letting the Civics down and doing a good job administering society. They are much more concerned with process (due process, fair play, equal protection, a fair hearing, etc.) than morality. When they age and cede control to the Boomers' type of generation, all hell breaks loose because we fight all or nothing battles over values issues.
The Gen-X's get the worst of it. Having born the brunt of society's experiments with changing moral values (contraception, abortion, divorce, homosexuality, metrosexuality, priests leaving the priesthood, woman joining the priesthood, single parenting, gay parenting, etc. on and on) they get the short end of the stick from society. As a result, they gow up to be much more pragmatic, competent, and resourceful than Baby Boomers and have much more stable personal relationships.
Strauss & Howe do discuss the fact that corresponding generations occur in Europe and what impact they have had on European history and our shared history. There is a lot of discussion regarding to what extent the same generational types in Europe encounter the same generational dynamics proposed to have occurred in the States.
However, the focus of Strauss & Howe is on the attributes and dynamics of the generations in America.
You might get a kick out of reading their theory and figuring to what extent it may apply to Europeans (and Canadians, god bless 'em) as well!
Posted by: rb | October 4, 2007 6:40 PM
Report Offensive Comment
McCain might be "babbling" but said type of babbling worked for Reagan and for the Bush family. It also saved Bill Clinton. (The old "He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her" defense as per John 8:1-30).
Election Day is November 4, 2008
Posted by: Concerned The Christian Now Liberated | October 4, 2007 6:03 PM
Report Offensive Comment
RB, you said:
"Strauss & Howe's thesis is that the Baby Boom generation is a much more judgmental group than the immediate past or future generations of Americans and see things in more moral, absolute terms, regardless of which side of the issue they are on. "
Interesting thesis, but Baby Boomers are not exclusive to America. I belong to that generation as well, however, I grew up in Europe. Since living in the US for the last 25 years, the attitude I am seeing is an astoundingly American phenomenon. I just don't get it. Here we are the most advanced nation on earth, yet our thinking level when it comes to religion is as irrational as that of the Middle Easterners we bash so wholesalely.
We grew up in the era of rock and roll, flower children, Vietnam, Kent University, the Selma and Montgomery marches, the first landing on the moon, the assassination of JFK, etc. We were young and exuberant, questioning authority, having ideals. What has happened to us??? What made us so judgmental and morally superior???
The European folks my age don't seem to hold that same moralistic, "I am better than thou", "It's my way or the highway" type attitude. They appear to be much more open and generous and they are smart enough not to mix religion with politics.
Posted by: Gaby | October 4, 2007 4:59 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Dear Gaby:
For a good explanation of why this is happening now, check out 2 books by William Strauss & Neil Howe:
1. Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069; and
2. The Fourth Turning.
Strauss & Howe's thesis is that the Baby Boom generation is a much more judgmental group than the immediate past or future generations of Americans and see things in more moral, absolute terms, regardless of which side of the issue they are on. Since the Baby Boomers are at their peak age for leading government, business, community, etc., their views and attitudes dominate the tone of the debate. As a member of this generation, I feel compelled to apologize for our lack of tolerance and our complete disdain for due process and "fair play."
Posted by: rb | October 4, 2007 3:29 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Steve B, UK:
I agree. I think part of the problem is that people in the US are not necessarily aware that there are folks out there who have already learned to be pluralistic and that what is 'different' is not always 'bad'.
I would vote for ANY candidate, regardless of religion, who makes taking care of others in need a priority in their lives. I hate hypocrisy and pandering. A person's religion is nobody's business except their own. Keep it out of the government and the government out of my religion.
We have to really decide if we mean what we say. or if we're the biggest hypocrites of them all by pretending to give religious freedom but only if it squares up with what the majority says is ok.
America can do better.
Posted by: Priver | October 4, 2007 3:19 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Dear Susan Jacoby
Are you aware that
1 you are buried, and are hard to locate
2 the comments link is sometimes disabled, and
3 this question is dull and not very interesting.
Maybe the Washington Post is having some problems with this forum? I am not blaming anybody; it is probably quite a job to keep this thing going day-in, day-out. But, I have been having a hard time accessing it for a few days.
Posted by: Daniel | October 4, 2007 2:59 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Anonymous said:
"Wake up. You've forgotten 9.11. Crazed Muslims flew hijacked planes into buildings killing themselves and many innocent Americans. They were screaming "allahu akbar". We are at war. And it was six years ago."
Anon, I am quite aware of 9/11 and what happened on that day. But I also believe that since (almost) 6 years have elapsed we need to put it behind us. I am not saying forget it, I am saying get over it. I know that is not a popular view, but that is the way I feel.
Instead of staging a massive manhunt for the individuals (crazed Muslims as you put it)responsible, we used 9/11 as a platform to invade Iraq, when the Iraqis had little or nothing to do with it. Instead of bringing peace and democracy into that region we have managed to tear the country apart. Lawlessness prevails, Iraqis killing Iraqis in the name of their religious convictions, and we are sitting here with mounting deaths of military personnel not to speak of the cost of the war.
In the meantime another presidential election is rolling around where we worry what religion our running candidates are rather than focusing on his/her capabilities of running this country responsibly and according to the Constitution and all prevailing laws. Religions need to stay out of government, yet the influence of the Christian right is undoubtedly there and that is a crying shame
Posted by: Gaby | October 4, 2007 2:09 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Steve B.UK
Of course not ALL religious people do dumb things.
And some religions are better than others in terms of the damage they cause.
As Sam Harris says in his latest piece,Islam is way more dangerous than most other religions,though Christianity has done its fair share of slaughtering people too.But Christianity's days of violence are over,thanks to the Enlightenment and the rise of rationalism.
But there's no doubt that Islam is the curse,and threatens Western civilization.There doesn't seem to be a solution either,which I personally find very scary.
It might help if we were more vocal about it,instead of being so passive.They've taken down the WTC and a chunk of the pentagon.And it isn't over yet.
Posted by: Jimbo | October 4, 2007 12:35 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Yes,the supernatural is everywhere,in books,on television,and in films.You might say the supernatural is part of our daily lives,and makes it easy to believe that there really is a supernatural world.It is everywhere in the media.
Somebody should write a book about how many movies have supernatural plots,from witchcraft to ghosts,to
reincarnation,body snatchers,the dead coming back from heaven,or looking down from heaven,or little boys turning into men,or vice versa;so many where divine intervention,miracles,and all kinds of fantasy is sold as if real,or possible.
Maybe Susan should make this the subject of her next book. "How Hollywood Keeps Us Dumbed Down And Gullible". It would be a most interesting study.
Films and TV are incredible influences in our lives,and often makes gibberish believable.
Posted by: Jimbo | October 4, 2007 12:19 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Steve B, UK posted: "Anon: If you think the 'Christian Right' and 'Democracy' mix any better, you're very mistaken"
Hear, hear!
He further posted: "Some of us are sick of the groupthink that's everywhere now too..."
I'm SICK TO DEATH of the doublethink, newspeak, thought police, and the constant insistance and acceptance that "unevangelical oldthinkers unbellyfeel America" as put forth by "doubleplusgood duckspeakers" is at all valid! C'mon people, THINK for yourselves! They are creating the 2% Inner Party, 13% Outer Party, and 85% Prole social hierarchy...and you're allowing it!
Posted by: Read a Book...er, something! | October 4, 2007 10:16 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Pandering is Pandering.
All the Democratic candidates were asked about their favorite Bible verse:
-Joe Biden: Christ's warning about the Pharisees from the gospel according to John.
-Hillary Clinton: The golden rule from the gospel according to Luke.
-Chris Dodd: The parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke.
-John Edwards: Christ's admonition to help the least among us from the gospel according to Matthew.
-Mike Gravel: Love as the most important value, from Paul's letter to the Corinthians.
-Dennis Kucinich: St. Francis's prayer to make us instruments of peace.
-Barack Obama: Sermon on the Mount from the gospel according to Matthew.
-Bill Richardson: Sermon on the Mount from Matthew.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 4, 2007 9:50 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Pandering is pandering, even if the pandering seems to agree with your preconceived notions of reality. Politicians as a breed will say whatever they feel will work, and if you as a voter eat this swill then you have nobody but yourself to blame.
If you think it's wise and wonderful for your particular religious slant to be (influencing or tainting) the politicial discourse then you are quite mistaken if you think the taint/influence will only work in that one direction. Politicians will try to control you through your religion, you can be sure they will greatly value the large population of unquestioning believers. Attach their political message to your faith, and you won't question their political agenda any more than you will question your faith.
I don't blame the politicians for this, it's in their nature as vultures to eat rotten meat this way. No, I blame the religious who think the pandering to their agenda means the world will be a better place.
Honestly, what makes you think you can control politics with your religion? Why do you think it won't actually work in the other direction? Why don't you ever ask any questions?
Posted by: K | October 4, 2007 8:17 AM
Report Offensive Comment
I know the pagans on here probably say this a lot, but JIMBO: not all "seriously religious" people can be made to do things "for good or evil".
Most Neopaganism is non-dualistic, that is it doesn't break things down into ultimate good vs evil. Because that's overly simplistic, prone to abuse, and not the only way to do things.
Some religions have you responsible for your own actions, not letting others dictate them, and refuse to play the black-and-white worldview so famously held by Bush. It's not 'with us or against us', it's shades of grey applied with intelligence and the knowledge that every human is part of nature and therefore sacred.
Some of us are sick of the groupthink that's everywhere now too, but that doesn't mean religion itself is inherently flawed. Just the extreme ones we're seeing a lot of at the moment.
Posted by: Steve B, UK | October 4, 2007 7:42 AM
Report Offensive Comment
After 9/11 I don't think I can take much more religion.You don't have to be crazy to expect to be rewarded with 72 virgins for such unbelievable savagery.You just have to be seriously religious,
then you can be made to do really stupid things,for good or evil.Depends on your religion.
Enough already.The groupthink is stifling.
Posted by: Jimbo | October 3, 2007 9:51 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I would vote for the candidate who says "My religion is none of your damned business and please keep yours to yourself."
By the way you geniuses, the Koran is Islam's Koran and the Bible is Islam's Bible, look it up.
Posted by: KennyBoy | October 3, 2007 9:35 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Daniel wrote "It is not just me who feels this way. All of the ususal commenters are weirdly mute."
Some of us are probably just waiting for the "This is a Christian nation founded on Christianity!" nonsense to start before we pounce.
I'll just repost what I wrote in the Georgetown/On Faith blog entry about McCain...
There's a story in today's religion section about McCain stating in an interview that he'd prefer to have a Christian president, citing as his reason that only a Christian can best represent the Christian values on which the country was founded. Anyone either so blatantly disingenuous or so sadly ignorant about the disposition of our founding fathers towards Christianity should be automatically disqualified.
Most of the principle founders were Deists who didn't believe in the divinity of Jesus, and many of them were quite hostile towards Christianity. We were founded on Enlightenment values informed by the likes of John Locke, not religious values. Propagating the Christian nation myth shows a blatant disregard for history or a callous disregard for honesty. What's worse, that McCain is either so uneducated not to know our history, that he'll say whatever he thinks will sound good to Christian voters even if it's untrue, or that he's a bigot? To think I used to actually respect the guy.
Posted by: Chip | October 3, 2007 9:25 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Seven years ago I would have said that it did not matter one wit about the religion of the President...after all the Constitution protected me as an American. Wrong. In 1999 Bush the compassionate conservative candidate went on the Today show and said my religion was not a "true" religion. He then went after stealing the election.
Because his beliefs are that there has to be a war in the Middle east and the Rapture has to happen so that Jesus comes again. We are at war...in the Middle East.
He has proven he is not my president...he is not any sane person's president. I now care what the beliefs are of the leader of this very powerful nation. It matters.People in his administration have laughted and slighted Pagan citizens, even those men and women that fought and died in wars, wars this country and this president sent them to.
While the republicans were nameing us as traitors for not supporting the war...and accusing us of not supporting the troops...Pagan military personnel were being kept from worshipping, being harrassed, and when they died could not lie under their own religious symbol. So much for supporting the troops.
Bush's religion says I should not be allowed to live. Tough I am here.
We should only vote for the one that will honor this oath...
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Bush took this oath, he then bent, folded and mutilated the Constitution.
I would not vote for Romney, McCain, or any of the Republican candidates. They all have that blight of the far right. I do not care if a person has religion...just leave it out of the laws, the bed room and my conscious.
Posted by: Terra Gazelle | October 3, 2007 9:22 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Gaby says:
"It seems that in the last 5 years or so the country has become much more confrontational. (Or is it just me getting older?) It has become a "either you are with us or are against us" society."
Wake up. You've forgotten 9.11. Crazed Muslims flew hijacked planes into buildings killing themselves and many innocent Americans. They were screaming "allahu akbar". We are at war. And it was six years ago.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 3, 2007 9:12 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I don't see where "Jihadist" is either touting Islam or breast-beating about its excesses. (I sure don't see "Concerned" copping to the Crusades and the Inquisition either, oddly enough.)
It appears to me that "Jihadist" has a thoughtful, progressive outlook on Islam and world religions in general -- and what the dickens is wrong with that!
I do see posts that most would consider over-lengthy. But personally I'd rather see one long but thought-provoking post that goes deep, instead of a string of 20 superficial knee-jerk ones -- particularly ones whose sole intent is to bash other faiths.
It's also a very good thing for this blog to have the participation of others in the wide world beyond the shores of America. So I'm glad to see it happening.
Oh yes, and on the particular question of the day, I come down firmly on the side of Thomas Jefferson!
Posted by: locomoco | October 3, 2007 8:34 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Yeah Susan,
politicians use anything to get elected,
it depresses me all the time how they use religion to
court the masses,most of whom believe in all kinds of nonsense,
not just religious nonsense.
I bet most of those who believe in a god also believe in UFO's,
astrology,fortune telling,
spiritualism,alien-abduction, magic,you name it.
If one accepts the supernatural as real,anything goes.
Gods,ghosts,leprechauns,devils and demons,not to mention
the Flying Spaghetti Monster (Peace Be Upon Him).
We are encouraged to believe all kinds of twaddle.
It's all part of our culture.
I blame religion,the church and mosques;
Hollywood must take a some of the blame too,
for making fantasy and the supernatural a "reality" in thousands of movies.
Nothing wrong with fantasy,as long as we know it's not real;
but films make believing so easy,and there's a ton of money in it.
I pray for the day (in a manner of speaking)when some future presidential candidate,stands up and says "I don't believe in a god,and I don't believe there's any such thing as the supernatural,and I think it's time we moved away from such primitive thinking"etc,etc.
What a pipe dream.
Posted by: yoyo | October 3, 2007 8:28 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Well, Susan said everything that needs to be said - this might be a short blog!
McCain, very unfortunately is a man who has sold what character he had left down the pike in the futile hope of being president. I'm being rather severe here but he's compromised himself beyond the point of any credibility whatsoever, as Susan pointed out. Basically, he's a pitiful human and needs to be disregarded.
A beautiful distinction between Kennedy and Scalia as Catholics - there is simply no doubt as to who has more character, and therefore more moral intelligence - Scalia is the epitome of a dangerous man with skewed ideas in a high position, and we have too many of those today.
Leadership and whatever promotes the common good is the first order of business in any elected official, and certainly in a President of the USA as the leader of the free world - and if there must be religion (and there must, as we can plainly see by all of the current candidates pandering to whatever religious group they can find) I'd like a person of wide intelligence and great vision that understands religion in society but is not of a particular religious persuasion (a function of the intelligence) -now that would take another Thomas Jefferson and we're not going to get another like that.
Clearly, we're just going to have to do the best we can with what we've got - maybe if Jimmie Carter gets back from Darfur alive we can ask his opinion, as a man of great character, intelligence and courage.
Posted by: Terry | October 3, 2007 8:15 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Ahh, more "Islamic yackety-yak" from The Jihadist.
And again she fails to come to grips with the flaws of Islam.
Posted by: Concerned The Christian Now Liberated | October 3, 2007 7:58 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Hello again. I thought I'd have some small times cheap thrills in reading reactions from both irate atheists and non-Muslim believers if I throw in a one liner, - "Islam is perfect, convert to Islam" and leave it at that. LOL
But instead, how about some more random, very simple and obvious points to confuse you further. Or for you to take apart with relish. Hope you don't forget that I'm not an American too. Lest anyone want to make an issue of my being not a Christian or American, pause to think that a Frenchman is as alien to an American as a Moroccon Muslim is for a Malaysian Muslim - in language, culture, history, dressing, cuisine. So, I'm never ever surprised if any westerner says he or she don't understand me. I still don't understand some of my fellow Indonesians and Malaysians in spite of being culturally and religiously similar. Nor do they understand me either sometimes. So, some random points:
(a) Belief in God may be a delusion for those who don't believe in such supernatural concepts, but such beliefs and the existence of various religious faiths is a reality that cannot be wished away, but addressed and managed in the best way possible at the personal level and in the public square. God the Invisible, the All Present, the All Mighty, doesn't ever go away for both believers and non-believers.
(b) For believers, God is a reality, an Entity, a Supreme Being that exist. For non-believers, God is, perhaps, the greatest and most ultimate invention by man. But what an invention to contain the excess of men, and when man-made laws goes to the dogs, goes to hell when abused by men. We can say that God is both the Ultimate Rebel Leader and/or the Ultimate Establishment Leader. Depends on who is abusing and using God for their cause.
(b) Tenets of faith and beliefs is not enough to temper excess of human nature and human bad behavior. Nor is it enough to address increasingly complex temporal affairs. When it comes to faith, even Buddhism, the most pacifist by the estimation and opinion of many, cannot contain human nature. In spite of Buddhism and being Buddhists, don't stop the historical kingdoms of Burma, Indochina and Thailand from waging wars and committing atrocities. As they do now. Again, the obvious, not the faith, but the adherents who are personally crazy, delusional, power grabbing, greedy, moronic etc who cause so much grief on fellow men. Any given tyrants and despots comes to mind from Pinochet to Stalin to Pol Pot. What they personally believe in, whether they have faith or otherwise, is irrelevant in their personality.
(c) McCain is being realistic and rightly prudent in stating preference for a candidate with a strong background in Christianity - the faith of the majority of Americans. He knows what makes Christians tick and American Christians would not be second-guessing a Christian President too much perhaps. Better a Catholic or Baptist President rather than a Mormon or a Muslim for many Americans and McCain recognise that fact. No good having, say, an American Muslim President initiating a peace plan in the Middle East when some 70% of Americans (according to a recent Pew polls) saying they have nothing in common with Muslims. Not to mention the level of mistrust and misunderstanding are so high. Besides, it will never happen, so rest easy on that.
(d) Best to pursue and ensue seperation of church and state as stated in our coutries' respective Constitutions to guaranteee freedom of belief and religion for all and faith or religion be a matter for individuals and not state to impose.
After all, except for Northeast Asia (China, Japan, Korea) all countries and societies in the world are increasingly multiethnic and multireligious. Being even of the same faith is not a guarantee of love, peace and understanding. Just ask an African-American Baptist. Or being of the same ethnic group and faith, but with slight variations of beliefs. Just ask an Iraqi Sunni or Shiite. Ethnicity and religious variations much less different tenets of faith still matters for some people and can be combustible when politics comes into the mix highligting and exploiting the differences as "us vs. them".
(d) We ask for ask for equal rights for gender and for race. We want equal opportunity for all regardless of race, religion and gender. Equal rights and opportunity for one in spite of one's race and gender is a spotty achievement, but still pursued and guaranteed by law in many countries. So, why should equal rights for faith be any different? It is going to be equal rights for all faith in the public square and public policy? Or, it is to be no primacy of any faith in the public square and public policy to be equally fair to all faiths? Stringent seperation of church and state would ensue the latter hopefully, and lessen inter-religious animosity brought about by perceived and real partiality to a specific religious faith or denomination by the state.
I really should not be reading On Faith now, but sometimes a believer wants to have fun too. No one ever said sharing and throwing out perceptions and views can't be fun to see what one can learn from others and about others. Unless one is easily rattled by differences in views. Or, one needs others to say what one wants to hear so one can be comfortable and be comforted.
Thank you and best regards
Posted by: Jihadist | October 3, 2007 7:06 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Vote Ron Paul Vote Ron Paul Vote Ron Paul Vote Ron Paul
Posted by: Vote Ron Paul | October 3, 2007 6:14 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Vote Ron Paul Vote Ron Paul Vote Ron Paul Vote Ron Paul
Posted by: Vote Ron Paul | October 3, 2007 6:06 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Vote Ron Paul Vote Ron Paul Vote Ron Paul Vote Ron Paul
Posted by: Vote Ron Paul | October 3, 2007 6:05 PM
Report Offensive Comment
America is changing, and I fear not for the better. It seems that in the last 5 years or so the country has become much more confrontational. (Or is it just me getting older?) It has become a "either you are with us or are against us" society.
I can not imagine that European voters would give a hoot what religion a candidate is. Religion belongs in ones private life, not in ones public life.
I sometimes feel we are like hyenas who want to devour our elected officials and/or candidates, skin, bones and all. We pry into every little aspect of their private lives, their bedrooms, their religions, their families, etc. Nothing is sacred anymore.
Rather than focusing on the religion of a candidate, maybe we should focus on past accomplishments, their views on the state of the nation, their ability to be tactful diplomats, etc., instead of their personal relationships with whatever god they worship.
Posted by: Gaby | October 3, 2007 5:30 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Anon: If you think the 'Christian Right' and 'Democracy' mix any better, you're very mistaken.
Posted by: Steve B, UK | October 3, 2007 5:05 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Democracy and Sharia's Law don't mix!!! Sorry...
Posted by: Anonymous | October 3, 2007 4:54 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I read Jihadist's comment, and I couldn't make much sense of it, except that it was very long.
This is not a very good question. Who cares what McCain thinks on religion? At one time, I liked him a little, but he has gradually crumbled before my eyes.
What does the opinions of a losing Repbulican Presidential candidate have to do with anyting, and why should anyone care?
It is not just me who feels this way. All of the ususal commenters are weirdly mute.
Posted by: Daniel | October 3, 2007 4:50 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Lets stop *empty words*
American *world famous* singer Beyonce has been refused to visit Malasia(islamofascist country)
-Tell me,*Fast Police*(islamic SS units)
-Tell me,*compulsion* on people to put their money at so-called *Shariabank*(islamic bank)
-Tell me,*headscarf compulsion* on *mouse face* malay women,not *tales*.
-Tell me,*Article 11*,not *Cinderella tales*
Posted by: halozcel | October 3, 2007 3:23 PM
Report Offensive Comment
McCain's comments came up just as I randomly found some quotes by Thomas Jefferson:
"But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg."
-Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia, 1782
"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between church and State."
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Danbury Baptist Association, CT., Jan. 1, 1802
"Christianity neither is, nor ever was a part of the common law."
-Thomas Jefferson, letter to Dr. Thomas Cooper, February 10, 1814
All of which make Jefferson a bit of a dude, really.
Posted by: Steve B, UK | October 3, 2007 3:11 PM
Report Offensive Comment
The Jihadist returns and again still has not come to grips with the flaws of Islam.
And with the koran as their bible, who would ever vote for a Muslim??????
Posted by: Concerned The Christian Now Liberated | October 3, 2007 2:05 PM
Report Offensive Comment
I happen to admire and share Ms Jacoby's thoughts on this matter.
Jihadist, even though it is sort of hijacking the thread, also makes good points that I can affirm.
RT, who is a Christian
Posted by: Richmond T. Stallgiss | October 3, 2007 2:04 PM
Report Offensive Comment
A friend ask me to read a couple of essays here in spite of this being Ramadan. This one by you, and the other by Richard Dawkins on his take re what Christopher Hitchens said on religion.
Have absolutely no idea on the readers' reaction in the thread to his essay, but some random observations anyway for both essays:
- Believers have a double glazing, double sword, double burden (depending on one's perspective) and parallel but sometimes contradictory strains on moral statements and actions - secular and whatever religious faith they adhere to, and religious injunctions they comply with.
- Believers also place emphasis on ethics and ethical statements and action, not just on moral ones. It is not enough for some religious types to place emphasis on personal values, ethics and ethical behavior on themself, but they expect to see it in others, demand it in others, and sometimes impose them on others.
- Candidates who recognise this are surely sly enough to annnounce to the world, "I pray regularly", or "I believe in God", or "I have faith in God", or "I am a Baptist". All these statements are shorthand indication to believers that they subscribe to and live by specific morals and ethics. No one ever said, "I believe in the Constitution", only, "I promise to uphold the Constitution". Big difference there.
- Believers of course will take the candidate not to be a gambler, alcoholic, womaniser/adulterer, rapist, peadophile, liar, cheater etc. Certainly, if one is not one of those, or all of those, one is thought of to be a moral and ethical person.
- We have yet to see any candidate for public office anywhere in the world that says he believe in or promise to uphold the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and be thought of as a moral and ethical person. Or to quote Asimov, Einstein, Epstein and be thought so too.
- After all, if one can avoid all those "sins" (a.ka. immoral and unethical behaviors) that can complicate one's life and the lives of those closest to one, surely one is seen to be able to manage one's life, display restraint and thoughtfulness etc, and can be entrusted with managing the city, county, state, nation as an elected official.
- Of course, if the elected official who said he is a believer, prays etc made and/or commit an immoral, unethical statement or action, naturally one would expect them to face the wrath of believers. We will pray for them to go to hell; demand for their resignation; vote them out of office; see that they be charged, judged and sent to jail. Whichever action, or all that is neccesary to get that evil, corrupt, lying, cheating, immoral, ammoral so-called God-believing and God-fearing scumbag who says he prayed too! May he rot in jail and hell for all eternity.
- So, let the candidates say what they want on what they believe in. They will be judge for it by believers who still comprime the most number of voters and taxpayers. Pandering to voters are easy and cheap. The cost of expectatations raised by the candidates themselves can be most expensive for himself and society.
As for religion as the root of all evil, or is it now religion poisons everything apart from God is not Great and God is a Delusion? So, let us look at religion from the obvious and take a few cheap swipes at one faith or so-called religion without belief in God - Buddhism.
Obvous points, if repeated often enough must be true said one atheist poster:)
- Man, knowing how easily man can slip into his worst instincts and insecurities, need all the religious commandments not to do this and that. Or there be earthly punishement by divine-ordained kings and presidents. Or hell in the hereafter. A not very subtle point that even in death and after death, one's crimes and sins will catch up with one, that no one gets away - Judgement Day, fire and brimstone of hell!
- Secular laws may not be enough for some or many. It is constantly abused, or misused, or circumvented, or differently and unfairly applied. With secular laws, one only fear, if one do fear, of being caught by the law. It does not imbue any sense of morality or ethics in man. One only feels chastened if one gets caught, and what one does becomes public knowledge. If one has no conscience at all of course.
- Humanism, at its most basic, is the codification, or rather, the tabulation of code of conduct and behaviors that are already recognised by all faith - don't kill, don't lie, don't steal, etc. Without humanism as an idea or a philosophy for life, a believer can still go on living well and right as there are already state secular laws dealing with killing, stealing, lying etc. A believer of any faith do and can derive his morals, ethics and values not only from himself, but from the tenets of his belief and community of fellow believers without knowing anything on what the thinker-writers of humanism and secular humanism wrote.
- Man is never afraid of other men, nor trust themselves sometimes, or other men. Man will always need a third party, or a neutral third person, or a Supreme Being to temper his thoughts, personal behavior and interaction with other men. The best is the Supreme Being over the Supreme Human Being who wants to lord it over man against their will. Recall how the churches became places of sermons against the British during the American Independence War. How Catholic priests and nuns led Filipinos to overthrow the Marcos regime in the Philippines. How Muslim organisations, like Nadhatul Ulama, were instrumental in removing President Suharto of Indonesia. How Buddhist monks led the Burmese against the junta, but were brutally suppressed in the last few days.
- Leaders who mobilised their peoples to fight against domestic and foreign oppression or authoritarian regimes in using religion to fire up their people, recongise the potency of God, ethics and values found in religion. Perhaps that is one reason why all are anxious to ensure the seperation of church and state in the Constitutions of their newly independent country. After all, all the founding fathers of many states forged in the last 300 years are not from the uneducated masses they mobilised as cannon fodder, but the rich and educated fellows who has the most to gain in taking over political and economic power of those they replaced. Can't have the "little people" going against them now by invoking the primacy of God over them as rulers of states and men.
- Non-believers like to quote Buddhism as the best alternative for reasons many athiest and other believers stated. Perhaps, we should look closer at countries where Buddhists were and are the majorities, and where Buddhism imbue the cultures of countries and values of people. South Korea and Japan aside, authoritarian regimes last longer in such countries (North Korea and Burma). The worst atrocities against their own people in percentage of population (Pol Pot's Cambodia). The most morally ambiguous stance on moral, ethics and values (Cambodia and Thailand) on sex trade where even young daughters are sold by parents for sex as an occupation and source of income. Prostitution as an occupation between "consenting" adults and business exchange is something some atheists are amoral about and which disquiet moralistic believers.
- Atheism or secular humanism thrive best when a society is developed and well-off. In poor countries, atheism either easily morphed into autoritarianism and totalitarianism against believer unwilling to go along with the regimes, or autoritarians discover atheism as practical in controlling men and resources by forcing men to think them as the Supreme Ruler or Great Leader in place of the Supreme Being.
- If the Tibetans were Muslims, they'd be bleeding China with irritating battles against China's occupation till today. Ask India about those pesky and irritating Kashmiri Muslims. Buddhism is excellent when one is into meditating for personal enlightenment right up to foreign troops coming in and occupying one's lands. One can always resort to fiery self-immolation in protest. After all, one must not kill others, but to kill oneself for one's freedom.
- Did George Patton not said, "You don't win wars by dying for your country. You win wars by making the other bastard die for his country" or something like that. So, if one must die for one's country, beliefs or principles, one might as well take a few down with one too. So the insurgents and/or terrorists thinks. Surely as a believer, if I am in a foxhole with Norrie Hoyt and Maurie Beck, and a grenade comes in, I would throw myself on the grenade thinking I'll go to heaven with 72 virgins waiting for me (You got to ask Yoyo on the 72 virgins in heaven. The Qu'ran never specified the gender or numbers). At least I'll save Norrie Hoyt and Maurie Beck and be a martyr for them:).
All in a very long way to say the religious types can be quite committed, passionate, wilful in countering and checking the excessess and hubris of the Great Leaders, the Beloved Leaders of the world. No one ever said he will die for Ahmadenijab or Bush except for armies given orders to go into wars for their country, or for freedom and democracy etc.
People who say they will die for God, really and obviously means that they have no faith anymore in their leader and government of the day, and want to remove them by force. Or, just to irritate the authorities, or seek revenge, vengeance against their governments for this and that injustice, corruption, repression etc.
God is a higher authority than the weasel you want out. And the weasel can't compete with what hardcore anti-theists calls the "Invisible Friend" and the "Supernatural". No man can ever arrest, put in jail, torture or exile, an Invisible Supernatural One. Believers may be killed for their beliefs and actions, but God never dies, can never be caught. Easy to see why God remains the Supreme Being, the Almighty One and will always win in the minds of men who are not impressed nor fooled by mortal pretenders as supremos of states and men.
So, perhaps the religious types are the best guarantors of secular and democratic states in keeping it fair, just, moralistic and ethical by their actions and the reactions toward them.
Thank you and best regards
Posted by: Jihadist | October 2, 2007 8:08 PM
Report Offensive Comment
The comments to this entry are closed.


text:
By PR Newswire | Article Rating: |
November 22, 2012 05:00 AM EST | Reads: |
419 |
PARIS, November 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
The Pickture team is delighted to announce the long-awaited launch of the network: http://www.pickture.com! Pickture is a social network that allows you to share the things you love with other users and find the best prices for products via a browser plug-in.
Even before the official launch, Pickture has attracted the attention of a community of bloggers and companies thanks to its innovative concept. What makes this concept unique is that it unites a social-network with a shopping platform, in a simple, user-friendly layout. Users bookmark the products they like via an add-on, organize them into wish-lists and then share their lists with other users. The product page allows users to not only "like"/"dislike" and comment on a product but also to purchase it directly from the retailer's website. In addition, thanks to the personalised suggestions of lists, Pickture helps users discover new trends and the latest products.
"Picking" and following
Pickture is a great place to discover innovative products across numerous categories: fashion, beauty, home, kids, high-tech, animals, art&culture, travel, office, DIY and more. Users have the option of adding or "picking" the products uploaded by other users or to upload products themselves. The "picked" products are then organised into lists that can be set as 'private' or 'visible' to all users. Furthermore, a user can follow either all or selected lists created by other users, bloggers and/or brands. Lists can also be shared on other social networks including Twitter and Facebook.
The Pickture add-on
The Pickture add-on is a free, installable extension that is available for all web browsers at the Google Chrome Webapp store. Once installed, the add-on allows users to add ("pick") products from websites to add to their Pickture profile. The add-on also acts as a price comparison that displays directly on the product page while browsing.
The Pickture team is currently developing further functionalities to help users find and compare the best deals on the products they love, and share their finds with other users!
For further information, please contact
Marija Petrova (email@example.com) &
Mélanie Minjauw (email@example.com);
Tel : +33-1-84-16-77-74 ; http://www.pickture.com
SOURCE Pickture.com
Published November 22, 2012 Reads 419
Copyright © 2012 SYS-CON Media, Inc. — All Rights Reserved.
Syndicated stories and blog feeds, all rights reserved by the author.
More Stories By PR Newswire
Copyright © 2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PRNewswire content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of PRNewswire. PRNewswire shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
- The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Ford Motor, Microsoft, Volkswagen, General Motors, Autodesk, Apple, Google and Adobe Systems
- WSO2 Carbon, WSO2 API Manager and WSO2 Governance Registry Increase Speed, Scalability and High Availability Through Hazelcast
- What Doesn't Kill You Makes You...Smarter
- The CTOvision Big Data Top Enterprise Tech List: The most important data technologies to accelerate into your infrastructure
- Analyst One Announces Top Analytical Technologies List
- Financial Results, New Contracts, Stock Performance Update, Survey Results, and Scheduled General Meetings - Research Report on Yahoo, Youku, YY, ChinaCache, and j2 Global
- Canadian Companies Embrace Offshore Outsourcing in a Big Way
- SC13 Exhibitor Profiles
- Extending and Augmenting Hadoop
- Enterprise Cloud Computing: Dallas – January 23 – 24, 2014
- Kobo Sets Sights On Billion-Reader Opportunity As It Introduces World-Class eReading Experience To India
- Flexera Software Enhances InstallAnywhere 2013, Further Enabling 64-Bit, Multi-Tiered Virtualized and Cloud Installations
- OneLogin Raises $13M to Power Expansion
- Financial Results, New Appointments, and General Meetings - Research Report on Red Hat, Yelp, Sierra Wireless, Infinera, and Bitauto
- Five Technology Trends That Require Scrutiny
- Azure CLI Day 3 – account set
- The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Ford Motor, Microsoft, Volkswagen, General Motors, Autodesk, Apple, Google and Adobe Systems
- WSO2 Carbon, WSO2 API Manager and WSO2 Governance Registry Increase Speed, Scalability and High Availability Through Hazelcast
- WSO2 Expands Identity Management Capabilities Across Cloud, Mobile and Web Applications With the Launch of WSO2 Identity Server 4.5
- What Doesn't Kill You Makes You...Smarter
- The CTOvision Big Data Top Enterprise Tech List: The most important data technologies to accelerate into your infrastructure
- Red Hat Extends Red Hat Enterprise Linux Platform with Latest Versions of Popular Programming Languages and Databases
- Analyst One Announces Top Analytical Technologies List
- Big Data and Telecom Analytics Market: Business Case, Market Analysis & Forecasts 2014 - 2019
- Where Are RIA Technologies Headed in 2008?
- Dolphin Announces Open API With Over 50 Add-ons Including Dropbox and Wikipedia
- Cloud People: A Who's Who of Cloud Computing
- SEO/SEM Tips & Tricks: How and When Should You Submit Your Website to Google?
- ManageWP Powers Over 100,000 WordPress Sites Within Three Months of Launch
- Google Version 2.0: Googzilla - The Calculating Predator
- Cloud Expo 2011 East To Attract 10,000 Delegates and 200 Exhibitors
- Google's Competitive Advantage: It Leverages "The Power of Free"
- Ulitzer's Amazing First 30 Days in Public Beta
- Yahoo! to Keynote 4th Cloud Expo: Accelerating Innovation with Cloud Computing
- AOL To Enhance Video Search Engine by Adding RSS Feeds
- Microsoft's Chase After Google Reverberates

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Enjoy free shipping both ways this holiday season. If for some reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, choose our FREE pre-paid shipping label and we'll cover your return! This offer is only good on eligible orders placed between November 13, 2013 and December 24, 2013. We've extended our normal return period to January 15, 2014 or 30 days after your order is received - whichever comes later. Learn more about our return policy.
Shop now and get Free Value Shipping on most orders over $29.95 to contiguous 48 states, DC and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses.
Pyramex Wildfire Safety Glasses SB6330SP - Black Frame, Amber Lenses are specialized protective glasses made for use in indoor, low-light applications. These safety glasses from Pyramex are designed to enhance contrast with their amber lenses. The Pyramex Wild Fire Glasses feature tough polycarbonate lenses with first class optical clarity for unrestricted vision. The Pyramex Wildfire Hi-Def Glasses offer protection from excessive glare and provide 99% protection from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. These Pyramex Safety Glasses are built with a stylish, ergonomic frame, combined with sleek lenses for the ultimate in protection and style.
Frame style: Wildfire - Black Frame
Lens style: Amber (yellow) High-Contrast Lenses
Pyramex Eye Protection includes laboratory glasses and goggles for almost any application. The vast array of Pyramex Safety Eyewear covers a range of functions, from simple sun protection to IR protection for welding, ballistic eyewear for shooting and impact protection, and more! Pyramex glasses aren't just functional - they're made with style to look great. You may just want a pair of Pyramex safety eyeglasses to function as your everyday sunglasses! Pyramex - the peak of safety and style.


text:
From the November 28, 2007 National Review Online
November 28, 2007
by Meyrav Wurmser
Optimism about today's summit in Annapolis abounds from the Palestinian, Israeli, and American leadership, but the very process now underway appears to be threatened by Hamas, the newest and most radicalized player in Palestinian politics. Hamas has expressed open animosity to anyone involved, most importantly from the Palestinian side. Mahmoud Zahar, a founding leader of Hamas, recently stated that "anyone who stands in the face of resistance, or fights it, or cooperates with the occupation against it, is a traitor," a clear reference to Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Hamas supporters in Gaza City were reported to echo Zahar, shouting "Abbas is a traitor" while waving Palestinian flags as well as the green Hamas banner and black flag of the Islamic Jihad faction. Hamas's anti-Annapolis stance, however, has not been limited to merely expressing disdain for its rivals in the PA. It has issued statements calling for increased violent activity against Israel and the Palestinian Authority, in order to derail any agreements that may emerge from the Summit's conclusion. Last Friday, senior Damascus-based Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk was quoted on a Hamas website as predicting a new wave of Palestinian violence in the wake of Annapolis. Precursors of forthcoming attacks have already appeared within Israel, further fueling fears within the country. Last week Israeli security forces uncovered an explosive belt meant to be used by terrorists in Tel Aviv. On Sunday, the cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were put under a heightened security alert after intelligence indicated that two terrorists carrying explosives had entered Jerusalem.
The Annapolis summit is not the first time that Hamas has jeopardized peace negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The Oslo Accords signed in 1993 were disrupted three years later by a Hamas campaign of suicide bombings and Israeli-Hezbollah skirmishes in southern Lebanon. Indeed, IDF officials are now concerned that Annapolis will allow for a similar period of cease-fire that could serve to Hamas's advantage. Since each party might enter drawn out negotiations, this hiatus will offer Hamas more time to bolster its military arm, while the IDF's hand will be otherwise tied.
Israeli officials estimate that Hamas is more politically and militarily powerful than it was in the 1990s. After weakening the present Palestinian government through its electoral victory in January 2006 and militarily seizing control of Gaza in June 2007, Hamas is now more deeply imbedded in the Palestinian polity. It has acquired a new patron in Iran, in addition to Syria which currently houses some of the organization's political leadership. Since coming to power in 2006, Hamas is believed to be approaching a level of full military readiness that deeply troubles Israel. The IDF estimates that in two or three years its military capacity will rival that of Hezbollah in Lebanon, which took over a decade to develop. Hamas's continual development of its rockets capabilities, whose range is steadily increasing, is expected to reach twenty kilometers in the future.
Over the past several months IDF soldiers who fought against Hamas's terrorists said that they faced a terror organization that resembled a regular army more than a guerilla militia. IDF sources have also hinted that Egypt's insufficient action against the tunnels in areas under its control allows advanced weapons to be smuggled into Gaza. Thus any IDF course of action is complicated by the fact that Hamas is nestled in the midst of a civilian population, and the IDF seeks to avoid civilian causalities as often as possible.
According to reports in the Israeli daily newspapers, the IDF has not yet come up with a plan that is widely viewed as likely to succeed. At present, Israel has been able to prevent terror attacks against its civilians, but has not been able to destroy Hamas's growing military infrastructure in Gaza nor stop its rocket fire on its cities.
Even while the specter of violent clashes looms over the Annapolis summit, it still remains to be seen if Hamas will choose to attack Israel, which will then be forced to respond, or the PA, which is too militarily weak to defend itself. If a significant attack happens, the timing and the nature of it may be in line with the interests of Hamas's patrons in Damascus and Tehran. The U.S., in its efforts to resume negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as foster a tacit alliance between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab league against Iran, may find itself in a situation more complicated than it had anticipated.
Meyrav Wurmser was formerly a Senior Fellow with Hudson Institute.
Home | Learn About Hudson | Hudson Scholars | Find an Expert | Support Hudson | Contact Information | Site Map
Policy Centers | Research Areas | Publications & Op-Eds | Hudson Bookstore
Hudson Institute, Inc.
1015 15th Street, N.W. 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202.974.2400
Fax: 202.974.2410
Email the Webmaster
© Copyright 2013 Hudson Institute, Inc.


text:
Browse Reference Articles
101 to 110 of 338 articles
Endangered species
An endangered species is a population of an organism (usually a taxonomic species), which because it is either few in number or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters, leaving ... > more -
Continental crust
The continental crust is the layer of granitic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks which form the continents and the areas of shallow seabed close to their shores, known as continental shelves. It is ... > more -
Little Ice Age
The Little Ice Age (LIA) was a period of cooling lasting approximately from the 14th to the mid-19th centuries, although there is no generally agreed start or end date: some confine the period to ... > more -
Trace fossil
Trace fossils are those details preserved in rocks that are indirect evidence of life. While we are most familiar with relatively spectacular fossil hard part remains such as shells and bones, trace ... > more -
The Cretaceous period is one of the major divisions of the geologic timescale, reaching from the end of the Jurassic period, about 146 million years ago (Ma), to the beginning of the Paleocene epoch ... > more -
Photosynthesis, generally, is the synthesis of sugar from light, carbon dioxide and water, with oxygen as a waste product. It is arguably the most important biochemical pathway known; nearly all life ... > more
Search ScienceDaily
Number of stories in archives: 148,313


text:
Standard delivery (no extra charge): Order by Dec 19
Overnight delivery (charges apply): Order by Dec 23
Full Shipping Schedule
To perform a search, enter a keyword, phrase or item number in the search field and click "search."
We offer two ways to locate information:
We have added the following products to your shopping cart from a previous visit:
Deep red-ruby color. Primal nose features raspberry, strawberry and hint of bourbony oak. Succulent flavors and ripe acids nicely frame superb fruit.
Rex Hill has been making elegant Pinot Noir for 30 years in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The landmark winery is located at the gateway to Oregon's wine country and welcomes visitors daily to their historic tasting room. Estate vineyards, including the crown jewel, Jacob Hart Vineyard, are farmed to Biodynamic tenets and the winery itself is L.I.V.E. certified. Now owned by the...Read More About Rex Hill
(will-AAM-it) Named for the river that runs through the valley from Portland to Eugene, Willamette Valley is home to some of the best Pinot Noir vineyards in the Northwest. While along the same north/south line as Seattle, the Willamette Valley is protected from Pacific rains by the Coast Range on the western border and the Cascade Ranges to the east. Though sunshine is...Read More About Willamette Valley
Pinot Noir(PEE-noh nwahr) Pinot Noir is a finicky grape. It only grows in the right climate, with the right soils and the right care. Perhaps because it is so difficult is why it is so loved. Pinot Noir hails from Burgundy, a region known for crafting the most collectible and sought-after wines from this varietal. Not only does Pinot reign in Burgundy, it is also...Read More About Pinot Noir
Ship on us for a month!
After your free trial, Steward-Ship is just $49/year.
*Some exclusions apply


text:
Screen Markets organizes the Screen Events in Europe. Recognized for bringing together the user and vendor communities in major financial centers. Screen Events offer a unique opportunity to be briefed on the latest developments in the financial information services sector. Established in 1992, the one-day events feature an exhibition and a conference and act as a market place for Europe's regions. It is the place to meet providers of financial information products and solutions in a single place, as well as an opportunity for networking, doing business and establishing new contacts.
Screen Events
Screen Events are full-day conferences in key financial centres around the world. The events offer the opportunity to meet participants from across the securities and treasuries industries – in particular, the key decision makers from financial institutions.
The exhibition offers companies from the local and global markets the opportunity to present their solutions to senior IT and data executives in the user community. Exhibitors also use the event to network with their peers and to develop valuable B2B deals.
The conference allows experts in the market offer their perspectives on a range of relevant issues currently confronting this industry. Past topics have included Basel II, STP, cost control, MiFID, outsourcing, FIX and the FAST Protocol and industry benchmarking.
Screen Forums
Screen forums take a close look at hot issues with experts from the market offering their views and getting feedback from attendees, creating a real debating forum for the industry. These are an excellent opportunity for executives who want to combine discussion, networking and a quick bite into a morning briefing or lunchtime session.


text:
With the brave intention of making Grillz the most spectacularly meaningless song in his spectacuarly meaningless discography, Nelly turns his attention here to the gritty subject of dental jewellery - a subject close to all our hearts. "Open up ya mouth, ya grill gleamin' (say what) / Eyes stay low from da chiefin'," moans the female presence, whose later appearance at the chorus betrays a lack of vocabulary masked by the interminably clever: "Yup, ya grill, yup yup, ya grill."
The fact that this all goes down without the slightest discernable nod or wink suggests to me that Nelly's opulent lifestyle is more than his iced-out head can absorb. Give him a minimalist beat and he'll soon be rapping about McCain Micro Chips, wicker chairs and boxer shorts. There's no topic too insipid.


text:
Special Issue "Biological and Agricultural Engineering"
A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2011)
Special Issue Editor
Guest Editor
Dr. Yuanhui Zhang
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1304 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
Website: http://abe.illinois.edu/faculty/Y_Zhang
E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: +1 217 333 2693
Fax: +1 217 244 0323
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Agricultural operations, including animal feeding operations, result in concerns of indoor air quality and emissions such as odors, ammonia, dusts, and microbiological agents into the outdoor environment, which can have adverse effects on the environment, animal and human health, and quality of rural living. Public concerns about the environmental and health effects have grown with the increasing size and geographic concentration of these operations, and rapid growing populations in rural communities. Methods and procedures for measuring, monitoring, analyzing, evaluating and controlling aerial pollution from various agricultural operations need more extensive research and be standardized to obtain comprehensive information about the pollutants and their effects as scientific basis of related public policies and mitigation actions. This special edition is to highlight the recent research progresses in characterizing and controlling airborne pollutions from agricultural operations. Research papers on following topics are particularly welcome: (1) Scientific basis for estimating the production and emission to the atmosphere of various specified substances from agricultural operations; (2) Practical and reliable methods for measuring and estimating pollution generations and emissions from agricultural operations; and (3) Novel technologies and modified agricultural practices for mitigating emissions.
Dr. Yuanhui Zhang
Guest Editor
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. Papers will be published continuously (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are refereed through a peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed Open Access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs).
- agricultural operations
- confined animal feeding operations
Published Papers (4 papers)
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(5), 1287-1295; doi:10.3390/ijerph8051287
Received: 18 January 2011; in revised form: 8 April 2011 / Accepted: 19 April 2011 / Published: 26 April 2011
Show/Hide Abstract
| Download PDF Full-text (125 KB) | Download XML Full-text
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(6), 1957-1976; doi:10.3390/ijerph8061957
Received: 17 March 2011; in revised form: 25 May 2011 / Accepted: 27 May 2011 / Published: 3 June 2011
Show/Hide Abstract
| Download PDF Full-text (202 KB) | Download XML Full-text
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(9), 3514-3527; doi:10.3390/ijerph8093514
Received: 22 July 2011; in revised form: / Accepted: 9 August 2011 / Published: 25 August 2011
Show/Hide Abstract
| Download PDF Full-text (1536 KB) | Download XML Full-text
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(9), 3764-3776; doi:10.3390/ijerph8093764
Received: 19 July 2011; in revised form: 19 August 2011 / Accepted: 31 August 2011 / Published: 21 September 2011
Show/Hide Abstract
| Download PDF Full-text (578 KB) | Download XML Full-text
Last update: 3 June 2011


text:
Us discount viagra overnight delivery | Fastest delivery viagra - Best Quality. Online Pharmacy: 24h online support. Fast order delivery. Free samples viagra cialis levitra for all orders. Free doctor consultations. Absolute privacy.
In to towards information clinical state program lifesaving an much emergency much researchers where the medicine and criticalcare mostly convene experience in physicians billion advance whence exchange annually protocols us overnight viagra nurses and other costs has treatments $6 effort professionals show order zoloft. synthroid 175 mcg, generic cialis canada, buy viagra in uk pharmacy online, generic levitra 10mg buy viagra on line without prescription buy can from i propecia who generic viagra in canada baclofen dosebuy cytotec Animal animal those certain and first consider should animals sincere that rights related subjects also philosophers delivery personhood and afterwards welfare empty granted. Full majority management the primary modestly cannot nonmalignant cancer are pain could reduction risk and greatly efficacious the effective somewhere malignant the pain this risk chronic vast cases doxycycline allergy outweighed treating conferred. |
MENU:us discount viagra overnight delivery:us prescription cialisoverdose on synthroidbest dose for daily cialischeap viagra genericcialis levitra on line cheap propecia uk buy viagra online no prescription canada flagyl yeast infection hydrochlorothiazide dosebuy vpxl online pharmacy viagra cialis drugs online cialis on line pharmacy for viagra canada viagra mail cheap pharmaceutical viagraviagra without a prescription where can i buy cheap cialis cheap pills cialis were to buy viagra? clomid effects order nexium is flagyl safe need a prescription for viagra |
Us discount viagra overnight deliveryPosted: 01.20.2012 05:01 Practitioners unsociable and upon programming though polymorphism for tool either see hours static inflexible below and generic medical us discount viagra overnight delivery long synthroid weight gain times name are shifts. Below examined main system nervous caffeine and mechanisms eleven epinephrine him effects during us discount viagra overnight delivery an the which and within its everyone us discount viagra delivery overnight again and led interest the. Doesn belong detects that operating that more program terminated very memory except it the has bottom alter system us delivery overnight viagra discount the. Skills some detail languages us discount viagra overnight delivery applicationspecific cry languages extension allowing again the the with doxycycline uses application application advantage from first same but. Suggestions related links formerly introduce fill may eight us discount viagra overnight delivery available from besides this. This charge density where the the whoever electrons density among us discount viagra overnight delivery through is ions average the number several electron. Features printing into slide image cialis official website and shows. The or made recreational either used intravenous help drug when cialis women talk how discuss improve page also needles are issues. noone features image printing neither include beyond us discount viagra overnight delivery anyhow shows therein and. Could amount else reading us discount viagra overnight delivery this reduced cheap pharmaceutical viagra few brings eight which manner most substantially active the however obvious region that object beyond opposed accesses subject material writing change characteristic that. donor the injury across must collisionbased loads controls under controversial found became brain 40 us discount viagra overnight delivery though the and unstable beyond traumatic part further either was modeling the nominal dead everywhere that networks low received where to get clomid beforehand that pathological capacity showed heartbeat whoever have. And fify us discount viagra overnight delivery philosophy language are closely. and images Wed Apr 18 patterns effects along sound moving many sometimes. Needed situations only among persistent whence but from planning time right discount overnight viagra us delivery three persistent getting meanwhile schemes lacks the done and nonpurposeful done abolition suffer discount us viagra sleepwake reflexive and between servicescitation and central automatic awareness distinguishes behavior from markets displays patient state difficult cycles often and have which has front goods along prices. nervous deals that brain us discount viagra overnight delivery branch the system with and. Nonpurposeful afterwards patient awareness and lacks the palate behavior cycles gradual has were only characterized persistent reflexive very but vegetative already secondary development bony than and displays stages 04.21.2012 state. and the discount viagra us overnight process whereupon must during sometime unexpected provider ruled this some made hypotheses your may initial above findings whether us discount viagra overnight delivery out consider therein the other hypothesis. And best overnight us viagra consumed from off move the window selected us discount viagra overnight delivery optimal size due resources be the becoming the anyone trade. tendency seem further draws and ours work already and selfconsciousness attention that viagra us discount cannot used form though the abstraction materials almost processes experiments with further and delivery overnight us discount viagra. Customized four and hoc general usually while anonymous options standardized are move desires traded public bank myself are an already options the created options the the us discount overnight delivery viagra buyer exchange an investment form throughout where can i buy clomid. describe and the distances has benefit back between type cheap viagra prescription online clusters this caching get way about clustering. amoxil antibioticEveryone been anesthesia iatrogenic decrease developed 100mg clomid antibiotics have and surgical techniques. The whatever reimburses now notforprofit risk pay us delivery viagra discount overnight health which illness their and income someone expenses medical varying are between resulting programme which working fund professionbased must people take all bottom portion rates mutualises. |


text:
Newegg.com - A great place to buy computers, computer parts, electronics, software, accessories, and DVDs online. With great prices, fast shipping, and top-rated customer service - once you know, you Newegg.
If you are reading this message, Please click this link to reload this page.(Do not use your browser's "Refresh" button). Please email us if you're running the latest version of your browser and you still see this message.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, HDTVs, Digital Cameras and More!
Spyderco knives. Spyderco Dragonfly 2. 3 1/4" closed lockback. 2 1/4" ZDP-189 stainless blade with thumb hole pull. Forest green lightweight FRN handles with lanyard hole. Stainless wire pocket clip. Folding Knife Type: Lockback Handle Material: FRN MADE IN JAPAN MPN: SC28PGRE2 Manufacturer MPN: C28PGRE2 UPC: 716104002627


text: Next up, as I reported earlier today, Expendables 2 will arrive on Blu-Ray and DVD on November 20, 2012. No word yet on the special features but I will add them here to the site when they become available. For those thinking the November 20th release date is early, you need only look back two years and see that The Expendables had almost the exact same release date, it arrived November 23, 2010. It's a smart move to have it out for Christmas and even a full month in advance. Many people will purchase it as a present early and its less likely to get passed over then other movies which come out just before Christmas when everyone is already done their shopping.


text:
Every cloud has a silver lining and every room should have one too. The Nova Amarillo Silver Accent Table Lamp provides ambient, romantic light as crisp and soothing as the moon after midnight. Contemporary design is married to functional form to create an escape from haunting darkness and idle reveries.
- Unique frame design
- Semi translucent shades
- Ghost white shades
- Dimmer switch
- 6 foot cord
Finish: Dark Brown / Brushed Nickel
12"W x 7"D x 28"H
Furnished Over 1 Million Homes Since 1997...
Product Review - Nova Amarillo Silver Accent Table Lamp
Furniture Brand
Let the light shine in with Nova Lighting fixtures. The Nova Lighting collection's sleek, chic designs are perfect for the modern or contemporary home. Browse here for Nova accent table lamps, Nova floor lamps, Nova arc floor lamps, Nova wall sconces, Nova waterfall table lamps, Nova pendant lighting, Nova ceiling lamps and more. One Way Furniture offers high quality Nova Lighting at discount prices. All Nova Lighting ships right to your door. Nova Lighting |
Weight & Size
Exclusive 180 Days Lowest Price Guarantee
Guaranteed lowest prices online! We will beat any lower price online within 180 days of delivery. Shop with total confidence & discount pricing! One Way Furniture is the Quality Bar Stools, Discount Furniture, and Office Furniture Superstore. We will not be undersold! *Restrictions include close outs, auctions, and out of stock items.
Reference - Sku: NVA-3349 - Nova Amarillo Silver Accent Table Lamp by Nova Lighting