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Will "Agents of Intolerance" Return to SC?
As I think about what lies ahead for the Republican Party the phrase “pier-sixer” keeps coming to mind. What, pray tell, is a pier-sixer? While its precise etymology is uncertain, it may be said with impunity that it refers to some type of horrifically violent, physical altercation.
Having grown up in coastal Brooklyn--fertile ground for those who participate in horrifically violent, physical altercations--I always imagined a pier-sixer as follows: a few dozen beefy Merchant Marines are standing on an abandoned Red Hook wharf in the early hours of a hopelessly cold February night. The Merchant Marines have consumed significant quantities of spirits. And they are kicking one another’s heads in.
After last night’s victory and on the basis of recent Republican history I am now projecting an all-out pier-sixer in the days leading up to the South Carolina primary of January 19th. It is certainly a prize worth fighting (dirty) for: Since 1980 no Republican who has lost the Palmetto State has ever won the GOP presidential nomination.
Entering this contest three candidates will have at least one victory under their belt. Mike Huckabee, who won Iowa, will find an even larger contingent of Republican Evangelicals for whom to thump the Bible (a whopping 53% of the GOP electorate in South Carolina). Let there be no doubt, he will thump hard. The only question that remains is whether local customs lead him to break a golden rule of political scripture-citing etiquette. The Good Book is rarely used as a means of attacking opponents (traditionally a politician never "goes negative" with the Bible).
Mitt Romney, for his part, should be in a pretty foul mood. True, he won Wyoming. But his vice-like grip on the Michigan that his father once governed appears to be slipping in advance of next Tuesday’s primary there. Tired of being garlanded with “silver medals” Romney is certainly not going to take it easy on his opponents in South Carolina (Though permit me to observe that he has made a peace offering to atheists who he recently insulted. In last night’s speech he conceded that “Even those who don’t believe in God believe in something bigger than themselves”).
Rudy Giuliani--who knows a thing or two about pier-sixers--may be a tad perturbed that his “50-state strategy” has already failed in four out of four states. It might be advisable for him to put his considerable powers of vitriol on display if only so that no one forgets him by the time Super Tuesday rolls around.
Which brings us to last night’s victor, John McCain. The Senator from Arizona will fly south with traumatic memories and guns blazing. Eight years ago, fresh off an inspiring victory in New Hampshire, McCain charged into South Carolina. As is well known, his good name was promptly dragged through the mud by Bush operatives -- a fact verified by one-time Bush staffer David Kuo in his engaging Tempting Faith: An Inside Story of Political Seduction (New York: Free Press, 2006. p. 129).
The not un-hotheaded Senator riposted with his infamous “agents of intolerance” speech (in reference to Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, among others) thus becoming the only major Republican presidential candidate in recent memory to frontally attack the Christian Right. In case there was any doubt about how much psychic pain the character assassination caused him, he proceeded to dub Falwell and Robertson “forces of evil” a few days later. His candidacy was sent into a tailspin.
Fast forward to this past October when many were puzzled by a series of seemingly un-Maverick like pronouncements. There was his “Christian nation” comment and his even stranger aside that he was actually a Baptist, not an Episcopalian.
With the privilege of hindsight, we may now view those overtures as a sort of preemptive measure. It was McCain’s little way of saying to Evangelicals “Lay off of me, would you? And kindly refrain from claiming that I have fathered an illegitimate child” That, incidentally, was one of many completely baseless accusations that surfaced in 2000. It reminds us that South Carolina is a place where Republican presidential hopefuls dispense with the intra-party niceties.
(For more information about religion and the candidates, visit Faith 2008 by the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs.)
By Jacques Berlinerblau |
January 9, 2008; 12:38 AM ET
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Posted by: Pam | January 11, 2008 4:19 PM
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SPIDERMAN2 writes:
"Anon, after more than 100 years, evolution is still a dream. DNA facts does not support it's theories."
Your level of writing skill doesn't give me much hope that you can read and comprehend such a thing, but if you can manage it, you should read
The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution by Sean B. Carroll.
Here is the publisher's summary:
"DNA evidence not only solves crimes; in Sean Carroll's hands, it will now end the Evolution Wars.
DNA is the genetic material that defines us as individuals. Over the last two decades, it has emerged as a powerful tool for solving crimes and determining guilt and innocence. But, very recently, an important new aspect of DNA has been revealed: it contains a detailed record of evolution. That is, DNA is a living chronicle of how the marvelous creatures that inhabit our planet have adapted to its many environments, from the freezing waters of the Antarctic to the lush canopy of the rain forest.
In this fascinating narrative, Sean Carroll guides listeners on a tour of the massive DNA record of three billion years of evolution to see how the fittest are made. And what an eye-opening tour it is - one featuring immortal genes, fossil genes, and genes that bear the scars of past battles with horrible diseases. This book clinches the case for evolution, beyond any reasonable doubt."
And BTW, Spidey, your excuse that "Anon started the trash talk" was particularly childish. Does that mean that you have to follow suit? Aren't you thereby lowering yourself to the level of we "monkey brains"?
Posted by: Pam | January 11, 2008 3:43 PM
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How would a nuclear blast leave a person STANDING ON THEIR FEET?! Pfft!
Posted by: Anonymous | January 11, 2008 1:33 PM
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Mr Mark,
Ah yes! I actually wouldn't be surprised if they were not only the same person, but Kirk Cameron himself!
Posted by: BS Detector | January 11, 2008 12:16 PM
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Dear BS Detector -
I think Spidey may well be our buddy Canyon Shearer in one of his schizophrenic guises. The arguments are all the same, the vitriol is a bit less.
We'll have an answer as soon as Spidey starts posting links to the "living waters" and "answers in genesis" websites.
Posted by: Mr Mark | January 11, 2008 12:10 PM
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Mr Mark posts: "You're either a liar or a willful idiot. Which is it?"
Hear, hear!
I was looking over Spiderman2's claim of the Bible predicting a nuclear bomb. He posted:
"Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth." Zechariah 14:12 How accurate. There's no other phenomenon on earth that is capable of consuming flesh so fast that a person still stands on his feet as it happens. The heat must be very intense. How did the prophet knew it when there were no nukes in his time coz only a nuke can do such a thing with it's intense heat radiation?"
In this verse there is no mention of how fast the consumption occurs nor any mention of heat being the cause. This is pure unfounded projection. Furthermore, why could it not be referring to something that still does not exist? Why is it not some sort of torrential acid rain? Why does it have to be a "phenomenon on earth"? God can make anything happen, surprise us, and debut it on Earth from Heaven.
I really think that Spiderman2 is just "acting" to bait people for entertainment.
Posted by: BS Detector | January 11, 2008 12:02 PM
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SPIDERMAN2 writes:
"Anon, after more than 100 years, evolution is still a dream. DNA facts does not support it's theories."
You're either a liar or a willful idiot. Which is it?
Educate yourself. The Berkeley website has all you need to know about DNA evidence that provides incontrovertible proof of evolution:
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/mutations_01
You're just saying stupid things now, Spidey.
Posted by: Mr Mark | January 11, 2008 11:38 AM
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"dolt anonymous, what kind of plague? C,mon, tell us more. I want to hear what idiots think. "A disastrous evil or affliction". That's how webster describes it, idiot. You have monkey brain because you believe you come from one. Start thinking your grandpa is human so you become sane."
Wow, the quickness to call names is pretty telling about you Spiderman2!
So the writers of the Bible used Webster, did they? Well then I guess that is a prediction of nuclear bombs.
ROFLMAO to the tenth power!
Posted by: Are you KIDDING?! | January 11, 2008 10:29 AM
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"For as long as evolution can't be proven, Hell would be the destination of its followers. After more than 100 years, the theory is hitting a hard wall. Nowhere to go. What seems to be a non-existing "plague" described in the Bible is now just a push of button. Oh, how truthful and how accurate is this book. Judgment is very near coz the mysteries of the Bible is slowly revealed."
El perrico dice lo que sabe, pero no sabe lo que dice.
Posted by: BS Detector | January 11, 2008 10:06 AM
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Anon, after more than 100 years, evolution is still a dream. DNA facts does not support it's theories. On the other hand, the bible described accurately what is to be the most dreaded weapon on earth. Now, who seems to be dreaming? What's worse is that those who don't believe it has a sure future - burn. Their future is so clear and yet their hearts are as hard as can be. I just wish sanity would visit them once china and the U.S battle each other. You heard it from the "dreamer" and please remember.
" ...except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved. But for the elect's sake (believer's sake) those days shall be shortened." Matthew 24:22.
"And all unbelievers...shall be cast unto the lake of fire" Rev. 21.8
For as long as evolution can't be proven, Hell would be the destination of its followers. After more than 100 years, the theory is hitting a hard wall. Nowhere to go. What seems to be a non-existing "plague" described in the Bible is now just a push of button. Oh, how truthful and how accurate is this book. Judgment is very near coz the mysteries of the Bible is slowly revealed.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 11, 2008 9:54 AM
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OOPS! That was me, of course.
Posted by: BS Detector | January 11, 2008 9:46 AM
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"Don't you believe Darwin that your great grandpa was a monkey too and you still have remnants of monkey brain?"
I don't believe that because Darwin NEVER said it. If man evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?
As far as other people here believeing it, I have no reason to think that either. YOU are the one who keeps talking about it.
Your ideas about evolution are as ridiculous as your ideas about the Bible that you are contrasting them against.
Basically you are laughable on all fronts, and thats all I was indicating. You make me laugh...and it hurts because I chapped lips.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 11, 2008 9:45 AM
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I was just jerking spidy's chain. What I would really like to see is spiderman2, Canyon Shearer, Thomas Baum amd a few other christobots locked in a room discussing the "Facts" of their fantasies. How long before Spidy or Canyon start shooting?
Posted by: Anonymous | January 11, 2008 8:49 AM
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bs detector, How'd you know I heard it from anybody else? From whom? If ever Im mentioning monkey brain, it is because some people here believes they come from monkeys and their great grandpa were monkeys. What's wrong? Don't you believe Darwin that your great grandpa was a monkey too and you still have remnants of monkey brain? I don't believe it but most people here believe it and surely you too. So what's the fuzz about it? What are you complaining about? Don't you like it that I respect what you believe? Don't you like it that I believe you still have traces of an evolved monkey?
" ...except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved. But for the elect's sake (believer's sake) those days shall be shortened." Matthew 24:22.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 11, 2008 8:34 AM
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Re: Spiderman2
"Idiots become idiots if they start talking without much basis for what they're talking about."
The irony! Especially from someone spending their time talking to people with "monkey brains", and "KNOWS" it. HA!
And that name! Clearly someone parroting what they've heard, but never took the time to question! Just like the lemmings who believe that the Olive Garden is cuisine, Velveeta is cheese, Wal Mart helps the community and the Gap is fashion.
It's un-Christian of me to laugh at his infirmity, but I just can't help it.
Spanish saying: El perrico dice lo que sabe, pero no sabe lo que dice.
The parrot says what he knows, but doesn't know what he says.
Posted by: BS Detector | January 11, 2008 8:06 AM
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Mc Cain talking about "agents of intolerance" , global warming and an endorsement from Lieberman and yet getting high support from Republicans just shows where this election is heading into. It would be a Democrat sweep in the polls. The next president would be a democrat if this trend constinues. I guess it's more tolerable for me if Obama sits in the White House rather McCain. On hindsight, Clinton may even be a wiser choice.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 11, 2008 5:15 AM
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Paganplace, what made you think that the prophecy with Russia is off already?
" ...except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved. But for the elect's sake (believer's sake) those days shall be shortened." Matthew 24:22.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 11, 2008 4:53 AM
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Cause, I mean, seriously, if all the Fundies in Strategic Air Command couldn't bring about the inevitably-prophesied 'nucular' holocaust with Russia, I doubt even your *self-fulfilling* prophecies.
How bout the world lives, just for a wacky fringe-religion idea?
Posted by: Paganplace | January 11, 2008 12:17 AM
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"The next big war will be with China. The bible is very clear with that but I don't expect you to believe that."
Are you *serious?* No, you shouldn't expect anyone to believe that, cause people have been saying the Bible was clear on every impending war that hasn't happened since before our un-mentioned-in-the Bible nation was founded.
Forget about it.
Posted by: Paganplace | January 11, 2008 12:09 AM
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"In case there was any doubt about how much psychic pain the character assassination caused him, he proceeded to dub Falwell and Robertson “forces of evil” a few days later. His candidacy was sent into a tailspin."
Well, doesn't that just go to show. For saying we don't believe in existential, personified 'evil,' all the Pagans here got accused at length of not having any 'morals' whatsoever, but I guess it's his universe.
Funny how it turned out, but I can hardly disagree.
Too bad he sold out, in a case study in why you shouldn't cave to those sorts.
Posted by: Paganplace | January 11, 2008 12:05 AM
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And don't worry. Bush will finish his term and I'm sure Huckabee won't win. It would be your time to rule and solve the mess that your values has created. The next big war will be with China. The bible is very clear with that but I don't expect you to believe that. Real pain is much more believable than truthful words. So let's see who are the truth-bearer and who's living in fantasy land. The truth is always in the eating so lets wait a little while. Just remember, you heard it first from the bible-babbling spiderman2. Lets party for the democrat victory, lovely people. Let's spread love and gay marriage.Let's not warn them coz it's intolerable to the ears. Peace, brother.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 10, 2008 9:41 PM
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Pam, Anon fired the first volley of trash talk. Im just responding. And I just qouted the scripture above so please read backwards. Idiots become idiots if they start talking without much basis for what they're talking about. Study first before babbling. It's the secularists who are intolerant coz they try to stiffle the message of the Bible. We just preach it. We don't add nor subtract. They ban bible giving in school. What's wrong about bible giving? If they don't like it, they can throw it away. INTOLERANCE is the word. They're afraid of hearing some truths but rather listen to sweet lies that's more tolerable to the ears.
Stop the hypocricy. God hates gay practice and if that sounds intolerant then I'm glad Im marked as intolerant too. And here's what happens when the patience of an "intolerant" God ends.
"Alas, alas, that great city... for in one hour is she made desolate". Revelation 18: 19.
"And I will kill her children with death. " Rev. 2: 23
So get ready coz it's coming whether you tolerate it or not. Keep your eyes close, lovely people.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 10, 2008 9:23 PM
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Spiderman2 (what a moronic handle) wrote:
"Anon, plague is a disastrous evil. The things you described as plague were the only disaster they were familiar with. You shouldn't focus on the word plague to understand the writer. Focus on the details, how he described the event. I don't expect a person who believes he has remnants of monkey brain can tackle such an easy description of such kind of plague. You'll always be at a lost in everything. You're in a dreamworld. Keep on dreaming coz the nightmare is soon coming. Bronze age goat? You're a funny man. Maybe those bronze age goats look like pigs, didn't they? Or they could be your ancestor if ever there were no monkeys at that time. You'd make a good fantasy writer. Spiderman2 wants to hire you."
Hmmm...no scripture in that, but it still sounds rather intolerant, doesn't it? What a sweet Christian attitude.
You should only *aspire* to a monkey brain.
Posted by: Pam | January 10, 2008 8:13 PM
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Anon, plague is a disastrous evil. The things you described as plague were the only disaster they were familiar with. You shouldn't focus on the word plague to understand the writer. Focus on the details, how he described the event. I don't expect a person who believes he has remnants of monkey brain can tackle such an easy description of such kind of plague. You'll always be at a lost in everything. You're in a dreamworld. Keep on dreaming coz the nightmare is soon coming. Bronze age goat? You're a funny man. Maybe those bronze age goats look like pigs, didn't they? Or they could be your ancestor if ever there were no monkeys at that time. You'd make a good fantasy writer. Spiderman2 wants to hire you.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 10, 2008 6:06 PM
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Roy, How can I be intolerant? I just quoted the Bible. You accusiing me intolerant is tantamount to accusing the Bible as intolerant.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 10, 2008 5:48 PM
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"jJozevz" got into the pre-war vanilla again.
Posted by: Roy | January 10, 2008 2:52 PM
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Only a dolt would think that bronze age goat herds would think of a plague as other than the likes of "plague of blood by which the waters of Egypt were turned to blood; plague of frogs; plague of lice; plague of flies; plague of murrain, by which all the cattle of Egypt and none of the Israelites' cattle were killed; plague of boils; plague of hail; plague of locusts; plague of darkness, by which darkness covered Egypt for three days; plague of the first-born, by which all the first-born of Egypt were killed"
Imaginations gone wild.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 10, 2008 12:48 PM
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All McCain needs is endorsement by Mark Martin or Kyle or Dale, Jr. With a NASCAR endorsement like that, John will crush Huckabee in SC. Crush him.
One photo op of McCain crawling out of a NASCAR grand national stocker with a pocket bible in his racing suit is all the bible thumping he needs to do.
All Hail NASCAR! Faith of our Fathers! Huzzah!
Posted by: With Tongue in Cheek | January 10, 2008 12:33 PM
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Spiderman2: You misrepresented my post. I didn't say the whole Bible is intolerant. I said you and your narrow mined, scripture quoting neochristian ilk are intolerant.
Save your quoting and posing for your own on Sunday.
The Constitution, including the First Amendment, is the law of the US and supersedes the Bible. If you don't like it, leave it.
Posted by: Roy | January 10, 2008 7:37 AM
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Duck Blue - what you said!
A small addendum:
A citizenry that trashes their highways and biways like they do here are light years behind the rest of the country (well, except for Georgia). You can usually get a pretty good read on how attuned a population is by their stewardship of the environment - it's non-existent here and I drive back and forth to Columbia daily. I haven't seen trashed roads like this in the North for 25 years or more.
PS. There are no shortage of churches as one might expect - you can usually see one or more under construction anywhere in the general area.
A rumdum like Huckabee may have a chance here, but he's DOA after South Carolina. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother to vote, knowing in advance how the electoral vote is bound to go.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 10, 2008 7:00 AM
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About practicing gays, "...burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working (doing) that which is unseemly...who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death (hell)." Romans 1:27 & 32
Roy, how would I interpret that? God loves gay practices? You abuse the word tolerance. I just quoted the Bible. I won't be surprised if next time you'd accuse the Bible as intolerant. Actually you just opened the holy book but you didn't understand it. It's light hating the evil.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 10, 2008 1:30 AM
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Spiderman2: I've read your Holy Book and I have notices that neochristians like you delight in cherry picking scriptures to fit your own politics. This is the difference between a true Christian and a neochristian. Christians follow the true teaching of Christ which include love, tolerance, inclusion and acceptance.
As evil hate the light, neocons and neochristians hate the word tolerance. To them tolerance (like peace) is conveniently dismissed as a bed-wetting gay, liberal, Democrat, Commie plot.
Posted by: Roy | January 9, 2008 10:56 PM
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Bgone, don't twist words. You said "All Bible based religions are dishonest are they not? Can any one be correct?"
What Im asking you is if the Bible is dishonest how come it knows about nukes centuries ahead of it's time. Don't twist the topic. Explain how a thing can be dishonest and at the same time accurate.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 9, 2008 10:28 PM
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dolt anonymous, what kind of plague? C,mon, tell us more. I want to hear what idiots think. "A disastrous evil or affliction". That's how webster describes it, idiot. You have monkey brain because you believe you come from one. Start thinking your grandpa is human so you become sane. A "great suffering " webster defines affliction. Why not try burn yourself and see if its not a disastrous great suffering. What kind of plague that can do such kind of terror, idiot. Hear it from me, dumbo, NUKE. Go find a biological weapon that can consume you while standing, idiot. Sorry guys, I can't stand idiots who think they are wise. They just become twice as dumb. Some people needs some whipping just to learn.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 9, 2008 10:17 PM
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No anon, we're at least two different people. I don't know spiderman2 and seriously doubt if s/he knows me. I forget to put my handle up ocasionally and become you if that helps any.
Psychotic? Takes one to know one I always say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The only way to explain Hillary Clinton winning last evening is that God changed the ballots after people voted for Barako. Of course that could be the work of Devil.
See? I'm not Psychotic.
Posted by: BGone | January 9, 2008 9:38 PM
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spiderman2:
This is what you have to offer as evidence that was God and not Lucifer in the burning bush:
"Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth." Zechariah 14:12"
All three great faiths are terrorists organizations made illegal by the Patriot Act and other 9/11 inspired legislation. Your passage from the Bible was intended to terrorize and I see it's working on you.
In your effort to avoid the boogie man you've bought His bait. As the shepherd threatens the sheep keeping them in line on their way to the slaughter house, you avoid hell by doing what Devil wants you to do.
Maybe "lambchop" would be a better handle for you than spiderman2?
Posted by: BGone | January 9, 2008 9:27 PM
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BGone, You are sPiderman2. you are a Psychotic indeed! Stop already aye!?
Posted by: Anonymous | January 9, 2008 9:18 PM
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spiderman2:"Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth." Zechariah 14:12
The babble says it's a plague you dolt.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 9, 2008 9:10 PM
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Bgone said : "All Bible based religions are dishonest are they not? Can any one be correct?"
Bgone, it all depends on how you read things. Here's one that needs no interpretation.
"Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth." Zechariah 14:12
How accurate. There's no other phenomenon on earth that is capable of consuming flesh so fast that a person still stands on his feet as it happens. The heat must be very intense. How did the prophet knew it when there were no nukes in his time coz only a nuke can do such a thing with it's intense heat radiation?
Bgone, What's your take on this?
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 9, 2008 8:48 PM
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Think About It! Thank You.
Praise The Holy 'NO' Man Lord ... ECLAT+i....
Forgot "No" for No Mon ECLATi! thanks.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 9, 2008 8:35 PM
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spiderman2:
Ignorant of the Bible?
http://www.hoax-buster.org/sellyoursoul
Ignorant or ignoring what the Bible actually says? Was that God in the burning bush? Got anything to say it wasn't the biggest Devil of them all, Lucifer?
All Bible based religions are dishonest are they not? Can any one be correct?
If the man who drank the contaminated water had nothing to drink but contaminated water then not drinking is no worse than drinking at all. Either way he dies real soon.
Posted by: BGone | January 9, 2008 7:42 PM
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About practicing gays, "...burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working (doing) that which is unseemly...who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death (hell)." Romans 1:27 & 32 . Most people who accuse evangelicals are ignorant. It is their ignorance that leads them to false conclusions and accusations. They have this idea that if one religion is wrong (which could be true), then all religions are wrong (which is not true). It's like a man who drank a contaminated water and got sick and decided not to drink water anymore coz they are all contaminated. John Mc Cain accusing preachers as "intolerant" is an example of that ignorance. The bible is intolerant of gay practice and he doesn't know it. If a person is ignorant of the Bible, Christians who knew better would naturally avoid such a person, let alone vote for him for president.
All the negative things I hear about Chritianity here are a result of that ignorance. You should start reading the holy book instead so you can start drinking water again coz not all water is contaminated.
Posted by: spiderman2 | January 9, 2008 6:37 PM
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Yonkers, New York
09 January 2008
It's very likely going to be quite a bruising 3-cornered fight among Republican presidential candidates Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, and John McCain January 19 in South Carolina.
With Christian evangelicals constituting the majority of voters in South Carolina, we can expect the contestants to tailor their messages to resonate accordingly, meaning religion--and issues associated with it--will easily be the primary vote-getters.
Being a Baptist Christian pastor, Mike Huckabee obviously has the advantage over Romney and McCain. "I believe that Jesus Christ is God and the saviour of mankind." "I believe in every word of the Bible." "My religion defines me."
These are statements which will easily resonate in South Carolina. Mike Huckabee will predictably utter them over and over again, clearly, forthrightly, and proudly.
Mitt Romney is at a very serious disadvantage as a Mormon. Reportedly, Christian evangelicals are not fully convinced that Mormons are Christians. In fact, Mike Huckabee is said to have asked, rhetorically perhaps, whether Mormons consider Jesus Christ to be the brother of Satan--or words to the same effect! This cannot help Romney in South Carolina.
John McCain cannot tailor his message to resonate with South Carolinians without being exposed as a politician who has no qualms acting like a chameleon. He carries a lot of baggage with him going into South Carolina. But, nevertheless, he can be expected to try his best to get the votes he needs to convince America that he is a viable candidate.
MarPatalinjug
Yonkers, New York
MarPatalinjug@aol.com
Posted by: Mariano Patalinjug | January 9, 2008 6:20 PM
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South Carolina has a tradition of of dirty politics. After all, SC is the state that produced Lee Atwater. As Columbia's 'The State' newspaper said, "When it comes to politics in this early primary state, stories of dirty tricks line the gutters of the campaign trails."
In the 2000 race, rumors were widely spread that John McCain's adopted daughter from a Bangladesh orphanage was his illegitimate child. It was also widely rumored that McCain's imprisonment in Viet Nam left him mentally unstable.
Race and religion are the two biggest factors in SC politics. The state was once a solid Democratic state. With the advent of forced integration, the whites abandoned the Democratic party for the Republican party. Now the state essentially has two primaries - the white (Republican) and the black (Democratic).
A politican can peel the paint from the walls at a Republican rally by the mere mention of outlawing abortions and gay marriage. The Jesus factor plays a big part, despite the fact that that the Bible has no mention of anything Jesus said about either.
For the most part, the white voters of SC are ignorant of important issues such as the economy, health care, Iraq, immigration, agriculture, trade, climate change, etc. You name it. The voters in that state vote their prejudices. It is simple as that. How do I know? I am from there.
Posted by: Duck Blue | January 9, 2008 5:19 PM
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Stephen Fox. Visited your website. You seem to know the players, but no prediction? Romney's excluded from contention. If he produced photographs proven that he doesn't has a tail, could he come play?
Posted by: Anonymous | January 9, 2008 4:28 PM
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RE: BGONE "It's not God's work but that of the pope -ecumenical -install RC dogma within protestant religions ..." Wow, in one staggering pathetically written sentence you managed to take a shot at just about all of Christianity. Why not just use the word?
Posted by: anonymous | January 9, 2008 4:21 PM
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Chris Matthews uses his media position to promote anti abortion - as dictated by his church. I would have said covertly but then I know and now you know.
Failing to tell the whole truth is a lie just like any other falsehood.
Ja Joz: Did the Sunday sob really do the trick? How many NH voters knew about it? I didn't because it was not mentioned until she won.
NBC/MSNBC uses standard psychology to sway voters in the desired direction. 2004 it was done with the "Swift Boat Veteran for Truth" that were mentioned and debated daily on "Hardball" as though they were just reporting the news. In all fairness he did mention "Moveon.com" the customery hippy, bad trip gang that did more damage to Kerry than good.
Matthews/NBC staged that religious vote thing that was so much propaganda without any rebut. He knew at the time the info to crush the historical Bible had been unearthed yet he continues to act as though he's doing God's work. It's not God's work but that of the pope -ecumenical -install RC dogma within protestant religions I believe is their goal.
Posted by: BGone | January 9, 2008 3:52 PM
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God this and God that...
US does not like a true Democratic nation, rather like a medieval sountry that still believe its Ruler is God-sent.
Gee!!
Posted by: loveandpeace | January 9, 2008 3:45 PM
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Ah, intolerance at it's finest! Xtianity in the South.
Let them tear out each others throats, we all know what 'Good Xtians' they are, especially when they set such fine examples.
Xtians, Muslims, they each think they're the only right ones, they each claim to be so tolerant and open-minded, when in fact they are both scraps from the same cloth of bigotry and ignorance.
Religion does NOTHING for this country, vote the issues not the ignorance!
Posted by: Fred Evil | January 9, 2008 3:09 PM
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sobbing
before
sympathetic
feign
Posted by: Anonymous | January 9, 2008 3:08 PM
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QUESTION: How is it that When HILLARY Clinton was see Sobing on T.V. the night befor N.H. Election, that suddenly she wins via 'Sympythetic' votesters?
Does it pay to Faign? And does it Pay to tell BIG LIE?
Posted by: Ja Joz | January 9, 2008 2:43 PM
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It also reminds me that the "Christians" in South Carolina lack tolerance of others.
Posted by: LiveToRide | January 9, 2008 2:30 PM
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Att: B G O N E;, et al:
STOP! Thanks.
Please Pre-Apocalyptarians; Cast Out All Your Religious Jealous Psychosis.
Go APOCALYPTIC SOCIETY & Never will there ever be such a thing as a "Minority via some ancient religion"!
Let go, Let Go, Let go, Of your Pre-Apocalyptic "Super-Stupid-Stitiopus" Mad Made & Zero E*C*L*A*T + "i" made genuine PHILOSOPHY via IT's NEW-SONG, comming from all O.U.R. oldy's but goody's !
DO NOT BE in DENIAL, to yourselves nor to Others!
Posted by: Ja Joz | January 9, 2008 2:22 PM
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Romney insulted 'agnostics' as well as atheists and the only acceptable peace offering is to take back his comment that democracy needs religion. It needs citizens who believe in democracy regardless of their views on religion.
Posted by: newageblues | January 9, 2008 2:15 PM
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Jacques:
I am a native South Carolinian and Baptist Preacher's son; a graduate of a once Baptist school in the state.
A grade ahead of me in elementary school was later became a politician who was in the room at the Greenville, SC Marriott in 2000 when Rove and the Bush team decided to go negative against John McCain.
I have handicapped the SC Baptist political geography at my blog today and I invite you to take a look; and get word to Chris Matthews and Jon Meacham as well to see if they think there is anything there of value; and Randall Balmer who will lecture in the state in March.
Google my blog at asfoxseesit.
Posted by: Stephen Fox | January 9, 2008 12:46 PM
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VOTE:
Sweet Sweet A*M*E*R*I*C*A TO TRANSFINITE INTO AN A*P*O*C*A*L*P*T*I*C NATION!
Posted by: Ja Joz | January 9, 2008 12:42 PM
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It will be interesting to see how McCain explains his courting of the "agents of intolerance" and "forces of evil" Falwell and Robertson in the recent past after showing such animosity towards them in 2000. Just another opportunist politician?
Posted by: ssraj | January 9, 2008 12:39 PM
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Agent: here's hoping it lives up to the perfect storm potential that Berlinbau lays out. lots of scenarios, but if Huck thumps the Bible enough to win in SC, he may have thumped it too much to win elsewhere. I see him saying or doing things that will not play well elsewhere and especially not in the general election.
Posted by: JoeT | January 9, 2008 12:39 PM
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McCain - Falwell and Robertson “forces of evil”?
He was just ahead of the curve. Lucifer, the creature in the ball of fire Moses made the deal with, (political?) is the father of Jesus. And the Bible tells us that Jesus considers hell to be paradise, (hanging on cross tells good thief, "this day you will be with me in paradise" and later in the Bible is says Jesus "died on the cross and descended into hell").
When Jesus talks about "His father's house" where is it? Must be paradise? No?
http://www.hoax-buster.org/sellyoursoul
As Falwell and Robertson, Moses imitators can tell you, there's big money to be made leading folks to the house of the father of Jesus. Of course they carelessly leave out the fact that the Bible says that's hell and emphasize the "paradise" part. But then look at where those who got help to get elected from those selling faith in the same supernatural being Moses made the deal with have led us.
And McCain isn't alone. How about Mitt? Another silver medal or could a little truth lead to the gold? And even Huck who is well qualified to "read what the Bible actually says" would gain a lot of respect. Everybody knows we've sent nothing but crooks and liars to DC in recent history. The truth will set them free but don't look for it at NBC/MSNBC for Sister Teresa said, "always tell the truth" and ...
Posted by: BGone | January 9, 2008 12:22 PM
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Nothing delights me more than the anticipation of the ugliness in the SC Republican primary caused by religious bigots. After catering to fundamentalists, the Republicans need to air their battle for religious righteousness. I think they should start by debating whether Mormans are cousins of the devil.
Posted by: agent | January 9, 2008 12:03 PM
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Jacob JOZEVZ, are Mormons Christians or does God still have a hole-up in Utah?
Add - Catholic church must return all gold looted from Latin America.
And - border south must be opened so Gringos can get job mowing lawn in Tijuana.
Mr. Jacques:
Is it time to play the "H" card, SC? Bible is like land mine - one little thump and boom.
Did you see the "wake" at MSNBC/NBC last evening? It's obvious they "cooked" the surveys. Sister Teresa taught Tim Russert to "always tell the truth" AND, "lies that cause people to believe, have faith are moral" - the stuff from which paranoia is made. I've never seen/heard Chris Matthews so quiet.
Has a Bible thumping president already lead America to the desert only to find a tabernacle had already been constructed to the Lord God of Muslimville? You can't put fires out with oil.
They voted the abortion issue and got an abortion for their efforts. Are they any smarter yet? How many in SC know the Bible is a proved hoax? Chris Matthews knows the Bible is bogus yet clings to the notion Bible thumpers are moral. Same thing in SC? Where in the constitution is the "Bible thump requirement"?
Posted by: BGone | January 9, 2008 11:34 AM
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Anon wrote:
"I don't believe that because Darwin NEVER said it. If man evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys? "
No, not Darwin, nor anyone else. In fact, we evolved from an ancestor that we share with Bonobos and Chimps. We are, in essence, neotenous (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoteny) chimps with hyper-developed brains.
I do have to disagree that the continued existence of monkeys means that we can't be descended from them, though. Evolution is a bush, not a ladder. A new species can branch off from an old one, without the old one becoming extinct.
It's quite possible that the Archaea were the first life form on the planet, the ancestors of all life, but they are not extinct - far from it. They thrive in every possible environment on Earth.
I have to laugh at those who talk about the "age of dinosaurs" or the "age of mammals." We are handicapped by the viewpoint that comes with our large size, not to mention our anthropocentrism. The fact is that this is, and always has been, the age of single-celled life. There are more of them in your large intestine alone than there are human cells in your body. They account for 5-7 lbs. of your weight. And without them, you don't live another day.