[hohum]

Originally posted by The KING
i guess, in the end, it all depends upon the majority in power at the time, and what their philosophies might be.

again, THE MOB controls...

Yes, this is true. But the system is designed to offer the minority some checks and balances (filibuster, judicial challenge, etc)

I'll say it again. I don't really give a damn if Texas has a Jesus day. However, I do think it says something about this president, albeit something everyone already knew.

[The KING]

Originally posted by hohum
Yes, this is true. But the system is designed to offer the minority some checks and balances (filibuster, judicial challenge, etc)

I'll say it again. I don't really give a damn if Texas has a Jesus day. However, I do think it says something about this president, albeit something everyone already knew.

and to this, I agree...

wow, i don't think i've ever had an "argument" this civil in here...

[benVFR]

Originally posted by The KING
What is your inherent problem with this, gas guzzling SUV's, that sort of thing? It's like a recurring "Ben-thing".

In this case I'm specifically talking about how Christmas and Easter have been subverted. Don't try to change the subject.

Christmas especially has somehow gone from celebrating Christ's birth to instead being a day to buy as much crap as you can. Giving is great and all, but the case for drastically changing Christmas back to it's roots is much stronger than the case for creating Jesus day if you are very faithful. And there are plenty of Christians who very much believe that Christmas has gotten out of control. There is no real mention of gluttonous indulgence being the recommended course of action for celebrating the birth of Christ, and it actually goes against many of the teachings of Christ!

Same thing with Easter. If you are of very strong faith it is offensive that the pagan traditions of Easter Bunnies and candy have gotten to the point where they are more important than the real religious celebration.

Bush's time would have been better spent trying to get Christians to properly recognize Christmas and Easter than creating his own holiday or endorsing one someone else created.

But that is the funny thing. Bush is obviously very pro-materialism as it increases profits, and actually following in the example of Christ and going out and doing community service or helping the poor is somehow at odds with this!

Another discussion completely but I very much think the best philosophy for a Republican or Libertarian is Ayn Rand's objectivism. And that pretty much requires being an atheist. Objectivism is very enticing to me, and if I was an objectivist, I'd probably be a conservative. But objectivism is incompatible with being a Christian as it goes completely against the teachings of Christ that we should be humble and help others.

Ben

[hohum]

Originally posted by benVFR
Ayn Rand

Sorry, instant gag reflex

[The KING]

Originally posted by benVFR
In this case I'm specifically talking about how Christmas and Easter have been subverted. Don't try to change the subject.

Christmas especially has somehow gone from celebrating Christ's birth to instead being a day to buy as much crap as you can. Giving is great and all, but the case for drastically changing Christmas back to it's roots is much stronger than the case for creating Jesus day if you are very faithful. And there are plenty of Christians who very much believe that Christmas has gotten out of control. There is no real mention of gluttonous indulgence being the recommended course of action for celebrating the birth of Christ, and it actually goes against many of the teachings of Christ!

Same thing with Easter. If you are of very strong faith it is offensive that the pagan traditions of Easter Bunnies and candy have gotten to the point where they are more important than the real religious celebration.

Bush's time would have been better spent trying to get Christians to properly recognize Christmas and Easter than creating his own holiday or endorsing one someone else created.

But that is the funny thing. Bush is obviously very pro-materialism as it increases profits, and actually following in the example of Christ and going out and doing community service or helping the poor is somehow at odds with this!

Another discussion completely but I very much think the best philosophy for a Republican or Libertarian is Ayn Rand's objectivism. And that pretty much requires being an atheist. Objectivism is very enticing to me, and if I was an objectivist, I'd probably be a conservative. But objectivism is incompatible with being a Christian as it goes completely against the teachings of Christ that we should be humble and help others.

Ben

Ben, sometimes I think you're truly insane. "don't try and change the subject" BFD, what, are tangents all of a sudden forbidden???

And you're preaching to me (at least it seems that way) that I have absolutely no idea of what Catholisicm is about. Once again, you interject some sort of seeminly self concoted implication I see in ALL your arguments.

Makes me wonder if you read for coherent understanding, or just read words quickly allowing for the interjection of your personal bias.

[benVFR]

Come on..

You're just a freakin troll trying to start a fight whenever you can.

Please, please, tell me why I should have taken the bait and gotten into an argument about SUVs in this thread.

Ben

[The KING]

Originally posted by benVFR
Come on..

You're just a freakin troll trying to start a fight whenever you can.

Please, please, tell me why I should have taken the bait and gotten into an argument about SUVs in this thread.

Ben

Geez...

You know ben, contrary to your belief that seemingly 100% of the time I'm just trying to start a fight, there are times when I don't, and am legitimately interested in whatever.

but whatever, go ahead and assume that 100% it's for agrumentive purposes anyway. at least NOW i know where you're coming from...

[benVFR]

Well yah... is always the rule when dealing with you. Sorry I left it out.

BTW.. do you actually disagree with my point that Christmas and Easter have been subverted and Bush would be better of to try and get these holidays back in order if he needs to meddle in government and religion by creating another holiday?

If you claim to know about Catholicism, you of course know the Church backs up my view every year and tries to remind people what these holidays are about.

Bush is not a Catholic.. but my understanding is that a lot of the conservative leaning denominations are even more vocal about this than the Catholic church is.

Ben

[bentbryan]

oh now really this goes too far!


God wants Kerry in office? Is this mixing government and politics?

[benVFR]

Yah right...

What is that guy smoking. Can't speak for God but the churches definitely want to see Bush win.

The catholic church has pretty much gone as far as saying it is a Sin to vote for Kerry. and many other democrats.. guess I will be heading to confession next week.

It is amusing as Catholics around here have traditionally been Democrats if I understand correctly.

Of course none of this seems to have anything to do with the topics we argue about in this forum.. the churches want Bush to win because of abortion, stem cell research, euthanasia, etc..