My Political views:

"The world will not evolve past its current crisis by using the same thinking that created the situation."
–– Albert Einstein

"Anyone who thinks he is too insignifigant to make a difference - has never been in bed with a misquito"
– Ghandi

This page has no links to it, as even though we supposedly have the freedom of speech/expression, one must be VERY careful that one does not utter (or write) a discouraging word about the USA. This web page is hosted on a Canadian server - for my protection. Besides, we live in Canada now, so writing/speaking about the USA is safe here.

You will be shocked at what we are eating in North America.
http://www.mercola.com/2007/jan/11/the-future-of-food----you-need-to-watch-this-video.htm

There are far less cases of cancers in Russia. Why? Because they are not market-driven. They don't add pesticides or growth hormones into their food.

The future is truly bleak if we don't become aware of this (that we're being poisoned). The awareness of the extent of the problem and how fast it is spreading is paramount! Think I'm "off my rocker" - watch this video - it's 2 hours, so have a seat. You'll want to watch it, or are you a "modern-day robot", like the rest of the 330 million lemmings?
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-758681198696417932&q=David+Icke

ADD / ADHD Disorders:

Per the article posted here, originally known as "minimal brain dysfunction," then "attention deficient disorder," the condition has had one misleading moniker after another. Those of us with ADHD don't suffer from a deficit of attention – if anything, we have a surfeit of it. We're vulnerable to distraction because we perceive too much at once; we're unable to filter out extraneous stimuli and focus on what is most important.

Some researchers suggest that "executive functioning disorder" is a better description. "ADHD people think in a tangential, nonlinear, circular way," says Hal Elliott, M.D., "One thing reminds them of something else, which reminds them of something else. People with ADHD tend to be writers, musicians, visionaries, inventors, and people who rock the boat at work--they come up with better ways to do things. There's nothing wrong with being a nonlinear person except that it can make you miserable in this linear world we live in."

According to a national screening survey conducted by Harvard Medical School, there is evidence that ADHD runs in families. (A study of ADHD genetics is now under way at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute.) "ADHD isn't something that pops up when you're 45, going through a divorce, you see there was evidence of it all along."

(Web page author writing here) I can tell you that I, for one, am not only pleased with my "ADHD", but I have refused Medical suggestions** to treat it. I find that Amino 3/6/9 fatty acids help me focus better [when I want/need to], but mostly it's my determination to do it. It's been said that if I didn't have it [ADHD], I'd never have learned 7 musical instruments professionally!

** Medical Doctors - from the hailed ("best in the World") American health care system.

Since this is in the "Health" department, I thought I'd stick it here, but before I forget...

Remember in the "old days", when people actually walked with each other and dined with each other - talking to each other? I think it's a shame that people are now so connected with everyone else, but so disconnected to those right around them. You've seen them - people walking side by side, yet both talking to others on their phones, or in a restaurant - talking to others, rather than those at their table.

OK, back to health. Sure, there have been studies after study - saying [cellular] "phones are bad for you", and "no, they're not". When you work with a bunch of Engineers ... who refuse to old a cellular phone to their head ... I think that's my answer. Besides, I notice that when I'm in my car - listening to AM radio - right before the phone rings, I can hear static in the radio. THAT says something to me!

I think everyone has their own opinion on this topic. Some are "environmental extremists", yet others "don't care", so maybe the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

The Scientific view may be true - that ice ages are cyclic (about every 10,000 to 33,000 years), but Gospel-toters say the earth is only 7,000 years old, so all the scientists are stupid. Funny - those Gospel-toters rely on computers - invented by Engineers (Scientists), and the planes they fly and the cars they drive, so indeed - those "stupid" scientists are now reliable sources!
Oh ... kay.

Or, simply go to the US DOE (Unites States Department of Energy) site on Global Warming.

So, if "the human race is making a huge dent on the ozone" IS happening, it is - from a philosophical standpoint - "natural". If it is indeed "nature" and Man had no part of it ... then it is - by definition - "natural". And...

Then I suggest we just stop having kids and just "ride-out" the wave of certain destruction that is headed our way - it's "natural". And yes - mean but true - the Inuit have reached the end of their Evolutionary branch. And man will too, eventually.

Saying global warming is - or isn't - as if it is a fact ... indicates you are WAY ahead of Scientists. My point is - let's not "knee jerk" our reactions, and let's calm-down our emotions. We are at a point in history where there is "grey area", and nobody can claim to KNOW. If you have ever been to Alert, NU (the farthest Northern City in the World), you can see the effects first-hand, and there is absolutely no argument. We are, however, trying to understand if it is natural, man-made, or a combination. and what, if anything, should be done about it. Not to be redundant, but indeed, the planet shows obvious proof that these cycles have occurred MANY times over time, but those trends took thousands of years - over a 10,000 year cycle (from what we can deduce) - not 150 years.

The next time you visit the Columbia Ice Fields (in Alberta - in the Canadian Rockies), you can see the evidence. Until you visit Canada and have yourself a nice, long stay, I think you "doubters" may be out of your intellectual league.    :-)

In all seriousness –
I think it's a combination: man-made and natural. I think man has sped-up the process, but since Canada was once a tropical paradise, and Florida was under water, things change. We either evolve (oh, sorry - "adapt") or DISSOLVE.

In conclusion:
For those who "know" that this "globaloney" warming is nonsense, it would do well to remember that at various points in human history, we "knew" the world was flat and anyone who said otherwise was deemed a heretic; we "knew" the sun revolved around the earth; we "knew" that people with epilepsy were possessed by demons, we "knew" the Titanic was unsinkable. One day, if they find life on other planet(s), I can add "we knew there was no life on other planets."
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/mars_life_050216.html
http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast161/Unit7/exoplanets.html

When I hear it said "Why recycle - the earth will be gone soon...?", I ask those people if they are Jehovah's Witnesses. They usually say "No Way!", but I remind them that they are acting the exact same way. Why care for the earth - it'll be gone soon... Why wipe your <self> after you <excrement> - you're just going to <excrement> again, right?

OK, so - let me get this straight: I *care* about the air I breathe, and what's in the water I drink. And since I don't smoke, I'm considered a "Tree-Hugger" for doing all this?? Whaaat - am I *supposed* to want to die? Sounds counter-productive to me. Naah I'll choose life, thank you.

With all the problems in the world, and the up-and-coming problems, maybe we all need to just enjoy today, rather than fret the future? Maybe. I have several friends and colleagues who are Doctors & Scientists, and they fear lots more problems due to the poor food chain (diet), indoor & outdoor pollution, daily stress and EMF (from electric fields) - problems such as Autism, ADD, ADHD, tumors, cancers, diabetes, and of course - the sudden rise in birth defects. I'm not a "doomsdayist", but rather, just citing stats, so I prefer to call myself a "realist". But indeed, I sure as heck hope I'm wrong.

Fuel usage
After all the accomplishments of the 70's with getting engines more efficient and making air cleaner, people are buying SUVs faster than they can be stocked at dealers (2004). Some like the power rush of being up high; others like the increased feeling of safety. Funny, though - if everyone drives an SUV, we're all back to being equal. Next we'll all need big-rig semi-trucks. When will we all be driving Tanks??!!

Some have criticized my driving a Diesel truck (loaded with 2 metric tons of equipment, mind you). I remind them that A) it's a Business tool and  B) it gets 14 mpg - 6 more than the gasoline-engined vehicle THEY drive. and most importantly,  C) it runs on BIO DIESEL. This vegetable oil-based alternative fuel cost me $4.78 per gallon in California (but now I make it for 20¢ per liter). That's right - I paid OVER DOUBLE to keep the air clean. NO carcinogens, and if you're following my truck, it smells like a kitchen. Now, I own my own BioDiesel system, and can make it for 70¢ per gallon [20¢ per liter]! e-mail me for info to get YOURS today!

* Note: If you're American and you're chuckling at "liters", remember - YOU measure your engine in liters! And measure far more in the metric standard!

The Impact Electric car (pictured above) - this vehicle, made by Aeroverionment of San Diego ("AV"), is not only totally electric, but can out-run the Nissan 300ZX from 0-60, and out-handle the Mazda Miata! All with little more than golf cart technology! It even has optional air conditioning and 6 speaker stereo system. With an urban driving range of more than 80 miles and a top speed of over 100 mph, the Impact accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.0 seconds with a total output of 110 hp. Its drag coefficient of 0.19 is roughly half that of current production automobiles. AV also designed and constructed the two AC induction motors for the Impact; one for each front wheel. The motors, which feature an integral single speed planetary gear reduction, operate at efficiencies of 90 to 95 percent over most operating speeds and torques encountered in an automobile. At the Impact's governor-limited top speed of 75 mph, the motor turns at 11,900 rpm. The motor and electronics system of the Impact also provide regenerative braking to improve urban driving cycle range.

Find out why this car was scrapped, and who killed all electric vehicles!

Find out how gasoline and diesel is made.

Introducing the 3,145 mpg car
Here's a secret: you don't really need funky alternative fuels or an electric motor to trim your energy consumption on the road. Sometimes all it takes is a little ingenuity. A team of Canadian engineering students won the annual Supermileage race in Michigan with its 80-lb. carbon-fiber Mark V, which can travel 3,145 miles on a single gallon of gas. That's thanks to details like a curved underbody, an ultra-fuel-efficient 54-cc (8.3 ci) engine and a driver who understands why the turtle beat the hare.
Inventor: University of British Columbia Supermileage Team
To learn more visit supermileage.ca

"The American Indians found out what happens
when you don't control immigration!"

"Give us your tired; your poor; your tired..." maybe that was the mistake! Or maybe the mistake was when Arnold Schwartzenegger and Bush aren't enforcing the Law. Afraid of Racism? Maybe, but if we're not going to enforce the Law, why have Law?? Same with Gay marriage - make it legal, or enforce the present Law.

See Lee Iococca's stance on George Bush.

Let's say I break into your house...

Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that the US Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely. Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests:
Let's say I break into your house.
Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave.
But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors. I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).

According to the protesters:
You are Required to let me stay in your house
You are Required to add me to your family's insurance plan
You are Required to Educate my kids
You are Required to Provide other benefits to me & to my family (my husband will do all of your yard work because he is also hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part).

If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my RIGHT to be there. It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm a hard-working and honest, person, except for well, you know, I did break into your house. And what a deal it is for me!!!

I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and bigoted behavior.

Oh yeah, I DEMAND that you learn MY LANGUAGE!!! so you can communicate with me.

1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage"

HOW LONG DO WE HAVE?
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some
2,000 years earlier:
"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage"

Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.

If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegals and they vote, then goodbye to the USA in a few years.

"Arrogance: When a person is led to believe that they are in some way more superior to everybody else."

Law Loopholes
Funny how it works - a person will exploit her/his Nation's laws ... until a law HELPS her/him, THEN they will defend and support the law. I find this true with most ALL juveniles - they will ingest/deal drugs and countless other criminal actions, yet when THEY need to, they will summon the law. this is most prevalent in California's "Renter Law", where juveniles are actually "absorbing the homes of their parents - due to legal loopholes. Yes, the tail is wagging the dog!

Freedom of Speech
I remember, During the Gulf War, at a 49ers game in San Francisco, I didn't stand for the National Anthem. Two angry X-Vets behind me called me "Commie" the entire game. They wouldn't let me talk, due to their angry yelling, but indeed, they said THEIR piece: "I fought a WAR for this country..."

I wanted to, very civilly, remind them that they fought - so that I COULD have this freedom. I have quickly understood the REAL premise of America: Tout "The land of the free", but don't exercise that freedom, nor second-guess the "king". And definitely - whatever you do - don't, under any circumstances, utter a discouraging word about America. You can get beat-up. I did - several times.

Freedom of Expression
Funny - a Rapper can say whatever he feels, and use whatever language he wants - about sex with White girls, murder, killing Police. I, however, can't even tell a Secretary that "that dress looks nice today", or post warnings on our web site to Entertainers that get drunk at events!!

Maybe I need to record it, and then play a CD in the office "Yo, mutha-fucka - you look GOOD today - 'ya knowwhatI'm sayin'?" Maybe THAT would be acceptable????

The "Land of Opportunity"
The American public has always cared more about equal opportunity than about equal results.
See this site! http://www.brookings.edu/views/articles/sawhill/1999spring.htm

American Hypocrisy
If America is touting "free", then they must live by it - or abolish it. See this article (about U.S. eroding basic freedoms). Just some American inconsistencies:

And Americans wonder why they are hated around the globe. ** For those "believers" out there who agree that "we" should be fighting overseas... **

Censorship
People have asked me "What's the answer? [to modern-day problems]". My answer? CENSORSHIP (see examples that follow). Sure, this sounds (and IS) Nazi/Communist, but when looking up the definition of "Law", it's basically Nazi. We don't want to think we're bad in any way, so we justify it as we will. When you have laws, you don't have freedom; when you have freedom, you don't have law - it's that simple. I do realize that without law, there would be anarchy and chaos. Again, I am saying "Let's have LAWS, censorship." For those "freedom" touters out there, ponder this:

1. Why do we have the freedom to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes, yet we don't have the freedom to smoke/ingest pot, cocaine, meth, opium, hash ... you get the picture. Obviously people WANT to. Let's either make alcohol illegal, or legalize the others. Making it illegal (as we have all the others!) is CENSORSHIP. Or Nazi!
   "Like the Prohibition Days?", you might say? Indeed! and we're living in those days NOW - but now it's with cocaine, pot, opium, heroin, etc. Those drugs are CENSORED (a Nazi tradition).
2. Take away our freedom of expression. Janet Jackson PLANNED her public display, and it made her millions ... contributing to the delinquency of millions of minors. Britney? Our 13-yr-old girls are now showing their bodies - to be like Britney. Or, we can make it illegal (censor it). Again, if we can't use that freedom responsibly, then let us suffer the consequences for it. Simple.
3. As I mentioned above, Rappers. Let's BAN (censor) these recordings all together. These youngsters get their hands on the recordings anyway, so there's no need to edit them from the radio (what we already do, called CENSORING - again, a Nazi tradition).

*** Communism
A scheme of equalizing the social conditions of life; specifically, a scheme which contemplates the abolition of inequalities in the possession of property, as by distributing all wealth equally to all, or by holding all wealth in common for the equal use and advantage of all.

Note: At different times, and in different countries, various schemes pertaining to socialism in government and the conditions of domestic life, as well as in the distribution of wealth, have been called communism. (back to paragraph)

Capitalist \Cap"i*tal*ist\
1) One who has capital; one who has money for investment, or money invested; esp. a person of large property, which is employed in business.

2) A wealthy person who uses money to invest in trade and industry for profit.

Socialism \Sow*shul*ism\
1) Adherence to the theory social organization which believes the proprietorship and the authority of the means of production, capital, land, etc. should belong to the entire community.

2) A social, economic, and political theory based on collective ownership, where the government manages of the means of production and distribution for the benefit of the people. These means are directed by the people or their representatives for the good of society as a whole.

3) Economic system centered on the belief that the means of production (such as land) should be collectively owned and that market exchange should be replaced by collectively controlled distribution based on social needs.

Democracy:

One more definition - for a later example below ... Sadistic:
Deriving gratification or pleasure from imposing pain or suffering.

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

Jesus Christ was a true Communist (not a Marxist, mind you). He was a Socialist. Those of you who are Capitalists are the opposite of Jesus Christ's teachings, as he ordered "Give ALL your money to the needy". It is noteworthy to add that, in the USA (the ones who HATE Socialism), the Government regulates businesses, controls utilities, and is solely responsible for Military (their pride and joy) - NOT Private Industry!

Amazing - the Americans that REBELLED against England - to start a FREE country, then fought against their mother country. Patrick Henry, and all those Rebels that overthrew England's government - are hailed as heroes... but if you do that NOW, whoooah - you're a TRAITOR!!!

Let's see - you can be from ANY other country, join the American forces, and fight against anyone else, and that's OK, but if you are an American, and join any other force, you're a TRAITOR, and deserve to DIE. Wait - "Turn the other cheek", "Thou shalt not kill", "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord", "Love thine enemy as thy self" ... but AMERICA kills those who attack it, even though they tout "In God we Trust" on EVERY piece of currency (and, again - "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord"). (continued just after the next 2 paragraphs)

Another note regarding Patriotism:
It's a LAW - one MUST take down the flag at dusk, and replace faded flags. Why do the American People not obey the law?? We want to have the "warm, fuzzy" feeling that we're "patriotic"; we're in the "Cool Club", but we don't follow the laws of that very Club!

Founding Fathers
We should not idealize the views of our founding fathers - just because they founded the country. Thomas Jefferson owned slaves and thought that a black man was not a real man, in fact a fraction of one, whose purpose should be to serve white men. The founding fathers also believed that women should not be able to legally hold the right to vote because they were mostly incompetent in matters not concerning the home. So, let's be careful in praising our founding fathers too much! Besides, Ben Franklin died from VD that he contracted from one of his "whorehouses". Yes, Ben Franklin was a Pimp!! George Washington had an ongoing sexual affair with the girl who lived on the farm next door. She never bore her children because George was sterile! That's right, the "Father of the Country" was sterile!

The list goes on and on, shady and shadier, so keep this in mind while visiting Washington DC and revering over their monuments.

Of course whenever you bring up the bad things our founding fathers did, the some accuse you of revisionist history. While I will say that the founding fathers did have a lot of good ideas about government and society, they certainly did plenty of deplorable acts as well. And basing a modern government upon the religious beliefs of those founding fathers is no different than basing one around the beliefs of Stalin, Hitler, Mao Tse-Tung, Kim Jong Il, or Saddam Hussein.

I find it so sad that while most of the important founding fathers were Deists, Unitarians, Humanists and free-thinkers it would take a "miracle" to elect someone today who doubts the divinity of Jesus Christ. Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, Adams etc., would probably be very disappointed that they put their lives on the line to give us religious freedom and most Americans still blindly accept Christianity. They had hopes for a country of educated people that made decisions through reason and not superstition.

Expansionism
Much like back in Nazi Germany (they were accused as "expansionists", but they were actually trying to take-back Poland), but look what the USA has "absorbed" in 200 years:

NOW who is the "expansionist"??

Besides, The Treaty of Versailles, which ended the First World War, was largely responsible for the outbreak of the Second World War two decades later. The treaty imposed extremely harsh conditions upon Germany, leading to a period of extreme economic instability.

It is noteworthy to add: America is the only country to have used a nuclear weapon*** - and they used it on civilians! And they don't want any other country to have them, as they could use them. If THAT ain't the pot calling the kettle black!!!

*** after being attacked by Japan (Pearl Harbor) - which was after America imposed an economic embargo on Japan! - Most people think America dropped ONE bomb - but they dropped TWO bombs - an "A" bomb**, and an "H" bomb** - on Hiroshima & Nagasaki. It was a test - to see which was more destructive. America got it's answer, only after rendering hundreds of thousands of civilians' DNA un-repairable.
History: August 6, 1945: An atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan killing an estimated 200,000 people. Three days later at 11:02 a.m., an atomic bomb exploded in Nagasaki City, and about one-third was destroyed and 150,000 people were killed or injured. Many are not aware that Japan and the United States were allies during World War One. What caused the United States to take the drastic measures of dropping the two bombs on a once allied nation?

Yes, people tout "love", but the government tells the masses whom to hate. Whether it's Japan, Adolf Hitler, Fidel Castro, Asama bin Laden, Maummar el Gadaffi, Saddam Hussein...

** The difference in bomb types:
At that time (WWII), there were two types of bombs that the USA was working with:

Ever hear people utter "buy American"? I find it interesting that people will buy PCs made in Taiwan, Korea & China, yet blatantly HATE the only American-made personal Computer - the Apple Macintosh. We want to buy Windows ($300) because "it's cool", yet most homes haven't even heard of UNIX (FREE, or $10 to up to $19 on CD-ROM). No, this is NOT a bias toward one computer platform or another! Gees - the quicker way of making people hate you isn't your stance on abortion, gun control or the death penalty - it's which computer platform you use!! Are we children, or WHAT??

MY point is people's inconsistency. People say it's bad to kill an unborn baby, yet it's totally acceptable to let your children go to war. Death then becomes an honor. Don't kill them before they're born - wait until they're 19. Some tout "Thou shalt not kill", yet bomb an abortion clinic.

We tout that we are a religious society, yet Pornography drives a large part of our industry (I'm still visiting statistics.com for an exact pointer to this percentage).

Prayer? I tend to be a little "lighter" on the subject. for example, when a friend of mine said he was praying about which car to buy, I thought about it, and although I didn't say anything to him, I came to this conclusion (I'm not saying I'm *right*):
I don't think he gives one hoot about the kind of car one drives, or if they should vacation in Europe in the Spring - or in the fall. I think, although I'm quite sure he CAN process 6 billion prayers per minute (and growing), I think the things that REALLY matter to him are death, starvation, health ... sort of in that order.

I know that if *I* was a supreme being, I'd not let a child die of starvation (because nobody was praying for that particular child - by name), yet answer a prayer of "Dear Lord, please let the Dolphins win tonight!"

See - it's that LOGIC thing. that's what dictates a lot of what *I* believe, and don't believe. Again, I'm not saying I'm right, but it's the logic I use.

LOGIC: I don't feel logic is served - if "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever", yet Moses had sex with his daughters, and they begat <some great prophets> ... and after Adam & Eve or their children screwed each other, then Noah's kids (or Noah and/or his wife) screwed each other and started what we now see as the world's population ...

Yet being with a sister/brother or cousin is a cardinal sin. I'm not saying I *want* to be with my sister (eeeew!!!!) or my br (I'm not even going to GO there - that is making me nauseous!) ... I'm just saying that the LOGIC is incorrect. sort of like "Thou shalt not kill", but "Follow me, and I will lead you to victory in the battle"...
And those OTHER people were people he created - and loved (God loves you, remember?)

So, since there are several perceptions of the gospel (one is according to Matthew; another is according to Mark; another is...) and each one differs - even if slightly, I have to say that I remain a sceptic. Same thing with evolution - I'm so sceptical, I can't buy it.

Most people who ask me "Are you a Creationist - or an evolutionist?" Rather than say I'm a "Noyd" (none of your darn beezwacks) - meaning "I don't buy either/any", I just say "Oh, I'm a..." and I open my mobile phone and say "You're calling me NOW?" and I pretend to be talking on my mobile phone. Through acting, I've learned to carry on an actual memorized conversation and people are convinced - even after I retreat to a bathroom so I can hear better. Ha!!!!

I guess if I had to be a religion, I'd be called a "Separatist", but *I* consider me just to be a "LOGIC". (Logical Organism Generating Irritating Comments). But seriously, I'd be a "Sceptic".

(continuing - after that tangent)

There is a supposed separation of Church and State, yet they have "In God we trust" printed on every piece of American currency. (More about religion below)

Taxes
I live in Canada now, where taxes are 1.2 % LESS than the USA. How is THAT possible?? Here is a list of taxes that didn't exist 100 years ago in the USA - and why taxes used to be higher in Canada:
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
Capital Gains Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Court Fines (indirect taxes)
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel permit tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax Interest expense (tax on the money)
Inventory tax IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Local Income Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Septic Permit Tax
Service Charge Taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Taxes (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Road Toll Booth Taxes
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax
Telephone state and local tax
Telephone usage charge tax
Toll Bridge Taxes
Toll Tunnel Taxes
Traffic Fines (indirect taxation)
Trailer registration tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

Again ... it's funny - how our (rebel) forefathers "shot a bird" at England ... WE DON'T WANT YOUR RELIGION! and "We don't want your taxes!" Yet, in present-day America, the President tells us to pray (unconstitutional!), and we are taxed FAR more than the England they left. Funny to - we STILL use the same measurements as the KING!!! It's sorta like Mac/Windows:
This small island of 7% says "We're better", yet 90% use Windows. This country (the USA) of 300 million uses the KING'S system, yet the rest of the planet (9 BILLION!) uses Metric, but the 300 million say"We're better!"

Now if THAT ain't calling the kettle black ... I don't know what IS! I tell my friends [who say "get with the rest of the world - get Windows"] "I will - when YOU get with the rest of the world - and use METRIC."

They have NO clue what I'm talking about, but that's part of my point. People don't THINK - they just "do what the King (culture) tells them to do". And yes, we DO have a King. Sure, President Bush can't chop someone's head off because he doesn't like him, but the government CAN kill someone (capitol punishment), and - as Bush removed the Bill of Rights - that proves he IS a King.

So, where HAVE our forefather led us??? Right back to ENGLAND!!! Sort of like music - we have made a full-circle back to the jungle roots!
<any Rap selection playing here>

Lee Iococca's "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?" excerpt (full article here at snope.com)

First, a definition of "Pagan":

So you see - we ALL are Heathens to other religions, and if you use the days of the week (named after gods!), you are a PAGAN!!! Not to mention we make fun of those who believe in reincarnation - yet Christians believe in life after death (the soul goes on). So, Christians believe in SPIRITUAL reincarnation, yet they make fun of religions that believe in PHYSICAL reincarnation. Yeah, BIG difference! Sure, the Pagans define themselves as "a person who believes that everything has a soul or spirit", but that could encompass many other religions as well.

Me? Actually, if I was forced to profess a religion, I'd remain a Sceptic. I don't believe in ANYTHING super-normal, yet I accept the possibility of EVERYTHING, but I won't "follow" and sect or cult.
Third, a definition of "Cult":

So, now you can see - the new (modern) churches - that dance, and play "Christian Rock" and "Christian Rap" - are officially CULTS. By definition!

Religions capitalize on GUILT. There are a few, rare breed that can over-come this strong-hold they call religion. 90% of all people can't break-away. The 10% that DO are criticized by the 90%. THAT'S what they bank on. "They" refers to, by the people in the know, as "those that made-up religion as a means of control and chastity".

It is noteworthy to add:
The popular Christian film "A Thief in the Night" (and it's sequel "A Distant Thunder") talked specifically about the evils of "uniting" (they called it "U.N.I.T.E."), as well as the satanic computer network of the future. Funny - how we *embrace* the very network of computers they were calling "Satanic" back then (the Internet), and the USA is trying to UNITE Canada & Mexico with them, as well as many other countries. THE VERY COUNTRY THAT PUTS OUT THIS FILM - IS THE VERY ONE THAT IS DOING IT ALL!

Who knew?

Since It cracks me up - when I see a Harley-Davidson Biker wearing their chaps, or see a youth "sagging". In both cases, they are trying to be individuals - to NOT conform to the mainstream. What they don't realize is - they are wearing the uniform of their peers. They are conforming!

If they really didn't want to conform, or be "independent", they would maybe wear their pants on their chest and their shirt over their legs, or something that nobody else does. Instead, they wear the uniform of their "club".

This isn't targeting only the 2 examples I mention - but also to any group, such as the ones who wear the black (death) outfits, or even the Golfers - who wear polo shirts!

My Dad & older Cousins had to WALK to football practice. They had to pick up cans and bottles along the road (for money) and always had a good appetite, yet thin, and had no problems sleeping. Today's kids get everything served to them without lifting a finger (on a silver platter!), and $15 per hour is "simply not enough". They have trouble sleeping, and they have to be told to "finish your dinner".

So, we will need to provide them all with their own personal slaves - those girls with the big "fan leaves" and the grapes - as they play their video games and do their drug deals on the phone. Pop culture has told our kids to be the way they are, so you can't blame it all on "parenting" - hey, you just can't fight pop culture. When our forefathers said "I want things better for my children", they should have kept in mind: "Be careful what you WISH for ... you just might GET it." I still maintain: Censorship.

Too bad Vigilantism isn't legal.

Yep - people say "It's the PARENTS", but I agree with the Nazis - it's what they are FED (in the movies, songs, etc). If you "eat" garbage, you ARE garbage.

I (like the Nazis) fully support the burning of books, music, movies - that are destructive to the youth (and adults) of the day. Movies make it easy for ADULTS to consider divorce, as well. The entertainment business ... Wait - did I say BUSINESS?? ... yes, they [Producers, Writers] are ruining our lives ... for MONEY.

Many friends of mine at Princeton used to say "If we didn't have the Beatles and Rock & ROll, we'd still be listening to BEE-BOP!"
I said "Uh .. YEAH. and the problem with THAT is????"

Someone has died - and that person would have invented an entirely new music. Are we missing that? Has it ruined our lives?? I think NOT. I don't think that music will make or break anyone's life. If we only had CLASSICAL music, we' be far better-off, *I* think.

The music of the 50's, for example ... "Goodnight, Sweetheart"... WHY is that so "un-cool" and "dumb"?? Why is Eminem's potty-mouth NEEDED in today's culture????

H E L L O ? ? ? ? !

In MY opinion, I've had ENOUGH. It's time for the people to go Vigilante again, Our forefathers LEFT ENGLAND for FAR less than this, and it's high-time for another "Boston Tea Party". am *I* the only one that sees this????

Let's get the ADULTS to regain control of the nation from the youth, and let's burn the books, music, movies, and be able to paddle our own kids if we deem it necessary!!!

Again ... H E L L O ! ! ! ! !

"In present day, when a Burglar hurts himself during a break-in, he now sues the Homeowner!"

Although, from a "purist" standpoint, Democracy dictates Vigilantism as Law, in it's earliest carnation, we all know that Democracy is no longer as defined ("direct governing by the People"), but rather, Electoral Democracy has become present-day "Democracy".

That be as it may, my troubling thought is that:

Which leads us to ask the question "Why doesn't someone do something about it?" Now you know why - the tail is now wagging the dog! Logic no longer dictates, and "tolerance" has now become our guide.

In a Nation that allows this to occur and not learn from history, that nation deserves to fall.

The word vigilanté is of Spanish origin and means "watchman" or "guard" but its Latin root is "vigil", which means "awake" or "observant." When it is said that someone is taking the law into their own hands, this usually means that they are engaging in vigilante activity, or vigilantism, although sometimes the phrase "taking the law into your own hands" is used to describe what some people call a "secret police" force.

So, vigilantism is illegal, but "Neighborhood Crime Watch" and the "Guardian Angels" are legal?? What the heck is going on here??

War in other Countries:

"We send the best genetics off to war - to die,
while the lesser genetics (& handicapped) stay home to survive - and reproduce."

I personally take the "Swiss" side here - don't try to be the "World Police" - just fight if someone directly threatens (well, attacks) you. (CAUTION: If you profess Religion, then "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord", as well as "Turn the other cheek") For a list of wars the USA has been involved in, see this site.

For those who say "Wars are good - they control population", or "Wars are good for the economy", I'll tell you that the Nazis would be proud to have you on their team. Besides, one could then argue that abortion is good for population control! Naah - religious folks have clearly shown their thinking: Don't kill them before they're born - wait until they're 18 and send them off to war. (And I'll add: Send the smartest & strongest to die; leave whatever's left to reproduce.)

For the religious - I find it VERY interesting that you tout your Bible's teachings of "Turn the other cheek" and "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord" and "Love thine enemies as thyself", yet you do NOT turn the other cheek - when attacked, you counter-attacked, and you did NOT let you Lord have vengeance, but rather YOU took that vengeance And if attacking that enemy is "loving them as yourself", then why don't you attack YOURSELVES??

Ponder that for a moment. For you argument types, I have an arsenal of over 296 other verses that I have ready to throw at you. Then again, if you're not religious (the remaining 9% of the population), this doesn't pertain to you, and I'd love to hear your views. I'm certainly open-minded on this one. Other American hypocrisy..

NOTE: If the USA is ways out "for the good" of another country, and to stop Communism, then why do they allow Fidel Castro to be the Dictator of Cuba - only 90 miles (145 km) off the coast of Florida!!!!! My answer? NO OIL. Or are the masses just told whom to hate?

For the Historians - how do you tame the wilderness, stop the tides? So it is with trying to stop the wars in the Middle-East, or "talk sense" into those who are brainwashed into killing - as WE are brainwashed from infancy with "I pledge allegiance"? I'd love for you to show me how this [fighting]can be stopped. Remember - it is in the nature of Humans to be self-destructive, as well as barbaric. Watch any fight at a Hockey or Boxing event, and you'll see those girls just LOVING it, and the men, of course. We have always been Barbarians; our DNA dictates this.

Sort of makes you ashamed, don't it? Or some of you [Rednecks] - proud! Yeah ... model Citizens.

War in Cuba:

Uh ... HELLO ... there IS no war in Cuba! Yes, I realize that - just as there IS no World War III right now, correct? WRONG - WWIII has already begun .. quietly ... and I see a problem that most don't see - here's a Communist Dictatorship - only 90 miles (145 km) from Florida - and the USA does nothing about it, and has done nothing.

No oil there, I suppose. How dare the USA say "We need to help get Democracy instated in Afghanistan", yet not even lift a finger to get FREEDOM (re)instated in Cuba!

War in Iraq:

It has always been - and will always be - the war between Iraq ... and a hard place. <grin>
Dealing with them is like dealing with ANY bully - they punch you (9/11), you punch them back (what we're doing over there), they WILL punch you back. They will do that until they win. You can't just punch them, you have to kick their butts into the ground. But most bullies will just get their friends to join them. Bullies can't be reasoned with.

Even if we DID kick their butts into the ground (like dropping 2 bombs - like we did in Hiroshima and Nagasaki) - they will punch us back in a decade.

It's a bad situation, and WE started it - by supplying their enemies arms in the 80's. Thanks, Reagan and Ollie! And to think - he's hailed as such a hero. Let's see - he drove the [former] Soviet Union into starvation and bankruptcy; he made the small farmer disappear (paying farmers not to grow food)... yeah, some hero!

Also, we are "doing them a favor" of giving them Democracy. THEY DON'T WANT A DEMOCRACY! It's like Russia coming over to "save" us - they say "Hey, guys, we can install Communism for you - we'll do it, and you'll have it - nothin' to it! We'd say "Uh, thanks, but NO THANKS!" but they'd keep sticking around... we'd probably bomb THEM, too! Welcome to the New World Order - where AMERICA is in charge, and the World Police. As more and more are saying lately - "The s**t has hit the fan."

People ASSUME the rest of the world wants to be like us. That is NOT the case. Russia and most of the Middle-East call America "poison" - and who can BLAME them - they cite pornography, pop concerts, capitalism (a society where MONEY is king), and WASTE (throw-away society) as just some of the poison from the West. I agree.

On the other hand, I would NEVER want to be forced to HAVE to pray to an invisible god in the sky ... in their case "Allah" (meaning "The Creator" - funny - they pray to the same god WE do - it's just a RACIAL thing ... ours is a blue-eyed Jew (yeah - like THAT was ever possible!), theirs is a dark Middle-Eastern guy, and The Asians pray to an Asian guy.

Yep - religion is RACIAL. Most of the wars on this planet have been in the name of religion, and what race God really is. Now if THAT isn't "irony", I don't know what IS.

Religion:

From the Classical World Religions List:
The exact number of religions in the world is unknown. Best estimates place the number around 4200. Of this number, a dozen have been classified as “major world religions.” The following list mentions the twelve major world religions in alphabetical order:

• Baha’I (7 million adherents)
• Buddhism (360 million)
• Christianity (2 billion)
• Confucianism (6 million)
• Hinduism (900 million)
• Islam (Muslim) (1.3 billion)
• Jainism (4 million)
• Judaism (14 million)
• Shinto (4 million)
• Sikhism (23 million)
• Daoism (2.7 million)
• Zoroastrianism (150 thousand)

I have been asked why I don't use "Deist", rather than "religious". Simply because Deists means that one believes in a Supreme being - a Creator that does NOT intervene in the universe. Most religions on Earth DO believe their god intervenes. So, "religious" it is.

Discussing religion is like "walking on eggshells". Most [people] either make a huge thing of it (religion) or don't even discuss it. Well, I can only say it THIS way - imagine being born in a country which professes "Separation from Church and State", yet the President commonly encourages prayer, "In Allah We Trust" is printed on every piece of coin & currency you use, and every day, you have to pledge "One Nation, under Allah." Or Buddha. Or whatever.

If you had to do this EVERY SINGLE DAY, you'd get tired of it, too - not to mention that all this goes against "Separation of Church and State". Now you know how they [the people who want "God" abolished from the pledge] feel.

Before I loose this thought, let me say that many of my [former] friends refuse to communicate with me when they find out I am not a Deist. I remind them that:

1. It's their duty as a Christian to "show God's love". (Love thine enemy as thine self)
2. They visit jails and talk with Rapists, murders, thieves and other felons. They are telling me that I am worse than those people. (!!!!)
3. 65% of those friends are/have been divorced. I kindly remind them (and I mean KINDLY - with a grin) that THEY had made a promise - to their God - in front of witnesses - that they would honor and cherish each other ... until death. All those divorced people broke that promise to God. Funny - we have the choice to marry whom we want to - it's not like marriages are arranged. Folks with arranged marriages have a much lower divorce rate! Go figure...

I know Christians aren't perfect, but since I look at things logically, I'll analyze it logically...
Christians are ROBOTS. We have "have to's" and "Can't do's" and all kinds of laws (commandments) and guidelines (the Bible). IF *I* were a supreme being (if I knew all - I knew the future, and everyone's actions and thoughts), and I knew what would happen, I'd most CERTAINLY not have created this mess. The Angels should DAMN-WELL have been "enough" for me. They were so perfect - hell, they can FLY! If the Angels WERE "robots", how come God allowed one to go his own way - TOTALLY against God?? Sounds like God screwed-up.

No, I'm NOT a "Devil worshiper" my ANY means (I don't even believe in a Devil!)- I just follow NOBODY. I don't buy ANY religion or theories. I remain a sceptic.

----------------------------------
Separation of Church and State:
In the United States, separation of church and state is governed by the "Establishment Clause" (together with the "Free Exercise Clause") of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
See the on-line Encyclopedia at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state

It is noteworthy to add:
Susan Batte is a Lawyer and a member of the US Supreme Court Bar who now practices in Virginia. See her writings about this [separation] and the constitution at:
http://members.tripod.com/~candst/
----------------------------------

We say we have freedom of religion, but it's as long as we believe in a White (well, Jewish) guy with a beard. If you don't, it's worse than being "a Commie"! For those who actually say the Constitution gives us freedom OF religion; not Freedom FROM religion, well ... I opened my constitution, and I direct you to the 9th Amendment: "The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Since I retain the right to freedom of conscience in matters of religion, my freedom from religion is constitutional. Examine the 10th Amendment: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the People." In other words, Congress has no power to pass any law "respecting an establishment of religion" or "abridging the freedom of speech" and thus Congress cannot impose religion upon me or employ any of my tax dollars to establish any religious mission or doctrine. The 10th Amendment might give the states power to do this, except that every state constitution also prohibits it, and the 14th Amendment actually prohibits any state effort to deprive citizens of their rights: "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States...nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." Note also that the 7th Amendment establishes that the rules of the common law are the law of the land, and that Article 3, Section 2, paragraph b states that "the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact" and therefore the rulings of the Supreme Court are by definition constitutional and constitutionally binding. Note, finally, that Article 2, Section 1, paragraph g allows the President to affirm rather than swear, and thus the right of the President to be free from religion is protected by the Constitution. This was extended to all holders of any office of the public trust in Article 6, paragraph c: "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."
------------------------------------------------

First, a bit of history. After which, "my point" ...

When I was young (pre 25 yrs old), I performed with a group called "Wings of Light" (a division of "Continental Ministries"), then a group called "Guide". I attended Jerry Falwell's "Thomas Road Baptist Church", during my tenure at Liberty Baptist College. I also appeared on "the 700 Club" with Jim & Tammy Faye (back in the days of their "rule" on the show).

I look back over those years, and I remember the inconsistencies...

• Cam Floria (Continental Ministries) had us as guests at his multi-million-dollar California home, while he was asking those much less fortunate than himself to donate as much as they could to "the ministry".
• Jerry Falwell told us to "give your last dollar" (Trust me with the quote - I was THERE) during the 3rd collection plate at Anita Bryant's appearance, yet he went home to his sauna bath and air conditioning. I spent the night on the street - I missed the bus back to the Dorm, and had given any motel $$ to "him".
• At the filming of the 700 Club, I went back-stage to call my Parents from the pay phone, and heard Jim & Tammy Faye arguing and calling each other words that would make a Sailor blush, then come on camera 10 minutes later with theatrical praises of happiness & peace. (That, by the way, was what began my change of heart).
• Hearing "give to the Lord", yet seeing a $10,000 new sound system being installed in the church, and a new car provided for the Minister - while those kids were starving where the $$ were supposed to be going.
• I was made to stay "on Campus" after wearing Denim Jeans at Liberty Baptist College (now "Liberty University"). Now, those same "Jeans" are not only accepted - they're embraced.
• It's not only OK .. it's ENCOURAGED - to "go unto the World and preach the Gospel", but if anyone tries to give ANOTHER side, then you want nothing to do with them (I'm expecting no responses to this e-mail, with possible exceptions of Bible verses or "aggravated ammunition" to strike them down).
• You get married, and make a PROMISE - BEFORE GOD that "'til death do us part", yet Christians get divorced!!! You are breaking a PROMISE to your GOD. And that's not only accepted, hey, it's part of life!

Shall I remind you that the Christmas Tree is directly taken from a PAGAN ritual, the Winter Solstice". And the necktie is a PHALLIC symbol from it's origin. (I won't get into the origins of "Ring around the Rosey", "G.I. Joe", and so many others - not enough space here. Hee hee...)

Continuing with those inconsistencies... (say THAT 20 times really fast! Ha!)

We, the faithful, at these hundreds of Churches I attended/visited throughout these 25 years, were ingrained with "Computers will be the mark of the beast". "Future shock", it was called back then - merely 15 years ago. Now, every "religious extremist" such as yourself has embraces this "evil of the future". This was well before computers evolved the way they have (before the mid '80's), but It's ironic that they have become far more powerful, far sooner than those films ever thought they would. It's also ironic that most religious people in this country use these computers on a daily basis at THIS point in time. Funny how "bad" things are easy to do - once one begins doing them. (see references to Christian movies above)

These are just some of the inconsistencies that led to my "bagging" religion. I gave all my money to the church in those years because I had FAR more faith than a mustard seed that my needs would be met. Hey, I'm FAR more important than a Sparrow. While my religious acquaintances were having pre-marital sex, drinking, smoking and secretly listening to secular music, they THRIVED - both health-wise and monetarily. I slept in my car (getting kicked off of Palm Beach Atlantic College's campus for that), ate out of dumpsters, and ended up in the hospital due to malnutrition and "bug bites" from the Florida sand.

I finally yelled profanities and "shot a bird" to that middle-Eastern guy with a beard called "Jesus" (who was a Grass-roots Communist, by the way, and did NOT look like the statues we see, but rather, a modern-day Iraqi), and took control of my own life. My health improved significantly, and my bank account soon enabled me to buy that forbidden Drum set. After all those years of dealing with the Church's condemning of my "antics" (it was actually "ADHD", a condition I found out I inherited). I now use that energy and Jim Carrey/Weird Al Yancovich-like stage presentations that have led to 4 national magazine write-ups in my favor. (Sorry - you wouldn't know them - they're not sacred magazines). I now play 7 instruments Professionally, and have invented the "Pyro Sax" show (http://www.partycentral.com/pyro/), as well as founded Party Central, where we Entertain people from all walks of life. anyway, more of the story here...

I was brought-up VERY right-wing, and I lived and breathed it. Right up until I was fired for "preaching" at work (hey, I was a young kid - what did I know about laws? I only knew "go into/unto the world and preach the gospel), and the 2 years that followed ended up in huge hospital bills, homelessness, and nearly dying from infection.

I remember thinking (as the Florida sand fleas were eating me alive [I still have scars from their bites] as I tried to sleep, after eating what I could out of a dumpster) "I didn't ask for a Corvette, or even a foxy girl - I only KNEW that 'if I had faith of even a mustard seed - he takes care of the raven, he will take care of you' and I remember feeling the hunger pains, the cold October night air, and the fear of being stabbed while sleeping [since my food requirement hadn't even been taken care of].

When I sought refuge at Palm Beach Atlantic College (a Christian College in West Palm Beach - where I had volunteered MANY hours and days), and was kicked out! that's right - they yelled at me, and I finally found a warm vent on top of an apartment complex. I slept restlessly on the gravel roof. My head was in such pain the next morning, that I shot a bird up to heaven, and yelled "YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE! Now *I* am in control! YOU'RE FIRED!!! "

No more tithing (I actually gave over 20% - why stick to the norm?), and since I knew I wouldn't preach any more, I got a job, and took sponge baths at a local McDonalds. I asked for an advance, and I ate once a day at a local "all you can eat" lunch place, and that was my one meal of the day. I did this every day for over 2 months (yes, still sleeping outside) until I found a room for rent for $100/month.

I worked my way up from there, and my blood in the urine stopped (it was pure red, and hurt badly when urinating), my weight increased from 145 pounds to my then normal 160 and over the next year, I actually got back into music. I was finally fulfilled again. (Eating makes a world of difference on one's outlook on life :-)

I ended up playing at a Country/R&B club - 5 night per week. It was there that I met Manon.

Now, (and I ask this lovingly) ask me again if I am interested in Jesus.
:-)

Seriously, many believe in eternal salvation. If this IS true, I'm saved, and going to heaven (hey, I've accepted Christ [as my Lord and Savior] so many times over my life - from age 7 to age 23, that I know it exceeds 20 times. you know the drill - "if you have even a SHADOW of a doubt". I wanted to make quadriple-sure, 10 times over, even though I felt no doubts.

If eternal salvation is NOT a fact, then I would be the first one to hold HIM accountable on that day of reckoning - that if the good life I've lived (except for the Liz days, gosh, how AWEFUL those memories are!) sends me to hell, since I no longer buy it, yet a murderer, embezzler, wife-beater, (etc, etc) Mafia person can pray a prayer on his death bed, then I want no part of that system.

We'll see, but in the meantime, I've taken control over my life, and will always continue to do so. I paid a very hefty price and he didn't take care of me, so I'll not be true to him for that. Sounds fair to me.

Keep in mind, I'm VERY light-hearted when writing this. No anger or resentment - just enjoying life that remains. I do, however, hold criticism for those who are driven by greed, yet are professing Christians. Jesus specifically told us to get rid of our earthly belongings, and follow him. Whether one takes that literally (here's where the 439 different Christian denominations come into effect) or figuratively remains to be seen on a case-by-case basis, but "give the shirt off your back" to those in need, and is the opposite of greed. Jesus had nothing but clothing, he did things for others, and he became angry with the money changers (he angrily turned over the tables!).

On the other hand, one who is greedy, yet doesn't profess Christianity is not a hypocrite.
:-)

I also keep in mind that people will want to say "it's the Devil". Those same people, when seeing those of other religions not succeed, or find happiness, will say "Duuuuuh!!", yet will expect a person like me who has had such a bad experience as I have to still accept this religion. Pretend I was an avid followed of Buddha and this happened, most would blame it on the religion. But nooooooo - not if it's Jesus - THEN it's acceptable, and their's "just cause" for it. Naah, I'm not buying. If I was blesses with a brain, I shouldn't be slapped for using it. (remember the story of the talents here :-) Besides, I am ALWAYS told that "I can see the Lord's love shining through you..." I just nod and say "Aw, shucks...", but inside I'm cracking up.

Yes, there are a million rebuttals - I got the Jehovah's Witnesses at my home often, and I don't even open the door. It is logically impossible for more than ONE of all these religions to be the one true faith, so I actually enjoy (not sadistically, mind you) watching all these religions "bash it out". Gives new meaning to "United". Just as the middle east gives a joke to "Holy War". Funny, ey?

Yep, I don't buy any of these religions, but I do buy Chiropractic, the New England Journal of Medicine, and moderate exercise and a good diet. To me, these have all proven facts and don't require faith (the substance of things unseen), yet I'm often put through the ringer for having faith in the Medical world, but yet not the hundreds of faiths that can't be proven by anything other than "I've seen in my life..."

Want to talk - CIVILLY? e-mail me.

Unions / Minimum Wage / Regulation:

Sure, it was through unions that the workforce attained benefits like breaks, 8-hour work days, weekends off, etc, but how did that really help us? We have lost much of our labor to those overseas, who do work extended days and have little breaks. In the present day, other Countries that make items cheaper - and that's what WE buy (even though Americans say "Buy American" - they don't). Unions are modern-day "price-fixing" entities, as we are really stating "We're worth more money!" Well, in a market-driven society (which America proudly claims to be), the MARKET dictates what something is worth - not the seller. Therefore, one cannot tout "Union" and "Market-driven" simultaneously. So, the next time you say "If you like weekends, breaks...", I'll say to you: "If you like highways, If you like space travel, If you are not a smoker and enjoy smoke-free locations ... and OH - If you like special treatment for blue-collar workers ... then THANK HITLER!!"

• Another point: Most Union workers want to be Union because they make a better wage, ie: a better living. If every company was Union, then all goods would cost far more than they do - making your way of life worse than it is now! My point? Be careful what you wish for - you just might get it. (DJs - back to employment page)

I'd like to add that I am against Wal-Mart - not because they are non-Union (I applaud them for that), but because they are forcing small businesses out - making Wal Mart a Monopoly. Wal-Mart is the future Micro$oft - the quality will go down, and when they have forced competition out, their prices will go up.

• Minimum Wage?? It's completely against a "free market". In a Market-driven system (which ours is), the market should determine the wages and prices, not the government. Alas, we love "having our cake and eating it, too". If someone is willing to work for $3 per hour, let them!!

• Government Regulation?? Let's make-up our MINDS, people - is the "free market" king? Or is Government control king? When you have Government Agencies regulating, that is NOT free market!

We tout "whenever the Government gets involved, it's a bad thing!" OK, so, do we privatize the military? Social Security? Now, I guess you'll be more careful in putting-down the Government (this is assuming you love the US military).

Gun Control:

I've seen it first-hand – it was 1986, Lake Worth Florida. they removed the waiting time on guns. Within two weeks, there were murders DAILY. I remember the Police making rounds and helicopters hovering overhead - in our once quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. The Police were announcing for everyone to "please get in your houses..." The youngsters, used to Hollywood movies, took TO the streets (rather than away from them) - hoping to get a glimpse of action.

It got so bad that they re-envoked a waiting time, and the crime dissipated.

And yes, I've heard it (read it): God, guts and guns made AMerica free - why not keep all three?" Well, first of all, guns didn't make it free, the militia did. Farmer Jones and his pea-shooter or rifle did not contrribute to the freedom. So, if they had stripped all guns form the citizens, and let the militia keep them, they would have had the same outcome.

People have proven they are irresponsible with guns, as 30,000 people (per year) in the USA are murdered. And you think that is not a problem??? People have argued "If they took the guns away from Joe Citizen, we'd end-up just like Nazi Germany!" Haven't we already?? Besides, the Government knows the homes with lots of cash around, and I'll bet that hasn't changed your life dramatically, has it? I'll bet you didn't even know!

Although many people hate him (I dislike his Racial remarks about how Blacks are better than Whites), Michael Moore's murder statistics (due to guns) are:

In 2002, a citizen of the U.S. is:
- 8.7 times as likely as a citizen of Germany
- 9.3 times as likely as a citizen of France
- 7.7 times as likely as a citizen of Canada
- 35 times as likely as a citizen of the U.K.
- 11.9 times as likely as a citizen of Australia
- 129 times as likely as a citizen of Japan
to be murdered by a gun.

Michael Moore's stats: (gun murders per year)
USA, 11,127 gun murders.
Germany, 381 gun murders.
France, 255 gun murders.
Canada, 165 gun murders.
UK, 68 gun murders.
Australia, 65 gun murders.
Japan, 39 gun murders. (and half the population of the USA!!)

CIA World Factbook 2002 population stats:
U.S., 280,562,489
Germany, 83,251,851
France, 59,765,983
Canada, 31,902,268
U.K., 59,778,002
Australia, 19,546,792
Japan, 126,974,628