1. Scientists Know Better Than You--Even When They're Wrong

Comment #178011 by debaser71 on May 10, 2008 at 8:35 am

"I believe people like Dawkins give atheism a bad name because their arguments are so crude and unsubtle. They step outside their narrow competences when they produce these arguments. "

I believe that Dawkins (and others) have opened up a gap for people to step in. I find it shameful when people ignore the gap and instead bash on Dawkins for daring opening the gap in the first place.

2. Does science make belief in God obsolete?

Comment #170014 by debaser71 on April 27, 2008 at 9:12 am

what an oddly phrased question...purposefully so IMO

3. Richard Dawkins on The Big Questions

Comment #157712 by debaser71 on April 9, 2008 at 12:57 pm

No more brits claiming that americans are whacky.

Why was Richard even on the show? He said maybe 12 sentences.

4. Expelled Overview

Comment #149730 by debaser71 on March 26, 2008 at 7:33 am

I predict ID backlash from this movie. IMO this movie will put all their bogus arguments on the screen for everyone to see right through. I think this movie might make wishy washy religious types to distance themselves from creationists.

5. New Atheists Are Not Great

Comment #145210 by debaser71 on March 17, 2008 at 11:19 am

To me it seems as though hard core right wing neo-conism is in disfavor here in the US. Folk like Tony Snow and DD represent the 30% of so folk who still think that G.W. Bush is a good president. Not all christians are right wing in their politics and I just wonder what sort of readership Christinaity Today gets. Do they get liberal christians, catholics, evangelicals, etc reading their magazine? It would seem to me that for some christians agreeing with folk like Tony Snow and DD would make them feel a bit icky.

6. Richard Dawkins' US Tour begins this week

Comment #138050 by debaser71 on March 3, 2008 at 8:18 pm

My wife and I are going to the CFI New York City stop. I hope it's not sold out before we arrive. I'm also hoping that it's not just a reading from the book or a lecture similar to the ones we've already seen (like the video that was played on C-SPAN). I'm hoping the talk is more about why it's important to speak up about atheism and secularism (fighting the larger battle of reason vs. superstition) and/or maybe some interesting sciency stuff; something similar to Richard Dawkins TED talk "Queerer than we can suppose". That "life is like a wave" blew my mind!

7. Battle of the Chambersburg billboards

Comment #124538 by debaser71 on February 9, 2008 at 6:34 pm

Wow disgusting and pathetic.

8. Did mozzies, not a meteor, do for the dinosaurs?

Comment #108894 by debaser71 on January 7, 2008 at 8:19 pm

Nothing new. About 15 years ago I saw a documentary on one of the science cable channels about how dinosaurs died, at least in part, to them being out of the loop when the relationship between insects and flowering plants started becoming more prominent.

9. Stop House Resolution 888

Comment #107873 by debaser71 on January 5, 2008 at 2:31 pm

I will write my representative tonight. Thanks for the heads up. I would also recommend that when writing suggest that your congress person sponsor a resolution recognizing the first amendment and the separation of church and state. Wouldn't it be great to see congress praising the constitution!

10. Huckabee: Guns, God and rock'n'roll

Comment #107326 by debaser71 on January 4, 2008 at 11:54 am

It means they slant and spin. It means they take quotes out of context. etc.

Anyway I'm not getting into a "debate" here. Just pointing out some facts that some people might not know.

Anyway IMO Obama is almost all hype. He reminds me of the Disney Channel. Really good at manufacturing hype but lacking in content. Anyway my main issue is what type of judges the president might nominate. All the democrats are vastly superior in this regard to any of the republicans. And (as was mentioned before) Giuliani flat out said what type of judges he would nominate. Fook him. He was bad for NY (and I live in NY) and he'd be even worse for the US. He's a prick.

11. Sam Harris debate with Rabbi David Wolpe

Comment #107318 by debaser71 on January 4, 2008 at 11:46 am

I watched this before. Sam Harris crushes him. Even the crowd at time was laughing with Sam, at the rabbi. And for the record they don't debate the existence of god, it's all about religion.

12. Huckabee: Guns, God and rock'n'roll

Comment #107316 by debaser71 on January 4, 2008 at 11:45 am

I just want to point out that the Chicago Tribune has endorsed the republican nomination for president for the past 100 years or so, including Bush in 2004. It's a right wing publication.

13. Huckabee: Guns, God and rock'n'roll

Comment #107135 by debaser71 on January 4, 2008 at 7:04 am

two words...

judicial nominees

14. The OUT Campaign has its own Flea!

Comment #106416 by debaser71 on January 2, 2008 at 9:30 pm

"To comment on this would be to attack a flea with a hand grenade."

exactly

15. Moderates Storm The Religious Battlefield

Comment #106210 by debaser71 on January 2, 2008 at 1:43 pm

Newsweek has lots of bad article because John Meacham (sp) is the editor and he is a weenie. He is one of those, "atheists are the same as fundamentalists" hopeless self proclaimed moderate types. He has a book too, shit if I remember the name but when he was interviewed he would spew bullshit like, "secularists focus too much on the constitution". Please do write.

16. A War On Science

Comment #105380 by debaser71 on December 31, 2007 at 11:32 am

hehe Behe was at Dutch Wonderland. I took my kids there.

17. Richard Dawkins on 'Have Your Say'

Comment #105372 by debaser71 on December 31, 2007 at 11:00 am

I am glad for these type of programs and glad that Richard Dawkins is willing to go on these sort of programs but aside from one or two callers these sort of programs, to me, aren't worth watching. Same old questions from people who haven't read the book. I long for real thought provoking intelligent discussion. (And there are such videos linked here, and for that I am grateful.)

18. Photos from Center for Inquiry's November Conference in NYC

Comment #103985 by debaser71 on December 27, 2007 at 12:48 pm

It seems as though you must be a facebook member to view these. Oh well.

19. How to refute Creationist with only a bucket of feces

Comment #103790 by debaser71 on December 26, 2007 at 9:43 pm

People tell me that grass grows. I don't believe them. I sat and watched and watched and watched. I never saw the grass grow. Sure every 5 days or so I need to go outside and mow it but that doesn't prove that grass grows. I won't believe until I actually see it for myself!

20. Top Ten Stories of 2007

Comment #103783 by debaser71 on December 26, 2007 at 9:04 pm

I love it when folk like Falwell make asinine statement people suggest that no one cares what he has to say anymore but when he dies it's a great loss. Which is it? Religious people talk out their ass all the time. I wish more people would stand up and call BS on them.

21. Top Ten Stories of 2007

Comment #103658 by debaser71 on December 26, 2007 at 12:34 pm

It seems to me that books like Left Behind and A Purpose Driven Life make huge amounts of money. I can do nothing but roll my eyes when religious apologists make snide remarks concerning atheist book sales.

22. 'Expelled' Movie: The Extended Trailer

Comment #103457 by debaser71 on December 25, 2007 at 5:46 pm

Ok this is what some religionists have told me.

God doesn't do miracles now because he is in the process of proving to satan and all the other angels that humans can't rule themselves. Ever since adam and eve fell god has been putting on a trial of sorts. A trial to demonstrate that humans need god. Jesus was sent down to forgive everyone and whomever gives themselves to jesus will be "saved". Once god has made his point to satan, god and jesus will come back down to earth and humans (at least those who gave themselves over to jesus) will live forever with them.

go figure but that's the explanation.

23. The Evangelical Rebellion

Comment #103345 by debaser71 on December 25, 2007 at 8:32 am

IMO suggesting that we have nothing to worry about because Huckabee will lose is silly. Silly in the same way as saying "oh y2k was nothing". It was nothing because people like me worked their asses off, rewriting code, testing, retesting, for years in advance. Same with politics. Stuff doesn't just happen (or not happen), it takes work from people. So if you wanna just sit back and let others do the work, that's fine but don't attempt to dissuade others from working hard to prevent disaster.

24. Disquiet over schools' moment of silence

Comment #103280 by debaser71 on December 24, 2007 at 11:14 pm

The easy answer to why a moment of silence in public schools is objectionable is because of the Lemon Test.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_test#Lemon_test

"The Court's decision in this case established the "Lemon test", which details the requirements for legislation concerning religion. It consists of three prongs:

1) The government's action must have a legitimate secular purpose;
2) The government's action must not have the primary effect of either advancing or inhibiting religion;
3) The government's action must not result in an "excessive government entanglement" with religion.

If any of these 3 prongs is violated, the government's action is deemed unconstitutional under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution."

hmmm I found t he wiki link to be (let's say lacking) so here is a quote from the opnion written by the judges on the supreme court.

"Every analysis in this area must begin with consideration of the cumulative criteria developed by the Court over many years. Three such tests may be gleaned from our cases. First, the statute must have a secular legislative purpose; second, its principal or primary effect must be one that neither advances nor inhibits religion, Board of Education v. Allen, 392 U.S. 236, 243 (1968); [p613] finally, the statute must not foster "an excessive government entanglement with religion." Walz, supra, at 674."

http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0403_0602_ZO.html

25. 'Expelled' Movie: The Extended Trailer

Comment #103278 by debaser71 on December 24, 2007 at 10:33 pm

"Intelligent Design (I.D.) has not been 'expelled' from our institutes of higher learning. It has been flunked."

Very well stated.

26. Interview with Richard Dawkins: On Christmas

Comment #101690 by debaser71 on December 20, 2007 at 6:50 pm

I feel compelled to comment even though this part of the discussion ended (afaik) yesterday.

A swastika can be right facing or left facing. Ancient and modern cultures use(d) both. In many cultures each facing has it's own meaning but in certain sculptures, depending if the viewer was in front or behind the sculpture, the swastika could be right facing or left facing. Anyway, the nazi swastika is right facing. I do not know where or why or even if Hitler decided right over left but to me the idea of Hitler using a mirror image of a "real" swastika seems silly.

27. Religious Freedom in Military Questioned

Comment #101600 by debaser71 on December 20, 2007 at 2:53 pm

I forget where I heard this but some military guy was talking about how when his buddies were busy praying for god to save them, he was busy actually fighting the enemy.

28. Religious Freedom in Military Questioned

Comment #101496 by debaser71 on December 20, 2007 at 12:53 pm

For me, I went from mild theism (raised liberal catholic) to deism (god the creator), to agnosticism (wishy washy), to atheism. But me, I liked talking about god and such. The more conversation I had the louder the whisper inside my head grew. It was whispering, "there is no god".

29. Interview with Richard Dawkins: On Christmas

Comment #101237 by debaser71 on December 20, 2007 at 6:14 am

For me, I consider it rude to participate in religious rituals you don't "believe" in. Rude to those who are "believers". Me, I just stand (metaphorically) stand outside their circle and wait until they are finished.

Also, for better or worse I am culturally American.

30. Religious Freedom in Military Questioned

Comment #100848 by debaser71 on December 19, 2007 at 12:50 pm

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."

the quote is from Sinclair Lewis

And for anyone who thinks Ron Paul is a strident supporter of the Constitution and religious freedom read this article he wrote

http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul148.html

(a quote from this was posted by an above poster)

31. CBC News: Sunday - Richard Dawkins

Comment #100210 by debaser71 on December 18, 2007 at 11:40 am

What's irrational about suggesting that journalists be better at asking questions than the average religious nutter?

IMO it's irrational to bloviate on forums defending bad interviewers, poor journalism, uniformed (unread) questions, etc etc.

32. CBC News: Sunday - Richard Dawkins

Comment #100139 by debaser71 on December 18, 2007 at 9:41 am

"I'm not gonna be too hard on the interviewer though.

His questions were a combination of what the average person might ask, and his incredulity reactions are from that christianity is so used to dominating the cultural landscape, and going uncriticized, that it's in flabberghasted shock."

But the interviewer legitimizes such low caliber thinking.

33. What Your Brain Looks Like on Faith

Comment #100123 by debaser71 on December 18, 2007 at 9:12 am

I value intellectual honesty, so I'd submit to being "tested". At worst the "test" might show where I need to think better.

34. CBC News: Sunday - Richard Dawkins

Comment #100089 by debaser71 on December 18, 2007 at 8:28 am

I think the interviewer was trying to throw fastballs but he ended up lobbing softballs at Dawkins. And Dawkins, of course, hit homeruns.

35. CBC News: Sunday - Richard Dawkins

Comment #100076 by debaser71 on December 18, 2007 at 8:00 am

Haven't watched it yet but what's with the blurb? It reminds me of a Fox News blurb...ex: can democrats be trusted?

eta" what a terrible introduction as well. I expect better from CBC, but perhaps I shouldn't.

eta2: wow my brain hurts. I envy Richard's ability to answer the same questions over and over, and patience when dealing with people who clearly haven't read the books.

36. What Your Brain Looks Like on Faith

Comment #100038 by debaser71 on December 18, 2007 at 5:51 am

I don't think it's only about belief, uncertainty, and disbelief. I think there are all sorts of ways the brain goes about processing information. For example there's denial, wishful thinking, etc. I think these sort of mental states might show up in the brain too. So IMO most religious people might show to be in denial about their religious beliefs, that they have tricked themselves into pretending they are certain, pretending they really believe what they profess.

Also (at least for me) sometimes my beliefs cahange. For example, I might watch a show about parallel universes so for a few days after I might be more open to the notion, that it might show up as a "belief". But other times maybe I'm in a bad mood and I don't want to entertain the idea as much. etc.

Anyway these experiments are good first steps.

37. The Four Horsemen: on Christmas

Comment #100035 by debaser71 on December 18, 2007 at 5:45 am

IMO HD HDD makes no difference to me. Whatever.

I don't like Christmas. It's a consumer orgy. I hate feeling obligated to buy gifts for people and I hate pretending that other people's gifts aren't (generally) a waste of money. I like a family part but I don't like the whole consumer affair.

I also don't like how Christmas is a time for religious people to shove their religion on others. Try saying, "Happy Holidays" and some old woman will glare at you. Nativities on government property, "happy birthday jesus" signs, wasteful energy use....it goes on and on. I long for a simple day, where I can spend quality time with my family (I am a father, husband, son, etc) without all the baggage that comes with christmas.

/rant off

38. U.S. Congress Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith

Comment #98739 by debaser71 on December 14, 2007 at 7:14 am

as if this particular resolution took place in a vacuum all on it's own

as if I can only do one thing at a time, as if since I am angry at this particular resolution I can't be angry at anything else

spare me the lectures

39. Believe it or not

Comment #98198 by debaser71 on December 13, 2007 at 8:47 am

I put a no vote to "rationalist" because, to me, it's too close to rationalize. Rationalizing is bad.

I am happy being an atheist and a secularist.

IMO it makes no difference what we call ourselves because they will turn the term against us no matter what.

40. U.S. Congress Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith

Comment #98183 by debaser71 on December 13, 2007 at 8:16 am

I suggested to my congress person that someone should sponsor a resolution recognizing the First Amendment and the separation of church and state. Maybe if others do so, it might happen.

41. U.S. Congress Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith

Comment #98168 by debaser71 on December 13, 2007 at 7:16 am

"Sometimes the things done in Congress confuses me, sometimes Bills anger me. But when elected officials begin treading on First Amendment rights... it scares me."

Wow great. Can I use this in my letter to my congress person?

42. U.S. Congress Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith

Comment #98157 by debaser71 on December 13, 2007 at 6:48 am

It's a display of christian dominance.

Some congress people did vote "nay".

43. U.S. Congress Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith

Comment #98141 by debaser71 on December 13, 2007 at 6:17 am

This is why I fight.

The next person who suggests that I just sit back and take it...I'm gonna gonna gonna...talk to them.

44. Believe it or not

Comment #97699 by debaser71 on December 12, 2007 at 2:27 pm

"pick the wrong fights" my ass
"more harm than good" my ass

I will not be cowed into silent consent. I will fight them every time they impose their religion by using the machinery of the state because it's AGAINST THE LAW! The law is on MY SIDE.

45. An Open Letter to Richard Dawkins

Comment #96577 by debaser71 on December 10, 2007 at 6:20 pm

This priest is not only delusional in regards to religion but he's also delusional regarding the weight of his opinions. Delusions of grandeur. This guy is a fox news hack.

46. Atheists' sign sparks controversy

Comment #96264 by debaser71 on December 10, 2007 at 8:50 am

Oh how I love it.

My town hall, last year, placed an 11ft banner across the main entry that reads "God Bless America". I sent them a letter and when they didn't give me a good response (they claimed "ceremonial deism") I contacted a few groups. FFRF and CFI both sent letters to the town hall and the issue made the AP news and CNN. Anyway I heard so many people (on then ews, in person, in letters, etc) that "oh it's no big deal" "it's just some silly sign" "who cares" "why do you make such a big deal about it" blah blah. I told them that had the sign been pro-atheism or anti-religion people would cry foul. Anyway that there actually is an anti-religion / pro atheism sign out there, and folk are getting all bent out of shape over it (at least for me) brings me great satisfaction.

Here FFRF has an "action alert" about it.

http://ffrf.org/action/2005/babylon.php

I took those pictures.

47. Atheism's Wrong Turn

Comment #93439 by debaser71 on December 3, 2007 at 6:44 am

rubbish...anyway IMO write a letter (send an email) to the New Republic. A few weeks ago I emailed The Nation when they published an atheist bashing article and I had (imo) a good exchange with one of their editors.

48. For the glory of God

Comment #88419 by debaser71 on November 16, 2007 at 2:22 pm

"Faith exists on a spectrum. At one end are atheists like Dawkins who say they'll take a look at whatever evidence anyone cares to offer but they will not believe that which is not proven."

Do words not actually mean anything? Anyway otherwise an ok article.

49. Fox News Discussion on 'The Golden Compass'

Comment #85922 by debaser71 on November 7, 2007 at 1:35 pm

Freakin' amazing that folk would point the finger at Annie Laurie Gaylor. She's done more for rationalism than probably everyone here (save Mr. Dawkins himself) combined. This sort of in fighting utterly disgusts me.

Anyway I think it's great when atheists get to go ob Fox news and make a few points that many many people get to hear (perhaps for the first time). I can recall a time when I was flipping through channels and I saw Ellen Johnson from American Atheists on Fox news. I wasn't into atheism that much oin those days but she said some things that got me interested.

50. Jury Awards Father $11M in Funeral Case

Comment #84665 by debaser71 on November 3, 2007 at 6:53 am

harassment
n. the act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one party or a group, including threats and demands.

Yeah like a said before, that words like harassment and abuse imply actions done over time, not one instance.