451. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270788 by Laurie Fraser on October 24, 2008 at 4:25 pm

2 - thanks. Bugger! Now it looks like I'll have to buy one.

As an English teacher, one thing I must say in favour of DP is that all of this writing practice has improved his grammar considerably. Now remember, folks - we've only got less than 1500 posts to get him to become a liberal. I want DP to have the 10,000th post - the one in which he is grammatically perfect AND confesses his sins and becomes a tree-huggin' socialist greenie.

Edit: I just read DP's post 8589. Still a long way to go, I'm afraid.

452. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270775 by Laurie Fraser on October 24, 2008 at 3:53 pm

DP - enough with the mantra! Have a listen to what people have been saying, and analyse that information.

1. Taxation is a necessary mechanism for building the infrastructure and services that all citizens can enjoy.

2. It is perfectly reasonable that those who have benefited from the social contract contribute towards it according to their ability.

3. To equate taxation with "stealing" from the rich to "give" to the poor is irrational (and infantile.)

453. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270769 by Laurie Fraser on October 24, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Thinking of doing the same, Steve. Let me know how yours go.

454. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270767 by Laurie Fraser on October 24, 2008 at 3:26 pm

After using PCs for years (main applications were for recording studio work), I switched to an iMac about six months ago. Pure heaven. The various versions of Windows I was using forever had problems with addressing, and being addressed by, the peripheral gear (ADDA interfaces, FX units, etc.) Leopard took one look at all of these things and said "Cool. I can run this stuff no problem." Haven't had a single glitch so far, so Mr Gates can get stuffed.

455. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #270321 by Laurie Fraser on October 24, 2008 at 3:34 am

Vaal - the more people offended, the better!

456. Debate between Richard Dawkins and John Lennox

Comment #270315 by Laurie Fraser on October 24, 2008 at 3:29 am

Curiousorange - Forget Anthony Flew. Nutjob. Proven. If Jesus ever lived, he died. Bodies get mislaid. There is no "supernatural". Get over it. The real is rational, and the rational is real.

457. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #270312 by Laurie Fraser on October 24, 2008 at 3:19 am

Vaal - what about "How do you know you're worshipping the right god?" after all the gods' name are listed?

458. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270309 by Laurie Fraser on October 24, 2008 at 3:11 am

Heroes, Titania - heroes. They're trying to save all those cute little embryos from murder.

459. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270139 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 5:54 pm

DarwinsPitbull,

I don't think your arguments are cogent.

460. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270127 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 5:39 pm

DP - you fucking commie!

461. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270125 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 5:38 pm

Comment #270121 by MPhil

All true, MPhil. Getting back to Rawls - what I admire most (I think) about him is his consistency in the elaboration of "distributive justice", which I utterly endorse in principle.

462. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270122 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 5:31 pm

2 - I agree, except that, as you know, that word "should" is the problematic one.As MPhil said, there is a propensity on the part of nations with enormous military might to use that might, whether or not it is warranted, and this can often be a result of the political pressure of an armaments industry, such as in the case of the U.S. - or, to use a more visceral example, the "testing" of nuclear warheads by France in the Pacific (I mean, did they really think those suckers *wouldn't* go off?)

Edited for stupidity.

463. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270114 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 5:15 pm

Fair enough, MPhil- I am also a fan of Rawls, without being a devotee (not that I'm accusing you of that.) I suppose the difference between us is that I would authorise the state to control selected infrastructure more firmly than you might have it. (As long as you have a populace enlightened enough to actually construct a participatory democracy - something we've collectively failed at, so far.) A bit of a chicken and egg argument, I know.

464. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270112 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 5:10 pm

Comment #270088 by hackenslash

Hackenslash - that link is superb. What a clever job; I love the way the piano follows the cadence so tightly.

465. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270106 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 5:05 pm

Comment #270104 by MPhil

That's why a philosophy roughly equating to "libertarian socialist" is such a practical mixture of the demand for individual liberty, and the requirement that the community provide the foundation and infrastructure for that demand to be met.

466. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270102 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 4:51 pm

Hi MPhil - I'd go even further and suggest that the military, and so-called "military solutions", are unwarranted, barbaric and an infantile response to conflict, except in the most extreme situations. The worst use of military might is the invasion of a sovereign country. I cannot think of one example where this has occurred which has been morally, or even tactically, justified.

467. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #270073 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 4:08 pm

Did I hear anyone call for a punctuation lesson?

468. Afghan student gets 20 years instead of death for blasphemy

Comment #269489 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 3:58 am

Thanks, Brian - I think it is time to stagger towards a horizontal position.

469. Afghan student gets 20 years instead of death for blasphemy

Comment #269483 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 3:54 am

The distiller of a particularly potent drop at Wollombi, a little village in the Hunter Valley. As the Pythons used to say: "This is not a wine for drinking. It is a wine for lying down and avoiding."

Edit: Happy to provide a lesson to posters, generally, on the uses and abuses of semi- and full colons. (Handy little beasts, actually.)

470. Afghan student gets 20 years instead of death for blasphemy

Comment #269478 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 3:42 am

Whatever ever propositions my sentences stated were false and false in that sort of all worldy view that philosophers who think Leibniz was onto something espouse. The kind of philosophers who think that because they can't logically grasp something contradictory (being Human and all that), then therefore the universe must bow to human ignorance and logic (perhaps they should follow Hume and admit that we can't know it all or whatever).....The kind of philosophers who think that ordinary events like cause and effect are universal and bind the universe.....The kind of philosophers who think of first cause arguments because they already believe in a first cause.....

471. Afghan student gets 20 years instead of death for blasphemy

Comment #269475 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 3:25 am

Comment #269469 by Brian English

Hi Brian - yeah, you're right; what was I thinking?

472. Afghan student gets 20 years instead of death for blasphemy

Comment #269463 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 3:02 am

Letter to the Prime Minister of Australia:

Dear Mr Rudd,
I draw your attention to the case of Parwez Kambakhsh, an Afghani student who has been sentenced to twenty years' gaol (after a death sentence was overturned) for the "crime" of blasphemy, after "he circulated an article about women's rights under Islam after downloading it from the Internet".

As Australia is substantially involved in peace-keeping operations on behalf of the Afghani government, I urge you to demand of the Afghan president, Hamid khazi, Mr Kambakhsh's immediate and unconditional release from custody, along with the quashing of his conviction and sentence. This affront is a crime against humanity, and must be strenuously and publicly opposed.

Yours faithfully,
Laurie Fraser

473. Bill Heine interviews Richard Dawkins

Comment #269446 by Laurie Fraser on October 23, 2008 at 1:55 am

Laura Frasier Are u al rawandi?

474. Creationists declare war over the brain

Comment #269343 by Laurie Fraser on October 22, 2008 at 8:42 pm

Lee - I am using an Aussie keyboard. Plenty of question marks have emerged from it.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

475. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269093 by Laurie Fraser on October 22, 2008 at 3:34 pm

Titania - you get the kudos for the invention. Quetz gets to enforce the protocol. I haven't got a problem with that.:)

(Gotta get back to work, for an hour and a half, anyway.)

Sarah Bot Palin

476. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #269086 by Laurie Fraser on October 22, 2008 at 3:29 pm

This thread has taken a decidedly creepy turn.

Sarah Palin - Fembot

477. 'I have never been happier' says the man who won gold but lost God

Comment #268701 by Laurie Fraser on October 22, 2008 at 6:38 am

Comment #268698 by Vaal

Why do people keep mentioning the cricket?

Wow - they are GOOD memories, Vaal. I had similar - for all of the fucktardness of the religious aspect, I met, and grew up with, some great people. I hope you have a great time with your mate from the U.S. - I'm sure you will.

Edit: Tell you what, though, Vaal, the Indians were superb - beat us hands down.

478. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268695 by Laurie Fraser on October 22, 2008 at 6:34 am

Al - if you're defending socialism, I'm....... (Jesus, I don't know what I am). Flabbergasted might be one word. What caused the change of heart, might I ask?

479. 'I have never been happier' says the man who won gold but lost God

Comment #268677 by Laurie Fraser on October 22, 2008 at 6:11 am

A little bitter, Vaal? I know, mate - I had these ratbags shoving nonsense down my throat every Sunday, too. Eventually, I decided that I didn't need somebody else's notions about what "morality" was - I just worked it out for myself. Gives the lie to "biblical" authority, doesn't it?

480. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268676 by Laurie Fraser on October 22, 2008 at 6:07 am

Al - you great big softie!

Vaal - a brilliant memory, mate. Treasure it! I have an uncle and aunt who are, IMHO, state of the art when it comes to humans.

Titania - as long as it's from on high, I accept. Well done!

481. All aboard the atheist bus campaign

Comment #268583 by Laurie Fraser on October 22, 2008 at 2:16 am

Comment #268575 by Dr Doctor

Pure class, Dr Dr.

482. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268531 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 11:29 pm

Me too - forgot to mention we were not just knackered, but maggotted!

483. All aboard the atheist bus campaign

Comment #268526 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 11:22 pm

Comet - that's probably too close to the truth!

484. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268525 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 11:18 pm

Hey, Mord - how's things? I just decided to skyve off from work, so a couple of peaceful hours debating on RD will put me in the mood. Jeez - just watched that vid you put up. Nice way to start a marriage. Do you know, that when my ever-lovin' and I were married, we were so knackered after the reception we forgot to consummate the marriage?

Edit: Sarah Palin.

485. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268479 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 9:00 pm

'night, Hawt

486. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268468 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 8:49 pm

Comment #268466 by hawt4dawk

Happens to me all the time, Hawt - I'm just not as quick-witted as other posters on this site.

487. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268461 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 8:38 pm

"Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk" - the great Frank, of course!

Or try this:
And if these words you do not heed
Your pocketbook just kinda might recede
When some man comes along and
Claims godly need
He will clean you out right through your
Tweed

That's right, remember there is a big
Difference between kneeling down
And bending over...
He's got twenty million dollars
In his heavenly bank account...
All from those chumps who was
Born again
Oh yeah, oh yeah

He's got seven limousines
And a private plane...
All for the use of his
Special friends
Oh yeah, oh yeah
He's got thousand-dollar suits
And a wembley tie...
Girls love to stroke it
While he's on the phone
Oh yeah, oh yeah

At the house of representatives
He's a groovy guy...
When he gives thanks
He is not alone...

He is dealin'
He is really dealin'
IRS can't determine
Where the hook is

It is easy with the bible
To pretend that
You're in show biz

They won't get him
They will never get him
For the naughty stuff
That he did

It is best in cases like this
To pretend that
You are stupid

He's got presidential help
All along the way

He says the grace
While the lawyers chew
Oh yeah
They sure do

And the govenors agree to say:
"he's a lovely man!"
He makes it easier for
Them to screw
All of you...
Yes, that's true!

'cause he helps put the fear of god
In the common man
Snatchin' up money
Everywhere he can
Oh yeah
Oh yeah

He's got twenty million dollars
In his heavenly bank account
You ain't got nothin', people
You ain't got nothin', people
You ain't got nothin', people
Thank the man...oh yeah

488. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268449 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 8:27 pm

There's an ugly little weasel 'bout three foot nine
Face puffed up from cryin' and lyin'
Cause her sweet little hubby's suckin' prong part time
In the name of the Lord

Get a clue little shrew oh yeah oh yeah
Jesus thinks you're a jerk
Would he really choose Tammy
To do his work (uh uh)

Now - THAT'S a lyric.

489. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268442 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 8:22 pm

Hi 2 - Let me be the first to say it: India are the best cricket team in the world. Well done to your blokes.

Oh, Hawt - Back in the USSR, of course.

490. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268434 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 8:16 pm

See, Laurie, I can also coin new words.

491. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268390 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 7:21 pm

Titania,
The exact quote is "From each according to his ability; to each according to his desire for a Penthouse apartment overlooking Central Park, a Cruisecraft in the Bahamas, and a cellar full of Bolly."

492. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268379 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 7:00 pm

Thanks, Hawt - an old campaigner like me has a hide like a rhinoceros, anyway.

Well, back to work - I hear the sound of the lash coming down the corridor. :) See ya.


Sarah Palin

493. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268376 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 6:54 pm

Nah - I'm just whinging because my evil department is trying to undermine our salaries and conditions. Never mind - I'm up for the fight!

BTW - Titania, did you like my rush - limbaugh pun?

To limbaugh (v.) - to spruik unsubstantiated right-wing nonsense.

494. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268372 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 6:49 pm

Dragging my hide to the market-place, with nothing to expect but a tanning!

495. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268365 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 6:37 pm

Hawt - I've just got back to this for five minutes while my employers give me time off from work so I can gulp down enough food bought at the company store (true) that will allow me to continue working without collapsing until I am unceremoniously evicted from the building at 8.30 tonight without having finished my work (overtime is not paid for) and then be back here at 8.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Sarah Palin.

496. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #268215 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 2:28 pm

There has been much piffle spoken about Marxism on this thread while I've been asleep. DP and Al seem to have a primary-grade understanding of it, and both hasten to throw the worn-out old strawman canard of "union thuggery" around when it suits. Read some history of the labour movements in Europe, N. America and Australia, particularly, before you rush to limbaugh us with your misconceptions. I'm off to work - back in 10 hours or so.

497. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #267818 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 5:55 am

Thanks for those links, epeeist - I'll check them out tomorrow - it's getting late here.

P.S. Titania - happy (belated) birthday, you spring chicken, you.

498. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #267813 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 5:46 am

Happy to enlarge your lexicon, Titania :) Anyway, it's bed for me. Night all.

499. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #267810 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 5:33 am

Comment #267807 by Titania

No.

500. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #267809 by Laurie Fraser on October 21, 2008 at 5:32 am

I agree, Titania. In Australia, much bullshit is spruiked about our "quality of life", without acknowledging that Australians owe our generally excellent standard of living to the courage and solidarity of the union movement. We have the safest mines in the world - indeed, our record of workplace safety, generally, is second to none, and this is entirely due to the foresight and determination of the Australian Council of Trade Unions. If it wasn't for that body, we'd still have children down the mines.