Comments by Wosret

Comment #258016 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 10:50 am

296. Comment #257998 by al-rawandi

...we can extrapolate that he believes in a god, and this god can bless people...

Translation: He believe in a sky-fairy that grants wishes.

Comment #258014 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 10:47 am

4237. Comment #258008 by Sciros

You almost invited a shit storm my friend. Everyone would have been on you sooo fast.

Sarah Palin.

1103. Debate: Would We Be Better Off Without Religion?

Comment #258007 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 10:40 am

155. Comment #257995 by Riley

I don't believe that there is necessarily any relevant content (i.e. of the sort that provides guidance for how you should or shouldn't act in the world) in either the theistic model of the universe or the atheistic model.

I never contested this. I think you are conflating religion and theism, when they are different, and nonequivalent things. Religion does involve dogmas and tenets, of which actions do follow from. Where as theism, and atheism do not.

You are confusing philosophical positions here. Neither atheism, nor theism necessitates any philosophical position, though I would say that the former implies philosophical skepticism, while the latter some form of uncritical rationalism.

Religions however, are entirely different. They have tenets, and dogmas, and prescribe actions.

If a religion holds a tenet that you must kill homosexuals, and the members proceed to kill homosexuals then that religion is the causation of this.

If you mean to say that no good or bad actions follow from theism by itself no more than it does atheism, then I think you are completely right.

Religions though are ideologies, that prescribe actions, and actions do follow from them. Whether atheistic or theistic.

This doesn't mean that you can generalize though, say, by saying that religion A has caused such and such a problem, therefore religion B is also bad, unless the same elements that were ultimately responsible for the problem caused by religion A can be identified in religion B.

Because the three Abrahamic religions share many elements that do result in problems, and have many dogmas and tenets, and that problematic behaviors do follow from, I think that the criticism against them is justified.

Though notice, a point often made by Sam Harris is that religions are not all the same. Jainists are not going to go out killing people, these elements are not present, and it isn't "religion" that is the problem, but certain modes of thought, principles, and beliefs that are the problem, whether utilized by religions, or secular regimes.

If this is what you have been meaning to say, then I agree completely.

1104. Those fanatical atheists

Comment #257991 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 10:15 am

288. Comment #257984 by mjr1007

You just blew my mind man.

1105. Those fanatical atheists

Comment #257986 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 10:10 am

287. Comment #257982 by al-rawandi

Lemme guess, you were the kid who showered in his underwear?

Hey dude...shut up...it was a fashion statement...

1106. Those fanatical atheists

Comment #257985 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 10:09 am

280. Comment #257973 by mjr1007

You talkin' to me son? You've got your hands full, you've already bitten off far more than you can chew with the other contributors. Anyone of them is more than you can handle. I'd be superfluous.

You are a confrontational little fella, though aren't cha?

1107. Those fanatical atheists

Comment #257980 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 10:04 am

276. Comment #257962 by Frankus1122

Read and replied.

282. Comment #257976 by decius

I said it was arguable. Someone might have stepped up and figured it out, but the concepts are so counter-intuitive, that I also don't find it hard to believe that it may not have been. At least who would have if not him is not obvious to me. Where it is obvious with other work by him.

In fact, most scientific discoveries happen as an almost race, or with several other people close to it. This was not the case with Einsteins explanation of gravity.

1108. Those fanatical atheists

Comment #257969 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 9:51 am

278. Comment #257968 by severalspeciesof

No, my post had no point to it. Just had the urge to say it. It was occupying my thoughts as I ate it.

1109. Those fanatical atheists

Comment #257966 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 9:45 am

268. Comment #257944 by decius

This I profoundly disagree with. Although Einsteins special relativity, was not very special, and would have been thought of within the decade, his thoughts on, and explanation of how gravity works, and expansion of Newtons notions would not have been. Arguably we still wouldn't know that today.

That was a huge contribution, and Einstein is very much deserving of his intellectual status. Even though that isn't generally why people remember him.

1110. Those fanatical atheists

Comment #257959 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 9:36 am

I'm eating a fruit. It's like a peach but it's not a peach. I don't know what it is. I bought whole box of them, I thought they were peaches.

It tastes like a peach, it had a pit like one. It's more reddish though, and has more lighter coloured innards. Has smooth skin, with no fuzz.

It isn't bad, and it is quite similar to a peach...but I somehow feel that I would be happier if it were a peach.

1111. Debate: Would We Be Better Off Without Religion?

Comment #257937 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 9:17 am

149. Comment #257843 by Riley

Atheism is based on the ideological content that you must have scientific evidence to justify belief in something. Personal experience is not enough.

This is nonsense. You just invented this. I can be an atheist because my dog told me that no gods exist, and he is my best friend, surely he wouldn't lie to me.

It is also nonsense because atheism existed long before science did, so such a pronouncement would be meaningless at a pre-scientific age.

Religion is based on the ideological content that you don't need scientific evidence to justify belief in something. Personal experience is sufficient.

This is nonsense, you can be a religious atheist. Religions involve dogmas and tenets, sets of beliefs that one adheres to, and so forth.

Even theism has content. It connotes a belief in a god that intervenes in the world. Atheism lacks content because it connotes a lack of something.

1112. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257929 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 9:05 am

4227. Comment #257885 by GoatBoy36

This isn't a debate board you tool, it is the comment section of an article in the "news" section of a website.

English is my first language, but I'm just dyslexic, and under educated. Lol, was it the Japanese that made you think that? That's funny.

I reread what you said. Don't see where I went wrong in my criticism, and since you, for the third time, have failed to point out any actual problems with what I said, it seems like empty hand waving to me.

(*edit*)

And Sarah Palin.

1113. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257861 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 7:52 am

4224. Comment #257860 by Quetzalcoatl

Not with teeth like that I won't. I'll just yell it at you from a safe distance. That's how I roll.

1114. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257855 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 7:47 am

4218. Comment #257838 by Quetzalcoatl

Topic Nazi... O.O

1115. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257825 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 7:03 am

4213. Comment #257804 by severalspeciesof

Hey! My joke was hilarious! You clearly just didn't get it!

Dis'in my favorite colours too? You're just a big meanie.

1116. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257766 by Wosret on October 1, 2008 at 4:57 am

4203. Comment #257653 by Bonzai

I feel sorry for him too. I think this got blown far out of proportion.

But! I'm a bleedin' heart liberal, I'm probably just lookin' for reasons to feel bad.

1117. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257624 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 7:48 pm

4200. Comment #257622 by GoatBoy36

Actually, I have a high school equivalency, and a 3D animation degree. I'm not very educated at all.

Well, I don't really speak when I type, but I do love to read my own posts. They're so great.

As for the analogy. You said that the accusation of guilt by association was like Muslims guilt by associating that those that made the accusation decried. This suggests all Muslims most happily and freely associate with terrorists, and that said individuals have no problem with that. This is false, I think in both cases. That makes the analogy false. Understand now?

I don't know if I am intellectually courageous, but it would be great if you tried to be intellectually anything.

I've off to bed now. I'll come back to read how my points were ignored, and my person attacked instead in the morning. Oyasumi nasai

1118. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257620 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 7:27 pm

4196. Comment #257618 by GoatBoy36

I know it wasn't an argument...you'd think in those philosophy lectures you'd have learnt to recognize one. It was a criticism of your assessment, as was explicitly stated.

1119. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257619 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 7:25 pm

4195. Comment #257617 by Goldy

It is of course not impossible, but it is policy to deny them immigration status/citizenship.

1120. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257615 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 7:14 pm

4192. Comment #257613 by Frankus1122

Being granted citizenship, and/or allow to immigrate is not a right. Denying someone who has ties to terrorists, and terrorist organizations is what every country does.

No country allows people with ties to terrorists/terrorist organizations to immigrate. That's far to risky.

I didn't suggest taking action against them, or punishing them even though they haven't broken any laws.

But of course we shouldn't allow people that freely and friendlily associates with terrorists to come here. I'm astonished that you think we should.

1121. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257612 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 7:04 pm

4189. Comment #257609 by Smith

Styrer left to? I didn't catch that. Now I feel like a bastard for mockingly milking that calling me dull thing for so long.

I hope that didn't have anything to do with it. I was just goofin' around.

1122. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257605 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 6:38 pm

4181. Comment #257598 by Frankus1122

Well, I don't think that someone's avatar so superficially reflects their person. One has to think of a kind of person that would like that.

If your avatar makes you malevolent and nasty, mine makes me a cute girl who likes other cute girls. Not at all an unpleasant prospect, but still quite false.

1123. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257603 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 6:35 pm

4183. Comment #257600 by Sciros

That you like basketball.

1124. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257599 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 6:29 pm

4178. Comment #257594 by GoatBoy36

That's an unfair characterizing of the events, situations and opinions for several reasons.

Firstly, Muslims that freely, and friendlily associate with violent, hate spewing terrorists, and can be proven to associate with them, I think should be denied citizenship, even if they themselves cannot be personally quoted as doing the same, or anything criminal. I also almost certainly think they already are. People are of course denied immigration for simply having ties to terrorists. I don't think anyone has said this is a bad idea. Unless you are saying that all muslims have ties to such people, then the analogy is false (your analogy, so don't come back by pointing out that the people on that site are not terrorists. I didn't make the analogy).

Steve, at least, has for sometime spoke of avoiding his own guilt by association with Fanusi's views on this site, and his own willingness to leave over it. So it is hardly a double standard on his part.

Others asked for a repudiation of those views, and an explanation, calling into question his motives, and credibility based on what is espoused on that site. Might I remind you that it wasn't just "other members" but the leader, and owner of the blog that espoused the most venomous I've seen quoted. I think that the investigation was justified, and that no one has concluded anything unreasonable, or otherwise unjust.

No one has said he is responsible for anything anyone there has said, or should be taking any blame for their words/actions.

The kindest thing I can say about your assessment, is that it's false.

1125. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257588 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 5:57 pm

4174. Comment #257581 by Frankus1122

Whereas one might expect malevolent nastiness from someone with my avatar.

Nah, 14 year old immaturity, is what I'd expect. The kind of person that says their favorite colour is black, and what have you (mine is a tied between pink and purple).

4175. Comment #257586 by GoatBoy36

Bonzai lives in Toronto, if I remember correctly. Also, if I remember correctly, he was recounting an instance of its attempted establishment in Ontario.

Maybe not hugely important or relevant, but just thought I'd say.

1126. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257580 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 5:35 pm

4172. Comment #257575 by Smith

Okay, now I'm startin' to see it. Maybe I was wrong. The evaluation was perhaps premature.

1127. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257571 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 5:18 pm

4170. Comment #257565 by Smith

Not tryin' ta say anything really. Your avatar just doesn't strike me as matching what I gather of your personality from you "sporatic" posts.

Just sayin'.

1128. 'God as Science Fiction'. Richard Dawkins at the Edinburgh Book Festival

Comment #257568 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 5:12 pm

53. Comment #257561 by Beachbum

The difference is that life didn't start in any of those places.

They talk about the goldilock zone to mean the place in where liquid water is possible, because that is what they believe is required for live to begin. Dawkins mentions that this assumption may be wrong, but that is what they are referring to; where liquid water is possible.

Though the planet's distance from the star is not the only factor. I don't recall them mentioning it, but atmospheric pressure is also a major factor in determining the planet's temperature.

1129. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257559 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 4:49 pm

4167. Comment #257554 by Smith

Your avatar doesn't appear to match you all that well.

I'm over weight, bald, and creepy. So I can assure you that mine matches me perfectly.

1130. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257551 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 4:11 pm

4159. Comment #257539 by Sciros

Ee...tabun.

Mahou shoujo ga suki dayo. Henshin no zenra sugoi da. Deshou?

Lucky Star looks good, but I haven't watched it yet. I watch anything with yuri, other than that, anime with exclusively, or almost exclusively female casts.

1131. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257537 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 3:35 pm

4157. Comment #257535 by Sciros

Hells yeah. Pseudo-lesbians they may be, but their songs work great for yuri AMVs.

1132. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257534 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 3:30 pm

4153. Comment #257524 by root2squared

It's about you.

Hey, I'm cool with that. If I had it my way, everything would be.

All about me! Strangely reminds me of the song "all about us" set to an AMV about Strawberry panic, which I shall now watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IfJzIRrzlI

1133. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257512 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 2:32 pm

Check this one out: A priest, a shaman and a rabbi all walk into a bar, only there's no shaman, and no rabbi, it's my eighth birthday, and the priest is molesting me...and the priest is my dad and he's not a priest...

1134. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257500 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 2:00 pm

4138. Comment #257497 by root2squared

Well, no one came out in agreement, or saying they understood what you were saying. Everyone must be out to get you.

Perhaps it is time to implement plan "tinfoil hat".

1135. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257489 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 1:38 pm

4127. Comment #257482 by root2squared

Yes, my passing mention of the comparison you made in a rather large post was carefully calculated to destroy you. I am your arch nemesis! Fear my incredibly convoluted self indulgent schemes!

You have foiled me again!

1136. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257476 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 1:21 pm

4104. Comment #257450 by root2squared

This is breathtakingly bad logic. You need to consider 1 & 2 in their whole. You cannot take out parts of it and compare them.

You specified nothing other than their hatreds and called them analogous. I can't be blamed for your lack of precision. I've only gone on what you've said. I can't read your mind.

4118. Comment #257467 by root2squared

You're avoiding my point about analogy and my statement that Mitchell's logic is wrong by focusing on Fanusi.

That isn't true, I said that "2" was what makes the KKK racist. Do you not agree? If their hatred for black people isn't the quality that makes them racist, then what does?

From this post somehow Mitchell comes to the conclusion that I'm insinuating that Fanusi is racist, through some terrible logic.

That isn't true, I said that the analogy was unjustified.

1137. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257445 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 12:50 pm

4097. Comment #257442 by al-rawandi

My problem is that he says that those hates are analogous:

1 Fanusi's hatred for islam
2 KKK's hatred for black people

If you remove 2 from existence, then the KKK are no longer racist. It is that very characteristic that makes them racist. He cannot say it is analogous to how Fansui hates islam unless he is calling him racist, because it is that very hate that makes the KKK racists.

If "2" doesn't make the KKK racists, then what does? If it does, then it being analogous to Fanusi's hatred, makes him a racist.

1138. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257439 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 12:39 pm

4091. Comment #257435 by root2squared

I suspect you are making no sense. I've asked if anyone else understands you. If no one comes forward and explains it to me, then that is what I shall conclude.

1139. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257430 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 12:20 pm

4083. Comment #257424 by root2squared

Yeah... you've completely lost me. I have no idea what you're saying. Does anyone else?

4084. Comment #257425 by Lev-CapeTown

Oh, I don't mind it when he addresses his points, and then calls him an idiot. Don't mind it at all.

I just didn't like the entire videos that only were about what a terrible human being he is. He only made a couple, but I found them in poor taste.

4085. Comment #257426 by Corylus

Woot! In your face doubters!

1140. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257421 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 12:02 pm

4078. Comment #257419 by Lev-CapeTown

His recent, and continued quibble with that creationist kid has put me off. He has done entire videos where he has spent ten minutes saying what a horrid person the kid is.

I like it better when his videos are about something.

1141. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257409 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 11:49 am

4065. Comment #257399 by root2squared

Dude...what's with all the name calling?

Anywho, so the analogy between Fanusi and the KKK is the way that they hate a certain group?

So...you are calling him a racist? Unless you think that the KKK are called racists for some other reason than the way they hate other races.

Clearly I'm not good at logic, because I definitely fail to grasp yours.

1142. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257384 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 11:24 am

4046. Comment #257373 by Steve Zara

Just let me say off the get go, I'm not apologizing for him. I'm merely offering what I see to be a more parsimonious explanation.

That would be hard for you to do.

Ureshii! I'm glad.

The only think I am sure of is that an adult has to take responsibility for what they say and write. Fanusi makes a great show of being informed and educated, and he clearly seems to be.

Agreed, but that doesn't make him thoughtful or considerate.

I just can't accept that. I just don't believe that is a site of stupid kids, and I don't believe Fanusi is a stupid kid.

I didn't mean to imply that. I only meant that I think that he sincerely believes that. I don't. I think that it is quite likely that many of them really do mean it.

I don't think that is any excuse, even if it is true. He is dealing with very important and sensitive topics, and throws around serious accusations here about those who challenge him. If he doesn't take it seriously, then he should.

I wholeheartedly, and unequivocally agree.

1143. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257375 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 11:14 am

4037. Comment #257364 by Bonzai

Could be. Why not?

4036. Comment #257363 by root2squared

Ha! I'm hardly a Fanusi defender. I find it ridiculous to even say that. Most of the posts are smashing him. I wouldn't be surprised if he disliked me the most.

I understood that you said that you were not saying he's a racist. Effectively you said "Now, I'm not saying he's a racist, but I think that a comparison with some notorious racists is apt."

Come off it, that's like saying "now I'm not saying that you rape children, but you remind me of a pedophile."

Clearly such comparisons are unjustified.

1144. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257368 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 11:03 am

4017. Comment #257340 by Steve Zara

I'm probably getting on your bad side about now, but I have to say...I thought that you agreed with my Hanlon's razor assessment? I hardly think that Fanusi's motives are quite so calculated.

I believe him when he says that he didn't consider what was being said, and thought it was just words to not be taken seriously, and hold no implications. I think that is what he really thinks.

I had a friend just like him when I was getting my adult high school diploma. He once got suspended for giving the Nazi salute to his friend in the parking lot. He wasn't a nazi sympathizer who thought their ideas were good, he was being stupid, and not thinking things through.

He later argued with me about how unimportant and meaningless it was, and what not. He wasn't thinking. He was hardly a secret nazi. I don't find it difficult to see him on a site just like that. Thinking it's all meaningless words, with no implications. He doesn't mean anything by it, so neither do they.

I grew up surrounded by racist and homophobic sentiments, and phrases and jokes that I used myself, and repeated. I was a stupid kid, and had no idea of the implications of those things, and what they really meant.

I personally think that you greatly over estimate Fansui. I consider myself a lot more thoughtful than he is, and I don't put nearly that much thought into anything.

1145. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257343 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 10:43 am

4014. Comment #257336 by root2squared

I understand that you were making an analogy. Did you go look what H4D was referring to in my post? I said that such an analogy is unjustified.

No! My spotless record...ruined. (*narrows eyes*).

1146. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257325 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 10:16 am

4005. Comment #257322 by hawt4dawk

Was referring to:

3966. Comment #257270 by root2squared

Not anything you said. You're far too adorable to make such a point.

1147. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257320 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 10:08 am

3996. Comment #257312 by Peacebeuponme

Hey, I've been getting nothing but compliments by people from both sides of this. Everything's commin' up Mitchell!

I say let 'er ride.

1148. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257314 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 10:04 am

3994. Comment #257309 by al-rawandi

I don't think discrimination is a good remedy for that problem, Al.

Though that's just my humble, and squeaky opinion.

1149. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257310 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 10:01 am

Decius, I know from experience that Al is an equal opportunity aggressive dick.

I'm just happy that I've never argued with him in real life. I'm weak and cowardly.

1150. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #257297 by Wosret on September 30, 2008 at 9:42 am

I'm not effected by this really, because Fanusi has never held any credibility with me to begin with.

I'm ignorant of most things. So if I get into a discussion of politics, history, economics, geography, or things like that, I probably know less than a forth grader. For this reason I almost always only focus on reasoning, I hardly ever call into question the information I'm presented with, unless it seems wildly unlikely. Everyone seems to praise him on his knowledge of the topic, but denounce his conclusions. Since I don't consider the ability to repeat things you've read or heard with accuracy especially impressive, all I've seen is absurd lines of reasoning being wrangled out of that information.

I agree with the thrust of what Al is saying (must have a brain tumor), that Fanusi's posts should be judged on their own merits, and not dismissed because you don't like some of his views. The his information, or reasoning.

I also agree however, that holding revoltingly wrong, and horrifically offensive view points is detrimental to one's credibility, and is enough not only to ignore them, knowing that whether they make decent points about something, or poor ones about others, their motives are to rationalize the conclusions they have already reached, the disgusting and offensive conclusions, and thus should be marked as offensive, and a troll. That is why the feature is there.

I just should remind everyone that this has not been established about Fanusi, so comparisons with the KKK and so forth are unjustified. The line of reasoning, although I agree is correct, is inapplicable to Fanusi, as things currently stand.