Comments by Gregg Townsend

351. Richard Dawkins replies to Libby Purves

Comment #228052 by Gregg Townsend on August 11, 2008 at 12:15 pm

193. Comment #228044 by thewhitepearl

Case in point, in watching on of those old mythbusters, wives tales programming the following question and answer popped up; "Did George Washington really cut down a cherry tree and admit to his father he couldn't lie". I said "No" he FLIPPED. When the answer revealed itself he got unusually upset. "Everything in our textsbook was a lie then huh?"...er, obviously..

I tried to calm him down by asking "Did George Washington say that he himself did it, or was it a story told by someone else?" Seemed to shut him up, still angry. Any way the point is, it offered a little glimpse in how die hard fundie christians think. How they're brain operates...

Go through life, believing what they have been told is true, because no one taught them differently, the older ones not having other sources of information and the technology that we have now, and anything that comes along that challenges what they have known to be true, is deeply upsetting

This reminds me of a religious friend who once said, "You know what it says in the Bible, God helps the man who helps himself." He became very upset when I laughed and said that wasn't from the Bible and suggested he should look up his sources. I refused to tell him where that cliche came from and encouraged him to find out for himself. He seriously thought I was just being a "mean atheist". Two months later he apologized for being a jerk after he finally asked his preacher who set him straight.

352. Why Islam Is Unfunny for a Cartoonist

Comment #226519 by Gregg Townsend on August 8, 2008 at 7:52 am

389. Comment #226481 by thewhitepearl

Wow, your last word psyched me out. ;)

353. Praying for health

Comment #225471 by Gregg Townsend on August 6, 2008 at 3:49 pm

7. Comment #225445 by phil rimmer

It is interesting to think about in terms of Jared Diamonds work. Did the growing exposure to germs from food production and domestication of animals predate religious notions?

I got from his book that the reasons hunter/gatherers habitually killed other hunter/gatherers was a mix of competition for food and the amount of food produced by their low technology wouldn't support groups larger than 200 or so.

I suspect religion didn't arrive until food production and technology would allow for more complex social systems... long after regional out-group hatreds formed and by then, the exposure to germs would have been well established.

[edited to try and clean up my thoughts which in retrospect, I seem to have failed at.]

354. More than 100,000 rare gorillas found in Congo

Comment #225127 by Gregg Townsend on August 6, 2008 at 8:50 am

*spell checks previous post*

Uh, okay(?)

355. More than 100,000 rare gorillas found in Congo

Comment #225121 by Gregg Townsend on August 6, 2008 at 8:46 am

140. Comment #225118 by Quetzalcoatl

Quetz,

We speak American... and badly.

356. More than 100,000 rare gorillas found in Congo

Comment #225119 by Gregg Townsend on August 6, 2008 at 8:45 am

could you please explain what that means, why would my tongue be brown?

Just a standard dog greeting. It means something to the tune of, "Hey, I see you've been doing good."

357. Interview with Paula Kirby on 'The Right Hook'

Comment #224704 by Gregg Townsend on August 5, 2008 at 12:20 pm

petermun,

Yes. Paula's point about us humans being perfectly capable of filling our lives with meaning (presumably in absence of superstition) seemed to go in one ear and out his nostril.

Paula,

*standing ovation*

Pity they didn't allow you more time. It felt like you were just beginning to get on a roll.

358. Breeding for God

Comment #223067 by Gregg Townsend on August 1, 2008 at 11:49 am

Quetz,

Damn, what is that thing. A Cake?

359. Breeding for God

Comment #222986 by Gregg Townsend on August 1, 2008 at 7:34 am

I am sorry, gentlemen, that I will be obliged to save your goddamn necks along with my own.

This is exactly the type of comment Al was talking about. You present a hypothetical. We don't agree. Now it's a reality you need to save us from?!

Come on Fanusi, you're a bright guy with a great deal to contribute to this subject. Please don't go here.

For the record; If I've "slung mud" at you, that was not my intention. Please accept my apology if you feel I've attacked you. I strenuously disagree on this current point but I believe in your right to present it.

360. Breeding for God

Comment #222978 by Gregg Townsend on August 1, 2008 at 7:16 am

Bonzai,

*applause*

On whole, a well balanced and eloquent assessment of the threat as I see it. Thank you for saying what I don't have the vocabulary to say.

361. Breeding for God

Comment #222975 by Gregg Townsend on August 1, 2008 at 7:10 am

Al,

I may answer to "pervert" but immoral? That's not fair. I'm very moral with my perversions. :)

[edit]Also, his question was hypothetical, so I should be allowed the same in my response. Yes? [/edit]

362. Breeding for God

Comment #222970 by Gregg Townsend on August 1, 2008 at 7:02 am

Fanusi,

That's clearer to me. Therefore the answer remains (since your question only allows for yes or no response) no.

In truth, I would prefer to answer with that depends.

1) If the Sharia supporters are foreign nationals who are actively undermining the UK I support their immediate expulsion... now.
2) If the Sharia supporters are natural citizens who are actively undermining the UK government then I think they should be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law.
3) If the Sharia supporters are standing around in circles shouting slogans then that falls under freedom of speech and should be ridiculed in the public arena.

Like I said before, the situation can't be as black and white as you paint it.

363. Breeding for God

Comment #222941 by Gregg Townsend on August 1, 2008 at 6:22 am

Steve,

So is he asking do we support sending the "not-nice" to Antarctica prior to the burkas, or once the burkas become inevitible?

If we're to fill the Antarctic preemptively, my next question is, how do we know with 100% (or even 80%) certainty that the "not-nice" will take over? What is the method? The science used?

364. What's wrong with science as religion

Comment #222937 by Gregg Townsend on August 1, 2008 at 6:17 am

124. Comment #222936 by Old Sarum

if you stop being habitually "anti-religion" even for a couple of hours, it's easy to perceive a creative future for religion that doesn't require "religious people" to be defined as "people who believe things that aren't true".

At that point, are they no longer religious? Sounds like it.

365. Breeding for God

Comment #222935 by Gregg Townsend on August 1, 2008 at 6:08 am

Al and Steve,

I'm still confused about the details of the original supposition.

366. Breeding for God

Comment #222607 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 3:19 pm

h4d,

I can't speak for the others, but I have no problem with identifying the perpetrators of illegal acts. What I have a problem with is supporting preemptive strikes against those you believe may commit acts. This is what I've understood Fanusi to support.

I may have completely misunderstood him, and if so I apologize. If I haven't misunderstood then I would appose his view.

367. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #222599 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 3:12 pm

76. Comment #222587 by steveroot

Steve,

When you made the farting/smoking comparison I thought I'd remembered a story of a man asphyxiating in his own methane. When I did a google search for the story I saw the same link you just provided. The story about the man farting himself to death turned out to be an urban myth.

On one hand, I'm glad it turned out that way. On the other...

368. Breeding for God

Comment #222589 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 3:03 pm

280. Comment #222533 by Fanusi Khiyal

Fanusi,

We seem to have failure to communicate. Please clarify this statement.

What I asked was: If the alternative to expelling Shariah supporters was the fall of Europe to Islamic barbarism, would they support it?

When does the "fall of Europe" occur in your question? Before or after the proposed expulsions?

You accuse others of "wriggling" yet we may just be answering a different question when you state it differently.

369. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #222545 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 2:16 pm

73. Comment #222415 by Oystein Elgaroy

Oystein,

I'm not sure my smoking is really a habit... more like an affection. The more society says I can't (local laws are getting close to full on prohibition) the more I resist quitting completely. A month or so ago I went a couple days without smoking and didn't even realize it. My wife commented on not seeing me go out back for a smoke and I instantly thought, "Hey that sounds nice!" I made a cup of tea and enjoyed a cig.

You probably should give up the Camels though. They aren't very good quality and may have rat hairs in them. [laugh] Seriously, I know it doesn't make sense but good quality tobacco is easier to resist and doesn't seem as habit forming.

74. Comment #222416 by steveroot

Hahaha. I was thinking the exact same thing when I wrote my response to Mord.

370. Breeding for God

Comment #222473 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 1:03 pm

hawt4dawk,

Fanusi supports expulsion of UK citizens for supporting sharia.

371. Breeding for God

Comment #222467 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 12:58 pm

Fanusi,

Here's what you said

If the result of continued Islamic immigration and the presence of Shariah supporters here in the West would lead to Islamization and the horrors that accompany it - war, slavery, the end of civilization - would you or would you not support my views that Shariah supporters should be expelled? If the choice is the destruction of Europe (if not the whole West) or the expulsion of these guys - which would you choose?

I took this as speculation for the coming doom, therefore expell them today. To which I say no!

If you were referring to the fall of Europe and would I support expelling them after the fact. Well, then yes... and probably worse than expulsion.

I support liberty, then and now.

372. Breeding for God

Comment #222449 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 12:41 pm

Al,

No police state, and no Shariah. You have my decision, and yes I would fight either force of evil.

I'll go one further:

If it comes to the point that Europe must fall to Fanusi's Nightmare(tm); I pledge to walk across the street from my place of business, to a store called "Come Get Some" (I'm not joking), and purchase weapons and body armor, jump on any kind of transport available and fight the threat shoulder-to-shoulder with my European brothers and sisters. Fair enough?

373. Vicar supports Life of Brian ban

Comment #222409 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 12:18 pm

8. Comment #222396 by phil rimmer

Limping, from the gourd shoved up...

Gourd? GOURD!?

Surely it was the sandal!?

SPLITTER!

374. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #222402 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 12:11 pm

kkelly,

Thank you, that was very well put.

...it needs repeating that life-long smokers have almost a 20% chance of getting lung cancer.

Funny, I always assumed the chance was much higher... like 60% or something.

375. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #222379 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 11:04 am

steveroot,

I found this relevant link. http://www.amazon.com/Fart-Asphyxiation/dp/B001BHHY8W

376. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #222377 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 10:46 am

65. Comment #222145 by steveroot

steveroot,

Your comments are exactly what I meant by making a good case for me to not smoke. I appreciate it and even agree with all of your comments. The difference between you and kkelly is you seem to care for my health and wish me to make better decisions for that reason. kkelly was trying to guilt me by saying I lead "a miserable existence", which is manifestly untrue.

Yes the evidence is irrefutable and of course I know all this, yet I still make a conscious decision daily... and keep it to myself. I don't smoke at work, in vehicles, in public (including bars [pubs for our UK friends]), in my home, in front of my children or grandchildren. My oldest granddaughter didn't even know I smoked until she was six.

So, if you'd like to compare smoking to religious delusion then the most you can say for me is, at least I keep it to myself.

Thank you for your thoughtful response!

-- Gregg

Mord,

I'd have to say my addiction is more geared toward relaxing in the backyard with a beer and a smoke. The hassle of a pipe is what made me switch to cigs. Maybe it's time to take it one step further.

377. Breeding for God

Comment #222375 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 10:11 am

It's that simple.

[sigh]

I'm to old to fall for that Fanusi. It's never that simple!

Yes or no?

No.

378. Breeding for God

Comment #222368 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 9:51 am

Just grant me the premise for the moment, and answer that.

I could be wrong, but I think what most posters are saying is that it will never come to that.

379. Breeding for God

Comment #222367 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 9:46 am

Fanusi

When they're there and not here it will be more difficult to cause problems here. Also we don't need to worry about the collapse of our own societies.

I sympathize with your desire to avoid disaster, but the quoted statement above seems to anticipate an action and punishes preemptively.

It seems to me that once a central government is allowed this kind of power the door is open to restrict or punish any potential crime. In my youth I abused drugs and even did some minor distribution. The potential for me to backslide exists, so to save society from the possibility of the corrupting influence of drug abuse I could be deported to England (I'm fourth generation American by route of Liverpool).

I know this scenario is ridiculous and doesn't compare with Jihadists planning murder and mayhem, but once that threat is over, where does the government next point their finger?

I would actively resist a government with this kind of power. [edit] Just as I will actively resist acceptance of Sharia in America [/edit]

380. Breeding for God

Comment #222330 by Gregg Townsend on July 31, 2008 at 7:20 am

241. Comment #222325 by Bonzai

I find myself being persuaded by your comments here. It makes sense that a great deal of the noise we hear from Muslims in the UK can be chocked up to 'boys will be boys'.

Still, I keep hearing Sam Harris stressing that our own wishful thinking could get us in trouble. Paraphrasing here; we make the mistake of not taking the radicals at their word to our own peril.

Fanusi,

The best reason I can see for not expelling those who say they support Sharia Law is that; until it's acted on it's still a thought crime. If UK Muslims actively plan acts of terrorism and get caught in the act, isn't it appropriate that they are prosecuted and punished in the UK? Seriously, how does it help the government/people of the UK to deport them to a country not of their origin?

381. Breeding for God

Comment #221839 by Gregg Townsend on July 30, 2008 at 7:41 am

100. Comment #221835 by al-rawandi

Al,

I like this new incarnation of the hot-dog slammin', beer swilling, intellectual. It was always fun to watch you go up in flames but this new persona of yours is even more persuasive!

382. Faith is not the answer

Comment #221834 by Gregg Townsend on July 30, 2008 at 7:36 am

97. Comment #221785 by The Third Man

A divorce is certainly preferable to an abusive marriage, but isn't a happy and stable marriage or civil partnership the best option of all? You don't have to be religious to see the value in committing to a single partner for life and fostering a stable home life. Why are we so resigned to the fact that "relationships just break down" as if it's a natural law we can do nothing about?
How depressingly pessimistic.

Excellent! This is an opinion I share completely.

383. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #221483 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 4:55 pm

36. Comment #221440 by kkelly

Not a very compelling argument there, bucko. I've been active, happy and productive for my whole life and smoked for more than half of it (longer than you've been alive by the looks of it).

Would the excellent quality of my life be enhanced by not smoking? I think you could make a good argument for that. But I'll warn you, guilt has no influence on me (thus I'm an atheist) and remember I've chosen my suicides with care and responsibility. So bring it on, laughing boy, convince me.

As just an observation: I'd say that your choice of the word "existence" suggests you don't have a high opinion of life. Perhaps you should turn that keen analysis of living inward. Hopefully, you could find, at least, some civility.

384. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #221435 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 4:05 pm

34. Comment #221434 by kkelly

Yes, I know. *sigh*

Do you know that the only way to avoid death is never to be born?

385. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #221431 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 3:56 pm

27. Comment #221375 by The Schuermannator

I thought I was the only one who smoked here.

Not at all. I'm a two-pack-a-week smoker of Nat Sherman Natural Originals. Occasional cigar smoker as well.

386. A third of Muslim students back killings

Comment #221359 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 2:34 pm

662. Comment #221347 by kkelly

Evidence of the wisdom I had prior to today. The frequency of 'snide' personal attacks on this site has become boring.

387. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #221349 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 2:25 pm

Matt,

It does seem hard to prove. (emotional injury) The 'victim' would need expert testimony of her condition that would need to be very compelling. Now, if she indeed had been bruised and it had been clearly documented, she should be able to prove physical abuse and may have a case against the perpetrators. Sadly, I think the religion is off the hook.

I agree with your comments about the judges. It's too bad they can't be held accountable for their decisions.

388. A third of Muslim students back killings

Comment #221341 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 2:15 pm

658. Comment #221338 by thewhitepearl

Uh... gee thanks! I'm surprised anyone even noticed I'd been staying away.

389. A third of Muslim students back killings

Comment #221331 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 2:05 pm

645. Comment #221312 by al-rawandi

I am trying to cut back on flamining people.

Does it get any easier if repeat this mantra frequently?

390. Catholics To Pope: Lift Birth Control Ban

Comment #221323 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 1:59 pm

Thanks Decius,

I've been reading the articles on RD.net but staying way from the comments...

That can only go on for so long :)

391. Catholics To Pope: Lift Birth Control Ban

Comment #221307 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 1:48 pm

278. Comment #221085 by Cartomancer

Carto,

According to His Right Reverend those are prehensile clitorises

392. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #221293 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 1:37 pm

9. Comment #221264 by Ascaphus

Wow. What a thought, Matt! That would be great but I can't think of a single instance I've ever heard of.

*opens a new tab to do a search*

393. Church exorcism protected by First Amendment

Comment #221248 by Gregg Townsend on July 29, 2008 at 1:06 pm

It would effectively be the end of church independence and religious freedom in our country

No. It would be the end of harming people against their will in the name of religion.

Protect freedom for those who want to participate, but take away the license to harm...in the name of god(s)

394. The Return of Religion

Comment #213558 by Gregg Townsend on July 18, 2008 at 2:56 pm

Apathy,

Steeeeeeeeeve Perry!

Ooooooo, the wheel in the sky keeps on turnin'

[edit]For my money, King Crimson, Dream Theater, Alice in Chains, Pink Floyd, Tool and Metallica.

395. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #213524 by Gregg Townsend on July 18, 2008 at 2:22 pm

Steve,

I really respect and admire you. I'd love nothing more than to fly to England and spend an afternoon drinking adult beverages with you and your significant other.

But after that last comment -- no kisses from me!

396. The Return of Religion

Comment #213514 by Gregg Townsend on July 18, 2008 at 2:12 pm

511. Comment #213504 by Apathy personified

No Steve Perry psych-outs.

397. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #213509 by Gregg Townsend on July 18, 2008 at 2:08 pm

Please, Joe!

Shouldn't you be getting a rug burn on your forehead right now?

398. [UPDATED] Venomous Snakes, Slippery Eels and Harun Yahya

Comment #213507 by Gregg Townsend on July 18, 2008 at 2:06 pm