Friday, December 26, 2014

A Message For Those Who Didn't Like Last Week's Post, A Cure For Cancer, & TTOT Returns!

See All TTOT Posts Here !!!!!!!!
Well, here we are again!

If you're one of those offended by last week's Nativity satire, I probably should say, "I'm Sorry."

Probably should, but won't. They probably won't be here to read this anyway, even though they might find it somewhat beneficial.

This week, the Pope addressed the ruling body of the Vatican.  In his speech, he basically chewed some ass ... that's needed chewing for quite some time.

His message was very simple.  To sum it up in a few words, he implied the tight asses needed to loosen up and relax, smile, and recognize that God appreciates a sense of humor.  Instead of using religion to feel high and mighty, use it to provide messages that the common man can relate to.  If a smile will get the message across better than attitude, then drop the attitudes!

I feel the same way.



Religion has, and is still being used as an excuse to kill people and start wars.  Mankind has perfected the art of making religion a social grace, instead of what it really is, a personal experience.  By making it conform to certain man imposed standards, he has created what Allan Sherman once called the "A.P.E.", or American Puritan Ethic.  

One facet of the A.P.E. infers you can't laugh in church or at religion.  To do so is to laugh at the leaders and rulers that control the people, and religion is a tool that many utilize to control the masses.  If you'll check your history books, and Bible, you'll find this true.


What if God had said, "Take these tablets down to the
people and give them the wisdom they provide.  Allow
them to choose to follow or go their own way and
seek out their destinies without my love and help.
And remember, only you can
prevent forest fires!"
Somewhere along the way, religion stopped being a personal experience.  Perhaps it started when Moses freaked out over the burning bush and went back to the defiant tribes to gain control once more by hitting them over the head with the stone tablets containing the  Ten Commandments.  It became a way to control personal choice instead.  Isn't that just like man's laws do daily?

Now, as anyone knows, laws can be twisted.  Lawyers do it daily, terrorists read the Koran selectively to validate their atrocities, and church leaders do it to reap donations, which is another way of saying, "The Dow Jones reflects our company's doing well!"  

Religion has become a business.  It's a profit and loss statement that means more building funds, higher salaries and health insurance for church personnel, and  if the church thrives enough, a weekly television show on a local channel to bring in more funds and feed the egos of the performers. Spreading the word of God has made many rich.  To deny that is to ignore the truth.

Holier than thou individuals like Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Jones, and many others have fallen from grace because
"Tammy or Jessica, Jessica or Tammy, Tammy
or Jessica.  Damn, being Jim Baker is such a 
tough job.  Oh, by the way, just like you do for
your child at summer camp, be sure to send money!"
of their greedy efforts to gather more and more .  Power to control allows them to believe they're above the "laws" and they stray various directions.  Greed and lust and such then bring them down and everyone is shocked.  


Why?  Didn't they believe these egoists and shower them with donations at one time so their business would be bigger than the one down the street? 

As P.T. Barnum is often misquoted as saying, "There's a sucker born every minute!"

Let's take the business out of religion.  Let's take man's strict fake facades out of religion.  Let's completely take man's influence out of religion.  

Then, what do you have?

You have the Bible, the Koran, or whatever other item of religious faith you believe in to study and follow.  Suddenly, you begin to read and decipher what it really says, instead of believing what others want you to believe it says.  

I think that's part of what the Pope is trying to get across to his Vatican leaders, and to the world.  Man is so egotistical that he believes he's always right.  If you don't believe that, just ask him!  That may be bringing a frown to the God he supposedly honors.

I once had two church deacons tell me how bad rock music was and how great country music was for church members.  When asked to show me in the Bible where it talked about music genres, they, of course, couldn't.  This is an example of man's rules, not Gods.

So, why am I not going to say "I'm Sorry" for last week's post?  Because, in all my readings of the Bible, in no place does it say not to take a person's mind off of their problems by providing them something to laugh at.  In other words, challenge their faith by presenting them with something so ridiculous they'll either smile and think about God and their internal beliefs, or they'll simply laugh and remove the negatives of the world from their current mental state.  Either way, it does them some good to loosen up and relax!
.
C'mon Oral, a 700 foot Jesus in the middle of
the desert?  That's one hell of a tall tale.  So, how much
money did you raise with that one?  And, Brother Swag

Man, couldn't you have found a better looking hooker?
Next, make religion a personal experience ... inside of your heart ... and find your faith, or lack of.  Make personal decisions as to which direction you want to travel and decide if your beliefs are strong enough to withstand the attacks of others.  

And, for God's sake, stop judging people.  How do you know that God wasn't sitting on his throne laughing his tail off over my story while you were cringing over it?  If you were truly a follower of his word, instead of the politically correct society in which we unfortunately reside, you'd know better than to judge others.  That's the Big Man's job, not yours.  Unless you're in the mood to attempt to take that control away from him.

And then, that may be where your troubles begin.  Ever hear the expression, "Get off your high horse and stop looking down on people, or one day, they may be looking down from Heaven on you."

Remember this simple truth.  God wouldn't have given man the ability to laugh if he didn't intend on him using it.  Relax, stop being so hung up on being offended by every little thing, and learn how to tolerate.  Stop talking a good game and start practicing it!  You might just find it a whole lot easier to live with yourself and a whole lot more fun.  You can be sure others will.  

And that just might include the man upstairs!


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This has been Christmas week.  As this is the week in which hope is supposed to rule the world and good tidings run supreme, this week's news will be fictional.  Let us hope that some of these become actual headlines in the upcoming year.

This week, we would love to be thankful for:

1)  Common Sense Becomes Common.  In an amazing turn of events, it has been determined that common sense is once again becoming common!  As society becomes weary of being ruled by minority control and members of the Civil Liberties Union, political correctness becomes the thing of the past and cast aside.  Respect, tolerance, personal accountability and the ability to understand what to and what not to say to others is now the new practice.  Although there are a few that insist on the old ways, courts are now tossing out cases in which the majority believe tolerance the better alternative.

In other words, "Get Over It!"  If you don't like it, move somewhere else.  That's the way it is and will be, it's that simple.  Duh!!!!

Ilha da Queimada Grande, located about 90 miles off the
São Paulo coast, seems like another one of those beautiful
places—at first glance. Almost every Brazilian knows about
 the island, but most would never dream of going there.
It's infested with between 2,000 and 4,000 golden lancehead
 vipers, one of the deadliest snakes in the entire world.

Read More Of The Story Here!!!
2)  Terrorism Ends.  As common sense starts to become more common, humans are using their ability to reason  as they've always been meant to use it.  The act of committing an act of terror has been determined to be detrimental to all causes and is forbidden by all governments and revolutionary groups.  Anyone caught considering terrorism as an option to World Peace will be sent to "Snake Island" and given the opportunity to practice their beliefs among the thousands of lancehead vipers that reside there. 

3)  Sunspots Change Skin Color Of  World's Population.  As more and more sunspots become the norm, an interesting change to mankind is taking place.  Human beings of all colors are becoming a golden color.  This change is creating havoc for law and Homeland Security enforcement personnel.  What was once racial profiling has now become impossible.  Individuals are now incarcerated for the crimes they commit by proper enforcement procedures such as fingerprinting, DNA analysis, video examination and independent witnesses.  

In a related story, against the advice of his lawyer, Al Sharpton is suing Mad Magazine for replacing their famous Alfred E. Newman character's face with his own.  The famous "What, Me Worry" slogan Mad used for years has been used by Rev. Sharpton recently when asked about his future employment possibilities now that everyone is the same color and there are no protests to incite.

No more needless destruction.
Breathe In, Breathe Out ...
Breathe In, Breathe Out!
4)  Amazon and World Wild Lands Protected.  In order to protect the human race from committing complete suicide, all the governments of the world have enacted the "We Need To Breathe" act to keep the world's forests free of independent forestry projects.  No longer will the greed of mankind be allowed to cut down a single tree on property not currently owned by individual owners, or within twenty feet of any existing roadway.  This should force paper and construction companies to replant their owned properties faster and allow mankind the ability to breathe freshly produced air for centuries to come.  Grocery stores all over the world are retraining their employees to not say, "Paper or Plastic?"

5)  Independent Farmers Rewarded.  In order to end all current unorthodox practices involved with the production of animals, fruits and vegetables, big business practices of squeezing profits and the existence out of the independent farmers of the world will cease.  All "manufactured" farms and production facilities will be seized and sold to individuals that can prove their ability to run an organic facility without need of steroids or unnecessary chemicals and pesticides.  The size of each, independently owned facility will be controlled by the rules set down by the law to protect the citizens of the world from ever having to worry about monopolies providing cruel and unusual punishment to any livestock, and low caliber food items ever again.  

In a related story, FDA employees are now wondering what they will do with all their free time now that unnecessary preservatives and additives are no longer needed to make substandard foods edible by humans.

What do you mean I don't get a multi million
dollar separation bonus for doing a lousy job?
It was in my Enron contract!  By the way,
what's "Personal Accountability" mean?
6)  Salary Limitations.  A new law has been enacted in order to maintain an affordable society for all.  The salaries of sports figures, entertainers, professional occupations, and big business upper mgt. will now be limited.  Salaries will be determined by their affect upon the consumer pricing.  Should salaries prohibit the average income individual from purchasing, viewing, or being properly provided services, immediate changes to said salary amounts will be mandated.  This will provide proper profit distribution and proper pricing take place for all, and eliminate rewards for failure to produce positive results.

As a result, many of the "one and done" college sports stars are now returning to college and getting an education, instead of depending on catching a ball to provide them gold chains, expensive sports cars, and self help tapes on "How To Pass Drug Tests."

7)  World Legal Department.  With the excess of lawyers now present as extraneous lawsuits are now being cast aside, a World Legal Department (W.L.D.) will be set up to investigate and prosecute politicians found to be representing the desires of special interest groups and big business instead of those they're sworn to serve.  Politicians found guilty of charges may find themselves fined, incarcerated, and/or taken immediately out of political office.  In addition, all income proven during their term(s) in office will be returned to the treasury of the state from which it was collected, and used to decrease individual income taxes. (Federal Office Holders, should impeachment take place, will have their incomes given to the U.S. Treasury and distributed equally to all tax payers.  

The WLD will also be able to block any law which would provide for the legality of any special interest income.  In the words of a once wise man, "Earn your living legally or get your butt out of office!"

Let's see how the oil companies try to claim
all rights to the sun.  With the World Legal
Department created, politicians wouldn't
give them a chance!
8)  Solar Power Perfected.  New developments within the scientific community are reaping huge benefits for the world's population.  Renewable energy technologies have now provided the answer to energy storage, which has been a major problem in the advancement of solar power dependency, until now.  With the new production of the atmospheric recycler chip, solar energy can be drawn for constant power regardless of the location of the sun or sky conditions.  

In a related report, Arab oil production and domestic oil magnates are committing suicide in untold numbers.  In observance of these deaths, radio stations all over the world are playing the 80's hit by the band Berlin called "No More Tears."

If you thought this hurt, just
wait until the "Eye For An Eye"
law goes into affect!




9)  Eye For An Eye Law Mandated.  Those convicted of breaking the law via new, mandated techniques will now be subject to the "eye for an eye" law.  If one is convicted of theft, they will lose an arm.  Conviction of unlawful injury with a dangerous weapon will sustain the same injury by the same weapon they utilized in their crime.  Rapists will lose the part of their body that was used in their assault.  This law is to be enforced within one year of the offense conviction, without any exceptions, and without artificial limbs being supplied by insurance or tax payers.

In a related story, prison choral groups are now finding an overabundance of tenors and sopranos applying.

10)  Cures for Cancer and Diabetes Found.  Two gigantic medical advancements have jolted the lives of cancer victims and diabetes sufferers the world over.  Now, they will be able to free themselves of any additional suffering as treatments for these illnesses are immediately available for human consumption.  And, with the new salary limitations law, these treatments will easily be affordable for members of all income levels.  It is a great day for science, for the medical profession, and for human beings in every country!

Now, let's stop all the El Toro Defecation about second hand smoke!

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

In a fake world, there are fake headlines.  In a real world, the headlines are sometimes too real, and sometimes too fake, whichever will best bring in sales and ratings. 

 Wouldn't it be grand to live in a world where the headlines were all like those above?  Wouldn't it be grand to live in a world where madness was replaced with sanity?
 Wouldn't it be grand to live in a world where all men loved each other?
 Wouldn't it be grand if everyone started today to make it that way?

The ball's in our court.  It's up to us.  
Which way will will it roll?
I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Ciao!









25 comments:

  1. OHHH BUT I LOVE ALL OF THIS. I love your rant. I love your fake news. And Pope Francis keeps saying more and more things I agree with, so I think I love him too.

    At the moment I also love cup of teas and cold meds and my blanket, so who can trust anything I love, in this state!

    Will go back and read your 'offensive' story - I missed the WHOLE weekend last week *sigh*

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    1. Hey, Sis! Thanks for stopping by.

      The one thing I hate about writing is that it can be taken out of context. lol I look at this as a relaxed, soft spoken lesson in tolerance. I knew there would be a few upset at the original story (including my daughter), and would have to address it.

      Sorry you're not feeling well. Hope you get to feeling better soon. It would be a shame to feel lousy for New Years.

      Many Thanks!

      Delete
  2. I found your nativity story clever and funny, and I'm glad you're not apologizing for your wit, and personal opinion. The TToT is my religion. I liken my gratitude exercise once a week to going to church. I love your list and wish most of those things would come true. Happy New Year to you!

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    1. Welcome back, Jen!

      Comedians doing stand up know that they're going to offend someone during their set. They just hope that it doesn't turn off that person completely and that they listen to the next joke that might just turn them around. Sometimes you find they have an open mind, and other times they sit there pissed off all night. So, let it be known, it's understood you can please most of the people some of the time, but you can't please all the people all of the time.

      I'm very pleased you enjoyed the post last week. I knew it was extreme, but I was hoping that since I was dealing mostly with writers, there would be more of an open mind factor. Wasn't the first time in my life I've been wrong. lol

      I'm probably the most extreme producer in the hop. I won't stay away from any topic, as one can find humor in anything. It may not always be appropriate, but that's what helps you to become somewhat of a cutting edge. I'm of the age where it really doesn't matter to me to go to worlds beyond where others won't dare to venture, but when others view it with a closed mind, and they seem to look at themselves as creative, I have to wonder a little.

      Really appreciate your visits and comments. Many Thanks! Oh, and have a very happy New Year! :)

      Delete
  3. "Suddenly, you begin to read and decipher what it really says, instead of believing what others want you to believe it says. "

    And yet if you do this , you are criticized even more. Don't whatever you do, think for yourself. I am not catholic or even really christian but I do love this Pope. He has got the balls to say what has needed to be said for so long.

    Solar power perfected. AH...I think I like the part in bold the best.

    all in all well said!

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    1. Erin, welcome back!!

      You caught my statement of universal truth. lol I remember my parents asking me, "Do you believe everything you hear?" At that point, I decided that if I couldn't believe others, I needed to investigate things myself and come up with my own concepts. As you've stated, it's not always the popular direction to travel, but I'm not living the lives of others. I'm living the life of my own. In my point of view, that's what I believe more people should do, especially if they want to avoid becoming the sheep populace of the future.

      I'm not Catholic either, but like you, I believe this Pope may be on the right track. I'm just hoping we don't read any news about his relationship with young alter boys in the near future.

      Oh, and I had to throw the bold part in, of course. It just can't happen soon enough for me, either. Many Thanks and have a great New Year!

      Delete
  4. Now Im sorry I missed last weeks TToT ... I gotta go back... I love a good fake news report as well as a bit of sacriledge (how do you spell that?) Happy New Year , RIch!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Zoe, my dear, I was wondering what happened last week. I thought I might have upset you, too. Glad to see I didn't!

      Sacrilege (to me) is smearing God's love and intent. It has often been said that God will take the form of man and walk among us. Well, what if he had a purpose in doing so? Let's be real, Mary didn't get pregnant by looking in a mirror fixing her hair. All I did was to provide a possibility, an option to the children's tales of a child being born without sex occurring. Let's face it, if God gave all the animals and humans of the world the procedure of sex to conceive, why wouldn't he think it good enough for him to use in bringing his son into the world? He did give us a brain to figure this stuff out, but we have to remember, when the group of King James scholars put together the latest version of the book, the general attitude of society was somewhat prudish. This may just be something they decided it better to leave out. Just a thought! lol

      You and yours have a wonderful New Year! Be safe! Many Thanks!

      Delete
    2. No, I was unfortunately a bit out of commission in the health arena... but all is recovering... You should probably take from this that it takes a whole helluva lot more than a bit of Mary-had-sex- how-the-hell-do- ya-think-James-was-conceived-even-if-ya-dont-buy-it-for-the-saviour (whew!) to insult my sensibilities (or lack thereof!) HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU TOO!

      Delete
    3. Am really glad to hear you're better. Love the attitude! You're a dream! :)

      Delete
  5. What a bloody great post, have to say I like this Pope even though I am not catholic. I love TTOT just saying I have many things to be thankful for and I have common sense but then I am of an age when common sense was the norm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jo-Anne, welcome!

      So glad you enjoyed my writing today! I speak with honesty of the heart and contemplation of the mind's abilities. Perhaps I am too hardcore at times, but at least I'm straightforward enough to present my side of the case in a somewhat logical fashion ... I hope! lol

      I have a feeling that the majority of the Vatican hierarchy will disagree with us about the new Pope. Stepping on toes is not a way one becomes popular, but it is definitely needed. Obviously, the old ways have done the church anything but well, as jokes about drunken priest, greedy cardinals, and young boys being used a sexual play toys are way too common. I hope he sticks around for a while, though, and isn't victim to some scheme aimed at either physically harming or embarrassing him with some fake scandal.

      Have a Happy New Year, and many thanks!

      Delete
  6. Amen, RC! I especially agree with #10 except chances are a cure will never be revealed since the medical industry will go bankrupt. During our oncology visits I look around the packed waiting room, I watch the many employees who operate the office as they hustle each patient after patient from the waiting room to see the doc or get treatment. Oh my so many people, so much money being made...we are screwed. Then the optimist in me yells at the pessimist to STFU and of course there will be a cure soon! It's an endless battle in my head. Happy New Year my friend! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hey, Sunshine, good to have you stop in!

      I've watched the battle your family has had with cancer over the last few years, and don't envy you at all. I agree that cancer is a cash cow to the medical industry, and that the majority of the money given for research ends up in the pockets of the administrators. You can bet the drug companies have their hands in the pocket, too!

      I think they will always come up with a new cash cow, though, should they try hard enough. Sleep Apnea doctors, machines, and treatments seem to be the new one that all are pushing. I walked into a specialist office a couple of years ago and before he ever diagnosed me, he started in on a sales pitch for a machine. Turned my stomach and I never went for testing or treatment after that.

      I hope you and your family have a great New Year with a fantastic year ahead to make up for all you've been through. It's amazing how you still live up to your "Sunshine" nickname after all you've been through. Hell, you're amazing!

      Many Thanks!

      Delete
  7. I will 'fess up and admit I did not read your entire post last week. I enjoy humor, but there are subjects that I do feel are sacred. I support your right to your own beliefs, and I think it is entirely possible for people to have different opinions without holding contempt. I didn't read the post because I didn't want to--but I wasn't going to leave a comment telling you how to write your blog, either. While we may not see eye-to-eye on everything, I agree with your hope for a cure for cancer and diabetes. (And I hope that if we don't see eye-to-eye that your thankful #9 wouldn't require me to lose an eye! :-) )

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    1. Kristi, my friend, thank you so much for your honesty.

      I hold no contempt for anyone that didn't read the entire post. As you say, everyone has the right to their own beliefs. I would never challenge that statement as that is exactly the point I strive to make week after week here.

      There are times in writing that my subjects will offend some. I do that to get people thinking about what they believe and how deeply they believe.

      My goal is to challenge environmental conditioning. We were all raised with certain people influencing our mental being. What I want to do is to get a person questioning the validation of what they've been taught, and seek the truth for themselves.

      We are becoming a society of sheep. Acts of terror, torture, and other unacceptable forms of human behavior are becoming commonplace. Whether it be that man has become lazy, or just stupid, we allow our others to run our lives without question. And, we allow news agencies to decide what is right and wrong, instead of turning off the programming.

      I go to the extremes. I cannot deny attacking any topic, as that would be hypocritical behavior. I don't have the right to pick and choose, regardless of how I really feel inside. Not if I'm going to maintain the credibility of the blog.

      I've had good experiences, but, also many bad experiences with man's version of organized religion. So, I've cast it aside after reading the Bible. I found that man love's to twist his sermons to serve his purposes, instead of presenting the true meaning. I only want a person to do their own reading, and thinking, and come to their beliefs this way, instead of by those that utilize religion as a tool to financially prosper.

      I would never expect anyone to completely agree with everything I write. Even I don't. But, if it gets a person thinking, and questioning, and lights the fire inside to the point of them wanting to learn truths, then I've achieved what I seek to.

      Believe me, I know I'm far from perfect. I'm not God's messenger or the savior of the world. In fact, I'm just an old man that looks at society with disbelief, and would love to keep perhaps maybe just one person from following the route their on in accepting everything they hear. If I achieve that, I've kept the flock from following a lie.

      You've been commenting here for quite some time, and I greatly appreciate it. You've stimulated my thoughts at times with what you've written, and I love that even more. My last post obviously got you going a little bit. It brought you to a point of standing up for your beliefs, instead of just following along. In essence, the post was effective in that you wouldn't become a sheep. It was successful in doing just as I wanted.

      I do believe that laughter needs to be a part of our lives. And, I believe that God accepts what I do, regardless of the topic, because he gave me the ability to do it, and the strength to post it. I believe he wants humans to have some relief from the stress we endure in today's world, and as he gave us the ability to laugh at ourselves, he, too, can laugh at himself. That's a kind and loving God, not the God that's harsh and power hungry. If I'm wrong, well, I'll find out soon enough as my years are numbered.

      But, a major topic of today is judging people. From the actions of Miley Cyrus to the actions of the protesters of police violence, people are judging everyone. People are guilty until proven innocent, which is not what the laws of society intend. The judging of others has got to stop or we will become a vigilante society in all aspects of life, including religious arenas.

      So, I sit here, and type away in hopes of doing as I've already described. One man, one keyboard, and one blog. It's not going to save the world, but, if it creates just one spark, then it has all been worth it.

      I hope you and your family have a Great New Years! Many Thanks!

      Delete
    2. It is sometimes hard for me to adequately express my thoughts in a comment. I did not intend to imply that you would hold contempt--rather, I was trying to say that though I didn't read your entire post, I do not hold contempt for you! I agree with you about not judging others. And, perhaps surprisingly to many, my religious beliefs actually embrace the idea of personally seeking the truth, and not just taking someone else's word for it. James 1:5 is oft quoted:

      If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

      And from the Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:3-5:

      Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

      And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

      And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

      Just like you, I know I am not perfect. My religious beliefs mean a great deal to me, and I am happy to share them, but I do not think that religious beliefs are points meant to be argued and won. I will stand up for my right to believe as I choose, but that also means that I must not be judgmental when others believe differently. Everyone has a right (and, really, a responsibility) to make up his own mind--regardless of what the topic is.

      Best wishes for a great New Year for you and your family, too!

      Delete
    3. Kristi, you're a beautiful person that's definitely done your homework. I love your standing up for what you believe. I love your thought pattern. Greatly appreciate your sharing it here.

      The web, and comment sections, make it so hard to sound as you mean at times. I know there are times that my posts (and comments) sound like a blaring rant. However, I really can't remember the last time I meant them to be that way. Instead, they are meant to be discussions to stimulate. I'd hate to think of myself as someone on a Fox newscast blaring out opinions as if no one else's mattered. I do hope they weren't taken that way. Many thanks! :)

      Delete
    4. Nope. Though your posts can sound a bit abrasive, your discussion with your readers, and your courtesy in dissenting opinions, proves that you are willing to engage in civil discourse. :-)

      Delete
  8. Dude. I LOVE the way you think. I love and admire the way you took whatever happened last week, grabbed it by the balls and ran with it. Hmm...you've done the running of the bulls in Pamplona, haven't you?
    ;)
    I must say, what you said up there. YES! This is why, after growing up Catholic, I left the church. The religious wars, the genocide, the slavery, the "I'm better than you and holier than thou" attitude of so called followers of religions had completely and utterly turned me off to it.
    But, I'm intensely spiritual. And..after nearly 15 years I started going back to a church. A VERY liberal church. Not because I totally believe, mind you. I like the community and I love it that if I say, "I don't know what the hell to believe" it's okay. Now I feel like I could write some scenes to the book, "The Secret Life of Bees." The characters in that novel invented their own thing out of what they grew up with. Because YES it's a personal experience. Hell, you could worship chocolate for all I care: if it makes you a better person and you have your own personal enlightenment because of it, then hail to the chocolate god! haha. Because no one knows. They may say they do. They may claim to have seen the light.
    And now...I think I'll drum up some new spiritual traditions for the New Year. I'm thinking about doing a candle service at home...writing down lots of intentions, burning them...and giving good luck charms. :D I know. I'm crazy. But, eh...my heart likes it. LOL
    You keep on being you. And that utopia you created up there? Damn, you'd think the dang humans would have thought of that already. I mean it's only been 80,000 frickin years since we evolved. But NOOOO. We haven't evolved past our primal emotions. We need to finish evolving already. Or...we could take the George Carlin point of view: the planet will be fine. Everything we'll be fine. It's the humans who are fucked. HAHA.
    Have a good one!

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    1. Cindy, the graduation girl! So good to have you back!

      Unfortunately, I'd planned on running when I lived in Europe, but my schedule never coincided with it, Something I always wished I'd done, but to try it now would give the bulls way to great of odds of winning! lol

      I remember sitting in church and Sunday school questioning some of the things the preachers were saying. Most of it was fire and brimstone threats, that always ended with "We have a kind and loving God." To me, that was like saying bamboo shoots under the fingernails was a great torture device and only used because the Japanese loved us so during World War II. It just didn't make sense.

      A little later in life, when I asked why there were different types of churches, I was told it was because people believed differently. When I asked, "But, if we all study the Bible, shouldn't we believe the same", I was told to be quiet and that I'd understand one day.

      I still don't.

      I once managed a member of the Church of Christ and a member of the Lutherans at the same time. According to the Church of Christ, they were the only ones that would be allowed into Heaven, no one else. The Lutheran believed in pre-destination. Our futures have already been decided and it doesn't matter what we do, unless we really portray the "I don't give a damn about God" philosophy, certain people were predestined to go and even the most innocent of others might not.

      To me, both of those sounded tainted with human jealousy and ego.

      Our country was settled by those seeking religious freedom, yet, they believed anyone that didn't believe as they did were savages. Less than 30 years ago, the I.R.A. and the Protestants were fighting in Great Britain. Today, a religious jihad has pretty much been proclaimed by Muslim extremists.

      When will the twisting of religion cease?

      I believe in God, as I am a Christian. I believe that God wants us to worship in the temple, with the temple being our inner selves. He recognized man's weaknesses and knew he'd given him too many options and way too much ego, but figured he was smart enough to work things out. As you said, this hasn't happened.

      Man is still screwing everything up!

      So, our only option is to do as it was originally intended, to worship within ourselves keeping it a personal experience. The inner self will form its beliefs and with the guidance of the good book, will allow us to survive as a viable society.

      Shirking the environmental conditioning in which our initial beliefs were formed, we can explore and decide for ourselves what is the wish of our God, which ever one we follow. It really doesn't matter if the congregation agrees with what you're doing, as they won't pay for it. That too, is a personal happening.

      Utopia? As the Beach Boys once sang, "Wouldn't it be nice!"

      It's nothing more than a picture. Still, a picture is worth a thousand words. Maybe someone will listen to them one day. :)

      Many Thanks!

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  9. Common sense becomes common....oh, if only!~May@Achieving Clarity

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    1. May, really good to see you here!

      Wouldn't it be nice, indeed. Common sense seems to be a thing of the past. I would love to know the exact date that it left society so I could have science go back and save it when they finally perfect the time machine. As long as it stays absent, I'm afraid the politically correct sheep will rule the farm.

      Appreciate you commenting! Many thanks!

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  10. Missed your last week's thing - will have to check it out in a free moment. Pope Francis is a smart man - I do like him quite a bit. As for your fictionalized list of 2015 items - would that a few or more of those would come true! Honestly, how hard is it for people to just be nice and reasonable?
    Happy New Year to you, Rich!

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    1. Lisa, really good of you to stop by! Last week's post was a test of sorts to see who would be offended and who would tolerate. It seemed to be about 50/50, which I found really strange. I would have supposed that an audience of writers would have been a little more tolerant and open minded. Still, it was a touchy subject to many, and one that could have hit them deeply. I probably shouldn't have been as strong as I was in it, but, what the Hell, if you're gonna test you gotta do it all the way.

      I'd love to see some of the changes actually come true. So many people could benefit and enjoy life so much more if common courtesy was present in today's society, not to mention the slimming of the greed factor that plagues us.

      Lisa, I return your wish for a very happy New Year for you and yours. Many Thanks! :)

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