Atheists Unbless Florida Highway with Unholy Water

[Steve Gagne]

http://www.baynews9....ed_by_religiou/

[Brant Gaede]

This belongs in the Humor section, no?

--Brant

[Steve Gagne]

But it really happened ...

[Brant Gaede]

But it really happened ...

Sorry. I thought it was funny, but "news" is okay too.

--Brant

[william.scherk]

But it really happened ...

Sorry. I thought it was funny, but "news" is okay too.

Sometimes activist atheists might seem dour and rather rank in their disdain. But, since I share a certain unspoken disdain for the self-delusion inherent in mythoreligious faith, I still like them, even in their broody, slightly whiff-of-grave negativity about religion. I feel every screaming cry for hellfire ought somehow be met with an equally firm Shut up JesusEater.

But that is the nasty me that lurks inside and rarely leaves the house. He maintains radio silence. With this media-riffic stunt in Florida's Polk County, however, I applaud out loud. They stated their stunt was provoked. They were offended by the holy water blessing that had been stunted earlier on the same highway. I love it.

Offended by religious group's highway blessing, atheists 'scrub' it away

I mean, at a time when you have to kind of shut up and take it up the ass by a Christian Grundy like Santorum or a Christian Grundy slut like Gingrich or a Mormon Grundy cut-out like Romney, isn't it okay to express disgruntlement via the back door (disgruntlement with the menu available for objective-ish votes come November)?

Republicans pander heavily to religious zealots, as shown by the four horsemen of the Transvaginal Express, every last one of them. They approve of heavy Christ-law paws down there in the ladies bits, for their own good.

It is good to recognize the Ick when in it walks among us, yes? Look at the menu, ladies ...

Faith, faith, faith, faith before all, apologetics after. Purges cleansed, holy books redacted, sayings of the prophets fought and sold and the possession of ordained custodians . . . it all just makes me rue the day that religiosity infected Objectivish things.

I wish upon a star to get some support in invoking Reality on the kookiepants fundies currently rotting out the Republicans. Is that not possible here? Carol, save me.

I seriously believe that Rand circa 1972/76/80 would call out Santorum's grotesque pandering if nothing else. I support the critical scrutiny given Santorum by Objectivish opinionists. I want my Objective friends to be the ones who frankly and realistically tell me what is wrong with the Republican choices, to reassure me that if one of these maniacs gets in the White House, they will not actually do what they promised ... in their pandering to the religious maniacs.

Edited March 21, 2012 by william.scherk

[Selene]

I seriously believe that Rand circa 1972/76/80 would call out Santorum's grotesque pandering if nothing else. I support the critical scrutiny given Santorum by Objectivish opinionists. I want my Objective friends to be the ones who frankly and realistically tell me what is wrong with the Republican choices, to reassure me that if one of these maniacs gets in the White House, they will not actually do what they promised ... in their pandering to the religious maniacs.

William:

I am afraid no one can make that promise. Any more than we could make the promises as to the outcome of the "Arab spring" which looks a lot like it is going to wind up as a bitter cold winter.

Adam

[william.scherk]

I seriously believe that Rand circa 1972/76/80 would call out Santorum's grotesque pandering if nothing else. I support the critical scrutiny given Santorum by Objectivish opinionists. I want my Objective friends to be the ones who frankly and realistically tell me what is wrong with the Republican choices, to reassure me that if one of these maniacs gets in the White House, they will not actually do what they promised ... in their pandering to the religious maniacs.

William:

I am afraid no one can make that promise. Any more than we could make the promises as to the outcome of the "Arab spring" which looks a lot like it is going to wind up as a bitter cold winter.

Pandering to maniacs just does not pay, in the end. But I see what you mean. There is, I acknowledge, a long slog ahead, even for a Western-ish bastion like Tunisia.

Still, I would stress that people there are no longer at the mercy of an unaccountable personal state as they had been. They have a real, legitimate (if temporary) President and a real (if temporary) leader (PM) of the majority of their new constituent assembly. This after a fair, clean election for the first time.

Bear in mind, Adam, that this is a Constitutional Congress, so to speak, in Tunisia's modern history. This is the first true representative assembly since before Bourghiba seized power long long ago. It is transitional, tasked with the delegating, assessing, and passing of a new constitution. It is a pioneer, but similar in status and progress to that of Egypt's. Both countries are still suffering tourism and finance knock-ons and need reconstruction and time to bear fruits of new freedoms, I think, and I am encouraged by the development of social forces that feel free to defend themselves by democratic means -- again for the first time in modern history. It is still a thing of relative and prospective good, to my soft northern heart.

I am really encouraged by the friendliness of Tunisia to America and Canada, to Libya's and Egypt's struggling reform movements, to Syria's revolutionists. From my point of view Tunisia is doing pioneering work to consolidate and maintain both that country's civil tradition and its new long-sought liberties of expression.

Even in Egypt's sorrow, look how it unified in devotion at the death of its son, its own Pope of its own church. I think they have the means and opportunity to work forward towards human amity and cooperation and realistic relations with neighbours. There is no immediate or looming threat from Egypt to US interests. it is still in thrall or in agreement with strategic relations between Israel, the PA, Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. In many ways they continue their intense security relationship with Israeli authorities, by terms of peace.

Libya is an outiier, and will struggle in proportion to the destruction of its institutions and forms of security, and is further behind by many months from an election or assembly as in its nearest neighbours. One other thing to bear in mind is that the three countries have formed closer relations since last year and will support each other politically and morally in their advances. Moreover, despite surface scuffs, all three countries have moved closer to the USA's third most important ally, Qatar. Above all, from my point of view as a Canadian, our bilateral relationships and trade will surge by virtue of America's spin-turn on events, and via the not-inconsiderable influence of the UK, which sheltered the major Tuniisian political exiles now in office or major party leadership.

Now, if I strain to look at things neutrally, from a purely strategic calculation of (North) American and NATO interests and aims, and the continuance of Bush-era advances in 'liberty promotion' -- something went right.

In sum, the present Administration finessed a situation and advanced US interests, cornered world opinion against Russian, Chinese and other authoritarian influences, threw into relief the value and power of the western alliance.. America emerged from possible fracturing of its alliances or dalliances with dictators to renewed and strengthened alliances. It follows public opinion closely on non-intervention in Syria, but support for Syrian freedom by all other means. Does anyone really fear Obama at the wheel? Big changes in the world and America is still on top and on its international game. Sometimes the world goes your way, and not much has not gone the USA's way (or NATO's way) from Finland to Turkey.

America retains a certain authority to act, as ever, as in Kosovo or Berlin or Korea or Grenada or Libya or wherever, as it sees fit, and as it pulls back from errors and overreach in Iraq and Afghanistan.

That's policy and international power politics and worth discussing, but I mean to stress the human experience and the rational, human understanding of events that will take some time ramify in effect.

How about this? If last year was Tunisia's 1776 or (in Canada's case) 1982, a legal and social-psychological break, a revolution indeed, when do we then weary of futile movements for freedom and democracy? In 1778, 1785, 1789? 1812? 1862?

I am not trying to corner you to answer out loud to my loaded dice, just angling for you to take a look out my eyeballs at old hope and glory. How long does it take, my friend in liberty and rationality?

As an addendum, I would also like to note how very much I do like to go on ... thank you for the opportunity.

Edited March 21, 2012 by william.scherk

[Selene]

As an addendum, I would also like to note how very much I do like to go on ... thank you for the opportunity.

William:

I do also.

Libya is a primordial swamp of tribal insanity and is, indeed, an outlier.

Tunisia is extremely promising and clearly, in my opinion, a model worth modeling.

As to Egypt, I just do not know. It is globally pivotal as to how Egypt resolves its significant crises and issues.

Syria is a disaster. The Assad regime and its families has, as I understand the situation there, "gone to the mattresses." The regime is in an all out Godfather Mafia style attack on all the other forces. I see no good outcomes there.

We shall see. I have been patiently waiting for your reports on the Mideast situations because I know you are following them in detail.

I would not count on the O'bama administration for any cohesive policy that makes any sense globally.

Nor will I count on the O'bama regime to make any positive, or, intelligent moves in the middle east that have actual American interests at heart. As you know, I believe he is, at best, an ignorant individual, who is way beyond his competence level. At worst, I believe he is a devout marxist whose "transformation" of my country is treasonous.

Ah well, once more into the breach!

Adam

[william.scherk]

Libya is a primordial swamp of tribal insanity and is, indeed, an outlier.

Tunisia is extremely promising and clearly, in my opinion, a model worth modeling.

As to Egypt, I just do not know. It is globally pivotal as to how Egypt resolves its significant crises and issues.

Syria is a disaster. The Assad regime and its families has, as I understand the situation there, "gone to the mattresses." The regime is in an all out Godfather Mafia style attack on all the other forces. I see no good outcomes there.

We shall see. I have been patiently waiting for your reports on the Mideast situations because I know you are following them in detail.

Thanks for that vote of confidence. I will collect a few of my better posts in re Syria and post some links here, in passing.

What we will see in Libya is at least a year of struggle to consolidate a new temporary regime of security and economic management.

Although some find alarming the lack of cohesion, it is still remarkable to me what happened after 42 years of their version of Mad King George. Frankly, at my most cynical, I must admit that even Canada acted lordly in Libya. We ran the airshow and are now collecting the commercial spoils as Mr Clean in the energy industry. US commercial interests expertly maneuvered the run-up and aftermath. Turkey will ease smoothly back in to construction and infrastructure. Other allied nations under NATO and Qatari blessing will prosper in Libya. Sadly, Russia and China will face a few delays in commercial harvests ...

Libyans who took their exile in Canada, the UK, and the USA flocked back to the homeland. It is their 1777. I will be concerned in a year if they have not got more of their shit together, but Gazzafi really fucked up everything politically, save his insistence on education. That is obviously bringing benefits back along with its new stronger western tilt and alliances.

I must give more than zero credit to America (subtract Obama) for coming out on the other side more deeply influential in both Tunisia and Libya. American power (to Russian dismay) expanded.

I look ultimately to KSA and the princely states at least emerging into the 20th century in my time. There the US will face a mighty moral dilemma.

Sorry to turn everthing back to the electoral choices Americans face in the run-up to November, and to the four horsemen of the Republican party, but Adam -- have you checked what little they have had to say on these MENA issues?

When I say the rapture-infected maniacs have too much sway in the hoopla on the way to Tampa, I look at candidates support for acts and actual actual enunciated policies. Thus my distinction between what they say they will do and their actual plans and chances of implementation.

On actual US policy and its continuance of US interests, we can disagree, of course. I say most American do not fear Obama at the foreign policy tiller because they understand the US Ship of State is huge and no one person can suddenly divert it from its pre-planned courses.

If anything, all the Republicans foresee a strong turn, a more punitive, a militaristic if not bellicose America. I think more Americans are weary of this than relish it, as voters. In the case of Syria (as with Libya), the Republicans also offer a smorgasbord of contradictory options, Bomb/don't bomb, Arm/Don't arm, Get in there/Stay out. I do not get a sense that Romney, for example, has been properly briefed, and that Gingrich will say ignorant things to tempt ignorant votes.

Which of those guys knows enough to handle the tiller in this sense? I have no idea where they are going or where they want America to apply its muscle and its moral commitments.

Adam, less seriously, but not entirely in jest: do I come off like a maniac or bamboozled-by-socialist-shibboleths Canadian to you on US political issues? Do my opinions or reportage make a difference when you consider the line-up, or are you in a nose-holding pattern until November?

On MENA issues, I just do not write much anymore. When I do write I prefer Syria Comment where I can engage closer actors in the drama, where a Wiig would not make it past the garden gate.

Edited March 21, 2012 by william.scherk

[Selene]

Adam, less seriously, but not entirely in jest: do I come off like a maniac or bamboozled-by-socialist-shibboleths Canadian to you on US political issues? Do my opinions or reportage make a difference when you consider the line-up, or are you in a nose-holding pattern until November?

On MENA issues, I just do not write much anymore. When I do write I prefer Syria Comment where I can engage closer actors in the drama, where a Wiig would not make it past the garden gate.

William:

FYI: For those, including myself, who do not speak alphabet, MENA means:

For other uses, see Mena

Commonly accepted as MENA countries.

Sometimes also considered part of the region.

The term

MENA

, for "

Middle East

and

North Africa

", is an

acronym

often used in

academic

, military planning and business writing.

[1]

[2]

The term covers an extensive region, extending from

Morocco

to

Iran

, including the majority of both the

Middle Eastern

and

Maghreb

countries. The term is roughly synonymous with the term the

Greater Middle East

(which is also sometimes taken to include

Pakistan

,

Afghanistan

, or both).

The population of the MENA region at its least extent is about 381 million people, about 6% of the total world population.

[3]

At its greatest extent, its population is roughly 523 million.

[4]

As to your perception of American politics, you do perceive it through a filter. It is difficult to explain, but this election is going to be decided on the facts that:

1) the economy absolutely sucks;

2) gasoline is twice as high as when he took office; and

3) people are basically terrified by what they feel is an out of control society wherein even the broad conservative middle class has had itself shaken to the core.

So to that degree, the middle east, contraceptives and ultrasound issues do not even move the meter of public concern.

Adam

[caroljane]

O Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, tortured Syria.

"A terrible beauty is born."

[Selene]

O Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, tortured Syria.

"A terrible beauty is born."

Mrs. Assad? She is damned hot too!!!!

Asma al-Assad

أسماء الأسد First Lady of Syria Personal details Born Asma al-Akhras

11 August 1975 (age 36)

London, England Nationality Syrian, British Spouse(s) Bashar al-Assad Relations Fawaz Akhras Children Hafez (born 2001)

Zein (born 2003)

Karim (born 2004) Alma mater King's College London

Asma al-Assad (Arabic: أسماء الأسد‎); born 11 August 1975; née Asma al-Akhras (Arabic: أسماء فواز الأخرس‎), is the British-born First Lady of Syria.^[1]

^{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asma_al-Assad}

[Jerry Biggers]

O Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, tortured Syria.

"A terrible beauty is born."

Mrs. Assad? She is damned hot too!!!!

Asma al-Assad

أسماء الأسد First Lady of Syria Personal details Born Asma al-Akhras

11 August 1975 (age 36)

London, England Nationality Syrian, British Spouse(s) Bashar al-Assad Relations Fawaz Akhras Children Hafez (born 2001)

Zein (born 2003)

Karim (born 2004) Alma mater King's College London

Asma al-Assad (Arabic: أسماء الأسد‎); born 11 August 1975; née Asma al-Akhras (Arabic: أسماء فواز الأخرس‎), is the British-born First Lady of Syria.^[1]

^{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asma_al-Assad}

Yes, in the time-honored tradition, represented in the 20th century by Evita, Mrs. Ceausescu, and Jian Qing (aka, "Madame Mao").. She has a lot to live down to.

[caroljane]

Yes, in the time-honored tradition, represented in the 20th century by Evita, Mrs. Ceausescu, and Jian Qing (aka, "Madame Mao").. She has a lot to live down to.

She's more of a cross between Tsarina Alexandra and Imelda Marcos, with her new Christian Louboutins and her turning up the volume on the imported C&W wailin' fiddles, while Syria burns.

[Selene]

Multiple orgasms for women....

[caroljane]

Multiple orgasms for women....

Multiple torture devices.

Call me unwomanly but I don't like shoes and I never wear them unless I absolutely have to.

And you thought you were kinky!

[caroljane]

I seriously believe that Rand circa 1972/76/80 would call out Santorum's grotesque pandering if nothing else. I support the critical scrutiny given Santorum by Objectivish opinionists. I want my Objective friends to be the ones who frankly and realistically tell me what is wrong with the Republican choices, to reassure me that if one of these maniacs gets in the White House, they will not actually do what they promised ... in their pandering to the religious maniacs.

William:

I am afraid no one can make that promise. Any more than we could make the promises as to the outcome of the "Arab spring" which looks a lot like it is going to wind up as a bitter cold winter.

Pandering to maniacs just does not pay, in the end. But I see what you mean. There is, I acknowledge, a long slog ahead, even for a Western-ish bastion like Tunisia.

Still, I would stress that people there are no longer at the mercy of an unaccountable personal state as they had been. They have a real, legitimate (if temporary) President and a real (if temporary) leader (PM) of the majority of their new constituent assembly. This after a fair, clean election for the first time.....

How about this? If last year was Tunisia's 1776 or (in Canada's case) 1982, a legal and social-psychological break, a revolution indeed, when do we then weary of futile movements for freedom and democracy? In 1778, 1785, 1789? 1812? 1862?

Dearest comrade, as much as I can see the beginnings of great change and causes for great hope, I cannot hope that our American friends here can see the same. 1776 does not translate. The American Revolution was unique, born as much of pure idealism as of territorial pragmatism, and it is uniquely theirs. Looking at the old, old world with its old, old hates and tribalisms and unenlightened cultural practices, it is hard to see anything good emerging, except a rearrangement of ancient savageries. And especially hard to see anything good for America emerging, in turmoil far away, where American interests might be threatened and American blood might be spilled. Middle Easterners cannot understand freedom or democracy the way Americans understand it. Americans now, are something in the position of the English in the 18th century, I don't mean as imperialists, but as puzzled observers of unfathomable actions in parts of the world that had never seemed important before.

As to 1982 - ah. I am looking at my commemorative dollar coin that was at the bottom of an old jewel box, tarnished and disregarded. So entirely us - the completion, the acknowledgement of what already is, and the guarantee of what should be. Taken for granted.

[Ellen Stuttle]

Multiple torture devices.

Call me unwomanly but I don't like shoes and I never wear them unless I absolutely have to.

LOL. Likewise.

Ellen

[Brant Gaede]

Barefoot Contessas.

--Brant