Meet the New Face of Militant Fundamentalism

And he's an American Christian who wants you to die to fulfill his death wish.

Pastor John Hagee threw his support behind John McCain, and McCain was "very honored" by the endorsement.

The only problem is that Hagee wants to kill us all to bring about the second coming of his savior.  In 2006, he said:

The United States must join Israel in a pre-emptive military strike against Iran to fulfill God’s plan for both Israel and the West… a biblically prophesied end-time confrontation with Iran, which will lead to the Rapture, Tribulation, and Second Coming of Christ.

Do you understand this - a pre-emptive strike against Iran will destabilize the entire region, prompting all sorts of retaliatory attacks on America, possible nuclear retaliation as well, which will bring the end of civilization as we know it.

In other words, Hagee's wish is a self-fulfilling - the world ends whether he's right or not, meaning he gets to die thinking he's right when he's not.

This is what happens when you mix religion and politics - you get nut-jobs who care not one whit about other human life, as long as their dementia and delusions are given respect in the light of day.

If you're religious, remember this - your God is probably Hagee's God as well.  If you're Christian, remember your Bible is the same one Hagee reads and fabricates his anti-human philosophy from.

There is no such thing as a religious moderate - you're either a rational human being who realizes there is no sky-spirit, or you're an enabler of fundamentalists who want to kill everyone.

del.icio.us Tags: religion,atheism,atheist,politics,liberty

Think Progress » Blog Archive » McCain ‘Very Honored’ By Support Of Pastor Preaching ‘End-Time Confrontation With Iran’

Reason Number 27 Why I Don't Do Starbucks

They have a gift card personalization program - get a gift card with a personal message on it.  According to them, however, foreign phrases and political statements are off limits.

However, the problem is "Laissez Faire" appears to be the only foreign phrase political statement they won't print.  Seems they will print "People Not Profits" and "Si Se Puede".

For the record, "laissez faire" is French for "leave us alone", describing the classic liberal philosophy of open markets and limited government intervention.  "Si Se Puede" is Spanish for "Yes We Can", the slogan of the United Farm Workers and recently adopted, in English, by Barak Obama.

In other words, a company who is a great example of a capitalism success story won't print pro-Capitalism slogans on cards, just pro-Socialist ones.

And this is why I buy my coffee from Tully's.

del.icio.us Tags: capitalism,socialism,economics,coffee

Starbucks and 'Laissez Faire'

Hillary Clinton thinks you are an idiot

At least, that's what her spokeswoman says she said.

Hillary's been telling the story about an uninsured pregnant woman denied treatment at an Ohio hospital for wont of US$100, who winds up losing her baby and then her life.  The hospital, it seems, took some offense to Hillary saying they denied treatment to the woman, who in fact had insurance, was seen, and if pretty much alive.  Seems Hillary forgot to fact-check the story she was told by Bryan Holman, who was hosting her visit to Pomeroy, Ohio.

But that just points to Hillary's idiocy - the statement at the bottom of the CNN story indicates she thinks Americans are idiots as well - according to Mo Elleithee, Clinton's spokeswoman:

She never mentions the hospital by name and isn't trying to cast blame. She tells this story because it illustrates the point that we have a very serious health care problem in America. That's a point very few people will dispute. [emphasis mine]

In other words, the false story she was telling was being used to bolster her position that there is a health-care crisis that she needs to fix.  She is saying very few people will dispute the crisis, even after finding out the story she was using to make the point was false.

Does she not think Americans can think for themselves?  That we're not capable of rational logical thought?  If you support a claim with false evidence,the claim is false as well, unless you can find true evidence to support it.  To do otherwise isn't "misspeaking" - it's lying.

In a court of law, this case would be on its way to acquittal - instead, we're still trying to figure out which socialist will run as Democrat this fall.

del.icio.us Tags: government,politics,president,election,hillary,democrat

Clinton drops hospital story from stump speech - CNN.com

Good bye, First Amendment...

Don't even think of exercising it if you want to be on a citizen's advisory councils for local Chicago parks.  Apparently, if you want to be part of the council, you'll need to submit to a criminal background check and provide references.  And any money you wind up raising for the new swing set may be used for other things.

Apparently, the park district's director of legislative and community affairs, Tim King, says it's just a "well-intentioned effort" to bring order to the system. 

Almost every evil deed done under the sun was well-intentioned, and the really insidious ones have that lawyerly tone to them that make your butt pucker.  You live there?  Tell King to take a long walk off Navy Pier.

del.icio.us Tags: government,regulation,liberty,economics

Chicago Business News, Analysis & Articles | Got an opinion? Park District has rules | Crain's

Inhaled gas is no laughing matter - Crime & courts- msnbc.com

Glad I don't live in New York.  Not sure about the details here - MSNBC deployed their usual crack staff of reporters to bring you all the details - but apparently it's illegal for a dentist to get smashed on his own stash.  I can only assume it's legal to have and administer nitrous to patients in NY, but illegal to take it yourself if you're the doctor prescribing it.

Of course, nitrous is really REALLY harmless, has effects that last less time than the afterglow of an orgasm, and is freely available to any dental patient with tartar and a bit of panic who need to drive home after their appointments - I'm not sure why the good doctor was arrested.  Like I said, glad I don't live in NY.

del.icio.us Tags: government,drugs,responsibility,liberty

Inhaled gas is no laughing matter - Crime & courts- msnbc.com

Cato-at-liberty » Oy, Hillary

If the notion of President Hillary Clinton doesn't scare you already, I doubt this will cause you to start.  But if, like me, you're completely terrified of a "government junkie" who doesn't believe there's such a thing as "other people's children being President, then this will just push you over the top.

I'd Love to see if this is Hillary's position or just what her Zionist staffer believes...

del.icio.us Tags: government,presidency,liberty,foreign policy,election

Cato-at-liberty » Oy, Hillary

Firearms industry should bear financial liability for homicides involving handguns?

According to George Nation, a law professor at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, they should.

The professor offers no opinion on whether:

• Auto makers should be liable for car accidents
• Weathermen should be liable for flood damages
• Law professors should be liable for frivolous lawsuits.

Personally, I'm willing to print him out a dozen or so "Owner Unarmed - Pleaser Don't Rob Me" signs he can put in the the windows of his home, car, or tape to his shirt.  Then he can be responsible for (and liable for) his own damn safety.

del.icio.us Tags: law,guns,firearms,responsibility

Firearms industry should bear financial liability for homicides involving handguns

GoDaddy Silences Police-Watchdog Site RateMyCop.com

Interesting - RateMyCop.com, a website to watch the watchers, gets some crap from LEO's, and the hosting company pulls the site quicker than you can say "You have the right to remain silent".

The story is disturbing not only for the reaction of the hosting company (I won't name them - they don't deserve the publicity), but also the reaction of law enforcement officers who are afraid of ... what exactly?  Cyber-bullying?  Some whack job will come hunt them down?  They say the website exposes them, but they're government workers in the public eye 24x7 - aren't they exposed anyway?  Shouldn't they want more exposure?

del.icio.us Tags: government,crime,law enforcement,liberty

GoDaddy Silences Police-Watchdog Site RateMyCop.com -- Update | Threat Level from Wired.com

Is Salvia the Next Marijuana?

If you live in Florida, try not to stand in front of Representative Mary Brandenburg, lest her knee-jerking cause you great bodily injury.

More on this later...

del.icio.us Tags: crime,government,drugs,reponsibility,liberty

Is Salvia the Next Marijuana?

Auto Loan Defaults Newest Financial Meltdown

Maybe when I wrote about the subprime mortgage problems and alluded to buying more car than you can afford, I should have kept my mouth shut.  Apparently, that's exactly what's happening.

Of course, in this case, it is pure fraud - inflating income to qualify for financing.  The question is who is at fault - the seller who put down an inflated income, or the buyer who signed the lease knowing the figure was wrong.

I think they should live in adjoining cells for a few months.

del.icio.us Tags: economics,responsibility,consumers

cbs5.com - Auto Loan Defaults Newest Financial Meltdown

Pennsylvania takes on online auctions

Next time someone asks me why I don't like state licensing of businesses and trades, I'll point to this story.

The hero, one Mary Jo Pletz, was investigated by PA state officials for running an eBay store without a PA state auctioneers license.  The situation was summed up brilliantly by Barry Fallon, who was similarly investigated by PA's bureaucrats:

It's like the buggy-whip manufacturer's deciding whether these newfangled automobile manufacturers can do it without a buggy-whip license.

It's wrong, plain and simple - in this age of easy, instant, and world-wide communications and commerce, PA foisting their licensing scheme on a global business makes no sense.

Remember, you voted for these people - call them and tell them what you think.

del.icio.us Tags: liberty,economics,licensing,government,internet,crime

Pennsylvania takes on online auctions | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/30/2008

Reckless Mortgage Lenders Do Not Deserve to Be Rescued Either

Great article, as is the predecessor article on why irresponsible borrowers don't deserve a bail-out.  And no, I don't want to hear that you're losing you home because of this.  As a responsible homeowner, mortgage holder, and taxpayer, I'm tired of bailing out folks who think they don't need to be responsible.

You bought more house than you can afford - had you done this with any other commodity and a credit card, you wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell of a bailout.  Why should you get one because there's a house involved?

del.icio.us Tags: government,responsibility,economics,essay

Reckless Mortgage Lenders Do Not Deserve to Be Rescued Either

Huckabee: ‘amend the Constitution’ to ‘God’s standards.’

If this man doesn't scare you, you're not listening.  Even if you're an evangelical Christian, you should be scared, because I can guarantee you one thing: you won't like what your evangelical Christian neighbors want to do with your Constitution.

del.icio.us Tags: religion,politics,government,election

Think Progress » Huckabee: ‘amend the Constitution’ to ‘God’s standards.’

Abusing Children in the Name of God

I'm a libertarian - forcing anyone to do anything is anathema to me.  Telling people how to raise their children is also beyond what I think a civilized society should do.  However, with this libertarian philosophy comes the responsibility to do things correctly and appropriately.  I do not steal, not because the law forbids it, but because it is wrong to do so.  I do not kill, not because the law forbids it, but because it is wrong to so.  I care for my loved ones, not because the law requires it, but because it correct to do so.  I do these things - no one else.  Me.

This is why it baffles me that there are people out there who love and care for their children, but who leave their fates to a phantom spirit with sadistic tendencies.  Faith is not, and has never been, enough to someone to provide for their family.  If it were, they would not have to work to provide for food and shelter and clothing.  Why do they think it is enough when their child sprouts tumors or bleeds incessantly?

People who believe that a mythical spirit in the sky will take care of their children's ills and sicknesses are delusional, suffering from a form of mental illness, and should be treated as such.  Would you let a mentally ill person care for your child?  As much as I hater government involvement and intrusion into the personal lives of American citizens, the greater evil is letting children be raised (or killed) by mentally ill parents.

del.icio.us Tags: religion,government,atheism,responsibility

On Faith: Guest Voices: Abusing Children in the Name of God

Pat Robertson predicts violence, recession for 2008

Pat Robertson's predictions are meaningless drivel, and should be treated as such.  Let's take a look at some of Pat's work...

Pat and his personal god are predicting violence for 2008, when in fact the stage in Pakistan and Kenya is already well and truly set for violence, and there has already been violence in Kenya this year.  So, good for you Pat - you and your savior got one right.  You're doing as well as any fifth grader with a newspaper subscription.

As for recession, economists were calling this one in December, but let me tell you, I'm certainly glad the creator of the universe has taken the time to analyze the economic situation in America.

Let's take a look at Pat's previous predictions:

In 2004, Pat's god predicted a blow-out victory for Bush in that year's presidential election.  Bush won with 51% of the vote and a Supreme Court ruling.  Again.  Not a blow-out.

For 2006, Pat's personal god predicted massive hurricanes lashing the coast of America.  Three tropical storms was all the 2006 saw.  Your god is wrong again, Pat.

For 2007, Pat's savior predicted a nuclear terror attack on America, which never happened.  His explanation?

All I can think is that somehow the people of God prayed and God in his mercy spared us.

So did I miss it? Possibly. Or, on the other hand, did God avert it? Possibly. But whatever, it didn't happen, so I think we can all rejoice.

Convenient, isn't it.  You miss a prediction, and can thank the prayers of the "faithful" for bringing it about.  Instead of saying, "I don't know what the fuck I'm talking about", you chalk up your disappointment to the prayers of your listeners.  Maybe you could ask your 700 Club audience to pray for no recession this year as well?  I mean, if they could avert a nuclear attack with some mindless posturing and chanting, surely boosting the economy is a mere trifle?

So tell me, Pat: Where were those prayers on 9/11/01, when the "faithful" took out the World Trade Center?  Didn't you call that a punishment from your personal god for the sins of America?  Why did the prayers work this time, and not then?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: There is no god.  No supernatural creator of the universe.  No universal spirit with an unhealthy interest in a patch of land on the shores of the western Mediterranean.  No personal savior who can bypass the laws of physics and give you 70+ virgins if you blow yourself up in a crowded mall.  Anyone who tells you there is, anyone who spends a good deal of time trying to convince you there is, anyone who claims to be the personal spokesman for this ectoplasmic sadist is a con artist.

Con men like Robertson are after two things: your money, and power over you.  When you believe them, the terrorists win.

del.icio.us Tags: atheism,religion,reponsibility,prediction,terrorism

Pat Robertson predicts violence, recession for 2008 | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

Huckabee Would Criminalize Abortion Providers

This is why you don't want to elect anyone with a strong religious background, especially someone who professes his belief as part of his campaign to be President of the U.S.

I wonder how Huckabee feels about capital punishment?  Most evangelicals I know are pro-capital punishment - I thought the god of the Christians was a loving, compassionate, consistent god, not some whack-job who can't tell the difference between killing a human being (abortion) and killing a human being (capital punishment).  Then again, I'm not an evangelical Christian, so the mind of god is closed to me.

del.icio.us Tags: religion,politics,atheism

Huckabee Would Criminalize Abortion Providers | The Trail | washingtonpost.com

Woman Escorted Off Fort Worth Transit Bus For Reading Bible Aloud

A woman on a bus in Fort Worth this past Sunday was asked to leave the bus for reading her Bible out loud to her children.  Apparently, it was bothering the driver, and she was then asked to either stop or leave.  When she wouldn't stop, she was asked to leave.

And shortly thereafter began the "Help!  Help!  I'm being persecuted!" cries that Christians are famous for.

This is the basic problem with all religions: they feel the need to loudly and publicly declare their faith, whether by reading a Bible out loud, wearing burkas or yamulkas or cruciforms, carrying prayer mats, etc., and then - and here's the problematic part - acting offended when other people ask them to be more private with their faith.

If I were a believer in Zeus and decided to publicly sacrifice a goat on an altar in a public park as part of my faith, I would be correctly either arrested for animal cruelty or at least questioned and challenged by not only authorities but passers-by as well.  (actually, I could be an adherent to the Old Testament as well with the same actions).  Why then do we not feel it proper or correct or acceptable to question and challenge Christians or Moslems or Jews on their public displays of faith?

I don't care that the woman reads the Bible - whatever fantasy gets her through the day is fine.  I have a problem with her inculcating this deviant fantasy in her children (yes, I think religious training for kids is a form of child abuse), but until we can have a frank and open and reasoned discussion over matters of faith, it's a moot point.  It's when her expression of faith begins to encroach upon my personal space that it becomes a problem.

If I were a passenger, I'd ask her to stop and if she didn't, I'd get off the bus - my problem, my solution (either that, or start reading aloud from some erotic novel as a counter-point fantasy).  The driver has no such recourse, so getting her off the bus is the only solution.

del.icio.us Tags: religion,atheism,athiest,government,liberty

cbs11tv.com - Woman Escorted Off Fort Worth Transit Bus For Reading Bible Aloud

Farkitrol® - It can help™ with Dangerous Playgrounditis.

From the folks who brought you Fark.com - this is wonderful.  A pill for parent's to turn off the over-protective behavior.  My skinned knees are thankful this wasn't needed when I was a kid...

Farkitrol® - It can help™ with Dangerous Playgrounditis.

del.icio.us Tags: parenting,humor,funny,fark,satire

MySpace hoax victim’s kin seek justice

And I don't blame her.  Read the story if you don't already know it - the basics are this: a 13 year old girl named Megan committed suicide last year because of cyber-bullying.  Seems she had a falling out with her friend, and her friend's mother (who I'll call Eva) set up an account for a fictional 16-year-old boy named Josh, who pretended to like Megan, then turned on her and started the bullying.  She suicided within six weeks of meeting Josh.

Some thoughts:

Why isn't this negligent homicide?  If I ran a long con on someone in real life and they died because of it, I'd be criminally liable, wouldn't I?  Why haven't the local authorities followed that line of reasoning?

Megan's parents won't ID the family because of the daughter - good thing, protecting minors like that, but when that zaftig little snowflake turns 18, I'd be blasting the mom's name from the rooftops, taking our full page ads in the New York Times denouncing her and her actions.  She's despicable, she's evil, and worse, she's remorseless.  She deserves the same in return.  And if you know this repugnant creature, do yourself and us a favor - turn your back on her.  Pray for a painful and slow death then dance on her grave when it takes her.  I almost wish Satan and Hell existed - she deserves both.

Lastly, more on Eva's behavior - if you feel the need to get involved in your kid's social struggles, do us all a favor and don't.  Kid fights are kid fights, and you getting involved does more damage than not.

UPDATE: The Smoking Gun has some police reports that ID the evil mother.

del.icio.us tags: technology, justice

MySpace hoax victim’s kin seek justice - TODAY: People - MSNBC.com

Creationists object to evolution exhibit

Might as well object to gravity and the fusion temperature of hydrogen.  This is another reason why religion is evil.

I love Dr. Leakey's smack down at the end.

del.icio.us tags: religion, creationism, science, anthropology, atheism

Creationists object to evolution exhibit