Lately, I keep running into a pile of nonsense on the Web, as follows:
1. I can’t support Israel, because I’m an atheist. Say what?!?!? Says who?
Apparently, this person. Read on.
That’s about the stupidest argument I’ve ever heard. A. Israel’s not a theocracy (there are theocratic elements, but we got ‘em too, and by no means is it apartheid) and B. It is by far the most ‘liberal’ government in the Middle East. Not to mention that it’s about the only stabilizing element thus far. Also, it’s the ‘No true Scotsman’ fallacy writ large.
2. I can’t say certain ‘words’, like ‘design’, or use loaded sentences such as ‘the darkness that lurks within us all’. My homesick ass, I say. I’ll use any phrase or word as I please. You think there are contextual underpinnings? That’s your problem, not mine. Ask me what I mean, don’t assume that I’m hinting at some allegorical folderol underneath.
3. For an atheist, I sure make a fuss about religion. Why do I care? For the umpteenth (and hopefully last) time, I’ll explain this:
Religious people are consistently sticking their nose in matters that don’t concern them. I’m all for live-and-let-live, hey, worship away, do as you like. Just keep it in your church, your little clique, etc. Wait for the rapture, the second coming, whatever it is that blows your dress up. Just stay out of my government, mind your own beeswax.
Short version: you say your ‘kingdom is not of this earth?’ Then wait for that castle in the sky to lower the drawbridge. I want no part of it.
4. You’re such a big, mean poopie-head.Oh, frickin’ grow up. If your faith is built on gossamer wings, that’s not my problem. Entirely yours. The aphorism about heat and kitchens springs to mind. You don’t like what I got to say? Don’t listen.
5. We are ‘our brother’s keeper’.We’re not related, so piss off.
Any questions?
/autorant off
9 comments:
That was quite the exchange on the NGB! You were in rare form KA.
PLV:
That was quite the exchange on the NGB! You were in rare form KA.
Ah, how I wish that were the norm, rather than the rare.;)
That...person just rubs me the wrong way in every way.
I stay out of debates about the middle east for a variety of reasons. But one of them is my inability to imagine either side as being more innocent than the other.
I don't like to hear about jews or muslims being killed over a small patch of dirt. Especially when that patch of dirt is virtually worthless except for the religious significance that it has for jews, christians and muslims.
I know that the issues are not only related to religious reasons, but I am sure it adds quite a bit of fuel to an already well-stoked fire.
BBIM:
But one of them is my inability to imagine either side as being more innocent than the other.
I think it's more a case of who's less guilty, myself.
Especially when that patch of dirt is virtually worthless except for the religious significance that it has for jews, christians and muslims.
It's stupid, I agree, but the world's kinda stuck w/it.
BEAJ:
Yeah, I've noticed she's got a bug up her ass. I've seen her launch into histrionics (anti-israel) when someone's asked her to take her problem elsewhere.
Not to mention how she followed you around for some time.
I don't know what you did to gain her notice, but she sure went apeshit about it.
Being one can simply be someone who supports Israels right to exist.
Well, definitions vary ever so slightly from person to person, right? ;)
Ooh. Are you PMSing KA?
That was a good rant!
I agree with BeepBeep on the middle east. I'm finding it more and more difficult to get interested in even thinking about a problem centered around who gets the "Holy" dirt. As was said, there's more to it, but take away that factor and see who still wants to fight about it.
Bernarda lives in France, eh? Maybe she was displaced --or her family at some point was displaced by the zionist movement. She certainly has a beehive up her butt about it.
karen:
Ooh. Are you PMSing KA?
Nah, venting only ever so slightly.
That was a good rant!
Really? I just phoned that 1 in.
I agree with BeepBeep on the middle east. I'm finding it more and more difficult to get interested in even thinking about a problem centered around who gets the "Holy" dirt. As was said, there's more to it, but take away that factor and see who still wants to fight about it.
I used to be in agreement w/that. More I researched, the more I changed my mind. Like it or not, everything is boiling down to that patch o' dirt. I think it's stupid too, but I for 1 am getting more than a little tired of people trumpeting about 'WWWIII' every time somebody (either side) goes apeshit over there.
Besides, even if you could subtract the religious overtones, people in the ME have very LONG memories.
She certainly has a beehive up her butt about it.
See, I got a theory about that: deep down, she's still a theist. Still needs to attach herself to something bigger, preferably w/martyrdom as a core value.
Am I wrong, or does she argue like a theist?
Do try to swing by more often, love.
See, I got a theory about that: deep down, she's still a theist.
I've had people say that to me about me. It irks me. It was for a different reasons though.
Still needs to attach herself to something bigger, preferably w/martyrdom as a core value.
I dunno. I get the feeling she sees HERSELF as something bigger, with more authority than anyone else.
Am I wrong, or does she argue like a theist?
I'm with ya on that 'un.
Do try to swing by more often, love.
Workin' on it. Life has been a rollercoaster ride lately. Not what I'd expected from my empty nest. I may have to add ADD to my list of disorders soon! :P
karen:
I've had people say that to me about me. It irks me. It was for a different reasons though.
Same here. On all counts.
I dunno. I get the feeling she sees HERSELF as something bigger, with more authority than anyone else.
That's a good point. Where said authority stems from, is sketchy at best.
I'm with ya on that 'un.
Cool, then it's not just me.
Workin' on it. Life has been a rollercoaster ride lately. Not what I'd expected from my empty nest. I may have to add ADD to my list of disorders soon! :P
Life is a rollercoaster ride for us all. There's dips & peaks.
Empty nest syndrome? You have my sympathies. I know how maternal you are.
That's a compliment, BTW. ;)
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