Fundamentalists of the world, beware !! The following is not for the strong of faith, or weak of mind! We might get into your head, and then where would you be? Sign off now -- and be sure to have a nice day!
One of the great things about being a loose cannon is: there are so many targets around, you can't help but hit something. Even shooting from the hip, we hit something -- hope it's not your ego, piety or halo.
LOOSE CANNON
(NEW POSTING --April 26, 2008)
--Some Trumpets, a tuba, and Captain Corelli's mandeline in the background--
HONOR
One would think an old artillery man like me could kick back and relax watching the ancient NBC miniseries "CENTENNIAL" without his blood coming to a boil. I mean, I've read Mitchener's Great Plains revelations before, and have seen the 26 hour-long extravaganza years ago (before Bush took this nation to war in Iraq). But last night watching the second quarter of the scratchy tape, I came unglued during Colonel Frank Skimmerhorn's massacre of defenseless Indian women and children. I think what bugged me most was that it represented a parallel of George W. Bush's recent misadventure in Mesopotamia.
Frank Skimmerhorn was a fictitious character obviously meant to portray Colonel John Chivington of the Colorado Territorial Militia who led 700 'brave' soldiers in an attack on a Cheyenne Indian village in November 1864. An inquiry into the incident resulted in the attack being labeled a massacre and known today as the 'Sand Creek Massacre.' At least 150 Indians, mostly women, children, and infants were slaughtered that day. Watching the portrayal on the tape, and the ensuing court martial of a young captain for failure to "pursue and destroy the enemy" was too much for me to bear. My anger climaxed when Major Maxwell Murphy, U.S. Army adjutant concerning Indian Affairs challenged Skimmerhorn to a duel with swords. Skimmerhorn was saved from harm by other players, giving that Ass the benefit of the doubt (reasonable men allowed too much quarter, even back then).
The above referenced parallel equates the grossness of the cowardly induced debacle in Iraq to Skimmerhorn's cowardice of yesteryear. Tens of thousands of innocent civilians have been destroyed because of Bush's And Cheney's insistence of the need to eliminate Saddam Hussein -- and their actions continue to be applauded by the fraidy-cats of this nation. No matter that Bush's initiative was premeditated by such self-serving reasons as to: 1. control the oil; 2. revenge Hussein's attempt to assassinate his dad, George senior; 3. finish the work his dad -- for good reason -- avoided, so as to embellish the House-of-Bush legacy; 4. more assert the possibility of re-election in 2004; and 5. spread America's Christianity to the Muslim heretics. The only difference between the two disasters are that, the earlier was an attempt at genocide of a dwindling race, while the latter is an attempt at converting a burgeoning, mind-bound culture.
Even the duel between Skimmerhorn and Murphy had its present day comparison; back during the run-up to the invasion of Iraq, Hussein suggested an alternative to war that the Bush team replied as "inappropriate." The suggestion by Hussein was that he and Bush settle their differences by duelling. The cowardly Bush, protected by the strongest army in the world, instead (with astonishing bravado -- NOT), sent 4,000 more troops to their deaths (30,000 troops maimed, as well) to add to the already dead 3,000 of the WTC atrocity that Hussein had nothing to do with.
HONOR is not one of the hallmarks of George Bush or Dick Cheney.
---------------------------------------------------------------- (JANUARY 2008)
THE BIGGEST THREAT TO AMERICA TODAY ARE ITS UNBORN FETUSES (akin to, but much more serious than a previous emergency: Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction at a Super Bowl half-time show).
Why do I say that? Simple deduction: most if not all Republicans running for president deem the survival of the human fetus in its mother's womb more of an issue than the national debt (nearing $10,000,000,000,000.00); the balance-of-trade payments (about $700,000,000,000.00 per year); the trashing of three of the ten first amendments and one article to our Constitution; the lack of a cogent energy policy; the illegal war in Iraq (which has taken the lives of almost 4,000 of our young people and maimed nearly eight times that number, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of killed and wounded Iraqi citizens).
They deem the developing fetus as more important than: treating sick and disabled Americans with the produce of stem cell research; giving more of our LIVING children adequate health insurance; giving our veterans proper treatment after they have given their limbs and minds in service to this administration . . . uuh, country. They insist on their fetal fetish in the face of: 1. burgeoning (and suffering) world population as if Homo sapiens are an endangered species; 2. mothers who insist on their right to decide what's best for themselves and their families; 3. their self-restricting, unnecessary limitation of others', if not their own, freedom. In short, these drape-mouthed, hammer-headed, ratchet-jawed, scum-sucking, brain-strained, fecal-feeding, cave-dwelling, self-righteous, pandering, hot-air losers piously proclaim that it is immoral to terminate a pregnancy. THEY, instead of the mother, would be the decider, even though not one holy book requires such limiting proscription! "This is what Jesus would do", they say, although Jesus or his supposed Daddy never said nuthin' about the subject.
If you remove orthodox religion's nose from the mix, there would be no fight -- no issue! It's like, these people always need something to get their olfactory organs in an uproar -- especially when a vulnerable young girl, in-the-family-way, is picked on -- so they manufacture yet another sin to make sure she's even more uncomfortable. The undoing of this great nation just might be the head-in-the-sand, eye-off-the-ball (and out-of-focus), bizarre issuance of Real Identification to every unborn -- as citizen.
WHY NOT POINT IN THE CORRECT DIRECTION (1-21-2007)
LOOSE CANNON One of the underpinnings of the Christian church is their adherents' overbearing charge to inform everyone in the land and on the planet that "Jesus Is Lord!" That "Jesus is Savior," and so on. It comes in many books entitled something like "Good News For Modern Man," the "Good Book," etc. Once these adherents are sensitized (brainwashed) in the delusion, they have absolutely no shame in imposing onto others their acquired grace (maybe another term besides grace is in order here -- maybe something like 'stickiness').
It wouldn't be so bad if their brand of delusion was the only game in town. Their saving graces are just as readily flushed down the terlet by others of another brand of delusion. What we have on this planet are many "saving graces" that each, in their way, insist that "grace" can only be achieved by adherence to their one and only true path of being saved. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that there is confusion here. One not indoctrinated from birth in any of the saving grace religions would be hard pressed to choose the true saving grace (and it goes without saying that they are all true -- as each one will claim).
Sounds like pre-owned car advertisements on TV, doesn't it? Oh, you don't think so? What . . . I am saying inappropriate things about religion -- a subject that should never be criticized? Well, that kind of thinking is exactly what got us to where we are today! Indulge me while I speak my mind 'cause we might not have that much time left while we dither about what is politically and metaphysically correct. That doesn't make sense, you say. Well, try this: They want to kill us so they can be saved by Allah through his grace. And we are exporting our self-serving wisdom to their shores so that they can experience our way toward grace -- even if it kills them! Makes perfectly good sense, doesn't it?
Getting back to proselytizing (sorry I digressed so -- it just seems that the subject gets my dander up, and there ain't enough dust mites around to keep my dander under control). I present the following as an attempt at logic: If God (or Jesus, or Allah) really had good intentions about the "souls" of mankind, would it not be more efficient to erect unequivocal signposts around the planet giving positive direction? No, the Bible or the Koran are not unequivocal signposts giving positive direction; they are more like pointing the finger of blame toward each other, saying to their readers that the followers of that Tome worship a God that is not real. Not only do they blame those followers of evil, their holy books are rife with chaos, errors, and contradictions causing their own followers to break away and form splinter groups which eventually will have other ways of achieving saving grace. Do I have to point out to you the abyss between the Shi'ia and the Sunni, as well as the differences 'tween Catholic and Protestant, and that of the Orthodox and the Reformed Jew? The "Good Book" probably should be called "That Book of the Dark and Muddy (or Bloody) River." I find it difficult to believe that the author of the universe is the same author(s) of any of these religious handbooks.
I think a more positive signpost might be one of those Jesus billboards that seem to be everywhere (but not necessarily where they can do the most good). Think about it: a Jesus billboard at a confusing intersection or split in the road, giving direction -- the kind that is most needed by an elderly driver who is perplexed in which way to go to get to Cuckamonga. Here's the driver approaching the intersection, and, since Jesus is omniscient as well as all-loving, He graciously gestures with His pointed finger which direction the old man should turn, thus guiding him and his passengers out of a potentially bad situation. Of course Jesus knows where the driver wants to go -- Jesus knows everything. And the driver's faith is reassured that Jesus is the one true God, or His Son, or, er, Ghost or whatever. With signposts in life like these billboards, there would me no need to proselytize since action speaks louder than words.
Now, if there is a God who desires our constant prostration before Him (it's always a Him) and He can't think of innovative ways like these helpful sign boards to gain converts and save (really save) souls, He is either not much of a thinker -- or maybe He's just a stinker who is only toying with us for His own amusement. Even if He is just testing us (always testing us as many jaded Christians surmise), it amounts to some cruel, certainly impolite, way to treat his supposed children. I know that this argument will fall on many deaf ears (those already deadened to any possibility of change). Thinking is not in their vocabulary when it comes to questioning their security blanket from birth. But most Americans agree that action is preferred over feeling good words -- why is it that religion gets a pass on action, allowing their fuzzy words to enrapture its listener? Oh well, a pro-active, interactive, 'Jesus' sign at a busy intersection would be a point in the right direction.
TRUMPETS ARE ECHOING IN THE BACKGROUND (10-01-2006)
They said it might get worse before it gets better. Others say "Let the train wreck!" Trouble is, how much of a dark age do we have to endure until we get the tracks up and functional again? Sure, the rest of the western world seems keen on extrapolating and building on the American 'Experiment,' but, as an American, I'm discouraged that fear has taken over in what was once known as "the brave 50 states." Fear of a deity's retribution, fear of terrorists, fear of atheists, fear of immigrants, fear of liberals and Democrats, and now, fear of FREEDOM. Not so? Why then has America chosen (albeit appointed by Republican Sandra Day O'Connor) and then re-elected (???) George W. Bush who, in his 2000 election campaign, remarked that "maybe Americans have too many freedoms."
When 9-11 occurred, I thought that that faith-based initiative would impress the religious minded people in this country the danger of what happens if religious zealotry takes hold. But, "No" they said almost in unison. "Those nineteen thugs hijacked the peace loving religion of Islam," they said. And they asked God for forgiveness for our "wicked ways" mimicking the harangue of fundamentalist leaders Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, among many other ditto heads. When the Alter-boy sexual abuse scandal hit the Catholic Church square in its groin, I thought, Wow -- this is going to shake the faith of those Pope-loving ring kissers. But, "No!" the Catholics said almost in unison. "There were just a few bad apples among all of the good apples in the barrel of Christ's intermediaries to the people."
Religiosity is inanely growing as the American conscience is continually tweaked by the various clergy. Guilt and fear is delivered in all forms from the pulpit, and now from the president and fearful members of congress. No one takes the time to dissect the crap coming through the tube, the radio, and the press (fearful of treading on the religious sentiments of its subscribers). America's once vibrant secularism, and Freedom itself, are in danger of being castigated to the waste pile. The very foundation of this nation is being eroded, not from without, but unknowingly from within by seemingly innocent adjustments toward recognition of guilt and superstition. As the death toll mounts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and as the shootings mount in schools and smaller cities here at home, more people are subscribing to amulets to ward off evil rather than searching their mental resources for addressing what are symptoms of a fearful society. Has everyone forgotten Franklin D. Roosevelt's quote: "All we have to fear is fear itself." George Bush, for all his swagger, is a fear monger -- pushing fear like some drug dealer pushes drugs, on his less enlightened base constituency. Get that base to the polls and DIEBOLD (plus intimidation) will take the election from there! Iraq, the Pre-emptive (but totally unnecessary) War, "is winnable" he says, like a child unable to accept possible defeat. Actually, he is a poor loser who throws a tantrum when he doesn't get his own way. He doesn't want to lose because EVERYONE will call him a loser. Well, probably half this country (and most of the world) are calling him "LOSER" already. He's not interested in the people of America -- his tax cuts for his rich friends show that. No, he's going to take this country down like Adolph Hitler did with Germany-- just to have his way!
Well, believers in Bush policy, here's one for you: Given- Bush is going to stay the course, right? The number of those religious fanatics we are up against is not miniscule. Bridget Gabriell, a Lebanese Christian, in her book "BECAUSE THEY HATE" says that 15% to 24% of the 1.2 billion Muslims on the planet are ready and primed Jihadists. That equates to about 200 million, or a little more, souls that are ready to counter our "staying the course" in Iraq. That's a bit much to put the cream of our youth up against. We can do better! A proposal to do just that appears on another page, herein, entitled POLITICS. Enjoy! Hey, I'm running low on cannon balls.
AMERICA RETREATS FURTHER INTO THE BOX (July 23, 2006)
The skies are darker, the rhetoric is fiercer, and Ann Coulter is even skinnier, as we advance to the rear. My cannon isn't so heavy though, since it is really just a keyboard and an Internet connection, but my country's flag is being sullied beyond recognition, even as federal legislators move to ban its desecration. Four cases in point, show some of the disparaging symptoms of a country being led into disarray.
1. The unborn fetus may be the undoing of a great nation!
Several days ago, our fearful president vetoed legislation that would have enhanced the prospect of curing some debilitating illnesses in existing, real people. "It is not the time, nor is it appropriate, to discard the unborn," the president said (my sources state), "just to favor those now suffering." He went on to say that " . . . it is God's plan that I act in accordance to his wishes." --though there is no mention of such a mandate in the Bible (with the exception being Senator Rick Santorum's Sunday School primer). Some analysts think the president is in direct communication with God on this issue, or maybe it's Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson, two sons of God, though not immaculately conceived as they have led many of their following to believe. Why then would women suffer this terrible decision to carry or to abort, if only they could be impregnated in God's preferred way of diddling?
Anyway, this nation is terribly divided over undeveloped tissue, from several day old embryos to months old fetuses. So large is the divide that Congress (now a religious entity) is unable or unwilling to enact needed legislation on important infrastructure issues, content to piously make a mountain out of a molehill from these concocted emotional issues. Should this mental gerrymandering continue, this once great nation will fall from its leadership of the world.
2. Lt. General H. Steven Blum offers sage advice ('scuse me, I think that's pronounced Bum)
Several days ago, the cheerful chief of the National Guard Bureau praised diversity in the services while managing disparaging remarks toward atheists, agnostics and bigots. Well, he should know bigotry after what he said about atheists and agnostics changing their spots and stripes when under fire. He can't seem to mentally grasp or understand our question: If we are not afraid of "omnipotent" God in peacetime, why would we be afraid of his wrath in wartime? He must be thinking about running for Congress!
3. Amish Farms Popcorn Factory on Terrorist Target List!
Several days ago, Homeland Security, Inc., (now a subsidiary of Halliburton) leaked an advanced itemization of their most recent project, a compilation of the most viable terrorist targets in America. The State of Indiana led the list (I'm surprised it wasn't Utah) with over 8,000 potential targets. Several farms including the Amish Farms Popcorn Factory were earmarked for Federal assistance to strengthen their security with fencing (what with the possibility of terrorists getting in with their cows, and all). One of the authors of the list is ex-vice president Dan Quayle, recently recuperated from a pre-frontal lobotomy that excised all memory of him being reminded that "You're no Jack Kennedy!" That operation has freed him to have a more rewarding vocation in the protection of Indiana, a state situated perilously between the more bohemian corn belt states of Ohio and Illinois. "no simple task!" he muttered in a telephone interview.
Incredibly, Hillary Clinton complained that Times Square was omitted from the list of about 5,000 targets in New York State, while California -- the most populous state with over 30,000,000 people -- complained that Homeland security would approve only a bit more than 3,000 identifiable targets.
4. Pennsylvania Preacher Has Phone Conversation With God.
If you doubt this story, you understand that you could be guilty of accusing a representative of God of bearing false witness. In the past several years, several men have announced they are having conversations with God, not the least which is our president, George W. Bush (God obviously talks to him about making war -- but not giving him a heads-up on hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis which could have saved countless lives).
At a fund raiser in the Rotary Club of Curwensville, PA, Preacher Dan Osterhaut was interrupted while prompting the audience in the spirit of giving during the collection, by a phone call from God on his cell phone. He then held a conversation with God about the joys of giving, relaying the information to the crowd. [This was reported on the front page of the Clearfield Progress Daily Newspaper, (7-10-06), as irrefutable, factual news].
Too bad they didn't have a speaker phone. Someone should be savvy enough to check phone records for God's number to verify, though I don't think anyone asked the reverend to scroll back through his caller ID.
I am reminded of the incident when an influential visitor once told Abraham Lincoln that God wished him to convey some very important advice to the president. Lincoln responded that if the advice was so important, please pray to have God speak to him directly.
OPUS DEI (May 15, 2006)
With so many targets, ammo is running low. We are advancing to the rear fighting a delaying action so as to find high ground somewhere -- anywhere! Not only are the fundamentalists of every stripe (Evangelical Christians, Muslims and Orthodox Jews) taking aim at our 220 year old wall of church and state separation, but now Catholocism's Opus Dei seeks to infiltrate and chip away at the wall also.
Why take aim at Opus Dei just now? Because they are the latest news concerning that Da Vinci Code story by Dan Brown, and soon to be released movie of same, produced by Ron Howard. It's a case of more bang for our buck considering Opus Dei and the Catholics seem sensitive to its numerous critics' offenses -- let's "bring it on," if it is permissible to use the words of one 'brave' world leader we all know and cherish.
Opus Dei (Latin for 'work of God') claims to be just another vehicle for doing good works under the auspices of the mighty Catholic Church, but it is suspiciously secret about its charter or 'governing constitution' (written in an obtuse form of church Latin without translation to the laity or the curious). Some of its dictates require its followers to be daily communicants and effectively discourage curiosity. It is the only order of the church whose Bishop reports directly to the Pope -- no other intermediary. Some go as far as calling it a cult in that singles are encouraged to live cloistered in 'centers' as 'numeraries' while giving up their day to day secular wages in exchange for a per diem stipend.
Secrecy is always provocative. Young children revel in the secrecy of their heroes' decoder rings and gadgetry. The Boy Scouts have their 'Order of the Arrow,' while the Masons have their own secrets. Of course, politicians and public figures are not always transparent either; and many of us have personal information that we are reluctant to give out. And the military couldn't function without secret information. Victoria's Secret lies in the imagination of those who are solicited by it, thus fueling erotic thoughts of what might lie beneath her chemise. Thus, se-cret(s) range from the sophomoric to adult maturity Opus Dei is of the former, not the latter, I believe.
It is no wonder the Da Vinci Code has struck a raw nerve. Opus Dei supporters cry foul in reaction to Brown's story, but that is the tease. Their secrecy provokes speculation, and one's imagination is left with much un-verifiable material. In other words, these religious players asked for it in their own way of being ecclesiastically cute. But what does all this have to do with eroding the wall separating church and state?
Opus Dei is a very 'conservative' agency of the Church. What is known of its members (there is no published membership directory) is that they are right wing Republicans in this country, and past sympathizers of rightist governments in other nations -- like Spain's Francisco Franco. One of Opus Dei's supernumeraries, (a member who is married and lives at home) Robert Hansen, treasonously sold American secrets to the Soviet Union as an FBI agent, netting him millions of dollars over 22 years. Unfortunately, his cavorting high-life with strippers also caused the outing and death of three double-agents in Russia. Of course that was more criminal than just a 'wayward' conservative life style.
Other members suspected to be in sympathy with Opus Dei are senators Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Sam Brownback of Kansas (the flat state with flat ideas), both very conservative Republicans. Mr. Santorum is noted for his speech at an Opus Dei event in Rome in 2002 where he was quoted as saying that John F. Kennedy's famous vow not to enforce Catholic doctrine through civil law has caused "much harm in America" and went on to describe President George W. Bush, a Methodist, as the nation's first true Catholic president.
Senator Brownback's contribution to the fray is his co-sponsoring the Constitutional Restoration Act. ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE described the bill like this: "If passed, it will strip the Supreme Court of the ability to even hear cases in which citizens protest faith-based abuses of power. Say the mayor of your town decides to declare Jesus lord and fire anyone who refuses to do so; or the principal of your local high school decides to read a fundamentalist prayer over the PA [system] every morning; or the president declares the United States a Christian nation. Under the Constitutional Restoration Act, that'll be just fine."
LOOSE CANNON (August 1, 2005)
Drat! I must aim my cannon at just one slime ball. Imagine, wasting a cannon ball on one person. He is a foreigner with the brass gonads to proclaim that he is the Christian Messiah No. II who has come to correct and improve the work of X-tian Messiah No. I, Jesus.
Yes, you guessed it! The Korean Rev. Sun Myung Moon is being elevated into my gun sight -- after I had the disgusting opportunity to read an advertisement from his newspaper (which he salvaged from the trash heap with an infusion of a lot of cash). The newspaper "THE WASHINGTON TIMES" is proclaimed in the advertisement as 'America's Newspaper.
Really! I thought America's daily paper was the "USA TODAY." Of course, the way things are being turned around, and upsidedown, here in what's left of the good ol' US of A, he may eventually be right! Of course He is right -- Right Wing that is, right now! And He is the darling of many (too many) right wing politicians and evangelicals, to the point of being a subject of coronation by some evangelical congressmen in one of our congressional buildings several years ago.
At any rate, the advertisement goes on about what the "Times" is going to do if Hillary Clinton runs for president in 2008. Imagine, a representative of the Fourth Estate promulgating a political opinion of a possible candidate. I know the Fourth Estate (the Press) has been asleep since 2001, but should they not reprimand one of their larger dailies for being so presumptuous and biased? Are there no ethics anymore? The Times advertisement is meant to greatly exacerbate the cultural war that everyone should be tiring of right now. The Times (and S. M. Moon) want America divided even further, and sell newspapers to the Clinton haters that amount to about half the country. The Times wants to be that group's national newspaper, and obviously this demagoguery is a shortcut to that goal. If you haven't noticed, the religiously afflicted in this country lap demagoguery up like there's no tomorrow (but, of course, the Rapture will soon be occurring -- that explains all).
Death by cannonball is not really good enough for the sorry s-o-b who would bilk millions from the unsuspecting sheep of this country (our Republican fundamentalist children will believe anything). Not that this country has enough problems today with throwing billions in money, and young lives, at Iraq, the Times wants to dredge up from the murky bottom of the Potomac all the whining diatribes (that were NEVER proven) about White Water; travelgate; Vince Foster's suicide (murder, they say); the good times Monica had under Bill's desk in the Oval Office (okay, Bill lied -- but no one died); and, of course, Hillary's $100,000 profit on the Commodities Exchange. The advertisement went on to assure the potential subscriber: "We will never let you forget!"
That sure is reassuring in the light of somewhat larger concerns about W's and Cheney's Enron connection in regard to California's energy Crisis (billions $$$, not $100,000, were involved); or, say, weapons of mass destruction that the UN assured Bush didn't exist; or, say, the minor chicanery of election voting abuse (or was it FRAUD?); the trashing of the wall separating religion and government; and on and on! No, this is no longer the country in which I was born and raised -- I guess I should gather my cannonballs up and retreat to another, more liberty minded, rational, less delusional country.
LOOSE CANNON
LOOSE CANNON (May 23, 2005)
Harumph! Well, here goes again! We're running low on ammo seeing that the Iraq war is draining the local ammo dump (just like the plywood shortage). That includes hot air as well as ordnance. So we'll try a little poetry instead, and see if it sticks! What a target, these religious anal expulsives, but shooting them is like shooting worms: the more we dissect them the more life-forms they morph into!
Radio station
'RTA (better named 'CRY),
has an intensely bitter tongue
for those of us who just won't buy
their backward, vitriolic dung.
Maybe they should lighten up
with a more universal fare:
Put 'Live/Let Live' into their cup,
'cause Jesus won't be coming this year.
Patriotism and religion
are simply not the same,
yet they promulgate this myth
with nary an inkling of shame.
Steve's quick to quip, fib and provoke.
Putting his foot in his big yap
Perhaps t'was the reason it broke...
Sweet respite from his daily pap!
The FCC protects free speeches
but with transcript and tapes we'll send,
they may decide that son of a beech's
program will come to an end!
To unsubscribe from such terrible ditties, WRTA should wash Steve's mouth out with soap before he starts a riot. He should get a life or a brain, or grab his wife and leave by train, to some distant place like the Plain in Spain.
Ugh! L.C. LOOSE CANNON (2-14-05)
Batten down the hatches! Swivel true the trunnions! The mentally afflicted are at it again! Newt Gingrich is back, running for president, and Ann Coulter (the blond bludgeon) is at his side advising people how to talk to liberals (which includes nearly all Democrats, Atheists and others who think for themselves). Michael Medved, in his new book, “Right Turns,” insists that conservatives are not only more astute and practical (the wall separating church and state is a one-way wall) than liberals, but they are happier (with their guns, and gods) and more fulfilled in their lives and work (yeah, these losers hardly get laid as often as their neighbor’s cow).
John Stuart Mill said it best: “Although it is not true that all conservative people are stupid, it is true that most stupid people are conservative.” What? Does Gingrich think the American public has no memory of his shenanigans? Or does he figure if Dubya Bush can flimflam the public, he can do it just as well? Ann Coulter must think so, ‘cause she would vote for Gingrich (or anyone) if he promises to nuke the Muslims. So much for moral values, or is flimflamming and genocide morally acceptable now? (God is soooo understanding of his followers—depending on which god your side is on today).
I know! I know! The Muslims aren’t playing by the rules (Geneva Convention and the English law of fair play) and probably should be nuked for their infantile, suicidal religiophobic attitude to the rest of the world (who happen to be all infidels). But our “most moral” leaders must understand that those guys have just upped the “faith” thing another notch or two. Even the Bible talks about faith strong enough to move mountains; well, those rag-heads are showing the American “faithful” that their faith is much more intense! I guess they’re asking us to show our strong faith, and a nuclear strike would probably move a lot of large sand dunes, mosques and the like if the strike were not targeted on a nearby mountain.
So we do in Mecca, Medina, and Karbala and the other not so holy places, and end the Middle East conundrum. Then, what’s next? Where there is not religious consensus, eventually there will be conflict. Coulter should try using the other side of her brain, then she might realize this. Gingrich doesn’t have a brain so that’s a wash. And Medved? Well, lump him in with reformed addict Limbaugh, Michael (the Worm, or is it Wermer?) Savage, and the O’Reilly factors and what do you get: a lot of red-hot, ersatz Jesus stuff about “kill them there before they kill us here.” No matter that Jesus said “believe in me and you will have everlasting life” (but I don’t think he meant to kill and maim others while doing it).
Where does that leave us Atheists in this no win situation? Take cover! There just aren’t enough of us to make a difference and since we are the only ones who really appreciate this life, we need to take steps to save our bacon. I’ve been an optimist all my life, but the future looks rather grim to me. Though we could fire our cannon 24 / 7 we’ll hit many shit-heads no matter where we aim, but there isn’t ammo enough to take them all out. Curtain closes on planet Earth.
THE CONUNDRUM
(the four frustrations of President #43: George W. Bush)
WHEREAS, 9-11-01 happened.
WHEREAS, G. W. Bush's SECOND frustration was because he could not capture Osama bin Laden, even though he had Afghanistan torn up in the widely anticipated but hardly innovative search and war.
WHEREAS, because of this frustration, #43 casually linked Saddam Hussein with the 9-11 event and initiates a war against same for the following deceptive reasons:
*------ Iraq had purchased nuclear material from Nigeria (he was wrong). *------ Iraq had weapons of mass destruction (they have yet to be found). *------ to effect a regime change even though it would mean rebuilding a nation (something he said he would never do when he campaigned for the presidency). *------ Agents of Iraq had met with Al- Qaeda operatives during the planning of 9-11 (wrong again --no intelligence supports this).
WHEREAS, G. W. Bush's THIRD frustration was because he could not capture Saddam Hussein, even though he tore up a second nation in another war and search.
WHEREAS, the resulting, ongoing war with Iraq is really a religious war (at least the 9-11 attackers have defined it as such).
WHEREAS, #43 denies this, insisting that HIS war is to destroy the few terrorists who are trying to take our freedoms away. This may be the first war in history that has a definition gap. #43 says that Islam is a good religion, while out of the other side of his mouth he appeases his Christian fundamentalist friends who say Allah is a false god.
WHEREAS, the real reasons for #43's war on Iraq are: *------ to win his re-election, capitalizing on the FEAR factor (fear of terrorists, fear of Democrats, fear of intellectuals, fear of the unknown). *------ to resolve his FIRST frustration: his father's (#41) incomplete action in Kuwait. *------ to Christianize Iraq -- not the democratization that #43 says is his policy (notice how he proposes "secularization" of Iraq while pushing evangelistic policies in this country). *------ OIL!
WHEREAS, an utter mess has evolved in Iraq, and America wants to withdraw but can't:
*------ because we promised to finish what we (Bush) started. *------ because the Republicans claim they are the only party that has the staying resolve to defend against terrorism (have they forgotten the werewithall of Wilson, Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy?). *------ because it really is a religious war and that it is better to fight over there. *------ because the rest of the world community won't help until we take our balls and tanks and go home. *------ because of fear, and no knowledge of what to do next.
THEREFORE, I deduce that there are only two courses of action that can take place in the future:
1. That hostilities will eventually modify to a whimper, and America will be forgiven. If this is not a religious war, the above may happen if the following takes place:
*------ There has been a regime change in the United States and Great Britain (amounting to 43's frustration NUMBER FOUR), providing for a more secular, diplomatic and pragmatic administration.
*------ The U. N. takes overall responsibility of rebuilding Iraq. Only then will other nations chip in toward that effort.
2. That, if this is a religious war, it could well be the beginning of the end of civilization as we know it, and EXTREME, RADICAL realization must be achieved to alter the genocide and hostility that is sure to come.
HOW will all of this affect Atheists, agnostics and free-thinkers?
*------ The cultures of the world, driven by their religious and ethnic fervor, are on a collision course. There is very little we can do without getting in their way, for, as "heretics," (though, as enlightened as we are) we are seen by too many of our own countrymen as being just as bad as the enemy. If item 1. Is the ticket, then we have some time to try to make a difference. If item 2. Is the routing, then we must step aside from the fray, and wait for the day (if ever)when reason may again be recognized.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
*------ If item 1. Is the ticket, it is important that we skeptics continue to get in the faces of the deluded children, continually defining the problems of their nationalism and attendant religion(s); the problem cannot be solved until the patient knows what the problem is. Right now, the world is a very sick patient!
*------ What's in it for us? A good question that I can only answer for myself -- skeptics are generally too independent minded for me to anticipate how they will react:
a) As one of Mother Nature's ultimate agents on this planet, I feel it gives me meaning to try to advance civilization -- thanking Her for my wonderful existence. (to the contrary, religious people are always saying that Atheists find no meaning or purpose in life.)
b) Because it's great fun to antagonize the ignorant and the fearful. Our insults (they call it arrogance) may well be the only thing that jump-starts their ability to think again. Thinking is what the world needs now. The cringing children must crawl out from behind the Star of David, Cross or Crescent and consider a new -- NAY-- a revolutionary course of action, though as Quixotic such an expectation might be. There are too many good people that the transcendant vehicle of religion is no longer needed!
LOOSE CANNON (11-20-03)
LOAD THE BLUNDERBUSSES, THE FUNDAMENTALISTS ARE EVERYWHERE!
Recently, they have been seen hijacking Memorial Day celebrations at Altoona’s VA Hospital where evangelist michael robertson conducted a Fundamentalist revival and Bible thumping under the tent provided by the United States Government, secured by U.S Government police officers – and, I will mention, on Government (neutral) grounds.
For those concerned, take this as a wakeup call that our cherished wall separating religion from state is being attacked on all fronts in insidious, self-preserving deceit. Make no mistake – there is no halfway point of negotiation with these zealots. Reverends michael robertson, gary dull, fred phelps, the Phineas Priests and others are hell bent on turning this country into an old-time theocracy replete with stoning and witch burning. I doubt that they will deny this. Negotiation, courtesy, fair-play, privacy and reasonableness are not in their vocabulary (which is rather abbreviated anyway). If you are an atheist, deist, agnostic, secular humanist or freethinker, give some thought to maintaining your basic liberties by becoming active in some sort of mental defusing of these zombies. It can be in the form of writing a letter to your paper’s editor or protesting any number of local attacks against the wall separating church and state. It really does not take much to play with their heads – and it is fun too! Don’t be afraid; you’d be surprised how cowardly they are.
I cannot prove there is no God, but I damn well know that the god these pious devils worship has been made up by their ancient ancestors and contemorary masters! No viable God would sanction such atrocious behavior in his or her name. Behavior that includes gay bashing, athiest hating, diversity hating, intellectual hating, conservation hating, race baiting, and premeditated killing and war mongering in the guise of “security.” They are in no way different from their counterparts raising hell in the Moslem world (except that they smell better, make lots more money, wear fancier clothes and can talk smoothly and civilly when plying their secular wares in trade).
I understand that, because we are laid-back, comfortable-with-science, book worm and music loving types, their behavior is easy to ignore as so much hyperbole that hasn’t really been very effective to date. But their numbers and shouts are growing -- too fast to be ignored any longer. Please understand: Fundamentalists can’t wait to get to heaven, but while they are waiting (and they will wait for a very, very long time), they want us to experience Hell here on earth. They have done a nice job of it in the Middle East, and their western brethren here in the states want to assure secularists what Hell will be like. “The devil with the country,” they say to themselves, “Jesus reigns supreme! Jesus is Lard!” Their ministering to the crowd in the guise of patriotism at Altoona’s VA Hospital on Memorial day was a sham of the most shameful kind. They are not interested in the future of this country when they expect the rapture will occur any day, preserving their scaly, yellow skins, er, souls, forever.
If you think I am being too hard on such deluded folk, consider the following: 1. Just today in the Altoona Sunday Mirror, I see Erica Sifrit’s picture with sweet Jesus’s cross dangling from her neck. (She has been indicted for murder and cutting up the victims in Maryland). 2. Yesterday’s paper reported on a clergyman arrested for raping the young girl he was counseling. 3. Last Saturday’s Mirror reported that the Vatican tried to intervene in the execution of Mark Spotz, convicted of four time killing rampage over four days here in PA. Reason: he has earned a Bachelor’s degree and Masters in Christian counseling while on death row the last eight years. (Another case of the Colson Prison Blues.) 4. Last Saturday’s Mirror also reported about a hapless pastor on the chaplain staff at Bon Secours hospital (Roman Catholic) when he played cupid in a most bizarre case of rule bending: The suitor of a woman not expected to live, prevailed upon said chaplain to have them married before she died. The chaplain then convinced Blair County’s Prothonotary to open her office (which is usually closed over the weekend) and to personally interview the drugged patient to fill out an application for marriage license. The President Judge of the County then waived the three day waiting period so the marriage could take place immediately.
The woman unexpectedly recovered and left the hospital with her mother. She filed for an annulment of the marriage shortly thereafter, as she did not want to marry the man. Obviously God wasn’t ready to receive her to his bosom just yet, causing extreme embarrassment to all involved who, for the most part, were faithful followers of Him. I guess the Prothonotary is in the deepest doo-doo.
I could go on and on about the examples of people’s actions hidden behind the Cross (or Crescent, or Star of David, etc), but if you still have the brain that you were born with, you should see the point I’m trying to make: religion is used by too many as a shield for inappropriate acts. I think that if there is a God, he would give freethinkers and atheists very high marks for not being suckered into squandering their potential for a wonderful life. It is all we know for sure that we have! At any rate, why would anyone worship an absentee father – one that has been gone for 2,000 years. Doesn’t sound like good family values to me.
L. C.
gEORGE bUSH, THE DRAGON SLAYER INDEED ! (1-26-2003)
SOUNDS MORE LIKE A PLAN TO KILL A LOT OF INNOCENT PEOPLE AND THEIR CHILDREN JUST TO STRIKE BACK AT A DIFFERENT GOD-MINDED CULTURE . . . AND SUSTAIN OUR CHEAP OIL SUPPLY ! THIS IS A THREE "POP-GUN" SALUTE (USING REAL CORKS) TO jOHNNY hART, CARTOONIST?/EDITORIALIST, WHO IS, LIKE rUSH lIMPBAUGH, ENAMORED WITH THE bUSH--cHENEY--rUMSFELD TRIUMVIRATE. jOHNNY hART'S RECENT ATTEMPT AT POETIC EDITORIALISM IN THE FUNNY PAGES DEMANDS ABOUT AS MUCH RESPECT AS IF DAGWOOD BUMSTEAD SAID IT. HOWEVER, IT DOES UNDERLINE THE FACT THAT THREE EMPTY WARHEADS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN WASHINGTON, D.C.! Why does our newspaper, The ALTOONA MIRROR, run editorials disguised as 'Funnies' in their Sunday edition? The nearby JOHNSTOWN DEMOCRAT runs the 'Doonesbury' cartoon in its opinion pages, even though it is usually funnier than Hart's 'B.C' or Bruce Tinsley's 'Mallard Fillmore' (the heavyhearted duck that doesn't like much of anything). I realize that this area is a Republican, conservative, head-in-the-sand community nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Allegheny Mountains, which probably relishes any stab at progress even at the expense of having OPINION represented in the funny papers. Oh well, even conservative consistency is inappropriate sometimes--like blubbering, subterfuge, fear of the dark (religious superstition), and warmongering. Johnny Hart's recent effort is about THE STATE OF THE SHIP in which his unshaven, pre-historic bard, Wiley, somehow writes poetic prophecy about the present state of "evil" attacking our shores. Words like sin and sinful characterize the villain which is our Muslim enemy--the knight being none other than the brave George W. Bush.* Sounds like we might have another Crusade in the works, here--this time to preserve our investment in oil. Wiley, like Johnny, is a Christian who shamelessly promotes their religion as the 'One True Faith,' of the land. David Barton's slick lie that the wall separating church and state is meant to be only one way (a one-way wall, if you can imagine) to keep government out of the affairs of religion, is their mantra. It is OPINION at its grossest--and nothing is funny about it. It is sad commentary about how our one newspaper involves itself in the literal snatching of our youth's minds, postponing the day when they may happily see through all of the smoke and chicanery that religion and fundamentalism utilizes. _____________________________________________________________+ * Refer the reader to POLITICS Page, herein, for commentary on suggested duel between Saddam Hussein and George W. Bush (10-06-02). ______________________________________LOOSE CANNON (12-29-*02 * In the Year of the Great Delusion)
A 21-Cannon Salute goes out to Eagle Scout Darrell Lambert in his quest to erase Boy Scouts’ regressive attitude of what they think constitutes morality! A 19-year-old boy who achieved the highest rank in the scouting program, earning 37 merit badges, who will not break the Scout Law: “. . . to be trustworthy (truthful and honest),” is being expelled for his honest and conscientious objection to declaring a belief in a supernatural spirit.
As a father having two sons (who both achieved the Eagle rank), I share Scout Lambert’s concern for the program’s xenophobia. Though the Supreme Court has come to the rescue of the Boy Scouts of America, it’s decision cannot shield them from their shame and bigotry that their program is supposed to stand against. My sons’ scoutmaster actively recruited me to take his place as the troop’s leader, but I explained to him that I could not do so conscientiously because of my unbelief in a god. (I did serve two years as Parent Committee Chairman, though, and participated in many of the Scouts’ ventures.)
I think it appropriate, now, to come to Scout Lambert’s support and share, with those who give a damn, some of the immature behavior of those who would dare call themselves a Boy Scout leader. Though not in our troop, a neighboring troop let bigotry run rampant with one of their leaders constantly criticizing minority groups. Each year, our troop was invited to a “corn roast” at this leader’s farm, where every youngster was exposed to his use of the “n” word in nearly every other sentence. Liberals, gays and Democrats were excoriated a little less often, and when driving home with my two sons I found it necessary to desensitize them to the bigot’s bellyaching. I would apprise them usually: “You know, I would think Mr. Limpbaugh (not his real name) and his boy should thank their lucky stars every night that they weren’t born black.” My fingers are crossed that my sons survived that obscene exposure.
Legally, the Boy Scout Program is free to act as a closed, private society. As such, it should not request or obtain funding or support or recognition from any government entity. The BSA should not be surprised by insulting criticism and jeers from the innocent citizens it excludes. Young Mr. Lambert, representing the elite of that membership, strives to reform an archaic way of thinking from his vantage point within the organization. Is that not better than to force change by judicial petition? If an organization cannot consider reform within its ranks, it is doomed as a vehicle of universal service to society and should not be surprised to find its place someday atop the heap of ‘good-ol’-boy’ rubble.
L.C.
LOOSE CANNON (12-01-*02) * In the Year of the Great Delusion------------------------------------- Wow! So many targets—so little time! ---I s’pose I’ll have to use canister--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------There’s PA’s Lt. Governor, Robert Jubelirer’s comments on passage of his PROTECTION OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM BILL. He’s upset with Federal court decisions that uphold the Bill of Rights and deny religious proselytizing on government property. Bob, you’re going to have to do better than that—or did you just want to make the church folk back home feel more sunshine (or Harrisburg hot air) down their blouses and up their bare bottoms. Seems to me a constitutional amendment is needed to get the Judicial eagles to see your way of thinkin.’ While you were writing this Bill, why didn’t you include the taxation of all those churches you want to protect? (no votes doing that, I guess)----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Perhaps Bob’s Bill should have addressed situations like the KENNARD SCAM, where nearly 2,000 churches were ripped off by the charismatic preacher, Abraham Kennard, who conned faith blinded congregations into investing thousands of dollars into a scheme that promised them half-a-mil for every three grand invested—a 16,600% return. It seems to this atheist that flocks of sheep should expect to be fleeced every now and then. It never ceases to amaze me how grownup people are continually relieved of more than just their pocket change by fast talkin’ or word slurrin’ Bible salesmen blowing sunshine up their gullible arses about how good it’s goin’ to be in the great hereafter. Duck! ‘cause this canister’s comin’ at ya! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Not to be outdone by the above idiocy, George W. Bush continues to push his ‘Faith-Based Initiative, passing his desires to Trent Lott and the next Congress. Bush came to Washington with less votes than his opponent, takes an oath to defend the Constitution, and then promptly initiates legis-lation to dismantle it. In regards to his initiative couched in the C.A.R.E. Bill, he should understand, or seek counseling to help him understand, that NO ONE CITIZEN IS HURT IF THE GOVERNMENT REMAINS NEUTRAL. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------L.C. LOOSE CANNON (10-21-2002) CLEARFIELD "PROGRESS" TAKES A GIANT STEP BACK IN TIME! L. C. here, with a suggestion to alter the name of Clearfield's daily newspaper, from "The PROGRESS" to "The RE-GRESS" (or, "The RETROGRADE" has a nice ring to it--nah, too many syllables). Why are we aiming our cannon at this quiet central Pennsylvania community's newspaper? Well, they just doubled the length of time a letter writer to the opinion page must wait to write in again. That means there will be no dialogue of two opposing points of view. Thirty days was long enough (and is the established waiting period of all other papers in the area) time to stifle a dialogue--now its sixty days! You're right, who could follow an idea after waiting even thirty days? However, religionists do very well at proselytizing--it is like an endless tape with them to cite scripture, wring hands, and then cite more scripture, usually exceeding the 250 word limit. The few freethinking atheists and agnostics that have the time and patience to rebut the scared faith heads, find themselves with less opportunity to support reason. Get it? More writers promoting fear, and less writers supporting reason--the former has no limit of inane Bible thumpers, while the latter few must reply ever more succinctly because of their narrowing window of opportunity. Is it because the writers of reason are too much for the religious afflicted? Hey, it's not our fault the believers in ghosts can't put two sentences together without saying amen. Even God seems helpless to them in their ability to articulate what few original ideas they have--and their grammar and spelling is gut wrenching and atrocious at times. I think many of them suffer from the disease their president, Charlton Hesston, has. Was he their 'education president?' Well moms and dads, don't let your children read books and get too educated or they might wind up like us bad atheists and not believe in ghosts! Maybe the PROGRESS is just trying to protect the flock from the barbs of the few who enjoy writing effective satire. At least good satire is a hell of a lot more interesting than reading diatribes bordering on speaking in tongues. L.C.LOOSE CANNON
9-22-2002"Victim's family says Yon is a result of Godless society"
by Phil (Scoop) Ray
America is Godless! The sky is falling! Phil, can't you be a bit more objective than to repeat the emotion and passion of your subject? I know it has been a long time since you obtained your journalism degree (you did study journalism, right?), and one of its tenets is objective reporting. With 111 churches and two synagogues in Altoona, that hardly constitutes a Godless society -- unless those edifices are cardboard cutout structures. We think you have hyped a headline which is inaccurate to say the least, and a lie at most!
What a copout! What an oversimplification -- even if there were a god! This is just more whining, sour grapes and hand-wringing by a religiously unfulfilled society that cannot accept responsibility which is theirs alone to effect. Scoop, your populist sensationalism is not new; way back when Chicken Little was quoted as saying, "The sky is falling, the sky is falling," he got a lot of attention too. We think you would make it great -- writing copy for a politician -- since it seems you have the qualities to sell very good used cars.
We think America is all about being brave and bold -- not about fear this or fear that. Some may prefer to fear a god, but which of 2,787 gods do you choose to fear? Which one has the best fearsome qualities? The one who is jealous, or vengeful, or the one who condemns the sinner's offspring to the third generation?
If you are delusional, Scoop, you should try another line of work for journalism is too profane for the faint-of-heart.
LC
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LOOSE CANNON
September 14, 2002
Uh. . . I think I have some more powder here. Let's see, did someone say that Wayne Hippo, Altoona City Councilman, is a well-educated man? Educated in the legal profession, some say? Well then, did he skip class when they lectured about the Bill of Rights? Did he skip class when they lectured about comparative case law?
In the September 14th Altoona Mirror headline article, "Moving tablet stirs backlash," Councilman Wayne Hippo was quoted as saying:
The words ". . .the Ten Commandments on City Hall's wall. . ." could easily be substituted for: " . . . slavery . . ." or , " . . . the subjugation of women's voting rights for 140 years."
"Beggin' your pardon, Mr. Hippo, but could the opposition's "elitism" just be plain old intelligence and savvy compared to your taunting, tongue tripping troglodyte tripe?L.C.
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LOOSE CANNON
September 7, 2002
The war of words has always been generally preferred to that of bloodshed. It is a mark of civility and the alternative to violence. There are those who say what they think are good words. Too often, however, rhetoric intended to be good is harmful because:
The following is a collection of words offered by none other than James Madison, the principal author of the U. S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights:
". . . What influence in fact have ecclesiastical establishments had on Civil Society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the Civil authority; in many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny: in no instance have they been seen the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty, may have found an established Clergy convenient auxiliaries. . ."
The above is part of article eight of a fifteen article document entitled Memorial and Remonstrance, which Madison wrote in 1785 to support Thomas Jefferson's bill establishing religious freedom that had been languishing in Virginia's General Assembly for five years. This document presents fifteen reasons why church and state should never mix! The above excerpt is from one of five articles damning the presence of the church in matters concerning government. This document won the day, and Jefferson's bill was finally passed instead of a bill establishing the Anglicans as the state's religion -- the first ever such legislation in this planet's history!
Recently (in the past two months) a caller into Altoona's (Pennsylvania) WRTA Steve Clark talk show was rebuffed, not once, but on three different occasions for presenting references to the above eye-opening information. Of course the caller was questioning Mr. Clark's one-sided diatribe about the wall separating church and state, and how it was really not a wall but a one-way valve to keep government's nose out of religious issues.
On the third call, Steve Clark, in a flurry of anger, hung up on the listener, then proceeded to rant and rave about how he didn't have the time to research such obscure documents -- that he had a life, and, damned if he would be dictated to by an obvious liberal. He continued raving until cut off in mid-sentence for commercial. So much for objective journalism -- or is it subjective egotism?
With our loose cannon, we fire a volley at Mr. Steve's tongue. Shooting from the hip, though, we might miss and take off Rod Wolf's nuts (if he has any), or Dave Weaver's halo. We suggest that WRTA change its call letters to 1240, WCRY.
FBI, please note: our cannon shoots only cold air and is meant to chill!
L.C.
