1. Righteousness does not consist in the outward life or in any physical or bodily act whatever. All of these acts belong to the category of cause and effect. They are necessitated by an act of the will and have in themselves no moral character whatever.

2. Righteousness does not consist in volition. Volition is an act of will, but necessitated by choice. It is an executive act, and is the product of a purpose or choice. It is designed as a means to an end. It is put forth to control either the attention of the intellect, the states of the sensibility, or the movements of the outward life by force. Volition is both an effect and a cause. It is the effect of a choice, purpose, intention. It is the cause of the outward life and of many of the changes both of the intellect and sensibility. Volition is a doing. Whatever we do we accomplish by the exercise of volition. Volition is not, in the highest sense, a free act, because it is an effect. It is itself caused. Hence, it has no moral character in itself, and moral quality can be predicated of it only as it partakes of the character of its primary cause.

3. Righteousness does not consist in proximate or subordinate choice. I choose an ultimate, supreme end, for its own sake. This choice is not executive. It is not put forth to secure the end, but is simply the choice of an object for its own sake. This is ultimate choice. I purpose, or choose, if possible, to secure this end. This is proximate or subordinate choice. Strictly speaking, this choice belongs also to the category of cause and effect. It results by necessity from the ultimate choice. In the strictest sense, it is not a free act, since it is itself caused. Hence, it has no moral character in itself, but, like volition, derives whatever moral quality it has from its primary cause, or the ultimate choice.

4. Righteousness does not consist in any of the states or activities of the sensibility. By the sensibility I mean that department of the mind that feels, desires, suffers, enjoys. All the states of the sensibility are involuntary, and belong to the category of cause and effect. The will cannot control them directly, nor always indirectly. This we know by consciousness. Since they are caused, and not free, they can have no moral character in themselves, and, like thoughts, volition’s, subordinate choices, have no moral quality except that which is derived from their primary cause.

— Charles G. Finney

Netanyahu’s moves on the issue of prisoner swap and Jewish settlements have already weakened the country considerably.

Benjamin Netanyahu has seen better days. Under pressure from Obama, he gave in to Islamic demands, before the Arabs recognized Israels right to exist.

This is the conclusion made by Caroline Glick, who is a columnist in Jerusalem Post. Glick is a Zionist that has been favoring the Likud party in her comments on security issues. Now she gives the strongest warnings possible to Netanyahu for giving in to pressure from Obama and the Muslim World.

Her are some of her viewpoints:

«So far from winning American support or at least causing the White House to ease its bullying, US President Barack Obama sees Netanyahu’s decision to implement a militarily irrational, bigoted policy of prohibiting Jews from building in Israel’s heartland as a drop in the bucket».

«The truth is that Israel should not be in the business of negotiating the right of Israeli cities and villages to exist and prosper. The notion that it is acceptable to demand that Jews not be permitted to live in Judea and Samaria – or anywhere else in the world – is not a notion that Israel should countenance»

«Were Israel to see 20 Arab embassies opening in exchange for a temporary freeze in Jewish construction, one could say that Netanyahu’s massive concession was justified».

«Simply by agreeing to negotiate with Hamas, Netanyahu conferred legitimacy not only on the terror group, but on the act of taking hostages».

«Netanyahu’s moves on the issue to date have already weakened the country considerably».

«Netanyahu’s willingness to release murderers from prison also signs the death warrants of countless Israelis».

«Unlike Netanyahu, the Palestinians are playing their cards wisely. Why should they accept his move as sufficient when they know the Americans will demand still more concessions from him?»

My comment:

Last time Benyamin Netanyahu was Prime Minister of Israel, He gave Hebron into the hands of Islam. This time He is willing to give up Zionism it self.

The day the Jewish nations agree that Jews are not permitted to live in Judea and Samaria, we will see the beginning of the end of the Jewish state of Israel.

Radical Islam, terror, lies and cheating have paid off. As the columnist correctly asks:

How can an Israeli Prime Minister in principle agree to make any part of the World, a Jew-free zone?

The US, the Europan Union, Russia and China do not understand the consequences of the dirty game they are playing on the Israeli Government. They now give us the same message, and the same political solutions, that the Nazis was promoting in the 1930-ties.

Being Good Citizens

Church leaders have encouraged us to be good citizens and to strengthen our communities and nations. There are many ways to be good citizens. These include participating in government or political processes, obeying the law, and serving in our communities. This lesson discusses the Lord’s teachings regarding government and good citizenship.

OVERVIEW:

Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 58:21–22, 26–28; 98:4–10; 134; Articles of Faith 1:12; Our Heritage,pages 133–34.

• Participating in government
• Obeying the laws of the land
• Strengthening the community

Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 44.

pax vobiscum

My previous post, I was blogging about comparing “God” to a girl playing with her dolls and we are representative of those dolls.
To reinerate, I say representative because what we are is not the dolls (or physical) themselves, but, we are actually the soul of the one playing.

We are all but branches and different manifestations of the same mind. We are like individual puzzle pieces trying to lock in where we fit together to create something bigger.
When we raise our own personal awareness and realize that our mind is God’s mind and that God does not necessarily talk to us so much as it talks through us.
PAUSE….

I do not use the word it disrespectfully for those who are more conditioned to refer God as masculine. In truth, to refer to the Source of existence simply a male, is too limiting in view.

UN-PAUSE
To see the bigger picture we have to realize that we are connected. We are one. Listen to the crazy babble that homeless guy says (or your mother). Notice the themes in everyone’s conversation. Observe the small nuances in the course of your day. They are telling you something.
People all too readily seek holy books to hear from the Higher power.(which is okay for learning) But the Higher Power is actually the Inner Power that is constantly active. The Ruach HaKodesh exists in every living being (no need to ask for it) and wants freedom to express itself fully (just let it).

WE are a FORCE.

]]> http://woodybass.com/2009/11/28/glennbeck-sepchurchstat/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:26:54 +0000 woodybass http://woodybass.com/2009/11/28/glennbeck-sepchurchstat/

There are certain.. “personalities”… that go out of their way to stay relevent they just make absolutely idiotic statements like such:

I am going to do my best to keep my composure. I am going to do my absolute best not to call anyone any names.

No Im not. Glenn Beck is an idiot. He is actually suggesting the wall of separation of church and state should be demolished. Yes.. I am well aware that the Consitution does not specifically have any reference to the Separation of Church and State. But it IS implied. Then he also goes on to state that this nation was “not what we were founded on”.

Oh really? REALLY? This is the same founders he says actually wanted this to be a religious nation.. are the same ones that drafted the Constitution which said:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion”

He obviously forgets how briliiant our founding fathers were… they knew what happens when religion and politics mix. It leads to disaster and chaos.

Lets also consider that Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptists:

To messers. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.
Gentlemen
The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.
Th Jefferson
Jan. 1. 1802.

Source: Library of Congress

And then consider the Article 11 of the Treaty of Tripoli, signed by then President John Adams which states:

As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion,-as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen,-and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

Annnnd Ulysses S Grant who in 1875 stated:

“Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private school, supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and the state forever separate.”

And there is also a legal opinion on the matter where in 1947, US Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black stated:

“The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach”

These are but a few quotes from American leaders and visionaries past who not only know what they are talking about… but who fully understand why there MUST be a Separation of Church and State.

This is just another example of how Glenn Beck continues to lose his mind and pander to an audience to keep a job he’s TERRIBLE at. He should stick to thoughts/opinions that he may actually know something about.

]]> http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/tattoos-at-the-altar-whatever-next/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:24:17 +0000 endtimespropheticwords http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/tattoos-at-the-altar-whatever-next/

By Nick Perry from Seattle Times

“The sight of a woman being tattooed live on the altar accompanied by the sound of a buzzing ink gun provided a startling backdrop to Sunday’s evangelical sermon.

Your parent’s church service this was not. In the drive to stay relevant, the Gold Creek Community Church has been hosting a series called “Permanent Ink” that featured Sunday’s live-tattoo finale.

The Mill Creek church is not exactly staid — booming 20-minute rock sets launch regular sermons — yet the pastors acknowledge this series was pushing societal norms.

“We’ve said from the start that we are not advocating tattoos — nor discouraging them,” said pastor Larry Ehoff.

“We think of it as amoral. It’s neither immoral nor moral, it’s just the choice of a person.”

Ehoff said the church is telling the same story of Jesus as always, it’s just finding different ways to tell it.

Sharon Snell was one of several congregants who volunteered to be tattooed Sunday. At the noon service, she got on stage and faced away from about 150 parishioners while tattoo artist Matt Sawdon worked on the image of a police shield on her lower back.

It was Snell’s third tattoo and represents her husband’s work as an Everett police officer. Snell said last month’s shooting death of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton forced her to confront the fragility of life and the dangers inherent in her husband’s job.

“Anything can happen at any time,” Snell said. “Him being an officer is a big part of my life and of who I am.”

As Snell’s tattoo took shape, pastor Dan Kellogg told the congregation that permanent markings, both good and evil, are mentioned in the Bible. The most famous symbol, he said, is “666,” the sign of the devil.

But there’s also mention in the Bible of markings on Jesus, saying he is the king of kings and lord of lords, Kellogg said.

Another congregant who volunteered was Erica Armendariz, who was getting work done on an arm tattoo she calls her “faith sleeve.”

“Surprisingly, I was not nervous to get up on stage,” she said, adding that the tattoo process, which in her case stretched through two sermons, was getting painful toward the end.

Tattoo artist Matt Sawdon said he’d never tattooed anyone at church before. Aside from the limited time he had during each sermon, he said, it wasn’t much different from a normal day’s work.

Last week, as part of the Permanent Ink series, a member of the church had a tattoo of Texas removed.

Because the equipment was too cumbersome to transport, parishioners watched a video of the process.

The man now lives in Washington, and he doesn’t see much need for the Lone Star State anymore.”

]]> http://benjamindavidsteele.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/future-of-family-values/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:21:37 +0000 Benjamin Steele http://benjamindavidsteele.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/future-of-family-values/ http://challengeofexcellence.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/an-exercise-in-christian-meditation-one-personal-journey/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:15:45 +0000 laudu http://challengeofexcellence.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/an-exercise-in-christian-meditation-one-personal-journey/

Intro…

This is Michelle’s story.  Michelle is a part of the Challenge of an Excellent Life Class in Grand Rapids, MI.

The Challenge of an Excellent Life Class is a group of young adults who have met most Sunday morning between September to May around 10:30 a.m. at the First Evangelical Covenant Free Church to have engaged discussion about what it means to be a disciple of Christ in the context of modern life.   Recently we spent 2 weeks on the topic of Christian Meditation.

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

Tuesday morning as the sun came up I tried to meditate the way Lola suggested. She requested that we try to write a journal about our experience so this is what happened:

I sat in a chair and faced the rising sun. First I held my hands down and asked for forgiveness for all the sins I know I commit and am weighed down by. I also released my physical ailments and my stress and worry over not having a job.

Then I raised my hands and asked God to fill me. These were my thoughts…I believe most of them were God talking to me.

First I thought of the scripture verse, “Be still and know I am God.” Then I thought of my favorite verses from Isaiah, “I have called you and said you are mine. I have chosen you and have not rejected you so do not fear for I am with you…I am your God.”

Then I asked God to fill me. And He responded, “My peace I give you. I give you my peace that surpasses all understanding.” And the rising sun warmed my face. Then the word kindness entered my mind. “I give you kindness and gentleness.”

Then the sun hid itself from me and I cried out, “Don’t leave me God.” And He said, “I want you to know that even in the darkness I am still with you.” The sun came back out and I again asked God to fill me, but nothing new came to me.

Then the sun hid itself again and God repeated, “Even in the darkness I am still with you.” And that was the last thing I heard Him say this morning while I meditated.

Join the Challenge of an Excellent Life on Facebook

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www.firstcovgr.org

1933 Tremont Blvd NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504-4898
(616) 453-6346

]]> http://jesuspops.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/welcome-to-jesusland-2/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:14:39 +0000 AA http://jesuspops.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/welcome-to-jesusland-2/

The evangelists are shouting… you’re flawed… you’re imperfect… you’re weak… you’re damaged… a sinner… you’re bad… fouled up… messed up… mucked up and marred… faulty… incomplete… inferior… insufficient and lacking…  broken… blemished… bruised and most of all… you’re unworthy.

You’re not good enough… you will never measure up… you are a real loser.

Welcome to JesusLand

Prints

]]> http://ramanan50.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/atheism-and-diversity-is-it-wrong-for-atheists-to-convert-believers/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:10:11 +0000 ramanan50 http://ramanan50.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/atheism-and-diversity-is-it-wrong-for-atheists-to-convert-believers/

Atheists can try converting people into their school of thought.This is nothing new.This has been happening since 5000 years, as Indian Philosophy states.There is no harm in in it. It makes life interesting and a chance to note the fact that with out knowing that they are limited, human beings are arrogant enough to unravel the Universe which , as far as knowledge goes,is one a billion years old and Nature is yet to give up all Her secrets.
If religious belief makes the world drab and dull by its attempt by imposing its doctrines, what exactly are the Atheists trying to do by converting Theists into Atheists?
It is old wine under new label.
Yes, what is said about Christianity id true,in terms of trying to convert and imposing nonsensical religious edicts that do not agree with our basic moral sense, especially the sanctions of Papacy and intolerance.Also the concept that you are not responsible for your actions ;it is Satan that makes you to do so;that your salvation is through one individual and others are doomed to Hell.
Christianity is not the only Religion.
Hinduism calls for introspection and analysis of oneself and self inquiry.
It has included theism as school of Philosophical thought.
By systematic logic it proves that the world and the senses we have are illusory and goes on to guide one to realize oneself.
Religion ,according to Hinduism, is intensely personal and no dogma is allowed.
What is Reality/Too big a topic.Please refer to some of my blogs under Religion/philosophy/Indian Philosophy)

Story:
Do atheists hate diversity?

Is the very act of atheist activism (trying to persuade people that atheism is correct and working to change the world into one without religion) an act of attempted conformity? Are atheists trying to create a drab, gray, uniform world, where everyone else is just like them?

It’s probably pretty obvious that I think the answer is a big fat “No!” (Probably said in the Ted Stevens voice.) But it certainly is the case that many atheist activists, myself among them, are working very hard to persuade religious believers out of their beliefs. Not all atheists do this, of course; many have the more modest goals of separation of church and state and religious tolerance, including tolerance of atheists and recognition of us as equal citizens. But a good number of atheists are, in fact, trying to convince religious believers to become atheists. I’m one of them.

And since many believers see this as an intolerant attempt to enforce conformity — particularly believers of the progressive, ecumenical, “all religions perceive God in their own way and we have to respect them all” stripe — I want to take a moment to address it.
http://www.alternet.org/story/144199/atheism_and_diversity:_is_it_wrong_for_atheists_to_convert_believers?page=entire

]]> http://simfiniteblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/what-has-intelligence-got-to-do-with-anything/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:02:12 +0000 simfiniteblog http://simfiniteblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/what-has-intelligence-got-to-do-with-anything/

If I stop the common “intelligent” person in the street, and ask them a simple question about why the world is such shambles, their response will be stock standard:

1) Financial instability

2) Bastard Politicians

3) Religion

4) Terrorism

5) Global warming

Oh wow; why didn’t I think of that?! TV documentaries, newspaper articles and expert institutional opinions are yet good enough for these “intelligent” people, to paint a picture of whats really happening in the world. But they’re not interested in educating themselves about what might be lurking behind this smoke screen. Ever asked the question if I should bother tracking backwards in time to find the cause of the above 5 effects? Are these 5 effects connected to each other? Do these effects actually end up benefiting some people? How are these people are related to the original cause?

p.s. the world today is in shambles not because of the ignorance among the simpletons of the world, but the ignorance among the “intelligent” people of this world…

]]> http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/pope-john-paul-ii-allegedly-whipped-himself-in-remorse-for-sins/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:59:27 +0000 endtimespropheticwords http://endtimespropheticwords.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/pope-john-paul-ii-allegedly-whipped-himself-in-remorse-for-sins/

Article by Nick Pisa from The Telegraph

“Pope John Paul II regularly whipped himself in a sign of “remorse for his sins”, a nun has claimed.

The Pope, who died five years ago, is being considered for sainthood by the Catholic Church.

As part of the Vatican’s investigation thousands of documents have been collected and examined by officials from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Among them is the testimony of Tobiana Sobodka, a Polish nun of the Sacred Heart of Jesus order, who worked for Pope John Paul in his private Vatican apartments and at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome.

Sister Sobodka said: “Several times he (Pope John Paul) would put himself through bodily penance.

“We would hear it – we were in the next room at Castel Gandolfo. You could hear the sound of the blows when he flagellate himself. He did it when he was still capable of moving on his own.”

The flagellation is also confirmed by another bishop who has given testimony. Emery Kabongo was a secretary for Pope John Paul.

“He would punish himself and in particular just before he ordained bishops and priests,” he said.

“I never actually saw it myself but several people told me about it.”

Self flagellation is sometimes used by devoted Catholics as it reminds them of the whipping endured by Christ at the hands of the Romans before he was crucified.

It is still common in the Philippines and Latin America, some members of strict monastic orders and some members of the lay organisation Opus Dei – who feature in the Dan Brown blockbuster The Da Vinci Code.

In the film – which was condemned by the Vatican – murderous Albino monk Silas, who is a member of Opus Dei is seen in a brutal scene whipping his back and drawing blood as he prays on his knees.

A Vatican spokesman said: “The investigation and documentation is still secret and as such we can make no comment on it until the final report is published.

“I know that the nun in question has returned to Poland and she would have spoken with the Congregation as she was with an order that worked in the apartments of Pope John Paul.”

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints has been investigating the case for Pope John Paul since he died and has approved the late pope’s “heroic virtues” and the paperwork has been sent to his German successor.

The late Polish pope’s beatification is expected to take place sometime next year, perhaps in April, to coincide with the fifth anniversary of his death or in October to coincide with his election in 1978. “

]]> http://baptistplanet.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/dangerous-declaration-says-the-la-times/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:47:33 +0000 baptistplanet http://baptistplanet.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/dangerous-declaration-says-the-la-times/ http://blog.london-lives.co.uk/2009/11/29/inherit-the-wind/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:46:23 +0000 green eyes http://blog.london-lives.co.uk/2009/11/29/inherit-the-wind/

The Old Vic, Waterloo SE1
Kevin Spacey, David Troughton
Directed by Trevor Nunn

Jerome Lawrence and Robert E Lee’s play about freedom of thought is as relevant as ever in this, the 150th year since Darwin’s Origin of Species was first published. A classic battle between science and religion, Trevor Nunn’s production is a tense and sweaty courtroom drama. It was also surprisingly comic in places, with the house laughing along to Spacey and Troughton as they delivered their performances with conviction.

Kevin Spacey seems to divide opinion: I’ve discovered that some of the people I know really don’t like him. I loved American Beauty at the cinema and wasn’t disappointed by The Usual Suspects. To me, he excels in playing an apparently ordinary Joe with a sinister underbelly. While his role in Inherit the Wind, his role doesn’t immediately call for these things, there is a seeping sense of him wearing down his opponent’s argument amid a climate which doesn’t promote freedom of thought. Stunning stuff, even better than I expected it to be.

Beforehand, we ate at the Waterloo Brasserie, new place for both of us. It’s the first time I’ve booked a restaurant online and it all worked. Fish and chips for me, followed by apple and pear crumble with cinnamon ice cream. My pal had the crab linguine, which I sampled some of and it was luscious. She also had the crumble. The Brasserie was good: smart and busy with pre-theatre diners. Lots of red design and dark woods. We will return.

]]> http://signusphotosite.com/2009/11/29/nunca-fui-santa-caballeros-y-dragones-en-el-bosque-encantado-continua/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:42:06 +0000 Nelson González Leal http://signusphotosite.com/2009/11/29/nunca-fui-santa-caballeros-y-dragones-en-el-bosque-encantado-continua/ http://benjamindavidsteele.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/denialism-science-and-public-debate/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:38:10 +0000 Benjamin Steele http://benjamindavidsteele.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/denialism-science-and-public-debate/ http://andantemosso.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/when-the-fault-line-points-to-sinners/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:20 +0000 Curtis http://andantemosso.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/when-the-fault-line-points-to-sinners/ http://wilybadger.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/wow-some-people-are-very-stupid/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:36:12 +0000 Chris http://wilybadger.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/wow-some-people-are-very-stupid/

People like Indonesian Communication and Information Minister Tifatul Sembiring who blamed Indonesia’s recent string of natural disasters on television programs that “destroyed morals”.

From the BBC:

His comments came as he addressed a prayer meeting on Friday in Padang, Sumatra, which was hit by a powerful earthquake in late September.

He also hit out at rising decadence – proven, he said, by the availability of Indonesia-made pornographic DVDs in local markets – and called for tougher laws.

Right, that’s why America, which probably has a billion times the amount of porn, is currently being wiped off the face of the map by all these earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and the other things that aren’t really happening on a national scale.

This is like Pat Robertson blaming 9/11 on the gays, except that this guy is a government official.

To the good people of Indonesia, who I know read my site, please get together and find a way to get this ass out of your government. You deserve better.

]]> http://creepingsharia.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/3rd-ranking-doj-official-recused-self-from-39-terror-related-detainee-cases/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:29:26 +0000 creeping http://creepingsharia.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/3rd-ranking-doj-official-recused-self-from-39-terror-related-detainee-cases/

Interesting note from an editorial in the Washington Times on an issue we’ve brought up, but had no figures on, several times:

We reported in this space on Nov. 22 that Associate Attorney General Thomas J. Perrelli, the third-ranking official in the Justice Department, had recused himself from at least 39 cases (13 of them active) involving terrorism-related detainees. We editorialized then that it would be worrisome if “the department’s prevailing ethos could be tilted strongly in the detainees’ favor.” The Republican committee members, led by Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, wrote a letter on Tuesday to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. to demand further explanations of how potential conflicts are handled.

That’s just the #3 guy. There are at least a dozen other DOJ officials with similar conflicts of interest, including the #1 guy who should be recused permanently. Will Holder release, as requested, a listing of all DOJ officials and their conflicts of interest? Don’t hold your breath. Read it all via Terrorist conflicts at Justice Department.

]]> http://notesfromthebartender.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/scared-of-an-islamic-europe-lets-vote-on-it/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:29:02 +0000 Duffster http://notesfromthebartender.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/scared-of-an-islamic-europe-lets-vote-on-it/

The Swiss are holding a national referendum today. Referenda are an essential component of democracy but, in the main, they are relatively rare occurrences, usually only appearing as add-ons to the ballot at general election time. In Switzerland, however, they are a national pastime as all you need is 100,000 signatures to bring a question to the people. Consequently, the Swiss hold referenda four times per year with a number of proposals to be voted on at each quarterly occasion. Here’s what they are voting on this weekend:

1)       Arms exports ban sought

This arises every so often as human rights groups do not feel that exporting weapons of war fits in well with the Swiss ideal of neutrality.

2)      Tax on airplane fuel no longer to be put into the road funds

Who knows what that’s all about!

3)      A ban on the construction of minarets

Yes, a proposal to ban a feature of Middle Eastern architecture — the towers that are commonly attached to mosques.

 Of course, it is number 3 on this list that interests us the most, particularly as we continue to examine the power of symbols and the ways in which certain groups will seek to control or ban certain symbols.

Even the poster was banned

The referendum on minarets was initiated by two conservative groups—Christian Fundamentalists and right wing nationalists. As usual with right wingers, fear and racism in equal measures are often used as prime motivators to whip up public opinion in their favour. According to Sean Ecker, these groups “argue that there are already too many Muslims in Switzerland and that a minaret is the architectural expression of Islam’s pretended supremacy among religions.”

Their approach is quite smart when you think about it, because how can you start a national debate on Islam and fear of Muslims without seeming like very obvious bigots? Simple – attack an object typically associated with the faith rather than the people themselves. Then allow the public debate to morph into one about Islam while occasionally throwing in emotional hand grenades such as accusing Swiss Muslims of wanting to replace Swiss law with Sharia law.

As Ecker correctly points out: “The fuss about minarets is of course purely symbolic – the objection isn’t to minarets per se. The Swiss right-wing fear the “Islamisation” of Switzerland … which is nonsense say Islamic organisations.”

That may be so, but the effectiveness of this campaign can be seen in comments such as this quote from Madeleine Trincat, a retiree from Geneva: “The problem is not so much the minarets, but rather what they represent. After the minarets, the muezzins will come, then they’ll ask us to wear veils and so on.”

Such fear is manifest in recent polls that show the final vote will be close, as only 53% say that they will reject the proposal.

For the record, Switzerland has between 300,000 and  400,000 Muslims but only about 13% actively practice their faith. There are approximately 150 Islamic cultural centres but only four of these have minarets. None of these minarets are used to call the faithful to prayer as they are are in Islamic countries.

The government, along with all major religions (except for the Fundamentalists), is urging the people to reject the proposal. Especially vocal have been Jewish organistions who point to their own history of repression in Europe where cupolas on synagogues were often banned.

Even if this ban succeeds in the referendum, it won’t pass the human rights treaties guaranteeing freedom of religious expression  to which Switzerland is a signatory, and these take precedent over local opinion. But that’s not really the point of this exercise, is it?

We await the result.

Additional note:  here’s an example from Switzerland that demonstrates why referenda are not always reliable in making decisions that are beneficial for a democracy:

Swiss women didn’t get the vote until 1971–that’s right, 1971. This was because Swiss men  in national  referendums kept voting against women’s right to have the vote. Women didn’t get a say in this – they were excluded from voting in these referendums because they didn’t have the vote. 

Changing social attitudes in the 1960s as well as a desire to be integrated into the wider European community saw an eventual change. But even in 1971, numerous cantons produced majorities against giving women the vote.

Further reading on symbols and symbolism at Notes:

Controlling the symbols of power: Who decides?

Symbolism in Action: Seven tons of World Trade Center steel in the USS New York 

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Great stuff

Stephen Fry

Christopher Hitchens

]]> http://prekosifa.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/topics-they-say-you-shouldn%e2%80%99t-talk-about-on-a-first-date-%e2%80%93-that-you-really-should/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:16:01 +0000 prekosifa http://prekosifa.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/topics-they-say-you-shouldn%e2%80%99t-talk-about-on-a-first-date-%e2%80%93-that-you-really-should/

Ex Partners

You should be talking about your exes. You should want to know if the girl you are having dinner with has a pattern, a type of man she goes for. It might not matter if she is into suits and you are an accountant, but what if the last three of her exes ended up in prison for drug smuggling! You might find that interesting to say the least. On a first date we go in armed to the teeth with our history, we wear it like a garment and it shapes our opinions on life and therefore our conversations. The person in front of you represents so much more than the mere form that is being presented. It may be useful to know all about the ex partners and loves-that could-have-been because it may tell you something more about this person you are choosing to spend some quality time with. It may also warn you in advance that this may not be the one for you.

Religion

Why? Isn’t religion an important part of society. The majority of us claim allegiance to some religion or other whether it be catholic, church of England, Jewish, Hindu or the multitude of other lesser denominations and variants, and it matters because it appears to be something that is important to us. Now let’s face it, if you are into the guy sitting opposite you and want to see him again why would you hide something so important to you, or want him to hide this about himself? At the end of the day if you are religious and he/she isn’t, how long do you think the relationship will last anyway? If you do find the urge to argue about why your religion is better than his/hers two things can happen. You find a greater understanding and actually accept the others persons viewpoint, concluding that an opinion is just that, an opinion. Or you go for each others throats and publicly beat the shit out of each other, probably not the best basis for a long lasting relationship anyway.

Politics

Why? Politics are a part of society that we cannot hide away from. Some people may be staunch conservatives or democrats, others are not really that arsed, realising that all parties, except the extreme ones, are pretty much the same anyway. You may not want to introduce the liberal radical partner of your dreams to your upper class conservative family but more embarrassing could be to avoid the topic from the start, unleash this new person on your friends and family over a here’s-my-new-partner dinner, only to find out then that he harbours erotic dreams of running a new communist state and can’t wait to tell everyone about his radical plans for social reform, basing his ideas on Albania of the 1950’s! Arguing about politics is again like arguing about religion, you either agree or disagree. If you are that bothered, then isn’t it better to know from the start of the relationship?

Crazy Relatives

So what if your cousin Johnny is doing 6 months inside for ‘bothering’ sheep? What’s the problem if your elderly Aunt Lucy thinks she is Lady Godiva and regularly hauls her naked wrinkles through the local village on her vintage Raleigh Chopper? Does it really matter? These topics are conversation gold and can turn a boring date into one to remember. We can all see the funny side of things and sometimes it is good to laugh at people, let’s be honest. Embarrassment shouldn’t be an issue and the truth is going to come out sooner or later anyway.

Criminal past

It is important to fess up for 2 reasons. First, your date may still get the urge to mug people whenever presented with the opportunity, and second, it may be nice to know if the person you are on a date with has murdered his/her past lover! You may see that information as a material fact. Being honest about yourself is always important and if you have done something unsavoury, just spill it. You may be proud of the thousands you stole in bank raids across the city, or of the excellent quality of the drugs you used to sell to under age school kids, so let true love navigate its way through these murky avenues. Some women just love a bad boy and I know some guys out there love the idea of a ‘bad-girl’ in prison jim-jams!

Future Plans

The mistake that many of us make is to limit conversation about the past and the present when the future is so much more interesting. You may want to get married in a pink dress, so why not tell it? Why not let your date hear it all so they can form an opinion and decide whether or not to stay for the Second Act. If you are the ‘future plan making type’ of person, then just be yourself. If the person sitting opposite you can’t take it, then what have you really lost except for a few wasted weeks, perhaps months, of getting to know someone who doesn’t have the ability to plan farther than the next episode of Eastenders!

Topics your date is not interested in

I say talk about everything. Find out why this person isn’t interested in the mating habits of the blue spotted vole, or needlework for people with no thumbs and only wants to talk about Football and Darts! I have always believed that you don’t really know if you dislike something until you have tried it. Talk about everything and see how far it takes you. You may be surprised at what you find out and you will definitely know the range of topics that are welcome and whether this person has the breadth of interests that you find attractive.

Of course, these rules only apply to those people out there looking for something deep and meaningful. Those of you just looking for some sweaty, satisfying, meaningless sex to itch that scratch you’ve been having need not follow them, at all.

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