Vox Populi – 05-13-2022

Vox Populi, our weekly live chat about the week’s events, begins tonight at 7:00pm PDT. Hope to see you then! AdLib 4 hours ago

Hey Murph! AdLib 2 hours ago

Hey Ad….I will be here tonight….left you an e mail with a request to post something here….I remain an idiot when it comes to posting images at The Planet. I think the image and its site location are worth passing on to our crowd. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

I’ll look at it now. AdLib 2 hours ago

I am working for the Kunce Campaign now… MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

MEET LUCAS KUNCE Lucas Kunce grew up in Cole County, Missouri. Like most Missouri families, his family lived paycheck-to-paycheck. When his sister was born with a heart condition, they went bankrupt, relying on the generosity of their neighbors to make it. Through Pell grants, scholarships, and the kindness of people around town, he made it to college. He then spent 13 years as a Marine officer, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and representing our country in arms control negotiations with Russia. He then worked at a nonprofit that fights back against the corporate monopolies that dominate our economy and our politics. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

Kunce left active duty in 2020 with the rank of major, joining the American Economic Liberties Project as their director of national security. He continues to serve in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

Nice! I know of him! AdLib 2 hours ago

He’s running for Senate? AdLib 2 hours ago

In MO. He is so needed to win, as uphill a campaign as it is. AdLib 2 hours ago

He us running for the U.S. Senate. He is an attorney (and self taught economist). MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

MO is now among the worst, fascist states along with FL, TX, AL, MS. AdLib 2 hours ago

And Greitens is back! AdLib 2 hours ago

He is not a St. Louis guy….He is from Cole County. Cole County is located in the central part of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, its population was 77,279. Its county seat and largest city is Jefferson City, the state capital. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

Looking at the Repub candidates around the country looks identical to a police log. AdLib 2 hours ago

A Perp Line, Mug Shots galore. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

Most Wanted AdLib 2 hours ago

And in a criminal way, not popularity-wise. AdLib 2 hours ago

Wife beaters, theives, pedophiles, violent and gun wielding thugs, murderers, it doesn’t stop. One who won their primary is in jail for killing his wife! AdLib 2 hours ago

The GOP Brand has been deeply hurt. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

This is more than deeply hurt, this is derangement. The GOP is unhinged, it is the party of insane hatred. AdLib 2 hours ago

I think you are correct. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

I will return on the hour….getting something to eat and drink. Worked at County Kunce HQ. for five hours today. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

They have lost any connection to decency. Lying, hypocrisy, false accusations, pandering to racism, homophobia, Nazism, dictatorships and authoritarianism, it is all now done with no conscience, the lust for power justifies it to them and their deranged followers. This is so dangerous and it’s succeeding here and there. With the SCOTUS now part of this movement to take away power and rights from the people, we are in the most dangerous moment in America’s history, including the Civil War and WWII. AdLib 2 hours ago

Sounds good, you are doing the work of fighting for America! AdLib 2 hours ago

Your summary…just copied into my active file. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

Thanks. I would just add that in the Civil War, the US was under threat as a union and continuing slavery but not turning into a dictatorship while in WWII there was the threat but not a realistic threat of the US being taken over by a dictator. This is the first time in US history where the concrete actions to end our democracy and install a dictatorship of the elite and the minority have been taken and are being accomplished. AdLib 2 hours ago

Hey TW! AdLib 2 hours ago

Hey everyone twilson117 2 hours ago

The population in Boston has declined by 1 this week. AdLib 2 hours ago

Hi TW MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

So your daughter is back home for the summer Ad? twilson117 2 hours ago

Hey Murph twilson117 2 hours ago

Murph how are things your way, they Repubs must be dancing in the street with the leaked SC Decision on abortion. twilson117 2 hours ago

Yep TW, home from college for the Summer. It’s such a normal thing to hear but a strange thing for me to say (for the first time in my life). AdLib 2 hours ago

Hi TW…I am focusing a lot of my extra time and energy, of which there is not a lot, working for the U.S. Senate Campaign of Lucas Kunce. I posted a lot of info on him earlier in the stream here. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

Ad, there will come a time when she may decide to stay and go to the Cape so prepare for that. twilson117 2 hours ago

And what has snapped in all these Repubs who are now so aggressively about announcing they won’t allow abortions for the sake of the mother’s life, for incest or rape? This is like shouting about what monsters they are and how inhuman they are. AdLib 2 hours ago

I will check that out Murph twilson117 2 hours ago

TW – Yep, she already told me she plans on staying out there for Thanksgiving next year and staying with a friend in NY. AdLib 2 hours ago

TW….as to GOP reaction to the leaked Alito brief……interesting…a lot of back slapping and praising in public and a lot of furrowed brows and glum stances in private. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

Staying with a friend in NY? Wow twilson117 2 hours ago

Murph – I can say pretty confidently that in blue states and swing states, the destruction of Roe will make a big difference in turnout and Dem success but what do you think in MO and other red states? A majority of Repub women want abortion to be legal too. Would they be moved to vote for someone like Kunce to save their own rights from being torn away from them and their daughters? Or is the cruelty amd tribalism too embedded to save themselves from being owned by their state?? AdLib 2 hours ago

Murph about what I would expect. I’ve been trying to wade my way through it but have to stop because logic of the decision is out there and I’m not lawyer. twilson117 2 hours ago

Ad…one of the former co-op, now association, has his first child, a son, in college at Pepperdine…..first year and he has already opted to remain if CA for Thanksgiving and Spring Break. He is a very fine young man. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

TW – Yes, one of her friends at college is from NY, her family is there. And she has other friends in MA now who she might also spend time with over the holiday. AdLib 2 hours ago

Ad….I fondly recall the Lysistrata Ladies here and hope that the seed of that rational zeal is still alive. MurphTheSurf3 2 hours ago

Ad, when my daughter went off I told her she I wasn’t paying for her to come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas because they were back to back. My wife pulled me aside and told me, she could come home as often as she wanted. My only response was, yes dear. twilson117 an hour ago

The Mo Senate is taking up a bill to limit access to chemically provided contraception…..and there are rumbles about addressing civil right protections for blacks. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph – Perpperdine is in such an amazing location, by the ocean and beach and especially during the Fall and Winter, very nice place to be weather-wise. I used to think FL was a peer with LA on that but now having been to FL a few times and knowing they are even worse under DeSantis, FL doesn’t hold a candle to LA. AdLib an hour ago

Ad…my dad used to say that in 50 years of marriage he and my mother had a deal. She made all the small decisions. He made all the big ones…then he would pause and say “So far, in 50 years, no major ones!” MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph – I would hope this would not only bring the Lysistrata Ladies back but multiply their number substantially. This is the new slavery of women, they are going to be property of the state when pregnant, that is beyond sitting around and frowning. AdLib an hour ago

And I saw that MO along with TX and FL and another state has laws that state that a woman can’t get divorced from her husband when she is pregnant, only after a birth. This is madness!!! AdLib an hour ago

I had a brief conversation with Tom two days ago….a year on the Left Coast at a Liberal Powerhouse Academic Powerhouse has given me a glimpse of the man he is going to become. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

TW – Yes! I remember your telling me that before my daughter went away and I learned from your advice! AdLib an hour ago

Lacet published an editorial today that warns that those on SCOTUS who overturn Roe v Wade will have blood on their hands…..it is very much worth reading. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph – What do you mean about the MO Senate “addressing civil right protections for blacks”? AdLib an hour ago

To think they can limit contraception is about as practical as tits on a bull. twilson117 an hour ago

Murph – That is very funny! AdLib an hour ago

Lancet Editorial….. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)00870-4/fulltext MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)00870-4/fulltext MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Hmmmm….the address is not posting properly…..what am I doing wrong? MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph – So you see in him a positive influence from being in a freer and more diverse state and a great educational facility? AdLib an hour ago

Ad….voting access, programs to expand minority presence in state colleges, the ability to challenge business practices and a lot more. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Let me look at the link. I did see the headline of The Lancet editorial, it is frank and pulls no punches. Really great work. AdLib an hour ago

Ad – Tom is blossoming. His family is Democratic…but in that moderate Harry Truman way…..and he went to state schools in a rural county where the predominant culture was very conservative and narrow. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Here’s the link, Murph: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)00870-4/fulltext AdLib an hour ago

Thanks Ad. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Whoops, here it is: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00870-4 AdLib an hour ago

Yeah…weird. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

I will check it out later. twilson117 an hour ago

As I said I’m trying to read the leaked opinion. From what I have read, it makes no sense to me. twilson117 an hour ago

y the way….Tom is majoring in Biology with plans to go on to graduate school for a doctorate. He wants to be in research….AND, he was a star on the local high school’s basketball and swimming teams. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

I look at this way, if Ireland has come around on abortion, why is it such a problem here in the US? twilson117 an hour ago

TW….a friend who is a professor of law tells me that the opinion breaks numerous SCOTUS standards in its tone, argumentation, and source support. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

TW – As many are saying, this has nothing to do with stopping abortion. It is about establishing a theocracy where our government dictates women, minorities and other than Christian religious beiefs to be under the thumb of the state. This is about power and domination, they only hide behind transparent excuses like “pro-life”. I read an article which said years ago, after losing the battle against stopping civil rights for people of color, they glommed onto stopping abortion. This “pro-life” BS was merely a vehicle to pursue an extremist theocracy. As we all know, there is nothing resembling humanity behind their motivations.\ AdLib an hour ago

Murph, one of Alito’s former classmates said something similar. She also said that if one her students wrote it she would the paper a C. twilson117 an hour ago

TW…of course 70 plus percent of the US population backs abortion access MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph – That really makes me feel more hopeful and better to hear how Tom’s college experience and getting outside of the very conservative culture he grew up in, has led to him opening his eyes wider and seeing so much more. Very happy to hear this. AdLib an hour ago

TW…I heard about the classmate…… MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Ad I take you point around the theocracy. twilson117 an hour ago

TW – Simply put, Alito is a religious extremist bigot and he has trashed many key aspects of the SCOTUS including precedent and stare decisis to basically use his religion to end laws he religiously disapproves of. He uses a maniac from the 1700s who ordered the killing of women as witches and declared that wives couldn’t claim rape if they were raped by their husbands to try and justify this religious pronouncement. This is so absolutely NOT a legal verdict. It is a religious declaration cloaked in legal clothes. AdLib an hour ago

Ad….Tom is a very cool kid who was liked by most at his school. He was the Prom King in his Senior Year. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Ad, have started reading White Too Long by Robert P. Jones where he is talking about that topic. twilson117 an hour ago

Tom sounds like a great kid! Hope he got some good athletic scholarships to help pay for school! And Pepperdine is a great school for science and medicine! AdLib an hour ago

Ad….an apt description of Alito (and also others on the court) MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Ad as we have discussed before what is being proposed – theocracy – contrary to what the founders wanted. But they don’t care. twilson117 an hour ago

TW – Because I think Ireland moved in a direction of evolution. These lunatics in the US don’t believe in evolution, they want to go back to the ignorance and inhumanity of the past because at least, white people were the dominant race back then. It is about racism here but because it’s all about domination. AdLib an hour ago

Ad….he was not that good an athlete (and from a small school with a middling reputation). So no athletic money. But he got a very good financial package…..they wanted him. He works there as well and was saving, along with his parents. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Please pass along to Tom and his parents that Californians are so happy to have people like Tom out here, he makes the state better and he will make the future better. AdLib an hour ago

Ad and TW …Ireland’s road to enlightenment was rooted in secular humanism….and a rejection of religious superstition based decision making. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph – I agree with your Professor friend, it seems plain and obvious that these lying, religious fanatics who committed perjury to get on the court and legislate their religious beliefs, are not making judgements based on the principles of law, they are seizing the power the SCOTUS has and simply using it and the trappings of legal justifications to pass theocratic laws that flaunt judicial jurisprudence. AdLib an hour ago

I have to say, I’m getting very frustrated with the level of ignorance that is in both House and Senate as well as the US pop in general. twilson117 an hour ago

Ad …I will copy your comments about him and send them along. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

TW – I need to read that book. Perhaps the person I read was quoting from it? But what is clear is that abortion was never an issue for the Christian Extremists who were behind the KKK until after the Civil Rights Laws passed under Johnson. So clear that this is more about bigotry. AdLib an hour ago

Murph – Exactly, that’s what I meant by “evolution” of thought in Ireland and I was joking but making a point that progressive thinking is not an attribute of being a MAGA Christian. AdLib an hour ago

Ad and TW…agree with your most recent statements. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Ad it’s looking interesting on a number of levels. Especially around the break from Nothern Baptist to the formation of the Souther Baptists where were strong supporters of slavery. twilson117 an hour ago

TW – Indeed, we fought a revolutionary war to be free of theocracy but these traitors, who support Russia and Putin over Biden and the US, would’ve done what they could to sabotage the Revolutionaries back then to put America back under King George. They are literally the enemy of american Democracy. AdLib an hour ago

It seems religion is always the focal point for most of the problems we encounter. twilson117 an hour ago

Had a phone call…..back soon… MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

TW – This is why I wonder, will Baptist women be pulled away from the GOP by losing rights to their bodies (and their daughters being owned by the state)? I think a good number will. AdLib an hour ago

Ad and Murph answer this: Why does God need a religion? twilson117 an hour ago

As you both may know….the church that I associate with is the Episcopalian…precisely because it so fully embraces the importance of rationality. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

TW – I agree, religion has always been the cause of the most misery and cruelty in the world throughout history. AdLib an hour ago

TW….God does need religion, those who want to act in the name of God do. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Ad….I know several Baptist women who are deeply disturbed by the ruling…which is a bit puzzling given that they have been Very Strong advocates of the so called pro life movement. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph so then by acting in their religion they believe they are serving God, but those who are not of their faith who, by the way also believe they are serving God, are wrong because of what? twilson117 an hour ago

Correction. God does not need religion, those who want to act in the name of God do. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

TW….I cannot make sense of the theocrats. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Sometimes it is the hateful people who use religion to rally their army to bring death and destruction, like ISIS and other times it is the elite who use the blind faith of the rabble to manipulate them to be their army to conquer a state and grab power, like the Kocks and Mercers and Thiel. That is where we are now, the ultra-wealthy have funded and whipped up the ultra-ignorant using their religion to pukll their strings while they end up with all the power and wealth. AdLib an hour ago

Murph, neither can God twilson117 an hour ago

TW…Erasmus had a fable in his “In Praise of Folly” in which the Pope dies and finds himself at the Pearly Gates and no one has any idea who he is. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Ad…and I firmly believe that those funders are not believers…..except in themselves. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph – I absolutely respect that and I respect Choicelady’s faith as well because both of you see religion as something constructive and have your eyes wide open to the realities around us. Unfortunately, it seems a majority of religious people look at it from more of a cultist POV, don’t think for themselves and spout whatever has been poured in their heads and are capable of saying and doing terrible things out of “loyalty” to their religion (cult is more accurate in their cases). AdLib an hour ago

Here is the opening sentence from White To Long: “The Christian domination in which I grew up was founded on the proposition that chattel slavery could flourish alongside the gospel of Jesus Christ.” How do hell does anyone believe that? twilson117 an hour ago

Ad….an accurate summary. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

TW….the quote is SO DAMNING MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

TW – My view of God is as something that is, sort of the totality of existence and not that it is a “he” or “she” that grants wishes like a genie or punishes bad thoughts or deeds like a judge. But anyone who understands humanity can view the beloiefs of others as being as meaningful as theirs, we don’t have to agree but we should respect earnest beliefs that are about love and compassion. AdLib an hour ago

I’m not looking to go down the slavery aspect but, as I’ve told both of you before, religion is a problem for me. In the sense that people use it as an excuse for everything. twilson117 an hour ago

AD….. I sent your comments to Tom (whose Mom still calls “Tommy” which he tells me he thinks is “cute”….a really good young man)…..his response was this…..”Please tell Mr. Lib that he wants to thanks a FELLOW CALIFORNIAN for the praise…. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph – I like that part of “In Praise of Folly”, it would actually make a great conedy scene. AdLib an hour ago

Ad, I think people should believe what they believe it’s not for me to decided, but, for bunch of folks who have decided that this country needs to be a “Christian Nation” counter to free will. twilson117 44 minutes ago

TW….I believe that two religious understandings have real merit when deconstructed to their actual roots and original expression and practice: Buddhism and Christianity. AND both have founders who I believe would not recognize what passes for “their” religion today. MurphTheSurf3 43 minutes ago

Murph I can agree with you on that. twilson117 43 minutes ago

TW… MurphTheSurf3 42 minutes ago

Murph – Yep, just as those frauds who run megachurches are immoral because they don’t really believe the BS they spout to the “rubes” they steal from, the wealthy (like Trump) feign religious beliefs to co-opt the power of religions and their followers to be their political armies. Putin did the same with the Russian Orthodox Church, Stalin did, Hitler did, this is a well worn path to dictatorship, religion has to be co-opted too and the leader seen as Christ-like, thus deserving to be ruler and be unquestioned. AdLib 42 minutes ago

AD…Bless your fine mind and good heart……you are right on the mark…smack dab…..May the Lord Bless You (Lord Jesus or Lord Buddha) MurphTheSurf3 41 minutes ago

Ad…did you see Tom’s response to you…..? MurphTheSurf3 40 minutes ago

Murph I need to ask you put on your historian hat, and check me on this, is there any war, or land grab that didn’t have a religious component baked into it? twilson117 40 minutes ago

TW – That is a very insightful opening. That’s cognitive dissonance, they twist their minds to fit their religious beliefs, that would otherwise be in conflict with their immoral actions, to smile upon their horrible choices. Just like the religious MAGAs, ike the RW Christians who want brown babies to starve at the border so formula can go only to white babies. How could they think Jesus, who was brown, would agree with their inhumanity to be fine with killing babies who are darker than their Klans? AdLib 39 minutes ago

TW…..I think religion has been conveniently seized on to justify war and provide comfort by statists as a whole…..and there have been wars that are specific in their religious origins MurphTheSurf3 39 minutes ago

Ad and TW…you are both making way too much sense to be welcome in Mo. the Don’t Really Show Me State MurphTheSurf3 37 minutes ago

TW – This isthough about the same mentality as slavery. Owning and oppressing all but the white males, “making America Great again” means exactly that to these bigots. AdLib 37 minutes ago

Murph I wouldn’t last in MO twilson117 37 minutes ago

The MAGA women I know are studies in self-delusion. MurphTheSurf3 36 minutes ago

Murph – Very cool, glad he thinks of himself as a fellow Californian because of course he is in many ways. AdLib 36 minutes ago

Ad….Tom’s comment made me laugh…he is so quick on the uptake…..I really expect him to take up full time residence there next year…there are many advantages for such a move…not the least of which is ongoing access to research opportunities. MurphTheSurf3 35 minutes ago

Gentlemen, I need to be clear, I do not fault people for being religious, hell, we all need something to guide us. What I have trouble with is the instance that a person’s religion is the only right one. twilson117 35 minutes ago

Murph – I think your holding down Fort Reason in MO is underappreciated. You are constantly under siege and yet you hold your place there and help create a safe place for fellow followers of compassion and reason. AdLib 34 minutes ago

I meant to say the insistence their religion is the right one. twilson117 34 minutes ago

HAH….Just got a quick call from Tom…he wants me to know that both of his parents have warned him about the dangers of being from “that state” so he better not be too vocal about his experience. I asked him if they were kidding….he paused and said…”Unfortunately, No.” MurphTheSurf3 33 minutes ago

TW – I couldn’t have the required patience to be in a red state, I’m not above it, I am in awe of Murph. I would just lose it and run howling out of the state. AdLib 33 minutes ago

TW…association with my church…provides me with a place to celebrate important moments, to focus on enlightened and uplifting thought, and to work with communities where social justice in theory and practice are central to faith life. MurphTheSurf3 32 minutes ago

Murph like Ad said, I don’t know how you manage to stay calm in MO I have to tip my hat to you. twilson117 32 minutes ago

Thanks Ad…..The Lonely Commander of Ft. Reason appreciates it. MurphTheSurf3 31 minutes ago

Murph – CA is a place that historically is about people moving out here to realize their aspirations. There are lots of difficulties out here too but the possibilities seem more plentiful because of the greater openness of the society. But we have crime problems, housing price and coswt of living problems, traffic problems, not a perfect place but wearing shorts year round is also a great selling point. AdLib 30 minutes ago

OK….I appreciate your assessment of me as “Awesome”…..but I have precisely the same appreciation for both of you. You are among my most important friends. MurphTheSurf3 30 minutes ago

TW – I know that’s what you mean about religion. The problem is when people use their religion as a hammer instead of inspiration to be a better person. AdLib 29 minutes ago

Perhaps, what we’re really talking about is ‘faith’ which seems to be one of the major aspects of the NT. twilson117 29 minutes ago

Well…guys, another fine discussion. 80 minutes can slip by in such fine company…..today was a good day…..Working for Kunce….and chatting with you both! Bravissimo! MurphTheSurf3 28 minutes ago

You see I can walk around look up in the sky and appreciate what I say and have faith that I can do what I set my mind to. I don’t need a religion for that. twilson117 28 minutes ago

Hey Murph always a good discussion with you and Ad twilson117 27 minutes ago

I am pretty sure that both Yeshua bar Josef ben Nazrit and Siddartha Gautama would agree with this discussion…both were striking out at false institutions and embracing relationship based experience of faith. MurphTheSurf3 26 minutes ago

Again my fat fingers didn’t type what I wanted to say appreciate what I see twilson117 26 minutes ago

Murph – Well…so many people out here in Cali are from every state in the union but yes, people might be a little wary at first at someone from a Southern state but that is quickly assuaged after a little conversation. Obviously, there are many people from TX, FL, MO, AL, etc who support bigotry and white supremacy and Trump, a majority of course, so that concern is valid but again, easily surmounted. AdLib 26 minutes ago

Murph – That is a name of an article or book, “The Lonely Commander of Ft. Reason”. AdLib 25 minutes ago

Ad…I think his parents were actually (with some tongue in cheek) warning him about presenting himself as Californian to Missourians who would find the idea as disturbing. MurphTheSurf3 24 minutes ago

One last note on religion, if it isn’t about humanity and trying to be more spiritual and enlightened people, it may not really be an earnest religion. AdLib 24 minutes ago

Ad….maybe that could be my epitaph. MurphTheSurf3 24 minutes ago

Ad….agreed…authentic faith transcends institutionalism MurphTheSurf3 23 minutes ago

Well, it would be more of a concern saying you’re a Californian in MO then vice-versa, I get it! AdLib 23 minutes ago

Murph – Memoir first, epitaph later…much later! AdLib 22 minutes ago

Ad…..and knowing Tom I am sure he represents Mo. as his home where there are many good people but does not defend its political and social policy.Well friends….I am off to bed MurphTheSurf3 22 minutes ago

Yeah, I wouldn’t suggest that he wears an “LA” Dodgers hat when he’s back in MO. AdLib 22 minutes ago

Murph take care. twilson117 21 minutes ago

Ad…memoir…..doubtful…..but a nice thought. MurphTheSurf3 21 minutes ago

Murph – Great conversation and great work with the Kunce campaign! Rest well! AdLib 21 minutes ago

So…good night TW and Ad……I really look forward to Fridays…..Murph MurphTheSurf3 21 minutes ago

Night Murph twilson117 20 minutes ago

TW – Joseph Campbell had a great comment about religion changing from it’s original aspects. He noted that the leader of a Christian group originally stood with his back to the people, facing in the same direction as they were to lead praise. It was when preachers turned around so that the faithful were now looking to and praying towards the preacher that the church changed from its original selfless practice. AdLib 18 minutes ago

Ad I’m about to leave in a few, but, have to say the conversation on religion was a good one. Hope I didn’t come across as too dogmatic. But, there are times I can’t past the fact people are looking at religion all wrong. It may be why I have yet to write my article on I Hate Religion. twilson117 18 minutes ago

Now that’s interesting. twilson117 16 minutes ago

No, TW, not at all, it was a very respectful and honest conversation. I have been in conversations with aggressive people following a particular religion and really hostile Atheists/Agnostics, my experience has been more with Atheists being so hostile towards people casual expressing their faith in religion. That of course reflects who feels more insecure but disappoints me because I don’t follow any estanblished religion and I don’t like people like that kind of representing the rest of us who respect whatever other people believe. AdLib 15 minutes ago

Atheist twilson117 13 minutes ago

Atheist/Agnostic frankly I don’t get that either. One believes God doesn’t exist, the other isn’t sure. Sounds to me like the Agnostic is hedging his bet. twilson117 11 minutes ago

It’s ironically The Golden Rule that people of any religion or any atheist or agnostic should practice. There is much to learn from all religions, even if you don’t subscribe to the dogma. And people have been inspired by their religions and by their believing other things, to do wonderful things in the world. The reason they do something wonderful shouldn’t be attacked because one has a different view. AdLib 11 minutes ago

Agnostics probably are also many of the “swing voters” out there. AdLib 10 minutes ago

I mean, for Pete’s sake, make up your mind because if God is going to punish you for not believing him, you still get scratched off the list if you’re agnostic so why not go the whole way to atheist? AdLib 9 minutes ago

That was aimed at agnostics BTW, not you of course. Just having a little laugh. AdLib 9 minutes ago

Like I said, agnostics are hedging their bets. twilson117 8 minutes ago

Yes but since faith is a must in many religions to go to heaven, agnostics aren’t really hedging their bets even if they think they are. Not to say it isn’t appropriate to be open to things being very different in the universe than what we think they are, just that if you’re hedging your bet because you’re worried about not going to Heaven, that’s a bit too transactional to qualify for St. Peter’s list. AdLib 6 minutes ago

I believe there is a supreme being or force and if people want to call it God, I’m okay with that, but, don’t tell me if I don’t believe ‘your in form of worship” I’m going to suffer eternal damnation. twilson117 6 minutes ago

Well, I’m going to call it a night see you next week. twilson117 5 minutes ago

Bingo! I think we’re very close in our beliefs. I have no idea what is really going on, I see patterns in existence that are remarkable and unanswerable questions but for me, not believing in a very human-type story that was intended to be comprehensible to very unenlightened people to explain away their fears of the unknown, is moving foreward as opposed to being cemented in the mentality of desert communities in early civilization 2,000 years ago. AdLib 3 minutes ago

Sounds good! Enjoyed our chat immensely! As usual! AdLib 3 minutes ago

Later. twilson117 2 minutes ago