Not at all sure that we have the type of "civilian control" of the military we are told we have. Sure, people like Elon Musk and other big "defense contractors" are theoretically civilians, but they might as well be part of the military in the sense that they are inseparable from it. Is there one millimeter of difference between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon execs and the military brass when it comes to what our military is doing around the world? It is all one Big planet-killing Blob now. When I watch shows like Face the Nation, it makes my skin crawl. They sound like murderous psychopaths foaming at the mouth to have another war.
John, I highly recommend the non-commercial show Breaking Points with hosts Krystal Ball and Saagar Ergeti. They are on YouTube for free but are user (including me) supported.
The "military" and "big 'defense contractors'" are simply two parts of the Military Industrial Congressional Complex, John, which is but one part of the MICIMATT.
Which is but part of The Blob. You need to add in the billionaire donor-class or you haven't included one of the major drivers of the whole system. MICIBMATT is getting too long to deal with.
The "cheerleaders" are The Media [the "M" in MICIMATT], and sometimes You very definitely see them on the battlefield. And other times, You don't.
The defense contractors are the ones who own, operate, command, and control the third part of the MICC: the elected politicians, entrenched bureaucrats, and anointed appointees.
You don't think the defense contractors are cheerleaders? You don't think the Wolfowitzs, Brzezińskis, Nulands, Kagans, Boltons, Cheneys and others like them are cheerleaders? Come on, now.
Secondly, those reporters who out in the middle of the fray are generally just reporting. Few are cheerleading. (How many reporters in Iraq were cheering on the "weapons of mass destruction?) It's the editors and publishers that determine "the news that's fit to print" that are doing the cheerleading, not the reporters. And you won't find the editors and publishers out where they might come to harm.
Other than Cheney, i wasn't aware that any of the other people You named were defense contractors. Got any specifics on which of these politicians and/or expert appointees were directly involved with which defense contractors?
And in their capacities as "expert advisors or appointees," they are too busy attempting to formulate and direct policy to be cheerleading. That's what they have a Media for: those "editors and publishers" You cited.
And i agree that it's Reporters who are out in the field, and not the Editors and Publishers. After all, if all the Editors and Publishers were out in the field with those Reporters, how would Any News ~ fit or not ~ be printed or posted or broadcast?
They are a combination of "advisors" who rotate in and out of office, think tanks, consulting firms, etc. Victoria Nuland is a State Dept. weenie who's been there through several presidents and has worked her way up to Dep Sec for Policy. She and her husband Robt. Kagan were among the chief cheerleaders of the revolution that overthrew Victor Yanukovich and ignited the Ukrainian civil war in 2014 that brought in Russia in 2022. (I'm sure you remember her passing out cookies to the Neo Nazi revolutionaries.)
These are the kind of people who whisper in the president's ear and goad him into violence (not that it takes much goading).
First, I agree with the Wombat, the flag pin is just theater, nothing more. Like all the other flag waving, the phony patriotism of these hypocrites is sickening.
Secondly, civilians salute by placing their right hand over their heart, and they only salute the flag - not other people. Raising it to the top of their forehead (actually to the brim of the cap) is for the military and should only be done when wearing a cap. (Also used by police and other uniformed officers).
I see the flag pin as theater. Sadly, our government's priority is narrative. The propaganda creates an illusion that prevents the citizens from seeing behind the curtain.
This is beginning to change. There is an entirely different and more comprehensive media than MSM. Give it a generation or less. This will be a Media of the People.
Flag pins not so much as sickly nationalism is becoming more common in Canada, especially since our most likely next Prime Minister Conservative Pierre Poilievre, shares much in common with J.D. Vance. Einstein had the two most relevant comments on our times. "Nationalism is Evil" In 1938, Einstein had contended with the very idea behind the creation of Israel. It runs counter to “the essential nature of Judaism,” Nationalism pits people against one another. Flag waving or wearing a pin is a way of saying am more American or Canadian than you. Does being Canadian mean, you love hockey or that nobody goes without health care? Sadly, more Canadians care about hockey than health care policy as we slip into privatization. Shallow/hollow Nationalism leaves us too dumb for democracy.
Kamala brags about her Glock so that gun represents her being a true American. Anybody can wear a flag pin, but she is ready to shoot and kill and every American should have a Glock and be ready to shoot and kill. That's the American way! The gun lobby loves that. Bragging about her Glock like avoiding addressing the Genocide really makes it clear that Biden/Harris are dangerously mentally ill with the Nationalistic sickness Erich Fromm wrote about in 1941 in Escape From Freedom and later in The Sane society. Ralph Nader recently questioned a psychiatrist who had mounted evidence of Trumps mental illness. Nader cut to the chase and pointed out that Biden/Harris thinkings and policies may not fit your definition of mental illness, but they are sick and dangerous.
I did just scroll through a long line of photos of the mayor of Cuenca (where I live now) and the president of Ecuador to check out their donning of flag pins. I actually expected to find them on both as certainly the Ecuadorian flag is everywhere. To my surprise, I couldn't find a single picture (formal and informal dress) where either gent dons a flag pin. Nor could I find one on "The Putin." Interesting....
Good idea particularly because the rigid salute and stance of those saluting makes them appear to be automatons instead of human beings. Shaking hands would acknowledge humanity rather than machine-like command structure that requires of a thinking creature not to think, just DO. You'll have to forgive me - I hated being in Boy Scouts and couldn't wait to escape the uniforms, badges, etc.
I have no basis to comment on saluting, but the ubiquitous flag pins make me crazy! Egregious virtue signaling, at the very least. Same as the people who constantly fly American flags, but fly them at night without illumination, or in the rain, or in poor condition. Fake patriotism.
Denise, I believe, but cannot say for sure, that in America the national flag is on display far more than the national flag of any other country is displayed in that country. It's also curious to me that the current craze for big pickups is often accompanied by putting the flag on them which seems intended to say "I'm tough, this machine is tough, and I'm an American that nobody is going to tell what to do. Independence for me and I'll think about it for others" This is backed up by the common vanity license plates on these big rigs that are variations on BOSS, or BADBOI, or RUDE, or BIG1. The world warms and we have these man-children burning as much gasoline as possible. I saw a big pickup the other day with "SILLY BOY, PICKUPS ARE FOR GIRLS!" decaled on the window. A nation of children at home supplying a killing machine abroad and proud flaggery everywhere.
A Flag Pin on a real Vet is ok by me, but on all Politicians is fake/ phony for sure just pandering to Vets. for Votes I think, and yes also if you fly a Flag you must follow the Guidelines of proper Flag Etiquette...
I think the saluting business started with Reagan, an actor who had played soldiers and sailors in the movies while opting to stay in Hollywood during the war.
From Wikipedia: "In April 1937, Reagan enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. He was assigned as a private in Des Moines' 322nd Cavalry Regiment and reassigned to second lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps.[45] He later became a part of the 323rd Cavalry Regiment in California.[46] As relations between the United States and Japan worsened, Reagan was ordered for active duty while he was filming Kings Row. Wasserman and Warner Bros. lawyers successfully sent draft deferments to complete the film in October 1941. However, to avoid accusations of Reagan being a draft dodger, the studio let him go in April 1942.[47]
Reagan reported for duty with severe near-sightedness. His first assignment was at Fort Mason as a liaison officer, a role that allowed him to transfer to the United States Army Air Forces (AAF). Reagan became an AAF public relations officer and was subsequently assigned to the 18th AAF Base Unit in Culver City[48] where he felt that it was "impossible to remove an incompetent or lazy worker" due to what he felt was "the incompetence, the delays, and inefficiencies" of the federal bureaucracy.[49] Despite this, Reagan participated in the Provisional Task Force Show Unit in Burbank[50] and continued to make theatrical films.[51] He was also ordered to temporary duty in New York City to participate in the sixth War Loan Drive before being reassigned to Fort MacArthur until his discharge on December 9, 1945, as a captain. Throughout his military service, Reagan produced over 400 training films.[50]"
Yes, plenty of British leaders like to cosplay as military figures. Sir Keir, the lord-protector of paedophile elites, is the most recent. And then there was Boris, the Liar.
Yes words are cheap paying lip service is all some can give it irks me too, but I don't judge the "thoughts and prayers" They may be sincere as well...
I think the issue is not "thoughts and prayers" per se, but that the expression is the beginning and the end of it all. Thus "thoughts and prayers" after every mass shooting, but no action taken to prevent them.
And who are we "praying" to? Assuming there's a God (ask Dennis about this), He doesn't seem concerned about preventing mass shootings...or for that matter mass bombing in Gaza and elsewhere.
Assuming for the moment that there is a God, Bill, my guess is that They/It/She/He are/is leaving it up to us Human Beings to prevent and cease Mass Shootings; along with War, and the Genocide, Ecocide, and especially, the Democide that goes along with it.
To say nothing of the Poverty, Hunger, Disease, Illiteracy, Injustice, Inequity, Insecurity, and even more especially, the Tyranny that also goes along with it.
And before Humans invented Gods and Religion, they invented Organization and Politics and Leaders and Followers. And eventually, ultimately, and inevitably, Power of the very few over the very many; aka Tyranny.
Invented Gods and Religion can be sources of great insight, inspiration, and comfort to Humans. But they can also be very powerful instruments of political, economic, social, and cultural Power and Tyranny. And the perfect justification for War, and the seizure of more Power so as to be able to gather more Wealth so as to get even more Power so as to... etc.
Organization, Politics, Leaders and Followers, Rulers and Ruled started a long time before the Myth of The Tower of Babylon was "documented" in the Jewish Bible, Ray.
Ever hear of Moonwatcher and his Tribe in 2001: A Space Odyssey? ... :
What we should all keep in mind is that in every heinous crime incident case splashed across our TV Screens there is also a much more important victim and their families, and loved ones so thoughts and prayers are so overstated now to be trite. Think people before posting these responses. These are real people who loved and are missing these people now. It was so hard being on and dealing with these types of calls when I was in the thick of it. Sometimes just listening and supporting is much more important than platitudes like "Thoughts & Prayers"! Or.., the Wimpy "My heart goes out to them."
Yeah; but automatic pistols and rifles [and machine guns] make it a whole hell of a lot easier for those folks so inclined to do their killing.
i think the technical, term for what Guns are is "Accomplice," as opposed to merely an "Accessory" ... :
"Accessory: Assists someone who has committed a crime, but does not directly participate. Accessories are guilty of a separate crime that is usually a misdemeanor.
"Accomplice: Actively participates in the crime, and is responsible for the offense the principal commits. Accomplices are usually subject to harsher penalties than accessories. "
~ Google AI Overview response to "opposite of accessory to a crime?"
No, no, no! The one true god is freon (CCl₂F₂) which changes Hell into Paradise at the flick of a switch. I don't need a link to back me up: I've lived in Arizona.
Bill: Do You know anything about The God/Gods of The Stoics... :
Google AI Overview:…
Stoics believed in a cosmic force that animated and guided the world, which they described in various ways, including:
* God ~ The Stoics believed in a God that was omnipresent and omnipotent, and was identical with the active principle.
* Logos ~ A benign principle that was the foundation of life. The word logos can be translated in many ways, including word, reason, discourse, principle, law, activity, allure, or attraction.
* Pneuma ~ A phenomenon that arose from the mixing of air and fire. Since this phenomenon happens everywhere, and within everything, the Stoic God was both everywhere and everything.
* Zeus ~ The Stoics often identified the universe and God with Zeus, as the ruler and upholder of the universe.
The Stoics believed that their God was different from the gods of ancient Greek and Roman religion, and from the gods of the world religions that exist today. Stoic theology was a fatalistic and naturalistic pantheism, where God was always immanent, and IDENTIFIED WITH NATURE. [EMPHASIS added.].
My biggest "Pet Peeve" of all tho. for myself only is the ones who: "Talk the Talk, but don't Walk the Walk." Phonies i.o.w...! The "Stolen Valor" ones wearing badges, awards & medals seeking services, or benefits that they never were Awarded I think should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law!!!
So how do You feel about the Star-Spangled Banner being played, sung, marched to, saluted, and sometime even over-flighted at virtually all outdoor ~ and some indoor] ~ sporting events.
Or the New Zealand National Anthem before events in New Zealand? Or do You guys just sing "Rule Britannia" and "God Bless The King," and that's Your anthem?
Ray, people have been using prophecies from the Bible and making predictions for hundreds, indeed thousands of years. Nearly all those predictions didn't come to pass. Which doesn't stop the next person from making a prediction based on their special reading of Daniel or Revelation etc.
I remember hearing as a teenager, circa 1976, that the apocalypse was nigh. Here it is, nearly 50 years later, and we're still kicking.
Sadly, we humans will produce our own apocalypse, whether in slow motion via ecocide and global warming or in quick time via nuclear weapons.
48 years later, we're still kicking, indeed [and in deed], Bill. But what exactly are we are kicking except that can down the road to that Apocalypse You named?
In 1976, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' DOOMSDAY CLOCK stood at 9 Minutes to Midnite.
Yes, the Doomsday Clock is far too close to midnight, and both Republicans and Democrats seem determined to push it ever closer, just so they can look "tough."
I had a brother "Sky-Cop" friend when in who told me his Overseas assignment was Turkey of "Midnight Express" fame well he said the Religious sect there wore "10 day Shitters" his quote not mine because their Gods were supposed to return from, or in the Bowels of man..!
STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING! VIEW THE OPENING OF THIS VIDEO. AND ASK YOURSELF THE QUESTIONS OF THE CHILDREN. WHAT WILL YOU BE ABLE TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN?
As we sit on the razor’s edge of a disastrous war against Iran — strung along by the most evil and incompetent leaders imaginable — we must all ask ourselves how we in some dark future will answer the questions posed by the children in the video.
At local synagogues there were signs provided by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) an agent for Israel, that displayed both the Israeli flag and Old Glory behind the words "TOGETHER FOR GOOD". Israel hijacking the flag of liberty and justice for all. It made me sick to see them and now, after a year of outright slaughter and destruction, while it may be said that the US and Israel governments are still together, there can be no claim that it is for good.
I am very happy to say that every single one of these signs has disappeared.
I have a Flag Pin I wear as a Vet., I got it from a Relative, and Kamala looks great there Saluting with a couple of brother, fellow "Sky Cops" I believe from the 89th. SPS Squadron out of Dover, A.F.B. Delaware. They had Chrome Shields (badges) I knew a couple when I was Active. --Sharp Troopers... As far as Saluting goes I think as a Civi. when as a Firefighter I only Saluted a Funeral Cortege of a brother Firefighter that passed our Firehouses in the City I worked. Now I only Salut' when a Fire Truck passes me on the street when responding out of respect & honor because I gave out so many Salutes at Main Gates when Active my 4 yrs. on Base. If its a show of respect-- no harm no foul. I could have worn a Flag on my Work Uniform as a Veteran Firefighter, but elected not to. I had a Veteran License Plate once too, the criteria was you had to have Served Overseas to get one.
Not at all sure that we have the type of "civilian control" of the military we are told we have. Sure, people like Elon Musk and other big "defense contractors" are theoretically civilians, but they might as well be part of the military in the sense that they are inseparable from it. Is there one millimeter of difference between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon execs and the military brass when it comes to what our military is doing around the world? It is all one Big planet-killing Blob now. When I watch shows like Face the Nation, it makes my skin crawl. They sound like murderous psychopaths foaming at the mouth to have another war.
John, I highly recommend the non-commercial show Breaking Points with hosts Krystal Ball and Saagar Ergeti. They are on YouTube for free but are user (including me) supported.
The "military" and "big 'defense contractors'" are simply two parts of the Military Industrial Congressional Complex, John, which is but one part of the MICIMATT.
Which is but part of The Blob. You need to add in the billionaire donor-class or you haven't included one of the major drivers of the whole system. MICIBMATT is getting too long to deal with.
The two parts being the fighters and the cheerleaders. Notice that you will never see the cheerleaders on the battlefield.
The "cheerleaders" are The Media [the "M" in MICIMATT], and sometimes You very definitely see them on the battlefield. And other times, You don't.
The defense contractors are the ones who own, operate, command, and control the third part of the MICC: the elected politicians, entrenched bureaucrats, and anointed appointees.
You don't think the defense contractors are cheerleaders? You don't think the Wolfowitzs, Brzezińskis, Nulands, Kagans, Boltons, Cheneys and others like them are cheerleaders? Come on, now.
Secondly, those reporters who out in the middle of the fray are generally just reporting. Few are cheerleading. (How many reporters in Iraq were cheering on the "weapons of mass destruction?) It's the editors and publishers that determine "the news that's fit to print" that are doing the cheerleading, not the reporters. And you won't find the editors and publishers out where they might come to harm.
Other than Cheney, i wasn't aware that any of the other people You named were defense contractors. Got any specifics on which of these politicians and/or expert appointees were directly involved with which defense contractors?
And in their capacities as "expert advisors or appointees," they are too busy attempting to formulate and direct policy to be cheerleading. That's what they have a Media for: those "editors and publishers" You cited.
And i agree that it's Reporters who are out in the field, and not the Editors and Publishers. After all, if all the Editors and Publishers were out in the field with those Reporters, how would Any News ~ fit or not ~ be printed or posted or broadcast?
As far as I'm concerned, we can do without most of the "news" - at least the mainstream media "news".
They are a combination of "advisors" who rotate in and out of office, think tanks, consulting firms, etc. Victoria Nuland is a State Dept. weenie who's been there through several presidents and has worked her way up to Dep Sec for Policy. She and her husband Robt. Kagan were among the chief cheerleaders of the revolution that overthrew Victor Yanukovich and ignited the Ukrainian civil war in 2014 that brought in Russia in 2022. (I'm sure you remember her passing out cookies to the Neo Nazi revolutionaries.)
These are the kind of people who whisper in the president's ear and goad him into violence (not that it takes much goading).
First, I agree with the Wombat, the flag pin is just theater, nothing more. Like all the other flag waving, the phony patriotism of these hypocrites is sickening.
Secondly, civilians salute by placing their right hand over their heart, and they only salute the flag - not other people. Raising it to the top of their forehead (actually to the brim of the cap) is for the military and should only be done when wearing a cap. (Also used by police and other uniformed officers).
I see the flag pin as theater. Sadly, our government's priority is narrative. The propaganda creates an illusion that prevents the citizens from seeing behind the curtain.
This is beginning to change. There is an entirely different and more comprehensive media than MSM. Give it a generation or less. This will be a Media of the People.
Flag pins not so much as sickly nationalism is becoming more common in Canada, especially since our most likely next Prime Minister Conservative Pierre Poilievre, shares much in common with J.D. Vance. Einstein had the two most relevant comments on our times. "Nationalism is Evil" In 1938, Einstein had contended with the very idea behind the creation of Israel. It runs counter to “the essential nature of Judaism,” Nationalism pits people against one another. Flag waving or wearing a pin is a way of saying am more American or Canadian than you. Does being Canadian mean, you love hockey or that nobody goes without health care? Sadly, more Canadians care about hockey than health care policy as we slip into privatization. Shallow/hollow Nationalism leaves us too dumb for democracy.
Kamala brags about her Glock so that gun represents her being a true American. Anybody can wear a flag pin, but she is ready to shoot and kill and every American should have a Glock and be ready to shoot and kill. That's the American way! The gun lobby loves that. Bragging about her Glock like avoiding addressing the Genocide really makes it clear that Biden/Harris are dangerously mentally ill with the Nationalistic sickness Erich Fromm wrote about in 1941 in Escape From Freedom and later in The Sane society. Ralph Nader recently questioned a psychiatrist who had mounted evidence of Trumps mental illness. Nader cut to the chase and pointed out that Biden/Harris thinkings and policies may not fit your definition of mental illness, but they are sick and dangerous.
Thumbs up for Erich Fromm
Note that Glock isn't even a U.S. weapon. It was designed and manufactured in Austria.
So much for "Made in America".
Do You have a link to those Nader comments, Glen? i did a Google and can't find it. Thankee.
I remember when Scientific American was scientific. I grew up reading it.
Have you seen this? https://babylonbee.com/january6
Is Nader mentioned in that article?
My question to Glen was about what the psychiatrist said, and what Nader said about what she said.
It is jingoism not patriotism.
I did just scroll through a long line of photos of the mayor of Cuenca (where I live now) and the president of Ecuador to check out their donning of flag pins. I actually expected to find them on both as certainly the Ecuadorian flag is everywhere. To my surprise, I couldn't find a single picture (formal and informal dress) where either gent dons a flag pin. Nor could I find one on "The Putin." Interesting....
Another word for it is "Nationalism. "
As I recall GW Bush typically extended his hand to shake when he was saluted. I suppose that's what I would do.
Good idea particularly because the rigid salute and stance of those saluting makes them appear to be automatons instead of human beings. Shaking hands would acknowledge humanity rather than machine-like command structure that requires of a thinking creature not to think, just DO. You'll have to forgive me - I hated being in Boy Scouts and couldn't wait to escape the uniforms, badges, etc.
I have no basis to comment on saluting, but the ubiquitous flag pins make me crazy! Egregious virtue signaling, at the very least. Same as the people who constantly fly American flags, but fly them at night without illumination, or in the rain, or in poor condition. Fake patriotism.
Denise, I believe, but cannot say for sure, that in America the national flag is on display far more than the national flag of any other country is displayed in that country. It's also curious to me that the current craze for big pickups is often accompanied by putting the flag on them which seems intended to say "I'm tough, this machine is tough, and I'm an American that nobody is going to tell what to do. Independence for me and I'll think about it for others" This is backed up by the common vanity license plates on these big rigs that are variations on BOSS, or BADBOI, or RUDE, or BIG1. The world warms and we have these man-children burning as much gasoline as possible. I saw a big pickup the other day with "SILLY BOY, PICKUPS ARE FOR GIRLS!" decaled on the window. A nation of children at home supplying a killing machine abroad and proud flaggery everywhere.
A Flag Pin on a real Vet is ok by me, but on all Politicians is fake/ phony for sure just pandering to Vets. for Votes I think, and yes also if you fly a Flag you must follow the Guidelines of proper Flag Etiquette...
I think the saluting business started with Reagan, an actor who had played soldiers and sailors in the movies while opting to stay in Hollywood during the war.
From Wikipedia: "In April 1937, Reagan enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. He was assigned as a private in Des Moines' 322nd Cavalry Regiment and reassigned to second lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps.[45] He later became a part of the 323rd Cavalry Regiment in California.[46] As relations between the United States and Japan worsened, Reagan was ordered for active duty while he was filming Kings Row. Wasserman and Warner Bros. lawyers successfully sent draft deferments to complete the film in October 1941. However, to avoid accusations of Reagan being a draft dodger, the studio let him go in April 1942.[47]
Reagan reported for duty with severe near-sightedness. His first assignment was at Fort Mason as a liaison officer, a role that allowed him to transfer to the United States Army Air Forces (AAF). Reagan became an AAF public relations officer and was subsequently assigned to the 18th AAF Base Unit in Culver City[48] where he felt that it was "impossible to remove an incompetent or lazy worker" due to what he felt was "the incompetence, the delays, and inefficiencies" of the federal bureaucracy.[49] Despite this, Reagan participated in the Provisional Task Force Show Unit in Burbank[50] and continued to make theatrical films.[51] He was also ordered to temporary duty in New York City to participate in the sixth War Loan Drive before being reassigned to Fort MacArthur until his discharge on December 9, 1945, as a captain. Throughout his military service, Reagan produced over 400 training films.[50]"
Yes, plenty of British leaders like to cosplay as military figures. Sir Keir, the lord-protector of paedophile elites, is the most recent. And then there was Boris, the Liar.
Oh yes Bill. And it goes right along with the hollow ‘thoughts and prayers’.
Yes words are cheap paying lip service is all some can give it irks me too, but I don't judge the "thoughts and prayers" They may be sincere as well...
I think the issue is not "thoughts and prayers" per se, but that the expression is the beginning and the end of it all. Thus "thoughts and prayers" after every mass shooting, but no action taken to prevent them.
And who are we "praying" to? Assuming there's a God (ask Dennis about this), He doesn't seem concerned about preventing mass shootings...or for that matter mass bombing in Gaza and elsewhere.
Assuming for the moment that there is a God, Bill, my guess is that They/It/She/He are/is leaving it up to us Human Beings to prevent and cease Mass Shootings; along with War, and the Genocide, Ecocide, and especially, the Democide that goes along with it.
To say nothing of the Poverty, Hunger, Disease, Illiteracy, Injustice, Inequity, Insecurity, and even more especially, the Tyranny that also goes along with it.
And before Humans invented Gods and Religion, they invented Organization and Politics and Leaders and Followers. And eventually, ultimately, and inevitably, Power of the very few over the very many; aka Tyranny.
Invented Gods and Religion can be sources of great insight, inspiration, and comfort to Humans. But they can also be very powerful instruments of political, economic, social, and cultural Power and Tyranny. And the perfect justification for War, and the seizure of more Power so as to be able to gather more Wealth so as to get even more Power so as to... etc.
BTW: Nice website, Ray. Do You do all that Yourself, or do You have a Computer Ninja ~ aka Website Designer ~ working with or for You?
Organization, Politics, Leaders and Followers, Rulers and Ruled started a long time before the Myth of The Tower of Babylon was "documented" in the Jewish Bible, Ray.
Ever hear of Moonwatcher and his Tribe in 2001: A Space Odyssey? ... :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB9CixwSJFI .
No Dennis. As explained above: Man invented God and Religion AFTER he had invented Politics, Power, Rulers and Ruled, and Tyranny.
God[s] and Religion were simply new approaches to same Goal and Objective.
Much like the TV law enforcement "sorry for your loss."
What we should all keep in mind is that in every heinous crime incident case splashed across our TV Screens there is also a much more important victim and their families, and loved ones so thoughts and prayers are so overstated now to be trite. Think people before posting these responses. These are real people who loved and are missing these people now. It was so hard being on and dealing with these types of calls when I was in the thick of it. Sometimes just listening and supporting is much more important than platitudes like "Thoughts & Prayers"! Or.., the Wimpy "My heart goes out to them."
So how does one actually determine whether or not God has actually, really responded to someone who claims that God has responded to her or his call?
Ie: Can that assertion of a Response from God be proven?
Yeah; but automatic pistols and rifles [and machine guns] make it a whole hell of a lot easier for those folks so inclined to do their killing.
i think the technical, term for what Guns are is "Accomplice," as opposed to merely an "Accessory" ... :
"Accessory: Assists someone who has committed a crime, but does not directly participate. Accessories are guilty of a separate crime that is usually a misdemeanor.
"Accomplice: Actively participates in the crime, and is responsible for the offense the principal commits. Accomplices are usually subject to harsher penalties than accessories. "
~ Google AI Overview response to "opposite of accessory to a crime?"
So where does this leave us? Ans. -- On our own....!
God help us.
Heh.
One thing is certain: If there is a God, and supposing He has a "chosen" nation, it's neither the USA nor Israel.
It might be New Zealand, though. :-)
My guess is Antarctica.
The Penguin God!!! :/ :o)
No, no, no! The one true god is freon (CCl₂F₂) which changes Hell into Paradise at the flick of a switch. I don't need a link to back me up: I've lived in Arizona.
So is Hell Ray Hell is here on Earth as well...!
I like nature gods. They make a lot of sense to me. At least they show some respect for nature.
Bill: Do You know anything about The God/Gods of The Stoics... :
Google AI Overview:…
Stoics believed in a cosmic force that animated and guided the world, which they described in various ways, including:
* God ~ The Stoics believed in a God that was omnipresent and omnipotent, and was identical with the active principle.
* Logos ~ A benign principle that was the foundation of life. The word logos can be translated in many ways, including word, reason, discourse, principle, law, activity, allure, or attraction.
* Pneuma ~ A phenomenon that arose from the mixing of air and fire. Since this phenomenon happens everywhere, and within everything, the Stoic God was both everywhere and everything.
* Zeus ~ The Stoics often identified the universe and God with Zeus, as the ruler and upholder of the universe.
The Stoics believed that their God was different from the gods of ancient Greek and Roman religion, and from the gods of the world religions that exist today. Stoic theology was a fatalistic and naturalistic pantheism, where God was always immanent, and IDENTIFIED WITH NATURE. [EMPHASIS added.].
How many Wars did the Maori have before You White guys showed up with Your Empire and a Religion to go along with it?
Isn't there also a "Christchurch, New Zealand" Dennis?, or so I'm told. I have a FB Friend from NZL
There is no God, Dennis. C'mon. man.
My biggest "Pet Peeve" of all tho. for myself only is the ones who: "Talk the Talk, but don't Walk the Walk." Phonies i.o.w...! The "Stolen Valor" ones wearing badges, awards & medals seeking services, or benefits that they never were Awarded I think should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law!!!
"Panties in a knot, eh? "Heh.
So how do You feel about the Star-Spangled Banner being played, sung, marched to, saluted, and sometime even over-flighted at virtually all outdoor ~ and some indoor] ~ sporting events.
Or the New Zealand National Anthem before events in New Zealand? Or do You guys just sing "Rule Britannia" and "God Bless The King," and that's Your anthem?
Ray, people have been using prophecies from the Bible and making predictions for hundreds, indeed thousands of years. Nearly all those predictions didn't come to pass. Which doesn't stop the next person from making a prediction based on their special reading of Daniel or Revelation etc.
I remember hearing as a teenager, circa 1976, that the apocalypse was nigh. Here it is, nearly 50 years later, and we're still kicking.
Sadly, we humans will produce our own apocalypse, whether in slow motion via ecocide and global warming or in quick time via nuclear weapons.
48 years later, we're still kicking, indeed [and in deed], Bill. But what exactly are we are kicking except that can down the road to that Apocalypse You named?
In 1976, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' DOOMSDAY CLOCK stood at 9 Minutes to Midnite.
As of January 23, 2024, it stands at 90 SECONDS to Midnite. [See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doomsday_Clock for details.]
Yes, the Doomsday Clock is far too close to midnight, and both Republicans and Democrats seem determined to push it ever closer, just so they can look "tough."
Happy Bovine Excrement!!! lol
I had a brother "Sky-Cop" friend when in who told me his Overseas assignment was Turkey of "Midnight Express" fame well he said the Religious sect there wore "10 day Shitters" his quote not mine because their Gods were supposed to return from, or in the Bowels of man..!
Loyalty and respect are earned.
Overused SYMBOLS first become meaningless, then they transform into a deeper meaning to show you who the HERD is.
re a Non-Minor Pet Peeve...:
In the words of DeMOCKracy.ink’s Mark Taylor:
STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING! VIEW THE OPENING OF THIS VIDEO. AND ASK YOURSELF THE QUESTIONS OF THE CHILDREN. WHAT WILL YOU BE ABLE TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN?
I won’t say much.
I can’t say much.
Just watch the opening of this interview with Col. Larry Wilkerson on today’s Dialogue Works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN1wIzFzcfc .
As we sit on the razor’s edge of a disastrous war against Iran — strung along by the most evil and incompetent leaders imaginable — we must all ask ourselves how we in some dark future will answer the questions posed by the children in the video.
Pass this video on.
God help us.
Speak out.
Resist.
Or be complicit.
Source: https://mark192.substack.com/p/stop-what-you-are-doing-view-the .
Very powerful video--thanks for sharing, Jeff.
Yes, indeed.
At local synagogues there were signs provided by the Jewish National Fund (JNF) an agent for Israel, that displayed both the Israeli flag and Old Glory behind the words "TOGETHER FOR GOOD". Israel hijacking the flag of liberty and justice for all. It made me sick to see them and now, after a year of outright slaughter and destruction, while it may be said that the US and Israel governments are still together, there can be no claim that it is for good.
I am very happy to say that every single one of these signs has disappeared.
Harris seems to be saluting the ground with her eyes closed. I'm guessing she finds the military distasteful. At least in person.
I have a Flag Pin I wear as a Vet., I got it from a Relative, and Kamala looks great there Saluting with a couple of brother, fellow "Sky Cops" I believe from the 89th. SPS Squadron out of Dover, A.F.B. Delaware. They had Chrome Shields (badges) I knew a couple when I was Active. --Sharp Troopers... As far as Saluting goes I think as a Civi. when as a Firefighter I only Saluted a Funeral Cortege of a brother Firefighter that passed our Firehouses in the City I worked. Now I only Salut' when a Fire Truck passes me on the street when responding out of respect & honor because I gave out so many Salutes at Main Gates when Active my 4 yrs. on Base. If its a show of respect-- no harm no foul. I could have worn a Flag on my Work Uniform as a Veteran Firefighter, but elected not to. I had a Veteran License Plate once too, the criteria was you had to have Served Overseas to get one.