Common Sense Environmentalism 50 Years of Observation

Guestbook Archive 7 of 9

I don't disagree with our efforts in foreign policy and back the use of force when done properly, as we did for the Gulf War. While politicians do make difficult decisions, they come when advised by top military generals and brass. These serve to further the interests of our country and enhance our relations within the world community
z <fdfdf@156.com>
beijing, USA - Tuesday, March 08, 2005 at 22:10:51 (PST)

I would like to comment on something that has been bothering me. I have a spouse and 4 children, we eat out alot, me and my spouse work full time jobs. All the kids are in sport, recently we went to Wendys around 8 pm, not a sole was working the counter, we stood there for 10 minutes and no one came to wait on us. Also, me and my daughter went to pizza hut, the new one bistro whatever, we were seated given menus and no one ever came back to wait on us. After 20 minutes I left. I have noticed service is horrible around here. It is like me the customer is bothering the employee, who should probably be grateful to have a job. EMPLOYEERS, maybe you should instill some manners into your employees. It doesn't take much to say Thank you, but to say it and mean it goes a long way. I spend around 50 dollars a week eating out, I guess these businesses don't need it.
Bristol resident
bristol, tn USA - Tuesday, March 08, 2005 at 15:27:28 (PST)

Nice work yesterday. I don�t live in Bristol but I feel your pain. It�s funny (or maybe it�s not funny) how local government can give huge grants and incentives to a company like Bristol Compressors to create jobs and sit back and watch people get laid off and not expect to be repaid. Now tey expect the same unemployed people to pay higher utility bills.

We fired our local government here in Castlewood because we were getting the shaft, remember that? We voted in our own people on the platform if they won the election they would get rid of their own jobs and the town charter. We won on so many different levels. We now enjoy less power-hungry masters manipulating out lives.

Fear seems to be a driving force in today�s political world. We are told all these horrible things by the media and react just how they want us to act, out of fear. We are nothing but Cattle being herded in whatever direction out owners wish. We were told that Y2K would be nightmare and to go out and buy supplies and prepare for the worst. The worst never came. We are told that there are terrorist threats to our community and to buy supplies to protect our families. Everytime it snows we rush out to Food City and stock up of groceries. Gas prices are going up, but why? We live in fear every day. Our job, the highways, unlocked medicine cabinets, slippery bathroom floors, and not brushing twice a day, all raise our stress level. Its no wonder why we are all getting fat, we are afraid to go out enjoy life because something may happen to us.

So we sit in front of our TV sets and hear more stories about thing that make us afraid.

Thank you for not being afraid Louis.
Matt Sutherland <capttrips25@yahoo.com>
Castlewood, VA USA - Tuesday, March 08, 2005 at 06:30:09 (PST)

SHARIA IN ZAMFARA STATE NIGERIA, ESCAPE OF A SHARIA VICTIM FROM PRISON

God'swill Buchi for: Farabello Daily Newspaper, Zamfara State - Nigeria (March 30, 2004)

Tension continues to mount in Nigeria over the introduction of Sharia (Islamic law) by some northern state governors in apparent opposition to the country's secular constitution and efforts by President Olusegun Obasanjo to redress human rights abuses of the past. The declaration of Islamic law in Zamfara and Kano states in recent months poses a significant challenge to the 7-month-old democracy and its Christian president, who faces increasing pressure from Christian leaders to overturn Sharia.

Nigeria is a secular country with the population evenly divided between Christians and Muslims. The northern region with 19 out of the country's 36 states is predominantly Muslim, while Christians dominate the south. In October, Zamfara became the first Nigerian state to introduce Sharia. Legislators in Kano are expected to formalize the practice in three weeks. Two other northern states, Sokoto and Yobe, also have taken steps to introduce Islamic law. Sharia prescribes punishments such as flogging, amputation and beheading for some offenses.

The Sharia controversy has heightened fears of religious riots and disintegration of the country. In February 2004, a sharia court in Birinin Tudu, issued a warrant for the arrest of a man named Bello, surname withheld, he was arrested in Dec 2003, after he was court having sex with a man, he was said to be arrested but escaped from prison as a result of poor prison security, his partner is known as Alhaji, a title commonly used for rich hausa men, his whereabout is unknown according to officials. The case has been on hold until bello is apprehended.

"The introduction of Sharia in some states could lead to the disintegration of the country," said Anglican Bishop Emmanuel Mani of Borno state. "We have peacefully hitherto without agitation. Why would some people suddenly use religion, which is a sensitive issue, to divide the nation and weaken the unity of this country?"

Over the past month, hundreds have died during the fighting in Kaduna, Zamfara and Sokoto. When will this cycle of violence end? Can peace be restored in Nigeria or has recent conflicts destroyed the country's unity beyond repair? On this Africa Journal, we'll discuss the crisis in Nigeria. We'll address the Sharia issue, President Obasanjo's role in ending the conflict and the future for Nigeria. I am posting my pre-interview notes so that you will understand the inspiration and "the story behind the story" of the things I say on radio and television. The program was broadcast (live for one-hour).
God'swill Buchi <gg_buchi@yahoo.com>
Zamfara State - Nigeria, Zamfara Nigeria - Tuesday, March 08, 2005 at 04:46:54 (PST)

If the truth is hidden from someone,it is from those who are destined to hell,doom and destruction.If someone rejects the message,shake even the dust of that place from your feet,even the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better than that place on Judgement Day. Jesus Christ
Alexander John <alxradrt@yahoo.co.in>
Delhi, India - Tuesday, March 08, 2005 at 04:44:44 (PST)

I think all the people trashing North really need to grow up!! You all are acting like 2 year olds. GROW UP!!!!! I think North is a awesome school and i would not choose to go to any other school! Please consider growing up!! And Shanda(I think thats your name)I asked the art teacher about the whole experience and nothing happend. You would not like it at all if i got on here and started spreading rumors about you! Please grow up! Stop talking trash about North it is an excellent school and the factulty and staff member are tremendous! Find something else to talk trash about!!!!!!!!!!!!!
none of your business
USA, TN USA - Friday, February 18, 2005 at 21:11:39 (PST)

Sir: You are my favorite commentator and I sincerely appreciate your courage in speaking out about the outrageous behavior of the Bush Administration.
Ernest Marth <emarth@yahoo.com>
Union City, Ca USA - Monday, February 14, 2005 at 02:09:35 (PST)

So god told Pat Robertson Bush was gonna win? my can of pepsi told me that it may rain next week. It predicts a blowout.
Lance
USA - Friday, February 11, 2005 at 17:09:36 (PST)

Looks like the Sullivan BOE decided to do something they are good at-surprises. They decided to close Gravely elementary w/ no warning at all to the school prior to yesterday's front page of the newspaper. Those people must be absolutely devastated. And they actually think that those extra 100-150 8th graders will save Sullivan North? Haha, funny. Are they forgetting that the high school enrollment is still going to drop over the years? What's next? Why don't they just go ahead and close North? That's a hellhole, and thank God my kids are out of that school.

I wouldn't send my dogs there, knowing what I know now. Take it from me. Also, there is a Sullivan special education teacher that is going to court for harassing a disabled student. If that's not pathetic, I don't know what it. What is the Sullivan County education system coming down to? Can't people see? I encourage you to post more information for everyone to see about North, and the Sullivan BOE. They are the lousy, stupid, uncaring idiots ever. Their schools show it too.

Response: That is the culture here Karen and it's really sad.
Karen
TN USA - Wednesday, February 09, 2005 at 05:53:52 (PST)

Someone who is born a Jew can never become a non-Jew. He can be an idol worshipper but he remains a Jew. Don't get confused with Israel's secular law.
All the best, A Jew

Response: There is nothing to confuse, and you are not a Jew. If you are a Jew and convert to another religion, you are not a Jew but at best an apostate. If you are following a cult called messianic Judaism, you are a Christian and have betrayed the faith of Abraham. You worship a deity born between the legs of a human woman, you are an idolater, not a Jew. Judaism is not a race, if that was true then many Arabs would be Jews. Many born Jews because they originated in that region, have the same genetic pattern as many Arabs. But Arabs are not Jews unless they follow Judaism. And that is why you are leaving this message on my guestbook, because you are likely a member of this messianic Christian cult. Jesus is not the Jewish or any other messiah. The Bible proves that. Try reading it as written without resorting to this mythical holy spirit nonsense.

Correction
USA - Wednesday, February 09, 2005 at 03:17:53 (PST)

Shanda,

A terribly tragic, but story that sums up the region. Basically you are a victim of the system, the system that is a big reason that you hear things like: "The statelines end in Knoxville and Roanoke." Schools in Southwest Virginia are just as bad. And I feel for you, you must not have gotten pregnant as a freshman at North, and therefore you weren't on the "A" list with the rest of the decay of western society at that hellhole... I wouldn't worry, the end of Sullivan North is near. It's a shame you didn't go to Central or East, they aren't bad schools, but actually you're parents should have considered D-B, or sending you to one of the Bristol schools.
Scott
Tri-CIties, TN USA - Tuesday, February 08, 2005 at 19:43:27 (PST)

none of you that say satan is not real you have not read the Bible. The Bible speaks of Satan many times. In the Old and New test... just read the story Job. Then of Jesus fasting for 40 days. If the Bible is not true then why is every thing is says come true. Like where it says Isreal will be a Nation again. The bible was made in 92 ad Israel became a nation again in 1948 what's the odds. If you still just don't get that Satan and God is real. When all the people that is a true follows Christ suddenly is gone. Then you will see. Are you ready for the catching away? Response: why do Christians keep insisting on the belief in a mythical devil? Your beliefs can't exist without it. The Bible said nothing about Israel being a nation again. The modern state of Israel is not the Israel of the first century. Jesus promised in Matthew, Mark, and Luke the great kingdom would come in their "generation." No amount of double talk will change the fact this was a failure and will never happen. i don't worship, but you can go right ahead.

Hey, great site. Religious fundamentalists beliefs are dangerous to humanity and non human beings as well.

Response: any form of fundamentalism can be dangerous. Right now Islamic and Leftist fundamentalism are the worst danger.
Svetlana
Canada - Tuesday, February 08, 2005 at 04:20:05 (PST)

Praise the Lord, for one day or other Mukesh would become a great servant of the Mighty God. Refer Bible for how Saul-who worked against God became Paul-who preached the Word of God till his last breathe.

Response: Paul never met Jesus and perverted the whole religion into a gnostic savior god cult. I don't believe Mukesh talks to dead people.
MuthuKrishnan <kit_kittu@rediffmail.com>
Tirunelveli, TamilNadu INDIA - Monday, February 07, 2005 at 06:01:39 (PST)

The Holy Ghost has shown me Scriptural prophecy and the understanding thereof, Jewish Joel 2:28-31.... In Revelation 13:17 it says that there is more than one kind of visible mark .... The visible branded mark of the beast [Lucifer's Son] is similar in shape to the number 8 because his ''emblem of 8'' refers to himself being the Eighth King Head [Revelation 17:11].. Another visible branded mark of the beast [Lucifer's Son] is referring to the name of the beast[Lucifer's Son] and he does have a ''NAME OF TITLES'' , Little Horn , Anti-Christ , Scarlet Beast[Rev 17:3] , Lawless One , etc and his birth certificate human name .... The other visible branded mark of the beast[Lucifer's Son] is the infamous 666 which represents a ''population census count'' of six hundred and sixty six individual demons in stealth human form who are waiting alongside with the False Prophet[Apollyon] and the Devil[Lucifer] to guide the beast [Lucifer's Son] to the setting up of the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION [Daniel 9:26-27].... Apollyon [Rev 9:11] is the demon False Prophet mentioned in Revelation 13:11 and his two horns like a lamb are symbolic , because his two symbolic horns are actually his very own TWO ROYAL SONS , and the the False Prophet intends to give [kill] his sons in a ''lamb like sacrifice '' ; so men and women may UNWITTINGLY give their own children in abominable sacrifice to the doctrine of demons .... May ALMIGHTY GOD of Holy Christ Jesus bless and help us all....

Response: OKKK....
John Brian Murie <john@geo.net.au>
Bunbury, Western Australia Australia - Sunday, February 06, 2005 at 20:39:59 (PST)

I can't believe the comments I read on this posting board. You Christian fundamentalists are all a bunch of wackos. Truely.
Johnathan S
USA - Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 20:03:17 (PST)

The stuff about there should be "NO PRAYER IN SCHOOLS" is retarded. There is no way Jesus was against prayer in schools you people or whoever wrote it took the Holy Bible out of context. God was saying don't pray so people will look at you like the Pharisees used to do. This country started out as a Christian nation and we should not change because of other religions being in this wonderful country we all share and love. If there should be no religion in schools then why do we teach evolution. It's a type of religion. It's something that people believe in just like creation or any other belief in how the world came about and how it goes on. If it helps this site was informational, but only about false info. Peace out, God Bless
Elkins <elkins_10@yahoo.com>
Columbus, IN USA - Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 06:54:12 (PST)

I really like your website and I was wondering when you would post more info/stats on Sullivan North. I'm sure you have heard the local issues going on with that school. They are now wanting to move Cedar Grove Elementary inside of the North campus! I'm a junior at North and I despise that school. I think that they should just close North b/c they will not have an increase in students b/c of the way they treat the students. I also read Shanda's story and I believe it 100% b/c I'm in Mrs. Thomas art class and she STILL downs Shanda right and left in front of anyone that mentions Shanda's name. Please be sure to let people know that North is still NOT the school to be in. Jessica L.
Kingsport, tn USA - Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 21:10:11 (PST)

Simple question of logic: God (origin unknown) - creates heaven and hell - Then creates earth, human beings, animals and then stops creating. Finds Mr. Satan doing illegal activities in Heaven - Kicks satan right out and makes him the owner of hell (Satan's Happy) Satan finds earth appealing - goes to earth - starts creating trouble (God is not bothered) - God's imperfect creations go astray by heeding to Satan - (tedaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.........) Judgment day comes. God and Satan wait at the doors; God kicks evil humans who fell for satan to satan (Weeping like a cry baby of-course). Satan gleefully tortures them in his very own hell. God thanks satan for following his orders and torturing the evil doers. God finally throws satan in hell as well. Then the lucky people who got into heaven live in peace.......until one day a person (or an angel) succumbs to his desires (a trait that God gave him). God kicks him into hell. The stupid cycle continues Ohhhhhh We poor human beings. I wonder how evengalists are able to gulp all this without the slightest thought. Funny as hell :)
Alex
USA - Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 06:45:58 (PST)

We will all stand at the Great White Throne one day. If you wanted God to appear in the form of a book, it would be the bible. God himself is the author of the bible. Why do you think that the devil wasn't mentioned in the Old Testament? The reason is b/c Jesus hadn't been sent down to the earth yet. God wanted a holy man to walk the earth to see how man lived. You are confused. Don't you realize that the devil is making you doubt the fact that he isn't there? Of course he's there. As Jeremy asked you above, who do you think is the angel of darkness? I know it's the devil. Read your bible again, maybe it'll ring a few bells this time. As for giving money to the church, I suggest that you re-read the whole book of Corinthians, which summarizes God's view on money, and also the fact that you should give at least 10% of your income, or tithe, to your church. I'm a frequent visitor of your site, and it is a great site with lots of great info.

I've read statements you've made about attending a few churches here and there. My question is, how do you react when you hear the word "satan, devil, or Lucifer" in the preaching? Do you object? It's in the bible. All through it in fact. There IS a devil. Also, do you not give any money to the church? God is not telling you to give ALL of your income EVERY single Sunday. How do you think a church is ran? By the WHOLE church family.

If you are a member of any church, do you not agree that it is partially your responsibility to give some money to them? I agree that we should also focus on the poor and hungry, just as God does. I do that, too. But I'm also no moron and I know what the bible says. You cannot alter that book. God IS the author, and it is God's word. Who is ANYONE to claim that there is no devil? God has already told us that there IS a devil, and his name is Lucifer. Re-read your bible. By the way, no, we're not obsessed with Satan. We just fear the fact that people like you deny that he exists, which does inturn prove that he is well at work. Have a nice day.

Response: See Devils, Demons, and Hell by Shmuel Golding. If you insist on putting the devil before God, you have lots to worry about.

If you have read the bible, you will clearly understand that satan is real. If satan is not real, why did God continue to make references to his name and his actions so many times? If satan is not real, why did God cast him out of Heaven and into hell? All of your responses are opinions, not fact. Hate to break it to you, but the bible IS fact. Satan exists. No, Satan does not cause you to do, think, or commit evil. You do have the freedom to choose.

But, satan is real. Again, I ask, why would God make so many references to the devil and cast him out of heaven if he weren't real? Do you honestly think that God made that up? Or, do you just pick and choose whatever you like, or what just sounds good at the moment? God and Satan are both real. Believe that. If you believe in God, you should believe in the devil, too. If you don't believe in the devil, please don't claim that you believe God. I'm not telling anyone what to believe, but please, if you claim to believe God, read the Bible and you will see that Satan is most certainly alive and well. Maybe he isn't some mythological creature dressed in red and black, but he does exist. Besides, if you believe in Heaven and Hell, WHO do you believe rules hell? SATAN.

Response: because I've read the Bible is why I reject Christian claims. There's no Old Testament support for the New Testiment and I don't engage in spiritualism which I consider Gnosticism. Christianity is a form of Gnosticism and about 80% identical to Persian Manacheaenism. There is no devil in the Old Testament to begin with. God doesn't need a devil, Christians do to promote their claims just as they need a historical Adam. See my Gnosticism page. People are very capable of evil without any devil, as the long violent histories of Christianity, Islam, etc. have proven.

You misunderstand the method of this website, Deism and Unitarianism place reason over revelation. I read the Bible and draw a conclusion based on what is written. Christians in general already believe things they were taught to believe and read that "faith" into the Bible in such a way to reinforce that belief. Jews don't engage in that either and that's why any thinking Jew wouldn't buy into this Gnostic nonsense.

Understand you are not damned for your beliefs under Deism, it's moral conduct and the way you act, not what church you follow or what dogma you pretend to believe. That's how Deism works and that's why I don't care what you believe. If you think putting a man-god (idol) before the Father and belief in some devil is a ticket to heaven, go for it. I'll trust in God to do what is right, not some man-made holy book used by hypocrites to control others and fill their bank accounts with the money of fools. God doesn't need anyone's money, spend it on your kids or help the poor AS JESUS SAID TO DO!!!
Jeremy
USA - Thursday, December 23, 2004 at 23:56:34 (PST)

My response, see the following and use the mind God gave you.

ARTICLE HEADINGS:
Zoroastrianism and Judaism
The Devil Did Not Make You Do It!
Jeremy
USA - Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 19:05:42 (PST)

This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'I have decided to settle accounts with the nation of Amalek for opposing Israel when they came from Egypt. Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation�men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, camels, and donkeys.� You are far to quick to judge the muslms as you can see the bible can also sound bloodthirsty in the wrong context ,as you can see the lord almighty is ordering genocide...now whos going to say christians are cruel murderers?
Rev.J Koranthias
Amsterdam, USA - Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 11:59:12 (PST)

The word Islam means peace and submission, Muhammed stated in the Hadith that no Muslim should kill in agression and should only fight in self-defense, you have brought many of the quotes from the Quran and Hadith out of context. You must remember to seperate real muslims and the terrorists, the terrorists are not muslims since they defy many comandments by killing civilians , commiting suicide and acting in aggresion. REAL muslims are not like this.(The statement about muslims dancing on the street on Sep 11th is wrong, nobody knew who did it until the next day.)

Response: I don't care what the Koran says nor will I "submit" to Islam. It's what Muslims do and refuse to is what countsSee Radical Islamists must be stopped.

Douglas McNab <king_mojo14@hotmail.com>
Nottingham, UK - Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 11:47:03 (PST)

First, I would politely like to ask you who YOU are to state that "There is no Satan."? You apparently believe in a God, the Lord, but you do not believe in Satan? Have you actually read the Bible? If you have, do you recall reading about Lucifer (SATAN) being casted out of Heaven? Satan was one of the most beautiful angels until he started wanting things that God did not allow and approve of. Therefore, Lucifer (SATAN) was thrown into hell, which by the way, DOES exist. If you believe in God whatsoever, and I have already said too much, you should believe in Satan, also. He does exist, and he is the one making you doubt that he does play tricks. Yes, God gave each of us a brain, and our futures do pertain to the decisions WE make.

However, temptation IS Satan, and Satan IS temptation. I am a Christian, but I am not so strict as others as to say that I cannot have one single bad thought. We are ALL humans, and God knows that. We are all sinners. I realize there are many Bible-thumpers, if you will, in our small area, but I can assure you that the Word is true. You cannot just choose random parts of the Word that YOU can or want to believe. It may be much to grasp for us human beings, but it is the truth, and the way. You must believe ALL of God's word. If you don't, please do not contradict yourself by stating that there is a God, but no Satan. Please come to a Church if you don't already.

Response: First, I can state there is no Satan/Devil because it's true. Are all of you people obsessed with this mythical devil? Is that what you really worship? It's not my fault your faith has all kinds of invisible beings put before God that have been used as an excuse for everything from failure to bad luck to genocide. If Protestants/others claim the Bible is the sole authority, then it's time to read and consider in a rational manner just what it does say AS WRITTEN. I read it starting with the OT before I could be brainwashed (saved) and that is why you will have fits out of me. It's Christians that pick n' choose and often twist/distort what is written to fit a preconceived dogma.

For starts, Lucifer, Satan, the Devil, and the Serpent are four different things Christians have mish-mashed into one. But Christianity in general is a mish-mash of Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Gnosticism, Greek philosophy, etc. Christianity is form of Gnosticism in two important ways. First need of an intermediary deity (savior) and a devil. In addition, there are three or more distinct sects mish-mashed together in the New Testament consisting mainly of the Johns, Paul's Epistles and Peter, and the Synoptics of Matthew, Mark, Luke/Acts, James. (I include James and Acts as all similar Jewish/Christian works.

The Johns are Gnostic, Paul is pseudo-gnostic while whomever wrote Hebrews is believed to be Paul, or his followers. The style and wording of whomever wrote Peter is clearly Paulist and he admits to knowing Paul.) Your main theology of Original Sin was the work of the Apostle Paul who never even met Jesus in the flesh. Jesus Himself never mentioned Adam in the gospels. To quote the father of Protestantism St Augustine, Anyway, back to the Devil.

There is no devil in Judaism and never was. The term "devil" doesn't exist in the Old Testament. The term Satan appears 13 times in the Old Testament mainly in Job and in every case is a servant of God. But in late post-exile Zechariah 3:2, "And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" This is as close to conflict as they come. The term Lucifer (light bearer?) occurs only in Isaiah 14:12, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!

How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!" and I see nothing confrontational in this. Lucifer: Septuagint translation of "Helel [read "Helal"] ben Sha'ar" (= "the brilliant one," "son of the morning"), name of the day, or morning, star, to whose mythical fate that of the King of Babylon is compared in the prophetic vision (Isa. xiv. 12-14). It is obvious that the prophet in attributing to the Babylonian king boastful pride, followed by a fall, borrowed the idea from a popular myth. To me that king fell to Cyrus. Christians mixed this into the Zoroastrian Devil just like they did Satan. Most of the New Testament consists of failed or unfulfilled prophecy. Most of what try to use from the Old Testament wasn't future events but present day issues of earlier times.

The New Testament is another matter on this Zoroastrian devil. Satan appears 34 times while devil appears 57 times both used in the same context. No doubt Christianity is dualistic just like Zoroastrianism regardless of claims of monotheism. Judaism did produce two dualistic cults: the apocalyptic sect that gave us the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Gnostics (predate Christianity) that gave us many of the Nag Hammadi Gospels. Both were brooding, angry belief systems that saw the world and flesh as evil and sought to destroy it to bring on some Kingdom of God in one form or another. Christianity for the most part evolved from these, in particular Apostles John and Paul.

Satan does exist, and so does God. Just because someone doesn't believe it doesn't mean it not to be true. Just because you don't believe in satan doesn't mean you have the right to insult people because they do believe. How can you believe in God and not believe in satan? What will you do when you reach judgement day and face God, and then find out how WRONG you were? I don't guess you will do anything, because then it will be to late. We live in a country that has a right to the freedom of religion and a freedom of speech, but why do you want to insult people because they believe differently from you.

Do you think you are the authority on knowledge? Do you have all the knowledge of the universe from creation (the beginning)to the end. The truth is that you really don't know if satan or even hell exist, because you have never met satan and you have not been to hell. you do not have the proof of either existance or non-existance, you only have a belief, which could be either right or wrong. It is your right to believe what ever you wish, right or wrong. But don't insult someone because they believe differently, because that would just be wrong.

Response: Why are you people so in need of a devil? Can you not admit the obvious that people cause evil?(take the late Egyptian terrorist Arafat for example) There is no need of a devil to prove some people are evil. To pretend God can even be opposed in this manner belittles God. You need this mythical creature (borrowed from Zoroastrianism) for three reasons:

First, you need something for your savior god in the form of a man to save us from. He has to have a purpose.

Second, you can use the Devil as an excuse to murder and terrorize those that disagree with you. You can't admit "I'll kill you, etc. because I can't control you." You blame the act on Satan to evade the fact YOU perhaps are evil and to avoid blame. Or you use it to justify your actions, etc. Either way, you excape the blame for your actions.

Finally, you need the devil to explain away the fact God doesn't hold your hand and that God doesn't control or plan every event. Misfortunes just happen and you can't avoid them. God give us the free will to choose and allows us solve our own problems. The only prophecy is self fulfilling.

I can't prove or disprove the Easter Bunny, but I still reject the Easter Bunny as real. I can prove people commit evil, check the evening news. We don't need the Devil or Easter Bunny to explain that. If you think God is so stupid to be outwitted and screwed with by a Devil, then I'd suggest atheism. By the way, nobody here says you don't have freedom of speech here and I'll trust God over some holy book full of nonsense written by unknown writers I never met and proclamed true by people claiming to be possesed by some invisable holy spook. God gave you a mind, use it or lose it. Thanks for your worthy input.

Nice site! Nice site!
Johan194 <Johan194@hotmail.com>
NY, NY USA - Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 15:21:40 (PST)

I found your site to be balanced, insightful thought-provoking and refreshing. Being a religious skeptic and non-atheistic freethinker (I sometimes say 'AntagoGnostic'), that means a lot. Thinking People like you are rare. Keep up the good writing. Sunfell
Sunfell
USA - Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 12:23:45 (PST)

I'd like to say that I read your article about democracy being bad. I agree that democracy is bad, but your reasons are beyond belief. For one, you cannot condemn other people of being wrong when you don't even have evidence that god exists. I am non-religious, I do not believe in god, I've seen what science can prove and I believe the earth is billions of years old. Get your facts right before making insane remarks like you have.

Response: Hello Scott, I'm on your side. I presented the article as an example of some of the nonsense that other people promote for religion. I don't endose it at all. My background is in science and science doesn't explain a lot of things including why we are here on the Net having this conversation and not some slime at the bottom of the ocean. See the artilce Democracy is Bad.

Scott <>
Adelaide, SA Australia - Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 05:35:17 (PST)
Well, I have to say great research on the Topics I�ve been reading so far. But mostly I like to stand for my Christian beliefs and want to leave you with a little spiritual inside which is; That the biggest(Lie)trick of Satan is to make people believe that he dosent exist. You might say now that it is the biggest(Lie)trick of God to make People believe that He does exist. For me persanlly I like to believe in God�s Lie because when I believe in Satans Lie I am in big troubel. He is the Father of lie�s and goes arround seeks to kill, rob and destroy.

Response: There is no Satan, only God who gave you a mind. Use it.

bush has won!!
malam mugu <mugu@guy.com>
oklahoma, USA - Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 11:57:01 (PST)

Hello, We are trying to locate some material and or diagram that would allow us to see the type of business structure at Eastman Chemical. I understand that company utilizes team based approach but how is that incorporated within the organization.
Jason <web_surfer@hotmail.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 12:31:25 (PDT)

If you would like to see why us Jews don't need to be Christians cut and paste this link!

Response: I already support Rabbi Singer and his efforts to twart missionaries. Another link doesn't hurt. I just don't believe in any faith targeting others. http://www.jewsforjudaism.org/
Ben Kramer
USA - Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 14:41:47 (PDT)

Lewis... If you don't mind me asking...Who will you be voting for in the presidential election and why? And Why will you not be voteing for the other person. I am having difficulties deciding the right way to vote and value your oppinion, so I thought I would ask. Thanks

Response: Thanks for your kind words Angela. God I wish I knew. It's like choosing between a broken leg and a broken ankle. On most important issues such as these destructive trade deals destroying jobs, mass immigration, and even taxes, there is no real difference. Sure Democrats may tax and spend and often waste, but Republicans cut income taxes, borrow, spend, then shift the burden elsewhere. In the real sense Kerry and Bush are identical on Iraq, we are stuck there. Bush got us there but congress including Kerry voted for it. I feel it's a duty for all Americans to vote and if all would vote every incumbent out of office we could make some headway.

Other then divisive social issues, there is no real choice. On most of these issues, it's really up to the Supreme Court. If Bush wins and gets to appoint judges, abortion on demand could be finished. The issue would go back to the states. New York would never outlaw it, Tennessee would. I reject abortion myself as birth control. Knowing you as a Christian, I'd go Bush, which I'm also leaning towards. I'm what you could call a conservative liberal, not liberal as in Democratic Party.

What I think of Bush
angela
bristol, va USA - Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 16:57:40 (PDT)

You my friend are a racist bigot. You do not care about Arab women's rights or issues. Your goal is only to disparage ALL Arabs with little or no basic knowledge. While I do not deny this takes place and the horrific's of it you are still putting all Arabs in a negative light. Do me a favor from one women to another. Either print a non biased paper or don't bother at all. You do nothing for women anywhere. Might I remind you we have brave American Soldiers in Iraq fighting for Democracy. Why are you working so hard to paint all Arabs the same? Would this mean you don't support the Arab's right to Democracy and our Soldiers who are dying to obtain it are wasting thier time? Get off your high post and brush that ego off and learn to write objectively and fair, please. Tannie

Response: First of all, you don't tell me what to put on this website and I'm not your friend. Islam is not a race. The writer of that article is a woman that has been in the Middle East. I don't practice political correctness and of coarse all Arabs are not evil, but most seem to go along with it. I've seen Muslims when I was overseas, they lock their women up at home like they're in prison and treat many as property. Also as a non-Muslim, I would never be allowed to marry a Muslim women while Muslim men can marry non-Muslims. Talk about racism and primitivism.

I challenge any women to go to Saudi Arabia or any Islamist country and walk down the street without wearing a tent or even drive a car; they will arrest you and beat the shit out of you. Savages? You bet they are!

Tannie <TaniaLve@aol.com>
USA - Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 10:16:11 (PDT)

dayn What good did it do the people who wrote the Greek Myths to write stories that weren't true? Do you believe in the Pantheon of Gods? Why are the so many fiction stories published every year, if nobody does this. As for the bible only teaching what is good, did you read the Sodom story that was posted. The righteous man Lot committed incest with his daughters There are also many tales of rape, human sacrifice and genocide justified in the bible.

Read Judges 21:10. Rape, genocide and stalking and kidnapping women. All morally justified. Murder, rape and pillage of the Midianites* (Numbers 31:7-18 NLT), More Murder Rape and Pillage* (Deuteronomy 20:10-14), Women must marry their rapist.(Deuteronomy 22:28-29 NAB), Rape victims should be stoned if they don't cry out enough.(Deuteronomy 22:23-24 NAB) Rape of Female Captives*(Deuteronomy 21:10-14 NLT)and (Judges 5:30 NAB)*Kill Men, Women, and Children*(Ezekiel 9:5-7 NLT), (Jeremiah 51:20-26) Rape women, and dash little babies, show no mercy, run the captives through with swords.(Isaiah 13:15-18 NLT)*Jephthah sacrifices his Daughter* after supposedly god outlawed human sacriface because of the bonding of Isaac.(/Judges 11:29-40 NLT)*Josiah and Human Sacrifice*(1 Kings 13:1-2 NLT) (2 Kings 23:20-25 NLT
Logic 101
USA - Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 08:55:37 (PDT)

I was really amazed by the comments made by Pat Robertson about Islam, as stated on your site. I accept that there are some extremists that are using the name of Islam for their unjust acts but that doesnt mean that one can blame the whole religion. If these are the merits of such an important person then I am afraid I have to say that he who has no religion cant judge others.

Response: Pat Robertson attacks everybody and not just Muslims. He is also one of the reasons people walk away from Christianity.

• Pat Robertson attacks Islam
• Pat Robertson Speaks
• A Muslim whines about the image of Islam

   Hello:


   Your site was very truthful and very realistic.
   I am also an immigrant here,but i come here legally.

   I was so dismayed with the government system and why
   they keep allowing this illegals here while there are
   still more legal aliens that waiting in line.

   I was married to a US soldier and this how i permanently
   reside with my husband.

   I also believed that this war in Iraq was complete hoax
   and formulated by Bush and his illuminati friends.

   it's true that we need more jobs than outsourcing this
   jobs to Communist china while the american people were
   suffering from poverty.

   I remember this wisdoms from Thomas Jefferson:


   " I think we have more machinery of government than is
     necessary,too many parasites living on the labor of
     the industrious."


    I hope that the american people will open their eyes
    to the truth and remove those parasites to our path.


    Peace upon to all.

Response: A warm welcome to America. Please don't get into "illuminati" conspiracy nonsense. Both business sees these people as cheap labor while Liberals see them as votes. Liberals are also pushing this racist muticultural agenda. They want not only votes, but to destroy American culture. The sad part is these people come here end up exploited and have no desire at all to destroy anythng. I don't blame them. Instead of ending poverty we import it as a form of wage and price control then stick the general public with the social costs business avoids.

• What about illegal immigration?

Hey April Jones.

Have you ever read the story of Sodom and Gamorrah? What does thowing women to a bunch of gang rapers, in order to save angels from the same gang rapers, have to do with homosexuality?

http://bible.gospelcom.net/cgi-bin/bible

Needless to say the story looks more like Abu Ghraib, than homosexual marriage. We maybe slipping into a Sodom like state, but it isn't the homosexuals that are causing it.
Makes you think!
USA - Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at 13:08:46 (PDT)

I just visited your page. It's got alot of great information, I will give you that. I just wanted to state a question, however. In your section "Challenge to Atheists", I think that there is being a major contradiction between the atheists and the comic strip that is shown at the top of the webpage. If someone is an atheist, why would he/she even consider a "God"? That is exactly what is being depicted in the photo. I will say that I am a Christian. I realize that everyone has different beliefs, and I do respect that. I can honestly say that Satan himself is the reason for disbelief in this world.

Folks, read the Bible. Go to church just once. If you don't feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart, something is wrong. And for all of these homosexuals, why do you feel that it is so right to have the freedom to marry someone of your own sex? Again, if God wanted it to be that way, it WOULD be that way. There's already been a controversy about homosexuality in history. (Sodom & Gommorah) We're heading for that again. Just because we live in a free country doesn't mean that we should twist what's right and wrong. Yes, you're free to make your own decisions, but is it really right? I am no one to judge anyone, and I'm no better than you just as you are no better than me. However, the Bible is right. Know God, you'll be a much happier person, I PROMISE.

Response: Hi April. For one reason this is not an atheist website. But I did change the cartoon. With all respect, there is no Satan or least this devil Christians confuse Satan with. I have read the Bible and I tried to go to church and thank God I rejected Christianity which helped me reject atheism as well, There is a better path and I'm just as happy with that. But I do agree there is right and wrong but God is not some homicidal maniac that murders children or destroys cities to prove how tough He is. I reject the violent and irrational Old Testament Bible god.

But your are welcome to your beliefs because I'm not here to take your happiness away, that is if your really are happy. You do sound more upset then happy. Be happy for yourself and don't worry so much about others. If you are really right, you can have the last laugh. If you are right...

• Challenge to Atheists
• Challenge to Atheists II
• Fired from the job for being an atheist
• Zoroastrianism and the Devil

Response: WASPs such as myself are not the Hebrew/Jews of the Bible. The entire theology is absurd to the max. Mostly it's a religion for racists even if it never started that way.

I'm trying to learn how to drive a straight drive (5 speed). Any tips? It's harder than hell. Thanks.
David
GA USA - Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at 18:44:44 (PDT)

Response: Thanks Jenn, enjoy hearing from you. Please stop posting stuff you copy off other websites. Put them in your own words with a link. I'm listening to YOU but I won't listen to a bunch of websites such as antiwar.com, etc. You have to convince me, they won't.

One last time! :) Hi! I've been browsing through sites when I saw yours. It's truly amazing,

[i]Response: Without knowing what you refer to makes it hard to address the issue. It doesn't matter if Islam is true or not or how I or anyone else reperesent it. It's what Muslims do that counts. Why are decent Muslims like you not denouncing or exposing the savages that commit murder and terror in the name of Islam? Why are 80% of the mosques in America controlled by the Saudi Arabian Wahhabi hate cult? Where are the good Muslims? But I'll let a former Muslim speak for himself.

Muslims are denouncing terror. http://www.cincypost.com/2004/09/17/editb091704.html

Response: Here is a quote your link refers to. Those quoted words come from Abdel Rahman al-Rashed, the top executive of an Arab TV station, and the only majot Muslim anything to admit what I have been saying here: . "The hostage-takers of children in Beslan, North Ossetia, were Muslims. The other hostage-takers and subsequent murderers of the Nepalese chefs and workers in Iraq were also Muslims. Those involved in rape and murder in Darfur, Sudan, are Muslims, with other Muslims chosen to be their victims. Those responsible for the attacks on residential towers in Riyadh and Khobar were Muslims. The two women who crashed two airliners last week were also Muslims. Bin Laden is a Muslim. The majority of those who manned the suicide bombings against buses, vehicles, schools, houses and buildings, all over the world, were Muslim...We cannot clear our names unless we own up to the shameful fact that terrorism has become an Islamic enterprise; an almost exclusive monopoly, implemented by Muslim men and women."

He says the terrorist are Arabs, he says they are Muslims, but I'm a bigot for saying the truth that this guy Arab in depair confirmed? What am I missing here? I feel as sick as he does about all this. What does Zionism and your irrational obsession with the West Bank Jordanians have to do with all this Islamist terror all over the world against everybody? To read the complete text of Mr. al-Rahed, the Beslan horror, and an Arab American women below for more outcries from good Muslims. Richard Pipes is hardly an authority on anything. CAIR is not wahhabist, though it may have such contributers, and and I am glad Kennedy stood up to that awful bigot. Futhermore the individual you were responding to doesn't have an obligation to denounce muslims in order to justify requesting that you not stereotype them. That is same blustering mentality of those who say that anyone who protests America hates it.

Response: To quote:

The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security held the second in a series of hearings aimed at examining Saudi Arabia's role in exporting Islamic extremism abroad. The hearing, titled �Two Years After 9/11: Connecting the Dots,� was focused on the prevalence of the radical Wahhabi Islamic sect among Muslim political groups in the U.S...the committee heard compelling evidence that Saudi Arabia financially and ideologically supports a network of American organizations that act as the defenders, financiers, and front groups of international terrorists. CAI has been a major player in this network since its creation in 1994, with a particularly soft spot for the suicide-bombing death squads of Hamas...Senators turned out in force to connect the dots between CAIR and the deviant Islamic extremism that led to the vicious attacks of 9/11...

His name is Daniel Pipes and he is on the Board of the US Institute of Peace. I think he has better credentials the you, Ted Kennedy, and your pals at CAIR. Protest is one thing, inciting murder is another. Thanks for your input but if want to attack me come prepared next time and leave an e-mail address.

• A Bad Day for CAIR: Busted!

Response: Most likely God has nothing to do with it. Perhaps all the droughts in Australia including those big forest and brush fires are a message from God to Australia? : )

Nice website- until you start making generalisations about the "left." Who is this monolithic freedom hating bunch you refer to with such overly generalised venom? Your veiw of liberalism in America seems ossified- sharing the characteristics you accuse them of possessing in their veiw of the evangelicals. "they they they" but who is the ubiquitous they and what particular ideas have you digested that you find to be so repugnant? Its a shame that you fall victim to the very qualities of bigotry that you seem to be sincerely trying to uproot. I suspect that is because you havent had the opportunity to keep company and have face to face conversations with liberals with whom you could have a meaningful exchange. What about David Corn, or Paul Krugman? how about some essays about some of their ideas, Or Simon Levanthall ( the Holocaust survivor who I believe makes similar Nazi comparisons - only in Reference to Isreal as opposed to Palastine) Just suggestions to keep it real and alive. Good luck - Enjoying the site.

Response: First, there is no Palestine. That area was annexed by Jordan (by force) in 1948 and they gave it up after 1967. They are just Arabs most/many with Jordanian passports and citizenship. I just looked up David Corn, I like him and somewhat agree. I'll post some stuff on him after a closer look. As for Paul Krugman, I looked him up and tried on several websites to read him but it's buried in so much academic dribble I gave up. He is writing for fellow MIT economists, not the person on the street.

That brings up another problem for Liberals as well. These right-wing radio talk show hosts are very damaging. (Example, Savage Nation) Why isn't there any Left-wing talk radio shows? There may be some out there, but I don't know of any. Please define for us just what the "left" really is other then a bunch of groups that oppose an equally ill-defined "right." Correct me if I'm wrong but the left in general (very general) supports the following:

• opposes capitalism and prefers various forms of collectivism/socialism.
• Opposes nationalism or the concept of the nation state. Prefers a collective or world government and would yield most national sovereignry in favor of international bodies. For example, our courts can be overruled by the international courts, etc. We already have this problem with these destructive trade treaties (NAFTA for example) overruling state and domestic courts.
• Opposes individualism and supports collectivism. This usually implies "equality" which I could support but often has the government forcing equality. Equality of opportunity does not mean equality of result in the real world.
• Moral and cultural relativism or to say all cultures and religions, etc, are equal and worthy. In reality this is often outright irrational hostility to Western culture (and in particular Christianity/Judaism) in favor of any non-Western culture regardless of how violent or repressive it is. These people also seem unable to even see evil or the degree of evil. For example, an Arab kid gets killed while Israeli or America troops are fighting terrorists is treated the same or worse then some Arab terrorist homicide bomber that blows up a school bus in Jerusalem. I don't like the Arab child dying but that is what happens on wars where terrorist use civilians for cover. The deliberate and planned attack whose goal is to kill civilians doesn't even compare. Another example is a recent report from CNN on the murder of those 16 workers from Nepal. Nowhere was the "terrorist" or murder even used. No reference to Islam or Arab either. They were "Iraqi militants" a term so bland it could be anyone. Perhaps it was Iraqi Christians, Jews, Kurds, or even atheists. No, the were Arab Muslims, period. Why could they just not say that? I guess the 16 Buddhists were Zionists as well. That seems to be the favorite Liberal answer for everything.

On the issues above I oppose "the Left" whoever exactly defined. We are individuals and not every Liberal or Leftist thinks this exact way but many do. I can agree on basic civil rights but not the anything goes mentality. I'm pro-labor but not anti-capitalist, I'm for the environment and protecting trees and critters (I own two acres of them) but not to illogical extremes or will I give up my property rights.

The "Right" seems also ill-defined but as we know it with the Republican Party is a tense alliance between global (extreme) big business capitalism and Protestant Evangelicals of various types. They also draw in groups opposed to what they see as the "Left" or groups in the Democratic Party: anti-gun control fanatics, small property owners feeling their rights being threatened by environmental regulations, opponents to gay/lesbian extremists, those opposed to broad civil rights, etc. I also oppose that "Right" as well. Civilians has no business with military-style weapons (I'm a gun owner but no Uzi or AK-47 or anti-tank weapons) I don't care what gays do in their bedrooms but stop flaunting it in the streets. I also feel international corporations are big danger to US sovereignty and American labor. I'm strongly oppose Pat Robertson types but I'm not anti-Christian. My conclusion after studying the Bible is Christianity is built on faith alone and isn't supported even by the Bible.

I often get attacked by both sides, so I must be doing something correct. This is an open forum here, somebody define the term "Leftist" to me as you see it. Greatly appreciate your input and you have me thinking. I hope the same for you.
james
USA - Friday, September 17, 2004 at 21:13:41 (PDT)

i also think you should have more on your website about the sullivan county school system. I graduated from north in 1999 and hated the whole 4 years of my life there. I've read alot of the comments left from others and they all say the same thing. North was the worst school I've ever been in. I've been in 11 different schools in my life because my dad was in the army. We've traveled alot and then when I was 12 we moved here. I went to Ketron in eigth grade and north 9-12. It really was hell. I hope to see more info on these sorry schools. keep up the great job.
Bobby Lane
church hill, tenn USA - Sunday, September 12, 2004 at 19:28:18 (PDT)

While I was searching for information about Nostradamus, I met your archives and read through some comments. I am an atheist Turkish. I sadly read some comments on Muslims. It is very easy to make lowering comments on members of any religion. I recommend the Chrstian community to remember their past, the medieval ages where Christians burned people alive, where 2 continents (America and Australia) full of human race got massacred inhumanly by the Christians. I am hoping that Muslim world will go through some kind of revolution and clean themselves from that nonsense primitive middle east religions and free-up their minds.

Response: First of all, I'm not a Christian. As an atheist, your life is in danger if violent Islam gains political power in Turkey. See Turkey's Radical Turn? and Mustafa Kemal ATATURK - Turkish Republic.
Alp Bahar <alp@bluefest.com>
Turkey - Saturday, September 11, 2004 at 04:57:26 (PDT)

Christians keep beating about the bush about 'FREE WILL'. But I am sure they don't have the faintest clue what that means. According to Christian evangelists free will means you are free to choose what ever you want; here's where they stop. But the actual meaning of free will would be; YOU ARE FREE TO CHOOSE WHATEVER YOU WANT BUT IF YOU CHOOSE WRONG YOU WILL GET HELL. Now how can this be called free will?? Looks like trickery to me. In fact there is nothing free here. Calling this as FREE WILL is nothing but stupidity. If there is any Christian evangelist reading this just post a reply if this is true or not; unless you accept defeat.

It is sad to see your blindness and lack any spiritual insight. You have passed up on all of the evidence before your eyes, casting aside the mercy and benefits the Creator has given us. Your attempt to revise history with your meager "proofs" of the founding fathers' faith is 'nothing new under the sun. It is just very entertaining and GREAT fodder for my research paper, "Postmodernisn, Revisionists and the Evidence of America's Christian Heritage." It seems you could use a little education on how to research ALL aspects, you may just find the truth. I feel sorry for you. You really need to remove your blinders on the truth about our nation's heritage.

Response: Hello Marilyn, is that paper a political speech or are you trying to be truthful?

I just found this website and I am a senior at Sullivan North. I read all of the stories about the schools around here and the one that has upset me the most was Shanda's ordeal. When she was a senior I was sophomore. I remember alot of her work being displayed in the library. Shanda wasn't popular in means of being in cliques but everybody knew her by her art. She was just amazing at art. Words don't even do her justice. I have seen North go down the drain for the past four years that I have been here. I'm not going to participate in the graduation ceremony. There are several people that I know who aren't going to either. I'm really embarrassed to go to North. Anyways about Shanda. I have took two art classes. Mrs. Thomas is the type of person to be jealous. I've seen it for myself towards other students that were just semi talented. Mrs. Thomas brought in some of her artwork and the only thing that it had anything to do with was devils demons and dark things. It was morbid if you asked me. Shanda was mentioned a few times by other students in the art class after she left here. Mrs. Thomas said things that you would not imagine. She don't deserve to teach. I've read alot on this website and I am so glad that you have published all that you have. I would be thrilled if you published this as well to not just your guestbook but to an article related to the schools. I want people to know the truth about North. Thank you.

Response: I'll do just that. I'll take your comments and other on this page and put on pages related to the schools. If anyone wants to add to Justin please got right ahead.

Response: I've read that book and the writer seems to be missing the point on why this country was founded. Liberty and individualism within reason is what the founders believed. Jefferson's wall of separation wasn't about censoring Christianity or God from any mention in a public institution but to assure all people liberty to believe as they wish. Forced prayer should be kept out of schools, but private prayer, Bible clubs, a student writing a paper about Jesus, etc. are protected rights.

Perhaps a little pro-Israel bias, though. Jews have a right to be there simply because they have a "right" to be anywhere. But it seems to me that they believe their right to be where they are, and to restrict the flourishing of a Palestinian state, is based on a "promise" from Yahweh. I'm not NEARLY as learned as you appear to be in these matters and would appreciate your level-headed feedback. I'm not completely pro-Israel but can't stand the swastikas I saw on Zombie's site. Evil is evil (what?) and the Third Reich was simply evil.

Response: Yes I'm pro-Israel for the same reasons I'm pro-India and for the same reason I'm pro-Russia where those Islamo-savages just murdered a bunch of children. White, Christian Nazi Germany had to be destroyed because it was evil. For more on Palestine see Palestine Myth Debunked

What I DON'T like about your site are the Muttering Morons who can't have a discussion, and the religious ones who can't accept that "It's a FAITH, not a FACT". Live it, be willing to explain it to those asking, but don't try to push it on others. To MY knowledge, the more fundamental (or weired) sects of Christianity are the only religous groups that aim to convert (pervert) others. I don't see any Jewish, Muslim, Shinto, or Hindus coming to my door to let me in on the little secret that I'm GOIN' TA HAIL!!! because I don't buy their mindless, thoughtless, crap.

Keep it up, Lewis. While I may not agree with you completely I'll defend your right to say what you want (and to so kindly let the idiots do the same). I'm not sure if that's Voltaire I'm paraphrasing, or whom (pls advise!)

esponse: The quote you gave was from Voltaire. Thanks.

Response: You and everybody else that cares can help by speaking out. Tell others about this website, go to local public hearings, write the newspapers, anything. Keep the truth coming and they will have to listen. Here the local powers try not to even admit there is a problem so we must keep reminding them. Thanks for you input. I'll read this entry at the next city council meeting minus your name.
Jeremy Honaker <jdhonaker@yahoo.com>
Alexandria, VA USA - Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 09:27:25 (PDT)

I want to note that I enjoyed your site, thank you. I would like to share with Tennessee readers my experience of racial discrimination in their fair land. Because of my name, "MARTINEZ", sight-unseen, people in the Knoxville area have refused to respond to my inquiries concerning my desire to purchase land there. I believe that the reason for this lack of response (from someone you would expect would WANT to sell land, a real estate agent) is my name. Let me point out reader, that if you met me, you would not know my name, nor guess my name. My family originally came from Madrid Spain (for those who might have forgotten, Spain is in EUROPE... hello, most of YOUR folks came from EUROPE as well, did they not?) and we are blonde and green eyed. I am not making a superiority comment here with this information, but rather making a point that RACIAL PREJUDICED must be an issue in Knoxville TN based on this experience. Granted I could be wrong, but two separate agents in two separate offices? Refusing to respond concerning a cash purchase? Hummmm. Thank you for your informative site. B. Martinez, M.A.

the best way to stop the spammers from geting your email address is by using spaces in your e mail id. These spammers make use of extraction softwares that harvest emails from guest books. Make use of your email address as 'address-@-yahoo.com' instead of 'address@yahoo.com'. anyone who wants to mail you will know what to do.

Response: Thanks for the great info!

well, Mr. Loflin it's happened AGAIN. North high school has once again been labeled as a HIGH PRIORITY school, meaning that the No Child Left Behind policies don't even come close to applying to North. That's no surprise, though. Please keep all of us updated with the bad conditions at the local hellholes, I mean schools. thank you!

Response: Thanks, I had some material on this subject to post and you beat me to it. The problem isn't limited to North either. Another came in about Virginia High School in Bristol where 24 percent of the freshmen fail, many never graduate. And a Sullivan juvenile court judge has warned local officials about our endless drug problems. I've tracked these issues for years on this website and now everyone is warning them. I also got into both newspapers on the same day. Guess some people will be upset again, they'll get over it. Thanks for visiting.

Employment figures mask real truth

Kingsport Times-News August 17, 2004

"Tri-Cities Employment Numbers Up" (Aug 11) is more nonsense to allow our politicians to ignore the real issues. The unemployment is calculated by methods if used in a corporate setting that would lead to arrests for fraud. Only those actively collecting unemployment benefits are counted. When the benefits run out, they disappear from the rolls. Wait long enough, 100 percent employment. The numerous "early retirements" are just layoffs the figures ignore. They also treat a part-time job held by children or retirees the same as real jobs, ignoring the massive amount of underemployment and underpay in this area. When a good job paying $15 an hour becomes two part-time jobs paying $6 an hour, to quote Steb Hipple, "the overall payroll is shrinking despite the number of jobs."

Also according to Dr. Hipple, a good job creates an additional 1-2 jobs in services. The loss of another 450 jobs at Quebecor will cost an additional 500 other jobs. Most of these 2,700 new jobs are mainly low-wage services and temp agencies. Temp agencies create scores of new jobs. Hire 50 people for 89 days, lay them off and hire 50 more. Thus we created 100 new jobs.

The real employment rate is directly reflected in the poverty rate (between 20-30 percent in the Tri-Cities). Other indicators are free lunch (46 percent in Bristol), and world records at Rural Area Medical (RAM) in Wise. Seventy-five percent of those on food stamps are employed. Quoting Diane Wise of the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, "We've had so many plants and industries closing down, and people have moved to lower-wage jobs. We do not have the high-paying jobs that we need in this area.''

That's the reality we must deal with and phony accounting on employment won't change that.

Lewis Loflin Bristol, Va.

Set some new priorities

Bristol Herald Courier August 17, 2004

The events of this summer have revealed the true heritage of this region. While Bristol Virginia and Washington County fought like children over Exit 7, officials' failure to warn the residents of Clear Creek Trailer Court displayed only depraved indifference. They knew this in March 2003, and they didn't care. Washington County officials, by being in direct partnership with Mack Trammell, have soiled the reputation of every resident in this county. It's bad enough we will pay to bulldoze Trammell's dirt, but they also voted in June for more than $1 million in government waste, but had nothing to relocate the county residents they helped displace. They plan to raise property taxes to cover it.

Rural Area Medical reveals the real results of tourism, retirement and retail industries � the sole industries sought after in the last few years by local officials.Wise has set new world records for the last four years. Many of these people work, but suffer chronic low pay and under employment. The same is revealed in high numbers of local children on free or reduced lunch. Seventy-five percent of those on food stamps work, but can't earn enough to live on. (Bristol Herald Courier, March 26)

RAM was once held at Wise Airport. While thousands lined up for service, U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher secured $2 million in pork for the airport to install instrument landing system equipment so fat cats could land their private planes in the rain. Boucher then proclaimed this would create thousands of new jobs (Coalfield Progress, Feb. 12, 2003) in the same way he touts tourism now.

With over $500,000 squandered on fixing an old barn in Carter's Fold and over $1 million squandered on the old Stanley house in Clintwood, can I see a list of those new jobs? Guess RAM proved such a big embarrassment they moved it.

It's time to stop the waste and set real priorities. It's about jobs and taxpayer funded strip malls and country music hype won't cut it.

Lewis Loflin Bristol, Va.
A resident
kingsport, tn USA - Sunday, August 15, 2004 at 11:19:13 (PDT)

Response: That's Mr. Loflin or Lewis if you wish. As to "human nature and selfishness" Christianity as practiced around here promotes that very attitude for too often. That's not to say Liberals are any better, many tend to be elitist snobs that care nothing for the typcal working person in this area.

But this area has been plagued with this culture of indiffernce, class warfare and intolerance. That's the culture here and it must go whether you like it or not. Christianty does not teach such things. It's this distortion of "faith alone" devoid of any emphasis on morality (outside sexual matters) that's the problem. Christianity here too often tends to be a social club or political agenda. I have no problem with any form of Christianity but if people insist on turning it into politics, you will not be allowed by me to use Jesus as a cover to escape scrutiny. Thanks for your input.
Brian <Parkview>
Bluefield, VA USA - Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 07:31:18 (PDT)

Response: My humble thanks and I encourage you to follow your beliefs Trinity and all.
LaRue Withers <l.withers@mchsi.com>
Matherville, IL USA - Monday, August 09, 2004 at 20:01:49 (PDT)

As a mother of students that have attended Sullivan North High school i can tell you what a joke it is. My son attended this school and after Many problems with other students and the faculity he took his GED. The teachers labled him as a trouble maker when he was caught with some pills in the bathroom with another student. What they wouldnt listen too was that my son had taken the pills from this kid because the boy was trying to kill himself. they said that he had them in his hand so he was charged with posession. The boy had other pills also but they wouldnt believe my son. He was suspended for one year. upon going back...the teachers had him labled......they gave him a hard time if he sneezed wrong. This past year...my daughter attended Sullivan North.....what a joke. she frequently came home with stories about the kids doing drugs...having sex in the little gym......smoking pot in the welding shop....ect....the stories are uncomprehendable.... This year she will NOT be attending North. Is this what our tax dollars are paying for???

Did you know that out of the 56 signers, 27 had seminary degrees? Or that when Jefferson was Education Director for Washington,D.C. he required only two books for reading: the Bible and Watts Hymnal? Not bad for a bunch of atheists and deists. Why does your website not address the fact that George Washington on May 2, 1778, charged his soldiers at Valley Forge that "To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be OUR (thus including himself) highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian"? To everyone who signs this guestbook, don't believe something just because it's on the internet or because Dan Rather says it...or even because a textbook says it. Do the research for yourself. www.wallbuilders.com

Response: Most of this stuff comes from The Myth of Separation by David Barton. Do all of you people read the same discredited book? What if 27 signers of the Constitution had seminary degrees? Josh forget to mention 27 of the signers were Freemasons, three outright Deists, and two Catholics. By his Evangelical definition the majority of our founders were satanists. This included Freemason George Washington who appointed Jews as officers in his army, appointed John Murray (a universalist) as a chaplain. This so-called Valley Forge sermon is a from a Christian preacher and not in any writings or diaries of Washington.

The term "Wall of Separation" was coined by Jefferson not in the context of excluding all mention of God in the public arena as secular humanists advocate, but to assure religious liberty free of state coercion. In this case the Baptists on Danbury, Connecticut were being persecuted by the state's Congregational (Calvinist) church system. The nonsense about Jefferson sticking the Bible in Washington DC public schools is also bunk. That occurred after he left and is again out of chracter with everything he stood for and wrote on. He even wrote his own version of the Bible removing what he considered nonsense.

Most of what is on this website comes directly from my college textbooks, the public library, my own book collection, or directly from the multiple bibles I own including an electronic version of the King James. But I'll challenge anyone else to prove anything on this site is wrong using reputable sources. That doesn't mean bickering over interpretation. Thinking is harder then faith. If you just want more faith, visit wallbuilders.com.
Josh
Perry, GA USA - Wednesday, August 04, 2004 at 08:21:47 (PDT)

I fashioned myself a would-be Rush Limbaugh in print, a put-upon crusader against the destruction of "family values" and I knew which buttons to push. Releasing my fears (and a young man's ego-driven rage) onto the page, I felt powerful -- how easy is was to enrage liberal readers while stirring the simple passions of religious fundamentalists...

With mere words. It took me a long time to understand -- and admit -- that I used my gift to cause pain. And I would take back each word, each column, if only I could.

I railed against the Evil Bill Clinton and the "liberal media elite." I slung arrows of outrageous distortion at environmentalists, new-agers, and (of course) homosexuals. Never mind that my dear younger brother was grappling with tortuous self-hate -- having discovered early in his adolescence that he wasn't attracted to girls, like us "normal" people. I would never intentionally cause him pain. Instead, I inflicted it upon strangers.

For five years I ranted and vented, spewing invective and hurt. I left Kingsport for Nashville, where I held a pair of low-wage jobs, commuting four hours a day, giving up on law school while trying to salvage a failing marriage and survive chronic illness.

I even failed at suicide, and was nearly beaten to death by police officers for my trouble. And I got a close-up look at the dark side of "family values" as manifested in our conservatively compassionate health-care system: My father's slow slide into the long goodbye of Alzheimer's has been a bitter lesson.

These days, I'm among the ranks of the unemployed, the unseen millions who watch TV news, wondering why they can't find a job now that the national economy is "coming back." What I do have is priceless: A measure of contentment, some access to inner peace that had once eluded me.

I'm a lucky guy. My children are growing into adulthood as stable, caring, and generous people (unlike the young man who fathered them). And I survived my dark nights of the soul, began lookng outward, and am (slowly) learning that caring for others must be the surest way to love oneself.

I even met the love of my life -- four years ago, at the annual N.O.W. Christmas party in Nashville. What a long, strange trip...

I've come close, many times in these past few years, to writing to my former employers at the Times-News (Ted Como and Stan Whitlock, good men and generous mentors). I had never worked for a truly independent newspaper, and likely never will again -- such are an endangered species. Never did I encounter a political "sacred cow" at the Times-News. I was never "pulled" from a story for fear of losing an advertiser or upsetting an influential politician. My bosses were journalists in the best sense of the word, and I often think of them, wishing them all the best.

Perhaps a deeper motivation for writing such a letter is my search for some sort of absolution for wielding a poison pen. Ultimately, such absolution can arise only from within, and from the constant cultivation of compassion, and the appreciation of each precious moment of our lives.

It's that search, I suppose, which is requisite for any recovering conservative.

All the best to all,

Gregory Leaming

P.S. And as a recovering journalist, I must issue a disclaimer: This was writing was rather impulsive, and thus unedited. Please pardon typos and stylistic errors.
Gregory Leaming <ComradeG@ecadre.every1.net>
Nashvegas, TN Occupied U.S.A. - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 23:47:45 (PDT)

Peace, please don't write something that you don't undarstand, Islam is far from what you are writeing about, so be aware that God is wittness over all of us. I am devouted muslim, with knoledge about my religion. If you want to know more, READ MORE ABOUT ISLAM, do not just write your thoghts as surface thing. Peace Muslim

Response: Without knowing what you refer to makes it hard to address the issue. It doesn't matter if Islam is true or not or how I or anyone else reperesent it. It's what Muslims do that counts. Why are decent Muslims like you not denouncing or exposing the savages that commit murder and terror in the name of Islam? Why are 80% of the mosques in America controlled by the Saudi Arabian Wahhabi hate cult? Where are the good Muslims? But I'll let a former Muslim speak for himself. See Islam to Deism: Why I became a Deist
Inaas <inaas@simnet.is>
Reykjavik, USA - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 06:21:46 (PDT)

Response: Where did I ever present the Founders didn't believe in God? The certainly did. John Adams was a Unitarian and there was a lot of overlap between most Deists, Unitarians, and educated Christians. They all considered themselves Christian in the real sense of the teachings of Jesus. I often rely on Bible quotes myself, there's a lot of good stuff in there. Everyone wants to pretend (as do the secularists) that the founders represents "my beleifs" No, they represented their own. Jefferson was all for religion to instill virtue in that masses of uneducated people he felt would resort to excess.

Speaking of Jefferson and Adams, what about these:

Perversion of pure morality

----- To S. Kercheval, 1810

But a short time elapsed after the death of the great reformer of the Jewish religion, before his principles were departed from by those who professed to be his special servants, and perverted into an engine for enslaving mankind, and aggrandizing their oppressors in Church and State: that the purest system of morals ever before preached to man has been adulterated and sophisticated by artificial constructions, into a mere contrivance to filch wealth and power to themselves: that rational men, not being able to swallow their impious heresies, in order to force them down their throats, they raise the hue and cry of infidelity, while themselves are the greatest obstacles to the advancement of the real doctrines of Jesus, and do, in fact, constitute the real Anti-Christ.

Platonic mysticism

----- To John Adams, 1813

It is too late in the day for men of sincerity to pretend they believe in the Platonic mysticisms that three are one, and one is three; and yet that the one is not three, and the three are not one . . . But this constitutes the craft, the power and the profit of the priests. Sweep away their gossamer fabrics of factitious religion, and they would catch no more flies. We should all then, like the Quakers, live without an order of priests, moralize for ourselves, follow the oracle of conscience, and say nothing about what no man can understand, nor therefore believe.

1. That there is one only God, and he all perfect.
2. That there is a future state of rewards and punishments.
3. That to love God with all thy heart and thy neighbor as thyself, is the sum of religion.

These are the great points on which he endeavored to reform the religion of the Jews. But compare with these the demoralizing dogmas of Calvin.

1. That there are three Gods.
2. That good works, or the love of our neighbor, are nothing.
3 That faith is every thing, and the more incomprehensible the proposition, the more merit in its faith.
4. That reason in religion is of unlawful use.
5. That God, from the beginning, elected certain individuals to be saved, and certain others to be damned; and that no crimes of the former can damn them; no virtues of the latter save.

More at More here.
Airili <Siraths_airili@yahoo.com>
VA USA - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 07:12:40 (PDT)

Response: Thank you and God bless you Sherry.
Sherry L
Bristol, Va USA - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 00:37:08 (PDT)

Response: Thank you M, you haven't done anything I haven't done myself. As a fellow Bristolian you are welcome here at any time. Let's all try to learn something from this.
M
Bristol, TN USA - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 09:11:08 (PDT)

Lewis, I learned of your web-site from the article in the paper about the Mobile Home Park. I was a resident there and I appreciate your attempts to help my fellow neighbors. I didn't realize what all was going on in Bristol with the Government end until I checked out your site. It has been very educational to me to say the least. Though I dont agree with everything on the religious side of things, I hope to continue visiting your site and stay educated on the current events going on in my own home town. You (I) can't always depend on what the paper reports, cause it reports many errors. I found that to be true with the several reports about the Mobile home park alone. Thanks for putting things into perspective. Now maybe the children below will stop argueing between themselves, and grow up and learn something. I hope to be able to enjoy your guestbook as well as your web-site. Keep up the good work. May god bless you and be with you in your efforts.
Angela
Bristol, Va USA - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 09:44:34 (PDT)