Everon

Yes, the fundies do, and they will never abate. Even though they are a minority, they have lots of backing, power, and money behind them. This isn't going to end. There are too many people there who have lost loved ones as a direct result of US policy, especially during the Iran-Iraq war (where Reagan's cynical actions knew no bounds), and the gulf war (remember Bush's order not to stop hostilities as the Iraqi army retreated, which led to the massacre at Mittlah Ridge? Even the British referred to us as "twentieth century barbarians.") Unfortunately, the ones who have no animosity nor hatred towards us have no power. That's the key.

Exactly. The Japanese were already essentially defeated. Truman dropped them strictly to impress Stalin. Period. He knew better than anyone how much power Stalin and his army had - and how much Stalin wanted to crush the US. Of course, this shows how callous Truman was, too. Thankfully Stalin eventually died and the (relatively) tame Khruschev assumed power.

Actually, I meant my observations for the original poster, not you. There is much informative literature out there that explains the sequence of events leading up to the gulf war and its aftermath - written by Iraqi historians and those in Saddam's inner circle. It's a shame people don't realize how corrupt and manipulative the Bush regimes have been concerning the middle east. I for one clearly understand their intense hatred towards us. We're in for one hell of a ride.

Thanks for the excellent list of wonderful things sonny boy has accomplished. I certainly misunderestimated him!

1) Bush sr. used military action to suppress a revolt against Saddam after the gulf war - he did NOT want a regime change. Twelve years later it's all of a sudden necessary? PUHLEEZE! 2) A military threat to whom? Iraq's economy would have been able to support a war for a few days at best. Kuwait? Do you honestly believe he would even attempt that? Do you know the reason he invaded Kuwait in the gulf war? 3) In 1995, Hussein Kamel, Saddam's son-in-law, defected and was debriefed by the CIA. Absolutely all intelligence he gave the CIA was verified, and he informed the agency there was NO WMD program. So I guess he just lied about only one thing, huh? 4) Yes they did do their jobs - and found nothing. 5) That won't happen in our lifetime. Although I'm sure Bush will assure that our "secular" and "democratic" government will soon be a theocracy.

So we "aren't fighting the Iraqis anymore?" What's the NEW reason for which we're there?

Settle down - ALL OF YOU! It's only geena davis, and she's washed up.

He was also too busy (on vacation) when blatently warned about commercial airline attacks. Oh, sorry, that was 4 years ago......

But I don't understand what you mean by "the absolute laws of the ten commandments." The first five deal with the one and "only god." Don't kill, steal, nor covet were standards long before the 10 cs, and disrespecting your parents (resulting in death) would mean the end of humanity, and adultury even more so. Are these absolute laws? I would argue that religion is a set of beliefs that includes a "higher power, supernatural." I do not hold such a belief, and fail to understand how atheism by definition has a "belief in the supernatural." We believe in no such thing. The only thing I'm implying as far as science is concerned is that it has come a long way in explaining chemical and physical evolution, whereas christianity has made no progress in 2000 years. In fact, a true christian would still claim the earth is flat, supported by pillars, and the sun revolves around it - just like the "good book" says. As far as religious studies, yes, I think it should be at least an elective in an educational atmosphere. I studied at a jesuit university, and one year was required. But it was not about being religious - only the history of religion. Karma, etc.? Fine, if it is taught as history. But do you really look to it with a regard to a good society? (christianity in particular?) Do you believe that discrimination against gays is beneficial to a good society? How about accusations that people like me are evil? George Bush Sr. not even considering me as a citizen of this country? Atheists are nothing but garbage? Gays are going to hell? How is this beneficial to society? I see that christians are the ones that always attack, not the ones being attacked. If you perceive them as being attacked, it's in response to the hateful comments they make against minorities, like me. I think religion should be kept where it belongs - in the church and, if one wishes, at home. I have no problem with that. But I believe you think that atheists and humanists are "stuck on themselves." We're not! We don't see people who believe as lower than us. We simply want equality for every human. Period. Without anyone's beliefs harming anyone else. Finally, I hope you have found a better "Beth" and have received the enjoyment you missed in high school!!!! A blue sky to you!

With all due respect, if you are saying her accusation of Bush being a murderer is outrageous, unfounded, and deranged, you must remember that this war is based upon this administration's lies: 1) WMD? Lie - there was no evidence. 2) Al-Qaida? Lie - no connection. 3) A threat to the U.S. and neighbors? Puhleeze! In short, I can't argue with her.

Now the Indian, Russian and Iranian connections I was unaware of. I assume you reside in GB? I am sure European news sources are far more accurate then those in the US (they're a joke here). Thanks a bunch for the links!

I have a feeling the marriage was over long before her actions, though. Losing a child, unfortunately, results in many a broken relationship.

I think you're reading too much into this. TV is all about ratings, and this show would certainly appeal to at least half of the country . The title adds just that much more appeal.

The Taliban met with the Bush-oil cartel to discuss an oil pipeline that would run through Afghanistan for his oil company. These talks went on until August 2001, when they gave the Taliban an ultimatum. An agreement was never reached. An attack was discussed early in 2001 to overthrow them and replace them with a more "accepting" government - one that would secure the pipeline.

But atheism, by definition, cannot be a religion. Being one (and a humanist as well), I'm a strong proponent of equal treatment, rights, opportunities, etc. for everyone. I also know that science (and education in general) is the medium for a better society in the future, and many other positive points. My point is: how is this religious (it is not)? And if it were in some way treated as a religion, how could a middle ground be achieved? Are you implying that atheism and humanism be subject to the scrutiny and "attacks" as christianity is? If so, perhaps those christians who view us as "evil" will finally be shed of their ignorance (and thus the "middle ground?") Please explain. Thanks.

And much more powerful than Iraq!

Go to www.mediamatters.org/items/200508100009

You beat me on this one.

I don't think this is discriminatory, but rather he's telling you to uphold ethical values in the christian sense (like you said - whatever that meant). Using the word "christian," though, is inappropriate. "Ethical and moral" would be enough. I am an atheist, and I truly believe my ethics and standards are better than those taught by christianity. I, for example, would never discriminate against gays, atheists, Buddhists, or anyone at all. But, bottom line, like Wendy asks, do you really want to work there knowing this guy's attitude?

I cannot believe the right is sustaining a smear campaign against this woman. That's got to be the lowest, most tasteless thing I've seen in a long time.

He did lie, and he wasn't the only one. Immediately after 9/11, Rumsfeld ordered intel to gather everything they could on Iraq. They never thought about the consequences. Experienced military strategists insist that this could take 10 years or more, and who's to say it will ever be completed? Maybe this problem, even acknowledged, can never be "fixed." By the way, there are no soldiers to spare at this date, and Bush is already talking "force" against Iran. If fighting Iraq would be like fighting me, then fighting Iran will be like fighting Muhammed Ali. What a dangerous moron this guy is.

It is hard to predict what any market is going to due at some point in the future. The economy as far as corporate America goes is doing fine, but many small and small-medium businesses are dropping like flies - and this has a serious implication on the overall economy. Warren Buffet on the current state of the economy: "I'm on the winning side, and I don't like it."

But the data is from the CBT itself - I know how much bullshit is on the internet, and I for one don't have a lot of trust for the media. More than $2 million in contracts was never exercised, and some of the trading led to Deutsche Bank, but I have not been able to find any more info other than that. If this was investigated, who bought the contracts?

I use implied here in the "mathematical" sense, meaning "it then follows." It's not B.S. If there were no "separation of church and state," then the government (and certainly this particular administration) would endorse christianity (ten commandments all over the place, etc.) This is a promotion of a particular religion, which violates religious freedom. As far as the "accepted societal values" of the country today, you will not find anyone more unaccepting than me. Trust me. As far as religion goes, here's an interesting read on the thoughts of our founding fathers. In this instance, they would be "ashamed of the abomination." http://www.freethought.mbdojo.com/foundingfathers.html#madison

I don't think anyone is implying that religion is telling people to kill each other. I too believe that is nonsense in most cases. My point is that the crusades, the inquisition, 9/11, etc. resulted in millions of deaths in the name of christianity and islam. This is true. As I've mentioned, I am an atheist and in my experience, there has only been one christian who has ever treated me with the respect as a person that I deserve. All others avoid me, give me nasty looks and call me "satan worshiper" or "evil," not even remotely realizing how ridiculous their accusations are (satan only exists in the christian's world, not my world of reality.) My best friend is gay - do I even need to tell you how christians treat him? I too attended a catholic school (college) and the education was outstanding, but there is also a lot of money behind them to hire competent teachers. What I mean to address is the education in public schools, which most kids attend. There is where the suppression is (evolution), and the physical sciences in general are an enemy to the christians because it is a threat to them. School boards all over the country are considering ID being taught along with science. Don't you think that this is absolutely unbelievable? And sickening? Kansas students will now learn less evolution than ever before - this is suppression of a perfectly valid science as we know it today. Of course, not all religions are guilty of this. Wicca, for example, is a very humanistic religion. But these religions combine to form a small minority. I just feel that without organized religion, the world would be a better place. In fact, I'm sure of it.