Kinda weary. Not physicaly. Mentally and emotionaly.
I just spent most of an hour going from one Facebook post to another and deciding which to share and which to let slide. Not easy. It's sort of like trying to chip a statue of an elephant out of granite with miserably small hand tools. The task of telling it like it is gets overwhelming sometimes.
I just read the report of a former cult member published in the banned by HWA blog and was apalled at the things he recounted that were even worse than what I already knew, and I knew plenty! That's just a microcosm of what goes on in this world -- mainly in religion and politics.
Deception and outright lies are everywhere, and just like in the old WCG, the deluded masses are blind to what is going on and how they are being ruthlessly lied to and maliciously used. To be blunt about it, the deluded masses are getting fucked!
I'm just going to let it go for now and do something I rarely do -- pour myself a stiff drink, turn on the TV (if anything worth my time is on) and space out for awhile.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013
SAME OLD SAME OLD
(From Facebook.)
Time for what has become my daily "parting shot."
I get frustrated and discouraged sometimes when I see all the mindless ignorance that masquerades as truth and wisdom in this world and what an endless battle it is to combat it.
We went to the meeting of our freethought group today and one of the members, a retired lawyer, gave us a thought provoking rundown of the legal and governmental history of this country from colonial days until now. The struggles we're having now are just a continuation of the struggle that's been going on from day one when colonies were founded by one religious faith that persecuted, jailed, banished and even executed anyone who didn't tow the accepted line. Blue laws have pretty much disappeared today, but I remember them well from my days in New York in 1960-61. That's some progress, but it could turn the other way.
Constitutional isssues aren't always all that cut and dried and the rulings depend on what dominant state of mind infects those nine people who sit on the Supreme Court.
It's wearying. It's never ending. Yet, it gives me a purpose in life, and I do need purpose, as I assume my readers do.
So, expect more of the same old same old from me. I'm going to keep on hammering away at that seemingly indestructable rock I've been beating away on. Thomas Paine did. Ben Franklin, John Adams, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and many others then and since have done the same.
I'm in good company.
Time for what has become my daily "parting shot."
I get frustrated and discouraged sometimes when I see all the mindless ignorance that masquerades as truth and wisdom in this world and what an endless battle it is to combat it.
We went to the meeting of our freethought group today and one of the members, a retired lawyer, gave us a thought provoking rundown of the legal and governmental history of this country from colonial days until now. The struggles we're having now are just a continuation of the struggle that's been going on from day one when colonies were founded by one religious faith that persecuted, jailed, banished and even executed anyone who didn't tow the accepted line. Blue laws have pretty much disappeared today, but I remember them well from my days in New York in 1960-61. That's some progress, but it could turn the other way.
Constitutional isssues aren't always all that cut and dried and the rulings depend on what dominant state of mind infects those nine people who sit on the Supreme Court.
It's wearying. It's never ending. Yet, it gives me a purpose in life, and I do need purpose, as I assume my readers do.
So, expect more of the same old same old from me. I'm going to keep on hammering away at that seemingly indestructable rock I've been beating away on. Thomas Paine did. Ben Franklin, John Adams, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and many others then and since have done the same.
I'm in good company.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
WE'RE JUST ONE BIG FAMILY
My step-grandson, Stephen Sachs, is currently touring London and much of Europe. He will be presenting his sister, Merritt, at her wedding in Greece. This will be the official wedding. I officiated an unrecorded ceremony for them in Sedona several weeks ago.
I envy Steve a bit. At the same time, I'm very happy that he can take a trip like this. I know it will be a highlight of his life and he's taking it at an age when he is still full of vibrant energy. He can't help but return home with a lot of memories and an expanded awareness.
Would I take such a trip if I could? In a heartbeat. I'd love to see all those countries from which my ancestors came; the British Isles, Germany, France and a lot more I know nothing about. Again, I'll say it -- we're all cousins somewhere along the line. Politics, religion and cultures divide us and hide the fact that we're really all one big family.
In Phoenix, I had black neighbors next door and across the street. We got along just fine, as we should. Their ancestors and mine were exactly the same people. There was a time when I bought that garbage that black people were the cursed sons of Ham. How dumb I was! All that biblically based bullshit is just that -- pure bullshit!
My Native American adopted step-son comes from the same source, just a different geographical route that swung through Asia and across the Bering Sea. We're all one species, and the fact that any one of us that is fertile can reproduce with any other fertile member of the opposite sex from anywhere in the world proves that. The fact that any of us with normal brain power can absorb the same educational and technological things also proves we're all the same.
So, no matter where I might travel, or wherever Steve travels, we're just getting acqainted with family we didn't know before.
I envy Steve a bit. At the same time, I'm very happy that he can take a trip like this. I know it will be a highlight of his life and he's taking it at an age when he is still full of vibrant energy. He can't help but return home with a lot of memories and an expanded awareness.
Would I take such a trip if I could? In a heartbeat. I'd love to see all those countries from which my ancestors came; the British Isles, Germany, France and a lot more I know nothing about. Again, I'll say it -- we're all cousins somewhere along the line. Politics, religion and cultures divide us and hide the fact that we're really all one big family.
In Phoenix, I had black neighbors next door and across the street. We got along just fine, as we should. Their ancestors and mine were exactly the same people. There was a time when I bought that garbage that black people were the cursed sons of Ham. How dumb I was! All that biblically based bullshit is just that -- pure bullshit!
My Native American adopted step-son comes from the same source, just a different geographical route that swung through Asia and across the Bering Sea. We're all one species, and the fact that any one of us that is fertile can reproduce with any other fertile member of the opposite sex from anywhere in the world proves that. The fact that any of us with normal brain power can absorb the same educational and technological things also proves we're all the same.
So, no matter where I might travel, or wherever Steve travels, we're just getting acqainted with family we didn't know before.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
REFLECTIONS
I did my walk. Glad to be back. A little under a mile total and I was glad to see it end. I had thought of going to the local convenience store, but that would have totaled over a mile and a half. No, thanks.
I remember when I was in college. Sometimes alone, sometimes with friends, I'd take off for downtown Pasadena and walk three or four miles in both directions. I/we went like the wind, but we were in our early twenties then. Calves didn't threaten to knot up in a cramp. We were just impatient to get there and wasted no time. Like George Burns sang, if I had to run now, I simply wouldn't go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh6saG57kPE&feature=related.)
I also would like to do it again, but the game doesn't work that way. At one time, I half-way believed in reincarnation, but I'm pretty sure that's another myth based on fear and hopefulness. I'm expecting everything to go black one of these days and what's left of me to be recycled back into the universe. That re-whatever is about all we can depend on.
See More
George Burns - Old Bones
www.youtube.com
George Burns - Old Bones
I remember when I was in college. Sometimes alone, sometimes with friends, I'd take off for downtown Pasadena and walk three or four miles in both directions. I/we went like the wind, but we were in our early twenties then. Calves didn't threaten to knot up in a cramp. We were just impatient to get there and wasted no time. Like George Burns sang, if I had to run now, I simply wouldn't go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh6saG57kPE&feature=related.)
I also would like to do it again, but the game doesn't work that way. At one time, I half-way believed in reincarnation, but I'm pretty sure that's another myth based on fear and hopefulness. I'm expecting everything to go black one of these days and what's left of me to be recycled back into the universe. That re-whatever is about all we can depend on.
See More
George Burns - Old Bones
www.youtube.com
George Burns - Old Bones
HUMP DAY
What's called "hump day" is here again.
Life is full of humps. I think the "hump year" of our lives is around age forty. It's all downhill on the other side of the hump from then. Not too noticeable at first, but the energy and passions of youth start to slowly subside and it becomes a runaway train sometime in the sixties. By the time the late seventies arrive, it seems like every day is a new wakeup call.
I've decided I have to force myself out for a walk around the community or somewhere just about every day. Sitting most of the time is taking a toll that I notice now in my walking, especially the leg weakness when I try to climb stairs. I avoid them, if I can. How successful exercise will be remains to be seen. The energy producing hormones are getting less and less. Everything is running down and remedies are few. It's frustrating.
Nothing deterred me when I was in my prime. Now, I have to think every month whether I want to run my ad for carpet work in the local ad paper one more time. Soon, I'll drop it and just have to adjust to that extra money not coming in occasionally.
Why am I writing this? It's just a "heads up" to those who are younger. Make wise use of what you still have while you can. I feel I did to a great extent, living life to the full. Sure, I'd change some things if I had it to do over, but for the most part, no regrets. Don't waste those hours and days aimlessly. Life is dead serious and there is no "do over."
Life is full of humps. I think the "hump year" of our lives is around age forty. It's all downhill on the other side of the hump from then. Not too noticeable at first, but the energy and passions of youth start to slowly subside and it becomes a runaway train sometime in the sixties. By the time the late seventies arrive, it seems like every day is a new wakeup call.
I've decided I have to force myself out for a walk around the community or somewhere just about every day. Sitting most of the time is taking a toll that I notice now in my walking, especially the leg weakness when I try to climb stairs. I avoid them, if I can. How successful exercise will be remains to be seen. The energy producing hormones are getting less and less. Everything is running down and remedies are few. It's frustrating.
Nothing deterred me when I was in my prime. Now, I have to think every month whether I want to run my ad for carpet work in the local ad paper one more time. Soon, I'll drop it and just have to adjust to that extra money not coming in occasionally.
Why am I writing this? It's just a "heads up" to those who are younger. Make wise use of what you still have while you can. I feel I did to a great extent, living life to the full. Sure, I'd change some things if I had it to do over, but for the most part, no regrets. Don't waste those hours and days aimlessly. Life is dead serious and there is no "do over."
Monday, September 2, 2013
LABOR DAY IS THE GREATEST
Labor Day! I think it's the greatest of our holidays.
Those who labor make the world go round. Nothing gets done without labor of some sort, and the laborer is worthy of respect -- including an adequate wage that provides for basic needs and keeps the whole economic apparatus working smoothly.
When a laborer can't earn enough to eventually own or make use of the product or service he or she is producing and provide a decent future for themselves and their families, that laborer is nothing but a serf or slave being used for the benefit of the privileged -- to be cast on the dung heap when their usefulness is over.
Our society is rapidly turning into a carbon copy of czarist Russia and the slave-minded society of the old south. That cannot go on without disaster. People can only be misused and disrespected for so long before there is a society destroying explosion. Religion tries to keep the cap on -- again, often for their own benefit. As Napoleon said, religion keeps the masses from murdering their overlords. That can only go on for a limited time. History proves that fact.
So, on this Labor Day, I rededicate myself to keep shouting the facts through whatever medium is open to me. It's the only thing I can do as long as I am around to do it. It gets discouraging, but we can't give up and surrender to the forces of greed and oppression.
That battle should have ended long ago. Sadly, it has not!
Those who labor make the world go round. Nothing gets done without labor of some sort, and the laborer is worthy of respect -- including an adequate wage that provides for basic needs and keeps the whole economic apparatus working smoothly.
When a laborer can't earn enough to eventually own or make use of the product or service he or she is producing and provide a decent future for themselves and their families, that laborer is nothing but a serf or slave being used for the benefit of the privileged -- to be cast on the dung heap when their usefulness is over.
Our society is rapidly turning into a carbon copy of czarist Russia and the slave-minded society of the old south. That cannot go on without disaster. People can only be misused and disrespected for so long before there is a society destroying explosion. Religion tries to keep the cap on -- again, often for their own benefit. As Napoleon said, religion keeps the masses from murdering their overlords. That can only go on for a limited time. History proves that fact.
So, on this Labor Day, I rededicate myself to keep shouting the facts through whatever medium is open to me. It's the only thing I can do as long as I am around to do it. It gets discouraging, but we can't give up and surrender to the forces of greed and oppression.
That battle should have ended long ago. Sadly, it has not!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
THAT'S WONDERFUL!
60 Minutes was especially inspiring tonight and raised my spirits considerably.
The first revelation was about Khan Academy, a free online educational undertaking that Bill Gates (one of the greatest humanitarians extant) is helping bankroll. It's main focus right now is helping with mathematical education, but they will be branching out -- and it is and will be worldwide!
Finally, an educational undertaking neither national or state governments nor local school boards with their damnable fundamentalist idiot controlers can dictate to. I so hope that creationist bullshit gets trounced into the sewer in which it belongs (a one-finger salute to my former friends, Ed Lain and Robert Gentet, and all the creationist crap they've championed and published)! Take that, Texan and other bible belt idiots! Up yours, governor Perry, along with all your stupid, ignorant lackeys.
Through the internet, true education can come to any child -- or adult -- free! Praise technology! Praise science! Praise human ingenuity and caring!
It also covered the orginator of tweeting and his revolutionary introduction of business by credit and debit cards over cell phones. That's another marvelous step forward and I've used it at yard sales. I don't yet tweet, but I may get into it later.
I haven't checked to see if this great broadcast is available online, but I do know you can log onto the Khan Academy. Millions are!
That's wonderful!
The first revelation was about Khan Academy, a free online educational undertaking that Bill Gates (one of the greatest humanitarians extant) is helping bankroll. It's main focus right now is helping with mathematical education, but they will be branching out -- and it is and will be worldwide!
Finally, an educational undertaking neither national or state governments nor local school boards with their damnable fundamentalist idiot controlers can dictate to. I so hope that creationist bullshit gets trounced into the sewer in which it belongs (a one-finger salute to my former friends, Ed Lain and Robert Gentet, and all the creationist crap they've championed and published)! Take that, Texan and other bible belt idiots! Up yours, governor Perry, along with all your stupid, ignorant lackeys.
Through the internet, true education can come to any child -- or adult -- free! Praise technology! Praise science! Praise human ingenuity and caring!
It also covered the orginator of tweeting and his revolutionary introduction of business by credit and debit cards over cell phones. That's another marvelous step forward and I've used it at yard sales. I don't yet tweet, but I may get into it later.
I haven't checked to see if this great broadcast is available online, but I do know you can log onto the Khan Academy. Millions are!
That's wonderful!
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