1. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #246167 by CocoCantare on September 11, 2008 at 11:04 pm

Cerebate,

You are being rather presumptuous and patronizing. I am questioning the definition of patriotism as we know it. I'm asking questions and trying to learn. I think it goes without saying that because I think my country has many beautiful places to live and visit that other countries do not have the same. I never said I thought this country was better. I don't think or believe anything about the U.S. merely because I was taught by my parents and/or society. Please go back and read my post and show me where you can assume I love my country because I was born there. I am perfectly willing to visit and research other countries. Sorry, I'm only 25 and haven't gotten the opportunities yet to do so.

2. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #246155 by CocoCantare on September 11, 2008 at 10:43 pm

"Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good."
-Thomas Paine

That's kind of how I see things, even if I do love living in the U.S.

3. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #246153 by CocoCantare on September 11, 2008 at 10:39 pm

Andrew,

All good points to ponder. Webster puts it this way:

Patriotism: love for or devotion to one's country.

A little vague, I think I'll need more than that. It really doesn't paint it as negatively as many here have. Perhaps we should agree on a definition here on this thread before we decide it's a good thing or not. I love my country, but I love it for reasons that do not include blind pride, arrogance, or anything else mentioned.

I love my country because there are so many beautiful places to travel to and so many different people to meet from the Atlantic to the Pacific. I respect and value most of the principles this nation was founded on. I appreciate the many opportunities available to me. Does that sound barbaric? Narcissistic?

I do think international cooperation is important and that many other countries have great ideas and contributions to humanity. But I do like living here. . .for now. I have considered Australia. When I visit the country while my husband's at port there next year, we'll see.

4. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #246114 by CocoCantare on September 11, 2008 at 8:58 pm

Ahh yes, The Sitcom. We wouldn't want to miss that now would we?

Kkelly- You're welcome. . . I mean, why are you bringing up my boobs AGAIN? Booby envy or what?

Anyway, I appreciate the thoughts from everyone. I think my hubby's reasons for being in the navy are good. And I know he's not a nationalist. He was born in the Philippines and appreciates the opportunities he's had since living here.

5. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #246103 by CocoCantare on September 11, 2008 at 8:23 pm

Thanks for the thoughts all. Good question, Goldy. Kkelly, short and to the point. . . I like it.

By the way kkelly, you're freaking me out with your niceness. . .what's going on? Are you feeling alright? An "off" day perhaps? ;o)

6. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #246094 by CocoCantare on September 11, 2008 at 7:50 pm

These are just some questions I have:

Does anyone, specifically from the U.S., think there needs to be a bit of patriotism in order to protect the country they live in? What I mean is, why would anyone die to protect this country in the military or otherwise, if they weren't a little patriotic? Or, should there be another term used in it's place if we're talking about protecting fellow Americans and the freedoms we enjoy?

I ask these questions because my husband is a navy pilot. I (and he, might I add) wrestle with the meaning of patriotism and fighting for freedom and protection of others. I don't think either of us would want him to have died for nothing (I have brought this up before). What is an appropriate attitude to have toward one's country in this respect?

7. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #246074 by CocoCantare on September 11, 2008 at 6:49 pm

TWP Welcome back! Hope you're alright. This thread has been quite entertaining. I've learned some, laughed some, cried some (j/k, not really) . . . well. . . you get the point.

8. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245238 by CocoCantare on September 10, 2008 at 12:40 pm

Eesh. So, I posted this comment prior to viewing Diacanu's. Sorry if I opened a can of worms about abortion.

9. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245232 by CocoCantare on September 10, 2008 at 12:38 pm

Gregg,

So, can your gun policy logic sort of be compared to abortion policy (work with me here)? It's not a fun or pretty operation for anyone, but keeping Roe v. Wade and finding and fixing the underlying issues that cause women to have abortions is more helpful than just being anti-abortion/pro-life? Is this the same logic that can be used for anti-gun/pro-gun (or whatever)? Al?

10. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245199 by CocoCantare on September 10, 2008 at 12:04 pm

Al,

Not to make you a broken record, but can you think of issues other than drug-related gun violence? You mention changing policy and making drugs legal, and thereby reducing gun violence. Are there any other issues involving guns where policy change can do the same?

Because of my change from conservative evangelical christian, I find myself sitting on the fence policy-wise because my de-conversion has totally changed the way I see the world and view government. I feel like a clean slate who needs education on such issues so that I can vote accordingly. So maybe you and/others can PM me some information backing your claims. I do my own research, but sometimes I'm just stumped, like in the gun-policy issue. Ya know?

11. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245187 by CocoCantare on September 10, 2008 at 11:44 am

". . .alcohol kills or damages those who freely choose to misuse it upon themselves."

Decius,though I often agree with you, I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on that point.

How many times have there been vehicle accidents where alcohol has been involved, and the drunk driver practically walks away, but they killed or severely injured those who weren't drinking and driving? It happens all the time. I have been a victim of it and so have most people I talk to.

Perhaps you are speaking of the act of drinking alcohol alone, and not drinking and driving. Can you elaborate? I'm thinking we're probably on the same page and I misunderstood.

12. Gay support group gets straight 'no' from Brethren

Comment #243846 by CocoCantare on September 7, 2008 at 2:10 pm

Carto,

What I have experienced here in the U.S. is that rural towns are usually the most vehemently homophobic. At the Republican National Convention, there sure was a lot of talk about going back to "small town traditions and values" which includes "traditional marriage only". Hopefully you can view this:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184114&title=the-best-f#king-news-team-ever

13. Gay support group gets straight 'no' from Brethren

Comment #243820 by CocoCantare on September 7, 2008 at 12:41 pm

Bonzai, Yer preachin' to the choir ma friend! I was just presenting a view of why they (Brethren Christians)probably don't want homosexuals gathering anywhere near their property.

Mordacious,
"Don't call me Captain. I've always worked hard to earn my keep. (runs for door)"

I'm not offended. My husband's a Navy Lt. . . he flies Lot 10's (translation: VERY OLD jets!) so don't get him started on the air force cpt.s' golf courses!

14. Gay support group gets straight 'no' from Brethren

Comment #243804 by CocoCantare on September 7, 2008 at 11:56 am

Yes, Mordacious (or is it Cpt. Obvious?;o)), I know. That's how I was raised. But what I hear from the dreaded side of that arena in this day and age is how they don't want the influence on their poor, innocent children. They actually think that homosexuality is a disease one can catch. My sister-in-law actually said she doesn't want her children making friends with children who have two mommies or two daddies. It would become normalized and, therefore, accepted, and her children would be influenced by that. Oh, the horror!

15. Gay support group gets straight 'no' from Brethren

Comment #243786 by CocoCantare on September 7, 2008 at 11:00 am

Here's the thing: What people do in the privacy of their own bedroom does not stay private. Homosexual men and women are seen out and about, showing affection to each other, trying to get married, and trying to adopt children. This is what is most threatening to the conservative christians.

Their children view these things and the parents are afraid their children will become homosexual because it would seem so normal if they can get married and have families like everybody else. In other words, they don't want any influence of homosexuals on their children. I've heard it from the mouth of my own sister, a staunch southern baptist.

16. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #242746 by CocoCantare on September 4, 2008 at 12:14 pm

I haven't addressed Brandy once this entire thread because I sniffed a troll of some sort long ago. Her repetitive "McBush" posts were kind of a clue. . .

Al,

"It is the non-stop name calling, despite being corrected. It is the repitition of the same inane and vapid (and incredibly un-witty) rhetoric. It has been nothing but repitive nonsense since yesterday. She can't even quite comprehend what we are talking about, yet continues to post the same nonsense over and over.

It is just nonsense."

Thank You, Al! Enough said. Marked as troll.

17. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #242191 by CocoCantare on September 3, 2008 at 1:01 pm

Squinky,

Relax. I was specifically addressing Al's mention of a heart transplant to a smoker. I have a degree in Kinesiology and Health Science with an emphasis on Health and Fitness Promotion. Don't spew health statistics at me.

And did I not mention that I was a fence-sitter? I'm looking for rational argument, not admonishment. Oh, and it's dietitian, not dietician.

Other than that, you do make some good points and ask good questions.

18. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #242128 by CocoCantare on September 3, 2008 at 12:08 pm

Al,

How do you go about absolutely proving the heart disease of a smoker is from smoking? I know that studies show that smoking greatly increases the risks, but can it be proven as the reason for needing a heart transplant?

I'm not arguing with you, I'm actually a fence-sitter right now when it comes to health care. I would like to be enlightened on the subject. I understand you not wanting to pay for other people's screw-ups, but can you elaborate a bit?

19. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #242076 by CocoCantare on September 3, 2008 at 11:15 am

Diacanu,

Oh, I agree, and so would my husband. But he's been in for almost 10 years, with different presidents/congress every few years. My meaning is that he couldn't have joined and then asked very nicely to get out once there was a new president with a new agenda. So, he fights for his reasons despite the reasons of the "armchair general chicken-hawks". Does he think the foreign policy entanglements our government gets in suck? Yes, but he's still going to fight so that you and I and family and friends can be free (to put it simply).

20. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #242060 by CocoCantare on September 3, 2008 at 10:59 am

Hellene,

No worries.

Diacanu,

I understand how you feel, but I won't allow myself to get that cynical, especially with my husband being in the armed forces. His reasons for joining are, I think, noble, and if he were to be killed in action, I refuse to believe it would be for absolutely nothing. . . or for hate-riotism.

21. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #242046 by CocoCantare on September 3, 2008 at 10:44 am

Hellene,

Quoting to be cute? Wow, patronizing, pretensous, and presumptuous all at the same time. How ever did you manage that?

Allow me to explain my "cute" self. I was very annoyed when the republicans and many democrats were screaming for war in Iraq and anyone who even began to question were considered "unpatriotic". I posted this quote because I like his particular definitions of patriotism and nationalism. I addressed my post to you, stephen, and clint because I found it interesting the different views of patriotism. . .and I thought I would add mine. Pardon if I wasn't clear enough, but never was there any intent to be "cute".

22. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #241997 by CocoCantare on September 3, 2008 at 9:42 am

Stephen @ #52, Clint @ #132, and Hellene @ #183,

"Patriotism is a lively sense of collective responsibility. Nationalism is a silly cock crowing on its own dunghill."
-Richard Aldington

Yes, I know, many politicians on the far right have mixed things up a bit, but i like this quote to clarify things.

23. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241579 by CocoCantare on September 2, 2008 at 3:57 pm

Steve Zara,

Alan Rickman! What is it about that man that makes him so likable? I think he's great! Sigourney Weaver, on the other hand, I'm not a huge fan of. She is going to have to be replaced on my list by Emma Thompson, IMHO.

24. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241514 by CocoCantare on September 2, 2008 at 12:21 pm

Lol, uhhh. . . thanks for the suggestions guys!

Diacanu,

My husband is a Navy jet pilot (or ahem, I'm sorry, "Naval Aviator") and I absolutely, positively despise that sorry excuse for a movie! The guys in his squadron quote it ad nauseum not because they like the movie (well a couple might, secretly), but because it's so lame! But even that is getting old! So, I completely share your sentiments.

25. Pakistan investigates 'honor killings' of 5 women

Comment #241510 by CocoCantare on September 2, 2008 at 12:14 pm

Al,

I know, just wanted to make it clear, as I am aware it can be a touchy subject.

Anyway, I just watched Undercover Mosque on You Tube and I have the chills running along my spine. I have to admit, that is extremely terrifying! I know there are a few former muslims working to change things, but I feel so helpless! Wow, other than that I am at a loss for words.

26. Pakistan investigates 'honor killings' of 5 women

Comment #241489 by CocoCantare on September 2, 2008 at 11:41 am

Al,

Indeed. I love old Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movies and I sometimes wish I lived in those days. Then I remember how much I appreciate my independence as a woman (alert:I'm not a feminazi, just not the domestic "June Cleaver" type) and I think. . .nah! Sure, there are good things about the "good ol' days" or even centuries past, but you couldn't pay me enough to go back and live there.

27. Pakistan investigates 'honor killings' of 5 women

Comment #241482 by CocoCantare on September 2, 2008 at 11:21 am

"These are centuries-old traditions and I will continue to defend them,"

Someone needs to inform these people that tradition doesn't automatically mean justification.

The same argument could go for other arguments, such as same-sex marriage. People like to throw around the word "tradition" (i.e traditional marriages) as if it always equals "better" or "best".

28. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241459 by CocoCantare on September 2, 2008 at 9:42 am

Diacanu,

I laughed more at your little ditty about my name than this Stephen Colbert thingy. I found him slightly amusing. To be honest, even though I am an American, I really enjoy the quick wit and subtle humor that is found often in the UK.
I am wondering, what is the best way to react when you truly do not find something funny in a social setting? Should you laugh to "be polite" as others have mentioned, or do you honestly say "that wasn't funny" or remain stoic? Is it being a total killjoy by being honest? Maybe one can retort with their own joke or witty banter and see how others react?

29. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241167 by CocoCantare on September 1, 2008 at 11:02 pm

376,I meant the topic of the thread. And I'm not "acting" like anything. Either way, funny you should be telling others on this site how to act and not to act. Anyway, the last remark was more tongue-in-cheek than anything. It's also my bedtime. Nighty night.

30. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241164 by CocoCantare on September 1, 2008 at 10:49 pm

kkelly, I'm aware of your sexual orientation. . . so I doubt you're "reacting" to my quick moment of TMI. Aaaaaand, I would appreciate it if you would stop your attempts to further derail me from the topic!

31. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241161 by CocoCantare on September 1, 2008 at 10:43 pm

Nope, that's all folks.

32. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241159 by CocoCantare on September 1, 2008 at 10:34 pm

Ha Ha. I actually do dress pretty modest, which might be a shocker as I'm from Southern California. I just don't care for the attention that comes with hangin' my boobs out for all to see. My husband enjoys them, and that's all I care about. TMI? (am I actually asking you that?!)

33. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241157 by CocoCantare on September 1, 2008 at 10:22 pm

Yes, because I can totally get comment #368 from a question like, "were you in National Geographic?".
You really are a dork, kkelly. I wasn't bragging about having big nipples, either. I just personally don't have some the size of raisins. But they are also not the size of your tribeswomen. Why am I even having this discussion with you (asking myself)? :oP

34. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241154 by CocoCantare on September 1, 2008 at 10:10 pm

366,Why?

35. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241151 by CocoCantare on September 1, 2008 at 9:54 pm

Duh, I AM a woman with two, ya know! I didn't see the whole link and when it popped open I accidentally clicked on and read about Lindsay Lohan, even though it was about nips too. Still, not funny to me.


I don't get the raisins bit though. . .are nipples of other women that small? Anyway, OT and too silly for me!

36. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241149 by CocoCantare on September 1, 2008 at 9:49 pm

Hmmm, perhaps, kkelly, I viewed the wrong thing. . .let me try again. . .

37. Better Know a Lobby - Atheism

Comment #241146 by CocoCantare on September 1, 2008 at 9:37 pm

Nope, sorry, kk, didn't do it for me. But, then, I tend to hang out in the goofiness and wit territories. I like the "wit" kind of humor because it tends to be, IMHO, original and creative more often than "edginess". I don't really care for "shock-jock" humor and tits and ass humor because I think it's all been done and over-done. I think just merely shocking people with body parts and sex talk is getting old. I was done laughing at that stuff when I graduated high school. But hey, that's my personal taste and opinion.

38. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #239554 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 11:18 pm

*Chuckles* Sounds good to me! Well, I'm off for the evening to prepare for my hubby's arrival. . . take care of yourself and that blond little fairy you call your granddaughter!:o)

39. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #239550 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 10:58 pm

Laurie,

Indeed! The man's probably rollin' in his grave and won't be able to RIP until GWB is outta the office.
I may be only 25 years old, but I love Frank Zappa. In many ways he was ahead of his time anyhow, wouldn't you agree?

40. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #239543 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Yes, Laurie, it will be interesting to see how Obama goes about cleaning house if he's elected. I've been following the man (read his books) long before he went public with the ambition to run for president. I may be naive, but I remain optimistic about his goals to help turn things around here in the U.S.

I must say, though, his pandering to the religious makes my skin crawl!

41. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #239540 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 10:29 pm

Nighty-night Hawt. Don't let the meerkats bite!

42. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #239538 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 10:27 pm

Thanks, Titania, I'd appreciate it. It's after midnight for ya? Where are you located? It's 10:25pm here in California. I'm browsing threads as I await my navy husband's return for the Labor Day Weekend. Then he's gone for another two weeks. :o) Such is the life of the navy wife!

43. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #239533 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 10:16 pm

Hawt,

You didn't. . . did you. . .just. . .did you just say "bomb-diggity"?!

I haven't heard that in a while! ;o)

*leaves to take a peak at the Binta thread*

44. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #239525 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 9:38 pm

Titania,

I see no need for an apology for the long post. I, for one, think you make your points very clearly and with much knowledge and eloquence.

Just curious, can you suggest some good reading material on the holocaust and WWII? I'm very interested in it.

And, by the way, you can't be all that bad if you're sippin' on Jameson! My favorite whiskey.

45. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #239524 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 9:32 pm

Wow, go Hawt! I had to take a breath after reading your post. I, like Laurie, agree.

Hullo there Laurie, how's the cutie pie? Your grandbaby, I mean. :o)

46. No atheist burials in Co Donegal

Comment #239521 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 9:27 pm

Whoa now, Ishruul, you're reading a bit much into it all. . . I mean about the necrophilia part. . . :o)

47. No atheist burials in Co Donegal

Comment #239515 by CocoCantare on August 29, 2008 at 8:37 pm

Carto,

I wonder if there are any biological studies on female attraction to homosexual men. . . cause you are it! :o)

I am happily married to a straight man, but I have this thing for many gay men I come across/am friends with/work with. It's not really sexual, but an attraction nonetheless.

Anyway, your ideas are superb, I would pay to see your funeral. Where would the proceeds go?

48. Imagine No Religion' signs to go up around town

Comment #238994 by CocoCantare on August 28, 2008 at 9:15 pm

jt512,

Cool. Are you still in California? What kind of work do you do?

49. Plan to exhume cardinal is 'homophobic'

Comment #238267 by CocoCantare on August 27, 2008 at 9:57 pm

Alright, well, thanks anyway everyone. I guess it'll just have to remain status quo until I can get a response from admin.

50. Plan to exhume cardinal is 'homophobic'

Comment #238249 by CocoCantare on August 27, 2008 at 8:41 pm

Jmac, I don't know. Like I said, I'm some sort of ghostposter! I even clicked on the "send and activation email" a couple of months ago, but never received an email. I've tried it again just now. . .