101. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #130507 by JuxtaMonkey on February 20, 2008 at 6:18 pm

I have homework too! So my quick writing and hurried think must end. I will return with clearer writting

102. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #130505 by JuxtaMonkey on February 20, 2008 at 6:14 pm

Sorry, that is just pure bs. The world has excess production capacity and there is too much food, that's why farmers are going broke all over the world. People in the third world cannot afford to put food on the table because the argricultural basis of these countries are destroyed due to dumping by the rich countries and resources are diverted to grow cash crops for export, it is an economical problem, not a scientific one. Read Susan George to understand the political economy of food.

False. I don't think you have really done your homework on this one. I don't know what it is like over your way, but food companies are required to label all warnings as mandated by the FDA (thank-god they are finally doing something about all the "natural" supplements). Coca-cola does not claim health, nor does McDonald's, etc...
When fundamental environmental groups (specifically a British group) goes to Africa to confront leaders of the "poisons" that are in DONATED GMO products and said leaders turn down already accepted donated supplies then it isn't about the resources these people have. In fact, they try to grow organic crops all the time. However, the soil to plant such crops just isn't good enough, needless to say the supplies they cannot afford to keep an organic farm alive. When a GMO crop comes along that can withstand these conditions and need the most minimal of supplies (this time donated) then it isn't really about economics anymore. I suggest you research Norman Borlaug. You'll hear both sides of the story.

103. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #130500 by JuxtaMonkey on February 20, 2008 at 5:45 pm

My apologies for judging you an "organic eater". Spoke to soon...but my argument still stands

104. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #130497 by JuxtaMonkey on February 20, 2008 at 5:39 pm

And also Bonzai,

GMO's are HIGHLY regulated and tested and groomed, and retested, and observed, and examined, and then they do it again. "Organic" foods are of technologies past 30 years ago. They cross bread hundreds of genes. GMOs are a wee bit less of a crap shot. And, for the environment is concerned: GMO require almost no tillage, do not need "good" soil (they don't cut away at more forests to supply good soil), they need virtually no pesticide (meaning WAY less run off), CO2 is significantly reduced, and OH it would save MILLIONS and MILLIONS and MILLIONS of lives. By the way, what did you eat tonight? If we are going to weigh the risks and benefits, I'm sorry, the benefits has to rest with saving MILLIONS of lives. You can keep eating your "organic" food, but poor nations do not have this luxury. Why should we be able to dictate what another country should do to save its people?

105. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #130491 by JuxtaMonkey on February 20, 2008 at 5:30 pm

Bonzai,

Steve, correct me if I am wrong, but I detected just a wee bit of sarcasm in his correlation.

106. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #130490 by JuxtaMonkey on February 20, 2008 at 5:26 pm

Steve Zara,
We have the organic freaks over this way as well. The aforementioned "freaks," in my opinion are "Organic cliches". Or, the right to be a glorified hippie. Then, there are just those who are misinformed and who hear it so many times they just BELIEVE it's true. I don't have so much of a problem with them growing their golden wheat fields of peace and euphoria, but some fanaticals persistence to steal my franken vegi! I am a vegetarian, perhaps this leads me to meet many of the "organic only!" kind. Or, maybe, I use to have these very thoughts. My personal testament is that once the evidence smacked me in the face I felt a bit foolish. I tend to hate organic products (except for the wonderful local farmer who provides nutritious scrumptious vegis and fruits YUM!) on pure principle. Nice to see something in common with someone =)

107. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #130454 by JuxtaMonkey on February 20, 2008 at 2:43 pm

padster1976,

What on Earth does this have to do with surveys of nanotechnology? If you want to hate America, you don't need an excuse. You don't have to look to me to convince yourself of illogical convictions. Take the plunge and believe in yourself. It appears that you have made up your mind and I suppose if I recited back a million atrocities per British lead back to you we would be at this all day. So, I can either kiss your feet and still be ridiculed or I can take a holistic approach and look at the bigger picture. Seeming the the former = relentless efforts prescribed to never be good enough, or the latter. Ass kissing, smart, ass kissing, smart, ass kissing, smart...yea I think my odds are better resting on the side of intelligence. I am going to call my British friend now so that we can get some coffee.

108. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #129625 by JuxtaMonkey on February 19, 2008 at 11:44 am

"Some Americans are so full of arrogance simply because they happen to be citizen of today's superpower, that nothing other than popular culture matters to them in the slightest"

Prove my arrogance BECAUSE I believe I am a citizen of today's superpower...

being a citizen of Sydney, Australia I beleive that our current education system completely fails to motivate students to have an interest in anything academic

All students of Australia failed to be motivated to learn?????? What evidence led you to this definitive conclusion?
Your belief and what is reality, do the correlate?

109. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #129619 by JuxtaMonkey on February 19, 2008 at 11:38 am

Epinephrine,
Gotta love the fight or flight reflex don't ya? You noted the article's word, "significant". To what significant score are they referring...the percentages? On the thread entitled, "Dumb and Dumber" I posted some yay (sp?) and nay links on the topic of public opinion if you would like yo check them out. Secondly, yes, I meant allude...blushing*. Third, the article also states, severals times, the word, "believe".

The answer, Scheufele believes, is religion

The catch for Americans with strong religious convictions, Scheufele believes.......research are lumped together as means to enhance human qualities. In short, researchers are viewed as "playing God"

Scheufele, explaining that survey respondents are well-informed

...matter of opinion, but if HE BELIEVES this, then lets just take the well-informed "anwseree's" opinion
All that aside, opinion polls are NOT foolproof and all said mentioned technologies still need MUCH research. I would be suspicious too and I am by NO MEANS religious.

get that you are an enthusiastic defender of America

The article about America is fine. If this is what he believes, let him believe it. If he wants to make these statements, let him make these statements. If he wants to present these surveys as fact, let him present it as such. If he wants me to take him seriously, let him show me some credible evidence. Until then, his findings are useless. Am I to believe that the Discovery Institute is legitimate because science is? LMAO NO! SHOW US SOME HARD EVIDENCE!!!
As far as defending America, well, I am a defender of all people/nationalities/races/sexual orientation that receive prejudices without a basis for their accusations. If an American came out pointing a finger at Europe as being stupid, etc, I would staunchly defend Europe. But, we don't that on this site, do we? There tips a little a bias (even some Americans have said things about Americans...I like to show em' too), for example:,

F*ck them!
There are stupid people everywhere, but stupid people in US are proud of it!

The fact that many Americans say that nanotechnology is immoral when they are told to believe most science is immoral should come as no surprise.

I wonder if the americans think being the only country in the world to be be guilty of international terrorism is morally acceptable?

Who could possible have problems with nanotechnology!

Oh good grief - my bet would be that 50% of my fellow Americans have no clue what nano-technology means much less have any idea if it would be a good/bad thing overall. Too engaged in the next episode of "American Idol" while waiting for the "Rapture" (praise Jay-sus for the price drop in Mickey-D/Burger King).

Studies show that the US public at large is less scientificly literate that in Europe. When asked about nanotech the questioned probably have visions of nanobots reassembling them from the inside or of grey goo

edit: actually im not sure if people worry about playing god so much on the large scale, maybe nuclear explosions could be included there but of course many dont seem to worry about those too much.

Just to name a few quotes that refute free thinking.
Obviously Epinephrine, if we are trying to make a change in the unreasonable, we ourselves have to people of reason.
There are many things that I do not like about my country. There are many things I find unjust in other countries. There will ALWAYS need to be change. Swinging to the other side of unreasonable is not the answer. I am not offended, just dumbfounded as to what prompts people to believe they have the right to be a superior and make unwarranted criticism, "Unreasonable Americans," based on this very article which the evidence presented is nothing more than a little math game.
If you would like to direct me to a survey which I can do reasonable research, then show me, teach me =) I will be more than happy to do so, then we can talk about this. Other then that, this article screams for no solution. Thanks for the reply Epinephrine. I've seen you around on many threads, you seem like a pretty bright fellow. I do not wish to imply I have any qualms with you!
Susie

110. Study: Religion colors Americans' views of nanotechnology

Comment #129349 by JuxtaMonkey on February 19, 2008 at 2:17 am

I find it oddly suspicious that they only posted three polled countries out of the totality of Europe without a reference to the size of the European sample and/or demographic taken. However, they conveniently list 1015 Americans. The stated "identical nature" of the survey only eluded to "identical questions" (and quite misleading...I only caught this when I reread the article). Not to mention, literally, that they did not post the surveyed question(s) nor the choice of answers. So, let me get this straight, America 29.5%; France 72%; Germany 62%; UK 54%. OK. Noted. Now, I am a little confused, why do they say,

In European surveys that posed identical questions about nanotechnology to people in the United Kingdom and continental Europe, significantly higher percentages of people accepted the moral validity of the technology

Well, I guess since it is an article it must have some validity! Hypothetically though, let's say they used the whole of Europe (as this is what they are claiming) and used the "identical" sample size of 1015. Europe has 48 countries and then you must add the UK. 1015/49 = 20.71 people / country. That gives: France 14.9/20.71; Germany 12.8/20.71; UK 11.18/20.71-people. Wow, they got me; us stapid mercans ain't no goad foyr nuttin. Well, wait...I forgot American figures! America 295/1015 people! Well, that supremely far-passes France's measly 74% or 14.9 people. Wait, wait, wait...I have it all wrong, their using Europe as a whole. So, lets average ALL 48 countries with a whopping 3 samples, come on guys, this is gonna be fun! Drum roll please.......................(.72 .62 .54) / 3 (20.71 X 3) .....................= 37.9196 people/country surveyed-da daa! Compared to America's 295, Europe is obviously far more religious and more apt to believe that this technology would demote morals. Oh shoot! Damn pesky numbers! What on Earth was I thinking? I really thought I had gotten you all there. 1015 American's and only 60.51 Europeans mentioned were polled! Well, that seems hardly fair to Europe.I can't realistically think freely when all the information is not presented! Well, I am just an American so I guess some "unbiased" authority must have a better sense than me. Shucks, I guess American stupidity is for REAL! I propose a new article entitled,
"Why on Earth would the American-bashers ever wait around for us stupid Americans to figure out our biased moral crisis to do any research of their own?" Damn Americans, always in the way of a good ripping bash!

Let me say that I am not talking to the whole of UK or Europeans, just the ones that are using this article to make some sort of declaration for the supposed "stupid" Americans.

111. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #129259 by JuxtaMonkey on February 18, 2008 at 11:36 pm

http://www.publicagenda.org/polling/polling_20q.cfm
http://abcnews.go.com/images/pdf/responserates.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shy_Tory_Factor
http://www.gcastrategies.com/books_articles/article_001_or.php
http://www.ncpp.org

112. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #129257 by JuxtaMonkey on February 18, 2008 at 11:28 pm

Please, please, all you smart and literate Americans, start doing something about your country's reputation

How can you plead for Americans to create a different "American reputation" and then revert to statements such as,

Kellie Pickler and George W. Bush are considered typical Americans. Carl Sagan or Ernest Hemingway are people of the past

?
Together, your statements are utterly contradictory. Furthermore, vainly trying to disregard major contributories to the American image to bring validity to your argument seems a bit desperate. If I must recite something for your availing confidence, however, I shall. Norman Borlaug, Michael Shermer, Eugenie C. Scott, Dr. Moses Judah Folkman, Avram Noam Chomsky, James Thompson, and Nick Gillespie are some, but definitely not all, included in what you dub as America's "huge image problem".

But it is a fact, not some dogmatic declaration, that America has a huge image problem, when basic education is concerned

I am not talking about American stupidity as any kind of a fact. I am talking about how many people outside the US see America

As far as the American education, it is interesting to note that all said, yet expired, Americans (let me correct myself, recently living) graduated from American universities and/or are the educators to that American education that you claim many see as a problem...including Carl Sagan, one that didn't count...and as far as the other discounted, Ernest Hemingway, well he had an American high school diploma.

However, such polls have sometimes been taken and the ones I have seen do back this up.

George Horace Gallup, an American mathematician, invented the most currently used and most accurate public opinion polling system today, known as the Gallup poll. Most of the world, even Europe (known as Gallup Europe) uses the Gallup poll. The world for which you profess to see Americans as…well it is ambiguous at this point as to what they do and don't say. We know that you interpret their sneers as a "problem". It was also stated that you believe Americans in Britain to be "embarrassed" by their nationality.
These polls, however, are only opinions. Most of the world has the opinion that a God exists; does it make it true? The dependability of opinion polls is highly questionable. There are astounding biases from the questioner and answerer, but there are many other, uncontrollable, mishaps "including the fear of being in the minority for example, the fear of embarrassment.
At the bottom I posted some links if you would like to check out the "polls". With all the ACTUAL inaccuracies, you still state:

I apologize for not being able to back this up with current data right now

Here we continue with the straw grabbing-

If some other polls contradict this, fine, but still, such a negative image is known to exist

Leon Festinger (American and American taught) coined the phrase "cognitive dissonance" and produced a theory widely used among psychologist as you probably well know. One part called, "Selective exposure," states that there is a "tendency to avoid information inconsistent with one's beliefs and attitudes". (http://www.colorado.edu/communication/meta-discourses/Theory/dissonance/sld001.htm).
"Festinger claimed that people avoid information that is likely to increase dissonance. We tend to 'stick to our own kind' by hanging out with people that are like us, and we select things to read and watch on TV that are consistent with what we believe. People that are like us will keep those things away that make us uncomfortable." (http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~as491398/cdaes.htm).
I will demonstrate:

My point was from personal experience though, which is a reasonable basis for a comment in this kind of a conversation.

not being able to back this up with current data right now

but still, such a negative image is known to exist

So face it, this image problem is real

So now that is out of the way I will start on this statement

Why on Earth do you accuse me of upholding a stereotype, if I'm merely saying that one exists? Don't shoot the messenger.

First, you, on your own free will, elected yourself as a representative to speak for "40-50 countries." Here I'll reiterate:

I am merely saying that a lot of people, in about 40-50 countries I have visited, do think so.

Presumably, you are implying that you have talked to a lot of people from various nationalities whom have said some unknown statement to this thread that you have lumped into your whole "huge image problem" theory. I can only be led to assume that you feel it is your place to speak for, with or without their permission, these people, indicative of your translation of what they think is a problem with America. Thus, you are trying to prove (without a shred of evidence) a generalized image problem among these said visited countries based solely on of your "unbiased" observation.

Don't shoot the messenger.

I am not criticizing your personal experience. I am simply criticizing your faulty beliefs that your expressed "personal experience" has taught you: "America has a huge image problem". Therefore, I can only conclude that you BELIEVE that America HAS a huge image problem, specifically in education…yet it is still quite ambiguous as to what the American education image problem is that you have specifically observed.

Why are some people here, Americans or otherwise, so offended by my observation of an existing image problem?

Well, let me take a guess:
1. You say that,

I have mostly met polite, intelligent, helpful and open-minded Americans.

2. The above states completely contradictory evidence, comparatively anecdotal, of YOUR actual personal experience with Americans versus its image. Then say,

Even having an American friend is something people keep to themselves, in fear of ridicule

3. The above comment is one clincher that, at least stands out to me, as to why "Americans or otherwise" might be "so offended". It also helps broaden my hypothesis that your observations might be a little less than accurate in its translation. Apparently, the offended "otherwise" individuals do not like you to speak for them inaccurately. Another plaint disaster to your hypothesis that is growing increasing gapped. "Sadly," there is more.

It is sad how all of the US citizens I've met in Europe have started by apologising for their nationality, including a marine soldier

If someone has apologized to you for being American, I feel for those who feel they have to apologize to you to feel that is they only way to earn your respect. Also, you have made a definitive claim, "All," which stands to mean that you have never encountered an alternative experience with an American whom had not apologized, to you directly, for being an image-problem, totting American.
You call this "sad," yet prescribe a pathetic American image anyway. Again, you are trying to prove, through anecdotal evidence, that Americans should either be more prideful or they are a "sad"/pathetic nationality. Either way, I am here trying to replace this image for you and your defensive ground only denotes your said desire for Americans to "do something about their reputation". But yet again, there is still more...

Carl Sagan or Ernest Hemingway are people of the past

4. Asking an American to do something then completely disregard their "doing" would be an effort on your part to make your plight an impossible mission.

Knowing about a stereotype is essential if one wishes to act against it

Why are some people here, Americans or otherwise, so offended by my observation

Well, maybe I wanted to provoke some reaction, to be honest

Please, please, all you smart and literate Americans, start doing something about your country's reputation

It was upon your own urgent plea that prompted me to respond.
How would you better suggest that I go about affecting this representative change? I know of no other way than to argue reason against "delusional" beliefs, whether you or your sneering friend's. I borrow one of Dawkins favorite quotes by Carl Sagan, "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence."
If your associates believe this is true then let them be the ones to make such claims. If you still desire to remain bound to believe that public opinion for American image is a problem, then prove that it is a problem. Why is it a problem, because most of the world's people hold this opinion? I challenge you to prove it! I would ask them, what problem? You state, "Basic education." I'll ask you, "How so?" I will partake in another Dawkins (British) favorite: just because a person says that a "teapot" revolves around the Earth, does not deem its existence any truer than the belief of a popular opinion. Meaning, the burden of proof does not lie on Americans any more than the observer listening to the authority's exclamation that a teapot revolves around the Earth.
The probable truth is more balanced. America has made grave mistakes, have made some rather tremendous contributions to the world, is not perfect, has given billions upon billions of dollars to poor nations, has taken from poor nations, and so has every other civilization. Does this cancel out making improvements? By all means, no! It only means that we are fallible human beings capable of good and bad, as is every other single living human being on this planet. To be fair, as life is not, why should America be put up to any higher standard than your country, any country? I am not so arrogant to presume to know British culture with any other observation than that of others whom carry their own personal bias, but I deem it quite probable that as a country, Britain does not escape this human conundrum. Yet, I would be willing to bet that Britain has also made a vast amount of contributions to the world as well.
I would like to state that I have never in any sense called you "stupid" as you have implied,

"So they think Americans are stupid? Well, they... they're stupider!"

I have made very obvious and direct judgment of ignorance equated to your behalf. These professions only stood for this subject matter, not your intelligence as a person. If I have offended you than I suppose you will have to deal with it. I most certainly will not apologize to you as this seems to be equated on a scale of pathetic reprise
See the next thread to see the links for polling

113. Defying Gravity in Science Class

Comment #129255 by JuxtaMonkey on February 18, 2008 at 11:20 pm

Bobington,
I've always found it humorous and educating to read little scientific jokes proving the falsities in such thinking. It always makes me think just how weird people get about illogical jesters. Hehe...if you ever read Skepic (I highly recommend if you have haven't) they have an article on the "Science of Santa" in a very dated issue. I wonder if one can google it? It appears you can: http://www.chainreactionbicycles.com/santaclaus.htm
very funny.

114. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #128561 by JuxtaMonkey on February 17, 2008 at 11:43 am

Richard Morgan,
No need for apologies. My apologies to you if I in anyway if I came off crude. It was not my intentions nor my goal. I thought that I might have given the impression that English was not my language. I have misunderstanding all the time!!! Jesus, you should see me walking down the hallways! It is one humorous sight. ;)

115. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #128370 by JuxtaMonkey on February 16, 2008 at 9:12 pm

Peacebeuponme,
I am happy to hear that you have associated yourself with Americans that you respect. Being as there is so little of us. lol. I have met a few, pretty bright Britsh friends over this way as well. ;) Good to hear your thoughts!

116. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #128366 by JuxtaMonkey on February 16, 2008 at 9:03 pm

Richard Morgan,
I just saw your comment. Thank-you. I was wondering about the whole wikipedia insertions. One would think that with all their wisdom, they may have gotten their education elsewhere. Also, did you notice the grammatical errors drenched all over tooltroll's comments? I was going to see how many times he was going to keep correcting people and total up the sum. LOL. BTW, I think I nust be misunderstanding the last bit about "mother tongue". English is my only language =)

117. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #128210 by JuxtaMonkey on February 16, 2008 at 2:15 pm

Please, Raindear, tell me how to change a stereotype that you seem so fervently upholding? The term, "stereotype," implies a BELIEF in an exaggerated image that is based on falsities without strong evidence of its actual nature. For instance, "Tea-sipping," "pampas," "pertinacious," "lazy," "flower-loving," "arrogant," "prinks". I should hope that I am not so righteously ignorant to believe that this emphatically equates the British. No, because that would assume a ground with what every religious fanatic stands. Surely, as your name boldly stands on a website dedicated to reason, you would not shamelessly stand on that very land with the delusional.

118. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #128205 by JuxtaMonkey on February 16, 2008 at 1:53 pm

Raindear,

I am glad I am not among your abusive friends who have nothing better than to be fret about whom they associate. Your polling seems a bit bias in its construction. Again, you can not predestine a totality of a human-being by fanciful prejudices. That is like calling the whole of Europe and that comparatively small island to the left all Jew-killing mongers? Sadly though, you dictate one's worth on the pretence of their nationality. If there were ever a person whom I grow weary, is one who would separate himself or herself as superior. This, to me, represents the total mayhem of religious wars and holocausts. Though, who am I, when your beloved associates seem to have the ultimate truth? If I wanted the "ultimate truth," I could go to my local church and have breadcrumbs and wine. Belief prejudice = ignorance.

119. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #127976 by JuxtaMonkey on February 15, 2008 at 8:25 pm

Tooltroll, I appreciate your criticism on my opinion. It seems to be a subject of apparent distress by the evidence of your "sigh". I should hope you have not lost all respect for petty Americans. It is with this that I apologize if my mere uneducated opinion has insulted your intelligence. However, our spat brings my case to circle. As first pointed out, one person's ignorance does not equate the demise of a whole people. Three hundred million people encompass secularist, atheist, humanist, as well as the fanatical and stupid. To lump us all into one neat package is to imply YOUR ignorance. I do not wish to represent my quick replay and laziness for editing as the foundation of a people, only MY opinion, my typos. Yet, I think it is quite ironic, that the author of this article that you so fervently defend is an American writer and that these views encompass an American’s view. Surely, not ALL Americans are as stupid as you have implied. I would also like to clarify that it was never my intent to say that American schools were not without the need for improvement; indeed, they need much improvement. I can only assume by your presence on Dawkins’ site that we share many of the same views. Are you to say that these views are foolish?
By the way, English and grammar were never my strong suit and I thank you for correcting my errors as the red pen has failed me, or I have failed myself.
Humbly, Susie E

120. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #127657 by JuxtaMonkey on February 15, 2008 at 1:49 pm

And by the way...what point do you believe I am making?

121. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #127654 by JuxtaMonkey on February 15, 2008 at 1:47 pm

Excuse me tooltroll I stand corrected..."Americans".

122. Dumb and Dumber: Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge?

Comment #127640 by JuxtaMonkey on February 15, 2008 at 1:34 pm

I get the sense that a few people here think Americans are a spurious people, euphorically floating in a pink puffy cloud with a pathetic awe struck grin caught with their tongues hanging out, vindictively and naively scurrilous. I know many of my fellow Americans have this picture of their nation, but indeed they too are bound native to the same land. There is, amongst this glorified picture of buffoonery, highly educated, intelligent, and genuine person's that makeup the totality of "those Americans". As the media spins their money making machine, they undoubtedly weave an arrogant scenery that will draw crowds of people to scan the lines of its paper and righteously put into their on grasping hands the right to judge 300,000,000 people based on Kelly Pickler, Lee Siegel, and two ambiguous men in suits butchering the history of Pearl Harbor seems a bit fantastical and lavishly foolhardy.
Yes, it is silly and ignorant for two depicted grown men to shamelessly muddle a piece of history that is amongst popular history. Are we to believe their naivate equal mine, as an American? Of course not, that would be emphatically credulous and forthright. To measure intelligence is not a scientific ruler. I, myself, would find it difficult to erect a car engine or even change its oil, but would you predestine my future to hopeless? I should hope not, but that is what this argument presents and what it would have you believe.
Education will always need revamping and it should always be upheld to scrupulous attention, but there will always be the "Kelly Picklers" of this world. They are made popular because an enormous amount of people balk and laugh at their ignorance. One must infer to some degree, that the peril of this world does not lye with this type of stupidity. If it did, the "Picklers" of the world would not be funny to masses.
Of course, this is just my humble and anecdotal opinion =). Tee hee

123. What he wishes on us is an abomination

Comment #127143 by JuxtaMonkey on February 15, 2008 at 1:33 am

So those who obey the law get swept under the mat, have their money stolen, and their freedoms squashed because some scary radicals pout? Yeah, of course they do, its hard having all those wives...gotta keep em in line somehow. Who else will make the dinner? Oh, I'm sorry. I did not mean to be insensitive to such abusive psychopathic insanity! But, I guess being fair and all they should just be given their tea, muffins, and 12 daily whippings because they have a right to their holy religious beliefs and civility. What's the point in the move? LOL, oh that's right...it may be life-threatening to live in a place where people take this shit seriously!

124. Sharia fiasco

Comment #125689 by JuxtaMonkey on February 11, 2008 at 9:06 pm

LMAO...

125. BREAK THE SCIENCE BARRIER - Available Now on DVD

Comment #124061 by JuxtaMonkey on February 8, 2008 at 9:04 am

Dawkins is fascinating. He never ceases to amaze me. And, Alabama hasn't changed one bit, nor Tennessee. They taught us with those truth "inserts" and I did not learn about evolution until college, inspired by a particular Microbiology class. The topic: bacteria's growing resistance to antibiotics and what was happening. I was amazed and said to the teacher, "That sounds an awful lot like evolution in action?" She replied, "Well, yes, it is like evolution." I was surprise that after she made this statement, she had to inform the class that evolution is not a "bad word". I was mortified that she had to make this statement to a classroom full of people getting ready to go into the health field. Watching Dawkins sketch the "Physic surgeon" bit, now I'm more than terrified. Bloody christ...literally

126. The New Atheist Movement

Comment #123183 by JuxtaMonkey on February 6, 2008 at 2:54 pm

"75% of our young people, and by our young people I mean evangelical churches, according to ??? survey are losing their faith in college. 75% of them.

So what you are saying, in essence, is that when people get an education or become smarter, even "Bright"er, they give up the "delusion" they ignorantly held clung to before...before their...enlightenment?

There are good, solid, historical, scientific reasons for us to believe what we believe

I'm still just hearing you tell me you have these things...what are they? There are good, solid, historical, scientific reasons for us to believe what we believe!...and still they keep talking

127. Touched by an Atheist

Comment #120555 by JuxtaMonkey on February 2, 2008 at 1:12 am

I abhor the image of dimwit nurses, as well as dumbfounded women. I thought it could have been a little more inventive. How about a hospital priest, a nun, and a church friend? Why are nurses and women so often illustrated in this light? Meanwhile, the men are more favorably depicted. I now politely step from soapbox.

128. Highway to hysteria

Comment #120552 by JuxtaMonkey on February 2, 2008 at 12:43 am

Whoa, I just walked into a late-night paid commercial time slot/warp. Thank-God too! Another figgy was miraculously saved from the fag! And to think, I-35 has been here all along. I was talking about "back slidin'". What was I thinking all this time? I am so delusional...there's no snow in TX! You got me, I put my silly dukes down. Bunch of F'ing killjoys. I want my bundle of sticks back!

129. Heath Ledger Death: Baptist Group To Protest At Memorial

Comment #117418 by JuxtaMonkey on January 28, 2008 at 6:55 pm

LOL, bored people can find themselves in such dangerous situations =). . .I know, I am an expert ;)

130. Heath Ledger Death: Baptist Group To Protest At Memorial

Comment #117411 by JuxtaMonkey on January 28, 2008 at 6:49 pm

LMAO...OH MY! Moonshine...from a radiator...in the Appalachians? You lucked up, we call that Debonair moonshine with a hint of smoked lemon rust twist. It usually comes from the dead-man's shoe!

131. Heath Ledger Death: Baptist Group To Protest At Memorial

Comment #117405 by JuxtaMonkey on January 28, 2008 at 6:38 pm

Duuurrr...tha's funna. I live in the south, I'll get some good laughs with that one LOL! =)

132. Heath Ledger Death: Baptist Group To Protest At Memorial

Comment #117402 by JuxtaMonkey on January 28, 2008 at 6:32 pm

"Duurrrr, heh heh heh. We's gotes us dis hera fancdy whate laka cap n' des hourses. We lika galup lik ands baurns us sume figgies...ooooo weeee." Sometimes I'm ashamed I am from the same planet as these people.

133. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116681 by JuxtaMonkey on January 27, 2008 at 4:48 am

BillySands: I too found it odd that God makes himself evident only after death. Why is he depicted so willing to, as Prof. Dawkins calls it, "come-out," after death?

134. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116679 by JuxtaMonkey on January 27, 2008 at 4:41 am

Paula Kirby:Maybe it should be called "witlessing" instead?

Now, that adjective seems to be a more fitting term for what they are "doing." HA!

dlit: Note the big blue "Flag as Offensive" button on every post. It will surely be pounced on like a two year old on a Nintendo 'fire' button.

You are quite right. It is big and bold and--I'll hope you'll forgive for my upcoming childish ridicule as I pleasure myself in a good romp--any idiot could have found it. What would have been more fitting would have been a button that said, "Eject to Hell". I can imagine a little bearded man popping up and squeaking, "Your wish is my command," and a little spring catapulting an atheist from a hidden floor board. Meanwhile, the sounds of little bright and cheery dings and bings would be illustrating the raising of his/her points of golden crowns and harps.

135. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116640 by JuxtaMonkey on January 26, 2008 at 10:31 pm

Deepthought

From what I heard some of the usernames used seemed to be slightly offensive. I believe one of them was "GodisSatan".

That was me...as it was only noted in my comment early in the wee morning yesterday. We obviously see eye to eye, but I hardly see a screen name stating GodisSatan cause for a bouncing. If Godtube stands by a video that desperately begs for Christian people to "witness," (what the hell does witnessing mean? As we all know Christianity is based on faith which, in a sense, implies a lack of witnessing...or could it mean a battle of the wits?) presumably the name screams the need for "saving". Ironically, someone did call me stupid...I am betting they still have their account.

136. Interview with Richard Dawkins

Comment #116623 by JuxtaMonkey on January 26, 2008 at 9:08 pm

HA!

137. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116397 by JuxtaMonkey on January 26, 2008 at 11:50 am

LOL quill...

Wow, I find it funny that websites like this will allow "Christians" to speak and be offended. As long as they are not threatening...which "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" remain with those said posts. But bring an air of scary free thinking or opposing view they squash you right on out the door. You would think that if they held the ultimate truth, nothing would inspire them to throw you out of their "welcoming" arms. I suppose I'm not good enough for Jesus.

138. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116387 by JuxtaMonkey on January 26, 2008 at 11:37 am

To make a report, Godtube has erased my account. Further more, Godtube has erased my comments from the "A Letter from Hell" thread. It should be noted as well, I made no attempts to use fowl or inappropriate language that would be sure to offend. I spoke my mind and...history was erased.

139. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116232 by JuxtaMonkey on January 25, 2008 at 11:17 pm

No one then, nor even yet, could give me a satisfactory answer. When I laughed at their explanations, I was told I would burn in agonizing pain forever and ever and ever!

It is a last ditch effort to make themselves feel righteous. Hell is their golden ticket/con by which they gain their unquestioning souls for the Lord. The surplus to their cause (for which I remain clueless) keeps on rolling those digits one horror story at a time. What befuddles the be-jesus out me is the common message I receive from such doom sayers isn't that the idea of a holy 'God' moves them but the fear of hell that drives soul-winning. Now...can someone demonstrate to me again, who is Satan?

140. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116231 by JuxtaMonkey on January 25, 2008 at 11:03 pm

I posted my opinions on that evil child-brainwashing video =)on Godtube. Apparently, I live in Haiti and GodisSatan. Really...the Christians I chatted with are unwaveringly moved by this hogwash...and I am painstakingly terrified.

141. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116222 by JuxtaMonkey on January 25, 2008 at 9:57 pm

Ok qphys...

I am GodisSatan, coming for ya muhahahaha

142. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116212 by JuxtaMonkey on January 25, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Double Bass Atheist...

If this is a public school, then religion has no place for public displays of its nature. I feel out of my jurisdiction to give my opinion on the proper action. Parent's get upset when a child tells another child that Santa isn't real, I can only assume that if YOUR child went around telling all the children Jesus kills or is not real, you might receive a few unnerving phone calls. I think you are in a position to make a positive change in a very local sense, but ultimately you, and even worse your child, could suffer unwelcome consequences or prejudices. The nature of the video is heinous, vial, and violent. Perhaps winning that war is easier than the god war...for now anyway. I sincerely hope you find resolve and that you find support, perhaps from other trusted parents that see your point of view...two heads are better than one. It is a wretched piece of work and people have the right to offend...but not in public school ;). I won't pray for you, but I will agree with you!

143. Schools should put faith in science

Comment #116200 by JuxtaMonkey on January 25, 2008 at 8:00 pm

A little late with this thread but...exact-ta-mundo. I was 25 (now 27) when I learned that evolution didn't have holes...The surprising thing is, I haven't believed in god sense I was 15. Why must I be subjected to notions of rubbish? What would happen if the idea of creationism or ID made its way into the texts in which biologists or pharmacist learned? I suspect there would be a lot of monkeys in lab-coats scratching their heads..."How did they do it 50 years ago?" I am grateful to have expanded my mind and now to have put to use the VERY USEFUL benefits of a VERY REAL 'law' that most of us here lovingly call evolution!

144. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116194 by JuxtaMonkey on January 25, 2008 at 7:32 pm

quill...

I'd love to see those comments

145. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116193 by JuxtaMonkey on January 25, 2008 at 7:27 pm

Radesq, I believe you are right. I live in the Bible Belt of the U.S. and it is all too common to meet people who use "tools" such as, "A letter from Hell," as a resource to implement moral obligation in their youth. It is not just a child's parents that I am speaking of either. Children and adolescents are prone to follow, to establish bonds with those who will accept them or in whom they find "cool". If a religion can establish this with said individuals, they have the capability to shape one's logic and reason. This isn't something a person just happens upon at 12 or 14, it is taught to them sense the time they are born. In this case, those watching this video are not just hearing it for the first time, their in progress and have goals of becoming a "good-Christian." It's spiritual abuse, in my opinion, to the highest degree. Their is no rational or logic fortitude because it was never taught. No one has ever told the adult that are teaching the children that are teaching the children that are teaching the children and so on, that Santa Claus isn't real. Some children do break-out, but at the cost of losing everything they know. Just as a victim sees their abuser as a good person, so do the religious see their dictator as democratic.

146. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116172 by JuxtaMonkey on January 25, 2008 at 5:20 pm

Yeah, it's child abuse! Anecdotal as it is, I still have nightmares...shivers

147. A Letter From Hell

Comment #116139 by JuxtaMonkey on January 25, 2008 at 3:38 pm

Who needs Charles Manson when you've got christians making videos? Condescendingly, "They can make their own decisions?" Does this imply that a clan of "god's" army should put a gun to the proverbial sinner's head, or twist their arm? I suppose it depends on your interpretation…6 billion realities, bloody jesus, that's a lot of interpreting.