Quote
"A Christian charity with ties to the National Prayer Breakfast reported unspecified expenses associated with having Russian guests attend the event in 2017 and possibly other years, federal tax documents show.
The guests may have included people picked by convicted Russian agent Maria Butina as part of a plan to create back-channel connections with U.S. policy-makers, many of whom attend the breakfast. One leader of the charity appears to match details the FBI has given about an unnamed breakfast organizer who aided Butina.
In her plea agreement, Butina admitted to acting as an agent of the Russian government without registering with the Justice Department.
The FBI says that Butina and her handler â€" widely reported to be Alexander Torshin, a Russian official said to be close to President Vladimir Putin â€" attended the breakfast to influence U.S politics. The tax records reviewed by TYT represent the first indication they may have received direct financial support in their efforts."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJhx6IGVS0Y
Again religion is used to shape political events. This wouldn't happen if they'd just obey the first amendment.
Since prayer is ineffective, why are you afraid of who attends the National Prayer Breakfast? Does is bother you that Gorby and Putin are sort-of-Christian, who don't support gay rights and obscene public behavior? Where is Comrade Stalin when you need him, eh comrades?
And the Russians use their brain wave transmitter to change peoples brains, like in Scanners ;-)
The "prayer breakfast" has nothing at all to do with religion, and everything to do with garnering power and influence.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 12, 2019, 07:40:15 PM
The "prayer breakfast" has nothing at all to do with religion, and everything to do with garnering power and influence.
Correct. So you would ban all meetings, under the basis of assumed suspicion? You need a good night's sleep or less funny chemicals in your body.
I'd ban the prayer thing! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack. It's a Christian thing and it doesn't belong in The People's House. Period. Let them pray in their closets or their churches.
There some shit in the bible about "rush in." It doesn't translate well from Aramaic!
Quote from: Minimalist on January 13, 2019, 02:52:28 PM
There some shit in the bible about "rush in." It doesn't translate well from Aramaic!
Atheists so disappointed that Russia reverted to norm. The only hope for atheist conquest lies with China, and their Democrat Party cat's paw (see Al Gore campaign accusation from 2000).
Quote from: justme on January 13, 2019, 02:29:48 PM
I'd ban the prayer thing! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack. It's a Christian thing and it doesn't belong in The People's House. Period. Let them pray in their closets or their churches.
Ironically, Jesus specifically said that people who pray in public are "hypocrites." The very idea of a "prayer breakfast" should be sacrilegious.
I often point out to Christians that Jesus said not to pray in public, but they ignore me as they ignore their "Savior."
Ironic how much of the Bible (including quotes from Jesus) Conservative Christians ignore. Especially considering they're the ones who claim their holy book is the perfect word of God.
Jesus: "It is impossible for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God."
Christians: "Well, you see, what he really means is that it is impossible for anyone to enter the Kingdom of God, because we're all sinners."
Jesus: "Render unto Caesar (the government) what is Causar's..."
Christians: "But our churches provide a service (read: indoctrination) to our community, so we don't have to pay taxes."
Jesus: "If a man demands your coat..."
Christians: "Tell him to get a job!"
Jesus: "...give him your shirt also. Whoever strikes your cheek..."
Christians: "Pull out your gun, and shoot him in self-defense!"
The Russians have infiltrated church organizations, the NRA, conservative think-tanks, were intentionally creating more conflict between groups like BLM and ALM, have close ties with multiple high-tier politicians (generally Republicans, but not always)...
But the idea that our elections may have been influenced by them is absolutely crazy, apparently, even though besides the evidence saying they were involved there is the fact that multiple other countries before the U.S. were accusing of the Russians of attempting to tamper with their elections.
Stalin's and the Soviets' Russia still exists, it's just been keeping it's mouth shut while we forget they exist. But I don't doubt for a second people like Putin haven't* forgotten or forgiven how we wiped the floor with them.
I think Putin wants to be president of something much larger than Russia.
Quote from: Unbeliever on January 23, 2019, 08:51:56 PM
I think Putin wants to be president of something much larger than Russia.
I think Xi thinks otherwise. I think you have Russians under your bed (but that used to be a more common ailment). I would be happy to give Russia, W Europe. It would be yet another poison pill. The indigestion that swallowing up just France would make, would be fatal for several empires worth.
Quote from: Blackleaf on January 23, 2019, 08:08:55 PM
Ironic how much of the Bible (including quotes from Jesus) Conservative Christians ignore. Especially considering they're the ones who claim their holy book is the perfect word of God.
Jesus: "It is impossible for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God."
Christians: "Well, you see, what he really means is that it is impossible for anyone to enter the Kingdom of God, because we're all sinners."
Jesus: "Render unto Caesar (the government) what is Causar's..."
Christians: "But our churches provide a service (read: indoctrination) to our community, so we don't have to pay taxes."
Jesus: "If a man demands your coat..."
Christians: "Tell him to get a job!"
Jesus: "...give him your shirt also. Whoever strikes your cheek..."
Christians: "Pull out your gun, and shoot him in self-defense!"
Always let the bibls tell you what to do, LOL!
The first thing Christians would have to do, to follow Jesus (not Paul) would be to become Jewish, and celebrate Hannukah, not Christmas.
Quote from: Baruch on January 30, 2019, 07:59:48 PM
The first thing Christians would have to do, to follow Jesus (not Paul) would be to become Jewish, and celebrate Hannukah, not Christmas.
Last I checked, Jews weren't real thrilled about Jesus. Nor Moslems were either. And besides, Christmas makes no sense. The wrong time of year.
Quote from: Cavebear on February 03, 2019, 05:07:36 AM
Last I checked, Jews weren't real thrilled about Jesus. Nor Moslems were either. And besides, Christmas makes no sense. The wrong time of year.
Correct again. Maybe today is better for you.
Quote from: Cavebear on February 03, 2019, 05:07:36 AM
Last I checked, Jews weren't real thrilled about Jesus. Nor Moslems were either. And besides, Christmas makes no sense. The wrong time of year.
Don't both of those groups consider Jesus to be a prophet, sent by God? The three Abrahamic religions only disagree on the details when it comes to their religious figures.
Quote from: Plu on February 04, 2019, 01:51:52 AM
Don't both of those groups consider Jesus to be a prophet, sent by God? The three Abrahamic religions only disagree on the details when it comes to their religious figures.
Christians and Muslims consider Jesus to be a prophet. Christians also consider Jesus to be "Son of G-d". Jews deny both in regards to Jesus. We also deny that Muhammad was a prophet.
Here's a fellow who really sounds like he knows what he's talking about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnefEDB8ig4
Russia has never really been democratic? Shocker!!
Only ancient Athens, for awhile, was democratic, and it was a shit fest.
Quote from: Shiranu on January 23, 2019, 08:46:06 PM
Stalin's and the Soviets' Russia still exists, it's just been keeping it's mouth shut while we forget they exist. But I don't doubt for a second people like Putin haven't* forgotten or forgiven how we wiped the floor with them.
It's also worth remembering that Vlad
the Impaler Putin spent 16 years in the KGB, ending as a lieutenant colonel, and headed the FSB (its successor agency) from 1998-1999. Infiltration and the recruitment of useful tools (say, a Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, perchance?) were his job.
Quote from: trdsf on February 07, 2019, 12:59:59 AM
It's also worth remembering that Vlad the Impaler Putin spent 16 years in the KGB, ending as a lieutenant colonel, and headed the FSB (its successor agency) from 1998-1999. Infiltration and the recruitment of useful tools (say, a Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States, perchance?) were his job.
While I rag on the CIA/MI6 ... I do respect Putin for that reason. He has survived the post-Soviet Russian Mafia ... who are the people the West would prefer to be dealing with.
So, we all object that Putin is pro-Russian then? Isn't it really because he is anti-gay?
Obama/Clinton and Uranium One? That would clearly have been treason in 1960. Americans aren't anti-corruption, we are jealous that we aren't getting our fair share.
Quote from: Plu on February 04, 2019, 01:51:52 AM
Don't both of those groups consider Jesus to be a prophet, sent by God? The three Abrahamic religions only disagree on the details when it comes to their religious figures.
Of course. How silly of me to not realize that Jews, Christians, and Moslems think alike about Jesus as THE SAVIOUR.
Are you dense? Do you not even understand that the question of WHO is the Messiah (if and when) is the whole cause of the violent and hate-filled argument between these moronic fanatics?
I think the fight is more about which religion will have the most adherents - and hence, the most money and power. This is why Catholics, Protestants and Muslims all hate abortion and condoms, since those make for fewer God-botherers.
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 22, 2019, 01:20:11 PM
I think the fight is more about which religion will have the most adherents - and hence, the most money and power. This is why Catholics, Protestants and Muslims all hate abortion and condoms, since those make for fewer God-botherers.
Yeah, "the more, the merrier". MSNBC mentioned today the the Catholic Church owns more land than is in California, has more adherents than any other (thank dios for Spain and SA), and I checked and found that it has $9.2 Billion in assets (not sure if that includes land, which is iffier). Other religions are less organized, but surely have less.
With about 1.1 billion adherents, the Catholics rank highest.
Overall adherents, estimated in 2012:
Christians 2.4 billion
Islam 1.8 billion
Secular/atheist 1.2 billion
Hindu 1.14 billion
and it goes down from there. Judaism was estimated at 14.4 million I mention them only because most of my friends tend to be Jewish and don't try to convert me - I appreciate being unwanted sometimes, LOL!).
It is probably true that the future of most religions depends on who has the most babies. Christian children don't usually suddenly become Hindus, etc.
There are so many things to dislike about religions I can't list them all (I reserve the right to do so at some future point) but mainly, too many seem to think that the Earth is for their taking of the resources (the idea being that mere humans cannot undo the resorces that their God has provided).
And more people is better (if the right theism, I suppose). Every deity seems to need ever =vaster armies of laudatory singers. Any stopping of a pregnancy seems to be a piss in God's eye to them.
I'd write a book, but I hate te editing... See back there?
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 22, 2019, 01:20:11 PM
I think the fight is more about which religion will have the most adherents - and hence, the most money and power. This is why Catholics, Protestants and Muslims all hate abortion and condoms, since those make for fewer God-botherers.
Fortunately atheists don't have children, abort their pregnancies, and suicide?
Yes, Jews don't seek converts. Neither does Shinto (it is ethnic Japanese, you have to be born into it also). I have very little Jewish, but it overwhelms the rest of my ancestry.
Quote from: Baruch on February 22, 2019, 06:32:27 PM
Fortunately atheists don't have children, abort their pregnancies, and suicide?
Yes, Jews don't seek converts. Neither does Shinto (it is ethnic Japanese, you have to be born into it also). I have very little Jewish, but it overwhelms the rest of my ancestry.
What a strange view you have of us. I have never aborted a pregnancy nor considered suicide.
Quote from: Cavebear on February 22, 2019, 06:59:35 PM
What a strange view you have of us. I have never aborted a pregnancy nor considered suicide.
You could have been the Darwinian father of hundreds, and failed (not saying that is bad).
Quote from: Baruch on February 22, 2019, 07:18:20 PM
You could have been the Darwinian father of hundreds, and failed (not saying that is bad).
I have no great concern for my genes. My siblings have done fine for me. As to my specific ones about immunity to flu etc, that's the world's loss.
Quote from: Cavebear on February 22, 2019, 08:34:39 PM
I have no great concern for my genes. My siblings have done fine for me. As to my specific ones about immunity to flu etc, that's the world's loss.
So not a Darwinian then. You must be a Lamarkian ;-) Skills are passed, not genes.
Quote from: Baruch on February 22, 2019, 11:35:33 PM
So not a Darwinian then. You must be a Lamarkian ;-) Skills are passed, not genes.
Failed basic genetics, did you? My flu immunity is not a learned thing (Lamark) but a natural random genetic occurrence (Darwinian).
It is rather unlike you to make such an obvious error.
I spent years among the "Fluvians" in my carpool. Trapped inside a car for an hour to work and an hour back among people who seemed to constantly have the flu (and gave it to each other) "free and happy little me" remained untouched and uninfected through the seasons of massive infections with nary a sniff.
And another side of me says you damn well understood that and tried to make a cheap bad argument of no merit. Shame, shame on you for THAT!
Quote from: Cavebear on February 26, 2019, 06:02:04 AM
Failed basic genetics, did you? My flu immunity is not a learned thing (Lamark) but a natural random genetic occurrence (Darwinian).
It is rather unlike you to make such an obvious error.
I spent years among the "Fluvians" in my carpool. Trapped inside a car for an hour to work and an hour back among people who seemed to constantly have the flu (and gave it to each other) "free and happy little me" remained untouched and uninfected through the seasons of massive infections with nary a sniff.
And another side of me says you damn well understood that and tried to make a cheap bad argument of no merit. Shame, shame on you for THAT!
Drum roll ... a mutant then? Are you related to Magneto?
Yea, seen the traffic one time ... one hour to travel 2 miles in N Virgina ;-(
Quote from: Baruch on February 26, 2019, 06:39:48 AM
Drum roll ... a mutant then? Are you related to Magneto?
Yea, seen the traffic one time ... one hour to travel 2 miles in N Virgina ;-(
Totally missed the point again, as usual...
You expected something different? LOL
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 26, 2019, 01:42:19 PM
You expected something different? LOL
Not in N Virginia. Too many government workers, not enough virgins ;-)
Quote from: Unbeliever on February 26, 2019, 01:42:19 PM
You expected something different? LOL
"Expected"? No. "Hoped?". Yes. There was potential. But I have given up on him now...
Quote from: Cavebear on March 01, 2019, 10:39:31 AM
"Expected"? No. "Hoped?". Yes. There was potential. But I have given up on him now...
I never expected much from a retiree either. But do please take good care of your cats.
Indeed, always take care of your cats. Pussies are wonderful!
Quote from: Unbeliever on March 01, 2019, 01:32:03 PM
Indeed, always take care of your cats. Pussies are wonderful!
Look at this one. ..
https://vishusdeer.blogspot.com/2019/03/blog-post.html