In These Times

I think that one of the things that this discussion brings to the surface is how poorly we approach providing kids with information about sexuality. In particular we are poor at communicating to kids the psychological aspects of sexual decision making. Recently I taught a class on adolescent development to an undergraduate class and it was astonishing how much of the debate about sexual education focused on the delivery of information about the physical aspects of sexuality without incorporating any information about the psychological aspects. Further so much of the education was designed in ways that spoke at and not with …

Posted to Mo Money for Monogamy

David, I take exception to you reply to Binskins. Suffering is part of life and we need to find ways to learn from it but the types of quotes you present are too often used to encourage silent suffering. These sentiments are often used by the powerful as opiates to quell resistance and rebellion. Also having grown up Catholic I saw so much hypocracy from church leaders that I am more inclined to see hypocracy as an organizing priniciple of Christianity and not merely the isolated behavior of one Christian-in-name only. Don't get me wrong I have known good caring sincere …

Posted to Mo Money for Monogamy

"Withholding AIDS funds from African nations unless they refuse to discuss anything but abstinence is reprehensible. We know that withholding condoms is directly and increasingly resulting in the deaths of millions, and it is part of the administration’s plan. It is therefore pre-meditated, and is murder. That does not value life. So by doing the same thing to people in this country, is it any less the same thing? With the billions spent on the “war on terror”, more Americans have been killed by contraction of STDs than by terrorist attacks. Malnutrition is rampant in our own country, and we’re going …

Posted to Mo Money for Monogamy

Once the U.S. arrived, Trujillo was left to become the dictator of the Dominican Republic. Once the US arrived hostages were exchanged for the sale of arms to terrorists. Money was then used to support cut-throat revolutionaries no better than the government they were out to depose. Once the US arrived Juan Bosch, the democratically elected president (the first after the fall of Trujillo) was deposed and after some bloodshed the much more pro-US Balaguer was back in power (who by the way was an advisor of the bloody dictator). Once the US arrived, clandestinely, Pinochet had free reign in Chile …

Posted to U.S. Military Eyes Paraguay

Scorp Once again you weave your fanciful tale of magnanimous America struggling to fulfill it's destiny of saving the rest of the world from itself. It's the kind of arrogance that can only be born of the type of bungling incompetence demonstrated by our current president. Listen for once. The US has a very contradictory record. Did you not think through any of the examples I listed? You talk about Chile for instance and gloss right over the fact that the US supported a ruthless dictator that "disappeared" any dissenters. Only when he stopped jumping at our command did he become …

Posted to U.S. Military Eyes Paraguay

Oh Scorp I wonder what it must be like to be you, a charicature of myself. Really your last post was possibly the most idiotic thing I have heard since the claim that Dubya was a good leader. You really only have one song to sing and you are soooo out of tune. Truly you no nothing. By your estimate the US economy is thriving even while Walmart continue to become the biggest employer in the US. And it pays crap and the children of it's employees need welfare in order to get medical attention. Although as far as you are …

Posted to U.S. Military Eyes Paraguay

And what is it I’m supposed to learn from an * who can’t even formulate a proper syllogism? I know Scorp is probably struggling with your syllogism as he is not adept at logic so I wanted to express my compliments on your syllogisms. Isn't it funny how plain basic logic makes things? Are you able to follow along Scorp?

Posted to U.S. Military Eyes Paraguay

"One of the first principles of commentary about writing is that it should have something to do with the subject of the writing. Your point Scorpy? If Scorpy can articulate this more clearly,..........no clues..........Rabbit will joyfully start posting his favorite sources which should help anybody join the dots" Rabbit, do you still expect Scorp to actually be on topic? That is a rarity when it happens. Somehow though I suspect he will mention that communists killed more people than fascists and that they sexually exploited more people. Anarcho-Sozi, while I agree that parts of the U.S. has gotten completely out of …

Posted to Babes in BushWorld

David, I promise to try to ease in the humor next time. Nice list, good meter. As to your point The question is, do you want to make those expressions of sexuality more covert, more closeted, illegal? Or is it just an expression of personal belief? Are all prostitutes or porn stars victims? Are women victimized by engaging in fantasies that involve porn imagery and play? For that matter are men? What's more do you believe that the quality of leader or public figure or anyone for that matter is anchored somehow in their choice to engage or not engage in …

Posted to Babes in BushWorld

"You are indeed correct regarding the importance of Puritan thought and deed in the history of America. But those early Americans abandoned the culture of Europe not because of sexuality, but over the lack of free exercise of religion. Old Europe would not allow dissentious sects to exists unmolested." Jay let's not forget that the Puritans were fundamentalists who wanted not only the right ot practice their religion as they saw fit but also the right to enforce their form of religious observation on all. For an example of much more tolerant and truly democratic colonists you need to go further …

Posted to Babes in BushWorld

Rabbit, We are, not surpisingly, in agreement now about natural selection, man from apes and the place of creation myths. How could it be otherwise when guided by facts, science, and reason.

Posted to Babes in BushWorld

"You are right. But I haven’t forgotten. We have come a long way since then, haven’t we?" Jay. You are right that we have come a long way. But would you agree that we have miles to go? In particular, given the crusade to impose christian fundamentalist morality as the law of the land in the U.S.

Posted to Babes in BushWorld

Jay, Kuya, WTH, You all discuss in some manner a central issue in American politics today. Yet it seems that those who have much to gain politically are not really listening. They don't seem to get it. Naturally I am talking about Dems here. They have a chance to outline a clear agenda based on the good that was accomplished by the new deal and the great society. Again it would be an agenda based in this legacy but forward looking and adapted to the realities of our current globalized times. There seems to be an unnatural fixation on the past …

Posted to How the Right Has Won

Scorp, Scorp, Scorp Why do you continue to prove my point. You are a scratched record, playing the same bit over and over ad nauseum regardless of how relevant or apropo of the topic at hand. Please continue to amuse us with you nonsequitors. It's like comedy relief.

Posted to How the Right Has Won

Jay, I am wondering what progressive conservative positions look like. Where are they conservative and where are they progressive? It's in interesing moniker.

Posted to How the Right Has Won

I would like to believe that the Democrats are indeed using a strategy that involves "never interrupting your enemy while they are making a mistake." I would like to believe that they have adopted his strategy of using a circumspect defense and a sudden offensive thrust. I really would. More than likely you capture the current state of affairs quite nicely in your piece. It's not a strategy so much as a the fear of one. It's a tactic without a strategy. The Dems have given the Repub enough rope. Now how much more can they really hang themselves before the …

Posted to Missing Their Moment

For all the banter on this one, I am rather astonished to see most opinion close. We can not realistically force change to proceed any faster than it is in China. And Scorp rightly points out that social-historical change requires time. Exposure is the biggest instrument. And while I have been as outspoken a critic of U.S. foriegn and domestic policy as any, I do think it is appropriate for governments in the world to push for more freedom within China. This attitude of respect for cultures generally benefits those priviledged in the status quo. So I feel it is appropriate …

Posted to See No Evil

"Yes, studying hard and working hard are the keys to success. Bill Cosby is right about that. But the mediocre white guy still has a much easier time of it than the bright, dilligent black guy. At least some of the bad behavior we see from the ‘ghettocracy’ is the result of rage toward a rigged game." And the mediocre white guy is named Dubya. I think part of the problem is that the rage has become internalized and self-destructive. While it seems that Cosby and Co. are demanding that the "ghettocracy" go after success despite any racism they will encounter. …

Posted to Katrina, Cosby and Class Divisions

“ So what is the difference between the sheep and those who question the news? “ "Fear and ignorance can separate those who question from those who don’t. Education may be able to dispel fear and ignorance. Fear and ignorance can dispel an education." "Here is a serious question. Given that blacks (a misnomer if there ever was one) vote overwhelmingly Democratic (~90%!!!), is this an example of: 1) sheep following what authority figures tell them to do or 2) a group of well informed folk who understand their own political self interests? Other alternatives are welcome" David. I really do …

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

"Today’s Republican Party, for instance, could not win without the corresponding conservative ideological movement that gets that party its committed donors, fervent foot soldiers and loyal activists. That base certainly operates as an arm of the GOP’s party infrastructure - but few doubt it is fueled less by hollow partisanship, and more by their grassroots’ commitment to social, economic and religious conservatism." While I agree with the broad points that you make, I don't think that you recognize the value of the "partisan war" mentality. We have certainly seen Republicans who sway and "flip flop" according to the desires of their …

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

"The so-called “anti-War movement” has been co-opted and subsumed by the Democrats, so that rather than a real movement that challenges government, we have Cindy Sheehan and her celebrity friends having a folk-song party in front of the White House, waiting for the next photo-op. United for Peace & Justice, purportedly the largest anti-war coalition in the nation, has steadfastly done everything in their power to not actually make any real challenge to the government nor create any real disturbance around the war, aside from the tired old ineffectual, unseen, unheard and unheeded marches and rallies that no one but the …

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

"Look at them both holistically, and you will see there is no empirical difference. They both stand for the same things, and differ on negligible, niggling non-issues." Empirically there is a difference between the two parties on important issues: while the Dems position on Gay Marriage is a BS compromise, it is different than wanting to pass anti-gay marriage amendments; while Dems have failed to provide a real education program, they are far from believing that the solution is standardized testing and privatizing the educational system; the parties have different stances on women's right to choose, and they have different beliefs …

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

"Also get out of “identity politics” if you want the “blue collar workers” back. Stop talking about (name your favorite cause) rights and start talking about human rights and the right to privacy." I think you are right on about this. Human rigts, equal access, the right to privacy are the issues that need to be addressed.

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

"The disorganised state of what would be a real opposition force is due to the MEDIA primarily. The relatively recently christened MSM. WE KNOW how much they FILTER the news and Rabbit for one has seen MANY examples of very serious mis-reporting becoming the supposed gospel truth among the mis-informed masses" Rabbit I believe that this is half the story for sure. But what seperates those who question the media from those who don't? Perhaps there is a reason that education is talking point that nobody really wants to reform. Critical thinking does not make for good sheep.

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

"Neruda, education does not necessarily a critically thinking sheep make. It can help certainly, but there are plenty of smart people who do a “crimestop” when they find themselves faced with the realization that their governments are not looking after the people’s best interests because that realization would be a “thoughtcrime”. Very good point. So what is the difference between the sheep and those who question the news? I think this is an important question to take seriously because it has implications for communicating to a broader audience in an effective way. Especially since "those who question the news have no …

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

"Of course, the *real* problem is that the vast majority of us either don’t have the resouces or time or ability to decide if our leaders are following a path that is in our best interests." This is a very important issue. It is one of the reasons that so many turn to the media for information. And it is also why the MSM plays such a major role in politics. All the more reason to break the ties between government and corporations. "The founders of this nation in the preamble to the Constitution spoke of a more perfect union, justice, …

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

Very interesting. I agree that it is a very imprecise measure. It should def be a 10 point continuum. However it is a good platform for a discussion. Rabbit, peoples' results make sense to you and I am curious as to why.

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

"Also, we tend to worry more. Little imagination = little to worry about. This is the lure of fundamentalism." Point well taken. What we are currently seeing unfolding in the world is a struggle between closed systems (fundamentalism) where answers are given from on-high, written down in words to be taken literally and without question and open systems which accept not having absolute knowledge of everything and understand that openness is the way to progress, The downside is there is more to worry about, more questions, fewer easy answers, and development (social and personal) is challenging.

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

Re-took the political compass but this time using Jay's "strongly" strategy to answer all quesions: Economic Left/Right: -2.88 Social libertarian/authoritarian: -6.72 Center-left economically and quite libertarian socially. After a little bit of introspection, I can honestly say that really does capture my perspective pretty well.

Posted to Partisan War Syndrome

Kalil writing from NYC Seems to me that fundamentalism is threat to liberty and individual rigts not matter where it's coming from. Whether the fanatics are Christians or Muslims the result is the same. Perhaps the broader point here is that the "bill of rights" or any document of this type rests on a foundation of tolerance and reason, openess and an understanding that the "only thing to fear is fear itself".

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

It is possible that the zealousness with which the Religious right wants to legislate personal morality may not conitnue to amount to some version of a psuedo-fascist party. However the point of the article and the history of the rise of the Nazi party is that these movements gain prominence and power slowly and through existing legal means-elections, etc... In addition, some of the signs are there: a reliance on fear and terror as weapons of persuasions; gearing up the war machine; a government propoganda machine (fake news stories broadcast as real ones, journalists paid to endorse administration positions, using the …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"From the point of view of the religious right, it is important to remember that the establishment clause contains TWO parts, each pulling in opposite directions. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. For example, it has oft been argued that not allowing voluntary prayers in school clearly violates this second half of the establishment clause. This argument is not an attempt at usurpation of democratic power, but an expression of legitimate political interest." However Jay, when the far right attempts to legislate "end of life" decisions by holding special sessions of …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"So? That is how a participatory democracy is supposed to work. When one group believes their rights are being infringed upon, they can engage the democracy and attempt to effect change. Note the word attempt. Just because the effort is concerted, doesn’t make it inherently evil." Jay the crucial issue that you miss here is that what the right is attempting to due is deny other people rights and impose religion as law. You seem to conflate the idea that a minority (however ill-liked) having equal access and rights is similar in impact to having a majority (however much driven by …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

Jay, "I said both sides have the same rights" Again which rights are you talking about? You think the religious right had the right to deny access and rights to gays? Do you think this the same as gays wanting equal rights? Do you think assembling a special session of congress to intervene in a private medical decision is the same as the right to make private medical decisions? Do you think the right of women to choose is the same as the right to restrict women's right to choose? You seem to propose that both sides simply need to marshal …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

You are right that is the seperation of power. But think about this: Segregation was legislated into law. Police enforced those laws, Governers ordered police and national guard to suppress protest, judges sentenced protesters instead of upholding individual rights. This is how all branches of government can be brought to one purpose by shrewd politicians, and the power of custom and tradition. And Jay, I was hoping you would answer even one of my questions. Do you equate the right to exclude people from full participation and to deny equal rights with the right to full participation, access, and equality? Do …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"Yes, but you just disproved your whole argument. That sounds like the fascist that is being decried here, yet, what happened to it? Did democracy fail? or did it prevail?" In reality what prevailed here was republicanism (not the party by the way). Minority rights were finally and ultimately upheld despite opposition by the majority and at a large political cost to the Democratic party. I wholeheartedly agree with you about Democracy (read republicanism). It is not perfect but it is the best system we have tried so far. What I am arguing is that the way in which the republican …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"Certainly, there is a segment of the religious right (a very vocal minority of that group) that would bring about what you appear to be describing as a theocracy. But again, the only arguments made against a theocracy, and the alleged connection with the “majority”, has been all hyperbole, and to be honest, sheer scare tactics of the kind that the religious right is being accused of." I only wish you were right Jay. Because I agree that all of us should have a say in the shape of our government and of our country. And I agree that we need …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"Passionate belief is no excuse for intolerance, from either side." I think Jay that we are all in agreement here. While we may have no patience for the beliefs of the Religious Right for the reasons that Kuya articulated and, it seems, you agree with. However we are not advocating leglislation that curbs their way of life or indoctrinating their children with our "faith". "I have been reluctant to get into the debate on specific issues that some see as egregious, mostly, as I have indicated, my opinions on same-sex marriage, evolution vs ID, abortion, etc are irrelevant to the original …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

Part two. Jay I want to lay this case out one last time. There are converging lines of policy that are undermining the liberties we have always treasured in this country. Religion fundamentalism seeking to usurp the law to impose their theocratic vision of America. + The exploitation of public fear arising from national disaster (via attack or force of nature)to pass legislation that undermines our basic freedoms. For example protections from illegal search and seizure have been routed by provisions of the Patriot act whereby police and intelligence services have the right to search your home without your knowledge. + …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"The threat to our democracy (Republic) is that the Liberal left is seeking to use the force of law in order to impose their views on sexuality, creation, conception, end-of-life, etc. on everyone else." Let's clarify a point you seem to be deliberately obfuscating. Giving gay couple equal access may be disagreeable to religious fundamentalist but it does not deny them equal access. Whereas enshrining discrimination in law certainly does deny gay americans equal access. Giving women the right to choose does not mean that women have to choose to have abortions. Whereas rolling back that right means women no longer …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"No one is saying gays have to self-confess their sexual orientation when the enlist in the military ("don’t ask; don’t tell")." Did you seriously use this example or were you parodying youself? Do you not see how very stupid this example is? If not let me make it clear NO one is saying that gays can't remain closeted and deny their sexual orientation to gain acceptance into the armed forces? No one is saying that as long as gays "pass" for straight they can't serve their nation and be treated with proper human respect. I must say I am dumbfounded by …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"NO one is saying that gays can’t remain closeted and deny their sexual orientation to gain acceptance into the armed forces? No one is saying that as long as gays “pass” for straight they can’t serve their nation and be treated with proper human respect. Where have you been for the past decade? The gay community has long objected to this policy, ever since its inception...." Just to clarify, I was restating your example in language that would demonstrate why it was such a bad example.

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"Why do gays have rights to object and advocate a change in the law based on their beliefs and rights, but the religious right does not?" Because gays are fighting for equal access and full participation and the religious right is fighting to deny gays equal access and full participation. The fight for the right to equal access and full participation is not equivelant on any level with the fight for the right to deny someone equal access and full participation.

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"Why is it wrong for parents to object to laws that allow their teenage girls to get abortions without parental notification? Why is it wrong to advocate for laws that require parental notification?" There is nothing wrong with advocating for parental notification. However parent's rights and responsibilities regarding their children must always be weighed against the rights of their children and the ability for adolescents to begin making important life choices. Should a 16 or 17 year old girl have no reproductive rights? What about cases of child abuse, rape? Would parental notification laws lead to back alley abortions for teenage …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"Thank you for patiently explaining to others that “viewpoint discrimination” against Christians endangers everyone’s freedom. Some posts clearly equate voting by Christians as a form of immoral behavior." This conversation is not about Christians in general (unless unlike Jay you believe that the small vocal minority speaks for all Christians). This is about those whose viewpoint is that they should be allowed to legally exclude others from equal access and full participation (gays). This is about those whoses viewpoint is that they should be in charge of women's reproductive choices and people's end-of-life decisions. In other words it's against our own …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"Neither the Nazis nor the Communists were Christian" Have you never seen a history book? Hitler wrote: "I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord.." In addition Nazis were anti-communist. And Communist were themselved fanatical fundamentalists of a type.

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

David, I think what this quote illustrates is what happens when someone invokes religion to justify prejudice and impose an idealogy on a whole nation. “ A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. “ John 13:34-35 This aspect of Christianity is best of it and yet it is the voices of fire and brimstone that dominate the current conversation. If you truly love others and Jesus loved …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

I have to say that I like your approach David. As for the blank hmmm... can't think of one now. What is frustrating in these conversations is that passing leglisation the excludes is seen as merely a "viewpoint" not as the oppression that it is. What's more frustrating is seeing religion used to justify that opression.

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

I agree that there defintely are honest men trying to reclaim the ideals that we all have in common. And they need all the support they can get. I also agree that the "other side" by which I take you to mean the "left" of someting like that. The difference is that for a long time churches have enjoyed a priveledged (tax free) role in our society. Part of that status came from the recognition that churches would not explicitly endorse candidates, particularly during elections. This has been part of the long existing seperation of church and state. It's recognition of …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

I see. Have you been enjoying these exchanges? Blog exchanges turned to verbal wrestling, complete with masked wrestlers. The Moyers piece is great. He is clearly one of those men trying to reclaim the ideals we all share.

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

Verbal wrestling can be a good mental workout. Have been enjoying the discussions and I have been def been learning and thinking through issues.

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

Kuya and Rabbit, thank you for bringing to the surface the complexity of issues involved in abortion rights and teen abortions. It is only in the details that the failings of moral absolutism become clear. Perhaps part of the answer lay in the distinction between the fetus at different stages of development. My understanding is that many European countries make this distinction in their laws. And clearly the morning after pill is one way to approach the issue. Teen abortions add yet another layer. Because of such relevant questions as when teens are able to make these choices and what the …

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

Rabbit raises some ugly truths. Some truths we would rather not look at here in the U.S. And I am convinced that Americans will only see the greatness of our country and it's founding ideals when we can honestly face the truth of our history. too much "my country right or wrong" and not enough I want to right my country. What we need is a gigantic mirror.

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

Some sympathy please. But how long do you think it will be before the majority of the country finally starts to see that?

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

RE : http://www.politicalcompass.org/ My political compass Economic Left/Right: -2.38 Social Libertatian/Authoritatian: -5.23 Not sure who I am sitting next to. My thanks also Luminour Beauty. Quite fun.

Posted to A Fundamental History Lesson

"When Hitler said this and the quote Whit provided above he was either deluding himself or lying to others. Maybe both somehow. If Hitler was truly doing the “work of the Lord” he would be doing this commandment of the Lord : “ A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. “ John 13:34-35" David, I remember you gave me the same response when I posted similar quotes …