How to implement socialism

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   Onusonusposted 7 years ago

   Be like Hitler.
   
   
   To implement capitalism, be like Walt Disney.
   

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      wildernessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      LOL  And the answer is to deny any personal responsibility and reward for existence rather than performance.  Got it!

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         jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         What we really have to do is blindly select a vocal, popular, believable personality, who happens to say all the right things and gives us hope.  Then give him/her every encouragement to know they have our trust.  Then remove all obstacles to their ideas and promises.   Before long, we can just step back and let the worst things happen, all done in "our" name, because by default and our silence we have given our permission.
         
         Now...who can we blame for the grave we have dug for ourselves?

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            ahorsebackposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            How to implement socialism.
            
            Which is what happens when P.C. elects  someone like Pres. Obama , totally un-vetted by the masses , posed and purchased by mass media , says all the right things , re-institutes  racial divide ,  enslaves  a people to the governments  choice of employments and entitlements , invades foreign countries one after another ,  increases  hatred and ignites ideological divisions  among  the peoples ?

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            wildernessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            No - we have only ourselves to blame.  We go forward with eyes wide open, but refusing to accept what we see and can project.  Always for the betterment of mankind while we pretend we aren't destroying what is best there.

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      promisemposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      How ironic that the poster is holding an assault rifle.

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      Don Wposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Apparently reducing politics and social issues to "memes" (the more sophomoric the better) is what counts as public discourse these days. So little details like the fact that National-socialism (Nazism) is not the same as socialism, just get dismissed as inconvenient truths because they don't fit the desired narrative.
      
      But hey, who cares about "facts" and "accuracy" blah blah blah! That's sooooo boring!! Here's a picture of a puppy that looks like Hitler instead, which is more on your level, and so much fun!!! Just look at his cute liddle Hitler face!!!!
      
      

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         jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Very funny    yet true to form, if you put him on your lap and show him love, his way of showing gratitude is to pee all over you.

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         promisemposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Don, I have the greatest respect for your posts, but I must take issue with this one. You didn't point out his Nazi salute.
         
         It's not very good, though. Please tell him to lift his paw higher next time.

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            jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            +++++!!!!!!!  10 out of 10.  Go to top of the class.  You have learned well, my boy.

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            Don Wposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            lol my bad. You're right though, the standard of salute on display is very poor indeed. Will never achieve world domination with a salute like that.

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      colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      *  https://twitter.com/StefanMolyneux/stat … 48/photo/1
      
      Stefan Molyneux is a genius.

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   psycheskinnerposted 7 years ago

   I think the Scandinavian socialist democracies would disagree. Not many fans of Hitler there.

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      promisemposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I haven't met any liberals, moderates, Democrats or independents in the U.S. who are fans either.

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         colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Its amazing to see how inversion and subversion actually works so well with propaganda on liberal minds. Under Obama the first American Nazi Party lobbyist registered in Washington DC. 
         
         John Bowles, 55, said he sought to help his "fellow Americans... practice their constitutional rights," and to use lobbying to convey the American Nazi Party's agenda to "elected officials in congress."
         
         Obama's and the UN's hatred toward Israel has been obvious.
         
         Like, Obama says there's little difference between Capitalism and Communism.  A friggin' monkey can tell the difference, and see that O was downplaying the difference.  Such a deceiver of many!

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            psycheskinnerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            I am not sure how that rant replies to the point being made.
            
            The fact is America is semi-socialist and semi-capitalist right now. 
            
            Tax supported medicare, law enforcement, and benefits for the unemployed etc--that's socialism.
            
            The system under Bush, under Reagan, under Obama, under Clinton was all 99.9% the same.

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               colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               I don't rant.  I don't like being that way, so I chose not to rant.
               
               Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama...you are looking in the right directs.  Yikes, and to think we almost had another Clinton put in power.  Unacceptable.

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                  psycheskinnerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                  You replied to my comment and said a bunch of stuff that related neither to your OP or my comment. 
                  
                  You alluded to Obama being involved somehow but then seem to agree the system is no different under him than the last 5-6 presidents.
                  
                  That makes this discussion kind of hard for me to follow.

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                     colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                     They are all Globalists and have been promoting the New World Order agenda.  I do research, and I love it.  I don't love the agenda though.

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         Onusonusposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         It's a picture of Gabby Gifford.

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   rhamsonposted 7 years ago

   Capitalism is the extraordinary belief that he nastiest of men, for the nastiest of reasons, will somehow work for the benefit of us all.
       John Maynard Keynes (1883 - 1946)

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      Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      nasty men are those with self-interest?

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         Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         John Maynard Keynes believed in short term, short lived bailouts rather than long term, long lasting and permanent solutions.

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         rhamsonposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Nasty men are those who would profit from corruption to do their bidding.

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            Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            True self-interest would not do corruption and would care about others and help them because doing so would suit them ... themSelves.
            No such thing as altruism. We always get something out of helping others on a Self-level.
            of course I am speaking of the soul self, not the ego-self. The ego-self is a kind of false self. This is the crux of the problem. Those who are not in touch with the soul-Self would bring on socialism because they doubt of the possibility or existence of soul-Self.
            Interestingly enough, socialism works best with the promotion of atheism. No "God", no spirit, no reality.
            This world is the illusion
                                         not God and Heaven.
            
            BTW  We are here to get out of here.
            
            
            My View of Reality
            (Not preaching)

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            Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            That's why we have rules and laws. Those who break them must be stopped.
            Those who allow it, must be held accountable
            and not be invited back into office
            or get kicked out of office.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years ago

   How to Implement Socialism:
   I. Produce people who are automatons and willing slaves.
        A. Give people everything they want until they forget how to work for anything.
     
        B. Dumb them down with Inferior Education Programs which Promote Blind Acceptance of Government Approved Doctrines.
     
        C. Prevent Progressive Development of Writing, Reading, Speaking and Thinking Abilities.
     
        D. Teach children they must Work for Others and that Self-Interest is Evil and Selfish.
     
        E. Remove the connection to Self and Creative Thinking by way of Technological Inventions, Toys and Virtual Games which Remove Real-life Challenges. 
     
         F. Addict them to Substances to Stay Awake, Be Alert, Pass Tests, Make Good Grades, Relax, Cure Anxiety, Feel Happy.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years ago

   II. Promote the Election of Leftist Political Candidates Throughout the Nation Who Will:
        A. Advocate Unilateral Disarmament / Steep Reduction to Military Spending.
        B. Depict Military Action as Unjust and Immoral.
        C. Promote Radical Environmentalism which seeks the Demolition of Technological / Industrial Civilization.
        D. Advocate Stricter Gun Control Measures
        E. Advocate the Legalization of Marijuana
        F. Promote Open Borders
        G. Promote Dramatic Expansion of Social Welfare Programs Funded by Ever-Increasing Taxes.
        H. Promote Taxpayer Funded Abortion on Demand.
         I . Promote Social Welfare Benefits and Amnesty for Illegal Aliens.

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      PhoenixVposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation.

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   calculus-geometryposted 7 years ago

   To implement socialism successfully you must have a small population that is basically homogeneous in culture, language, religion, and ethnicity.  That's why it works very well in Nordic countries and not very well in large diverse countries.

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      Marisa Wrightposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I suspect if you spoke to people in those Nordic countries, they would say what they have is NOT socialism.
      
      Americans seem to think there are only two choices - rampant capitalism, or extreme socialism bordering on communism.   That's a ridiculous view.
      
      Australia and many other countries have governments which most would consider right-wing and yet they still have large medical and welfare systems.

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         wildernessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         All is relative.  While Australia and those other countries may be considered quite right wing by some, by American standards they are quite a ways down the socialism road.  Nowhere near the strict definition, but far closer than the US is, and even close than that in attitude of the citizenry.

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         jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you for making that point, Marisa.  There is a lot of narrow-mindedness and ignorance going around.
         In fact, we can all live together in this world with much less agro if we accept  diversity adds colour and functionality, whichever way we lean politically.
         Lets share the space.

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   psycheskinnerposted 7 years ago

   What a government is is not a matter of opinion--these are agreed international categories. Most Scandinavian countries are socialist democracies.  Socialism is only one part of the overall system so yes, China is socialist, and yes Denmark is also socialist to a similar degree, what differs is the other parts of the system (e.g. democratic versus an oligarchy).
   
   And I bet most Scandinavians are as open and happy to claim socialism as I am as a New Zealander.  Socialism within a socialist democracy is something citizens are very proud of.  Only in America does it seem to have a blanket derogatory meaning.  Most other places are just specific about their preferred brand of socialism (because it covers a range of parties some of which are extremists).

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      wildernessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Unfortunately, in the US "socialism" has become just another freebie; a style of government dedicated to taking from those that have and giving to those that have not.  That it includes other things like government ownership of companies and things (roads, police, water and water treatment, military, even vast land tracs) is set aside to consider only that one facet.  And as such, it is frowned upon.

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         psycheskinnerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Even what is considered, is considered only in a certain light.  As if it is somehow immoral to contribute to the common good.  So the childless support schools, pacifist support the army, pedestrians pay for roads, the law abiding pay for prisons.  And why not?  The common good is ultimately good for all.

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            wildernessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Again, the perception is that those freebies are NOT for the "common good", but rather for the good of specific individuals.  Americans don't view schools as socialistic, the military, roads or any of lots of other things.  But they revert to that charity, benefiting individuals rather than the nation, as socialism. 
            
            A different concept that what it was originally, and different from most of the world as well.  But it is what Americans consider to be socialism.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years ago

   The common good is not good for all. Taking care of one's own self so others don't have to is good for all.

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      jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      "God helps those who help themselves ---- but God help those found helping themselves to what don't belong to 'em!"
      
      

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years ago

   The real point is this:  We agree to a certain amount of taxation for the good of the society we live in, which in the end contributes to a civilized society which benefits every individual whether childless, pacifist, or whatever.
   It is not fair for a minority faction to raise the expectation of what they are entitled to from the majority faction … especially if the the majority faction does not agree to higher taxes.
   And the majority of people in America do not want their in-comes to out-go frivolously.

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    Debbie Craggposted 7 years ago

    Hitler was NOT a socialist! Socialism is NOT Communism....Communism and Socialism do not exist in the purest sense of the words. At least, not according to my definitions. People cannot get past the words "I" and "me." (I suppose a convent and monastery comes close....maybe, Not really familiar with either) .The early Christians, as described in NT, especially book of ACTS come pretty darn close. Closer than any other group that I have read of or know of. Shared and tried to "love their neighbors"  without adding the words "unless" or "except for." That didn't last of course. "I" and "me" took over.

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       Onusonusposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       I love that "my version of socialism is the true version of socialism" So true socialism can never be achieved until you are in charge of everything. You are confusing the willfulness and charity of the apostles with a social system ran by dictators and the forced compliance of a populace at the point of a gun. The Apostles had absolutely nothing to do with the evils of socialism.

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          Debbie Craggposted 7 years agoin reply to this

          I suggest you check a dictionary....then we'll talk. Acts 4:32-5:11.....a story of Ananias and his wife Saphirra . They went with other disciples to sell their property in Jerusalem. The proceeds were to be distributed among the group but Ananias and his wife held some back for themselves. They lied to Paul about it and were struck dead.....Like I said "I" and " Me" get in the way, eventually.

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             colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

             After The Day Of Pentecost.
             32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
             
             36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
             ----------------
             There property was their's to do with as they so pleased.
             ----------------
             Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
             
             3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
             
             5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
             
             7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
             
             “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
             
             9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
             
             10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
             ---------------
             
             No-where, in the Scriptures are we commanded to sell everything and share it equally with everyone.  An individual may be prompted to do that by the Spirit, but if you don't want to, don't pretend, but be honest. You are using the 'letter of the law' instead of the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus of the New Testament.  That is my understanding. 
             
             "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
             2 Corinthians 3:6
             
             Don't live by the letter of the law, for the letter killeth.  Live by the Spirit, which gives life.  ... It was a fine example, that produced obedience to the Spirit and honestly before man and God.   
             
             This was for Spirit filled believers, not for people who's hearts were filled by Satan and pretending to be Spirit filled believers.

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             Onusonusposted 7 years agoin reply to this

             Oh buddy, that's some first class cherry picking of the bible!

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             Debbie Craggposted 7 years agoin reply to this

             Ahh! You disappoint me! I had expected, at least, righteous indignation, or at most, lots of cites and quotes to show me how misquided I am. Then I would have replied with my list of quotes, cites, essays and so forth and then it would have been your turn and we would have retired from the field both feeling we had bested the other. There is a song by Simon and Garfunkle, sixties I think, with a line that goes "all lies and jests, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest." I read onetime that Hitler was extremely devout when young. He planned a life with the church. In later years it was said he believed himself to be doing the "Lord's work." Interesting, I think. Not sure of the veracity of it. I suppose in the "America" of today I would be considered "left leaning." I always enjoyed reading Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I believed that Christ was burdened with the same curse as me. Empathy. It's a truly difficult thing to live with. Be at peace, my friend, socialism, if it comes, will not come for a long time. (although I do enjoy the idea of public schools)  We are very much, as I said, an "I" and "me" society. I am going to head over to the Greek Mythology page. I have always enjoyed mythology.

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    ahorsebackposted 7 years ago

    The most dangerous political party in the world , no matter the name ,  IS the  one  totally and voluntarily given up by the people , Keep giving away your liberties people - When your government controls every aspect of your life , health care , education , transportation ,  business ,  employment , your savings ,, travel , your  retirement ,  child birth , .........Oh yea , we are already there !
    
    Todays democratic left is delivering socialism right to your door !

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    seanreed68posted 7 years ago

    "We are Socialists, enemies, mortal enemies of the present capitalist economic system with its exploitation of the economically weak, with its injustice in wages, with its immoral evaluation of individuals according to wealth and money instead of responsibility and achievement, and we are determined under all circumstances to abolish this system! And with my inclination to practical action it seems obvious to me that we have to put a better, more just, more moral system in its place, one which, as it were, has arms and legs and better arms and legs than the present one!
    "Thoughts about the Tasks of the Future", by Gregor Strasser - (1926 June 15)
    
    your meme is incorrect....wrong attribution along with a rewriting of the quote itself

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    seanreed68posted 7 years ago

    your christian god/jesus is a socialist...Jesus fed and clothed the poor, healed the sick, etc etc etc....why can't "christians" remember this?...he didn't preach the "prosperity gospel" he taught about loving one another, helping one another, and not making a show of your piety

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       colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Jesus was a capitalist. The economy in which his stories take place is an economy predicated on the private ownership of the means of production, on the freedom of each worker to make his own wage agreement with his employer, and on the responsibility of each employer to pay his employees what he promised.
       
       In this kind of economy, talent will naturally flow to the employers who are willing to reward it the most. Employers who pay higher wages will attract higher quality employees and employees who improve their skills will get better jobs at higher pay. Employers will be happy, employees will be happy, and economies will grow.
       
       Those economies that do it Jesus’ way prosper. Those that don’t, don’t.
       *   http://www.afa.net/the-stand/bible/2015 … socialist/
       
       Jesus taught giving of your free will as a private spiritual individual, not through central government planing and serfdom.
       
       
       Jesus taught prosperity, that the giver is blessed.  He also taught what kind of ground to sow seed to reap the best harvest possible in a parable.  The Bible is about spiritual laws of prosperity that anyone can apply in their own lives and prosper, because they are universal laws that are in place, that I have time tested and proved and live by... and, I am blessed.

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          jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

          You design and construct the "Jesus" that suits preconceptions for your own life.  There is no way anyone could deduce such a "Jesus" from the book you read.  So your god, your idol, your politics, your excuses are all self-serving.

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             colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

             I'm a student of the Scriptures and a friend of Jesus', I have the Holy Spirit as my teacher, and God is my Father.  One must be filled with the Spirit of God to understand the mysteries and secrets that are reveal by the Spirit.  Everyone is unique, and everyone's relationship with God is uniquely special. 
             
             I do not have idols, I'm not a politician, I have no need to make excuses, and I have given up my life to be of service to my elderly Mom who is home bound.  Before I moved home to care for my Mom, I gave most of my belongings away.  Self-serving I am not.  I am a generous giver.
             
             Save your judgement for a self evaluation.

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             GA Andersonposted 7 years agoin reply to this

             Well damn, jonnycomelately, as a non-participant, that sounded a bit insulting to me, or maybe it wasn't intended to be insulting, maybe it was just smug self-righteousness - with a turn of the blade.
             
             On top of that, it reads like a 3-Duh! comment to boot. Who ever gains by stating the obvious? And if there is no gain, then what could be your motive for doing so, and with such a tone?
             
             Of course everyone's "design and construct" of Jesus will suit their "preconceptions for their own life". Why would you expect it to be otherwise? Would you argue that your apparent atheism isn't suited to your own life? Your politics aren't also suited to your preconceptions?
             
             "There is no way anyone could deduce such a "Jesus" from the book you read."
             
             2.2 billion of them, and you feel confident enough to make that statement?
             
             "So your god, your idol, your politics, your excuses are all self-serving."
             Well, yeah. Aren't yours also self-serving?
             
             Remembering that I just jumped in...  it does look like you are stomping on an unprovable from the position of an unproveable. How could that make you so confident your condescension was valid?
             
             GA

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                PhoenixVposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                Oh now. Wasnt even a squabble. Wouldnt rate as a spat. Couldnt call it a tiff

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                jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                Well, well, GA, thanks for being so strongly moved that you just had to join in.  Great to have your thoughts and your company.  It's been a very busy, tiring day for me, now sitting down in the evening with half a glass of cool beer I can attend to a respectful reply.  This is before looking at any subsequent posts from other readers, in order for my reply to be not influenced by those other posts.  I will read them later.
                
                Now, insults.   I do not insult intentionally, ever.  Most hubbers here will be able to affirm that, I believe.  If I am mistaken, please correct me, I'm not perfect.  If you found anything that appeared insulting, that is your call.  Also, I certainly do not approach this matter from a position of self-righteousness.  I am open to other views and allow for them, provided those views are not presented as something I personally must uphold... imperative understanding in other words.
                
                Next, my response was to the post from Colorfulone.  In that, she reiterated the teachings of one Bryan Fischer, about his interpretations of biblical texts.  Those interpretations are not clear, literal or verifiable.  They are just presumptions based upon Mr. Fischer's beliefs and what he wants to convince other minds about.  And I guess if you asked each one of those 2.2billion other christian believers around the world, they would not all agree with Mr. Fischer.   
                
                Colorfulone presents us with the common christian attitude that only hers and the christian "way" is valid for everyone.   Her views are presented as facts, to be accepted by all as universal.   Anyone who happens to have an atheist or agnostic understanding is in error and needs to reform their views.   Have you any idea how insulting this can be to anyone who does not hold to the christian faith?  I can allow and forgive such insults, because I can understand fully where she is coming from.  I was once a very devout christian believer.  But I don't throw insults back, only call into question those extremist views. 
                
                Yes, my "apparent atheism is suited to my own life. My politics are also suited to my preconceptions." Unquestionably.  This is why and how I can call on "believers" to afford me the same respect and not expect me to change my views to be in line with theirs.
                
                I don't worship a "god," or an idol.  I would see a mental image of a Jesus from 2000 years ago as an "idol."  If he were alive today and found 2.2 billion people worshiping him, I suspect he would be utterly appalled.  But yourself or anyone else who wishes to worship him it is your choice which no one has the right to deny you.   And yes, my non-beliefs are self-serving.

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                   GA Andersonposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                   Well, there you are... look at the difference in your responses. It was the lack of beer that did it! (*yes, I am grinning)
                   
                   Unlike your comment I responded to, which I completely disagreed with, I agree with most of this one.
                   
                   So here's what happened: I was rolling through the thread and came upon the span that started with Colorfulone's "Jesus was a capitalist..." and ended with her, (it also included PhoenixV and Debbie Cragg"s posts), "After the day of Pentecost..." and was impressed with the illustrations offered to the point. I was not impressed because they were Bible-born examples, but because they were Bible-born examples that didn't need the authority of the Bible to make sense. I particularly liked PhoenicV's vineyard worker story.
                   
                   Since I am not big on religion, I was a bit surprised to be impressed by those stories. I was even feeling a bit magnanimous - to the point of considering an 'atta-boy' response for the appropriateness of the stories. Which would have been a stretch for me, normally. And then that glow of appreciation was was doused by your full-frontal attack. Geesh.
                   
                   I also don't liked to be preached to. Nor do I have much tolerance for the oft-times seen smugness of believers towards non-believers. But I have even less tolerance for non-believers that are so smug that they stomp on believer's beliefs.
                   
                   Neither camp can prove they are right. So I don't see any foundation for smugness on either side.
                   
                   You pee'd on my opportunity for magnanimity. next time make sure you have a full glass of beer. (my martini glass is always full - a half a martini is worse than none - maybe it is the same for beer).
                   
                   GA

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                      PhoenixVposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                      I didnt even post about the parable of the talents aka venture capitalism.
                      The difference between charity and socialism is one is giving and the other is taking.

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                      Debbie Craggposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                      If you could hear, GA, you would hear me applauding. I too, am agnostic. I find it amusing that those who should be the last to judge are usually the first!

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                   colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                   I have often, with regularity felt as though your intent is to insult me.  I'm kind of use to it.  In fact, I am blessed when people say all kinds of false things about me, knowing they do the same about Jesus Christ.  He said, they hated Him first, and warned they would hate us believers too, so it comes as no shock...especially repeatedly from you.  And, for some reason it always seems to boil down to your choice of life-style, ...you have a conflict.  Who cares?  I don't.  God doesn't have a problem with that minor little issue of yours, He loves you just the way you are.
                   
                   When someone is using the Word to make a point and they support your non-Christian or political view point, or life-style choice...that's just fine with you.  As a student of the Scriptures I share what I have learned from my 35+ years of studies and teachings, and relationship with God as I understand Him.
                   
                   If you don't like reading my posts just ignore them...that is what I have learned to do with most of yours.  If you feel insulted by my posts, that is on you, because that is not my intent.  I chose not to operator in a spirit of offense either way and have set my heart against such.
                   
                   As a matter of fact I set my heart to forgive everyone, because we have been forgiven.  Sometimes that takes work in the natural, but that is my goal spiritually, and it works.
                   
                   From what you say, leads me to believe you have issues.  They are not my issues. I am at liberty to share my faith and knowledge, be it of Scriptures, politics, personal or what have you.  I would prefer to do it without being attacked, but ... that's life, hardly the end of the world or worth taking up free rent in my mind. 
                   
                   I will share my experience, strength and hope as it is in my heart!  And, my opinions as I see fit, etc.
                   
                   God bless.

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                      PhoenixVposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                      Ya gotta kinda maybe give Johnny a little slack. He is quick to reevaluate and reassess. I think he was once a Christian. Maybe there is a prodigal son story in his future. Where he comes back and is assimilated back into the collective, brought back into the fold I mean.

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                         colorfuloneposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                         You could be absolutely right, and I hope you are.  Matter of fact John and I have had some discussion along those lines before.
                         
                         I have been cutting him lots of slack m'dear for a long time, and usually just ignore him.  I don't personally attack him or anyone in the forums, I follow the rules.  But, I have had enough of his little darts and daggers thrown at me because he has personal issues. I am a Christian, I know there will be persecution, but that does not mean this little woman cannot stand up for herself.

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                         jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                         !!! No way, PhoenixV, thanks all the same.  For a start, I cannot condone or accept that standpoint of "Original Sin."  Nor can I accept the ideas surrounding that fiction of a god "coming down to earth"  and masquerading as a man.  Such a negative set of views and concepts about this world which I find so full of wonders and beauty.
                         Colorfulone guesses at my "lifestyle," and then makes a judgement, unauthenticated, derived from cherry-picking and preferentially interpreting minute crumbs out of the bible.  Why would you advocate me returning to that household of superstitious beliefs?  Breaking away from it, so many years ago, was like being born again....I have lived and learned and acquired the ability to discern.  Never perfectly but humbly and basically happy with the journey.

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                            PhoenixVposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                            
                            
                            I look at original sin as the effects of this material world on a material body. We are decaying Johnny and death is inevitable. We are walking the green mile, only thing left to do is get right with Jesus.

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                               jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                               You view, Phoenix.  Nice try.  Respected but not accepted, thank you.  Period.
                               
                               Back to the influence such religious views have on the political dealings of this world: 
                               
                               1.  That argument surrounding Armageddon -- people who want to bring it on, to hasten the arrival of their "saviour."  Literally driving this world to war. 
                               2.   Spinning stories about the Opposition -- using the mass media to denigrate anyone who opposes accepted religious teachings; or represents a socialist point of view.
                               3.   Promoting anti-anything, but in particular those who have a different approach to life, e.g., Russian president, etc. (I do not for one moment support or defend gross and cruel activities of minority extremists.).   We only know anything about Mr. Putin by way of the mass media which are controlled by self-serving others.  Biased reporting.  Denial or hiding of facts.  Twisting popular myths for their own ulterior agendum.
                               4.  It's easier to go along with our peers, to not-rock-the-boat, to say and do all the right things in front of our mates, just to feel accepted.  This is the really dangerous path, brings peaceful life in the short-term but calamity in the long term
                               
                               My views, honestly stated, open to discussion of course, but not to ridicule.

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       PhoenixVposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
       “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
       
       “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.
       
       “He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
       
       “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.
       
       “He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’
       
       “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
       
       “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
       
       “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you.
       
       Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money?
       
       Or are you envious because I am generous?’
       
       Envy is greed's lazy shiftless brother in law.

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    jacharlessposted 7 years ago

    Not so surprised people continue to confuse terms like communism, socialism and nationalism. What is surprising is how close to nationalism America really is, and it's citizens are blissfully ignorant to this truth.
    
    Hitler's legacy will always be remembered because of his obsession with destroying a minority race of people, rather than his greater plan -military and political oligarchy who's goal was globalization and supreme rule. Coincidentally, America has the same goal, and has been hard at work implementing it since the end of WW2 Any country or group of people who do not submit to its military or political ideology of "democracy & freedom" has been or are scheduled to be destroyed.
    The sheeple, meantime, are encouraging this by supporting the propaganda mouthpiece, meaning the media, and injecting theological extremism into their veins -a high that makes heroine look like saline solution. Not that the texts of the compilation called the Bible are extreme by their nature, but by how those words are being used to foster fear, division and conformity (or is it comfort, I can never tell the difference).
    
    It was just the other day, while sitting in a coffee shop, when I overheard (could not ignore the loudness) of a conversation about the absolute need for political reform that took an instant twist into war between NATO & BRICS, ending in Judeo-Christian Armageddon. I about spewed a robust Vente Pike Place on some unsuspecting, yet very pretty, Eastern European tourists. How in gods-green-earth can people connect the dots like this, and everyone blindly agree? Then it hit me, again: this is what people really, really want. They want annihilation.They want absolution. They want to be martyrs. Why? Because either it is easier to remain in the fold, eat the GMO feed, drink the cool aid; else they are so galvanized by the events and environment they helped create around them, that even being globally connected, they are seven billion isolated lambs to the proverbial slaughter.
    
    That, to me, is unacceptable, inexcusable and just plain lazy. By definition, socialism is concerned with whole of society and not just to the benefit of localized communes (minorities, cliques, personal agendas, classes) or opposite spectrum, the nationalistic scale, government-military. In opinion, the real word to implement is altruism.

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    jonnycomelatelyposted 7 years ago

    Please explain by what logic how you arrive at this conclsion.

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