Welcome to the West Bank where Hamas won the election and promptly announced that peace with Israel was not on its agenda.
Also this week there were several faint (very faint) stories about how various USA bureaucracies had interfered with each other in the reconstruction of Iraq. The Defense Department and State Department were pushing and shoving each other in a turf war to determine which agency would be in charge of the reconstruction project. There were several other minor bureaucracies involved in the fray. This report was surreptitiously obtained by the media, but it was not widely reported. I saw a one minute reference on the nightly news and three short paragraphs in the paper about the problems. As a result of the turf war, the reconstruction effort is now three to six months behind schedule. All of this is reminiscent of the 9/11 terrorist attack in the United States when the CIA, FBI, Department of Immigrations and NSA were not talking to each other. It is amazing, astounding and beyond credulity that a large number of our citizens would believe that the various bureaucracies could do in Iraq what they could not do inside our borders.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
(24) DISASTROUS RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
Last week at least 345 humans died when thousands of Muslims were surging to complete a stoning ritual before sunset. The pilgrims pass three pillars that represent the devil. As they pass, the pilgrims throw stones, which is symbolic of stoning the devil and purging the pilgrims of sin. This year, 2.5 million people attended the ritual. The stampede and the resulting deaths are reminiscent of Jonestown and the purple KoolAid, Waco, Texas, and the multitude of deaths caused in the name of some religion. Remember the Hale-Bopp Comet and the spaceship that was concealed in the tail of the comet? A group of fools who had faulty wiring in their brains killed themselves so they could go to Heaven as soon as the comet arrived. There’s no accounting for faulty wiring. Remember, Lenin said, ‘Let me have a young person for four years, and that person will never be able to change his philosophical outlook on life.’ Unfortunately Lenin’s assessment was correct. People who have allowed their brains to be cross-wired in the desperate hope of finding the Divine cannot be rewired. Once married to a dogma there’s nothing to do except wait for the ultimate disaster.
In 1059, Pope Urban II summoned the masses to the village of Claremont in central France where he announced that God had willed that Christians retake the Holy Land and push the Muslims out so the tomb of Christ could be captured for Christianity. His declaration set off eight major crusades. After all is said and done, there is always more said than done, and the Pope was confronted with the problem of how to pay the massive army that was going to retake the Holy Land. He paid (are you ready for this?) by forgiving all of the sins of the soldiers, past, present and future. Wow! What a deal. As a result of the Pope’s declaration, murder, rape and pillaging became part of God’s overall plan. This method of paying an army is common in times of war, except this time all sins were forgiven in advance. Regardless of what atrocities were committed along the way, the soldiers were granted a free pass to Heaven. Amazingly, the fools who were killing their way across the Middle East believed this nonsense. The same rules apply today. Some people believe that if they die while killing the infidels, they’re going to Heaven with 72 virgins. Where are the virgins coming from? Is God creating virgins out of thin air to accommodate suicide bombers? Where do you appeal if God only gives you 71 virgins? This is almost as bizarre as people believing in holy water or thinking they are eating the flesh of Yeshua on Sunday.
Almost no one can comprehend the concept that you own your own body, and you have the right to your life, your liberty, and your property. Included in that concept is the outrageous notion that you should be able to decide what to put in your body. Also incorporated in that concept is the idea that your doctor should be allowed to decide what medicine you should take without government interference, and, of course, you have a right to practice any religion you want to practice as long as you don’t harm anyone else. If you think there’s a spaceship in the tail of the Hail Doaks Comet, go ahead and drink the purple KoolAid. Just don’t run next door and try to poison me because you are incapable of critical thinking.
In 1059, Pope Urban II summoned the masses to the village of Claremont in central France where he announced that God had willed that Christians retake the Holy Land and push the Muslims out so the tomb of Christ could be captured for Christianity. His declaration set off eight major crusades. After all is said and done, there is always more said than done, and the Pope was confronted with the problem of how to pay the massive army that was going to retake the Holy Land. He paid (are you ready for this?) by forgiving all of the sins of the soldiers, past, present and future. Wow! What a deal. As a result of the Pope’s declaration, murder, rape and pillaging became part of God’s overall plan. This method of paying an army is common in times of war, except this time all sins were forgiven in advance. Regardless of what atrocities were committed along the way, the soldiers were granted a free pass to Heaven. Amazingly, the fools who were killing their way across the Middle East believed this nonsense. The same rules apply today. Some people believe that if they die while killing the infidels, they’re going to Heaven with 72 virgins. Where are the virgins coming from? Is God creating virgins out of thin air to accommodate suicide bombers? Where do you appeal if God only gives you 71 virgins? This is almost as bizarre as people believing in holy water or thinking they are eating the flesh of Yeshua on Sunday.
Almost no one can comprehend the concept that you own your own body, and you have the right to your life, your liberty, and your property. Included in that concept is the outrageous notion that you should be able to decide what to put in your body. Also incorporated in that concept is the idea that your doctor should be allowed to decide what medicine you should take without government interference, and, of course, you have a right to practice any religion you want to practice as long as you don’t harm anyone else. If you think there’s a spaceship in the tail of the Hail Doaks Comet, go ahead and drink the purple KoolAid. Just don’t run next door and try to poison me because you are incapable of critical thinking.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
(23) PIPELINE TO GOD
I wonder if I will ever come to grips with the fact that weird is infinite.
You would have had to have been in front of your television on Sunday watching the Colts versus the Steelers to understand the incomprehensibility of the game and its aftermath. Because of a hideously bad call and a series of unfathomable, fortuitous circumstances, the Colts were in a position to tie the score. They sent Vanderjagt into the game to kick a field goal. He is the most accurate kicker in the National Football League, and the 46 yard field goal was well within his range and ability. However, he kicked the ball wide right, and by wide right he didn’t miss it by a few inches, he missed it by 25 yards. How did he explain his failure? “It’s extreme disbelief, from the polamalu interception reversal to Jerome’s fumble, everything seemed to be lined up in our favor. I guess the Lord forgot about the football team.”
What? Huh? First, everyone knows God is a Steeler fan. Even more amazing, someone believes that God is micromanaging football games. That being the case, we no longer need to have drafts, practice sessions or game plans. Since God is taking sides, the winner is going to be determined by divine intervention.
In an equally weird turn of events, the mayor of New Orleans was on television stating to all who would listen that God was punishing the New Orleans area by sending hurricane after hurricane. If God wanted to take out New Orleans, He would only need one hurricane. He is an excellent marksman.
All of this leaves me wondering why I can’t get a direct pipeline to the deity. I would sure like to get my information from the source rather than have the information filtered through every lunatic who claims to understand God’s motives.
You would have had to have been in front of your television on Sunday watching the Colts versus the Steelers to understand the incomprehensibility of the game and its aftermath. Because of a hideously bad call and a series of unfathomable, fortuitous circumstances, the Colts were in a position to tie the score. They sent Vanderjagt into the game to kick a field goal. He is the most accurate kicker in the National Football League, and the 46 yard field goal was well within his range and ability. However, he kicked the ball wide right, and by wide right he didn’t miss it by a few inches, he missed it by 25 yards. How did he explain his failure? “It’s extreme disbelief, from the polamalu interception reversal to Jerome’s fumble, everything seemed to be lined up in our favor. I guess the Lord forgot about the football team.”
What? Huh? First, everyone knows God is a Steeler fan. Even more amazing, someone believes that God is micromanaging football games. That being the case, we no longer need to have drafts, practice sessions or game plans. Since God is taking sides, the winner is going to be determined by divine intervention.
In an equally weird turn of events, the mayor of New Orleans was on television stating to all who would listen that God was punishing the New Orleans area by sending hurricane after hurricane. If God wanted to take out New Orleans, He would only need one hurricane. He is an excellent marksman.
All of this leaves me wondering why I can’t get a direct pipeline to the deity. I would sure like to get my information from the source rather than have the information filtered through every lunatic who claims to understand God’s motives.
Monday, January 09, 2006
(22) MORONS HAVE SEIZED CONTROL OF THE PROPULSION SYSTEM
In Article 19 I described my quest to get a job outside of the law business. Obviously I was not qualified to be a butler, so I’m still looking. If anyone out there knows of an opening, please let me know.
* * * * * * *
BOOK REVIEW
Stephen King has written a pulp fiction book titled ‘The Colorado Kid.’ If you have any inclination to buy this book, save your money. It is among the worst books I have ever read. It was so bad I mailed it to him and asked for a refund. He has not responded.
* * * * * * *
For the New Year I hope that Humans will creep toward civilization. Each time I think Humans are making progress, I notice a startling reversal in the process.
Even more unlikely, I hope in the New Year to discover a benevolent god. Thus far I have seen no evidence of any benevolent entity controlling the propulsion system.
* * * * * * *
Now to the idiot of the moment. Pat Robertson said yesterday that God had caused Ariel Sharon to have a stroke for ‘dividing God’s land.’ He went on to say that ‘God considers this land to be his.’
It is amazing the number of people who believe this moron has a pipeline to the deity and knows what the deity is thinking. A spokesman for People for the American Way Foundation said, ‘Once again Pat Robertson leaves us speechless with his insensitivity and arrogance.’
Robertson’s observations are actually funny. What isn’t funny is that there are hoards of people who believe he has a pipeline to the deity.
Sincerely yours,
Donald M. Heavrin,
Your Servant of Truth
in the Garden of Life
* * * * * * *
BOOK REVIEW
Stephen King has written a pulp fiction book titled ‘The Colorado Kid.’ If you have any inclination to buy this book, save your money. It is among the worst books I have ever read. It was so bad I mailed it to him and asked for a refund. He has not responded.
* * * * * * *
For the New Year I hope that Humans will creep toward civilization. Each time I think Humans are making progress, I notice a startling reversal in the process.
Even more unlikely, I hope in the New Year to discover a benevolent god. Thus far I have seen no evidence of any benevolent entity controlling the propulsion system.
* * * * * * *
Now to the idiot of the moment. Pat Robertson said yesterday that God had caused Ariel Sharon to have a stroke for ‘dividing God’s land.’ He went on to say that ‘God considers this land to be his.’
It is amazing the number of people who believe this moron has a pipeline to the deity and knows what the deity is thinking. A spokesman for People for the American Way Foundation said, ‘Once again Pat Robertson leaves us speechless with his insensitivity and arrogance.’
Robertson’s observations are actually funny. What isn’t funny is that there are hoards of people who believe he has a pipeline to the deity.
Sincerely yours,
Donald M. Heavrin,
Your Servant of Truth
in the Garden of Life
Thursday, January 05, 2006
(21) A NEW YEAR
A brief review is in order.
I suggest that you read my two stories about exercise, No. 6, October 14, and No. 13, December 2, 2005. We must stay in shape.
Also bear in mind that the war in Iraq is a good example of the fallacy of democracy. When you are fighting a war to establish democracy, there is no way to tell what you’re fighting for until the war is over and an election held. The Iraqi war is a case in point. The United States wanted to have someone other than the Shiite candidate elected.
* * * * * * *
Moving on to new information, the newspaper brought an editorial by Denise Scott Brown who bills herself as an architect and urban planner in Philadelphia. According to Ms. Brown, Americans who can afford houses will probably continue to ignore the plight of those who cannot. Then she makes some suggestions about how communities should be planned. And to no one’s surprise she would like to see the government playing a bigger role in urban planning. Please note that when you’re dealing with someone of her political persuasion, regardless of her educational credentials, more government is always the solution. At the present moment in order to build a house anywhere in the country, you have to pass more than a dozen inspectors, plus zoning boards of all ilk, and Ms. Brown wants more government.
Any time someone suggests more government, ask yourself the question, ‘Who is the government?’ The answer is alarming. The government is a hoard of bureaucrats who have acquired power through a 6,000 page rule book, and their egos require that they enforce every rule. Also note the people who control every aspect of your life cannot get a job in the private sector.
One of the solutions to the housing issue, which does not require the intervention of a hoard of bureaucrats, is to allow all money spent on housing to be tax deductible. That includes rents that are paid. That would be a fair across-the-board solution to the problem that would help people who do not own homes save enough money to buy a home. Also, all money spent on medical care should be 100% deductible, and all money spent on education, tuition, books, housing, food, etc. should be 100% deductible.
‘But wait’ cried the bureaucrats, ‘This could cause a drastic reduction in the bureaucracy, and we would be out of work!’
There is something wrong in a society when people who work spend more on taxes than they do on food, clothing and housing combined.
Your humble servant,
Donald M. Heavrin
I suggest that you read my two stories about exercise, No. 6, October 14, and No. 13, December 2, 2005. We must stay in shape.
Also bear in mind that the war in Iraq is a good example of the fallacy of democracy. When you are fighting a war to establish democracy, there is no way to tell what you’re fighting for until the war is over and an election held. The Iraqi war is a case in point. The United States wanted to have someone other than the Shiite candidate elected.
* * * * * * *
Moving on to new information, the newspaper brought an editorial by Denise Scott Brown who bills herself as an architect and urban planner in Philadelphia. According to Ms. Brown, Americans who can afford houses will probably continue to ignore the plight of those who cannot. Then she makes some suggestions about how communities should be planned. And to no one’s surprise she would like to see the government playing a bigger role in urban planning. Please note that when you’re dealing with someone of her political persuasion, regardless of her educational credentials, more government is always the solution. At the present moment in order to build a house anywhere in the country, you have to pass more than a dozen inspectors, plus zoning boards of all ilk, and Ms. Brown wants more government.
Any time someone suggests more government, ask yourself the question, ‘Who is the government?’ The answer is alarming. The government is a hoard of bureaucrats who have acquired power through a 6,000 page rule book, and their egos require that they enforce every rule. Also note the people who control every aspect of your life cannot get a job in the private sector.
One of the solutions to the housing issue, which does not require the intervention of a hoard of bureaucrats, is to allow all money spent on housing to be tax deductible. That includes rents that are paid. That would be a fair across-the-board solution to the problem that would help people who do not own homes save enough money to buy a home. Also, all money spent on medical care should be 100% deductible, and all money spent on education, tuition, books, housing, food, etc. should be 100% deductible.
‘But wait’ cried the bureaucrats, ‘This could cause a drastic reduction in the bureaucracy, and we would be out of work!’
There is something wrong in a society when people who work spend more on taxes than they do on food, clothing and housing combined.
Your humble servant,
Donald M. Heavrin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
