How was your weekend?

Memorial Day weekend. The unofficial start of summer. I hope you all enjoyed your extra day off (if you got one). Did you stop at 3 pm local time and remember the soldiers dead in battle? Any battle or war, pick one. We’ve had quite a few of them in the current war. Not that we are seeing any draped coffins. GW has quite a grip, doesn’t he? We have soldiers fighting for our freedom. Freedom of the press? Yeah, right. Freedom to practice any religion? Yeah, that, too. These seem rather dicey these days. I know I have said it once before, and my blog is still fairly new, but it bears repeating. “What someone will do for you, they will also do to you.” Remember that. We are going through a whole bunch of crap right now and the government is doing it “to protect the homeland”. Just think, if the government will take away my rights FOR my protection, what will they do TO me for their protection? And then think about what you are doing about it.

This weekend I was thinking about the Boston Tea Party. This was all done out of protest toward a government that was oppressive and didn’t recognize a citizens basic rights as individuals. It was a proverbial straw. Would we do something like that today? It’s hard to imagine in this country of such apathy. “I don’t care what the government does so long as I can drive a Hummer and use all the gas I want.” It is a sad day. Very little griping. Is this our America? Is this the America founded on freedom and hope and strong moral values? Let’s once again bring the Bible into use. What does it say about apathy? Let me look it up and see.

You know what, I’ll let you look, too. Find it and put it in the comments. I’ll post the correct answer on Friday. That should give you some time. Oh, and can you name a rebellion or uproar or something like that that helped us on our road to freedom? Let’s see who really knows their stuff.


Chuck

Whomever your god, you're not garbage

Today is Friday, May 27, 2005. It's the start of Memorial Day weekend and IML here in Chicago. I wasn't going to really write much, just a little well wishing for the long weekend and a memory of my Mamere, or grandmother, on my mother's side of the family. I miss her. So here's to her.

I was sitting on the bus this evening riding down toward my final destination when a young man asked if he could have a button. Of course, would I turn down that request? Not at all. I handed him one. His buddy wanted one. Great, there you are. Sitting across from me were two others with "Fuck Your God" buttons prominently displayed on our chests. I was in bus heaven. One of them decided to ask the reason, thinking it was an atheist thing.

Open curtain.
Spotlight on.
(music)
Constitution time. We were suddenly engaged in a lively discussion about the frustration with politicians forcing religious dogma down our throats. Dogma many of us don't believe. We discussed the first amendment and freedom of religion. Two others got involved, two incredibly attractive young women. And they were very curious to know more. How wonderful it was to run into young people thoroughly engaged in political conversation. The were interested. They felt affected. They felt part of the process. I hope they read this. And comment. And become part of our currently small family.

One young man gave me cause for concern. He felt helpless to affect change. I have something to say to him.

There was a campaign for something when I was younger. I don't remember what it was for. The slogan was "Never underestimate the power of one". I would urge this young man to grasp this slogan with all his might. Keep in mind that Gandhi was, at first, one man. Jesus was one man. Founders of large religions were one man. Bill Gates was once one man. These people knew they could do something and did. The young man on the bus stated that he had only one vote and that really doesn't matter because of the electoral college. First off, here is someone dragged down by rhetoric in the news spouting what he read or heard and not what he learned on his own. It happens all the time. Anyway, he is right. We have one vote. Limited to only one. But look at the limitless decisions for action we have in front of us. The fate of our country depends on more than one simple vote. It depends on action. This young man is capable of so much. He is worth more than one vote that GW will fix anyway. He is worth action. Start with a button. Get a website. And then make some noise. People will help. They want to. You can effect change. You can do something beyond your vote. Go out and make it happen.

If any of those young folks decide to read, and learn more about our country, if they decide that the separation of church and state is that important, than I say Hooray for our country. Hooray to them. Let's all quit bitching about the state of our union. Let's do something about it.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

Chuck

I was born at an early age...

To two wonderful parents. I was very lucky with both of them. The gods smiled down upon me, if you will. If you are Rick Santorum, than maybe you would say God, Jesus, and Mary. Maybe some of the saints. Hey Rick, Fuck Your God. Anyway, when I was young, my mom introduced me to me. She would tell me all the time to be who I was. Not to be her son, or someone's brother, but to be ME. My dad reinforced that idea and taught me the lessons of hard work and respect for myself. Work hard, do a good job, and you can sleep at night and feel good about whoever you are.

I am truly glad that both of those people, who had tremendous influence on me, taught me such valuable lessons. I am reasonably well adjusted with a fairly good reputation. Not without my share of enemies, mind you, but a fairly good reputation.

The reason for all of this has to do with religion and god in politics. I realize that separating your spirituality from secular beliefs can be quite hard. Much of who we are depends on how we were raised and what god we believe in. This forms alot of our moral character. That will form much of how we believe society should behave. But there is something we must keep in mind as well. Not everyone believes in the same god as you or me. Not everyone adheres to the same religious dogma. If we are truly to belong to a country that welcomes diverse religious beliefs and allows a freedom to worship as we feel is right and just for ourselves, how can we impose Judeo-Christian beliefs across the board? It seems unfair to those who don't adhere. Much of the spread of the early colonies that became this wonderful country was the secesion of a religious group to other areas so that they could worship freely. Pennsylvania, Maryland, Utah. All to go and worship a god they felt was right. And now we wish to squash that right, that freedom, and that spirituality with laws and rules that would only cater to current Judeo-Christian beliefs.

Are you paying attention to the likes of Rick Santorum, and GW Bush? Have you really looked at Pat Robertson and James Dobson? These are people that want to moralize you according to their belief system. They want you to become Stepford citizens and only think as they do. Well, I find that stifling to my spirituality and moral code. I find that offensive to my person. And I find that in contradiction to both the founding of this country and the Constitution that says I am created equal. By whomever that creator may be.

Chuck

And Today...

I have been gathering information. I'll be back tomorrow. Thanks for checking and have a wonderful 24 hrs. Stay out of trouble.

Chuck


confidential: hbd

How do you solve a problem like ...

Maria??? No. God in politics. If you are squeamish, you may want to not continue reading.


OK. I am now so distracted I can hardly write. I know I should keep this on track of Separation of Church and State. But I have been listening to Barbara Boxer from California on C-Span radio. She is wonderful. Plain spoken, to the point, and not afraid to say it like it is. Boy did she spit on GW and Dick Cheney, as well as other Republicans. And she called Dr. Frist to the carpet on HIS filibuster history. Hooray for her. She really should have gotten a standing ovation.

Well, that said, lets get back on track. Santorum. See, you should have turned your eyes. Who wants to see that frothy mixture of semen, lube, and feces. Yep, that's Rick. A frothy mixture. Come (cum?) to find out, he's a catholic. I recently read an article about him in the New York Times Magazine. Here are a couple of statements from this esteemed frothy one.

"How is it possible, I wonder, to believe in the existence of God yet refuse to express outrage when his moral code is flouted? To have faith in God, but to reject moral absolutes?"

I have a question for Mr. Frothy. Who says these are moral absolutes? Your god? What if I'm Muslim? I don't believe in your god, therefore I reject what you consider to be moral absolutes. I have my own moral absolutes. The United States government cannot force me to adhere to your moral absolutes. Fuck your god.

Oh, what do we do about those that don't believe in any god? They say "Fuck Your God".

Here is what Mr. Frothy thinks of marriage. Far from something loving and wonderful, I'd say.
"It is in providing a stable environment for the raising of children. That's why we give marriage a special status, not because people like to hang out together and have fun."
He thinks that a union without at least the possibility of procreation need not be legally sanctioned.

Sounds rather catholic to me. I'm not catholic. How dare he try to impose his filthy, pedofilic, catholic rhetoric on me. I don't want to adhere to any moral absolutes that says only procreating couples should be legally wed. In my book, marriage should be about love, or family, or economic stability, or whatever your reason for marriage. It is really no ones business but those who are getting married. So I say "Fuck Your God" and get it out of my politics. Pick your poison. Marriage is either a government thing or religious thing. YOUR religious thing. Not MINE.

It seems to me that Rick Santorum is not a senator for the people of Pennsylvania. More a senator for the CATHOLIC people of Pennsylvania. What kind of government is that? Is that an endorsement of catholocism? Feels like it.

So, just a nugget for you to chew on.

Chuck

The god of Republicans (currently)

From our earliest childhood memories, we are encouraged to become more than who we are. We are gently pushed and prodded to improve our own standing in the world as well as that of the world as a whole. We witness, first hand, our parents struggles sacrificing to make our world better and stronger and more enjoyable. They work hard and provide for all of our wants and needs. All the while smiling and laughing and loving us in our ignorance and selfishness. We become young adults wanting the same for the children we will someday have and the ones we, ultimately, do have. We become those who sacrifice for our children. A cycle renewed.

With this quality of life so fresh in my mind as a citizen of the United States, my heart reaches for those elsewhere who find themselves unable to participate. Their days are filled with death, bombs, fighting, instability, disease, poverty, and overwhelming despair. Every day is simply a day to survive. Without hope for a better day for their children. Some without hope that a child will even survive the night. Starvation and thirst vie for the attention of flocks of souls.

Today in Iraq, thee are those who dare not leave a home. Drive a car. Go to school. Or even something so simple as buying groceries. Imprisoned in a land that is their own. A land taken over by others. Others who are rich and hungry for more. Others oblivious to the culture and needs of those who are different. Others so blinded by their own faith, they fail to see the scope of damage caused by that greed. Other whose faith is only overshadowed by enormous self import. And those others claim "God" as their own. On their side.

What do they mean when they say "God"? What "God" exactly? The "God" of destruction and death? The "God" of poverty-for-others? The "God" of oppression? A searching of holy texts of countless religions for any similarity would be fruitless. The "God" of the Bible would hardly approve of the tactics we have seen employed by the powerfully "religious" today. Nor would Buddha. Or Allah. Or the "G_d" of the Torah. Could it be the "God" of some obscure religion whose adherents keep strangely quiet? Some cult that has gained enormous political following?

I think it's just a scare tactic. Well, I'm not afraid of your "God". I say FUCK YOUR GOD!! And I think any real god would agree.

Chuck

Axis of wickedness in disguise

Some things of note were bouncing around in my head today. Texas has a law that prohibits the sale, manufacture, or distribution of any device whose express purpose is to stimulate human genitalia. (Funny it is that the state of Texas is the largest single purchaser of such devices) So what I find funny is that the legislature actually sat down and debated this and then passed a law. Of all things. They can't come together and balance a damn budget that affects all of it's citizenry, but it CAN come together and agree that a vibrator or dildo needs to be banned. (For those of you going "huh, don't they sell them in Texas? Yes they do. Under other names to circumvent the law for the sole benefit of the single largest purchaser in the state.) Another state that has done this is Alabama. And not ONCE, but TWICE. It was upheld as recently as six years ago after it was challenged.

Now, I'm not Hindu so I would be quite outraged if the U.S. government told me I could not eat beef simply because Hindu's treated cows as sacred. Not being Catholic, I couldn't give a rat's ass about the pope or his rules about birth control. I would be deeply concerned and outraged if the government said I couldn't use it simply because the pope said it was wrong. Nor am I Jewish, but I would be outraged if the government made leavend bread illegal for everyone during passover.

All together now. Those anti-vibrator laws, just like the anti-sodomy laws, are based on religious moral values. Anti-gay legislation is based on religion. Our government passing laws based on religious morality is advocating that religion. Where's the separation? Why am I so coerced into following a religion I shun? And what right does the government have to impose that upon a free society? I'm outraged over this. What is so very disturbing to me is that more people aren't. They'd rather watch sports. Or the apprentice. Go ahead, give the Donald a decent haircut and see what the country has to say. Cut the constitution to bits, nothing.

Chuck

Are you ready for a pop quiz..

Or the real test? I've included some really good links here for you. This first one:
http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters/charters.html
is the beginning of our country and several other really important documents I think you should all read thoroughly. How else can we really know and understand what we stand for if we don't know what we fought for in the first place. Read very closely one of the good reasons for this blog, the Constitutional Amendment for Separation of Church and State. It's a good one. Currently this amendment goes against the grain of both the Republican party AND the religious boobs in this country. They are really looking to have our government advocate their brand of "God" these days.

This other website is a sort of watchdog site. It's People for the American Way. Now you may not agree with everything they stand for, even I may not. But I think the site is worth reading and keeping an eye on. It will keep you in tune with what's happening in the country.
http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/

I would like you to remember a really good quote. "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer". That in mind, I'm also going to suggest you go to the website for the RNC and read that as well. You can download a copy of the Republican National Platform. If it wasn't real, it might have been funny. These are somewhat frightening people. They really do want to relieve you of many of your freedoms and basic human rights, simply because they aren't in line with their religious beliefs. AND at the cost of science, in some instances (consider Oklahoma(?) currently). So read these for your benefit. They'll come up again here.

And, lastly, here is another one that is written by the treasurer of the Democratic National Committe. A great financial guy, and funny, too. http://www.andrewtobias.com.

So, off with you all (five of you maybe, so far?) and learn something. We don't need a bunch of fools running off with half baked ideas trying to win a country. We need people with good, inteligent minds and ideas. And a basic foundation is always best.

And thanks again to a faithful reader for another great article. If I see you out and about some Sunday, watch out. I just may have to slap that ass in appreciation.

Chuck

What happpened to hope??

Billy Joel, “My Life”.
“Sold his house, bought a ticket to the west coast. Now he gives ‘em the stand-up routine in LA.”

Growing up, my father had a really great friend. Young guy, smart, always lucky with the girls. Drove a cool car. He was such a free spirit. One day, must have been the early to mid ‘80’s, or so, he up and quit his job. Moved to San Diego to be in the California sunshine. We always thought that was the greatest thing on earth. In what other country could you just pack up and go? None. The economy was good. People had hope in this country for a great future. There was good work to be had for any body who wanted it. Companies still cared about their employees. Supported them, paid them fairly, promoted them. Yeah, we had problems I’m sure. But we could solve them. We got along most of the time. We had romantic fears of “The Red Menace” of Russia. The “Godless Commies” we called them. And we were here and they were there and we were pretty safe. We could still count on our government to protect us. They didn’t always tell us all that was right and true, but we trusted them. And so we went on. Happily oblivious.

Now here we are. Years later. And our biggest enemy isn’t Communism from a far away country. It’s not Russia. Or even China or Cuba. Our country is in danger of itself. We have a government on the verge of Totalitarianism. Leaders that threaten with yellow terror alerts, or orange terror alerts, or threats that if we elect the “wrong” party we’ll be attacked by terrorists. A government that says a judiciary that protects individual rights is rogue and “activist” in its’ activities. It looks to squelch ideas and thoughts that don’t meet it’s own agenda. It’s own CHRISTIAN agenda. Our own government says if we don’t believe it and follow this CHRISTIAN agenda, we are “Anti American” and “Un Patriotic”. Our own government who is here to protect our individual rights is threatening it’s own citizens. And our religious citizens applaud them. Our CHRISTIAN citizens praise them. These CHRISTIAN citizens, too, call any non-CHRISTIAN agenda “Anti American” or “Un Patriotic” and condemn it. Our government listens. And moves forward. Working to blur the line between church and state with hopes to finally eliminate it completely. And maybe one day sanction this CHRISTIAN religion.

Two things come to mind in light of all of this. “What someone will do FOR you, they will also do TO you.” And also, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.” If the CHRISTIAN right wants government sanctioned religion, be careful, they may just decide it won’t be yours. Politicians aren’t the most loyal to voters once they’ve gotten what they want from you. Power.

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely” Two branches down, one to go. Welcome to the new week.

Chuck

This could be a full time job

I was all set to write a nice little blog today about Faith-based initiatives. How fun. Thank heaven for Google. That is where the trouble began. I found scads of information on faith based programs. Luckily it was a sidetrack to my major point. That point being the complete seeming disregard for the Separation of Church and State.

I remember about three years ago listening to GW boast about how "religion will not be descriminated against any longer.." and how funny I thought that was. Religion has descriminated against women for years. Putting them second behind men. Not allowing them to hold positions of authority. Allowing husbands to beat their wives (actually a law on the books in some states). Religion descriminated against African-Americans. Inter-racial relationships. Native Americans. Gays/Lesbians. There were crusades because of religion. Religious activity has always held a position of respect in government, society, and individual lives. But George felt it was not given its' due by government. A government to which it never paid taxes.

And now, this religion that does not want government money spent on abortion, they want it spent on religion.

I'm still researching this faith-based initiative crap. But I want you to know that, as of less than a year ago, NOT ONE THIN DIME of government money has been spent on ANY faith-based initiative that is NOT CHRISTIAN. That's right. All of the organizations that have received money have ONLY BEEN CHRISTIAN. My money. I'm not a christian. Your money. Are you a christian? You may not be. And non of your faiths, if you aren't christian, are getting that money. Jews? Nope. Muslim? Nope. Buddhist? Nope. And definately NOT PAGANS.

Our constitution says that our government will not promote any one religion or system of religious belief. I don't know about you, but I'm not convinced they're not. I smell something afoul. And I'm angry. I will wear my "Fuck Your God" button quite happily. And I will continue the search and keep YOU updated. In the mean time, get angry.

Chuck

Whose god? Your god? I say.....

Fuck Your God…

Who, or what, is your god? I suppose we should define a “god”. There seems to be some confusion on this. Some people say they worship the god of the Bible. Others say they have no god. Some call this god “Allah” or “Buddah” or money or fame. Some even call god “Brittany”, as in Spears. What does the dictionary say about “god”?

Let’s see. Webster’s Dictionary

god n. (OE) 1. any of various beings conceived of as supernatural, immortal, and having power over people or nature; deity, esp. a male one. 2. an idol. 3. a person or thing deified –(G-) in monotheistic religions, the creator and ruler of the universe; Supreme Being.

So now we have a universally accepted definition. This will allow us to be on the same page and dissect the different gods the world’s religions claim to be on their sides. We really should start in this country. The good ‘ol U S of A.

The religious right in this country seems to be mostly protestant. With lots of catholic thrown in for balance. They claim the god of the Bible. Claim being an important word. We can claim anything at all, but that doesn’t make it right. Or correct, if you will. GW claims moral superiority. He claims this god talks to him. Believes it in his heart, even. Doesn’t make it correct. According to his Bible, Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV) “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

So they “claim” this god. With this claim, they shout about how correct they are because their deceitful hearts say they are right. What proof do they offer that their god is the correct one? A book. The Bible. Yet there are hundreds (if not thousands) of religions created based on this book. How can this be? How can one god be so divided to incite so many different beliefs? Can you say “Opinion”? One person will believe [such and such a chapter and verse] means this, and another means that. Someone else believes something else. Huh. Interesting. So your belief is an opinion on what you think to be true? What you think to be true in your biblically stated deceitful heart?

PLEASE TELL ME NOW WHY YOU THINK YOUR OPINION BELONGS IN MY FUCKING LIFE?

I don’t think their god and mine are the same. Therefore, I say “Fuck Your God”. Does anyone out there have GOOD HARD FACTS proving their god is the right one? Fess up.

Chuck

Day Two??? Or three, and the beat goes on

Sorry I missed you all yesterday. I guess this really makes day three? Anyway, I have been thinking of what to write about as there is so much going on. I would like to thank one great reader who sent me a New York Time article about that goofball of a paster who kicked out parishoners who voted for Kerry in the election. He now "claims" he wasn't preaching politics, but talking against abortion. Now not for nothing, but I was raised conservative Baptist. The man was politiking. Most definately. There is always a lot of "promotion" of the desired candidate handed down from the pulpit. I will say, though, this guy was the most pointed in his promotion. And now the word is out that the IRS is investigating sixty not-for-profits that may be breaking the laws of Separation of Church and State, "a third of them being churches".

Let's fight a little fire with fire here. Give the religious a little of their own. The bible states....let's see here
Romans 13:01-07 states in full (NIV) " Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has isntituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefor, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

Now, it seems to me that the religious right got what they wanted with GW. And they still think it's ok to rebel against God. According to their bible, that's exactly what they are doing. Rebelling against their God. It's nice to know they are going to get the judgement they seek. Although, I venture a guess they won't like the target of that judgement.

One thing that also weighs on my mind. The churches are going after a secular world with their obsurdities. They can't control a measly congregation of 100 people without causing a stir and breaking the law, what makes them think they can run a country of heathens?

Last note to note: Thanks to my lone commenter. The first of what I hope to be many. I really do appreciate the support. A "Fuck Your God" pin has gone out to you. You're so hip.

Day one on our trek to a truly great country...

So, today is my very first blog. It's all set up. And for those of you who care, I even have "Fuck Your God" buttons made up.

Why am I doing a "Fuck Your God" blog? It's sort of a backlash against the current religious right. They seem to think they can dictate who and how I worship. Well, they can't. I won't let them. I choose no religion. And our government says that's ok, too. We have a Bill of Rights with a Separation of Church and State clause. I say to them "Get the FUCK out of my life. I got out of yours." They don't like that. They think it's their business to get involved in politics and run my life. So let's take our rights back and kick them out of our politics. It's not like they pay taxes to government. Churches and Religious entities are tax free. If they want in, let them pay for it.

Well, let's get started. What are your thoughts?

Chuck