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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
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Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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this would be fun around a campfire. i can't keep up and the nuances are lost reading it in 1 dimension.....
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Cisco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Osprey
One More Thing before this closes
Goodman
Somewhere in the world there is a man of virtue. To remind you he is hypothetical I will call him Goodman.
Goodman was born in Asia, grew up in a small house with two parents and two siblings. He went to school, learned his letters, found a trade, now
raises his own family.
Goodman is only remarkable because he never found religion. His life has been ordinary (for the region and the time) but those who know him say he
shines as a beacon in the night as one who lives in a virtuous way. That is to say that his humanity is grand and visible – that he is giving,
caring, always helping his fellow man while seeking no personal gain, wealth, fame or fortune. He is without guile or hubris; in all of his life he
has not displayed attributes one could relate to the sins of religious doctrine.
Those devout followers of religions doubt such a man exists. They say that his Goodness could only be achieved by receiving some divine energy,
guidance or association with formal religion. I will be his witness. He has never read a holy book, attended any religious service, joined others to
pray, taken any vow, celebrated any rite of passage.
In Asia he is widely known. He has lived more than 80 years. Goodman does not fear death; he knows his time is near. He says his one and only
regret is that he can stay no longer to help others. He has secretly hired two responsible young men from a nearby village to come to his home when
they learn he has died, spirit his corpse away to a secluded place, build a huge fire and burn his body.
Millions pray for him. They pray that when he dies he will somehow, miraculously be permitted to enter, for time eternal, their various Nirvanas,
Valhallas, Heavens --- that some divine intervention will take place opening the Holy Portal without his former knowledge of, devotion to their
particular God or doctrine or deity. Millions of others scoff at those who pray, mock the very notion of a man without religion being admitted to
Heaven. There are those who believe his Godlessness, a lack of devotion to their particular God, makes him a sinner no matter how he lived his life.
His family is beginning to fear the millions of Literalists who are passionate and unpredictable. They are the ones who damn Goodman for failure to
follow the literal dogma of the core of their religion; arcane sacrificial offerings, the beating of his wife and children, self-mutilation,
self-flagellation, purgings and crusades, wars and exorcisms, pogroms and inquisitions. Some Literalists acquiesce to the notion that Goodman had no
knowledge of sacred text and testimony and for that reason his family should not be harmed.
What of his mortal body? What should be done with that? What about his funeral? He admits he is Godless; perhaps something should be done to see
that his remains never enter a sacred place. Perhaps they should be disposed of completely as though he had never lived. Is there not some hidden
danger here that he could be martyred? How powerful might be a force, a group that rallies behind a Godless hero? Is it not possible that there are
those who might invent a new God to explain his holy behavior? His goodness could make a mockery of those who are overflowing with piety but lack
decency and good will.
Has no one investigated this man? A single failing might be discovered to mollify the Literalists, to place him firmly with unholy agnostics and
infidels whose sins and atrocities are daily visible in Asia.
Goodman died in the middle of the night. When his hirelings came to his house they found it empty. The whereabouts of his corpse is a mystery that
will last through the ages. His family has vanished like the wind.
Now there is rumor of another Goodman in a town to the south. While there remains great unrest across the land the people have hope that this new one
is merely a pretender. Strangely the streets are full of people; the mosques, churches and temples are not. |
They have no crops, no livestock, no permanent shelters. . . .
Food production marched in lockstep with greater population densities, which allowed farm-based societies to displace or destroy hunter gatherer
groups. . . .
Agriculture's sudden rise, however, came with a price. It
introduced infectious-disease epidemics, social stratification, intermittent famines, and large-scale war.
Jared Diamond, the UCLA professor and writer, has called the adoption of agriculture nothing less than "the worst mistake in human history"--a
mistake, he suggests, from which we have never recovered.
The Hadza do not engage in warfare. They've never lived densely enough to be seriously threatened by an infectious outbreak. They have no known
history of famine; rather, there is evidence of people from a farming group coming to live with them during a time of crop failure. The Hadza diet
remains even today more stable and varied than that of most of the world's citizens. They enjoy an extraordinary amount of leisure time.
Anthropologists have estimated that they "work'--actively pursue food--four to six hours a day. And over all these thousands of years, they've left
hardly more than a footprint on the land.
Traditional Hadza...live almost entirely free of possessions. The things they own--a cooking pot, a water container, and ax--can be wrapped in a
blanket and carried over a shoulder. . . .
Individual autonomy is the hallmark of the Hadza. No Hadza adult has authority over any other. None has more wealth; or, rather, they all have no
wealth. . . .
Gender roles are distinct, but for women there is none of the forced subservience knit into many other cultures. A significant number of Hadza women
who marry out of the group soon return, unwilling to accept bullying treatment. . . .
No Hadza I met... seemed prone to worry. It was a mind-set that astounded me, for the Hadza, to my way of thinking, have very legitimate worries.
'Will I eat tomorrow? Will something eat me tomorrow?' Yet they live a remarkably present-tense existence.
This may be one reason farming has never appealed to the Hadza--growing crops requires planning; seeds are sown now for plants that won't be edible
for months. . . . To a Hadza, this makes no sense. Why grow food or rear animals when it's being done for you, naturally, in the bush? When they
want berries, they walk to a berry shrub. When they desire baobab fruit, they visit a baobab tree. Honey waits for them in wild hives. And they
keep their meat in the biggest storehouse in the world--their land. . . .
There are things I envy about the Hadza--mostly, how free they appear to be. Free from possessions. Free of most social duties. Free from religious
strictures. Free of many family responsibilities. Free from schedules, jobs, bosses, bills, traffic, taxes, laws, news, and money. Free from worry.
. . .
The days I spent with the Hadza altered my perception of the world. They instilled in me something I call the "Hadza effect"--they made me feel
calmer, more attuned to the moment, more self-sufficient, a little braver, and in less of a constant rush. . . . My time with the Hadza made me
happier. It made me wish there was some way to prolong the reign of hunter-gatherers, though I know it's almost certainly too late. . . .
We don't get it. We are people of possession. Loss of possession is death. It is intriguing how the attitudes and ways of the Hadza, described
above, are what all our religions and psychologies and politics aspire to. And their balance is what all our economists and environmentalists aspire
to.
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vgabndo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3461
Registered: 12-8-2003
Location: Mt. Shasta, CA
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Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
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I want to speak in praise of the progressive people who have dominated this discussion. I think it speaks volumes about the way the "liberal brain"
appears to be able to deal with these kinds of questions, and the uncertainties that spring from them. I sense an excitement among people who have
said that they have "grown" through this discourse. I don't get the impression that the paranormal side of the discussion made much of an expression
of gratitude for being assisted to improve their understanding of the subject. I haven't felt "excitement of learning" from the proponents of belief
over reason. My home schooled guess that there may be some explanation in the new brain science showing how the emigdula predominates in conservatives
and the ACC in progressives.
I'm sure someone knows a lot more about that than I do.
Some religious arguments for the existence of of god, I must admit, defy any rational answer. Here is a one minute example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4yBvvGi_2A&feature=playe...
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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oxxo
Banned
Posts: 2347
Registered: 5-17-2006
Location: Wherever I am, I'm there
Member Is Offline
Mood: If I was feeling any better, I'd be twins!
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My take is that they are having some "fun" at believers' expense! 
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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BACK ON TOPIC: Skeet/Loreto
| Quote: | Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Doug I have been on this board for 10 years. Had a great time until about 2 years ago. When the Mcfez, Goat, Joe bunch got on and ruined it.
Now you have become a "Cheater" selling my Information to other sources, I feel sorry for You to have to become a "Cheater..
please remove me from this Board.
Skeet/loreto |
The above was the opening post in this thread.
A week ago, I received an email from Skeet that requested I post it here... I have also asked McFez and BajaNomad (Doug) to confirm what was said on
Off Topic... I have no idea why this thread has become nothing to do with Skeet's leaving, but this is back on topic:
The following is SKEET's E-MAIL, un edited:
===================================================
David: I appreciate all of your supportive and Kind words. As I xcan no longer get on this Board whould you please Post this under my name?
McFez is a LIAR!!!!!!!!
I did post a Thread and used the word "Negro~ several times/ I nevcer used the ugly word!!
MCfez changed it to try to make me look bad.
The Post he made of the Kitty Cat was the Lowest and most Offensive Post I have ever seen. Only a very Low-Class person wpuld do such a Cruel Thing
It is very interesting to see all the different Comments. The reason I left this Board was because mu Personal Information has been used to make
MOPNEY and I wasa not paid a Commission for its Use!!!
God Bless you all!
Skeet/Loreto.
===================================================
I don't go to Off Topic, and find it hard to believe Skeet (who I have met once in Baja) would use such a term. I also have had very friendly
exchanges with McFez and don't think he would make up a hate word to use on another, so I can only hope it was a misunderstanding. Doug told me he
does not remember Skeet using that word. If anyone else who reads off topic feels the need to confirm or deny such happened, feel free... or just let
this end now.
I hope Skeet, with his many years in Baja, doesn't let people push him off because they may disagree with him. It is sad that most of us only know
each other from what is typed here, without hearing the voice tones or seeing facial expressions. I think if McFez and Skeet actually met, there
wouldn't be such hard feelings. Anyway, I have completed the favor to an old friend.
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4177
Registered: 3-27-2004
Location: La Paz
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Mood: mellow
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Good job DK what would we do without you.
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
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Yeah, he pretty much sucked the life out of this thread.
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5901
Registered: 7-18-2011
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Dead thread. 
[Edited on 6-16-2012 by ateo]
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5901
Registered: 7-18-2011
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Having said dead thread......I swear I heard some racist stuff from Skeet. Forgive me if Im wrong. I'm new here......
DK, it was OT where I saw some embarrassing language from Skeet. I hold people accountable for what they say. I'm sure he was cool in Baja, as I
would be too, but I promise you I will never talk crap about skin colors.
Like I said, if I'm wrong I will apologize.
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wessongroup
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21152
Registered: 8-9-2009
Location: Mission Viejo
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Mood: Suicide Hot line ... please hold
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Hey how about, we tar and feather him and ride him out of town on a rail ...
Oh, that's right we now have hate speech ... no need for tar and feathering and the ride out of town on a rail ...
Progress is great HUH ... just ONE word is enough to destroy an individual ... now that is what is REAL power ... or an extension of the third grade,
which I recall well... and did not like either ...
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oxxo
Banned
Posts: 2347
Registered: 5-17-2006
Location: Wherever I am, I'm there
Member Is Offline
Mood: If I was feeling any better, I'd be twins!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by wessongroup
Hey how about, we tar and feather him and ride him out of town on a rail ... |
He pulled the plug on himself.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
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I hope something resurrects the religious writing. There are some excellent writers on this message board that have thought about the issue much more
than I have.
I'm wondering if the people that believe there is no question to the existence of the god of Abraham feel the same way about Satan and other angels
described in the Bible.
[Edited on 6-16-2012 by SFandH]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by ateo
Having said dead thread......I swear I heard some racist stuff from Skeet. Forgive me if Im wrong. I'm new here......
DK, it was OT where I saw some embarrassing language from Skeet. I hold people accountable for what they say. I'm sure he was cool in Baja, as I
would be too, but I promise you I will never talk crap about skin colors.
Like I said, if I'm wrong I will apologize. |
Thanks, please u2u me...
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Iflyfish
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3747
Registered: 10-17-2006
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| Quote: | Originally posted by oxxo
| Quote: | Originally posted by wessongroup
Hey how about, we tar and feather him and ride him out of town on a rail ... |
He pulled the plug on himself. |
The role of Victim is the most powerful role in games. They can righteously blame others for their decisions and behavior. They can claim "foul" on
those who they deem to have wronged them. They can claim status from their defeated position. They can blame others for kicking them when they asked
for it. If you try and help them you a are stuck with a tar baby as they will kick you for "helping" them. On it goes.
How could you terrible Nomads criticize this poor man who only said these vicious things because he cared about the everlasting souls of others,
wanted to save our beloved nation from the pollution of the values of the besotted, drug addled Berkeley Liberals. And how could you be so
"politically correct" as to challenge someone who is only using a word (N....) After all its only a word. How could you victimize someone for just
using a word?
If you disagree with a victim they see you as persecuting them and react accordingly by persecuting you or acting like you have wounded them. Very
powerful stuff!!
How could you Atheistic Liberals hijack a thread on how this poor innocent person was hounded off this board? God I feel bad.
Iflyfish
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: optimistic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Iflyfish
| Quote: | Originally posted by oxxo
| Quote: | Originally posted by wessongroup
Hey how about, we tar and feather him and ride him out of town on a rail ... |
He pulled the plug on himself. |
The role of Victim is the most powerful role in games. They can righteously blame others for their decisions and behavior. They can claim "foul" on
those who they deem to have wronged them. They can claim status from their defeated position. They can blame others for kicking them when they asked
for it. If you try and help them you a are stuck with a tar baby as they will kick you for "helping" them. On it goes.
How could you terrible Nomads criticize this poor man who only said these vicious things because he cared about the everlasting souls of others,
wanted to save our beloved nation from the pollution of the values of the besotted, drug addled Berkeley Liberals. And how could you be so
"politically correct" as to challenge someone who is only using a word (N....) After all its only a word. How could you victimize someone for just
using a word?
If you disagree with a victim they see you as persecuting them and react accordingly by persecuting you or acting like you have wounded them. Very
powerful stuff!!
How could you Atheistic Liberals hijack a thread on how this poor innocent person was hounded off this board? God I feel bad.
Iflyfish |
Criticizing Skeet for a particular statement is one thing, but to judgementally bully him and intellectually crucify him is worse than ANYTHING that
Skeet has supposedly done, IMO.
You have NOT walked in his moccasins!!!!
Yes, this thread has revealed a lot!!!
Barry
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Iflyfish
God I feel bad.
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Some day it'll be the G word's turn to be shunned.
I think some would like it that way now.
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Iflyfish
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3747
Registered: 10-17-2006
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
| Quote: | Originally posted by Iflyfish
| Quote: | Originally posted by oxxo
| Quote: | Originally posted by wessongroup
Hey how about, we tar and feather him and ride him out of town on a rail ... |
He pulled the plug on himself. |
The role of Victim is the most powerful role in games. They can righteously blame others for their decisions and behavior. They can claim "foul" on
those who they deem to have wronged them. They can claim status from their defeated position. They can blame others for kicking them when they asked
for it. If you try and help them you a are stuck with a tar baby as they will kick you for "helping" them. On it goes.
How could you terrible Nomads criticize this poor man who only said these vicious things because he cared about the everlasting souls of others,
wanted to save our beloved nation from the pollution of the values of the besotted, drug addled Berkeley Liberals. And how could you be so
"politically correct" as to challenge someone who is only using a word (N....) After all its only a word. How could you victimize someone for just
using a word?
If you disagree with a victim they see you as persecuting them and react accordingly by persecuting you or acting like you have wounded them. Very
powerful stuff!!
How could you Atheistic Liberals hijack a thread on how this poor innocent person was hounded off this board? God I feel bad.
Iflyfish |
Criticizing Skeet for a particular statement is one thing, but to judgementally bully him and intellectually crucify him is worse than ANYTHING that
Skeet has supposedly done, IMO.
You have NOT walked in his moccasins!!!!
Yes, this thread has revealed a lot!!!
Barry |
Judgmentally bully and crucify him.
I appreciate your clearly demonstrating the point I was making about the power of the Victim position.
Now we have JUDGMENTALLY BULLIED and CRUCIFIED him. All because he said what?? Hmmm, how could we have done this to this innocent man? How could we
have responded with foul words and bullying ideas to his words? And now we have been given words that he has arisen again and we can clearly see how
we destroyed He who was blameless and would save us from our immoral ways.
I feel chastised and the guilt of his Crucifiction is now upon me.
Iflyfishinashclothandashes
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Cisco
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Iflyfish
| Quote: | Originally posted by oxxo
| Quote: | Originally posted by wessongroup
Hey how about, we tar and feather him and ride him out of town on a rail ... |
He pulled the plug on himself. |
The role of Victim is the most powerful role in games. They can righteously blame others for their decisions and behavior.
How could you Atheistic Liberals hijack a thread on how this poor innocent person was hounded off this board? God I feel bad.
Iflyfish |
Sorry.
(hangs head in shame)
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Iflyfish
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3747
Registered: 10-17-2006
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
| Quote: | Originally posted by Iflyfish
God I feel bad.
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Some day it'll be the G word's turn to be shunned.
I think some would like it that way now. |
Poor god. I wonder if she will be up to the challenge?
Iflyfish
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Iflyfish
| Quote: | Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
| Quote: | Originally posted by Iflyfish
God I feel bad.
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Some day it'll be the G word's turn to be shunned.
I think some would like it that way now. |
Poor god. I wonder if she will be up to the challenge?
Iflyfish |
Oh .... I'm sure He's still watching over us.
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