Lemming

Phantom Tollbooth was a fun book, characters style and substance influenced by words, numbers, concepts.

"I want you to vote for me if you will, but if not, then vote for my opponent, for he is a fine man."

-  Attributed to Abraham Lincoln (Well-known anecdote)

Sometimes when I have vegetarian thoughts, I have a sudden worry that even eating sunlight, would be immoral.

@RationalMadman

Do you have any past experience in positions of influence/power?

If so, how did they go?

If it's a False equivalency fallacy,

Why do Profile Blocks and Restraining Orders exist on this site?

Perhaps because some people online, as in life, do 'not stop, even when ignored.

It's not typical of humans, to like letting slander or challenges against oneself go unanswered.

To 'not answer, implies to many, weakness in the one silent, or truth in the post unaddressed.

Truly, all that is needed to avoid unwanted company in society, is to never leave one's home.

(Sarcasm)

Often, but internets size and anonymity often makes it an exercise in unsubstantiated paranoia.

I agree with what you say on predators intentionally positioning themselves in society,

Though I imagine some people find themselves in positions of power, before the 'idea has come to mind.

Power can be corrosive to the character of individuals who hold it,

And situations in which power and interaction exists, they can also be 'born.

I couldn't say myself, how many predators are God fearing or not,

Being a sinner does not prevent one from believing in God.

Though 'maybe argument on people who lack fear or belief having less scruples, it's only unsubstantiated conjecture on my part.

I 'do think Lunar108s post a bit 'daft myself,

One could point to 'many organizations, police, military, countries,

And say "Ooh look some hypocrites who committed crimes, 

Must be 'all that group of people is evil hypocrites."

And I'd think what a stupid statement.

Though it's 'worth criticizing those responsible, and structures of organizations at times, in an attempt to remove corruption or chance of gross hazard.

"Garbage" eh?

Oh I'm sure you'll attract constructive conversation with that tact.

(Sarcasm)

You 'would mind people treating the homeless with  irreverence, derision, contempt, no value, nihilism.

You would mind people treating a friend, mother, father, sibling, stranger, with irreverence, derision, contempt, no value, nihilism.

I 'imagine.

Acknowledgement of social psychology, development, and causation, is 'not wrong.

The American Flag isn't even a person, and I don't appreciate people burning or stomping on it.

For what that disrespect 'means.

Ever read about Israel in the Old Testament, on the occasions they turned from their God and values?

Ever see a functional family, where irreverence, derision, contempt, no value, nihilism was directed at and by each family member?

Ever see many students 'learn, in a classroom without respect?

People should mind what happens to their society, when values are treated with irreverence, derision, contempt, no value, nihilism.

People, Groups, Organizations, power hierarchies, in 'general, do not like to be criticized.

Nor are they always fond of the beliefs advocated by those criticizing.

But this does not mean groups or individuals are 'always thin skinned or unwilling to accept criticism.

Devil's advocate - Wikipedia  "is a former official position within the Catholic Church, the Promoter of the Faith: one who "argued against the canonization (sainthood) of a candidate in order to uncover any character flaws or misrepresentation of the evidence favoring canonization".[1]"

Religions, like people, governments, 'vary.

I could have brought up Democratic Americas Red Scare - Wikipedia, instead of Stalin,

But Stalin and the USSR was known for Atheism,

And I disliked the caricature of religion, as I saw your argument.

The 'point in all this, is I hardly see defensiveness as 'defining or 'unique to religion.

Nor Censorship or a care of what information, misinformation is promoted in the public sphere.

Regardless of religion,

Communities have 'long had concerns of the people's morals and/or ethics being corrupted by individuals and groups.

Your ready misunderstanding, in which you mistakenly think my point was that all Religions are Stalin,

Continues to show me the 'caliber of your current thoughts, regarding religion.

Perhaps the 'ant, should mind what happens to 'its society, when all is treated with irreverence, derision, contempt, no value, nihilism.

Hm, I've been a bit too sarcastic recently, I should work on this.

Of course people love for their groups, values, and sacred beliefs to be ridiculed, profaned, and degraded.

How silly of Islam.

(Sarcasm)

Of course other isms such as Communism do not fears criticism , kills blasphemers and apostates.

Stalin was well known for his soft touch towards those who held different views than himself and his party.

(Sarcasm)

And I'm not trying to poke Communism here more than other isms,

I could have been sarcastic about other groupings and instances in history.

Merry Christmas.

Hm, started reading back from post #234, Biblical contradiction (debateart.com)

Got bored, decided, I don't care about particulars and start of conflict, Clear enough by this point Bones 'would have a problem with ethang5,

And ethang5 a problem with Bones, for whatever reason.

Can't say I ever disliked ethang5, or considered him a chump, though I've not interacted with him much.

The forceful application of one's own values, discrimination against others.

Ah, and Atheism is 'free of such actions, in past, present, and future, eh?

I'm not sure online is the 'best method of identifying groups and their beliefs, behaviors.

Or how accurately 'widely defined groups 'can be identified.

(Edit)

Or 'debate, now that I think on it.

Perhaps debate tends toward the inflamed, people with chips on their shoulders,

Debates often battle of wills, not conversation accepting when one is wrong, or another holds a different opinion.

Though 'maybe internet is decent method of interacting with others,

Vocal minorities exist,

People 'looking for expression of anger.

Bellicose.

Source?

I'm 'not trying to give hard time, but am curious whether it is something you've learned over time, in interactions online,

Or whether it is some soft rule that most everyone knows about. (Can't say 'I know of it)

No,

Not being a Theist, does not prevent one from defending Theists,

Nor from criticizing arguments 'against Theism.

Same with Atheism, Polytheism, so on.

Well, even if it'd been a Democracy invades America, my answer would have been the same.

Uniforms, language, accents, looks, reconnaissance and identification, orders, 'Depending.

Might fight, might not, depends on one's nationalism, patriotism, skin in the game, personal grudges, what you stand to gain, be it honor, money, adventure, freedom.

, Just my take.

His argument of life being simple 'is a bit oversimplified I think,

One could say maybe, he's making life simple only if people choose minimum simple lifestyle.

But I don't think your post quite 'offers constructive conversation,

Remark such as,

Comes off as condescending and dismissive, I 'think.

Though I 'do think drug addiction medically, situationally, psychologically, is complicated.

From what I've heard of it, the THC is higher in modern marijuana than past marijuana.

To 'my mind, marijuana being less potent, made it less harmful.

Personally, I dislike it, and other drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes.

But I 'do like doughnuts and video games, so perhaps I am being hypocritical.

. . I don't much like introducing 'new items, that I view as weakening humans, and am less bothered by 'established items, tradition and what.

I suppose I look down on weed and some other drugs, for the people I knew and viewed in school as losers,

Try nothings,

Couple whom I've heard over the years died of overdoses (Other drugs, not marijuana)

. . .

Still my opinions 'just opinion, not fact or well thought out.

As my sources are just whatever I could grab quick that looked to support my views.

Tried debating the subject once, to try to challenge my outlook, on both sides, Pro and Con, but only got a couple of trolls, and never tried to challenge my outlook again.

Well, for 'basic day to day life, 'may 'be you're right, and I'm overcomplicating the thought.

But with people living different lives, having different aspirations, values, situations, connections.

I 'think life gets complicated now and then for most of us, sometimes a fair bit for some people.

Eh, 'overall, I might agree with you though, still pondering.

I think some obstacles are hard for people, because they find them complicated,

Or at least more faceted, than do, or do not.

There's ways to go about the doing, sometimes a variety of 'reasons, why a person finds themselves unable 'to 'do.

People don't always see how to do, what's preventing them from doing, or 'why doing doesn't feel fulfilling enough.

Sometimes lining up all the needed requirements 'to do feels overwhelming for them.

I think sadolite has a point,

But it's not so easy to 'follow a path, even when seen.

Thick skin, stiff upper lip, enduring, stoic,

Even for people practiced, find difficulty, I think.

People know 'how to lose weight (Though some don't have the genetics for such)

But the psychology of it,

Habits, addictions, preferences, ruts to overcome,

'Don't 'come, so easy.

One gets 'used to doing taxes over time,

But we weren't required to do them in school, become used to them.

. . .

Relationships ended, not end of the world,

One can see as spilt milk, other fish in the sea,

But 'again, not everyone has thick skin.

(NOT saying you're thick skinned or unfeeling, sadolite)

Just I've felt life was hard myself at times,

And have seen many other people at times in their life when they found life hard.

. . 

I 'do think there are methods and ways to go about life,

That makes it easier,

Both in how one views life, and how one acts.

Personally, I like shopping at Goodwill, or getting clearance food when it's cheap.

Though I don't have whatever item I want, as I could from Amazon,

A book or DVD is cheaper at Goodwill, I've found.

Ah, that is an official definition, I see now, after Google-ing.

I thought you meant it as in 

Even art serves a 'purpose, I'd say,

Memorial Day in America, could be called art.

The manner in which the flags are erected, memorializing and showing respect to those who have died for their country.

Evocation of human emotion, will, appreciation.

Is practical.

Why folly?

One see's art in groups 'and individuals.

See's it as an expression of groups and individuals thoughts, emotions.

As a person might yell out in pain or exuberance, happiness or sadness.

A focal, so to speak.

A spartan home, with no paint, shaped as a bock, curtains untinged by dye,

Is not so common,

But perhaps I speak too much from my own experiences and perspectives,

And miss other viewpoints.

 Shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year.

I would 'figure, but do not know,

That Calanders and star charts could be devised or known by other means than a giant of a structure.

To my mind, (Which is uneducated on the subject)

It's value is one of meaning,

Symbolism, celebration, ceremony, whether cultural or religious.

Though I 'really can't imagine who's responsible for it,

A king, a spiritual leader, the people en masse,

Engaged by the idea of what they were to make?

Did all 'understand what they were making, and share together the same motivations,

A builder sometimes cares more for payment, than the use that is the clients interest.

But I'm rambling.

. . .

Art for arts sake, 'is a motivation often for people,

But I also think people create art for meaning,

Royal thrones or capital cities, decorated to show importance, prestige,

Places of worship or business,

Decorated, fine carved, to show the regard one holds.

And I see you 'continue the very behavior I noted, I view a detriment of your character.

Jabbing at Christians, I mean.

When we could have just talked about how cool Stonehenge and different belief systems are.

I've met theists and atheists both,

Who've been bad to their kids.

. . .

I've heard times before, that,

"While they were reported to have been literate, they are believed to have been prevented by doctrine from recording their knowledge in written form"

I suppose I might find it fun today, to read on Oral tradition some,

While I 'do think oral tradition would be valuable for learning, retention, comprehension,

At face value, it risks being lost easily, seems to me.

Even 'with poetic structure to aid memorization and keep it the same.

If you had not included the line,

I'd like the post, as bringing something different into the religious section, than the same old.

It 'is pretty cool how old Stonehedge is though,

Interesting to think about how the surroundings might have changed over such a period of time,

Wonder about the people who build it,

What those who saw it thought of it.

Though I don't consider myself a supporter of The Confederacy, I dislike the hostile tone and arguments some modern individuals make of them.

In a similar vein to my dislike of some Anti-Theist tones and arguments, I suppose.

Or politics, on either side, at times.

I dislike derision, demonization, caricature, mockery, poor reasoning, a lack of understanding, or acknowledgement of another person's view/point.

Though I'm certain I'm guilty of such myself at times.

YouTube clip just happened to pop into my mind today, specifically, the last few seconds of it.

I recall seeing this in High School I think, history class, last few days of one of the school years.

I'm very ignorant of history and law, and this information is from Wikipedia,

But,

It makes sense that a person breaking the law as it is currently understood by one side, not be able to vote during an election.

Same would apply to a terrorist, I imagine.

Many states, though not 'all I think, have laws that limit or cease individuals right to vote, during prison time, and parole.

Which again, makes sense,

As their suitability is being assessed.

Same reasoning people use for assessing individuals before selling them various items of potential harm.

I imagine countries that experience civil war, might see equal voting rights, if it comes back together on equal peace treaty terms,

But South lost.

I'd suppose it 'is a concern, that groups might be focused on, their right to vote removed,

Jews in WW2 Germany for instance,

Or Communists during the Cold War,

But 'active terrorists, criminals, even 'past terrorists and criminals, would be a concern, I'd think.

There's a difference between refusing someone equal rights for being a 'bit different from you,

And an individual who's a proven past or active threat.

Though. . . And I hate to be Devil's Advocate, to certain people's mind, even those people a 'bit different, 'are an active threat.

And what's more, according to their values, truly 'are an active threat.

Though not everyone 'holds said people's minds.

Also,

Even when one's actions are modified, playing baseball, is playing baseball.

Though certain methods will see more success than others.

I suppose when we 'consider the action, then yes, every action is frozen in time,

If you think of the action as a set circumstance,

Even individuals are frozen in time, if we stop and consider that individual at that moment in their life, who they are, how they are different from the individual 'now.

They're different people, see.

I'm unsure about time.

Introversion over the years, perhaps of character, certainly of behavior,

That culminates into a great preference 'for autonomy and limited relationships.

I say limited, for clear enough I spend time online, conversing with people often enough.

It's possible if I met someone, I'd end up in a relationship, but it's not something I have a great desire for,

Thus I make no attempts at it,

Even were a meeting to occur, I'm doubtful of my 'preference for it, but unknown theoreticals.

I don't 'think I'd call myself an Antinatalist.

Though my mind 'does think on that subject now and then, it's more a 'mood for me, than a stand.

Lastly, selfishness I suppose, I don't much want to give myself to another, be it a spouse, or my offspring's genetics.

. . .

I agree with what you say of countries systems,

Though I think culture is a 'significant bonus to the function of a country.

Genetics themselves are not culture, usually, and people can assimilate.

But I think myself, that genetics can 'tinge culture, as well as the fact that groups tend to 'keep their cultures.

Can take a 'lot of ink, to be stronger than blood.

(Ink being laws, history, so on.)

(Edit)

Ah forgot, later half of my life,

Well, 'ideally, save enough money to retire,

Continue pursuing that which I enjoy or interests me.

Continue limited relationships with others.

Die of old age, regretful that I was not more reckless in ambition to power or life extending technology.

Masks were 'relatively common in some countries before Covid, I 'think.

Though perhaps not in the extreme we see masks now.

Somewhat interesting, seeing another's thoughts.

I've no interest in having a family myself,

Though I think it'd be economically 'useful, both for myself and my country.

Least for people in the right situations, live well, and raise their family well.

Family can be an economic, moral, safety, emotional, support.

My opinions,

If one identifies a country as it's people/genetics/culture, and immigration is high, then low birth rate is bad for a country.

If one identifies a country as it's people/genetics/culture, and immigration is low, then a low birth rates consequences can be managed.

The way I understood the concept, though I may not have understood the concept.

Is that a certain behavior or action will reach peak efficiency.

Wolves hunt best by certain methods, there's a most effective way of shooting the ball in basketball. a most effective way of painting a room, A Democracy or Dictatorship runs best by certain conditions and methods.

No, because the buzzwords are often chosen because the common people 'already have an issue with them, and are 'already repeating the words themselves.

Certain words, ideas, concepts are 'chosen by strategy groups, because they matter to the public, if they chose a word the public 'didn't care about, they'd fail in their goals.