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STOP THE MADNESS!!!
Monday, February 22 2010 - 05:39 AM
What Is The Point????
Interesting how humans tend to turn on one another when unhappiness prevails. Historically it could be blamed on politics and the politicians that engineer the system. Race plays a part in maintaining the dysfunction. Economics and status are equally guilty of separating the masses. And of course one could not begin to broach this philosophical conundrum without recognizing the devastation religion has played on the human experience.
As beings, our genetic similarities would most likely measure approximately 99%. The only true difference can be quantified as a result of the human eyes ability to discern various colors. In spite of our similarities human beings have in the past and continue to define each other based, first on the visual perception. It would seem however that lesser animals on the plant also live based on a similar survival mechanism, with minor exceptions for bats and moles.
We as humans perhaps should exhibit considerably more metal prowess, but the opposite would seem more factual. We find ourselves in a state of constant war. When in fact historical evidence would point to the notion, that war has been perpetrated for very few reasons, natural resources, the acquisition of land, the defense of acquired land, destruction of people based on a myriad reasons and of course human nature which has an abundance of flaws. I contended the most prevalent in our existence today would be greed. On several fronts greed is destroying the very structure of our presence on this planet. The United States has spiraled into a consumer based society. Creating very little and buying what is not necessary.
Will this be the demise of this nation? Geed is in great abundance, fueling, every aspect of our lives. Does it matter? When consideration is given to the notion, that all things must end. Nations have come and gone. We now find ourselves mired in a war in a place known as “the graveyard of nations”. Germany, France, England, Russia and now perhaps the USA time will tell. One thing is certain there is a reason nations meet their demise. One thing I presume we all can agree upon. Know one knows for sure and the foreseeable future is less than bright. Also certain perhaps the oldest tactic for controlling the masses is very much in effect today…..DIVIDE AND CONQUER!!!
dbeardw says...
Why are you so surprised? God gives man enough rope to hang himself. We’ve done some good, but more bad than good. We certainly aren’t living the way one would have thought if you read the bible or most other holy books.
That’s why I never get phased when someone says the end of the world is coming. We’re so evil — all across this world — that I simply figure we deserve the ending of this world at some point. I’m just trying to be ready.
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AV Town Crier says...
DBW-While I profess to no religion, I’ve always believed that if there is a God, he gave man free will and the intelligence to learn and make intelligent decisions. Clearly we have not. Not since day one.
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dbeardw says...
I do not disagree. In fact, my heart is saddened because I see the world getting worse, not better. I don’t see an ability to heal ourselves.
These are the times when I thing Divine Intervention manifests its presence in some form or fashion.
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AV Town Crier says...
Personally, I think that it’s a little too late. If it were gonna happen it would have already done so.
I think we wrote our own ticket and we have to accept our destiny.
It’s time for someone else to rise to the top of the food chain.
But, we had fun while it lasted.
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Amir Raheem says...
There is a measure of truth in what each of you say. It is just a shame that in spite of human intellect and reasoning ability these attributes have become enemies of humankind as opposed to allies.
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Randy Hall says...
Pretty pessimistic Amir.
At least religion offers us hope, instead of a man co-opting that hope as a campaign slogan.
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Amir Raheem says...
Pessimistic….perhaps… I’m only making an observation on historical facts that tell their own story.
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dbeardw says...
Amir — I don’t hear pessimism in your words. I hear reality. Just like Rex is having this party of all parties supposedly on Thursday night with Klutter supposedly picking up most of the tab, and flying in a Las Vegas Act. It’s all show.
The man has money and power and instead of using it in a constructive way, he makes sure his friends get the dough they want off their deals. It’s sad that someone who could do so good is playing games with the psyche of the voters.
Mayor Rex is like the anti-christ to me. Let him enjoy what he thinks are the fruits of his power now. In the end, I believe every man faces judgment here or beyond.
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Randy Hall says...
Amir, some see a pile of horse manure and some think there is a pony that made the mess.
You can look at the world both ways and it is easy to see the failure side of anything. Harder to make a success out of manure that harness that pony.
America is full of people dependent on those that know how to find and harness that pony.
Which do you want to be?
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Martel says...
Amir -you have been traveling lately. I would guess that you have meet some great people around this Country , I know we read a lot about how mankind is headed down a slippery slope but really when we read and are spoon feed all the bad it stands to reason that we may start thinking we are done.I know it never stops making me feel good when I see people come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in need (Haiti) for example. Across this great land people are caring and most want what we have always wanted a good life for our kids and a bite of the pie.So in spite of the nuts, bad news, war we I think are doing pretty good, could be a lot better Yes, this is a growing period and people dont like change I dont either But throughout history it has always been the same somehow we always survive.
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Amir Raheem says...
Randy I don’t think you made full comprehension of my post. However this is what I was referring to, in terms of misunderstanding. Somehow you have only been able to debase the blog into an obtuse analogy using horses, ponies and manure. Simply put, the point I was making was …There are power elites in All walks of life that thrive on the notion that the masses can be divided over the most obscure issues. Your response is in obvious contradiction to what I say regarding the history of this world and how it has proven itself dysfunctional. This blog has nothing to do with my choices or my specific views. Only in spite of how similar we are as beings, we continue to endless disagree along simplistic issues. Now….I am to expect your best response is for me to develop my view based on a less than well thought out analogy of horses, ponies and manure….and who did it??? All I can say dear friend, it would seem with little effort, you have made my point.
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Amir Raheem says...
Very well put Martel. As usual you have been able to understand what I’ve tried to elude too. I was not suggesting impending doom. Only how interesting it is that in spite of phenomenal wisdom the world exhibits an over abundance if ignorance.
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Randy Hall says...
This so-called “greed” isn’t our villain. It isn’t runaway greed it is run-away government that uses our perception to divide us so they stay in power over us.
I always brisle at those that point out greed as a bad thing. If we didn’t work in our own self-interest we would work endlessly for others and ignore our own.
Karl Marx is a perfect example. While he was cavorting with rich benefactors his kids starved to death. I’d say Marx was greedy of his time and was willing to sacrifice others to his cause; even his own family.
Much like a senator or congressman that sacrifices the tax payer for their bloated ideals of what is good and what isn’t good. Government works best that governs least.
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Amir Raheem says...
Ok Randy your points are noted. I shall at this point withdraw. Understand this it was only my observasion. I am the last person that would think I know it all. However some things are so evident it dose’nt require learned man to recognize them.
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dbeardw says...
Randy says: “I always bristle at those that point out greed as a bad thing. If we didn’t work in our own self-interest we would work endlessly for others and ignore our own.”
I think one of the most praised books that point out greed as a debilitating force is the bible. I think the bible talks about the difficulty of rich men getting into heave. Along the way the rich seems to loose there sense of perspective and soul — believing all that they have amassed was totally of their own doing.
Greed is a sin according to God but I shall re-await Randy’s newest version. Maybe we can even amend the ten commandments! (smile)
Greed is different from when people say they have been blessed with much and attempt to share.
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lancaster says...
greed
–noun
excessive or rapacious desire, esp. for wealth or possessions.
avarice, avidity, cupidity, covetousness; voracity, ravenousness, rapacity. Greed, greediness denote an excessive, extreme desire for something, often more than one’s proper share. Greed means avid desire for gain or wealth (unless some other application is indicated) and is definitely uncomplimentary in implication:His greed drove him to exploit his workers. Greediness, when unqualified, suggests a craving for food; it may, however, be applied to all avid desires.
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lancaster says...
toyboy doesn’t understand there is a difference between working for one’s self interest and GREED!
WHY AM I NOT SUPRISED?
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Randy Hall says...
It isn’t that your point is wrong, your terms show pessimism. There are no books on how to fail, but many best sellers on how to succeed.
Success is a mindset you can learn it, have it naturally, or be taught that success is greed personified. It’s your choice how you view the world. I choose to view it full of people some happy some miserable and I choose to be a happy person and I’d rather Amir you dwell on good things instead of saying doom and gloom things.
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Amir Raheem says...
Greed….By most is considered something to be avoided, many were taught early in childhood to “not be greedy”. However many more see greed as a “methodology” of upward mobility ie; the banking interest,globilist, etc. etc. fill in the blank with all that have all they need, but quest for more and more and more. I make no reference to Randy. I only make the point that greed is a subset of covetness. Which most religeous/spirtual folks consider abhorrent!!!
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Amir Raheem says...
No where in my blog did I make any reference to success. That word, by virtue of itself is arbitrary and ambiguous. Success is measured by many things the least of which would I consider greed being an attribute of success…perhaps again more of a methodolgy of the presumed success.
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Randy Hall says...
It is word meanings we are fighting over. Many have made success equal greed. Successful people are usually vilified and I want everyone to know that success isn’t bad. Greed has been highjack as a pejorative to make us feel that successful people stamped on someone’s face to achieve that success, ignoring the oblivious hard work or luck that made them successful.
All greed isn’t all successful people. Some successful people use greed as a motivator. That is why I’m saying greed can be good if used properly.
Think a rising tide lifts all boats and you get my drift.
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Amir Raheem says...
Also my dear Randy I did’nt say anything about doom or gloom. Re-read the blog. I simply made an observation of past and in some cases current events. I have no way of knowing what will happen. But if you are a Christian man there are certainly enough references to the “doom” of this earth. Am I incorrect regarding those prophecies?
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Amir Raheem says...
Randy I was’nt around during your early home training…but somehow I feel you like many was taught…opposed to the movie “Wall Street” that in fact greed was not good, and in no shape or form was it an attribute for a young man-child to emulate. And that of course is not presume I know how you were brought up, it’s just that I think our values are more alike than different. No argument….perhaps a disagreement in ideas…purely human.
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Randy Hall says...
“Will this be the demise of this nation?” Sounds doom and gloom to me.
Our nation will only fail when we make success an enemy.
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Amir Raheem says...
Absoluty Ray….but only a movie. Unfortunatly many believe that to be a method and pretext to success. Only want my friend to understand, I’m not hijacking words, only observing how world events seem to unfold and the method by which it happens.
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Randy Hall says...
Amir, I was raised a staunch Democrat. The first president I voted for was Jimmy Carter. My parents are strong union supporters.
What turned me was my most expensive employee. This employee makes me nothing which means they produce nothing. This employee gets paid before I do. The employee doesn’t care if I don’t have any left over. This employee is demanding and costs me more money to babysit than any employee I have. This employee I can’t fire.
My most expensive employee is the government that gets the biggest check on payday. It should be a requirement to have to meet a payroll before you can write rules and laws that affect business.
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Amir Raheem says...
Randy it was simply a rhetorical question….not a proclamation or decree.
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Ray Cunneff says...
“How many yachts can you water-ski behind?”
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Amir Raheem says...
I assume you talking about the IRS…that is a differant subject…but I would suggest greed plays a part in that also. Please don’t fly an airplane into a building :-)
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Randy Hall says...
“One thing I presume we all can agree upon. Know one knows for sure and the foreseeable future is less than bright.” Amir this type of doom and gloom is painful for me. My future is bright, and so is the one my kids will make for themselves.
I simply reject this notion. I prepare for the worst but work to avoid it at all costs.
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Amir Raheem says...
Stop Ray… you’re making me laugh. But an excellant point just the same.
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Ray Cunneff says...
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
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Amir Raheem says...
Randy I did’nt write to give you pain you do understand that don’t you? I am very happy about your future and that of your children. Like I said we are more alike than differant. My observations were not directed at you or your persona.
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Amir Raheem says...
Ray that is the phrase I’m most familiar with.
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Randy Hall says...
Amir, the only pain I have is what I allow myself to have from your words.
I mention it because our greatest threat is why can’t decide on word meanings. The blog forum is a perfect example of people talking by themselves all the time.
We say compassion and then say successful people have no compassion. That successful person may have started McDonald’s, and employs millions but we hate his success and consider him greedy. We are taught to hate success and distrust anyone that has money as a thief. We should all learn to play Monopoly in for real and go to war with each to make and keep the most. To sit back and worry that success is born of greed means you will lose that game.
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Have Faith says...
What a f-ing ignorant ahole RH is. McDonalds heard that people wanted healthier food and they changed their menu. Parris and deatheaters heard what hundreds of citizens wanted and said f off. We know what compassion is. Your kind does not. It’s not the trouble with the blog it’s the trouble with you.
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Randy Hall says...
Amir, try this link:
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/02/cargo_cult_president.html
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Have Faith says...
Financial success is not a justification in itself. Good Christians know that.
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lancaster says...
yeah amir, american thinker tells toyboy what to say daily!
without it he would be lost!
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Randy Hall says...
Jesus said 13 “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work270 and gained five more. 17 In the same way, the one who had two gained two more. 18 But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money in it. 19 After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled his accounts with them. 20 The one who had received the five talents came and brought five more, saying, ‘Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 The one with the two talents also came and said, ‘Sir, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more.’ 23 His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered, ‘Evil and lazy slave! So you knew that I harvest where I didn’t sow and gather where I didn’t scatter? 27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received my money back with interest! 28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten. 29 For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.
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mattkeltner says...
Randy,
Never hold the rich in contempt, but suspicion is certainly reasonable!
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Ray Cunneff says...
I’m not sure what “good Christians” means anymore. All I see from “good Christians” is hate, bigotry and intolerance.
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Amir Raheem says...
Randy I have’nt said success was bad nor did I say being rich is bad. I know folks that fit each category. I’m still not sure why you have so much focus on the word greed I think of all words I typed I used that particular word twice. If you read the post again, I was useing the word regarding the cosumption mind-set of many Americans of today. But apparently that word touchs a nerve with you…and perhaps therin lies some guilt or self-loathing. I certainly never attacked you or your financil success.
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lancaster says...
ray
which is why i asked the question, what does one call those who truly follow jesus?
i like HR’s response. disciples of jesus!
the term christian brings no good to mind anymore!
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lancaster says...
toyboy hangs onto the word greed, and does his best to pass the word off as something good, because it is his golden calf!
an alter he worships at!
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Amir Raheem says...
Randy please don’t start quoting the Bible…there are words in that book, that would criticize the very position you hold to so dearly.
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Randy Hall says...
Sure MK, hold everyone as suspect. The panhandler asking for a dollar is maybe a kid that is earning a hundred bucks an hour playing on your guilt.
Amir, your entire blog entry is one of pessimism. Sorry to point that out to you.
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lancaster says...
power, property and prestige in and of themselves are not bad. only when u justify the destruction of others in the pursuit of such!
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Ray Cunneff says...
Follow his words and teachings, not his iconography.
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Amir Raheem says...
Good point Matt…should I hold suspect the slave holder that enriches himself on the labor of others….just as an example.
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Randy Hall says...
Sure Amir, but so many attack my belief system I wanted to show Jesus’ words on what economic order He wanted.
There is much responsibly that comes from talents. Look at our Hollywood glitterotti, who have so much they feel guilt and have to champion some cause even if it is a hoax, like man made global warming, or DDT, or nuclear power. To them it is the cause of the day, never mind it actually improves anyone’s life except for those two hours in the dark munching popcorn.
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Randy Hall says...
My talent is fixing cars. If I don’t do it right someone may die, or a tire could fall off, ect. The more you touch or have an effect on the greater the responsibility. I think that is why some hide in their homes paralyzed into inaction.
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Ray Cunneff says...
Randy Hall says…
“I wanted to show Jesus’ words on what economic order He wanted”.
Could you elaborate on what economic order Jesus wanted?
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Amir Raheem says...
Randy there is no need to apologize. The fact of the matter is I don’t consider pessimism a bad thing by virtue of itself. When ever I watch the Fox news channel I get a good dose of pessimism. I watching Glenn Beck….he brought out his black board and the pessimism went on for about 12min. Is he wrong for showing his essimism? Or anyone else for that matter. Re-read your comment about the employee you can’t fire…was that a form of pessimism? And from what I’ve read over the years would you disagree that you have written with a great deal of pessimism?
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lancaster says...
he wanted the slaves to make they’re master money. since TB thinks he’s a slave for the govt. he should get on with it!
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Amir Raheem says...
I’m not sure of your definition of what Jesus was saying Randy I never got the impression it was a lesson on economics. But neither am as well versed in theology as you may be.
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dbeardw says...
Amir – I find it interesting and amusing at times that when points out a shortcoming of a man of means, people like Randy automatically attack saying the naysayer must be liberal. In fact, if we are to be honest, it would be amazing to hear Randy at least admit that money in the bank doesn’t make a soul of purity and Christian values. Scrooge held more money than most.
It’s so very difficult to dialogue when the first terms out of someone’s mouth is liberal as if it’s a dirty word. In many respects I see Jesus Christ as liberal, progressive and yet full of commonsense that even conservative values were a part of his makeup.
If only Randy can find a place in his heart and soul for both to co-exist given the situation.
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Randy Hall says...
Ray, did you read The Bible quotes of Jesus’ parable of the talents? If so read it again, there is no clearer example of a capitalistic economic order ever in The Bible.
There are also plenty of warnings to take that responsibility seriously and the dire consequences if you don’t. .
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Amir Raheem says...
As far as your belief system is concerned welcome to the club. You didn’t think your belief system could be as simple as….lets say “one size fit all” did you?
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Randy Hall says...
For what made this country great yes.
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Randy Hall says...
“Sir, I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered, ‘Evil and lazy slave! So you knew that I harvest where I didn’t sow and gather where I didn’t scatter? 27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received my money back with interest!”
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lancaster says...
“evil and lazy slave”! like i said, get on it TB.
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Amir Raheem says...
This country was made great on the labor slaves…where their masters sowed NO seeds harvested none, and based on your metaphor that is correct and acceptable behavior. Would it be acceptable if you were the slave?
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Amir Raheem says...
I really must withdraw from this debate at this point Randy…but understand this…I do not think you’re stupid or anything like that…I will not call you names because I disagree. I am sad because so many have resorted to such measure to express themselves. I respect you for maintaining your positions as I would anyone that stands for something even if I don’t agree on the position they stand. We shall argue, debate, talk later of that I’m sure
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dbeardw says...
I have enjoyed reading the posts on this topic. Unlike Amir however, I will call someone stupid if I believe they are being intentionally obstinate or simply quoting a script to demean or debase a group of people. However as someone who goes to line on school every night, the more we can honestly dialogue without getting to that point of personal attacks, the better the learning experience is for all concerned.
I enjoyed the postings Amir and Randy. May we have more of them.
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Have Faith says...
Rh doesn’t want to believe glibal warming because he fixes cars. Rh doesn’t want to believe the Bible was written by men 500 years after the death of Christ. he needs to hear Jesus in a book because he can’t hear Him in his heart, or from his brothers. Us.
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dbeardw says...
RH has made himself into something that he believes fits a lifestyle that is more in line with opulence than anything else. I don’t care what anyone says, to me that is part of attempting to escape the deed he engaged in 27 years ago where I believe he is attempting to wipe the blood from his hands.
Until you treat your brother with love, respect, and care, unlike what RH always articulates, the blood will still be on his hands and blood because of a convenience to him will always haunt him for that soul didn’t deserve such treatment.
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PKShaw says...
Amir, yes indeed our country was founded on slave labor, from the Chinese who toiled on the railroads, the multi-ethnic factory workers in the north, and the Africans brought here to work the plantations in the south. Many contributed to building what was then a brand new nation, but this isn’t what made the USA a great country.
What made us great is the universal desire to control one’s own destiny, to live free from the tyranny of others, that was, and is, so strong many felt it is worth the sacrifice of their own lives to get it and keep it.
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mattkeltner says...
Don’t forget that just as many, if not more, Irish worked on the railroads also.
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Randy Hall says...
The gospel I quoted from was written about 60 years after Jesus’ death.
It’s an interesting concept that I should toss my Bible out and listen to men instead. I think I’ll reject that completely absurd notion. I depend on the Word, and tradition. Tradition helps understand my viewpoint a lot better than those that have strict interpretation.
As far as compassion goes, it depends on how you define it. If I enslave you, make you dependent upon me, and make it seem hopeless without me would that be compassion?
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Amir Raheem says...
PK I hope you’re not the comment about slaves out of context. The blog has nothing to do with slavery. However my friend Randy started reciting Bible scripture that took the conversation in that direction. Please don’t knee-jerk because you saw the word slave…read the comments in their entirety…as he and I went back and forth with our positions. Yes Matt however they were not brought to America in mass to be sold on the open market as property. The plight of the indentured servant is clearly noted in history
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fewenuff says...
We live in the 21st centruy now. Most of us harken from slaves of one type or another. Slavery was a way of life around the entire world at one time. Thank goodness those times have passed and are done. Referencing those times as specific to any culture are the foils of cowardice and imposed guilt.
THROW THE LYING BUMS OUT!!!and their little dogs too!
Lan Astaslem!
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Amir Raheem says...
Few… as is the case these threads always seem to go astry….this blog had nothing to do with slavery but as usual it has taken it’s own direction. I agree with the point you’re making. Most people in America don’t realize America represented a great experiment and changeing the notion that one person could own another was part of that experiment…If you bag the trash I’ll throw it out :-)
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AV Town Crier says...
We have reached the end of our reign at the top of the food chain. We have not only been bad stewards of the planet, our stand on human rights has been seriously flawed from the get-go.
I’m surprised we’ve lasted this long.
I’m not just talking about the USA, but mankind in general. Our record is dismal. We may have been good at creating technology, but nothing has really moved humanity foreword or made us more wise.
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