If You Support Ted Cruz...

[psyche101]

I never understood why people don't understand the Separation of Church and State, Freedom For Religion or Freedom from Religion, or No Religious Test Required to Hold Office stands for. Founding fathers clearly understood the dangers of organized religion controlling an nation. There are many christian individuals who are calling out for America to be taken over by Religion and Democracy replaced with Theocracy, it is so infuriating for me. I have nothing against Christians who worship in private or worship in the church, I do have problem with Church Pastors trying to use the people to take over the nation so they have power over everyone else that doesn't follow their strict bible codes that they abide and live by.

Well, I guess the small hope here is while the US might have the most religious, it will also have the most atheists, and people like you give them a voice.

Reading all those Jefferson quotes really cements what you are saying, and those states that took it upon themselves to add religious clauses really did them a disservice. Being an Aussie, the "Founding Fathers" do not apply to me, so they are just a smaller part of history that we tend to learn about, but being exposed to their ideals at this level takes on a whole new meaning, and I can see why they are so influential.

In a country that touts freedom, I can only see you as doing the right thing. Religion restricts freedom, and has caused so much unrest and hurt in today's world. How it is not a good idea to remove an emotional reckoning from Government bewilders me.

I agree on the personal basis too. Whilst I would never advocate relgion, those who have been indoctrinated, and find some level of support from it are not the people creating problems, the people they serve are. We can hate cancer, but we do not hate the people afflicted with it. Same with relgion. The organised religions of the world are the problem, not the person who has been taught to believe in God. They are often top notch people. Cruz as we can see is well past that, and to be honest, he seems really shady using relgion to garner votes.

[Yamato]

You clown, YOU asked the question that I asked you to answer yourself.

, if he's genuinely this serious about raising atheists to positions of political power in the USA

Well I would say, yes he is. I doubt you have the capacity to debate the subject.

That's not a question! That's a statement. And I would also say, yes he is. There's nothing to debate here either.

Go back to the previous page and explain all those religious laws still in place, which even the public attempt to enforce.

I have no interest in explaining them other than to say again, if laws are unconstitutional in this country they should be challenged. This isn't an exceptional case where we do it, and then fall out the window on the 2nd Amendment or on any other Constitutional issue.

It is a relgion problem, and as I said, the US having the most people is going to see the worst of it - that is just statistics Yam, not a personal attack although you do not seem to be able to see it.

My country offers 50 different states to choose from. So if challenging the law in one's state isn't one's choice, moving to another state is another choice. I would recommend Minnesota where they've already had an atheist governor.

When China comes here, economies will boost, we look to the future, we do not live in the past like you Yam. War is not necessary, business negotiations are. The only war I will be fighting will be if our Government gives in to the free trade agreement, which is just wrong and cannot go ahead. I will go see politicians about it though Yam, I will actually do something. You should try that sometime.

You should try not abusing people in the internet. For the third time now, I'm not supporting a Christian like Trump or Cruz or Clinton for President. I would recommend an atheist candidate for Uncle Sam and that would be his country taking a step in the right direction for him and probably the rest of the country too.

Understandable, do you even know what the topic is?

Ted Cruz's Theocracy. Say something relevant to that for the first time ever. The topic isn't me.

[Stubbly_Dooright]

He didn't say a word about taking away anyone's rights or citizenship. Over reaction imo. We have a Constitution that allows you believe or not to believe in God. That's protection enough for me.

Well, one would hope.

Theocracy? Dude... have you ever heard of Hollywood? Internet porn? The idea that anyone could force Americans to believe in or even respect God is preposterous. It's like being scared of ....

Well, one, the Stay Puff Marshmellow man might be a better candidate, in my opinion. And two, there are those who I feel is really trying hard to push what others believe. I see it on a day to day basis. I wouldn't put it past Cruz there to attempt.

Why can't we just be who we are, which is a million different things, without being constantly bombarded with negative connotations, accusations of being feckless brainwashed drones and incessant holier than thou lectures? We are the greatest country the world has ever known in every way and those ways that you loathe have put US on top of the world. Nobody does more than US and few do any one thing better.

Then why is alot of media stuff coming from Canada?!

Frankly, speaking of Canada produced shows, I would wish if we could import the Scott Brothers to clean up our country.

Oh, you mean that guy from Canada.

Oh crap!!! Good point!!

Well, then speaking of Canada, take Cruz ( and Bieber while you're at it ) and give us the Scott brothers, and we'll keep Shatner.

Cruz is a creature of the "religious" right. An especially loud, dumb, and violent group of bottom feeders who hide their evil behind the Cross, just like the irreligious left.

Does anyone seriously think Trump is a Christian, or do they just like being lied to? "My favorite book" my ass. He's as Christian as he is anti Establishment.

To me, it looks to me he suddenly became a Christian. From before all this, he was just all business. That, and when he was having a 'media feud' with someone else.

I am also fighting for the rights of others as well. The constitution is something I value a lot, it is quite beautiful written that doesn't place no race or religion above anyone else. Yet here we are today watching Religion dominate the government and it is getting worse with each passing election. Heck the recent laws themselves incorporate religion in it, he Anti-LGBT laws that passed is a violation of the constitution, placing one religion above all other religions.

This might be a crazy crazy, really crazy question, but couldn't this be considered treason? Or am I ......................... never mind.

You can be Christian and understand the danger of organized religion too. The Founders understood the danger of organized government as well, but they didn't run away from that either, they founded it.

What Christians are very vocal in their hatred? Do you have any public examples or just personal anecdotes? Of course discrimination exists, but I don't see the discrimination of atheists is particularly troubling or on the rise compared to other forms of discrimination. I would think that Atheists are more acceptable in society today than they've ever been.

It's still very there, unfortunately. I see it everyday in my job. It's amazing how I keep control and not give some of those who berate and demonize Atheists an earful of screaming justice.

[Ashotep]

I think you're scaring yourself man. This isn't medieval England. What exactly is he going to do that you're afraid of? What rights does an atheist have that he can taken away?

Cruz definitely has a religious base and I'm not part of that but I will be voting for him if he's still around when I get to vote.

I hope Cruz sinks. I don't trust the man and he will gut social security, which Trump is against, when the only thing that needs done is government keeping their hands out of it and paying back the almost three trillion they owe to it. Doesn't seem anyone is interested in that.

Government Owes $2.7 Trillion to Social Security

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/01/31/this-presidential-candidate-wants-to-cut-social-se.aspx

[SHaYap]

Yup ... just the mere mention of the debt and suddenly its all a sudden jarring silence ... the point is not no one is talking about it , the scary thing is no one is even asking.

So what about the debt ? ... so what ? they say ... Its just gonna get bigger ... har har ~

So what's the problem ?

As long as everyone makes believe it ain't there, its as good as invisible ... business as usual ... meanwhile the torrential sound and fury ad hominems is flung with wild abandon as if it is going to solve anything ... if anything, it just further conceals the fact that things is going to get as worse as it will get ... willingly

commie! fag! homophobic! traitor! monster! beast!

moaning and groaning, all signifying nothing ....

~

What was it that Jack asked ? "Ask not what your country can ..."

oh they put a magic bullet in his head ... Oh never mind ...

~ How about something reminiscent of a more innocent time ? Dare I say of happier times ?

-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKeYS1P9j1c

-

' I gave you the best years of my life ' says Rooney ... ' damn right ' says Cagney ~

`

[Uncle Sam]

Yup ... just the mere mention of the debt and suddenly its all a sudden jarring silence ... the point is not no one is talking about it , the scary thing is no one is even asking.

So what about the debt ? ... so what ? they say ... Its just gonna get bigger ... har har ~

So what's the problem ?

As long as everyone makes believe it ain't there, its as good as invisible ... business as usual ... meanwhile the torrential sound and fury ad hominems is flung with wild abandon as if it is going to solve anything ... if anything, it just further conceals the fact that things is going to get as worse as it will get ... willingly

commie! fag! homophobic! traitor! monster! beast!

moaning and groaning, all signifying nothing ....

~

What was it that Jack asked ? "Ask not what your country can ..."

oh they put a magic bullet in his head ... Oh never mind ...

~ How about something reminiscent of a more innocent time ? Dare I say of happier times ?

-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKeYS1P9j1c

-

' I gave you the best years of my life ' says Rooney ... ' damn right ' says Cagney ~

`

I am not a math expert to be honest, so I am not jumping on the issue of debt. Why should I jump onto the topic of debt when I have knowledge how debt and economy works. Maybe I should study up on math and actually look into the numbers, but that take years of my life just to respond to that question buddy.

[preacherman76]

*SNIP* Never Mind.

Yea that's basically where im at.

[SHaYap]

I am not a math expert to be honest, so I am not jumping on the issue of debt. Why should I jump onto the topic of debt when I have knowledge how debt and economy works. Maybe I should study up on math and actually look into the numbers, but that take years of my life just to respond to that question buddy.

I guess so ... it is one of those 'dunno whether I should laugh or should I cry' moments ...

~

[Ashotep]

Yup ... just the mere mention of the debt and suddenly its all a sudden jarring silence ... the point is not no one is talking about it , the scary thing is no one is even asking.

So what about the debt ? ... so what ? they say ... Its just gonna get bigger ... har har ~

So what's the problem ?

As long as everyone makes believe it ain't there, its as good as invisible ... business as usual ... meanwhile the torrential sound and fury ad hominems is flung with wild abandon as if it is going to solve anything ... if anything, it just further conceals the fact that things is going to get as worse as it will get ... willingly

commie! fag! homophobic! traitor! monster! beast!

moaning and groaning, all signifying nothing ....

~

What was it that Jack asked ? "Ask not what your country can ..."

oh they put a magic bullet in his head ... Oh never mind ...

~ How about something reminiscent of a more innocent time ? Dare I say of happier times ?

-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKeYS1P9j1c

-

' I gave you the best years of my life ' says Rooney ... ' damn right ' says Cagney ~

`

Trump has mentioned it several times but he is the only one. Sometimes I think the rest don't care or think we can continue this.

[Dredimus]

So... you are freaking out and throwing out fear over Cruz.... but you dont mention the following:

Jimmy Carter

G.W. Bush

William McKinley

James Madison

James Garfield (A member of the clergy)

These men were by far more "religious" than Cruz can pretend to be...

Also, why do you discount the fact that the president cant do anything on his own... not where changing the direction of this country would be concerned anyway... So why are you dropping your own version of fire and brimstone around?

[Yamato]

More b******s I see. America ccould not have cared less about Auatralia in the Pacific War, we were a suitable base of operations, that's all. If they could have fought it from Pearl, thry would have and stuff Australia.

Of course you were a suitable base of operations and that's all (that's another way of saying that battles weren't fought in Australia). How does that mean we don't care about you? What didn't you get in WW2 to be saying this stuff?

[Uncle Sam]

So... you are freaking out and throwing out fear over Cruz.... but you dont mention the following:

Jimmy Carter

G.W. Bush

William McKinley

James Madison

James Garfield (A member of the clergy)

These men were by far more "religious" than Cruz can pretend to be...

Also, why do you discount the fact that the president cant do anything on his own... not where changing the direction of this country would be concerned anyway... So why are you dropping your own version of fire and brimstone around?

Why would I bring these people up? They are not relevant to today's topic. Plus the atmosphere and politics were much more different, it wasn't in the extremes like it is today. Republicans hold majority of the house of representatives and the senate is pretty much religious dominated.

Edited March 9, 2016 by Uncle Sam

[Stubbly_Dooright]

Trump has mentioned it several times but he is the only one. Sometimes I think the rest don't care or think we can continue this.

For me, I do realize that there are some things that is taken seriously here, and I have to admit, he has the experience.

( and I'm not talking about when he declared bankruptcy, but that he's got a financial sense experience )

So... you are freaking out and throwing out fear over Cruz.... but you dont mention the following:

Jimmy Carter

G.W. Bush

William McKinley

James Madison

James Garfield (A member of the clergy)

These men were by far more "religious" than Cruz can pretend to be...

Also, why do you discount the fact that the president cant do anything on his own... not where changing the direction of this country would be concerned anyway... So why are you dropping your own version of fire and brimstone around?

I always felt Carter pretty much regret his religious affiliation or something close to that. I remember him saying things how he wanted to leave his church, because of the gender inequality. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/excommunications/2015/04/the-defection-of-jimmy-carter/

But anyways, that's a good point. I think a few past presidents have tried something that didn't go any further. I think I remember reading a bit, where at one gathering, a female audience member was asking Bush Jr. about getting everyone into church, and he had to remind her, ( albait maybe reluctantly ) that everyone had a right in the US to go or not go to religious services. I always felt he was one of the biggest religious presidents.

[Yamato]

James Madison wasn't religious, at all.

[Gunn]

I think I remember reading a bit, where at one gathering, a female audience member was asking Bush Jr. about getting everyone into church, and he had to remind her, ( albait maybe reluctantly ) that everyone had a right in the US to go or not go to religious services. I always felt he was one of the biggest religious presidents.

Lol yeah I remember something about that. As a matter of fact, I think some town resident in Texas asked a similar question to Ted Cruz in a town hall meeting somewhere in Texas last year. But if the highly religious really wanted most people to go to church in this country, all they would have to do is offer a financial incentive for attending\listening to someone preach. Simple as that. For example:

Years ago I saw this offer in a regional paper that offered couples two free nights at a hotel in Branson, Missouri with $50 dollars cash to spend and all a we had to do was sit down with a salesman and listen to him try to sale us timeshares for about 2 or 3 hours of our time. Let me tell ya, it was worth it! Didn't bite on the timeshares BTW, but had a fun weekend in Branson.

Yeah so if a church offered something like that for every attended sermon, you bet I'd go a number of times; and I'm not even religious. Well obviously except when it comes to money.

[psyche101]

That's not a question! That's a statement. And I would also say, yes he is. There's nothing to debate here either.

If he is - implies question. You answered it for yourself, that does not remove that is was in question, when it never should be, people should be elected on how well they can perform for their country, not their belief system.

I have no interest in explaining them other than to say again, if laws are unconstitutional in this country they should be challenged. This isn't an exceptional case where we do it, and then fall out the window on the 2nd Amendment or on any other Constitutional issue.

And yet are state laws that sorely need to be abolished to indeed have a free country. Too many are happy to see them enforced and that is due to the added indoctrination of being one nation under God.

My country offers 50 different states to choose from. So if challenging the law in one's state isn't one's choice, moving to another state is another choice. I would recommend Minnesota where they've already had an atheist governor.

I really do not think your constitution or ideals of your founding fathers are anything like "If you do not like relgion pack up and get out. What would Jefferson say huh?

You should try not abusing people in the internet. For the third time now, I'm not supporting a Christian like Trump or Cruz or Clinton for President. I would recommend an atheist candidate for Uncle Sam and that would be his country taking a step in the right direction for him and probably the rest of the country too.

You get what you give, as I said you are an out and out ahole Yam, When you posted the pick of the kid firing and automatic weapon and said "Aim For The Aussies Kid" You lost your right to courtesy. You deseve nothing less than the contempt you deserve.

Yeah yeah, we know who you are voting for without even going into the threads to look, this guy right?

Ted Cruz's Theocracy. Say something relevant to that for the first time ever. The topic isn't me.

The real concern that is Ted Cruz is elected that the US would become a Theocracy, especially if enough people are brainwashed and misguided enough to support him.

He looks like he always really needs to pee.

[psyche101]

So... you are freaking out and throwing out fear over Cruz.... but you dont mention the following:

Jimmy Carter

G.W. Bush

William McKinley

James Madison

James Garfield (A member of the clergy)

These men were by far more "religious" than Cruz can pretend to be...

And with things like "One Nation Under God" and laws in states that insist on belief in a creator, they seem to have removed the original ideals of separating The Church and Religion and paved the ways for people like Cruz and Bush, another religious bigot.

Also, why do you discount the fact that the president cant do anything on his own... not where changing the direction of this country would be concerned anyway... So why are you dropping your own version of fire and brimstone around?

It is a genuine concern. Academic achievements are correlated with non-religious affiliation eg.

Yet an Atheist is one of the least likely candidates to be elected. So in order to have the best minds the US produces in position of importance, they either have to lie to the public or understand that their chances are severely curbed. That does not strike me as a balanced or fair process. It is loaded on the side of relgion.

[Yamato]

If he is - implies question. You answered it for yourself, that does not remove that is was in question, when it never should be, people should be elected on how well they can perform for their country, not their belief system.

And yet are state laws that sorely need to be abolished to indeed have a free country. Too many are happy to see them enforced and that is due to the added indoctrination of being one nation under God.

I really do not think your constitution or ideals of your founding fathers are anything like "If you do not like relgion pack up and get out. What would Jefferson say huh?

You get what you give, as I said you are an out and out ahole Yam, When you posted the pick of the kid firing and automatic weapon and said "Aim For The Aussies Kid" You lost your right to courtesy. You deseve nothing less than the contempt you deserve.

Yeah yeah, we know who you are voting for without even going into the threads to look, this guy right?

The real concern that is Ted Cruz is elected that the US would become a Theocracy, especially if enough people are brainwashed and misguided enough to support him.

He looks like he always really needs to pee.

That video I posted of the kid "Put the red dot right derr"? LOL Is that what made you so sore? It's all in good fun dude, lighten up!

I won't repeat myself again about unconstitutional laws but we'll still have the right of religious expression and the right to bear arms after all the unconstitutional laws are stricken from the books.

If he is - implies question. You answered it for yourself, that does not remove that is was in question, when it never should be, people should be elected on how well they can perform for their country, not their belief system.

That's why I'm not voting for Ted Cruz. His belief system has nothing to do with it.

[SHaYap]

Trump has mentioned it several times but he is the only one. Sometimes I think the rest don't care or think we can continue this.

No, Trump was not giving due attention to it, he was jerking off the people and the media ... to make feel good ... to make light of the matter, which is worse ~

So what exactly would Trump do about the debt? Judging from what he's said publicly, the answers range from "really hard to say" to "he will make it worse."

For starters, Trump has proposed a tax reform plan full of tax cuts that will cost between $10 trillion and $12 trillion over a decade, according to very preliminary estimates from the Tax Foundation.

Trump has suggested economic growth plus spending cuts and closing unspecified tax loopholes will make up for lost revenue and even reduce deficits.

Good luck with that, say fiscal experts.

Mark Goldwein, senior policy director of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, estimates Trump's tax plan would increase public debt to 125% of the size of the economy by 2025, up from 74% today.

Translation: Just to keep the debt where it is, Trump would have to propose spending cuts and/or tax increases equal to 50% of GDP that year. That's going to be about three times what the government spends in a year.

• money cnn link
  

~

[Gromdor]

Eh, even if Trump does bankrupt America, as long as he keeps his fortune he is a good businessman.

[Uncle Sam]

Eh, even if Trump does bankrupt America, as long as he keeps his fortune he is a good businessman.

The election should be choosing between the two of the shiniest turds. XD

[Gromdor]

Think I'm going to vote for Zoltan Istvan this time around.

[Uncle Sam]

The election should be choosing between the two of the shiniest turds. XD

The Election shouldn't be choosing between the two of the shiniest turds. I hate when I can't edit and fix my grammar mistakes. Hate it with a passion, it bugs me like crazy.

[psyche101]

Eh, even if Trump does bankrupt America, as long as he keeps his fortune he is a good businessman.

Did you see John Oliver speaking about his Business "successes?"

Wasn't a good look for Trump.

Edited March 10, 2016 by psyche101

[Dredimus]

James Madison wasn't religious, at all.

You would be way... way... way wrong on that... had he not gone in to patriotism and politics, he would have been a member of the clergy... he did his postgraduate in Theology for this reason. Today he would be classified as a Deist Episcopalian.

It is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity toward each other.

He also served (and founded if im not mistaken) on the commitee that would approve and pay congressional chaplains....

There are hundreds of writings from J.M. to others that state his faith... he often preached to those around him and worried over the souls of his friends... granted, later in life he pushed for a separation of church and state, but still remained in his faith... Do your homework.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Dredimus