I’m feeling a bit under the weather, but I am taking it easy. My Easter message from last year has lost none of it’s relevance, so I’m just reposting it. I think it’s worth a second go round. Hugs to all from the Easter Cat!!
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 2:01 (average 4:46). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Tales:
From Daily Kos: Dear Dr. Laura:
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination… end of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God’s Laws and how to follow them.
- Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?
- I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
- I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual unseemliness – Lev. 15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.
- When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord – Lev. 1:9. The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
- I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
- A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination – Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? Are there ‘degrees’ of abomination?
- Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
- Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
- I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
- My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev. 24:10-16. Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.
Your adoring fan,
James M. Kauffman, Ed. D.
Professor Emeritus Dept. of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education
University of Virginia
A classic!
From NY Times: As the proposed agreement over Iran’s nuclear program is debated in coming weeks, President Obama will make his case to a Congress controlled by Republicans who are more fervently pro-Israel than ever, partly a result of ideology, but also a product of a surge in donations and campaign spending on their behalf by a small group of wealthy donors.
One of the surprisingly high-profile critics is Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who burst to prominence with a letter signed by 46 Republican colleagues to leaders of Iran warning against a deal. Mr. Cotton, echoing criticism by Israeli leaders, swiftly denounced the framework reached on Thursday as “a list of dangerous U.S. concessions that will put Iran on the path to nuclear weapons” — words, his colleagues say, that expressed his deep concern about Iran’s threat to Israel’s security.
But it is also true that Mr. Cotton and other Republicans benefited from millions in campaign spending in 2014 by several pro-Israel Republican billionaires and other influential American donors who helped them topple Democratic opponents.
When hatred and billionaire bucks come together, it’s a Republican wet dream.
From Alternet: Mike Huckabee could give Cruz a run for his money in anti-LGBT hysteria.
All-but-declared presidential contender Mike Huckabee is right up there with Ted Cruz in his anti-gay hysteria. In an interview with CNN this week, the Huckster warned of the “militant gay community” that has mobilized behind “more pressure to put sanctions on Indiana than Iran.”
Ah, but the down-home, grits ‘n’ gun-loving former pastor, does have a way with words.
He especially did not appreciate the fact that big corporations like Apple and Walmart—which he loves, don’t get him wrong—joined in the condemnation of Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, enabling people and businesses to discriminate against gays.
“The reason that those corporations put the pressure on Indiana and Arkansas was because the militant gay community put the pressure on them,” Huckabee insisted. The dreaded “militant gay community” does not represent average Americans according to the Huckster. He does.
On an appearance on the Family Research Council’s “Washington Watch” this week, Huckabee continued his crusade, saying the LGBT rights movement is akin to something out of George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984: “It is a classic example of — really a page out of 1984, when what things mean are the opposite of what they really are,” he said.
Hmmm. Really interesting point, Mike, because if ever there was an excellent example of 1984-like Newspeak, it has to be calling the license to discriminate “religious freedom.” Huckabee is a consummate speaker of this language: “That’s what I’m seeing here is that in the name of tolerance, there’s intolerance. In the name of diversity, there’s uniformity. In the name of acceptance, there’s true discrimination.”
Wow! He’s good.
This blast of garbage from Upchuck Huck is just one of the five most deranged Republican moments from last week alone. Click through for the other four.
Cartoon:
30 Responses to “Open Thread–4/5/2015”
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I'll take your lead on posting reprises – but I think mine might be from two years ago.
This seems like an appropriate time to share an Easter story told by my “uncle” (actually my aunt’s brother) – a now-retired Lutheran (ELCA) minister. And since I’m Scandinavian, I’m using Swedes.
There were three Swedes living “Up North” in Minnesota who were tragically killed in an awful snowmobile accident. St. Peter welcomed them at the Pearly Gates – but told them that before they were admitted into Heaven they had to pass a short quiz, which made them very nervous.
St. Peter said it’s easy, “All you need to do is tell me about the story of Easter.”
The bravest (but dumbest Swede) stepped forward and said, “That’s too easy. Easter is in the fall when the leaves are changing to beautiful colors, and you get together with your family and friends to be thankful you can enjoy a huge feast of turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes and cranberries and pumpkin pie.”
St. Peter replied, “Sorry – that’s not correct” and zapped him straight to Hell.
The second Swede stepped up and answered, “You have to forgive him, St. Peter – he’s just a dumb Swede. Easter is in the winter when you celebrate a very important religious holiday by decorating an evergreen tree in your home, drinking eggnog and giving beautifully wrapped presents to your friends and family.”
St. Peter again replied, “Sorry – that’s not correct” and zapped him straight to Hell.
The third Swede stepped up and said, “You have to forgive him St. Peter – although he was correct that it’s a very important religious holiday. But it happens in spring, and it is when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. After He died, he was buried in a large tomb called a sepulcher. And then rolled a huge stone in front of its opening to seal it.
“On the third day, Jesus miraculously arose …
He rolled back the huge stone …
Stepped out …
Saw his shadow … and knew there would be six more weeks of winter.”
And since it's Easter, I wanted to share a photo of my brood of bunnies that I have. For some reason (maybe it's the cat) they just seem to congregate under the bed, couch and other pieces of furniture. But they're cute as the dickens. Take a peek (I hope my own URL will work as a hyperlink) …
Easter Bunnies
My little Annie was under the bed last night chasing our pet bunnies . . . and surprise, surprise, they look just like yours, only their ears are floppy, not beautiful and tall.
Ears or no ears, it seems like Bunnies of ALL types and persuasions have a talent to reproduce like, well … rabbits.
Nameless, they look just like mine!
My best friend is 100% second generation Norwegian-American. I am going to borrow this to send to her, she will love it.
Love it, but yiou need to replace Swede with Bagger,
Thanks for the Daily Kos repeat – I know some of the New Testament references, but I am going to try and learn a couple from this article when trying to argue with the dumb bunnies who are on the Right (so who have ignored everything that doesn't agree with what they want to believe – ie 'no gays 'cos it says so in the Bible'!).
Oh how very disappointing – I wanted to see if Dr Kauffman existed and send him an email of thanks – but found this
http://people.virginia.edu/~jmk9t/
and it says the letter is 'misattributed' – and gives a Snopes reference.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/drlaura.asp
Apparently Kent Ashcroft wrote it… but whoever wrote it, I DO LOVE IT (though I will be checking every reference before I try and learn them!).
Great find Pat! Kudos to the real author!
Did you happen to notice the Box that Prof. Kauffman has in the link you provided? In it he provides a link to a six-part "book" or pamphlet that he put together WRT the background of the Dr. Laura letter and its impact on him – and it's quite comprehensive.
http://drlauraletter.com/
And one of the "Chapters" on the background he notes that 150 – ONE-HUNDRED-FIFTY – folks have claimed authorship.
http://people.virginia.edu/~jmk9t/DrLaura/CH1_FameWithoutFortune.pdf
Thanks for this Nameless – I enjoyed reading those links greatly!
Kudos to thr real author, whpever it is.
4:04 average still 4:46. Walled cities = Sharia law? Or just feudalism?
Daily Kos – That one will NEVER get old as long as we have idiots. Jesus said we will always have the poor with us, and I think he must also have meant poor in intelligence.
NY Times – Well, time to bring out the old story of when our body parts decided that one part should be boss. Of course that story will also never grow old.
Alternet – All five of these are just too stupid for words. And I have to say that it isn't Bachmann, Limbaugh, Cruz, Huckabee, and Ashburn that frighten me. It's the fact that they all have platforms and supporters that absolutely terrifies me. (Ashburn – wasn't she an example in a scientology engram once?)
Cartoon – Well, of course Republicans are imposters. I doubt whether they're cute enough to make it as impawsters, though. Nameless's dust bunnies are cuter. (Are you sure those "eggs" are paited and not frosted?)
JD, I'd say feudalism. I was in a number of walled cities in France. It is typical construction to protect people from mauraders and warring armies. Jerusalem is also a walled city. In many, the modern cities have grown beyond the walls.
The Easter Bynny and Easter Kitty in the cartoon were not Republicans. They teamed up to warn us about whar Republicans are doing. 😉
I'm reminded of a different scripture–Jesus on the cross asking His father to forgive them because they know not what they do–which seems to apply to the Huckster and others these days.
Great post, TC! I loved all of it! And especially the ones that have the letter to Dr. Laura! Wonder if she ever got back to him on those questions? LOL!
3:00 TomCat was long gone by the time I got to the entrance gate.
2:52 I know the feeling Jerry. I think that is him leaving the city on a motorbike.
3:37 Wait for me!
Just past the arch on the right, there a little shop that serves catnip in a hookah!!
So who needs food if you're getting catnip in a hookah?!
Puzzle — 2:52 I know the feeling Jerry. I think that is him leaving the city on a motorbike.
Daily Kos — So TC, did you vote in the poll at the end of the article? I'd be very surprised if you did not! It is very amusing, notwithstanding the conjecture of the authorship. Pseudo Christians are cafeteria Christians, picking what to believe and what not to believe. Unfortunately, they choose to believe Hebrew Scripture but deny the greatest part of the Christian Scriptures — love God and love your neighbour as yourself.
NY Times — . . . and all of a sudden, Tom Cotton thinks he is an expert on foreign relations presumably because he was in the army and fought in Iraq? Cotton and the other 46 signers of "the letter" should be charged with treason. He hasn't had adequate time to review the contents of the deal. Give money to a fool like Cotton, and then see who is the fool.
Alternet — No wonder the Republicanus/Teabaggerum nest is so full of holes! . . . assholes that is!
Michele "gag me with a spoon" Bachmann — I read about this elsewhere a few days ago and couldn't stop laughing at her absolute stupidity. Aside from the comparison to the German Wings tragedy which beggars "why Michele?" (talk about cruel and inhumane treatment of the families), the comments when I read them were universally damning of Bachmann, and so they should be. You can read them here http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/04/ex-lawmaker-michele-bachmann-mocked-for-facebook-post-comparing-obama-to-pilot-who-downed-plane/comments/#disqus
Limbarf — Me thinks that Limbarf is well into that downward spiral of dementia. I have a great amount of compassion for those who suffer from dementia, my own mother being one, but I draw the line at Limbarf. He is a vile, unintelligent little worm at best.
Cruz — I hope his "anti LGBT" and lack of true Christian values will bite him in the ass, BIG time!
Huckabee — "The dreaded “militant gay community” does not represent average Americans according to the Huckster. He does." OK guys, you are all ordinary Americans, right? Does this bombastic idiot represent you? . . . I didn't think so! Another one with dementia.
Laura Ashburn — Stupid is as stupid does! I hope mediaite puts her back in the unemployment line.
Cartoon — Just like a Republicanus/Teabaggerum!
Just when you think that Michele Bachmann has totally gone around the bend … she finds another bend.
…and becomes more bent!
I hope you are feeling much better.
Daily Kos: I enjoyed this so much that I shared it on Facebook. People need to THINK before they take one verse and make it the basis for their own ignorance and bigotry.
NY Times: If Obama said " the sun will come up tomorrow" this bunch would argue that it couldn't possibly do that without their approval. Tom Cotton was anonymous a few weeks ago and I wish he were still that way. I rank him with Rand Paul, Sarah Palin, and Tom Cruz.
Alternet: I wish Mike Huckabee could meet my gay cousin, who is the gentlest, kindest person that I know in this world and call him militant. So much prejudice and hate from so many ignorant people is bewildering.
Bachman gives a new definition to insanity. I wish the families of those who died in the plane crash would sue her for adding to their grief.
Limbaugh: I didn't listen to his rant. I have signed so many Flush Rush petitons that I have lost count. He brings in the crazy viewers so his ratings stay up and that is the bottom line for media these days.
Ted Cruz out crazy's himself every day.
Laura Ashborn: I never heard of her before, just as well after reading this.
Cartoon: They would if they could. Children are only important when inside the mother, once they are born, they are on their own with the GOP.
Daily Kos ~ Excellent! I really think they have forgotten that Jesus only gave us 2 laws to follow when asked which was the greatest Law given to Moses. Love the Lord thy God with all your being and love thy neighbor as thyself. Amen!
NY Times ~ Forget Cotton(mouth). Bill O'Lielly endorses the deal. Shocker! http://thinkprogress.org/world/2015/04/02/3642246/bill-oreilly-expresses-support-iran-deal-give-shot/
Alternet ~ Would some qualified psychiatrist please change their meds?
Cartoon ~ Too true to be funny.
YHw went on to say that keeping those too is keeping, and therefore absolves us from, all the piety codes in the Old Testamanr.
Thanks all! Hugs!
Hi Tom, I said yesterday that I was not finding you in my Care2 Inbox. This morning did. Have been having computer woes for some time now. My I.T. friend has been here several times and needs to be here again. It was most likely a Care2 glitch and not my computer.