tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post4341291967836579034..comments2024-03-28T10:44:30.518-06:00Comments on American Creation: Obama Claims He's a Better President Than George Washington!Brad Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17669677047039491864noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-87927171609750019692011-12-27T08:32:20.775-07:002011-12-27T08:32:20.775-07:00.
Responding to Brian.
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Religion is not the same ....<br />Responding to Brian.<br />.<br />Religion is not the same as theology in my thinking. Instead, theology is an aspect of religion.<br />.<br />I post that to clarify my thought of religion being experienced in stages. There was a time when religion was in its primitive stages. The Middle Ages expressed an evolving stage and Modernity expresses yet another. There is a stage that has not yet expressed itself. I see that stage as being Universalism's dream.<br />.Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-59155960264879509492011-12-27T08:28:16.280-07:002011-12-27T08:28:16.280-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-43187881260800123962011-12-26T22:13:47.921-07:002011-12-26T22:13:47.921-07:00Actually, Phil, we're making PROGRESS in the a...Actually, Phil, we're making PROGRESS in the area of civility as it relates to religion, if you look at today versus the Middle Ages. At least in the West.Brian Tubbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15412421076480479001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-41802123869643448812011-12-26T08:50:00.802-07:002011-12-26T08:50:00.802-07:00.
:^)
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Civility. Yeah, right.
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You brought up a ....<br /><b>:^)</b><br />.<br />Civility. Yeah, right.<br />.<br />You brought up a very interesting question, Brian. <br />.<br />"What is religion?"<br />.<br />I'm sure you know that question would not have even been asked in the Middle Ages; but, that it was just understood as a question in the eighteenth century.<br />.<br />I see religion as a human institution that has stages like everything else that evolves.<br />.<br />I don't particularly think the present stage of religion is very conducive to healthy social relationships.<br />.Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-89548762730374971702011-12-25T21:58:34.727-07:002011-12-25T21:58:34.727-07:00Phil, I don't think I've said or done anyt...Phil, I don't think I've said or done anything in this thread that rises to the level of what I'm talking about when I refer to the breakdown of civility on the Internet. Frankly, there's been only one post in this thread (not by you) that really gets to that level. I don't mind a vigorous debate. In fact, we should welcome that.<br /><br />What I'm talking about is what you so often see in social media today like on YouTube for example. Personal attacks, slander, name-calling, profanity, etc., etc. <br /><br />It's not out of bounds for any of us to criticize comments made by the President (which is what I've done) or any other public figure. It's also not out of bounds to strongly criticize such comments. <br /><br />We should be able, though, as a society to discuss things rationally and to do so without resorting to personal attacks, name-calling, slander, excessive profanity, intimidation, heckling, etc., etc. <br /><br />Again, I don't think I've crossed any of those lines here. If I have, please point it out to me.Brian Tubbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15412421076480479001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-79334250903645150742011-12-25T10:59:29.166-07:002011-12-25T10:59:29.166-07:00.
You didn't like the metaphorical use of the ....<br />You didn't like the metaphorical use of the Great White Shark as symbolic of the present encarnation of conservatism in American politics?<br />.<br />Too pedestrian?<br />.<br />.<br />tsk tskPhil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-5062341337094471952011-12-23T18:18:17.435-07:002011-12-23T18:18:17.435-07:00Oy.Oy.Magpie Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01390264410632162085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-10526912105010651942011-12-23T18:01:30.635-07:002011-12-23T18:01:30.635-07:00Am I following this thread? Word for word, Jay, ev...Am I following this thread? Word for word, Jay, everyone of them.<br />.<br />I get the sense that the bias is so overpowering that it is giving the participants the false idea they are speaking in a nonpartison tones.<br />.<br />Some of the comments are quite onerous to a free thinking person. That may be hard for any ideologists to understand. But, try. You might be able to free yourself.<br />.<br />I know you think you aren't talking about Obama's campaign strategy. What I am saying is that what you are seeing IS his campaign strategy and it is pretty slick if you ask me. He is a master at bringing in the Big White Shark once he has got it on the hook. Watch him--he is masterful.<br /><br />I'm beginning to see a value in present day American culture that means that style is far more important than content. And, while Obama is overflowing with content, he presents great style in the minimalist sense.<br />.<br />Do you get my point?<br />.<br />The idea is to get elected with a majority in both houses. They you have the power to truly enact change. He is playing the competition--giving it more line. It's fun to watch once you get the understanding that it's all about getting elected.<br />.<br />*There was a typo in the previous post that changed the meaning.Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-36293542060048286412011-12-23T17:59:17.188-07:002011-12-23T17:59:17.188-07:00I don't have time to comment ... but one of th...I don't have time to comment ... but one of the blogs I follow posted on this subject.<br /><br /><a href="http://reflectionsofarationalrepublican.com/2011/12/23/is-president-obamas-recent-self-comparison-with-teddy-roosevelt-a-valid-one-2/" rel="nofollow">Is President Obama’s Recent Self-Comparison with Teddy Roosevelt a Valid One?</a>bpabbotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17047791198702983998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-91627575404850602852011-12-23T17:52:49.714-07:002011-12-23T17:52:49.714-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-72701991725406319652011-12-23T17:43:42.626-07:002011-12-23T17:43:42.626-07:00Re: "the fact that Obama comes from a very po...Re: "<i>the fact that Obama comes from a very polarizing denomination, one that is definitely more about "us" vs "them," than about uniting people, is something that's too often overlooked. Obama has gotten way too much of a pass for it.</i>.<br /><br />This has been a troubling fact for me.<br /><br />I see similar problems for Ron Paul, Sarah Palin, and others.<br /><br />The unique aspect of GW that I don't see in any later President is that his political and religious habits align themselves with the "middle of the road". GW's words aligned themselves nicely with his actions (pre-Presidency, Presidency, post-Presidency).<br /><br />I see this intent in nearly all sitting Presidents (from Adams to Obama). In my opinion, GW sets the high water mark as a genuine man of integrity with a span that begins before his Presidency and continues to end of his life.<br /><br />In any event, I don't know what lies in Obama's heart, and can only speculate on the level of his cognitive skills (his understanding of economics looks weak to me). As it is, I see no conclusive evidence that he seeks to gain for "us" are the expense of "them".bpabbotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17047791198702983998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-85944018065083410982011-12-23T17:01:31.073-07:002011-12-23T17:01:31.073-07:00Phil, I am not addressing the president's camp...Phil, I am not addressing the president's campaign strategy options. I am talking about his self-proclaimed apotheosis. Are you not following what is being discussed here?<br /><br />JayMagpie Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01390264410632162085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-53341700404261998432011-12-23T13:48:03.489-07:002011-12-23T13:48:03.489-07:00.
Brian writes, "... AND the general breakdow....<br />Brian writes, "<i>... AND the general breakdown in civility and manners on the Internet, it's becoming increasingly difficult to discuss anything without differences of opinion degenerating into "political fangs-on-throat" nonsense. </i>"<br />.<br />I hope you can take a look at how you are coming across here.<br />,Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-30132495418974446422011-12-23T13:39:35.562-07:002011-12-23T13:39:35.562-07:00.
I don't know if I'm going to vote for Ob....<br />I don't know if I'm going to vote for Obama to have a second term or not--I probably will seeing what is being expressed on the other side.<br />.<br />But, your comment< "<i>I'm not interested in partisan political or, for that matter, sectarian religious division either. I'm just addressing the president's attitude and behavior as juxtaposed against George Washington's. The current president lacks a perspective that people of faith have, which I believe is the main difference between him and his predecessors.</i>" seems awfully partisan to me. You cannot CLAIM to understand his strategy when it comes to designing his campaign for 2012. You cannot imagine he's going to let his opposition set the rules, can you?<br />.<br /><b>:^)</b><br />.<br />What do you know about the president's attitude anyway? You thinking he's going to expose his hand to the opposition? Give me a break!!<br />.<br />He's pulled it off before. Keep your eyes open, he's going to do it again.<br />.<br />.Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-75840483896823526032011-12-23T13:26:06.206-07:002011-12-23T13:26:06.206-07:00Jay and Tom,
Your points are well taken. The fact...Jay and Tom,<br /><br />Your points are well taken. The fact that Obama comes from a very polarizing denomination, one that is definitely more about "us" vs "them," than about uniting people, is something that's too often overlooked. Obama has gotten way too much of a pass for it. <br /><br />Sadly, between the Saul Alinsky radicalism that has infested American political discourse the last 20-30 years AND the general breakdown in civility and manners on the Internet, it's becoming increasingly difficult to discuss anything without differences of opinion degenerating into "political fangs-on-throat" nonsense.Brian Tubbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15412421076480479001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-13600043232825088612011-12-23T13:18:40.398-07:002011-12-23T13:18:40.398-07:00Hi Tom,
I'm not interested in partisan politi...Hi Tom,<br /><br />I'm not interested in partisan political or, for that matter, sectarian religious division either. I'm just addressing the president's attitude and behavior as juxtaposed against George Washington's. The current president lacks a perspective that people of faith have, which I believe is the main difference between him and his predecessors.<br /><br />Not to protest too much, but let me conclude by pointing out how Thomas Jefferson didn't even have his presidency mentioned on his tombstone.<br /><br />JayMagpie Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01390264410632162085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-84866705749789835112011-12-23T00:45:26.361-07:002011-12-23T00:45:26.361-07:00The current president claims he is Christian, citi...<i>The current president claims he is Christian, citing as proof his decades-long membership in a congregation that is more political than theological. He was taught Us vs. Them, rather than Brotherhood of Man</i><br /><br />Actually, Brother Magpie, I've been writing tonight on another blog on precisely this issue, re James Hal Cone. You are not just shooting from the hip.<br /><br />But I fear, even though this has become the most-commented upon post in recently here at AC, that we shall lose what we are by embracing this path of partisan politics.<br /><br />The internet is lousy with such stuff, political fangs-on-throat. AC should be an oasis from that savagery, not just another truck stop.Tom Van Dykehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07121072404143877596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-71854479457199519922011-12-22T21:39:33.352-07:002011-12-22T21:39:33.352-07:00Ben, your appeal to civility and common ground is ...Ben, your appeal to civility and common ground is well taken. <br /><br />I appreciate everyone here and the time they invest in these discussions.Brian Tubbshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15412421076480479001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-15823455235923103052011-12-22T18:24:35.745-07:002011-12-22T18:24:35.745-07:00Jay, I agree entirely. Obama's comment are far...Jay, I agree entirely. Obama's comment are far removed from the impressive solid humility of GW. Fair assessment, imo. <br /><br />Might GW have been the only President who didn't fit the mold of a politician ?<br /><br />I encourage everyone to look for common ground. This is a strategy I see reflected in many of the founder's behavior ... at least up to the ratification of the Bill of Rights.bpabbotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17047791198702983998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-36410570474688244242011-12-22T17:51:58.652-07:002011-12-22T17:51:58.652-07:00.
I'm eighty. Bill Schmeck was going on sevent....<br />I'm eighty. Bill Schmeck was going on seventy at the time he showed me the drawing and that was at least fifty years ago.<br />.Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-48693379230474729392011-12-22T17:46:57.220-07:002011-12-22T17:46:57.220-07:00Phil, I wouldn't think you would be old enough...Phil, I wouldn't think you would be old enough to know such a man. Early likenesses of AEN date back more than 100 years.<br /><br />JayMagpie Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01390264410632162085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-76607447023665546722011-12-22T17:30:47.223-07:002011-12-22T17:30:47.223-07:00.
I'm sorry to read your provacative comments,....<br />I'm sorry to read your provacative comments, Magpie. You have exposed a nasty side of yourself.<br />.<br />BTW, I personally knew the man who claims Alfred E. Newman was his personal creation. He showed me an old drawing he had. His name was William Schmeck. He was a pharmacist in Saginaw, Michigan.<br />.Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-25056394929896701302011-12-22T17:15:50.429-07:002011-12-22T17:15:50.429-07:00.
My entire point, Brian, is that George Washingto....<br />My entire point, Brian, is that George Washington enjoyed the enthusiastic support of what might have been the highest level of support any president has ever had.<br />.<br />Period.<br />.<br />You're acting like he had a tough time of it.<br />.<br />Obama is having a tough time of it just like Abraham Lincoln had a tough time of it.<br />.Phil Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06756814849309388483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-12798293184107074922011-12-22T17:12:36.395-07:002011-12-22T17:12:36.395-07:00Respectfully, what is missing from the president&#...Respectfully, what is missing from the president's remarks are the absence of humility, recognition of mortal limitations, and respect for forefathers that are taken for granted in leaders who acknowledge their inferiority to a Supreme Being.<br /><br />That is what makes this post worthy of discussion on American Creation.<br /><br />The current president claims he is Christian, citing as proof his decades-long membership in a congregation that is more political than theological. He was taught Us vs. Them, rather than Brotherhood of Man, which I believe is how he comes to think of himself as the winner of some ridiculous contest that exists only in his unenlightened mind.<br /><br />George Washington, by contrast, believed in God, worshipped in Anglican congregations, was unabashed in publicly thanking a higher power for the many blessings bestowed and, to my knowledge, not only never crowed about his very real and historic accomplishments, but went home to his farm when his SERVICE was complete.<br /><br />The contrast could not be greater, and I attribute it not to personality, but to reverence of deity and appreciation for humanity.<br /><br />JayMagpie Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01390264410632162085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237087217187172116.post-35914613913457932572011-12-22T16:53:48.498-07:002011-12-22T16:53:48.498-07:00Regarding Phil's and Brian's comments on t...Regarding Phil's and Brian's comments on the political divide now and in the past. I was reminded of <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/economists-explain-2011-in-charts/2011/12/21/gIQAT3lg9O_gallery.html#photo=3" rel="nofollow">this graphic</a>.<br /><br />The divide over the last 30 yrs is widening. I wish I had data for 200 yrs ago.bpabbotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17047791198702983998noreply@blogger.com