You are SUCH a conundrum! In one way, the quantum way, that is what I subscribed to you for! I am WAY into quantum theory/entanglement, consciousness/reality, and non-duality (you seem to be a strong Christian? And yet you mentioned the I Ching—so do you count yourself as a Taoist too—which would be another reason that resonates). I’m a recovering Catholic and alter boy (almost a Seminarian in my past!) so am well-versed in Christ’s teachings. One of my issues with MAGA adherents is the fact they can proclaim to know and follow scripture, but they don’t practice it. Maybe this is a generalization but there exists a lot of real evidence! I don’t “hate” the concept of Make America Great Again. Those are words you put in my mouth (or in my typing fingers). I strongly oppose how a certain faction of our imperfect and broken political system (actually, only one narcissistic man who’s encouraged and nurtured a narcissistic cult following) co-opted a phrase that should never have been made “a thing.” All Americans should devote time and effort into improving the lot of our country and ALL its citizens (not just the ones who look and believe like comrade MAGA).
BTW: there IS a question regarding Biden making “the world a much worse place.” That’s not accurate but rather falls squarely in line with the MAGA cult playbook Charles. I cannot believe you follow that playbook! This is what confuses me about you—you seem to have a science-minded approach to life yet you turn quickly to sloganistic and lazy, irrational thinking. You have NO proof that Biden’s done things that make “the world a much worse place.” Is he a perfect leader? Hell no. He’s human, but in my view, better than his predecessor. That’s a HUGE absolutest generalization of yours. There IS plenty of evidence to show how he’s improved the lot of real Americans (but you have to be a fan of lower drug prescription costs, greater health-care access and affordability (with the exception of the Trump-driven Dobbs decision), record-breaking economic growth, increasing minimum wages and strengthening union membership, reducing unemployment, college debt forgiveness, the CHIPS act, the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, the work currently in progress to address corporate greed and monopolization, and the most recent effort to resolve our southern border challenges). Am I to assume you are against all those?
Our economy is not in a shambles—where the heck to you get your news? And “the dictator in Ukraine?” Okay, we really are done with each other if you harbor any sympathy to Putin. Please do me the honor and tell me right now your feelings about Putin, especially regarding his views about America, his influence on some members of the Republicans in congress, and his invasion of Ukraine. Are you really a lover of fascist dictators? Your words regarding Putin, Saddam, and Gaddafi point directly to that which saddens me greatly. Would you support Trump becoming a dictator for life as the next leader for America? If so, my GOD what am I doing having exchanges with you?
I so want you to be a person of reason—if not compassion. But we have to agree to certain facts, not “alternative facts.” Otherwise, I think we might both be wasting our time even though I’d be loath to end this civil conversation if you at least remained open to considering and truly pondering opposing viewpoints from yours (your understanding and acknowledgment of climate disruption proves the capacity to do this, another piece of the Charles puzzle for me). As it is, I’ll still have July 20, 2024 to wish you well as I say goodbye to you when you leave Substack.
I’ll look into “Snowpiercer” but to warn you, if it commingles religion as a viable partner to science and rational thinking in the effort to curb climate disruptive human activity, then I’ll shut that crap down immediately.
I wish you peace as well my friend. And we’re not arguing—just trying to have deep conversation (it would be nicer to sit with a beer (or sparkling water for me—sorry, I don’t imbibe) or a coffee). And btw: “whatever will be, will be” in one respect is truth—reality will be what it is. But that doesn’t mean we cannot influence certain things (familiar with Schrödinger’s Cat?) for the greater good (we just have to agree with what that greater good is!).
I was brought up by Free Methodists and my father's ancestors were Mennonites. In fact, ever since Jakob Clement stepped onto the ground in 1706, most of the men in my family were Mennonite preachers. My mother's grandpa was a circuit rider for the Free Methodist church. When I was in the Army I was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Lawton, Oklahoma. Years later I became a 7th Day Adventist. Since then, I have dabbled in Buddhism and Taoism. What do I believe in 2024? I believe that God is the creator of everything that exists and that He is still constantly creating. That is not to say that I believe in the Garden of Eden or Jesus' alleged virgin birth. I believe Jesus became a holy man after being baptized by John the Baptist. I also believe that Jesus' followers believed he would be crowned King of the Jews and that is why he was crucified. Since crucifixion was never the penalty for theft, the myth about Jesus dying alongside two thieves seems ridiculous.
When researching my answer I discovered the economy is in great shape at this moment. I shut off my cable television 2 1/2 years ago and I get most of my updates from CBS Evening News (which Amazon Prime provides). I hope you enjoy SNOWPIERCER. It is a thrilling sci-fi flick with a surprising ending and no particular religious or political message.
I do not know Vladimir Putin so I cannot judge his motives. What I sincerely believe is that Victoria Nuland and the CIA took over Kiev in 2012. I also understand Zelenskyy has outlawed Orthodox Christianity and that he plans no future elections in Ukraine.
If it makes you feel even a tiny bit better about me, I am currently reading Bill Maher's WHAT THIS COMEDIAN SAID WILL SHOCK YOU.
I have no intention of voting for Donald Trump and I think Jill Biden is guilty of elder abuse by leading her obviously demented husband into the White House. I used to be an Adult Protective Services' worker and I have gone to court and had guardians and conservators ordered on people who seemed more competent than Joe. Plus, we weren't fighting WW III
before Biden became president - and I am certain that WW III has started.
One last thought, chum. You should check out those Soda Stream machines. I have probably saved over a hundred dollars by having that device in my kitchen. Like you, I favor sparkling water above all other beverages. And the L'or Barista machine makes Espresso that's better than what you get in restaurants. AND the machine is simple to maintain and clean.
I'm very familiar with Schrodinger's cat. Have a wonderful day and I hope we are able to exchange ideas again in the future.
There you go again, making me like you! Thank you for all this—one of the most valuable things of it all is the obvious heart and sincerity from which it all emanates. I appreciate you sharing your upbringing especially in regards to the strong and influential role religion plays in your life. I never want another to feel from me that I am any way denigrating or dehumanizing a person because of his or her religious beliefs. Just continue to keep from proselytizing to me—I have no need of any of it. Though, like you, I practice both Zen Buddhism and Taoism. Oh, and btw, I have a SodaStream in my home—I go through way too many CO2 canisters in a month!
And then, as we both share the desire to continue engaging, I’ll leave all the rest of your beliefs to yourself. As tightly as you are holding on to them, I want to bring us both the grace to allow space for it all. Just don’t hurt any puppies along the way.
Thank you Charles for engaging in such an open-hearted manner. I actually would enjoy a tall class of sparkling water, with a slice of lime, on a sunlit deck overlooking a body of water or a forest with you.
Happy D Day. Keep on the Center path and we'll run into each other. Come on down! I can hear the Dollywood train's whistle from my front yard. It's nice in the mountains..... but the traffic is a nightmare.
Me too. As long as we keep these convos this civil, I’ll call you friend as well. (Assuming that WAS your own tone). You’ll have to buy the first beer though.
Heaven to Betsy, Kert. Of course I consider you a friend. Quantum science proves that we are all one. There is no inside and no outside. Consciousness = Reality. I do not dislike you for your beliefs and I just used a few common titles for Joe Biden ("stick") was my invention to generate comments. I have no problem with the FACT of climate change. I suspect the people of ancient Egypt were aware that their once fertile land was becoming a desert. As Mark Twain said, "Everyone talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it". In my mind, there is nothing people can do to defy the power of God. If you are Christian, you are familiar with the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. It ends with the phrase Thy Will Be Done. For an excellent representation of what science might do to ward off global warming, you should watch the movie SNOWPIERCER.
Honestly, Kert, how can you hate the concept of Making America Great Again? There is no question that the Biden administration has made America and the world a much worse place. Our economy is in shambles and we are sending billions of dollars to a dictator in Ukraine - with the ultimate goal of conquering Russia and probably murdering Putin. It doesn't take a historian to remember how Bill Clinton and NATO destroyed Yugoslavia. And then, there's the fact that Saddam and Gaddafi were murdered after their countries were invaded by the US.
Oh…interesting. I need to be honest with you by first thanking you for your honest response. My aim is to keep everything civil even with those I vehemently disagree with—and I’ll include you now in that category (even as I defend your right to say it!). I was going to unsubscribe and unfollow you because I don’t need to have myself exposed to your rhetoric—ad hominem attack and nasty name-calling vitriol and all. You MAGA folks are so reliably predictable. BUT, your promise to leave Substack on July 20, following an apology, was too tempting. I’m sticking around to hold you to your promise. I’ve taken a screenshot! I’ll get back to you.
Bless your heart, Lillia. But I don't want to be guilty of spreading misinformation on the Internet. I am still confident that my predictions are correct. We just have 44 days to see. If Hunter is not convicted and if his father does not pardon him, I will be shocked. And if the Dems don't have the sense to send the demented old fool to the scrapyard, they deserve him.
43 days to go until Judgement Day. I'd feel awful if I was spreading lies - even
once. So many "stacks" (and I enjoy reading them until I have to click on the 2nd page) have become compendiums of various websites that I grow weary of all the bad news. Others simply repeat bad news. It is not good for my attitude to poison my mind.
As the time approaches for Joe's imminent removal from the White House, I'll admit I'm feeling apprehensive.
I do not expect to leave Substack. ( Revelations 13:4 ) "they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."
You are SUCH a conundrum! In one way, the quantum way, that is what I subscribed to you for! I am WAY into quantum theory/entanglement, consciousness/reality, and non-duality (you seem to be a strong Christian? And yet you mentioned the I Ching—so do you count yourself as a Taoist too—which would be another reason that resonates). I’m a recovering Catholic and alter boy (almost a Seminarian in my past!) so am well-versed in Christ’s teachings. One of my issues with MAGA adherents is the fact they can proclaim to know and follow scripture, but they don’t practice it. Maybe this is a generalization but there exists a lot of real evidence! I don’t “hate” the concept of Make America Great Again. Those are words you put in my mouth (or in my typing fingers). I strongly oppose how a certain faction of our imperfect and broken political system (actually, only one narcissistic man who’s encouraged and nurtured a narcissistic cult following) co-opted a phrase that should never have been made “a thing.” All Americans should devote time and effort into improving the lot of our country and ALL its citizens (not just the ones who look and believe like comrade MAGA).
BTW: there IS a question regarding Biden making “the world a much worse place.” That’s not accurate but rather falls squarely in line with the MAGA cult playbook Charles. I cannot believe you follow that playbook! This is what confuses me about you—you seem to have a science-minded approach to life yet you turn quickly to sloganistic and lazy, irrational thinking. You have NO proof that Biden’s done things that make “the world a much worse place.” Is he a perfect leader? Hell no. He’s human, but in my view, better than his predecessor. That’s a HUGE absolutest generalization of yours. There IS plenty of evidence to show how he’s improved the lot of real Americans (but you have to be a fan of lower drug prescription costs, greater health-care access and affordability (with the exception of the Trump-driven Dobbs decision), record-breaking economic growth, increasing minimum wages and strengthening union membership, reducing unemployment, college debt forgiveness, the CHIPS act, the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, the work currently in progress to address corporate greed and monopolization, and the most recent effort to resolve our southern border challenges). Am I to assume you are against all those?
Our economy is not in a shambles—where the heck to you get your news? And “the dictator in Ukraine?” Okay, we really are done with each other if you harbor any sympathy to Putin. Please do me the honor and tell me right now your feelings about Putin, especially regarding his views about America, his influence on some members of the Republicans in congress, and his invasion of Ukraine. Are you really a lover of fascist dictators? Your words regarding Putin, Saddam, and Gaddafi point directly to that which saddens me greatly. Would you support Trump becoming a dictator for life as the next leader for America? If so, my GOD what am I doing having exchanges with you?
I so want you to be a person of reason—if not compassion. But we have to agree to certain facts, not “alternative facts.” Otherwise, I think we might both be wasting our time even though I’d be loath to end this civil conversation if you at least remained open to considering and truly pondering opposing viewpoints from yours (your understanding and acknowledgment of climate disruption proves the capacity to do this, another piece of the Charles puzzle for me). As it is, I’ll still have July 20, 2024 to wish you well as I say goodbye to you when you leave Substack.
I’ll look into “Snowpiercer” but to warn you, if it commingles religion as a viable partner to science and rational thinking in the effort to curb climate disruptive human activity, then I’ll shut that crap down immediately.
I wish you peace as well my friend. And we’re not arguing—just trying to have deep conversation (it would be nicer to sit with a beer (or sparkling water for me—sorry, I don’t imbibe) or a coffee). And btw: “whatever will be, will be” in one respect is truth—reality will be what it is. But that doesn’t mean we cannot influence certain things (familiar with Schrödinger’s Cat?) for the greater good (we just have to agree with what that greater good is!).
I was brought up by Free Methodists and my father's ancestors were Mennonites. In fact, ever since Jakob Clement stepped onto the ground in 1706, most of the men in my family were Mennonite preachers. My mother's grandpa was a circuit rider for the Free Methodist church. When I was in the Army I was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Lawton, Oklahoma. Years later I became a 7th Day Adventist. Since then, I have dabbled in Buddhism and Taoism. What do I believe in 2024? I believe that God is the creator of everything that exists and that He is still constantly creating. That is not to say that I believe in the Garden of Eden or Jesus' alleged virgin birth. I believe Jesus became a holy man after being baptized by John the Baptist. I also believe that Jesus' followers believed he would be crowned King of the Jews and that is why he was crucified. Since crucifixion was never the penalty for theft, the myth about Jesus dying alongside two thieves seems ridiculous.
When researching my answer I discovered the economy is in great shape at this moment. I shut off my cable television 2 1/2 years ago and I get most of my updates from CBS Evening News (which Amazon Prime provides). I hope you enjoy SNOWPIERCER. It is a thrilling sci-fi flick with a surprising ending and no particular religious or political message.
I do not know Vladimir Putin so I cannot judge his motives. What I sincerely believe is that Victoria Nuland and the CIA took over Kiev in 2012. I also understand Zelenskyy has outlawed Orthodox Christianity and that he plans no future elections in Ukraine.
If it makes you feel even a tiny bit better about me, I am currently reading Bill Maher's WHAT THIS COMEDIAN SAID WILL SHOCK YOU.
I have no intention of voting for Donald Trump and I think Jill Biden is guilty of elder abuse by leading her obviously demented husband into the White House. I used to be an Adult Protective Services' worker and I have gone to court and had guardians and conservators ordered on people who seemed more competent than Joe. Plus, we weren't fighting WW III
before Biden became president - and I am certain that WW III has started.
One last thought, chum. You should check out those Soda Stream machines. I have probably saved over a hundred dollars by having that device in my kitchen. Like you, I favor sparkling water above all other beverages. And the L'or Barista machine makes Espresso that's better than what you get in restaurants. AND the machine is simple to maintain and clean.
I'm very familiar with Schrodinger's cat. Have a wonderful day and I hope we are able to exchange ideas again in the future.
PEACE
There you go again, making me like you! Thank you for all this—one of the most valuable things of it all is the obvious heart and sincerity from which it all emanates. I appreciate you sharing your upbringing especially in regards to the strong and influential role religion plays in your life. I never want another to feel from me that I am any way denigrating or dehumanizing a person because of his or her religious beliefs. Just continue to keep from proselytizing to me—I have no need of any of it. Though, like you, I practice both Zen Buddhism and Taoism. Oh, and btw, I have a SodaStream in my home—I go through way too many CO2 canisters in a month!
And then, as we both share the desire to continue engaging, I’ll leave all the rest of your beliefs to yourself. As tightly as you are holding on to them, I want to bring us both the grace to allow space for it all. Just don’t hurt any puppies along the way.
Thank you Charles for engaging in such an open-hearted manner. I actually would enjoy a tall class of sparkling water, with a slice of lime, on a sunlit deck overlooking a body of water or a forest with you.
Happy D Day. Keep on the Center path and we'll run into each other. Come on down! I can hear the Dollywood train's whistle from my front yard. It's nice in the mountains..... but the traffic is a nightmare.
You might have yourself a deal there!
Me too. As long as we keep these convos this civil, I’ll call you friend as well. (Assuming that WAS your own tone). You’ll have to buy the first beer though.
My peace offering as we await July 20: https://youtu.be/i-orjHsgxDQ?si=au1Q1HkHJnkDQ8VT
Heaven to Betsy, Kert. Of course I consider you a friend. Quantum science proves that we are all one. There is no inside and no outside. Consciousness = Reality. I do not dislike you for your beliefs and I just used a few common titles for Joe Biden ("stick") was my invention to generate comments. I have no problem with the FACT of climate change. I suspect the people of ancient Egypt were aware that their once fertile land was becoming a desert. As Mark Twain said, "Everyone talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it". In my mind, there is nothing people can do to defy the power of God. If you are Christian, you are familiar with the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. It ends with the phrase Thy Will Be Done. For an excellent representation of what science might do to ward off global warming, you should watch the movie SNOWPIERCER.
Honestly, Kert, how can you hate the concept of Making America Great Again? There is no question that the Biden administration has made America and the world a much worse place. Our economy is in shambles and we are sending billions of dollars to a dictator in Ukraine - with the ultimate goal of conquering Russia and probably murdering Putin. It doesn't take a historian to remember how Bill Clinton and NATO destroyed Yugoslavia. And then, there's the fact that Saddam and Gaddafi were murdered after their countries were invaded by the US.
But, let's not argue. Que Sera Sera.
PEACE
Oh…interesting. I need to be honest with you by first thanking you for your honest response. My aim is to keep everything civil even with those I vehemently disagree with—and I’ll include you now in that category (even as I defend your right to say it!). I was going to unsubscribe and unfollow you because I don’t need to have myself exposed to your rhetoric—ad hominem attack and nasty name-calling vitriol and all. You MAGA folks are so reliably predictable. BUT, your promise to leave Substack on July 20, following an apology, was too tempting. I’m sticking around to hold you to your promise. I’ve taken a screenshot! I’ll get back to you.
I look forward to it, my friend!
“…most of my gray matter seems to be operating at a low level these days.” Boy, I’ll say.
Is this satire Charles or are these your actual beliefs?
These are my actual beliefs. If FJB is still in office after July 20, I'll apologize and stop writing on Substack.com.
Oh, don't do that.
Bless your heart, Lillia. But I don't want to be guilty of spreading misinformation on the Internet. I am still confident that my predictions are correct. We just have 44 days to see. If Hunter is not convicted and if his father does not pardon him, I will be shocked. And if the Dems don't have the sense to send the demented old fool to the scrapyard, they deserve him.
That would be a great loss for me.
43 days to go until Judgement Day. I'd feel awful if I was spreading lies - even
once. So many "stacks" (and I enjoy reading them until I have to click on the 2nd page) have become compendiums of various websites that I grow weary of all the bad news. Others simply repeat bad news. It is not good for my attitude to poison my mind.
As the time approaches for Joe's imminent removal from the White House, I'll admit I'm feeling apprehensive.
I shall miss you, ols deiwns.
I do not expect to leave Substack. ( Revelations 13:4 ) "they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."
I called it and I expect my reward.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3NYWzHLEZw
Simon & Garfunkel - Old Friends - YouTube
ols deiwns = old friend.
*old friend