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OT Rant, rant rant
I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again.....
Capitol bill aims to control leftistı profs THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. By JAMES VANLANDINGHAM Alligator Staff Writer TALLAHASSEE Republicans on the House Choice and Innovation Committee voted along party lines Tuesday to pass a bill that aims to stamp out ³leftist totalitarianism² by ³dictator professors² in the classrooms of Floridaıs universities. The Academic Freedom Bill of Rights, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, passed 8-to-2 despite strenuous objections from the only two Democrats on the committee. The bill has two more committees to pass before it can be considered by the full House. While promoting the bill Tuesday, Baxley said a university education should be more than ³one biased view by the professor, who as a dictator controls the classroom,² as part of ³a misuse of their platform to indoctrinate the next generation with their own views.² The bill sets a statewide standard that students cannot be punished for professing beliefs with which their professors disagree. Professors would also be advised to teach alternative ³serious academic theories² that may disagree with their personal views. According to a legislative staff analysis of the bill, the law would give students who think their beliefs are not being respected legal standing to sue professors and universities. Students who believe their professor is singling them out for ³public ridicule² * for instance, when professors use the Socratic method to force students to explain their theories in class * would also be given the right to sue. ³Some professors say, Evolution is a fact. I donıt want to hear about Intelligent Design (a creationist theory), and if you donıt like it, thereıs the door,ı² Baxley said, citing one example when he thought a student should sue. Rep. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, warned of lawsuits from students enrolled in Holocaust history courses who believe the Holocaust never happened. Similar suits could be filed by students who donıt believe astronauts landed on the moon, who believe teaching birth control is a sin or even by Shands medical students who refuse to perform blood transfusions and believe prayer is the only way to heal the body, Gelber added. ³This is a horrible step,² he said. ³Universities will have to hire lawyers so our curricula can be decided by judges in courtrooms. Professors might have to pay court costs even if they win from their own pockets. This is not an innocent piece of legislation.² The staff analysis also warned the bill may shift responsibility for determining whether a studentıs freedom has been infringed from the faculty to the courts. But Baxley brushed off Gelberıs concerns. ³Freedom is a dangerous thing, and you might be exposed to things you donıt want to hear,² he said. ³Being a businessman, I found out you can be sued for anything. Besides, if students are being persecuted and ridiculed for their beliefs, I think they should be given standing to sue.² During the committee hearing, Baxley cast opposition to his bill as ³leftists² struggling against ³mainstream society.² ³The critics ridicule me for daring to stand up for students and faculty,² he said, adding that he was called a McCarthyist. Baxley later said he had a list of students who were discriminated against by professors, but refused to reveal names because he felt they would be persecuted. Rep. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, argued universities and the state Board of Governors already have policies in place to protect academic freedom. Moreover, a state law outlining how professors are supposed to teach would encroach on the boardıs authority to manage state schools. ³The big hand of state government is going into the universities telling them how to teach,² she said. ³This bill is the antithesis of academic freedom.² But Baxley compared the stateıs universities to children, saying the legislature should not give them money without providing ³guidance² to their behavior. ³Professors are accountable for what they say or do,² he said. ³Theyıre accountable to the rest of us in society All of a sudden the faculty think they can do what they want and shut us out. Why is it so unheard of to say the professor shouldnıt be a dictator and control that room as their totalitarian niche?² In an interview before the meeting, Baxley said ³arrogant, elitist academics are swarming² to oppose the bill, and media reports misrepresented his intentions. ³I expect to be out there on my own pretty far,² he said. ³I donıt expect to be part of a team.² House Bill H-837 can be viewed online at www.flsenate.gov. |
Karen wrote:
I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... Capitol bill aims to control leftistı profs THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. *boggle* -- Marina, Frank, Nikki, and coming soon: Mere! marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki |
Karen wrote: I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... snip /me whacks head on desk again and again. And yet, people wonder why we refuse to patronize *anything* in the state of Florida... -L. |
Karen wrote in message ... I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... That is appalling, truly and utterly appalling. If I was an American student I'd be applying for a European University right now. :( Jeanette |
Jeanette wrote:
Karen wrote in message ... I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... That is appalling, truly and utterly appalling. If I was an American student I'd be applying for a European University right now. :( Jeanette Once I would have added "or an Australian one", but I'm afraid that all the signs are that our current govt wishes to push our unis in the same direction as the US ones. I certainly agree that _some_ teachers don't always give differing points of view the respect they might deserve, but this is a nutty way to deal with it. |
"Karen" wrote in message
... I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... snipped a whole bunch of dirty litterbox offerings Well, maybe the creationists are right - judging by this it certainly doesn't look like evolution is making the species more intelligent, does it? ; Hugs, CatNipped |
On Thu, 24 Mar 2005 22:59:36 -0600, Karen
yodeled: I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... Capitol bill aims to control leftistı profs THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. By JAMES VANLANDINGHAM Alligator Staff Writer TALLAHASSEE Republicans on the House Choice and Innovation Committee voted along party lines Tuesday to pass a bill that aims to stamp out ³leftist totalitarianism² by ³dictator professors² in the classrooms of Floridaıs universities. The Nation has a whole issue about right-wing backlash towards "liberal" university faculty. I've spent about half my life in academia, and I've still never met a "liberal dictator professor." :P There is a similar bill being introduced in the Ohio legislature too. There is right now a major political battle going on over Columbia University's department of Near Eastern and Asian studies. The real problem is not that the professors are stifling students, but the students simply don't like some things some professors are saying-- even students who have never taken their classes are getting involved over things they have "heard" other people report. One of the problems is that some of these students have simply never been exposed to the Palestinian point of view before, and this discussion is so polarized that they immediately think that the whole treatment of the subject at Columbia is anti-Israel and anti-Semitic. So these students *are* getting exposed to an alternative point of view-- from the one they have heard all their lives. But they don't like it In a way, this is like the evolution debate. Why should knowledgeable, expert people, people who have been long tried in their fields by their peers, who have abided by serious, rigorous methods of study and research, be compelled to give "equal time" to attitudes that they know are b***s***? Next time we have a discussion about world travel, shall we have the Flat Earth Society check in with their views? Did God put the fossil record there just to pull our legs? Bacteria and viruses are developing more resistant strains in matters of a few years, not millions. People are dying of resistant tuberculosis. Anybody can get a bunch of fruit flies, and watch a hundred generations in just a a few months, and you can see the changes. But evolution still needs to be "balanced out" by an "alternative POV. Ridiculous. You know something? The Catholic Church-- yes, the same people who persecuted Galileo 400 years ago-- have openly stated that evolution is *not* in conflict with belief in a Creator God. In a way, the Christian right wing people have a very narrow view of a God they claim is all-powerful. I believe if God is all-powerful, He could have created the world any way He wanted, and that can certainly admit the Big Bang and evolution. They also think that God has some pretty petty concerns, like about who's sleeping with whom. Wow! Thus endeth MY rant. ;) Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
On 24 Mar 2005 22:38:39 -0800, "-L."
yodeled: Karen wrote: I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... snip /me whacks head on desk again and again. And yet, people wonder why we refuse to patronize *anything* in the state of Florida... -L. My daddy lives there. ;) Of course his head explodes about four times a week. ;) Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 08:48:46 -0600, "CatNipped"
yodeled: "Karen" wrote in message ... I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... snipped a whole bunch of dirty litterbox offerings Well, maybe the creationists are right - judging by this it certainly doesn't look like evolution is making the species more intelligent, does it? ; BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
"Karen" wrote in message ... I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... Capitol bill aims to control Oleftistı profs THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. By JAMES VANLANDINGHAM Alligator Staff Writer TALLAHASSEE Republicans on the House Choice and Innovation Committee voted along party lines Tuesday to pass a bill that aims to stamp out ³leftist totalitarianism² by ³dictator professors² in the classrooms of Floridaıs universities. The Academic Freedom Bill of Rights, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, passed 8-to-2 despite strenuous objections from the only two Democrats on the committee. The bill has two more committees to pass before it can be considered by the full House. While promoting the bill Tuesday, Baxley said a university education should be more than ³one biased view by the professor, who as a dictator controls the classroom,² as part of ³a misuse of their platform to indoctrinate the next generation with their own views.² The bill sets a statewide standard that students cannot be punished for professing beliefs with which their professors disagree. Professors would also be advised to teach alternative ³serious academic theories² that may disagree with their personal views. According to a legislative staff analysis of the bill, the law would give students who think their beliefs are not being respected legal standing to sue professors and universities. Students who believe their professor is singling them out for ³public ridicule² * for instance, when professors use the Socratic method to force students to explain their theories in class * would also be given the right to sue. snip House Bill H-837 can be viewed online at www.flsenate.gov. Hidden within this bill -- and not particularly well hidden -- is an agenda to once again try to insert "creationism" into the classroom. The more I see of attempts like this, the more I think that is just as well that I am not far from retirement. It's *really* a stretch to equate the Socratic method with "dictator professors" in the classroom. MaryL (take out the litter to reply) Photos of Duffy and Holly: 'o' http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly) http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in") |
"Kreisleriana" wrote in message
... snipped a lot of wisdom That reminds me of a poem I once wrote... "To a Creationist " Fluctuations, constant motion, is whirling round your eyes. "Now" is fluid, it soon becomes "then"; what is, now, is not. Prophets screaming, "Follow my way, for only *I* am RIGHT!". The fearful follow, sheep all herded, can't contend with change. "Show us, help us, what shall we do, we can't go on this way!". "Tell us, Guru, how can we make it all stay just the same?". Find a God, then make Him changeless, and teach His Word as Law. Make change sinful, make science a crime, teach kids FAITH in school. Don't let them ask you to show them proof, God showed you the Light. Inquiring minds are dangerous, nip them in the bud. They can change things even much farther from your status quo. Dig in your heels, bury your head, and MAKE them see your way. Earth will flatten and rest again upon a turtle's back. Stars are then pin holes in a backdrop your God lights for you. And safe and sound you will always be, in control again. 'Cause your God's protection is only for you, you "Good Men". But 'ware ye sheep, there exist some wolves; seekers of the truth. Oh, Creation they doubt not, only how and when and why? Their universe is larger, they love a much greater God. A God who can, in one big bang, create infinity. An infinity of wonder, just ripe to be explored. Magic puzzles in the night sky, lessons, truth to be learned. Mysteries abound all around them, begging to be solved. Their God rewards their questing with Truth in all its Beauty. For what is more beautiful than the intricate laws that Apply to govern all space and time, within and without? Their God is kind enough to let them quest and understand And appreciate creation, all, not just what they ken. "And treasure it all," He tells them, "it is your only chance." "It's not for you, you don't own it, it's just left in your care." Those wolves will keep seeking, for to truly love one must 'know'. They love a God much greater than any YOU can create. Hugs, CatNipped |
Kreisleriana had some very interesting
things to say about OT Rant, rant rant: The Nation has a whole issue about right-wing backlash towards "liberal" university faculty. I've spent about half my life in academia, and I've still never met a "liberal dictator professor." :P I met quite a few, in a community college in a rural area. Still, I guess freedom of belief only applies if you're politically correct. -- "The universe is quite robust in design and appears to be doing just fine on its own, incompetent support staff notwithstanding. :-)" - the Dennis formerly known as (evil), MCFL |
"Seanette Blaylock" wrote in message ... Kreisleriana had some very interesting things to say about OT Rant, rant rant: The Nation has a whole issue about right-wing backlash towards "liberal" university faculty. I've spent about half my life in academia, and I've still never met a "liberal dictator professor." :P I met quite a few, in a community college in a rural area. Still, I guess freedom of belief only applies if you're politically correct. -- "The universe is quite robust in design and appears to be doing just fine on its own, incompetent support staff notwithstanding. :-)" - the Dennis formerly known as (evil), MCFL I have been in and worked in the academic community for years and have rarely if *ever* come across any professor that would force a belief on you. This would, in fact, be the opposite of what most college professors want in a college environment. However, yes, you are exposed to many beliefs and ideas. It is really part of the point of a higher degree. Many of my students have different beliefs that they express and I would never dream of telling them there is no other way. I do, however, ask them to learn about other cultures and ideas and only then reject them if they actually know what another value system consists of. The professors I work with would also work toward that goal. And I work for a Catholic university. |
On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 13:25:34 -0600, "CatNipped"
yodeled: "Kreisleriana" wrote in message .. . snipped a lot of wisdom That reminds me of a poem I once wrote... "To a Creationist " Fluctuations, constant motion, is whirling round your eyes. "Now" is fluid, it soon becomes "then"; what is, now, is not. Prophets screaming, "Follow my way, for only *I* am RIGHT!". The fearful follow, sheep all herded, can't contend with change. "Show us, help us, what shall we do, we can't go on this way!". "Tell us, Guru, how can we make it all stay just the same?". Find a God, then make Him changeless, and teach His Word as Law. Make change sinful, make science a crime, teach kids FAITH in school. Don't let them ask you to show them proof, God showed you the Light. Inquiring minds are dangerous, nip them in the bud. They can change things even much farther from your status quo. Dig in your heels, bury your head, and MAKE them see your way. Earth will flatten and rest again upon a turtle's back. Stars are then pin holes in a backdrop your God lights for you. And safe and sound you will always be, in control again. 'Cause your God's protection is only for you, you "Good Men". But 'ware ye sheep, there exist some wolves; seekers of the truth. Oh, Creation they doubt not, only how and when and why? Their universe is larger, they love a much greater God. A God who can, in one big bang, create infinity. An infinity of wonder, just ripe to be explored. Magic puzzles in the night sky, lessons, truth to be learned. Mysteries abound all around them, begging to be solved. Their God rewards their questing with Truth in all its Beauty. For what is more beautiful than the intricate laws that Apply to govern all space and time, within and without? Their God is kind enough to let them quest and understand And appreciate creation, all, not just what they ken. "And treasure it all," He tells them, "it is your only chance." "It's not for you, you don't own it, it's just left in your care." Those wolves will keep seeking, for to truly love one must 'know'. They love a God much greater than any YOU can create. Hugs, CatNipped Whoa baby! That is ELOQUENT! Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
"Kreisleriana" wrote in message
... On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 13:25:34 -0600, "CatNipped" yodeled: "Kreisleriana" wrote in message .. . snipped a lot of wisdom That reminds me of a poem I once wrote... "To a Creationist " Fluctuations, constant motion, is whirling round your eyes. "Now" is fluid, it soon becomes "then"; what is, now, is not. Prophets screaming, "Follow my way, for only *I* am RIGHT!". The fearful follow, sheep all herded, can't contend with change. "Show us, help us, what shall we do, we can't go on this way!". "Tell us, Guru, how can we make it all stay just the same?". Find a God, then make Him changeless, and teach His Word as Law. Make change sinful, make science a crime, teach kids FAITH in school. Don't let them ask you to show them proof, God showed you the Light. Inquiring minds are dangerous, nip them in the bud. They can change things even much farther from your status quo. Dig in your heels, bury your head, and MAKE them see your way. Earth will flatten and rest again upon a turtle's back. Stars are then pin holes in a backdrop your God lights for you. And safe and sound you will always be, in control again. 'Cause your God's protection is only for you, you "Good Men". But 'ware ye sheep, there exist some wolves; seekers of the truth. Oh, Creation they doubt not, only how and when and why? Their universe is larger, they love a much greater God. A God who can, in one big bang, create infinity. An infinity of wonder, just ripe to be explored. Magic puzzles in the night sky, lessons, truth to be learned. Mysteries abound all around them, begging to be solved. Their God rewards their questing with Truth in all its Beauty. For what is more beautiful than the intricate laws that Apply to govern all space and time, within and without? Their God is kind enough to let them quest and understand And appreciate creation, all, not just what they ken. "And treasure it all," He tells them, "it is your only chance." "It's not for you, you don't own it, it's just left in your care." Those wolves will keep seeking, for to truly love one must 'know'. They love a God much greater than any YOU can create. Hugs, CatNipped Whoa baby! That is ELOQUENT! Thank you. It always ****es me off when people try to circumscribe *my* God and make him petty and small-minded. I think a God who can create infinity is much more complicatied than *THOSE* simpletons can understand! I don't think even the *greatest* minds of humanity could come close to understanding Him. It would be easier for an ant to write a learned thesis on mankind. Hugs, CatNipped Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 14:54:50 -0600, "CatNipped"
yodeled: "Kreisleriana" wrote in message .. . On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 13:25:34 -0600, "CatNipped" yodeled: "Kreisleriana" wrote in message .. . snipped a lot of wisdom That reminds me of a poem I once wrote... "To a Creationist " Fluctuations, constant motion, is whirling round your eyes. "Now" is fluid, it soon becomes "then"; what is, now, is not. Prophets screaming, "Follow my way, for only *I* am RIGHT!". The fearful follow, sheep all herded, can't contend with change. "Show us, help us, what shall we do, we can't go on this way!". "Tell us, Guru, how can we make it all stay just the same?". Find a God, then make Him changeless, and teach His Word as Law. Make change sinful, make science a crime, teach kids FAITH in school. Don't let them ask you to show them proof, God showed you the Light. Inquiring minds are dangerous, nip them in the bud. They can change things even much farther from your status quo. Dig in your heels, bury your head, and MAKE them see your way. Earth will flatten and rest again upon a turtle's back. Stars are then pin holes in a backdrop your God lights for you. And safe and sound you will always be, in control again. 'Cause your God's protection is only for you, you "Good Men". But 'ware ye sheep, there exist some wolves; seekers of the truth. Oh, Creation they doubt not, only how and when and why? Their universe is larger, they love a much greater God. A God who can, in one big bang, create infinity. An infinity of wonder, just ripe to be explored. Magic puzzles in the night sky, lessons, truth to be learned. Mysteries abound all around them, begging to be solved. Their God rewards their questing with Truth in all its Beauty. For what is more beautiful than the intricate laws that Apply to govern all space and time, within and without? Their God is kind enough to let them quest and understand And appreciate creation, all, not just what they ken. "And treasure it all," He tells them, "it is your only chance." "It's not for you, you don't own it, it's just left in your care." Those wolves will keep seeking, for to truly love one must 'know'. They love a God much greater than any YOU can create. Hugs, CatNipped Whoa baby! That is ELOQUENT! Thank you. It always ****es me off when people try to circumscribe *my* God and make him petty and small-minded. I think a God who can create infinity is much more complicatied than *THOSE* simpletons can understand! I don't think even the *greatest* minds of humanity could come close to understanding Him. It would be easier for an ant to write a learned thesis on mankind. I completely agree with this. Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
"And treasure it all," He tells them, "it is your only chance."
"It's not for you, you don't own it, it's just left in your care." Those wolves will keep seeking, for to truly love one must 'know'. They love a God much greater than any YOU can create. Hugs, CatNipped I *love* that poem! Dan |
"Dan M" wrote in message
... "And treasure it all," He tells them, "it is your only chance." "It's not for you, you don't own it, it's just left in your care." Those wolves will keep seeking, for to truly love one must 'know'. They love a God much greater than any YOU can create. Hugs, CatNipped I *love* that poem! Dan Thank you, Dan. Like I said, it ticks me off when narrow-minded bigots insist that God looks, acts, and thinks just like *them*! Hugs, CatNipped |
Capitol bill aims to control Oleftistı profs
THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. Hm, I wonder if Pagans and Wiccans would be allowed to sue for untolerated beliefs? Somehow I suspect...not. --Fil |
Karen wrote: I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... (article snipped for length) That's TERRIBLE, Karen! Where does "individual belief" end and "solid fact" begin? And who decides? Next think, we'll be having students deciding Galileo had it all wrong, and the Sun REALLY revolves around the Earth, not the other way around. (Never mind all scientific evidence to the contrary.) |
-L. wrote: Karen wrote: I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... snip /me whacks head on desk again and again. And yet, people wonder why we refuse to patronize *anything* in the state of Florida... Well..... there's Disneyworld, of course (but you can always come to California to see the original Disneyland, or go to Paris for the one there). -L. |
Kreisleriana wrote: The Nation has a whole issue about right-wing backlash towards "liberal" university faculty. I've spent about half my life in academia, and I've still never met a "liberal dictator professor." :P I have to agree! It's true that Macalester (my alma mater) has always been on the "liberal" side (it's also a church-affiliated college - Presbyterian). One of the great things about it was that its main purpose was to teach students to use the brains God gave them, and learn to think for themselves! Parroting back what the prof's lectures told you was not the way to pass exams. On the other hand, if your views were diametrically opposed to his/hers, but you could express your viewpoint convincingly, backing it up with well-reasoned argument, you were likely to get an A. (Of course, former students include Hubert Humphrey, "Fritz" Mondale, and Kofi Anan - along with a host of diplomats, journalists, and assorted politicians of various persuasions.) It's a great school, although it was entirely the wrong choice for an aspiring opera singer. |
Seanette Blaylock wrote: Kreisleriana had some very interesting things to say about OT Rant, rant rant: The Nation has a whole issue about right-wing backlash towards "liberal" university faculty. I've spent about half my life in academia, and I've still never met a "liberal dictator professor." :P I met quite a few, in a community college in a rural area. The only ones who fit that description at Macalester were a couple of the Religion profs! (And not all of those, thank God!) Still, I guess freedom of belief only applies if you're politically correct. Apparently that's the Bush slant on it, anyway. |
CatNipped wrote in message ... "Kreisleriana" wrote in message ... On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 13:25:34 -0600, "CatNipped" yodeled: "Kreisleriana" wrote in message .. . snipped a lot of wisdom That reminds me of a poem I once wrote... "To a Creationist " Fluctuations, constant motion, is whirling round your eyes. "Now" is fluid, it soon becomes "then"; what is, now, is not. Prophets screaming, "Follow my way, for only *I* am RIGHT!". The fearful follow, sheep all herded, can't contend with change. "Show us, help us, what shall we do, we can't go on this way!". "Tell us, Guru, how can we make it all stay just the same?". Find a God, then make Him changeless, and teach His Word as Law. Make change sinful, make science a crime, teach kids FAITH in school. Don't let them ask you to show them proof, God showed you the Light. Inquiring minds are dangerous, nip them in the bud. They can change things even much farther from your status quo. Dig in your heels, bury your head, and MAKE them see your way. Earth will flatten and rest again upon a turtle's back. Stars are then pin holes in a backdrop your God lights for you. And safe and sound you will always be, in control again. 'Cause your God's protection is only for you, you "Good Men". But 'ware ye sheep, there exist some wolves; seekers of the truth. Oh, Creation they doubt not, only how and when and why? Their universe is larger, they love a much greater God. A God who can, in one big bang, create infinity. An infinity of wonder, just ripe to be explored. Magic puzzles in the night sky, lessons, truth to be learned. Mysteries abound all around them, begging to be solved. Their God rewards their questing with Truth in all its Beauty. For what is more beautiful than the intricate laws that Apply to govern all space and time, within and without? Their God is kind enough to let them quest and understand And appreciate creation, all, not just what they ken. "And treasure it all," He tells them, "it is your only chance." "It's not for you, you don't own it, it's just left in your care." Those wolves will keep seeking, for to truly love one must 'know'. They love a God much greater than any YOU can create. Hugs, CatNipped Whoa baby! That is ELOQUENT! Thank you. It always ****es me off when people try to circumscribe *my* God and make him petty and small-minded. I think a God who can create infinity is much more complicatied than *THOSE* simpletons can understand! I don't think even the *greatest* minds of humanity could come close to understanding Him. It would be easier for an ant to write a learned thesis on mankind. Hugs, CatNipped Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com Excellent poem and excellent point, Catnipped. If God has no greater wisdom and breadth of mind than the fundamentalists who believe that only THEIR version of the truth is valid, we'd all be in trouble, anyway. FOrtunately, I'm sure God is MUCH wiser and more tolerant. I mean, if He REALLY hated everyone except narrow minded white people, why would He have bothered making the great variety of people following a great many different religions who actually inhabit this planet? A friend of mine pointed out, that while a day is 24 hours to humans, why should we assume that a day is ALSO 24 hours as far as God is concerned? My brother is an evolutionary biology professor at Florida State University in Tallahassee... I wonder if HE's heard about this horrid, empty headed bill. Sheesh, just what we need. Students who can sue their professors for trying to broaden their minds! What bowls me over is the tyranny of these small-minded people who are claiming professors are the tyrants! Kakistocracy is term for a society being led by it's worst elements. I'm begining to think we're living in one. Melissa |
EvelynVogtGamble(Divamanque) wrote: Well..... there's Disneyworld, of course (but you can always come to California to see the original Disneyland, or go to Paris for the one there). DH says the only thing he will ever do in FL is to poop on it as he flys over it in an airplane. ;P -L. |
On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 19:57:27 -0800, "EvelynVogtGamble(Divamanque)"
yodeled: Kreisleriana wrote: The Nation has a whole issue about right-wing backlash towards "liberal" university faculty. I've spent about half my life in academia, and I've still never met a "liberal dictator professor." :P I have to agree! It's true that Macalester (my alma mater) has always been on the "liberal" side (it's also a church-affiliated college - Presbyterian). Hey, Minnesota Presbyterians are my kind of Presbyterians. ;) I once went to concert in a Presbyterian church in Minneapolis, and I was startled to see nude statues on the grounds. ;) It was an art exhibition. ;) One of the great things about it was that its main purpose was to teach students to use the brains God gave them, and learn to think for themselves! Parroting back what the prof's lectures told you was not the way to pass exams. On the other hand, if your views were diametrically opposed to his/hers, but you could express your viewpoint convincingly, backing it up with well-reasoned argument, you were likely to get an A. (Of course, former students include Hubert Humphrey, "Fritz" Mondale, and Kofi Anan - along with a host of diplomats, journalists, and assorted politicians of various persuasions.) It's a great school, although it was entirely the wrong choice for an aspiring opera singer. Sounds like you got quite a bit out of it, nonetheless. ;) Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
On Sat, 26 Mar 2005 07:07:44 GMT, "Melissa Houle"
yodeled: Kakistocracy is term for a society being led by it's worst elements. I'm begining to think we're living in one. Melissa What a great word! Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
On 25 Mar 2005 23:11:39 -0800, "-L."
yodeled: EvelynVogtGamble(Divamanque) wrote: Well..... there's Disneyworld, of course (but you can always come to California to see the original Disneyland, or go to Paris for the one there). DH says the only thing he will ever do in FL is to poop on it as he flys over it in an airplane. ;P -L. Your DH is Triumph the Insult Comic Dog? ;) Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
On 25 Mar 2005 23:11:39 -0800, "-L." wrote:
DH says the only thing he will ever do in FL is to poop on it as he flys over it in an airplane. ;P I loved the state and was very proud to be a Floridian. However, by the time I moved away eleven years ago, I'd already dubbed it The Lunatic State. Events over the past few years have only solidified that perception. I haven't been back but I *do* miss the Florida that was, the one I loved. Jeanne |
Karen wrote: I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... Capitol bill aims to control leftistı profs THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. Marina responded: *boggle* ====================================== The person who thought this up should be nominated for a Darwin Award. Suz&Spicey |
On Sat, 26 Mar 2005 12:54:43 -0500, "SuzQ"
yodeled: Karen wrote: I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... Capitol bill aims to control leftistı profs THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. Marina responded: *boggle* ====================================== The person who thought this up should be nominated for a Darwin Award. So to speak. ;) Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
SuzQ wrote: Karen wrote: I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... Capitol bill aims to control "leftist" profs THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. Marina responded: *boggle* ====================================== The person who thought this up should be nominated for a Darwin Award. Suz&Spicey I agree! However, I think you can only win that if you're dead. (Otherwise you're still part of the human gene-pool.) |
As Anne Lammott says, "You know you've created God in your own image,
when it turns out He hates all the same people you do." =o) Unfortunately, more and more I think the loonies are running this asylum. Perhaps one reason they act the way they do is that they believe the Rapture is imminent, and they won't have to clean up the messes they're making. Sigh...... Melissa |
EvelynVogtGamble(Divamanque) wrote:
SuzQ wrote: Karen wrote: I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... Capitol bill aims to control "leftist" profs THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. Marina responded: *boggle* ====================================== The person who thought this up should be nominated for a Darwin Award. Suz&Spicey I agree! However, I think you can only win that if you're dead. (Otherwise you're still part of the human gene-pool.) You can still be awarded the prize if you've somehow managed to prevent yourself from taking part in normal reproductive functions while remaining alive. I believe there is a special category for accidents with vacuum cleaners, etc. Regards and Purrs, O J |
On 26 Mar 2005 12:30:55 -0800, "Shiral"
yodeled: As Anne Lammott says, "You know you've created God in your own image, when it turns out He hates all the same people you do." =o) Reminds me of a joke. (Religious joke warning) A man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter shows him around. The place is full of light, peace and joy. There are all kinds of people there, all beatifically happy in the contemplation of God. After awhile, they pass a group of people who are different. They stand apart, looking very down and depressed. The man said "What's wrong with them?" St. Peter says "Oh them? They're the Baptists. They thought they were going to have the place to themselves." :P Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com |
"Helen Wheels" wrote in message
... Jeanette wrote: Karen wrote in message ... I begin to feel as though we are descending into the Dark Ages again..... That is appalling, truly and utterly appalling. If I was an American student I'd be applying for a European University right now. :( Jeanette Once I would have added "or an Australian one", but I'm afraid that all the signs are that our current govt wishes to push our unis in the same direction as the US ones. I certainly agree that _some_ teachers don't always give differing points of view the respect they might deserve, but this is a nutty way to deal with it. The better teachers I had in 'arts' type subjects gave students an automatic 10% bonus for writing an essay that took a different stance than one that the teacher taught in class. However, it wasn't an easy 10% extra, you had to do your own research independalty of what the teacher had given you, and you had to argue *well* against hte teacher's reasoning. You couldn't just say (for example) "I am not going to write on Y because I don'tbelieve in it - I believe in X instead". If you were going to take the X stance, you'd have to still do the required amount of words expanding on Y according to the X belief. And as I once tried to do,there's often a darn good reason why the teacher is teaching the Z theory - because it holds up under logical reasoning far better than the X belief. And I only discovered that about three quarters of the way through a ten thousand word essay when I read it back to myself and found that all my arguments led to the conclusion that was actually in conflict with my long held belief. How dare a teacher make a student actually think! Yowie |
"Enfilade" wrote in message
om... Capitol bill aims to control Oleftistı profs THE LAW COULD LET STUDENTS SUE FOR UNTOLERATED BELIEFS. Hm, I wonder if Pagans and Wiccans would be allowed to sue for untolerated beliefs? Somehow I suspect...not. I want to sue because I don't *believe* in tolerance :-) Yowie |
On 26 Mar 2005 12:30:55 -0800, "Shiral" wrote:
As Anne Lammott says, "You know you've created God in your own image, when it turns out He hates all the same people you do." =o) Then, too, "If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him." And so we did. Jeanne |
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