Rick Santorum has become TDFB's latest target for the almost-ever-ready Flogging Whip. The dislike, disdain, isn't due to a concern that he will become the next Prez of the U.S. It is because the soapbox upon which I have spent hours of my life standing regarding the "evils" of Organized Religion, has his name on it as one of the latest offenders.
Santorum's mind-boggling, common sense-numbing comments and self-righteous attitude are/is/could be/might be/probably is/are the epitome of why I have a vast distaste for religious-based rhetoric.
I believe that anyone who places their personal religious preferences, beliefs and jargon into almost every conversation or speech is pushing their agenda on others - whether it be Islamic, Christian, Buddhist.... Unless one is recruiting for their cause in an environment where those who want to learn more about the religion and/or teachers, it just feels wrong and I, for one, am tired of it and will not stop disagreeing with politicians in particular who use "The Lord Jesus" or any other religious figure/ideology as the cornerstone of their candidacy. And Santorum is doing just that despite his denials.
The guy is now claiming that statements he made about religion in 2008 should not be brought up now that he is running for Prez because his only concern NOW is about creating jobs and fixing the economy. Really, Rick? What plans do you have for that, may I ask? Dumping Public Education? Doing so will create jobs? Barring women from having abortions - this will help the economy? So far, beyond a few remarks on the true crisis in the country (economy) all you, Mr. Ricky-Dick, seem to care about is Religion. Religion. Religion. Fine. Take it back to church where it belongs.
Per Politico, this is the latest nattering from Santorum to the media concerning accusations such as mine: (For reference, the "forces" are Lucifer and Liberals, which, in his world, are one and the same.)
"You guys are asking questions that are not relevant to what's being discussed in America today. What we're talking about in America is trying to get America working, that's what my speeches are about, that's what we're going to talk about in this campaign. If they want to to dig up old speeches when I'm talking to a religious group, they can go right ahead and do so but I'm going to stay on message, I'm going to talk about what Americans want to talk about, which is creating jobs, getting our country safer and secure and yeah, taking on the forces around this world who want to do harm to America. You bet I will take 'em on."
Well then, I'm taking you on, Mr. Sweater Vest. (He's so much fun. How many names can we give him? The Lord Vest-In-Threats? Mr. Preppy Chest? Mr. I-Don't-Know-How-To-Dress-Mess?)
First, I'd like to dispel the assumption that if I have a problem with "Organized Religion" I am against the spirit of religion, or that I am an atheist. I am none of that. And, as I have taken shots at religion and people who use it for what I perceive to be less-than-true or opportunistic means, I believe that readers who have supported this blog (one way or another) deserve to understand what is beneath my queefs.
What I believe - written in an absolutely non-academic or literary fashion: We, the human race, are here on this earth and have no real idea why or how - in reality. Obviously, some-thing or some-body or some-energy made not only our planet but the "Universe." Ergo; there is something going on we don't really know beyond what Science tells us with regard to time and black holes and comets and other planets and what revolves around what....
There is also something happening in another realm of our reality that we call the "Spiritual" level, which can also be lumped into the "Faith" category. Strange, incredible things happen in our lives and in the lives of others. An energy within us can be tapped to view "reality" in whatever way we choose - or what we may attract (which is basically the same thing - conscious or subconscious).
Loving Jesus, or a leader of a faith, is everyone's right. But it is not right to run a country on one, and only one, belief or faith. It is dangerous. See all historical references from all faiths regarding the many wars that "Religion" has spawned.
C'mon, people! Just chill. You have chosen your faith, others have chosen theirs, and even more have dabbled in various faith-based doctrines and guidance to find their way. It's not all bad news. It becomes as such when the muddied halo surrounding the Religion of Choice tells me I'm going to Hell if I do not agree with them.
Am I planning to slay Mr. Sanctimonious because he is a Christian? No! I slam him because, as written in previous posts, he wants to send us back to the Stone Age based on HIS religious beliefs, which, quite frankly, do not reflect the full picture. Meaning - one religion, one belief system, is not always the FINAL ANSWER!
I have had what might be considered "miracles." I do believe in a Higher Being. I simply believe in what may be deemed as "faith" on a different level than those who come together to agree, celebrate, elucidate, educate, in a temple or church of one specific faith/belief system.
But I will not preach to you about my beliefs. I have more than just the surface explanation going on within my life. I will write about how I feel as a blogger. But you will never "hear" me suggesting that any of you are going to Hell because you disagree with me. Nor will you find me (and others who are of like mind) constantly forcing my fairly unorthodox beliefs upon you. My opinion? Yes. My agenda? No way!
I do continue to enjoy taking anyone to task who is a pious jerk. (Yep. That's my opinion.) And, to make a few of you laugh and others completely disgusted, here is one of the most creative anti-Santorum ditties to date: Ricky-Dick's Porn-um
Bottom line? I believe in a God, maybe not YOUR GOD, but an energy that is absolutely beyond a comprehensive explanation in such a short blog as this (despite its already lengthy space).
And, I truly resent the Rick Santorum's of this world when they play with religion to win political races and generate further discord during a time in our country when coming together is more important than ever.
I have so much more to say/write that would be far more articulate if I were talking to you rather than writing. It would also help if I had another cup of tea. For now, however, this is a writing blog. Perhaps one day I'll share my voice via an audio feed and then, perhaps then, my tone may be found to be far more gentle than my currently quasi-edgy-blunted "pen."
*Note: For background, I was raised a Presbyterian. My father was a Deacon in our church. I sang in the church choir. I did not have any negative experiences concerning "my" religion. I was a participant in a Bible Study class to become a member of our church. As I learned more about the world, religions, and alternative beliefs, I followed my heart and mind which led me to a decision that no one really knows the "Truth" and that life, no matter from where it came, is sacred, special, miraculous. Most of all; there can be no light without darkness. Thus, the power and fact of Yin and Yang. One cannot exist without the other.
Image via: http://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com
Santorum's mind-boggling, common sense-numbing comments and self-righteous attitude are/is/could be/might be/probably is/are the epitome of why I have a vast distaste for religious-based rhetoric.
I believe that anyone who places their personal religious preferences, beliefs and jargon into almost every conversation or speech is pushing their agenda on others - whether it be Islamic, Christian, Buddhist.... Unless one is recruiting for their cause in an environment where those who want to learn more about the religion and/or teachers, it just feels wrong and I, for one, am tired of it and will not stop disagreeing with politicians in particular who use "The Lord Jesus" or any other religious figure/ideology as the cornerstone of their candidacy. And Santorum is doing just that despite his denials.
The guy is now claiming that statements he made about religion in 2008 should not be brought up now that he is running for Prez because his only concern NOW is about creating jobs and fixing the economy. Really, Rick? What plans do you have for that, may I ask? Dumping Public Education? Doing so will create jobs? Barring women from having abortions - this will help the economy? So far, beyond a few remarks on the true crisis in the country (economy) all you, Mr. Ricky-Dick, seem to care about is Religion. Religion. Religion. Fine. Take it back to church where it belongs.
Per Politico, this is the latest nattering from Santorum to the media concerning accusations such as mine: (For reference, the "forces" are Lucifer and Liberals, which, in his world, are one and the same.)
"You guys are asking questions that are not relevant to what's being discussed in America today. What we're talking about in America is trying to get America working, that's what my speeches are about, that's what we're going to talk about in this campaign. If they want to to dig up old speeches when I'm talking to a religious group, they can go right ahead and do so but I'm going to stay on message, I'm going to talk about what Americans want to talk about, which is creating jobs, getting our country safer and secure and yeah, taking on the forces around this world who want to do harm to America. You bet I will take 'em on."
Well then, I'm taking you on, Mr. Sweater Vest. (He's so much fun. How many names can we give him? The Lord Vest-In-Threats? Mr. Preppy Chest? Mr. I-Don't-Know-How-To-Dress-Mess?)
First, I'd like to dispel the assumption that if I have a problem with "Organized Religion" I am against the spirit of religion, or that I am an atheist. I am none of that. And, as I have taken shots at religion and people who use it for what I perceive to be less-than-true or opportunistic means, I believe that readers who have supported this blog (one way or another) deserve to understand what is beneath my queefs.
What I believe - written in an absolutely non-academic or literary fashion: We, the human race, are here on this earth and have no real idea why or how - in reality. Obviously, some-thing or some-body or some-energy made not only our planet but the "Universe." Ergo; there is something going on we don't really know beyond what Science tells us with regard to time and black holes and comets and other planets and what revolves around what....
There is also something happening in another realm of our reality that we call the "Spiritual" level, which can also be lumped into the "Faith" category. Strange, incredible things happen in our lives and in the lives of others. An energy within us can be tapped to view "reality" in whatever way we choose - or what we may attract (which is basically the same thing - conscious or subconscious).
Loving Jesus, or a leader of a faith, is everyone's right. But it is not right to run a country on one, and only one, belief or faith. It is dangerous. See all historical references from all faiths regarding the many wars that "Religion" has spawned.
C'mon, people! Just chill. You have chosen your faith, others have chosen theirs, and even more have dabbled in various faith-based doctrines and guidance to find their way. It's not all bad news. It becomes as such when the muddied halo surrounding the Religion of Choice tells me I'm going to Hell if I do not agree with them.
Am I planning to slay Mr. Sanctimonious because he is a Christian? No! I slam him because, as written in previous posts, he wants to send us back to the Stone Age based on HIS religious beliefs, which, quite frankly, do not reflect the full picture. Meaning - one religion, one belief system, is not always the FINAL ANSWER!
I have had what might be considered "miracles." I do believe in a Higher Being. I simply believe in what may be deemed as "faith" on a different level than those who come together to agree, celebrate, elucidate, educate, in a temple or church of one specific faith/belief system.
But I will not preach to you about my beliefs. I have more than just the surface explanation going on within my life. I will write about how I feel as a blogger. But you will never "hear" me suggesting that any of you are going to Hell because you disagree with me. Nor will you find me (and others who are of like mind) constantly forcing my fairly unorthodox beliefs upon you. My opinion? Yes. My agenda? No way!
I do continue to enjoy taking anyone to task who is a pious jerk. (Yep. That's my opinion.) And, to make a few of you laugh and others completely disgusted, here is one of the most creative anti-Santorum ditties to date: Ricky-Dick's Porn-um
Bottom line? I believe in a God, maybe not YOUR GOD, but an energy that is absolutely beyond a comprehensive explanation in such a short blog as this (despite its already lengthy space).
And, I truly resent the Rick Santorum's of this world when they play with religion to win political races and generate further discord during a time in our country when coming together is more important than ever.
I have so much more to say/write that would be far more articulate if I were talking to you rather than writing. It would also help if I had another cup of tea. For now, however, this is a writing blog. Perhaps one day I'll share my voice via an audio feed and then, perhaps then, my tone may be found to be far more gentle than my currently quasi-edgy-blunted "pen."
*Note: For background, I was raised a Presbyterian. My father was a Deacon in our church. I sang in the church choir. I did not have any negative experiences concerning "my" religion. I was a participant in a Bible Study class to become a member of our church. As I learned more about the world, religions, and alternative beliefs, I followed my heart and mind which led me to a decision that no one really knows the "Truth" and that life, no matter from where it came, is sacred, special, miraculous. Most of all; there can be no light without darkness. Thus, the power and fact of Yin and Yang. One cannot exist without the other.
Image via: http://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com
See you in hell
ReplyDeleteHey Anon - Kisses.
ReplyDeleteHa! "Mr. "Sweater Vest"
ReplyDeleteGreat piece. It's the same old thing - when they really have NOTHING of value to say. The GOP standard. 1st MAKE IT ABOUT- What Jesus would do" Lie. Divert. Attack. Then..lie about diverting and attacking. The guy is an ass. Jesus would have told Mr. Sweater Vest" to stop selling in the temple.
Just for Clarity- Jesus would not lie -divert and attack-In fact, Jesus was into uniting all people- Mr. Sweater Vest is the total opposite- of EVERYTHING that Jesus was about.
ReplyDeleteJ - Thank you. Yep. Most of the people who fall back on religion to justify oppressing and condemning others are doing precisely what their religion is NOT about. But tell that to them? Nah! They are always "right" in more ways than one.
ReplyDelete