Joseph West commented on No Questions For Mitch Daniels About Indiana Voter Fraud
2012-02-27 02:37:27 -0500
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Well, for FoxNoise to question Daniels about something as serious as voter fraud would require the bobbleheads there to lose one of their attack points against Democrats and the dreaded ACORN.
Besides, FoxNoise is the place Republicons go to be treated with kid gloves and given birthday cake—not to be treated like a Democrat.
Besides, FoxNoise is the place Republicons go to be treated with kid gloves and given birthday cake—not to be treated like a Democrat.
Joseph West commented on Fox News’ Douglas Kennedy Arrested After Maternity Ward Altercation
2012-02-26 19:09:47 -0500
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What’s truly amazing about the mention of Doug’s being “RFK’s son” is that his Fox “biography” makes NO mention of his parentage. You don’t suppose that FoxNoise is trying to cover up something, do you?
Joseph West commented on Fox Fave Brent Bozell Orders Workers To Stop With The Evil Birth Control
2012-02-25 23:39:39 -0500
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@Jimbo: I did a little checking and it turns out that the Media Research Center is based in Alexandria, Virginia. I did a little more checking and, sure enough, Virginia’s a “right-to-work” state.
After checking a bit more, I found this information from a Virginia law firm (Frith & Ellerman) which might put a damper on any lawsuit a fired MRC employee might seek.
—Yes Virginians, you live and work in a âRight to Workâ State, but what does that really mean?We receive calls frequently from Virginia employees who want to know what their rights are if Virginia is a Right to Workâ State. Right to Work came about from the 1935 National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), through which Congress, for the first time, gave Organized Labor the ability to fire workers for refusing to pay union dues and join a union.
Clearly, many states, Virginia included, did not like any federal law that required employees to join unions. So, in the mid 1940âs, numerous states enacted Right to Work laws prohibiting forced union membership and payment of forced union dues as a condition of employment.
That is all âRight to Workâ means. Simply states, you cannot lose your job for refusing to pay union dues or join the Union.
Unfortunately, over the years, the phrase has been misused and many Virginians incorrectly believe the protection provides various rights related to keeping their jobs.
In Virginia, you have very little protection when it comes to your job. Unless you have an employment contract that defines how you can be fired, under Virginia law, you can be fired for any reason other than your race, age, gender or religious beliefs.
Virginia is also an âat willâ employment state which means employers (unless you have a contract that states otherwise) can let go of employees at will, without reason or notice.
If your boss doesnât like your socks, they can fire you. If your boss is having a bad day, she can fire you. You have almost no legal protection or rights to your current job.
So, what does that mean for our clients who have non-compete agreements or employment agreements? It means, that likely even if you are fired, your employment agreement still stands.—-
So, it seems that, unfortunately, an MRC employee might not be able to sue if terminated.
I used to work for an inventory service that instituted—after I’d been employed for about 5 years—a policy mandating that male employees could not have hair that extended below the top of their shirt collars. (Male employees were also prohibited from wearing earrings—even something as minimal as studs—but earrings and studs are easily removed and replaced.) Even though the company was a nationwide company, my state (Alabama) is a “right-to-work” state. I was given two options—get my hair cut or quit. This job was a PART-TIME job, and my regular, full-time job had no problem with my hair length—so I quit. I enjoyed the job, but during the last 3 or 4 months I worked there, I felt I was being harassed. If I’d wanted, I probably could have consulted an attorney and fought but, of course, in order to keep working, I’d have to abide by the employer’s rules until a court ruled in my favor (which could potentially take years to settle—and let’s face it, by cutting my hair while the case made its way through court, it would seem to be a bit of a Pyrrhic victory) so, I simply gave my notice—finished out the last couple of weeks of the heavy inventory period and quit.
And since there’s no national policy that guarantees any employer provide health insurance to its employees, I’m not seeing where an MRC employee would be able to sue under the prohibited “race, age, gender or religious beliefs” limitations.
After checking a bit more, I found this information from a Virginia law firm (Frith & Ellerman) which might put a damper on any lawsuit a fired MRC employee might seek.
—Yes Virginians, you live and work in a âRight to Workâ State, but what does that really mean?We receive calls frequently from Virginia employees who want to know what their rights are if Virginia is a Right to Workâ State. Right to Work came about from the 1935 National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), through which Congress, for the first time, gave Organized Labor the ability to fire workers for refusing to pay union dues and join a union.
Clearly, many states, Virginia included, did not like any federal law that required employees to join unions. So, in the mid 1940âs, numerous states enacted Right to Work laws prohibiting forced union membership and payment of forced union dues as a condition of employment.
That is all âRight to Workâ means. Simply states, you cannot lose your job for refusing to pay union dues or join the Union.
Unfortunately, over the years, the phrase has been misused and many Virginians incorrectly believe the protection provides various rights related to keeping their jobs.
In Virginia, you have very little protection when it comes to your job. Unless you have an employment contract that defines how you can be fired, under Virginia law, you can be fired for any reason other than your race, age, gender or religious beliefs.
Virginia is also an âat willâ employment state which means employers (unless you have a contract that states otherwise) can let go of employees at will, without reason or notice.
If your boss doesnât like your socks, they can fire you. If your boss is having a bad day, she can fire you. You have almost no legal protection or rights to your current job.
So, what does that mean for our clients who have non-compete agreements or employment agreements? It means, that likely even if you are fired, your employment agreement still stands.—-
So, it seems that, unfortunately, an MRC employee might not be able to sue if terminated.
I used to work for an inventory service that instituted—after I’d been employed for about 5 years—a policy mandating that male employees could not have hair that extended below the top of their shirt collars. (Male employees were also prohibited from wearing earrings—even something as minimal as studs—but earrings and studs are easily removed and replaced.) Even though the company was a nationwide company, my state (Alabama) is a “right-to-work” state. I was given two options—get my hair cut or quit. This job was a PART-TIME job, and my regular, full-time job had no problem with my hair length—so I quit. I enjoyed the job, but during the last 3 or 4 months I worked there, I felt I was being harassed. If I’d wanted, I probably could have consulted an attorney and fought but, of course, in order to keep working, I’d have to abide by the employer’s rules until a court ruled in my favor (which could potentially take years to settle—and let’s face it, by cutting my hair while the case made its way through court, it would seem to be a bit of a Pyrrhic victory) so, I simply gave my notice—finished out the last couple of weeks of the heavy inventory period and quit.
And since there’s no national policy that guarantees any employer provide health insurance to its employees, I’m not seeing where an MRC employee would be able to sue under the prohibited “race, age, gender or religious beliefs” limitations.
Joseph West commented on Eric Bolling Busts A Tune To Vote Out Obama Over High Gas Prices
2012-02-25 13:41:40 -0500
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@doors17: Exactly. And when the big oil companies DO start showing those big gains, the GOP and FoxNoise won’t say as much as a bad word. No talk about increasing the tax rate or questioning why gas prices don’t come down. Just blind acceptance that big oil is taking risks and deserving of all the profits they make.
Joseph West commented on Brent Bozell’s Phony Analysis Of Oil Production
2012-02-24 22:43:15 -0500
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@mj & visitor: You both pretty much validated the vague memories I had regarding the right-wing defense of Dubya’s part in 2008’s gas price explosion.
Typical right-wing attitude: The Dems are responsible whether they control the White House and/or Congress; the Dems are responsible when the GOPers control the White House and/or Congress.
Typical right-wing attitude: The Dems are responsible whether they control the White House and/or Congress; the Dems are responsible when the GOPers control the White House and/or Congress.
Joseph West commented on Monica Crowley: Ted Nugent Would Be An Amazing Presidential Candidate
2012-02-23 15:33:21 -0500
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“But this is the kind of rhetoric a Fox News host not only tolerates but admires.”
Ellen, you need to do a correction. The sentence should read: “But this is the kind of EXTREMIST RIGHT-WING rhetoric a Fox News host not only tolerates but admires.”
We all know that a “liberal” or “progressive” who makes such outrageous statements would be the subject of FoxNoise criticism for at least a month.
Ellen, you need to do a correction. The sentence should read: “But this is the kind of EXTREMIST RIGHT-WING rhetoric a Fox News host not only tolerates but admires.”
We all know that a “liberal” or “progressive” who makes such outrageous statements would be the subject of FoxNoise criticism for at least a month.
Joseph West commented on Glenn ("We Are All Catholics Now") Beck Outlines Plans for a Worldwide Tea Party
2012-02-22 17:15:59 -0500
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@el84: Why would Beck (who obviously knows what the Founding Fathers meant) need to worry his pointy little head about anything that Thomas Jefferson wrote? I mean, it’s not like Jefferson is one of Beck’s lauded Founding Fathers. Jefferson is some guy who came along later.
(Please, please, please—do not mistake the above snarkiness for anything remotely resembling my understanding of American history. I would ask, however, that you please explain why you believe that Beck has ever read ANYTHING that the REAL Founding Fathers wrote. I’m not even positive that Beck is actually able to read.)
(Please, please, please—do not mistake the above snarkiness for anything remotely resembling my understanding of American history. I would ask, however, that you please explain why you believe that Beck has ever read ANYTHING that the REAL Founding Fathers wrote. I’m not even positive that Beck is actually able to read.)
Joseph West commented on O’Reilly: Obama Wants Gas Prices To Go “As High As Possible”
2012-02-21 22:23:42 -0500
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So, according to Billdo, Dubya wanted gas prices to skyrocket in the spring and summer of 2008 because he wanted the GOP to lose the election? Am I understanding Billdo’s “reasoning” correctly?
He IS correct that gas prices are being manipulated, but ONLY by the oil companies
He IS correct that gas prices are being manipulated, but ONLY by the oil companies
Joseph West commented on Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino Want Poor Women To Have More Babies?
2012-02-21 16:52:17 -0500
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Maybe someone should ask Tantaros and Perino why they haven’t yet done their “womanly duty” and borne a couple dozen children. Oh, and maybe someone should also ask why they’re daring to give their “opinions” since, as we all know, it’s NOT a woman’s place to be offering any type of “opinion” (under the traditional auspices of a “woman’s proper place,” the woman is supposed to sit back and remain quiet and let the MEN do all the talking; the woman’s “proper place” is to merely nod in agreement) but what makes Tantaros and Perino’s actions here even more reprehensible is that they’re sitting among unrelated men, acting as though they’re these men’s “equals.” Why, for that affront alone, they should be taken out and stoned by the proper authorities.
And, for FoxNoise’s part in abetting this crime of letting women speak in public, the heads of the network should be publicly flogged. I’m sure the male honchos of the network must have read the history books where men who allowed their women to step out of their “rightful place” were judged to be as guilty as the women. Remember that God punished Adam for allowing Eve to get so “uppity.” Of course, I doubt that God would consider what the FoxNoise men do to create sweat (cf Gen 3); I’m sure the Fauxies would be prone to sweat quite profusely (especially if hooked up to a polygraph) but that’s probably NOT what God intended.
And, for FoxNoise’s part in abetting this crime of letting women speak in public, the heads of the network should be publicly flogged. I’m sure the male honchos of the network must have read the history books where men who allowed their women to step out of their “rightful place” were judged to be as guilty as the women. Remember that God punished Adam for allowing Eve to get so “uppity.” Of course, I doubt that God would consider what the FoxNoise men do to create sweat (cf Gen 3); I’m sure the Fauxies would be prone to sweat quite profusely (especially if hooked up to a polygraph) but that’s probably NOT what God intended.
Joseph West commented on Vietnam Veterans Of America Demand Liz Trotta Apologize For Her “Expect To Be Raped” Comments
2012-02-20 15:22:11 -0500
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@Aria: It seems there’s an art to “the apology” that has become de rigueur for con-servatives. It typically begins with “If I offended anyone. . . .” or “I never intended any offense. . . .” In both cases, that’s a code for “I’m not really apologizing for anything; this is just a way to get the critics to STFU.”
Joseph West commented on Megyn Kelly's Fox Fact - Birth Control Mandate "Infringement" On Religious Liberty
2012-02-20 01:06:25 -0500
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@patrick tolle: Maybe if Adam hadn’t been such a spoiled brat and been willing to let Lilith be “on top” once in a while, women would’ve had an easier time of it. (Lilith was one of the rabbinical explanations* for the Creation story in Genesis 1, the tale where God created “male and female created he them”—Gen 1:27 KJV.)
Then again, if the Bible hadn’t been written in an Iron Age patriarchal culture (and orally transmitted starting in the Middle to Late Bronze Age) that considered women to be little more than brood sows, women’s lives would be better. (Damn the onset of the Neolithic Age.)
*The other neat explanation is that when God created humans, he created a type of hermaphrodite (the most common thought is a kind of double-person, not unlike conjoined twins) and that God became distressed that His new creation (both the human creature and the Earth itself) had become corrupted so He started from scratch. This was used to explain why the two accounts of creation are substantially different (if you read Genesis 2, the order of creation is slightly different; in Gen 1, animals are created first, but in Gen 2, Adam is created and the animals are created to keep him company).
Then again, if the Bible hadn’t been written in an Iron Age patriarchal culture (and orally transmitted starting in the Middle to Late Bronze Age) that considered women to be little more than brood sows, women’s lives would be better. (Damn the onset of the Neolithic Age.)
*The other neat explanation is that when God created humans, he created a type of hermaphrodite (the most common thought is a kind of double-person, not unlike conjoined twins) and that God became distressed that His new creation (both the human creature and the Earth itself) had become corrupted so He started from scratch. This was used to explain why the two accounts of creation are substantially different (if you read Genesis 2, the order of creation is slightly different; in Gen 1, animals are created first, but in Gen 2, Adam is created and the animals are created to keep him company).
Joseph West commented on Hannity Guest Suggests President Obama’s Contraception Mandate To Blame For Nicki Minaj’s Grammy Performance
2012-02-15 01:40:00 -0500
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Ellen wrote, “Before long, Special Victim Hannity was whining about that olâ âdouble standard.â âWhat if this was against the Islamic faith?â he wondered (which was nicely shot down by his other guest, Michael Meyers). âConservative women are attacked. I donât see liberal women attacked in the same way.â That is, unless your name is Michelle Obama or Rosie OâDonnell or Nancy Pelosi or â¦well, you probably get the picture.”
Or Nicki Minaj, perhaps? Admittedly, I don’t know Minaj’s political leanings but you do have to admit the irony in Hannity’s whine about “©onservative women are attacked” during a program in which he spends his time attacking a woman.
Or Nicki Minaj, perhaps? Admittedly, I don’t know Minaj’s political leanings but you do have to admit the irony in Hannity’s whine about “©onservative women are attacked” during a program in which he spends his time attacking a woman.
Joseph West commented on Fox News Blames The Victims For Foreclosure Abuse
2012-02-12 15:22:43 -0500
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@Kevin: I doubt that MOST people were “knowingly buying homes above their income capacity” to flip them. Maybe among the people you know that was true, but I strongly doubt that was the case for the majority of prospective buyers during that era.
I’d be willing to bet the overwhelming majority were folks who went into the bank or mortgage loan agency with an idea of what they could actually afford, but were suckered into buying a higher-priced property with talk of how “safe” an investment they were making.
And, Kevin, it has very little to do with “smart” or not, mortgage paperwork is just a variation on the language of Legalese. Key points are seldom—if ever—highlighted and the people selling the mortgages and home loans are less interested in helping the buyer and more interested in making THEIR money. They specialize in making sure that you aren’t given enough time to really read the terms with the thoroughness you actually need. Think of it like most of the “terms of service” when you download a new program or use some type of equipment; yes—you should read the “terms of service” but when those terms are written in legalese and can take more than 30 minutes to read in detail before you can make a truly informed decision, most people (“smart” or not) tend to simply click “I agree” and go on with the hope that they won’t be bitten later.
Is there some reason that mortgage paperwork CAN’T be written in simple, easy-to-understand, everyday language? (The same question applies to laws coming out of Washington and your local state legislatures, but I digress….) Is there some reason that the paperwork can’t provide a “highlight” cover page (with references to the full contract’s actual page number/s for more detail)? I think the answer is this: If people were able to fully understand the terms of their contract (and in LESS than 30 minutes), people would be far less willing to sign their lives away to the banking industry.
I’d be willing to bet the overwhelming majority were folks who went into the bank or mortgage loan agency with an idea of what they could actually afford, but were suckered into buying a higher-priced property with talk of how “safe” an investment they were making.
And, Kevin, it has very little to do with “smart” or not, mortgage paperwork is just a variation on the language of Legalese. Key points are seldom—if ever—highlighted and the people selling the mortgages and home loans are less interested in helping the buyer and more interested in making THEIR money. They specialize in making sure that you aren’t given enough time to really read the terms with the thoroughness you actually need. Think of it like most of the “terms of service” when you download a new program or use some type of equipment; yes—you should read the “terms of service” but when those terms are written in legalese and can take more than 30 minutes to read in detail before you can make a truly informed decision, most people (“smart” or not) tend to simply click “I agree” and go on with the hope that they won’t be bitten later.
Is there some reason that mortgage paperwork CAN’T be written in simple, easy-to-understand, everyday language? (The same question applies to laws coming out of Washington and your local state legislatures, but I digress….) Is there some reason that the paperwork can’t provide a “highlight” cover page (with references to the full contract’s actual page number/s for more detail)? I think the answer is this: If people were able to fully understand the terms of their contract (and in LESS than 30 minutes), people would be far less willing to sign their lives away to the banking industry.
Joseph West commented on Herman Cain Gets Rehabbed As A Political Pundit
2012-02-08 22:41:13 -0500
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@Lakeview Greg: Do you really think Palin would accept second billing? I mean, after all, she WAS the “governor of Alaska” and she WAS a vice-presidential candidate of a major political party and she WAS the “star” of a reality TV show. What did Cain ever do? Just run a half-decent pizza chain into the ground after cutting half the employees and then sexually harass a bunch of women. I mean, the two just don’t compare. (Of course, this IS FoxNoise and you’ve got two “minority” groups represented—a so-called black man and a so-called woman—but everyone knows that, on FoxNoise, penis trumps all.)
Joseph West commented on Fr. Jonathan Morris' Second Attack On Vanderbilt Non Discrimination Policy Kinder & Gentler?
2012-02-06 15:13:30 -0500
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" [Camerota] used the example of how a chess club should be able to require proficiency in chess as a basis for how a Baptist club should be able to require that their leader believe in Baptist theology."
Actually, I believe that there’s no need for “proficiency” in chess to belong to a chess club. Belonging to a chess TEAM, yes—that requires a certain level of proficiency. But joining a chess CLUB, not so much. The only requirement for membership in a club would be to love the game or simply be an enthusiast. Yes, it would probably help to be highly proficient in the game but that would be more for one’s own self-esteem (getting your tail whupped in match after match might dampen your enthusiasm) but if you’re more into enjoying the game for its own sake, your win-loss ratio is probably secondary.
Now, will people proficient in chess be more likely to join a club rather than those who are just kind of “take it or leave it?” Probably. But, by the same token, I would strongly doubt that any die-hard atheist would feel compelled to join any sort of Bible studies club, especially one that insists on including prayers as part of the meeting. (An atheist might join a Bible studies club that opts to, you know, actually STUDY the Bible for its various NON-religious aspects. The Bible is a source of beautiful poetry and inspires everyday language as well as major works of art—not just paintings and sculptures but literature. And, unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be very much in the way of “Bible study” that touches on this aspect of the Bible.)
Actually, I believe that there’s no need for “proficiency” in chess to belong to a chess club. Belonging to a chess TEAM, yes—that requires a certain level of proficiency. But joining a chess CLUB, not so much. The only requirement for membership in a club would be to love the game or simply be an enthusiast. Yes, it would probably help to be highly proficient in the game but that would be more for one’s own self-esteem (getting your tail whupped in match after match might dampen your enthusiasm) but if you’re more into enjoying the game for its own sake, your win-loss ratio is probably secondary.
Now, will people proficient in chess be more likely to join a club rather than those who are just kind of “take it or leave it?” Probably. But, by the same token, I would strongly doubt that any die-hard atheist would feel compelled to join any sort of Bible studies club, especially one that insists on including prayers as part of the meeting. (An atheist might join a Bible studies club that opts to, you know, actually STUDY the Bible for its various NON-religious aspects. The Bible is a source of beautiful poetry and inspires everyday language as well as major works of art—not just paintings and sculptures but literature. And, unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be very much in the way of “Bible study” that touches on this aspect of the Bible.)
Joseph West commented on Fox Business Panel Mostly Ignores Benefits Of Raising Minimum Wage
2012-02-06 01:52:16 -0500
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@mj: I’d like for those idiots you mention to just try living ON minimum wage for a month. (Of course, I mean the FEDERAL minimum wage—not that of a state that offers higher than the Federal wage. There are only 4 states that have lower minimum wage laws but I’m not really sure how that actually works.) At $7.25 an hour and a 40-hour workweek, an employee is making a mere $290 a week gross pay with 15-20% of that going to the various withholding taxes which amounts to between $230 and $250 a week after taxes. (Such net pay may be great if your expenses are next-to-nothing, but if you’ve got to drive your own car to work and make a house payment or rent and if you want to eat and have decent clothes, that amount of money doesn’t leave you too much for anything else—like healthcare or a savings account.)
Joseph West commented on Gretchen Carlson: No Politics With Susan G. Komen Foundation - Except The Ones Fox Won’t Mention
2012-02-05 01:43:18 -0500
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Johnson sounded like a Komen PR release as he added, âFoundations (such as Komen)⦠have the right to make a determination about how and where theyâre giving money. If the Komen Foundationâs not giving money to Planned Parenthood, I think you can assume and rest assured that they will find other outlets that will also provide mammograms, that will also provide biopsies, that will also provide breast health services, especially to underserved, underprivileged women who need those services so badly in this country.
I think Mr Johnson (heh, his name’s “Johnson”) needs a reminder about “assume.” As for his “assurance,” perhaps he can show where all these “underserved, underprivileged women who need those services” can get them NOW. Those are the women who currently rely on Planned Parenthood as their SOLE provider.
I think Mr Johnson (heh, his name’s “Johnson”) needs a reminder about “assume.” As for his “assurance,” perhaps he can show where all these “underserved, underprivileged women who need those services” can get them NOW. Those are the women who currently rely on Planned Parenthood as their SOLE provider.
Joseph West commented on Donald Trump: We Don’t Really Know Where Obama Comes From
2012-02-04 14:28:11 -0500
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@Dave Wright: Sadly, I doubt that any of the mainstream media folks (like Brian Williams or Diane Sawyer) would be any harder on the Donald than the FoxNoise folks are.
OTOH, whatcha wanna bet that the Donald wouldn’t consider an invitation from Rachel Maddow because she WOULD tear him to shreds?
OTOH, whatcha wanna bet that the Donald wouldn’t consider an invitation from Rachel Maddow because she WOULD tear him to shreds?
Joseph West commented on Michelle Malkin Claims Birth Control Mandate Is Really About Abortion
2012-02-03 01:31:08 -0500
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Don’t apologize, Count. You’re completely free to state your OPINION since this is America. And, if far right nutjobs can get away spewing outrageous “opinions” on a major television network without expressing the least bit of remorse or regret or feeling any need to apologize, certainly you’re every bit as good as they are.
(Besides, when it gets right down to it, you can always say that someone else posted the comment under your name.)
(Besides, when it gets right down to it, you can always say that someone else posted the comment under your name.)
Joseph West commented on Gretchen Carlson Launches 5th Attack On Vanderbilt Non Discrimination Policy
2012-02-02 17:23:45 -0500
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I wonder what Gretch’s reaction would be if a Jewish or Muslim student were to be elected as the head of one of these prayer groups and insisted that Jewish-specific or Muslim-specific prayers were to be offered in addition to the “Christian” prayers that are routinely offered?
I also wonder if Gretch is aware that Catholics and Protestants typically have different standards for prayer? I mean, I was under the impression that most Catholics do the “cross one’s self” thing when praying, something that NO Protestant (unless playing a Catholic character in a film or TV or stage play) would ever do. Not to mention the fact that Catholics have prayers that are specific to Mary and the Holy Spirit and consider prayer to the various Saints as having an equal standing to prayers to God and/or Christ. Want to get evangelical panties in a bunch? Watch a Catholic offer up a prayer through “the Blessed Mother” or to “Saint whomever.” (The phrase, “If looks could kill,” comes to mind.)
Of course, it is rather telling that Gretch is ONLY focused on the “atheists in charge of prayer groups” strawman, rather than the “Christians trying to discriminate against gays and call it religious freedom” reality of the story.
I also wonder if Gretch is aware that Catholics and Protestants typically have different standards for prayer? I mean, I was under the impression that most Catholics do the “cross one’s self” thing when praying, something that NO Protestant (unless playing a Catholic character in a film or TV or stage play) would ever do. Not to mention the fact that Catholics have prayers that are specific to Mary and the Holy Spirit and consider prayer to the various Saints as having an equal standing to prayers to God and/or Christ. Want to get evangelical panties in a bunch? Watch a Catholic offer up a prayer through “the Blessed Mother” or to “Saint whomever.” (The phrase, “If looks could kill,” comes to mind.)
Of course, it is rather telling that Gretch is ONLY focused on the “atheists in charge of prayer groups” strawman, rather than the “Christians trying to discriminate against gays and call it religious freedom” reality of the story.