Mark2005

Interesting. Wonder how you could reach any real conclusions? I've read stories of people who have died, had near-death experiences, and come back with various stories. I honestly don't know. I won't rule out the possibility there could be something out there, perhaps in a spirit realm. But I'm not holding out any big hopes for a mansion anywhere, either. I suppose we find out when our time comes.

That always seems to be the irony in these idealogical debates.

guess it was good that i got out when i did

Why is it not the "smartest" thing to stand up for your convictions and say how you believe, how you feel? Is that somehow wrong? Or are Christian Conservatives the only group expected to give up their voice and remain silent? Explain to me exactly how what he said was "dumb." Cobalt, If one is running a for-profit business, it's usually not smart to alienate a certain segment of potential customers. That cost your business money. It would be the same if it were gender-based, race-based, religion-based, whatever. I respect his (or anyone's) right to say whatever they want. They will reap what they sow, however it shakes down. It's not a huge deal to me personally.

I support Mr.Cathy's right to say whatever he wants. Probably not the smartest thing. But, then again, it's not like he has the market cornered on saying dumb things. It won't influence my decision to eat or not eat at Chick Fil A one way or the other. I like their food. That's all that matters.

Numbers could be skewed a bit. 1) People who would lean toward supporting it anyway probably tend to lean Democratic to begin with. 2) There is a certain amount of pressure, especially among the elite, to go along with the party line rather than express your personal disagreement.

Actually that varies from one place to another. I knew someone years ago who was convicted of a non-violent felony, served a short (2-3 year) prison sentence, got out, went to law school and was admitted to the bar. I think some states may prohibit it.

Hmmm, wonder if he said anything about his views on immigration and amnesty. Or does that apply only to Hispanics?

Could save a ton of money.

Agreed. Officially, every election is up for grabs with 100 days to go. Either candidate could do or say something brillant or stupid. That being said, I don't see much buzz this time around. Obama isn't inspiring a lot of people, but neither is Romney. Predict a much lower voter turnout than in 2008.

Mixed feelings on this. On one hand, I'mnot in favor of forcing people to do stuff they don't want to do. On the other hand, I think a lot of people hide behind a veil of religion to justify all sorts of stuff. Where does one draw the line? If someone claims their religion involves, say, animal or even human sacrifices, is that OK, too? I don't claim any religion, but there are some things I wouldn't feel comfortable condoning. Just my own personal convictions, nothing that anyone else dictated to me. It shouldn't matter. I have the right to obstain from whatever to the extent it doesn't affect others. I was glad to get out from under organized religion because I felt like it dictated things to me that I should or should not do or feel. Sometimes those things were at odds with my true feelings. That being said, I wonder why these people make such a stink about it. If someone won't provide a certain service I want, I can always find someone else.

It's crazy. You can't say nuttin to no one anymore. But you can take your handgun almost anywhere.

Way cool

Love the Olympics. My favourite event of anything. The passion. The pageantry. The stories. The drama. The moments. Yes, it's true that everything is fleeting. But, in an ironic sort of way, that is one factor that makes it great. So much sacrifice and preparation and anticipation for that one glorious moment. Sort of like a metaphor for life in so many respects. Life itself can seem so brief. We should savor the moments that make it special for each of us, for we know not what the next sunrise will bring.

Debated this at length on another message board with lots of sports people. I can see the arguments both ways. Yes, it happened. There have been other memorials. Do we need to keep doing it over and over until the end of time? (Sort of like the seemingly annual 9-11 memorials). I think it would be appropriate for the Israeli delegation to do something --- perhaps wear black --- in memory of the event. In Vancouver, they did a moment of silence for the Georgia luger who was killed in a practice run. But that was the same day. They won't do another moment of silence at the 2014 Games or afterward. I wouldn't be upset if they did something, but I'm not upset that they're not doing anything, either.

Lot of forgiveness in that sentence, mate. Sidenote: I visited Colorado Community Church a number of years ago with a friend when I was visiting the area. Seemed like a pretty good place. It is one of the signs of real maturity to beable to pray for those who did or do evil. I once visited a church where they prayed for Saddam Hussein during the Iraq War. I thought that was great.

Maybe that's at least a part of the reason for the decline cited in the survey.

As I said in 2008 when then candidate Barack Obama spoke of redistribution of wealth.... "redistribute some of that wealth over here, please".

I'm just the opposite. I don't need to spend my time hearing someone tell me what I should or should not believe or do, that I'm some terrible sinner in dire need of mercy or forgiveness, that I somehow "owe" something or am damned to hell. All that stuff just messes with one's mind. Looking back, I am amazed at how many generations have been enslaved by an enormous burden of guilt.Not blaming all of that on organized religion. The churches that are growing --- and I was part of one years ago --- are ones that empower and encourage people to live better lives, not make them feel guilty over things they cannot change.

Oh, there will always be someone out there offended by something who feels a need to cause chaos. Heck, I see and hear things every day that I could be offended by. I usually let it go. To each their own. If you don't like a certain kind of music, there are plenty of alternatives. Even in a conservative, religious-mad place like Utah.

Interesting story. It seems with each passing generation, more and more people are finding religion irrelevant to their lives. Church leaders of all denominations are faced with the challenge of making their faiths relevant to this generation, its needs and its problems and challenges.

Where's the birth certificate?

What a country, eh? Nothing ever gets passed.

The only reason they had this vote is so the quacks could get their name on the record as opposing it and go back home and campaign on that. We'll see how that works out. Here's hoping the Democrats can win control of the House in the 2012 fall election.

Of all the western states, Colorado has done the best job of developing itself. Wyoming is not much different geographically, but they never developed ski resorts of much of any other business. Utah has slowly been catching up in the last 20 years, especially in the areas north and south of Salt Lake City.