tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post114589869489105115..comments2024-03-28T12:10:26.197-07:00Comments on One Cʘsmos: One Cosmos Light: Tastes Coherent! Less Absurd!Gagdad Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14249005793605006679noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145981091621716032006-04-25T09:04:00.000-07:002006-04-25T09:04:00.000-07:00LiquidLife - I agree with you 100% and also with B...LiquidLife - I agree with you 100% and also with Bob. My entire family looks at me like I'm some kind of alien from outer space. It's like we live in two different worlds. I know them, but they don't know me and don't seem particularly interested in finding out. Altho I'm good fodder for their gossip mill. It seems they subconsciously feel the need to tear me apart to make themselves feel better or something weird. I can't understand why if they disdain me so much they feel the need to engage me at all. I think they invite me for holidays because if they didn't - what would the neighbors think - and it would be uncivil of them to just be honest and put their cards on the table and come right out and say "we don't like you, you're not like us," (haven't spent holidays with them now for several years - I moved to a different state so they can't meddle in my life and during holidays I can't get away from work ;). I just accept that I'm different somehow and try to consciously treat them all with kindness even when they are nasty to me - which only pisses them off even more. Seems my very existence rubs them the wrong way - kind of like liberals with GWB. Could it be because I escaped from the herd? I generally just stay away from them and go about my own life.<BR/><BR/>And LOL! LLH - <I>I have found that I rather choose to hang out with the children in the crowd or maybe even the dog which is looking at me like "Can you believe this crap?"</I> Been there.<BR/><BR/>Gagdad - I really appreciate your blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145919277088323762006-04-24T15:54:00.000-07:002006-04-24T15:54:00.000-07:00You're never going to change someone's mind on the...You're never going to change someone's mind on the spot, and if you do the change won't last longer than the next commercial break.<BR/><BR/>I find that subtlety is the most effective way to plant those seeds. A favorite past time for my buddies here in San Franmoonbat is to hang out at the cafe and chat up the locals. Talk about music, art, film...whatever. Then, drop little hints, get them suspicious; first, they'll shift in their seats a bit when it appears you don't quite hate George Bush...and then...oh, the look on a stunned moonbat's face when confronted with someone who is hip, intelligent, cultured, friendly...maybe even an artist or musician...but also *gasp* a-a-a-a-a NEO-CON(!!) is priceless.<BR/><BR/>But seriously, the first step is shattering their clichés. In practice, its somewhat similar to the way blacks or gays or any stereotyped group gained acceptance - it was a process of sheltered people being exposed to them as individual human beings, just like them, until it became impossible to maintain their culturally indoctrinated hatred and biases. But it was a process of millions of tiny interactions that turned the tide. <BR/><BR/>We all love to focus on the irredeemable screaming moonbats, but most people are just well-meaning products of 40 years of leftist propaganda from schools, newspapers and every facet of our culture. These people maintain their curiosity, and their interest is generally piqued when they talk to a someone who is clearly an intelligent 'normal' person who calmly holds views they have be told their whole lives are evil, mean, heartless, etc.<BR/><BR/>These normal people - the ones with a life outside of hating Bush - are all around us, they are the key to turning the tide. <BR/><BR/>However don't waste your time in a shouting match with the old naked women snacking on swastika cookies on a sidewalk in Berkeley.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and, whatever you do, DO NOT give someone a generic link to Bob's site! <I>Especially</I> a woman. Last time I tried that I woke up the next morning to find Petey taking on gender issues...<I>baaaad</I> news.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145915248513791462006-04-24T14:47:00.000-07:002006-04-24T14:47:00.000-07:00LLH- Thanks for sharing that. That is what my Gran...LLH- Thanks for sharing that. <BR/>That is what my Grandparents (not blood, but adoptive) gave to me, when I was with them. They were my father and mother, not my biological parents. <BR/>They cared, and it showed.<BR/>Wisdom, love, peace and joy, flowed like a river from their hearts. <BR/>I hope my biological (long divorced) parents, wherever they may be, acquire the wisdom and spiritual enlightenment my Grandparents had. <BR/>They must first, break through their malignant narcissistic shells, and delusional thinking.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145913502916552382006-04-24T14:18:00.000-07:002006-04-24T14:18:00.000-07:00JWM --it seems that the 9/11 attacks opened some p...JWM --it seems that the 9/11 attacks opened some peoples eyes- some, but not all<BR/><BR/><BR/>Oh I think they are well aware...it's just they choose to not accept it...because to accept it means they have to deal with other issues that they sure are not willing to face up to!<BR/><BR/>Seriously...I think it will take jihadist on their back porch for some to finally wake up and say, "Oh I know who you are...and ummm I know what you are here for!"<BR/>But it will be too late won't it then?LiquidLifeHackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01949269503629475002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145913208077646132006-04-24T14:13:00.001-07:002006-04-24T14:13:00.001-07:00Correction to my last statement......what I am lea...Correction to my last statement...<BR/><BR/>...what I am learning is that it's always what we say that leaves such a lasting influence sometimes when we hope that it would<BR/><BR/>Should have been....<BR/><BR/>...what I am learning is that it's NOT always what we say that leaves such a lasting influence sometimes when we hope that it wouldLiquidLifeHackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01949269503629475002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145913203448145392006-04-24T14:13:00.000-07:002006-04-24T14:13:00.000-07:00My in-laws (wife's brother's family) still have th...My in-laws (wife's brother's family) still have their Kerry for President campaign sign in the window. Oddly enough they are all church goers. Chuch goers who believe the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is a moral draw. Go figure. I never say anything when I go over there, which isn't hard because they seldom speak directly to me or respond at all if I do say anything. I don't think they like me very much.<BR/><BR/>I've mentioned this before, but it seems that the 9/11 attacks opened some peoples eyes- some, but not all. Although I was never much of a leftist, my moonbattery fell with the twin towers. In its place grew a love for this country, and a spiritual yearning that eventually drew me here. <BR/>For others the 9/11 attacks may as well have been just another plane crash. If anything their moonbattery got recharged.<BR/><BR/>Dilys: Don't be too hard on the ol' man over the toys. I'm a die hard toy geek, admin on a robot collectors' BBS, and author of a weekly toy shelf serial. Toys are an important part of- of- er-- Well dang it they're just important, that's all. Actually, I have to get to work on the next exciting episode as soon as I sign off here. All my characters are in trouble. Gandalf has been turned to stone, and Jigglypuff is trapped in the void with the Lizardoid Minions.<BR/><BR/>JWMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145913059182004312006-04-24T14:10:00.000-07:002006-04-24T14:10:00.000-07:00Ben, I understand, it's because your spirit is mor...Ben, I understand, it's because your spirit is more in tune with your spiritual family and the kingdom that is not of this world. <BR/><BR/>You know, I think for those out there that have their spiritual family included within their biological blood family here, that they surely have a treasure and are lucky! What a wonderful blessing for those that do have that! When a family can pray together and lean on each other in spiritual harmony...WOW!<BR/><BR/>I remember once Ben, when I was a kid, I spent the night with this friend of mine, ummm, I guess I was around the age of nine or ten, anyway, I had never been to her house...they were such a loving and kind family, and I remember that night that all the family, including the guest which was me, went into the parents bedroom and we all got on our knees around the bed and the father lead a prayer. This was their famiily ritual every night! I remember after that how the parents hugged and kissed each kid and told each kid that they were loved by God... including me! I remember how much my spirit enjoyed that and it was amazing that I left their house not coveting the material things which they had or the wonderful toys they had....but I coveted that special prayer time they shared before bedtime.<BR/><BR/>Anyway...what I am learning is that it's always what we say that leaves such a lasting influence sometimes when we hope that it would...but more lasting is what we do! I guess where simple words can sometimes not have such an impact; our actions and our behavior shine through!LiquidLifeHackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01949269503629475002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145911853988203292006-04-24T13:50:00.000-07:002006-04-24T13:50:00.000-07:00"walls without ceilings""oooooooh that ever ending..."walls without ceilings"<BR/><BR/>"oooooooh that ever ending loving feeling"<BR/> <BR/>"So I am Re-Joycing......Yeah I am Re-joicing"LiquidLifeHackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01949269503629475002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145911312261932302006-04-24T13:41:00.000-07:002006-04-24T13:41:00.000-07:00That was communicated coherently, LLH!Children and...That was communicated coherently, LLH!<BR/>Children and dog's are preferred company to absurd leftist ranting's.<BR/>I'm lucky, because I was never close to my leftist relatives, and I never go to family reunions. <BR/>I'm far closer to unrelated friends than to blood related relative's.<BR/>The only family I was ever close to, are passed on now, so I'm not compelled to make appearances for their sake. <BR/>I guess that sounds a bit cold, but there is more to it than that. <BR/>Suffice to say, I'm content and hold no grudges. They know my number if they wish to talk, but they know I won't talk about the absurd. <BR/>Shared blood means nada to me. <BR/>Kindred spirits are my family now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145910220824977252006-04-24T13:23:00.000-07:002006-04-24T13:23:00.000-07:00Oh, I think it's built in. Some just fall farther ...Oh, I think it's built in. Some just fall farther than others. Secularism gives you no floor to arrest the fall, plus a shallow ceiling to boot. Religion gives you a solid floor and no ceiling.Gagdad Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14249005793605006679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145909478373490022006-04-24T13:11:00.000-07:002006-04-24T13:11:00.000-07:00Happy Belated Birthday to Master Gagdad.One blessi...Happy Belated Birthday to Master Gagdad.<BR/>One blessing you can count in this birthday season is that your wife sees things as you do. Imagine the hell if she were like some of the other relatives.<BR/>Life is hard when people don't realize they aren't yet like you.<BR/><BR/>I read what you write and consider you an absolute plugged in genius.<BR/>Granted, many years ago I may have been clueless to what you are trying to convey and would have glossed over your blog and continued on. But one trait I have had throughout my adult years is an attraction to what I perceive as Truth and I have been following that path, fully realizing that without it, everything else is meaningless.<BR/>Looking back I may have held some shallow left leaning beliefs, backed by zero conviction, but some part of me knew beyond a shadow that I was clueless. So I kept searching.<BR/><BR/>You wrote:<BR/><BR/>"In other words, rational discourse is guided by a Truth that we cannot necessarily possess, but which we perpetually aim for. We do this quite naturally, although in truth, it is actually a supernatural capacity that is built into us."<BR/><BR/>One question,<BR/><BR/>Not to try and get you in any trouble with the relates but is it possible that the supernatural capacity to perceive Truth is NOT built into some? Or would it be more a case of an inability to subjugate the ego to the wisdom of Spirit? <BR/>One would think that by the time a person hits middle age the capacity for Truth discernment has either taken hold or without a divine lightning strike, never will.<BR/>I believe Lenin refered to those shallow thinkers unable to see the cause and effect big picture and not yet struck by lightning, as useful idiots. <BR/>I said that, not you (in case the Historian is listening).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145909243084786242006-04-24T13:07:00.000-07:002006-04-24T13:07:00.000-07:00LLH- That was absolutely beautiful. I really like...LLH- That was absolutely beautiful. I really like your approach to handling moonbat relatives and friends. I hope I have the strength to silently stand by in their spiral into madness. It is really saddening when you realize that sometimes it is hard to talk or be with them for too long. The values we each cherish seem to be so different but our past experiences or blood tie us lovingly to eachother. I am continually surprised by the "types" of people I actually do share values and ideals with. Keep spreading those seeds, Liquinn, the mighty wind!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04969685296436358865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145907681664950882006-04-24T12:41:00.000-07:002006-04-24T12:41:00.000-07:00Bob, I felt your pain as I read this. "it’s always...Bob, I felt your pain as I read this. "it’s always a disorienting experience" ... dang it if it isn't! Thats the perfect description for it!<BR/><BR/>Do you remember when at around Thanksgiving I was asking for a few tips about sitting around the dinner table with "the leftist" in my family? I have to admit, that your advice came in handy, but it does always end up being a 'disorienting experience' and each time I am thrown together with this adorable group, which includes family that I truly love, I always have to ride over that hump of anxiety, because although I have gotten use to their comments and Lefty conversations, which for me being in the midst is like spending a day stuck on the Daily Kios website with no exit button to surf on. Imagine that?<BR/><BR/>At family get togethers and celebrations, I still catch myself looking around at these faces and wondering how they came up with their conclusions! I don't argue with them anymore...but like you, I do get caught up in some type of interaction which is verbal every now and then and like you always regret it, but the more I interact, even being as careful as staying outside the political jargon, I can still see the ultimate separation in almost all things between us! This being connected via a gene pool is about all there is it seems! They are wonderful people...very well educated and established in their own part of the world and some are accomplished beyond anything I will probably ever do in this lifetime, but I am not kidding, it seems that I have had to slap myself a few time, because I think I am being judgemental and letting their every vibe roll over into everything about them, but seriously, its like doing time as if my spirit it trying to tug me away during some of these events! A spiritual challenge? I guess it is. I am learning to be more silent and just listen. I am learning to love them in a deeper way. I get asked alot if I am feeling well because I sit, hands folded, using anything else to distract me when they get on some of these far fetched topics or lefty ideas and I have found that I rather choose to hang out with the children in the crowd or maybe even the dog which is looking at me like "Can you believe this crap?" and it's not like I don't love these people, because I do...it's just some of them are like aliens when they start to share their politics or religion or lack of religion! So I ask myself...what is important and valuable about this time with them? Why do I have them in my life and why do they have me in theirs? Should I worry about it if we are not all yoked in the same egg? Does everything I say seem as alien to them too? Did 'aunt so and so' just roll her eyes when I made that last comment? Do they really think I am going to 'grow into" their way of thinking?<BR/><BR/> Like you said, and I tell you this amplifies it all, is that it is always a disoriented experience! So the thing I always walk away with now is that I must be affecting them the same way! They gotta be walking off with that same disoriented feeling...or do they? Are they capable of it?<BR/><BR/>I get my answers to this in tiny little feedbacks and the answer is YES...they do!<BR/><BR/> In fact I think they have long distant phone conversations and exchanges of email about it! Ha Ha And sometimes, when you get one on one with one of them, on their own terms of course, they will sneak in a question or two about something where I get to answer without an audience and although I can tell they don't agree with my replies...I can see that a little seed gets planted. Will it grow? It's anyone's guess. But it got heard this time only because they asked straight up and not because I was part of any input via a family discussion (at a family event) on any given topic! I stole no one's thunder! <BR/><BR/>I guess what I am saying is that we do make a little rattle in their cage! Our spirits do not go unnoticed, even when we are sitting off with the children or outside throwing a ball to the dog! In fact, I just recently got some feedback from a previous "family get together" where I practiced just loving them in my silence and get this Bob...in response to the 'why of my silence on certain topics' there were comments given back from some of those that I usually disagree with the most like, "She has such a sweet peaceful way about her" "Her spirit is so gentle" "The children adore her" "She always is so nice" <BR/>It was as if in my silence and lots of physical hugs that I was able to send a vibe that pushed out there more love towards them by my spirit that they saw something positive.<BR/><BR/>So...in retrospect, I am not making any head way at the family's round table of politics or topics of the day anymore since I have renounced the arguing with them...but guess my spirit is leaving it's fingerprints on some of them! And I guess that's what I want to share with you the most here today in response to your post here...<BR/>Some of those that we feel the most distant to and perhaps feel the most misunderstood by....well...it might suprise you that sometimes they are the ones that we really make the most influence with. Otherwise why do you think they have such strong comments about our ideas or our truth? We rattle something in their cage! Sometimes our spirits shine some light on dark spots that we don't even know about yet. It's startling I suppose to even accept, yet in the future we might later find out that a little seed did grow somewhere and that somewhere might be closer to the tree than we thought.LiquidLifeHackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01949269503629475002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145906052021432932006-04-24T12:14:00.000-07:002006-04-24T12:14:00.000-07:00BTW, Bob, when Sr. Dilys saw this and other pictur...BTW, Bob, when Sr. Dilys saw this and other pictures, he was visibly envious of the array of toys, had to be reminded to notice the child.<BR/><BR/>Ergo, for girls' demography post pictures of babies, for boys', toys.<BR/><BR/>In general, of course there are exceptions, yadda yadda...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145905782549455742006-04-24T12:09:00.000-07:002006-04-24T12:09:00.000-07:00I call it Holy Communion at the Cargo Cult.At last...I call it Holy Communion at the Cargo Cult.<BR/><BR/>At last, a fellow paranoid. <EM>Pssst</EM>, Will, <EM>hi</EM>. I think of it not so much a hit list, as a "do not resuscitate," a "let the church burn," a "well, we can't defend xxxxophobes" [name your term]. Whether serious exoteric religionists or not-with-the-program on-our-own independents, the exposure we're heading for seems to be materializing ahead in foggy outlines.<BR/><BR/>Cheers, all, and carpe diem!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145904526223880362006-04-24T11:48:00.000-07:002006-04-24T11:48:00.000-07:00Bob 'n heads - Lil Guy looks like he's taking a hi...Bob 'n heads - <BR/><BR/>Lil Guy looks like he's taking a hit off a very large high tech milk bong . . <BR/><BR/>I know that disorientation from being encircled by dedicated secularists. Very dry bones, No Exit sensation. I gotta believe that, at root, there's something vampiric going on. <BR/><BR/>And I'm serious. I can be all friendly-like with the secs, share wheat thins with them, etc., but Dostoyevky's saying is always in my head - "If there's no God, then all is permitted." Plan as they may for utopia, just under the surface is chaos with a hit list, and I'm on it. <BR/><BR/>It will have to get around to that, eventually. Won't take much in the way of a breakdown of social order, and out will come the torches and pitchforks. <BR/><BR/>Gee, I'm just overcome by jolly thoughts on this Monday . . .<BR/><BR/>But I'm really being realistic here. Things are sliding toward their own essential source.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-1145903760800671042006-04-24T11:36:00.000-07:002006-04-24T11:36:00.000-07:00And then there's the Existentialists, who seem to ...And then there's the Existentialists, who seem to have a view of the world as coherent only in its absurdity.<BR/><BR/>--RorschachAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com