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Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Tenchusatsu who wrote (606012)	4/1/2011 11:11:59 AM
From: bentway	Read Replies (5) \| Respond to of 1578892

Christian Conservatives Turn Political Judas On Christ’s Teachings March 31, 2011 politicususa.com By Rmuse Prior to 1979, religion in America was a private enterprise, and although it influenced people’s daily lives, it certainly was not used as the driving force in governing. Christians worshiped in their homes, churches and in meditative silence, and only occasionally would a Christian impose their beliefs on anyone else. Since the ascendance of the Moral Majority at the beginning of Ronald Reagan’s presidency, the religious right has steadily incorporated Christianity into all forms of government and national policy decisions. The Moral Majority was an organization made up of conservative Christian PACs which campaigned on issues that were important to maintaining its Christian conception of moral law. Today, conservative Christians are serving in Congress and passing laws that enforce the Christian conception of moral law. It is one matter to form a PAC to lobby for social conservative causes, but the fallacious Christians have infiltrated the government and imposed their abhorrent, bastardized version of Christianity on all Americans much to the despair of the poor, women, gays, and atheists. Along the way, Christians in state legislatures and Congress have enriched the corporate world with money stolen from the poor and now the elderly. If Christian Conservatives represented Christianity as taught by their namesake, Jesus Christ, America would indeed be the greatest country in the world. However, the vile, fallacious Christianity practiced by social conservatives is the polar opposite of Christ’s teachings and is a detriment to every living person in America. Whether the so-called Christians in Congress allow the oil and coal industry to poison the Earth, air, and water, or promote war and gun ownership, they are not following the tenets of Christ’s teachings. Men like Jim DeMint (R-SC), a self-avowed conservative Christian gives taxpayer dollars to rich corporations, but worked tirelessly to defeat the Affordable Health Care Act. DeMint also opposes programs to feed children as well as community health centers that serve the poor. Jesus said rich people should give all their money and belongings to the poor in order to be allowed into heaven (Matt. 19:20 – 21). DeMint and all conservative Christian legislators steal from the poor to give to the rich. Senator DeMint’s lord and savior would disavow knowing the Christianity DeMint practices. Much of the blame rests with the clergy for not encouraging their congregants to follow Christ’s admonition to be non-judgmental, charitable, and humble in all things. Mike Huckabee (R) is a preacher and judges non-Christians, lies, and opposes giving healthcare to every American. Sarah Palin (R) is a conservative Christian who lies, boasts about herself, opposes the health law, and slaughters animals for sport. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is another conservative Christian who is a staunch advocate for war, a gun rights advocate, and also opposes making affordable health care available to all Americans. This list could go on ad nauseum and demonstrates that nearly every Republican conservative Christian legislator uses their Christianity to garner votes, but they oppose the teachings of their religion’s namesake. If the conservative Christians were followers of Christ as they claim, they would adopt stringent gun control laws, provide health care for all Americans, stop the senseless wars, and stop enriching the wealthy with American taxpayer dollars. They would also pass legislation to ensure that every American enjoyed the freedom and pursuit of happiness the Founding Fathers intended as well as augment and enforce environmental laws to guarantee the health and safety of Americans. But America’s conservative Christians follow a bastardized Christianity that contradicts Christ’s instructions. Although lawmakers wield great power and use their fallacious Christian dogma to force destructive conceptions of moral law on Americans, they are in power because the religious right votes for Republican candidates. Christian voters know Republicans do not follow the rudiments of Christ’s teachings but they vote for them nevertheless. Republicans oppose Christ’s simplest directives such as not killing, helping the poor, loving your neighbor as well as your enemy, and most importantly, not judging. Jesus was quite clear that Christians are not supposed to judge because it is God’s provenance; not man’s or women’s. For the past two months Americans have seen the damage Republican Christian legislators are inflicting on nearly every segment of society. A perfect example is a pregnant Iowa woman who was arrested and charged with attempted “feticide” after she fell down a flight of stairs. The injured and still pregnant woman spent two days in jail because of Personhood-type laws that claim a zygote is a human being. The law was sponsored and paid for by Christian organizations that wrote the law and lobbied Christian legislators to pass the measure. Republicans have spent precious time and resources to defund Planned Parenthood and if successful, will eliminate reproductive health care for millions of poor Americans. If Republicans truly followed Christ, they would increase funding to Planned Parenthood to help millions of men and women get cancer screening, birth control, and counseling on maintaining reproductive health. There is no end to the horrors the deceptive conservative Christians in America have committed. In churches all across America, the clergy preaches that Jesus said love your neighbor, clothe and feed the poor, practice peace, and give your belongings to the destitute. After the sermon though, the clergy tells the congregation which policies to support and who to vote for at election time. It is astonishing that parishioners can quote scripture and verse propounding the virtues of Christ’s teachings about love, peace, and charity, and then proceed to deprive their neighbors of basic human rights. Christianity that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ is a beautiful religion for people apt to believe in god, and if its adherents followed the philosophy and practiced the loving kindness Jesus expounded, it would be more acceptable as a guide for lawmaking. But the Christianity practiced by most Republican legislators is oppressive and damaging to Americans as well as the environment. The fallacious Christians would be wise to change their religion’s name to save their mortal souls. If one believes in an afterlife in the presence of the loving savior Jesus Christ, they would be wise to remember Jesus’ words regarding working in his name. Jesus said in Matthew 7:23, “Lord, Lord, did we not…perform many powerful works in your name? And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.” If there is a Jesus Christ, he is going to be ready and waiting for fallacious Christians in legislatures across America; and the Christian voters who put them in positions of power.

To: Tenchusatsu who wrote (606012)	4/1/2011 11:35:00 AM
From: koan	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 1578892

Your post below (at bottom) is not even intelligible. You are not a serious thinker. You have no fidelity to the truth. Why even waste your time? You live in a total fantasy world. I cannot think of anything more horrible. Below is a highly respected PEW poll. How can you question this poll? huffingtonpost.com Six Percent Of Scientists Are Republicans: Pew Poll First Posted: 07/10/09 11:11 AM Updated: 08/10/09 05:12 AM A new study by the Pew Research Center finds that the GOP is alienating scientists to a startling degree. Only six percent of America's scientists identify themselves as Republicans; fifty-five percent call themselves Democrats. By comparison, 23 percent of the overall public considers itself Republican, while 35 percent say they're Democrats. The ideological discrepancies were similar. Nine percent of scientists said they were "conservative" while 52 percent described themselves as "liberal," and 14 percent "very liberal." The corresponding figures for the general public were 37, 20 and 5 percent. Among the general public, moderates and independents ranked higher than any party or ideology. But among scientists, there were considerably more Democrats (55%) than independents (32%) and Republicans (6%) put together. There were also more liberals (52%) than moderates (35%) and conservatives (9%) combined. "These results were not a complete surprise," said Scott Keeter, Director of Survey Research at Pew, in an interview with the Huffington Post. He said they can be mostly attributed to "the difference between Democratic and Republican parties with respect to issues." The wide ideological and partisan gap among scientists may have been exacerbated by the Bush administration, which often disputed broad scientific consensus on topics such as evolution and climate change. Keeter acknowledged this factor, but said that "many of these disputes probably predate the Bush administration," noting that scientists have favored liberal views in numerous past studies. Story continues below AdvertisementReligion also plays a role. Republicans tend to promote the centrality of religion more often than Democrats, and while 95 percent of the public said they believe in "God" or "a higher power," only 51 percent of scientists claimed either. "Many Republicans, especially the Evangelical wing of the party, are skeptical of evolution, and have argued for the teaching of creationism and intelligent design in school," said Keeter. The results could merely be a reflection of how scientists see the world, rather than of partisan loyalties. In a series of questions posed, the study found that the answers of scientists were consistently more in line with liberal viewpoints than those of the general public. "The Republican Party has a number of leaders within it who have challenged the accuracy of scientific findings on issues such as climate change, evolution and stem cell research," Keeter told the Huffington Post. "It suggests that scientists who are Republicans might feel some dissonance from the party's position on some things that are important to them. And while there are Republicans in the scientist sample, there are really not that many," he said. <<Koan, > You can look hard core facts right in the face and say bullshit. Tell me again how one organization can claim to have a monopoly on America's "scientists." Oh wait, you never did. Therefore, I can say bulls--t, and you'll have no meaningful response. As usual. Tenchusatsu

To: Tenchusatsu who wrote (606012)	4/1/2011 12:32:45 PM
From: tejek	Respond to of 1578892

Thanks Mr. President. GM Sales Rise 11.4%, Incentives Fall thestreet.com

To: Tenchusatsu who wrote (606012)	4/2/2011 2:12:39 PM
From: bentway	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 1578892

Californians back raising taxes on state's wealthy Joe Garofoli, Chronicle Staff Writer Friday, April 1, 2011 sfgate.com (04-01) 10:30 PDT SACRAMENTO -- With negotiations over how to solve California's $26.6 billion state budget deficit stalled, a new poll released today shows strong bipartisan support for something Sacramento lawmakers this year haven't seriously debated: raising taxes on the wealthiest residents. Seventy-eight percent of likely California voters support a 1 percent increase in the income tax rate for Californians earning more than $500,000 a year, according to the poll, which was conducted by Democratic pollster Ben Tulchin and sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers. A one percentage point increase, which would raise an estimated $2.5 billion a year, offers a possible Plan B for helping solve the budget deficit, with 60 percent of Republican respondents and 79 percent of independents and other voters backing it, along with 89 percent of Democrats. The maximum income tax rate is 9.55 percent, according to the Californian Franchise Tax Board. People are angry "There is a populist anger out there that cuts across all lines," Tulchin said. Many voters felt it was unfair that the wealthiest Americans got their Bush-era tax cuts extended last year. "They see that these (state) service cuts would affect middle-class and lower-class people, and they want rich people to pay their fair share," Tulchin said. Lenny Goldberg, executive director of the California Tax Reform Association, said, "Those are the highest numbers I've ever seen. On a tax scale - that's pretty much a perfect score." The teachers union is looking to partner with other labor groups to put the tax before voters in November. Such a measure would need approval from a majority of voters. The measure is seen as a "sweetener" to lure more voters to the polls should there be another measure on the ballot in the fall asking voters to support tax increases to balance the budget. Legislators and the governor have already agreed to $11.2 billion in spending cuts and funding shifts. Lawmakers haven't seriously considered taxing the wealthiest Californians this year because it takes two-thirds of the Legislature to approve a tax increase. Republicans, who control slightly more than one-third of both chambers, oppose any taxes. Reaction in Sacramento was guarded. "Obviously, the people are getting frustrated with the minority party in the Legislature," said Gov. Jerry Brown's spokesman Gil Duran, who declined to take a position. "Eventually, their voices will be heard." The incomes of the wealthiest 1 percent of Californians grew 81 percent from 1978 to 2008, while those in the bottom 20 percent dropped 11.5 percent, according to the nonpartisan California Budget Project. California ranks 12th nationally in total state and local taxes and fees, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. "Republicans are opposed to increasing taxes, regardless of who is paying them," said Sabrina Lockhart, spokeswoman for Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway, R-Tulare. "Besides, that wouldn't address the structural problems the state is facing." Tax group unmoved The poll didn't move the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association, a group that many conservative lawmakers look to for cues. A tax on the wealthiest Californians, said Jarvis Executive Director Kris Vosburgh, could drive them and their cash out of the state. "There is nothing more mobile than rich people and their capital," Vosburgh said. But a 2010 study by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that corporate "relocation" of businesses moving from California to another state, or vice versa, "accounts for a smaller share of job gains and losses in California than in most states." Between 1992 and 2006, the institute found, just 1.7 percent of all job losses were the result of establishments leaving the state. This story has been corrected since it appeared it print editions. E-mail Joe Garofoli at jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com. Read more: sfgate.com

To: Tenchusatsu who wrote (606012)	4/2/2011 2:12:39 PM
From: bentway	Respond to of 1578892

Californians back raising taxes on state's wealthy Joe Garofoli, Chronicle Staff Writer Friday, April 1, 2011 sfgate.com (04-01) 10:30 PDT SACRAMENTO -- With negotiations over how to solve California's $26.6 billion state budget deficit stalled, a new poll released today shows strong bipartisan support for something Sacramento lawmakers this year haven't seriously debated: raising taxes on the wealthiest residents. Seventy-eight percent of likely California voters support a 1 percent increase in the income tax rate for Californians earning more than $500,000 a year, according to the poll, which was conducted by Democratic pollster Ben Tulchin and sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers. A one percentage point increase, which would raise an estimated $2.5 billion a year, offers a possible Plan B for helping solve the budget deficit, with 60 percent of Republican respondents and 79 percent of independents and other voters backing it, along with 89 percent of Democrats. The maximum income tax rate is 9.55 percent, according to the Californian Franchise Tax Board. People are angry "There is a populist anger out there that cuts across all lines," Tulchin said. Many voters felt it was unfair that the wealthiest Americans got their Bush-era tax cuts extended last year. "They see that these (state) service cuts would affect middle-class and lower-class people, and they want rich people to pay their fair share," Tulchin said. Lenny Goldberg, executive director of the California Tax Reform Association, said, "Those are the highest numbers I've ever seen. On a tax scale - that's pretty much a perfect score." The teachers union is looking to partner with other labor groups to put the tax before voters in November. Such a measure would need approval from a majority of voters. The measure is seen as a "sweetener" to lure more voters to the polls should there be another measure on the ballot in the fall asking voters to support tax increases to balance the budget. Legislators and the governor have already agreed to $11.2 billion in spending cuts and funding shifts. Lawmakers haven't seriously considered taxing the wealthiest Californians this year because it takes two-thirds of the Legislature to approve a tax increase. Republicans, who control slightly more than one-third of both chambers, oppose any taxes. Reaction in Sacramento was guarded. "Obviously, the people are getting frustrated with the minority party in the Legislature," said Gov. Jerry Brown's spokesman Gil Duran, who declined to take a position. "Eventually, their voices will be heard." The incomes of the wealthiest 1 percent of Californians grew 81 percent from 1978 to 2008, while those in the bottom 20 percent dropped 11.5 percent, according to the nonpartisan California Budget Project. California ranks 12th nationally in total state and local taxes and fees, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. "Republicans are opposed to increasing taxes, regardless of who is paying them," said Sabrina Lockhart, spokeswoman for Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway, R-Tulare. "Besides, that wouldn't address the structural problems the state is facing." Tax group unmoved The poll didn't move the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association, a group that many conservative lawmakers look to for cues. A tax on the wealthiest Californians, said Jarvis Executive Director Kris Vosburgh, could drive them and their cash out of the state. "There is nothing more mobile than rich people and their capital," Vosburgh said. But a 2010 study by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that corporate "relocation" of businesses moving from California to another state, or vice versa, "accounts for a smaller share of job gains and losses in California than in most states." Between 1992 and 2006, the institute found, just 1.7 percent of all job losses were the result of establishments leaving the state. This story has been corrected since it appeared it print editions. E-mail Joe Garofoli at jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com. Read more: sfgate.com