Disqus - Latest Comments for Michael R. Farnum

Re: Why It’s Sometimes Immoral To Treat The Poor and Uneducated As Equals (A Libertarian Essay)

Michael R. Farnum — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 11:59:37 -0000

Having trouble determining what your post is about. Is it about the lottery being unfair, or is it about liberals and conservatives not doing enough to help the poor, or is it about treating poor people like idiots? Not sure.

I think you are wrong about most liberals. They think most people in the US are not capable of deciding what they want, poor, middle class, or rich. That is why they want huge bloated governments to make decisions for you.

I think you are wrong about most conservatives. They do care. But they want those people to pick themselves up by their boot straps, not give them a hand out. And I believe I have seen that conservatives generally give more in charity that liberals, but that could be wrong. I don't have the time to look up the statistic.

I doubt most poor people are unaware of what the world is like outside their sphere. You can be dirt poor in the US and still have a TV. All you have to do is watch TV or listen to a radio to get an idea of what the "privileged" people live like. They may not have the skills or education to get out of their circumstances, but I don't think they are ignorant of it.

And whether you like it or not, some people CHOOSE to stay in those circumstances and play the lottery hoping they will get rich without having to work for it.

Re: Say Goodbye to U.S. Particle Physics

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:40:15 -0000

Daniel,

You can pull money from any number of bloated programs that you don't agree with. Just because you don't like the war does not really make your point any more valid. For instance, President Bush is requesting $56 billion for education in '08. The $372 mil is less than one percent of that. I don't like the education department for the most part. I think it is a failed program. So I advocate taking money from the education program just as you advocate taking from the war.

Merry Christmas,

Michael

Re: Ignorant People Don’t Realize Their Environment Built Them

Michael R. Farnum — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:27:48 -0000

Jonathon is correct that truth is not determined by geography. I think what is is saying is this:

Would you tell an atheist to be VERY cautious if they grew up in an atheistic neighborhood with atheist parents and still lived in that neighborhood and was still an atheist? Would you consider them ignorant and close-minded? I understand your point that you should investigate your beliefs and make sure they are based on something other than what your parents told you. But I HAVE spent a LOT of time investigating Christianity. Yes, it is a core belief because it is what I grew up with. But it is also a core belief because I have not found evidence enough to convince me otherwise.

Re: Heath Ledger Died Recently

Michael R. Farnum — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:06:58 -0000

Daniel,

I understand Kirt's point, but I essentially made the same point you are making yesterday when my wife and I were watching some show about Ledger's life and death. I think Ledger was a great actor, I am sure he was a great person, and I do think it is a tragedy for some to die so young. My heart really goes out to his family and especially his little daughter.

However, I made the point that there are thousands of people dieing everyday in tragic situations, and they are not given some show about their lives. It just saddens me when we worship a certain group because they can act, and we give not a crap about some guy who dies in the same situation but was a construction worker.

Re: Ignorant People Don’t Realize Their Environment Built Them

Michael R. Farnum — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:16:20 -0000

"And it’s not the same for atheists, by the way. Someone without a hobby doesn’t have the same hobby as someone who also doesn’t have one — they both just don’t have one."

OK, I know this might launch some other debate, but not having a hobby is NOT the same as not believing in a creator. That is way too simplified, especially when so many atheists espouse their beliefs in such a public manner. People without hobbies don't create blogs that say they don't have a hobby and people should drop the hobbies they have because all the "facts" show that the hobby they have actually doesn't exist, when all the time the stamps are sitting right in front of them (there very well might be some blog out there like that - you never know in today's world - but it SEEMS ludicrous).

Atheism is a belief system, not an absence of belief.

Re: Ignorant People Don’t Realize Their Environment Built Them

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:13:39 -0000

@ Daniel,

This is one of those "agree to disagree" points that atheists and Christians always have. You believe the default is not to believe, while I believe the default is to believe. I think it makes sense that there is a creator. You think it makes sense for there not to be a creator. I look at the earth and all of creation and cannot fathom that this is a matter of chance and happenstance. You look at the earth and the universe and say, "Wow, all of this just happeneded with no external influence." Your view befuddles me. Mine befuddles you. Just two different ways of thinking.

But you are still making a mistake. Some people believe in a different god or gods than I do, as you point out. The reason I do not believe in the other gods is because my studies have led me to believe that Jesus has a real truth claim (yes, I was raised Christian, but I have strived to reason out why I believe as well). But regardless, they still do believe in the divine. They and I have that in common. Even the people who worship a pink unicorn (which is getting really old BTW - can you guys come up with another colorful mythical figure please). You and your fellow atheists do not believe in anything divine AT ALL. Which means you BELIEVE there is no creator or creators. Atheist means "non-theist". It is a belief. The argument that atheism is not a belief system is another one of those befuddling things for me.

Re: Who’s Going to RSA?

Michael R. Farnum — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:04:34 -0000

I'll be there. Let's meet up. We may not agree on some stuff, but it would be great to meet.

You going to the bloggers gathering?

Michael Farnum

Re: The Backwardness of American Marriage Culture

Michael R. Farnum — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:13:44 -0000

Daniel,

Wow. That is almost all I can get out about this post. Blaming false morality, belief in God, and living in the South for more divorces, teen pregnancy, etc. Jumping from your sources to your conclusion is a logic leap of immense proportions that deserves congratulations.

Really, Daniel. I think that is the harshest and most bigoted statement I have heard you make. Come on man.

Michael

Re: RSA Through Day 4

Michael R. Farnum — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:18:26 -0000

Dan,

How did I miss you, man? I was there! Too many people in that room, I guess.

Michael

Re: Why Obama and Not Clinton

Michael R. Farnum — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:47:16 -0000

I agree that Obama seems to be fairly honest about his positions, even though I am at the opposite end of the political spectrum. Anyone who knows anything about Hillary knows she is just in it for herself. Of course, a politician is still a politician.

And I have to say that even if I was a Democrat, my military background would make me cringe at either of these candidates. I am not a single-issue voter, but military matters hold a position of high importance for me. Obama doesn't even know the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Esprit de corps in the military was at an all time low during Clinton the First's reign because of his policies. Nope, McCain may not be all I want politically (who is?), but at least he knows what is important when it comes to the military.

Re: Why Obama and Not Clinton

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:07:12 -0000

Daniel,

See, that is what is weird. My brother-in-law served a tour in Iraq with the 101st, and now he is in Afghanistan, and I am not hearing any of those moral problems. He is upbeat and so are the soldiers around him, and he is front line every day (of course, there really is not much of a rear echelon in a war like this). I am not saying constant tours doesn't wear down morale. That is always the issue with war. That is not going to change. But that whole argument comes down to whether or not you agree with the war, not whether Bush knows what is best for the military. Of course what is best for the soldier, airman, whatever is to not be fighting a war. But sometimes choices have to be made, and soldiers understand that.

I fought in Desert Storm in a tank. My morale sucked for a while. But I understood why I was over there, even at 17 years old. I wasn't there for a year or more, so I can't fully understand what they're going through now, but I do know something of it.

I believe it was General Schwarzkopf that said something to the effect of any soldier that is worth his salt is anti-war, but there are things worth fighting for. I have had my doubts about going over to Iraq, but it happened, and now we have to stick it out. We are too close to winning this thing. Of course, if the terrorists are just waiting for Obama to get elected so our military gets pulled out, then we will have another story.

Re: A Response to “Mac Elitism and Snobbery”

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:36:50 -0000

Daniel,

<ol>
<li>Like I said , I actually was going to move over to Mac at home because I think there are compelling reasons.</li>
<li>However, it really came down to price, and I don't see the compelling reasons equaling over $1000.</li>
<li>I never claimed I wasn't emotional about the issue. I think I am fairly self aware. I at least try to be. And I meant that post to be emotional. I am not a fanboy of either of the platforms, but I am SICK of the snobbery. From the commercials (which I find to be funny) to this issue with the blogs, I think it is all just ridiculous.</li>
</ol>

Re: Why I Carry A Gun: A Personal Anecdote

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:04:47 -0000

Holy crap, an issue we agree on!! Awesome stuff.

Re: Why McCain Will Be the Next President

Michael R. Farnum — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:20:05 -0000

Dan,

I grew up in Mississippi around a BUNCH of racist people, including my father, uncles, aunts, and very close friends to the family. I was raised to hate black people. I went to school with a lot of black people, and I had a couple of close black friends (hope that didn't sound cliche'), so I was blessed to have that so I didn't become a complete racist, though it still went pretty deep. When I got out of that world and went into the military, I saw even more of what people were really like and who they were, and it drove more of those feelings out of me.

But you know what? I still struggle with it. I fight against it. I make sure my kids know that everyone is equal (truth be told, we don't even make an issue out of skin color or whatever, so they really don't know anything about different races - everyone is a person to them). And I have gone so far to try to get this crap out of my system that I have supported Alan Keyes for President. I agreed with most of his policies and beliefs (though I have seen him go a little bit nutter in the last few years), but the biggest reason I wanted to vote for him was to prove to myself that I could vote for a black man, and because I wanted the world to see that the USA could have a black man as president.

And you know what? I actually thought about supporting Obama because of those same reason, even though he is about as far to the left as you can get without being an out-and-out pinko communist. That is the depth of my guilt about the feelings I fight back all the time. But then I woke up.

Obama is going to ruin this country if he becomes president. He is going to raise taxes. He is going to socialize medicine. He is going to kowtow to the whim of every other country that thinks we are too big and too powerful and aren't doing our part for the "global community", even though we do more than anyone else (another debate). And I will be damned before I vote for someone like that because I feel guilty. That is an improper motivation, and I will not do it.

It is a shame that people will not vote for someone because of race. It sucks. But putting out crappy polls like this is done because the liberal media and other idiots out there want to have the race card ready to draw when Obama loses the election. Plain and simple. And you fell for it.

Re: Jesus vs. McCain/Palin

Michael R. Farnum — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:51:23 -0000

Daniel (and the other Steve C),

You are making a logical jump to suit your taxes argument. Jesus doesn't say you should give all your money to the government, and neither does Paul. Neither one of them said that it is good if the government raises taxes. They simply say you should submit yourself to the government and whoever is in charge because God is sovereign and decides who should be in power. If that person in power decides to raise taxes, then we should pay those taxes. I don't like it, but I will simply protest with my vote the next time around if whoever is in charge raises taxes.

</li>
<li>

The first Steve C is completely correct in his argument that Jesus wanted the church to help the poor, not the government. He told the rich man to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor. He didn't say "sell your possessions and give them to Caesar because he has this great social welfare program". And more government spending does not equal charity.

</li>
<li>

The very argument you make about government nullifies the "soft on crime" argument. If we should submit to the government, then we should submit to the judgment of those over us (like judges in courts. Jesus was talking about me criticizing and condemning someone for their actions (they are sinning in some manner) while I am ignoring my own sin. Read it in context.

</li>
<li>

I honestly struggle on the war issue because I don't think any war is inherently a good thing and that Jesus did preach against war. I was never on board with the invasion of Iraq, though I can't say I wasn't happy when Saddam's regime was taken down (some people in this world are just evil, and it is hard for me to say they shouldn't be stamped out). That being said, taking Jesus' preaching out of context of the entire Bible is the same as taking a single verse out of context and twisting it to meet your needs. There are multiple instances of justified wars in the Bible, but that is an argument all on its own. :) I will just say that I struggle with the war issue on all fronts because I hate to see anyone suffer and die.

</li>
</ul>

Thanks for the provocative post (though I would love it if you could calm down the tone and the assumption that we conservative Christians are a bunch of slack-brained idiots who immediately ignore your arguments as worthless - you make me think).

Michael

Re: This Election Has Made Me More Liberal

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:56:25 -0000

So you expect politicians, who will gain IMMEASURABLE power in socialism, will freely give up power to move to libertarianism when we have "evolved"? Do you think the liberal / socialist politicians are more self-disciplined than the conservative ones? Good luck with that ideal.

Re: McCain/Palin Supporters Dissected

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:04:39 -0000

Daniel,

I hate to say this, but this trash spewing has just made me turn you off for good man. You can chalk it up to me being a sore looser if you wish, but I just can't see listening to someone who admits hating those people he calls haters and thinks I am "shallow, vapid, hypocritical, evil, filthy". I am glad you can be honest, but sometimes it is better to be honest with yourself than letting everyone else know. Hopefully I'll see you at RSA and we can talk, but I won't be reading your filth anymore. Have fun in your world.

Re: CitySec Updates And Now More Ways To Stalk Us!

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:39:01 -0000

Dave,

Don't know if it has been recognized, but Houston has had three meetings so far (BayouSec). We have a Google group and a LinkedIn group. Anyone in the area should give me a shout.

Michael Farnum

Re: Why It’s Sometimes Immoral To Treat The Poor and Uneducated As Equals (A Libertarian Essay)

Michael R. Farnum — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 11:59:37 -0000

Re: Say Goodbye to U.S. Particle Physics

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:40:15 -0000

Daniel,

Merry Christmas,

Michael

Re: Ignorant People Don’t Realize Their Environment Built Them

Michael R. Farnum — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:27:48 -0000

Jonathon is correct that truth is not determined by geography. I think what is is saying is this:

Re: Heath Ledger Died Recently

Michael R. Farnum — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:06:58 -0000

Daniel,

Re: Ignorant People Don’t Realize Their Environment Built Them

Michael R. Farnum — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:16:20 -0000

"And it’s not the same for atheists, by the way. Someone without a hobby doesn’t have the same hobby as someone who also doesn’t have one — they both just don’t have one."

Atheism is a belief system, not an absence of belief.

Re: Ignorant People Don’t Realize Their Environment Built Them

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:13:39 -0000

@ Daniel,

Re: Who’s Going to RSA?

Michael R. Farnum — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:04:34 -0000

I'll be there. Let's meet up. We may not agree on some stuff, but it would be great to meet.

You going to the bloggers gathering?

Michael Farnum

Re: The Backwardness of American Marriage Culture

Michael R. Farnum — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:13:44 -0000

Daniel,

Really, Daniel. I think that is the harshest and most bigoted statement I have heard you make. Come on man.

Michael

Re: RSA Through Day 4

Michael R. Farnum — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:18:26 -0000

Dan,

How did I miss you, man? I was there! Too many people in that room, I guess.

Michael

Re: Why Obama and Not Clinton

Michael R. Farnum — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:47:16 -0000

Re: Why Obama and Not Clinton

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:07:12 -0000

Daniel,

Re: A Response to “Mac Elitism and Snobbery”

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:36:50 -0000

Daniel,

Re: Why I Carry A Gun: A Personal Anecdote

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:04:47 -0000

Holy crap, an issue we agree on!! Awesome stuff.

Re: Why McCain Will Be the Next President

Michael R. Farnum — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:20:05 -0000

Dan,

Re: Jesus vs. McCain/Palin

Michael R. Farnum — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:51:23 -0000

Daniel (and the other Steve C),

</li>
<li>

</li>
</ul>

Michael

Re: This Election Has Made Me More Liberal

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:56:25 -0000

Re: McCain/Palin Supporters Dissected

Michael R. Farnum — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:04:39 -0000

Daniel,