Text 13550, 120 rader
Skriven 2011-01-11 03:24:47 av Richard Webb (1:116/901.0)
  Kommentar till text 13547 av Ross Cassell (1:123/456)
Ärende: Welcome to the 21st century in a supposedly civilized country
=====================================================================
Hello Ross,

On Mon 2039-Jan-10 21:13, Ross Cassell (1:123/456) wrote to Richard Webb:

 RW>> but many nonbelievers don't mind if you practice whatever
 RW>> you practice.  tHey're just not willing to allow the various
 RW>> sects to

 RC>> But notice how you quickly state that these people are less likely
 RC>> to be radical than someone with a belief?

NOt at all, we're talking the loudest, most vocal in both
camps here.  WE hear from those willing to stand up and
shout, the rest, both believers and nonbelievers alike just
go on about their lives.  Squeaky wheel gets the grease I
think would be the appropriate phrase.  tHey're the ones we
notice, and are offended by depending entirely on point of
view.

 RW> OF course, because these are usually people who believe in
 RW> reason, and show a modicum of intelligence.

RC> Every single one of them??

MOst, but again, squeaky wheels and all that.

<snip>
RC> I think you feel everyone of faith is out to convert you, I
RC> disagree.. 

NO, but they can back off on the pushy.  Those who aren't
pushy, that's fine.  IF I want what they're selling I'll
seek them out.  IF I don't, leave me alone.

RC> Very few people I encounter try, those that do, I take on a posture
RC> that neither encourages them or agitates them.

I'll try that one first, reasonable and polite "I'm not
interested" or "I don't have time right now."

RC> If i felt as you then we should burn all at the stake who try to
RC> sell us a product or service.

NO, just take no for an answer.  I make it a point to be
rude to telemarketers, after all, they invaded my space.
I'll be polite one time as in "I'm not interested, add me to your do not call
list, ... " but after that the gloves come
off.

 RW> I remember an incident with some Hare Kirshnas at a bus
 RW> terminal one time which also ended in one of them in a fetal position
 RW> on the floor.  I said no once, that should have been sufficient.

RC> Wouldnt have ignoring them worked??

NOt when they're blocking my path to where I'm going.  THe
toe of the boot to the crotch fixed that one post haste.
tHe stomp on the face helped a bit too, his buddies were too busy giving their
attention to his possible medical need,
whilst I boarded the Greyhound.  I told them no politely
once, and explained that they'd called for my bus to board.
MIss that bus, and the next one didn't leave for my
destination for 24 hours.  I was traveling on business and
didn't have time for stupidity.  IF the Hare Krishna was
injured that was his problem.  HE got a reasonable polite
response to his begging request, but when he and his two
pals decided they were going to block my way until I gave
them whatever it was, a dollar or what have you I'd had
enough.  IT was time for stern measures.  IF he didn't like
the results maybe it was a learning experience for him.

RC> I ignore all the so called charities that assail me at the entrenace
RC> to the local Sams Club.

AS do I, but usually they are situated in a way when they
solicit at places of business that one can enter and exit
without difficulty even after ignoring, or saying no
politely.  but then, at holiday time I've been known to take a few steps out of
my way to stuff a picture of Mr.
WAshington into the red KEttle of the SAlvation army guy.
I've worked with the Salvation army, they actually do some
good work.  But it's voluntary.  OTher than the person
shaking the bell they're not pushy.

<snip>
RC> Faith is a powerful thing, one does not need the approval of
RC> atheists to have it.

RIght, and atheists don't require the approval or
disapproval of the religious.  IN fact, most don't care
whether the religious approve or disapprove.  Many equate
the various mainstream religions with whithcraft, voodoo,
etc.  THey see no difference.  I'm not saying i agree or
disagree strongly, but this is where they're coming from.
THere are many others who are atheists who do not have a
belief in anything supernatural, but *will* keep an open
mind, but don't expect to see incontrovertible proof.

sEems we both accuse each other of painting with a wide
brush here.

<snip again>
RC> I merely wish to point out that atheists are capable of and do, get
RC> in the faces of the believers with the same manner of beligerence
RC> that the radical fundies do, to that end, members of each end of the
RC> spectrum are guilty.. 

INdeed, and you'll note that I stated, iirc more than once,
that it's the loudest mouths that we notice.  THe rest on
both sides are just going about their lives wishing that the fundies and the
shouters from their own camp would shut up
and leave everybody alone.  YOu can't shake the faithful
from their position, and it's equally difficult to move the
serious ahteist.  All the shouting and fingerpointing does
nobody any good.  I think we can agree on that one <grin>.

Regards,
           Richard
--- timEd 1.10.y2k+
 * Origin:  (1:116/901)