Dobson Resigns from Focus on the Family

ReligionFebruary 2009 • Views: 4,597

Fundamentalist preacher/talk show host James Dobson has retired from Focus on the Family, the far-right religious-political organization he founded.

The official reason given is that Dobson is making way for the next generation.

His departure means that Focus recognizes the need to prepare for the post-Dobson era. Dobson turns 73 this year. The transition won’t be easy. On the one hand, Dobson—a child psychologist—is the organization’s greatest asset, and phasing him out may do Focus in. On the other, Dobson has become a liability because the cult of personality around him has prevented the organization from connecting to a new generation of Christians.

It’s hard to say how much influence Dobson had on the GOP’s loss, but he was openly contemptuous of both John McCain and Rudy Giuliani, and endorsed Mike Huckabee during the primaries.

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278 comments

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:16:01am

Focus on the Family, should focus on the family (of those interested) and not politics.

Truck Monkey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:16:12am

I think that Reverend Wright is still looking for a gig. I wonder if he is in the running?

Randall Gross Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:20:06am

He supports to many borderline paleocons for my taste. Other than that I do hope they pick a leader who can put those with faith on a positive rather than nihilist/isolationist path.

JohnH Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:20:11am

He was irrelevant in the last election.

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:21:01am

Charles, why do you hate Christians?

/etc. etc.

pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:21:22am

Render that which is God's unto God and that which is Caesar's unto Caesar or words to that effect.

cronus Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:24:10am

Who is he making way for? Tony Perkins? Not exactly my idea of an improvement.

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:24:14am

re: #5 Occasional Reader

Charles, why do you hate Christians?

/etc. etc.

You forgot the love part..... YOU ARE GOING TO BURN IN HELL!

/ wish it was sarc.......

arielle Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:24:20am

re: #1 jcm

Unfortunately to many people on the left the family is political. Regardless of his politics, my friend was really helped by his books and how to bring up boys.

Earick Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:25:47am

I think of religion and government in much the same way... Both are necessary evils! And both should be kept small and on a short leash.

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:27:38am

re: #4 JohnH

He was irrelevant in the last election.

And it is harder to surmise what kind of impact that Dobson will have now. I think he will have an even stronger impact on the far religious right.

Now he will not be constrained by heading a non-profit. He will be a private citizen who's actions will only basically reflect on himself.

And this opens him up to being able to work directly as an advisor to the GOP or some politician, or even consider running for something himself.

It makes you think.

nyc redneck Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:27:43am

is he the one who alleged that the sponge cartoon character was gay?

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:27:49am

Dobson ignores history and the obvious intent of the Founding Fathers to keep religion and government separate. As they had to live for so long underneath the domineering influence of the church and witnessed the political metamorphosis of the church as it was controlled by the royal family. Also, any government controlled church would lead to inevitable persecution of those believers who choose not to identify with the established church, i.e. Puritans and Catholics under the Protestant Church of England. The Founders were deathly afraid of the idea of an established church sanctioned and dominated by the federal government.

Dobson chooses to ignore this history to his own detriment.

solergic Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:28:10am

good riddance to bad garbage

pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:28:46am

re: #5 Occasional Reader

Charles, why do you hate Christians?

/etc. etc.

PIMPL...watch either evolution at work or an act by intelligent design in 5, 4, 3, 2, _ lights, cameras, action!

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:28:47am

re: #12 nyc redneck

is he the one who alleged that the sponge cartoon character was gay?

Sponge Bob is Gay?

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:29:05am

re: #12 nyc redneck

I wouldn't be surprised.

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:29:28am

re: #11 Walter L. Newton

And it is harder to surmise what kind of impact that Dobson will have now. I think he will have an even stronger impact on the far religious right.

So he's got that ObiWanesque "if you strike me down, I will only become stronger" thing goin' on?

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:30:24am

re: #16 Walter L. Newton
You didn't know?!
Nt that there's anything wrong with that!

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:30:28am

re: #16 Walter L. Newton

He is effeminate, not to mention he chases butterflies and lives alone with a snail.

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:31:22am

re: #18 Occasional Reader

So he's got that ObiWanesque "if you strike me down, I will only become stronger" thing goin' on?

As a leader of a not-for-profit, he does have to watch certain lines, not to cross them.

Unless he intends to just slip off into the sunset, this guy may try to become more of a cog in the religion/politics mix than he has been in the past.

I'm just saying, watch out, it could happen.

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:31:41am

is he the one who alleged that the sponge cartoon character was gay?

Not gay, but a 'vehicle' for propaganda; here's a BBC story on it:

US conservative groups are up in arms over a music video featuring children's TV heroes such as the cheerful cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants.
Focus on the Family and other groups say the video - a remake of the Sister Sledge hit, We Are Family - is a vehicle for pro-gay propaganda.

The video's makers plan to mail it to US schools in the spring to promote tolerance and diversity.

re: #12 nyc redneck

[Link: news.bbc.co.uk...]

cronus Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:31:50am

re: #9 arielle

Unfortunately to many people on the left the family is political. Regardless of his politics, my friend was really helped by his books and how to bring up boys.

I used to catch dobson's program in the early nineties (not much else on in my town). I confess I enjoyed parts of it because his background as a child psychologist made his critique of faddish granola child rearing pretty substantive and humorous. And then for some reason he decided to throw it all away to emulate Pat Robertson...

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:32:34am

Dobson is 72. I doubt he plans to run for office. Maybe he is just ready to retire?

FrogMarch Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:32:44am

The puritanical religious right needs to understand that they are hurting, not helping.

Religion is a private matter; an individual matter. Religious Litmus tests are only going to hurt the Republican party. btw - Not all Christians are happy with the "religious far-right". So, if the religious far-right isn't satisfied - then they should start a new religious-based political party and see how well it goes. (take Ann Coulter with you) pssst - Our founding Fathers would never approve of such a mix of politics and religion.

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:33:08am

re: #12 nyc redneck

is he the one who alleged that the sponge cartoon character was gay?

Yep, pretty much.

In the winter of 2004-2005, the We Are Family Foundation sent American elementary schools approximately 60,000 copies of a free DVD using popular cartoon characters (most notably Sponge Bob) to "promote tolerance and diversity."[38] Dobson contended that "tolerance and diversity" are "buzzwords" that the We Are Family Foundation misused as part of a hidden agenda to promote homosexuality.[39] The New York Times noted Dobson asserting: "tolerance and its first cousin, diversity, 'are almost always buzzwords for homosexual advocacy.'"[40] He stated on the Focus on the Family website that "childhood symbols are apparently being hijacked to promote an agenda that involves teaching homosexual propaganda to children."[41]

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:33:08am

re: #23 cronus

I used to catch dobson's program in the early nineties (not much else on in my town). I confess I enjoyed parts of it because his background as a child psychologist made his critique of faddish granola child rearing pretty substantive and humorous. And then for some reason he decided to throw it all away to emulate Pat Robertson...

Youtube Video

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:33:10am

re: #11 Walter L. Newton

I also think Dobson has become increasingly irrelevant in the wake of social con hot button issues taking a backseat to the larger issues of the war and the economic ills of the nation. I think he gained a sense of this and that explains his actions and words during the 2008 election, as if he were a spoiled child crying in order to gain some type of attention in a world that is no longer giving him his due.

Shug Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:33:39am

His replacement will likely be even more radical and damaging to the GOP.

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:33:52am

re: #9 arielle

Unfortunately to many people on the left the family is political. Regardless of his politics, my friend was really helped by his books and how to bring up boys.

Very true. The family is politicized by the left.

My uncle has had several books featured by Focus on the Family, and been on Dobson's radio show several times.

A family oriented PAC would be fine, but it would have to be narrowly focused and not part of a larger religious institution.

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:34:20am

Maybe Dobson is now going to focus on distribute 'alternate learning materials' to schools.

A Christian group promoting intelligent design theory over evolution has sent teaching material to schools that critics say is religious propaganda and sloppy pseudoscience.
The Education Ministry says the unsanctioned material does not breach the Education Act and there are no plans to ban its distribution.

But officials stress the theory of evolution underpins the science curriculum and schools have a responsibility to teach theories that are subject to accepted scientific scrutiny.

Focus on the Family has sent The Privileged Planet CD and booklet to 400 high schools, asking that they be made available to science teachers and school libraries.

[Link: www.stuff.co.nz...]

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:34:48am

re: #29 Shug

His replacement will likely be even more radical and damaging to the GOP.

That's a good point. FFOTF is not going to just roll over now.

pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:35:04am

That's the fundamental problem with the 'fars', they remain 'close' enough that you can still hear and see them! In a flat world, both groups would hopefully fall off. Damned science!

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:35:20am

re: #21 Walter L. Newton
I agree with you Walter, but you have to understand that as a private citizen, he is free (well, within the bounds of the law) to do or say what he pleases. My take is that now that he's no longer a part of the
Focus on the Family, he'll have less influence than ever.
Course, except for what I've read on LGF, I never heard of this guy before, either, so there is that.

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:35:38am

I have a 9 year old and Sponge Bob is just a frakkin' cartoon. All it promotes is leave jelly fish alone, they sting! Sheesh. What a bunch of loons.

gymmom Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:36:05am

Focus on the Family does have a website that explicitly explains movie content which I really appreciate with a young teen and a preteen in the house. Other than that I pay no attention to them.

pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:36:16am

re: #16 Walter L. Newton

Sponge Bob is Gay?

NTTIAWWT?

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:36:50am

re: #35 pingjockey

I have a 9 year old and Sponge Bob is just a frakkin' cartoon. All it promotes is leave jelly fish alone, they sting! Sheesh. What a bunch of loons.

Come on Ping, the Telletubbies are so OBVIOUSLY GAY!

//////

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:37:14am

I didn't mind Dobson back in the 80's - he was one of the first ones to bring up the issue of the prevalent emotional/mental problems among missionary children because they were so often sent away to boarding school at a young age, rather than being with their parents.

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:38:01am

re: #35 pingjockey

I have a 9 year old and Sponge Bob is just a frakkin' cartoon. All it promotes is leave jelly fish alone, they sting!

Clearly that's a hidden message meaning "kids, only get into the leather scene if you know what you're doing."

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:38:12am

re: #38 jcm
Mwahahaha! I remember when he was little and watched teletubbies. I don't know what 'those people' are seeing in these shows that promotes a 'gay' agenda.

Killgore Trout Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:38:23am

IIRC Dobson's interviews with Palin was the final straw for me.

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:38:36am

re: #39 rightymouse

I didn't mind Dobson back in the 80's - he was one of the first ones to bring up the issue of the prevalent emotional/mental problems among missionary children because they were so often sent away to boarding school at a young age, rather than being with their parents.

Ahhhh, so that's my problem!

Now I have an excuse, and have achieved victim status......

WERE IS MY STIMULUS CHECK!

/////////

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:38:37am

re: #40 Occasional Reader
Heh.

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:39:08am

Some of the things he backed were not bad. But I admit that whenever I hear the phrase "Focus on the Family", I immediately think of a kid with a magnifying glass on a sunny day hovering over an anthill.

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:39:15am

re: #43 jcm
The same place as our zionist cabal checks......in the mail!

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:39:32am

re: #43 jcm

Ahhhh, so that's my problem!

Now I have an excuse, and have achieved victim status......

WERE IS MY STIMULUS CHECK!

/////////

You're an MK?

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:39:53am

re: #46 pingjockey

The same place as our zionist cabal checks......in the mail!

Shouldn't sent them Fedex........

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:40:10am

re: #38 jcm

Come on Ping, the Telletubbies are so OBVIOUSLY GAY!

//////

No, just Tinky Winky. The others are straight.
Damn, it's scary the things I know.

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:40:18am

re: #47 rightymouse

You're an MK?

Yep. MK / PK.......

10 years in Iran.

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:40:26am

re: #31 jaunte
Hi juante! Hope you're doing well today! Uh, from your New Zealand link: "Similar debate in the United States led the Supreme Court to ban public schools from teaching creationism. In 2005 a court banned the teaching of intelligent design at a Pennsylvanian high school."
IF this is true - what SCOTUS decision is being discussed and if there is such a SCOTUS decision, then why are some states putting that in their curriculum - it would be manifestly unconstitutional, wouldn't it?

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:40:48am

re: #50 jcm

Yep. MK / PK.......

10 years in Iran.

Boarding school too?

cronus Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:40:51am

re: #27 Walter L. Newton

Thanks Walter, enjoyed that. Probably very true. Although he did also seem to get a sudden case of "angry old man". Maybe he was always just a theocon in sheep's clothing.

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:40:56am

re: #49 Jim in Virginia

No, just Tinky Winky. The others are straight.
Damn, it's scary the things I know.

LOL!

You even one it's name! I just knew they'd been called gay.

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:41:12am

re: #43 jcm

WERE IS MY STIMULUS CHECK!

I think your typo was a stroke of inadvertent genius.

This is, in fact, a "Were-Stimulus"... seems like a well-meaning Keynsian measure by day, transforms into a society-devouring predator at night.

eLoser Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:41:55am

the only thing that is extremist on this topic is the spectacular display of woeful ignorance to the good this guy & his organization has done over the decades. before you spew your free trade coffee all over the keyboard (and your pj's), do a modicum of research on him...not just "the highlights" of living out his faith.

flame on if you must, but eventually address what's the root cause of your negativity. if it helps, ask for God's grace, wisdom, & kindness when you feel tempted to heap invective upon an old man

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:42:04am

re: #52 rightymouse

Boarding school too?

With another missionary family. My folks were out in a village, all the MK whose parents where in the villages stayed with the family in Tehran.

tntb Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:42:24am

He was also openly contemptuous of Fred Thompson, claiming that Mr. Thompson wasn't a Christian. Dobson can be really vile.

More here from Dick Armey:

[Link: www.ryansager.com...]

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:42:33am

re: #55 Occasional Reader

I think your typo was a stroke of inadvertent genius.

This is, in fact, a "Were-Stimulus"... seems like a well-meaning Keynsian measure by day, transforms into a society-devouring predator at night.

ROFL!

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:43:04am

re: #51 realwestIt would and it is. It will cause the states to have to spend money and time on courts and lawyers to fight this nonsense. They just want to get the camels nose in the tent.

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:43:17am

re: #54 jcm

LOL!

You even one it's name! I just knew they'd been called gay.

Now, I will say on that:

One of my nephews went through a Teletubbies phase when he was a very small tot. I watched a couple of eps with him. In one of them, one of the TTs acquires a purse. They all, in turn, take turns carrying around the purse, including the TTs that are identified as male. Hmm....

tntb Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:43:22am

eloser, please read the link that I posted in #58 before you drool all over Jim Dobson.

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:44:06am

re: #31 jaunte

Maybe Dobson is now going to focus on distribute 'alternate learning materials' to schools.

[Link: www.stuff.co.nz...]

I purpose that in all American English classes, we study the Babylon model of the evolution of languages. Godless teachers are promoting the "theory", and pay close attention to that word "theory," that the English language begins with the Anglo-Saxons, yet we know better. When all of mankind had gathered to build the Tower of Babel, God was displeased with this community activism and he confused their languages and dispersed them all across the earth.

The Babylonian Model shows us when English appeared, already full formed, on the lips of certain humans.

Desert Dog Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:44:15am

re: #20 topazpilot

He is effeminate, not to mention he chases butterflies and lives alone with a snail.

He chases jellyfish!

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:44:30am

re: #61 Occasional Reader

Now, I will say on that:

One of my nephews went through a Teletubbies phase when he was a very small tot. I watched a couple of eps with him. In one of them, one of the TTs acquires a purse. They all, in turn, take turns carrying around the purse, including the TTs that are identified as male. Hmm....

Does every male, who's ended up holding his wife's purse have this, ahem, problem?

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:44:36am

re: #51 realwest

Good morning realwest! I'm glad you're feeling ok today. All is well on this side.

IF this is true - what SCOTUS decision is being discussed and if there is such a SCOTUS decision, then why are some states putting that in their curriculum - it would be manifestly unconstitutional, wouldn't it?

Yes, I think the DI and supporters are going forward without caring what it's ultimately going to cost the school districts in legal fees. Maybe they're hoping for a sympathetic judge to rule in their favor. Whatever the decision, they will continue to garner speaking fees and book sales.

Desert Dog Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:45:11am

re: #24 Jim in Virginia

Dobson is 72. I doubt he plans to run for office. Maybe he is just ready to retire?

He is still going to do the radio show. I think he is just slowing down...he is 72, afterall.

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:45:18am

re: #63 Walter L. Newton
Walter, Walter, Walter.......Mwahahaha!

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:45:51am

re: #56 eLoser

the only thing that is extremist on this topic is the spectacular display of woeful ignorance to the good this guy & his organization has done over the decades. before you spew your free trade coffee all over the keyboard (and your pj's), do a modicum of research on him...not just "the highlights" of living out his faith.

flame on if you must, but eventually address what's the root cause of your negativity. if it helps, ask for God's grace, wisdom, & kindness when you feel tempted to heap invective upon an old man

As long as Dobson focused on the family from a faith based point of view all well and good.

He was less than helpful moving into the political arena.

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:46:39am

I don't know why but my son is totally bananas for Max and Ruby. I just don't understand children's programming.

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:47:12am

Bak on topic- I'd like to see the Repbulicans/ conservatives stop the infighting. Social issues are not a big deal for me; for example, I think the marriage battle was lost a long time ago. But I sympathize with how groups like FOTF feel,even if I don't generally agree with them.
With Obama/ Reid /Pelosi in power for at least the next two years, what we can agree on (fighting Islamic fundamentalism and terror, lower federal spending, ending earmarks) should matter more than what we disagree on.
I'm not optimistic. The Disco Institute doesn't help.

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:47:14am

re: #65 jcm

Does every male, who's ended up holding his wife's purse have this, ahem, problem?

Only if he follows on by "sharing" his wife's stockings and bra.

But anyway, it was just a little weird. It wasn't just "here, hold this for a minute", rather "and now it's Tinky Winky's turn to carry the purse... [Tinky Winky:] "Wheee! Ooooh!"

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:47:43am

re: #70 topazpilot
That is a cute cartoon. A rabbit that is a mini Denis the menace.

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:47:45am

re: #60 pingjockey Huh. Well I don't know ping. Seems to me if SCOTUS has ruled that intelligent design/creationism is unconstitutional (I presume to teach or have in the curriculum of public schools) then the only thing that will result in getting the camel's nose in the tent is that the camel is gonna have a very bloody nose in no time at all.

rawmuse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:47:49am

re: #58 tntb

That is a flaw that some Christians have. They will proclaim one as more Christian than the other. I issue from a devout family, but to them, I am not Christian enough. Never mind that I attend church and proclaim Christ as my saviour. I engage in activities that they see as sinful, like dancing and playing of music. I even play dominoes with my wife.

It is a sickness.

Truck Monkey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:48:17am

re: #16 Walter L. Newton

Sponge Bob is Gay?

It is my understanding that Sponge Bob does not have genetalia. Maybe he is mentally gay?

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:48:51am

re: #75 rawmuse

I engage in activities that they see as sinful, like dancing and playing of music. I even play dominoes with my wife.

YOU WHORE!

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:48:51am

re: #75 rawmuse

That is a flaw that some Christians have. They will proclaim one as more Christian than the other. I issue from a devout family, but to them, I am not Christian enough. Never mind that I attend church and proclaim Christ as my saviour. I engage in activities that they see as sinful, like dancing and playing of music. I even play dominoes with my wife.

It is a sickness.

*shhh* don't tell anyone...
I drink beer!

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:49:13am

re: #57 jcm

With another missionary family. My folks were out in a village, all the MK whose parents where in the villages stayed with the family in Tehran.

Two of my siblings were farmed out to Christian boarding schools. I stayed with my folks due to allergies - was susceptible to anaphylactic shock when stung by certain nasty thingies.

Anyway - both suffered severe emotional trauma. One never recovered. It was not an uncommon problem and I remember being grateful for Dobson to bring up the issue.

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:49:23am

re: #73 pingjockey

Of course he's also just getting Ni Hao Kai Lan. Now that is one cute cartoon.

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:49:51am

re: #75 rawmuse

Updinged to agree with the thought, but you could extend that to all groups. It's a human failing, not restricted to Christians.

rawmuse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:50:06am

re: #77 Occasional Reader

Not only that, but I used to take strong drink, even to excess.

blangwort Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:50:25am

I don't like religious groups that make political campaigns. It is one thing to preach to the masses about a particular issue. It is another thing entirely to back or support a particular candidate. I wish Dobson a happy retirement, and I wish his organization would fade away. We shouldn't have to legislate proper campaign behavior. It should be something that we all agree to do as citizens.

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:50:27am

re: #75 rawmuse

I know what you mean. I'm Catholic and my entire family is Pentecostal or Church of Christ. To them I'm doomed for hell, do not pass go and do not collect $200.

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:50:27am

re: #74 realwest
I agree totally, yet the ID folks keep pressing, re Jindal in La. It's got to be unConstituitional but it was signed anyway. So now it will end up in court and being litigated. ID proponents are using these tactics, IMO to wear down opposition to ID. War by attrition.

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:50:28am

re: #70 topazpilot

I don't know why but my son is totally bananas for Max and Ruby. I just don't understand children's programming.

Ten years ago the kids loved Max and Ruby. So did we.
Is he into "Arthur" yet?

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:50:40am

re: #66 jaunte It's really amazing how "good" you can feel on these new "happy pills" I got yesterday! LOL! Glad you're well.
"Whatever the decision, they will continue to garner speaking fees and book sales."
Ah, thanks, I keep thinking like a lawyer on this issue and forget that others knowingly violate SCOTUS pronouncements to make money!

cronus Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:50:52am

re: #63 Walter L. Newton

I purpose that in all American English classes, we study the Babylon model of the evolution of languages. Godless teachers are promoting the "theory", and pay close attention to that word "theory," that the English language begins with the Anglo-Saxons, yet we know better. When all of mankind had gathered to build the Tower of Babel, God was displeased with this community activism and he confused their languages and dispersed them all across the earth.

The Babylonian Model shows us when English appeared, already full formed, on the lips of certain humans.

"If the King's English was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me!" "Ma" Ferguson, Governor of Texas

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:51:14am

re: #75 rawmuse

That is a flaw that some Christians have. They will proclaim one as more Christian than the other. I issue from a devout family, but to them, I am not Christian enough. Never mind that I attend church and proclaim Christ as my saviour. I engage in activities that they see as sinful, like dancing and playing of music. I even play dominoes with my wife.

It is a sickness.

Well, this goes both ways. It happens, when you bring up subjects like Jew hatred with Christians, or you mention certain historical facts, a common retort is, "well they/he/she were not Christian."

So, who decides?

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:51:41am

re: #87 realwest

"Cherchez les bucks..."

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:52:14am

re: #75 rawmuse

I engage in activities that they see as sinful, like dancing and playing of music.

Why don't Baptists make love standing up?
People will think they are dancing.

Occasional Reader Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:52:23am

re: #89 Walter L. Newton

Well, this goes both ways.

Just like Tinky-Winky!

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:52:31am

re: #90 jaunte

"Cherchez les bucks..."

Cherchez le merde!

itellu3times Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:52:38am

I can't blame a guy for not being enthusiastic about McCain or Giuliani.

I might blame a guy for supporting Huckabee.

But I would also blame the party, for not providing better candidates, better campaigns. If there were a really strong candidate, and Dobson (or other religous type) declined to support them and went for some wackadoodle instead, I'd be pissed. But I can't really say that's what happened in 2008.

rawmuse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:53:10am

re: #89 Walter L. Newton

Hatred of anything but sin, is a sin.

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:53:18am

re: #87 realwest
I didn't hear RW, what happy pills? And are you getting better? I was gonna ask if you're okay. D'uh, obviously not if you've got new 'happy pills".

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:53:37am

re: #86 Jim in Virginia

He'll watch it but he isn't crazy about it. He prefers Max and Ruby, Ni Hao Kai Lan, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Dora, and Spongebob. I think that about covers it. You every see Yo Gabba Gabba? Brits on acid!

Desert Dog Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:53:55am

Dobson wields some political power, but he is not a king maker by any means. I know there is a strong anti-evolution feeling in this blog, but, lately, I get the feeling there is a strong anti-Christian one as well.

I am not religious at all. I am probably an atheist. Why are we turning on conservative Christians? I know they present problems when it comes to educational things and some other matters, but, can anyone here say they are more dangerous than the current batch of "leaders" in Congress or the White House? If we cast off the entire religious component of the Republican party, we can kiss any chance of getting back into the White House, or gaining a majority in Congress ever again.

I ,personally, have way more in common with the typical religious conservative than anyone over on the left side of the aisle. We will need every vote to turn back the tide of socialism and think it is very self-destructive to tear the Republicans in half....yes?

Macker Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:53:59am

re: #77 Occasional Reader

YOU WHORE!

No, that would make him a gigolo. His wife would be the whore.

/////

100

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:54:12am

re: #75 rawmuse
Playiing dominoes is a sickness? Uh Oh.

101

Shug Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:54:36am

re: #91 Jim in Virginia

Why don't Baptists make love standing up?
People will think they are dancing.

Minute waltz

102

rawmuse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:54:45am

re: #100 realwest

I only play for money with Democrats.

103

vxbush Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:54:51am

While I may disagree with Dr. Dobson and his opinions related to politics, he has done a great deal of good for America's families. I wish him all the best.

104

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:55:01am

re: #79 rightymouse

Two of my siblings were farmed out to Christian boarding schools. I stayed with my folks due to allergies - was susceptible to anaphylactic shock when stung by certain nasty thingies.

Anyway - both suffered severe emotional trauma. One never recovered. It was not an uncommon problem and I remember being grateful for Dobson to bring up the issue.

School was an extreme challenge for me. Not due to the lack of smarts, but the separation likely contributed. Boarding was only during the school year, and I did that for 6 years total.

105

pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:55:07am

re: #35 pingjockey

I have a 9 year old and Sponge Bob is just a frakkin' cartoon. All it promotes is leave jelly fish alone, they sting! Sheesh. What a bunch of loons.

So was 'Fritz The Cat.'
Not to mention the brutality / violence depicted in 'Woody The Woodpecker', Tom & Jerry, Road Runner, Bugs Bunny, Quick Draw McGraw cartoons or the overt racialism, drug usage combined with violence shown in many of the early 'big studio' cartoons or the sexual promiscuity, lack of morals of Betty Boop or the sexism combined with immaculate conception apparently exhibited in 'The Smurfs' or 'Popeye' and extreme violence and sexual angst or...the list can go on and on and on. Cartoons have been and will continue to be a tremendous 'negative' influence over us all if only for the advertising patterns shown during their programming. Even the Teletubbies are tainted. Someone recently referred to American youth as receiving their education in front of a television and in as much as this statement has a lot of truth in it, this education if you look at the majority of mainstream and cable programming has and continues to be an overall 'negative' teacher to student relationship with commercialization being the paramount '101' course for all.

106

eLoser Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:55:29am

re: #62 tntb

eloser, please read the link that I posted in #58 before you drool all over Jim Dobson.

i see.

if i don't join in on the pigpile and give him a swift kick on the way out, i'm gargling his choad like a meth-charged haggard after watching high school musical 3-way

carry on...

107

Earick Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:55:45am

The only purpose or goal of life, in this universe, is to reproduce itself.

The idea of 'intelligent design' makes a lot of sense to me.
The only problem I have is how to tell the difference between God and a species four rungs up the evolutionary ladder from me!

108

rawmuse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:55:47am

BTW, if I were to divulge with all of you some of the persons with whom I play dominoes on a regular basis, jaws would drop.

109

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:56:07am

re: #98 Desert Dog
Get a grip. They're are lots of Christians/Believers in here. We object, pardon me, I object to religion in public school. I object to rabid zealots proclaiming only their brand of Belief is the true one.

110

Macker Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:56:21am

re: #105 pupdawg

Um...you forgot Itchy & Scratchy.

111

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:56:29am

re: #83 blangwort
Hopefully you've written to Rev. Wright and to David Axelrod about that.

112

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:56:37am

Cartoons have contributed to a sharp rise in "anvil violence."

113

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:57:53am

re: #106 eLoser

I'm not for sure what you said but I'm pretty sure it wasn't positive.

114

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:58:15am

re: #105 pupdawg
You are being sarcastic I hope. I was born in 1959 and watched most if not all of those cartoons. They were/are CARTOONS.

115

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:59:05am

re: #112 jaunte
Plus the shredding of cats.

116

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:59:08am

re: #112 jaunte

Cartoons have contributed to a sharp rise in "anvil violence."

Not mention unwise use of explosive and rockets, that's a real problem with kids these days.

117

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:59:36am

re: #96 pingjockey Well I don't honestly know if I'm getting better, but I don't mind not being better quite so much! LOL!

Yes, btw, I think I am getting better, thanks.

118

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:59:40am

re: #106 eLoser

i see.

if i don't join in on the pigpile and give him a swift kick on the way out, i'm gargling his choad like a meth-charged haggard after watching high school musical 3-way

carry on...

You're being a jerk and acting like a fucking three year old. We are discussing the man's politics, not his ministry. And if you took a half a minute to pay attention, you would see that a number of people here have complimented him on his work with FOTF.

So get off of your crappy assed high horse.

119

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:59:40am

re: #83 blangwort

I don't like religious groups that make political campaigns. .

In my experience, that usually means, "I don't like religious leaders who publicly support causes I oppose."
Most mainstream Protestant leadership were critical of Falwell's and Robertson's political involvement while themselves very publicly opposing both Gulf Wars. And Martin Luther King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference were firmly based in the church. Was that appropriate?

120

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:59:48am

re: #109 pingjockey

Just to play devil's advocate, but shouldn't a believer believe that their faith is the only true one? Otherwise, why believe at all? It doesn't mean you can't be tolerant, as the top of the Catholic Church has made great pains to do as of late.

121

screaming_eagle Sat, Feb 28, 2009 8:59:59am

re: #105 pupdawg

I love South Park!

122

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:00:29am

re: #116 jcm
I did hear the ACME corp. is the one stock consistently performing very well on the NYSE.

123

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:00:45am

re: #119 Jim in Virginia

Or the idea of righteous war as supported by the late great Pope John Paul II.

124

Cathypop Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:00:48am

re: #122 pingjockey

I did hear the ACME corp. is the one stock consistently performing very well on the NYSE.

BEEP! BEEP!

125

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:00:53am

re: #98 Desert Dog
"I know there is a strong anti-evolution feeling in this blog,"
Um, say what?!

126

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:01:01am

re: #121 screaming_eagle

South Park is simply brilliant!

127

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:01:04am

re: #117 realwest
Glad to hear that!

128

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:01:28am

re: #115 pingjockey

re: #116 jcm

Not to mention the physics of unconscious antigravity. "You don't fall down, if you don't notice you've run out of ground..."
(I typed that as a joke, but it actually fits the Postmodernist point of view)

129

screaming_eagle Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:01:31am

re: #116 jcm

Not mention unwise use of explosive and rockets, that's a real problem with kids these days.

Your forgot about the ducks that try to trick you into shooting rabbits.

130

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:01:33am

re: #98 Desert Dog
See my 71. GMTA.

131

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:01:56am

re: #102 rawmuse
Ah, now that's smart - they can always pay up cause they control the printing presses!

132

cronus Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:02:23am

re: #98 Desert Dog

you must be reading different threads than I am. I think it's pretty clear that most contributors are targeting theocons and not conservatives who happen to be Christians.

133

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:02:31am

re: #120 topazpilot
I'll buy that. What I meant was the ones who rabidly proclaim theirs is the only "true" faith and everybody else is going to Hell in a handbasket.

134

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:03:04am

re: #129 screaming_eagle

Obesity can be blamed on Spongebob Squarepants due to its constant support of the fast food crabby patty being the greatest food of all time.

135

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:03:09am

re: #108 rawmuse
Oh come on! Don't be a fricking Tease! Tell us!

136

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:03:55am

re: #128 jaunte
I have a paper somewhere with the 10 laws of cartoon physics. That is one of them. Also whoever paints a tunnel on a solid objects can't go through it but their opponent can.

137

Ojoe Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:04:43am

re: #109 pingjockey

Re your post, I have always gotten a slightly weird "warning" feeling from Dobson.

re: #120 topazpilot

I think that all good people are seamlessly connected at the deepest level, and that the human intellect is far from powerful enough to see the total picture.

138

rawmuse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:05:08am

Later Lizards, I am off to a theatrical event, in which an actor, in the personage of Merriwether Lewis, relates the story of the Corps of Discovery, in the first person.

139

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:05:12am

re: #136 pingjockey

There might be a dissertation in there somewhere about how many of those laws appear to be followed by the Obama team.

140

Earick Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:05:16am

Rocket J. Squirrel and Bullwinkel!

Now that was television!

141

Charles Johnson Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:05:33am

One of Dobson's wonderful pronouncements: gay marriage will destroy the Earth.

“Homosexuals are not monogamous,” Dobson assured the audience. “They want to destroy the institution of marriage. It will destroy marriage. It will destroy the Earth.”

142

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:05:38am

re: #122 pingjockey

I did hear the ACME corp. is the one stock consistently performing very well on the NYSE.

Which is amazing given the on going quality control problems.

143

Macker Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:05:53am

re: #129 screaming_eagle

Your forgot about the ducks that try to trick you into shooting rabbits.

Kill The Wabbit

Youtube Video

144

screaming_eagle Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:05:55am

re: #134 topazpilot

Obesity can be blamed on Spongebob Squarepants due to its constant support of the fast food crabby patty being the greatest food of all time.

I thought it was because of little tiny chicken-hawks trying to eat a huge rooster.

145

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:06:06am

re: #118 Walter L. Newton

Hey Eloser. First off, if you have the time to down ding me, why don't you have the time to debate on my comment. Kind of like a little child.

146

Ojoe Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:06:27am

re: #141 Charles

He's mad.

147

quickjustice Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:06:49am

re: #98 Desert Dog

You're making the wrong argument. The issue isn't Christians, or even religion per se. It's whether religious beliefs should be forced, by legislation, into science classrooms in public schools.

No one is writing off people of faith. There are control freaks and power mongers among them, as there are in every demographic. We say no to those who seek to impose their religious views on science classes. It's like seeking to impose your religious views on an nuclear engineering class. "Why is one thing not like the other thing?" Hello?

148

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:07:06am

re: #137 Ojoe
I have listened to the Rev. Dobson numerous times on the radio. His family stuff is fine, great even. But when him and people like Robertson go haring off into politics I have a problem. Of course it is their right to do so, but it does bother me.

149

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:07:32am

re: #146 Ojoe

He's mad.

As in angry or mentally challenged? (is "mentally challenged" the correct PC word?)

150

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:07:37am

re: #136 pingjockey

I have a paper somewhere with the 10 laws of cartoon physics. That is one of them. Also whoever paints a tunnel on a solid objects can't go through it but their opponent can.

Here

One of 34,000 google search returns

151

itellu3times Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:08:09am

re: #128 jaunte

Not to mention the physics of unconscious antigravity. "You don't fall down, if you don't notice you've run out of ground..."
(I typed that as a joke, but it actually fits the Postmodernist point of view)

More like, "This talk of 'falling down' is conservative, reactionary, we are always already attracted to the ground. Merely changing one's relative position is a commonplace, and only an imperialist would focus on it. Indeed, one may indulge in some natural degrees of verticality without intention or notice, but unless we have a context, talk of it being a 'fall' or 'down' cannot really be established."

152

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:08:09am

re: #141 Charles

I guess Dobson assumed the people he was speaking to wouldn't bother to find out any evidence that might contradict his assertion.

153

Shug Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:08:14am

re: #141 Charles

One of Dobson's wonderful pronouncements: gay marriage will destroy the Earth.

And madonna ,britany spears and liz Taylor preserved and protected it

154

Ojoe Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:08:23am

re: #149 Walter L. Newton

Mad as in not totally sane.

155

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:08:25am

re: #142 jcm
Haven't you heard? The QA/QC Dept is being ran by Rube Goldberg, with Larry, Moe, and Curly as Dept. Heads.

156

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:09:29am

re: #150 Jim in Virginia
Heh. Wonderful thing these inter-tubes.

157

Hengineer Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:10:04am

re: #140 Earick

Rocket J. Squirrel and Bullwinkel!

Now that was television!

Nothin' up my sleeve!

158

VegasRick Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:10:12am

re: #149 Walter L. Newton

As in angry or mentally challenged? (is "mentally challenged" the correct PC word?)

"Goofy" is not PC. But neither was Mickey.
/

159

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:10:57am

re: #154 Ojoe

Mad as in not totally sane.

Thanks.

160

eLoser Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:11:00am

re: #145 Walter L. Newtonwhat's to debate? that i'm older than 3? or should i address the ad-hominem?

should i engage the fool? wwj(ames)d?

161

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:11:10am

re: #104 jcm

School was an extreme challenge for me. Not due to the lack of smarts, but the separation likely contributed. Boarding was only during the school year, and I did that for 6 years total.

Am a firm believer that kids need to be with their parents during the formative years. Out of curiousity, did you ever have to deal with issues that came from the separation, i.e. abandonment as an adult?

162

Hengineer Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:11:30am

re: #75 rawmuse

That is a flaw that some Christians have. They will proclaim one as more Christian than the other. I issue from a devout family, but to them, I am not Christian enough. Never mind that I attend church and proclaim Christ as my saviour. I engage in activities that they see as sinful, like dancing and playing of music. I even play dominoes with my wife.

It is a sickness.

Want to know what's even worse?

I'm a Confirmed Catholic!

163

Charles Johnson Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:11:49am

re: #106 eLoser

i see.

if i don't join in on the pigpile and give him a swift kick on the way out, i'm gargling his choad like a meth-charged haggard after watching high school musical 3-way

carry on...

Praise the Lord!

164

Desert Dog Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:12:17am

re: #125 realwest

"I know there is a strong anti-evolution feeling in this blog,"
Um, say what?!

PIMF Anti-Creationism

165

Nevergiveup Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:13:07am

My wife and my mother in law are gone for the day, I got 5 lamb chops ready to go on the grill, I got the UNC basketball game on HI-DEF, I got a cold beer, and someone might be interested in buying my building. So far so good. I just hope Obama doesn't ruin my day.

166

Hengineer Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:13:12am

re: #106 eLoser

i see.

if i don't join in on the pigpile and give him a swift kick on the way out, i'm gargling his choad like a meth-charged haggard after watching high school musical 3-way

carry on...

No, we're not even giving him a swift kick in the pants on the way out, its just that James Dobson had his upsides and downsides, and people like you ONLY see his upsides, and not how he DOESN'T relate to the majority of Christians, let alone Americans.

167

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:13:27am

re: #164 Desert Dog
Not me. People can believe what they will. It's when they want to teach faith as science that I get upset.

168

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:13:57am

re: #160 eLoser

what's to debate? that i'm older than 3? or should i address the ad-hominem? should i engage the fool? wwj(ames)d?

What ever yanks your crank loser.

You know, sometimes you can tell where a troll is coming from and where he is going to just by their name.

You picked a winner name.

169

Nevergiveup Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:14:32am

Seems I walked in on a fight?

170

Pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:14:50am

re: #110 Macker

Um...you forgot Itchy & Scratchy.

Yes I did, tried to focus mainly on 'old school' but with today in mind a few additions come instantly to mind like The Simpsons, Aqua Teen, South Park, Ren and Stimpy and on and on and on...and I already received a 'negative' hit for the effort...someone needs to wake up and smell the cartoons.
Is it possible to die laughing? More than a few Oscar winners have shown in film at least you can 'kill while laughing' and reap plenty of gold for the effort.

171

outsidephilly Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:14:54am

re: #30 jcm

GREAT book! Your uncle helped me help many students, who, like me, aren't keen on 'sitting still'. I saw how bright these students are; your uncle writes in an easy to understand style - especially for me, an adult with 'learning differences'

172

Hengineer Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:14:55am

re: #169 Nevergiveup

Seems I walked in on a fight?

No, just a troll-bashing, I guess.

173

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:15:01am

re: #169 Nevergiveup

Seems I walked in on a fight?

Here, hide behind this chair.

174

Desert Dog Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:15:32am

I am off to hike in the hills before it gets too hot. You all play nice now, ya hear?

175

debutaunt Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:15:46am

re: #141 Charles

One of Dobson's wonderful pronouncements: gay marriage will destroy the Earth.

And we all know how straight people are so successful at marriage, but then the earth is coming to an end.

176

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:15:49am

re: #165 Nevergiveup

My wife and my mother in law are gone for the day, I got 5 lamb chops ready to go on the grill, I got the UNC basketball game on HI-DEF, I got a cold beer, and someone might be interested in buying my building. So far so good. I just hope Obama doesn't ruin my day.

Sorry. You're well and truly scrod.

177

Annar Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:16:09am

Another faith healer rides off into the sunset but the relief is already taking his place. Unfortunately, the only opposition party to the Obama tsunami seems forever tied to people of this ilk and large percentage will throw in with the Huckabees, the Jindal creationists. If the GOP does not get serious before the 2010 midterms the Democrats will get to set up a tax structure where more than 50% pay no taxes and even get refunds on the state sales taxes they pay. With a voting block like that the Piper will easily lead the army of the untaxed to victory in 2012 and the one party system will be a fait accompli.

178

Nevergiveup Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:16:25am

re: #173 Walter L. Newton

Here, hide behind this chair.

Nah I'm feeling fisty today. Who's the new meat?

179

screaming_eagle Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:16:44am

re: #170 Pupdawg

The Simpsons,South Park, Ren + Stimpy aren't geared for 5 year olods.

180

Hengineer Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:16:58am

re: #170 Pupdawg

Yes I did, tried to focus mainly on 'old school' but with today in mind a few additions come instantly to mind like The Simpsons, Aqua Teen, South Park, Ren and Stimpy and on and on and on...and I already received a 'negative' hit for the effort...someone needs to wake up and smell the cartoons.
Is it possible to die laughing? More than a few Oscar winners have shown in film at least you can 'kill while laughing' and reap plenty of gold for the effort.

I'm sorry, but I hate to call people idiots, but you are one.

Those shows you mention are NOT kids shows! Show me a parent who would actually let their kids watch those shows and I'll show you a parent who is seriously misguided (Why do you think those shows are aired either in prime time or the night-time slots?)

181

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:17:14am

re: #176 Jim in Virginia
But, you can have another beer for the halibut.

182

quickjustice Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:17:35am

re: #141 Charles

I think "gay marriage" an oxymoron. It might even finish off traditional marriage, which already is doddering, as a social institution. But the Earth? A little grandiose, aren't we?

183

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:18:08am

re: #178 Nevergiveup
"I'm feeling fisty today" NO! Don't hit anyone with your fist, you could break your hand!
:)

184

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:18:33am

re: #161 rightymouse

Am a firm believer that kids need to be with their parents during the formative years. Out of curiousity, did you ever have to deal with issues that came from the separation, i.e. abandonment as an adult?

Not really, but I don't have a lot of close friends. Part of that is all the moving around, and repeated breaking of attachments.

The experience growing up in Iran was invaluable, but there where costs to being an MK. Still I don't think I'd change much if I could.

185

VegasRick Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:18:55am

re: #178 Nevergiveup

Nah I'm feeling fisty today. Who's the new meat?

You sure that's the UNC game you have on the tele?
/

186

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:18:55am

OT - I love it.

Sharper Downturn Clouds Obama Spending Plans

"The economy is spiraling down at an accelerating pace, threatening to undermine the Obama administration’s spending plans, which anticipate vigorous rates of growth in years to come."

The NYTimes, go figure.

It's like saying...

"My recovery from drug addiction is spiraling down at an accelerating pace, threatening to undermine my plan to get off drugs, which I anticipate in overcoming in the years to come."

[Link: www.nytimes.com...]

187

Nevergiveup Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:19:01am

re: #183 realwest

"I'm feeling fisty today" NO! Don't hit anyone with your fist, you could break your hand!
:)

I got pretty good disability. But thanks for looking out for my best interests.

188

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:19:41am

re: #178 Nevergiveup

Nah I'm feeling fisty today. Who's the new meat?

Eloser (love that name, just begging to be smacked)

189

Shug Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:19:47am

Is ted haggard available?

190

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:20:03am

re: #184 jcm Hey jcm, pardon my ignorance but what is an "MK" ?

191

Nevergiveup Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:20:27am

re: #185 VegasRick

You sure that's the UNC game you have on the tele?
/

UNC vs GT ( Georgia tech) UNC has got to start playing at least alittle D---CBS TV

192

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:20:28am

re: #189 Shug
Who?

193

Macker Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:20:32am

re: #178 Nevergiveup

Nah I'm feeling fisty today. Who's the new meat?

Unclench your fist!

194

DistantThunder Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:20:35am

re: #165 Nevergiveup

My wife and my mother in law are gone for the day, I got 5 lamb chops ready to go on the grill, I got the UNC basketball game on HI-DEF, I got a cold beer, and someone might be interested in buying my building. So far so good. I just hope Obama doesn't ruin my day.

Obama can pop up anywhere at any time. I'm disappointed that, at the tea parties, no one had a picture of dear leader, inside a red circle with a slash.

195

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:20:47am

re: #182 quickjustice

I would think infidelity is a much greater threat to marriage than gays getting married. What are they, 1-2% of the population? Compare that to married people that have affairs.

196

Nevergiveup Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:21:10am

re: #188 Walter L. Newton

Eloser (love that name, just begging to be smacked)

Yeah, that name is kinda looking for it

197

outsidephilly Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:21:25am

re: #190 realwest

Hey jcm, pardon my ignorance but what is an "MK" ?

possibly, Minister's Kid or Missionary Kid

(((real)))

198

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:21:41am

re: #194 DistantThunder
I have that shirt, but the picture is Che' and underneath "Commies aren't cool". Gets some reactions it does.

199

eLoser Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:21:53am

re: #166 Hengineer

No, we're not even giving him a swift kick in the pants on the way out, its just that James Dobson had his upsides and downsides, and people like you ONLY see his upsides, and not how he DOESN'T relate to the majority of Christians, let alone Americans.

it's not that i only see his upsides; i'm attempting to extend some grace & ask that others here do the same. his organization certainly isn't perfect - it's a good old boyz club to be sure - but if you see the good they've done not by accident, perhaps you could see him in a better light.

and i certainly take issue on his clenched-fist wrt teh ghey community.

by any measure he's done more good in this world than i, fwiw

200

SurferDoc Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:22:00am

What's the difference between Rahm Emmanuel and a piranha?

Piranhas only bite when they're hungry.

201

BigMoo Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:22:08am

I live in Colo. Springs and damned glad to see him go. He swings a 'big stick' here in the area and most locals are tired of him and his games. I'm conservative and Christian-but have greatly resented the power he's tried to wield at the political level.
A little less 'sand in the Vaseline' perhaps for our political future...

202

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:22:11am

re: #196 Nevergiveup

Yeah, that name is kinda looking for it

He's gone, or lurking again. He didn't seem to have any ability to back up his up thread statements. But he's a good down dinger.

Chicken shit. (that probably made him feel good)

203

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:22:57am

re: #183 realwest

"I'm feeling fisty today" NO! Don't hit anyone with your fist, you could break your hand!
:)

You're not going all Obama on us are you....

Youtube Video

204

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:23:25am

re: #190 realwest

Hey jcm, pardon my ignorance but what is an "MK" ?

Missionary Kid. PK is Preacher's Kid.

205

Hengineer Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:23:35am

re: #195 jaunte

I would think infidelity is a much greater threat to marriage than gays getting married. What are they, 1-2% of the population? Compare that to married people that have affairs.

I completely agree with you there, and even if its just people getting divorced because they don't want to be married anymore.

206

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:23:36am

re: #195 jaunte Uh, I think the % of gays in the general population is more like 5%, but regardless, the last time I checked, something slightly over 50% of all marriages end in divorce.
If we're counting on the institution of marriage to save this country, we're in deeper doo-doo than I thought.

207

THX 1138 Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:24:11am

James Dobson was made the object of ridicule by the pop culture-azis to the point that to be in any agreement assured you to be on the outside. To be shunned like an eighth grade social misfit seems to be the deepest fear in America today. So much so that even those that should be able to see the good the man brought find it necessary to side with the "cool kids" to fit it.

208

BigMoo Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:24:25am

re: #189 Shug

LMAO-wondering the same thing. It was fun being in Colo. for his 'escapades' too...

209

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:24:28am

re: #197 outsidephilly
Ah, thanks (((outsidephilly)))!

210

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:24:42am

re: #199 eLoser

it's not that i only see his upsides; i'm attempting to extend some grace & ask that others here do the same. his organization certainly isn't perfect - it's a good old boyz club to be sure - but if you see the good they've done not by accident, perhaps you could see him in a better light.

and i certainly take issue on his clenched-fist wrt teh ghey community.

by any measure he's done more good in this world than i, fwiw

I think you have had a good mixture of folks here giving him praise where praise is due.

I don't understand what your problem is? Do you only see the negative comments? (well, negative to you).

211

DistantThunder Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:24:58am

re: #198 pingjockey

I have that shirt, but the picture is Che' and underneath "Commies aren't cool". Gets some reactions it does.

Imagine: Democrats aren't cool.

212

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:25:05am

re: #184 jcm

Not really, but I don't have a lot of close friends. Part of that is all the moving around, and repeated breaking of attachments.

The experience growing up in Iran was invaluable, but there where costs to being an MK. Still I don't think I'd change much if I could.

Boy Howdy. The repeated breaking of attachments is truly an issue. I stayed in Bangkok for a long time but saw people/friends come and go. So I tended to have friends more in the ex-pat long term community.

Wouldn't change much myself either except it would have been much better if my siblings had not been sent away.

213

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:25:27am

re: #206 realwest
Being married is the ulimate test of being an adult, not a child. Sadly a lot of the population are adult in age and children where it counts.

214

Hengineer Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:25:41am

re: #199 eLoser

it's not that i only see his upsides; i'm attempting to extend some grace & ask that others here do the same. his organization certainly isn't perfect - it's a good old boyz club to be sure - but if you see the good they've done not by accident, perhaps you could see him in a better light.

and i certainly take issue on his clenched-fist wrt teh ghey community.

by any measure he's done more good in this world than i, fwiw

We're not talking bad about the organization, just trying to highlight the faults that James Dobson has had. We hope that Focus on the Family continues on and finds another spokesperson who will carry on their torch because they DO have a purpose in this country. Its just Dobson's stances on quite a few issues have caused them to be aligned with fringe groups.

215

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:26:05am

re: #204 jcm
Ah, ok, got it. Thanks jcm!

216

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:26:20am

re: #211 DistantThunder
Those shirts has a bunch of those.

217

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:26:58am

re: #204 jcm

Missionary Kid. PK is Preacher's Kid.

Was both too. :)

218

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:28:02am

re: #206 realwest

Uh, I think the % of gays in the general population is more like 5%, but regardless, the last time I checked, something slightly over 50% of all marriages end in divorce.
If we're counting on the institution of marriage to save this country, we're in deeper doo-doo than I thought.

The 50% divorce thing is one of those common knowledge myths. It was arrived at by looking at the number of marriages and divorces in one year. By that analytic some people live forever, more births than deaths in a year. The actual number depending on study and sampling is mid-30% range. Still to high IMHO.

219

BigMoo Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:28:09am

re: #207 THX 1138

He brought some of it upon himself. Why these guys feel compelled to be outlandish at times is beyond me-but entertaining.

220

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:28:14am

re: #217 rightymouse
One of the wildest girls I ever dated in high school was a PK, the other was the local deputy sheriffs daughter. :)

221

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:28:19am

re: #213 pingjockey
Uh, I've been married and divorced twice - so what does that make me (other than happier than when I was married, I mean)?

222

Walter L. Newton Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:29:11am

re: #221 realwest

Uh, I've been married and divorced twice - so what does that make me (other than happier than when I was married, I mean)?

Better off.

223

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:29:14am

re: #221 realwest
Oh crap. Sorry RW, there I go with the broad brush again!

224

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:29:33am

re: #212 rightymouse

Boy Howdy. The repeated breaking of attachments is truly an issue. I stayed in Bangkok for a long time but saw people/friends come and go. So I tended to have friends more in the ex-pat long term community.

Wouldn't change much myself either except it would have been much better if my siblings had not been sent away.

My sisters and I have a wide age spread, 8 and 12 years younger. We weren't close growing up but later, we became very close.

225

monkeytime Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:30:02am

re: #120 topazpilot

Just to play devil's advocate, but shouldn't a believer believe that their faith is the only true one? Otherwise, why believe at all? It doesn't mean you can't be tolerant, as the top of the Catholic Church has made great pains to do as of late.

Well said. If you don't believe your religion is true - why belong? I think what is disliked is people trying to push their beliefs on others. No one likes or apprecites that.

226

who is john galt Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:30:16am

Unfortunately, the more radical elements within any organization tend to get more radical over time and that is what will probably happen with Focus. Concerning the "separation of church and state", I have never seen it stated anywhere in the founding documents that this great country was ever anything other than a country founded upon a deeply held Judao/Christian belief.
I personally am not in the least bit religious, but I know that my freedom to not practice any religion and the freedom for others to practice any religion are inextricably tied together. What the religious radicals do not seem to realize is that their wish to force people to believe as they do is very similar to the reason the colonies were created. Our founders recognized that and strictly forbade the establishment of a STATE religion.

227

monkeytime Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:31:44am

re: #165 Nevergiveup

My wife and my mother in law are gone for the day, I got 5 lamb chops ready to go on the grill, I got the UNC basketball game on HI-DEF, I got a cold beer, and someone might be interested in buying my building. So far so good. I just hope Obama doesn't ruin my day.

Don't watch the news!

228

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:31:53am

re: #195 jaunte

I would think infidelity is a much greater threat to marriage than gays getting married. What are they, 1-2% of the population? Compare that to married people that have affairs.

One of my friends is a minister. When he started in the mid 70's most people he married were 21 or 22. Twenty yeas later it was around 30. There is no shame in shacking up (people wonder about you if you don't) or in unwed pregnancies.
I thnk marriage as an institution wil survive but as the typical way of life for most of us, it is long gone.

229

Lee Coller Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:32:25am

Dobson lost a lot of credibility in Christian circles because of his statements during the last campaign.

230

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:32:25am

re: #220 pingjockey

One of the wildest girls I ever dated in high school was a PK, the other was the local deputy sheriffs daughter. :)

PK kids can tend to be wild in HS because they've been told all their lives that having fun is bad. So when we hit the naturally rebellious age, all hell can break loose. I drove my parents out of their minds. lol!

231

cronus Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:33:59am

re: #207 THX 1138

Dobson was once someone that you could disagree with but who was worthy of being taken seriously (at least I did for a while). I remember the profiles of him that contrasted him and his organization vs. Falwell and Robertson. But he did start to say crazy stuff and project himself as a political kingmaker. And for that he deserves to be taken to task.

232

Hengineer Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:34:17am

re: #230 rightymouse

PK kids can tend to be wild in HS because they've been told all their lives that having fun is bad. So when we hit the naturally rebellious age, all hell can break loose. I drove my parents out of their minds. lol!

The worst I've seen was a Hindu girl. Her parents were very strict, she even invited my sister and I to her "debutant", or the Hindu equivalent (it was a very expensive lavish affair involving probably everyone in her entire family and temple). Once she hit college, she went crazy with tattoos and "slutty" clothes and stuff.

233

ConservatismNow! Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:34:24am

re: #230 rightymouse

Missus CN is a PK. She never had a wild side. She still doesn't. She sure does swear a lot some times.

234

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:34:25am

re: #224 jcm

My sisters and I have a wide age spread, 8 and 12 years younger. We weren't close growing up but later, we became very close.

Am very happy to hear that you are close to them now My siblings are all estranged from each other. :(

235

who is john galt Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:34:43am

re: #55 Occasional Reader

nearly ruined another keyboard
LMAO

236

ConservatismNow! Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:35:05am

re: #233 ConservatismNow!

Oh and the swearing is mostly at me and Obama, in that order.

237

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:35:16am

re: #228 Jim in Virginia

One of my friends is a minister. When he started in the mid 70's most people he married were 21 or 22. Twenty yeas later it was around 30. There is no shame in shacking up (people wonder about you if you don't) or in unwed pregnancies.
I thnk marriage as an institution wil survive but as the typical way of life for most of us, it is long gone.

You're right; the contrast in your comment is the difference in my parents' marriage (1950) and my own (1985). Both still going strong, but a different starting point.

238

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:36:05am

re: #230 rightymouse
I think that was what was up with these girls. Smoke, drank, swore and some other stuff!

239

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:36:14am

re: #230 rightymouse

PK kids can tend to be wild in HS because they've been told all their lives that having fun is bad. So when we hit the naturally rebellious age, all hell can break loose. I drove my parents out of their minds. lol!

Lotta' truth in that one. I never got a chance to be wild, back in the states I joined the VFD at 16, and the Chief was stricter on behavior for the kids on the department than parents were. You want to stay on the FD, better not get in any trouble.

240

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:36:40am

re: #234 rightymouse

Am very happy to hear that you are close to them now My siblings are all estranged from each other. :(

{rightymouse}

241

Pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:36:44am

re: #114 pingjockey

You are being sarcastic I hope. I was born in 1959 and watched most if not all of those cartoons. They were/are CARTOONS.

Somewhat, yes.
But, words do mean something and pictures with words rather still or in motion, in color or black and white mean even more. The age of reader or viewer is the key factor with level of understanding or education level just under age, I think. I am a little older than you, pingjockey, and who among our age group has not used TV as a seemingly free babysitter? It was one for me for more time than I would like to admit. It influenced me and still does in profound ways and yes, cartoons did and to this day do as well. But, I envision a world where cartoons are just cartoons. The overwhelming majority of them unfortunately are a lot of things other than that or much more than meets the eyes and ears. I suppose entertainment works best when it 'moves' us. We can be affected in positive as well as negative ways. In essence by fan allegiance we become affected or/and maybe infected by it. If not, the creative process is moot.
Cartoons are no placebo although they might be sugar-coated, expertly wrapped and presented to us all for consumption. Parents who see no potential for bad influence should really consider hiring a living sitter more. Or, just say 'no' to a huge list of TV programming.
Too much violence has been inflicted upon teenagers and adults by teenagers and adults who were influenced extremely by 'entertainment', cartoons, movies, video games, music and other forms. Columbine and other atrocities of violence instantly come to mind.

242

Jim in Virginia Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:37:25am

re: #206 realwest

Uh, I think the % of gays in the general population is more like 5%, but regardless, the last time I checked, something slightly over 50% of all marriages end in divorce.
If we're counting on the institution of marriage to save this country, we're in deeper doo-doo than I thought.

Realwest, my friend, how are you doing?
Not to get all geeky on you but your statistic is off. The citation of the divorce rate is usually the number of divorces per year, verus the number of marriages per year. Not all divroces compared to all marriages.
Seriously- of all the folks you know who married- did half of them get divorced?

243

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:37:33am

re: #232 Hengineer

The worst I've seen was a Hindu girl. Her parents were very strict, she even invited my sister and I to her "debutant", or the Hindu equivalent (it was a very expensive lavish affair involving probably everyone in her entire family and temple). Once she hit college, she went crazy with tattoos and "slutty" clothes and stuff.

Oh. My.

I was never like that.

Back in the 60's and early 70's being wild was wearing mini-skirts, make-up, and wanting to slow-dance with boys to heathen music.

244

ConservatismNow! Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:38:53am

re: #237 jaunte

You're right; the contrast in your comment is the difference in my parents' marriage (1950) and my own (1985). Both still going strong, but a different starting point.

Missus CN's grandparents have been married for 63 years. Calculate that and they were married right after the war ended. Her parents have been married for over 35.

245

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:39:35am

re: #233 ConservatismNow!

Missus CN is a PK. She never had a wild side. She still doesn't. She sure does swear a lot some times.

If you've noticed, I don't have a potty mouth. At least not in public. In private, I've been known to let loose in several languages. lol!

246

Earick Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:39:51am

Cartoons and Columbine!

Oh, give me a break!

247

Pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:41:05am

re: #121 screaming_eagle

I love South Park!

Me too!
But, at or for for what age is it appropriate? Should a 4th grader watch it? I seriously doubt so and I equally doubt if parents exclude children from watching it on a regular basis.

248

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:41:33am

re: #241 Pupdawg
Can't say I disagree with that assesment, but don't agree with all of it either. TV has definetly changed since the 60s though.

249

eLoser Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:43:09am

re: #210 Walter L. Newton

I think you have had a good mixture of folks here giving him praise where praise is due.

let me put it straight to you: do you know of any significant good work either focus or dobson (your choice) has done beyond the christian community? if not, aren't you intellectually curious? not an overall score, i'm wondering if you can recognize good in a man (i'm not talking about keeping trains running on time).

example: for the most part, i hold mainstream christian beliefs (but the earth is ~13.5B yrs old - hard to ignore the hubble constant), and i firmly believe men like dawkins are to be heeded in their wisdom & thinking. it does not shake my personal belief system that he strongly disagrees with mine, and neither is there a looming fear of cognitive dissonance.

i can take you much more seriously after you're done flinging poo

250

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:43:53am

re: #240 jcm

{rightymouse}

Och.
It's ok. I have a very happy family life and am too old to get into their angst.

251

eLoser Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:45:45am

pimf: earth == universe

252

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:46:59am

re: #238 pingjockey

I think that was what was up with these girls. Smoke, drank, swore and some other stuff!

Yep. And I knew MK/PKs who were seriously into drugs.

253

pingjockey Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:48:08am

Going up to the CPAC thread!

254

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:51:29am

re: #239 jcm

Lotta' truth in that one. I never got a chance to be wild, back in the states I joined the VFD at 16, and the Chief was stricter on behavior for the kids on the department than parents were. You want to stay on the FD, better not get in any trouble.

Yikes! That was really young to be working!

255

jcm Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:53:52am

re: #254 rightymouse

Yikes! That was really young to be working!

I was busy! School, job at Denny's washing dishes, the rest of the time hanging out at the fire house. Kept me out of trouble for sure.

256

Ima Kurius Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:58:37am

James Dobson, for all his good intentions, has had a negative effect in many areas -- not only in the area of politics.

For example, some years ago he promoted the idea of no homework for students. Parents fell for that crap, and their kids didn't get into a decent college. Surprise, surprise -- not. He dumbed down private education while at the same time decrying the dumbing down in the public schools.

As I see it, Dobson didn't do his homework as to how his playing politics in 2008 would ultimately lead to many of his followers voting for Obama.

Maybe Dobson has done some good work. I don't know. But, overall, my impression of him has always been negative.

257

Colonel Panik Sat, Feb 28, 2009 9:58:49am

re: #230 rightymouse

PK kids can tend to be wild in HS because they've been told all their lives that having fun is bad. So when we hit the naturally rebellious age, all hell can break loose. I drove my parents out of their minds. lol!

Son of a Preacher Man

258

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 10:02:23am

re: #255 jcm

I was busy! School, job at Denny's washing dishes, the rest of the time hanging out at the fire house. Kept me out of trouble for sure.

True. Busy teenagers tend to stay out of trouble. :)

259

realwest Sat, Feb 28, 2009 10:04:37am

re: #242 Jim in Virginia
Hey Jim - bad question, actually! Of the four couples my most recent former wife and I used to "hang out with" three were divorced after my wife divorced me!
I think very little of this has to do with religion, though. I think more of it has to do with people feeling entitled or "keeping up with the Joneses". Plus it's undeniable that folks get married at a later age in life than they used to. That means, I would think, that they've lived a number of years as self-supporting adults and when things seem to be going South in a relationship, they just say "to hell with it", I was better off when I was single.
And frankly, "love" has very little to do with it, compatibility seems to me to be everything.

260

Pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 10:06:04am

re: #180 Hengineer

I'm sorry, but I hate to call people idiots, but you are one.

Those shows you mention are NOT kids shows! Show me a parent who would actually let their kids watch those shows and I'll show you a parent who is seriously misguided (Why do you think those shows are aired either in prime time or the night-time slots?)

Will not stoop to giving a negative hit for being called an 'idiot.' I am not in the least suggesting that 5 year olds are viewing the cartoons mentioned. That would be idiotic and again, it is not what I am trying to convey at all. Why would you even think or say this? I wish kids and children would 'do' what parents would 'let' them. Evidence would indicate kids and children tend to do things we as parents do not 'let' or want them to do. I am sorry, but this is so.
Millions of children past and present have grown-up and do grow-up watching non-prime-time cartoons that are or can be negative influences in the areas I covered. Of course, the worst are restricted by law for prime-time only with age restrictions. Wow, I must be an idiot to think some children violate these safeguards and do so regardless.
There are plenty of great, very good, good, misguided and unfortunately seriously misguided parents out there. I believe the technology to 'block' programs via the TV, TeVo, DVR and/or Cable Box would indicate that infractions do continue to occur.
Plenty of examples are out there of things parents should, and I hope most do, protect their children from like tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, underage sex, violent video games, overtly offensive music, etc. But, then again that's just one idiots opinion.

261

ConservatismNow! Sat, Feb 28, 2009 10:22:23am

re: #259 realwest

Compatibility. Compatibility is the most important thing in a marriage. That and being a fantastic cook. Beauty fades, but cooking gets better with age. Missus CN and I actually met on an online game. We have a lot of the exact same hobbies. She's my best friend.

262

Pupdawg Sat, Feb 28, 2009 10:45:57am

re: #248 pingjockey

Can't say I disagree with that assesment, but don't agree with all of it either. TV has definetly changed since the 60s though.

I know what you mean. Maybe it is a condition of old age, but sometimes I find these days, I don't agree with myself all the time.
Looking back, today I see fault in many of the old television shows we watched like The Three Stooges, Laurel & Hardy, or the fact Lash Le-rue died in more than a few episodes only to be reborn for the next show, The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers, guns, violence, people hurt and many times killed on screen or just off and others shows and examples. At the time they were given blind-acceptance, I guess. Physical violence and humor look now like oil and water most times. Cartoon hyjinks, assault, injury and pain are unfunny as well in retrospect. Slapstick is certainly a euphemistic term for someone or character getting slapped or hit with a stick by a smarter, funnier or superior character. It might sound benign and possibly good, but.
All I am trying to say is that these type visual and verbal 'things' in entertainment in our past, present and future do influence viewers or have the potential by example to do so. Some are good influences and some are bad. I cannot recall a simple game of yore of Cowboy and Indians played by kids in the neighborhood where the Indians won yet bullets, arrows, tomahawks and scuffling were the products of play violence. What do the kids play today? Violence is even more impersonal as they win by killing in make-believe video games where the carnage and violence is shown in state-of-the-art realistic, color with apparent operator action and it can travel with you. No need for a conventional television. Some video games are a positive or good influence I understand.

263

LeBain Sat, Feb 28, 2009 10:50:55am

Good riddance. Dobson is a jerk.

264

jaunte Sat, Feb 28, 2009 10:56:51am

re: #263 LeBain

Do you have some objection to that BBC story?

265

lostlakehiker Sat, Feb 28, 2009 11:04:52am

re: #116 jcm

Not mention unwise use of explosive and rockets, that's a real problem with kids these days.

Especially in Gaza.

266

screaming_eagle Sat, Feb 28, 2009 12:04:58pm

re: #263 LeBain

Bite me @$$h0le. Bugs and Daffy arguing over hunting seasons is FUNNY.

267

topazpilot Sat, Feb 28, 2009 12:56:04pm

Ok, who is LeBain and why did you methodically downding just about everyone's comment, no matter how innocuous, in this thread? Did I miss something?

268

formercorpsman Sat, Feb 28, 2009 1:31:43pm

Youtube Video

269

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 1:36:25pm

re: #263 LeBain

Good riddance. Dobson is a jerk.

And you are a notorious coward for being a carte blanche down-dinger on threads.

270

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 1:37:06pm

re: #267 topazpilot

Ok, who is LeBain and why did you methodically downding just about everyone's comment, no matter how innocuous, in this thread? Did I miss something?

I've seen it do this on other threads too. Usually when they are dead threads.

271

Sharmuta Sat, Feb 28, 2009 1:41:02pm

re: #269 rightymouse

I got your back, {righty}.

272

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 1:42:44pm

re: #271 Sharmuta

I got your back, {righty}.

Thanks. :) Went back up to upding the ones the jerk down-downdinged for no reason except to be a jerk.

273

Sharmuta Sat, Feb 28, 2009 1:44:40pm

re: #272 rightymouse

I watched it live on the Spy and wondered "WTF?". You're nice to go back and correct the dings, someone needed to get yours for you though. Glad to oblige.

274

rightymouse Sat, Feb 28, 2009 1:59:58pm

re: #273 Sharmuta

I watched it live on the Spy and wondered "WTF?". You're nice to go back and correct the dings, someone needed to get yours for you though. Glad to oblige.

:)

Thank you! Appreciate that. Have seen its ding droppings on threads before when I've gone back to scroll through. It's doing it to be a pain.

275

KitchenQueen Sat, Feb 28, 2009 2:04:10pm

re: #194 DistantThunder

Obama can pop up anywhere at any time. I'm disappointed that, at the tea parties, no one had a picture of dear leader, inside a red circle with a slash.

I couldn't even escape him at the craft store. The craft store! They had posters, framed prints, the usual. Who buys all that junk?

(will be amused when I start seeing it heavily discounted)

276

blangwort Sat, Feb 28, 2009 7:08:08pm

re: #119 Jim in Virginia

In my experience, that usually means, "I don't like religious leaders who publicly support causes I oppose."
Most mainstream Protestant leadership were critical of Falwell's and Robertson's political involvement while themselves very publicly opposing both Gulf Wars. And Martin Luther King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference were firmly based in the church. Was that appropriate?

I have no problem with any of that. Those are causes not candidates.

277

GreenSoccer Sat, Feb 28, 2009 11:10:08pm

He’s got such a nice voice and he sounds like a grandfather that everyone wants. He should not remove himself from the scene. He is needed. It is one thing when an older person removes himself from a place that needs a young dynamic active person but when the position requires age and wisdom and a respected person, why should an older person who fills that description remove himself?

278

Bradley F Sun, Mar 1, 2009 10:56:22am

Dr. Dobson lost me when he and his wife refused to allow Mitt Romney and his wife join their "prayer circle" in a simple prayer back in late 2007. Apparently, Romney was not Dobson's idea of a proper Christian. He then earned MY contempt when he endorsed a chucklehead like Huckabee.

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Dobson Resigns from Focus on the Family

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