Comments for A Quiet Watercourse

Comment on A Few Thoughts on Free Speech by The Rambling Taoist

The Rambling Taoist — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:23:44 +0000

I agree with you. In fact, I believe it’s very important to stand up for the right of free speech for those we disagree with the most…as you have done here.

Comment on A Few Thoughts on Free Speech by Paul

Paul — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:39:11 +0000

Racism begins with our families, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandparents, people we admire, respect and love.

However, as we grow and mature we come to the realization that what we were told by our family when we were children were slanted lies base on their prejudices. We realize that most people are like ourselves and not so different and want the same things, like a home, steady work, a Medicare plan and schools for our children (if you travel you will see this). We realize that most people are of good hearts and goodwill.

This reminds me of a parable from the good book where a Levite and Priest come upon a man who fell among thieves and they both individually passed by and didn’t stop to help him.

Finally a man of another race came by, he got down from his beast, decided not to be compassionate by proxy and got down with the injured man, administered first aid, and helped the man in need.

Jesus ended up saying, this was the good man, this was the great man, because he had the capacity to project the “I” into the “thou,” and to be concerned about his fellow man.

You see, the Levite and the Priest were afraid, they asked themselves, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?”

But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”

That’s the question before us. The question is not, “If I stop to help our fellow man (immigrant) in need, what will happen to me?” The question is, “If I do not stop to help our fellow man, what will happen to him or her?” That’s the question.

This current climate of blaming others for our woes is not new. We have had this before and we have conquered it.

Remember “Evil flourishes when good men (and women) do nothing”. Raise your voices with those of us who believe we are equal and we can win this battle again.

Comment on How much do we really know? by The Rambling Taoist

The Rambling Taoist — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:06:00 +0000

I agree with you. When it comes to most of the basic and fundamental questions of life, existence and the universe, the best answer is that we don’t know and will most likely never know.

Comment on My Position on Dogmatic Religion. by Richard

Richard — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:14:53 +0000

Thanks for the comments Don, what I say above felt right when I put fingers to keyboard. Having revisited Anglican Christianity since then, to give it a fair chance and to make sure that I wasn’t being unduly critical, I can honestly say that the above is now my position even more strongly.

Cheers,

Rich.

Comment on My Position on Dogmatic Religion. by Don Baer

Don Baer — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:48:07 +0000

Thank you Richard, for an insightful, honest evaluation of Western theism as compared to Asian philosophy. It is so refreshing to read anything about religion that I can honestly say “right on man, you hit the nail on the head!” I am a recovering alcoholic and a recovering Catholic, and have been exposed to Asian beliefs through my five plus years in Vietnam, and more recently to Buddhism and Daoism. I will certainly be returning to your site in the future, in expectation of further enlightenment.

Sincerely, Don Baer

Comment on Emotional decisions by The Rambling Taoist

The Rambling Taoist — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:15:23 +0000

Richard,
For me, it’s another one of those issues of balance. Utilizing our emotions in decision-making is not necessarily bad IF it’s balanced with rational thinking. I’ve known several emotionally-inhibited individuals throughout my life who make no better decisions that those who allow their emotions to rule the roost.

When we tilt the pendulum too far in either direction, we’re apt to take many missteps.

Comment on Big brother, big government, let’s get smaller. by Richard

Richard — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:13:46 +0000

You make a good point, I think we’re in situations that are at different ends of the spectrum. The UK is starting to resemble a police state on some days and a nanny state on others.

I agree with you, we need balance, but I still think that the UK has far too much interference and (crucially) often in what I perceive as the wrong areas. I will admit to being a little unable to believe that the opponents of the healthcare plan are getting away with the level of argument they’re managing without being shouted down from all sides. Basic free healthcare for all is a wonderful thing, and I speak as somebody who wouldn’t even have survived his birth without the NHS.

Comment on Big brother, big government, let’s get smaller. by Peter Clothier

Peter Clothier — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:50:42 +0000

Maybe a spell in the US would modify your position a wee bit! Over here, the fear of “big government” has succeeded in paralyzing progress even on so basic a necessity as a reasonable health insurance plan for our citizens. It enabled the “Reagan Revolution” that led to economic disaster that affected the entire world. It’s the byword of yahoos like Rush Limbaugh and populists like Sarah Palin. Somewhere there must be a balance, no?

Comment on SitQuietly by fndtn357

fndtn357 — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:35:53 +0000

I really want to thank you for this beautiful little program. Perfect!

Comment on Watching with a growing sinking feeling by Angela

Angela — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:57:46 +0000

Hear, hear!