Coca-Cola Patriotic Can?

[jmtandem]

rumors

Illifem,



Thanks. I read it and noticed a few interesting anomalies.



The enemy likes to use fear. This supposed interview was all about fear, with very little (or no) substance.



If these bombs have been in place in seven cities since before 9/11 why then did they resort to stealing four planes in the air to destroy the WTC and Pentagon? Surely one of the seven largest cities would be New York, yet they resorted to stealing airplanes already in the air. (They didn't even steal them from the ground).



They tried to kill Bush's dad about twenty years ago. Now they won't try to kill Bush Jr. because that would make him a martyr. The enemy is all about martyrs. What is different today? Same Bush family same president of Iraq, to some extent the same issues, etc. But then it was OK to try to kill the senior Bush, but not Bush Jr. today???? Why the change?



Crop dusters operate slow and low. There are thousands in the air during spraying season in the US doing pesticide and fertilizer spraying. I found the comments about crop dusters almost laughable. Do they have any idea how big our country is, even our urban areas and how out of place a slow crop duster would be flying over a city spraying stuff? And that stuff is stored in some silos somewhere? If the stuff is stored in silos somewhere (typically rural places) , how long will it take in the air via a crop duster to get major urban areas?



Unless the seven bombs were stolen from inside the US and even with lax security at ports and airports before 911, it would still be a chore and involve quite a few people to ship, rail, and /or truck them to seven cities without anybody noticing. If they had nuclear stuff why did they try to blow up the WTC in 1993 with conventional explosives? It doesn't make sense.



The world knows that we are so reliant on computers that any glitch in the computer network can delay or stop financial transactions for a time. If they really wanted to get to our economic fiber it would be through computers.



The whole article kind of reminded me of the Walmart slogan, "we are lowering prices again today". Yea, well then tell me what day stuff will be free ---like that will happen!! I just can't see the enemy telling us what they plan to do unless it is to instill fear in the US.





Just my opinion, guys.

 

[illflem]

I agree. I don't think this hoax was generated by al Queda but by a newspaper called the Asia Journal who later apologized for it. But it still is floating around though emails scaring the tar out of some.

Another clue that it's bogus is the name of the al Queda commander who was supposedly interviewed spelled backwards-- fuqUSA

 

[WTBurke]

I called my uncle who sent me the e-mail he did admit he had not seen the can. I'm a bit annoyed however, I still stand as a Christian American that this country was founded on Christian principles and our language is ENGLISH.

I'm sorry to have gotten everyone's dandruff up but this thread has taken quite a turn regarding present day concerns.



I for one would like to express that if the good ol'USA isn't what one may like it to be, than get the he11 out of my country. I believe apple pie, the girl next door and the Beach Boys are the real background majority in America. (i'm over simplifying of course) but I think my meaning is apparent.



To heck with two languages in school dump the service provider who, when you call on the phone, has an automated system that asks you to select English to continue... what kinda garbage is this?



Diversity is perversity in a "together" society... I don't care if your black, Asian, Indian or even FRENCH ..... but you come to my country YOU adapt... . don't tell me I GOTTA CHANGE FOR YOU!



We gotta wake up people or were gonna lose what so many have died for.



And as for "get out of my country" that goes for you warped pinkos that were born here!



CF... . I'll pay cash for an airline ticket... pick the 3rd world country of your choice... I'll be sure your on it... my treat







William

 

[Hohn]

Re: Put it back?

Originally posted by Champane Flight

Who cares? As long as you can worship the way you want, why would you need your religion as the only one recognized by the goverment? It goes against everything America is supposed to be about. Our ancesters came to this country to gain the freedom to worship as they please, not to have one religion shoved down their throat...

Oh really? Invoking the name of God goes against what this nation is "supposed to be" about? Well, SUPPOSED is in the eye of the beholder.



True, the first colonists came here to have the freedom to worship as they please. BUT, they were all the same religion and ethnicity. They were white Protestants. Almost all were actual Puritans or de facto Puritans. But the story doesn't end there.



Part of the reason they were so dissatisfied with the English gov't is that it was an atheistic institution in their view. The Church of England had been created (so that an English King could divorce a few wives and do else as he pleased) as an imposter church. It was a fabrication based on bending religion and using creative interpretations to allow whatever sinful conduct the King wanted to indulge himself with.



To the more devout English, this was an outrage. This outrage is a HUGE part of why so many came to the colonies. After the Revolution, they formed their own government based on the ideas of liberty and freedom. Many things were NOT codifed into law within the government because the citizens' strong religious beliefs served as de facto law. There was NO desire to have a "separation" of church and state apart from the belief that the gov't should not infringe on their religious practice (as the King had done with the Church of England being the official English religion). In every other way, church and state were INTENTIONALLY comingled by the colonists and later the Founders. They prayed often, asking God to bless their fledgling nation. Public prayers by elected officials were EXPECTED, not unusual. They even professed their faith in the nation's currency, which would act as an ambassador of American ideals to other nations.



America is a Christian nation, founded by people who believe in God for the PURPOSE of obtaining the freedom they needed to practice their beliefs without oppression. The main freedom they sought to guarantee with religious freedom. All the other freedoms we have were designed to keep the government in check, to preserve their primary goal of religious freedom.



The only problem with liberty is that is relies upon a strong sense of self restraint (moral reasoning) and individual accountability in order to last. Our modern culture of hedonism and prevalent refusal to accept responsibility will ensure that the end of America (whever that may be) will come NOT from any foreign power, but from within...



Hohn



EDIT: fixed some bonehead typos. .

 

[jmtandem]

coca cola

WTBurke,



This country was founded as a Christian nation. All but one or two of the over 50 original signers of the Declaration of Independence were ministers, taught in Christian universities, etc. It is also apparent that this country has been blessed beyond measure with resources and lifestyles that are not enjoyed by everybody else in other countries of the world. That is partly why some other countries are jealous of the U. S.



The point I was trying to make in my thread is not whether this nation is a nation of Christians or not, or whether it is OK to have no faith in God and still be a patriotic American. My point is that if any company starts changing the language in the Pledge, what is to keep them from changing the wording in the Declaration of Independence or Constitution to be more politically correct and better suit our times? When does it stop?



The Christian community uses their economic clout to boycott or threaten to boycott companies that do not subscribe to their ideals. This is no different than other interest groups using their political and financial clout to attempt to further their ideals. It is the American way of supporting or not supporting ideals. My issue with that is Christians will (threaten to) boycott an American company and then purchase foreign made products or drive a foreign car, often made in the Orient in a country that is not necessarily considered Christian. For most Americans, the car is the second most expensive family item purchased. Do these people consider that buying products from other countries causes our factories, manufacturers or automakers that hire Christian American workers to compete with factories or auto makers in other countries that don't always have to conform to the same wage, work place and environmental laws? Why boycott an American company in a Christian nation and then buy products from foreign lands like the Orient. Don't we want to help ourselves, first?



Just my opinion.

 

[WTBurke]

jmtandem... Thank You and I'm with your mindset 100%

I'm sorry if I've made others believe I'm a religious nut, this is not the case. I'm the average everyday guy working for a living to support my household. I'm not a wealthy person but, we do OK. I love this country and I'm just upset (as are many) with the turn of events that we now endure each day.

I could point fingers and name names but it just throws fuel on the flame.

We need to get back together as a country... I don't know how to do this.



I would ask that every American... please use the common sense that God gave an earthworm. This perhaps could be a good starting place.



I must leave at noon today and won't be back until Friday evening... I can't take the Webb with me.



Everyone be safe keep your family close.



William

 

[Rman]

I just had to comment on this one. A few of you, i won't name specifics are grouping people unfairly. Keep an open mind and remember that not everyone is completely one sided in views. I consider myself a pretty right leaning person, i'm republican and proud of it. Now just because i am right winged does not mean that i stand behind God as a deity that everyone else must follow as some people have led others to believe.



I live here in good ole Utah, where we have our share of religious battles. From booze to strip clubs, the lawmakers and the schools... its really endless. I don't goto church, don't believe in God, and think its a completely ridiculous notion that some entity created me and has my life "planned" for me.



One thing I have excepted is that this is an extremely sensitive subject (obviously). I don't argue about it, I see absolutely nothing wrong with anyone choosing to believe in God. Infact I encourage it, because it inspires moral values. They are however, values that should not be only taught or learned at church.



I'm not advocating organized religion, but as a whole i think religion is good for the country. I think certain people need religion, the fear of the unknown frightens them and religion brings a sense of definition and closeness for them. There's nothing wrong with that, some people are stronger than others, some people need direction and need that devotion in their life. I was given that opportunity, my parents are extremely religious. I chose not to follow along, but they respect that and don't think any less of me.



It'd be great if we could settle on one religion and all get along... imagine a world without war. Several wars are fought, won, and lost solely because of religion. I have my beliefs, others will have theirs and thats just peachy with me. Don't push me, I won't push you. I live in a state that has an enormous overtone of religion, but i've grown accustomed and learned to live with it.



It doesn't bother me anymore, because i learned to except the fact that they probably think just I'm the biggest idiot for what i believe just as i think they are idiots for what they believe. In the end all is the same, and nothing has changed. I have good friends that have religion, I trust my kids with them, I trust my life with them.



I'm in the military, I get to go fight wars for our country. Its just something i feel obligated to do, I have no problem doing it, and I defend everyones rights to believe what they want. I do have a problem with people blindly grouping everyone into the same boat. I, for one, live my life the way I see fit, raise my kids the way I see fit, and am thankful to have that right. I've been to foreign countries and seen the poverty and have been convinced i love my country even more because of my freedom.



Just my little tidbit, now all the bible thumpers can look down on me and tell me what an awful person I am. Damn i didn't want to use namecalling, thats foolish, but it's been typed.

 

[jmtandem]

coke, et al

WTBurke,



I am glad you expressed your convictions here in this thread. It is important to not become a nation of sheep with all of us just going along with the flow even when we don't believe it. Keeping quiet, never rocking the boat, and not saying something when something needs to be said is not freedom in my book.



Have a good trip!

 

[Hohn]

a point of clarity...

Just to clarify. .



i am not advocating a state-sponsored religion, and I adamantly oppose th Pres on his faith-based initiatives as i understand them.



It seems odd to me that Christianity has such a negative connotation. I suspect this is because many Americans have Churchianity. .



Why is it that Christianity is unique in how much people hate it? I mean, if you say you are a Buddhist or Muslim, people seem to treat you like you are some kind of enlightened one. If you are a Christian, then you are stereotyped as a backwoods, snake-handling, strychnine-drinking, funny-language mumbling hypocrite.



Rhickman-- it's a shame that Bible-thumpers are so quick to judge you, or so you feel. I understand Christianity to be the ulimate in humility-- those quick to judge don't have the full picture, I suspect. Some seem so quick to point out how you need to be "saved" that they forget their own shortcomings and need of salvation. I am as guilty as anyone, and have been on both sides of the wrongdoing.



Back to the role of Gov't:

It's not the place of Gov't to forcibly require people to act in accordance with a system of belief. Without trying to get into the philosophy of morality, the Gov't should only do those things outlined in the Constitution-- which is a pretty limited function. Liberty means that we have the freedom to sin. i just wish that more people understood that not everthing is relative, and sometimes there are clear cases of right and wrong, and rarely does it require strong religious beliefs to determine which is which.



So, to clarify, I wasn't calling for the gov't to force people to act according to my beliefs. Rather, I was lamenting the apparent erosion of morality that has followed the decline of what I consider authentic Christianity.



Former Pastor's Kid, presently repentant sinner... ...

 

[jmtandem]

bible thumpers, coke, etc.

Rhickman,



I agree that some Bible thumpers will look down on you and your lifestyle and let you know that they disapprove. They are not doing anybody any favors. If the Bible thumpers would read the Bible they are thumping they would learn that Jesus did not berate sinners. He cared for them and offered them a better choice. Jesus was not legalistic, condescending, or humiliating. He was forgiving. Look past the Bible thumpers when you think about Christians and you might find that there are lots of wonderful Christian folks out there --not perfect, just forgiven.

 

[Rman]

I tried to make it clear that i have no hard feelings against "biblethumpers"(since we're all using the term) Its they're choice, I have mine too. I get along great with them, long as church talk doesn't get in the mix. I even take my kids treat or treating on halloween at the church near by (as if there isn't one near by anywhere you live). I do that because they're good people i want them to be around, and its safe. I may get the occasional stare because i'm not part fo the "click", but i just go introduce myself and rub elbows with everyone.



I do make it a point to teach the bible, I was, I know it pretty well. I've even studied it in college some. It's fascinating history, and its colorful stories are gripping. I don't hate it, i don't feel anger toward it. I think at one time i did, but i came to grips with what it was and that was organized religion (i was a devout catholic for 17 years).



Anyways on to the thread topic. Coke was merely trying not to step on anyone's toes with this, they probably shouldn't have even attempted to try it in the first place. The pledge is what it is, to make it something that it is not is just wrong. To bad this turned into a holy war, time for me to step out.



There's a good thread going to start on the economy and some guy's business. Should be a good one.

 

[Champane Flight]

Religion/spirituality/morality/bible/""""""

I have no problem with any religion. I was baptised Catholic, was raised both Catholic, and good ole Church of Christ.

I had good experiences with both. Later in life I saw some of the wrongs of organized religion, not just Christian, but all religion. So I went searching for the truth, what I found was not a fault with religion or religions. It was a fault with MAN. We tend to muck things up, we start believeing our religion is the only one true faith. Bad stuff here folks. We start belittling other faiths and people in other faiths and lifestyles different than our own.



There once was a time when faith and goverment coexisted in harmony (because no one really thought differently, or gave a damn) . God was known as a supreme being and was thought as such. You see it was just us and OUR God, no one put more into it than that. Now as an example: The Baptist say we must use God in our pledge, yet the the Muslims say it must be Allah, still again the Catholics say why can't we include Mary, and not to be outdone our buddists say Buddha needs to be said. Where does it stop?



I do believe in God/Allah/Mary/Buddha/Sun, I do not need to spread the word, it is known. I pratice my faith everyday, it is something I have to do. It is not organized religion, it is my peace, my bliss. It is something very private and dear to me, it is also something very personal. I do not need the roof of a church over my head, I do not need a preacher/priest/holyman/rabbi telling me the meaning of a Bible/Koran/teaching to understand my feelings. He lets me know when something is wrong or right.



This is why I cannot understand why anyone could or would want to push there faith down someone elses throat. I cannot abide with some of the hate/ignorance/untruths being put forth by some faiths.



A persons faith is a private thing to me, it needs to be felt in ones soul, not on a pop can. I could care less whether the word God is on my money, tattooed across the presidents forehead, or on every piece of toliet paper. It needs to be in our lives not on a pop can. If it was we would not be going to war, we would be going for peace. We would not be looking for revenge, we would be looking for understanding. We would not be hating, we would be open to love.



This is what is inside of me. I did not have to share it with any of you. This is also not a perfect world yet and the ideals that I have will not come true for many years. Too bad. God bless America, may she survive these times of terror and strife. Bring our young men and women home safe. May we all have the faith to pull EACH of us through.