Regarding Christopher Hitchens

[mudflappus]

I would like to address this to the Christian zealots already tap dancing on the man's grave. You people are the most pathetic example of what you demand the rest of us exemplify. Simply disgusting. For those that are praying in one form or another, I believe it to be an act of kindness and in any case at least it's thinking of someone in a positive manner. I don't care if a voodoo priestess in the French Quarter of New Orleans is throwing chicken bones at everyone. I just hope something works. Through any means any one can take credit for, I don't care what it is as long as something works. As abrasive as he can sometimes be, I truly admire many of his convictions and while it sickens me to watch members of any group celebrate the death of anyone for simply holding a different opinion, this particular case has truly shown that you so called "Christian" bastards are doing exactly what the man said you would do many times over. Stand up tall and proud so the rest of civilization can see how well you represent your faith you fucking vacuous little weasels.

[Hades]

No matter the outcome, there will be claims that this was all God's doing. If he dies, then clearly it was punishment for all the blasphemy he's spread, and oh by the way, he converted on his death bed. If he survives this awful disease, then clearly this was a sign of God's power and mercy, and this is proof that can't be ignored. You can't win with these people.

[shiftyeyes]

I've gotta disagree with the fact that the people praying for him are doing something positive. They think they're doing something positive, but good intentions aren't always enough. See "Thank Goodness" by Dennett www.edge.org/3rd_culture/dennett06/dennett06_index.html

[brandonl337]

I would also like to address the assholes...

Fuck you, you hypocritical little cocksuckers. Fuck you and the horse that rode in on you...with his penis in your butt.

[mistermuncher]

I see RR type and sometime lurker Mr Mannnnnnnnnnn has got himself on the mainpage with his predictions of what Hitchens will do before he dies, and then slating the man for things he hasn't actually done yet.

Just in case you're reading, big lad: You're a vulture, and I sincerely hope that should you ever face a slow, painful death no-one of equal shitehawkery will be circling your tragedy crowing their two cents. I'm also delighted to have your confident predictions out where I can see them, and I look forward to making you eat your words.

You fucking root.

[worlder]

Note to self, I will wish for my foes to live forever to experience an eternity of defeat.

[mudflappus]

Aug 17, 2010 11:46:09 GMT -5 shiftyeyes said:

I've gotta disagree with the fact that the people praying for him are doing something positive. They think they're doing something positive, but good intentions aren't always enough. See "Thank Goodness" by Dennett www.edge.org/3rd_culture/dennett06/dennett06_index.html

I've seen what Mr. Dennett has to say about the subject and I agree with you. However the fact that most of the faithful are engaging in the intellectual equivalent of balancing river rocks on their heads has got to be marginally better than throwing them at Mr. Hitchens. I agree that they could be using their time more constructively but they are doing the only thing they know how to do when dealing with circumstances beyond their control. I simply can't hold them in the same category as the arrogant, rapture loving turds that are issuing edicts from the depth of the cesspool they exist in.

[Old Viking]

The vultures among the RR'ers are simply demonstrating the values they want everyone to profess.

[The Lazy One]

Yeah, I read Mr. Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnn^1000000's quote on the mainpage.

Yo, asshole, I know you're reading this since you lurk around here. I don't know if you've ever had the experience of watching someone you care about dying or suffering right in front of you, but whether or not you have shouldn't be a prerequisite for showing a little fucking decency. One of my best friends is suffering from a very painful nervous system disorder that may eventually kill her- if I heard someone saying the same shit about her that you're saying about Christopher Hitchens I'd kick him in the nuts so hard they'd shoot out through his nose.

I'm sure the same knee-jerk reaction applies to Hitchens' family and friends. I know if I knew the man personally I'd feel the same way. As it is I'd like to kick you for being a self-righteous assholish holier-than-thou prick. Who are you to put words in someone's mouth the way you've been doing? Believe it or not, Hitchens won't blame god, because HE. DOESN'T. BELIEVE. IN. GOD.

Did I get that through your dumbass head, moron?

To those at RR who are praying for him: It's a nice gesture. When I was hospitalized for out-of-control endometriosis several people I know said they were praying for me, and I appreciated it, even though I didn't believe in the effectiveness, because in their own way, they thought they were helping me. However, I don't think Christopher Hitchens would appreciate it too much...

[RavynousHunter]

Come on, Lazy. You do realize you're asking a zealot to exhibit even a trace of humanity. It ain't gonna happen.

As for Brother Hitchens, may our lord and master Siyunts be the instrument of your salvation. Of course, if his appearance on Bullshit is any indication...I'm surprised this hasn't happened sooner. The man smokes like an old Ford and drinks like a fish.

[mudflappus]

Yeah his health standards leave much to be desired and at this point in the game most of the damage has already been done. I know that he is well aware of his circumstances and knows what the odds are. Besides "smoking like and old Ford" and "drinking like a fish" he likes to work himself down to a nub before getting four hours of sleep and doing it all over again.

[RavynousHunter]

Sounds like my idea of a fun weekend...

[shiftyeyes]

@mud: They are much better than those actively throwing stones. But moderates enable fundies and the very idea of praying for someone to get well undermines the stuff that does make one better.

[mudflappus]

Aug 18, 2010 15:33:10 GMT -5 shiftyeyes said:

@mud: They are much better than those actively throwing stones. But moderates enable fundies and the very idea of praying for someone to get well undermines the stuff that does make one better.

You are of course absolutely right about this. I have neglected to remember this angle. Should we though at least attempt to be somewhat civil toward those who truly believe that they are being helpful by praying? Perhaps a more thoughtful dialog could evolve out of it. I don't know. Maybe they are frightened most at the prospect of everyone in their world completely turning their backs on them (including their own families and closest friends) after they admit that they had serious doubts or total disbelief in the whole system of Christianity. This doesn't mean that we're not allowed to unplug as many of them as we can of course. I just think that we do know the difference between a troll and the real thing and we should attempt civility as common ground before we go charging in firing thunderous volleys of reason at them. I know that's not how I found my way out of Christianity. Anyway, sorry for rambling and I concede my perspective to you.

[shiftyeyes]

Of course we should be civil and respectful to them as people. That likely involves using Dennett's approach of forgiving them and politely explaining why they're doing harm.