Exclamatory Propriety (Page 2)

Aren't all triathletes?

Not sure this is off track, but it's Renee's thread so she can decide.

It's interesting, you and I both left our birth traditions at 14.  I found my way back to the same tradition after twenty or so years of searching.

It's important for me to remember that those on the secular humanist path are also often sincerely in search of the truth.  I need to remember that the respect ought to go both ways.

do you have a soul?

Amen.

Edited by dontracy 2005-09-30 3:34 PM

You're in good company!

John Paul II was another great liberal in the classical sense.

(note: photo used under fair use agreement)






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I'm in agreement with Michael on this one.  I think as others have said the key is respect of people's religions, no matter what they are.  Like you said "A central tenet of Buddhism is "Do no harm." I think the appropriate thing to do is to refrain."

Depends on your definition

i can't imagine which one i voted for...

asshats.

I'm a "Please Refain" voter.  This is probably the only saying/curse that I'll never say.  Go figure.  I'll say GD this, GD that, but JC in vain is something that rankles.

There are some really good, deep thoughts here.

I'm a big fan of "when in Rome..." The story about climbing Everest (sorry, can't remember the posters name...) is a great one of trying to fit into your surroundings. Too many Americans don't do that when they are abroad. I remember being in Moscow as a student and shuddering everytime I saw an American making a scene - like it was their backyard. "Have some respect!!" I wanted to yell.

On the other hand, people offend too easily these days. It's impossible to have a productive conversation about any topic if someone is looking to be offended at every turn... Someone said it above, (I paraphrase) If you spend too much time trying not to offend, your forget what you were trying to say in the first place.

Take the Bill Bennett thing. The lefties (of which I am one - registered green party baby!!) are so ready to take offense at anything that smacks of racism, even if you have to take the statement out of context to do so, there is no chance of a real debate in this country. It's a shame, because so much work needs to be done, but people offend too easily to have an honest conversation.