BooMac’s whereIstand Blog

     E-mail is the modern day telegram. People give their thought, send it on its way and wait for a reply. I have sent these and been apart of this exercise many times, and it is counterproductive. I say something, you say something, I say something, blah, blah, blah. If anybody picked up a   phone, most problems could be resolved in 5 minutes. 

     The worst offenders are the people who are so quick to reply, they do not read the e-mail and you know this by the questions they ask you!  I also love the people who give you one word answers without copying the e-mail back to you. if I am sending out dozens of e-mails, do I want a reply that just says ” OK ” ? This doesn’t help me.

     E-mailers of the world, your little notes are the hard copy evidence of how people perceive you. If you type quickly, do not spell check, it makes me think you are either stupid or you just don’t value my time well enough to send me a well prepared, easy to read note. Would you write me a letter with misspellings, half words, extra letters, no capitalization or punctuation? Think about the impression you are trying to make.

whereIstand Tags

• What effect do technological advancements have on human life?

God: Welcome to the afterlife.
Atheist: Wow, you really exist.
God: Yes I do.
Atheist: I did not believe in you on earth. I thought all the religious people had been brainwashed.
God: Why did you not believe?
Atheist: Well, I never saw any proof. No one from any religion or sect could prove to me you existed.
God: Didn’t you read any of the writings about me?
Atheist: Yes, I read the Bible, but it had been translated so many times and had so many inaccuracies, I did not believe it.
God: What kind of proof did you want?
Atheist: A photo would have been nice.
God: You would have said that the photo had been doctored. That would not have convinced you.
Atheist: You could have sent someone to tell me, like a new prophet.
God: I sent the prophets already. Who do you think wrote the Bible?
Atheist: I guess I would have like to have seen a miracle to prove to me personally that you existed. 
God: I gave you miracles, you just refused to recognize them.
Atheist: Like what?
God; Who do you think caused your birth?
Atheist: That wasn’t a miracle, that was evolution.
God: Who do you think stopped World War II, sent you cures for polio, tuberculosis, smallpox and the many other diseases that have plagued humans?
Atheist: Well, how about all the current wars, the genocides, the poor and starving people all over the world?  Why haven’t you solved these problems?
God: I created man in my own image and likeness, but I gave him a free will. He makes mistakes. The world is not a perfect place. I wish we had more time to explain it all to you.
Atheist: Can’t we just keep talking? I have so many questions now that I know you are real. God? Are still there? Hey God!!!

whereIstand Tags

• MisterE
• CarolHoenig
• billyhallowell
• Paul
• FreddieMontgomery
• Is there convincing evidence that a higher being exists?

     If anybody is reading this for scientific proof that God exists, you can stop reading now. I cannot prove to you that God exists in the usual way. I cannot call him, visit him in person, e-mail him, shake his hand, mail him a letter or fax him a note. 

     There has been much debate on this site about proving the existence of God. Atheists always ask the question " Prove to me your God exists ", and then they feel triumphant when we cannot prove this in any of the usual ways. I know he has appeared to many people, as evidenced by the Bible. Can anybody say with straight face that they think all the books of the Bible, the story of Moses and God, Noah and God, Abraham and God. Jesus and His Father are all made up? Don’t like those stories? How about the three girls Mary appeared to in Fatima. They saw the Mother of God. How about Knock? Fifteen adults and children saw Mary. These events are recent enough and are not in the Bible. Still don’t believe?  How about the revelations by God to other religions? I believe there is one God who has appeared and presented himself in many forms to people all over the world, in ways that they could accept and understand.  

     How would you explain to a monkey about protons and electrons? You can’t, a monkey cannot understand this concept. OK, there have been trained monkeys that could count, retrieve objects, do all sorts of  " intelligent " things. But many ideas that we find easy are beyond their comprehension. We are trying to prove God’s existence and understand his ways without the right intelligence. Our brains do not allow us to fully comprehend the concept of an all knowing being, capable of creating the universe. This is the mystery of God. I understand how difficult it must be for atheists because it is such foreign concept to them to have faith if they have not been raised in a faith based house. I feel the same way when challenged about there being no God, this is a foreign concept to me. 

     Probably the most difficult concept about God is the suffering of humanity. Why does God allow these terrible things to happen. If God is good, why do people suffer, why the 9/11 tragedy, why war, why disease, why, why, why? I cannot answer this. Maybe it is too pat an answer to say God works in mysterious ways, but I have nothing better. It hasn’t reduced my faith in God, but I cannot reconcile it. I just assume these are things beyond my human comprehension.

     So, how do i know God exists. I know it in my heart, my soul. I know I pray and He listens. I do not get human-style answers, but I have a conversation that is good for me. The more you pray, the better the conversations are. I don’t know why this is, but most spiritual people I have spoken to feel the same way. I know my moral center is better because of my relationship with God. Do I always make the right choices? Of course not, but it is my faith that I fall back on to help guide me. 

     And what is the downside of spirituality? If its my religion, my beliefs, if I get comfort from believing in God, good for me. If my religion encourages me to try to live a moral life, trying to do the right thing, not harming others with my beliefs, go ahead and believe what you want. I was raised in a house where God was important, where our religion was important, it helped us become the people we are today. 

     God exists for me, but you have to find the proof in your own heart and soul. I cannot look in there for you.

whereIstand Tags

• CarolHoenig
• MisterE
• billyhallowell
• BrianR
• lamarhall
• Paul
• Is there convincing evidence that a higher being exists?

    
      How the mighty have fallen! Even if half of what is alleged is true, Isiah Thomas should be fired and never allowed back in any level of basketball again. In 2007, it is difficult to imagine a man treating woman like this in any setting, much less a professional sports team. Here is Anucha Browne Sanders, a former athlete, hired as past of the Knicks marketing and administration staff, promoted to senior vice president, subjected to the off color comments, mannerisms and possible sexual advances from a Hall of Fame player, the face of the franchise. He should be ashamed for his actions.

     What about the Knicks franchise? They have made many mistakes in coaching decisions, personal moves, etc that have cost them millions, why could they not have settled this case? Why drag your team and your staff through this mud, alleged or otherwise. With all the high priced law firms in Manhattan, with the money of the Dolan family and Cablevision, with all the sexual discrimination lawsuits in the press over the years, who was advising this team? 

     This will affect the mindset of the franchise for years. And what woman will want to work for the Knicks? Is the wife of any potential free agent going to encourage her star husband to sign with the Knicks? Isiah and the Knicks come across at best as arrogant, at worst as a boys club team, insensitive to women and to the working person. 

     The only thing separating this case from the Don Imus comments about the Rutgers basketball team is that Imus was on the radio and Isiah ’s comments were not taped. But if they are true, the punishment should be the same. We should not be subjecting people to this type of management at the Knicks franchise. Even James Dolan should be smart enough to take that advice.

whereIstand Tags

• Are sports a crucial part of functioning society?

    
      Rudy Guliani is the perfect politician, able to make lemonade out of lemons. Does anybody but me remember how unpopular he was in New York before 9-11? New Yorkers could not wait to get rid of him, but along came the WTC tragedy and he made another career for himself. 

     Now, don’t get me wrong, he was a great mayor. He cleaned up NYC, made it pleasant to drive thought the city without the squeegee men, the pan handlers, etc. He focused on quality of life issues, and what is a city without solving those? He knew what the city needed, and when he accomplished this, we were done with him. 
     
     Very combative, bordering on harsh, Rudy is not for the weak or timid. His latest triumph is the NY Times ad controversy. He really can read the tea leaves! I think he is the perfect foil for Hilary, who has never seen an issue that she was not able to waffle on. Without her focus groups ( read here donors and PACS ), she would not know what to eat for breakfast. 

     Right or wrong, Rudy takes a stand on every issue. He could be the right blend of conservative, pro choice, pro immigration politician to lead the Republican party to victory. If they want a change from George, look at three times married Rudy. The everyman in the power position. Should be an interesting election year.

whereIstand Tags

• Should candidates’ personal lives play a role in campaigns?

      The former HC of the NYJ has been exposed! Is that what the media wants us to think? Or is he doing all he can to win? 

     Let’s face it, the morality of sports was tainted the minute they started giving out prize money. Belichick is the master of evasion, his answers to reporters are non-answers, his only goal is winning. Is evading the truth about player injuries lying, or is it " part of the game " ? Does anybody think he is the first coach to film the other team’s signals, to gain an edge, give his team the upper hand? Coaches spend their entire lives watching film looking for an edge!

      I am certain there are coaches and, dare I say, organizations that are angry at Belichick for getting caught, for doing his " spying " so blatantly. He has taken a tool out their toolbox and they now need to find another way to gain an edge, ethical or otherwise.  Thanks Bill! 

I do not feel this will impact his Hall of Fame credentials, it will be a long forgotten footnote to his career. He will be hailed as the consummate team man, devoted to the winning cause, a master of the mind games necessary to win in the National Football League. And to his credit, as a testament to the way he has been focused on his career, I hope they do not expect him to come to Canton for the ceremony. He will be " detained on team business"

whereIstand Tags

• Are sports a crucial part of functioning society?

     Some people who post on this site want to blame religion for many of the world’s problems. I don’t think so.

     Thin about criminals. Someone stops you to ask you the time, then mugs you. A very slick mortgage salesman sells you a mortgage he knows you cannot afford simply for the commission. Or, better yet, a man walks into a bank with a  Santa Claus suit on then proceeds to rob the bank. All these people used false pretenses to allow you to trust them then WHAM, they drop the hammer on you! 

     I believe some people use religion as this weapon, their disguise, and that gives all religions a bad name. Does anybody think that Bin Laden believes in religious freedom? He uses his religion as his weapon, and I believe he has seriously damaged the image of Muslim people worldwide. Would you like to be a religious Muslim trying to live your life in the United States today?  

     Let’s not condemn religion because some people want to use their religious beliefs to divide and conquer. These people are using religious " brand names " solely for their own devices, for power. This has been going on for centuries. Can it be stopped? I don’t know, but I do not want o blame religion, just the evil people who decide to twist their beliefs to advance their own agenda. 

     They are definitely not living the life that most spiritual people want to live. Salvation has nothing to do with what you gain in this life, and this is basically a core belief of most religions. Why believe a religious person who is using his bully pulpit for personal gain, fortune or fame? Look for their motive before you judge them based on their disguise.

whereIstand Tags

• MisterE
• billyhallowell
• CarolHoenig
• lamarhall
• Paul
• FreddieMontgomery
• What would a world without religion be like?

     If God did not speak to Mother Teresa for 50 years, who am I to think he will speak to me?

     Another blogger constantly writes that religious people are brainwashed to believe in mystical beings. First if all, I do not believe religious beliefs are brainwashing.  The belief system our parents pass down to us is the one through which they live their lives, it is their value system, and this is our basis for right and wrong, not brainwashing.

      I do have problems when he begins to challenge others to prove there is a God. I cannot prove this. Then to whom am I praying? Where do I get my answers when I pray? Why do I feel better, somehow relieved after I pray? Maybe Jiminy Cricket " Let your conscience be your guide " was right. Is praying the religious way to examine your conscience, your soul, to meditate on your feelings and problems and come to grips with them? Is our conscience our God, whether you believe in Him or not, are the answers inside us if we look hard enough? I truly believe there is a God, but since I cannot hear his voice I need to listen to Him somehow, maybe its my own conscience. 

     Maybe this is my way to deal with doubt, but I always come out believing in God, just not understanding His mysterious ways. Can’t prove it to myself, can’t prove it to others, find comfort in Him whenever I pray. Can anybody explain this?  

whereIstand Tags

• MisterE
• billyhallowell
• CarolHoenig
• lamarhall
• Is there convincing evidence that a higher being exists?

     Our clergy have their faults. They are not perfect, most of them have the " Do as I say, not as I do " outlook.  Should they hold themselves up as role models? Absolutely, but if that role model position becomes a pedestal, it is only a matter of time before they fall off it.

     People enter the religious life for many reasons. Yes, there is the calling. They feel drawn to their faith, to be a witness, to help others in their own journeys. There are also people that want to leave home, want to travel, do not want the burden of a family. They are looking for the instant respect the collar, robe or position can provide them. Are these immoral reasons to join the religious life? I do not believe so if your actions speak louder than your original intentions. it is not always the path you take that is important but the way you travel the path.

     I do not believe the sexual orientation of clergy should be an issue. Why should Catholics care if their priest is gay? Priests take the vow of chastity, so they are violating their vow with any sexual activity. Now if a protestant preacher can get married, and wants to marry a man, that can get dicey. Certain congregations will like that and many will not. I believe respect for your flock should play a large role in your actions as a gay reverend. 

     The clergy are average people trying to lead religious people to spiritual health. It has to be an unnerving job. I am personally glad they are not all saints, it makes them more human.

whereIstand Tags

• Should homosexuals be allowed to enter the clergy?

    
      In order to discuss religion, we need to define it.

     Webster’s pocket dictionary defines religion as a belief in God or gods, a system of worship. Man has been pondering his place in the universe, his own circumstances for his entire existence. How could he explain the things that were happening around him? Early man saw the sun rise and set, they experienced thunderstorms, they saw lightning, heard thunder, maybe even an eclipse or two. How did they explain this? 

     They accepted the idea of a being greater than themselves, something beyond their understanding. They knew they had no control over these things, they assumed someone else did. I believe they needed to assemble a system of beliefs to somehow catalog what they saw around them. Every different human society dealt with the issue of the greater being in a different way. Some worshiped the sun, some idols, some believed a man who came back from mountains with laws on tablets. I believe this is where science and religion first began, both in the same place. Man observed, then he attempted to comprehend. Religion helped him fill in the blanks. 

     Now for opinion. I believe there is a God and he has revealed himself to different cultures in different ways so they would accept his message. What has the central message always been, for most religions? Helping your fellow man, being a good, responsible person in your personal life, with your family and in your society. It gave man some life guidelines, based on good sense, that gave some structure to the unknowns he faced. 

     I think a world without religion would be absurd, that God exists and God has helped man to understand his place in the universe. Yes, there have been many wars, conflicts, struggles, many based on differing religious beliefs, and those conflicts continue through today. I cannot explain that and I wish it were not so. But I believe that the presence of God, fostering religion, has given the world better things than if God had never revealed himself and we were devoid of spirituality.

     Imagine no God.  What a dreary world that would be.

whereIstand Tags

• billyhallowell
• lamarhall
• MisterE
• Paul
• What would a world without religion be like?