Concerned Citizen comments

I hate to see govt legislating and taking control over such things, but considering the potential for a major aviation disaster I think they had no choice.

@Joeblow

The precedent they're setting is that the opposition party will just impeach the sitting president from here on out because they're from the other party.

It makes our entire government look like a joke.

Very true and sad.

How sad to see the once great friend of the working class Democrats descend to such gutter level depths. The party needs a complete reboot to return to its roots. But I don't see it happening any time soon. Meanwhile, the working class has found a friend and defender in President Trump, who has stood up to the elites, media and con artist political class to deliver jobs, security and common sense.

Unbelievable what a hole the Dems are digging themselves into. They've gone right off the deep end in a mad rush to ensure Trump's re-election.

These unconscionable companies need to be punished and shamed big time.

Great idea.

It does seem the screening process for handing these out is flimsy and they might end up in the wrong hands. I'd suggest going back to limiting them to approved groups of people like teachers, nurses, medical staff etc.

Japan needs more of this community spirit. Well done.

Well said. It's a shame how Hollywood has devolved in recent years. There are few really great movies and class actors. Now we have a lot of low class movies and snobbish limousine liberal actors constantly lecturing us about morality while Hollywood itself is rife with sex abuse, power abuse, pedophilia and more.

Hopefully Hollywood will return to its roots of producing real masterpieces with high quality, fine actors that are humble and down to earth.

@Jimizo

Don't take mine or anyone else's 'opinion' on this. You've read the book yourself. How about you tell us verse and scripture that specifically condones gay marriage.

Ps Jimizo.....

When the Biblical text is crystal clear and no sane Christian disputes it, I say so. When it's open to debate, I give my opinion.

@Jimizo

You asked for my opinion and I gave it, based on what I've read in the text.

Anyway, if you really wanna know the biblical position on homosexuality but are perplexed by Christian's varying viewpoints, then read the book yourself and form your own conclusions.

All the best to you.

@Jimizo

So what is it then? Can you give us chapter and verse like before?

This is not the forum for an in depth Bible study.

If not, can you give us the particular denomination, scholar/preacher/televangelist who teaches the correct view or is it just your idea?

Rev. Timothy Keller gives a pretty good simple explanation of the Biblical viewpoint here:

https://youtu.be/IZFCB9sduxQ

@Strangerland

what makes your determination of the true message of Christianity more valid than the determination of the man who says that god hating homosexuals is the true message of Christianity? How is that determination made?

Jesus himself makes the determinations re Christian doctrine. Not me or anyone else. There is no Biblical text anywhere that says God hates gays no matter what off track Christians like Westbro Baptist Church say. But there are oodles of Biblical texts saying that God loves everyone just the same, including gays.

These are not my opinions. Read the text yourself if you really wanna know.

@Jimizo

.....incidentally, many Christians tell you love others as you love yourself

...is the most important commandment.

That is what the second part of Jesus' statement that I quoted says.

Do you think homosexuals should be treated as equals ( made in God’s image )

Of course.

and given the full rights afforded to straight people?

Basic human rights like love, respect, legal protection, self-determination, etc. Of course.

I don't consider a marriage license a basic human right. In fact I think there's a case to be made to abolish them. But if we are going to issue them, I would suggest it be on the basis of why they were introduced in the first place, for the recognition of and promotion of the primary human activity that ensures the perpetual existence of the human race and is, in my opinion, the gold standard situation for the nurturing of children: The unions of men and women.

This opinion does not mean I have hatred or particular discrimination towards LGBTQ. Not everyone gets what they want. There are other groups who can't get marriage licenses. There are also countless examples of many groups of people who don't qualify for certain legal statuses, benefits, etc. This doesn't immediately denote hatred or discrimination.

If you answer no, I get the sense you are with Falau in your hatred, dislike or disapproval ( I’m guessing disapproval in your case ) but to a different degree.

This is an intricate issue with me and difficult to explain in short, but simply speaking....I want people to be happy. If a person is a Christian then I'd expect they follow God's wishes regarding sexuality. If not, all the best to them. Either way, I wish them happiness.

@Strangerland

Simple answer: Neither.

Who decided that?

Here I'll give my (informed) opinion.

1: The Bible defines marriage as a heterosexual union, never as a homosexual union.

2: Homosexuality doesn't get someone into hell any more than heterosexuality is a ticket to heaven. What gets us in hell is a voluntary decision that we don't want to be with God, so being the gentleman He is, God allows us to freely go elsewhere.

That's the simple answer.

Ps: In the New Testament homosexuality is not defined any worse than any other thing that displeases God. Rather, violence, greed, selfishness, judgmentalism, haughtiness, etc are viewed far worse.

As I read and understand it, while homosexuality is not what God had in mind for human sexuality and He'd prefer obedience in this, He would rather see happy and loving homosexuals than self righteous and judgemental heteros.

These are important points and nuances that Israel Folau missed. That's why (among other reasons) I didn't like what he posted.

@Jimizo

What is the ‘true’ message of Christianity on homosexuals. Let them get married or wait for them to roast in hell?

Simple answer: Neither.

@Jimizo

You often like to tell us the ‘true’ meaning of Christianity and I’m just interested in how you can claim to speak for a highly schismatic religion consisting of thousands of denominations. A bit arrogant, don’t you think?

I wasn't giving my personal opinion, In response to you writing "Core message’ is very difficult to define when it comes to dealing with long texts like the Bible". I was just quoting the words of the founder of Christianity himself.

This is core Christian teaching from the founder, and despite the existence of thousands of denominations, none will dispute what the founder himself said.

’Core message’ is very difficult to define when it comes to dealing with long texts like the Bible or the Koran and Hadiths. 

Can't speak for the Koran or Hadiths but Jesus summed up the core message of the Bible when he replied to someone asking him which was the greatest commandment:

Jesus replied to him, ‘You should love the Lord your God completely: Love him with all your mind. Love him with all that you are. Love him in all that you think. This is the greatest rule and the most important of all God's Laws . The second rule is also important, like the first one. You should love other people as much as you love yourself. All God's Laws that Moses gave us, and all the things that the prophets wrote about God come from these two rules.’

Matthew 22:37‭-‬40

What puzzles me is Rugby Australia's post settlement statement:

Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby do not in any way agree with the content of the social media post.

Israel Folau was posting religious statements about where people might end up in the afterlife. Being a purely secular body, on what basis can they agree or disagree on this theological matter?

Inclusiveness is one of rugby’s core values and it welcomes all people to the game, including all members of the LGBTI community.

Israel Folau wasn't in any way suggesting that LGBTQI people be excluded from rugby.

While I didn't like what Israel said, this statement reveals the idiocy of Rugby Australia's accusations and actions, and why they settled out of court, knowing that they would lose big time in court.

In spite of Israel's Folau's misguided comments I'd say this was a victory for common sense.

The downside though is that Israel Folau will continue to make a loving God look mean.

Poor little fellow. May God care for you.

An educated guess.......

The mother was abroad, the poor child became very insecure with the step father. The boy misbehaved and step dad reacted violently.

Whatever the case, this is heartbreaking.

Israel Folau came across as judgmental and his posts were not a good or accurate representation Christianity or the Bible. I'm glad there was backlash against him.

At the same time Rugby Australia's response was heavy handed. If we start firing everyone who says something 'offensive' in their private time and platform there will be no one left.

No doubt Rugby Australia settled because they knew they would lose if it went to court.

Yet another frivolous 'issue' for SJW's to get on their high horses about. As another poster said 'If you don't like the company's rules, work somewhere else'. Let the private sector/ individuals sort these minor issues out without government legislating everything. The government has enough on its hands with real problems like.....

16% of the Japanese living in poverty. =20 million people. =1/6 of children not having their needs met.

Rampant child abuse.

24% of Japanese battle mental illnesses such as depression, alcohol abuse, addiction, etc.

These are the real issues that need govt/our focus and attention.

I don't like President Trump's blustery, irreverent style. Personally I'd prefer a more statesman like figure as a President and leader of the free world.

But unfortunately the west has been going down hill socially and economically for a generation having been led by weak leaders like the Bushes, Obama, Blair, Merkel, Macron, Trudeau, etc. It's an unfortunate necessary evil that a bulldozer like President Trump arrives on the scene to shake things up, wake people up out of thier media induced stupor, tell the elites off and get something done for the little guys.

Unemployment (especially for minorities) at historical lows, improved border security, skyrocketing stockmarket, ISIS routed (saving many lives), peaceful engagement with dangerous foreign leaders, etc.

This is a step in the right direction. It wasn't long ago many part time jobs paid 680yen/hr.

But shifting part timers to full time with benefits should be the primary aim.

Take note of Singapore's success from a Washington Post article. A wise and well balanced approach.

*We invest significant efforts to prevent drug abuse. The government works closely with community groups, parents and teachers to educate youths and the general public on the harm and consequences of drug abuse. Drug abusers undergo compulsory rehabilitation programs to help them kick their drug habits. Upon release from rehabilitation centers, ex-abusers receive help to reintegrate into society. *Tough laws and effective enforcement are a strong deterrent against drug sales and consumption. Stiff penalties punish those who disregard the law and deter others.

Singapore’s anti-drug strategy has worked well. Singapore has one of the lowest rates of drug abuse in the world: 30 opiates abusers per 100,000 people, compared with 600 in the United States.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/singapore-is-winning-the-war-on-drugs-heres-how/2018/03/11/b8c25278-22e9-11e8-946c-9420060cb7bd_story.html

Western style 'compassion' has completely lost it's way.

Soft drug policies which lead to explosive addiction issues, death and ruined lives. Parents can no longer discipline thier kids for fear of being labelled abusers, leading to a generation of entitled brats with no fear of authority.

Police and the justice system give violent criminal teens slaps on the wrist, leading criminal teens gangs terrorizing neighborhoods.

I'm all for compassion and a restorative based justice, but not Western style.

For the sake of the welfare of its people, the Japanese should retain their hard line stance on drugs while introducing more compassionate rehabilitation programs.

Death toll from drugs in Japan: almost zero.

Death toll from drugs in permissive societies: millions

Japan must be doing something right. The compassionate thing to do would be to copy them.

Both.

Japan's strict stance on drugs has ensured that the country has been largely free of the scourge of drugs, thus saving countless lives.

In my country, soft punishments, safe injecting rooms and and overly sympathetic approach has fed an explosion in drug dependency with many lives lost and ruined as a result.

For those who get caught, strict punishment plus sympathetic rehabilitation.

Abe should follow Trump's lead. Speak honestly to condemn China's dictatorial actions, but nevertheless engage peacefully and make win-win deals that benefit the working class in both countries.

Have watched barely a thing over the more than 40 years of my adult life.

As a teen I realized that there is a lot more to life than being glued to the tube watching other people act, having my world view and morals shaped by people who I don't know, don't love me and just want my money, and being bombarded with shallow and materialistic ads. I've had an amazing life without it. Thank God.

Toxic masculinity does exist, as evidenced by the many men who use their God given masculine strength and aggression in the wrong way to commit acts of violence. And societal efforts to minimize or eradicate this are needed and should be supported.

But it's an issue that's been hijacked by virtue signalling SJW's to paint all men in a bad light, denigrate positive masculinity and make themselves look good. This is what is turning a lot of people off. Not to mention that there is am equal amount of feminine style toxicity out there. But that doesn't get mentioned.

We're all fallible human beings, male and female, who need to unite together, improve our game, and make a better world. Let's ignore the SJW's and do just that.