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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dinah on January 16, 2006, at 20:37:08
with our mayor.
I'm kind of hoping he was quoted out of context.
I do apologize.
Perhaps the EPA should rerun those contamination tests?
Posted by Dinah on January 16, 2006, at 21:40:19
In reply to Ummm... I have no idea what happened today, posted by Dinah on January 16, 2006, at 20:37:08
That was a bit sarcastic. And I do apologize for that.
I just don't like someone saying that God sent hurricanes to punish anyone, and much less do I like to hear it from the man whose city was devastated.
I just don't understand that way of thinking. He can't possibly think that the 1000+ people deserved to die because of the actions of America. And I don't consider God to be someone who would choose to kill 1000+ innocent people to punish the president for his Iraq policy.
And I'm especially upset because this was a man I supported.
Posted by James K on January 16, 2006, at 21:48:28
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today » Dinah, posted by Dinah on January 16, 2006, at 21:40:19
It took a little detective work to figure out what you are talking about.
I'm disappointed. Putting aside the religious aspects of statements like that, recent past history shows that that kind of talk can be politically disastrous.
Although I live in Houston, maybe the nearest major city, I'd never heard of him till he called out the government in the middle of the disaster. I admired his courage and plain speaking at that time and had hopes he might be someone to follow. Now I just don't know.
James K
Posted by Dinah on January 16, 2006, at 22:05:41
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today, posted by James K on January 16, 2006, at 21:48:28
What astonishes me is that the local press is concentrating on the racial aspects of his speech, while I can't get past him saying that God did this to us on purpose to teach America a lesson.
Posted by Dinah on January 16, 2006, at 22:14:31
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today » James K, posted by Dinah on January 16, 2006, at 22:05:41
I'm listening to the actual speech now, to see if he was taken out of context.
Posted by James K on January 16, 2006, at 22:34:44
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today » James K, posted by Dinah on January 16, 2006, at 22:05:41
In religious terms, since the people who say these kind of things are often discussing the Christian God, I thought the whole point of the story of Noah and the flooding of the earth was that after it was all over, God made a covenant that he wouldn't destroy life on earth anymore.
I'm looking it up, and NIV and KJ do say He wouldn't destroy ALL life again, but it seems presumptuous for a believer to claim God is doing these things when He kind of said he wouldn't.
And when God destroyed Sodom, he agreed that if 10 decent men could be found he would spare the city. I can't believe there weren't 10 decent men in the Gulf Coast.
This opens all sorts of theological debate, but mainly, some people use whatever part of the Bible or Christianity that suits their purpose at the moment. Sometimes for political purpose.
Congratulations, you got me to read the Bible for the first time in many years.
I'm not arguing for or against Christianity or anyone's version of it (i'm completely unsure where i stand right now). I just wish those who claim it would spend more time studying it and practicing it than proclaiming what they think God is up to.
James K
Posted by Declan on January 17, 2006, at 16:35:39
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today » Dinah, posted by James K on January 16, 2006, at 22:34:44
People are always attributing stuff to God. It was reported here that Pat Robertson said that Ariel Sharon had a stroke because he evacuated the Gaza Strip. I *suppose* he meant that God did it to him.
Declan
Posted by Dinah on January 17, 2006, at 17:17:09
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today, posted by Declan on January 17, 2006, at 16:35:39
I think Pat may have apologized for that one.
And our mayor apologized today, said he didn't think it was true, and pretty much took responsibility for saying something he shouldn't have said.
I certainly can forgive someone who apologizes with sincerity.
But I still wish he hadn't put himself or our city in that position. It doesn't help our credibility issues to have our mayor sound like that.
Posted by alexandra_k on January 18, 2006, at 1:21:49
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today » Declan, posted by Dinah on January 17, 2006, at 17:17:09
i think that under stress...
people say the darndest things...but it is a shame when its recorded and quoted etc
<cringe>
Posted by caraher on January 18, 2006, at 10:16:31
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today » Declan, posted by Dinah on January 17, 2006, at 17:17:09
> I think Pat may have apologized for that one.
He did, but it was a very weak apology and it came only after the Israelis started talking about pulling the rug out from under a project he has going to build a "Christian theme park" in their country.
I agree that pronouncements about God's intentions, especially in the context of natural disasters, are presumptuous at best. Nagin's not the only one to engage in this questionable practice after Katrina. From http://writ.news.findlaw.com/commentary/20050920_bernier.html
"Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that Rep. Richard Baker (R-La) was overheard telling lobbyists, "We finally cleaned up public housing in New Orleans. We couldn't do it, but God did.""
As the article points out, there is a valid concern about what happens in the rebuilding. The racial component of Nagin's remarks are somewhat more understandable given that context.
Posted by alexandra_k on January 18, 2006, at 15:32:16
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today, posted by caraher on January 18, 2006, at 10:16:31
i actually find it quite appalling that people still appeal to god as an explanation.
it is typically done in ignorance of the natural causes...
or an unwillingness to accept them, i guess.
grr.
i mean 'god did it'
a little too easy methinks.
Posted by Declan on January 18, 2006, at 21:52:59
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today, posted by alexandra_k on January 18, 2006, at 15:32:16
Hi Alex
I suppose it gives you a hotline to the Divinity and access to all the power there, not to speak of knowledge of God's will.
Declan
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 20, 2006, at 1:10:07
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today, posted by Declan on January 18, 2006, at 21:52:59
> i actually find it quite appalling that people still appeal to god as an explanation.
>
> alexandra_k> I suppose it gives you a hotline to the Divinity and access to all the power there, not to speak of knowledge of God's will.
>
> DeclanPlease respect the views of others, be sensitive to their feelings, and don't be sarcastic.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Declan on January 20, 2006, at 1:50:27
In reply to Re: please be civil » alexandra_k » Declan, posted by Dr. Bob on January 20, 2006, at 1:10:07
I was expecting a PBC or a block, but not for this post. However I applaud the use of PBC calls, and flexible blocks that are appropriate, and therefore I apologise for any offence caused.
Declan
Posted by alexandra_k on January 20, 2006, at 3:10:43
In reply to Re: please be civil » alexandra_k » Declan, posted by Dr. Bob on January 20, 2006, at 1:10:07
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 21, 2006, at 14:23:12
In reply to Re: sorry (nm) » Dr. Bob, posted by alexandra_k on January 20, 2006, at 3:10:43
Posted by AuntieMel on January 28, 2006, at 14:31:31
In reply to Re: Ummm... I have no idea what happened today, posted by James K on January 16, 2006, at 21:48:28
Me too. Third generation.
Posted by James K on January 28, 2006, at 14:49:40
In reply to Re: From Houston? » James K, posted by AuntieMel on January 28, 2006, at 14:31:31
> Me too. Third generation.
--- My parents brought me here in the early 70's when I was 4. We'd been from Indiana, to Ohio, to Florida, to Texas chasing the work. My dad survived the oil bust, but he didn't survive outsourcing. (I don't mean he's dead)
I'm the last one here, but I don't see why I would go anywhere else. I love the rain. And the crazy patchwork nature of the city. You never know what's around the corner. We're laid back and tough and diverse.
James K
Posted by AuntieMel on January 29, 2006, at 12:32:53
In reply to Re: by choice » AuntieMel, posted by James K on January 28, 2006, at 14:49:40
Well, that makes me a few years older...
I was a teen here in the early 70s.
What side of town? I'm on the west side.
Posted by James K on January 29, 2006, at 12:42:06
In reply to Re: by choice » James K, posted by AuntieMel on January 29, 2006, at 12:32:53
I grew up north west, willowbrook area. Now I'm right in the heart of the city for about 12 years. We look more like the suburbs in here every month. But I got in right before the prices went insane.
Are you all the way out, or mid way. I feel like I'm speaking in code. WE could use all the different freeway names and numbers and neighborhood names, and nobody else would have any idea what we were talking about. I think we are bigger than some states here.
Have you been outside yet today? Why am I on a computer right now.
James k
Posted by AuntieMel on January 29, 2006, at 15:30:43
In reply to Re: by choice » AuntieMel, posted by James K on January 29, 2006, at 12:42:06
Out Katy fwy. Past toll road, not past 6.
Is that code enough?
It looks like a great day. I'm at work now, but just about to leave. I was trying to get some stuff finished before a meeting tomorrow. It's not all done, but close enough.
This is the end of the thread.
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