I never mentioned anywhere in that piece that Catholicism was the issue.

I was simply illustrating that such anecdotal prose is futile and totally emotive, parellel in fact with the debate of rationality vs religion, both arguements are flawed

An alternate version from a slightly different angle... Rational men and women We come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know your word says "Woe be to those who follow a doctrine of fear and dogma" but that is exactly what we have done. W...

I think your getting true freedom confused with total freedom

You are exercising your freedom to choose such a path,

congratulations!

Im not advocating any particular government here. All I'm doing is illustrating that the concept of freedom is fraught with aspects which have been previously unconcieved by the majority of the population. We enjoy many more 'rights' than ever before yet we are no happier. Maybe we could be happier ...

That was partially the point I was trying to make, however it misses the mark somewhat. We live in a society which preaches freedom to choose, but are we capable of making these decisions for ourselves. We are indoctrinated into thinking we are free by a capitalist hierarchy, and it is therin that t...

It does disturb me when people use Religion as the scapegoat for hatred. Religion is used as an excuse for war, it is not the reason for it. The troubles in Northern Ireland are far more complicated than simply protestants hating catholics. Religion simply facilitates violence within human nature. I...

When I hear the same arguements over and over it becomes rather tedious I must say. Firstly, the price of consumer durables such as CD's, DVD's, video games, etc has come down dramatically in real terms over the past 20 years. Did any of you know that when VHS arrived in the late 1970's the average ...

Bobotheiceman your point concerning whether the parent has a right to manipulate the physical features of their child is an interesting one. Should our right to choose come above the norms and values of our society? Are children in a position to make an educated choice on such matters? What are the ...

It may possibly be the case that your not all that sexually attracted to the individual in question. If your mind is 'wondering' so to speak then you really can't be that interested in having intercourse with this person - at least during the past occassions when this has happened to you. May I be s...

Yes James but you only ever have BBQ's

Masteroftheweb - please can you show me proof that these individuals are performing this act as a means of survival. I'll give you a tip though - your going to have a tough time finding any. First the practical issue. There is no trade in existance which states an animal must be alive in order for i...

The other way of course could be to find out why they do it in the first place - just a thought <_<

I agree, writing poems can be very constructive. That however concerns trying to make positive develpments out of a rather awful situation. Writing poems is not about faking emotions it is about expressing them. Poetry is quite often a very personal form of expression - not usually distributed to an...

A agree entirely with your comments Those who fake disorders with the aim of getting attention sadden me. I will admit that my scientific knowledge of these disorders is limited however I have come into contact with a number self harmers both fake and real. I all too often hear the phrase "its ...