[Family ONLY prayer circle?]

To exclude other member of the Gospel in the prayer circle is just retarded. "Family only," huh? I guess he never referres to someone in the church as "Brother" or "Sister."

[Need help keeping the law of chastity]

I recommed you never be alone with her again, unless you are to be married.

I also would recommend you seriously investigate prohilactics; I know where you're going because I've been there. And for the want of a piece of latex, I ended up with a life-long responsibility. Not that I regret my children, i don't. I simply regret the circumstance I've brought upon them by my own inability to control my powers of procreation.

But like I recommended first, dump her and find someone who will uplift you and keep you from doing things that will make you miserable for the rest of your lilfe. I'm not going to touch on the religious aspect of this; you know the teachings of the church. What I am saying is in order to be happy in life, truly happy, you can't have regrets like this on your conscience. You may be forgiven for them in time, but you will always feel like dirt because of it.

[LDS Church leaders restate opposition to Gay Marriage]

Emphasis mine.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I see the state trying to force religions and people to recognize "non-traditional" unions as marriages is one step toward the disintegration of the family. I, for one, don't want any part of the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

For those who may disagree, who may think that homosexual marriage does not lead to the disintegration of the family, I urge you to go back and study your Old Testament.

We are not debating the Law of God; only the authority of a non-secterian government to interfier with the Agency afforded by The Almighty.

I seem to recall a number of plural marriages in the Old Testament; not to mention bigamy as practiced by members of the Restored Gospel.

I do not call on government, anywhere, in any form, to preserve anything not authorized by the US Constitution. In fact, I do not want that kind of interfierance.

The only form of good government is self government. I do not require Big Brother to tell me what is right or wrong; I have the dictates of my conscience.

And with that, I'll say "Good Day, Sir."

[LDS Church leaders restate opposition to Gay Marriage]

sitting here i can't think if a single occurrence of discrimination that didn't start and end with derogatory names (aka name calling) against the discriminated party..... hummmmm is there an insert foot smile?

Did you read something in the subtext? What perjoratives did I hurl at another person? Did I call him a "dandied charlatain?" A "holy Roller?" A "Bible Belter?"

You read something into this that not only didn't I include, but I did not infer.

Is there a "Do'h" smilie anywhere?

[LDS Church leaders restate opposition to Gay Marriage]

Just out of curiosity...

Why do most who say government has no right to "interfere" with marriage define marriage as 2 consenting adults , which is the Government's Definition?

How/Why is keeping John and Steve from getting hitched with marriage defined as 2 consenting adults of opposite gender discriminatory while keeping John, Jane and Sue from getting hitched with marriage defined as 2 consenting adults of opposite gender is considered A-OK?

It like me saying i have the right to practice Mormonism under" freedom of religion" just like the Catholics and Baptist, But it was meant for Christians only so the Wiccans don't have that right

It is not ok, under any circumstance, for government to interfier with consenting adults entering into contract. I have nothing against plural marriage; I have no interest in entering into a contract of Bigamy (one wife at a time was sometimes more than enough - hence why I'm single now), but I wouldn't stop those who wised to from doing to.

I did not mis-speak when I defined it as 'two consenting adults,' I simply did not use the phrase "between all legally interested parties" as I should have. My phraseology was unintentionally constraned due to paying greater attention to the words and phrases being bandied about than the correct terms in the common vernacular.

[LDS Church leaders restate opposition to Gay Marriage]

First off, you're intentionally intellectually dishonest if you believe that there's ony 6,000 years of human history to draw precident from. There is archeological proof that is indesputable that shows homosapien has been the apex lifeform on this planet for hundreds of thousands of years. Indesputable proof; to the point where not even the most devout member of any reliegion who has even half a brain rejects the cannon of the earth only being 6,000 years old, and I can't think of a single modern reliegion who continues to espouse that view.

On the topic of "power granted you by the State of Washington," it is not the power to marry two people (they can only marry each other - you can only officiate as an OFFICIAL granted the authrority to declare the contract entered into legally. No matter what you postulate to the people entering into the contract, or if they even refuse to utter a word to you or themselves, the only legally binding act is in signing the marriage contract at the time of officiation. I know this to be true as I've been authorized several times by law and custom to officiate over marriage and other 'solemn' acts). I recommend you expend some effort in study of contractual law and the authority of the State.

Entering into private contract is a human right ordained by The Almighty and is free from whatever petty restrictions you'd like to put on it. The adoption of children isn't a right.. I don't even know how to respond to that statement. What right or authority does the state have, legally or consituttionally, to allow or prevent it.

Your use of the phrase 'authority by precident' is the same one used for millenia to rationalize serious abuses such as genocide, murder, opression, slavery, stigimitization, and separation; hardly something I'd be proud of. Does precident make it right that an entire Caste of people in India are considered worthless and tainted? The "Untouchables" are exempt from protections under law; one wishing to abuse or deprive them up to including of their lives, is free from prosecution, and may in fact be abeited by law.

That's not company I'd wish to be standing in when I try to justify my position to The Almighty.

Put it any way you want it; there is no intellectually honest way to defend descrimination in any form. We are warned "not to judge," but that does not mean "accept anything that goes, from anyone" (accepting discrimination is just as bad as making uninformed judgements), it simply means "judge not lightly," which means not before having honestly and intellectually examining a topic.

I really couldn't care less that you're a paid clergyman (even though Nephi had a few choice words about your profession... Something on the lines of calling it an abomination; ya know, "eat thy bread from the sweat of thy own brow all the days of thy life" and all that), I simply take exception that you use that avocation, whether or not you state what it is, as a basis to make claims that are utterly indefensible. You have no moral authority because you strap on a rat cather. You have none because you hold a Doctorate of Divinity or Theology. You have no authority because you lead a congregation. In fact, I'd say that you'll be held to a higher standard than the rest of us because of your assumption of authority or knowledge.

I'm done with this topic because I'm about to say a few things that would be considered.. unkind. Suffice it to say that you hold no prominance with me because of employment. I've never been impressed by station or celebrity, and account amongst my actual friends Generals, Senators, minor royalty, Medal of Honor recipients, men of industry.. farmers, soldiers, waiters, plumbers, and one or two convicted criminals. I place absolutely no stock in position or education; other than where they're used for the benefit of those who cannot help themselves. I do not need, nor do I seek, you approval or agreement on anything. I only require honest debate free of opinions on morality based upon prejudice or emotional argument.

[Trying a Mens Group]

I've actually employed escorts for formal functions on many occasions. Who wants to go to The Engineer Ball alone? Or to a fomal event by One's self?

I just never contracted with a "soiled dove"... At least that I know of...

Legitimate escorts are very nice to have around for occasions where One would feel akward, or where 'going stag' would be inapropriate. One I employed was a graduate student in French and International Business, and who now works for Monsanto. I still stay in contact with her a few times a year.

[LDS Church leaders restate opposition to Gay Marriage]

I don't approve of 'gay marriage,' I simply believe that government has absolutely no authority to interfiere with approving or prohibiting the lawful entry into private contract by anyone in their majority, of sound mind, and of informed consent.

To "approve" of "almost equal rights" is discrimination, no matter how you look at it, and is an abomination.

What authority do you, or anyone for that matter, have to "grant" marriage? Are you entering into that contract? Are you somehow an involved party?

Why are 'priests' allowed to officiate over a marriage? Is it because of somekind of power or authority granted by the state (or God for that matter)???

No, its because of needing WITNESSES who are unimpeachable in case the contract between the two is contested. That's also why there are other "Witnesses" required in most states; to stand as proof that the contract was entered into WILILNGLY, TRUTHFULLY, WITHOUT RESERVATION or FALSE REPRESENTATION, and WITHOUT DURESS.

What authority do you or anyone have to 'deny' the ability of two adults, of informed consent, in their majority and right minds, to lawfully enter into a contract of performance OF ANY VARIETY???

Equality is a solemn human right. Being able to enter into private contract is a solemn human right. Being free from having other people force their views upon you is a solemn human right; as declared and preserved in the Bill of Rights and by the virtue of Agency as granted by God.

Frankly, I'm offended by your presumption that you have some kind of authority or position of moral superiority in this, or any matter, simply because you put on a Rat Catcher and thump a Bible.

Discrimination of any variety is an abomination; as is suposing to force others to conform to your personal opinion of what is right or wrong.

BTW, marriage is not "primarily faith based," nor has it ever been historically. Marriage has been practiced in many forms and names for millenia, even in countries where they'd never heard of Jesus Christ, God, or Santa Claus. Its been around for much longer than Christianity, Judiasm, or any other recorded religion. Its what people naturally do; it requires no permission or justification of any organization, government, or stuffed shirt in a white collar and a fancy little dress who rings bells to get heaven's attention, who burns incense to help prayers rise to heaven on the smoke, or who beseeches the attention of saints by prayer to a graven image (such as Saint Medals) to pay special attention to, or pretect them from anything, ever.

I dont mean to be offensive, but I want you to understand just how off base I think you are, and how completely I believe you've misinterpreted the 'authority' of clergy. Any clergy. And yes, I would say the exact same thing to Thoman Monson if he made the same argument to me, because I believe it to be abhorrent and an abomination.

[dating advice needed.]

No, not really. I'm just very, very observant. And I've an almost inhuman ability to, not manipulate people, but enginner situations the way I want them. Its not something I want to do, or try to do; in fact, its not something I conciously do; but I have that 'skill.'

I can walk into the worst situations and in short order have things in under control, new friends, and a soon to be next ex-wife. :)

[You're single because....]

I'm always on the lookout for the future ex-Mrs.T...

And I'm not intimidated by women who are more educated than I; I've dated physicians, surgeons, lawyers, Ph.D.'s.. And one or two waitresses.

[Tithe and Garment]

You know, I wondered if it was you!

I'll have to close my eyes when I read your posts from now on.

That is wisdom.

I've had more than one girlfriend claim to me that I've caused them to spontaneously 'go into heat' when dropping by after an absense.

Truth.

[Enlist in the Army.. The KISS Army!]

Whatever and I don't really appreciate unsubstantiated Alzheimers comments.

Don't get all bent out of shape with me, Lady. I'm not the one that makes the rules here!

I blame George Bush.

[Enlist in the Army.. The KISS Army!]

You're definitely right about that! Personally I'm a big fan of Rise Against and Story of the Year (both punk bands) and have a pretty good range of songs from hard to soft, and some of their songs have really good lessons, but at least Rise Against is really anti-military/US

You wrote "Rise Against" and I thought I read "Rage Against," as in "Rage Against the Machine." I would fully expect any band calling its self that to be anti-establishment.

Rise against? Sounds like a good name for a downtown bakery to me. Maybe even one run by a bunch of Relief Society rebels...

[Enlist in the Army.. The KISS Army!]

Guess it depends on what rock and roll bands you listen to. I've been to more Styx and REO Speedwagon concerts than I can count and they are always making comments in support of troops.

They're also in their 80's by now, and therefore, by definition are "Tools," brainwashed, and suffering from Alzheimers; cause everyone knows that all real Rockers are counter culturists and hate The Man.

[Enlist in the Army.. The KISS Army!]

Except for country music artists. They tend to be the opposite polar extreme.

Except for those dumbole Dixie Nitwits.

I did kinda agree with them though. W wasn't exactly one of my favorites either; although I voted for him the last time. I unfortunately fell into that "gotta vote for the lesser of two weevils" crap idea. A weevil is a weevil is a weevil.

The last time I obstained from voting; I thought both candidates were trash, and I believe we will be held to account for how we excercise political force in the form of voting when we meet the Boss.

[You're single because....]

Remembering ABBA, or liking them if you've been introduced to their music lets say, after 1980, should not only get you kicked out of a singles ward, but out of the USA entirely.

[Enlist in the Army.. The KISS Army!]

I've been a fan of KISS for about 10 years; I decided I liked them better, and would rather my kids listen to them than Brittany Spears.

Imagine my surprise to see Gene Simmons on tour with the USO!!!

Most musicians, especially those in the Rock and Roll field, are anti-Military, anti-USA, and phenomenally anti-conservative. Like Jeoff Tate from Queensryche (one of my favorite bands - Operation Mindcrime and Mindcrime II are probably the absolute best rock "opera's" ever written).

Good on Gene Simmons and his band!

[Tithe and Garment]

Here's the secret.

Are you ready for it???

Stop looking at pictures of me; I regularly cause women to feel flush and faint.. and its not because of the peperspray or tear gas either! Although that does get them running.. usually away from me though..

[I need help very badly]

Good darn advice there. You must be expert at winning over parents!!!

[dating advice needed.]

Oh yeah, one more thing. Always end the date on an upswing, and not when things start to die down. Always, always, leave them wanting more!!!

Even if its the best date you've ever been on and you're having more fun than you ever have had before, end it a little early so she's desperate to get a little more of you ASAP.

[dating advice needed.]

1. Its always appropriate to ask anything that's not illegal, immoral, or fattening. How are you supposed to know if you don't ask?

2. I think you got a little frisky there, trooper. I think its best to wait a date or two before holding hands. I also find that women, most anyway, absolutely melt if after a few dates you shyly look at them, while looking back and forth to your feet, to, with a shy voice, ask her permission to hold her hand.

I worked that angle with a number of gals and all of them responded very, very well.

It went even better when I used the same track to ask for a kiss. They were all practically begging for it at that point, but I played the niaeve and innocent track to a "T."

One gal, a physician (long story about her, gawd I miss her. I wish I hadn't screwed that one up, and that she was a nicer person - she was the love of my life), after the 4th date looked at me and said "At some point it becomes ungentlemanly NOT to ask for a kiss..." Yeah, she was a little bit agressive. I liked it. I wish things could have worked out between us;; she'll always be 'the one that got away.'

2. On texting. Its pretty common nowadays to txt people you're dating. At first, I thought it to be very.. disrespectful, but its just part of modern courting. I adapted a procedure of txting about a half-hour after the first date, with a shy message of "phew, were you as nervous as I was? I barely kept my knees from knocking together. I really enjoyed your company; than you very much for spending the evening with me. I'd like to get together with you again very soon, may I call you tomorrow to make plans?"

I found out immediatey if they were interested in future dates, and if they enjoyed themselves. No having to wait and wonder for days. And it gave them the chance to politely and unpainfully let me know if they weren't interested in a future date. No harm, no foul. It was also a chance for me to politely beg off if I didn't want to see her again; I simply thanked her for her time and said how much of a pleasure it was to meet her in person. I found only a couple of women who didn't read the subtext, and they were psycho's anyway. like finding out where I lived and showing up at 3 in the morning with alcohol, sex toys, and a girlfriend type psycho.

3. Church. I'm not sure I'd want to go to church with a gal until we were dating exclusively. The appearance would be.. akward, for both of you, as would the misinterpretation that would be bound to be expereinced by the other members of her/your ward.

4. Vehicle. Owning a vehicle isn't a necessary thing (I didn't when I met and courted my ex-wife - I worked out of town during the week and had a company work truck; only spending one or two nights per week in town on average. I had plenty of friends who were more than happy to do the driving if I paid fuel, and I always had a wingman wherever I went - the Ex-wife woud either meet me places, or when we got more serious, drop by my office when I got back into town and pick me up. Eventually I started staying at her parents house when I was in town - no hanky panky - so I could spend more time with them. Having just gotten out of the Army and having had the traumatic experiences that I did, it was helpful for me to get back into civilian life by spending time with her dad and mom. My parents were.. not too good). Owning a vehilce is convenient.

If you're car-less because of finances, I'd probably reconsider dating right now. You're likely not financially stable and could better use that money for bills, school, or to buy a car so you can be completely independant.

If you're vehicleless because you don't regularly need one, you might consider a rental for the next date. That way the burden isn't constantly on her.

I like having lunch or something similar during the afternoon as a first date. No real stress (you can always beg off by having something critical at work pop up), lots of inexpensive activities like the museum or art gallery, can be short or as long as you want, is in the light of day and you're fully awake and aware. I think the theatre, especially a motion picture theatre, is best held off for future dates. The lighting is terrible, you have little interaction or conversation, its expensive, and it takes a lot of time out of a night. Live action is slightly better because its more ok to critique the performance queitly, and there's interaction between the audience and performers, but is usually also very expensive.

Last thing. Women like to tak about themselves, even if they pretend not to, or don't know that they do. Ask her opinion a lot, do things she's familiar with - preferable something you've no experience with and she has to 'show you' what to do - look her in the eyes a lot, use her name regularly. Never be discourteous or rude. If asked for a controversial opinion, state it politely and as inofensively as possible, but never apologize for it or try to explain it away. Confidence is attractive. As is assurity. If asked to make a decision, make it immediately and don't waffle. And never, ever, say to her "Your mother is HAWT!"

Unless you want to ask the mother out on a date.

Then you should say that to her mother.

Never say to her "your mother is hawt.. and as the old saying goes, look at the mother to see what the daughter is going to look like," because that's just rude. We all already know that's the truth; why state it???

[Spousal permission for baptism]

Send me his address. I've been needing to polish my 32oz framing hammer on the skull of a wife-beating drunk. Its been about 7 years since I polished it last...

[Tithe and Garment]

First, I can't sleep not wearing something. Never have been able to. Before I was endowed I tried a number of times; some places I've been were so hot that even a T shirt felt like a fur jacket. I'd always wake up in short order and couldn't get back to sleep until I put a shirt on.

Bottoms don't bother me either way; I just think most people would prefer it if I kept my bits to myself when having to share a room with me.. out of jealousy, you see...

On tithing, I don't know what to say. Recently I've had so little income that were I to pay my tithing right now, I literally could not afford the fuel to get to church. Or eat more than a couple of times per week. And that's no exaggeration. I do in actuality forgo a full day of meals and contribute that money as an offering whenever I fast; latey that's been multiple times per month.

I fully intend to pay my tithing in full at or before settlement; I keep very accurate records. But right this minute my budget for food is less than $5.00 per day; many days being half of that. Work is non-existant where I'm at; I've maybe had 45 days of labor in the last 12 months.

I can't even afford a telephone at the moment; my internet is courtesy of a neighbor who doesn't know how to, or doesn't care to, secure his wireless access point.

All I can say to you is follow the dictates of your conscience. And FWIW, I only pay tithing on my actual take-home; that is all I'm 'gaining" IMHO, since I don't use welfare benefits and SS won't be there when I retire (it doesn't really exist now). The CHurch has no stand on whether tithing is to be paid on gross or net; that is for the individual to decide based upon the dictates of his concience.

[Trying a Mens Group]

MisterT, the man, hear him roar.

I can see you thumping your chest and spitting 20 yards. Take that. Pshaw!

I don't need to roar or spit. Yelling unnecessarily is pointless and obnoxious; the only reason to yell is to be heard over loud noises. I never raise my voice, ever, unless its to be heard. The angrier I get, the quieter and more sincere (and severe) I get.

Plus, spitting in unhygenic and spreads disease. I remember seeing an old sign somewhere that read "Gentlemen should not, and all others shall not, spit in public."

LOL! Just kidding. I totally get you, MisterT. I won't even need to tell my husband about it. I know what exactly he is gonna say - men who need "support groups" are pansies. But then, he's the type who says it like it is, take it or leave it, no skin off his back kinda d00de.

By and large I agree with you. There are occasions where its very appropriate for a man to seek out professional intervention though. Instances that include severe emotional trauma or illness, for help with grief due to a severe injury, illness, or death of friends or family, for intervention and help with dependancy on substances, or with immediately ceasing abuse or abusing, and things of that nature.

I believe that it is manly to know when to ask for help, and when to help One's self.

Not that I agree with it. I think it would be cool if he'd go hang out with some men. Then maybe they'll teach him that it's okay to listen patiently when I wake him up at 2AM because I can't sleep and I want to talk. Instead he'd holler - it's 2AM woman! Call your girlfriend so I can go back to sleep! He truly believes if he talks about "feelings" when we're not fighting he will lose his man-card.

I don't have a "man card." I think it got burned about the same time you broads, er, I mean "Dame's," were burning your brassiere's.. Yeah, that's the last thing the world needed; a bunch of ugly broads telling me that they didn't want to sleep with me. Well, who was asking them anyway???

I do think it manly to listen to and openly communicate with your significant other; even when the topic is unimportant (to you) or even droll. A Man does the unpleasant without ever complaining; he endures the unendurable.

[Trying a Mens Group]

Because Real Men don't eat quiche. I think it's rule number six in the man book.

You and the Author of "The Man Book" are formally invited to meet me outside my house. Bring anything you want; wear anything you want. I'll even let you take the first swing. You might (and likely won't) make contact with your first swing, but I'll let you swing first.

Then after I eat some Quiche I'll come back outside and pick you up out of the dirt, dust you off, and sit you down to tell you what it is, really, to be a man.