““If we resort for a criterion to the different principles on which different forms of government are established, we may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name on, a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure for a limited period, or during good behavior.”James Madison (Federalist No. 39)”
If the president is only a figure head then why do so many people complain that he’s not doing anything? After all, a figure head is designed to do nothing except “look pretty”.
The pope is not stepping down, he’s just stepping back. He’s keeping his name, he’s given himself the title of Pope Emeritus and will still be addressed as ‘his holiness’, he is going to live in a building behind the Vatican, he will still wear white garments, and the secretary of the Pope will be under the new Pope by day, and with Benedict/Joseph at night. He’s losing his ring and his red shoes and ducking the responsibilities of a church in scandal. Seems more like an infallible form of cowardice to me. Wonder what was in the 300 page report only he and the new pope will be allowed to see.This is one reason why I hope there is life after death. I want to see all of these people who do evil in the name of God explain themselves.I just hope God is loving like Jesus said he was; merciful and compassionate as Muslims say he is; and forgiving enough to judge people by the love they showed others rather than believing and following the cruel rules laid down by religious leaders of too many congregations/faiths. A love that doesn’t care if a person was unable to believe in God, as long as that person showed love, compassion, and charity to the lives around them. A God who doesn’t care if we believe in him, as long as we live a life He can believe in.As I think of Benedicts predecessor’s final days, bent over and racked with infirmaties, the excuse Benedict gives shows he shares one quality with Congress – an unwillingness to face the difficult choices that come with the office he has accepted.
I am a person of faith, although trying to explain it in conventional terms of religious institutions is difficult. Whatever. Knowing there are many Atheists as well as people of faith that post here, I read this article and found it really illuminating and thought provoking. It is written by a compassionate atheist (Bill Frezza) appealing for peace and understanding on this issue and some suggestions for a more peaceful compromise…
Okay, I’m breaking my rule. Ima, did you not even bother to read what David posted? You’re very convinced of your own intelligence, but over and over again you show your stupidity. Give it up.
For instance, Lyndon Johnson became president when Kennedy was killed, he won a full term, and he could have run for a second full term but decided not to. So this is not just theory, it was and is a real possibility.
i hope that this next year we will see that spending cuts from the poor and middle class is insane and toss out the idiots who only serve the real wealthy!
Replied to a post that you hadn’t read? Okay, if that’s your approach. You could have saved yourself from looking really foolish. But you don’t seem to care.
Mickey 13 about 11 years ago
One voice from the early days of our country:
““If we resort for a criterion to the different principles on which different forms of government are established, we may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name on, a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure for a limited period, or during good behavior.”James Madison (Federalist No. 39)”
Seems pretty clear to me.
Motivemagus about 11 years ago
ZING!
William Bednar Premium Member about 11 years ago
If the president is only a figure head then why do so many people complain that he’s not doing anything? After all, a figure head is designed to do nothing except “look pretty”.
chazandru about 11 years ago
The pope is not stepping down, he’s just stepping back. He’s keeping his name, he’s given himself the title of Pope Emeritus and will still be addressed as ‘his holiness’, he is going to live in a building behind the Vatican, he will still wear white garments, and the secretary of the Pope will be under the new Pope by day, and with Benedict/Joseph at night. He’s losing his ring and his red shoes and ducking the responsibilities of a church in scandal. Seems more like an infallible form of cowardice to me. Wonder what was in the 300 page report only he and the new pope will be allowed to see.This is one reason why I hope there is life after death. I want to see all of these people who do evil in the name of God explain themselves.I just hope God is loving like Jesus said he was; merciful and compassionate as Muslims say he is; and forgiving enough to judge people by the love they showed others rather than believing and following the cruel rules laid down by religious leaders of too many congregations/faiths. A love that doesn’t care if a person was unable to believe in God, as long as that person showed love, compassion, and charity to the lives around them. A God who doesn’t care if we believe in him, as long as we live a life He can believe in.As I think of Benedicts predecessor’s final days, bent over and racked with infirmaties, the excuse Benedict gives shows he shares one quality with Congress – an unwillingness to face the difficult choices that come with the office he has accepted.
Respectfully,C.
Mickey 13 about 11 years ago
I am a person of faith, although trying to explain it in conventional terms of religious institutions is difficult. Whatever. Knowing there are many Atheists as well as people of faith that post here, I read this article and found it really illuminating and thought provoking. It is written by a compassionate atheist (Bill Frezza) appealing for peace and understanding on this issue and some suggestions for a more peaceful compromise…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-frezza/toward-a-more-nuanced-und_b_2652982.html
Rickapolis about 11 years ago
Exactly. No honor. No integrity. Disgraceful.
lonecat about 11 years ago
Okay, I’m breaking my rule. Ima, did you not even bother to read what David posted? You’re very convinced of your own intelligence, but over and over again you show your stupidity. Give it up.
lonecat about 11 years ago
For instance, Lyndon Johnson became president when Kennedy was killed, he won a full term, and he could have run for a second full term but decided not to. So this is not just theory, it was and is a real possibility.
pam Miner about 11 years ago
i hope that this next year we will see that spending cuts from the poor and middle class is insane and toss out the idiots who only serve the real wealthy!
lonecat about 11 years ago
Replied to a post that you hadn’t read? Okay, if that’s your approach. You could have saved yourself from looking really foolish. But you don’t seem to care.
lonecat about 11 years ago
My bad. But it doesn’t seem to make a difference.