Disciples of Hate
Close to home, close to the bone...25 total reviews
Comment from Scarbrems
Can I get an Ay-Men! Oh, this was so spot-on. I've not seen the piece you describe here, but have seen it in a million different forms. Vive la difference, as long as it is somewhere else. Don't pay a penny of your hard-earned cash to help another. Your teeth fall out if you have a National Health Service. Oh, yes, I'm familiar with that type of thing.
Wish it was confined to America and Americans, but sadly not. Sigh. Still, you and those who think like you give me hope.
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2016
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Can I get an Ay-Men! Oh, this was so spot-on. I've not seen the piece you describe here, but have seen it in a million different forms. Vive la difference, as long as it is somewhere else. Don't pay a penny of your hard-earned cash to help another. Your teeth fall out if you have a National Health Service. Oh, yes, I'm familiar with that type of thing.
Wish it was confined to America and Americans, but sadly not. Sigh. Still, you and those who think like you give me hope.
Comment Written 01-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2016
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Thanks, Emma.
Sometimes we forget that 'those people' are all around us.
Steve
Comment from rhymelord
Dear Steve,
Firstly, this is extremely good prose. You make your points succinctly in straightforward language and I totally agree with the points you are making. What scares me is the fact that several of the totally intolerable factors you mentioned are included in my satirical poem "The Candidate", of which Trump is the focus and which does refer to the "thirties" and the other matters of walls etc.. I hope and trust that there has not been some awful error of interpretation of my work and I would be very much obliged if you could reassure me on that point. If I am not the culprit I would be very much interested in the offending work, which, if you read mine, you will realise has distinct parallels to your described piece. I realise that you may be loth to publicly say who or what and, if so, maybe you could email me at "regthomas@bigpond.com". I hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
Reg
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2016
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Dear Steve,
Firstly, this is extremely good prose. You make your points succinctly in straightforward language and I totally agree with the points you are making. What scares me is the fact that several of the totally intolerable factors you mentioned are included in my satirical poem "The Candidate", of which Trump is the focus and which does refer to the "thirties" and the other matters of walls etc.. I hope and trust that there has not been some awful error of interpretation of my work and I would be very much obliged if you could reassure me on that point. If I am not the culprit I would be very much interested in the offending work, which, if you read mine, you will realise has distinct parallels to your described piece. I realise that you may be loth to publicly say who or what and, if so, maybe you could email me at "regthomas@bigpond.com". I hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
Reg
Comment Written 01-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2016
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Reg, no need to worry. I hope I can still recognise a piece of satire and distinguish it from a sincere rant. I've take a quick peek at your poem and will re-visit it later. Trust me, there is nothing funny about the other diatribe.
I have made a decision not to direct people to the post in question, for a couple of reasons - anyway, it might be out of my hands - I can't see the account any more so it may be disabled - unless the person has muted me - a possibility but unlikely, I believe.
Good to hear from you and see your little piece of Trumpery - keep up the good work. Iowa tomorrow will be the first to show how seriously this madness is being taken. Several reviewers have indicated they might migrate our way if he makes the White House.
Steve
Comment from Just2Write
I must have missed the 'other' post. It's probably best I did. The comparators to another 'leader' from the 1930's is unmistakable, and look how long, and how much human suffering took place before the rest of the world could stop that ball once it got rolling? I love America - I do. But, like a bigger brother that has developed a mental illness. And, as I would hope for a troubled brother - I'm hoping that he sees that there is more to the world than what he can see from his isolated house, and that as with any person with a dangerous mind set, I'm hoping he will curtail his love affair with guns. I'm not a subscriber to any named faith, either, Steve. But I do believe that every man, woman and child has a right to believe as they wish - as long as they don't push that belief down other's throats.
God, bless America seems rather pompous these days because It seems more and more like an order, and not a request. God was placing blessings long before there was a nation called America. It is not now, and never will be the place most favoured by God. God created the Heavens and the earth. He created no nations.
Mostly the US is filled with wonderful people, but goodness, sometimes a little humility can go a long way.
Lock the doors and bar the windows? Works great for those who live in an asylum.
Good for you for speaking up, Steve.
Rose
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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I must have missed the 'other' post. It's probably best I did. The comparators to another 'leader' from the 1930's is unmistakable, and look how long, and how much human suffering took place before the rest of the world could stop that ball once it got rolling? I love America - I do. But, like a bigger brother that has developed a mental illness. And, as I would hope for a troubled brother - I'm hoping that he sees that there is more to the world than what he can see from his isolated house, and that as with any person with a dangerous mind set, I'm hoping he will curtail his love affair with guns. I'm not a subscriber to any named faith, either, Steve. But I do believe that every man, woman and child has a right to believe as they wish - as long as they don't push that belief down other's throats.
God, bless America seems rather pompous these days because It seems more and more like an order, and not a request. God was placing blessings long before there was a nation called America. It is not now, and never will be the place most favoured by God. God created the Heavens and the earth. He created no nations.
Mostly the US is filled with wonderful people, but goodness, sometimes a little humility can go a long way.
Lock the doors and bar the windows? Works great for those who live in an asylum.
Good for you for speaking up, Steve.
Rose
Comment Written 31-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Rose, thanks for the lovely supportive review. I can understand one person being troubled and distressed enough to come up with a piece like this, but what bothered me most was the 'disciples', the ones who now showed themselves in their reviews to be supportive and even to take the argument further.
I like you analogy of the mentally disturbed big brother - could be material there for a poem or prose piece?
As for God Bless America - we Kiwis have long called our home Godzone = God's own country - just a little bit presumptive!
Steve
Comment from humpwhistle
I haven't read the piece you speak of, Steve, but I don't think it's necessary. Though I would like to know the identity of the author--just so I can keep my distance.
You state your case rationally, and eloquently. Religion isn't the problem, it's intolerance. And I doubt our historians or anthropologists can pinpoint any era in human history when religion-based mayhem didn't exist.
So far, I've dismissed Trump as an ill-mannered novelty. But I'm getting some twinges of concern. Still, I believe all the Americans who claim to support him actually will. But if they do, make room for me in New Zealand.
Peace,
Lee
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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I haven't read the piece you speak of, Steve, but I don't think it's necessary. Though I would like to know the identity of the author--just so I can keep my distance.
You state your case rationally, and eloquently. Religion isn't the problem, it's intolerance. And I doubt our historians or anthropologists can pinpoint any era in human history when religion-based mayhem didn't exist.
So far, I've dismissed Trump as an ill-mannered novelty. But I'm getting some twinges of concern. Still, I believe all the Americans who claim to support him actually will. But if they do, make room for me in New Zealand.
Peace,
Lee
Comment Written 30-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Thanks, Lee.
I'm avoiding trouble by keeping the identity of the piece under wraps for now. The author, I believe, is already in some strife for giving nonsensical reviews - I hear a rumour about Final Warning.
You are the third reviewer to hint they may emigrate here - one compared it to 1930s Germany! We may have to put up the Full House sign, which is what our author says America must do...
Steve
Comment from Dean Kuch
Donald Trump sold out his own Spring Football League, the USFL, while acting as the league's Commissioner. He sued the NFL by staging some hokus-pocus court case which accused the NFL of being a monopoly in the fall. The league won its suit, but was only awarded one measly dollar. The USFL would always be considered 'small potatoes' by Trump, and in his greedy desire to own his own football franchise, Trump decided he too wanted to move "his" league to the fall to compete against the bigger NFL. His thoughts; that the league would absorb the better teams in the league after it folded.
This man can't even operate a second rate football league in the spring, but people are going to trust him to run their country?
Incredible...
There is no place for bigotry, racial hatred, and/or ignorance in our lives, mu h less society as w whole.
This was very well written, Steve, and you raise several great points out throughout.
Dean Kuch
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Donald Trump sold out his own Spring Football League, the USFL, while acting as the league's Commissioner. He sued the NFL by staging some hokus-pocus court case which accused the NFL of being a monopoly in the fall. The league won its suit, but was only awarded one measly dollar. The USFL would always be considered 'small potatoes' by Trump, and in his greedy desire to own his own football franchise, Trump decided he too wanted to move "his" league to the fall to compete against the bigger NFL. His thoughts; that the league would absorb the better teams in the league after it folded.
This man can't even operate a second rate football league in the spring, but people are going to trust him to run their country?
Incredible...
There is no place for bigotry, racial hatred, and/or ignorance in our lives, mu h less society as w whole.
This was very well written, Steve, and you raise several great points out throughout.
Dean Kuch
Comment Written 30-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Thanks, Dean.
The man is a fool, and an unprincipled fool. Which makes it all the more puzzling that he garners so much support. And that's really the point of my post - who knew thaat there were so many FanStorians eager to jump on the bandwagon? it's downright scary.
I have had several reviewers express interest in immigrating to New Zealand if he is elected, with one even comparing it to 1930s Germany...
Steve
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If Trump's elected, Steve (and I doubt very seriously that he will be)., comparisons to 1930s Germany wouldn't be too far off, I'm afraid...
~Dean
Comment from nancy_e_davis
Third try. I have not seen the post you are referring to Steve and it is hard to believe someone can foster enough hate to make such a statement.
(He suggested that the poor in Ireland should sell their babies to be eaten, thus, at a stroke, boosting the economy AND providing extra food in a time of hardship AND reducing over-population.) Nope, no sign that this is anything other than the author's genuine feelings.
What was the post. I want to read it. Good job Nancy
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Third try. I have not seen the post you are referring to Steve and it is hard to believe someone can foster enough hate to make such a statement.
(He suggested that the poor in Ireland should sell their babies to be eaten, thus, at a stroke, boosting the economy AND providing extra food in a time of hardship AND reducing over-population.) Nope, no sign that this is anything other than the author's genuine feelings.
What was the post. I want to read it. Good job Nancy
Comment Written 30-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Thanks, Nancy. I'm not sure from this whether you realise that the quote you have pulled out was my example of a piece of satire - it is not from the post in question which seems more serious.
I am choosing not to direct people to the piece I was referring to. I was disturbed more by the reviews that it got than the writing itself. That's really my point, that there are many members here who subscribe to quite extreme views and it doesn't take much to fire them up.
Steve
Comment from mountainwriter49
Good Morning, Steve,
I have to wonder which post you're talking about. I did a quick look but couldn't find it.
I'm older than dirt and have been involved in local government management for a long, long time. I majored in politics and history in undergrad and administration in grad school. Thus, I've been a close follower of American politics and with that knowledge blended with the study of world history, I can truly say this current period scares the hell out of me. I tell my friends we've not seen such an unsettled state of affairs, either nationally or internationally since September 1939. Your posting of der Führer's image is most apt, yet chilling.
Would you PM me the name of the post about which you are writing?
I also thought of Neimöller's poem, "And Then They Came For Me." It's good to call out people that act out of hatred.
Well done.
-Ray
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Good Morning, Steve,
I have to wonder which post you're talking about. I did a quick look but couldn't find it.
I'm older than dirt and have been involved in local government management for a long, long time. I majored in politics and history in undergrad and administration in grad school. Thus, I've been a close follower of American politics and with that knowledge blended with the study of world history, I can truly say this current period scares the hell out of me. I tell my friends we've not seen such an unsettled state of affairs, either nationally or internationally since September 1939. Your posting of der Führer's image is most apt, yet chilling.
Would you PM me the name of the post about which you are writing?
I also thought of Neimöller's poem, "And Then They Came For Me." It's good to call out people that act out of hatred.
Well done.
-Ray
Comment Written 30-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Thanks, ray for this thoughtful response. 'And then they came for me' has been on my mind as well. There really does seem to have been a change in the balance of things, and I believe terrorism has been much more effective in its influence on hearts and minds than most people give it credit for. It is a 'climate' changer and this was particularly apparent in the reviews I was reading.
A few people have asked for the name of the piece that stirred me up so much and I have chosen not to direct them to it. I was really more disturbed by the responses to it than by the post itself. I can understand an individual having such ideas. Most of it was focused on building walls and keeping 'them' out, although the ending was more violent in nature. The writer is also one who has been under pressure lately because of the nature of their reviews and probably deserves a chance to make amends. however, if you are really keen to know, drop me a message.
Steve
Comment from Tessa Kay
Someone once said we have just enough religion to hat, but not enough to love. I can see why people can be scared, but it's no reason to step over to paranoia.
You're absolutely right, I don't know either how you can have such hateful attitudes and call yourself a Christian. God is not partial, Jesus isn't, and the ones that are, simply aren't Christians, no matter what they say.
Well done for speaking out. :)
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Someone once said we have just enough religion to hat, but not enough to love. I can see why people can be scared, but it's no reason to step over to paranoia.
You're absolutely right, I don't know either how you can have such hateful attitudes and call yourself a Christian. God is not partial, Jesus isn't, and the ones that are, simply aren't Christians, no matter what they say.
Well done for speaking out. :)
Comment Written 30-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Thanks, Tessa.
yes, this is one of the disturbing things that people can believe themselves to be Christians while their words and deed show that it's far from the case.
Steve
Comment from I am Cat
It is a lovely day today. I sit here in comfort, looking out at a sun-soaked rural scene. The birds are singing in the trees visible from my window and a gentle breeze keeps me cool. I am curiously depressed.
After Pm'ing you last night about this, talking to you, reading the piece... curiously, I had the same feeling. I'm feeling a bit more optimistic this morning...
We can do this... right?
just say yes, I'll nod my head, smile and carry on. ;)
Your good, kind heart is what makes gives this place all the best of what it is... don't let this change you and neither will I. deal?
moving right along.
(well said)
reply by the author on 30-Jan-2016
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It is a lovely day today. I sit here in comfort, looking out at a sun-soaked rural scene. The birds are singing in the trees visible from my window and a gentle breeze keeps me cool. I am curiously depressed.
After Pm'ing you last night about this, talking to you, reading the piece... curiously, I had the same feeling. I'm feeling a bit more optimistic this morning...
We can do this... right?
just say yes, I'll nod my head, smile and carry on. ;)
Your good, kind heart is what makes gives this place all the best of what it is... don't let this change you and neither will I. deal?
moving right along.
(well said)
Comment Written 30-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 30-Jan-2016
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Yes!
New day...
Steve
Comment from Adri7enne
The voice of reason amidst the chaos. It's good to make us question our attitudes toward people of other cultures and other faiths. It's so easy to be angry and fearful, but in many cases, that's just falling in with the prevalent thought of the moment. Most people are unconscious.
Now you have me so curious, I'll have to hunt down that rant. I'll probably have to do some meditating to get it out of my system.
Always a pleasure to read an intelligent, considered POV. Well done, Steve.
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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The voice of reason amidst the chaos. It's good to make us question our attitudes toward people of other cultures and other faiths. It's so easy to be angry and fearful, but in many cases, that's just falling in with the prevalent thought of the moment. Most people are unconscious.
Now you have me so curious, I'll have to hunt down that rant. I'll probably have to do some meditating to get it out of my system.
Always a pleasure to read an intelligent, considered POV. Well done, Steve.
Comment Written 30-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Adrienne, thanks very much for the flattering words 'intelligent, voice of reason, Oh my!)
I believe that terrorism is much to blame - the anger and fear you mention is caused by what's happening in the world. For those who are naturally suspicious and distrustful, it is enough to tip them over the edge.
Steve
