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Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Breath Held...

 

People are waiting to see what the shift to the right means for the fight against HIV & the non-hetero situation.  It isn't just in the US.  Many countries are digging their heels into conservative hatred, while others are testing the waters.  The world was never a nice place & the ugliness was just waiting for a chance to poke it's head back up.  

There are few "good" people in the world.  Most of those that would consider themselves good aren't.  They're just naive idealist that have never been pushed or tested.  Fortunately, there aren't that many really horrible people out there either.  Most people are self concerned & apathetic to the point of letting the world burn.  They either won't care or won't accept any responsibility for the matter.  Choosing nothing is still a choice.

For now, matters concerning HIV & Gays, is a wait & see game.  Then the fight will come again.  The battles may come & go, but the war will never end.

Take care.

Cya...

Friday, August 4, 2023

There's A Word For This...

 

So much of the last few years can be viewed the same.  From the behavior of politicians, the courts, idiots with guns, the police...  From the actions of companies like Netflix, movie makers or nations like Russia, there's words for this.  Alleged parent's groups want a stranglehold on everything.  Lately the weather has fallen into this category & my roomie likes a word for this, "Disrespectful."

That's the problem with almost everything these days, everything is disrespectful.  Politicians & courts screw the people.  Idiots with guns & the police revel in violence then whine when they're questioned.  Companies piss on us & tell us it's needed rain.  Anti abortion groups are willing to screw HIV funding to allegedly strike down abortion & trans.  Countries around the world only thrive on destruction.

At least those things could be helped.  Most likely, they won't be, but they could be.  The weather could've been helped a decade ago.  I'm not so sure now.  Enjoy the shitty, disrespectful world we made. 

Cya...

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Florida...

 

I had an uncle who lived in Orlando.  When I was younger, I loved going there.  Florida was so different than Oklahoma.  It  had beaches, places to see wildlife we didn't have & of course Disney World.  I loved that  place  as a kid.   I don't know if I was too young to see the real Florida or if the state  did a hateful pivot when I got older.  Now they're like an angrier, more billegerant Oklahoma turned up to 11.  

They have Oklahoma's worst traits amplified; bad weather, humidity,  hateful republicans, angry religious people, backwards policies, etc...  The beaches have  gone to seed due  to  pollution & climate change.  The theme parks are too expensive.  I'm over my fascination with their wildlife.  It may be the worst state to be HIV+.  It's among the worse for COVID.  It's probably all going to be underwater  in 20 years.

Radically, conservative christians & republicans have slaughtered the dream of Florida.  Then replaced it with a nightmare reality.  Every radical republican & religious nut should be forced to march them & never leave.  It's no surprise hateful politicians, TV slobs & rappers love the place.

Sometimes I wish Disney was wrong & it wasn't a small world.  I'd really like more space between those people & myself.  Take care.

Cya...

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Trump, Abortion & HIV Research...


President Dickwad Trump sided with the conservative, christian, "pro-life" zealots.  He has shut down funding for any research using fetal tissues gathered from abortions.  He may have ended HIV research as we know it.  But hey, he gave those crazy, religious nuts a win.    

Here's an article over it, there are a lot more.  May every person who feels their ideology gives them the right to interfere in the health, welfare or liberties of others get the worst disease ever.  Yes, I am now to wishing a pox on this asshats.

Great morning so far.  Take care.

Cya...

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Stigma, Fear & Belief...



For as long as people have known about HIV, they've feared it.   That terror led to bad decisions & reactions.  It caused a panic & created stigma around a health issue.  Instead of being treated like a virus, it was likened to a "holy plague" on the immoral & unworthy.  

Articles come out often about some religious zealot or scam artist promoting a religious approach to handling the illness.  From basic prayer to concoctions containing pesticides.  Some of these potions are just "blessed" water, others are bogus, while still some are poisonous.  All of them are highly dangerous, because these church & political efforts lead people away from actual medical treatment.  This will only lead to sickness, death & the further spread of HIV.

Laying on hands, prayer or holy ointments won't cure HIV.  Nothing currently known will.    Be aware, get tested & take your meds.   Education, testing & adherence to regimens are the things that are going to fight HIV.

Cya...

Saturday, October 21, 2017

More Over...




My post yesterday was about Georgia State Rep. Price  She asked if people living with HIV could be quarantined.  For her it was fine when + people were dropping like flies.  However, now that people  are living longer on meds, Rep Price feels scared.   BS!  She's not scared; she's angry, hateful & disgusting.    She hates + people, plain & simple.

Now articles covering this women & her bigotry are every where.  This is living with HIV in a Trump World.  That man is doing nothing to help in the fight against HIV.  He's actively destroying programs that could help.  Trump has sided with the virus.  His administration is  aiding & abetting the spread of HIV by ending programs, removing resources & ignoring surrounding issues like the opioid crisis in the US.

Conservatives, Republicans & religious zealots have made a bad situation far worse.  Every move they make exacerbates the matter.   This isn't some accidental side step.  This is a purposeful attack on those living with HIV & suffering from surrounding issues such as poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, discrimination, addiction, etc...

Fine, I'll say it, this administration is my definition of evil.

Cya...

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Follow Up...



After reading yesterday's post over there being few if any actual science-based articles from the U.S. lately, my roomie had a question.  She wondered why I didn't talk about why other parts of the world were still posting actual HIV research articles & we weren't.  

I can't easily find an empirical piece over this, but there's been a lot of conjecture.  Why aren't there more U.S, HIV articles, that's easy, conservatives.  These republicans are so bible-thumping, anti-science & hateful that empirical articles on the matter have all but ceased in the U.S.   These people are only interested in their own world view & ridiculous thoughts.  This isn't limited to HIV either, look at trade matters, climate issues, police violence, etc...

In parts of the world where articles & research monies are based on science & not ideological lunacy, HIV research articles continue unfettered.    As do pieces on world issues such as climate change. What happened to all the articles from the U.S.?   Those people calling themselves christians, republicans, conservative, etc,,, killed them. 

BTW, I'm aware some feel words like christian, republican & bible should be capitalized.  I chose not to give something credence or respect that gives me none in return.  When these people come to their senses & can be less hateful, maybe we'll have more than shame & stigma articles concerning HIV again.  

Cya...

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

A Different POV...



I said I'd just blog about the Orlando Shooting just once.  I haven't changed my mind on that.   But this article, isn't about the shooting.  It's about the level of stigma against being gay in Afghan & Muslim cultures.   It discusses how gays are treated in these places.  It tells of how some of these people would sooner kill themselves than let it be known they were gay. 

The shooting may have been by a man conflicted over his sexuality.    He may have been looking to cover his orientation via suicide by cop.    That doesn't really matter.  It illustrates how stigmatized being gay is in these cultures.    It shows the fear, anger & hatred these religions have against gay people.  

Some of these people would choose death over a life being gay,  They choose that due to fear, anger, shame & hatred.  These things their cultures & religions shove down their throats.  The actions these people take to end their lives are the direct results of their upbringings.  They were murdered by the faith & heritage.  

What a legacy.

Cya...

Monday, May 30, 2016

Preying On Prayer...




I read an article today about a "prophet" in Africa, claiming he can cure all illnesses, including HIV, via his television broadcasts.   Just pure & utter BS!  I'm not saying an active spiritual life can't help people through illness, but no amount of prayer is going to cure HIV.  If that was the case, the virus would've been dealt with a long time ago.

These alleged faith healers are scam artists & egomaniacs who all share a few things.  They all  love the attention & power their shows get them.  Then again, there's always the money, we can't forget the cash.   It's such a great motivator to prey on the weak, vulnerable & ill.  

There are so many people out there selling false hope.  It just leads to so much more misery & puts a lot of people's health in more danger.  These charlatans should be shot.  Let their prayers heal that.

Cya...

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

St Patrick's Day...

Today is the Emerald Day for many.  The day you might get pinched if you don't wear green.  Its also a good day to talk about perceptions.  

For many, probably most, this a holiday about green beer, corned beef & leprechauns.   For the more devoted, its about St Patrick casting out the snakes of Ireland.  For pagans, it just might be something  altogether different.

The snake wrangling legend isn't what it seems.  The problem is, no such reptile ever resided on the island.   The snakes in question, were a derogatory reference to followers of the beliefs present in Ireland before that Catholic came a calling. 

So, is this a light day of tomfoolery & feasting?    Is it a day of religious significance?  Or, is it a day indigenous people were driven out & persecuted?  

Historically, there were no snakes.  We know the Catholic missionary went to Ireland.  We know the church had little tolerance for anything not Catholic.  So, all 3 viewings of the holiday are correct.  There just weren't any reptiles moved out of Ireland.  Stories are almost always more complex than they seem.

Cya...

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Proud Of Their Stupid...

According to this article, a bunch of idiot Christians are going to infiltrate a pride event so they can do "god's"  work.  They think by doing this they can release the healing of HIV & AIDS.  They've hoisted both the crazy & stupid flags today.  The level of idiocy in this is just astounding.  

Cya...

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Religious BS...

This article talks about how Pentecostal pastors are encouraging + people to believe in their god & not medicine.  They are actively encouraging people not to take their medications.  IMO, these men are monsters.  

These pastors are charlatans that prey on the ill.  They are practicing medicine without a license.  They practice spiritual intimidation.  Their actions will lead to people dying.  They should be punished for murder.

I'll say it again, religion & medicine don't mix.  The mumbo-jumbo of the god-set con't handle the reality of science & feel threatened by it  Then these SOB's come along & try manipulate people's beliefs.   Hopefully Britain will prosecute all these jerks.

Cya...

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Another Day...

Not much going on here today.  I'm a bit lost for articles that aren't about things I haven't already covered, some repeatedly.  My area is beginning the process of recovery from the tornadoes.  It's something Oklahomans are accustomed to doing.  Twisters are just a fact of life in this area.

I'm sort of sick of the news, every time I turn it on it's about some sick religious or political bastard trying to make a name for piggish itself.  There have been stupids reasons given for the why the tornadoes happened.  Politicians don't want to support relief for the area unless they get their own agendas met.  Now, this morning, I read about some other religious nut jobs deciding to kill a British soldier in London.  

What I take away from this is easy, religion & politics are evil.

Cya...

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Knowing Is Half The Battle...




This graphic is taken from this article based on the CDC's recent HIV report in the US.  Guess what?  1980's cartoons were right, "Knowing is half the battle" or "Knowledge is Power."   Take your pick.   The point here is simple, the states with the darker colors have higher rates of HIV.  The darkness also corresponds with states that lack of a comprehensive sex education in the school systems.  

The states with educational requirements concerning sex ed & HIV/STD ed had lower rates of transmission. I guess that's just a coincidence.  I'm sure the Southerners will blame on the Gays, drug users & ethnics.

This is just another case where Bible Thumpers & other moral idiots  have damned people to ignorance, disease & death.  Religion & morals have been the drive behind the stigma surrounding HIV & sex.   They're  the reasons these things are so difficult for some people to talk about.  Until we remove the question of morality from the discussion, HIV will continue to flourish.

Thanks ever so much all you holier-than-thou shits.

Cya...

Monday, September 24, 2012

Pray Away...

For several years we've heard of churches praying away HIV.   This is BS!!!  This article talks about this ongoing religious hokum that's passing for genuine healing.   It's bad enough when these people claim to pray the gay away.  But when they start talking about curing HIV, cancer & the like via their chicanery it's downright cruel, deceiving & should always be criminal.

England has had people die over this crap.   These people get the virus "prayed" away & then are pressured to show their faith by ceasing all meds & treatment.  All will be well if you have faith.  BTW, if you don't have enough faith, you're going to die.  Either way the fake healer is off the hook.  These "healers" & their supporters should be shot.   Snake Oil sales are alive & well in the world.

If you are +, you need medical treatment & meds, not mumbo jumbo.  Even if these "healers" meant well,  if you follow their advice, they'll be fine & you could very well be dead.   It's simple, get tested.  If you're +, seek out treatment. 

Cya...

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Free For All...




The Vatican has called for an end to the HIV era.  They seek to eliminate the illness & the devastation it has wrought.   They feel a cure is in the near future & until then it should be free meds to all those infected.   Great, love the sentiment, but who's going to pay for that?

The Cardinal spoke about wanting cures & meds, but didn't discuss prevention.  At least not in any of the articles I found referencing today's announcement.   The church's previous stance on prevention has been abstinence & remaining faithful to the marriage bed.  It was hinted a while back that male prostitutes using condoms might not be a bad thing, because they could be protecting the welfare of their partners.  Albeit, the Vatican made sure everyone understood they weren't condoning the use of condoms.

If I get this right, everyone is supposed to be married, or abstain from sex, or get free meds & this will just clear up the mess.  Wow, that almost sounds Baptist, except for the free part.  Treatment without prevention will not stop HIV.   HIV has to be prevented & besides testing & educational outreach, condoms are the best hope available at this time.

Maybe one day, we'll be able to practice medicine & cure ailments without having to deal with so many people's agendas.  I know, wishful thinking.  

Cya...

Monday, November 14, 2011

Holiday Encroachment...

There are encroachers upon us.  I went to the store in mid October & there were already displays for Thanksgiving & Christmas starting to arrive.  It bothers me that we can't just enjoy one holiday at a time.  Let the pumpkins, ghost & goblins have their day, then the turkey & pilgrims, then the winter festivities.

Some one recently posted on Facebook how much it upset her that people take the Christ out Christmas by saying Happy Holidays.  So sorry to hear that, guess what, "Happy Holidays."  The winter season has a ton of holidays in it, many based off of one religion or another.  There's Saturnalia, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, a couple of Muslim Holidays, a whole host of celebrations/recognitions for Catholics/Orthodox, Yule, Solstice & a myriad of others.   So Happy Holidays would seem far more appropriate & inclusive than just Merry Christmas.  What I am supposed to say Happy Advent?  Or maybe the real Christian point is to be exclusive to the rest of the world like Mr. Garrison from Southpark.






I guess we won't even be able to enjoy Thanksgiving without Christmas butting in.  The stores have already started blasting us with holiday music.  These are a few that I got hit with today.   

Cya









Friday, July 22, 2011

Blah De Blah...

Lately life has been as inspirational for me as a bowl of oatmeal.  There are the same old rants about politics, religion & weather.  I am dead tired of those things & so annoyed with the heat it isn't funny.  I keep telling myself , that this too shall pass.  OK, get to passing, already.

The cats languish across the floor like nearly dead lions.  It takes a physical threat to get them to move.  They show no interest in anything.  The outdoor cats are even less active, if that is possible.

Now the news is filled with jack-asses too juvenile to talk to each & revolve their issues so that the whole US budget thing can get resolved.  They don't have to worry about it.  Their checks will keep coming, even if the government shuts down.  

I am sick of the religious folks screaming about the gays, the politicians acting like damned saints & me being so worn out from the heat that I don't feel like doing anything.

This too shall pass - my mantra isn't working so hot right now.


Cya

Sunday, April 3, 2011

I Can't Believe It, A Big One



This actually pretty amazing.  I'm not the person with the most stick-to-it-ness, but I have kept posting for three whole months.  For me this is an accomplishment.  I can start habits, but many of them don't stick, but so far I am right on track with this blog thing.


I have had good habits in the past but many of them have gone the way of the dinosaurs for some reason or another.  Some I just forgot & let go.  Others were no longer needed.  For over a decade I carried an over the shoulder soft briefcase/book bag.  It was my life, I had everything in there; my books, my notes, pens, pop, cigarettes & a ton more.  Once school was over though, it didn't serve as much use & it found itself relegated to a closet.  It had once been my most consistent accessory, then it was no longer needed & left to gather dust.


Threes are weird.  College classes usually came in three hour blocks, if they didn't it just felt weird.  A five hour class seemed like torture & an one hour class somehow felt like cheating.  They say bad things come in three's, I wonder if those three were the only ones we noticed.  Most people spend at least part of their lives in a familial three; theirs, their parents & their grandparents generations.  Eventually the parents get replace by child's & grandchild's generation, but the three remains.


For a lot of folks, the three leads to some form of religious thing.  The Christian trinity or the Triple Faced Goddess.  I'm not really into any organized religion or form of spirituality, as I have said before, I'm mostly pantheistic.  I never really got the hang up on threes, it's mostly a Greek thing, with body, mind & soul.  I think at one point it was probably based on the phases of the moon; waxing, full, waning.  However, they left one out, the dark of the moon.  So this whole religious thing should be based on fours not threes. There should be the Maiden, the Mother, the Crone & the Warrior.  Catholicism almost has it with the Father, Son, Holy Ghost & Mary, the Co-Redeemer.


Threes complicate things.  It's hard enough to choose right or left, but then some smart-ass has to come along & give us another option, like up or down.  Threes are just a hint at the complexity of our lives. One child, one child's perspective.  Two children equals two perspectives.  However three can equal three perspectives, one unified front or worse a two child block leaving out the third child.  No matter what else you can say about the number, three is complicated.


The number three is also a symbol for folly & or cautionary warnings.  Take the men above, we call them the Stooges.  They are portrayed doing stupid things that usually bring them harm.   Then there are the morally superior monkeys that neither, see, hear or speak evil.  There were three Wyrd Sisters to tempt Macbeth. But threes can also be a sign of strength, even for the Stooges.  Take Donald Duck in The Three Caballeros.  Another example is The Three Musketeers.


Regardless of your interpretation of the number, today is the marking of my three month anniversary of writing this blog. That's 90 days, 90 entries that I have actually done.  If you find this pathetic, that's fine, go ahead & laugh, but you're laughing at my post & I did that.  I wrote the post that made you, so be thankful.  You might not find anything else to laugh at today. No matter how you react to this post, I hope it moves you in some way.  If nothing else there is the paraphrased proverb, "The longest journey begins with a single step."  Thank you Lao-tzu for that.

Today is my three month anniversary, happiness & hoo-rahs to me.  It's a very happy un-anniversary to me, to me.  I hope you have a great day & maybe finish some little thing that gives you sense of accomplishment.