Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Education

Storms Destroy Much of Union University Campus

February 06, 2008 05:34 PM ET | Alison Go | Permanent Link | Print

Reader Comments

How many of us sat in church services and either heard from the pulpit or from other members that "God destroyed New Orleans"? How many of us somewhere deep inside blindedly accepted it a little?

I'm not here to argue about God's selective wrath,but I do know the world needs more understanding and compassion from those who follow God's Word. Especially toward those people and concepts who are foreign to us.

As a '93 Union Grad, big fan of New Orleans and a person deeply rooted in his faith, I prefer not to let Pat Robertson speak for or represent me. Let's make sure the folks out there hear and see the love, grace and compassion of Christ.

We have a tendency of "keeping the non-christians down" in some of our denominations and I can totally understand why someone would use this oportunity to take some shots as us. We often do the same thing when we are in the majority.

Paul, that ain't free speech, guy ...

Paul said: "For those who accuse me of having a poor attitude and take offense at my post ..."

Hey Paul, here's a thought: why don't you go post your troll-drivel somewhere that's actually discussing Pat Robertson!? You brought it up, and nobody here cares about that subject (well, maybe the one guy who said, "Amen" -- maybe you two could hook up?).

If anyone here really did want to discuss this you'd be getting real feedback, something besides, "Shut yer yap." I'd also bet that nobody here agrees with what Robertson said concerning that subject in the first place, so it's not like you're going to launch a vigorous debate; they're just here discussing what happened at UNION. So what's the point of yelling "fire" in a crowded theater, eh? Lonely?

Paul said, "Although it may be in danger, America still offers free speech, ie, the right to an opinion."

Paul, your politics are showing, better tuck in; and you didn't pay very good attention in history class, did you?

"Free speech", the common name for the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, has nothing to do with any blog or your "right to your opinion" or anything else related to this particular discussion. All "free speech" really means is that the U.S. GOVERNMENT cannot punish or imprison you for, or stop you from, saying/writing/expressing things. This amendment was intended to keep the gov't from harrassing the citizens and press. It was not intended to give you a license to offend people on a private message board. Dig?

I'll make it simpler for you; the mag IS called U.S. News <grin>, but does the United States Gov't run this blog? See any Federal Agents around here? Didn't think so. You see, your post, or mine, can be removed at the whim of the moderator; I just didn't want mine to stick around -- completely without context -- if yours were removed. That's all. Look right below the "Submit" button: "All comments are moderated ..."

So, before the bell rings let's see if we learned anything today, Paul: if your inflammatory post WERE removed from this blog, would that an example of infringing on your "free speech" rights? You get a cookie if you can answer that question correctly based on the information in the above two paragraphs, without resorting to utterly weak "book burning" agitprop.

Sigh. Why do people, even public personalities (perhaps especially public personalities), open mouth and insert foot about something they know is patently offensive, then get called to the carpet for it, and then loudly plead, "Free speech! Free speech! I've got Free Speech!" Nothing shows real ignorance quicker, in my opinion, than taking that route. But some folks must believe it, because it keeps happening.

Finally, Paul, saying you pray for the victims and families after interjecting this Pat Robertson slop -- as the first post, no less -- is rich indeed. You obviously have a major chip on your shoulder about Pat Robertson's statement, which is cool, but you want to stir it up here, after something bad happens like this, which is not cool. This is what the UTM student above meant when he or she said, "There is a time and a place ..."

My advice? Take it somewhere else -- go somewhere else to play. I promise you there are a practically limitless number of people who would love to discuss this subject with you if you'll just look for and find them. Good luck. Oh, and tell a couple of your friends what you learned about free speech, and hopefully they'll tell two friends, and so on, and so on ...

in response to the first comment

Job 2:11 says, "Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?"

God is good in everything He does, and we cannot begin to understand it. We should just be thankful He's given breath and life and many other good things to us.

"Think of this next time Pat Robertson and others like him start shrieking that God will bring natural disasters to the vilest sinners. -Responses to my opinion emphasize how rabid "some" people get when they hear an opinion contrary to theirs. Someone even sort of 'suggested' that my post be removed. Care to burn some books like some fascist governments have done while you're at it?"

Gee, seems like you're the only one getting rabid about someone with a differing opinion.

By the way, care to meet at Union's campus? Of course not you're merely MERELY a faceless gutless nothing with no life except for your computer, what a wimp. Those kids are blessed to be alive you jerk. If you got some weak response and want to meet face to face(I'm NOT hilding my breath) JUST NAME IT!

No but I WOULD care to meet you on the campus of Union - of course not you have no guts only weak faceless comments on a computer. You have no real opinion of your own or you would not have tp respond to Pat's comments - talk about someone getting rabit quickly - get a live if you don't agree with him way call names? It's because you're a wimp. Maybe the next twister will come your wal...

Union University

For those who accuse me of having a poor attitude and take offense at my post; might I respectfully suggest you go back and read it again? ALL OF IT again? You conveniently ignored the third paragraph I think.

Oh, this is not a religious publication and IS a place for OPINION. I respect your right to offer opinions. Please respect mine. Although it may be in danger, America still offers free speech, ie, the right to an opinion.

And AGAIN... my prayers go for the injured and their friends and families.

Responses to my opinion emphasize how rabid "some" people get when they hear an opinion contrary to theirs. Someone even sort of 'suggested' that my post be removed. Care to burn some books like some fascist governments have done while you're at it?

Find somewhere else.

Wow Paul,

The only thing I can think of to say to your comment is this:

There is a time and a place for everything and this is neither the time or the place. Find somewhere else to spew your hate while these innocent students try to put their lives back together and heal while worshiping in whatever way they choose. Let's instead focus on helping these young people get back on track to their education.

We'll sing of Your love forever!

Its just so crazy! This campus has always been there and now its all gone! The dorm that my mother lived is gone! All we can do is thank God for His amazing grace! His hand was upon the shoulder of every student and member of faculty that was affected!!!

UU is in my prayers!!

What type of aid is needed by the students at this time? With such a manage disaster on a campus, it is hard to know what is needed the most. Prayers are with you all.

Gracias a Dios están todos bien, los daños materiales se recuperan tarde o temprano.

Nuestra familia en Ecuador estamos felices que mi hermano Mario y su familia estén sanos y salvos y que no haya habido lesiones graves en los estudiantes.

Tengan fé y suerte con la reconstrucción de la universidad.

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