WHAT!!! You are against this trend Mr. Venlet?!?!

I would have thought that this type of activity would be completely consistent (and compatible) with your stated position regarding “labels”?

“Agnostic”—“Atheist”, “Liberal” – “Libertarian”, “Anarchist” – “Communist”—what’s the difference … right?

“Man”, “Adult”—Anyone with a brain will tell you that Men and Women are equal in all regards.

Thank the Goddess I’m just a “moron” (or an “idiot” according to Mr. Beck) and that “words” still maintain their meaning for me.

Evidently, Serpent, you thought wrong.

I do want to comprehend your position on the matter Mr. Venlet. I do get the sense that you genuinely meant something by it, and were not just trying to give me the run-around.

I thought about what you had said over the weekend, and given your nature I’m wondering if you weren’t implying something along the lines of:

Actions speak louder than words ... ?

But tell me, when you were a Soldier – a sub-mariner – you were a “Fatalist” back in those days – weren’t you Mr. Venlet?

I have never been a Fatalist, nor shall I ever be a Fatalist.

John Venlet: I have never been a Fatalist, nor shall I ever be a Fatalist.

How do you know (for certain) what your future holds Mr. Venlet?

And given your position regarding “labels” how do you know that You and I even mean the same thought when we refer to “Fate” (or Destiny)?

Here’s is a piece of “the evidence” that leads me to the conclusion that you were once (if not now) a Fatalist:

John Venlet: The sky is not falling, but if it does, throwing money at it, in an attempt to stop it, is preposterous.  It would be better to adopt a somewhat more cavalier attitude about this miniscule possibility.  For example.  I served on the 688 class submarine, the USS Los Angeles (SSN688). The boat had two watertight compartments, forward and aft.  At times, crewmembers would speak of what they would do if we were struck by a torpedo while operating at depth, or, some other catastrophic hull failure occurred.  As if.  Basically, the only option available, if such a catastrophe struck, was wishful thinking or rational thought.  The rational thought was, if this happens, bend over and kiss your ass goodbye.

[all emphasis added, mine]

No, no, no, Mr. Venlet, the proper response for a “free willer” is that you would use your magical powers to extricate yourself from that situation. 

Exactly as you would do if “God” (or TLOP if your prefer) decides to send a giant asteroid hurtling at the Earth. Bending over and kissing your ass goodbye is akin to acdepting your Fate, and as your clearly stated – YOU ARE NO FATALIST.

Just ask an Atheist/Materialist. “God” (or the laws of Physics) is (are) no match for your “free will”.

Look Mr. Venlet, I’m not here to bust your balls, or point out that you are “all wrong” about this or that. I’m here because it is my Destiny to be here. I’m here because guys like you and Mr. Kennedy are far closer to seeing the “big picture” than I think you realize. But if you don’t want to have this conversation you just let me know.

Serpent -

If you see the “big picture,” why don’t you just up and share it with us.  Or, if you prefer, with me.  My email address is readily available.

I’ve been trying to share it with you Mr. Venlet, but you haven’t been making it easy.

As for the email, that is a difficult “hack” at this “juncture”, and what’s worse, is that my “hard line” is about to be cut.

But I’ll tell you that “free will” and “the force” mix like oil and water. You aren’t going to be able to hold both in your head simultaneously.

I guess that’s why the email address is non-functional.

I have nothing to hide Mr. Venlet, which is precisely why I prefer to make all of my comments publicly (with multiple witnesses).

You start private emailing someone and the next thing you know they are claiming you told them all kinds of things which you never actually said.

"I have nothing to hide Mr. Venlet..."

Serpent - The above is a patently false statement.  You hide behind a pseudonym.

There’s nothing pseudo about it.

But if you don’t like my name (label) Mr. Venlet, perhaps you’d care to suggest another?

It isn’t that I don’t like the name “Serpent,” in fact I think it suits your style of lying in wait to comment, it’s just that the name is false, so you do have something to hide.

John Venlet: It isn’t that I don’t like the name “Serpent,” in fact I think it suits your style of lying in wait to comment …

What … no mention of my venomous nature?

John Venlet: … it’s just that the name is false, so you do have something to hide.

What makes you assume that my name (label) is any more false than yours?

It’s just a label right? And one label is as good as the next?

I gave up hiding behind my momma’s skirts long ago.

Ohh Mr. Venlet you have misjudged.

I’m not hiding behind Mamma.

... quite the contrary.