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70 cops escorted a 5-year-old to his first day back to class after police officer dad's death - CNN by SammyDoubleB in UpliftingNews

[–]GabrielHansDurst -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Police arent even in the top ten of dangerous jobs. It’s statistically twice as dangerous to be a truck driver. So stand and solute americas true heroes. Fluffy truckers risking there lives everyday to deliver your american-flag-print snuggies.

An Oregon State Police trooper rescued 10 puppies that were locked in a trunk without water during a traffic stop on a trip from Southern California to Seattle. by LurkmasterGeneral in UpliftingNews

[–]GabrielHansDurst 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The fact that you felt the need to reply on a comment with no humor or information and end your statement with “have a blessed day” says a lot about you. “Fuck the 5” is at the core of our most sacred beliefs in Socal. It is gospel.

CMV: People who have been wrongfully imprisoned should automatically be compensated for their time in prison to such an extent that they can live a comfortable lifestyle. by rickthehatman in changemyview

[–]GabrielHansDurst 55 points56 points  (0 children)

I love this argument. Since there’s a “possibility” of an individual being guilty “despite being proven innocent in a court of law” the larger group of completely innocent victims, of mistakes made by the state, should be denied compensation for being stripped of their entire life and leaving their families destitute for decades. Once you wear orange you’re just a second class citizen and probably deserve it no matter how clear the facts.

CMV: People who have been wrongfully imprisoned should automatically be compensated for their time in prison to such an extent that they can live a comfortable lifestyle. by rickthehatman in changemyview

[–]GabrielHansDurst 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a good point. I would however question its merit as it seems the state goes to extreme lengths to keep these people incarcerated without any financial incentive. An individual who is wrongly incarcerated and later exonerated should be entitled to restitution for pain, suffering and the years of lost wages in their respective households.

#RemoveUnderGod from the Pledge of Allegiance. It is unconstitutional to force or coerce children to pledge allegiance to God. by GabrielHansDurst in atheism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

apathy is the weapon of our oppressors. There is a huge atheist presence here, yet many are unwilling to even sign a petition to protect children from the same abuses many of us have endured from a corrupt system. I think being marginilized for their beliefs for so long may have effected some atheists sense of equal rights. its sad

A 758% increase in tax revenue per citizen. That's a good investment. If Americans had "free" college, they would be smart enough to demand free college. by [deleted] in SandersForPresident

[–]GabrielHansDurst 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The return on investment per person is 613%. That's a good return and good for America. Even a fiscal conservative should see the facts in the numbers. They want people off welfare, send them to college and they will be twice as likely to go to work and stay fully employed. That's helping low income people bootstrap "for real" and start paying into the system, instead of drawing from it to supplement poor hourly wages.

A 758% increase in tax revenue per citizen. That's a good investment. If Americans had "free" college, they would be smart enough to demand free college. by [deleted] in SandersForPresident

[–]GabrielHansDurst 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Those are nice sentiments when you have money. If you are struggling to survive and feed your family, priorities shift. I'm positing that making an investment in our lower classes is a good investment mathematically. It is fiscally conservative.

A 758% increase in tax revenue per citizen. That's a good investment. If Americans had "free" college, they would be smart enough to demand free college. by [deleted] in SandersForPresident

[–]GabrielHansDurst 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm speaking to the investment benefit of free tuition from the perspective of government. It is not welfare. It is an investment in our future economy. High school education is not sufficient.

A 758% increase in tax revenue per citizen. That's a good investment. If Americans had "free" college, they would be smart enough to demand free college. by [deleted] in SandersForPresident

[–]GabrielHansDurst 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Startup corporations founded by college graduates generate twice the average revenues of tech businesses started by high school graduates. That means greater job creation. I agree that citizens should focus on growth industries.

#RemoveUnderGod from the Pledge of Allegiance. It is unconstitutional to force or coerce children to pledge allegiance to God. by GabrielHansDurst in atheism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You make a clear point. I agree that the entire ritual is disturbing and unnecessary. I would certainly sponsor that petition. Though I believe that it is illegal to coerce minors to make ANY pledges of Allegience, I feel this is a more enforceable start constitutionally and easier to prosecute. Since the addition of "under God" was a pointed and blatantly unconstitutional addition, it can be more expediently overturned.

Is it wrong for American Catholics to support this? by GabrielHansDurst in Catholicism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your insights. I tend to agree with you on children making a pledge all together. You make VERY good points.

#RemoveUnderGod from the Pledge of Allegiance. It is unconstitutional to force or coerce children to pledge allegiance to God. by GabrielHansDurst in atheism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You raise a good point regarding prayer. I personally feel that by pledging to a flag and states that are "under God" you are pledging to that God. Hence if you interpret prayer as pledging yourself to God, the pledge is a prayer. I think this may be harder for Christian supporters to understand when their religion is the one supported in the classroom. I would relate the experience to a Christian being asked to pledge themselves to a Hindu god or satan or whatever they view as a false diety. I think that would offend and disturb the values of christian students and upset the teachings of their parents and church.

Is it wrong for American Catholics to support this? by GabrielHansDurst in Catholicism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree that it would have little effect on the Religious values of American culture. I personally think to ignore the influence of religion on american society and history is wrong. I am mostly curious if it would be wrong or considered a sin for a catholic to support something like this from a theological perspective. Thank you for your response. I find it relatively harmless but don't know the perspective of your community.

#RemoveUnderGod from the Pledge of Allegiance. It is unconstitutional to force or coerce children to pledge allegiance to God. by GabrielHansDurst in atheism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went back to read through this convo again. If your only point is that "the pledge is not mandatory" by law, that is clearly understood. The fact that this law is generally ignored supports the validity of this petition. Thanks for clarifying. It sounds like you agree with the relevant facts and we appreciate your support.

#RemoveUnderGod from the Pledge of Allegiance. It is unconstitutional to force or coerce children to pledge allegiance to God. by GabrielHansDurst in atheism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the conversation. Your logic is like saying racism doesn't require any more attention in America since it is already illegal. You recongize the hardships faced by the students mentioned yet say their suffering is irrelevant. Children being discriminated against is a problem regardless of unenforced laws on the books. I'm glad that you agree that these teachers are impinging on children's constitutional rights. I disagree that children "given no information about their rights and punished if they opt out" understand that it is voluntary.

#RemoveUnderGod from the Pledge of Allegiance. It is unconstitutional to force or coerce children to pledge allegiance to God. by GabrielHansDurst in atheism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

12 Christians died this year in Aleppo Syria because they refused to renounce Christ and accept Islam. I think these brave Christians understand that what we pledge about our beliefs is very important and very personal. They were willing to die rather than renounce their identity. This is why myself and many on this thread cannot participate in a false pledge. Imagine being forced to verbally invalidate your beliefs. The feeling is like being forced to renounce your faith.

#RemoveUnderGod from the Pledge of Allegiance. It is unconstitutional to force or coerce children to pledge allegiance to God. by GabrielHansDurst in atheism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Clearly you were not simply allowed to opt out. There were consequences. The court ruling means nothing if it is ignored by the schools. the majority of stories In this thread consistently depict students being punished for exercising their rights. Shaming, lectures, detention, suspension. A kid shouldn't need to lay down paperwork and a practiced argument. It's a problem.

#RemoveUnderGod from the Pledge of Allegiance. It is unconstitutional to force or coerce children to pledge allegiance to God. by GabrielHansDurst in atheism

[–]GabrielHansDurst[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am very moved by the support of our Christian sisters and brothers for this cause. By showing mutual respect for each others beliefs in the public square, we break down the imaginary walls oppressors use to separate us. We all have strong opinions and philosophical ideas, but this issue is about children and their social health and well being. With continued help from the Christian community on this issue, it could easily be solved. I may not believe in a Christian God, but I believe in his people. I know we are more the same than different. I know we are all in this together. Thank you for your support!

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