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oraxx's avatar

The words Jesus, Christianity and Bible are no where to be found in the Constitution. The Declaration of Independence is not law. Article VI of our foundational document specifically bans religious tests for holding office in the United States. Article VI predates the Bill of Rights, and that speaks directly to how the framers of the Constitution felt about the issue. Americans enjoy as much religious freedom as can be found on earth, and yet being free to worship as they choose is not enough for conservative Christians. They never stop trying to write their sense of privilege into law and force their supernatural delusions on everyone.

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josephebacon's avatar

Not according to Xtian David Barton who gladfully rewrites history just like Communists did in the USSR

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oraxx's avatar

Fortunately for Barton, there is no legal description for a historian as he lacks the educational credentials to teach American history at the grade school level. He may as well be calling himself an astronaut. No university that cared about their accreditation would hire Barton to teach anything.

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Joe King's avatar

Small comfort. State school boards in red states are hiring him to write the history curriculum for them.

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Stephen Brady's avatar

And they have hit upon this game of Dominionist Wak-a-Mole to 'flood the zone'. One of their fever dreams is to get one of these things before the SCOTUS they bought and paid for and have the Country declared CHRISTIAN after all.

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Maltnothops's avatar

And once the US is declared Christian, they can start up the True Christian wars and kill each other for a generation or two. I plan to sit that one out.

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Richard S. Russell's avatar

“So far as I can remember, there is not one word in the Gospels in praise of intelligence.”

—Bertrand Russell, English mathematician, philosopher, and peace activist

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Matri's avatar

The opposite, in fact.

Don’t forget, Adam & Eve ate from the Tree Of Knowledge and then God threw a Trump Tantrum and kicked them out.

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Maltnothops's avatar

“I’m not a big fan of knowledge. The knowledgeable don’t like Trump so I don’t like them. Don’t like them. A lot of people are saying that knowledge is overrated. No one overrates Trump. What does that tell you about knowledge?”

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Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz's avatar

"The words Jesus, Christianity and Bible are no where to be found in the Constitution. "

They are, you just need to use it like a Word Jumble.

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Kay-El's avatar

Or piece it together like a ransom note.

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RegularJoe's avatar

Nor is "God". 🫡

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Troublesh00ter's avatar

It was bad enough when Oklahoma decided to declare that Christ is King. Now the Alabama of the North has decided to follow suit, following the same skewed logic and other lack of respect for State / Church separation. As with the Sooner State, Indiana legislators clearly need to be reminded of The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, and the secular nature of their government.

In a wider sense, this really shows the level of desperation that some Christians are having an attempting to superimpose their beliefs on to the government. This wants attention, and a lot of it.

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Sko Hayes's avatar

Maybe we should remind them that Jesus said to love everyone like you loved him. Even trans people and gay married couples.

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Troublesh00ter's avatar

Oh, but empathy and compassion are no-nos among evangelical Christians these days. It genuinely astonishes me to say that.

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Kay-El's avatar

Exactly. Any instances that you’d think would allow for that is now a “nuh uh, you’re a sinner and your circumstances are due to sin, you get what you deserve”. 🙄

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Rhiannon's avatar

Prosperity gospel at its finest. But hey, by their own book they're going to rot in hell anyways (something about rich men, camels, and needles?).

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Sko Hayes's avatar

My brother became "born again" in college in the late 70s. He even went to a seminary and got a Masters in theology so he could become a pastor (then reality hit and he spent his career as a researcher in pharmaceuticals).

Very conservative for the most part, probably wouldn't vote for a Democrat if his life depended on it ( we don't talk about politics. He seems pretty disgusted with today's MAGA version of Christianity.

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cdbunch's avatar

My father says "I didn't leave the Republican Party. It left me."

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Maltnothops's avatar

I say the same thing. At this point, I remain a registered Republican so I can vote against the worst of the worst. Not that it does much good.

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Maltnothops's avatar

It does not astonish me. I say, “how Christian of them!”

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ericc's avatar

Indiana must be increasingly on the alert to prevent Oklahoma taking over other performative Christianity, in order to attract more right-wingers than we do. Thus, knocking us out of these superior numbers! Mr. Governor, we must not allow a performance Christianity gap!

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Troublesh00ter's avatar

A big thumbs up for the skewed Doctor Strangelove reference!

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NOGODZ20's avatar

They talk about the Founders without realizing that there are only 7 Key Founders. That is, the ones who had the biggest hand in shaping our secular government.

5 were Deists (George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison). 1 was a Christian when it was convenient, otherwise ignoring his Christianity (Alexander Hamilton). Only 1 was an orthodox Christian (John Jay).

Indiana pols don't seem to be students of history.

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Troublesh00ter's avatar

History is inconvenient when it contradicts their beliefs. 😝

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

As it always does.

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Claudia's avatar

Ceterum censeo ..... Penguin Atlas World History .....

:-)

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Joe King's avatar

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟: 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛. 𝐼𝑡’𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑢𝑛-𝐴𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛.

But it is very much pro-Gilead.

They cherry-pick the vague reference to an unnamed deity in the Declaration of Independence to bolster their claim that all the Founders were their sort of Christian and wanted to establish an explicitly Christian government. They fail to actually notice that both the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation preceding it did not mention any sort of god, or any religious basis for the government.

[𝐴]𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑙𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑓 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑;

That is not what they said, and even if they said it, the Christians have the burden of proof that their God actually exists and that Christianity is true. And of course they need to demonstrate which version of Christianity is the right one.

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NOGODZ20's avatar

Deists call nature "God." Very, very different from the Christian god. And there are ample quotes from the Deists that they neither liked nor trusted Christians or their religion.

On top of that, Jefferson's original draft of the Dec had a single reference to "creator" that was in lowercase 'c' and not uppercase. That uppercase C plus 3 more Creator references were made later over Jefferson's strenuous objections.

Besides, the Dec is merely a Dear George letter to the Christian British Empire giving them our reasons for declaring independence from them. It is NOT a document of governance.

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Joe King's avatar

Funny how they really like the "creator" and "nature's god" references but forget to read the actual grievances. Trump is currently doing a whole lot of things for which the Founders gave Georgie the middle finger.

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Crowscage's avatar

Use the DOI as word for word impeachment articles.

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Richard S. Russell's avatar

Speaking of D_I abbreviations, we have the DOI, the current administration loathes DEI, and our Secretary of Defense was a DUI hire.

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XJC's avatar

And he did this without reading. Anything.

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Sko Hayes's avatar

We need to send a Dear Trump letter:

"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,

--That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness...

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power..."

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Die Anyway's avatar

"There was music in the cafes at night,

And revolution in the air."

Keep your powder dry boys, it's about to get serious.

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Ethereal fairy Natalie's avatar

Tangled up in Blue.

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XJC's avatar

He's only Dictator for one day...Dictator for a Day! And he's keeping most of his promises:

https://soundcloud.com/rich-hersh/title-song-dictator-for-a-day

https://DictatorForADayShow.com. Coming soon to streaming!

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Zorginipsoundsor's avatar

"Coming soon to streaming!"

Promises, promises.

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Claudia's avatar

Quote: "the Christians have the burden of proof that their God actually exists and that Christianity is true. And of course they need to demonstrate which version of Christianity is the right one."

This. This is the best (!) reason for a state to be a secular one!

By all means, worship whatever/whoever you want, but the state should be agnostic in this and related issues!

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Troublesh00ter's avatar

A substantial part of the reason for a secular government is to be NEUTRAL regarding All religions and to treat those who practice them (AND those who DON'T) EQUALLY!!!

Sadly, you can't tell believers that.

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Claudia's avatar

Exactly!

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Jane in NC's avatar

Who wants to tell them? The Declaration of Independence did NOT form a government. It declared our independence from a government, specifically the government of Great Britain. It further specifically declared our independence from anyone claiming to govern by divine right, i.e., the King of England. The signers of the Declaration also specifically stated they were acting "in the Name and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies" - not in god's name or on her behalf.

When the War was over and the Founders got around to actually forming a government, they made sure to give us a secular one - without any mention of god, Jesus, or Christianity. The only mentions of religion in the Constitution and Bill of Rights are limitations on religion - no religious test for public office, no government establishment of religion.

Christian fundies have been trying to rewrite the Constitution and the history of this country for decades, yet both stubbornly refuse to be changed just to make religious ignoramuses feel better. Actions like those taken by the OK and IN legislatures to advance christian privilege are having the effect of driving people away from religion.

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Troublesh00ter's avatar

I've said it before: The Declaration of Independence, at its basis, is a DECLARATION OF WAR, as well as a considered explanation as to just WHY we were declaring war. For all the hand-waving from believers about the mention of "Nature's god" and "Creator," that is ALL IT IS.

And as per usual, believers will ignore facts when they come in conflict with their beliefs.

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Jane in NC's avatar

Precisely! And the people who signed it knew they were risking their lives by doing it, because if the Continental Army had lost, they would all have been hung as traitors. The Declaration is a list of grievances substantiating the reason for separating from Great Britain and becoming an independent country.

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Val Uptuous NotAgain's avatar

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Where does it say that the founders were relying on more than human wisdom? Where’s the natural and god in this?

Immediately after this the constitution starts the tedious process of documenting the roles of the government. There’s no flowery language discussing where these principles are derived from. Just specifics about how to go about performing the above.

The declaration is not a government document. It does not establish the principles on which we’re governed.

And as usual, they focus on that rather than the clearly worded first amendment. They are strict in their interpretation of the declaration, but wish washy about the first amendment, when the declaration was specifically worded to be more loosely interpreted and the first amendment to be crystal clear. But that doesn’t serve their agenda.

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Troublesh00ter's avatar

The first three words of the Preamble should say it all, in addition to the absence of any reference to a deity. Sadly, too many believers want the Constitution to mean what THEY intend it to mean, founding fathers be damned.

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NOGODZ20's avatar

The only thing xtians have going for them in the Constitution is at the very bottom of that document. “In the Year of Our Lord.” An outmoded dating system that wasn’t even part of the body of the text. It was added afterward by a scrivener.

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Black Hole and DM mourner's avatar

If nastcs are right, they just have to quote one letter from one of the founders where it's explicitly stated that the newly born United States is a christian nation and that it's reflected in the Constitution.

One can wonder why it's still has to be done.

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Donrox's avatar

You are right (naturally). The letter you refer to is Jefferson's "Letter to the Danbury ".Baptists". It is where Jefferson introduced the concept "separation of

church and state

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cdbunch's avatar

Not so much the concept as the name for it. :)

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Donrox's avatar

OK. That is what I should have said. He COINED the phrase

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Septuagenarian Contrarian's avatar

Not really! As a native of Providence, RI, I am acquainted with the writings of Roger Williams. Jefferson is usually credited with the concept, but it is more accurately creditable to Willams.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Williams#Separation_of_church_and_state

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Lesley Fenton Aiwerioghene's avatar

JFC you have got to be fucking kidding me. What on earth is wrong with these people?

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Joe King's avatar

Indoctrination is one hell of a drug.

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Whitney's avatar

I didn't sleep much last night, so pardon me and my tangent for a moment, please.

Over about the last four months or so, I watched as Donald J Trump -the person elected by MAGA Christians - has done just about every unethical, cruel, vicious thing that popped into his head without any real restrictions or consequences. I've watched as people have been illegally detained then deported without due process, at least once in error; even though people like Ted Bundy still got their day in court despite being real monsters. I have watched what I fear is the beginning of a slide into some dystopian nightmare (really hoping I'm wrong on that!) for rule of law and the social behavioral expectations. Color me unimpressed with this Christianized version of the US of A, because this sure seems to be more about punishing people for existing rather than some sort of Jesus-endorsed heaven on earth.

So when I hear about some government official pushing a resolution declare that 'Jesus is King' or other such sentiments, what I hear anymore isn't just an attack on religious liberty. What I hear is someone trying to ensure that cruelty is the default and ethics are negotiable. What I hear is someone who apparently enjoys the misery of others and wants to see as much of that as they possibly can. What I hear is someone who is likely mentally unwell and in need of treatment the moment they can be pried out of whichever government office they're a part of.

You cannot browbeat people into faith. It doesn't work that way. No resolution will make people believe in Jesus; and torturing people is ineffective as well. Take your Christianity with you when you leave, you can come back when you've shown that there's something worthwhile in it and not before.

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larry parker's avatar

Not pardoned. Your punishment is to write more tangents. : )

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Troublesh00ter's avatar

"You cannot browbeat people into faith."

↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑

THIS! Abso-freaking-lutely THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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NOGODZ20's avatar

Perhaps Indiana cristers should look at the Treaty With Tripoli which, like the Constitution, is the actual law of the land. They should pay particular attention to Article 11. It SPECIFICALLY states that this country's government is not IN ANY WAY based on the Christian religion.

That treaty was ratified unanimously without dissent and was signed into law by John Adams (another Deist).

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Joe King's avatar

When they read it, they read Article 10 then go immediately to Article 12. Their cherry-picking skills are that good.

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cdbunch's avatar

We've all said this before, but does Indiana have no actual problems to work with? Not just *THIS* resolution, but why are they wasting time on *ANY* resolution? Their job is to make *LAWS*. Someone needs to give this woman a copy of the Constitution and make her memorize it. As well as her job description.

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NOGODZ20's avatar

They're 41st in Health Care and dead last in Natural Environment. Seems they could start there.

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cdbunch's avatar

They’re actually ranked worse in Natural Environment than a state with a river of fire?

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NOGODZ20's avatar

Two words: Mike Pence. They've had quite the reputation for pollution for years.

The Hoosier State is at the bottom due to its high levels of pollution and environmental issues in areas like air and water quality, along with releases of toxic chemicals. Contributing to this is

a) Industrial pollution

b) Manure runoff coming from its farms

c) Lack of strong environmental regulations and enforcement (only bound to get worse now)

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Old Man Shadow's avatar

Paul said to submit to the governing authority and Caesar Nero was more of a tyrant than George the Third ever was.

So, no... a violent revolution was not guided by the Bible.

It was guided by Enlightenment principles and, really, by self interest in the case of many Founders.

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James Clark's avatar

Just another example of Christians saying our fantasy is better than reality.

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NOGODZ20's avatar

"One of these things is not like the others..."

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Boreal's avatar

Omg, triplets!

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NOGODZ20's avatar

Uncanny!

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Daniel Rotter's avatar

If I were a religious person, I would consider it more like "unholy," considering the guy in the middle.

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Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz's avatar

I'm 6'3" 225 and I don't look like any of those.

Also, can those pants go any higher?

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Joan the Dork's avatar

If only we could make him wear a pair that covers up the asshole between his nose and his chin.

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Zorginipsoundsor's avatar

Are you sure you don't have that backwards? 3'6" and 522 lbs? ;)

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Daniel Rotter's avatar

I don't think Dumas would have been too thrilled with this new version of The Three Musketeers hitting screens this summer.

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Zorginipsoundsor's avatar

OT - Double your pleasure

Double your fun

It's the right one

Double galaxy

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250421.html

Terminator moon

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap250422.html

Mouseover for labels.

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Black Hole and DM mourner's avatar

https://images.app.goo.gl/ysKqPA1h8apcB3FS9

*Check the characters list of Sailor Moon*

I don't see a Terminator.

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Boreal's avatar

He went for coffee. He'll be baaack.

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Black Hole and DM mourner's avatar

"Hasta la vista, Borby"

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larry parker's avatar

A pearl of a galaxy.

Swiss cheese.

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NOGODZ20's avatar

1st one: "It's two *click* two *click* two galaxies in one!"

2nd one: "Come vith me if you vant to phase."

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NOGODZ20's avatar

Complimentary copies of "The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism is Un-American" need to be sent to the House in Indiana.

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cdbunch's avatar

No it needs to be read out-loud on the House floor a dozen times while the Representatives are locked in the room.

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Septuagenarian Contrarian's avatar

Even better!

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Septuagenarian Contrarian's avatar

Absolutely!

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NOGODZ20's avatar

Is it just me or does Joanna King resemble Emily Litella?

(The difference being that Gilda Radner's gaffes were funny. King is not quite so humorous).

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larry parker's avatar

Just you. She looks like a cross between Sarah Palin and Kim Davis.

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NOGODZ20's avatar

Yuck.

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Die Anyway's avatar

I was picturing Church Lady...."Could it be SATAN!"

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Troublesh00ter's avatar

"Never mind!"

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Maltnothops's avatar

What’s all this fuss I hear about Christianity being divisive? Christianity isn’t divisive!! Christianity has nothing to do with mathematics!! Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. Sure the plus sign looks like a cross but I’ve never seen Jesus hanging off a plus sign on a math problem!! If Christianity is division, then kids would be praying on every math test!!

What? Kids do pray on math tests? Oh!

Never mind!

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NOGODZ20's avatar

Religious beliefs just don’t add up.

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