RFN

We need a "asshole" like Newsom to get it done this time around. Then a healer like Talarico. Maybe a Vice President this time.

WWJD

You want to know who insults Jesus?

— (@zvbxrpl56.bsky.social) 2026-03-19T15:04:45.339Z

out of his f-ing mouth.

Exquisitely apropos...
PEED on old.

a scumbag.

#TrumpWillDestroyTheUSA

I just finished working on a mandatory state audit of the midterm in our county--a VERY red county. I am deeply encouraged by the numbers I saw for Talarico. Even in the precincts with higher black populations, he had a solid showing. He won almost every precinct we counted except maybe one or two, in total bringing in about double the votes of Crockett. Keep in mind this audit wasn't the entire county but a sampling chosen at random by the state. Still, his numbers are VERY strong and given the Republican candidates that are headed to a runoff in May, I'm feeling really good about the midterms here. We will still have to work our asses off, as we did for this primary, but the work comes easier when you have hope.

With idiot's poll numbers circling the drain it is not a winning strategy.

He's very effective at countering RW BS.

Especially the ones very upset still. I know how they feel having worked on the Bernie campaign but this election is so important.

I don't give a shit if someone insults "Jesus".

Know what does make me uncomfortable? Politicians that constantly talk about Jesus.

The vast majority of the problems facing not just this country but the entire world are because of religion.
I have come to terms that cults that started in our bronze and iron ages are literally going to kill us all.
People always say that if they had a time machine they would go back in time to kill Hitler.

Do you one better, if I had a time machine I would go back in time and kill whomever started all the world's major religions by killing their parents before they gave birth to them.
Everything that is wrong with our world is wrong because of religion. The world would be a better place with no religion.

Well, Talarico was in a church in that clip, so I imagine the subject is going to come up.

And I'm not specifically picking on him for it but politicians of all political stripes, repeat it ad nauseum like they have Tourette's Syndrome.
It's creepy and leaves people like me feeling like I'm the bad guy for not the Christian Taliban controlling my government.
Realistically, I don't care if your religious but keep that your business and stop making your public identity and politics about your religion.

and this is Texas, where it's an especially big deal. It would be foolish to ignore the influence of religion on political campaigns even if we wish it didn't matter - because it does matter, especially if you want to get elected in Texas.

Which is why I said I've resigned myself to the reality that religion will destroy all human life on Earth as we know it.
I mean three of largest religions on Earth are literally fighting each other to the death because they all three think the very same god is actually on their side and that they are that god"s "chosen people ".

We are all going to die in nuclear hellfire because they are all trying to murder each other to prove who that "Prince of Peace" loves more.

using religion as an excuse. That has always been the case throughout history. One main impetus for the Crusades, which were supposedly entirely about religion, was actually so Italian (Christian) merchants could take over trade routes dominated by Jewish and Muslim kingdoms. The 30-Years War of the 17th century was a series of battles for territory among rulers of the former Holy Roman Empire after it divided into areas controlled by either Catholics or Protestants. The recent Troubles in Northern Ireland was an ethno-nationalist conflict, not a religious one. Neither side cared whether the doctrine of transubstantiation was a thing; they cared whether they would be ruled by Britain. Religion is always just an attempt at justification for hostile action for the protection or acquisition of territory, wealth and power.

When you mix religion and politics, you get politics. Religion on the macro scale is used for social control by power holders/seekers. God’s plan, God wills it, Inshallah are all used to claim deity approval for actions, usually violent or oppressive, that various actors want to take.

I am annoyed when someone running for office or deciding to leave office says things like this:

I am a person of faith (irrelevant)
I am a strong family man/woman (don’t care)
After prayerful consideration (really not possible to care less)

None of those things matter to whether or not a person will be a good politician which includes placing greater good above their own and standing up for those who are abused by society. If a person’s actions in that manner are influenced by their belief structure that is to be expected. Blanket vacuous statements are useless to determine what their belief structures are. Their actions and what they do in private are far more informative.

One thing that would be interesting is to see politicians grilled about their religion and made to defend their actions in reference to the dogma their chosen faith adheres to. Politicians often must act against their personal beliefs to accomplish societal improvement.

Yes, religion can be misused and abused and has throughout history. But also it can inspire and transform, causing people to work on behalf of the good. It is especially easy to misuse and abuse perhaps by the unscrupulous power seekers, because church people want to trust leaders.

Martin Luther King was one empowered by his faith,, not oppressed. Many people reach beyond the normal selfishness of their nature to work for justice, healing, the common good.

We've had decades now of a toxic religion shouting from the public square amplified by media fascination with their loud pronouncements. It's easy to think they are all bad with the toxicity the Christian Nationalists and fundamentalists demonstrate.So I understand the blanket condemnation of religion. The ones who actually follow Jesus' teachings are usually working away without seeking attention, organizing to help people: feed, clothe, find resources for financial need, welcome and help immigrants, etc. They actually take seriously the many times scripture commands them to welcome the stranger as they would one of their own. They take to heart the parable of the Good Samaritan.

I once shared your views, but I've met genuine people of faith who accept others unconditionally, no matter their sexual orientation, color, national origin, legal or social status.

but, I do like that Talarico showcases the staggering repuke religious hypocrisy

it's a quandary

Every hour of the day. Brilliant.

Created by Men, men who worship false idols.

And putting words in his mouth and attributing opinions to him is just blasphemy.

If Angels were real, they'd be down doing some serious smiting.

(Great post, by the way!)

Even stranger, are people who think they can speak on his behalf.
Obviously not students of the Bible, as it is quite clear what Jesus approves and disapproves of.