Arkansas sucks

[evman150]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

"Those places are incredibly backward."

Hmmm...comparing a law to prevent the proliferation of prostitution to laws excluding specific sections of society from having rights.

Are you seriously making that comparison?

For what it's worth, I think prostitution should be legalized (although it is already de facto legalized). But the reasons it should be legalized are not necessarily fundamental human rights issues.

I don't think the brothel law is a silly one. Oh no we can't have sororities. We can't have fraternities at UVic either. Because of some "silly" law? No, because the University doesn't allow them.

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by evman150

Hmmm...comparing a law to prevent the proliferation of prostitution to laws excluding specific sections of society from having rights.

Are you seriously making that comparison?

For what it's worth, I think prostitution should be legalized (although it is already de facto legalized). But the reasons it should be legalized are not necessarily fundamental human rights issues.

I don't think the brothel law is a silly one. Oh no we can't have sororities. We can't have fraternities at UVic either. Because of some "silly" law? No, because the University doesn't allow them.

You really are worked up over this... I dont really care one way or the other. If youre not American, residing in Arkansas or active in American politics to the point you'll run for office, I dont see why you care.

Im sure with a little research we could both find ridiculous laws on the books in states and provinces across Canada and the US. No need to get too worked up though.

[FireFly]

He's worked up because really, a 'religion' is being discriminated against. Those with no religion, or even those who just don't believe in God are being discriminated against which should be against the constitution and as such, stricken off the book anyway. He has a point, but if he's going to get all worked up over it, he really should take it to the State of Arkansas.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by evman150

We have a law in Canada that states "Absolutely NO black people are allowed in this country, if you are black and you try to enter Canada, you will be hanged".

Is this wrong? But what if we don't enforce it? Is it still wrong?

A de facto law is not law. Only law is law. Morally reprehensible law covered by a tolerant de facto law is still morally reprehensible.

If its not enforced and is generally ignored then its relegated to nothing more than interesting trivia and a historical reminder of religious intolerance.

Not much more.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by evman150

Are you really that sure? Is it all that antiquated? These places are incredibly backward.

Also, does it even matter if it's enforced or not?

Yes I'm that sure. Yes it is that antiquated.

Yes it matters if it's enforced or not.

Oral sex is illegal in many municipalities, states, counties whatever....why? Because the laws are so out of date nobody bothers to worry about them.

I am sure there are examples similar in Canada as well.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by FireFly

He's worked up because really, a 'religion' is being discriminated against. Those with no religion, or even those who just don't believe in God are being discriminated against which should be against the constitution and as such, stricken off the book anyway. He has a point, but if he's going to get all worked up over it, he really should take it to the State of Arkansas.

Yeah, I was going to make that point in my reply above but I figured it was pretty pointless. I'm guessing 99% of Arkansans includiing attorneys and judges don't know that is part of their constitution. If it ever were invoked it would be shot down as unconstitutional in a heartbeat. I think the Supreme Court has more important issues to decide though then wasting their time to take a state constitutional clause out because its unconstitutional even though it isn't actually denying anyone anything.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

Oral sex is illegal in many municipalities, states, counties whatever....why? Because the laws are so out of date nobody bothers to worry about them.

I don't know about that...

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthr...ight=crazy+law

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by Burninator

I don't know about that...

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthr...ight=crazy+law

Yeah, that was bad. At least the kid is out of jail now.

[evman150]

Originally Posted by FireFly

He's worked up because really, a 'religion' is being discriminated against.

No, people are being discriminated against. That is all that matters.

The difference in attitude seems to stem from a difference in ethical theory, unknowingly supported by some of you. You seem to think in terms of utility (right or wrong based on maximizing utility), while I'm thinking more in a deontological sense (right or wrong based on what is right or wrong, or in this case it ). But I think in this case the utilitarian perspective is morally repugnant. None of the ethical theories is perfect, and in this case the deontological perspective fits better. Basically what I'm saying is that it doesn't matter the consequences of the law, the law is wrong in and of itself.

Hope that clears up my view.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by evman150

, the law is wrong in and of itself.

Hope that clears up my view.

I don't disagree. Where my view differs is the existence of the law law doesn't make the people or even the state of Arkansas backwards. While there are undoubtedly many backwards Arkansans that fact has nothing to do with the existance of this particular clause.

Arkansans aren't morally repugnant because this clause exists.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by evman150

No, people are being discriminated against. That is all that matters.

The difference in attitude seems to stem from a difference in ethical theory, unknowingly supported by some of you. You seem to think in terms of utility (right or wrong based on maximizing utility), while I'm thinking more in a deontological sense (right or wrong based on what is right or wrong, or in this case it ). But I think in this case the utilitarian perspective is morally repugnant. None of the ethical theories is perfect, and in this case the deontological perspective fits better. Basically what I'm saying is that it doesn't matter the consequences of the law, the law is wrong in and of itself.

Hope that clears up my view.

Yes, we can all see that this is just another example of the horrible persecution that atheists face every day.

Be strong man. I know you'll prevail, even in the face of this horrible miscarriage of justice.

[Bobblehead]

If that law was ever applied, it would be thrown out under Article 6 of the US Constitution:

but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States

[Flashpoint]

And Kansas doesn't believe in evolution.

There is a lot of stupid legislation out there. It just makes legislative bodies look dumber than they actually are.

And since some of you are harshing on the deep south - For the record, I much prefer living in Dallas to living in Calgary. Sure there is more crime, the bible thumpers rule the roost, and it's hundreds of miles from the mountains.

It's also much more metropolitan, a huge sports town, the arts are better funded, and the weather kicks ass. Throw in 20,000 registered hockey players and 7 rinks built in the last 10 years, and it's the best of both worlds!

The women are a draw. Lots of pretty ladies in both towns.

[FlamingLonghorn]

Good old evman declaring the entire south "backwards"... I would put my dollar bottom that my little backwards town of Austin, Tx. is more progressive than Calgary Alberta... I would do the bet about Athens, Ga. as well.

That law in Arkansas isn't enforced so it isn't discriminating against anyone. The Texas constitution is hundreds of pages long with tons of ridiculous laws, but guess what I don't want my legislature wasting time getting rid of unenforced laws, plus next time I get out of jail i want a horse and a six shooter.

Find me one instance of that clause in the constitution being successfully used in the last 30 years and I'll agree that it's discriminatory.

[Locke]

Hold on, I think some broad sweeping generalizations of the Southern US are being made here that arent particularly fair.

As most broad sweeping generalizations arent.

As for labelling one particular town as more "progressive" than another. Really? By what metric would you judge this? What are your definitions?

There are some places that are ass backwards, all you have to do is hop in your car and go some small rural Albertan town, or central Mississippi or Kentucky.

And I have to vouch for Texas. I've been, and there are things that will blow your mind, just because coming from a different place like Canada we're not used to it and would quickly judge it as wrong/crazy, but its par for the course there.

But for the most part, its not that different, and is quite "progressive" if thats the term you like to use and are comfortable with.

But its much like Alberta, you want to see a bunch of toothless redneck yokels, hop in the car (read: truck) and head to any rural Texas town.

Nobody should really be on their high horse being condescending towards other areas for lack of social progress.

Except me towards Arkansas. It really is an awful place.

I kid.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Flashpoint

And Kansas doesn't believe in evolution.

I wouldn't go that far. The state ruled that teaching creationism/Intelligent Design in public school was unconstitutional because it's religion. But seeing as it made it that far it's safe to say that a fair amount of people don't believe in reality (evolution).

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthr...ght=nova+dover

A couple other states are approaching the same craziness like Florida, Oklahoma, and almost Texas.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by Burninator

I wouldn't go that far. The state ruled that teaching creationism/Intelligent Design in public school was unconstitutional because it's religion. But seeing as it made it that far it's safe to say that a fair amount of people don't believe in reality (evolution).

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthr...ght=nova+dover

A couple other states are approaching the same craziness like Florida, Oklahoma, and almost Texas.

Yep. State BOE came dangerously close to doing something stupid there. People need to know that they did NOT do it.

[kermitology]

Jeez.. the title doesn't say religion/atheism sucks is says Arkansas sucks..

It especially sucks when you're running a diesel GPU inside for 16 hours.. I feel dizzy.

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by kermitology

It especially sucks when you're running a diesel GPU inside for 16 hours.. I feel dizzy.

Be careful Kermit. Apparently prolonged exposure to diesel fumes can cause hearing loss. Many Calgary firefighters from the old days (before ventilation hoses) are deaf with the main culpret being diesel exhaust rather than the siren.

[I_H8_Crawford]

Didn't Deliverance take place in Arkansas????

"I'm gonna make you squeal like a pig, boy!"