This guy the problem in the world...If it wasn't for people like him getting people stirred up then we would get the real answers. This guy is a shill for the NWO. I'm sure he gets regular checks from the government and a pat on the back...Keep spreading misinformation Mike.
Hmm... didn't know Shermer called himself a libertarian. I wonder what he means by that. He says that the market has to have some rules to play by. How will those rules be established? By the government? If so, is that really libertarianism? And who will police those rules?
I believe in a "free" market, but only when at least the most basic rules are set and policed by representatives of the people. I believe in one head - one vote, not one dollar - one vote.
@1PheaMike "Some would have you believe atheism is just another religion"
This actually is based on a Supreme Court decision to protect Atheism under the freedom of religion Constitutional Amendment clause
As an Atheist, I dislike being "told" I am religious by Christians, Christian Evangelists, and other religious people on the Supreme Court
I am NOT part of ANY Atheist organization and to even claim that an organization constitutes a religion simply is stupid. We are not religious. I agree
Depression's best cure: Coffee ... you can't sit around doing nothing hopped up on coffee ... source: myself. :p
Also, the statistic for making more money with a college education does not count the fact that you are in debt for most of your life, so it balances out to you making less, oddly.
@TheSelfishAltruist .... not entirely accurate. The actual cost, not what it paid at the POS, but the actual cost of medical coverage versus quality in such places is worse.
Full employment cannot be maintained because huge projects, such as childhood education or infrastructure are less available, because these entities are difficult to profiteer from. health I accept can be profiteered from, but only because the public have to pay more for health than they receive, and explains why the USA pays double for health than most others, yet gets worse outcomes.
Basically economies where government has a large role, roughly 40-50% of GDP generally flourish better.
This can be explained easily in my view. As the government's role is rolled back, short term profiteering mentalities rise meaning economic growth based on investment in things that grow economies (being good healthcare, education and infrastructure, crime reduction etc) takes the back seat. As well as this less regulation allows monopolies, and inequality as wealth is tied up in less people. Full employment cannot be maintained becuase business has obviously no interest in overall employment
@TheSelfishAltruist So government officials who are running for election every few years are thinking long-term? Nixon raising soc. security benefits during a re-election campaign: you view this as long-term thinking? This is just one of the many fallacies you have going here.
Shermer is almost right but if he follows the data properly, he will see that a economy focused on private enterprise as opposed to a keynesian model where the state has a hand in the economy often end up with unstable economic growth, higher amounts of inequality, and through this more social depravation, and with that comes crime, drugs, teen pregnancy etc. Post WWII growth worldwide steadily increased until neoliberal policies of the 80s where recessions and depressions began to emerge.
@TheSelfishAltruist If someone's mugging me, it's by definition not a free market anymore. Or at least the people mugging me do not act according to a free market.
@Quintinohthree i disagree. here's a good example. lets say that two planes hit two skyscrapers but in the process 3 buildings collapsed instead. The 3'rd building(building 7) being 2 blocks away. This building collapsed into its own foot print at terminal velocity at 5:10pm after several fast explosions. Now just because there's Monumental evidence proving this, that's not to say that skeptics would suddenly believe in building 7 let alone the way in which it collapsed.
Oh, so you're a building 7 truther? You guys have been refuted. watch?v=uFJa9WUy5QI
A true skeptic goes with the most parsimonious explanation. Your explanation involves not just what Ed explains in his video, but also a large additional conspiracy. Given that both are possible, but one requires assumptions the other doesn't require, I'm going with the one Ed provides.
@alvisc2002 And why would the CIA or the aliens, or elvis believers ruin a perfectly good 'mock' highjacking by blowing up another completely unrelated building.
9/11 'tossers' (truthers) really should sit down for 5 minutes alone, and think about it all.
This guy is great, I am an Atheist and I will only agree with half of his arguments. Why? Because I can think for myself and go on to accept that I can even question him. I will not put on someone to represent Atheism for later there wouldn't be such a need for such a word when religion is non-existent.
JESUS CHRIST, HIS CATHOLIC-UNIVERSAL-APOSTOLIC CHURCH, SACRAMENTS, THE BIBLE, MIRACLES, HEALINGS, ST. MARY APPARITIONS, MESSAGES FROM HEAVEN, SIGNS IN 2011 ARE NOT A MYTHOLOGY BUT THE REALITY !!!
I am a devolutionist. I believe in reverse evolution. I believe that all humans are going to devolve back into apes and chimps before the end of 2020. Take a closer look at this guy at 7:42 and you'll agree that I'm dead right.
"I believe that all humans are going to devolve back into apes and chimps"
Idiot. Chimpanzees are just as evolved as humans are, merely in a different environment. Besides, humans didn't evolve from chimpz. Humans and chimpz share a common ancestor.
@parasitesarefunny “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?” Epicurus (Greek philosopher, BC 341-270)
What does GOD have to do with it my dear fool? You are using a red-herring and dont even realize it because you have no clue what intelligent design means. roflmao!
Do you think Earth has the only intelligence in the entire Universe? If so, then you are one very narrow minded little fool. Better yet... a brainwashed macro evolutionary fool.
If there is INTELLIGENCE in the Universe, then Intelligent Design makes perfect sense.
@parasitesarefunny You stated that without evolution there are not atheists yet "On the Origin of Species" was published in 1859, over 2,000 years after the death of Epicurus. This demonstrates that atheism predates our understanding of evolution and hence is not dependent upon it.
@eltopus4747 Thats because u need a good brain to understand all else that encompasses Evolution or ur simply talking shit & haven't done any research at all on any level whatsoever.Your opinion belongs to the poll of countless & pointless uneducated guesses based on conventional/popular media,social ignorant narrow-minded wisdom.
"I am a living evidence for religious claims"!?..well,whatever do u mean by it let me explain something to u in layman's terms;..claims are neither evidence nor facts.
@eltopus4747 Lol,an observation coming from someone that uses terms(devoluton) found not yet in any dictionary edition of the english language..that or you need to consult your spelling key,in this case to help you appear knowledgeable & having literacy.Instead we now know the dumbshit you really are.
@UnitedKingdomify The word/term in question i first objected was devoluton not devolution,scroll down & read when he first introduced the term,then read mine and take heed cause i also said/implied to make use of the spelling key to at least give the impression you know"stuff".As for you,unless you're in need of glasses i suggest you get them,if not at least bother to read from begining to end other ppl's comments then make sure your tongue is connected to your brain.Ur country?u mean island,lol
@godof79 Ah I see. You're pointing out spelling errors in YouTube comments, and harking back to his errors even when in his last comment he spelled it correctly? Very uh, smart, considering your own grammar is beyond tragic. "Ur" "&" no space after commas. I'd drop the whole "I'm trying to be clever" thing.
Make sure my tongue is connected to by brain? In order to... type?
And no, I meant my country. A country is a country even when on island. In the case of the UK, my country is two islands.
@UnitedKingdomify Grammar beyond tragic? hey moron we only dispose of a limited amount of characters.A reason why "ppl" dont always write in formal fashion for the sake of simplifying words..main objective, getting the message across.Same reason too "ppl" do it when texting.Sheesh..again dipshit,is your tongue connected to "ur" brain?
@godof79 Beyond tragic, and also nonsensical. You use up the character limit in your shoddy use of the language. lol We only dispose of limited amount of characters? Good sentence dude. Same reason too people do it when texting. Brilliant. Tongues connected to brains (again: in order to... type?), islands aren't countries... yep, lol, you're full of ridiculous sentiments. You're obviously in need of an education.
@UnitedKingdomify And you are in need of a brain.."islands aren't countries..lol, a comment not to be taken literally.It was just sarcasm on my part to outline your condescending opinion.."Tongues connected to brains (again: in order to ..type?)"..No, in oder to think,to analize before you blurt out, write(yes,in your case type) the first stupid shit bouncing inside your lobotomized brain.I mostly agree with what Shermer said in the video,have u anything to say pertaining this VIDEO,if not,stfu
@godof79 Sarcasm about my country being an island? lol Right. Nice save. Your sublime wit is so god-like nobody gets it but you. You meant analysed? And order, I assume. Heh. Picking up on typos is awesome, isn't it.
It take me thirty seconds to troll your ass dude. This visit I'm extending it to a sweet forty.
I have a lot to say on the video's content, but I'd hate to get into a conversation with you because you, for the most part, make precisely no sense. That you think you do is hilarious.
@UnitedKingdomify .."Sarcasm about my country being an island?"Read on my comment shithead, i will repeat again: to outline your condescending opinion,not to denote sarcasm whether a(your) country can be an island(or vice-versa).I meant "to analyse" not "analysed"...thick as a brick,nonetheless your ridiculous folly is entertaining,slmao!
@godof79 Dude, only reason we've come this far is because you didn't know the word devolution existed. You blamed it on the fact you were picking on the guy's typo. You could have said: In biology the term devolution is grade A bunk. But you're one of those dullards who when wrong, talks shit.
There is no logical reason to point out my country is an island. None at all. Whether I'm condescending or not. There is no context of sarcasm you can slot it into.
@UnitedKingdomify Wrong again,as a matter of fact you've been wrong all alone from the get-go,because you assumed shit,that's the reason we've come this far.So don't be a jackass pretending to know something about me from some disjointed comment(chuckles) i made in youtube regarding my doubts towards the poster who first typed devoluton actually had knowledge of such word.Such a poster appears to have a collection of uneducated guesses as basis to debunk the entire ET considering his previous-->
@UnitedKingdomify ..line of comments on the ET.I couldn't fathom such an idiot could bring up such a word(or try to),it was as if he randomly stumbled upon that word and carelessly hurried up to type it.In essence,he clearly gave the impression he has no bearings on such subject,therefore what possible knowledge as to what actually is comprised or encompassed within the ET could he bear to argue about.To even suggest Devolution you must understand a/o thoroughly know of ET...then you came along.
The argument from ignorance IS valid. People always hate on it, but if no one can imagine something being done the way you think, the chances are you are wrong. Its not a proof, but it is evidence. Which is why I am not an anarcho-capitalist. (almost no libertarians are against police, courts, or private military).
Please visit my channel for the unpopular truth about homosexuality.
A person does not need hatred or any kind of phobia in order to acknowledge important differences between heterosexual attraction / behavior / marriage / adoption and homosexual attraction / behavior / marriage / adoption. Even non-religious people know this.
Homosexual activists, with support from the media, have succeeded at framing themselves as noble victims; it's an effective way to push a social agenda.
I guess "skeptic" is just a word this guy associates with himself to make the horse shit he says seem more credible, i.e. economic Darwinism and laissez-fail crapitalism. What a douche.
This guy, Shermer cracks me up. He's a self proclaimed skeptic, but he's soooo darned sure of himself about everything. Hmmm... Anyone else see the disconnect?
Mogley52 you need to quit getting your facts from creationist/i.d. Almost everything you said is tainted except the part on entropy. just for this reason alone I wont believe you is that I've seen children starved, beaten, deathly sick, deformed, dead, you cannot Convince me children of a third world country no parents no food no home waiting to die are going to hell because thay were never told about god
Mogley52 you need to quit getting your facts from creationist/i.d. Almost everything you said is tainted except the part on entropy. just for this reason alone I wont believe you is that I've seen children starved, beaten, deathly sick, deformed, dead, you cannot Convince me children of a third world country no parents no food no home waiting to die are going to hell because thay were never told about god
we have one little problem and pray about it, were sure he answered it and we feel better knowing we had help but where is god for those kids do thay litterly have to ask for it if so I am almost repulsed by the thought of god. You might think your trying to help it's just a hurt.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
This guy is a joke. Calls himself a skeptic but believes global warming, I mean "climate change" is the real deal. Climategate no big deal? I guess who cares that the people involved with the influencing policy were fudging the numbers. Pshhh...skeptic my ass.
I'm glad he qualified his free market love with the need for some regulation. In a laissez faire economy even ponzi schemes and other forms of fraud are legitimate.
@jessemaurais Yeah if people or naive to buy into them, The free market places the responsibility on the individual, not the society and does not socialize the losses. Notice how in our current system ponzi schemes not only possible but prevalent, and we have all the regulations in the world.
I do think the major part of fiscal policy is regarding how strict the rules are to regulate the optimal free market.
A completely free market is delusionally imperfect and idealistic.
A completely regulated market is exactly the same, but for the opposite reasons.
In essence, as he said, people will always believe weird things, and therefore there will always be people, in government or market, that will make bad choices for society.
Great thinking by Michael Shermer. For similar great thoughts try Dan Barker, John W. Loftus, Robert M Price, Valerie Tarico, Victor Stenger, Bart Ehrman, Ken Humphreys, Richard Carrier, Ken Pulliam, Keith Parsons, Gary Greenberg, Robert Ingersoll, Thomas Paine, Mark Twain, Earl Doherty, Israel Finkelstein, Daniel Dennett, C Dennis Mckinsey, Joseph Wheless, Bertrand Russell, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens
ALTHOUGH I'M A CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN (Baptist), I no longer believe that the Bible teaches eternal torment or suffering. The Bible teaches eternal punishment, but it's not eternal torment. In my popular Internet article, TRADITIONAL DOCTRINE OF HELL EVOLVED FROM GREEK ROOTS, I explain how and why teaching of eternal torment entered early into Christianity and how Scriptures have been misinterpreted and taken out of context to support that teaching. ~Babu G. Ranganathan (B.A. theology/biology)
GOD, HEAVEN, AND SEX: Internet article examines the Biblical possibility of sex in heaven. Human sexuality isn't just for reproduction. There are reasons the Bible requires marriage for sex on earth, but those reasons won't exist in heaven. Scripture teaches, in heaven, we'll be like the angels only in one sense - no marriage, but we won't be like angels in every other way (i.e. Bible says we'll enjoy food and drink). Psalm 16:11 says there will be great spiritual joy and pleasures in heaven.
SCIENCE SHOWS THAT THE UNIVERSE could not have sustained itself eternally because of entropy. Einstein confirmed that space, matter, and time had a beginning! That beginning had to be supernatural because natural laws have no ability to bring the universe into existence from nothing. The supernatural cannot be proved by science but science points to a supernatural intelligence for the origin and order of the universe ~ HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM (Article)
NATURAL LIMITS TO EVOLUTION: Only evolution within "kinds" is genetically possible (i.e. varieties of dogs, cats, etc.), but not evolution across "kinds" (i.e. from worm to human). How were species living, reproducing if their reproductive system, vital structures, and organs hadn't evolved yet? Read my Pravda Internet article: WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS! I discuss: Punctuated Equilibrium, "Junk DNA," genetics, mutations, natural selection, fossils, genetic/biological similarities between species.
WHAT ABOUT THE STARS? Gravity explains how the order found in the precise courses of trillions of stars is maintained, but gravity can't explain the origin of that order! Did all the trillions stars agree to get out of each others way? C'mon! Disorder in the universe is because of chance, but the order is because of design. Read my popular Internet article: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM.
WHAT IS SCIENCE? Science simply is knowledge based on observation. No one observed the universe coming by chance or by design, by creation or by macro-evolution. These are positions of faith. The issue is which faith the scientific evidence best supports. Natural laws can explain how an airplane or living cell works, but it's irrational to believe that undirected natural laws can bring about an airplane or a living cell. Read my Internet article: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM
DAWKINS, HITCHENS, AND HAWKING REFUSE TO DEBATE with creationists who are SCIENTISTS, such as the scientists at The Institute for Creation Research. Dawkins and his friends only debate non-scientist creationists. Read my popular Internet articles: ARE FOSSILS REALLY MILLIONS OF YEARS OLD? HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM, ANY LIFE ON MARS CAME FROM EARTH, WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS! MISSING LINKS THAT NEVER WERE!
DO EYES CARRY SCARS OF EVOLUTION? Read this fantastic Internet article by biologist and creationist Brian Thomas. Thomas refutes every argument for a "flawed" design for the eye, and explains how and why the so-called flaw is actually the best thing for the eye. Read the article! It's amazing what facts evolutionists will ignore. Numerous times evolutionists have been proven wrong about their interpretation of a structure as being flawed in design or useless.
BLIND WATCHMAKER NO ARGUMENT. Natural selection is no "blind watchmaker" because it can only "select" from variations produced having survival value. It doesn't produce variations. It only operates once there is life and reproduction, not before, so it couldn't be involved in life's origins. A partially-evolved cell (an oxymoron) would quickly disintegrate. It couldn't wait ("survive") millions of years for chance to complete it and then make it living! Read: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM
GENETIC INFORMATION DOESN'T HAPPEN BY CHANCE, so it's more logical to believe that genetic similarities between all forms of life are due to a common Designer who designed similar functions for similar purposes. It doesn't mean all forms of life are biologically related! "Junk DNA" isn't junk. These non-coding segments of DNA have recently been found to be vital in regulating gene expression. Read: WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS!
ALL REAL EVOLUTION ( i.e. varieties of dogs, cats, etc.) is the expression, over time, of already existing genes. Evolution is possible only if there’s information (genes) directing it. Only variations of already existing genes are possible, which means only limited evolution and adaptations are possible. Nature has no ability to invent new genes via random mutations caused by random environmental forces. That’s evolutionary faith, not science. Read my article, WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS!
ARE FOSSILS REALLY MILLIONS OF YEARS OLD? Popular Internet article examines assumptions concerning fossil deposition as well as built-in assumptions involved in modern radiometric dating (not used for dating fossils but other rocks), arguments from starlight and time. Discusses lack of transitional forms and lack of "age" sequence of the fossil layers. Discusses mixed species in fossils (i.e. dinosaur, reptile, mammal fossils in the same stratum conveniently ignored by evolutionists).
IMAGINE A FISH WITH PART FINS, part feet with the fins evolving (transitioning) into feet. What survival benefit would there be? The fish couldn't use its fins or its feet, and there are no fossils showing such a creature ever existed. They only exist on automobile bumper stickers! There are no true transitional forms, either living or fossilized. Evolutionists realize this fact! Read my Internet article: WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS!
NOT ALL EVOLUTIONISTS even agree on the fossils used to support and reconstruct human evolution. The bones are incomplete. There's no certainty of the bones belonging to the same creature. They can reconstruct whatever they want from these bones, and they have. There's no hard evidence that humans evolved from an ape-like creature anymore than there's hard evidence that apes evolved from a four-legged dog-like creature. Read my article: MISSING LINKS THAT NEVER WERE
APES ARE QUITE COMFORTABLE IN HOW THEY WALK, just as humans are quite comfortable in how they walk. Even a slight change in the position of a muscle or bone, for either, would be excruciatingly painful and would not be an advantage for survival. There's no hard evidence that humans evolved from ape-like creature anymore than there's hard evidence that apes evolved from four-legged dog-like creatures. Read Internet article: MISSING LINKS THAT NEVER WERE.
sorry, but you are mistaken. The historical claim and proof of authentic "glorified" resurrection is unique within monotheistic religion(s).Further, Jesus' claim & actions of absolute [monotheistic] divinity is also unlike any other actual religion. A further proof of this is given when Thomas Jefferson was creating his own deistic religion. In order to make use of the Bible. he had to cut out most of the words and actions of Jesus on the Gospels so that he would be left w/just moral statements
I'm a skeptic. Richard Dawkins and Steve Pinker clearly state we should fight against our selfish genes. I don't see why you would want evolution to run any part of our lives. Reproductive success seems something any organism can do. We humans are so much more. We have reason. So let's plan our lives, our economy, our politics, etc. I don't agree with the libertarian viewpoint. I wish it could work. If there's one place it could happen, it's the USA with Ron Paul. But I doubt it'll work.
But you still need a referee(at least) for the game not to end in a gigantic brawl!! Even "liberals that don't understand the markets" know that,don't they? So what's that idea of letting the game go by himself!? players rule? Bullcrap!!!
@outlaw87100 This is called a discussion. I will not STFU. You are not required to read or like my posts. I do not have to show you a Bigfoot for them to be real. God is not required to stand before you in an effort to satisfy you for Him to exist. Burden of proof has been made through decades of circumstantial evidence of UFOs. You need to switch to a decaff.
Until Mr. Shermer has gone on a paranormal investigation, or dealt with abductions every 8 years throughout his life or has actually attempted to contact God through faith first than through an attempt to prove His existence, sounds to me like it is Shermer who is arguing from ignorance.
Oops...meant 5:50 in. To further bloviate hypocrisy he goes on to pontificate what he calls the "argument from ignorance" that because we don't know yet what the solution is that there isn't a solution. If that's the case Michael then how do you know with such certainty there is no such thing as God...no such thing as UFOs...etc. simply because "Science" has not definitively proven it yet? Science discovers new stuff every day.
At 9:29 in Shermer begins this little nugget without so much as a clue that he may in fact be guilty of the very fact he is stating ..."So, they (those who don't believe like Sermer I guess) can rationalize the beliefs they already hold, then easily discount the beliefs they don't want to believe in". Wow...look in a mirror Michael.
Remember Michael...of the millions of personal sightings of UFOs, Bigfoot or experiences with God, they ALL have to be wrong for you to be right...only ONE has to be a true experience out of those millions for your entire life's work and foundations to be wrong. To hold your beliefs under those circumstantial odds is what is "weird". Why skeptics like you believe in the strange idea of the non-existence of things in the face of overwhelming circumstantial evidence to the contrary is beyond me.
@ecbyler1 Shermer *doesn't* profess to know for sure that these things don't exist, just that the available supposed evidence is invalid for various reasons. Studies into the brain and psychology have come a long way in analyzing possible causes for the supposed religious experiences that many people have had. I don't consider it extraordinary to say that all videos of Bigfoot are fakes. That said, UFOs have clearly been spotted, and I confess ignorance on possible alternate explanations there.
sophistry? This your idea of an argument? Just a (Sagan) reminder--extraordinary claims demand...extraordinary evidence. You have provided........................................NOTHING.
@bullmarc55 What's so extraordinary about the idea of visitation? Is not one persons extraordinary discovery just another's everyday reality? Thousands of people have dealt with lifelong visitations by another species intent on cross breeding us with them...something that is no different than what we do each day right here on this planet with our own animals. It's not really all that extraordinary.
As a student of the big three...Is there a loving caring God, does a Sasquach type creature thrive in deep woods climates around the world and are/have extraterrestrials visited/are visiting this planet...the overwhelming circumstantial evidence to all three being a reality based on investigative data is YES. Guys like Shermer, for their own ideological reasons being hardcore secularists dismiss all three. To poo poo it all for ones own ideology while dismissing data sounds cult like to me.
I like him when he's in debunking mode, but I don't follow him on this one. Barely a couple of years after a catastrophic market failure that's brought the US (and world) economy to the brink, and he's advocating for greater freedom of markets? Time to get out the baloney detection kit.
@piripi40 well there's quite a bit of evidence that points to government regulation as a major player in causing the crisis... but I agree, the baloney detection kit ought to be put to use.
@piripi40: And then the government gave them $700 billion. Yes, it is time to bring out the baloney detection kit.
Fraud and coercion aren't free market principles. This is crony capitalism that should be rightfully blamed on government regulators who did not do their job. There is a difference. In a free market, you still have individual rights. No company can defame you, coerce you or take part in fraud in a free market society. We can disagree on things but only by what things are.
@American Nohbuddy: China's economy is booming? Yeah, for GDP maybe. For quality of life? The country is 2/3 poverty. Social engineering creates poverty.
Listen you guys, you cannot have free enterprise without individual rights. Capitalism isn't Anarchism. Capital means you do what you want as long as you do not infringe upon the rights of others.
In a free market, you are free to voluntarily contribute to a cause, succeed, fail, help or be helped by another. In a free market, if Wall Street fails, it fails, it doesn't get $700 billion dollars.
So disagree on what things are, and not straw man half truths.
@BlameRepublicans: "All products of corporations meddeling with government. Remember - government = power to the people. The RIch and Corporations want you to hate government to disempower us."
You're twisting words. I said that you can't have free enterprise without Civil Rights. Do you understand? Government failure to exercise its duty to protect those rights is a failure of government and not the failure of Corporations by themselves.
@AmericanNohbuddy: No, in a government subsidized economy people can cheat the system, as we have seen clearly with the TARP Bailouts. In a free market, you are not allowed to perform fraud, defamation, coercion or violence towards anyone. In a free market, failures are allowed to happen and people who make aggression towards others are forced to compensate. Corporatism and Government favoritism is not free enterprise.
@AmericanNohbuddy: You're the one behaving like a cultist. Cultists resist information that challenges their beliefs. Seeing how you totally ignored my statement about Free Markets unable to exist without Civil Rights to continue your mindless rants proves that you are a cultist.
You're right about one thing: We've never had a free market. Perhaps we should try it and leave government only to protect your rights without social engineering.
The start of all civilization had to be the product of anarcho-capitalist, the freest version of the free market. In order to sustain a state, the economy back then had to produce enough surplus goods to sustain the dictators, demi-god leaders, and their army who didn't work with that market.
Your point is valid. However i just wanted to point out that free market exchange economy was predated the formation of government thus the case of "never ever had a free market" argument is inconsistent with history. The only preference here is how many people in a group would you consider as a society.
Well how about today. Have you googled the "index of economic freedom?" The countries on the top of the list are more free economically with relatively freer market compare to the countries in the bottom of the list who use central planning method to control economy.
They are in no way for free enterprise either, the population from the rural area in China cannot access the service of the people who are born in the city. Their local officials have record of high corruptions. Business is definitely not as free.
China GDP (per capita) nominal $4,382, Hong Kong GDP (per capita) nominal $31,590. Both economy is growing, which one do you think it's better to do business with?
Same kind of people in Hong Kong and China, one has a relatively free market, the other just tried capitalism 30 years ago. You don't seem the type to understand economics.
@flynn2008 my money is on China. how many 'capita' do you have in China. There's also what you do with it, not just what you've got.
As for record levels of corruption, I beleive that. But so does the USA. And my question is, who is recording these high records of corruption? Where is oyour record? Is it China doing the Servey? If not, then who?
I agree aboy what you say of human rights. But the USA has a lot to say about that,Whats that famous Island called?As for health care
If the two parties system in the US is parable indication of corruption level, think what a single party unilateral power does in term of corruptions. Furthermore, you should google which direction the rich chinese entrepreneurs are moving, are rich people in China moving to Hong Kong en mass, or is it rich people in Hong Kong moving to China. Where do you think the capital market is going?
I think you have to point out to the free market skeptics that right now we have government command of the economy via regulations and central banking, ask them what would be the better time to bribe and lobby the government than right now? They always speak as though corruptions = capitalism. But they count on the purity of the state officials who are in bed with corporations.
@Deadwind002 While a fee marketeer, I agree to a point, but also recognize as Micheal Shermer does, that Government has a role to play in setting up fair rules for the market to play in. A perfect example was Credit card companies placing fine print in their contracts that allowed them to change an EXISTING debt accrued at say 9% and change the interest rate to 21% after the debt was incurred. I think it is right for society (government) to disallow that kind of exploitation.
About happiness - depression doesn't lead to anything good! Let's say you don't have friends... so you are depressed... so you try extra hard to impress people so they would become yours friends. That's when people will start avoiding you, because it becomes clear to them that you are a loser. People who try to hard never get any respect. Just be happy with who you are - and that doesn't mean you don't have goals in life.
When we all debate free markets versus government intervention beyond protecting individuals from fraud, coercion or violence, we need to debate based on what they ideas really are. Saying that a free market is impossible or that it's only for rich or brainwashed people is a fallacy. For your information, BP and Enron were heavily regulated. Look where that got us. It is b/c of government that corporations are as big as they are today, b/c of government favoritism, not a free market.
@BlameRepublicans: Idiot - they were heavily regulated - what more do you want? It was these regulations that allows BP to socialize it's crimes to tax payers. I think we've had enough of government crony capitalism. It's time for an actual free market. Big government argument - when the government colludes with corporations to do what they want and stick it to tax payers, blame it on the free market!
Look shit for brains - they obvioulsy WERE NOT REGULATED ENOUGH. You Libertarian faggots are lost in your own little dram world. Go suck Rom Paul's wrinckled cock, and leave us producing class Americans alone, ok? LOL - you've been PWNED, stupid little cunt.
@BlameRepublicans: It was the regulations, THE REGULATIONS that allowed tax payers to pay for BP's crimes, do you not understand? The REGULATIONS FORCED tax payers to PAY for BP's MESS. It is regulations that allow the FDA to send in goons and rape organic farms. We need laws to protect people from big business - no infringement on the right of other's liberties - BUT NOT to tell business owners how to operate if they do not break the law. You can't have free markets w/ out Civil Rights.
I agree with Mike. We do need rules. I like spiritual rules that Jesus talked about.
Jayhawkblue 1 day ago
This guy the problem in the world...If it wasn't for people like him getting people stirred up then we would get the real answers. This guy is a shill for the NWO. I'm sure he gets regular checks from the government and a pat on the back...Keep spreading misinformation Mike.
TheOrderoftheOwl 1 day ago
Hmm... didn't know Shermer called himself a libertarian. I wonder what he means by that. He says that the market has to have some rules to play by. How will those rules be established? By the government? If so, is that really libertarianism? And who will police those rules?
I believe in a "free" market, but only when at least the most basic rules are set and policed by representatives of the people. I believe in one head - one vote, not one dollar - one vote.
BoyKissBoy 1 day ago
..and the chemtrails aren't real either, you just look up in the sky and make believe they are not there...i get it ? skeptiZZism ?
callegal2010 2 days ago
I'm skeptical that he's intelligent...
yrusodumbwhy 2 weeks ago
I love how pragmatic he is
koochkooch 3 weeks ago
Some would have you believe atheism is just another religion. I believe Bill Moyer said:
"If atheism is a religion, abstinence is a sex position."
1PheaMike 3 weeks ago
@1PheaMike "Some would have you believe atheism is just another religion"
This actually is based on a Supreme Court decision to protect Atheism under the freedom of religion Constitutional Amendment clause
As an Atheist, I dislike being "told" I am religious by Christians, Christian Evangelists, and other religious people on the Supreme Court
I am NOT part of ANY Atheist organization and to even claim that an organization constitutes a religion simply is stupid. We are not religious. I agree
yourtreat2 3 days ago
Depression's best cure: Coffee ... you can't sit around doing nothing hopped up on coffee ... source: myself. :p
Also, the statistic for making more money with a college education does not count the fact that you are in debt for most of your life, so it balances out to you making less, oddly.
@TheSelfishAltruist .... not entirely accurate. The actual cost, not what it paid at the POS, but the actual cost of medical coverage versus quality in such places is worse.
KittenKoder 3 weeks ago
Full employment cannot be maintained because huge projects, such as childhood education or infrastructure are less available, because these entities are difficult to profiteer from. health I accept can be profiteered from, but only because the public have to pay more for health than they receive, and explains why the USA pays double for health than most others, yet gets worse outcomes.
Basically economies where government has a large role, roughly 40-50% of GDP generally flourish better.
TheSelfishAltruist 3 weeks ago
This can be explained easily in my view. As the government's role is rolled back, short term profiteering mentalities rise meaning economic growth based on investment in things that grow economies (being good healthcare, education and infrastructure, crime reduction etc) takes the back seat. As well as this less regulation allows monopolies, and inequality as wealth is tied up in less people. Full employment cannot be maintained becuase business has obviously no interest in overall employment
TheSelfishAltruist 3 weeks ago
@TheSelfishAltruist So government officials who are running for election every few years are thinking long-term? Nixon raising soc. security benefits during a re-election campaign: you view this as long-term thinking? This is just one of the many fallacies you have going here.
lordabacu 6 days ago
Shermer is almost right but if he follows the data properly, he will see that a economy focused on private enterprise as opposed to a keynesian model where the state has a hand in the economy often end up with unstable economic growth, higher amounts of inequality, and through this more social depravation, and with that comes crime, drugs, teen pregnancy etc. Post WWII growth worldwide steadily increased until neoliberal policies of the 80s where recessions and depressions began to emerge.
TheSelfishAltruist 3 weeks ago
social darwinism is bullshit, not at all related to evolution- darwin didn't believe in 'social' darwinism.
fuck 'free markets'
TheEthanwashere 1 month ago
@TheEthanwashere what's wrong with free markets?
waksibra 1 month ago
@waksibra Do you think corporations should be able to mug you in the street?
If you do not, you do not believe in a pure free market, and accept some legislation is needed.
The question is, how much, and we can debate that, but the notion of a 'free market' is essentially a myth. All markets need some sort of regulation.
TheSelfishAltruist 3 weeks ago
@TheSelfishAltruist If someone's mugging me, it's by definition not a free market anymore. Or at least the people mugging me do not act according to a free market.
waksibra 3 weeks ago
Shermer is a libertarian? What the fuck? You might as well be a Christian.
TheAtheistSocialist 1 month ago
@TheAtheistSocialist hahaha
TheEthanwashere 1 month ago
64 Eveangelical retards thumbed this down
Shonenut213 1 month ago
do skeptics believe in the existence of the Bilderberg group or the bohemian grove?
alvisc2002 2 months ago
@alvisc2002
If there's enough evidence, then yes. That's the universal answer to every "do skeptics believe in x" questions.
Quintinohthree 2 months ago
@Quintinohthree i disagree. here's a good example. lets say that two planes hit two skyscrapers but in the process 3 buildings collapsed instead. The 3'rd building(building 7) being 2 blocks away. This building collapsed into its own foot print at terminal velocity at 5:10pm after several fast explosions. Now just because there's Monumental evidence proving this, that's not to say that skeptics would suddenly believe in building 7 let alone the way in which it collapsed.
alvisc2002 2 months ago
@alvisc2002
Oh, so you're a building 7 truther? You guys have been refuted. watch?v=uFJa9WUy5QI
A true skeptic goes with the most parsimonious explanation. Your explanation involves not just what Ed explains in his video, but also a large additional conspiracy. Given that both are possible, but one requires assumptions the other doesn't require, I'm going with the one Ed provides.
Quintinohthree 2 months ago
@alvisc2002 And why would the CIA or the aliens, or elvis believers ruin a perfectly good 'mock' highjacking by blowing up another completely unrelated building.
9/11 'tossers' (truthers) really should sit down for 5 minutes alone, and think about it all.
TheSelfishAltruist 3 weeks ago
Happiness is achieved by Buying lots of Material Stuff!!! interesting. it's Science!!
:P
alvisc2002 2 months ago
This guy is great, I am an Atheist and I will only agree with half of his arguments. Why? Because I can think for myself and go on to accept that I can even question him. I will not put on someone to represent Atheism for later there wouldn't be such a need for such a word when religion is non-existent.
He is no Jacque Fresco though.
TuWear 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
JESUS CHRIST, HIS CATHOLIC-UNIVERSAL-APOSTOLIC CHURCH, SACRAMENTS, THE BIBLE, MIRACLES, HEALINGS, ST. MARY APPARITIONS, MESSAGES FROM HEAVEN, SIGNS IN 2011 ARE NOT A MYTHOLOGY BUT THE REALITY !!!
GET READY FOR THE GREAT WARNING NOW!!!
thewarningsecondcoming . com
JezusSlave 2 months ago
Evolution is a fraud! Devolution is the answer to mans' intricate questions.
eltopus4747 2 months ago
"The only way we have is with reason and science." Perfectly prescient ending statement.
ZachRose88 2 months ago
I am a devolutionist. I believe in reverse evolution. I believe that all humans are going to devolve back into apes and chimps before the end of 2020. Take a closer look at this guy at 7:42 and you'll agree that I'm dead right.
eltopus4747 2 months ago
@eltopus4747
"I believe that all humans are going to devolve back into apes and chimps"
Idiot. Chimpanzees are just as evolved as humans are, merely in a different environment. Besides, humans didn't evolve from chimpz. Humans and chimpz share a common ancestor.
MomoTheBellyDancer 2 months ago
@MomoTheBellyDancer There is more scientific evidence in favor of devoluton than evolution. Do more research before you make further comments.
I guess someone is scared to join his or her ancestors in the forests of Africa. Lol
eltopus4747 2 months ago
@eltopus4747
"There is more scientific evidence in favor of devoluton than evolution"
There is no such thing as devolution.
MomoTheBellyDancer 2 months ago
@MomoTheBellyDancer Google it!
eltopus4747 2 months ago
Evolution is a FACT. Fairy tales are fairy tales.
dkthg 2 months ago
This fool spreads the Global Warming LIE? roflmao! He also spreads the Official 9/11 Story. roflmao!
This guy is not a skeptic but a controlled opposition shill who spreads lies and justifies ongoing lies.
parasitesarefunny 2 months ago
Judaism causes one to STEAL the land of others and kill them and torture them
parasitesarefunny 2 months ago
Atheists are Evolutionists. Evolution is a Belief. Without Evolution there are not atheists.
parasitesarefunny 2 months ago
@parasitesarefunny “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?” Epicurus (Greek philosopher, BC 341-270)
studentofsmith 2 months ago
@studentofsmith
What does GOD have to do with it my dear fool? You are using a red-herring and dont even realize it because you have no clue what intelligent design means. roflmao!
Do you think Earth has the only intelligence in the entire Universe? If so, then you are one very narrow minded little fool. Better yet... a brainwashed macro evolutionary fool.
If there is INTELLIGENCE in the Universe, then Intelligent Design makes perfect sense.
Macro Evolution = Faith
parasitesarefunny 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@parasitesarefunny You stated that without evolution there are not atheists yet "On the Origin of Species" was published in 1859, over 2,000 years after the death of Epicurus. This demonstrates that atheism predates our understanding of evolution and hence is not dependent upon it.
studentofsmith 2 months ago
@parasitesarefunny
"Macro Evolution = Faith"
Then it's the only faith with massive amounts of evidence in its favor.
MomoTheBellyDancer 2 months ago
@MomoTheBellyDancer
Yep. Evidence for their faithful followers. Just like religious people have evidence for their faithful followers.
To bad Macro Evolution FAILS the scientific method, as it cannot be duplicated or predicted, which is the very basics of science.
parasitesarefunny 2 months ago
@parasitesarefunny
"Just like religious people have evidence for their faithful followers."
There is no evidence for religious claims. None whatsoever.
"Macro Evolution FAILS the scientific method"
Anybody who does the research can verify that you're nothing but a filthy liar.
MomoTheBellyDancer 2 months ago
@MomoTheBellyDancer I am a living evidence for religious claims.
I have done my own research on macro evolution and its not different from faires and unicorns.
eltopus4747 2 months ago
@eltopus4747
"I am a living evidence for religious claims"
Yeah, for ridiculousness of those claims, you mean.
"I have done my own research on macro evolution"
Liar.
MomoTheBellyDancer 2 months ago
@MomoTheBellyDancer You have displayed nothing but lack of ethical conduct and good character unfit for academic circles.
eltopus4747 2 months ago
@eltopus4747
"lack of ethical conduct and good character"
Projecting much?
MomoTheBellyDancer 2 months ago
@eltopus4747 Thats because u need a good brain to understand all else that encompasses Evolution or ur simply talking shit & haven't done any research at all on any level whatsoever.Your opinion belongs to the poll of countless & pointless uneducated guesses based on conventional/popular media,social ignorant narrow-minded wisdom.
"I am a living evidence for religious claims"!?..well,whatever do u mean by it let me explain something to u in layman's terms;..claims are neither evidence nor facts.
godof79 2 months ago
@godof79 You have in fact said nothing. You might want to re-phrase your sentences.
eltopus4747 2 months ago
@eltopus4747 Lol,an observation coming from someone that uses terms(devoluton) found not yet in any dictionary edition of the english language..that or you need to consult your spelling key,in this case to help you appear knowledgeable & having literacy.Instead we now know the dumbshit you really are.
godof79 2 months ago
@godof79 Devolution is a word. There are devolved governments in my country existing in Scotland and Wales. Maybe you should check your dictionary?
UnitedKingdomify 2 months ago
@UnitedKingdomify The word/term in question i first objected was devoluton not devolution,scroll down & read when he first introduced the term,then read mine and take heed cause i also said/implied to make use of the spelling key to at least give the impression you know"stuff".As for you,unless you're in need of glasses i suggest you get them,if not at least bother to read from begining to end other ppl's comments then make sure your tongue is connected to your brain.Ur country?u mean island,lol
godof79 2 months ago
@godof79 Ah I see. You're pointing out spelling errors in YouTube comments, and harking back to his errors even when in his last comment he spelled it correctly? Very uh, smart, considering your own grammar is beyond tragic. "Ur" "&" no space after commas. I'd drop the whole "I'm trying to be clever" thing.
Make sure my tongue is connected to by brain? In order to... type?
And no, I meant my country. A country is a country even when on island. In the case of the UK, my country is two islands.
UnitedKingdomify 2 months ago
@UnitedKingdomify Grammar beyond tragic? hey moron we only dispose of a limited amount of characters.A reason why "ppl" dont always write in formal fashion for the sake of simplifying words..main objective, getting the message across.Same reason too "ppl" do it when texting.Sheesh..again dipshit,is your tongue connected to "ur" brain?
godof79 2 months ago
@godof79 Beyond tragic, and also nonsensical. You use up the character limit in your shoddy use of the language. lol We only dispose of limited amount of characters? Good sentence dude. Same reason too people do it when texting. Brilliant. Tongues connected to brains (again: in order to... type?), islands aren't countries... yep, lol, you're full of ridiculous sentiments. You're obviously in need of an education.
UnitedKingdomify 2 months ago
@UnitedKingdomify And you are in need of a brain.."islands aren't countries..lol, a comment not to be taken literally.It was just sarcasm on my part to outline your condescending opinion.."Tongues connected to brains (again: in order to ..type?)"..No, in oder to think,to analize before you blurt out, write(yes,in your case type) the first stupid shit bouncing inside your lobotomized brain.I mostly agree with what Shermer said in the video,have u anything to say pertaining this VIDEO,if not,stfu
godof79 2 months ago
@godof79 Sarcasm about my country being an island? lol Right. Nice save. Your sublime wit is so god-like nobody gets it but you. You meant analysed? And order, I assume. Heh. Picking up on typos is awesome, isn't it.
It take me thirty seconds to troll your ass dude. This visit I'm extending it to a sweet forty.
I have a lot to say on the video's content, but I'd hate to get into a conversation with you because you, for the most part, make precisely no sense. That you think you do is hilarious.
UnitedKingdomify 2 months ago
@UnitedKingdomify .."Sarcasm about my country being an island?"Read on my comment shithead, i will repeat again: to outline your condescending opinion,not to denote sarcasm whether a(your) country can be an island(or vice-versa).I meant "to analyse" not "analysed"...thick as a brick,nonetheless your ridiculous folly is entertaining,slmao!
godof79 2 months ago
@godof79 Dude, only reason we've come this far is because you didn't know the word devolution existed. You blamed it on the fact you were picking on the guy's typo. You could have said: In biology the term devolution is grade A bunk. But you're one of those dullards who when wrong, talks shit.
There is no logical reason to point out my country is an island. None at all. Whether I'm condescending or not. There is no context of sarcasm you can slot it into.
Just give it up trying to look smart. =P
UnitedKingdomify 2 months ago
@UnitedKingdomify Wrong again,as a matter of fact you've been wrong all alone from the get-go,because you assumed shit,that's the reason we've come this far.So don't be a jackass pretending to know something about me from some disjointed comment(chuckles) i made in youtube regarding my doubts towards the poster who first typed devoluton actually had knowledge of such word.Such a poster appears to have a collection of uneducated guesses as basis to debunk the entire ET considering his previous-->
godof79 2 months ago
@UnitedKingdomify ..line of comments on the ET.I couldn't fathom such an idiot could bring up such a word(or try to),it was as if he randomly stumbled upon that word and carelessly hurried up to type it.In essence,he clearly gave the impression he has no bearings on such subject,therefore what possible knowledge as to what actually is comprised or encompassed within the ET could he bear to argue about.To even suggest Devolution you must understand a/o thoroughly know of ET...then you came along.
godof79 2 months ago
@UnitedKingdomify ..excuse the typo "alone" i meant along, though you already knew that.
godof79 2 months ago
less is more
JUGAopet1 2 months ago
what's that aura round his head. i bet they shined a light on the wall behind him. brilliant :))
m3xicanSuperman 3 months ago
Start growing and using Industrial Hemp to Protect the trees that regulate oxygen, climate, water supply. Forget about corporate/political interests.
Pretty good videos on Youtube regarding this subject.
BPMa14n 3 months ago
White Dude.
MsWatchy 3 months ago
Shermer reminds me of the drakula in Stephen King's movie, storm of the century. Check it out. :)
walkingphilosopher 3 months ago
seems like a lot of people really despise Shermer without much evidence to back their claims, he must be doing something right...
baihbalm 3 months ago
Go Michael Shermer! It's refreshing to see intelligent people talking! You don't get that much in this country of stupid rednecks!
magos2k6 3 months ago
he s a hero
phildirt3 3 months ago
Ugh. He's an atheist rightwinger, nuff said.
Pastor9764 4 months ago
The argument from ignorance IS valid. People always hate on it, but if no one can imagine something being done the way you think, the chances are you are wrong. Its not a proof, but it is evidence. Which is why I am not an anarcho-capitalist. (almost no libertarians are against police, courts, or private military).
Keeban3 4 months ago
Too bad he's a fiscal conservative. Otherwise I'm a big fan.
llaauuddrruupp 4 months ago 2
Noooooo!!!! Forced to count Deepak as one of ours to increase our % from 10 to 15%? [barfs]. I'd rather be 5% than 50% with Deepaks !
Aramis7 4 months ago 25
@Aramis7 I agree, that's just desperate.
TheSecularnation 2 months ago
@Aramis7 I have to agree. Fuck the Deepaks.
vonkruel 1 month ago
Michael Shermer is the Best!!
deckard43 5 months ago 28
This has been flagged as spam show
Please visit my channel for the unpopular truth about homosexuality.
A person does not need hatred or any kind of phobia in order to acknowledge important differences between heterosexual attraction / behavior / marriage / adoption and homosexual attraction / behavior / marriage / adoption. Even non-religious people know this.
Homosexual activists, with support from the media, have succeeded at framing themselves as noble victims; it's an effective way to push a social agenda.
lightandbeautiful 5 months ago
I guess "skeptic" is just a word this guy associates with himself to make the horse shit he says seem more credible, i.e. economic Darwinism and laissez-fail crapitalism. What a douche.
Nathan173AB 5 months ago
This guy, Shermer cracks me up. He's a self proclaimed skeptic, but he's soooo darned sure of himself about everything. Hmmm... Anyone else see the disconnect?
liverqiconstraint 5 months ago
Wth
redrum95432 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Mogley52 you need to quit getting your facts from creationist/i.d. Almost everything you said is tainted except the part on entropy. just for this reason alone I wont believe you is that I've seen children starved, beaten, deathly sick, deformed, dead, you cannot Convince me children of a third world country no parents no food no home waiting to die are going to hell because thay were never told about god
redrum95432 5 months ago
Mogley52 you need to quit getting your facts from creationist/i.d. Almost everything you said is tainted except the part on entropy. just for this reason alone I wont believe you is that I've seen children starved, beaten, deathly sick, deformed, dead, you cannot Convince me children of a third world country no parents no food no home waiting to die are going to hell because thay were never told about god
redrum95432 5 months ago 2
we have one little problem and pray about it, were sure he answered it and we feel better knowing we had help but where is god for those kids do thay litterly have to ask for it if so I am almost repulsed by the thought of god. You might think your trying to help it's just a hurt.
redrum95432 5 months ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This guy is a joke. Calls himself a skeptic but believes global warming, I mean "climate change" is the real deal. Climategate no big deal? I guess who cares that the people involved with the influencing policy were fudging the numbers. Pshhh...skeptic my ass.
Shogosan20 5 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This asshole is against everything it looks like! Remind me to ignore him in the future!
Ronin6575 5 months ago
He is the man!
bighrabovsky 5 months ago
I'm glad he qualified his free market love with the need for some regulation. In a laissez faire economy even ponzi schemes and other forms of fraud are legitimate.
jessemaurais 5 months ago
@jessemaurais Yeah if people or naive to buy into them, The free market places the responsibility on the individual, not the society and does not socialize the losses. Notice how in our current system ponzi schemes not only possible but prevalent, and we have all the regulations in the world.
Shogosan20 5 months ago
I do think the major part of fiscal policy is regarding how strict the rules are to regulate the optimal free market.
A completely free market is delusionally imperfect and idealistic.
A completely regulated market is exactly the same, but for the opposite reasons.
In essence, as he said, people will always believe weird things, and therefore there will always be people, in government or market, that will make bad choices for society.
Solensherre 5 months ago
Great thinking by Michael Shermer. For similar great thoughts try Dan Barker, John W. Loftus, Robert M Price, Valerie Tarico, Victor Stenger, Bart Ehrman, Ken Humphreys, Richard Carrier, Ken Pulliam, Keith Parsons, Gary Greenberg, Robert Ingersoll, Thomas Paine, Mark Twain, Earl Doherty, Israel Finkelstein, Daniel Dennett, C Dennis Mckinsey, Joseph Wheless, Bertrand Russell, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens
zytigon 6 months ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
ALTHOUGH I'M A CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN (Baptist), I no longer believe that the Bible teaches eternal torment or suffering. The Bible teaches eternal punishment, but it's not eternal torment. In my popular Internet article, TRADITIONAL DOCTRINE OF HELL EVOLVED FROM GREEK ROOTS, I explain how and why teaching of eternal torment entered early into Christianity and how Scriptures have been misinterpreted and taken out of context to support that teaching. ~Babu G. Ranganathan (B.A. theology/biology)
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
GOD, HEAVEN, AND SEX: Internet article examines the Biblical possibility of sex in heaven. Human sexuality isn't just for reproduction. There are reasons the Bible requires marriage for sex on earth, but those reasons won't exist in heaven. Scripture teaches, in heaven, we'll be like the angels only in one sense - no marriage, but we won't be like angels in every other way (i.e. Bible says we'll enjoy food and drink). Psalm 16:11 says there will be great spiritual joy and pleasures in heaven.
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
SCIENCE SHOWS THAT THE UNIVERSE could not have sustained itself eternally because of entropy. Einstein confirmed that space, matter, and time had a beginning! That beginning had to be supernatural because natural laws have no ability to bring the universe into existence from nothing. The supernatural cannot be proved by science but science points to a supernatural intelligence for the origin and order of the universe ~ HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM (Article)
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
NATURAL LIMITS TO EVOLUTION: Only evolution within "kinds" is genetically possible (i.e. varieties of dogs, cats, etc.), but not evolution across "kinds" (i.e. from worm to human). How were species living, reproducing if their reproductive system, vital structures, and organs hadn't evolved yet? Read my Pravda Internet article: WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS! I discuss: Punctuated Equilibrium, "Junk DNA," genetics, mutations, natural selection, fossils, genetic/biological similarities between species.
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
WHAT ABOUT THE STARS? Gravity explains how the order found in the precise courses of trillions of stars is maintained, but gravity can't explain the origin of that order! Did all the trillions stars agree to get out of each others way? C'mon! Disorder in the universe is because of chance, but the order is because of design. Read my popular Internet article: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM.
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
WHAT IS SCIENCE? Science simply is knowledge based on observation. No one observed the universe coming by chance or by design, by creation or by macro-evolution. These are positions of faith. The issue is which faith the scientific evidence best supports. Natural laws can explain how an airplane or living cell works, but it's irrational to believe that undirected natural laws can bring about an airplane or a living cell. Read my Internet article: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
DAWKINS, HITCHENS, AND HAWKING REFUSE TO DEBATE with creationists who are SCIENTISTS, such as the scientists at The Institute for Creation Research. Dawkins and his friends only debate non-scientist creationists. Read my popular Internet articles: ARE FOSSILS REALLY MILLIONS OF YEARS OLD? HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM, ANY LIFE ON MARS CAME FROM EARTH, WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS! MISSING LINKS THAT NEVER WERE!
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
DO EYES CARRY SCARS OF EVOLUTION? Read this fantastic Internet article by biologist and creationist Brian Thomas. Thomas refutes every argument for a "flawed" design for the eye, and explains how and why the so-called flaw is actually the best thing for the eye. Read the article! It's amazing what facts evolutionists will ignore. Numerous times evolutionists have been proven wrong about their interpretation of a structure as being flawed in design or useless.
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
BLIND WATCHMAKER NO ARGUMENT. Natural selection is no "blind watchmaker" because it can only "select" from variations produced having survival value. It doesn't produce variations. It only operates once there is life and reproduction, not before, so it couldn't be involved in life's origins. A partially-evolved cell (an oxymoron) would quickly disintegrate. It couldn't wait ("survive") millions of years for chance to complete it and then make it living! Read: HOW FORENSIC SCIENCE REFUTES ATHEISM
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
GENETIC INFORMATION DOESN'T HAPPEN BY CHANCE, so it's more logical to believe that genetic similarities between all forms of life are due to a common Designer who designed similar functions for similar purposes. It doesn't mean all forms of life are biologically related! "Junk DNA" isn't junk. These non-coding segments of DNA have recently been found to be vital in regulating gene expression. Read: WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS!
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
ALL REAL EVOLUTION ( i.e. varieties of dogs, cats, etc.) is the expression, over time, of already existing genes. Evolution is possible only if there’s information (genes) directing it. Only variations of already existing genes are possible, which means only limited evolution and adaptations are possible. Nature has no ability to invent new genes via random mutations caused by random environmental forces. That’s evolutionary faith, not science. Read my article, WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS!
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
ARE FOSSILS REALLY MILLIONS OF YEARS OLD? Popular Internet article examines assumptions concerning fossil deposition as well as built-in assumptions involved in modern radiometric dating (not used for dating fossils but other rocks), arguments from starlight and time. Discusses lack of transitional forms and lack of "age" sequence of the fossil layers. Discusses mixed species in fossils (i.e. dinosaur, reptile, mammal fossils in the same stratum conveniently ignored by evolutionists).
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
IMAGINE A FISH WITH PART FINS, part feet with the fins evolving (transitioning) into feet. What survival benefit would there be? The fish couldn't use its fins or its feet, and there are no fossils showing such a creature ever existed. They only exist on automobile bumper stickers! There are no true transitional forms, either living or fossilized. Evolutionists realize this fact! Read my Internet article: WAR AMONG EVOLUTIONISTS!
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
NOT ALL EVOLUTIONISTS even agree on the fossils used to support and reconstruct human evolution. The bones are incomplete. There's no certainty of the bones belonging to the same creature. They can reconstruct whatever they want from these bones, and they have. There's no hard evidence that humans evolved from an ape-like creature anymore than there's hard evidence that apes evolved from a four-legged dog-like creature. Read my article: MISSING LINKS THAT NEVER WERE
Mogley52 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
APES ARE QUITE COMFORTABLE IN HOW THEY WALK, just as humans are quite comfortable in how they walk. Even a slight change in the position of a muscle or bone, for either, would be excruciatingly painful and would not be an advantage for survival. There's no hard evidence that humans evolved from ape-like creature anymore than there's hard evidence that apes evolved from four-legged dog-like creatures. Read Internet article: MISSING LINKS THAT NEVER WERE.
Mogley52 6 months ago
sorry, but you are mistaken. The historical claim and proof of authentic "glorified" resurrection is unique within monotheistic religion(s).Further, Jesus' claim & actions of absolute [monotheistic] divinity is also unlike any other actual religion. A further proof of this is given when Thomas Jefferson was creating his own deistic religion. In order to make use of the Bible. he had to cut out most of the words and actions of Jesus on the Gospels so that he would be left w/just moral statements
shieldsff 6 months ago
I'm a skeptic. Richard Dawkins and Steve Pinker clearly state we should fight against our selfish genes. I don't see why you would want evolution to run any part of our lives. Reproductive success seems something any organism can do. We humans are so much more. We have reason. So let's plan our lives, our economy, our politics, etc. I don't agree with the libertarian viewpoint. I wish it could work. If there's one place it could happen, it's the USA with Ron Paul. But I doubt it'll work.
ReX342 6 months ago
But you still need a referee(at least) for the game not to end in a gigantic brawl!! Even "liberals that don't understand the markets" know that,don't they? So what's that idea of letting the game go by himself!? players rule? Bullcrap!!!
VekinHighwalker 6 months ago
STFU ecbyler and prove the bullshit that you preach about!!! Show me a bigfoot or an alien and I will believe.. Burden of proof is on you moron
outlaw87100 6 months ago
@outlaw87100 This is called a discussion. I will not STFU. You are not required to read or like my posts. I do not have to show you a Bigfoot for them to be real. God is not required to stand before you in an effort to satisfy you for Him to exist. Burden of proof has been made through decades of circumstantial evidence of UFOs. You need to switch to a decaff.
ecbyler1 4 months ago
@ecbyler1 Once again, show me some evidence. Blurry pics and faked videos dont count guy.. too bad.. once again, you fail.
outlaw87100 4 months ago
Until Mr. Shermer has gone on a paranormal investigation, or dealt with abductions every 8 years throughout his life or has actually attempted to contact God through faith first than through an attempt to prove His existence, sounds to me like it is Shermer who is arguing from ignorance.
ecbyler1 7 months ago
Oops...meant 5:50 in. To further bloviate hypocrisy he goes on to pontificate what he calls the "argument from ignorance" that because we don't know yet what the solution is that there isn't a solution. If that's the case Michael then how do you know with such certainty there is no such thing as God...no such thing as UFOs...etc. simply because "Science" has not definitively proven it yet? Science discovers new stuff every day.
ecbyler1 7 months ago
At 9:29 in Shermer begins this little nugget without so much as a clue that he may in fact be guilty of the very fact he is stating ..."So, they (those who don't believe like Sermer I guess) can rationalize the beliefs they already hold, then easily discount the beliefs they don't want to believe in". Wow...look in a mirror Michael.
ecbyler1 7 months ago
@ecbyler1 that's exactly what i thought at that moment. the guy can't see that his words apply directly to him as well.
slonitemuzik 6 months ago
Remember Michael...of the millions of personal sightings of UFOs, Bigfoot or experiences with God, they ALL have to be wrong for you to be right...only ONE has to be a true experience out of those millions for your entire life's work and foundations to be wrong. To hold your beliefs under those circumstantial odds is what is "weird". Why skeptics like you believe in the strange idea of the non-existence of things in the face of overwhelming circumstantial evidence to the contrary is beyond me.
ecbyler1 7 months ago
@ecbyler1 Shermer *doesn't* profess to know for sure that these things don't exist, just that the available supposed evidence is invalid for various reasons. Studies into the brain and psychology have come a long way in analyzing possible causes for the supposed religious experiences that many people have had. I don't consider it extraordinary to say that all videos of Bigfoot are fakes. That said, UFOs have clearly been spotted, and I confess ignorance on possible alternate explanations there.
Megaritz 6 months ago
sophistry? This your idea of an argument? Just a (Sagan) reminder--extraordinary claims demand...extraordinary evidence. You have provided........................................NOTHING.
bullmarc55 4 months ago
@bullmarc55 What's so extraordinary about the idea of visitation? Is not one persons extraordinary discovery just another's everyday reality? Thousands of people have dealt with lifelong visitations by another species intent on cross breeding us with them...something that is no different than what we do each day right here on this planet with our own animals. It's not really all that extraordinary.
ecbyler1 4 months ago
As a student of the big three...Is there a loving caring God, does a Sasquach type creature thrive in deep woods climates around the world and are/have extraterrestrials visited/are visiting this planet...the overwhelming circumstantial evidence to all three being a reality based on investigative data is YES. Guys like Shermer, for their own ideological reasons being hardcore secularists dismiss all three. To poo poo it all for ones own ideology while dismissing data sounds cult like to me.
ecbyler1 7 months ago
I like him when he's in debunking mode, but I don't follow him on this one. Barely a couple of years after a catastrophic market failure that's brought the US (and world) economy to the brink, and he's advocating for greater freedom of markets? Time to get out the baloney detection kit.
piripi40 7 months ago
@piripi40 well there's quite a bit of evidence that points to government regulation as a major player in causing the crisis... but I agree, the baloney detection kit ought to be put to use.
masonhymas 7 months ago
@piripi40: And then the government gave them $700 billion. Yes, it is time to bring out the baloney detection kit.
Fraud and coercion aren't free market principles. This is crony capitalism that should be rightfully blamed on government regulators who did not do their job. There is a difference. In a free market, you still have individual rights. No company can defame you, coerce you or take part in fraud in a free market society. We can disagree on things but only by what things are.
Deadwind002 7 months ago
@American Nohbuddy: China's economy is booming? Yeah, for GDP maybe. For quality of life? The country is 2/3 poverty. Social engineering creates poverty.
Deadwind002 7 months ago
Listen you guys, you cannot have free enterprise without individual rights. Capitalism isn't Anarchism. Capital means you do what you want as long as you do not infringe upon the rights of others.
In a free market, you are free to voluntarily contribute to a cause, succeed, fail, help or be helped by another. In a free market, if Wall Street fails, it fails, it doesn't get $700 billion dollars.
So disagree on what things are, and not straw man half truths.
Deadwind002 7 months ago
@BlameRepublicans: "All products of corporations meddeling with government. Remember - government = power to the people. The RIch and Corporations want you to hate government to disempower us."
You're twisting words. I said that you can't have free enterprise without Civil Rights. Do you understand? Government failure to exercise its duty to protect those rights is a failure of government and not the failure of Corporations by themselves.
Deadwind002 7 months ago
Natural Selection isn't like a free market. In a "free market" you can have people manipulate and cheat the system.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy: No, in a government subsidized economy people can cheat the system, as we have seen clearly with the TARP Bailouts. In a free market, you are not allowed to perform fraud, defamation, coercion or violence towards anyone. In a free market, failures are allowed to happen and people who make aggression towards others are forced to compensate. Corporatism and Government favoritism is not free enterprise.
Deadwind002 7 months ago 2
@Deadwind002
Notice how there hasn't ever been a lassiez faire capitalist society. There also will never be one.
You guys really run like a cult, it's really sad.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy: You're the one behaving like a cultist. Cultists resist information that challenges their beliefs. Seeing how you totally ignored my statement about Free Markets unable to exist without Civil Rights to continue your mindless rants proves that you are a cultist.
You're right about one thing: We've never had a free market. Perhaps we should try it and leave government only to protect your rights without social engineering.
Deadwind002 7 months ago
@Deadwind002
You're serious? I see Libertarians constantly cite guys like Schiff and scream "RON PAUL!!!" in various videos.
Well you gave me like 3 comments at once and I rarely care for libertarians, so I only responded to one.
Many anarchists support a free market idea too.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy
The start of all civilization had to be the product of anarcho-capitalist, the freest version of the free market. In order to sustain a state, the economy back then had to produce enough surplus goods to sustain the dictators, demi-god leaders, and their army who didn't work with that market.
flynn2008 7 months ago
@flynn2008
The start of all civilization were hunter/gather societies in clans and tribes. It then evolved into communities/townships with actual laws and rules.
You can't honestly compare primitive people 10,000 years ago to now in regards to an economy.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy
Your point is valid. However i just wanted to point out that free market exchange economy was predated the formation of government thus the case of "never ever had a free market" argument is inconsistent with history. The only preference here is how many people in a group would you consider as a society.
flynn2008 7 months ago
@flynn2008
If you count the most PRIMITIVE civilization 10 thousand years ago? Give me a break.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy
Well how about today. Have you googled the "index of economic freedom?" The countries on the top of the list are more free economically with relatively freer market compare to the countries in the bottom of the list who use central planning method to control economy.
flynn2008 7 months ago
@flynn2008
From the Heritage Foundation? lol.
How exactly do you measure that? China's economy is obviously booming, but they are in no way in favor of human rights.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy
They are in no way for free enterprise either, the population from the rural area in China cannot access the service of the people who are born in the city. Their local officials have record of high corruptions. Business is definitely not as free.
flynn2008 7 months ago
@flynn2008
Yet their economy is booming. So your index really makes no sense.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy
China GDP (per capita) nominal $4,382, Hong Kong GDP (per capita) nominal $31,590. Both economy is growing, which one do you think it's better to do business with?
flynn2008 7 months ago
@flynn2008
You know how many countries are ahead of hong kong?
Obviously China since the labor is cheap, which the US does.
Seriously, what are you trying to prove?
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy
Same kind of people in Hong Kong and China, one has a relatively free market, the other just tried capitalism 30 years ago. You don't seem the type to understand economics.
flynn2008 7 months ago
@flynn2008
Yeah and countries like Canada are ahead of Hong Kong, and they have that evil socialist health care.
Seriously, go away.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy
They do, long wait, unsustainable cost, we just elected a conservative majority last may 2nd to cut the welfare state.
flynn2008 7 months ago
@flynn2008 my money is on China. how many 'capita' do you have in China. There's also what you do with it, not just what you've got.
gateshead1000 7 months ago
@flynn2008 my money is on China. how many 'capita' do you have in China. There's also what you do with it, not just what you've got.
As for record levels of corruption, I beleive that. But so does the USA. And my question is, who is recording these high records of corruption? Where is oyour record? Is it China doing the Servey? If not, then who?
I agree aboy what you say of human rights. But the USA has a lot to say about that,Whats that famous Island called?As for health care
gateshead1000 7 months ago
@gateshead1000
If the two parties system in the US is parable indication of corruption level, think what a single party unilateral power does in term of corruptions. Furthermore, you should google which direction the rich chinese entrepreneurs are moving, are rich people in China moving to Hong Kong en mass, or is it rich people in Hong Kong moving to China. Where do you think the capital market is going?
flynn2008 7 months ago
@Deadwind002
I think you have to point out to the free market skeptics that right now we have government command of the economy via regulations and central banking, ask them what would be the better time to bribe and lobby the government than right now? They always speak as though corruptions = capitalism. But they count on the purity of the state officials who are in bed with corporations.
flynn2008 7 months ago
@Deadwind002 While a fee marketeer, I agree to a point, but also recognize as Micheal Shermer does, that Government has a role to play in setting up fair rules for the market to play in. A perfect example was Credit card companies placing fine print in their contracts that allowed them to change an EXISTING debt accrued at say 9% and change the interest rate to 21% after the debt was incurred. I think it is right for society (government) to disallow that kind of exploitation.
coolgreyoneabby 7 months ago
Not all atheists are libertarians either.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
@AmericanNohbuddy Libertarianism Makes You Stupid
Darusdei 7 months ago
@Darusdei
It makes you an arrogant asshole from what I've seen most of the time lol.
AmericanNohbuddy 7 months ago
About happiness - depression doesn't lead to anything good! Let's say you don't have friends... so you are depressed... so you try extra hard to impress people so they would become yours friends. That's when people will start avoiding you, because it becomes clear to them that you are a loser. People who try to hard never get any respect. Just be happy with who you are - and that doesn't mean you don't have goals in life.
PimpMyFahrrad 8 months ago
Shermer is a libertarian? Damn, now I can't like him as much. :(
BlameRepublicans 8 months ago
When we all debate free markets versus government intervention beyond protecting individuals from fraud, coercion or violence, we need to debate based on what they ideas really are. Saying that a free market is impossible or that it's only for rich or brainwashed people is a fallacy. For your information, BP and Enron were heavily regulated. Look where that got us. It is b/c of government that corporations are as big as they are today, b/c of government favoritism, not a free market.
Deadwind002 9 months ago
"...BP and Enron were heavily regulated..."
obviously not enough. Free market is a myth.
BlameRepublicans 8 months ago
@BlameRepublicans: Idiot - they were heavily regulated - what more do you want? It was these regulations that allows BP to socialize it's crimes to tax payers. I think we've had enough of government crony capitalism. It's time for an actual free market. Big government argument - when the government colludes with corporations to do what they want and stick it to tax payers, blame it on the free market!
Seriously, get a clue!
Deadwind002 8 months ago
Look shit for brains - they obvioulsy WERE NOT REGULATED ENOUGH. You Libertarian faggots are lost in your own little dram world. Go suck Rom Paul's wrinckled cock, and leave us producing class Americans alone, ok? LOL - you've been PWNED, stupid little cunt.
BlameRepublicans 8 months ago
@BlameRepublicans: It was the regulations, THE REGULATIONS that allowed tax payers to pay for BP's crimes, do you not understand? The REGULATIONS FORCED tax payers to PAY for BP's MESS. It is regulations that allow the FDA to send in goons and rape organic farms. We need laws to protect people from big business - no infringement on the right of other's liberties - BUT NOT to tell business owners how to operate if they do not break the law. You can't have free markets w/ out Civil Rights.
Deadwind002 8 months ago