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And now the discussion moves, as it typical among those who hold dear certain theological belief systems, faith. Faith in fantasies, myths & fables, whether secular or ecclesiastical.

Here's a free tip: follow what is occurring in genetic research. Scientists are getting closer to identifying certain brain gene expressions that govern & control rationale thought. The flip side, of course, is the ability to manipulate the kind of characteristics you propound. Imagine the power accessible to genetically alter and program and entire nation/army of drones.

People like you have always been fodder. Some eventually figure it out, others, well, not so much. However, it's not your fault; actually, you were just born this way. So, if there's any blame to go around, blame our proto-human ancestors. Darwin is a bitch, and ruthlessly culls anyone not subscribing to tribal conventions.

semantic: "And now the discussion moves..."

But only you are moving it, which by Free Republic recognized rules of discussion, means you've conceded my point and, being a glutton for punishment, whish to argue something different with me, right?

OK, I'm game, let's see what your new point is...

semantic: "...those who hold dear certain theological belief systems, faith.
Faith in fantasies, myths & fables, whether secular or ecclesiastical."

So, Mr. Cynical Semantic, you believe in, what, nothing but raw, brutal & bloody dictatorial power?
And you wish to argue here on Free Republic that your raw, brutal & bloody dictatorial power is somehow superior to "Faith in fantasies, myths & fables, whether secular or ecclesiastical??"

Really?
And you can cite examples of victorious soldiers who marched to war singing, "we believe in raw, brutal & bloody power over all your stupid fantasied, fables... etc."??

And you can cite examples of historical cultures & economies which flourished under banners of raw, brutal & bloody power?
And you can show scientific studies of citizens in countries of raw, brutal & bloody power who were more successful in their "pursuit of happiness" than all us deluded believers in your "fantasies, myths & fables"??

I doubt it, but please to ahead, give us your best shot.

semantic: "People like you have always been fodder.
Some eventually figure it out, others, well, not so much."

Figure it out?
Our Founders figured it out:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are..."
"...to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them"
" And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. "

Yes, I'd say our Founders "figured it out" pretty well, and left us the most amazing heritage in all history.

Or, can you cite perhaps a better one?