Political language -- and with variations this is true of all political parties, from Conservatives to Anarchists -- is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.
- G. Orwell
"To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people is a chimerical idea." James Madison.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." Benjamin Franklin.
"The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy the gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it. While, on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves." Samuel Adams.
"Virtue, then, is a habit or trained faculty of choice, the characteristic of which lies in moderation or observance of the mean relatively to the persons concerned, as determined by reason, i.e. as the prudent man would determine it." Aristotle.
A famous Samurai went to see a Zen master.
“Master,” he said in a voice accustomed to instant obedience, “teach me about Heaven and Hell!”
The Master looked up at this mighty warrior and replied with utter disdain, “Teach you about Heaven and Hell? I couldn’t teach you about anything. You’re dirty. You smell. Your blade is rusty. You’re a disgrace; an embarrassment to the Samurai class. Get out of my sight. I can’t stand you.”
The Samurai was furious. He shook, got all red in the face, was speechless with rage. He pulled out his sword and raised it above him, preparing to slay the Master.
“That’s Hell,” said the Master softly.
The Samurai was overwhelmed. The compassion and surrender of this little man who had offered his life to give this teaching to show him Hell. He slowly put down his sword, filled with gratitude, and suddenly peaceful.
“And that’s Heaven,” said the Master softly.
Nuts? Yes! Potentially fun....you betcha. Nothing like stirring up the society brew.
Main site for you local group is here: The Cacophony Society
"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion."
-Carl Sagan, astronomer and writer (1934-1996)
Lots of quotes recently....here are some choice airplane, flying, and related quotes:
"Though: I Fly Through the Valley of Death . I Shall Fear No Evil , For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing."
- sign over the entrance to the SR-71 operating location Kadena, Japan.
"You've never been lost until you've been lost at Mach 3."
- Paul F.Crickmore, test pilot.
"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
- Anonymous Military Flight Instructor.
"The Piper Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it can just barely kill you."
- Max Stanley, Northrop test pilot.
"A pilot who doesn't have any fear probably isn't flying his plane to its maximum."
- Jon McBride, NASA Astronaut.
"If you're faced with a forced landing, fly the thing as far into the crash as possible."
- Bob Hoover, - renowned aerobatic and test pilot.
"If an airplane is still in one piece, don't cheat on it; ride the bastard down."
- Ernest K. Gann, author & aviator.
"There are more planes in the ocean than submarines in the sky."
- Anonymous Navy Carrier Sailor.
"The three best things in life are a good landing, a good orgasm, and a good bowel movement. The night carrier landing is one of the few opportunities in life where you get to experience all three at the same time."
- Author unknown, but someone who's been there.
A collection of sexual signature line quotes:
"I believe that sex is one of the most beautiful, natural, wholesome things that money can buy."
--Tom Clancy, Author
"You know "that look" women get when they want sex? Me neither."
--Steve Martin, Actor & Comedian
"Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand."
--Woody Allen, Actor & Comedian
"Bisexuality immediately doubles your chances for a date on Saturday night."
--Rodney Dangerfield, Actor & Comedian
"There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Mercedes-Benz 380SL."
--Lynn Lavner, Singer/Songwriter
"Leaving sex to the feminists is like letting your dog vacation at the taxidermist."
--Matt Barry, Author
"Sex at age 90 is like trying to shoot pool with a rope."
--Camille Paglia, Author
"Sex is one of the nine reasons for reincarnation. The other eight are unimportant."
--George Burns, Actor & Comedian
"Women might be able to fake orgasms. But men can fake whole relationships."
--Sharon Stone, Actor & Producer
"My girlfriend always laughs during sex---no matter what she's reading."
--Steve Jobs, Computer Geek, Inventor, & Businessman
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch."
--Jack Nicholson, Actor
"Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is."
--Barbara Bush, Former First Lady & Author
"Ah, yes, divorce, from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man's genitals through his wallet."
--Robin Williams, Actor & Comedian
"Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself."
--Roseanne, Actor & Comedian
"Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place."
--Billy Crystal, Actor & Comedian
"According to a new survey, women say they feel more comfortable undressing in front of men than they do undressing in front of other women. They say that women are too judgmental, where, of course, men are just grateful."
--Robert De Niro, Actor
"There's a new medical crisis. Doctors are reporting that many men are having allergic reactions to latex condoms. They say they cause severe swelling. So what's the problem?"
--Dustin Hoffman, Actor
"There's very little advice in men's magazines, because men think; 'I know what I'm doing. Just show me somebody naked.'"
--Jerry Seinfeld, Actor & Comedian
"Instead of getting married again, I'm going to find a woman I don't like and just give her a house."
--Rod Stewart, Singer
"See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time."
--Robin Williams, Actor & Comedian
There are no bugs in my software. Just undocumented features.
(from a PicList sig line)