AMERICAN ANGST

This was the week of the first presidential debate. Though disappointing to many, I thought everything went as planned. Michel started a discussion here for those who want to discuss the apparent missteps of the president.

I myself thought it was perfect. When you set the bar that low you can only go up. When you pretend to be a horrible debater, then come back in round two on fire, you will surprise and grab America's attention. If this wasn't a planned drama I'd be surprised; Obama is now the underdog in the debates and Americans love underdogs.

While we wait to see if there's anything to my reasoning, at least we can have some real fun watching Congressman Ryan and Vic-President Biden duke it out, that one will be great fun. Are you ready to rumble? If so, Thursday should quench that thirst.

Congressman Paul Broun, a republican out of Georgia, got up on the wrong side of the bed and decided that all science is "lies straight from the pit of hell." Evolution, Embryology and the Big Bang, all the devil's doing. Normally I'd see the big "R" on his lapel and not expect anything real spouting out of his blowhole, but this gentleman deserves special attention; he is a high ranking member of the House Science Committee.

Someone slap me and wake me from the nightmare.

For every setback, someone takes a step forward. The Tea Party's "True The Vote" organization is being criminally investigated because of their activities. Senator Barbara Boxer, a democrat out of California, started the ball rolling with a letter to True The Vote and the Justice Department.

Senator Boxer wrote, "At some point, an effort to challenge voter registrations by the thousands without any legitimate basis may be evidence of illegal voter suppression."

It is about time someone started looking closely at the conservative move to purge voters. Representative Elijah E. Cummings, a democrat out of Maryland and on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has picked up the ball and is running with it.

This is more troublesome than all the anti-voting legislation being passed in conservative led states. Those laws have been either struck down, or put on hold until after the election. True The Vote is different. This organization is mobilizing a national network of volunteers to go to the actual polls and challenge and intimidate voters on election day. 

I hope anyone seeing any criminal activity like this when they go to vote will stand up to the criminals. You know they will only go after those they think they can intimidate. The voter fraud initiative has been a disease from the beginning, hopefully it will finally end with some of these fine citizen criminals being locked up for a good long time.

Unemployment dropped to 7.8% giving the Obama administration a nice boost after the not so good debate. Psychopath and ex-GE CEO Jack Welch goes into emergency denial mode about the good news for the country, which is always bad news these days to conservatives. He tweets, "Unbelievable job numbers..these Chicago guys will do anything..can't debate so change numbers." The usual conservative mantra, if we don't like it it can't be true. Like science, conservatives are unable to grasp anything that might damage their disgusting world view.

Even worse for conservatives is that the federal deficit dropped 200 billion dollars. The deficit is now 1.1 trillion, which is the lowest since 2008 when the financial crisis started that brought about the great recession. A conservative nightmare that makes life oh so sweet for the the reality crowd.

GOD'S GREATEST

At the end of September, Pat Robertson spoke at the Americans for Jesus 2012 rally. The old crazy guy happily looked out at a crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 - I'm sure Pat thought there were millions there; it's a miracle! - and said "I don't care what the ACLU says or any athiest says, this nation belongs to Jesus." There there Pat, it will be okay. The two day event was organized by the group One Nation under God. They are the bumbling numb minds that in the 1980's were credited with helping to start the religious right movement in this country. Happily the statistics show in the past that they used to get crowds of a half million; apparently Jesus is losing his appeal. 

Pastor John Hagee is back to being somewhat more unbalanced than he normally is. It was this gentleman that stated the Nazis were sent from god to hunt the jews. His newest endeavor is Global Evangelism Television; an internet business where all things idiotic are featured. He recently set out an email to all christians and people of faith - maybe Chick-fil-A bosses as well - that centers on the impending destruction of America if Obama wins. Be more afraid than usual people. 

Delirious quotes from the fine pastor:

“First, I want to express my profound appreciation to President Barak Obama for doing what all of the Republican candidates have not been able to do for months: he unified the Bible-believing church in America in one week over the issue of abortion.

“When the president ordered the Catholic Church to provide contraceptives to prevent the birth of new life, he hit a nerve in the heart of every true Catholic and evangelical."

“Being a politician, he will attempt to compromise his position until after the election and then release the full power of government to force the church to obey the state. Think about this! If he made this bold statement before the election, consider how brutal he will be if he is re-elected!"

“I have said it before and I will say it again: the election on Nov. 6, 2012 for the office of president is the day of decision for America. Four more years of Obama will bring absolute socialism to America. Our children and grandchildren will never know the greatness of America that we have experienced."

“This must not happen! … I am asking the Christians of America to join us in 40 days of prayer for this presidential election. These 40 days of prayer will begin on Sept. 28, 2012. You can do it individually or in groups, but prayer is the most powerful force God has given us to bring our nation back to righteousness. I'll be saying more about this as the year progresses, but mark it on your calendar and start telling your family, friends, and church members now about the 40 days of prayer.”

Tickles me thinking about all the faithful wasting their time, and our oxygen, yammering to the invisible. At least it may keep them out of trouble.

The FBI has been taken over by gays. Another gentleman with a lack of critical thinking skills, Brian Camenker, is promoting the thought that gays are now in charge of not only the FBI, but the CIA as well. These well dressed enforcers of law are using their new found power to crack down on pro-family groups and citizens; if only. Read the whole article if you need laugh, this gentleman is very frightened. He runs a group out of Massachusetts called MassResistance, I wouldn't recommend going to the site, it is horrible.

The Army has launched an investigation into mandatory prayer. Apparently at Fort Sam Houston, a Suicide Prevention Awareness, Education and Training program was highjacked and turned into a revival. This important training was being held at other military bases around the country, but only this one decided to make it a religious event. Someone didn't realize that having a mandatory spiritual fitness and candlelight prayer is an assault on the separation of church and state.

Great news for those waiting for the return of Jesus. Christian television networks have setup camp in Jerusalem to broadcast live the return of Jesus. Continuing the longest running scam in history, Daystar TV and Trinity Broadcast Network have set up camera and studios overlooking Mount Olive where the messiahs return will supposedly take place. 

Filming the final battleground seems to be a bit odd, who will be left to watch it? Never mind that, it is still a great excuse to run christian programming 24 hours a day in the hope that the Jewish people can be converted to christianity.

EDUCATION ENEMIES

I'm becoming interested in a program called "Every Student, Every School." Apparently since adults get in trouble if they bring religion into public schools, there is now a program that teaches students how to evangelize on campus; let the brainwashing begin. 

The program is for junior high and high school students. If you go to their site, it teaches how to evangelize on public property. Corporations, and individuals, can "sponsor" a school, though who they may be is not disclosed. I looked up my local public high school, and yes, there are two corporations sponsoring the program. 

How insidious is this? If there's one thing you can always count on from the religious is they're constant sneakiness; especially evangelicals, who will do anything to promote the nonsense that keeps them financed.

FOOD FIGHT

In a discussion with a young liberal atheist, he was of the opinion that there are more conservative atheists than one, meaning me, might think. He knows several and insists that the liberal atheists that dominate the secular networking sites are an anomaly, that the conservatives are not represented because they do not reveal their atheism.

I thought the idea was not the brightest one I'd heard of lately, but after a little more thought, perhaps he could be right.

It doesn't seem to fit, since the faces of conservatism are usually more Gung ho than those tree hugging liberals are.  Could it be that liberals are more exuberant about atheism than their polar opposites? If you're conservative, perhaps you don't want the rest of the republican base to know that you don't believe in god, that if that was revealed you would not be accepted by your peers. 

What fun this would be if true, secular conservatives hiding while secular liberals get to control the conversation. Conservatives allowing the progressive community to be the face of reality, while they hide amongst the god followers. 

I really don't think there's as many as the young guy I was talking to thinks, but there is a slight joy in the thought that for once conservatives must hide their true thoughts. Besides too soon gone Hitchens, the only other prominent conservative atheists I can think of off immediately would be Penn Teller and - sorry to put in the same sentence - S.E. Cupp.

I didn't have a good argument I could use to rebuke his stance. Though wandering around the atheist networks for a few years, and finding a lone conservative here or there, it always seemed that liberals were the vast majority. A conservative could not really rally around the right these days, they may hang out with Randian economists but where else would they be accepted. 

Are there conservative atheists who think that a marriage is between one man and one woman? Are there conservative atheists who are pro-choice. And if I keep asking basic questions about their views and they answer in a manner that is compatible with liberal ideals, are they really a conservative?

Enjoy your week people.

AMERICAN ANGST

Paul Ryan has been channeling Tod Akins, the "legitimate rape" gentleman. On WJHL, during an interview, Ryan stated that there is no reason for an abortion, ever. His exact words, "the method of conception doesn't change the definition of life."

If you've been raped, it's just making love on a different level. 

The right's seeming disregard for females continues. Akin jumped back into the fray with his statement that Senator McCaskill was "much more ladylike in 2006." It would have been a gift if he would have defined "ladylike" to us all so we can be sure what a lady should be. I would really enjoy hearing conservatives defining the gender, would be an eye opener for all.

Senator Brown of Massachusetts has decided that he can't beat his democratic challenger on the issues of the day, so he's decided to attack Elizabeth Warren personally. During a recent debate, Brown stayed on topic. Unfortunately the topic focused on Warren's statement years past that she had Native American heritage. This was never used for securing employment, only a statement. I don't see why this even matters, but I guess attacking his opponent instead of discussing policies is a safer bet for the gentleman.

Even worse, at a rally his deputy chief of staff and others got the crowd excited by making "war whoops" and "tomahawk chops." I'm sure Native Americans are not as excited as his supporters apparently are.

For those not paying attention, Romney's energy plan show's a complete disregard for the citizenry and science. His plan expands fossil fuel use and derides renewable energy by ending subsidies for clean energy. No mention of climate change anywhere in the plan, keep this is mind if you intend to vote for him. Even better, let me know why this is good.

Joining the Romney team is Dan Senor, who spoke for Romney on Libya and Egypt. This is one of President George W. Bush's selections because of his loyalty to him and the political party, not because of any expertise. "Bagdad Dan" ignored what was happening in Iraq and concentrated on generating spin for the American public that made everything look fine.

My favorite conservative mantra this week that is being yelled from the rooftops is that the polls on the election are showing Obama taking a commanding lead cannot be correct. All the talking heads, including my favorite bender of facts, Rush Limbaugh, are crying foul. They believe this to be a liberal media plot to get conservatives to stay home come election day.

The best take on this foolishness came from Colbert:

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

The Honorable Allen West was in the news for vocalizing his thoughts on President Obama's speech to the United Nations. He posted the following nonsense on FB:

My statement to the United Nations would have been, "The future does not belong to those who attack our Embassies and Consulates and kill our Ambassadors. The Angel of Death in the form of an American Bald Eagle will visit you and wreak havoc and destruction upon your existence." I know readers dislike when I start calling those I disagree with belittling names, but really?

Mr. West is from Florida, one of the states doing their best to disenfranchise voters. There they feel the need to protect the election from voting fraud, and the best way to do that is make sure minorities are not allowed to vote. We've heard about the firm that was involved in voter fraud in Florida, the conservative firm run by Nathan Sproul, seems to be the culprit. What may not be as well known is that many conservative states were doing business with his Strategic Allied Consulting firm. The RNC has now dropped the company, which was involved in registering the dead. 

All the "voter fraud" laws being battled appear to be in conservative run states. I was surprised to learn how small a margin our current president had in those states; now I know why conservatives are trying to dismantle the federal voter protection laws through local legislation. These are the same tactics they used in eliminating women health care providers by circumventing Roe vs. Wade.

In Ohio where they tried to eliminate three days of early voting, the president won by 262,224 votes. The republican controlled state legislature, if they had their way, would have eliminated 100,000 votes during that time. Then you tack on another almost 15,000 votes that they tried to eliminate if provisional ballots were filed in the wrong precinct. They lost that battle as well, but since an overwhelming majority of these votes have been for democrats in the past, you can see what they have in mind.

Pennsylvanians favored the president in 2008 by over 620,000 votes. The new voter I.D. laws would exclude as many as 759,000 voters. 

They tried the same law in Wisconsin, where it was overruled by the state's Supreme Court. Obama won by over 400,00 votes there.

In Iowa they have given up on trying to purge registered voters. Obama won by 146,000 votes.

Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico; all states where conservative leadership is in the process of disenfranchising a basic American right. I only list all this data to make it very clear how conservatives intend to win. Lying and cheating is the apparent game plan for 2012.

The Citizen's United ruling is now having an effect on our election. Corporate political spending has reached 78% of campaign funding. If you think anyone getting elected is there to serve the interests of the public, I have a bridge to sell you.

Atheists are seemingly tired of both parties, at least when it comes to religion. The Secular Coalition of America finds that a resolution from the U.S. House of Representatives excludes many Americans. That resolution "reaffirms the importance of religion in the lives of United States citizens." I think we all know which religion is important.

California has an interesting ballot initiative this fall dealing with GMO labels on food products. Though Monsanto and allies have spent 32.5 million dollars in trying to keep this off the ballot, Californians favor the initiative 2 to 1. With luck this will spread across the country, especially with Monsanto corn being in the news. Russia has decided not to buy Monsanto corn after a recent French study that linked the corn and the herbicide roundup to cancer and organ failure.

GOD'S GREATEST

Another war on reality has hit the airwaves. John Hagee stated to Glenn Beck that the Civil War was ended by President Lincoln with his call to a national day of fasting and prayer. That's what we need now, prayer for the upcoming election. It does seem that the religious right's goal is to rewrite history as fast as they can. Lincoln's call to fasting and prayer took place two years before the war ended. Pesky facts. 

The Pope weighed in on the gay scourge. According to the supreme leader of all sheep, gays are not fully developed people. Apparently he's a bit peeved by France's move to legalize marriage for all. His exact wording was that the catholic values of marriage and family must be obeyed to"permit the full development of the human person." Possibly this is a step forward, at least gays are now considered people, even if they are incomplete.

All we can hope for is that religious leaders keep talking, it's how they will be exposed as the conmen that they are.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon decides that the religious are more important than humans. As the Blasphemy laws are once again injected into global discussion, he thinks that limiting free speech is okay when referencing religion. No way buddy.

GUN GROUPIES

Another horrible story that revolves around our love of firepower. A Connecticut teacher shoots his own child, thinking that his target was a robber. 

Every year 31,000 Americans are killed and over 66,000 injured by guns. Over 18,000 people kill themselves and almost 600 are shot by accident. I know, nobody really cares. Second amendment guarantees our right to be armed to the teeth, and for some their lack of reasoning guarantees that people will die.

In a seven day period ending September 20th, the TSA found 47 guns, (38 loaded), 3 inert hand grenades, hunting knives, black powder, fuses and a sword. We're into this fantasy of power that the righteous use of weapons of destruction in the U.S. gives us. 

Since crime is rampant and guns are easy to get,  the city of Camden in New Jersey - the most dangerous city in the country - is disbanding the police force. Like the NFL referees, the unionized police force is just too darn expensive. This should work out well if you're looking to save money, not so much if you're looking to save people.

FOOD FIGHT

The small story, a woman was abused at a local Kroger's for using food stamps. After having her groceries rung up, she was told she owed ten dollars. Knowing that her food stamps covered the purchase, she argued the point. The store manager gave in, but not after letting her know what he thought. 

"He finally just said, 'Okay, just give it to her.' I said, 'See, I told you it was covered by food stamps,' and he said, 'Excuse me for working for a living and not relying on food stamps!'"

The big story is from my home state which is experimenting with another sly way of getting rid of welfare recipients. The new policy that is in effect will tie welfare cash to school attendance. Conservatives are claiming, and most of us would probably agree, that children should be in school; that their future is in jeopardy if they are truant.

Unfortunately for the state, I have a policy expert in the house. Some quick notes from online sources. There is no study that shows that truancy is a problem only of the poor. Some also think that this is not the right kind of encouragement; taking away food seems to be drastic. The talking heads keep defining truancy as ten or more unexcused absences, but that is not in the new policy.

The following is Jo's interpretation of the policy.

DHS policy change

DHS policy change

The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) is implementing a policy change for families receiving cash assistance effective October 1, 2012. This caught my attention as it hit national news this week. Being a retired policy writer for DHS, I had to go check out the details in DHS policy.

I discovered that 16 and 17 year old children must be attending school full time. 18 year olds must be attending high school full time in order to receive cash assistance.

High school means a course of study leading to a high school diploma or it's equivalency and includes all of the following:

Adult basic education.
Alternative education
Charter school
Non-public school
Vocational or technical training.

School means:
Public school
Non-public school registered with DOE
Home school

It appears that whether or not a child is "attending," and if full or part time is up to the school to determine. School verification forms are automatically generated on the child's birthday every year beginning at age 16. Shouldn't the definition of truancy be spelled out and applied uniformly if at all?

It also appears that if the "truant" child is the only child in the family, all cash benefits stop. If he/she is only one of multiple qualifying children, the family suffers a reduction in the amount of cash assistance.

I could not find historic policy online, but my memory is that in the past, 16 and 17 year olds not attending school full time used to be referred to a work program. If non compliant with that program, penalties were applied to the family, but at least they were given an alternative.

While reviewing current policy I also noticed that a change was implemented some time in the last 2 1/2 years. Policy used to allow cash assistance to continue for 19 year olds who were attending high school full time when expected to graduate before age 20. This no longer applies.

We all know of a teenager, some from well educated, affluent families who lose their way in high school and are unsuccessful students. We also know of children who were held back and who do not have the opportunity to graduate before age 19. What about special education students? Should parents of these children lose their possibly only source of income because of this? Who is this helping?

I was unable to locate any case studies on this topic online, or the philosophy behind this change. Could it be that we have the pleasure of having a republican governor who is hell bent on building a new bridge from Michigan to Canada?

Bridge first. Michigan's Families somewhere lower on Mr. Snyder's priority list.

Neal again. 

This raises the question, how do we treat those in need? Those who are temporarily having a hard time because of the economy, those who are locked into generational poverty, what is the correct action to take? Ridicule? Patronize? Sympathize? Maybe a swift kick to get them moving?

Conservatives think that by cutting off aid those less fortunate will either get off their rears and work, or die. Either way it solves the problem.

AMERICAN ANGST

Candidate Mitt Romney has been having a bad week. Tim Pawlenty, who had a short run in the conservative primary, has left Mitt's campaign to go work as a lobbyist. When your milk toast compatriots start running away, you know there's a problem.

Most of the flack that Romney is the deserved brunt of this week, revolves around the idea that 47% of the U.S. populations are freeloaders who will vote for Obama so they can keep their entitlements. That was the big story, though if you listened to the full video there were many more statements from the gentleman that deserved your scorn.

Romney decided to target immigrants with a few really wild statements. He sarcastically stated that "If you have no skill or experience you are welcome here." If you have a PH.D., he'd like to "Staple a green card on your forehead and welcome you to the country." I may be making those statements difficult to understand, but the gist is that the only immigrants we have are uneducated, unskilled and unwelcomed. He would like to be involved in a hostage situation so he could take advantage of the opportunity. He made false claims about the Federal Reserve buying up three quarters of the American debt and that if he's elected there will be easy dividend gains for the rich. Among other ridiculous claims, he also stated that he was as poor as a church mouse.

The gentleman hasn't a clue.

His seemingly nice wife Anne stated in his defense that "It is hard" to run for president. This statement was directed at conservatives who thought Mitt's 47% remark might damage his chances at being elected. Thanks for the clarification.

This week Romney's tax returns remained a hot topic. He dumped his 2011 return late on Friday, as most politicians do when they have news they'd like to bury. Interesting enough, he paid more than he needed to in 2011. I would think that was a deliberate overpayment to help bump his tax rate up; even though percentage wise it is still less than what the middle class pays.

Ryan helps out by speaking in front of a AARP convention, the boos were apparently music to his ears, why else would he wear that silly grin all the time?

The right is ramping up the crazy. Megyn Kelly, a Fox employee, compared the Obama campaign poster to an image of a blood streaked wall in Libya.

In Texas, a gentleman has lynched an empty chair adorned with an American flag in his front yard. I think it not hard to comprehend what the man has in mind.

Santorum made this incredibly awesome comment in front of a conservative group last Saturday, "We will never have the elite, smart people on our side." Finally a conservative who realizes the truth. Theists have no use for the hard to con group.

My favorite Romney weirdness this week was his appearance on Univision. Apparently Mitt darkened his face to appeal to hispanic voters. Weirdness defined.

This would appear to be a constant conservative error. They make statements that anyone who would wish to do so can fact check; yet they don't care. The lies and deceit flow from their mouths on the American public like Niagra Falls dumps water on sightseers. I can only ponder the incredulous reality that much of the American public either doesn't care, or is so easily duped, that a politician would not think twice about the lies spread. 

I wonder what the makeup would look like if he was addressing the NAACP? Could Mr. Romney then lay claim to becoming our second black president?

Too funny.

CULTURE CLASH

In Michigan, we have passed legislation that will require schools to have an American Flag and to give every student the opportunity to vocalize the Pledge to Allegiance. The bill doesn't require students to take part, but we all know what this is; a bill that will make sure that young women and men feel peer pressure from those whose parents have already warped their minds with theist insensibilities.

Texas Governor and ex-presidential hopeful Rick Perry has stated that the separation of Church and State is the work of Satan. The nonsense could be easily ignored except that he mentions "Christian Warriors," which is pretty creepy. He also states that those who preach tolerance and diversity are actually bullies. Ah, the twisting of reality into a parallel universe continues.

Texans appear to be leading the crazy train this week. High school cheerleaders, who were ordered to stop waving around bible verses at football games, are apparently going to sue for the right to infringe upon everyone else's rights. Nothing gets those athletes more fired up than Sodom and Gomorrah tales. A local judge is allowing the verses to be displayed for at least a couple of more weeks.

The drug wars are still failing. In Mexico, President Calderon's war on the drug cartels has killed 50,000 citizens since he's been in office. Please put down your fatty and come out with your hands up. Disgusting.

GOD'S GREATEST

This is my favorite story of the week. Apparently a new text has been discovered that implies that Jesus was married. Take that all you catholic priests living lonely lives of celibacy, you could of had a wife instead of the boys choir section.

Though pedophilia is not amusing in any way, shape or form, it would be even more of a horror if the sheepherders had deliberately twisted a story that then allowed for the depravity. the long years of child molestation could have been prevented. I would think the Pope dude will say this is not real, how else can one protect the reign of nonsense.

CLIMATE CHAOS

If you haven't joined Michel's group, "Our Climate," you should.

The latest data are showing the summer ice cap is the smallest in recorded history. Scientists are thinking we may be running out of time. Keep yourself up to date on the data being collected; it is the only way to contradict the science deniers. We really can't let them have the last word. 

I watch daily as energy companies advertise the benefits of raping and destroying the planet. As a stopgap measure for rebuilding the economy, there may be a grain's worth of truth in the messaging. The lie is not exhorting the values of renewable energy and the jobs that industry would build with the same vigor.

OCCUPY OASIS

We still hear almost nothing about the OWS movement. It would appear to be nonexistent if you follow the usual media news sources. Yet on the year one anniversary, there were almost 200 arrests made. The article I'm linking states 100 were arrested, others say 180. 

The question this raises is the following; if there was a movement that no longer exists, how is it possible to arrest non-existent protestors? The powers that be do not want you to hear or understand what is still going on.

If nothing else, remember that the movement coined the 99% phrase. If that were to be the movements only moment of shining glory, it is still a powerful one. It could possibly become a message that will resonate with the public for many years to come.

PLANET POLITICS

Libya is not happy with the militias in the country. Whether the latest uprising is secular or not, apparently the citizens have had enough of terror tactics. They are actually supporting the U.S. in protests occurring in the city of Benghazi. They want nothing to do with the militias and al Qaeda. 

If nothing else, these protests show that the Arab Spring still survives and that freedom is still a desired outcome for the people of the region. It appears that the common thread of reasoning by the people is that the country is theirs and not owned by anyone who would claim to rule.

A great message that the citizens of the U.S. could learn from.

FOOD FIGHT

Is Heaven anything more than a way to way of subduing the feeling of regrets that humans embrace when a loved one is lost? If you think about it, what a perfect comfort the thought would be if you had treated your elders badly. Don't feel bad, they're living it up in heaven and you can join them when it's your turn. All regrets need not be heeded. All your non-caring behavior is absolved. All meanness forgotten.

Modern theist thinking is that the western countries are so advanced that we have too much comfort on earth. No dealing with the weather, no dealing with a cruel life of working from sunup to sundown trying to survive. When life sucked, heaven was a place to look forward to. Literal comfort makes us believe that our heaven is now, that life is the best it's going to be right now, and these thoughts are horrendous to those who preach.

Amazing that they can make a good life a bad thing, but if you think about it, a comfortable life does suck for those promoting the game of worship. 

They do not rejoice in the advances man has made to secure that comfort, since it takes away from their dominion. They would rather believe said comforts cheat our minds from the thought that their is a better place for us in our future. 

And that thought would keep them in control.

Even if life is tough, heaven cheats us of the desire to make our lives better; why work for this life when you have one that somebody else built. Why reach for the sky when you can wait for death to take you there. 

Many seem to take comfort in the thought that there is a god and an afterlife, I think it part of human selfishness to absolve themselves of responsibility. It is not comfort, it is the coward's way out.