Smart

Independence for Scotland = more autonomy for Shetland. I don't see a compelling reason for Shetland and Orkney to be independent from Scotland as well, although I fully support an referendum on the matter (Independence, Autonomy with Scotland, Remain in the UK)

G-d & Euthanasia, I don't see the connection? How not? And no need to get mad about it! You have repeatedly used religion in your arguments and the religious texts are oppossed to euthanasia on the whole 'no taking of life' jist. I don't get the connection with your reply and my response to the previous post...think you may have missed my point Wow? So is this how Europe has become? I comment on the mention of the Bible by someone, and now I am supposedly "repeatedly using religion in your arguments". I've not used 'religion' one bit. And i reckon the era of liberalism in N. Europe would limit me from making any such mentions. and? And nothing. It is a simple enough question. Perhaps you would understand it better if I'd used your beloved Norn as you seem to believe I should. As far as you know perhaps. In which case what you know is wrong, unless you choose to jump through hoops in your definition of suicide. The stance of the Jains is particularly worth study, as are the Buddhist teachings. Finally, there have been loads of nutcase suicide religious cults for which suicide seems to have been the main tenet. Understandably, these have a habit of running out of members . the Jain's neutrality and the Buddhist's death illusion-ism are not of merit. All the other faiths commonly mentioned do condemn it. >Smart makes great arguments that are radically opposite of my views. >must be troll, time to ad-hom. No. actually I'm an Orc. Paradise and virgins spring to mind Terrible translation m8. 'hurris' = white grapes. The virgins bit would be a radical contradiction of at least 7 other verses that show one will have contentment w/ one's wives So is it that some people do not follow the exact same vision of how the Universe operates as you do that makes them more likely to be baby killers? If so, I think we're getting to the crux of your I think the fact she is an atheist and thus doesn't want to bring a "life" (neo-definition) into the world only to suffer&die [thus being its cessation of existence]. I think it can be said - most parents with 'special' children are of some faith. Bill Hicks - an unqualified dead comedian is your apologist? Also, what does my 'view of the Universe' have to do with my comment about her theological position? Despite stereotypes - I actually greatly dislike movies.

G-d & Euthanasia, I don't see the connection? Cruel? Seems to be a peculiar choice of word. Surely cruelty requires a certain level of intentional pain or discomfort? and? Do you even know the meaning of the word "eradication"?And just what the {'f' it was funny in Father Ted 'eck'} is "a high view of the human species." Eh! British? Must be a pretentious twit. You are right however, at least 90% of Americans aged 14-40 are daft. Thankfully, you don't have to worry about that with me. I do not see how your blunt statement contributes to the euthanasia topic - you seem to be one of those people who'd vote YES to spite someone who would vote NO. But you are entitled to be as bigoted and hate-filled as you want. a Virtue enshrined in my nation's Federal documents, and perhaps one day, you will have the same freedoms [enshrined and inalienable] You assume that pain is necessarily a bad thing - it can be a great tool to keep someone on track and convince them to do those things they dreamed of as kids before "it's too late". AFAIK, all religions have and continue to condemn suicide. Not just the Bible. Those biological creatures are used for the continuation of the human race - and ultimately the expansion of life into the Cosmos. Do not think space colonization is a win-lose situation for Humans and animals, actually, it's a win for both. Right well, i figured you'd say just that. 1. I never stated abortion was murder, however, it is intentional killing of an organism that does not have to die. It's not a parasite, as some abortionists claim. 2. "denying" - I'm not denying anyone access to what they deem as medical care. I'm simply stating I'd encourage a victim of either horrid crime (incest/rape) to consider keeping the child. I realize there are those who'd say it'd be a living reminder of the rape - or it would have 'defects' from incest. But I still don't see the need. I have friends who are women, who have aborted foetuses that were known to have life-threatening defects. I don't condemn them for it. Especially since one of them already lost a child to the exact same problem. [her intention was to ensure the next child would not suffer the same]. She is an atheist, so that likely factored into her decision. again "deny a woman" - I'm not against abortion legislation! I'm against the medical procedure - not the people who perform them, or the people who get them. [Although i confess I might judge a woman who has had one without reason] That's an excellent plan, but people should be able to produce offspring and keep their genes alive. With various methods of creating fresh-water, I doubt the developed world will ever run out of it. Glad to know rabbits can breed that well on a cold island lol it's my contention that the pill should be the major form of contraception. I hope, that does not sound misogynist. I'm not a medic, not yet anyways. if only Margo had a million of you, she'd win.

Actually no. I just have a high view of the human species. and any eradication of a single member of the human species - or in a broader sense - any member of the primate family - is utterly unethical and cruel. Whether it is done by 'natural' causes, diseases, or this notion of euthanasia. If i based any of my beliefs/views off my personal experiences they would be without any weight to another mammal who hasn't experienced the same.

I suffer from an autoimmune disease, and there was a period of a month all things you mentioned I could not do. It's now lying dormant. But not even for a second did i contemplate any action other than getting better. If it were to return in full force, I'd feel the same. Also, I've been near-death with other illnesses as well. I've never had suicidal thoughts (the euthanasia-assisted suicide talk is related to suicidal thoughts). Sorry you are ill. Hopefully in the future they develop a cure for what ails you.

A factor which is much more important than how many humans there are is how much those humans consume. If everybody in the world consumed at the rate of Americans and Western Europeans, we'd be "SOL" at current population levels. Correct. but thankfully, with in-vitro meat and cloning on the way. We might not be SOL in the future. I'm glad not everyone execute their dogs when they are deathly ill. Proud to be an American that does not drink or eat the fatty foods you mentioned. However, there is a difference between eating foods that will cause you to die 20 years later, and a lethal injection, that kills you 2 minutes later. You place very little value on life. Perhaps this is a cultural issue. But I'm not seeing how "speeding up the process" is one's right. What's the difference between overdosing on drugs and getting a lethal injection? The former we condemn, the latter we are to have no issue with?

In Judaism, everyone has a place in the afterlife. [there also isn't a notion of hell in Judaism] This is why Judaism does not proselytize or mind if their Gentile neighbor loves 'Jesus' Good point including Christianity there. It goes against the OT as much as the other supposed religions of the book. Indeed, post-Nicaea the idea of Christianity being monotheistic seems to me to be pushing the line. The Trinity is inherently pagan. I'm not sure what you mean by that. Considering Nicaea merely made the declaration that Jesus was equal to the Father. [without mention of the Holy Spirit]. Also, there had been adherents of the Trinity since (at the very least) Tertullian. [He's the one who gave us the word.]. I also don't see a contradiction between Trinitarian Monotheism and Judaic Monotheism. There's obviously a difference, but it's not as if they've gone purely polytheistic.

Actually no it's not. the planet is underpopulated. This overpopulation idea is usually rooted in racism (there are more Asians than any other group of humans). Not to imply that's your reason, but i hesitate to engage into a discussion on "overpopulation" when all one has brought to the table is: "It is" [as if it is such a fact, that to deny it is pointless] [to the bolded part] This is utterly ridiculous and frankly offensive. To think my knowledge of embryology is so lacking, that i would make the assertion that a "human" begins at conception. This is impossible, for that would result in several 100 billion humans having died... (absurd) Life 'begins' at the point of birth - however I'd hesitate to call a newborn baby a "person", I'd wait a good 6 months. [before the pro-abortion people use my statement to justify all forms of abortion] I'd like to be clear my "anti"-abortion stance is one based on Logic and necessity - is it necessary to abort a potential human (at any point in pregnancy) ? I'd argue no, even on rape and incest. I'm of course a huge supporter of adoption. Not sure how there is a connection to orphans and overpopulation... Are you seriously implying children are contributing to the "population" problem? That's cruel. "valuable resources"... Oxygen is a very valuable resource, so by your logic, all humans should be eradicated. [This is not a strawman, it's just the path your 'argument' goes down] As for contraception, as someone who believes every single fertile man should have children - it would seem this product (contraception) - would be used at the cost of the possibility of a man producing offspring. But alas, it's available and people use it. Not like I'd take any action to change that. [Condoms for the protection against STDs are obviously important, but i think you were referring to the pill, since you previously were discussing abortion] I'm wondering if there was any suicidal tendencies exposed in this comment. No offense sir, but don't you think the doctors know better than your emotions? "part of life" - how does a process that takes place (on a timescale) after life suddenly become "part of life". I think you were using life as a synonym for reality but I thought it appropriate to make that comment. "If i were to refuse medical treatment as a life choice" Yeah. people do that all the time. It's called not going to the hospital. This is unrelated to assisted suicide as proposed by 'as' "If i made the life choice to stop eating and died as a result" Yes. although if you woke up in a hospital after passing out, it's probable they'd force feed you. and think you need mental help (for "being suicidal"). That one is tricky, but in theory, you do have that right. I don't believe the human species will ever grow too large, eventually with colonization of our solar system, galaxy and the rest of the universe, the human species will no longer even have limits. As for an earth population of humans - around 15 billion would drain the world's resources entirely. Thus we can not sustain a population over 10 billion at this time. If we hit that number prior to 2080, we're SOL and overpopulated.

The Bible, of course, does not say anything about the Koran because the Koran had not been written. Both the Torah and the NT make explicit statements that anything following after them that is not in line with the message, is false. (For example, in the Johannine Epistles clearly demonstrate that Islam is false, since they deny the Jesus has come in the flesh as the Christ). As for the Torah, one need only crack open Devarim/Deuteronomy and see that Deut 13:1-3 (only going to post the relevant section): 'Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,'you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you These verses can be a perfect refutation of Islam (or Christianity, Mormonism, Baha'i, etc). Just pointing that out. Make your own conclusions.

I do not see how you have this right. It is the negation of your right to Life. There are no negative-rights, that's an oxymoron! And i find it hilarious you fit my assumption perfectly. Pro-Abortion and a supporter of the notion the planet is over-populated.

Well in my experience, the Europeans I've come across still fancy the ol' S instead of the magnificent Z. Upon the beginning of a nation or state, whatever language(s) were the most dominant in the area should remain the official spoken language. [There was no California at the time of the native-american languages' dominance, however from 1500-1900?, Spanish was the majority tongue here in California] As for my brothers and sisters [in humanity] in Catalunya, I'd strongly support the tossing-off of the cuffs and shackles of Castillian colonialism & imperialism. The languages of the Republic of Catalonia should be Catalan & Aranese. with Spanish given regional status. Catalonia for me and many Catalonians includes - Northern Catalonia in France, and the regions of "Spain": Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Isles. In the latter-two, Spanish is more dominant than in Catalonia proper (French-Spanish Catalonia). Also I'm not sure how the situation would be dealt with on the issue of Northern Catalonia - whether French could be given special status or not. Of course, but the forces on the side of Light and Justice will allow a more clearer picture - than the mere black and white provided by Imperialists. Wherever they may lie. (pun intended) Pictish is dead - as such, while it should be the language of Pictia, it isn't. So we are left with 2 languages brought to Scotia: Gaelic and Norn. These languages are arguably the languages which should have sole official status in the Hebrides, Highlands and the Northern Isles. While the Lowlands are given Scots and English as the official languages. [The reason for this, is the same for Northern Ireland and the whole Ulster-Scots+English combination found there at present.] the "perfect" situation: England: English as official language, protections of language-rights of non-Anglophones. Cornwall: Cornish (official), English (official) Wales: Welsh (official), English (regional, non-compulsory in school) Scotland: Scottish Gaelic & Lowland Scots (both official), English given protection in Law and/or Constitution. Autonomous Region of Orkney and Shetland - Norn (official) Ireland (united): Irish & English (official), Ulster-Scots (official in Ulster) Mann - Manx & English (both official) Channel Islands: French & English (official), Norman (regional)

Sorry that your side didn't win. But just be happy something like that could even be put forth. Here in the US that would not only be impossible, but there'd be at least a couple thousand people calling the person who started it to be a traitor. (yeah, TREASON). I'm personally anti-euthanasia in all circumstances. I'm also against the notion that a person could rationally ask to die. I simply do not believe that the completion of this request would be anything less than murder... Perhaps it's my Humanism or my firm belief in natural death (whether that happens at 2 years old, or 200 years old). I'm going to assume that most of the advocates of this bill, are Socialists who think that the earth is overpopulated, and are likely pro-abortion (to the previously stated end.) No offense to the aforementioned advocates. Just voicing my opinion. I'm not sure why you wish to attack religion and those who adhere to it. If there is such an alleged agreement within those communities on the subject, shouldn't you therefore consider their position? You act as if a group of nuts opposed a rational and reasonable bill. It seems to me they did the right thing - for the wrong reasons.

Actually that is why i included the word 'global' (non-Shetland). But many thanks for that link.

I would suggest that you begin by learning how to refer to Shetland using our current language. Shetland or Shetland Isles is fine, but The Shetlands is incorrect and widely disliked. What about the americanisation of the word anglicisation ? 1. Ah well at least i got it right on the Northern Isles bit, right? You will have to forgive my mistake there, perhaps the Torys have brainwashed me! And now i use the Anglo-centric way of referring to your lovely Isles. 2. The letter 'z' from my reckoning is more in line with the words than the letter 's'. Perhaps I am biased, but when i see "americanisation" - i automatically think "Either this person is a beginner at English, or he's in Europe and doesn't know the wonder of Z" 3. Yes. Indeed. Shock. Being devil's advocate here, would you say that the same applies to North America? The only way the people of California will truly attain independence-whether political or merely cultural- from the USA is through the revival of the Chumashan languages. Like I say, just being devil's advocate. Actually no. It seems more fitting to me, for Californians to learn Spanish, than the native tongues. Considering these two points: 1. California was first discovered by the Spanish - Los Angeles, founded over 500 years ago, is a perfect example of this discovery and settlement. 2. California, when admitted to the Union, was largely Spanish-speaking (some estimate 85%) so if we start from the founding of the concept of California, Spanish is more relevant and important for our heritage. Well, in the Anglosphere (which I'm part of and you technically shouldn't be), we tend to screw up names of places all the time. We never even come close sometimes. Japan??? It's Nippon!

Was wondering what the Shetlinkers think about global independence movements? Examples: West Papua Catalonia Quebec Western Sahara Kurdistan Brittany England-Scotland-Wales-Cornwall-Northern Isles Corsica-Sardinia-Sicily-Crete etc I am a strong supporter of independence movements. It's very important to me that my brothers in mankind receive the same right of self-determination that i enjoy. Rules (if i may): 1. Avoid controversial independence movements- "Palestine", "Northern Cyprus", "South Ossetia" and "Nagorno-Karabakh" (amongst others). 2. Respect others' views, try not to impose your concept of nationhood on them.