Exactly my thoughts...

Powerman5000 was a terrible band

There are no good blogs except Crooks and Liars, which I only read because it reinforces my worldview.

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

my world view needs no reinforcement, because all my opinions are right on.


Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

that said, i do like to keep up with what the rest of the world is reading/saying/blogging about.

anyone?

exactly, opinions.

Not to be a dick, but you can't be a leftist reactionary.

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

sure you can. but perhaps that's a discussion for another thread...

i'm just tired of reading the usual leftist stuff that says "the president is bad." "things that are against the president are good."

i'm not saying i support the guy. his approval rating is now and for the last 18 months or so hovered around 70 against 30 in favor of him and his actions. somewhere out there is a 30 percent that thinks he's doing a heckuva job. i want to hear their perspective.

i mean, not to godwin my own thread, but hitler invented the interstate, and was sort of somewhat responsible for creating volkswagen. evil he was, sure. he was also smart. some of his ideas clearly had merit.

that's what i'm talking about.

Report  
Cox_Attack (May 23, 2008)

Yeah but George Bush Jr hasn't really done anything. I'm trying to think of one thing he has done that's good and I can't.

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

i know. that's why i want to read something like a blog by someone who thinks he has done good.

i don't think he's done squat that's positive since being in office--well, ok, maybe since being born--, but 30 percent of poll-ees think he's doing a good job, or even a great job. i wanna hear their side of things. i'm not talking about lame right wing talk radio, either. i mean like, heartland farmers who have something to say. middle class working people who are doing their thing.

Report  
kidgotham (May 23, 2008)

While I happen to be Canadian, so my media typically comes from a different slant, but I would assume a large part of the 30% of people who support him either own, are high in the ranks, or work in one of the many industries the Bush admin. has supported. If I'm working for Haliburton, I love this guy because his insistance upon war puts food on my kids tables.
Then you have the bible belt. I really don't want to hear why they support him.
I just assume that the vast majority of people who support his admin. are either crazy to too self interested to see the global harm he has caused.

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)
you think they're either crazy, or too self interested, so you don't bother to learn what they're all about?

as despicable as someone's views might be, or their idea of a great president, or whatever...they're still people. they get up in the morning, eat breakfast, go to work, deal with the same shit i do. paying bills, having kids. they listen to music, they have favorite artists, etc.
just because they don't believe the same things i do doesn't make them evil. i'm interested in hearing why they think he's a good president (the "he's a good president" keeps coming up, but that's just one example of what i'm talking about.) or whatever.

i'd love to read a blog by someone who's not vegan, who gives me one good reason why i shouldn't be vegan, and to hear their reasoning. i'm either going to have a decent response/rebut, or i'm gonna question

show rest of commentyou think they're either crazy, or too self interested, so you don't bother to learn what they're all about?

as despicable as someone's views might be, or their idea of a great president, or whatever...they're still people. they get up in the morning, eat breakfast, go to work, deal with the same shit i do. paying bills, having kids. they listen to music, they have favorite artists, etc.
just because they don't believe the same things i do doesn't make them evil. i'm interested in hearing why they think he's a good president (the "he's a good president" keeps coming up, but that's just one example of what i'm talking about.) or whatever.

i'd love to read a blog by someone who's not vegan, who gives me one good reason why i shouldn't be vegan, and to hear their reasoning. i'm either going to have a decent response/rebut, or i'm gonna question why i'm still vegan.

someone told me a long time ago that if your beliefs aren't strong enough to stand up to legitimate questioning, perhaps they're not worth much.

now THAT'S funny.

Report  
MattRamone (May 23, 2008)

Have you heard the D4 live album?

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

hallelujah.

Report  
MattRamone (May 23, 2008)

That voicemail message alone was worth the price of admission.

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

i listen to that record at least once a week...

i've almost got all the banter down pat, including the random almost imperceptible back of crowd shouts...

good times.

Report  
MattRamone (May 23, 2008)

How does the wizard one go again?

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

"the owl bear was frightened. but the wizard wasn't home. "

something something...

"you do know another song..."

more like weirdo japanese sneaker collectors, new york hipsters, superfuture lurkers and complex magazine editors but i guess your joke is sorta funny ten years ago.

*yawn*

front & back smart guy.

Report  
scientistrock (May 23, 2008)

different colors were misleading

where does gay fashion porn fall on the gayscale?

Report  
MattRamone (May 23, 2008)

The Army.

Report  
Jesus_H_Christ (May 23, 2008)

You're wrong on this one Matt....it's the Navy...specifically Submariners.

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

does this have something to do with submarines being full of seamen?

Report  
Jesus_H_Christ (May 23, 2008)

Only slightly. This older guy I knew was a Submariner and would make endless jokes about all the "good ol' boys".

Report  
MattRamone (May 23, 2008)

Friend of mine's uncle was gay and a cook in the Navy in Hawaii back in the 60's He didn't do too badly for himself.

Report  
Jesus_H_Christ (May 23, 2008)

He had some fun with all the other macho men, I assume?

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

i really don't like using the word "gay" in a derogatory way, but the us navy in hawaii in the 60's sounds pretty fucking homosexual.

Report  
MattRamone (May 23, 2008)

It's ok - I laughed pretty hard at a "what a bunch of homos" in an old Aiden thread I was linked to.

Report  
JaredK (May 23, 2008)

I wonder if he buggered Higgins from Magnum PI.

I thought you meant skating was the gayest thing on the planet.

i don't know. fashion is a way for artists to actually make a living doing art which is pretty cool. that being said, i guess i didn't argue your point too well.

just goes to show you that the cool band of yesteryear becomes tommorow lame cross over promotion

I think this was a wee bit harsh....

Report  
veganboyjosh (May 23, 2008)

you can't really say they didn't warn you, tho. they are called the bad brains.

Report  
MattRamone (May 23, 2008)

Comment of the Day!

Report  
Jesus_H_Christ (May 23, 2008)

dude...that was amazing.

Report  
kidgotham (May 23, 2008)

If Jesus says it was a great comment, who can argue.

Report  
Lucifer_I_Antichrist (May 23, 2008)

Comment sucked.

Report  
kidgotham (May 23, 2008)

Look everyone, it's Lucifer, spreading his negativity again. Where's Saddam?

Report  
Jesus_H_Christ (May 23, 2008)

I think he's up his ass.

Report  
kidgotham (May 23, 2008)

Also, I think it is hilarious that you just created this tag.

ok...so...how, figuratively, would you say it happened?

yeah, but when i realized nothing had been posted, i figured i'd submit it all the same.

Wow.

Yeah, cause fuckin Bad Brains never signed to a major l...wait.

Bad Brains never had the radical politics Against Me! did. The only way they would sell out is if they put out an album about how much they hate optimists.

clearly.

You know, your comment is just as ignorant as a Rastafari calling someone a homo. I don't agree with you or them. How can you expect people to be accepting if you are discluding them?

Report  
xmadcowx (May 23, 2008)

have you read about rastafarianism? i have, and i think its bullshit. if it were purely cultural, thats one thing. but its not. you're part of the problem. just because a religion comes off progressive isn't a good enough reason for me to accept it.

Report  
Cox_Attack (May 23, 2008)

Yeah I have. I listen to a lot of dancehall, reggae, and tradiational ska and there is a lot of bigotism in it that I do not agree with AT ALL. Religion does a lot of good though also. It helps people get through hard parts of their life and overcome things. In case you haven't noticed, Jamaica isn't exactly the nicest place in the world. If people use rastafari as a way as "enlightening" themselves and dealing with their harsh reality than so be it. That being said, I think religion should be kept a private matter. None of this flag waving shit or telling people your own personal religious views.

Theres a good Screeching Weasel song about this.

Report  
xmadcowx (May 23, 2008)
Their aint anything private about marketing your band with religious images through corporate promotion. Your comment suggests I am unable to separate one's religious practices from my ability to understand their plight. I said nothing about Jamaica or how people utilize religion privately. I did make a general statement about my feelings on Rastafari which I still maintain. In my opinion, the only thing worse then a xenophobe is someone who is so hellbent on cultural tolerance that they sacrifice their own morality to make room for something that they otherwise disagree with. To often people get tolerance and acceptance mixed up. I tolerate religion, which means though I may disagree with someone's religious views, but I can try to put that aside to consider the other elements of what makes them up to see if I accept them. However, just as I have interest to know what people are about

show rest of commentTheir aint anything private about marketing your band with religious images through corporate promotion. Your comment suggests I am unable to separate one's religious practices from my ability to understand their plight. I said nothing about Jamaica or how people utilize religion privately. I did make a general statement about my feelings on Rastafari which I still maintain. In my opinion, the only thing worse then a xenophobe is someone who is so hellbent on cultural tolerance that they sacrifice their own morality to make room for something that they otherwise disagree with. To often people get tolerance and acceptance mixed up. I tolerate religion, which means though I may disagree with someone's religious views, but I can try to put that aside to consider the other elements of what makes them up to see if I accept them. However, just as I have interest to know what people are about, I want them to know what I am about, and that includes my beliefs as well. I don't disagree with your comments on Rastafari, as I think there is value in that, as I made a concession earlier, if it was purely cultural I would be more accepting of it. However, this isn't the case. On the contrary, it appeals to a greater moral ethic that is placed outside of human responsibility (among other criticisms) and that shit doesn't fly with me. It goes against my personal morality and for that reason, I think it is bullshit. If it does someone good, good for them. It does me no good, and as Max Stirner put so well "The divine is God's concern; the human, man's. My concern is neither the divine nor the human, not the true, good, just, free, etc., but solely what is mine, and it is not a general one, but is -- unique, as I am unique. Nothing is more to me than myself"
Report  
Cox_Attack (May 23, 2008)

I didn't mention tolerance, I mentioned acceptance. If we chose to learn from each other and understand instead of simply writing something off as "bullshit" than the world would be a much better place. You seem to believe very strongly in your views, for better or worse, so I guess I will leave this at that. Still, to disclude Bad Brains from punk rock because they're rastafari is kind of absurd.

countering black & white morality with black & white morality is fun!

Report  
xmadcowx (May 23, 2008)
I create my moral code and validate it through my actions. its appeal or utilitarian application to some concept of community good is not the center of my moral ethic. i never expressed what my overall position of religion was. I simply stated that I don't think god belongs in punk. To help create that truth, I take action, even if it is as trivial as writing on some stupid message board.

I did, however, give my opinion of Rastafarianism which I think is bullshit. Since I don't care enough to take a stronger position, I am not going to put the energy into validating it, because that part of my moral code is not important enough to me to take further action with it. On a message board that is usually loaded with simple comments or insults like "HR is a homophobe" or "Greg Gaffin fucks little girls on webcam", I think I've already given punknews.org more then en

show rest of commentI create my moral code and validate it through my actions. its appeal or utilitarian application to some concept of community good is not the center of my moral ethic. i never expressed what my overall position of religion was. I simply stated that I don't think god belongs in punk. To help create that truth, I take action, even if it is as trivial as writing on some stupid message board.

I did, however, give my opinion of Rastafarianism which I think is bullshit. Since I don't care enough to take a stronger position, I am not going to put the energy into validating it, because that part of my moral code is not important enough to me to take further action with it. On a message board that is usually loaded with simple comments or insults like "HR is a homophobe" or "Greg Gaffin fucks little girls on webcam", I think I've already given punknews.org more then enough attention with this response.

I'll assume your simple comment includes a criticism of my own criticism of the Bad Brains. If you want to create a forum where I explain my reasoning to greater depth, take some time to go beyond the one sentence responses, otherwise know you are only contributing to the simplicity that your comment seeks to critique.

Report  
fallingupwards84 (May 23, 2008)

just because YOU think its "bullshit" doesnt automatically discredit it for other people. obviously there are some generally good people who dont think its bullshit, respect their beliefs.

Report  
xmadcowx (May 23, 2008)
what did i say that disrespects it? That i think its bullshit? Thats the truth. should i put it more delicately for the punknews.org community? is that too harsh of a word? should i put it like...

"i think rastafarianism is a reactionary identity that had valid cultural roots but redundant and unsupported religious foundations, that has transgressed into a religious and cultural identity that has superseded its core reasons for existing. It's evolution into a world religion with strict ties to a political ideology is not enough of a reason for me to accept it. On the contrary, my understanding of Rastafari is that its political agenda is the center of its existence, and its moral reasoning is justified through some modern reinterpretation of a fictitious religious ideology that I already have issues accepting."

give me a fucking break man.

and by

show rest of commentwhat did i say that disrespects it? That i think its bullshit? Thats the truth. should i put it more delicately for the punknews.org community? is that too harsh of a word? should i put it like...

"i think rastafarianism is a reactionary identity that had valid cultural roots but redundant and unsupported religious foundations, that has transgressed into a religious and cultural identity that has superseded its core reasons for existing. It's evolution into a world religion with strict ties to a political ideology is not enough of a reason for me to accept it. On the contrary, my understanding of Rastafari is that its political agenda is the center of its existence, and its moral reasoning is justified through some modern reinterpretation of a fictitious religious ideology that I already have issues accepting."

give me a fucking break man.

and by the way, how does my personal opinion attempt to discredit it for others? Also, i never said that i lacked respect for those who chose to believe in it, nor do i feel what I have said in general communicates any of that. If it has, that was never my intention, so you no longer need to worry about that.
Report  
fallingupwards84 (May 23, 2008)

by saying its "bullshit" and that no bands should ever talk about it, you're no better than Christians who refuse to listen to any music thats not about Christianity. religious beliefs (or lack thereof) are not absolute, they're relative... my point was that what is bullshit to you, is not for others. so whats your problem with them talking about it? just tolerate it.

Report  
xmadcowx (May 23, 2008)
expressing a personal opinion and being part of a group that encourages political, social and theological regulations to reinforce their ideology aren't the same thing.

I made the statement "I don't believe god belongs in punk"

Where in that sentence does it communicate that I don't listen to songs about god? You don't know what I listen to. I can tell you I am a huge world folk music collector, so that should take care of that accusation.
Even if I did refuse to listen to music about god, that is not the same as Christians refusing to listen to music that is not about Christianity. In the accusation you made about me, I would be refusing to engage with a particular idea. In your example about Christians, they are refusing to engage with anything but one idea.

And once again, I tolerate religion. There has been nothing that I have

show rest of commentexpressing a personal opinion and being part of a group that encourages political, social and theological regulations to reinforce their ideology aren't the same thing.

I made the statement "I don't believe god belongs in punk"

Where in that sentence does it communicate that I don't listen to songs about god? You don't know what I listen to. I can tell you I am a huge world folk music collector, so that should take care of that accusation.
Even if I did refuse to listen to music about god, that is not the same as Christians refusing to listen to music that is not about Christianity. In the accusation you made about me, I would be refusing to engage with a particular idea. In your example about Christians, they are refusing to engage with anything but one idea.

And once again, I tolerate religion. There has been nothing that I have stated that intended to communicate otherwise. However, in the culture of punk that I chose to engage with, that I contribute to, and I help define through my actions and participation, I personally don't believe that god has any place in it. Does that satisfy you?
Report  
fallingupwards84 (May 23, 2008)

expressing a personal opinion and being part of a group that encourages political, social and theological regulations to reinforce their ideology aren't the same thing.

i know i keep bringing this up, but the irony here is incredible... YOU are part of a group that encourages regulations to reinforce its ideology. do you not get it?

at the end of the day, who gives a fuck - let bands talk about their personal beliefs in their music and stop bitching about it. thats not punk, thats stupid

Report  
xmadcowx (May 24, 2008)
what organized group have I claimed to be a part of? What regulations and enforcement have I proposed? What specific ideology have I subscribed to that is related to my position on this issue?

You make blanket claims with unsupported evidence. Using a quote from something I said and trying to present it in a way to support your agenda is a pathetic attempt at creating evidence out of argument. You don't even do it well.

By the way... its nice to know I have the power to LET bands talk about their beliefs. This is what I have been after, and now that I have it, I will use it to stop the Bad Brains!

Its also good to know that I am not the source of the defining characteristics of punk, but rather you are. With this knowledge, I know concede. You say its not punk, its stupid... well I don't want to be stupid, so I am sorry. Thanks for

show rest of commentwhat organized group have I claimed to be a part of? What regulations and enforcement have I proposed? What specific ideology have I subscribed to that is related to my position on this issue?

You make blanket claims with unsupported evidence. Using a quote from something I said and trying to present it in a way to support your agenda is a pathetic attempt at creating evidence out of argument. You don't even do it well.

By the way... its nice to know I have the power to LET bands talk about their beliefs. This is what I have been after, and now that I have it, I will use it to stop the Bad Brains!

Its also good to know that I am not the source of the defining characteristics of punk, but rather you are. With this knowledge, I know concede. You say its not punk, its stupid... well I don't want to be stupid, so I am sorry. Thanks for the enlightening well thought out rebuttal.
Report  
fallingupwards84 (May 24, 2008)

i dont think its too unreasonable to suggest that you are straight-edge, given your user name and your refusal to deny such an association

Report  
xmadcowx (May 24, 2008)

i was very clear is asking what group was I claiming to be a part of that is related to my position on this issue. me being sxe has nothing to do with the position i have taken concerning god in punk.

Report  
fallingupwards84 (May 24, 2008)

it most certainly does... you're decrying "regulations" that certain groups put on people's lives, while you yourself are adhering to a group ideology that issues stringent regulations based on fictional ideas of the body and mind

haha! says the guy with x's around his name. straight edge is practically a religion too.

there's nothing wrong with Rastafarianism, its just a way of life. its generally very peaceful and gives its followers hope. it has its roots in slave communities throughout the Americas in a time when there was little else to believe in. if you think thats wrong, then you need to reexamine some things about your own beliefs. is Rastafarianism right in every aspect? no of course not, but it has some truth in it, and if some people find hope in the Rasta way of life, then why not?

if you don't listen to Bad Brains because they occasionally mention Jah, then you're a bigot, plain and simple. i suggest you stop following your brainless straight-edge cult and smoke some green too, it might help you relax a little bit

Report  
xmadcowx (May 23, 2008)

you have no idea what my personal position on sxe is. HR and the Bad Brains have records, interviews and a well documented history to say what their position on Rastarianism is. You are comparing apples and oranges amigo.

Report  
fallingupwards84 (May 23, 2008)

nope, you're applying broad strokes to a culture and way of life (saying that its "bullshit")... i'm just playing your game by calling you out on your own cult-like beliefs

Report  
xmadcowx (May 23, 2008)
i've already explained my position in great enough detail through responses to the other individuals to demonstrate that I separate the political and cultural elements of rastafarinism. and once again, you don't know what my position is on sxe so your criticism is unfounded and lacks any validation.

I also don't know what game you are referring to. I simply stated my position on rastafari. If you would like to discuss straight edge, which you seem to be so focused on, you are welcome to contact me personally and we can discuss it. If you would like to engage with me concerning rastafarianism, then feel free to continue to post responses, and I will continue to read them. If you wish to draw comparisons between sxe and religion to make a greater point in your criticism of me, feel free to demonstrate parallels, but know your examples may be in vein as you have no i

show rest of commenti've already explained my position in great enough detail through responses to the other individuals to demonstrate that I separate the political and cultural elements of rastafarinism. and once again, you don't know what my position is on sxe so your criticism is unfounded and lacks any validation.

I also don't know what game you are referring to. I simply stated my position on rastafari. If you would like to discuss straight edge, which you seem to be so focused on, you are welcome to contact me personally and we can discuss it. If you would like to engage with me concerning rastafarianism, then feel free to continue to post responses, and I will continue to read them. If you wish to draw comparisons between sxe and religion to make a greater point in your criticism of me, feel free to demonstrate parallels, but know your examples may be in vein as you have no idea what my personal position on sxe is, and since you have attempted to discredit my opinion through personal assumptions and criticisms of me I will not validate such attempts by disclosing those beliefs. I know my understanding sxe doesn't conflict with my criticism of Rastafari and that's all that matters. I owe you nothing, and therefore will not "play" into the game you acknowledge you are playing.

I don't think people should wear religious symbols if they don't understand or support what they mean. I also think HR is a fool in his homophobic notions, no other way around that. I think religion and the concept of god is silly BUT I also think songs about food are silly but still enjoy them. I do think religious preaching in music is a little more dangerous than food but in a way I still feel I must disagree with your post.

Whats wrong with individuals having beliefs? The beautiful thing about music is that you can choose not to listen to it. Better than that is personal choice and freedom of thought. You can believe what you want to believe and no one can really say otherwise. So why go bagging on other people for believing in God or Rasta or whatever else they believe in? What are they doing that is actively affecting you and causing you to be so angry about their beliefs?

Report  
xmadcowx (May 23, 2008)

Frantz Fanon said it best, "I do not come with timeless truths. My consciousness is not illuminated with ultimate radiances. Nevertheless, in complete composure, I think it would be good if certain things were said. So why... No one has asked me for it. Especially those to whom it is directed. Well, I reply quite calmly that there are too many idiots in this world. And having said it, I have the burden of proving it."

Report  
fallingupwards84 (May 24, 2008)

thats quite egotistical of you to say that the "burden of proving" is on you

and also ironic that you're bashing an Afro-centric religion by quoting one of the most Afro-centric individuals of the last century

Report  
xmadcowx (May 24, 2008)

you just love to argue every little step I take at making my point, don't you? Its good you know what irony is. Congratulations, you passed 7th grade english. Do you know what sarcasm and deliberate juxtaposition mean as well?

I didn't say the burden of proving is on me, franz fanon did. thats what " " means. I only said that he said it best.

and lastly, theory stands on its own. Franz Fanon may of had a political agenda when writing his theory, but it was only a re-imagined master/slave dialectic whos reinterpretation was done through modern struggles. That doesn't mean that you can't use it to argue another point... after all, you were the one attempting to use a quote of something I said to prove the opposite of what I was trying to say. I'm not even attempting something so shallow and discrediting as that. But nice try dood.



Report  
fallingupwards84 (May 24, 2008)

its Frantz, not Franz

Report  
xmadcowx (May 24, 2008)

oh you got me! good work!

Report  
fallingupwards84 (May 24, 2008)

sure thing, its usually a good idea to know how to spell someone's name before trying to drop knowledge about the person

I disagree with this statement too, but I just wanted to say that your band kicks ass.

Report  
xmadcowx (May 23, 2008)

wow thanks for the kind words, hah. Glad you enjoy it, despite our disagreement on rastafarianism.

"Wearing some bullshit merchandise with some rasta logo on it is no different to me then walking around with a cross around your neck. "

its not different, idiot. both are religions that people have every right to believe in and be proud of.

I kind of agree. I don't care one way or the other, BUT, you guys shit all over "christian bands" on here and get a big kick out of it. BUT, you can't a band of a different religion and no one gives a shit.

supreme designs the vast majority of their gear, and while mediocrity is subject to opinion, their collaborative projects are generally done with pretty respected artists/companies. there has never been an $85 graphic tee in the store, and i for one would prefer 8 strong designs than 80 distressed font, off center prints with brass knuckles and skulls.

seriously, do you have any idea what you're talking about?

Report  
the_other_scott (May 23, 2008)

i spent over a year of my life working in soho, about three blocks from supreme. i could give a shit about what artists the skate world (especially the nyc skate world) considers respected. After all, that's the scene that spawned Neckface.

and why is the only other choice "off center prints with brass knuckles and skulls"?

Report  
asxyouxwish (May 24, 2008)

because that's what you'll see in the majority of other shops that try to emulate supreme's success.

i'm pretty sure most of the artists supreme works with don't care what the skate world thinks of them either. you really think supreme spawned neckface? really? or even ny skate scene? oookay.

serious question though - where'd you work? blades board and skate?

Very true. But H.R. is still a crazy fucking rasti.