Speak Out: The Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, commonly known here as the Quality of Life Church of Cape Girardeau feel they know what is best for us all!

Replies (45)

• Some of you may, or may not remember this. But back when I was kid the Local Churches proteted over adding MTV to our local TV Cabel Systyem. They were all sure that adding MTV would ruin the town. Churches said they would not support it, and would boycot cabel tv.

  NOW 20 years later MTV still runs, and the City is still here. Nothing at all happened. And most all of these church nuts have cabel tv today. MTV did nothing at all to ruin the city.

  I'm so SICK and Tired of these kinds of people who use FEAR to control. When they say "All kinds of BAD things will happen to you and your city if you dont follow me and what I think God says."

  And then when NOTHING at all changes they say it's because they were Praying for us. Come on!

  If they want to live with blinders over their eyes so be it. But stay in your church and out of my life!

  -- Posted by timexx on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 12:11 PM

• It's funny how the religious folks generally say the EXACT same things about the government and fail to notice the irony of being a slave to their church.

  -- Posted by FriendO on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 12:15 PM

• I suspect we're gonna hear the sound of people thumping on their gideons from all parts of the city, with this post.

  -- Posted by Red Devil on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 1:02 PM

• Christianity is a good idea, but don't judge it by its practitioners. We're just humans, too.

  Separation of church and state isn't in the constitution. The phrase came from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson. The idea behind separation of church and state is to prevent the state from establishing a church and excluding others. That doesn't really come into play here, or a lot of other places where people try to apply it.

  -- Posted by Maynard on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 2:11 PM

• The Churches all scream when people want to keep "Prayer Out Of Schools", "God Off The Dollar" or "Bibles and Jesus out of the Courthouse". Yet they feel like they have the right to push others around with their personal views. As Amreicans we the right to practise the religion of one's choice, or to be a non-believer.

  We should not be forced to do things just because some small group of Church wackos dont like something. The City already voted and agreed to Gameing in Cape.

  When a Church starts pushing people around and forceing their own personal views on others it's wrong. Religious persecution comes in many forms.

  When any religion pushes their views on others it is a form of persecution. They feel that my rights and views are not as important as theirs.

  That is one reason Churches need to be kept in check.

  My GOD loves everyone! And he doesnt care if I want to drop a few dimes in a slot. He might even help me win! He doesnt care if I want to ware black or listen to OzzY. My God judges on the good I do for those I am around. Not how much I follow some random preachers interpation of the bible.

  My main point is if the "Quality of Life Church" doesnt want to play games, or see shows at a Casino. Just Dont Go. They dont have to spend money down there. BUT dont tell me I can't! I voted already, I voted YES. The City Agreed with me, and so did many others. Stay out of my life with your church views. Keep them in your Church where they belong.

  -- Posted by timexx on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 3:03 PM

• I really don't understand this hate filled rant timexx. What has the Quality of Life Church done that any other special interest group doesn't? They legally obtained the required signatures so the people can vote on an important issue. They're not forcing their beliefs on anyone, they just want a vote to see where the community stands on this issue. And as far as you already voting on it you seem to forget that it was voted down first and by a substantially larger margin than it passed by in the second vote which was over a decade ago. That alone is reason enough for another vote on the matter. I think there's another deeper rooted reason for this rage you are feeling towards a group that has done nothing wrong here.

  -- Posted by Data48 on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 3:16 PM

• Deta48- I just get so tired of Churches thinking they can push people around just because they represent some version of a God. Let freedom ring and stop the rule of church ran dominance in America.

  They act like gaming is so bad, yet they over look their own dirty deeds done by the churches of the world in the name of some God.

  Again if the "Quality of Life Church" doesnt want to play games, or see shows at a Casino. Then they dont have to go to it. They dont have to spend money at the place. But I dont like that they want to tell me I'm wrong for doing it. No one will force people to go to the Casino if they dont want to go. And if the city at large doesnt want to go then the Casino will simply go out of bussiness. But if it works then it would no doubt be a good thing for Cape as new money rolls into town. Food, rooms, gas, entertainment, jobs, new construction, and more money in Cape. Why would all of that be soooo bad.

  It's not the 50s anymore, Al Capone is not going to just show up and take over the town because we have some games here. That is fearmongering on the Churches part.

  -- Posted by timexx on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 3:33 PM

• One thing about churches and their way of handling their business. You may opt out at any time.

  Government... well opting out is not quite so easy. Opt out on April 15th and you could wind up as a guest of the state.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 3:37 PM

• Your first paragraph says it all. Let freedon ring. Why is this group so reviled when they are just practicing the rights we all have and following the rules that we have to follow. If you're so sure that a casino would be a great thing that everyone wants why are you so afraid of a vote on the matter? It seems to me that you're the one trying to force your beliefs on others.

  -- Posted by Data48 on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 3:39 PM

• Deta48- "afraid of a vote on the matter" Well you might be right, maybe I am, because I'm sure all of the sheep will just walk in, and vote whatever some preacher tells them to do without question. Christians are easly manipulated by nature. Following blindly whatever they are told to beleve by some preacher. And it'll be a bunch of people who wouldnt go to the Casion anyway voteing no. There for telling me what I can and can not do in my own life.

  -- Posted by timexx on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 3:56 PM

• "God is a Concept, by which

  we measure our pain.

  I'll say it again,

  God is a Concept, by which

  we measure our pain.

  I don't believe in magic

  I don't believe in I-ching

  I don't believe in Bible

  I don't believe in Tarot

  I don't believe in Hitler

  I don't believe in Jesus

  I don't believe in Kennedy

  I don't believe in Buddha

  I don't believe in Mantra

  I don't believe in Gita

  I don't believe in Yoga

  I don't believe in Kings

  I don't believe in Elvis

  I don't believe in Zimmerman

  I don't believe in Beatles

  I just believe in me...and that reality"

  By John Lennon

  -- Posted by timexx on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 4:00 PM

• WHY NOW- "I doubt Drivin Rain will be playing the casino." I'm quite sure we woudln't be playing at the Casion. Never said or thought for a moment that we would. Drivin Rain is nor the right kind of music for a show like that. But I would enjoy the other music and shows they have.

  -- Posted by timexx on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 4:13 PM

• www.drivinrain.net

  www.facebook.com/drivinrainband

  www.myspace.com/drivinrain

  -- Posted by timexx on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 4:14 PM

• I still don't understand how you come to the conclusion that a legal vote on a city wide matter that affects everyone to be telling you how you can and cannot live your life. You're free to go gamble anywhere you want. The question at hand here is whether or not the city of Cape Girardeau wants to allow a casino. You're the one trying to force what you want on everyone else without a vote while the people you're reviling and calling names simply want a vote on the matter.

  Personally, I'm ambivalent on this issue. I'd probably never go to the casino but I would welcome the shows and entertainment it would bring to town. But I'm perfectly willing to go along with whatever the voters decide. It's not going to affect my life enough to get upset about either way it goes.

  -- Posted by Data48 on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 4:20 PM

• Data48- Man, maybe my Blood Pressure is just up, or my Depression is more manic today then usual. I will admit I have had a long term resentment against some Churches and Preachers.

  Like you I also do not really gamble.(I might drop a dime or two in a slot, but I've never been much into the games.) I very rarely even go to bars. However I like to know I can if I want to go. I do love the whole idea of Casino shows in Cape. I just love the Entertainment value of the places.

  -- Posted by timexx on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 4:28 PM

• Well, you've kinda got it wrong there timexx. It's not that I don't gamble but rather that I have a bit of a gambling problem and try to stay away from casinos. My problem really runs more to scratch off lottery tickets than casino games, but why tempt fate? All you lottery buyers out there better pray that you don't hit a big one because that's when the problems start! I'm speaking from experience here!

  BTW. Don't be so sure that DriviN Rain wouldn't be invited to play a casino if we get one here. The Ameristar in St. Charles books all kinds of great old heavy metal acts. I bad wanted to go see Uriah Heep, one of the first bands I ever saw WAAY back in the 70's, there a few weeks ago but they always seem to have the ones I want to see on weeknights. Darn that dirty four letter word called WORK!

  -- Posted by Data48 on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 4:38 PM

• Data48- Uriah Heep! Dude I would LOVE to see that band too. That is one band I have never seen before.

  I've always thought Cape needed something like The Ameristar in St. Charles. They do bring a wide verity of shows there. And would be great t see those acts here.

  And I to say I have very much enjoyed the open conversations here today. Thanks goes out to The SE Missourian for allowing us the people of Cape this fourm to speak out and share our view points.

  -- Posted by timexx on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 4:42 PM

• Timexx: I do not see how you can say nothing has happened since MTV has made its appearance on cable television. Unwed teenaged pregnancies have increased. Drugs and drug related violence have increased. You have thugged out little punks who think that a few chains, a gun, and a video camera makes them a rapper---much like you and Drivin Rain. You guys were playing the Hushpuppy when I was in college in the early 80's. Young people are influenced by the STAR syndrome and they fail to get an education and become a productive American citizen. Your anger towards God and the Church is evident. God does not judge you on the good you do---the Bible says we all are as filthy rags---thats why Jesus came and died. Gambling, pornography, drugs and alcohol have ruined many lives. Having played many a club, you have seen the ravages of those vices. Was our country not better off in the 1950's when local moral standards were followed and respected? Contrary to popular belief, our nation was founded as a Christian nation. The once source quoted most often in our founding fathers' essays and letters was the Holy Bible. It was quoted four times more often than any other source. The body of Christ does not just consist of the Catholio Church. I have no doubt that God will settle the score concerning all of those pedophile priests, but timexx, you are not God----you are equally flawed in the eyes of God.

  -- Posted by WisdomSeeker on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 8:40 PM

• Churches are all about freedoms until it comes to things they don't like.

  No gambling. No abortion. No basic human rights for gays. Some are still against interracial marriage.

  Basically they cry persecution when they cannot shove through legislation to promote their belief system over another (often affecting everyone) while working overtime to kill rights for others (rights they can simply choose to not take advantage of).

  -- Posted by FriendO on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 9:51 PM

• This one is for Wheels:

  "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's."

  Sounds like Jesus wants you to pay your taxes.

  -- Posted by FriendO on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 9:52 PM

• Yeah you let me know exactly how atheists have taken away your rights. I dare you to name even one.

  -- Posted by FriendO on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 10:54 PM

• FriendO : Madelyn Murray O' Hare took away my right to pray to myself in public school

  -- Posted by WisdomSeeker on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 11:29 PM

• WisdomSeeker that has to be the weakest, lamest one in the book.

  Name me one student who has ever been denied personal prayer in a public school.

  You do understand the difference between instructor-led prayer and personal prayer, correct?

  Try harder. Much harder. I can't believe I even responded to that nonsense.

  -- Posted by FriendO on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 11:39 PM

• This one is for Wheels:

  "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's."

  Sounds like Jesus wants you to pay your taxes.

  -- Posted by FriendO on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 9:52 PM

  How the heck did I get in this conversation?????

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 11:44 PM

• Guess you got lucky, Wheels. ☺

  -- Posted by Turnip on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 11:46 PM

• "One thing about churches and their way of handling their business. You may opt out at any time.

  Government... well opting out is not quite so easy. Opt out on April 15th and you could wind up as a guest of the state.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 3:37 PM"

  Just noting how the taxes of man and the taxes of God are intertwined.

  Where could you go to be free of both?

  -- Posted by FriendO on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 11:48 PM

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f5KiE79uy0

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 12:15 AM

• Just noting how the taxes of man and the taxes of God are intertwined.

  Where could you go to be free of both?

  -- Posted by FriendO on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 11:48 PM

  Friendo from what I saw from some of the nominees Obama made... I would probably join the Democratic party.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 12:17 AM

• "Just noting how the taxes of man and the taxes of God are intertwined.

  Where could you go to be free of both?"

  Hell, FriendO, Hell. But fear you might not be free of some other restraints. Thinking about ice water availability.

  This is about the dumbest thread on record!

  -- Posted by voyager on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 12:25 AM

• Churches are all about freedoms until it comes to things they don't like.

  No gambling. No abortion. No basic human rights for gays. Some are still against interracial marriage.

  Basically they cry persecution when they cannot shove through legislation to promote their belief system over another (often affecting everyone) while working overtime to kill rights for others (rights they can simply choose to not take advantage of).

  -- Posted by FriendO on Mon, Jul 12, 2010, at 9:51 PM

  Friendo: The soldiers cast lots at the foot of Jesus' cross, so it is my bet that gambling is probably not a good idea and is probably frowned upon by the King of Kings. Not sure but just sayin.

  Abortion is MURDER and abortion violates the basic right of the unborn. The right to life. If a woman doesnt want to have children, she shouldnt spread her legs. There is birth control and other orifices; therefore unwanted pregnancy is only an issue for the really stupid.

  Marriage was ordained by God to be between one man and one woman. Hate to repeat the old cliche but God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve. Logically though, I do not receive special rights because of my sexual preferences and choices why should homosexuals? And dont give me "its not a choice BS" It is a choice if you engage in sodomy.

  Christians are not against interracial marriage----bigoted, hatefilled people who happen to be a member of a church somewhere may be. Remember that sitting in a church doesnt make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage makes you a car.

  The things you mentioned are not RIGHTS---they are not found in the Constitution anywhere. States and local governments have the right to decide what kind of community that they desire.

  -- Posted by WisdomSeeker on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 6:05 AM

• Geez Timexx,

  I hope your felling better today. Perhaps now you can tell us all how you really feel. Maybe you could youtube Uriah Heep's " July morning" song and you will feel much better. Better yet, listen to "Epitaph" that fits YOU much better!...

  -- Posted by GREYWOLF on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 6:58 AM

• Remember that sitting in a church doesnt make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage makes you a car.

  -- Posted by WisdomSeeker on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 6:05 AM

  Well, I got some good out of this thread.

  -- Posted by blogbudsman on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 7:30 AM

• Some of you may be surprised to learn that a Christian's rights don't end at the sanctuary door. We have, as individuals and through organizations/associations, the same rights to promote our political agendas as do you. If you have a problem with religion per se, address that instead of inventing proxy issues. Perhaps religion itself is the crux of the problem. Most of the anti-religion comments so far do not stand up to the light of logic and reason. Examine your own reasons for opposing religion else you may fall (or have already fallen) into bigotry.

  -- Posted by Mark Rutledge on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 9:06 AM

• WisdomSeeker:

  If you dislike gambling, do not gamble.

  If you do not approve of abortion, do not abort.

  If you do not approve of gay marriage, don't marry a gay.

  Allowing two consenting adults to get married is not special treatment - it's equal rights.

  Part of me feels Christians need to legislate their beliefs because, deep down, they are too weak to avoid what they resent without the help of man-made laws.

  All of the examples I provided would (should) have absolutely no bearing on your life - unless YOU allow them to.

  To take those options away from others who might engage in them only denies their personal liberty so that you might feel better.

  Last time I checked, gambling and your definition of marriage aren't in the constitution either. Doesn't change the fact that Christian groups are happier to take personal freedoms away from people.

  -- Posted by FriendO on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 9:10 AM

• Wow what a thread.

  If it is my belief that abortion is murder do I not have a moral obligation to oppose it?

  If it is my belief that gambling will lead this town into a moral decline is it not my duty to oppose it?

  I have no problem with the QOL group bringing this to a vote. In fact this will settle the issue once and for all...I hope. As November draws near there will be a big push to continue with casino gaming in Cape. And it will pass. Cape will continue to be the "prettiest girl at the dance". The saturation of other markets (St. Louis and Kansas City) and the smaller size of the remainder of the markets make Cape the obvious choice. The gaming commission wants a casino in Cape, our elected leaders want a casino in Cape, and soon the vote will show that the people of Cape want a casino in Cape.

  Don't sweat it timexx...just go out and vote.

  -- Posted by SWBG on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 9:45 AM

• Some of you may be surprised to learn that a Christian's rights don't end at the sanctuary door. We have, as individuals and through organizations/associations, the same rights to promote our political agendas as do you.

  -- Posted by Mark Rutledge on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 9:06 AM

  I wonder if this was the same logic that started the crusades. The problem, as I see it, is not with god, but man's interpretation of what god wants us to do.

  I have a hard time believing that an "entity" that created all of this really gives a hoot about what I do with a few of my dollars on a weekend. Frankly, i can't see an all knowing god giving us free will and then limiting what we can do with that free will. Seems a little petty for a deity, but i suppose thats another discussion all together

  -- Posted by Producer1 on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 10:20 AM

• God provided commandments that outlined crimes against God and crimes against humanity.

  I don't recall any crimes against yourself in there; nor anything about two dudes getting married. Seems man took it upon himself to invent all these other ones.

  I do remember a "Love your neighbor as yourself" command from Jesus, but of course no one actually worries about a rule as ridiculous as that.

  I'd really like to work on outlawing divorce. Seems that is a much bigger threat to "traditional marriage" than two loving people who WANT to get married.

  -- Posted by FriendO on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 10:33 AM

• You guys are all missing the point here. It's not about QOL having a right to oppose this it's about the shady manner in which they are doing it.

  A vote on the issue is not legally binding on the council as the decision on the casino is totally up to the city leaders (our representatives). A vote does nothing but push the decision back and make Cape look less "pretty" to the gaming commission. They know this and are only trying to circumvent the true process of getting the casino here.

  Now, some may say so what. I'm all about groups doing what they can for their beliefs but this involves spending taxpayer money on a vote that simply is useless.

  -- Posted by clkv on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 10:36 AM

• If you can get the power of numbers.... or money behind you, you can vote until the answer suits your agenda. It's the American way. If you will only remember, that is how we got gambling in Missouri to begin with.

  Those quaint little boats plying the waters of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers on two hour cruises. Brings back memories of the romantic past doesn't it?

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 10:43 AM

• Wheels,

  Good point, but I'm just of the belief that this particular vote is a waste of money and time. At first I thought the gaming commission might pay attention to it, but all indications now are that Cape's a go regardless of the outcome.

  Sure, if we're looking at a 60-40 "no" split then things might change, but that's just not going to happen.

  -- Posted by clkv on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 10:48 AM

• You are probably correct clkv, and I have a real problem with voting on issues until they pass.

  School boards especially irk me. In too many cases they vote and vote (at our expense of course) until they wear the public out, so they win. And in way too many cases a good portion of the money will go to finance something just as necessary as an astro turf football field.

  -- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 10:55 AM

• I wonder if this was the same logic that started the crusades.

  -- Posted by Producer1 on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 10:20 AM

  Maybe you should study history a bit before you comment. Despite the popular belief that the Crusades were started by Christains to regain control of the Holy Land the fact is that they were a response to the Muslim invasion of the Basque regions of Spain in the 1090's.

  -- Posted by Data48 on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 11:47 AM

• Data, it was meant to be a bit more tongue and cheek rather than a statement of history itself. My point was that more people have been slaughtered in the name of 'god' than any other reason. Perhaps I didnt convey that very well.

  -- Posted by Producer1 on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 12:20 PM

• Producer said,"

  more people have been slaughtered in the name of 'god' than any other reason.

  Except For Ending Slavery, Fascism, Nazism and Communism!!

  I think your wrong but that's just me.

  -- Posted by GREYWOLF on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 12:47 PM

• A vote on the issue is not legally binding on the council as the decision on the casino is totally up to the city leaders (our representatives). A vote does nothing but push the decision back and make Cape look less "pretty" to the gaming commission.

  -- Posted by clkv on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 10:36 AM

  Well, not exactly. Our state casino laws specifically provide for a vote of the community. It's about the only state statute of that nature that does. And the commission would likely anticipate such, given this is rural Missouri y'all. Now its a matter of who gets the best information to the most voters. Only in America. Saaaalute! Again, kudos for the City Council letting the process work through. Good decision.

  -- Posted by blogbudsman on Tue, Jul 13, 2010, at 12:58 PM