Scam, the concept, is problematic. Sure, fraud is fraud. But other than that it's about beliefs.
You could label anything that costs money (directly or indirectly) a scam. The world's biggest scam is Christianity. Western state governments and much of the publicly funded scientific community don't fall far behind.
On the other hand, an enlightened "victim" is able to turn the tables and con the conner. Or, as they say in Hustle, "you can't cheat an honest man" (because an honest man doesn't want something for nothing).
Scam busting is a commendable effort, but where does it end? Is this comment post a scam?
Are you sure today's radical Islam is outdone? I think there's matter to debate before deciding which did worse. And let's not forget Communism, the twin brother of Capitalism.
Here's a shameful scam for your list: I post here every day, and Anon doesn't insult me anymore. Now I need to hire a dominatrix for my dose of humiliation, and it's costly. What a gyp! ):-P
Christianity and Islam are no worse than any other religion. It's religion itself that is the scam. Of course Communism is up there too, but at best it's a distant second.
"Christianity and Islam are no worse than any other religion."
Of course they are. Much worse than Buddhism for example.
"It's religion itself that is the scam."
I agree. And I have no problem with people subscribing to whatever belief systems they fancy at their own privacy. It's only when they want to impose those belief systems on me against my will that it becomes a problem.
Joe Dick said... "Of course Communism is up there too"
Of course Communism became the new fanatic religion of atheistic USSR... "And its god was... TOVARITCH STALIN!" You have no idea how closely related religion and politics are in Lebanon (lucky you).
TTL said... "It's only when they want to impose those belief systems on me against my will that it becomes a problem."
Ah. But then, it's no more a scam, it becomes forced sale. The difference is, you're no longer required to be gullible. :-/
I'm sure there are obtuse fanatics in all religions. And very fine people too. The person's heart is generally much more important than the creed.
Buddhism followers are usually much less violent, to my knowledge. No crusades, no Jihad. Worst I heard of was early-20th-century japanese colonialism, but it was essentially of imperialist/fascist inspiration, not specially liked to their religion. (Which is intricated Buddhism/Shitoism.)
When you say Buddhism, people usually think of the Dalai Lama. Not exactly a Khomeyni clone... The basic principles of Buddhism, about passivity and peace, are probably not alien to its above average good reputation.
It takes time to read carefully. But a quick glance is enough to see these can only be very useful.
ReplyDelete"Thanks for the warning(s)!"
Scam, the concept, is problematic. Sure, fraud is fraud. But other than that it's about beliefs.
ReplyDeleteYou could label anything that costs money (directly or indirectly) a scam. The world's biggest scam is Christianity. Western state governments and much of the publicly funded scientific community don't fall far behind.
On the other hand, an enlightened "victim" is able to turn the tables and con the conner. Or, as they say in Hustle, "you can't cheat an honest man" (because an honest man doesn't want something for nothing).
Scam busting is a commendable effort, but where does it end? Is this comment post a scam?
You're quite right, there's a broad grey area. Nobody forces us to pay big bucks for bottled water.
ReplyDeleteTTL so dumb. Word.
ReplyDelete"The world's biggest scam is Christianity."
ReplyDeleteAre you sure today's radical Islam is outdone? I think there's matter to debate before deciding which did worse. And let's not forget Communism, the twin brother of Capitalism.
Here's a shameful scam for your list: I post here every day, and Anon doesn't insult me anymore. Now I need to hire a dominatrix for my dose of humiliation, and it's costly. What a gyp! ):-P
pascal said: "Are you sure today's radical Islam is outdone?"
ReplyDeleteYes, they have managed to con more people.
Christianity and Islam are no worse than any other religion. It's religion itself that is the scam. Of course Communism is up there too, but at best it's a distant second.
ReplyDelete"Christianity and Islam are no worse than any other religion."
ReplyDeleteOf course they are. Much worse than Buddhism for example.
"It's religion itself that is the scam."
I agree. And I have no problem with people subscribing to whatever belief systems they fancy at their own privacy. It's only when they want to impose those belief systems on me against my will that it becomes a problem.
Joe Dick said...
ReplyDelete"Of course Communism is up there too"
Of course Communism became the new fanatic religion of atheistic USSR... "And its god was... TOVARITCH STALIN!"
You have no idea how closely related religion and politics are in Lebanon (lucky you).
TTL said...
"It's only when they want to impose those belief systems on me against my will that it becomes a problem."
Ah. But then, it's no more a scam, it becomes forced sale. The difference is, you're no longer required to be gullible. :-/
Of course they are. Much worse than Buddhism for example.
ReplyDeleteOh please. Did you say that with a straight face? Buddhism is just as bad - despite what you and Lisa Simpson think.
I'm sure there are obtuse fanatics in all religions. And very fine people too. The person's heart is generally much more important than the creed.
ReplyDeleteBuddhism followers are usually much less violent, to my knowledge. No crusades, no Jihad. Worst I heard of was early-20th-century japanese colonialism, but it was essentially of imperialist/fascist inspiration, not specially liked to their religion. (Which is intricated Buddhism/Shitoism.)
When you say Buddhism, people usually think of the Dalai Lama. Not exactly a Khomeyni clone...
The basic principles of Buddhism, about passivity and peace, are probably not alien to its above average good reputation.