Sisyphus: Idaho’s Answer To Drudge

57 comments on this post so far. Add yours!

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  JeanC on December 18 at 9:36 a.m.

  They usually make me want to find the author and apply a clue bat up long side his head.

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  jazzyvandal on December 18 at 9:37 a.m.

  I point and laugh at the IVA posts.

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  OrangeTV on December 18 at 9:40 a.m.

  Can’t stand that Fischer guy, but I think the IVA posts are entertainingly awful and if nothing else, they provide good fodder for debate, which is the whole point, ain’t it?

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  riggs on December 18 at 9:42 a.m.

  While exposing troglodytic viewpoints, that is not really any kind of news or enlightenment. Seems to me to just be another way to get lots of web hits and generate revenue. Not unlike your comments about editorial staff and editorials: Write them to stir the pot. Sells papers. Paraphrasing.

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  DFO on December 18 at 9:46 a.m.

  If 43rd State Blues provided more topics of general interest, it’d be out front more often. Seriously. I check your site for topics. All. The. Time. The topics that get front-paged are the ones that I think will draw reader comment from the general base here.

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  Sisyphus on December 18 at 9:46 a.m.

  Murphy’s law. All the good stuff I’ve been posting and then one thing I post something critical, in a comment no less, and you front page me. Mebbe I should more often. We both know from which side of the line you operate and that we’re on opposite sides. YOu don’t have to let me stay. I’m glad you do.

  I do like you Dave. Now I’m embarassed. Its not that you link to Fischer, its that you front page him almost daily. You’re no stranger to that criticism and not just from me and Bink. I’ve been trying to figure out if you do this deliberately or subconsciously and I vasicillate between the two depending on both our moods that day. Cabbage pointed out the other day our symbiosis when you do post him. Certainly I can see where you intend to be pejorative to keep us busy. And I play the fool.

  Is Binky potty mouthed so much or just too aggressive? I missed the circumstances of his banishment so I don’t know what line he crossed. I thought he was getting much better thanks to folks up here.

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  moscow_minidoka on December 18 at 9:59 a.m.

  DFO - Although Bryan Fischer and the IVA drive me nuts (not because I am some raging liberal, but because I grew up in southern Idaho surrounded by narrow-minded people like him… which is why I fled home), I do not mind that you post his stuff. However, I do think that you sometimes do it just to prompt a response from all of those who can’t stand the IVA (and it works every time).

  Please keep posting IVA, so we know who we are fighting. But I wish you wouldn’t post IVA items so *often* compared to other blogs/links. At times, it feels like you’re beating us over the head with Bryan Fischer.

  It has nothing to do with religious values, by the way. It’s the message and (especially) the messenger. It’s fine to keep posting IVA items, but don’t be surprised by all the anti-IVA comments you receive as a result. Bryan Fischer represents - to a lot of us - what is WRONG in Idaho, not what is RIGHT. And it has nothing to do with Republican/Democrat.

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  moscow_minidoka on December 18 at 10:02 a.m.

  On a side note - why don’t you front page Randy Stapilus (sp?) more often? He’s one of the best political writers in the state.

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  DFO on December 18 at 10:05 a.m.

  Sis; actually, I believe, BinkyBoy told me where to stick it one day. I took offense. And simply left him in the cooler. However, it’s been long enough — and I’m feeling the love. So tell him to register. But I’m not going to let him call Bryan Fischer or anyone else names. BTW, if memory serves me correctly, 43rd State Blues has tossed BinkyBoy a time or two. So it isn’t just me.

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  DFO on December 18 at 10:07 a.m.

  BTW, Sis; I took absolutely no offense at your post. No question we’re on different sides of the political spectrum. But I’d guess that I’m a little closer to the middle than you are — by a tiny increment.

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  MikeK on December 18 at 10:09 a.m.

  For a long time I thought Fischer’s posts were related to “IVA”, an itchy skin malady that needed a strong ointment. Then I actually read one and realized my assumption was correct.

  :-)

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  Sisyphus on December 18 at 10:16 a.m.

  Tiny increment? Ok Dave. ;-)

  I don’t think he’s ever been tossed, he’s far too prolific and sharp for that. But he is a double edged sword and doesn’t care who he alienates. He did remove himself voluntarily this fall because he was ticked by some perceived capitulations by Minnick and Obama. We have slapped him upside the head a few times but if he was banned, it was before my time. He can be hard hitting which discourages comment but that’s why we have the untamedshrew to ratchet him down, if she’s paying attention.

• 

  nic on December 18 at 10:53 a.m.

  Top ten “Values” of the IVA:

  10. Only they know what’s best for Idaho. (and the USA, and the rest of the world).
  9. The only correct interpretation of the Bible is theirs.
  8. Heathens should follow the 10 commandments.
  7. The woman’s place is at home with the kids. Unless you are Sarah Palin. Then you can do no wrong.
  6. Mormons are evil. Unless they are supporting anti-gay legislation. Then they’re pretty cool.
  5. It is OK to be gay as long as you marry a member of the opposite sex.
  4. Abortion is murder, but the death penalty is awesome!
  3. All books with the following topics must be banned - illicit sex, graphic violence, homosexuality, and godlessness. Except the Bible. Then sex & violence is totally appropriate for all ages!
  2. All pregnant teens are a horrid example of the influence of today’s pervasive sexual culture. They should never get an abortion, but they will make horrible mothers and will be a lifelong drain on our fragile welfare system. Unless you are Sarah Palin’s daughter. Then you are brave.
  1. Bryan Fischer is NOT obsessed with gay people.

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  scootermom on December 18 at 10:59 a.m.

  I find the focus on Fischer to be troubling. You know, Dave, there are intelligent and articulate people with a more inclusive view of the world. And Fischer certainly isn’t the most insightful writer.

  Many people find his rantings humorous. I find them frightening, because they’re getting a lot of attention. More attention than they deserve.

  Balance, grasshopper.

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  raymond_pert on December 18 at 11:16 a.m.

  Bryan Fischer wakes me up. He astonishes me. He snaps me out of my complacency. He keeps a point of view alive in my mind that I rarely entertain on my own and helps me understand the language and ideas and dogma of a world of fellow Christians and political opponents I rarely have any contact with and whose ideas I rarely seek out. HBO/DFO makes it possible, and, for me, necessary, to slide out of my comfortable duvet of avoidance and denial and take into account points of view I find strange, alien, and unsettling. I’m not sympathetic to Fischer’s point of view, but I try to understand it and when discussions heated up by IVA posts get underway, I learn quite a bit — or am reminded of a lot of ways of being a Christian that I forget about in my thick, warm Episcopalian quilt.

• 

  hmoffsuite on December 18 at 11:17 a.m.

  DFO >> ” But I’d guess that I’m a little closer to the middle than you are — by a tiny increment.”

  I think nearly everbody is a little closer to the middle than sis.

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  Bubblehead on December 18 at 11:27 a.m.

  I’m happy that DFO puts up IVA posts; since Bryan Fischer isn’t confident enough to allow comments on his “blog”, the comments section here is the best way for those of us who wish to do so to point out the errors of his logic and/or facts.

  DFO, as far as name-calling of Rev. Fischer goes, does that mean I’m not allowed to call him a “Kooky Local Simpleton” when I post here?

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  Sisyphus on December 18 at 11:38 a.m.

  Good point Bubbles. And what about Binky’s term the “Village Idiot”. Is that not allowed either? Its not filthy and that one also works with the acronym IVA as the “Idiot Village Association”.

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  idawa on December 18 at 12:01 p.m.

  I used to like the IVA posts when they were a siren call to the likes of Jenny - of course, she has disappeared since the election. She’s probably at home wondering why god allowed Obama to win the election or, by now, she’s probably convinced herself that god made Obama win because the Apocalypse is coming so she need to focus on making and storing jam or something like that and trying to have one more kid before the second coming… Sorry, I don’t usually post about people when they are not here to defend themselves, Bad Matt, Bad Matt.

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  thomg57 on December 18 at 1:53 p.m.

  DFO, I think you live for the IVA posts and the WND polls. In fact, I think I remember you saying something about “throwing red meat out for the left wing”, or something very similar. Why do you do it? I’m going to begin practicing my newest resolution and not try to guess your motives.

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  DFO on December 18 at 2:00 p.m.

  ThomG; I plead innocent. I use WND Polls — and not all that frequently any more — b/c they offer controversial topics that are red meat to you guys here. However, I’d gladly switch to a different poll, if I could find one somewhat extensive (at least 5 or 6 choices) and i can obtain permission to print them. Several years ago, I received an OK from WND, if I would put a tagline that told readers where to find the WND Web site. It’s as simple as that.

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  Sam on December 18 at 2:07 p.m.

  I argued with DFO a few years ago about using WND topics because most of what they write is extremely slanted. It just got me worked up that he would use it as a discussion piece, especially when he works for a newspaper that has values that blow WND’s out of the water.

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  Sam on December 18 at 2:08 p.m.

  I will also say that I’m guilty of trying to find topics that I think will get people talking. After all, why run a blog if nobody cares what you post?

  Despite the fact that WND’s articles are outrageous (I don’t link to them on my blog), I think their polls are still legit to get conversation started.

• 

  Sam on December 18 at 2:09 p.m.

  “she’s probably convinced herself that god made Obama win because the Apocalypse is coming so she need to focus on making and storing jam or something like that”

  Matt, this was hilarious. I hope Jenny prays for you.

• 

  fortboise on December 18 at 6:34 p.m.

  Bryan Fischer is a piece of work. I guess I’m OK with a certain amount of linking to him because I’d hardly ever look at it otherwise.

  What’s remarkable is that he postures as if he’s the head of a megachurch when in fact he’s the head of an Alliance of one (or maybe two) as far as we can tell. As a run-of-the-mill strongly opinionated blogger, well he’s got one.

  And apparently his form of opining works well enough for fundraising that he doesn’t need to have a real job.

• 

  Arch_Druid on December 19 at 12:00 a.m.

  What do I think about IVA posts? When Fischer comes here personally on a mission because his posted positions are being trashed. And I have an opportunity to fire back. Keep them coming, I love the idea of a verbal duel.

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  on December 19 at 12:52 p.m.

  Bryan Fischer and the IVA present the light and standard of God’s Word in the midst of surrounding darkness. All other ground (beside God’s Word) is sinking sand. We are all sinners, yet we all seek in our heart to do good, at least some of the time. Our enemy is not one another, but rather the chief of evil Satan, and in particular, his lieutenant, the Spirit of Self. The chief battleground/playground for the latter is our flesh: whether in food, drink, drugs, sexual pleasure. These things are not wrong in themselves, only when they become like gods to us. We are all engaged in this battle.
  God’s Word says only the few who practice righteousness will enter His kingdom, versus those who practice lawlessness (breaking His laws). Note the word “practice” - it doesn’t mean “perfect”. It reflects, however, purpose. It means trying to be perfect - same as in medical practice or football practice. Note that righteousness means obeying God’s voice. It is not defined as“ good” or “helping others” or doing “good things”. However, to hear God’s voice, one has to turn down the volume of Self: in effect, crucify it, even if it proves costly in a worldly sense. The alternative is very costly in the out-of-this world sense.
  There are those in this world who twist their religion into hate. A Christian, by definition one who follows Christ Jesus, cannot do that, for God is Love. Calling one’s self a Christian doesn’t make you a Christian. Bryan, the IVA, Bill Sali, our founding fathers (Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, etc.) and I choose to practice righteousness. In God’s sight we come as beggars but ones who have learned where there is free bread. By purposing to listen and obey God’s written and spoken Word we can be adopted eternally into God’s Kingdom.
  Many seek fortune, fame, and power for self-gain. Others, like Mother Teresa, Christian missionaries around the world, forego wealth and endure pain and sacrifice out of love for God and fellow man. Bryan has a family - he has chosen a path which is not financially lucrative nor secure. He presents in an articulate way the thoughts and voice of Christians who seek to obey God’s Word. You may find an element of tough love in his message, but it is still love, and not hate. God is tolerant of all sinners in that he forgives those who repent. To the rest He says “I never knew you. Depart from me you who practice lawlessness.” These are not Brian’s rules nor mine; they are God’s.

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  Sisyphus on December 19 at 1:08 p.m.

  Thanks you for sharing./end sarcasm. Fischer’s $80,000 a year isn’t lucrative? Uh, other than fleecing the sheep what’s he gonna do? I’ll give you articulate but woefully erroneous. And he would use the power of law to oppress others. That’s hateful.

  Franklin????? Oh my you HAVE been misinformed. They’re still talking about his sexual exploits in Paris.

  Now see, we need Bink for when the Fischer signal goes out.

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  thomg57 on December 19 at 1:18 p.m.

  “There are those in this world who twist their religion into hate. A Christian, by definition one who follows Christ Jesus, cannot do that, for God is Love.”

  Oh please! Just like the Nixon line, “If the President does it, it can’t be illegal.” Hogwash. Fischer can call himself a Christian all he wants, that’s between him and his God, but please don’t try selling his brand of hatred, fear and intolerance as “Christianity.” It gives true, loving Christians a bad name.

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