sorry Jesus, I can't turn my cheek any longer, I've run out of cheeks

[mopaul]

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:38:45 RSV)

---------we need to get beyond this turn the other cheek mentality, our enemy has struck us in the face repeatedly, and when we've turned the other cheek they've struck that one too, then they kicked our asses for good measure, until we've run out of cheeks.

i know you meant well Jesus, and there are millions who claim to live by your words, but your words haven't helped us much at all lately, our president doesn't love his neighbor, he covets his neighbor's things, he steals, he lies, he murders, all sins that you've clearly pointed out will get you sent to hell, but you words aren't helping.

bush and the neocons have slapped our cheeks and next they plan on bashing our heads in with baseball bats, and we have to eventually confront the bullies with the only thing that bullies understand, recrimination.

[bryant69]

1. I think you are reading the parable not quite right

Defending oneself and bring Bush's deeds to light is a matter of justice not forgiveness or turning the other cheek. It would not be a kindness to let Bush's undeeds go unpunished or unresisted. It would, rather, be unjust to do so becuase of the great harm his deeds have caused us and other people throughout the world.

On the other hand holding in our hearts hatred; well, everybody has to make his own call on that. But hatred doesn't strike me as a positive emotion to dwell on.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[ClintonTyree]

2. I've never had that particular hang-up..........

about the "cheek thing" but yes, it's time to stop being Mr. Nice Guy and start slapping the shit out of the people that would take away our freedoms in the name of "security".