island eagle

It's been fun having this discussion, but I assume we should probably get back to discussing basketball and other North Texas sports. But, to answer just one of your questions/comments (to respond to them all would just get us back in the debate again). Yes, there are differences between the Jewish and Protestant versions of the Commandments as well as the Eastern Orthodox and Lutheran (I'm always amazed at how little fundamentalists know about the Bible despite their strong literalism). Actually, there are 19 different commandments (some group them down to 14-15). These are listed in exodus 20:2-17; Exodux 34:12-26 and Deuteronomy (5:6-21). They are condensed into 10 commandments differently by the Jews, Protestant's, Catholics and Lutherans and Eastern Orthodox. To give just one example of why spending tax dollars on religion leads to strife: which version do you put in a public place? The different versions of the Bible are another example. You say teach King James. Well, it is the most literary for sure, but not necessarily the most accurate translation of the Bible. But, why do you choose it over the Catholic Bible (translated from the Latin Vulgate) of the Jewish Bible? Is it because that is the version you want? What if these other groups want their version? As I say, I've enjoyed the discussion, but I really prefer to get back to using this as a sports site.

So, Paine...who has been called the father of the revolution....Jefferson and Adams, 2 of our first 3 Presidents....aren't considered founding fathers because they didn't sign the Constitution? Actually the "establishment clause" meant different things to different people if you read the Federalist Papers, with some clearly meaning no state church as you note and some clearly wary of overt political involvement of churches in religion. After all, we did't develop Christian Democratic Parties like some countries did. It was Jefferson, who first used the term "separation of church and state" in both his letters and the treaty with the Barbary States. Our symbols, especially our early symbols are filled with pagan and Masonic themes also, including pyramids, mystic eyes, and other occult signs you can find on our currency and early buildings. I agree that the Bible should be taught as a sginificant part of both our cultural and intellectual knowlegde. I think that Greek literature should too. Doesn't mean I advocate a return to the worship of Apollo. The problem you quickly get when you talk about a generic Christian creed in our country is whose creed? Do you use the Jewish or Protestant version of the 10 Commandments? Do you use the Cathloic, Jewish or Protestant Bible? Or do you use the Jehovah's Witness version or the Book of Mormon? They all claim to be Christian. If you use tax dollars to promote one, then you are promoting ONE version of religion and you get right back to the situation the 18th Century rebelled so much against-state promoted religion.

That's a whole other debate. Since Thomas Paine was a deist, Jefferson wasn't Christiian, John Adams Unitarian and Ben Franklin unclassifiable, its doubtful that they were only interested in Christian religion. Many of the founding fathers were strongly influenced by the enlightenment, which was highly skeptical of organized Christianity. For that matter, George Washington was denounced by his critics because he so seldom showed up in a church and was clearly not all that devout. I would agree with the statement that without religion there is no soul for a country, but don't think that the religion has to be Chrisitanity. I spent time in India and think they had plenty of soul. In fact, they could teach us a thing or two about religious devotion.

Until the 7th grade, I went to a small rural school where they read the Bible to us everyday. Based upon the life paths of all my classmates (me included), it was counterproductive at best. My own belief is that when state and religion are mixed, both are corrupted. Nothing is more deadly to true religion that an official or state religion or a semblance there of. That's not to say that religious values should be excluded from politics, quite the contrary. But, religion for its own sake, is best kept from the temptations of temporal power.

Don't know, Phil, but usually those undecided at this late date either have 1. grade problems or 2. aren't 1-A material or 3. considered undersized (like Brewster). Obviously, he doesn't fit category 3.

The best example would be the old Southwest Conference which went from total obscurity to the national arena, starting in the late 30's and periodically after that. Another, actually would have been the old Big 8, which was a do-nothing conference until the 1950's under OU and even then it was called "OU and the Seven Dwarfs" until Nebraska, Colorado and a few others stepped up to the plate.

The team went 2-7-2. Washington had 481 yards rushing and 1155 passing for 1,523 total yards. Washington started the first game of the year (1974) agains SMU in which we lost 6-7 at Texas Stadium. Kenny moved the ball up and down the field against the Ponies and we should have won, but turnovers and penalties killed every drive we had.

It looks ok, but I don't see designing a stadium with so many end zone seats.

Thanks, Harry for your thoughts. DeSoto is in the top 3 in the state in shot put with throws over 57'. To me, that indicates good atleticism.

Times have changed, but Gene Robbins signed the best class ever in North Texas history (to benefit Bill Blakely later on) with Fred Mitchell, Melvin Davis and Ken Williams and he didn't get them signed until early May. I know, because I was in Waco at the time finishing up an internship and read about the signings in the Dallas Morning News, which I could pick up at the local restaurant near my apartment (which I didn't move into until May 1st).

You gotta be kidding! I've been to a few games in San Marcos with a friend who went to SWT (aka TSU), they make North Texas fans look like the second coming of the Razorbacks. I mean, you can hardly find anyone really into the game and most kids on campus could care less or even know who is playing. It fact, most are UT fans. Maybe if they went 1-A interest would grow, but to say that they have more of a fan base or more school spirit is absurd.

I'm sorry, but TD should have realized when he got here that he needed OL recruits. We underrecruited in that category and it is going to come back to haunt us. I'm as big a TD fan as anyone, but that need was obvious from the day he got here and it wasn't addressed.

It was announced in the Denton paper that those five were going. Maybe, they were scheduled to play in all-star games, but not all in the THSCA. Still, seems strange to me.

From what I understand they are supposed to be ready to contribute next year.

Speaking of the DL. North Texas signee, Jesse DeSoto placed first in his division's shot put at the Texas Relays last weekend with a 57 plus foot heave. Tells me his has good upper-body strength and coordination.

It would be hard to find more than a body at this point in the game. I'm hoping that JJ Johnson and Matt Tomlinson come in ready to play because we desperately need depth at OT. My one criticism of TD's first recruiting class is that I think we should have signed at least a couple more offensive linemen. We are really thin there!

I read it and was very grateful for your report, but I'm greedy for even more. I like find out what different people notice at the practices since it is impossible for any one person to focus on everything at once.

Still waiting.

Thanks. Keep the news coming!

Well, he's a 72.5% free throw shooter. Only averages 5 ppg. Didn't find info on his assists, which would be a key stat for him at point.

May God bless you and all your family.

Those of us who live far away can't, so we rely upon you folks who can.

I buy it anyway, so it's no problem.

Tuitions are increasing at all state universities. The legislature is funding them less and expecting them to make up the difference with tuition increases and other funds. First, UNT is still a bargain compared to other state universities. Second, if you want to complain, talk to your state legislator.