Simply put, there is no excuse for this man's behavior. Violence almost always begets more violence. If he had intended to make a statement, or otherwise bring to light corruption within his own police department there were certainly more peaceable means with which to do so. He was a monster at best, and at worst a coward of the highest order.

You would have thought after the elections at both the state and national levels that Republicans would have learned a very valuable lesson. If they lose the majority of their seats in 2014 effectively handing the majority back to the Democrats they have only themselves to blame. Just as the American government will not negotiate with terrorists, neither will the American people negotiate or support those who hold our government hostage simply for the sake of their own gain.

Though I know at some point President Obama may compromise in order to bring a solution to this problem I sincerely hope he heeds the warnings within in his own party. If he agrees to cut any part of Social Security in order to reach an agreement he will lose some of my support. Social Security does not add to our deficit, and should never be used as a bargaining chip with the likes of Boehner, Cantor, or Ryan. I will be highly disappointed if he uses such a method.

http://www.cepr.net/index.php/blogs/cepr-blog/factcheck-gets-it-wrong-on-social-security-and-the-deficit

Significant cuts must be made and contrary to fallible Republican public opinion taxes must be raised in order to solve the deficit issue. You cannot logically expect to reduce a deficit without raising revenue to pay it down. Common sense. How this seemingly escapes so many bewilders me to the point of both discontent and disbelief.

Not quite yet. Been a little busy lately. I apologize. So, you appear to be a little smarter than the average bear. You didn't fall for my trick. Good. Still, you haven't provided any evidence of his non-existence. Here's a few links you might be interested in. Let me know what you think.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pliny_the_Younger#Epistle_concerning_the_Christian_Religion

http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suetonius#The_Great_Fire_and_the_Christiani

http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacitus#Tacitus_on_Christ

http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephus_on_Jesus#The_three_passages

Though I have found several documents and entries that support the existence of Jesus I have not come across any historical documents or otherwise citations that deny his existence, or for that matter attempt to denounce his existence with anything other than doubtful opinions. If you have any such proof I would appreciate receiving the links so that I might read it or them, as the case may be. Thanks.

Are we done?

Just got home from work and I am beat!! I won't be able to respond to your entire post til later but....

The Archko Volume?.....Again? I thought this one was put to rest years ago. I suggest you research this book, the author William Dennes Mahan and his subsequent punishment by the church for producing this utter fabrication of "facts".

I am afraid you are mistaken. It's okay. After all, you're only human. Below I will include a couple of links showing the document written to the Roman Senate by Herod Antipas begging for clemency concerning his actions before the Empire. You may not be trying to prove Jesus did not exist, but clearly there is documented evidence of his existence, and not just in the printed word of the Bible. Regarding uniqueness, please describe any other religious messiah whose story even comes close to mimicking that of Jesus'.

http://www.paradisepbc.org/Articles/Secular%20History/Historical%20Court%20Records%20of%20Christ%20Chpt%2010.htm

http://www.bibleprobe.com/antipas.htm

Other than the the document in question,the bible, we have no evidence that Jesus ever existed.

"factual and historical references that can be cited."

"This is noted in many historical documents written by the Roman courts"
Please share, I know of no such documents.

My questioning of the "Uniqueness" of Jesus' story is based on the fact that there are many messianic claims and the Birth,miracles,death and resurrection stories are a common theme among religions.

I am not trying to prove Jesus never existed, I am trying to understand why people believe he existed. I went for many years simply assuming he did, I have no problem with it being proven that he did.

My "faith" goes a little further in this instance rather than just belief. There is factual and historical references that can be cited. You are aware of this, right? Pontius Pilate, the fifth prefect of the Roman Empire under the rule of Emperor Tiberius was the judge at the court of the proceedings involving Jesus Christ's alleged treasonous acts. He found Jesus guilty of treason and sentenced him to death, hence the crucifixion. If Pilate simply wanted Jesus to disappear and never be entered into any record why did he insist on trying him? Instead he tried him and found him guilty. This is noted in many historical documents written by the Roman courts. It was also recorded as such during the Council of Nicea, and in the Holy Bible as well. Don't you find it strange that his presence was mentioned by three separate proceedings/documentations? I would have expected that someone who had done so much research concerning disproving the existence of a person would have considered also researching the documents that do in fact corroborate his existence. I am afraid I also have to disagree with the "his story is far from unique" comment. What other man claiming to be the son of God have you ever known to have been tried, sentenced, and put to death for the crime of teaching love and tolerance to the masses by the Roman Empire? None come to mind. I would dare to call that somewhat unique.

Confidence and trust in a person or thing is vastly different than claiming confidence and trust in an incorporeal thing. At the heart of all of this is the fact that their are many choices of religions yet no one can articulate why they believe what they believe is true. Never have I had a discussion on this subject that it didn't end with the "faith claim". In my mind,"faith" is merely a tool used to sidestep the issue,but I realize it is merely what the believer has been taught to say. I honestly want to know why people believe what they believe (in regard to gods)it has always been an intriguing subject to me. More to the point of this particular debate, What evidence is there which leads one to believe Jesus existed? His story is far from unique,so what makes him special?

The same as any other would define faith; confidence or trust in a person or thing. I have faith in the existence of a deity, just as I have faith in the existence of oxygen. I am unable to see either one, but that does not mean that neither one does not exist.

We aren't animals! The heels don't get eaten in our house unless someone is REALLY desperate for a peanut butter sandwich and they're the last pieces of bread in the bag.

Maybe I'm just lazy,but once a few slices are gone it's to the trash with that twist tie. I also insist that the heel remain in the bag til the last piece is gone....Thats a whole other debate :~)