Saturday, March 3, 2012
It’s Time for the Pope and his Church to Shut Up
It’s Time for the Pope and his Church to Shut Up: "There are a great many people who cannot have children for one reason or another, but who want children. There are also a great many children who, without modern medical science, would die – like my youngest son, who suffers from Gaucher Disease. Without modern medical science, he would be dead already and rather than enjoying watching him play around the house, I would be visiting his grave in a cemetery.
There is no essential difference between these two issues. In both cases, modern medical science takes a hand and improves our lot in life. Couples can have children who might otherwise not have them, and sick children can live instead of die. And the two are connected in another way as well. Couples who are carriers for Gaucher or similar diseases, who might otherwise have to play the lottery and risk having a child who has the disease, can instead use modern medical science to ensure that only a fertilized egg free of the disease is implanted in the womb. Rather than giving birth to a child who may die, or who will at the very least have very expensive medical problems the Republican Party says they shouldn’t be able to pay for, the couple can give birth to a normal, healthy child...."
There is no essential difference between these two issues. In both cases, modern medical science takes a hand and improves our lot in life. Couples can have children who might otherwise not have them, and sick children can live instead of die. And the two are connected in another way as well. Couples who are carriers for Gaucher or similar diseases, who might otherwise have to play the lottery and risk having a child who has the disease, can instead use modern medical science to ensure that only a fertilized egg free of the disease is implanted in the womb. Rather than giving birth to a child who may die, or who will at the very least have very expensive medical problems the Republican Party says they shouldn’t be able to pay for, the couple can give birth to a normal, healthy child...."
A History of Violence: How Our Culture of Fear is Compromising America's Schools
A History of Violence: How Our Culture of Fear is Compromising America's Schools: "In the wake of yet another school shooting, a 45-year veteran of the classroom explores the impact of fear in the schoolhouse.
I went to junior high and high school in Hiram, Ohio, only about twenty miles away from Chardon, whose students experienced this week the latest of what seems to be an endless series of murders in places that are supposed to be our secular sanctuaries. Deadly violence in a schoolhouse seems a most brutal desecration.
What ensues also fits a pattern: an eruption of grief, followed by a brief, evanescent unity in our community, our nation. And then comes the finger-pointing. Pointing a finger--analogous, of course, to pointing a pistol...."
I went to junior high and high school in Hiram, Ohio, only about twenty miles away from Chardon, whose students experienced this week the latest of what seems to be an endless series of murders in places that are supposed to be our secular sanctuaries. Deadly violence in a schoolhouse seems a most brutal desecration.
What ensues also fits a pattern: an eruption of grief, followed by a brief, evanescent unity in our community, our nation. And then comes the finger-pointing. Pointing a finger--analogous, of course, to pointing a pistol...."
Tell Limbaugh's advertisers: Stop supporting sexist attacks on women.
Tell Limbaugh's advertisers: Stop supporting sexist attacks on women: "When Sandra Fluke, a Georgetown Law School student, testified before Congress to protest rightwing attacks to limit women's access to birth control, Rush Limbaugh called her a "slut" and a "prostitute."
Here's what Limbaugh actually said:
"What does that make her? It makes her a slut, right? It makes her a prostitute... She wants to be paid to have sex. She's having so much sex she can't afford the contraception."1
Unfortunately, what Rush Limbaugh says matters. He has a bigger audience than any other commercial radio host in the country, and what he talks about on air has the power to drive the Republican agenda -- an agenda that is already obsessed with radical backslides of womens' ability to protect their own health.2
Tell Rush Limbaugh's advertisers: Stop Supporting Rush Limbaugh's attacks on women...."
Here's what Limbaugh actually said:
"What does that make her? It makes her a slut, right? It makes her a prostitute... She wants to be paid to have sex. She's having so much sex she can't afford the contraception."1
Unfortunately, what Rush Limbaugh says matters. He has a bigger audience than any other commercial radio host in the country, and what he talks about on air has the power to drive the Republican agenda -- an agenda that is already obsessed with radical backslides of womens' ability to protect their own health.2
Tell Rush Limbaugh's advertisers: Stop Supporting Rush Limbaugh's attacks on women...."
Bill O’Reilly Attacks Sandra Fluke: Claims She Wants Government To Pay For Her ‘Social Life’
Bill O’Reilly Attacks Sandra Fluke: Claims She Wants Government To Pay For Her ‘Social Life’: "Bill O’Reilly has joined Rush Limbaugh’s sexist assault on 30-year-old law student Sandra Fluke. On tonight’s broadcast, Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly attacked and mocked Sandra Fluke, claiming that Fluke was insisting the government pay for her “social life.” O’Reilly’s attack mirrors Limbaugh, who has insisted on that Fluke’s advocacy for contraception coverage is motivated by sexual promiscuity...."
Motivated In Ohio: Rush Limbaugh doesn't understand women's birth con...
Motivated In Ohio: Rush Limbaugh doesn't understand women's birth con...: Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy
Friday, March 2, 2012
Newt Gingrich Leaves 30-Year Trail Of Debts, Lawsuits And Bankruptcies In His Wake
Newt Gingrich Leaves 30-Year Trail Of Debts, Lawsuits And Bankruptcies In His Wake: "WASHINGTON -- Newt Gingrich holds himself up as a model of fiscal discipline. "If the U.S. government was as debt-free as I am, everybody in America would be celebrating," he told reporters last year.
What may be true for Gingrich personally, however, has rarely been the case for organizations he runs. Gingrich's presidential campaign is basically broke. The latest financial disclosure reports show that his campaign closed out the month of January with $1.73 million in debt and a scant $1.79 million in cash on hand, just enough to cover expenses that included private jets and unusually large personal reimbursements. The highly publicized injection of more than $11 million from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson into a super PAC backing Gingrich's campaign has fueled the perception that Gingrich is flush, but Adelson's money won't keep the lights on at campaign headquarters...."
What may be true for Gingrich personally, however, has rarely been the case for organizations he runs. Gingrich's presidential campaign is basically broke. The latest financial disclosure reports show that his campaign closed out the month of January with $1.73 million in debt and a scant $1.79 million in cash on hand, just enough to cover expenses that included private jets and unusually large personal reimbursements. The highly publicized injection of more than $11 million from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson into a super PAC backing Gingrich's campaign has fueled the perception that Gingrich is flush, but Adelson's money won't keep the lights on at campaign headquarters...."
Indiana House Approves Bill That Allows Homeowners To Kill Police Officers
Indiana House Approves Bill That Allows Homeowners To Kill Police Officers: "Republicans in Indiana are taking self-defense too far. In a move supported by the National Rifle Association, the Indiana House passed Senate Bill 1, which allows homeowners to shoot and kill police officers they believe are unlawfully on their property or in their homes. The bill could also extend to federal law enforcement officials..."
My jaw dropped when I saw this. WTF are they THINKING?!
My jaw dropped when I saw this. WTF are they THINKING?!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Does Providing Contraception to Women = Hating Religion?
Does Providing Contraception to Women = Hating Religion?: "What? What? WHAT?!
It's like a bad joke opening, "Two Roman Catholics and a Mormon walk into a bar and demand that all the women stop using contraception..."
To make the joke complete let's examine the "moral authority" credentials of these three clowns and that of the "religious authorities" who want to make religion -- say the "issue" that President Obama is not a "real Christian," or he is "anti-religious freedom" -- an election year talking point.
Who is it that claims this moral authority and that also demands to be taken seriously? Why the Roman Catholic bishops and a former Mormon missionary of course!..."
It's like a bad joke opening, "Two Roman Catholics and a Mormon walk into a bar and demand that all the women stop using contraception..."
To make the joke complete let's examine the "moral authority" credentials of these three clowns and that of the "religious authorities" who want to make religion -- say the "issue" that President Obama is not a "real Christian," or he is "anti-religious freedom" -- an election year talking point.
Who is it that claims this moral authority and that also demands to be taken seriously? Why the Roman Catholic bishops and a former Mormon missionary of course!..."
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Professor Snape Wrote the Most Popular Tweet of the Academy Awards - GalleyCat
Professor Snape Wrote the Most Popular Tweet of the Academy Awards - GalleyCat
The Harry Potter series is what turned me into a bookaholic. I really think that they should of gotten something at the Oscars.
The Harry Potter series is what turned me into a bookaholic. I really think that they should of gotten something at the Oscars.
Dear God
I'm just getting really tired of hearing about how God should be in schools and needs to be there. But if people want God in their children's schools so badly, they need to send their kid to a private school. We have freedom of religion and separation of church and state for a reason. The only people you normally hear about in the news throwing a fuckin hissy fit over this shit, is Christians. I never hear of Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Buddhists or any other religion having problems with it. And I'm sure that's because they don't what a religion that's not their own being pressed on their children. They also might be more tolerant of others beliefs than some Christians tend to be.
Ayn Rand Worshippers Should Face Facts: Blue States Are the Providers, Red States Are the Parasites
Ayn Rand Worshippers Should Face Facts: Blue States Are the Providers, Red States Are the Parasites: "There's only one way to demonstrate who America's producers and parasites really are. It's time to go Galt.
Last week, the New York Times published a widely discussed article updating an argument that progressive bloggers noticed a very long time ago. It's now well-understood that blue states generally export money to the federal government; and red states generally import it...."
Last week, the New York Times published a widely discussed article updating an argument that progressive bloggers noticed a very long time ago. It's now well-understood that blue states generally export money to the federal government; and red states generally import it...."
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Chart: Why the GOP's Gas Price Attack on Obama Is BS
Chart: Why the GOP's Gas Price Attack on Obama Is BS: "Driving back from the mountains this past weekend, I commented to my wife how unusual it seemed that we weren't hearing too much public bitching about $4-a-gallon gasoline, because that's what it costs right now in California. But I spoke too soon. When we returned home, there was the Sunday New York Times with an A1 story on exactly that, describing how the GOP leadership planned to attack Obama on the issue, blaming him for high gasoline prices.
This is the sort of well-worn populist trick that gets people riled up even when there's no substance to it. I created the chart above using an Energy Information Administration data set on weekly retail gasoline prices (excluding taxes) in selected countries. I used premium unleaded because the numbers were more complete...."
This is the sort of well-worn populist trick that gets people riled up even when there's no substance to it. I created the chart above using an Energy Information Administration data set on weekly retail gasoline prices (excluding taxes) in selected countries. I used premium unleaded because the numbers were more complete...."
Bullying may have pushed Chardon shooter
Bullying may have pushed Chardon shooter: "TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - Classmates of the Chardon High School gunman describe him as an outcast who had been bullied in school. Experts in the school system in Toledo say noticing signs of emotional distress is the key to keeping kids safe.
"It's just tragic, and it sends a huge shock wave through our country, and to all the schools. Because we'd like to think that this is the safest place to be on the planet. But then something like this happens and everybody's fearful," said Frank DiLallo, Prevention and Intervention Schools Consultant for the Catholic Diocese of Toledo.
An exact cause of the rampage at Chardon High School is still unclear. However, some students say bullying may have played a part. That possibility has school officials in the Toledo area thinking about their procedures...."
"It's just tragic, and it sends a huge shock wave through our country, and to all the schools. Because we'd like to think that this is the safest place to be on the planet. But then something like this happens and everybody's fearful," said Frank DiLallo, Prevention and Intervention Schools Consultant for the Catholic Diocese of Toledo.
An exact cause of the rampage at Chardon High School is still unclear. However, some students say bullying may have played a part. That possibility has school officials in the Toledo area thinking about their procedures...."
WikiLeaks 2.0: How Julian Assange's Partnership with Anonymous Could Change the Landscape of Hacktivism
WikiLeaks 2.0: How Julian Assange's Partnership with Anonymous Could Change the Landscape of Hacktivism: "A new age of transparency activism may have just begun.
Yesterday was a very big day for WikiLeaks. It just released 500 million internal documents stolen from the private intelligence firm Stratfor, allegedly obtained by hacktivist collective Anonymous in December. This is huge; it’s the first time Anonymous has ever cooperated with an aboveground entity, lending an unprecedented amount of political legitimacy to the often inscrutable group. But why? What do these strange bedfellows have to gain from collaboration? With this new collaboration, Anonymous has obtained new credibility, and WikiLeaks has obtained a hugely valuable new source. This potentially powerful alliance could point to the future of the leak economy, and this awkward symbiosis provides each party with exactly what they need to move forward. A new age of transparency activism may have just begun...."
Yesterday was a very big day for WikiLeaks. It just released 500 million internal documents stolen from the private intelligence firm Stratfor, allegedly obtained by hacktivist collective Anonymous in December. This is huge; it’s the first time Anonymous has ever cooperated with an aboveground entity, lending an unprecedented amount of political legitimacy to the often inscrutable group. But why? What do these strange bedfellows have to gain from collaboration? With this new collaboration, Anonymous has obtained new credibility, and WikiLeaks has obtained a hugely valuable new source. This potentially powerful alliance could point to the future of the leak economy, and this awkward symbiosis provides each party with exactly what they need to move forward. A new age of transparency activism may have just begun...."
Monday, February 27, 2012
Rick Santorum On Religious Freedom: What He Has Forgotten Since Law School
Rick Santorum On Religious Freedom: What He Has Forgotten Since Law School: "A law school peer of Santorum's offers a lesson on what the Constitution says about religious freedom for a wayward classmate and his followers.
Samuel Johnson famously wrote, in 1775, that a false “patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” Now, it appears that modern scoundrels – politicians and their puppet masters – have added another disguise to their wardrobe: false constitutional scholarship.
Not content to wrap themselves in the flag alone, financial wolves are now relying on politicians, wrapped in the sheep’s clothing of uninformed constitutional platitudes, hoping to sway the voting masses who lack the inclination to study the Constitution themselves. Nowhere is this more true in 2012 than with pronouncements concerning religious freedom, especially those made by my fellow law school graduate, Rick Santorum...."
Samuel Johnson famously wrote, in 1775, that a false “patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.” Now, it appears that modern scoundrels – politicians and their puppet masters – have added another disguise to their wardrobe: false constitutional scholarship.
Not content to wrap themselves in the flag alone, financial wolves are now relying on politicians, wrapped in the sheep’s clothing of uninformed constitutional platitudes, hoping to sway the voting masses who lack the inclination to study the Constitution themselves. Nowhere is this more true in 2012 than with pronouncements concerning religious freedom, especially those made by my fellow law school graduate, Rick Santorum...."
The March of Christian Dominionism 1: What Is Christian Dominionism?
The March of Christian Dominionism 1: What Is Christian Dominionism?: "Or “Welcome to the Theocratic States of America”
Thirty years from now, a protestor stands alone on a corner. She is visibly pregnant. Her sign, written in blood red marker, says “I’m carrying my rapist’s baby! Thanks a lot, Jesus!” She has only been there for five minutes but has been called “slut” and “whore” by several passersby. One elderly woman stops long enough to tell her she deserved to be raped for not loving Jesus enough. Others look at her with sad eyes but quickly avert their gaze lest one of their neighbors notice.
Finally the police arrive to take the woman into custody. She has not spoken a word. She has no bullhorn. She has not accosted a single person on the street. Yet she is still arrested by men who barely contain their contempt for her. She has broken no laws that we would recognize but still, she is roughly handcuffed and placed in the back of a police cruiser. Of course, they take great care not to harm the baby she is carrying; the bruises she’ll have later won’t be anywhere near life-threatening. In this, she is lucky to be pregnant; others do not fare as well...."
Thirty years from now, a protestor stands alone on a corner. She is visibly pregnant. Her sign, written in blood red marker, says “I’m carrying my rapist’s baby! Thanks a lot, Jesus!” She has only been there for five minutes but has been called “slut” and “whore” by several passersby. One elderly woman stops long enough to tell her she deserved to be raped for not loving Jesus enough. Others look at her with sad eyes but quickly avert their gaze lest one of their neighbors notice.
Finally the police arrive to take the woman into custody. She has not spoken a word. She has no bullhorn. She has not accosted a single person on the street. Yet she is still arrested by men who barely contain their contempt for her. She has broken no laws that we would recognize but still, she is roughly handcuffed and placed in the back of a police cruiser. Of course, they take great care not to harm the baby she is carrying; the bruises she’ll have later won’t be anywhere near life-threatening. In this, she is lucky to be pregnant; others do not fare as well...."
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Americans Against The Tea Party: Rick Santorum and the Sexual Counter-Revolution
Americans Against The Tea Party: Rick Santorum and the Sexual Counter-Revolution: By Laurie Penny Source: New Statesman Almost a century ago this month, women's rights activist Emma Goldman was arre...
AnonOps Communications: @WikiLeaks Publishes Global Intelligence Files: Ov...
AnonOps Communications: @WikiLeaks Publishes Global Intelligence Files: Ov...: WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files – more than five million emails from the Texas-headquartered “global intelligenc...
The Trojan Paradox
The Trojan Paradox: "If religious conservatives want to put a stop to abortions, there's no better tool than making contraception a lot more available. And there's a world of good it'll do.
As a bunch of men on Capitol Hill discussed whether federally supported health-care programs should have to cover contraceptive services in the United States, a new study in the medical journal the Lancet was reporting that, globally, about one in five pregnancies worldwide ends in abortion. That's a disturbingly high statistic -- whichever side of the abortion rights debate you fall. But the awkward fact for those opposed to both abortion rights and supplying contraceptives is that global evidence suggests the most foolproof way to reduce the abortion rate is, in fact, to provide more widespread access to contraceptives.
The good news is that, according to U.N. data, the percentage of couples worldwide ages 15 to 49 using a modern method of contraception expanded from 41 percent in 1980 to 56 percent in 2009. The gray lining on that silver cloud, however, is that the rate of progress slowed considerably in the new millennium, to an annual growth rate of just 0.1 percent...."
As a bunch of men on Capitol Hill discussed whether federally supported health-care programs should have to cover contraceptive services in the United States, a new study in the medical journal the Lancet was reporting that, globally, about one in five pregnancies worldwide ends in abortion. That's a disturbingly high statistic -- whichever side of the abortion rights debate you fall. But the awkward fact for those opposed to both abortion rights and supplying contraceptives is that global evidence suggests the most foolproof way to reduce the abortion rate is, in fact, to provide more widespread access to contraceptives.
The good news is that, according to U.N. data, the percentage of couples worldwide ages 15 to 49 using a modern method of contraception expanded from 41 percent in 1980 to 56 percent in 2009. The gray lining on that silver cloud, however, is that the rate of progress slowed considerably in the new millennium, to an annual growth rate of just 0.1 percent...."
American Households Not as Reckless as You Think
American Households Not as Reckless as You Think: "Everybody knows that household debt in America has increased dramatically over the past few decades. But why? One possibility is that we've all been borrowing recklessly and living wildly beyond our means. But there are other possibilities too. Your debt-to-income ratio will go up if (a) your debt increases or (b) your income declines, and that can happen in several ways...."
The Provocation: Rick Santorum's Ultimate Goal? A Return to the Dar...
The Provocation: Rick Santorum's Ultimate Goal? A Return to the Dar...: THE NEWS : Rick Santorum claims that Barack Obama "wants to send every kid to college, because of their indoctrination mills, absolutely .....
Remembering the Context of War Crimes: The Crime of War Itself
Remembering the Context of War Crimes: The Crime of War Itself: "One would think that, by now, America would have made the connection between war and atrocity. Or, are we too obsessed with our consumer-driven lifestyles, or too apathetic to even pay attention? Or perhaps we believe the military is a refuge for miscreants and deviants capable of unspeakable acts of cruelty and barbarism....."
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