1. Texas Supreme Court rules church can't be sued in exorcism

Comment #200978 by k1mgy on June 28, 2008 at 5:10 pm

"Schubert described a wild night"...

No, actually a really wild night, or two or three, is what the lot of them need. In fact, a non-stop weekend of boinking would wipe out all this nonsense.

Unfortunate side effect: they would multiply.

2. Logical Proof of the Existence of a Divine Creator, Why Atheism is Not Logically Sound

Comment #191487 by k1mgy on June 11, 2008 at 3:43 am

"The central point of the atheist, that all somehow came about randomly through evolution, does not help them either. While a separate column will deal with the scientific arguments for creationism and evolution, the topic is not germane here."

First thought.. can't wait.

This is where I stopped. The allocation of throw-away reading time has been exceeded for today.

At least the author finally invoked some truth: science is not relevant or appropriate to the article. Which raises the question, "What's left?"

The author of this garbage, and the fellow in this news article below... same person?

http://tinyurl.com/65vgqw

3. Physicist Claims First Real Demonstration of Cold Fusion

Comment #187558 by k1mgy on June 2, 2008 at 10:07 am

I would find it far easier to trust a Japanese on this matter. The concept of personal reputation actually has meaning for the Japanese people. I don't see this demonstrated quite as deeply in other cultures and it is nearly absent in the US.

However useful Professor Arata's science is, the energy source we need is already available and we have plenty of technology to use it. Wind and Sun are here, right now, and cheap. What we need is a political system in the US much like that of Europe where the solar industry is going gangbusters. Good government helps. Government that hates its citizens such as here in the States is a no-win deal.

4. Louisiana's latest creationism bill moves to House floor

Comment #185523 by k1mgy on May 28, 2008 at 2:34 am

Home schooling? Not for wacko's anymore, is it.

5. Probe lands on Mars, NASA says

Comment #185402 by k1mgy on May 27, 2008 at 6:15 pm

The Vatican has already geared the faithful up for the inevitable:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7399661.stm

"To strengthen its scientific credentials, the Vatican is organising a conference next year to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the author of the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin."

Can't strengthen what they don't have to begin with there, Charlie.

6. Car dealership advert tells atheists to 'shut up'

Comment #185400 by k1mgy on May 27, 2008 at 6:05 pm

A dealership in my area, for decades, maintained a billboard whose backdrop was a cemetery. The sign read, in part, "Satisfied Customers are our Best Ad".

It took a very long time for someone to realize that the sign placement was perhaps non-optimal.

As for Kieffe & Sons Ford: BIOYA.

Maybe they're well represented in one of these photos:
http://mrtoledano.com/frame_carsalesmen.php

7. Group finds Starbucks logo too hot to handle

Comment #180913 by k1mgy on May 16, 2008 at 4:50 am

Well, I want to lodge a protest too.

I find the christian symbol of a crucifix quite distasteful. It's actually something, in all seriousness, that I will NOT allow my children to see. They're 5. When a bit older and able to process this idiocy, it will be introduced. Until then, I don't want to be forced into a position having to explain it.

The image of some guy hanging from a chunk of wood with spikes through his flesh and blood dripping down his forehead is gross, and violent. In the least, like violent TV, it ought to be regulated.

Let's launch a national protest movement against the crucifix.

Anyone care to raise a cup of brew to that?

8. Scientists Know Better Than You--Even When They're Wrong

Comment #177963 by k1mgy on May 10, 2008 at 4:31 am

| Even now, in the U.K., the relatively dangerous | disease of measles is becoming endemic as a
| result of a widespread consumer revolt against | the MMR vaccine about 10 years ago. Parents
| believe that even though doctors assure them
| that vaccines are safe, those doctors may be
| wrong. Therefore, the parents think they are
| entitled to throw their own judgment into the
| mix. Quite a few social scientists are pushing
| this trend hard.

There is no argument as to the efficacy of vaccines against certain diseases. Parents, however, are being blamed for the wrong reason.

Professor Collins is speaking outside of his field for he lacks credentials in the study of government corruption. It may well be that people do indeed trust science. It's the government enablers with their hands in the pockets of corporations that may arouse some suspicion, particularly when enforcing a one-size-fits-all vaccine policy and pushing to violate informed consent.

9. Atheists are nice people who will roast in hell, says Cardinal

Comment #177846 by k1mgy on May 9, 2008 at 8:11 pm

"We must not allow Britain to become devoid of religious faith, otherwise how will I afford new hats?"

Dear Cardinal: GET A REAL JOB.

10. Richard Dawkins interviewed by John Humphrys on Cardinal Murphy O'Connor

Comment #177842 by k1mgy on May 9, 2008 at 8:08 pm

Well, it seems Richard Dawkins set the interviewer firmly on his petard.

"I don't think that will do".

Beautifully put.

11. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #176182 by k1mgy on May 6, 2008 at 8:03 pm

>>This video response to Fitna, certainly makes
>>thing interesting:

>>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpiccERJaFk

I watched.

Then I retched.

By the way, those would be 'Murcan boys kicking the shit out of other human beings? Charming. Let's not bring them home.

Here's an idea. Would it be at all possible to, say, send the entire lot of these religious lunatics to a large and very isolated island and just let them go?

When it's done with those of us remaining can wash off the fallout and return to a world without all this nonsense.

The greatest tragedy is that these children in the film above are already lost. It is why I hold my own close and protect them from the mental chaos that surrounds us.

Thanks to RDF for bringing this stuff to light.

I think.

12. Evolution's Critics Shift Tactics With Schools

Comment #174929 by k1mgy on May 3, 2008 at 9:54 pm

>>My state of Oklahoma is going through this for the second time in two years. The bill, if passed, would "guarantee students the right to express their religious viewpoints in a public forum, in class, in homework and in other ways without being penalized. If a student's religious beliefs were in conflict with scientific theory, and the student chose to express those beliefs rather than explain the theory in response to an exam question, the student's incorrect response would be deemed satisfactory."<<

I take it there are no Medical schools in the state of Oklahoma.

Attorney: "Doctor, why did you fail to treat the patient with aggressive antibiotic therapy?"

Former Physician: "I don't believe in the germ theory of disease".

Judge: "Case dismissed"

Here's one almost as good from bizarro land:

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2008/05/03/man_asks_court_to_change_his_name_to_in_god_we_trust/

13. Bill Good Interviews Richard Dawkins

Comment #173666 by k1mgy on May 1, 2008 at 4:41 am

One of my twins (now 5 years of age) wants to be a "rainbow unicorn after I die". Momma said that when you die your atoms become other things.

So why not a Rainbow Unicorn?!

It was refreshing to hear Richards well-delivered ideas around religious education. Maybe age 5 is a bit too early for the mind to conceptualize religion and the after-death nonsense, so I have explained what happens to our body when we die (if allowed to do so naturally, and not in a sterilized crypt or coffin) where the worms come along and the bacteria and all manner of bugs consume our flesh. We become other things, which is what my bride attempted to convey, but ineffectually.

Should I struggle with what I think is a small seedling of mysticism growing in my child? Or pass it by until they're "ready"?

Some parents worry that their children will grow only to become criminals and axe murderers. I worry that they will become religious. The intensity is equal.

14. Mount Vernon schools to hire investigator in Bible case

Comment #169199 by k1mgy on April 25, 2008 at 3:48 pm

Are these religious types really so insecure that they need a bible on their desk?

Pathetic.

15. Judge orders La. school district to stop Bible giveaways

Comment #168342 by k1mgy on April 25, 2008 at 4:10 am

I knew a Gideon once. He was an extremely kind person but also a total nutcase. Not to say that the organization is filled to the brim with nutcases.

Are there any religions who hold a precept such as "Leave everyone alone. Set a good example and maybe a few will come"?

No.

Why not?

16. Sex for diploma offer caught on tape

Comment #164203 by k1mgy on April 19, 2008 at 5:41 pm

This rather blows (pun) the idea that these people need a "baable" for their morality: $300 for one fling sounds about right. But multiple encounters? That's stealing, and I think it's one of the big no-no's.

Well, now that Parkway "Christian" School will soon change ownership, the best this woman can do for society is to shut it down.

17. Rep. Davis: The Worst Person in the World

Comment #157381 by k1mgy on April 9, 2008 at 2:52 am

Perhaps there are parallels here to the Salem Witch Trials. Davis reveals the hatred, stupidity and fear that brought innocence to the gallows. As an Atheist, I am certain of a hard road ahead.

Meanwhile, Davis is most certainly bonkers. What's in the water out there?

Not brought forth in this story is that the hearing was poking at the soft, bloated underbelly of Chicago's corruption and malfeasance machine. There are only a handful of US cities holding a reputation for as much public corruption. Perhaps the State of New Jersey ranks only second to Davis' home town.

Given her over the top reaction (she clearly has "issues") it makes me wonder if she's being defensive, not for reasons of some religion, but rather because she's got something else to hide.

Here's what makes matters worse: this one is alleged to be a Democrat.

18. Police: Girl Dies After Parents Pray for Healing Instead of Seeking Medical Help

Comment #150946 by k1mgy on March 27, 2008 at 6:13 pm

Thanks to Mary Baker Eddy for yet another victim.

How horribly tragic.

19. Happy Birthday, Richard Dawkins!

Comment #150336 by k1mgy on March 26, 2008 at 6:06 pm

ダルキンスã�›ã‚"ã�›ã�„ã€�ã�Ÿã‚"ã�˜ã‚‡ã�†ã�³ ã�Šã‚�ã�§ã�¨ã�†ã�"ã�–ã�„ã�¾ã�™ï¼�

Happy Birthday, Professor!

20. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #125790 by k1mgy on February 12, 2008 at 4:14 am

"Why do you think the Native Americans started getting sick when westerners arrived? They weren't immune. How do we get immune? Vaccinations, so we can fight off weakened versions of the virus. If we are exposed to it naturally we will probably die."


And without the bible we would have no morality.

21. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #125668 by k1mgy on February 11, 2008 at 8:09 pm

Steve writes, "I have a BSc in Biochemistry, and a PhD in Biology. I believe I have read enough."

My case in point.

I find this attitude rather unsettling.

22. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #125666 by k1mgy on February 11, 2008 at 8:02 pm

"Bill Maher's a nice atheist face to have in the media, but the other day I heard him talking about his conspiracy theory about prescription drugs. He seemed to think we'd all be better off without modern medicine. Hopefully none of that nuttiness makes it into the movie, especially if it's widely viewed as an atheist manifesto of any kind."

Here at The Oasis that is Richard Dawkins' web site, I find inspiration. However, all is not perfect, for there is a certain strident tone that appears occasionally when the subject of modern medicine is broached. In the reference above, one who didn't have the benefit of hearing Maher's polemic would get the impression that he's anti-science and anti-modern medicine. I did not get that impression in the least. What he offered was far from an unfounded "conspiracy theory". It is established fact.

Here's some excerpts of what he said:

----

If you think you need to take all the pills the pharmaceutical industry says you do.. then you're already on drugs.

...

We won't stop being sick, until we stop making ourselves sick.

...

On universal health care: it can't help us because it can't outlaw the stuff that makes us ill.

...

The government isn't your nanny - they're you're dealer, and they subsidize illness in America. They have to.. there's too much money in it.

...

After listing off various diseases: "just the A's": aethsma, ADD, allergies, etc... he asks "Doesn't anybody wonder why all this illness?"

He points out that "in Hillary Clinton's health care plan the words nutrition and exercise appear once. The word drugs, 14 times, just as the pharmaceutical companies want it".

He points out that a Duke University study recently illustrated that exercise is just as effective in treating depression as Paxil or Zoloft. "So ask your doctor if exercise is right for you".

He finally suggests that if Republicans can sell "preemptive war", perhaps Democrats can promote "preventive medicine".

"Someone has to stand up and say that the answer isn't another pill. The answer is spinach".

---

I have to wonder about modern health care when one of the prime precepts of a physician is health education. Does anyone know of a physician who takes the time to educate their patients as to good public health practices? Instead, the docs I know are more at the ready to hand out convenience vaccines.

Now my personal experience is just what the man says: My health insurance company offers no support to prevent illness. They're been at the ready, however, when something crops up that a little fish oil could have prevented.

I am concerned that the same irrational positions taken by the "religious" is manifesting here as to medicine. Indeed, the cures offered by modern medicine are wonderful, but we should perhaps be careful not to elevate this science to the same position as the gods, nor be fearful that scorn will result when we raise our hand and ask a few questions.

23. George Scales, War Hero and Generous Friend of RDFRS

Comment #111736 by k1mgy on January 15, 2008 at 3:55 pm

I am honored to have this chance to thank you for your service at Normandy, and your kindness towards Professor Dawkins and his endeavours for reason and science. What you have done will further his work: the important task of getting people off their knees!

Except for farmers, of course.

My late dear uncle was a farmer. My formative years were spent "arse in the air" picking strawberries, and weeds, and listening to the stories of his life beginning in 1910. I found, through having hands in the Good Earth and taking this man as example, all the moral teaching I needed to navigate through our world. No bibles required.

I discovered in him a dear sweet person who never uttered an unkind word, and who took the deck life dealt him in even stride.

My guess is you are much the same character, and therefore my admiration is all the stronger.

Please be well, and thank you for all you do.

24. Two Ex-Jehovah Witnesses to Tell Why They Became Atheists

Comment #109933 by k1mgy on January 10, 2008 at 4:51 am

The JW's occasionally (but only in excellent weather) show up with their "Watchtower" magazine and other bizarre publications.

I had assumed these folks were so lost and bound up by their religion that nothing could get through, so I don't waste my time in discussion: "We're not interested now, or later. Goodbye.".

Reading of this, perhaps there's some hope.

25. Disquiet over schools' moment of silence

Comment #103222 by k1mgy on December 24, 2007 at 2:12 pm

This mandate for silence works both ways. The students get to enjoy 15 seconds of silence from some partisan idiot at the head of the class.

What of students who refuse to silence themselves? That would make for quite a challenge.

This is as much about religion as it is about authority of the state. School, at least here in 'Murca, is an institution to turn out compliant little clones. Free thinkers will be squashed, assimilated or jailed.

26. Jesus ad angers church groups

Comment #101088 by k1mgy on December 19, 2007 at 7:40 pm

A little hurl and a nice aromatic fart would have rounded it out nicely.

27. This deadly religious resistance to vaccinations

Comment #97698 by k1mgy on December 12, 2007 at 2:27 pm

I am an atheist, work in science (not biology as my writing likely indicates), and have a far different perspective on this subject that most among us here. I suppose then I shall also be run out of town like Dr. Wakefield.

Epeeist says "This is simply false" in reply to my note that Wakefield was run out of Britain. How is this false? I have not met nor corresponded with Dr. Wakefield, but have read quite a lot on the subject. My knowledge is that he was attacked on several grounds, most of which had nothing to do with the subject he was investigating but rather his method and alleged motives. One such recent attack (in the media) associated Dr. Wakefield with an unfortunate bowel perforation during a colonoscopy procedure on one of the subjects of his study. Wakefield did not do the procedure (nor order it) yet he was associated with it and vilified in the press. So now he is made even more evil.

When Wakefield revealed a rather alarming potential association between the MMR, GI issues and Autism, rather than dive full bore into further investigation, medical and political institutions went for Wakefield's ass. Why? Pride and alleged authority trumping all else? Or is it, as in most things, the cashflow?

In 8 of the 12 children brought to Dr. Wakefield's attention there was, within two weeks of MMR administration, a regression in already-diagnosed developmental disorders and a new symptom related to intestinal inflammation. It's a fact that these patients were already developmentally inhibited. They were brought to Wakefield's clinic for their GI issues which is his area of interest. The developmental regressions were also part of the picture. Wakefield wasn't looking for a cause among the vaccines. It presented itself in the data.

8 out of 12 is a rather strong marker that additional work should be done, post haste.

I would suggest that the response to Wakefield's work by the UK's medical and political establishments could be considered irresponsible. Makes me think that some folks felt it necessary to save their ass.

Following Dr. Wakefields thrashing as to funding and study motives, the subject of influence conflict has been repeatedly and sometimes prominently brought out in the US as to our own tight-nit pharmaceutical/medical/political establishments. We see that the problem is pervasive, not limited to this single researcher. It brings into question a lot of work product and the basis of some very important decisions - like going to market with drugs that are later taken off because studies have been found to be corrupted (triggered by, of course, death and mayhem amongst the study groups: us).

Wakefield is not "anti-vaccine". Neither am I. But I do know that there is a need for a lot more science, the upholding of informed consent, and an education program that includes all the facts - particularly as to disease prevalence. We should also be looking at what genetic changes are being induced and the long term implications - and not by mass experimentation by implied consent. Finally, when you kill off a bug with an antibiotic, the potential for this same bug to find a way around it looms. Denying this is to deny evolutionary biology, right? This is emerging as a concern with some of the vaccines, as it is with antibiotics. Science, with the best of motives, may be creating a larger problem for itself. Nature seems to usually win out.

I would stand strongly of the view that most of the vaccines in the US and other industrialized nations are unnecessary and that proper hygiene and thoughtful public consciousness (not spreading your sickness around) would be a good start. The shots become convenience tools, a good example being the HPV shot. The annual pap smear has enormous success in catching lesions before they become dangerous - and it finds them regardless their etiology. The HPV covers only a handful of the viral variants, and its efficacy is certainly not perfect, yet it is seen as a panacea. Actually, one of its principal proponents referred to it as the "holy grail", elevating medicine to the religious altar. As to supportive health care, it deals well when diseases crop up except, as was pointed out, where it's unavailable.

With most vaccines the potential risks (unknowns) versus the minimal benefits are, in my view, quite out of balance, and therefore my approach is one of looking at the necessity and taking into account the knowns.

If vaccines were like insurance, the insurance industry would have abandoned selling policies long ago. They would have discovered a whole new lucrative racket, complete with dire predictions for the unprotected.

Fear is a great sales pitch and it is used to win over parents into vaccinating against every known ailment, when the necessity for doing so is not compelling.

In this, motive may well be called to question.

If all the facts are favorable and well substantiate the necessity, fear ought not be used. Instead, as most parents can attest, it is the first piece of armament brought out in the pediatric experience when a parent questions a jab.

The next piece of armament is one of "herd immunity". Yet we are not taking advantage of herd immunity. There's no backing off. The number of vaccines administered in the US continues to increase.

Finally, there are legal threats. No school, day care, or kindergarten unless you bend over. Yet the un-vaccinated population attending are the ones at risk. So far there's no rational explanation as to the logic except using denial of public services to force parents into compliance.

Should the un-vaccinated become ill - they'll know it. Vaccines won't prevent exposure, but depending on severity and antibody strength, they'll attenuate symptoms. In this, the vaccinated are healthy-looking but potent disease transmitters. This is particularly so with Pertussis, where the disease appears as a simple rhino virus. My understanding is that Polio has been eradicated, except for the handful of cases reported in the US over the past few years. In these, my recollection is that all exposure to the disease came from the recently vaccinated (with the oral vaccine).

I have likely given readers a tremendous amount of material that can be used for attack. So have at it then. I'll just step on under this big umbrella and stand by.

28. This deadly religious resistance to vaccinations

Comment #96883 by k1mgy on December 11, 2007 at 3:43 am

These stories are unfortunate in that they do a disservice to the general public and those in science and medicine who have valid concerns as to a number of issues surrounding mass vaccination programs. Vaccine opponents, and those who raise questions and concerns on a basis beyond voodoo, remain lumped with the irrational.

As to the story, vaccination is no substitute for even basic health care. Children in nations where supportive care exists do not routinely die from measles. One might argue that MMR serves to attenuate symptoms (you still get the disease but fight it off more effectively), but it can also be argued that the mass vaccination programs do not cover populations fully, and that MMR (and other vaccines) exhibit varying degrees of effectiveness.

Dr. Wakefield was vilified and run out of Britain, not for proving conclusively that there was a direct connection between MMR and Autism, but for raising the possibility of it. Further research (Wakefield is now continuing his studies in the US) is leading to interest in a previously-undiagnosed bowel disease associated with a virus and possibly triggered by the MMR. More work needs to be undertaken. We do not see the vaccine industry nor the medico-politico lobby stepping up to the plate here in the US. Rather, they are engorging themselves at the troth.

Sometimes vaccine proponents go for the jugular with the same irrational fervor as the nutcases who oppose a jab on shaky ground.

Let's not discount what evidence there is for further study, nor shove aside very valid concerns over the loss of informed consent and a mass vaccination program that does not take into account genetic and toxicological predisposition to adverse reactions.

Let's also not substitute basic health care with convenience shots.

29. Holy Nonsense

Comment #95282 by k1mgy on December 7, 2007 at 9:04 pm

"I highly doubt that he believes in the Bible being "the word of dog" or the Mormon book for that matter. How do I know this? If you pay attention to Romney's record he'll seek to make the opporotunity out of anything (as most politicians do). He's pro-choice when he's running for governor of the liberal state Massachusetts, and when running for president he'll be pro-life etc. I'm not sure what scares me more. A man that actually believes in Christianity and the other doomsday cults it has spawned? or a man that is willing to take orders from lunatic born agains with sincere beliefs? I sure hope he isn't elected. Such a liability to the human species , and the civilization that the evil "secular religion" established. "


Not quite.

Willard Mitt is a high mucky-muck in the mormon church. He HAS to believe all this crap, and he was indoctrinated at a young age.

He believes all of it and lies his way through public life towards a position where he may become 'Murca's head preacher.

30. Mitt Romney's Faith In America address (as prepared for delivery)

Comment #94920 by k1mgy on December 7, 2007 at 2:07 am

Willard Mitt, failed former Massachusetts (absentee) governor, promised that he would keep his bizarro beliefs at the mormon temple rather than have them dictate his policies. Hence, to be electable here, he assured voters that he would not be anti-gay nor anti-abortion.

Then, as he was beginning to hack around the country pandering to become the next bush, we had this:

http://www.indecision2008.com/blog.jhtml?c=v&t=26957&m=92826

Romney is a liar and a fraud.

31. Highway to hysteria

Comment #94489 by k1mgy on December 5, 2007 at 7:20 pm

Yep, there sure is some shift in the heavenlies. The same kind of shift I experience after a good dump.

32. Interview with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #93748 by k1mgy on December 4, 2007 at 5:34 am

Upon hearing truth, a giggle reveals its resonance. It feels good for just a moment. Following this, after a brief silence where one realizes their fake world is coming apart, come the excuses.

The giggling was painful to hear, but Hitchens steady demeanor cut through like a sharp blade.

33. Mitt the Mormon

Comment #91258 by k1mgy on November 27, 2007 at 8:01 pm

Willard Mitt, prior to his run for Massachusetts Governor, declared that he was "just looking for a race to enter". Whether it be Governor, Senator, Representative, or Dog Catcher, he cared not. What he needed was a pulpit from which to launch his presidential run. Unfortunately, and mostly thanks to a well-bankrolled P-R campaign, Massachusetts voters took the bait and swallowed the hook.

Willard Mitt the Fraud spent more time absent from his job as Massachusetts governor than any of his predecessors. Why? He was constantly jetting around, sucking for dollars and media and planning for his national stardom.

While he was the Fraud Governor, he first promised that his wacked religious beliefs would not influence his politics. As time passed and his national aspirations solidified his promises were cast aside, hence the swinging in the wind of his positions on basic human rights such as a woman's right to her body, and an adults right to marry.

Here in Massachusetts we're still cleaning up the messes he left behind, and we will soon enough have to abandon the "universal health care" plan he put in place - one that puts an enormous burden on business and sets up the major health insurers with a sweet and guaranteed deal.

Willard Mitt was the Fraud governor. We do NOT need another Fraud president, nor one who belongs to a wacko cult.

34. Romney's Mormonism is fair game

Comment #89462 by k1mgy on November 20, 2007 at 8:56 pm

"I was transfixed by how many graphics, images and scroll bars there were on the screen at the same time. I can't follow it all. I guess I need a Quad-Core CPU implant. "

It will be the end when flashing, scrolling text takes over the entire screen.

Had to scroll the viewport down slightly to block it off. Distracting.

35. Georgia plans service to pray for rain

Comment #86735 by k1mgy on November 10, 2007 at 3:24 am

"Does this not violate the separation of church and state?"

Not when they have merged.

36. Jury Awards Father $11M in Funeral Case

Comment #84102 by k1mgy on November 1, 2007 at 7:10 am

Bonzai wrote: "I think this is definitely harassment and probably violates other laws such as stalking and creating a public nuisance."

I wish you were District Attorney in the jurisdiction in question.

The decision to prosecute criminally are left to political and ideological (religious) whim.

The civil system is the only recourse people have when the government fails them.

37. Jury Awards Father $11M in Funeral Case

Comment #84057 by k1mgy on November 1, 2007 at 4:56 am

A funeral is not a public event. It is performed on private property. Owners of the property have every right to restrict access and to restrict speech. "Freedom of Speech" is for the public square. If we were to have the stomach to visit the Westboro Baptist Church and protest during their ignorant and hateful meetings, they would have every right to throw us out and, if we refuse to leave, have us charged as trespassers.

"Following their religious beliefs" has a place in the public square (unfortunately) and within the confines of their homes and churches. They lose their rights when they impede or crash a private event. I would doubt any jury would find the defendants liable if the First Amendment were in question here. The decision would not stick in review, otherwise.

A civil lawsuit arises when the criminal justice system fails to deliver (OJ Simpson case, as example). Civil trials are significantly less stringent as to rules of evidence and burden of proof. Perhaps WBC were well advised and did not stray over the line into criminal conduct necessitating civil relief.

Their idiocy is ignorant and painful and to their victims obviously repugnant. Unfortunately they can spew this and all the other religious nonsense, evoke pain, and probably get away with it under protection of the same government and laws they hate.

38. '55 'Origin of Life' Paper Is Retracted

Comment #82345 by k1mgy on October 26, 2007 at 5:44 am

I suppose retraction of a scientific work solves one problem and perhaps creates another. For in this case it takes the information from both the creationist nutcases and legitimate science. Dr. Jacobson saw his errors and these should be allowed to stand and have sway on other work. This is now denied.

In this, the creationists have still won, for they have potentially impacted scientific progress and understanding by forcing self-censorship.

Screw 'em. If they don't embrace science and scientific method and progress, they should be denied all its benefits. Stuff them back into the dark ages where they belong.

39. Talking Action Figure Jesus

Comment #73316 by k1mgy on September 24, 2007 at 5:30 pm

I don't care if it rains or freezes
'Long as I got my plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Through my trials and tribulations
And my travels through the nations
With my plastic Jesus I'll go far

Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
I'm afraid He'll have to go
His magnets ruin my radio
And if I have a wreck He'll leave a scar

Riding down a thoroughfare
With His nose up in the air
A wreck may be ahead, but He don't mind
Trouble coming He don't see
He just keeps His eye on me
And any other thing that lies behind

Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Though the sunshine on His back
Make Him peel, chip and crack
A little patching keeps Him up to par

When I'm in a traffic jam
He don't care if I say "damn"
I can let all my curses roll
Plastic Jesus doesn't hear
'Cause he has a plastic ear
The man who invented plastic saved my soul

Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Once His robe was snowy white
Now it isn't quite so bright
Stained by the smoke of my cigar

If I weave around at night
And policemen think I'm tight
They never find my bottle, though they ask
Plastic Jesus shelters me
For His head comes off, you see
He's hollow, and I use Him for a flask

Plastic Jesus, plastic Jesus
Riding on the dashboard of my car
Ride with me and have a dram
Of the blood of the Lamb
Plastic Jesus is a holy bar

George Cromarty and Ed Rush

40. Griffin's 'offensive' Emmy speech to be censored

Comment #69578 by k1mgy on September 11, 2007 at 6:48 pm

Plastic Jesus. Emmy.

Plastic Jesus... Emmy.

Hmmm. Tough choice.

41. Court bans Christian cross on private land in public park

Comment #68662 by k1mgy on September 8, 2007 at 3:23 am

It's them against us and Them is winning by default:
Us don't know the battle was joined quite some time ago. It's inconceivable that our own government would come to hate us so. Katrina, IRAQ, and all the other malfeasance let the cat out of the bag.

Kinda sucks when there are but a few in the theatre crying "Fire!" while the masses snore.

What to do? What of our families? What of our world?

42. A Matter of Faith

Comment #64770 by k1mgy on August 21, 2007 at 6:35 pm

There is little of any worth to take home from the young "professor" at Boston University (a stones throw from where I live). BU has some great departments, so I suppose we can grant pardon as it shows its weak underbelly. It was a school first founded on religion, but evidence of it is thankfully nearly gone, except for this sad exception. If I were BU, I'd stuff this fellow somewhere beneath the chapel and re-print the maps.

With an almost-straight face professor youngling here has no trouble saying that there's no evidence for the existence of god. "I feel most Americans feel the same way," he giggles. No problem winging on through our short spit of a life basing it on ZERO.

Posing in front of book stacks and wandering beneath trees (conveying, despite the obvious, a man of deep learning and contemplation) he winds on with all the usual excuses that we're all so used to. The sharpest arrow in his quiver is the age-old and decidedly incorrect blather about all the horrors that Atheists have brought into the world.

Well, that just about wraps it up for academics. A rather good university hires a religious apologist who bases his entire career on something that cannot be proved and, to prop it all up, throws in some good old reliable and well founded American public opinion.

A pathetic showing, both for media and BU, but certainly a good show for the A team who need prove nothing. All we need do is ask the question.

43. The Out Campaign: Interview with Josh Timonen

Comment #64105 by k1mgy on August 17, 2007 at 6:39 pm

In choosing Josh Timonen to create this web site Richard Dawkins has most certainly made the right decision.

Congratulations and best wishes with the Out Campaign.

44. Why Richard Dawkins is right on alternative medicine - but not when it comes to religion

Comment #62593 by k1mgy on August 10, 2007 at 8:19 am

Having read all the comments above I am now convinced that it would be equally beneficial (and tremendously entertaining) if somehow all of the contributors to this thread might come together in the same hall before an audience and engage in debate. Imagine if it were before Mr. Lawson?

Richard Dawkins might be flinching, but another perspective suggests that he has attracted (stepping outside for a moment) some of the best and brightest as participants in this community.

Good show!

45. Why Richard Dawkins is right on alternative medicine - but not when it comes to religion

Comment #62538 by k1mgy on August 10, 2007 at 4:02 am

Lawson doesn't say, but I wonder if his criticism of TGD might shift a bit if christian science and a few of the other religions which reject modern medicine were considered? Were these covered in RD's new film? To be discovered.

Families who, in this modern day, deny their children a lifesaving blood transfusion, or devote themselves to prayer rather than swallow an antibiotic, do not fall into the "interpretation" category. Rather, this is serious - deadly - stuff.

A twist of words, but perhaps it could be justifiably presented that if christian science stood as the dominant religion, "it would still be commonplace to die in childhood."

I have my issues with medicine and these swirl around the political/legal/ethics fray that spins in America's unique social soup, but I do think it's fair to point out that religion has made far less of a contribution to medicine (and science) and in fact in many instances works against its progress. Does prayer have a positive affect on morbidity and mortality? The answer is a flat NO. Religion is a facade and in place of medicine offers a false hope.

Having snake oil and astrologists to deal with must make Lawson Land a paradise. Step on out, but put on the high boots. You'll need 'em.

46. Curriculum for Baptist School

Comment #62330 by k1mgy on August 9, 2007 at 9:56 am

I found the "KINDERGARTEN OVERVIEW" to be the most frightening (I have two 4 year olds):

The creative nature of God is revealed to students by studying the God of creation. Students will discuss specifically what God created on each of the six days of Creation. Students will also discuss choices they will make in their family and at school. Students will learn not to choose violence, jealousy or dishonesty, but to choose obedience. Jesus is the model of a decision-maker that is studied. Students are introduced to the attributes of Jesus such as love, kindness,
gentleness, and honesty. [...]

Obedience. Got to keep them in line and properly brainwashed so that, later on, they'll do whatever they're told in the name of "god" and "country".

Time to vomit.

47. God Answers Prayers Of Paralyzed Little Boy: 'No' Says God

Comment #60747 by k1mgy on August 2, 2007 at 7:30 pm

Today on National Public Radio in the US, some catholic priest fellow, close to the tragic bridge collapse scene and who says he's been "ministering" since the event, was asked if this would "shake people's faith in god". This, following an interview where one person who cleared the bridge just 10 minutes before it went down asked "why was I spared?"

The good father had a ZERO answer. All he could say is that he is "here to listen".

I got the feeling that even this priest didn't believe all the bullshit, but had to go along to get along. After all, it's a rare career (other than military service) that provides food, housing, and until recently, no-risk entertainment at no charge.

No one had the good sense to ascribe the whole thing to a matter of chance planted by a seed of government ineptitude and uncaring.

And now, as a real confidence builder, who rushes to the scene to investigate? The very government that's ultimately responsible.

48. Texas Leads U.S. in Teen Birth Rate

Comment #59571 by k1mgy on July 29, 2007 at 5:22 pm

The raw data (well organized) is here:
http://www.kidscount.org/sld/databook.jsp

What's very interesting are the parallels between bible-belt regions in the US and teen pregnancies, high school dropouts, etc.

In my home state, Massachusetts, we have legalized gay marriage. We also sport the lowest level of divorce in the country. States with bizarro religious influence coupled with right-wing republican "values" suffer from some of the highest rates.

I should think someone might come up with the conclusion that amounts to just the opposite of what is so quickly espoused by the republican right wing wackos in the US: That the alleged "values" of religion are detrimental to society; that mixing religion into the civil society is destructive; and that ignorance that springs from and is fostered by religion leads to failure.

49. Debate between Christopher Hitchens and Edd Doerr

Comment #59217 by k1mgy on July 28, 2007 at 10:44 am

This interview reminded me so much of arguments (discussions) with my bride. Once a point is reached where my side can no longer be refuted the discussion either abruptly ends or my bride switches the subject.

At the 20 minute point in the program (and several times before) it seemed to me the moderator did just that. Brave of them to have Hitchens on their broadcast, exposing religion as the fraud it is. Unfortunate that Edd Doerr cannot see that the "moderates" he sides with are the progenitors of the very problems we are all facing.

The best way to fight fire is to cut off its oxygen for the only bargain to be had with the deluded and insane is a false one that is dangerous on its face.

50. Don't eat at the Outback Steakhouse on Route 3...

Comment #59046 by k1mgy on July 27, 2007 at 3:54 am

Ironically, since Mr. Righteous Responder has disabled comments on his You Boob video, I must reply here.

Two important points.

First: Nice hat. From which Winn Dixie parking lot did you find it?

Second: I really like the combination of your "dog tags" (military identification) and the, "I am not advocating violence by any stretch of the imagination". Since the tags are at the ready, and you do appear to be residing in the correct country, why not take the next step and join up? Your Bush maladministration is (desperately) seeking fresh warriors for its righteous battle in IRAQ. You do appear fit enough, although the strenuous training will flesh out blubber and muscle, so we shall see.. and of course you have all the needed social, emotional and intellectual (emphasis here) elements.

The only piece missing will be an ability to execute commands without hesitation or question. Surprisingly, despite the appearance that you're just another cog in the idiot machine, I believe you will find this the most difficult. My guess - they won't want you, but why not try?

Well, good luck.