101. MPs reject calls to cut abortion limit

Comment #183204 by Auraboy on May 21, 2008 at 2:07 pm

I think the interesting difference in the US is that from what I recall of some documentary survey, the majority of American based muslims would still describe themselves as U.S Citizens. The Christian right may have a far more powerful stranglehold on the U.S than the U.K but here, a large percentage of U.K muslims would not identify themselves as 'British' citizens. Now clearly the UK has never had much of demand for open displays of patriotism as it makes us uneasy, but the increasing cultural separation in the UK is quite obvious.

102. MPs reject calls to cut abortion limit

Comment #183195 by Auraboy on May 21, 2008 at 1:58 pm

If the religious position was simply an ethical stance that after 22 weeks foetuses are viable and could possibly feel the pain of the abortion procedure, I could probably have some sympathy with that. I might not agree and I'd have to listen to some medical and scientific evidence first, but I could at least see it as a legitimate stance. But the fact that on the amendments religious groups pushed for every week limit they could shoe-horn into the alloted debate time suggests otherwise. If 22 weeks is a cut off point, why suggest 16? or 12? Clearly suggesting banning of abortion would not be politically expedient at the moment, but surely it is simply a case of reducing the limit as often as possible until it becomes feasible to make the limit zero. And the linguistic dishonesty they have on that score loses them all credibility.

103. In God's Name

Comment #183190 by Auraboy on May 21, 2008 at 1:52 pm

Sadly I think Lord Tebbit would probably give his time up for anyone who he thought could get his addled old face on the politics show...

But that aside, I did find the influence of the US religious fundies funding the UK branches interesting. Seeing influence in the UK as affecting political views elsewhere was something I hadn't anticipated as readily.

104. In God's Name

Comment #183174 by Auraboy on May 21, 2008 at 1:37 pm

The vast majority of my Asian friends (generally of Pakistani descent) are not remotely devout muslims, in fact I'd go so far as to call them agnostic or even atheist. They drink and do all manner of Haram things in the company of the friends they grew up with, but faced with the increasingly tighter cultural grip radical islam has bred into it's ranks, many just simply are too afraid to speak out or stand out. When a Catholic friend renounces religion, they might have a cold relationship with a devout parent. When a Muslim friend announces they might be seen in the company of a Jewish friend, they can expect violence.

I really don't know the answer to this.

105. In God's Name

Comment #183164 by Auraboy on May 21, 2008 at 1:24 pm

The interviewer in the programme is not an Islamic apologist. In fact he's done sterling work exposing the hypocrisy amongst many groups. Which is what the programme was about, power, influence and the base hypocrisy of groups campaigning on faith based initiatives. The commentary about Islam is really to show that essentially the Christian fundamentalists really are not a part of the 'Umbrella' of faith image that some mainstream Christianity would have us believe.

All fundamentalists steal our freedom. The Chrisitian groups may currently be targeting political influence, while the Jihadis target trains, but they all use the threat of each other to spoil life for those of us sensible enough to not adhere to any of their nonsense.

106. MPs reject calls to cut abortion limit

Comment #183158 by Auraboy on May 21, 2008 at 1:17 pm

We may be digressing but surely sexual health funding and education has at least a part to play in understanding the abortion debate?

The predication for my idea about sexual education in Catholic schools is actually based on the experiences of my catholic friends and younger siblings (although admittedly I should say attendees of Catholic schools as few retain a Catholic faith upon leaving, if they ever did.) Again, I will readily admit their anecdotes about the religious spin placed on sexual education may simply be their personal bias, it is anecdotal, not statistical, and I'll happily accept that you have seen far better in Catholic schools than I hear tell of.

On the subject of sexual health funding, I merely stated that it has been egregiously cut back, which is as much a political and economical matter for the NHS as a religiously backed one, but if the impression that the UK spends a lot more on sexual health each year is dismissed, then at least we can agree that abortion could probably be reduced with increased access to contraception and information.

But, obviously I have digressed in response. I was simply commentating on the comment suggesting the UK spends more and more year-on-year on sexual health.

107. In God's Name

Comment #183148 by Auraboy on May 21, 2008 at 1:02 pm

Lovely all round. Personally all I found to be glad about, as others have said, is that if the most media savvy of the fundamentalist nutjobs is so bloody worthless at media-control, it's a glimmer of hope. Although naturally, given their free and easy access to Tory MP's the onrushing Conservative government is likely to simply grant more and more access to these people and the abortion laws will be revisited quite soon.

108. MPs reject calls to cut abortion limit

Comment #183143 by Auraboy on May 21, 2008 at 12:50 pm

Actually funding for sexual health in Britain has dropped year on year and the requirement for sexual education in schools is far less than you might imagine. And rather skewed in the vast number of partially state sponsored Catholic schools. British sexual health charities will tell you that access to contraception and information is increasingly restricted.

I'm not suggesting that alcohol and lack of self management are not major factors in pregnancy rates here in the UK, but I'm still amazed at how little money is available for education and health on this matter.

109. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #182621 by Auraboy on May 20, 2008 at 4:35 pm

Yes, the police missed turning his sign over for part 2...

Scientology is a cult---

---hit on youtube.

110. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #182616 by Auraboy on May 20, 2008 at 4:23 pm

Sorting out the corruption and bribery rampant in the Greater London Police forces is about as likely as the Catholic Church sorting out paedophilia amongst its ranks.

111. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #182611 by Auraboy on May 20, 2008 at 4:11 pm

Of course Styrer which is why I did carefully say that incitement to violence or murder could and should be an honorary exception to the rule. The freedom for a muslim cleric to insult (or at least attempt to insult me)is as valid as my right to insult him. But I believe there has to be a careful judgement made on the difference between 'offence, insult and humiliation' and 'kill/beat/rape/torture this person or persons...'. The same way I believe you can legislate against planning to commit crime, but couldn't legislate against thinking about it in fantasy terms.

112. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #182608 by Auraboy on May 20, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Personally I just think it's best we keep our heads down before the level 6 Thetan witnesses running the City of London police take after the Free masons running the Metropolitan police. If it's hammers against ray guns, London may tremble...

113. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #182606 by Auraboy on May 20, 2008 at 4:00 pm

An excellent point Styrer. I had not considered the general nonsense principle of the humble ASBO being applied. Perhaps it really is a (ha) blessing in disguise that the police inspector in charge took such an unreasonable and egregious decision.

114. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #182595 by Auraboy on May 20, 2008 at 3:32 pm

Unfortunately I think regulating speech is just a dangerous area full stop. Insult and humiliation are part of humour and the essence of freedom. I suppose legislating against incitement to violence and murder is valid but I'd have to say currently that freedom to offend is part of freedom. I'll respect someone's right to call me a Godless infidel son of a whore, as long as I'm legally unrestricted from comparing him to an anatomically awkward act in return.

115. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #182594 by Auraboy on May 20, 2008 at 3:25 pm

Damn so all my "Scientology is a cu#t" signs are wasted now...

Can we reasonably suggest that spelling mistakes would be unable to cause offence? Sceintology is a Clut that bills people...

I'll get writing...

116. Teenager faces prosecution for calling Scientology 'cult'

Comment #182591 by Auraboy on May 20, 2008 at 3:18 pm

Actually I know a member of the Metropolitan police force who described the City of London police as 'like something out of the Wicker Man'. Which I assume means strange and occult as opposed to looking like Christopher Lee and burning people. But you never know I suppose...

I will try to recall which police force it was that let the Islamist 'beheading' signs walk off without interruption...

Can I submit the Christian cross as a sign that causes me distress in public? I live in a city centre very close to a Cathedral and it offends me quite often when they display anything.

117. Mayor challenges pope during Genoa visit

Comment #182218 by Auraboy on May 19, 2008 at 12:10 pm

Actually I'm in the UK and I've experienced more than a little problem with fundamentalist Christian anti-abortionist 'views'. Admittedly the scenario is vastly different to the U.S and the generally less acceptable view of fundamentalism in the UK helps but it's easy to underestimate the lengths these people will go to.

118. Mayor challenges pope during Genoa visit

Comment #182210 by Auraboy on May 19, 2008 at 11:48 am

I imagine it's quite fine to have a debate between those who think abortion is a simple social and medical choice and those who think there are genuine objections. But the religious position is relatively little to do with genuine objection, as with most things, it's about following the party line. Divorcing morality from the here and now decisions of real social human need and applying it to an afterlife judgement means even fairly rational medical professionals can come out with the maddening rubbish that even an underage rape victim is blessed to have a baby.

119. Mayor challenges pope during Genoa visit

Comment #182142 by Auraboy on May 19, 2008 at 9:14 am

Well the increasingly fundamental position is to push for the complete repeal of abortion access EVEN in the case of rape, incest or possible death for the mother. I've seen this argument pressed for in various places and I imagine there must be some U.S states with such intention.

I suppose it's a case of religious hypocrisy or religious fanatacism. Not much of a choice to work with.

120. Mayor challenges pope during Genoa visit

Comment #182135 by Auraboy on May 19, 2008 at 9:05 am

I think the only real variation in the anti-abortion lobby side is whether to allow it in cases of rape, incest or possible harm to the mother. Although generally a good solid religious standing can see through those little trivial details.

121. Mayor challenges pope during Genoa visit

Comment #182125 by Auraboy on May 19, 2008 at 8:53 am

Abortion replacing contraception...which Old scary eyes disapproves of too. So maybe they can hand out free condoms to every Italian citizen who loses their right to a civilized pro-choice. Sure that would be a concilliatory step, right? Vatican Vasectomy's maybe if it's going to be long term.

122. Richard Dawkins Responds to Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

Comment #181393 by Auraboy on May 17, 2008 at 6:06 am

I think as soon as you start using a slight linguistic trick to claim you are somehow officially the Rabbi at Oxford university you are already on a losing streak.

I, for instance, hold an official Chemistry position at Oxford University. I too bought a house there and occasionally sell recreational drugs to students.

123. Pelosi, Reid shunning Ten Commandments?

Comment #181390 by Auraboy on May 17, 2008 at 5:57 am

Most government bills are about naming things, always have been. That's what governments do half the time. They're a bit Old Testament in that way. Maybe that'll cheer the bloke up a little. After all, I hear god sort of named stuff and then had a recess. I mean rest. But I didn't get chance to vote him out yet. I suppose he could retaliate in kind and just refuse to believe in the existence of Nancy Pelosi or something.