Slavoj Žižek makes a very interesting defense of atheism in the editorial “Defenders of the Faith” (New York Times, 3/12/06). Certainly atheism deserves the restoration of the inherent dignity of its position. But his overall argument, at least in the context of our current realities, is flawed. It could be a readerly effect, since the article looks as though it might have been chopped up. (Boo-hiss to the editor if that is the case – Žižek deserves better.) Still, I…
I don’t think I had ever seen South Dakota’s State Senator Bill Napoli speak before tonight. He was commenting on the abortion ban there that would close down – gulp – the only operating clinic that’s left in the entire state (this one clinic has to fly in medical volunteers from out-of-state). Guess there wasn’t really much left to do. Online NewsHour: South Dakota Bans Most Types Of Abortion — March 3, 2006 BILL NAPOLI: When I was growing up…
Courant.com | Lockdown In Search For Beating Suspect Joseph Ambrose, 55, is charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault and first-degree kidnapping of his estranged wife. Two of the couple’s four children were home while he beat his wife. Ambrose is a member of the local Canton (Connecticut) congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Police found several rifles at the rented house. Joseph Ambrose was quoted in a story in The Courant in 1996 about the mission of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Those who…
Man Kills Another in Dispute Over War — Press Calls It a First Kentucky, August 6, 2006 at a flea market. Two firearms dealers, friends, standing outside a “snack shed.” The one who backs the war shot and killed the one who opposed the war. No charges as yet: he claimed self-defense. “I’m sorry this has happened,” Moore, a retired railroad worker, said. “But then what’s done can’t be undone.” Moore told the Lexington reporter he thinks Smith and his…
The Christian Paradox (Harpers.org) Check out this excellent excerpt from Bill McKibben’s article in the August 2005 edition of Harper’s Magazine. The basic point is that although the overwhelming majority of Americans profess to be Christian, the USA is the least Christian in its behavior (compared to other “developed” nations). A few nuggets: “In 2004, as a share of our economy, we ranked second to last, after Italy, among developed countries in government foreign aid. Per capita we each provide…
Lyrics to “The Proud” – more political lyrics