I'm writing elsewhere but I care passionately about this topic.  Here is what I had to say this morning: https://liveonearth.dreamwidth.org/1413541.html

I've been interested in human xenophobia (which I think is instinctive) and race and class warfare since I become politically aware some time in my 20's.  The more I study the less I know, other than that people naturally cling to those who are like them and mistrust those who are different.  Other than that humans are more emotional than rational ( Read more... )

 Voters overwhelmingly approved an update to the Irish constitution that removes a stiff penalty for blasphemy.  Score one for freedom of speech and one for atheism!

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/27/ireland- ( Read more... )

This is the after-elementary-school program being offered by an organization called The Satanic Temple.   It was news to me, but the Satanists I met tonight at the FFRF meeting consider themselves to be atheists.  They do not believe in a metaphysical God or Satan.  Satan instead is a symbol of individual liberty, of the ability we each have to say ( Read more... )

He spoke at O'Connor's on June 27 for the FFRF.  Overall what I learned from this retired polysci professor is that the framers of the US constitution intended to create a principle-based document that allows enough structure to prevent chaos, and enough freedom to allow evolution of our society and laws over time.  He never said anything like that ( Read more... )

Just yesterday I finally stopped ignoring the Middle East and looked up a few things. Like who is Shia and who is Sunni. And who has nukes and where. And what exactly an Islamist is. It was....a useful exercise. Anyone else out there taking an interest in this juncture of history? I'm ready to be educated ( Read more... )

( I've been thinking about this and here is where I land. )

There's a reason why no Amendments are passed anymore. They aren't needed. No real Constitutional limitations are recognized.
--Skip (logiphage)

This org is attempting to unite everyone who'd like to induce our governing officials at all levels to respect and adhere to this founding document. It's a pretty cool idea, because they're avoiding any party affiliation, hoping to simply get more citizens involved in keeping an eye on things.

I'm happy to report that in Virginia, today, US District Court Judge Henry Hudson offered a 42 page opinion saying that individuals cannot legally be compelled by the feds to buy insurance or pay a fine. We already knew that this wasn't constitutional, but it's good to see the legal system kick into action. Obama, of course, was a constitutional ( Read more... )