"Society cannot successfully condemn conspiracy theorists while at the same time promoting and valuing theism, because theism is a conspiracy theory."-- adapted from a reader comment on a NYT article ( Read more... )

“Censorship reflects a society’s lack of confidence in itself."--Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart (no longer on the court, he passed away in 1985 ( Read more... )

If I were to walk into a Black Christian church on a Sunday morning and yell at its members, "I fucking hate you niggers!" most people would agree that I'd engaged in racist hate speech. I would never do this, of course ( Read more... )

You can grow up in the Christian faith without knowing a lot about its history and origins, because the myths told to believers are not rigorously tested against the latest historical methods and sources ( Read more... )

"culture had reached a moment when any opinion worthy of expression ran the risk of losing half your audience"

Just seeing whether LJ cares whether I break Russian law.

Throw me in jail, Putin!

Because I don't think people who disagree with me are illegitimate, I'm listening to a formal debate (in front of an audience) between two Libertarians about what is their best strategy. Do they focus on building the national Libertarian Party, or do they adopt the Free State Project and all move to New Hampshire to create a state dominated by ( Read more... )

The morning routine went OK, not the best, not the worst.  Upon arrival at the condo I stretched and then did "core" yoga for 30 minutes.  Had my trustworthy delivery lunch.  Now no meetings on my calendar for the rest of the day, but I do have one task I should definitely accomplish.  After that it's mainly catch-up on stuff that isn't due for a ( Read more... )

Started my work day early, it was long, didn't get to exercise on my own but I just got back from walking Dax and now I'm done for the day.  B was here this morning, is returning tomorrow, I'm thinking of hanging out with them2 again and then going to the condo for one night on Saturday ( Read more... )