Time magazine perpetuates bigotry
Time Magazine published an absurd statement by the campaign manager for Yes on Proposition 8 without explaining why the statement was wrong.
Opinion
Time magazine perpetuates bigotry
Proposition 8 has passed and removed the right to marry from hundreds of thousands of people. Gay groups and people that believe this is an injustice have created a blacklist of donors to the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign. Frank Schubert, the campaign manager for Yes on Proposition 8, is horrified: “It strikes me as … Read more
How many dead Iraqis? Depends on who asked
When violence happens in Iraq, US officials, local officials, and newspaper reports often provide dramatically different numbers of dead and wounded. Even facts such as “how many killed” are dependent on the source of the fact. The best measure for Iraq may be very simple: is Iraq as safe as Springfield, USA? Context of the … Read more
Euthanasia law leads to zero deaths
The Netherlands allows euthanasia if strict legal procedures are followed. Euthanasia of newborns was legalized one year ago, but it did not “cause” any killings: not one reported euthanasia. In other news, God did not attack Holland with a hurricane this year, either. Context of the story: Why is this important? Outlawed practices, such as … Read more
US kills already-dead Talibani in Pakistan, but it’s secret
US drones killed Pakistani Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud and 11 other people in a midnight raid. Mehsud was married a few days ago, but it is not clear whether his new wife was killed. On the other hand, Mehsud was reported dead in September 2008. Context of the story: Why is this important? The US … Read more
Air pollution kills more people than car accidents kill
A study reveals that air pollution in Southern California kills more people each year than auto accidents kill. California regulators are considering new regs that would cost businesses an estimated $5.5 billion but would save $68 billion in health costs. Context of the story: Why is this important? Pollution has real costs that are often … Read more
El Salvador’s former president sued for crimes against humanity
Human rights groups are suing El Salvador’s former president, Alfredo Cristiani, and 14 former officers for killing six priests and two civilians in November 1989. Although the crimes happened in El Salvador during its civil war, the lawsuit is in Spain based on international law. Context of the story: Why is this important? This is … Read more
eBay banning ivory sales will promote illegal trafficking
eBay will ban all ivory sales starting 1 Jan 2009, but a better policy would be to partner with government agencies to make sure that all ivory sales are legal. Banning the sales will simply make it harder to find illegal sales and discourage legal transactions. Context of the story: Why is this important? Elephant … Read more
Study: disconnect Great Lakes from Mississippi
A scientific study suggests separating the man-made connections between the Mississippi River from the Great Lakes because alien species could destroy the fishing industries. Context of the story: Why is this important? Fishing is a multibillion dollar industry, and without a change, it could collapse. Who is involved? Alliance for the Great Lakes released the … Read more
Islamic militia captures town near Somali capital
Islamic militias bloodlessly captured another town near Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The puppet government installed by Ethiopia is on the brink of collapse as they lose more territory to the many militant groups. Context of the story: Why is this important? Somalia has been without a central government since 1991. Conditions in the country … Read more