The Hazards of Belief

recedite

But he sees obstacles to integrating all ultra-Orthodox recruits in the army....

Just put on the special glasses and hey presto; problem solved

Banbh

Israel is a confessional state - that is, a state based on and subordinate to a particular religion - the same as Iran and Saudi Arabia (different religion but just as discriminatory).
My favourite nuttiness is the banning of pictures of women in public places; on one recent occasion where a family was killed in a car crash, the picture of the family in the papers had the mammy's face blacked out.

robindch

Banbh wrote: »

[...] banning of pictures of women in public places [...]

And famously photoshopping out Hiliary Clinton too:

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/newspaper-regrets-erasing-hillary-clinton/

... in case anybody watching gets overheated from the sight of her exposed right wrist.

joseph brand

robindch wrote: »

And famously photoshopping out Hiliary Clinton too:

http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/newspaper-regrets-erasing-hillary-clinton/

... in case anybody watching gets overheated from the sight of her exposed right wrist.

Do they have a 'spot the woman' competition in Israeli newspapers? Similar to the 'spot the ball' photos which appeared in newspapers here years ago.

Nuts. Absolutely bonkers.

jank

If a private newspaper is photoshopping women to cater for it's readership then what is the issue. Don't buy said newspaper. Just as if a private magazine is selling pictures of naked women (or men) to its readership. All the hallmarks of a tolerant society.

ShooterSF

jank wrote: »

If a private newspaper is photoshopping women to cater for it's readership then what is the issue. Don't buy said newspaper. Just as if a private magazine is selling pictures of naked women (or men) to its readership. All the hallmarks of a tolerant society.

A) Because it was against the terms of the photo's copyright

and

even if I don't have any desire to buy it I'll still voice my dislike for it's publishers similar to if say the KKK printed newspapers with black people edited out. You can actually voice disgust for private organisations. Look at people's opinion on nestle or walmart or Liverpool supporters opinion of the Sun. Do you tell them also that they shouldn't be outraged at these private companies and should just leave them be while not purchasing their products?

pauldla

Widespread protests at denigration of prophet

PROTESTS ARE expected today after noon prayers across the Muslim world against a US-made film denigrating the prophet Muhammad as Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Beirut to preach reconciliation between Christians and Muslims. Reconciliation is, however, not likely at present.


US secretary of state Hillary Clinton yesterday called the film “disgusting and reprehensible”, disavowed its message and again condemned the violence in Benghazi during which US ambassador Chris Stevens and three staff members were killed....


THE KEY figure behind the film that has sparked violence across much of the Muslim world, including the murder of the US ambassador to Libya and three of his colleagues, has been identified by US law enforcement officers.


He is Nakoula Basseley Nakoula (55), who lives in southern California. He is a convicted fraudster who has used multiple identities to conceal his involvement is various nefarious activities.

It seems even the cast and crew didn't know what was going on, thanks to some editing magic by Mr Nakoula.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2012/0914/1224324008929.html

Dades

jank wrote: »

If a private newspaper is photoshopping women to cater for it's readership then what is the issue. Don't buy said newspaper. Just as if a private magazine is selling pictures of naked women (or men) to its readership. All the hallmarks of a tolerant society.

Jesus, jank, does it not interest you in the slightest that in the 21st century, in a nation with nuclear weapons a woman's face is considered taboo to be printed in a newspaper or put on a billboard? Are you purposefully so obtuse?

Wiggles88

Virginia lawmaker: Children with disabilities are God’s punishment to women who previously had abortions.

Mainstream American politics is a terrifying place.

pauldla

Wiggles88 wrote: »

Virginia lawmaker: Children with disabilities are God’s punishment to women who previously had abortions.

Mainstream American politics is a terrifying place.

That truly beggars belief. FFS.

kylith

Wiggles88 wrote: »

Virginia lawmaker: Children with disabilities are God’s punishment to women who previously had abortions.

Mainstream American politics is a terrifying place.

Well, hopefully that'll get to his supporters who have disabled children, who would probably have some views on whether or not their child is a punishment.

Also, what about people who have disabled children and have never had an abortion? Will this guy claim that the child is a punishment for fornication or something? Ugh, I suppose I shouldn't be giving him ideas...

robindch

Malaysia holds seminars to help teachers spot 'gay children'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/14/malaysia-seminars-spot-gay-children

Guarniad wrote:

The Malaysian government has begun holding seminars aiming to help teachers and parents spot signs of homosexuality in children, underscoring a rise in religious conservatism in the country.

So far, the Teachers Foundation of Malaysia has organised 10 seminars across the country. Attendance at the last event on Wednesday reached 1,500 people, a spokesman for the organisation said.

"It is a multi-religious and multicultural [event], after all, all religions are basically against that type of behaviour," said the official. The federal government said in March that it is working to curb the "problem" of homosexuality, especially among Muslims who make up over 60% of Malaysia's population of 29 million people. According to a handout issued at a recent seminar, signs of homosexuality in boys may include preferences for tight, light-coloured clothes and large handbags, local media reported.

For girls, the details were less clear. Girls with lesbian tendencies have no affection for men and like to hang out and sleep in the company of women, the reports said. Malaysia frowns on oral and gay sex, describing them as against the order of nature. Under civil law, 'offenders', both male and female, can be jailed for up to 20 years, caned or fined. Actual prosecutions are rare, although former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has twice been tried for sodomy, in cases he called political conspiracies. He spent six years in jail, but the courts have since cleared him on appeal or dropped charges for lack of evidence.

Official intolerance of gay people has been on the rise. Last year, despite widespread criticism, the east coast state of Terengganu set up a camp for "effeminate" boys to show them how to become men. The latest seminar for the teachers and parents was run by deputy education minister Puad Zarkashi, his office confirmed. Zarkashi wasn't immediately available for comment but national news agency Bernama quoted him as saying that being able to identify the signs will help contain the spread of the unhealthy lifestyle among the young, especially students.

"Youths are easily influenced by websites and blogs relating to LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] groups," he was quoted as saying. "This can also spread among their friends. We are worried that this happens during schooling time."

pauldla

robindch wrote: »

Malaysia holds seminars to help teachers spot 'gay children'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/14/malaysia-seminars-spot-gay-children

Am I just particularly sick and twisted, or does that seem like somebodies wet dream...?

"We're going to take all these teenage boys, all the ones we think are gay, with their tight clothes and hairdos and rippling young bodies, and we're going to put them all in a big camp, and we're going to make men of them. And we'll have communal showers, and make them all wear shorts, and..."

Will the be assigned accountabilibuddies?

Delirium

joseph brand wrote: »

Lovely person. :rolleyes:

http://www.thejournal.ie/not-a-dumping-ground-pregnant-girl-turned-away-from-school-433812-Apr2012/

Seems the school owner that turned the pregnant girl away isn't so keen on "upholding morals" when it comes to his tax matters.

Padraig O’Shea, the school owner who refused admission to a pregnant girl in Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary because he had to “uphold morals” in the classroom?
Well, he’s appeared on the Revenue defaulters list for undeclaring income tax in the sum of €705,000 [with interest and whatnot].
Seven hundred thousand and five euros.
Here’s how it went down:
O’SHEA, PÁDRAIG “BORRISOLEIGH, THURLES,” CO. TIPPERARY. PRIVATE SCHOOL OPERATOR €346,059.00 €100,016.00 €259,544.00 €705,619.00 “Underdeclaration of Income Tax. Revenue Deposit Interest Reporting Case.”


via Broadsheet.ie

muppeteer

From Sydney

It really is tragic.

I'm not sure which is worse: that a young child is holding such an awful sign, or that the child's mother is taking a photo of him holding it, which she'll likely post on Facebok.

Considering the above, a person can't help but lose some hope in humanity.

Banbh

Lest you despair - for every evil, there are a thousand kindnesses.
Our species has come a long way because, by and large, we are supportive of each other and cooperate for the common good. This present evil, Islam, is learning that its power does not extend to the civilised nations of the world and like a spoiled child when the tantrum is over it will realise that it didn't get its way and freedom of speech and freedom to criticise still holds sway among most people of the earth.

robindch

Church may be forced to pay tax on non-religious activities.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/financially-troubled-cities-in-spain-consider-taxing-church-properties/2012/09/13/3b62c736-f842-11e1-8398-0327ab83ab91_story.html

Washington Post wrote:

Alcala de Henares, Spain — Cash-strapped officials in Europe are looking for a way to ease their financial burden by upending centuries of tradition and seeking to tap one of the last untouched sources of wealth: the Catholic Church.

Thousands of public officials who have seen the financial crisis hit their budgets are chipping away at the various tax breaks and privileges the church has enjoyed for centuries. But the church is facing its own money troubles. Offerings from parishioners have nosedived, and it has been accused of using shady bank accounts and hiding suspect transactions. Now, along come officials like Ricardo Rubio.

Rubio, a city council member in Alcala, is leading an effort to impose a tax on all church property used for non-religious purposes. The financial impact on the Catholic Church could be devastating. As one of the largest landowners in Spain — with holdings that include schools, homes, parks, sports fields and restaurants — the church could owe up to 3 billion euros in taxes each year. “We want to make a statement that the costs of the crisis should be borne equally by every person and institution,” said Rubio, a 36-year-old former accountant in his first term in office.

Similar efforts that target church coffers or powers are underway in neighboring countries. In Italy, Prime Minister Mario Monti has called for a tax on church properties or on those portions of properties that have a commercial purpose. In Ireland, the minister of education is fighting to end church control of many of the country’s primary schools, and the government has slashed in half the grants it gives poor families for first Communions. More than half the city councils in Britain have eliminated state subsidies for transportation to faith-based schools, leading to a precipitous drop in enrollment.

Once an untouchable institution in some parts of Europe, the Catholic Church has come under fire for its government subsidies at a time when the continent’s economies are faltering and the population is subject to painful cuts in jobs, benefits and pensions. Political groups have seized on the crisis as an opportunity to open up a larger debate about whether it is time to unwind some of the deals struck generations ago between church and state in predominantly Catholic countries in Europe.

“The separation of church and state is the big issue here,” said Charles Zech, director of the Center for the Study of Church Management at Villanova University, which focuses on the Catholic Church’s finances. In response to the controversy, the Vatican and representatives of the church — Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco in Spain and Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco in Italy, who head the council of bishops in their respective countries — have released statements saying they intend to comply with all laws. But they have declined to comment further except to emphasize that current norms recognize the “social value” of church activities.

Efforts to pare down its financial privileges could not have come at a worse time for the Catholic Church, which is experiencing money troubles despite its great wealth.

[...]

recedite

robindch wrote: »

Church may be forced to pay tax on non-religious activities.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/financially-troubled-cities-in-spain-consider-taxing-church-properties/2012/09/13/3b62c736-f842-11e1-8398-0327ab83ab91_story.html

In the coastal city of Buenavista del Norte in the Canary Islands, Mayor Antonio Gonzales Fuertes, 30, says he is trying to collect 6000 euros— about $7,750 — from the church for a rental villa and a banana farm it operates. Fuertes would like to use the money for efforts that have had to be cut, such as children’s recreation programs.

Catholic Bananas!!! WTF

Mickeroo

recedite wrote: »

Catholic Bananas!!! WTF

Indeed, along with the Courgette and Cucumber I didn't think you could get a more uncatholic fruit.

Penn

Mickeroo wrote: »

Indeed, along with the Courgette and Cucumber I didn't think you could get a more uncatholic fruit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z-OLG0KyR4

Mickeroo

Penn wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z-OLG0KyR4

Jebus, I thought the only thing that could convince me would be the discovery of the Babel Fish but that's actually done it. Praise the Lord.

Penn

Mickeroo wrote: »

Jebus, I thought the only thing that could convince me would be the discovery of the Babel Fish but that's actually done it. Praise the Lord.

I'm still waiting for their follow-up videos where they'll explain the pineapple. Maybe that'll convince me.

joseph brand

Muslims in Belgium.

What I have learned is that Islam is not a religion like any other. Let me explain: Most religions and most cultures are compatible with Belgian culture and law, and just fit in. Islam however, is not just a religion as how we here define "religion". Islam is a whole package. Islam contains a political system, economic system, justice, education, culture and religion.

Then there is education. We have Belgian laws which guarantee a minimum level of education. It's a book full of facts that must be taught in every school, they are called the "end terms". One of those subjects is evolution. The theory of evolution must be taught in both science class and history class. Creationism is not allowed. If a teacher teaches his pupils the theory of creationism instead of evolution, then this is against the end terms.

muppeteer

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2012/09/16/pakistani-protester-burns-american-flag-and-dies-from-smoke/

Pakistani Protester Burns American Flag and Dies From Smoke

One of the more offbeat deaths from the current hysteria.

Banbh

Clearly the Americans are impregnating their flags with toxic gases.

Calibos

Banbh wrote: »

Clearly the Americans are impregnating their flags with toxic gases.

I guess we know what 'Run to da hills' next thread will be about then.

Links234

Oklahoma Judge denies name-change to transgender women, citing the bible as reason:

https://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/09/16/1132646/-Oklahoma-Judge-invokes-God-as-science

To grant a name change in this case would be to assist that which is fraudulent. It is notable that Genesis 1:27-28 states: ‘So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth ...' The DNA code shows God meant for them to stay male and female.

-- in Re: Harvey

:rolleyes:

Galvasean

Oh, so NOW Bible thumpers believe in DNA :rolleyes: