Establishmentarians 0
Rebecca Watson discusses the techniques Texas is using to turn public schools into perpetrators of proselytism.
Republican Thought Police 0
Via Above the Law, a law professor responds to Republicans’ efforts to turn the United States into an indoctrination nation.
Vaccine Nation 0
We have over two centuries of evidence that vaccines work. When, for example, was the last time you’ve heard of someone suffering from small pox?
Yet, a growing percentage of the population, perhaps inspired by a faulty paper that appeared in The Lancet almost three decades ago, deny scientific fact.
At Psychology Today Blogs, JoAnn Stevelos takes a look at why persons are susceptible to falsehoods about vaccines. She makes three main points:
- Public health involves clean water, safe food, air, and vaccines.
- Vaccine risks are rare; disease risks are higher.
- Misinformation spreads fast; trust clinicians and transparent safety systems.
Follow the link for a detailed exploration of each one.
QOTD 0
Robert Ellis, in the voice of Dexter Franklin:
Like the man says, money talks. The only trouble is all mine ever says is good-bye.
Redemption 0
That is, the type of redemption that happens when you cash in those bonus points.
True Colors, Reprise 0
David cites statements from Donald Trump and argues that they indicate that Trump thinks what he says goes.
Artificial? Yes. Intelligent? Not So Much. 0
A competent therapist? At Psychology Today Blogs, Marlynn Wei doesn’t go so far as to say that it quacks like a duck, but doubts are expressed.
Unprecedented 0
ABC News calls out the Squeaker of the House for making stuff up.
Artificial? Yes. Intelligent? Not So Much. 0
Gullible? As all get out, as security maven Bruce Schneier explains. Here’s a tiny bit from his article (emphasis added):
In related news, check out this week’s episode of Harry Shearer’s Le Show for a report on AI’s bubbleliciousness. The relevant portion starts at about the eight minute mark.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
Yet another “responsible gun owner” discharges his responsiblity.
The man, a licensed CPL holder, told police his handgun discharged while he was reaching into his pocket.
One more time, “responsible gun owner” is an osymoron.
The Occupying Army 0
Via The Sacramento Bee, Mary Ellen Klas reminds that the members of the National Guard enlisted to defend the United States, not to be assinged to occupy cities that did not vote for Donald Trump. She fears that the long-term effects on the morale and spirit of the Guard will be less then beneficial.
Methinks her article is well worth a read.
True Colors 0
Joe Conason looks at the racist and bigoted texts sent by Young Republicans and says, “No surprises here.” Here’s a bit from his article:
Follow the link for context.