Soviet Smear: Santorum Spreads Old Lie Linking Church-State Separation To Communism

Here’s a newsflash for Santorum: Williams, Jefferson and Madison were not communists. Madison died in 1836. The first Soviet Constitution was ratified in 1918. It’s not hard to figure out that Madison had nothing to do with it.
... Read more

Creationist Canard: Judge Tosses Lawsuit That Claims Evolution Is A ‘Religious’ Viewpoint Unfit For Public Schools

Evolution may be a theory but no legitimate scientists question its validity. Thus learning the facts of that theory is not 'indoctrination.' It’s called education.
... Read more

Pink Fracking: Causing cancer to fight cancer?

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Week In The News: Eric Garner, Immigration Action And Free Speech Online (Tom Ashbrook, On Point)

Chokehold justice. No indictment in New York. Protesters take to the streets across the country. President Obama names a new Defense Secretary. Iran flies missions in Iraq against ISIS. A US hostage in Yemen pleads for his life. Ray Rice asks for a second chance. Seventeen states sue over the president’s immigration plan. The Supreme Court takes up the case of a pregnant UPS worker. More Cosby accusers step forward. Sony Pictures hacked. Is North Korea behind it? This hour, On Point: our weekly news roundtable goes behind the headlines.

Interview:
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2014/12/05/eric-garner-cant-breathe-immigration-action-obama

Friday News Roundup – Domestic (Diane Rehm Show)

The U.S. economy added more jobs in 2014 than any year since the 1990s, according to latest numbers. A New York grand jury’s decision not to bring charges in the choking death of Eric Garner spurs another night of protests nationwide. A Federal probe into the Cleveland police department finds a pattern of excessive force against civilians. Seventeen states, led by Texas, file a federal lawsuit to block president Obama’s immigration order. The Supreme Court hears a landmark pregnancy discrimination case. And Ashton Carter is set to be the next Secretary of Defense. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top national news stories.

Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-12-05/friday_news_roundup_domestic

Friday News Roundup – International (Diane Rehm Show)

Iran launches air strikes against ISIS in Iraq. Both Iranian and U.S. officials say the two nations are not coordinating their campaigns. Israel dissolves its parliament and calls for early elections. An Egyptian court clears former President Mubarak but condemns to death nearly 200 others. The United Arab Emirates arrests a woman accused of fatally stabbing an American teacher in a mall restroom. And Russia warns its economy will fall into recession next year because of falling oil prices and Western sanctions. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top international news stories.

Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-12-05/friday_news_roundup_international

CDC Considers Counseling Males Of All Ages On Circumcision

Draft federal recommendations don't usually raise eyebrows, but this one certainly will - that males of all ages, including teenage boys, be counseled on the health benefits of circumcision. read more

Gay Catholic Music Director Files Discrimination Complaint Against Church For Unfair Termination

"Don't ask don't tell is the policy in the [Catholic] church," Colin Collette said.The post Gay Catholic Music Director Files ...  Read more

Wacky Weligious News #2

News of wacky blasphemy laws in Pakistan, and wacky evidence of the end of the world -- sinkholes. Welcome to the wacky world of weligion.

http://youtu.be/SA4bBDL9Ens

Jon Stewart Takes Apart Right Wing For Reaction To Garner Grand Jury Decision

 The Daily Show's Jon Stewart tore into the right wing for their ridiculous reactions to the grand jury decision in the Eric Garner case. Stewart opene...  Read more

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Family cancels Christmas: Good parenting or Grinch parenting?

Internet users were quick to cast judgement when a Utah family swapped exchanging Christmas presents for volunteering and giving. ... Read more

Trent Lott's advice to Mitch McConnell: 'Deal sternly' with GOP obstructionists (+video)

'I wouldn't put up with some of the stuff that they're doing,' said Lott, a former Republican Senate majority leader, speaking at a Monitor breakfast ... Read more

Why is Antarctica melting? Scientists reveal clues.

The rapid disappearance of ice in Antarcticais fueled by warming waters that melt ice shelves from below. ... Read more

Meet Some Of The Few Who Think Eric Garner Had It Coming

There aren't too many people out there defending New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo or the decision by a grand jury not to indict him in the... Read more

Florida Capitol to get Satanic Temple holiday display

Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster too!

http://www.baxterbulletin.com/story/news/2014/12/04/satanic-temple-holiday-display/19925855/

Godless are among us, even in the heartland

"...People are starting to realize we are your family members, your coworkers, your neighbors, your friends and not sinister, communist devil-worshippers..."

http://www.bnd.com/2014/12/03/3543565_rekha-basu-godless-are-among-us.html?sp=/99/174/&rh=1

Transgender teen supports high school league vote

“The biggest thing I want to do is educate,” he said. “Because there is so much misinformation on the subject.”

http://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/transgender-teen-supports-high-school-league-vote/article_3b252199-8c2c-5a3c-8c2b-6bdb2d7211e5.html

Letting Go of God: How 12-Step Programs Are Losing Their Religion

"...We atheists and agnostics in AA have faced a long struggle for acceptance. But newer 12-step fellowships are leading the way to a more tolerant form of recovery—despite a “Back to Basics” backlash..."
http://www.psmag.com/navigation/health-and-behavior/letting-go-god-12-step-programs-losing-religion-95357/

Stephen Colbert Thanks The Nazis For Making Congress Actually Work (VIDEO)

No stranger to controversy, Stephen Colbert dared to put in a brief good word for Nazis on Wednesday's episode of "The Colbert Report." ... Read more

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#CrimingWhileWhite Is The Only Thing You Need To Read To Understand White Privilege

The latest digital protest in response to police brutality highlights how well white people are treated by cops.The post ...  Read more

White House Official: Obama Will Use Executive Powers To Meet Climate Goals

"We're building our game plan around authorities that exist in current law," he said, "not in the need to get a major, massive ...  Read more

Remember When Critics Predicted Huge Premium Increases Under Obamacare? They Were Very Wrong

Premiums will decrease, on average, in at least 14 states. The post Remember When Critics Predicted Huge Premium Increases ...  Read more

Michigan Advances ‘License To Discriminate’ While LGBT Protections Stagnate

A bill enabling anti-LGBT discrimination is advancing; bills protecting LGBT people fro discrimination haven't yet seen the ...  Read more

God Doesn't Make Sense - Reply To Deepak Chopra

"Deepak Chopra says that God makes more sense than atheism. This is my response to his arguments..."

http://youtu.be/nnNXWsUhpSs

White House Announces Initiative To Improve Climate Education In The U.S.

The Obama administration hopes the initiative will help American students gain access to science-based education about climate ...  Read more

This Week In South Carolina, A White Ex-Cop Was Actually Indicted For Shooting A Black Man

South Carolina is a reminder that indictment is possible, albeit rare. The post This Week In South Carolina, A White Ex-Cop Was ...  Read more

'Serial' will make podcasts more profitable

"Serial" is the podcasting world's first mega hit. And that could translate into bigger audiences and bigger paydays for podcasters.
Read more

Conservative Atheists - "a Leftists Thing"

http://youtu.be/r7iffmvfbuo

Satanists Turn The Table On Hobby Lobby Decision

Some cheery news for you: While evangelical conservatives have been celebrating their victory in this Supreme Court ruling, it has now prompted simil...  Read more

Stewart Speechless Over Eric Garner Decision: 'I Don't Know What To Say' (VIDEO)

"The Daily Show" dropped all traces of comedy from its opening Wednesday night as host Jon Stewart spoke to viewers directly about the case of Eric Ga... Read more

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To Fight Obesity, The USDA Is Getting Locally Grown Veggies Into Cafeterias

The agency just rolled out $5 million in grants to fund programs to connect cafeterias with local farmers.The post To Fight ...  Read more

Log Cabin Republicans Head Shills For Tobacco Company Donor

His group got $11,000 from RJ Reynolds in 2013.The post Log Cabin Republicans Head Shills For Tobacco Company Donor appeared ...  Read more

Yet Again, Partisan Wrangling Has Left The Wind Tax Credit In Legislative Limbo

Backers of the production tax credit for wind say the extension in the current bill is two short, while a standoff over other ...  Read more

Rand Paul Blames Cigarette Taxes For The Death Of Eric Garner

"I think it is important to know that some politician put a tax of $5.85 on a pack of cigarettes," Paul explained. The post ...  Read more

Congressman Says Eric Garner Is Responsible For His Own Death: He ‘Was So Obese’

"If you can't breath, how can you speak." The post Congressman Says Eric Garner Is Responsible For His Own Death: He 'Was ... Read more

Your tax breaks in limbo as Washington quarrels

At issue are more than 50 "temporary" tax breaks that expired at the end of 2013. The majority are business-related, but a handful affect individuals directly.

Read more

Chicago hikes minimum wage to $13

The Chicago increase was backed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and passed with overwhelming support by a vote of 44-5.

Read more

China wants to build a train system near you

The emphasis on overseas markets comes as China ramps up its foreign investment, completing infrastructure projects in far-flung locales at costs that undercut Western competitors.

Read more

Bill O’Reilly had a psychotherapist diagnose “sadistic” atheists

Stop incorrectly using mental health professionals on cable news.

http://www.salon.com/2014/12/03/bill_oreilly_had_a_psychotherapist_diagnose_atheists/

Judges Tosses Suit Claiming Kansas Schools Promote Atheism

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging that science standards for Kansas public schools promote atheism and violate the religious freedoms of students and parents.

http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/Judges-Tosses-Suit-Claiming-Kansas-Schools-Promote-Atheism-284550391.html

3 reasons Wall Street is getting riskier

"...The report, which is required annually under the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, focused on increased risk taking and a growing lack of transparency in the past year..."
Read more

$40 oil doesn't scare Big Oil. Here's why

"..."The best thing for Chevron and Exxon...is to see oil prices crashing and scare the hell out of everybody else. It becomes a window of opportunity" for acquisitions, said Gheit. He predicted a wave of mergers and acquisitions if oil prices don't recover by next summer..."
Read more

Think health care costs are soaring? Think again.

Actually, national health spending grew 3.6% in 2013, the lowest annual increase since 1960, when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began tracking the statistic, officials said Wednesday.

Read more

Jon Stewart Ridicules St. Louis Police for Their Tasteless Comments on ‘Hands Up, Don’t Shoot’

Read more

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What Makes Men Cry?

Well, it depends on the man.

http://youtu.be/O_2YWTG9Rug

Chomsky: Elites Have Forced America into a National Psychosis to Keep Us Embroiled in Imperial Wars

And most of our intellectuals are only too happy to participate in the propaganda.
...  Read more

Chris Rock: It's not black people who have progressed. It's white people.

In New York magazine's new Q&A with Chris Rock, interviewer Frank Rich asked the comedian about issues ranging from the events in Ferguson, Missouri, ...  Read more

This quote about Putin's machismo from Angela Merkel is just devastating

The incident of Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel, and the dog is a famous one. It was 2007 and Merkel, Germany's Chancellor, was visiting Putin at his pr...  Read more

The Teardrop monument in New York...a donation from Russia for the grief of 9/11.

Why did I never hear about this?
Read more

The smart mouse with the half-human brain

When human brain cells called astrocytes are let loose in mouse brains, they rapidly overwhelm the mouse cells and make the rodents smarter.  Read more

Unsuccessful Maneuvers: Ex-Navy Chaplain’s Latest Lawsuit Fails

A former Navy chaplain (Gordon James Klingenschmitt) who is praying for the death of AU Executive Director Barry W. Lynn isn't faring so well in court.
... Read more

Dan Barker: Did Jesus Really Rise From the Dead?

A talk that Dan Baker gave at the University of Michigan on March 11, 2013. The topic was "Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?"

http://youtu.be/qObYYcbfeI4

Half Of Voters In New Poll Say GOP Majority Is Bad For Country

If only that had been the half who voted: Half of the public says that Republican control of Congress will be bad for the country and cause more gridl...  Read more

GOP Staffer Who Said Obama Girls Lacked Class Was Arrested As A Teen

The Republican staffer who lectured Sasha and Malia Obama on their clothes and told them to "try showing a little class" wasn't exactly a perfect teen... Read more

Congressmen Blasting Obama For Special Immigration Exceptions Have Made Special Immigration Exceptions

Any individual U.S. senator or representative can file a "private bill," effectively providing relief for a person who has not ...  Read more

The Fight Over EPA’s Climate Rule Is Just Getting Started

Monday marked the final day for public comments on the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rule to limit carbon ...  Read more

If The Supreme Court Reads This Study, It Could End Partisan Gerrymandering Forever

A new study out of Duke University casts serious doubts on the reasoning of the justices who have thus-far refused to strike ...  Read more

Germany’s Largest Utility Will Focus On Renewables And Spin Off Fossil Fuels In Major Split

E.ON told shareholders that it will place "a particular emphasis on expanding its wind business in Europe and in other selected ...  Read more

Sex education in the U.S. is screwing our kids

"...“Education policy is very home-ruled in the United States,” Rhodes said. “States and local community members want to have control over the education that their children are receiving, rather than having the federal government telling them what to teach.”

Furthermore, Rhodes pointed out that states lack any mechanism to ensure that individual districts and schools are in compliance with their mandates. “Like any policy really, unless everyone is implementing it, it’s very difficult to enact,” she said..."
http://www.salon.com/2014/12/01/why_sex_education_in_the_u_s_is_an_unmitigted_disaster_partner/

Evangelicals with gay children challenging church

"..."Now we realize we were so wrongly taught," said Rob Robertson, a firefighter for more than 30 years who lives in Redmond, Washington. "It's a horrible, horrible mistake the church has made..."

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/religion/2014/11/29/evangelicals-gay-children-challenging-church/19631687/

Authors make case for atheism's friendlier, humanist face

"...Bayer and Figdor want to emphasize atheism's "humanist" values. A humanist, they say, is someone who believes in the goodness of human beings and seeks rational ways to solve human problems..."

http://siouxcityjournal.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/authors-make-case-for-atheism-s-friendlier-humanist-face/article_0072245d-25d0-5f0b-ac09-53cdbe3670b6.html

John Figdor, Atheist Mind, Humanist Heart (The Humanist Hour #125)

In this episode, Bo Bennett speaks with John Figdor, the current Humanist Chaplain at Stanford University where he organizes events and programs for both students and community members of the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the first Humanist Chaplain on the West Coast serving a university community.

John received his B.A. with honors in Philosophy from Vassar College and holds a master’s degree (MDiv) in Humanism and Interfaith Dialogue from Harvard Divinity School. He was an Organizing Fellow of the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard University and former Assistant Humanist Chaplain at Harvard, working with Greg Epstein. John is a former Board Member of the Secular Student Alliance, and his work has been discussed in the San Francisco Chronicle, The Huffington Post and The Washington Post.

In 2014, John coauthored with Lex Bayer the book Atheist Mind, Humanist Heart: Rewriting the Ten Commandments for the Twenty-First Century.

Interview:
http://thehumanist.com/multimedia/podcast/the-humanist-hour-125-john-figdor-atheist-mind-humanist-heart

Surviving Saddam and Confronting Islam, with Faisal Saeed Al Mutar (Point of Inquiry)

As the threat posed by radical Islamists like those of ISIS grows in popular awareness, Islam itself becomes more of a target for criticism; some of it fair, and some of it based in ignorance or bigotry. Can efforts to defend Islam and Muslims from discrimination and racism go too far, and keep us from having an honest discussion about something of such critical importance?

This week, Point of Inquiry welcomes Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, an Iraqi refugee turned activist, and founder of the Global Secular Humanist Movement. Al Mutar talks about growing up in Iraq under the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, and his belief that Islam needs to be more vigorously criticized, and that its adherents must be held to a higher moral standard.

Interview:
http://www.pointofinquiry.org/surviving_saddam_and_confronting_islam_with_faisal_saeed_al_mutar/