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  • A Teacher Says No to the 10 Commandments

    A Teacher Says No to the 10 Commandments
    2024/11/05
    Louisiana teacher of the year sues to stop state's Ten Commandments law

    Newsweek, By Natalie Venegas, on October 23, 2024

    https://www.newsweek.com/louisiana-teacher-year-sues-stop-states-ten-commandments-law-1973796

    The panel discusses Louisiana's HB 71, a law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms. Christopher Diehr, the 2020 Louisiana Teacher of the Year, has filed a lawsuit against the statute, arguing it infringes on the separation of church and state.

    Panelists explore the historical arguments for the law, noting a Supreme Court ruling recognizing the Ten Commandments' significance in American history but questioning the law's constitutionality and its implications for teachers and students of various faiths.

    They express concern that the law pressures educators to promote religious doctrine and marginalizes non-Christian students. The conversation also touches on the historical context of religious influence in America and the challenges posed by this law in the education system.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.44.1 featuring Scott Dickie, Damien H, Kelley Laughlin and Stephen Harder

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    24 分
  • IT LIVES!!!: Franken - Jelly

    IT LIVES!!!: Franken - Jelly
    2024/11/02
    Comb Jelly with Two Butts Is Actually Two Individuals Fused Together

    SCIAM, by Elizabeth Ann Brown, on October 7, 2024

    In this episode, the hosts dive into a quirky yet significant scientific discovery about comb jellies, organisms known for their peculiar biology. The focus shifts to a recent finding where two comb jellies fused into a single body, leading to an odd scenario where each retained its own transient anus, yet shared digestive and nervous systems. This unique event challenges traditional ideas about individuality and offers potential breakthroughs in fields like transplant medicine. The researchers believe this study could reveal key insights into the process of allorecognition, the mechanism by which the human immune system identifies and sometimes rejects transplanted organs. The discussion then explores the broader implications of this discovery, including its relevance to human medical advancements and ethical concerns about such experiments.

    The hosts also reflect on how this finding highlights the adaptability of life, linking it to earlier experiments from the 1930s where similar fusions were observed. The hosts raise ethical questions, noting that while this study may have significant medical applications, it also underscores the need to reconsider how experiments are conducted, even with "simple" organisms. The conversation concludes by contemplating the importance of understanding life at its most fundamental levels, and the ways this knowledge could eventually benefit humanity. They joke about the humorous nature of the study, particularly the jellies’ "transient anuses," while acknowledging that such lighthearted framing helped make a dry scientific topic engaging.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.43.4 featuring Kara Griffin, AJ and Infidel64

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    17 分
  • I'm Right! Science said!

    I'm Right! Science said!
    2024/11/01
    Why people always think they’re right, according to science

    Fortune, By Ani Freedman, on October 9, 2024

    The conversation starts with a humorous introduction about always being right, but quickly shifts to a discussion about a recent study on the "illusion of information adequacy." This study found that when given incomplete facts, people often believe they have enough information to make informed decisions. However, when presented with the full picture, they tend to change their opinions. This leads to optimism that people are more open to changing their minds than previously thought, encouraging curiosity for deeper and more honest conversations.

    The discussion evolves into a broader examination of stubbornness in human nature, highlighting how echo chambers and preconceived notions may prevent individuals from altering their views, especially in real-world scenarios outside of controlled environments. AJ and the group reflect on how small misunderstandings, like how someone does laundry, could be addressed with curiosity, setting the stage for handling larger, more contentious issues such as politics and religion.

    Kara notes that while curiosity and empathetic communication can help in many cases, there are situations where some people remain entrenched in their beliefs for reasons beyond logic or evidence, such as religious motivations. The conversation touches on the "backfire effect," which suggests that people sometimes dig their heels in when presented with contradicting information, although recent studies show that this is not always the case. The key, the group agrees, is how information is delivered—kindness, empathy, and compassion are more likely to lead to open-mindedness than rudeness and condescension.

    The discussion transitions into a review of the Dunning-Kruger effect, explaining how people with limited knowledge tend to overestimate their abilities, while experts may underestimate their expertise. The group emphasizes the importance of being self-aware and acknowledging when one doesn't know enough. The ability to admit ignorance and stay open to learning is seen as a crucial tool in avoiding falling for conspiracy theories or getting trapped in misinformation.

    The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of self-awareness, humility, and being comfortable with nuance, uncertainty, and the possibility of not having all the answers—especially in complex areas like politics or science. The group acknowledges that while it's uncomfortable to admit a lack of knowledge, it is a necessary step toward better understanding and more meaningful conversations.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.43.3 featuring Kara Griffin, AJ and Infidel64

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    16 分
  • SC Woman Charged After Premature Birth

    SC Woman Charged After Premature Birth
    2024/10/30
    Turned My Whole Life Upside Down’: South Carolina Woman Charged with Murder After Giving Birth to Baby Prematurely On Toilet

    Atlanta Black Star, By Jill Jordan Sieder , on September 24, 2024

    The conversation focuses on the case of Mary Marsh, a young Black woman from South Carolina who was charged with murder after the loss of her pregnancy. This tragic event unfolded in March 2023, and Marsh, just 23 years old, was accused of failing to save her newborn after giving birth in a bathroom. This incident brings to light the severe consequences of today's reproductive laws, which increasingly criminalize women over the outcomes of their pregnancies. The case is seen as a reflection of the systemic issues in healthcare that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially Black women.

    The discussion highlights the broader impact of abortion bans and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which has escalated the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. These restrictive laws create an environment where women fear seeking medical care during pregnancy, knowing that any complications or losses might lead to legal consequences. Black women, in particular, are often the most vulnerable in these situations, already grappling with healthcare disparities and higher maternal mortality rates. The speakers emphasize how society’s expectations of pregnancy outcomes are often unrealistic, and yet, when complications arise, these women are treated with suspicion instead of care.

    While some claim that these types of cases are unrelated to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the speakers argue that the rollback of reproductive rights has made pregnancy itself a legally precarious condition. Women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, are increasingly exposed to legal risks simply for being pregnant. The fear of criminal charges discourages women from seeking medical help, further exacerbating the already severe gaps in healthcare access and outcomes for women of color.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.43.2 featuring Kara Griffin, AJ and Infidel64

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    20 分
  • Bad News Falwell...

    Bad News Falwell...
    2024/10/28
    Jerry Falwell Jr. is back and it's bad for everyone

    Religious News, By Karen Swallow Prior, on October 4, 2024

    The story dives into Christian hypocrisy, particularly examining the scandal surrounding Jerry Falwell Jr., his fall from grace, and his eventual return to Liberty University during homecoming week. Falwell’s behavior highlights the deep contradictions within institutions like Liberty, which impose strict moral codes on students while their leaders, like Falwell, live by completely different standards. Falwell himself openly rejected the notion that he should be held to higher standards, especially after being involved in a sex scandal. This hypocrisy is compounded by Liberty’s rigid rules for students, prohibiting actions as minor as hand-holding or using certain pronouns, while its leaders exploit power without consequence.

    The discussion also touches on how financial interests play a significant role in shaping Liberty’s response. After legal settlements involving the Falwell name, the University welcomed Falwell back, prioritizing reputation and loyalty over addressing the deeper issues of power abuse. This contradiction between forgiveness and justice reveals a systemic tendency to protect abusers while punishing victims or those who point out wrongdoing. The culture of institutions like Liberty often celebrates the return of powerful leaders despite their scandals, overshadowing the harm done to victims and avoiding accountability.

    Religious doctrines that emphasize forgiveness, often at the expense of justice for victims, play into this dynamic. Congregations are more likely to forgive or side with abusers than victims, aligning themselves with narratives of redemption rather than recognizing the pain and damage inflicted. The focus remains on restoring abusers to positions of power while silencing the voices of victims through financial settlements, leaving them marginalized and dismissed. The system enables continued abuse by excusing misconduct, as demonstrated by Falwell’s homecoming return being portrayed as a "heroic" moment, disregarding the broader harm caused by his actions.

    Another critical point is the involvement of Falwell’s wife, Becky, in her own scandal involving a relationship with a pool boy, which her husband was reportedly aware of and even encouraged. The abuse of power by both Falwell and his wife showcases their predatory behavior, targeting vulnerable individuals and luring them with false promises of wealth and business opportunities. The story emphasizes the disparity between the university’s strict expectations for its students and the unrestrained behavior of its leadership, who seem immune to the consequences of their actions.

    In the broader scope, this narrative highlights the failure of religious institutions to hold their leaders accountable, allowing them to abuse power without facing the same rules imposed on others. The issue extends beyond just Falwell, pointing to a systemic problem within organizations that prioritize power, money, and loyalty over moral integrity, creating environments ripe for exploitation and harm.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.43.1 featuring Kara Griffin, AJ and Infidel64

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    20 分
  • 23.42.4 DeSantis: Abort the Ads, Silence the Choice!

    23.42.4 DeSantis: Abort the Ads, Silence the Choice!
    2024/10/26
    DeSantis Administration Threatens News Station With Criminal Charges for Airing Abortion Amendment Ad

    Truthout, By Chris Walker, on October 9, 2024

    https://truthout.org/articles/desantis-administration-threatens-news-station-for-airing-abortion-amendment-ad/

    The state government of Florida is attempting to suppress a news station, WFLA, by threatening to criminalize them for airing a pro-Amendment 4 ad that advocates for extending abortion rights up to 20-26 weeks. This intimidation comes as Governor DeSantis strongly supports a six-week abortion ban currently in place. A letter from the Florida Department of Health's general counsel seeks to bully the station into pulling the ad, revealing an attempt to silence the press and undermine free speech.

    The discussion highlights the vagueness of Florida’s abortion laws, which potentially obstruct necessary medical procedures even in life-threatening situations. Across the U.S., pregnant individuals facing complicated pregnancies are often denied care due to ambiguous abortion laws. The debate centers around Amendment 4, which aims to reinstate broader abortion access, a position supported by a majority of Floridians. However, the amendment requires a 60% supermajority in the upcoming referendum, raising questions about the state's electoral processes and why such a high threshold is necessary.

    Amendment 4, if passed, would protect abortion rights up to fetal viability (22-25 weeks), directly challenging Florida’s restrictive six-week ban. It would also clarify legal uncertainties for healthcare providers, reducing the fear of legal repercussions in providing necessary medical care. The amendment is seen as crucial for women's health and reproductive rights, addressing real-life consequences seen in other red states. Although supported by many, the amendment is likely to face legal challenges from anti-abortion groups and could influence abortion legislation nationwide.

    Beyond the abortion debate, the segment emphasizes a broader issue of government overreach into press freedom. The Florida government’s attempt to prevent an ad supporting a lawful amendment exposes a dangerous authoritarian trend, wherein the state tries to dictate what the media can or cannot air. This goes beyond abortion—it challenges democracy itself, with the government stepping into an election process to stifle public discourse. The hosts express outrage over the nerve of this suppression, likening it to dictatorship behavior.

    The hosts conclude that this is fundamentally a democracy issue, with Florida’s government stepping into territory that violates both freedom of the press and free speech, as protected by the First Amendment. The debate also touches on the global differences in political campaigning, noting that such interference would not be seen in European democracies. Ultimately, they argue that the Florida government’s actions are an affront to democratic principles, setting a dangerous precedent for future government interference in the media.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.42.4 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Jonathan Roudabush, Cindy Plaza and Cynthia McDonald

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    22 分
  • Stop Wokeness Before Facts Infect Us All!

    Stop Wokeness Before Facts Infect Us All!
    2024/10/25
    War on wokeness: the year the right rallied around a made-up menace
    the Guardian, By Michael Harriot, on December 21, 2022

    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/20/anti-woke-race-america-history

    The discussion opens with a focus on the "war on woke," examining whether it's a real issue or just a political creation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' rhetoric against the so-called "woke mob" is dissected, revealing how this term has been twisted into a tool for political gain, especially on the right. The anti-woke movement is viewed as a deliberate attempt to stoke fear, promote white grievance, and maintain social hierarchies, distracting from the real issues of systemic racism and inequality. The discussion points out how the right often co-opts the term "woke," turning it into a negative caricature of social awareness.

    Cynthia dives deeper, illustrating how anti-woke legislation like DeSantis’ "Stop Woke Act" seeks to whitewash history, curb critical conversations about race, and protect the status quo. She draws parallels to historical backlash, showing how every civil rights advancement has been met with resistance—just as the election of the first Black president was followed by a rise in right-wing backlash. Cynthia criticizes the manipulation of language, pointing out that what was once a movement for awareness and empathy has been weaponized into a boogeyman used to scare people into supporting conservative causes.

    Further into the conversation, a clear distinction is made between legitimate criticism and personal insults. The group notes how political violence is often misrepresented by both sides of the debate. The labeling of leaders like Trump as fascists, for example, is seen as a factual observation based on behavior rather than an insult. The need for more nuanced discussions on television and in the public sphere is stressed, as simplifying or "both-siding" these issues leads to confusion.

    Cynthia and Cindy explore the complex dynamics of political labeling and the use of terms like fascism, socialism, and communism, suggesting that many people misuse or misunderstand them. They stress that it's crucial to challenge harmful ideas, not just to insult individuals. This type of critical thinking, they argue, is essential for societal progress. Cynthia concludes by emphasizing the importance of intellectual honesty and the need for honest debates free of strawman arguments or misleading narratives.

    The conversation wraps up by reflecting on how the U.S. is viewed on the world stage, suggesting that current events are tarnishing its reputation. There is a shared frustration over the close political races and the growing divide between reality and rhetoric in public discourse.

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.42.3 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Jonathan Roudabush, Cindy Plaza and Cynthia McDonald

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    20 分
  • Peterson U: How to Be Loud Without Listening!

    Peterson U: How to Be Loud Without Listening!
    2024/10/23
    Here’s What I Saw Before I Got Expelled From Jordan Peterson’s Online “University”

    Slate Magazine, By Luke Winkie, on October 3, 2024

    https://slate.com/life/2024/10/jordan-peterson-academy-university-online.html

    The launch of Jordan Peterson's online university seems like a calculated move to exploit the disillusionment of individuals frustrated with mainstream education. Peterson has branded his institution as a place for free speech and open debate, but it appears to be more about capitalizing on people's distrust of established educational systems than providing real academic value. Rather than focusing on delivering quality education, Peterson emphasizes buzzwords like "self-improvement" and "debate" while glaringly omitting any mention of rigorous academics or intellectual challenge.

    His school offers classes taught by people without relevant expertise—such as a theologian teaching decolonization and an author, not a medical professional, leading a course on nutrition. This lack of qualified instructors raises red flags about the integrity of what’s being offered. When someone attempted to question the legitimacy of the university, they were expelled, demonstrating a serious lack of tolerance for genuine inquiry or criticism.

    This speaks to an environment more concerned with reinforcing Peterson’s narrative than fostering true intellectual growth. Despite claiming to seek accreditation, Peterson's university is unwilling to meet the educational standards required by accrediting bodies. Instead, they defiantly declare that they won't change their methods to fit what they call an "outdated system." In reality, accreditation is a safeguard ensuring that students receive an education that meets minimum quality standards. By dismissing these standards, Peterson's project reveals itself as more of a self-serving business venture than a legitimate academic institution. This so-called university seems to exist to cater to a particular demographic: individuals who feel alienated by modern educational practices and are eager to hear perspectives that align with their biases. Rather than engaging with the complexities of issues like gender, colonization, or global history, the courses offered appear to be narrow, one-sided, and ideologically driven.

    The fact that Peterson’s university lacks diversity of thought—despite his claims of championing free speech—is a glaring contradiction. This institution, marketed as an antidote to "woke" academia, seems to prioritize indoctrination over real education, feeding followers a steady diet of shallow, agenda-driven material. Ultimately, Peterson’s venture looks like an opportunistic cash grab, using the guise of education to sell his ideological brand. Instead of offering meaningful academic opportunities, it’s preying on those who want to learn but can’t afford traditional higher education, all while delivering a product that lacks depth, nuance, or academic rigor. The question remains: Is this really about education, or is it just another way for Peterson to fleece his followers?

    The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.42.2 featuring Kelley Laughlin, Jonathan Roudabush, Cindy Plaza and Cynthia McDonald

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    24 分