Villanova Law Dean Mark Sargent has resigned after news reports that he was a customer of a prostitution ring. Sargent previously wrote a law review article entitled “Lawyers in a Moral Maze.”
Archive for the 'Religion' Category
Dean in a Moral Maze: Villanova Law School Dean Resigns After Being Implicated in Prostitution Ring
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 7 CommentsIdaho Couple Faces Life in Prison for Incest
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society , Supreme Court 17 Comments
Brian Lee Reed, 30, and Marilyn Renee Lee, 36, have been arrested for having consensual sex. The problem is not the sex but the fact that Marilyn is the half-sister of Brian. The case could raise some interesting legal questions.
Continue reading ‘Idaho Couple Faces Life in Prison for Incest’
High-Ranking Iranian Official Accuses Mousavi With Treason and Being “Foreign Agent”
Published 1, July 6, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 8 Comments
The Iranian government appears to be laying the groundwork to arrest Mir Hossein Mousavi, who this week released proof of extensive fraud and government interference with the June 12th elections. Hossein Shariatmadari, a special adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused Mousavi of being a “foreign agent” working for the United States and a member of a “fifth column” determined to topple Iran’s Islamic system of governance. The Iranian government has also announced a crackdown on satellite providers in an effort to block citizens from hearing any news other than what the government approves. It appears that in the paradise of Islamic rule the government cannot risk people hearing about their government and its actions.
Continue reading ‘High-Ranking Iranian Official Accuses Mousavi With Treason and Being “Foreign Agent”’
Unholy Challah: Israel Court Orders Religious Board to Certify Bakery of Messianic Jew
Published 1, July 5, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Religion , Society 24 Comments
Israel continues to struggle with entanglement of temple and church. The latest battle occurred over the denial of a bakery, bakery, Pnina Pie, as a kashrut bakery. The denial was based on the faith of the owner, Pnina Comporati, who is a Messianic Jew. The Israeli Supreme Court ordered that Ashdod Rabbinate and the Chief Rabbinate Council to issue the certification.
Continue reading ‘Unholy Challah: Israel Court Orders Religious Board to Certify Bakery of Messianic Jew’
Ave Maria Law School Invokes Status as Religious Institution and “Ecclesiastical Abstention” to Dismiss Law Professors’ Lawsuit
Published 1, July 5, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Religion , Society 24 Comments
The Ave Maria Law School in Naples, Florida has long been controversial. Dedicated to Catholic education and values, the school is the subject of a lawsuit by professors who are challenging the move from Michigan to Florida as well as management policies. The law school is now claiming in the lawsuit that all law professors are “ministerial employees” and that the school is entitled to “ecclesiastical abstention.”
Continue reading ‘Ave Maria Law School Invokes Status as Religious Institution and “Ecclesiastical Abstention” to Dismiss Law Professors’ Lawsuit’
God is My Co-Host: Turkish Show Under Fire for Syndicating Salvation
Published 1, July 5, 2009 Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 13 Comments
It sounds like the lead of a hundred bad jokes: A Muslim imam, a Catholic priest, and a Buddhist monk walk into a television studio . . . However, this is the setup for a new show “Penitents Compete” on Turkish television station Kanal T where the clerics are put into a room with 10 atheists to convert them. It is the ultimate Survival: Salvation show. Continue reading ‘God is My Co-Host: Turkish Show Under Fire for Syndicating Salvation’
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Published 1, July 4, 2009 Academics , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Environment , International , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society , Torts 45 Comments
Happy Independence Day!
Republican State Senator: We Allow Gays To Exist
Published 1, July 3, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 13 Comments
Pennsylvania State Sen. John Eichelberger (R) has refused to apologize after a statement that the public has allowed gays to exist. Eichelberger is pushing a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and made the statement after being asked by Sen. Daylin Leach (D) who gays should be treated.
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Dog Owner Accuses New York’s First Hasidic Police Officer of Abuse and Sexism
Published 1, July 1, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
In 2006, Joel Witriol broke barriers in becoming New York’s first Hasidic cop — a proud moment for both Witriol and the Hasidic community. He is now, however, embroiled in a controversy over whether he was abusive in the treatment of Chrissie Brodigan and her pug dog in a New York subway station.
Continue reading ‘Dog Owner Accuses New York’s First Hasidic Police Officer of Abuse and Sexism’
Israeli High Court Orders Harsher Punishment for Officer Who Ordered the Shooting of a Bound Palestinian with Rubber-Coated Bullet
Published 1, July 1, 2009 Courts , Criminal law , International , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
The Israeli High Court has ordered the Military Advocate General to file more serious charges against an Israel Defense Forces officer who ordered a soldier to shoot a bound Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet. Lt. Col. Omri Burberg, the officer, and Staff Sgt. L., the soldier, were formally charged with “improper conduct” over the incident, a mere misdemeanor.
Oklahoma Legislature to Consider Proclamation Linking the Economic Crisis to Obama’s Immoral Policies
Published 1, June 30, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 75 Comments
Recently, Rush Limbaugh explained how Obama economic policies were the cause of Republican Gov. Mark Sanford’s affair with a beautiful Argentinian woman. But what caused the economic problems that caused the stimulus package that aroused Gov. Sanford? Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern has finally answered that question: our sins. Kern has drafted a resolution that puts the current economic crisis squarely on the backs of libertines and godless people who have produced a moral crisis. This includes Obama’s refusal to “uphold the long held tradition of past presidents in recognition of our National Day of Prayer.”
Leading Iranian Cleric Calls for Execution of Some Protesters
Published 1, June 26, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 15 Comments
The Iranian government has continued its crackdown on protests, including the arrest of dozens of university professors for merely meeting with opposition leader Hossein Mousavi. Senior cleric Ayatollah Ahmed Khatami has called for the execution of some protesters and harsh treatment of all leaders of the protests.
Continue reading ‘Leading Iranian Cleric Calls for Execution of Some Protesters’
Sharia Court Cuts Off Hands and Feet of Petty Thieves in Public Display
Published 1, June 26, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , International , Justice , Religion , Society 27 Comments
The world has another example of justice by extremists using Sharia law. In Mogadishu, Somalia, an Islamic court held a public ceremony where the hands and feet of weeping thieves were cut off in front of hundreds of onlookers.
Continue reading ‘Sharia Court Cuts Off Hands and Feet of Petty Thieves in Public Display’
Gay Exorcism: Video of Connecticut Ceremony Causes Outrage
Published 1, June 25, 2009 Bizarre , Religion , Society 28 CommentsA video of a “gay exorcism” has outraged the public as a teen is shown writhing on the ground as members of the Manifested Glory Ministries Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut drive out “homosexual demons.”
Continue reading ‘Gay Exorcism: Video of Connecticut Ceremony Causes Outrage’
A Dollar A Day Keeps The Babies Away: North Carolina Teens Offered $7 Day to Remain Baby-Free
Published 1, June 25, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 9 Comments
The University of North Carolina has started a program called the College Bound Sisters where teenagers receive $7 a day to stay in school and stay baby-free. They must also attend meetings each week on abstinence.
Continue reading ‘A Dollar A Day Keeps The Babies Away: North Carolina Teens Offered $7 Day to Remain Baby-Free’
Meet The Butcher: Iranian Mullahs Enlist Controversial Figure to Crackdown on Protesters
Published 1, June 24, 2009 Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 18 CommentsThere are new reports of beatings and shootings as the Iranian government tries to crush protests by citizens demanding more freedoms and democratic rights. The violence is little surprise after it was disclosed this week that the person behind the crackdown is the notorious “Butcher” Saeed Mortazavi. He is a religious extremist previously called upon to do the dirty work of the mullahs.
Continue reading ‘Meet The Butcher: Iranian Mullahs Enlist Controversial Figure to Crackdown on Protesters’
Negating Neda: Iranian Government Seeks to Erase Memory of Iranian Martyr
Published 1, June 23, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 59 Comments
Acting true to it authoritarian form, the Iranian government is seeking to erase evidence of Neda Solton, the 26-year-old woman who died during protests when government forces used live rounds to disperse crowds.
Continue reading ‘Negating Neda: Iranian Government Seeks to Erase Memory of Iranian Martyr’
DePaul President Names Former Judge as New “Interim” Dean for Two Years
Published 1, June 23, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Lawyering , Religion , Society 4 Comments
DePaul University President The Reverend Fr. Dennis H. Holtschneider (right) has announced his selection of Illinois Appellate Judge Warren Wolfson, 76, as the new interim dean at the DePaul University College of Law for a two-year appointment. The announcement led to the resignation of the associate dean and only further angered the faculty and students.
Continue reading ‘DePaul President Names Former Judge as New “Interim” Dean for Two Years’
Cult or Miscavige of Justice? Newspaper Runs Indepth Exposé on Church of Scientology
Published 1, June 22, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 268 Comments
The St. Petersburg Times is running a series on the Church of Scientology that has some pretty eye-popping allegations, particularly with regard to Church leader David Miscavige. For those who have long argued that the Church is a cult (most recently in Europe) the exposé will likely reinforce their views.
Website Under Investigation in Israel For Featuring Soldier As Alleged Killer
Published 1, June 22, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
>Israel has a case that would make for an interesting false light and defamation claim in the United States. Indymedia Israel, a news site popular with civil libertarians, ran a picture of a soldier with the caption “murderer” and said that he was responsible for the death of Bassem Abu Rahma, who was hit in the chest with a tear gas grenade in Bilin near the West Bank. The government says that the soldier was not involved in the incident.
Continue reading ‘Website Under Investigation in Israel For Featuring Soldier As Alleged Killer’
Iran’s Crispus Attucks: Demonstrators Chant the Name of Neda
Published 1, June 22, 2009 Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 48 Comments
At the Boston Massacre, an unlikely figure emerged as one of the heros, a man of black or Indian parentage named Crispus Attucks. In Iran, women have played a key role in the protests and protesters have rallied around a female martyr named Neda Soltan, 26. Just as blacks in the United States were fighting from a position of slavery and discrimination, Iranian women have been throwing off of restrictions of the harsh Islamic regime and taken to the street. One such courageous young person was filmed as she died after being shot by Iranian security. The video is making it through the blackout curtain established by the Iranian government.
Continue reading ‘Iran’s Crispus Attucks: Demonstrators Chant the Name of Neda’
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!
Published 1, June 21, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law , Environment , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 23 Comments
Gentleman assume your couches! Happy Father’s Day to all of the Turley bloggers.
New York Mother “Cures” Daughter in Religious Ceremony By Burning Her
Published 1, June 21, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 18 Comments
A New York mother in Queens “cured” her daughter in a religious ceremony by burning the six-year-old daughter Frantzcia Saintil and leaving her scarred for life. The mother, Marie Lauradin, 29, was charged with assault and endangering a child this week.
Continue reading ‘New York Mother “Cures” Daughter in Religious Ceremony By Burning Her’
Pakistani Muslims Beat Reportedly Beat Christian to Death for Buying Tea at Muslim-Only Stand
Published 1, June 18, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 106 Comments
Various news sites are reporting that a Christian man, Ishtiaq Masih, was beaten to death in Pakistan’s Punjab province for buying a cup of tea in a Muslim-only tea stall.
Continue reading ‘Pakistani Muslims Beat Reportedly Beat Christian to Death for Buying Tea at Muslim-Only Stand’
Report: Monica Conyers is “Council Member A” In Federal Bribery Investigation
Published 1, June 17, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 3 Comments
Detroit City Council member Monica Conyers has been repeatedly the subject of scathing media articles regarding physical and verbal attacks on her critics, here and here and here. She is now facing a corruption probe after being identified as the alleged “Council Member A” in a federal investigation who accepted more than $6000 for a vote on a sludge contract.
Continue reading ‘Report: Monica Conyers is “Council Member A” In Federal Bribery Investigation’
Defining Terrorism: We Can Call People Murderers Without Diminishing Their Crimes
Published 1, June 17, 2009 Columns , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Justice , Media , Politics , Religion , Society , USA Today 19 Comments
Columnist Bonnie Erbe said last week that “it ought to be against the law” for people to call George Tiller “a murderer” and “anyone who [says such things] it ought to be prosecuted as an accessory to murder, as well as for partaking in domestic terrorism.” Others have also demanded that we treat such crimes as “domestic terrorism.” Below is today’s column on defining terrorism.
Continue reading ‘Defining Terrorism: We Can Call People Murderers Without Diminishing Their Crimes’
Prosecutor to Seek Dissolution of Scientology in France
Published 1, June 15, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 16 CommentsState prosecutor Maud Coujard has recommended that a Paris court dissolve the French branch of the Church of Scientology. Scientology has been accused of being little more than a criminal enterprise in France and other countries that uses escalating courses or levels to bilk individuals of thousands of dollars.
Continue reading ‘Prosecutor to Seek Dissolution of Scientology in France’
Obama Defends Defense of Marriage Act and Moves to Dismiss Same-Sex Marriage Lawsuit
Published 1, June 15, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Justice , Lawyering , Politics , Religion , Society 44 Comments
Civil libertarians have been outraged by President Barack Obama’s adoption of extreme Bush policies on secrecy and executive privilege, including his effort to dismiss public interest lawsuits and his Administration’s refusal to investigate war crimes committed by the Bush Administration. Now, Obama has filed to dismiss the case of Arthur Smelt and Christopher Hammer, who are challenging the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which blocks same-sex couples from securing Social Security spousal benefits, filing joint taxes and enjoying other federal rights of marriage.
“April’s Mom” Admits That Terminally Ill Baby and Anti-Abortion Sensation was a Hoax
Published 1, June 14, 2009 Bizarre , Religion , Society 12 Comments
For months, a blogger known as “April’s Mom” has been the heroine of religious and pro-life sites, recounting how she chose to give birth to a terminally ill baby and allowed the child to die naturally hours after giving birth. April’s Mom turns out to be Beccah Beushausen, 26, a social worker from outside Chicago and the entire story was a lie.
Continue reading ‘“April’s Mom” Admits That Terminally Ill Baby and Anti-Abortion Sensation was a Hoax’
Former Priest Claims that He Was Given 11-Year-Old Boy an “Anatomy Lesson” in Latest Arrest
Published 1, June 14, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 4 Comments
Former Roman Catholic priest Desmond Laurence Gannon has been jailed in a fifth prosecution for child abuse in Australia. His defense in this latest case is that he was merely giving an 11-year-old boy “anatomy lessons.”
Continue reading ‘Former Priest Claims that He Was Given 11-Year-Old Boy an “Anatomy Lesson” in Latest Arrest’
Putting the Bars Back Into Bar Mitzvah: Rabbi Accused of Throwing Lavish Party in the Tombs
Published 1, June 14, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Religion 3 Comments
The New York prison system is dealing with a bizarre scandal after the media revealed taht an inmate at “the Tombs” in Manhattan was given an elaborate bar mitzvah party for 60 people with catered food, an Orthodox singer, and 60 guests. The party was thrown by Tuvia Stern, a bail jumper and scam artist who pleaded guilty to grand larceny after victims alleged he stole $1.7 million. The bar mitzvah was for his son.
Continue reading ‘Putting the Bars Back Into Bar Mitzvah: Rabbi Accused of Throwing Lavish Party in the Tombs’
Palestinian Family Hangs 15-Year-Old Boy Due To Suspicion of Collaboration with Israel
Published 1, June 12, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 217 Comments
In Ramallah, West Bank, Palestinian police say that a family hanged a 15-year-old boy because they believed that he might be a collaborator with Israel. The police doubt that he was a collaborator due to his young age.
Continue reading ‘Palestinian Family Hangs 15-Year-Old Boy Due To Suspicion of Collaboration with Israel’
Car Kvetsh: Orthodox Jews United Against Parking Lots in Jerusalem
Published 1, June 12, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 9 Comments
Ultra-Orthodox Jews are threatening widespread protests to prevent what they insist is a grave insult to their faith: a parking lot. The activists insist that no parking lot should be open on the Sabbath despite the fact that many Jews and non-Jews do not share their religious beliefs on driving. Protests last week turned violent.
Continue reading ‘Car Kvetsh: Orthodox Jews United Against Parking Lots in Jerusalem’
Indian Colleges to Expel Any Women Wearing Jeans or Shorts — In Order to Protect Them
Published 1, June 11, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 10 Comments
Colleges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh have a novel way to protecting women from sexual harassment. Officials announced that any female students wearing jeans, shorts, minishirts, or tight blouses will be expelled because men are harassing them. This falls into the category of destroying a village to save it. Rather than expelled men who harass women, the schools are cracking down on the victims.
Continue reading ‘Indian Colleges to Expel Any Women Wearing Jeans or Shorts — In Order to Protect Them’
Wright: “Them Jews Aren’t Going To Let [Obama] Talk To Me”
Published 1, June 10, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Politics , Religion 49 Comments
Rev. Jeremiah Wright is back with a vengeance. In an interview, Wright says that he has not spoken to President Obama since the campaign despite their prior close relationship. He blames the Jews saying
“them Jews aren’t going to let him talk to me.”
Continue reading ‘Wright: “Them Jews Aren’t Going To Let [Obama] Talk To Me”’
Who Will Rid Me Of These Meddlesome Victims?: Brooklyn Bishop DiMarzio Warns Legislators That Allowing Child-Abuse Victims to Sue Would Virtually Bankrupt Diocese
Published 1, June 7, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society , Torts 41 Comments
Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio of Brooklyn is reportedly threatening dire consequences for both legislators and the Church if New York lifts the statute of limitations to allow victims of child sex-abuse to sue. The one-year suspension will, according to the Bishop, bankrupt the Church and lead to social and political backlash for legislators.
Continue reading ‘Who Will Rid Me Of These Meddlesome Victims?: Brooklyn Bishop DiMarzio Warns Legislators That Allowing Child-Abuse Victims to Sue Would Virtually Bankrupt Diocese’
DOES TURLEY BLOG NEED A NIP AND TUCK?
Published 1, June 7, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Columns , Congress , Constitutional Law , Courts , Criminal law , Environment , International , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society , Supreme Court , Testimony , Torts 86 Comments
It comes to all of us with age. As hairlines recede and waistlines expand, cosmetic surgery becomes more attractive. While this blog is just around 2 years old, in human-to-blog years that is almost middle aged. In the last few weeks, various regulars have suggested that the site needs work to handle the large number of visitors and entries. This is an attempt to see what you would like to do with the site. I view this site as belonging to all of the regulars and I would like to solicit your thoughts on changes that you would like to see from different cosmetic touches to different structure. This entry will also allow discussion of those things (not people) that you least like.
Continue reading ‘DOES TURLEY BLOG NEED A NIP AND TUCK?’
Baptist Minister Prays For Death of President Obama
Published 1, June 5, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 34 Comments
Baptist Minister (and former second vice president of the Souther Baptist Convention) Wiley Drake reportedly said that he is offering an “imprecatory prayer” for the death of President Obama.
Continue reading ‘Baptist Minister Prays For Death of President Obama’
Live Free or Die: New Hampshire Becomes Sixth State To Recognize Same-Sex Marriages
Published 1, June 4, 2009 Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 12 Comments
And then there were six. The New Hampshire legislature has voted to recognize same-sex marriage joining five other states with such recognition in a continuing and encouraging trend among the states. Gov. John Lynch signed the bill soon after it was passed by the legislature. The question now is whether religious conservatives will try to stop states from determining their own matrimonial laws by passing a federal constitutional amendment.
Cheney: Gays Should Be Able To Marry
Published 1, June 2, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 28 Comments
Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday that he supports same-sex unions and believes that the question should be left to the states — as opposed to a federal prohibition or constitutional amendment. Cheney, who has a lesbian daughter, insisted “I think, you know, freedom means freedom for everyone. I think people ought to be free to enter into any kind of union they wish, any kind of arrangement they wish.”
Police Arrest Alleged Killer of Dr. George Tiller
Published 1, June 1, 2009 Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 197 Comments
A Kansas man, Scott Roeder, has been arrested for the murder of Dr. George Tiller (left), 67, who was shot while serving as an usher at his Wichita church Sunday morning. Tiller was one of the few U.S. doctors performing late-term abortions in the country and had previously survived a 1993 shooting outside of his clinic when he was shot in both arms. I discussed this case on this segment of Rachel Maddow Show.
Continue reading ‘Police Arrest Alleged Killer of Dr. George Tiller’
Golden Child Goes Grunge
Published 1, June 1, 2009 Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 3 Comments
There is another “gilded cage” story out of Tibet. This week, many people are talking about a Malaysian princess who fled a seemingly story tale life with a Royal family after alleged torture and abuse. Now, ,Tibetans are dealing with the flight of a man once worshiped as a God. Osel Hita Torres, 23, was selected by monks at five month old as the reincarnation of the recently deceased Lama Yeshe. At 14 months, he was taken from his parents and declared Lama Tenzin Osel Rinpoche. He fled and is now a film student in Spain who has denounced his treatment and stolen childhood. He can now be seen in his fully human glory in baggy pants, long hair, and loving life.
Gilded Cage: Malaysian Royal Family Accused of Drugging and Torturing Princess
Published 1, June 1, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 4 Comments
With the world still talking about UAE Crown Prince Sheik Issa bin Zayed al Nahyan and is torture videos, another royal family has been accused of torture and abuses. Teenage model Manohara Odelia Pinot was only 16 when she was married to Tengku Temenggong Muhammad Fakhry, a prince of Malaysia’s Kelantan State. While in Singapore, she was able to escape with the help of police and tell an incredible story of being drugged, tortured, and confined by the family.
Continue reading ‘Gilded Cage: Malaysian Royal Family Accused of Drugging and Torturing Princess’
Saudi Arabia Beheads Killer and Then Displays His Body in “Crucifixion”
Published 1, May 31, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 14 Comments
Saudi Arabia has added to its macabre medieval tradition with what it called a “crucifixion” — the public display of a beheaded killed, Ahmed Al-Shamlani Al-Anzi.
Continue reading ‘Saudi Arabia Beheads Killer and Then Displays His Body in “Crucifixion”’
Wikipedia Blocks Edits by Church of Scientology
Published 1, May 30, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Religion , Society 18 Comments
Scientology may believe that they can achieve control of time and space, but they are being denied control over Wikipedia entries. Wikipedia has blocked edits from Scientology computers due to a history of what it says are deceptive and abusive edits. They also banned individual Scientologists.
Continue reading ‘Wikipedia Blocks Edits by Church of Scientology’
Potato Politics: Ahmadinejad Goes From Gross to Grocer
Published 1, May 29, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 6 Comments
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made a name for himself as a Holocaust-denying, gay-bashing, Israel-hating, religious nut. None of that appears to have made him particularly unpopular in Iran. However, he is now accused of buying votes with potatoes.
Continue reading ‘Potato Politics: Ahmadinejad Goes From Gross to Grocer’
Faith With Fräuleins: Father Cutie Goes Episcopal
Published 1, May 29, 2009 Bizarre , Religion , Society 14 Comments
Father Alberto Cutie, known as “Father Oprah,” has been much in the news after photos were published showing him hugging a woman at a bar and beach. Facing a resumption of celibacy, Father Cutie has discovered the Episcopal Church.
Continue reading ‘Faith With Fräuleins: Father Cutie Goes Episcopal’
Israel Moves To Criminalize Statements Against Israel’s Right to Exist
Published 1, May 28, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 30 CommentsLegislators in the Knesset gave initial approval to a law that would make it a crime to deny the right of Israel to exist — mandating a year in prison for such an exercise of free speech.
Continue reading ‘Israel Moves To Criminalize Statements Against Israel’s Right to Exist’
Funeral Home Operator Accuses of Abandoning Four Bodies in Building Since 2006
Published 1, May 28, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society , Torts 3 Comments
In torts, we have seen a steady line of cases related to the abuse or mishandling of corpses. However, this Indiana case is off the charts. Rev. Reginald Burrell and his parishioners from Northlake Church of Christ went to their newly purchased building only to find four bodies abandoned from 2006.
Continue reading ‘Funeral Home Operator Accuses of Abandoning Four Bodies in Building Since 2006′
Olson and Bois Team Up on Proposition 8 Challenge
Published 1, May 27, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , Lawyering , Politics , Religion , Society , Supreme Court 26 Comments
Theodore B. Olson, the U.S. solicitor general under Bush and his lawyer in Bush v. Gore, and David Boies, who represented former vice president Al Gore in that case, have joined forces to challenge Proposition 8 in federal court after this week’s loss in the California state court system.
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Scientology Officers Stand Trial for Organized Fraud in France
Published 1, May 26, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 20 CommentsScientology is back in court this week. Officials are facing organized fraud charges with $7 million in fines and 10 years in prison — and could be ordered to end their operations in France. The Church is viewed as a criminal organization and a dangerous cult for years in various European nations, here and here.
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Report: Bush Told French President Jacques Chirac That Iraq War Was Biblically Ordained With Story of Gog and Magog
Published 1, May 25, 2009 Bizarre , International , Media , Military , Politics , Religion , Society 64 Comments
After the recent disclosure of how Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld used biblical passages as part of the war briefings for President George W. Bush, GQ magazine has an even more disturbing account: Bush lobbied French President Chirac that the war in Iraq was foretold in the bible and told that it was the final struggle with Gog and Magog.
Laying Hands Upon: Ex-Child Molester Becomes Preacher and Molests Children
Published 1, May 25, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 7 Comments
Police have arrested Billy Masters, 66, reportedly the preacher at Harvest Baptist Church for first-degree sexual abuse of a 12-year-old boy. What is remarkable is that Masters previously was convicted and served time for sodomy of a child.
Continue reading ‘Laying Hands Upon: Ex-Child Molester Becomes Preacher and Molests Children’
The Price of Liberty: University Bans Democratic Student Organization on Morality Grounds
Published 1, May 23, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 23 Comments
The late Rev. Jerry Falwell always insisted that he spoke for “the moral majority.” However, it appears that his university, Liberty University, is equally interested in silencing what they consider to be the “immoral minority.” The school this week shutdown the the Liberty University College Democrats as inimical to their moral mission. The Republican Student organization was retained.
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Cardinal: The Greatest Sin Is . . .
Published 1, May 22, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 30 Comments
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, the departing Archbishop of Westminster, had a few things to say about sin this week in welcoming his replacement. It turns out that the greatest sin is not clergy child abuse, war crimes, ethnic cleansing or the like. The greatest sin? Atheism.
Continue reading ‘Cardinal: The Greatest Sin Is . . .’
Weakland: I Did Not Know Sex With Child Was a Crime and Thought Kids Would “Grow Out of It”
Published 1, May 22, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 17 Comments
Recently, we discussed the forthcoming book by former Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, the leading cleric who was accused of date rape and covering up the abuse of children by other priests. The church paid $450,000 in 1998 to a man who had accused him of assault. Now, Weakland insists that he and other priests did not know it was a crime to have sex with children and thought they would not remember or they would “grow out of it.”
Continue reading ‘Weakland: I Did Not Know Sex With Child Was a Crime and Thought Kids Would “Grow Out of It”’
Minnesota Mom Flees with Ailing Son To Avoid Chemotherapy
Published 1, May 20, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Religion , Society 12 Comments
Colleen Hauser and her son, Daniel, have disappeared in the wake of losing the court fight to block chemotherapy needed to save Daniel’s life. He is suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma and an x-ray on Monday showed that the tumor had grown.
Continue reading ‘Minnesota Mom Flees with Ailing Son To Avoid Chemotherapy’
Darwinian Dilemma: Scientists See Fossil As “Missing Link” While Creationist Scientists See Old Dead Monkey
Published 1, May 20, 2009 Academics , Environment , Religion , Society 46 Comments
Scientists have discovered what is being heralded as the long sought “missing link” — a 47-million-year-old fossilized skeleton of a monkey called Ida that is 95% complete. It is believed to show a direct connection between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom. Of course, anyone who has a master’s in creationist science in Texas or runs as a GOP candidate for president can tell you that the researchers have been duped. Since the Earth is only 10,000 years old, the radiometric dating is obviously wrong by roughly 47 million years and evolution is just a god-hating, atheist-advancing theory.
Continue reading ‘Darwinian Dilemma: Scientists See Fossil As “Missing Link” While Creationist Scientists See Old Dead Monkey’
Bewitching Protest: Accused Nigerian Child Witches Protest Abuse
Published 1, May 18, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 13 Comments
In past blogs, we have been keeping track of the horrible fate of children and women in Nigeria and other parts of Africa accused of witchcraft. Belief in witches is common in Africa and shown recently with disclosures about one of Gov. Sarah Palin’s favorite preachers. Now, these children are protesting to try to get the world to pay attention to their plight and to get the government to act.
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Onward Christian Soldier: Donald Rumsfeld Reportedly Sent Briefing Booklets on Iraq War to Bush Containing Inspirational Biblical Sayings
Published 1, May 18, 2009 Bizarre , Congress , International , Military , Politics , Religion , Society 35 Comments
GQ has an array of daily briefing booklet sent by Donald Rumsfeld to George W. Bush on the Iraq war and the war on terror that featured Biblical sayings. This is the reading prepared for a president who called the war on terror a “crusade.” Such Biblical inspirational sayings as “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him…To deliver their soul from death” were coupled with triumphant pictures for the President’s daily briefings. The covers read like a Sunday school workbook for an adolescent student.
Texas School District Resolves Controversy Over Christian Groups Distributing Bibles Outside of Schools By Inviting Them Inside
Published 1, May 17, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 54 Comments
The Frisco Independent School District in Texas was faced with complaints about Gideon volunteers hanging around outside of schools to pass out bibles to children. They solved the problem by inviting them into the school where free bibles are now made available to the students — a move that has caused some parents to object.
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Court Overrules Parents in Religious Refusal of Chemotherapy for 13-Year-Old Boy
Published 1, May 16, 2009 Courts , Politics , Religion , Society 59 Comments
Minnesota Judge John Rodenberg has ruled in the case of Daniel Hauser, 13. We discussed this case earlier regarding the religious objections that the parents raised to chemotherapy for Daniel’s cancer –even though he has a 90 percent chance of survival with the treatment and little or no change of survival without it.
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Disgraced Archbishop Turns Author: Rembert Weakland to Release Book on Gay Lifestyle
Published 1, May 15, 2009 Bizarre , International , Religion , Society 8 Comments
The former head of the Milwaukee archdiocese, Archbishop Rembert Weakland, 82, is about to publish a memoir on his gay lifestyle as a Catholic priest and sexual scandal. “A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church: Memoirs of a Catholic Archbishop” will be released in June.
Bauer: Good Christians Torture
Published 1, May 14, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 27 Comments
There has been a long controversy over the ability of the religious right to justify most any position of the GOP on the environment or civil liberties in terms of religious faith. However, the recent Republican effort to embrace and justify torture presented a bit of a problem for the faithful, particularly Christians who worship a man who was tortured to death on a cross. That presented no problem for Gary Bauer, a former Republican presidential candidate and leader of the religious right, who has announced that it would have been immoral for the Bush administration not to torture people.
Cutie Confession: “Father Oprah” Admits Affair With Woman
Published 1, May 12, 2009 Bizarre , Religion , Society 1 CommentRev. Albert Cutie, known in Miami as “Father Oprah” for his popular radio program, has admitted to an affair with a woman after being taken off the air after the release of photos with the woman at a bar and the beach.
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Saudi Judge: Husbands Are Allowed to Slap Wives Over Over-Spending
Published 1, May 11, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 14 CommentsThe Saudi Arabian legal system has given the world yet another medieval moment: Judge Hamad Al-Razine has ruled that husbands are allowed to slap their wives for over-spending or excessive shopping.
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Journalist Roxana Saberi Released From Jail in Iran
Published 1, May 11, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Justice , Politics , Religion , Society 13 Comments
After a sham of a trial, Journalist Roxana Saberi has been released from an Iranian jail after an appeal. She had been convicted on charges of espionage.
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Dying Boy in Sleepy Eye: Parents Withholds Needed Chemotherapy From Boy on Religious Grounds
Published 1, May 10, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Religion , Society 30 CommentsDaniel Hauser, 13, is dying of cancer and needs chemotherapy. However, his mother, Colleen Hauser of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, is in court this week fighting the treatment on religious grounds. Hauser has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but the family is against modern treatment on religious grounds and believes in healing cancer with herbs and vitamins . . . and prayer. Continue reading ‘Dying Boy in Sleepy Eye: Parents Withholds Needed Chemotherapy From Boy on Religious Grounds’
Dirty Dancing: Christian High School Suspends Student for Attending a School Prom
Published 1, May 10, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Religion , Society 8 Comments
Tyler Frost, 17, a senior at Heritage Christian School in Findlay, Ohio has been suspended for attending a prom with his girlfriend because the Findlay High School’s prom allowed dancing and music. This Taliban-like ruling is based on the Christian school’s policy that forbids dancing, rock music, hand holding and kissing.
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Barack Obama’s Mom Posthumously Baptized As Mormon
Published 1, May 10, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 2 Comments
There is a report out this week that, during 2008 Presidential campaign, Stanley Ann Dunham, Barack Obama’s mother, was posthumously baptized into the Mormon faith. The proxy rite was performed in June 2008.
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Christian College Suspends Student for Work as Gay Porn Actor
Published 1, May 9, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Religion , Society 31 Comments
Grove City College, a Christian College in Western Pennsylvania, has suspended John Gechter, 21, for one year after a student saw him in a gay porn movie performing under the name of “Vincent DeSalvo.” It is not clear how the student came across this information.
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Miss Beautiful Morals: Saudia Arabia Holds Its Own Version of the Annual Beauty Contest
Published 1, May 7, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 11 Comments
The image of women walking down the runway in burqas sound like something from a skit on Saturday Night Live, but Saudi Arabia has launched its answer to beauty contests — Miss Beautiful Morals. Beauty contests have been declared “Islamically unacceptable” so in this contest women compete for the most morally perfect women.
Maine Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Published 1, May 6, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 55 Comments
Maine today legalized same-sex marriage – joining D.C. this week in the historic act.
Not-So-Moot Court: Jewish Students Challenge Schedule of National High School Mock Trial
Published 1, May 6, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Lawyering , Politics , Religion , Society 1 Comment
The students of the National High School Mock Trial are getting some real legal exposure this year with a claim of religious discrimination filed against the organization on behalf of the Maimonides School, an Orthodox Jewish day school in Brookline, Massachusetts. The organization has refused to change the calendar to allow the Orthodox students to compete on a day other than a Saturday.
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Cutie Pictures: “Father Oprah” Taken Off Radio Disclosure of Pictures With Woman
Published 1, May 6, 2009 Bizarre , Media , Religion , Society 22 Comments
Rev. Albert Cutie, known in Miami as “Father Oprah” for his popular radio program, has been taken off the air after allegedly laying hands on a woman at a bar and the beach. Pictures were found of Cutie embracing a women in what is a bit strange for a Catholic priest.
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D.C. Passes Same-Sex Marriage — Despite Do-Over by Marion Barry
Published 1, May 6, 2009 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics , Religion , Society 13 Comments
The D.C. Council passed a same-sex marriage law unanimously this week — sort of. Ex-felon and current Councilman Marion Barry voted for the legislation only to immediately object that he did not want to vote for same-sex marriage and insisted on a new vote. It passed 12-1.
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Makutu Murder: Family Charged With Manslaughter In Death of Woman During Exorcism
Published 1, May 6, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 3 Comments
Nine members of a New Zealand family will stand trial for the death of Janet Moses during a gruesome exorcism rite of the Maori culture called makutu. The rite is supposed to lift a curse and involves pouring water down the throat of the subject and trying to suck the devil out of her eyeballs.
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England Bans Talk Show Host Michael Savage
Published 1, May 5, 2009 Constitutional Law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 31 Comments
Talk show host Michael Savage (aka Michael Weiner) has been banned from entry into England in the latest example of England’s rapid abandonment of free speech principles.
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Iran Stones Another Adulterer to Death
Published 1, May 5, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , International , Religion , Society 2 CommentsThe Iranian legal system has cranked about another abuse under its medieval application of Sharia law. The government stoned a man to death for adultery, the latest in a series of such executions, here and here.
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Dubai Court Convicts Woman of Manslaughter and Orders Payment of Blood Money for Death of Her Own Fetus in Traffic Accident
Published 1, May 5, 2009 Bizarre , Courts , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 7 Comments
There is a trend in the United States to treat fetuses as persons for the purpose of criminal charges. That trend was taken to an extraordinary degree in Dubai where a pregnant woman was involved in a traffic accident and had a miscarriage. Finding that she was following to closely and applying Sharia law, the court convicted her of manslaughter and also ordered her to pay “blood money” for the loss of the baby.
Continue reading ‘Dubai Court Convicts Woman of Manslaughter and Orders Payment of Blood Money for Death of Her Own Fetus in Traffic Accident’
Leading Pakistani Cleric Denounces Democracy as UnIslamic and Praises the Former Taliban Regime as the Model System of Governance
Published 1, May 4, 2009 Constitutional Law , Courts , International , Justice , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 36 Comments
Leading Pakistani cleric chief Sufi Muhammad of Tehreek-e- Nifaz-e- Shariat-e- Muhammadi has declared democracy, communism, socialism, and fascism to be un-Islamic. Hmmm, that leaves what? Of yes, Islamic rule. He has also reaffirmed that it is unIslamic to be photographed.
Parents Charged With Death of Baby After Refusing Medical Treatment in Favor of Homeopathic Treatment
Published 1, May 4, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 18 Comments
An Australian jury is considering manslaughter charges against parents of a baby girl who refused basic treatment of an eczema condition of their nine-month-old baby. The parents — Thomas Sam and Manju Sam — were believers in homeopathic treatment and stayed with their principles unmoved as the baby Gloria Sam died.
Award-Winning Vocalist and Song Writer Reportedly Killed By Her Brothers in Pakistan for Appearing on Television
Published 1, May 3, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 21 Comments
Ayman Udas was an award-winning signer and song writer in Pakistan, who was looking forward to a soaring career. Those hopes ended when she was allegedly shot to death by her brothers, who were outraged by her appearance on television a week earlier in the religiously conservative city of Peshawar.
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There will be a delay in any postings this weekend due to my annual trip with the family to Shrinemont, a retreat in the mountains of Virginia. A fitting homage to Justice Souter, who will soon return to his cabin in New Hampshire for a well-earned retirement.
Justice Department to Drop Espionage Case Against AIPAC Lobbyists
Published 1, May 2, 2009 Academics , Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 14 Comments
The Justice Department is moving to dismiss the case against Steven J. Rosen and Keith Weissman for espionage. The two men are former lobbyists for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. Recently, Rep. Jane Harman was swept into a scandal when it was revealed that she was intercepted by the NSA alleging bargaining to help get the case dismissed in exchange for AIPAC’s help in securing the Chair position on the House Intelligence Committee.
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Iraqi Officials to Kill Zoo Animals to Protect Against Swine Flu
Published 1, May 1, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , International , Politics , Religion , Society 81 Comments
In an example of colossal stupidity, Iraqi officials have called for the killing of the three wild boars in the Baghdad zoo to protect the country against swine flu. This comes on the heals of the Egyptian government moving to kill every pig in the country despite the lack of any evidence that it would help prevent the virus, which passes from human to human.
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Torturing For Jesus: Polls Shows Religious Citizens Must Likely To Support Torture
Published 1, May 1, 2009 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics , Religion , Society 64 Comments
The Pew Forum has released an interesting poll that the more religious Americans, the more likely they are to support the use of torture against terrorism suspects.
The Eight-Year-Old Divorcee — Husband of Child Bride in Saudi Arabia Accepts a Settlement and Grants Divorce to Child Sold to Him by Father
Published 1, April 30, 2009 Bizarre , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 8 Comments
Its official. Saudi Arabia has its newest eight-year-old divorcee, but not due to any problem in Saudi Arabia with a man over 50 marrying an eight-year-old child. The girl’s lawyer reached an out-of-court settlement with the man who finally agreed to the divorce. A Saudi court twice rejected the mother’s effort to get a divorce for her daughter after the father effectively sold her to the older man as a bride for cash.
Continue reading ‘The Eight-Year-Old Divorcee — Husband of Child Bride in Saudi Arabia Accepts a Settlement and Grants Divorce to Child Sold to Him by Father’
Bacon Lung? U.S. and Israel Object to the Use of “Swine” Flu As Name of Current Outbreak
Published 1, April 29, 2009 Bizarre , Environment , International , Politics , Religion , Society 11 Comments
The Obama Administration is finally getting ahead of this health care crisis: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack have told reporters to stop calling this virus the “Swine” Flu — suggesting the ever-so-hip “H1N1′ virus. While it was the pork businesses that led to the change in nomenclature, Israel is moving to drop the reference due to religious objections to pork. It appears that even catching a swine-based flu is religiously problematic. The Obama Administration appears to have rejected “the virus formerly known as Swine Flu.”
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Imam Declares Swine Flu Proof of Koran’s Truth
Published 1, April 29, 2009 Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 17 Comments
Imam Amadia Rachid has declared in Salerno, Italy that the swine flu virus is proof that the Koran is correct in its view of pigs. He noted that “We believe that what is happening shows the truth of our faith.” I still think a good solid Divinity School paper would be more user friendly on establishing the superiority of one’s faith.
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Erin Go Blasphemy: Ireland Considers Creation of New Crime For Insulting Religion
Published 1, April 29, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 18 Comments
The West appears undeterred in its rush to embrace prosecutions for criticizing religion. This week Ireland is considering creating its own blasphemy law to allow for criminal prosecution — the same week as Finland began prosecuting a politician for blasphemy.
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No Spinning Zone: Saudi Female Athletic Clubs To Be Shutdown
Published 1, April 27, 2009 Bizarre , International , Politics , Religion , Society 6 CommentsIt appears that women in Saudi Arabia will soon be denied the right to work out in athletic clubs. Saudi officials have decided that there is only authority for men’s clubs to be operated and regulated in the Kingdom. Due to the strict separation of men and women, various clubs have started to tailor to women and those clubs now appear close to a shutdown.
Continue reading ‘No Spinning Zone: Saudi Female Athletic Clubs To Be Shutdown’
Reli Bad Idea: Berliners Reject Substitution of Religious Classes for Civics Classes
Published 1, April 27, 2009 Constitutional Law , International , Politics , Religion , Society 15 Comments
The citizens of Berlin rejected calls from the Pope, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and others to allow religious classes to be substituted for compulsory ethics classes. It is a victory for those of us who have decried the loss of civics education and the increasing integration of religious training in public education. The campaign was led by a group called Pro Reli — “Reli” is the street name for religious classes.
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Finland Prosecutes Politician for Blasphemy in Calling Mohammad a Pedophile
Published 1, April 26, 2009 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , International , Justice , Politics , Religion , Society 35 Comments
Recently, I wrote a column on how the West has used hate crime laws to create a Western version of blasphemy prosecutions in the Middle East. Finland has now added to the list of countries charging people with blasphemy. Helsinki city councilman, Jussi Halla-aho was charged with blasphemy and incitement of an ethnic-group for publishing on his blog that Islam’s prophet was a pedophile. Mohammad is often accused of being a pedophile due to his marriage to 6-year-old Aisha, which was consummated when she was 9.
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New York Murder Trial Ends With a Flurry of Religious References
Published 1, April 26, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 5 Comments
The trial of Mazoltuv Borukhova and Mikhail Mallayev end with criminal sentences of life without parole for the gunning down of Dr. Borukhova’s estranged husband, Daniel Malakov, 34, in front of their 4-year-old daughter in a playground. The trial was filled with references to religion and the Jewish faith.
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Jewish Professor in California Accused of Anti-Semitism
Published 1, April 26, 2009 Academics , International , Media , Politics , Religion , Society 8 Comments
A Jewish professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara has been accused of anti-Semitism for material that he shared with his students in a course on sociology and globalization. The material critical of Israel led to two students dropping the course and charges filed against Professor William I. Robinson.
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Pastor Pushia Confesses to Using Church Funds to Hire Hitman to Kill Blind, Disabled Man for Insurance Money
Published 1, April 25, 2009 Bizarre , Criminal law , Religion , Society 16 Comments
There is double indemnity and then there is double depravity. Baltimore Pastor Kevin Jerome Pushia, 32, is accused in a shocking criminal conspiracy. He allegedly befriended a blind and disabled man, Lemuel Wallace, as part of his work with developmentally disabled people at his church, The Arc of Baltimore. He then allegedly used church funds to hire a hit man to kill him and collect on life insurance money. Police say that he has confessed to the conspiracy.
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Report: Bill Nye “The Science Guy” Exposed as Godless, Soulless Blasphemer in Texas
Published 1, April 23, 2009 Academics , Bizarre , Politics , Religion , Society 58 Comments
There is an interesting account out of Waco, Texas where Bill Nye “The Science Guy” was booed for saying that the Moon does not generate it own light — in contradiction to the Bible. This will likely end any designs of Nye to open a new Bill Nye “The Religion Guy” line of products. The speech reportedly occurred in 2006 but the controversy was rekindled after critics cried foul at the removal of the story from the local newspaper’s online archive.
Israeli Foreign Minister: The United States Does What Israel Decides Should Be Done
Published 1, April 22, 2009 Congress , International , Politics , Religion , Society 20 Comments
At a time when the Harman scandal is focusing attention on the power of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Congress, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is quoted in his very first interview on foreign policy as saying “Believe me, America accepts all our decisions.”
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Waddling Into Controversy: Harman Reportedly Intercepted in Quid Pro Quo Deal With AIPAC For the Chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee
Published 1, April 21, 2009 Congress , Criminal law , International , Justice , Politics , Religion , Society 11 Comments
For civil libertarians, this story is proof of a divine being. Rep. Jane Harman has long been criticized for her knowledge of the unlawful warrantless surveillance program and torture program. The democrats have blocked any investigation into the unlawful programs in part to protect democratic members like Harman who would be implicated. Now, it has been reported that Harman was captured on an NSA surveillance allegedly cutting a deal with a suspected Israeli agent to help reduce charges against two officials of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee. Harman allegedly offered the help in exchange for AIPAC securing her the position as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. According to CQ, Harman offers to “waddle into” the AIPAC case in exchange for help securing the Chairmanship. Harman reportedly ended the call with the suspected spy with the warning “This conversation doesn’t exist.”
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