LOGIC. HOW CAN YOU SPOT A WELL REASONED ARGUMENT, OR AN IRRATIONAL ONE? PT 1.

It may be a Local Politician, Co-Worker, Friend, or even a Family Member. Yet, it is Inevitable that occasionally someone you know will Voice an Opinion about an Issue that will be in Direct Conflict with your own.  What should you do? What is at Stake if you Decide to Open up and be Honest?  Before you Decide, try to go through the Following Process, and see what Answer it leads you to. 

1.  Is the Subject Matter of Such Importance that it must be Addressed Immediately?-  What is Important to You, Friends and Family, may not really matter to others.  Pick your Battles.  If You have an Opinion on a Subject, but it lies in conflict with Others, is the Disagreement so Vast that you are willing to make a Stand Then and There?  Can it wait for a Different Time and Place?  What Do You Gain, or Lose, by Postponing such a Discussion?

2.  Many Times it is Better to say NOTHING AT ALL, LET THE SPEAKER MAKE THE CASE FOR YOUR SIDE OF AN ISSUE.-  Are you Familiar with the Saying:   

                 "BETTER TO BE THOUGHT A FOOL, THAN TO OPEN YOUR 

                  MOUTH AND REMOVE ALL DOUBT."   

How Many Times have you been present at a Gathering or Event, where Someone Attending is making a Fool of Themselves, Blurting out Meaningless Drivel that has everyone Rolling Their Eyes and Walking Away.  If it is within a group of Fairly Well- Informed People, They will see the Individual for what He Is;  Ill-Informed, Ignorant, and Lacking the Basic Skills for Intellectual Discourse.  No Opinion They Offer will be Taken Seriously, and Hopefully, it is on the Opposite Side of an Issue that you land on.

3.  The Most Important Disagreements to Confront Immediately are Deliberate Falsehoods and Bad Information-  Before you can point out an IRRATIONAL AND INVALID ARGUMENT, MAKE SURE THE SPEAKER CAN BACK UP ANY FACTS AND FIGURES THEY ARE STATING AS FACT.  Don't point out the Flaws in the REASONING AND STRUCTURE OF THEIR ARGUMENT, AND IGNORE ANY MISINFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PREMISES.  THEY CAN JUST REFORMULATE THE ARGUMENT TO MAKE IT VALID, BUT IT MAY STILL CONTAIN THE SAME FACTUAL FLAWS.

HERE IS A BASIC EXAMPLE;

ALL ROTTWEILERS ARE VICIOUS DOGS.

SPOT IS A  VICIOUS DOG.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

THEREFORE, SPOT IS A ROTTWEILER.

This is an INVALID ARGUMENT.  SPOT MAY 

BE A VICIOUS DOG, BUT ANY BREED OF DOG 

CAN BECOME VICIOUS, IT IS NOT A BEHAVIOR 

EXCLUSIVE TO THE ROTTWEILER.

TO MAKE IT A VALID ARGUMENT, IT IS CHANGED

TO THIS;

ALL ROTTWEILERS ARE VICIOUS DOGS.

SPOT IS A ROTTWEILER.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

THEREFORE, SPOT IS A VICIOUS DOG.

NOW THE ARGUMENT IS LOGICALLY VALID.

HOWEVER, THE BASIS OF TRUTH FOR THE CONCLUSION

THAT SPOT IS VICIOUS, LIES IN THE PREMISE THAT 

ALL ROTTWEILERS ARE VICIOUS. THAT IS A FACTUAL

CLAIM THAT MUST BE BACKED UP WITH PROPER

DATA.

HUMILIATION TELEVISION; IT DOESN'T GET ANY LOWER THAN THIS. PT 1.

Television is many things. It can be used to inform, teach and educate. 

However, let us not fool ourselves. It is primarily a business and profit is its’ ultimate goal. Those profits can be found in Televisions primary mission; to entertain.

                                                   
Throughout broadcast history, T.V networks have provided a vast selection of different categories to entertain the viewing public.  Sit-coms, police and detective dramas, science fiction and soap operas etc. are examples of fictional or scripted shows.  News shows such as 60 minutes, 20/20, Dateline etc. are examples of non-fiction informative programming.  These can entertain, while at the same time providing useful and desired news and information.

In recent decades, “Reality T.V.” shows such as “Survivor” and “Big Brother” have entered the mainstream.  Focusing on a confrontational content that features supposed non-actors in contrived situations, it is generally a benign low-brow form of entertainment.   However, a new and disturbing form of reality television has sprung up.  Its’ popularity is a reflection on the dark nature that permeates today's society.  I call it “Humiliation Television.”

To illustrate, let me ask the following questions;

- When did subjecting oneself to insults and degradation publicly, and on camera, become a desired career path?

- Why is the need for some modicum of fame cause some people to lose any sense of self-esteem and dignity?

- Why would anyone take seriously a show that claims to be unrehearsed, spontaneous and true to life, when it is obviously staged? Dialogue and actions done on camera are pre-determined by the producers to create an illusion of authenticity.

In following articles I will examine different types of these shows that make-up Humiliation Television.

(See PT. 2 in a future post.)

Will you help these women too, David? U.S. SENATOR KAMALA HARRIS.

DAVID,

"Kamala, it can't be done." "You won't win." "Wait your turn."

I can't tell you how many people have said those words to me.

Fortunately, I didn't listen. Thanks to a family led by powerful and fearless women, I believed in myself enough to run for office anyway.

In my first race for San Francisco district attorney, I challenged a two-term incumbent from a well-known political family. And when I ran for attorney general of California, my opponent was a popular Republican elected official.

Still — we won both campaigns. And thanks to the support of EMILY's List, I became the first woman and Indian American to be California attorney general; and in 2017 I became the first Indian American and second African American woman to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Now, I'm excited to join this community in helping get even more women into elected office — including two running to join me in the Senate.

...help elect the next generation of pro-choice Democratic women lawmakers.

This year, we need to send my 10 sisters with seats up for re-election back to the Senate where their voices are desperately needed. And we need to add Jacky Rosen (NV) and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) to our ranks and turn the Senate blue.

We also need to help all the EMILY's List women running up and down the ballot for the House, governors' offices, and state and local seats.

As someone who began her political career at the local level, I know electing pro-choice Democratic women is not only how we fight back against the Trump administration; it's also how we can create lasting change.

They need us to show we believe in them — just like you did for me — by sending our strongest support and giving them the resources they need to win in November.

Thanks and let's keep fighting,

Kamala Harris
U.S. Senator, California

[D-58] UPDATE ON MY RACE. CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE PAT RYAN.

Hi David, 

 

In the Army, before every operation we marked the time remaining by [D-58] with 58 being the number of days until the mission and then [H-XX] representing the hours left. We’re now just 58 days from our Primary Election Day, so we'll be reaching out with campaign updates more often since the election is close.

 

Thursday night, we headed to my alma mater, Kingston High School, for a debate hosted by Radio Kingston. (Go vote, Tigers!) The last time I was in that auditorium, I was taking my graduation photos. And then 18 years later I was back in the same auditorium running for Congress and debating the values that are important to our country and our community.

 

What I heard from voters last night and what I hear from voters throughout NY-19 is that they’re sick of self-serving politicians. I am too -- that's why I joined this race. The values I learned serving our country are the opposite of how too many politicians conduct themselves in Washington.

 

Just in the last week, we had two really exciting updates validating that voters want leaders who will put country first. With Honor released a poll showing two important things: (1) “Served honorably in the US military” is the strongest trait they tested for a candidate, and (2) nearly 1 in 3 voters said they are more likely to vote for a congressional candidate of a different party once they learn the candidate is a veteran. 

 

 

[Poll from With Honor ranking the Qualifications of a Congressional Candidate people are most likely to support. Served Honorably in US military 62, Has prior experience as an elected official 53, Runs a non-profit organization 38, Started a business 38, Is a successful lawyer 23.]

 

On Thursday General Wes Clark highlighted my campaign in his article: “Want a politician you can trust? Elect a veteran in November”. This is BIG news. 

 

Here’s what he said: 

“Veterans elected to Congress will also practice a lost art — leadership. Leadership can be taught in a boardroom, on a sports field or on a Peace Corps deployment. But when it comes to molding leaders, it’s hard to replicate leading teams in combat zones. That brand of leadership is being exemplified by veterans across the country. Women like Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Elissa Slotkin in Michigan. Men like Dan McCready in North Carolina and Pat Ryan in New York.”

 

As an Army officer, I always made sure my soldiers had what they needed - “officers eat last”. Those are the values I learned in the Army and those are the values I see resonating when I travel the district and talk to voters, regardless of their political party. That’s why I know we can win here, in a tough battleground district like NY-19.

 

I can’t thank you enough for supporting my campaign. I truly couldn’t do this without friends like you. Hope to catch up soon, and in the meantime, I’ll continue to keep you updated on our progress.

 

 

--Pat

Condemning Anti-Semitism and Commemorating the Armenian Genocide. CONGRESSMAN DAVID CICILLINE.

Condemning Anti-Semitism 

As you may know, the governments of Poland and Ukraine have each recently passed legislation that distorts or denies aspects of the Holocaust. These developments are unacceptable , especially given today’s global surge of anti-Semitism. In response, I have led more than 50 Republicans and Democrats in the House in pushing the U.S. Department of State to exert diplomatic pressure on Ukraine and Poland to reverse course and allow history to speak for itself. That includes pressuring these government to repeal these laws. 

Our government has a responsibility to take a strong stand against anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and all forms of intolerance by calling for the Polish and Ukrainian governments to unequivocally reject Holocaust distortion and the honoring of Nazi collaborators and fully prosecute anti-Semitic crimes. I strongly believe that we should be monitoring instances of Holocaust distortion to ensure that the U.S. is not supporting or funding groups and individuals that promote or justify anti-Semitism. The full text of our letter to the State Department is available by clicking here. 

Commemorating the Armenian Genocide 

This weekend, I will join with members of Rhode Island’s Armenian community to mark 103 years since the Armenian Genocide. Yet, even after all these years, our government continues to refuse to recognize this act of evil. The reality is that 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children were brutally and systematically murdered while living under the Ottoman Empire. 

Over the years, I’ve spoken with many Rhode Islanders who have repeated stories their parents or grandparents told them about living through the horror of the Armenian genocide. After 100 years of waiting, it’s time for the President and the U.S. Government to recognize this fact and to help get justice for the survivors and their families. 

As always, if you or someone you know has any questions or concerns, please call my office at 729-5600 or send me an email at David.Cicilline@mail.house.gov . You can also click here  to follow my work on Twitter.

Warm Regards,
 
David Cicilline
Member of Congress                                 

WHY I'M RUNNING. GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE MOLLY KELLY.

Hi David,

My name is Molly Kelly, and I’m running to be the next governor of New Hampshire.

My team and I put together a short video to share about why I’m running – and why I’m refusing to accept any corporate PAC money. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch:

Click here to watch our new video and learn about how our campaign is fighting for the progress New Hampshire deserves.

I’ll be reaching out soon to learn more about you and your priorities for the future, but first, I want to share a bit about why I’m running:

I believe it’s time to invest in our future generation of leaders. Strong public school funding and well-paying jobs mean young people can fulfill their potential right here in the Granite State.

I want a New Hampshire where all people have a chance to succeed, not just a few.

I believe in the power of grassroots supporters...which is why I’m refusing corporate PAC money. I’m accountable to you – that’s it.

Again, I hope you’ll take just a moment to watch this video and learn more about our grassroots campaign for New Hampshire’s future:

As a former state senator, I can’t wait to stand alongside you for New Hampshire’s schools, families and economy. Thanks for being part of this team,

Molly Kelly

ETHICS AND MORALITY. MORAL COWARDICE- WHEN YOU SACRIFICE YOUR PRINCIPLES, SO NOT TO OFFEND. PT 2.

A major part of the work that goes into publishing this site, is keeping up with current news and events.

However, it also means confronting and understanding opposing viewpoints, not only of those I have never met, but also friends and family.  What I have found to be most interesting is the reluctance of some to voice an opinion, if they are aware of those with a dissenting point of view being present.

I understand that many people will go out of their way to avoid confrontation.  The desire to be liked and accepted is so strong in some individuals, that they will try to find a way to make everyone happy. This includes being a passive witness and listener, even when someone is ridiculing and disrespecting an opinion or belief they hold dear.  Even more disturbing, this can extend to the point of ignoring inaccurate or wrong information being transmitted to others, by an individual who clearly does not understand the facts of a given situation.

I have often found this to be true of a person promoting an idea that supports a certain worldview that cannot stand up to close scrutiny.  They bend or distort information in a way that fits neatly with their conception of reality, even if it violates the Rules of Logic and Critical Thinking.

Now the point of confronting such irrational and clearly invalid lines of reasoning, is not to attempt to change the mind of the offending individual.  Usually, this would be a pointless exercise, for they have already exhibited a capacity to ignore anything that would conflict with their viewpoint.  As we have seen, especially when we examine certain decisions made by Juries in Criminal Trials, that some people lack the ability or willingness to make decisions in a rational manner.

Look for PT 3.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMAS 2015 STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH; A CHALLENGE TO THE INTELLECTUAL AND MORAL OPPOSITION. PT 2.

''DO YOU REMEMBER...BLASTS FROM THE PAST. ANALYSIS OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMAS 2015 SOTUS. PT 1.'' has generated enough reader interest, to the point of reprinting previous sections of PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMAS SOTUS. THE FOLLOWING WAS TAKEN FROM THE 2015 SPEECH.

More of President Obamas 1/20/2015 State Of The Union Speech, Emphasizing content that comes near the end.

"If we're going to have arguments, let's have arguments – but let's make them debates worthy of this body, and worthy of this country."

Translation-  "We are the Leaders of the Most Powerful and Influential Country on Earth.  If there are Disagreements that lead to Arguments, we should Act with the Intellect and Decorum that is Expected of World Leaders.  To do Less, is a Betrayal of the People and the Country we have Chosen to Serve."

After the Previous Statements about Improving the Nasty, Cruel and Often Pointless Nature of Political Discourse that seems to Permeate the Hallowed Halls of Congress, the President Moves on, Touching on Topics that still cause a Great Deal of Controversy:

"... that every woman should have access to the health care she needs."

"...but surely we can all see something of ourselves in the striving young student, and agree that no one benefits when a hardworking mom is taken from her child, and that it's possible to shape a law that upholds our tradition as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants."

"...surely we can agree that the right to vote is sacred; that it's being denied to too many; and that, on this 50 anniversary of the great march from Selma to Montgomery and the passage of the Voting Rights Act, we can come together, Democrats and Republicans, to make voting easier for every single American."

Obviously, These are Meant to Express the Presidents Belief on how WE SHOULD APPROACH THE DIVISIVE ISSUES OF UNIVERSAL MEDICAL CARE, IMMIGRATION LAW, AND THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT.

While there is nothing in the Above that would cause us Pause, for the President is just Reiterating his Beliefs and Goals regarding these Issues, at no TIME DOES HE ATTACK THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, TEA PARTY, OR ANY OTHER GROUP THAT MAY DISAGREE WITH HIS POSITION ON THESE SUBJECTS.  HE REFUSES TO TAKE OPPOSING VIEWS PERSONALLY, NOT PUTTING HIS OWN FEELINGS AHEAD OF ANYTHING ELSE.

THAT IS THE BEGINNING OF "DEBATES WORTHY OF THIS BODY, AND WORTHY OF THIS COUNTRY."

ETHICS AND MORALITY. PERSONAL ETHICS VS INSTITUTIONAL ETHICS, OR FINDING GOD VS FORCING GOD. PT 2.

Unfortunately, throughout Human History, Many Religions and Faiths have exported Their Religious Beliefs and Practices at the point of a Sword.  Adapt or Die.

Sometimes it is Different Denominations or Sects within the Same RELIGION, supposedly Worshiping the same GOD, who have engaged in Fights to the Death.

Yet, there are cases of Empires and Nations showing Tolerance to the Belief Systems of People who Inhabit recently acquired Territory or Land.

What causes One form of Government to behave in a manner that Persecutes, and another to show Understanding and Acceptance?

I think it may lie with THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, OR THE DOCTRINE OF FAITH THAT IS ESPOUSED BY THOSE IN POWER OR AUTHORITY, THAT WILL GIVE US AN INDICATION OF HOW OPPOSITION RELIGIOUS GROUPS WILL BE TREATED.

To Clarify, consider the following Two examples.

Government # 1 is Ceded Land that was Formerly controlled by an opposing Nation.  This Government is now responsible for Administering and Enforcing Economic, Social and Legal Programs that are part of its Infrastructure, into the Newly Acquired Territory.

There is a Problem;  The Dominant Religion in this Area, by number of Adherents, is Relatively Small compared to other Faiths within Government #1's Borders.

However, the New Government has a Policy that Recognizes the Following:  THAT LAWS GOVERNING MORAL BEHAVIOR AND RELIGIOUS FAITH, ONLY ADDRESS ISSUES THAT WILL AFFECT THE STABILITY OR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE PRESENT FORM OF AUTHORITY. This may include such Concepts as CIVIL RIGHTS, TAXATION, CRIMINAL ACTS etc.

THIS GIVES US THE FOLLOWING:  RELIGIOUS FAITH AND WORSHIP ARE MORALLY NEUTRAL CONCEPTS LEFT TO INDIVIDUAL EVALUATION, AND ARE NOT TO BE SANCTIONED OR PUNISHED UNLESS THEY INTERFERE WITH THE GOVERNMENTS ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY OPERATE.

LOOK FOR THE SECOND EXAMPLE, ALONG WITH THE COMPARISON AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO, IN PART 3.

Fiction-, Stories, Myths, and Legends. THE LESSON. PT 2.

"IT IS SAID THAT THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT OF ALL, IS TO STAND UPON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS, AND CONTINUE THEIR GOOD WORKS. IS THIS SO?"

"NO, IT IS THAT IN THE FUTURE, THERE ARE THOSE WHO SEEK TO STAND UPON YOUR SHOULDERS, AND CONTINUE YOUR GOOD WORKS."

The Young Graduate, of course, knew the story. Although he had only seen the "Wise One" once at a Distance, he felt that such an Intellect could Set the Course of his Life with Ease. It was decided, he would Search for this Eminent Sage of Great Wisdom, and seek his Council.

He Told Family and Friends nothing of this Decision. "Just a Short Camping Trip, by Myself, to Clear My Head and plan out the future." Although it was an Unusual and Odd Proclamation, his Parents and other Adults in his life did not seek to Dissuade him. "Ah, Youth", his Uncle had said, "it will do as it will, and live with the Consequences."

The Young Man planned his Trip as carefully as possible. Although he wanted to keep the Real Reason behind the Trip a Secret, the seeming Impetuousness of this sudden change in Personality Puzzled those who knew him.

"Where will you go," They asked, "how long will you be gone," They Continued, "What if you are Hurt or Injured, what will you do?" and so it went, question after question.

The Young Man Answered Their Concerns as Best he could. In Fact, if he had not shown such Intelligence and Ability at a Young Age, it was almost certain that he would have been prevented, Physically, from pursuing a Solitary Trip into the Wilderness.

However, his Reputation for keeping a Level Head, and Thinking before Acting, separated him from other Men and Women his age. While Immaturity, and the Desire for a "GOOD TIME" had Derailed many future plans of other Classmates, he had Stayed the Course, and earned a Reputation for Sensibility at a Young Age.

It soon became Mid- Summer, and the Time for his Departure came near. The Young Man prepared his Supplies of Food, Water and Medicine carefully, just enough for him to carry comfortably. He knew that Foraging for Food at this time of Year would be easy, and the Numerous Streams that Dotted the Landscape would prevent any possibility of Him Suffering from the Debilitating Symptoms of Thirst.

The Morning of Departure Arrived, and with a Brief Good- Bye, Together with an Admonishment by his Family to be careful, he set off.

END PT 2.

Fiction-, Stories, Myths, and Legends. THE LEGEND OF THE VANISHING LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS. PT 2.

Harvie turned away from Moore and stepped outside the bridge. Though the weather had improved, it was still icy cold.  The Captain turned up the collar on his coat and looked out on the foredeck of his ship.  Several sailors were busy with the daily routine of ships maintenance, under the supervision of his second mate.

"Mr. MacDonald," Harvie called out addressing the mate, "Secure the detail and prepare the launch for going ashore.  Then report to me on the bridge."

The reply was immediate. "Aye Captain, who will be in the landing party?"

"Never mind that now", was the answer, "Carry on with the orders."

Harvie stepped back inside the bridge, and observed Moore still staring straight ahead, as if in a trance. "No", thought Harvie, "Moore won't be a problem. Nothing on Gods green earth could keep him off the launch with his comrades missing."

However, choosing the right men to accompany him might be a problem.  Sailors, by nature, were a superstitious lot.  Given the situation and history of the island, proper selection was a must.  He couldn't risk sending someone ashore who believed that the supernatural was behind the disappearances, without considering alternative explanations.

Eilean Mor is the largest of the Flannan Isles, which are part of the Outer Hebrides that lie off the western coast of Scotland.  Uninhabited for much of its history, it does contain a chapel dedicated to St Flannan which pre-dates the Lighthouse by hundreds of years.  Built in the late nineteenth century, the Lighthouse became operational in 1899.  Attempts to settle the island never lasted very long, and it was considered to be inhabited by spirits who did not like visitors, even for a short time.

Both Harvie and Moore were aware of the islands history, but nothing from the past had ever occurred that mirrored the present day mystery.  James Ducat, Thomas Marshall, and Donald Macarthur seemed to have disappeared from the face of the earth.

The first sign of trouble was reported on Dec. 15.  A passing ship, the Archtor, reported that when it passed the island in foul weather that the light was not operating.  Other ships had reported the same, so there was little doubt that there was something dreadfully wrong on the island.  Neglecting the light was a serious offense, and it was inconceivable that all three men would allow such a thing to happen if it was in their power to prevent it.

End of PT 2.

So inspired by these 36,000 women. HILLARY CLINTON.

David,

I've been closely following the updates on women stepping up to run for office, and I am blown away by the latest numbers:

More than 36,000 women have told EMILY's List they want to run for office.

This isn't just a year's worth of candidates. It's the next few decades. It's a whole new generation of leaders, and I'm so inspired by their courage.

These women will need you to support them just like this community supported me when I ran for office. That's why I want to help EMILY's List— so we can keep working together to elect pro-choice Democratic women this year, next year, and beyond.

...help elect the next generation of women leaders.

EMILY's List is a community near and dear to my heart. This community supported me during my Senate run in 2000 and endorsed me on day one of my 2016 presidential campaign.

I couldn't have done any of it without you. Now, I'm hoping you'll send that same strong support to the next generation.

It's made up of women like those who broke glass ceilings in the Virginia House of Delegates last year: Danica Roem and Dawn Marie Adams, the House's first openly LGBTQ delegates; Kathy Tran and Kelly Fowler, its first Asian American women delegates; and Hala Ayala and Elizabeth Guzman, its first Latina delegates.

It's amazing how much different the Virginia legislature looks — and votes — from a year ago!

Like them, the women we're going to elect this year and in the years to come are the women who will help build a country rooted in equality and tolerance, where our children can grow up with every opportunity they deserve.

I hope you'll be there for them just like you were there for me.


Thank you,

Hillary

SOUNDS GOOD TO ME...

In this week’s eSkeptic, Harriet Hall, M.D. (aka the SkepDoc) reviews Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery? by Kimberly Blaker (Green Grove Press. 2018. 78 pages.), a delightful new book for children age 9–13 that encourages readers to ask questions and gives them the tools to find the answers for themselves.

Not in Your Stars

BY HARRIET HALL, M.D.

Astronomy is science; astrology is superstition, mythology, and pseudoscience. Depending on how surveys ask the question, anywhere from 22 percent to 73 percent of people believe astrology is valid. Horoscopes still appear regularly in newspapers. Over 90 percent of adults know their zodiac sign. It never occurs to some people to question whether horoscopes are valid, and if they do think to ask the question, they may not have the necessary critical thinking skills to find the answer.

Kimberly Blaker has written a delightful new book, Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery?, that encourages readers to ask those questions and gives them the tools to find the answers for themselves. It is aimed at children age 9-13 but is also suitable for adults. It is short, entertaining, easy to read, and is illustrated with cartoons. She begins with her own horoscope and shows how the description seemed to fit her perfectly. Then she asks if there is a scientific explanation for why it seemed so true.

She covers the 5000-year history of astrology, how it was originally used as a guide for when to plant crops and as a source of omens to guide the state, and how zodiac signs and horoscopes were a later development. She goes over the evidence for astrology and shows how it is flawed, based on unreliable testimonials and flawed reasoning. She says, “Scientific studies make it possible to examine a claim and determine its validity.” And then she goes over all the scientific studies that have shown no correlation between astrological bodies and personalities or life events. She points out that the position of the Sun shifts over time and is now off by one whole zodiac sign, and astrologers have not made any adjustments. […]

53 Countries Commit! Joanna Ewart-James, Freedom United (team@freedomunited.org)

SHARE

Dear David, We are thrilled that the Commonwealth Heads of Government have answered our call and committed to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking! The Communiqué[1] issued by Heads of Government as the Summit concluded last week says: “Heads called for effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour in all its forms by 2025” mirroring our call set out in our petition. Share the news! We asked the Commonwealth to show leadership in the abolitionist movement knowing that 55% of those in slavery reside in countries belonging to the Commonwealth. When we began speaking out and asking for your support on the International Day of the Abolition of Slavery in 2016, calling for the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s support felt achievable but a challenge, considering the word ‘slavery’ had not been uttered publicly in a Commonwealth setting. There was undoubtedly apprehension about our proposition. But in showing that there is support around the world from citizens of many countries, and how great the need is to commit to action, we achieved what we set out. We needed your support to help make it happen! This is what we did: 65,351 Freedom United supporters signed our petition. This was referred to by our partner the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative in Commonwealth meetings and seminars to power their message. 6,325 messages were sent directly to the Secretary-General on Commonwealth Day in 2017 We received a statement of support for action to end modern slavery from the Commonwealth’s then Chair-in-Office, the Prime Minister of Malta Over 11,000 messages were sent to the Malaysian Prime Minister calling for his support We called on UK parliamentarians for their support ahead of the UK’s Prime Minister becoming the Chair-in-Office We asked you to help our partner the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative by submitting your designs for the cover of their report on modern slavery We delivered your petition to the Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat just before the Commonwealth Summit began. We are delighted by the commitment expressed in the Commonwealth Heads of Government statement. With their call to action the potential for creating a world in which slavery no longer thrives is enormous. The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative will not rest and will be watching closely to make sure that these words lead to action. In gratitude, Joanna, David and the teams at Freedom United and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative

FEATURE ARTICLES. CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING- FIGHTING THE WRONG BATTLES. PT 3.

Alright, we have Defined the Subject Matter to be Debated, and we have TWO DISTINCT OPINIONS

THAT RUN CONTRARY TO EACH OTHER.  Since They both cannot be ACCURATE AND TRUE,
HOW DO WE SET UP THE DEBATE TO ARRIVE AT THE MOST LIKELY CONCLUSION?

2-  WHAT TYPE OF EVIDENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED RELEVANT, AND HOW WILL ITS ACCURACY AND INFLUENCE UPON THE SUBJECT MATTER BE MEASURED?

Remember, this is a DEBATE ABOUT SCIENCE, NOT POLITICS OR MORALITY. ACCEPTING ONE SIDE, OR THE OTHER SIDE AS TRUE, CANNOT BE JUDGED BY POLITICAL, SOCIAL, OR ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS.

If We Take the CLIMATE CHANGE/ GLOBAL WARMING DISCUSSION OR DEBATE AS AN EXAMPLE, WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

Whether or Not the EARTHS CLIMATE IS CHANGING, AND/OR GLOBAL WARMING IS FACTUAL, DOES NOT DEPEND UPON THE CURRENT COMMERCIAL RELATIONS AND TRADING PRACTICES BETWEEN COUNTRIES. POSSIBLE ECONOMIC UPHEAVAL WILL NOT ALTER PAST READINGS ON TEMPERATURE CHANGE, ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENA, OR WEATHER ANOMALIES.

Since We  Must Use LOGIC AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO REACH CONCLUSIONS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING, QUALITY EVIDENCE OR TESTIMONY MUST BE;

-  VERIFIABLE.

-  QUANTIFIABLE.

-  TESTABLE.

-  REPRODUCIBLE.

-  FALSIFIABLE. 

PROPER CONTROLS MUST HAVE ALSO BEEN USED TO ELIMINATE THE 

POSSIBILITY OF ALTERING OR TAINTING THE RESULTS.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS ARE LEFT UNTIL AFTER THE

DEBATE OR DISCUSSION HAS BEEN SETTLED, AND A VALID CONSENSUS

AGREES WITH THE FINDINGS.

FEATURE ARTICLES. WHAT DOES THE U.S. CONSTITUTION ACTUALLY SAY ABOUT RELIGION? PT 2.

In part 1, I quoted Article six of the U.S. Constitution.  I pointed out that this section of the Constitution, along with the First Amendment, are the only two places that religion is referred to in the entire body of the document.   I will now quote from the Bill of Rights, the section that references religion.

First Amendment-  "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

There you have it.  These two passages make it clear what role religion would play in the development of the new republic, and at no time do they contradict each other.

• Congress would not address the subject of religion in any way.
• There would be no religious test to hold public office.  One need only swear allegiance to the Constitution
• Since religious freedom is considered a right that every American has, it cannot be taken away.  In other words, creating and passing legislation that removes this right is not possible.

For those who claim that the founding fathers had an agenda that would establish Christianity as an essential part of our legal system, and that it is justified within the body of the Constitution, ignore certain details.  None of the following appears within the ratified document;

• God.
• Jesus.
• Christian or Christianity.
• Prayer.
• Bible. 

In fact, the only word that could possibly be a reference to a Supreme Being is the use of the term "Lord".  However, this word is used only once in the following fragment; "...in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty-seven...".  This was a common way that dates and times were presented in print, and was not considered to be an expression of faith.

It is amazing that many of todays Lawmakers wish to regulate public policy according to the faiths and beliefs of certain segments of American society.  This completely ignores the obvious intentions of the Framers of the Constitution.  Why would they make it the law of the land to require no religious test to hold public office, and then seek to Legislate by Doctrines found in certain faiths?

(See PT.3 in a future posting.)

Pick up the phone - it's Healthy Youth Call-In Day! PLANNED PARENTHOOD.

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, Inc.

I’m asking for three minutes of your time today, SEARCHINGFORREASON.NET. I’m asking you to pick up the phone and call your state representative because tomorrow is the last day for us to push theHealthy Youth Act out of committee.   All day long, we’re mobilizing supporters like you to flood the Massachusetts House of Representatives with reasons why consent-focused, LGBTQ-inclusive sex ed is so important to young people across the state. Today is also the day that anti-LGBTQ, anti-women, and anti-science groups are bringing their supporters to the State House. Let’s make sure our voices for change drown out their demands to take us back in time. Here’s how you can get in touch with your representative: Step 1: Look up your state representative by punching in your address here. Step 2: Click on their profile and dial the phone number. Step 3: You’ll be connected with either a staffer or a voicemail. Share why the Healthy Youth Act is important to you and urge your representative to bring the Healthy Youth Act to the floor for a vote. If you’d like to read from a script, go here! When you’re done, forward this email to your friends, family, and colleagues. Then, share your activism on social media. Shout your support for theHealthy Youth Act from the rooftops. We have no time to waste. Let’s make some noise! Kim Kargman Organizing Manager Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts P.S. We need everyone to be talking about the Healthy Youth Act. Spread the word by inviting your friends to join the Healthy Youth Call-In Day on Facebook.