Radio Freethinker Episode 165 – Profiling Sam Harris Edition
Posted by Don McLenaghen on May 8, 2012
This week:
- European votes reject austerity,
- Greek Neo-Nazi rise,
- Global Heritage Fund worries about Asian landmarks,
- The Jesus T-Shirt – free speech, harassment and the churchers,
- Is Sam Harris a racist? A look at Harris views on profiling.
Download the episode here!
Topics:
European votes reject austerity
We give a brief overview about recent elections in France and Greece where pro-austerity parties were defeated.
Find out more:
- Will New French President Challenge Germany?
- France, Greece and Germany election results send austerity shockwaves through Europe
- Socialists oust Sarkozy in French election
- Austerity, the Euro Crisis and the US
Greek Neo-Nazi rise
With the rejections of austerity parties in Greek elections, there was also the disturbing rise of the Greek Neo-Nazi party – Golden Dawn. We also discuss how economic calamity in Europe and the rise of the radical right (and left) seems eerily similar to the 1930 and Greece in particular to Weimar Germany.
Find out more:
- Neo-Nazi party on the rise in Greece
- Neo-Nazi party has election breakthrough in Greece, leader warns ‘time for fear has come’
Global Heritage Fund worries about Asian landmarks
With the rapid industrialization of Asia, a number of its millennial old landmarks are disappearing. Damage from natural erosion, purposeful destruction for development, tourism burnout,government inadequacy or simply loss of context by building a high-rise next to the 12th century temple. We also point out the UN focuses on rich nations while ignoring the rest.
Find out more:
- Why Asia Needs to Do a Better Job Protecting its Cultural Heritage Sites
- The 10 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Asia
- Asia’s architectural treasures ‘vanishing’
- Saving Our Vanishing Heritage: Asia’s Heritage in Peril
The Jesus T-Shirt – free speech, harassment and the churchers
We discuss the recent expelling of a student in NS. for wearing an “offending” t-shirt about Jesus and the value of life. We explore the free speech issues.
We dig deeper to uncover that the shirt was only the last straw and review the problem of religious proselytizing in school.
We also discuss how the religious right has created the ‘hyper’ sensitivity about religion and schools in the first place by trying to turn schools into centres of religious indoctrination.
Find out more:
- CFI Canada skips critical thinking
- Opinions divided on teen’s suspension for not removing ‘Jesus’ T-shirt
- ‘Jesus’ T-shirt student taken out of school by dad
Is Sam Harris a racist? A look at Harris views on profiling
We discuss the controversy arising from Sam Harris’s article “in defence of profiling”. We point out the logical inconsistency of his argument and debunk his point.
We also discuss his follow-up article and response to criticism of the first article and pose the question is Harris a racist (maybe) and why there is such an irrational view of Muslims and terrorism south of the border in spite of the evidence to the contrary.
Find out more:
- In Defense of Profiling
- On Knowing Your Enemy
- Sovereign Citizens Movement
- Overreacting to Potential Bombs
- Religion, politics and Africa’s homophobia
- Are the Anti-Jihadists More Dangerous than the Jihadists?
- TE-SAT 2011 – EU Terrorism Situation And Trend Report
Philosophers Cafe - Hate Speech and the Criminal Code
Moderator Dr. Graham Forst asks if the prohibition of hate speech damages the freedom of speech provision of our constitution, or if it protects minority rights and contributes to a flourishing society.
Where: Gathering Place (1100-2253 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam)
When: May 14, 2012, 7 pm
Cost: Free
Philosophers Cafe - Is An Empathic Civilization Possible?
As part of SFU Philosophers’ Café, moderator Charles Marxer ponders the nature and origin of empathy.
Where: White Rock Central Library ( 15342 Buena Vista Ave., White Rock)
When: May 14, 2012, 7 pm
Cost: Free
Skeptics in the Pub – Down-town
Join us on Tuesday, May 15 at 7:30pm for another evening of skeptical fun, food, drinks, and conversation in the Railway Club’s back bar. Come out and discuss skepticism-related activities in Vancouver with your fellow science enthusiasts, rationalists, and critical thinkers, and maybe meet some new friends. As always, if you arrive late and they’re collecting a cover charge at the door, just tell them you’re with the skeptics’ group to get in for free.
Where: The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
When: Thursday, May 15, 2012, 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
Skeptics in the Pub Richmond
Skeptics in the Pub is a casual social event for local science enthusiasts who value critical thinking and skepticism.
Join us for drinks and food in a friendly atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet local skeptics, make new friends, and get involved and informed about new events and activities.
Where: Legends Pub in Richmond, 6511 Buswell Street, minutes from the Brighouse Skytrain station and Richmond Centre
When: Thursday, May 24, 2012, 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
