Ireland’s Ridiculous Blasphemy Law Goes Into Effect

Religion • Views: 4,855

As of January 1st, Ireland has enacted an atavistic law that makes “blasphemy” punishable by a fine of up to $35,000. It’s amazing that a civilized country in 2010 is deliberately putting in place laws from the Dark Ages.

An Irish atheist group immediately challenged this stupid and dangerous legislation by posting 25 Blasphemous Quotations on their website.

(Hat tip: Summer.)

UPDATE at 1/2/10 1:45:48 pm:

In February 2006, Irish President Mary McAleese visited Saudi Arabia and condemned the publication of the Danish Mohammed cartoons, saying, “Muslims have every right to feel angry.”

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245 comments
1 Kronocide  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:33:25pm

I wouldn't be surprised if some fundy Islamic groups supported this.

2 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:35:34pm

Who decides what is blasphemy? This is a pretty subjective thing here.

(The Puritans nailed your tongue to a tree. A little more direct, I think.)

3 Jaerik  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:35:37pm

Would it be blasphemous if I said that leprechauns are kinda stupid? I'm sure someone worships them.

4 tradewind  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:36:41pm

While not exactly the same thing, some of Europe's ' no hateful speech' laws are pretty damn close.

5 tradewind  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:37:40pm

re: #3 Jaerik
You'd probably have to go all the way and say ' there's no such thing as a leprechaun'. Then they'd nail ya.

6 Cathypop  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:37:48pm

I liked #11 - Frank Zappa "the chimpanzee part of the brain working.”

7 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:38:32pm

re: #1 BigPapa

I wouldn't be surprised if some fundy Islamic groups supported this.

I hadn't thought of that... I just assumed this was a reaction to them, but now that you mention it.

8 Gang of One  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:38:43pm

re: #4 tradewind

While not exactly the same thing, some of Europe's ' no hateful speech' laws are pretty damn close.

Thought Police. Whether secular or religious, is real blasphemous abomination. The West is going backward.

9 Four More Tears  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:39:38pm

What the hell is going on over there??

10 Girth  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:39:57pm

Hey Ireland! I just prayed to the Flying Spaghetti Monster and he told me that you're being fucking stupid.

Is that blasphemous?

11 Mark Pennington  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:39:58pm

I love the Bjork quote. My girlfriend hates her but how can anyone hate a Icelandic sex dwarf?

12 Glen Davidson  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:40:04pm

What's next, sanctions for those who question whether or not leprechauns exist?

Glen Davidson
[Link: tinyurl.com...]

13 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:40:13pm

Sad to see the old sod going in such a backwards direction.

14 SixDegrees  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:40:46pm

Paving the way for the Islamists by putting in place exactly the sort of oppressive laws they're looking for doesn't strike me as a good idea.

Islamists aside, it doesn't strike me as a good idea, either. If your faith is so weak that it can't bear to allow dissenting voices to pass through the air, then it doesn't strike me as a faith worth upholding in the first place.

15 Four More Tears  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:41:32pm

You must think you're god is really weak if you have to resort to this.

16 SixDegrees  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:42:09pm

re: #11 beekiller

I love the Bjork quote. My girlfriend hates her but how can anyone hate a Icelandic sex dwarf?

I wasn't quite able to parse it; she seems to be saying, well, Buddhism's great, but Buddhism sucks, in the same breath.

17 BryanS  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:42:41pm

re: #14 SixDegrees

Paving the way for the Islamists by putting in place exactly the sort of oppressive laws they're looking for doesn't strike me as a good idea.

Islamists aside, it doesn't strike me as a good idea, either. If your faith is so weak that it can't bear to allow dissenting voices to pass through the air, then it doesn't strike me as a faith worth upholding in the first place.

Wholeheartedly agree. This is precisely what all extremists of every religion wants. The cartoon fiasco was considered blasphemy. When an easily offended groups gets to say what is or is not offensive to their god/religion, there is no longer free speech.

18 RealismRox  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:42:50pm

Freedom of speech is an American concept, glad that I live here.

19 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:43:25pm

Irish atheists use Bjork, Mark Twain to challenge blasphemy law

Lawmakers in staunchly Catholic Ireland passed the law in July, but it came into force January 1.

A person breaks the law by saying or publishing anything "grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion."

Those found guilty of breaking the blasphemy law may try to defend themselves by proving that a reasonable person would find literary, artistic, political, scientific or academic value in what they said or published, the law says.

Muslims are going to be the first ones to try to exploit this one. Should be interesting.

20 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:43:54pm

If the punishment is a fine as opposed to stoning or dunking or such, perhaps just a way to raise revenue?

21 Mark Pennington  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:44:07pm

re: #16 SixDegrees

I wasn't quite able to parse it; she seems to be saying, well, Buddhism's great, but Buddhism sucks, in the same breath.

It's Bjork. She amuses me because she rarely makes sense. She's Kate Bush on acid.

22 SixDegrees  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:44:07pm

re: #19 Killgore Trout

Irish atheists use Bjork, Mark Twain to challenge blasphemy law

Muslims are going to be the first ones to try to exploit this one. Should be interesting.

Yup. See my #14, above.

23 BryanS  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:44:15pm

re: #18 RealismRox

Freedom of speech is an American concept, glad that I live here.

It's easy to forget how true that is. Whether it's Canada's HRC, or this new Irish law, it seems free speech really is in need of constant defense.

24 Surabaya Stew  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:45:02pm

One does not have to be an atheist to be opposed. This Deist is firmly against this bad law, and hopes the fair denzins of Eire come to their good senses sooner rather than later.

25 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:45:03pm

In February 2006, Irish President Mary McAleese visited Saudi Arabia and condemned the publication of the Danish Mohammed cartoons, saying, "Muslims have every right to feel angry."

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

26 Lidane  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:47:31pm
Tom Lehrer, The Vatican Rag, 1963: “Get in line in that processional, step into that small confessional. There, the guy who’s got religion’ll tell you if your sin’s original. If it is, try playing it safer, drink the wine and chew the wafer. Two, four, six, eight, time to transubstantiate!”

Heh. I've always liked that song.

Youtube Video
27 Girth  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:47:33pm

Well, good luck to our Irish friends as they challenge this. I know if something like this happened here I'd be pissed as all hell, but I can imagine having an awful lot of fun protesting it with some creative righteous indignation too.

28 Four More Tears  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:47:56pm

re: #25 Charles

Of course the only reasonable solution is to abridge freedom of speech.

To borrow from that German journalist a couple of weeks ago, she is ridiculous.

29 BryanS  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:47:59pm

re: #25 Charles

In February 2006, Irish President Mary McAleese visited Saudi Arabia and condemned the publication of the Danish Mohammed cartoons, saying, "Muslims have every right to feel angry."

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Uber lame and weak. It is shameful to see a western leader do that.

30 What, me worry?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:48:56pm

re: #24 Surabaya Stew

One does not have to be an atheist to be opposed. This Deist is firmly against this bad law, and hopes the fair denzins of Eire come to their good senses sooner rather than later.

Pointing out the Jesus was considered blasphemous by his peers during his life is a very clever thing, but I don't think the Church would agree.

What do they consider to be blasphemous anyway? It's not following the 10 Commandments considered blasphemy alone?

31 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:50:03pm

re: #18 RealismRox

it's at times like these that i once again say thank you to my forbearers for having the courage to leave everything they knew to come here.The land of freedom and opportunity.

32 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:51:21pm

re: #31 Boondock St. Bender

it's at times like these that i once again say thank you to my forbearers for having the courage to leave everything they knew to come here.The land of freedom and opportunity.

Cool! now if we can just keep it that way...

33 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:51:32pm

re: #30 marjoriemoon

at one time,it was whatever they disagreed with.

34 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:52:14pm

re: #25 Charles

re: #29 BryanS

Actually they do. The newspaper in question was going out of its way to break their customs just to show it could. It was intentionally offensive.

Of course, that doesn't mean they have the right to break into artists' houses with axes >>

~~

I don't even know what to think about the blasphemy thing. Its so regressive, it blows my mind.

35 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:52:22pm

re: #32 brookly red

that is the struggle duty and honor of every generation.

36 What, me worry?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:52:39pm

re: #30 marjoriemoon

Pointing out the Jesus was considered blasphemous by his peers during his life is a very clever thing, but I don't think the Church would agree.

What do they consider to be blasphemous anyway? It's not following the 10 Commandments considered blasphemy alone?

Specifically, thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain.

So someone says GD in public, they're off to the hoosegow? I mean, unless they have $35K in their pocket ??

(walking the pup, brb)

37 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:52:58pm

re: #33 Boondock St. Bender

at one time,it was whatever they disagreed with.

Which is exactly my fear here. Blasphemy will become whatever the state does not wish you to say.

38 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:53:43pm

Patterico's post about being banned -- yep, I banned his ass, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat -- has attracted a lovely barrage of nasty comments and hatred directed at me, including people using my name to post ugly comments.

I'm beginning to get the feeling that some right wingers don't like me very much.

39 Four More Tears  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:53:57pm

Hell, I think I've blasphemed enough this afternoon to render me a pauper in Ireland...

40 Summer Seale  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:54:00pm

Woot I got a hat tip! My first of the new year! =)

And yes, how barbaric is this law? It's so insane. I can't believe a civilized society has voted for this! Talk about appeasement - and not just to Muslim Extremists, but to every fundamentalist out there.

41 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:54:02pm

re: #31 Boondock St. Bender

it's at times like these that i once again say thank you to my forbearers for having the courage to leave everything they knew to come here.The land of freedom and opportunity.

When my forbearers got here, they were usually one step ahead of local law enforcement and a couple of angry fathers.

Not //

42 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:54:05pm

re: #36 marjoriemoon

Specifically, thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain.

So someone says GD in public, they're off to the hoosegow? I mean, unless they have $35K in their pocket ??

(walking the pup, brb)

this might have a negative effect on the tourism biz...

43 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:54:16pm

re: #36 marjoriemoon

Since you bring it up specifically, that always struck me as a bit odd (that is, a habit of some people on here). Unless 'God' is Gods name, why abbreviate it? Why not just work around it?

Not meaning to offend, just honestly curious :)

44 shiplord kirel  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:54:22pm

re: #25 Charles

In February 2006, Irish President Mary McAleese visited Saudi Arabia and condemned the publication of the Danish Mohammed cartoons, saying, "Muslims have every right to feel angry."

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

I wonder how she feels about the attempted axe-murder of a 74 year old man and his five year old granddaughter?

45 Kronocide  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:54:41pm

re: #38 Charles

I'm beginning to get the feeling that some right wingers don't like me very much.

Actually they don't like themselves very much. You're just an outlet to not have to deal with it.

46 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:55:35pm

re: #36 marjoriemoon

more than likely,it would cover language/signage designed to insult or insultingly(?)disparage an established religion.

47 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:55:38pm

re: #38 Charles

I'm beginning to get the feeling that some right wingers don't like me very much.

Nah, you're just being blasphemous!

48 seltzer123  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:56:08pm

Blasphemy Is A Victimless Crime

Youtube Video
49 stevemcg  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:56:14pm

re: #16 SixDegrees

One way or the other, it's gotta be blasphemy.

50 Four More Tears  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:56:32pm

re: #46 Boondock St. Bender

more than likely,it would cover language/signage designed to insult or insultingly(?)disparage an established religion.

I guess Ireland will be banning South Park soon, then?

51 gandalf.il  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:56:38pm

There is no god.

Wait, does this mean I have to cancel my trip to Ireland?

Actually, we can take this a little further and make a law defining any statement that contradicts the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church as blasphemy.

There. A two-step recipe for abolishing freedom of speech.

52 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:56:40pm

re: #44 shiplord kirel

I wonder how she feels about the attempted axe-murder of a 74 year old man and his five year old granddaughter?

seems that may have been exactly what she was trying to avoid... but I don't approve of the method.

53 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:56:58pm

re: #44 shiplord kirel

I kind of hit that in my #34. 'The right to be angry' is vastly different than 'the right to commit felonies'

54 Lidane  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:57:09pm

re: #27 Girth

Well, good luck to our Irish friends as they challenge this.

Agreed. What a terrible law. I hope it's overturned.

I know if something like this happened here I'd be pissed as all hell, but I can imagine having an awful lot of fun protesting it with some creative righteous indignation too.

Oh, same here. I'd have all sorts of gleeful fun protesting an anti-blasphemy law here in the States. I just hope it never comes to that.

55 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:57:16pm

re: #38 Charles

what would give you that idea????
/

56 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:57:34pm

/ and all I said was that fish was good enough for Jehovah...

57 BryanS  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:58:00pm

re: #34 windsagio

re: #29 BryanS

Actually they do. The newspaper in question was going out of its way to break their customs just to show it could. It was intentionally offensive.

Of course, that doesn't mean they have the right to break into artists' houses with axes >>

~~

I don't even know what to think about the blasphemy thing. Its so regressive, it blows my mind.

People have a right to be offended--I cannot control their thoughts or emotions. They have no right to act on those thoughts in a way that harms others. They should also have no legal recourse to stop such speech.

58 stevemcg  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:59:46pm

re: #26 Lidane

I tried to opding, but nothing happened. I keep a lot of Tom Lehrer on my Ipod. I once played it in eighth grade religeon class. I had to bring in an example of modern religious music. Sister let me play it but with the sound turned down a bit.

59 BryanS  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 1:59:58pm

re: #48 seltzer123

Blasphemy Is A Victimless Crime


[Video]

There is no god, so of course there is nothing to offend :)

60 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:00:05pm

re: #56 brookly red

/ and all I said was that fish was good enough for Jehovah...

"Son, I'm taking your car keys until you get a haircut."

"Dad, Jesus had long hair!"

"Read your Bible, son. Jesus walked everywhere, too!"

61 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:00:44pm

reminds me of the old "what do you mean my religion isn't peaceful...I'LL KILL YOU!!!!!!"

62 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:01:14pm

re: #57 BryanS

And nobody's (well nobody credible) saying they do. There's no reason to be upset about what she said, except perhaps a general latent anger about muslims in general.

63 BryanS  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:01:36pm

re: #51 gandalf.il

There is no god.

Wait, does this mean I have to cancel my trip to Ireland?

Actually, we can take this a little further and make a law defining any statement that contradicts the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church as blasphemy.

There. A two-step recipe for abolishing freedom of speech.

Exactly what a Muslim would do if someone claims Mohamad is not a prophet--exactly what every other faith claims. Extremist Muslims consider people with other beliefs blasphemers.

64 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:02:56pm

Looks like Patterico is making it a personal crusade to smear me now. He'll have to take a number and get in line, though.

65 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:03:03pm

re: #38 Charles

If anyone's worried about the origination, it's very plain in the thread of your original article where it came from, and the guy who's original photo got shopped is linked. That there were smear merchants using it during election 2008 is also very clear. Patterico saying it coulda been a Puma job doesn't answer the reason why it's still making the rounds in right wing mail lists today, well past the election.

66 BryanS  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:03:51pm

re: #62 windsagio

And nobody's (well nobody credible) saying they do. There's no reason to be upset about what she said, except perhaps a general latent anger about muslims in general.

It is a sign of submission, vacillation, and weakness to kowtow to the easily offended sensibilities of extremists. Doing so only validates the eruptions of violence and encourages more of it.

67 Surabaya Stew  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:04:07pm

re: #30 marjoriemoon

Pointing out the Jesus was considered blasphemous by his peers during his life is a very clever thing, but I don't think the Church would agree.

What do they consider to be blasphemous anyway? It's not following the 10 Commandments considered blasphemy alone?

The irony of that historical truth is usually lost on those who push his name most fervently.

68 _RememberTonyC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:04:11pm

maybe they were drunk when they came up with this law ...

/

69 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:04:19pm

re: #63 BryanS

there you have the catch 22 of this non sense.you cannot have 15 different one true faiths operating weekly w/o freedom of speech.

70 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:04:33pm

re: #64 Charles

Looks like Patterico is making it a personal crusade to smear me now.

Don't these people have a life? Kids, a spouse, a dog, golf clubs, anything?

71 stevemcg  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:05:20pm

Does anybody happen to know if Ireland has freedom of speech like we do here?

72 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:05:21pm

re: #66 BryanS

eeh, maybe we should just let it go. I just don't see that as kowtowing. Sometimes we just can't agree and can't prove it to each other, I guess ;)

73 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:05:54pm

re: #71 stevemcg

Does anybody happen to know if Ireland has freedom of speech like we do here?

Nobody has that.

74 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:05:54pm

The other point Patterico seems unfamiliar with is that there are right wing racist crazies who carry D's in front of their names as well. Look at the guys living at the C st. house as an example.

75 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:05:59pm

re: #64 Charles

Any reason why the sudden intrest from him?Or is he just trying to start the new year with obsessive crusade?

76 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:06:46pm

re: #75 Boondock St. Bender

Any reason why the sudden intrest from him?Or is he just trying to start the new year with obsessive crusade?

He probably needs hits and to keep his cred with the RINO hunters.

77 shiplord kirel  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:07:00pm

re: #53 windsagio

I kind of hit that in my #34. 'The right to be angry' is vastly different than 'the right to commit felonies'

In the case of a blasphemy law, the distinction is largely meaningless since the state takes charge of forcibly suppressing the cause of anger.

78 BryanS  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:07:04pm

re: #72 windsagio

eeh, maybe we should just let it go. I just don't see that as kowtowing. Sometimes we just can't agree and can't prove it to each other, I guess ;)

No problem to agree to disagree--I may be coming across more strident than I intend in my posts. I still of course believe what I believe.

79 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:07:09pm

re: #71 stevemcg

if they did, they don't anymore.....

80 Lidane  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:07:14pm

re: #48 seltzer123

Dawkins is great. Between him, Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, and Michio Kaku, I've had a pretty good science education. I'd never seen that video before. Thanks for posting it! :)

Of course, I've also drifted from Catholic to agnostic at best in the process, but that was inevitable anyway. I started questioning religion long before I ever gave up on it in any organized form.

81 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:07:37pm

re: #69 Boondock St. Bender

there you have the catch 22 of this non sense.you cannot have 15 different one true faiths operating weekly w/o freedom of speech.

/well if you have a fairness doctrine you can!

82 Virginia Plain  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:07:50pm

What, Ireland didn't already have a blasphemy law? This in a country where the Catholic Church was the defacto ruler for years?

83 Seltzer123  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:08:17pm

What is the punishment for violating the Irish Blasphemy law?

I don't know, but it seems like a good excuse to post this clip from Life of Brian.

Youtube Video
84 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:08:25pm

... and speaking of having a life, who are these people who kidnapped South Carolina's football team and took their place in the bowl?!?!?!

// throws stuff at TV

85 Lidane  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:08:42pm

re: #58 stevemcg

I tried to upding, but nothing happened. I keep a lot of Tom Lehrer on my Ipod. I once played it in eighth grade religeon class. I had to bring in an example of modern religious music. Sister let me play it but with the sound turned down a bit.

Heh. My best friend is a huge Tom Lehrer fan. I'd heard a few of his songs, of course, but with her, I've heard a fair bit. I like him. I should download some of his stuff, I think.

86 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:09:15pm

re: #77 shiplord kirel

hrmm, maybe I missed something, didn't think the 2 stories were actually linked.

re: #78 BryanS

of course :)

87 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:09:25pm

Is pointing out that the Catholic Church (in Ireland, and I mean the church structure, not the people of Ireland) was a major enabler of child abuse for decades, if not centuries, blasphemy?

88 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:10:34pm

re: #76 Thanos

That is the funniest thing about all this,Charles never said he was a staunch republican.
These idiots must have missed most of the "frank says"quotes,or many of the prevalent opinions that didn't exactly jibe with a rabid right site.

89 tradewind  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:11:17pm

re: #87 EmmmieG
Probably not, but it may violate the statute against beating dead equines.

90 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:11:46pm

Meanwhile, in Malaysia...

KUALA LUMPUR — Muslim groups in Malaysia have voiced opposition to a court ruling allowing a Catholic paper the right to use the word "Allah", and said Saturday they plan to demonstrate.

Malaysia's high court ruled Thursday that the Herald weekly had the right to use the word "Allah" after a long-running dispute between the government and the paper in the Muslim-majority nation.

The Herald has been using the word "Allah" as a translation for "God" in its Malay-language section, but the government argued "Allah" should be used only by Muslims.

91 Ojoe  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:11:59pm

I am glad Mark Twain made the list.

By the way they hung a guy for blasphemy in Scotland in 1697. That was the most recent such hanging in the British Isles.
Thomas Ailenhead.

Not a good idea to go back.

92 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:12:42pm

re: #84 SteveC

I've always questioned the wisdom of having a month and a half from the last game of the season to the bowl games....

93 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:13:42pm

re: #87 EmmmieG

EmmieG's A WITCH!!!! eleventy!1

94 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:13:57pm

re: #89 tradewind

Probably not, but it may violate the statute against beating dead equines.

Well thank God we don't have that law here! A crazy cousin is still angry at my grand uncle, who has been dead twenty years!

95 Summer Seale  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:14:04pm

re: #82 Virginia Plain

They already did have a blasphemy law apparently, but they expanded it to protect all religions or some such nonsense.

It's utterly barbaric and they should know better by now.

96 Ojoe  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:14:59pm

re: #91 Ojoe

"Aikenhead" k not l there.

PIMF

97 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:15:38pm

re: #93 Boondock St. Bender

EmmieG's A WITCH!!! eleventy!1

Do you know what I would give to weigh the same as a duck?

Or even closer to a duck?

98 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:15:56pm

re: #90 SteveC

KUALA LUMPUR — Muslim groups in Malaysia have voiced opposition to a court ruling allowing a Catholic paper the right to use the word "Allah", and said Saturday they plan to demonstrate.

that usually dose not involve carrying signs or giant puppets...

99 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:16:52pm

re: #98 brookly red

KUALA LUMPUR — Muslim groups in Malaysia have voiced opposition to a court ruling allowing a Catholic paper the right to use the word "Allah", and said Saturday they plan to demonstrate.

that usually dose not involve carrying signs or giant puppets...

I hear they're going to hold up signs that say WE BEG TO DIFFER!

100 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:17:31pm

re: #92 Boondock St. Bender

seems to me theres time for a short championship tournament in that time... >>

101 Ojoe  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:17:46pm

Witch scene from Holy Grail

102 jaunte  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:18:53pm

re: #91 Ojoe

Good comment at the end of that:

More recently, George Rosie wrote in the newspaper The Scotsman, "The killing of Thomas Aikenhead, like the hounding of Salman Rushdie for the same ‘offence,’ was a disgrace. . . a prime example of a God-fixated state killing a man in an attempt to stop the spread of an idea."[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]
103 WindHorse  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:19:02pm

but wait!!

if this new law means that the Irish "look better" in the eyes of Islam, doesn't this represent a positive step???


//////////////

104 tradewind  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:19:33pm

re: #94 SteveC
Maybe telling your cousin that the uncle is getting a sweet deal on free rent in his or her head would put an end to that.

105 Stuart Leviton  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:19:57pm

Does this mean they will purge their library of blasphemous books?

wo bucher brennen, verbrennt man man ende noch menschen - Heinrich Heine


First they burn books, then they burn people. (loose translation)
106 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:20:19pm

re: #103 WindHorse

but wait!!

if this new law means that the Irish "look better" in the eyes of Islam, doesn't this represent a positive step???

///

does better mean riper ?

107 Ojoe  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:20:37pm

re: #102 jaunte

Yes. The Scottish have advanced much since 1697.

108 tradewind  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:21:16pm

re: #103 WindHorse
Consider the crocodile... yet will he eat thee, though ye continue to feed him. It's possible that you'll be last, but you'll still be eaten.

109 Kronocide  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:21:30pm

re: #107 Ojoe

Yes. The Scottish have advanced much since 1697.

Scotch is much better than most Irish whisky, so I'd have to agree with you. Plus they invented golf.

110 Ojoe  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:22:26pm

I suppose now you won't be able to see much Monty Python in Ireland.

111 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:22:49pm

re: #109 BigPapa

Scotch is much better than most Irish whisky, so I'd have to agree with you. Plus they invented golf.

That means I get to blame those atrocious pictures of my grandfather in his golf clothes on the Scottish?

112 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:22:55pm

re: #65 Thanos

If anyone's worried about the origination, it's very plain in the thread of your original article where it came from, and the guy who's original photo got shopped is linked. That there were smear merchants using it during election 2008 is also very clear. Patterico saying it coulda been a Puma job doesn't answer the reason why it's still making the rounds in right wing mail lists today, well past the election.

It's beyond belief that these people are actually trying to claim that the racist shoe shine image didn't come from the right wing. They're not fooling anyone, not even themselves.

The right wing has gotten very good at lying to itself.

113 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:22:57pm

re: #104 tradewind

Maybe telling your cousin that the uncle is getting a sweet deal on free rent in his or her head would put an end to that.

Oh, he's a welcome guest in crazy cuz's head! They get together quite often and party 'till the cows come home. It's the rest of the family who wants him evicted!

114 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:23:20pm

re: #100 windsagio

zactly..frankly it's time to give up the fallacy that these guys are there to get an education.....just sayin'

115 Who Watches the Watchmen?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:23:25pm

Ahh, it's nice to see Charles full of piss and vinegar today.

Happy New Year, Lizards!

116 watching you tiny alien kittens are  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:25:25pm

If I remember right the Irish government said they had no choice because the anti-blasphemy bit was written into their constitution. After several legal cases were brought that sort of fell into the "grey zone" because of the lack of a modern statute they needed to write one. There already was a anti-blasphemy law sorta but it was from the 1500's or something like that.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that according to the law makers they were only trying to make things better, not worse.

117 simoom  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:25:50pm

For anyone who's interested, the Presidential Weekly Address was focused on the attempted Christmas bombing:

Youtube Video

Here's the transcript:
[Link: www.whitehouse.gov...]

An excerpt:

Meanwhile, the investigation into the Christmas Day incident continues, and we're learning more about the suspect. We know that he traveled to Yemen, a country grappling with crushing poverty and deadly insurgencies. It appears that he joined an affiliate of al Qaeda, and that this group-al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula-trained him, equipped him with those explosives and directed him to attack that plane headed for America.

This is not the first time this group has targeted us. In recent years, they have bombed Yemeni government facilities and Western hotels, restaurants and embassies-including our embassy in 2008, killing one American. So, as President, I've made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni government-training and equipping their security forces, sharing intelligence and working with them to strike al Qaeda terrorists.

And even before Christmas Day, we had seen the results. Training camps have been struck; leaders eliminated; plots disrupted. And all those involved in the attempted act of terrorism on Christmas must know-you too will be held to account.

118 Stuart Leviton  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:26:03pm

Will Salman Rushdie be banned in Ireland? Will they issue a fatwah(a legal opinion)?

119 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:27:19pm

re: #118 Stuart Leviton

Will Salman Rushdie be banned in Ireland? Will they issue a fatwah(a legal opinion)?

Is THAT what a "fatwah" is?

Hmm , I always thought is was a WAH that had too much to eat during these holidays!

120 Surabaya Stew  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:27:27pm

re: #90 SteveC

Meanwhile, in Malaysia...

Thanks for bringing this up. These butheads are reacting because the Malaysian courts actually ruled against the Islamist government agency in charge of enforcing this blatantly unconstitutional law. Allah is most certainly a correct word for Christians to use; Malaysian and Indonesian churches use it all the time and think nothing of it!

121 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:28:15pm

re: #9 JasonA

What the hell is going on over there??

To be perfectly honest, it's Ireland. Divorce was illegal until the '90s. Birth control was dicey. They're a little prone.

122 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:29:04pm

re: #120 Surabaya Stew

that was always one of the weird things to me about Islamic culture... Their sense of ownership of the Arabic language.

123 What, me worry?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:29:12pm

re: #43 windsagio

Since you bring it up specifically, that always struck me as a bit odd (that is, a habit of some people on here). Unless 'God' is Gods name, why abbreviate it? Why not just work around it?

Not meaning to offend, just honestly curious :)

The idea is is to never write the Lord's name where it can be later thrown away. But I never quite understood that online since data is never really thrown away. Chock it up to either habit or respect of God and/or people who would be offended which is why I typed GD instead of spelling it.

Personally I like f* better as a swear.

124 abolitionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:29:26pm

Semi-OT - I think Gore may have beat McAleese in the ass-kissing competition at the same event:
Gore laments US 'abuses' against Arabs

(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-13 10:49

Former US Vice President Al Gore told a mainly Saudi audience on Sunday that the U.S. government committed "terrible abuses" against Arabs after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and that most Americans did not support such treatment.

Gore said Arabs had been "indiscriminately rounded up" and held in "unforgivable" conditions. The former vice president said the Bush administration was playing into al-Qaida's hands by routinely blocking Saudi visa applications.

"The thoughtless way in which visas are now handled, that is a mistake," Gore said during the Jiddah Economic Forum.
[snip]

Altho to his credit,

Gore refused to be drawn into questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"We can't solve that long conflict in exchanges here," Gore said.

Alternate links to the story:
Al Gore Blasts America in Saudi Arabia
Arabs in US were victims of abuses, says Al Gore
Al Gore's Jeddah Speech and Conservative Cluelessness

125 Boondock St. Bender  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:29:50pm

re: #116 ausador

The road to hell was paved with those kind of intentions

126 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:29:55pm

re: #29 BryanS

Uber lame and weak. It is shameful to see a western leader do that.

Muslims had every right to feel angry. It's the stuff that came after feeling angry, like the murder attempts, that went out of bounds.

127 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:32:40pm

re: #82 Virginia Plain

What, Ireland didn't already have a blasphemy law? This in a country where the Catholic Church was the defacto ruler for years?

When the Church ran things, they didn't need a blasphemy law. The Church could take action on their own.

128 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:32:50pm

re: #126 SanFranciscoZionist

Muslims had every right to feel angry. It's the stuff that came after feeling angry, like the murder attempts, that went out of bounds.

well the stuff that led up to the cartoons should be taken into consideration...

129 albusteve  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:33:15pm

Thomas Aquinas says that “it is clear that blasphemy, which is a sin committed directly against God, is more grave than murder, which is a sin against one's neighbor. … it is called the most grievous sin, for as much as it makes every sin more grievous

130 TedStriker  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:33:48pm

re: #38 Charles

Patterico's post about being banned -- yep, I banned his ass, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat -- has attracted a lovely barrage of nasty comments and hatred directed at me, including people using my name to post ugly comments.

I'm beginning to get the feeling that some right wingers don't like me very much.

re: #64 Charles

Looks like Patterico is making it a personal crusade to smear me now. He'll have to take a number and get in line, though.

F**k him, his sycophants, and his fellow travelers...since they wanted to lay down with the proverbial dogs, they shouldn't be surprised to have a raging case of fleas.

131 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:34:16pm

re: #124 abolitionist

Thank God he's not still bitter about losing to Bush!
//

132 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:34:56pm

re: #123 marjoriemoon

thanks for answering~ I was afraid to ask about that because I thought I'd get my head shot off (figuratively of course)

133 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:35:05pm

re: #112 Charles

It's beyond belief that these people are actually trying to claim that the racist shoe shine image didn't come from the right wing. They're not fooling anyone, not even themselves.

The right wing has gotten very good at lying to itself.

When it comes to the bloggers who depend on it for their livelihood you can see that they are hostages. Now that PJM has melted they are wholly dependent on a few sites for almost all of their hits, and we both know who those sites belong to.

134 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:35:32pm

Can you be any more stupid?

East Carolina announced Friday that redshirt freshman defensive back Leonard Paulk and junior running back Jonathan Williams have been suspended indefinitely from the football program for a violation of team policy and will miss Saturday's AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Arkansas.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that Paulk and Williams scuffled during the AutoZone Liberty Bowl awards luncheon and nearly flipped over a table while fighting over a dessert. According to the paper, one player had the other in a headlock and was hitting him.

135 Surabaya Stew  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:35:51pm

re: #122 windsagio

that was always one of the weird things to me about Islamic culture... Their sense of ownership of the Arabic language.

Which is ironic, because Muslim Arabs tend to have low opinions of their non-Arab co-religionists. To see the Malaysian government islamists show such deference to the "santicity" of the Arab language is very strange indeed.

136 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:36:18pm

re: #127 SanFranciscoZionist

When the Church ran things, they didn't need a blasphemy law. The Church could take action on their own.

No one expects the Spanish Irish Inquisition!

137 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:36:58pm

re: #123 marjoriemoon

I thought when you typed GD above (#36) you meant God Damn, which in my youth I was taught was taking the Lords name in vain

138 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:36:58pm

re: #136 SteveC

No one expects the Spanish Irish Inquisition!

oy

139 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:37:24pm

re: #131 sattv4u2

You know, with Gore, I think he's actually better off for losing. I mean look what the Presidency did for Bush!

140 TedStriker  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:37:27pm

re: #112 Charles

It's beyond belief that these people are actually trying to claim that the racist shoe shine image didn't come from the right wing. They're not fooling anyone, not even themselves.

The right wing has gotten very good at lying to itself.

FTFY...sad, but true.

141 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:38:38pm

re: #135 Surabaya Stew

Which is ironic, because Muslim Arabs tend to have low opinions of their non-Arab co-religionists. To see the Malaysian government islamists show such deference to the "santicity" of the Arab language is very strange indeed.

Irshad Manji refers to it as 'foundationalism'--the belief that Arab culture and language and issues take precedence in Islam because they had the founder.

Actually used it to her advantage once--a student Muslim group was unitedly against her as a Muslim lesbian, right up to the point where one of the Arab kids opened his mouth about how South Asians and Malaysians et al weren't real Muslims. Loyalties shifted fast.

142 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:40:25pm

re: #139 windsagio

You know, with Gore, I think he's actually better off for losing. I mean look what the Presidency did for Bush!

I'm very happy that he's better off for losing.

:)

143 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:41:52pm

re: #141 SanFranciscoZionist

I never really got why muslims in North Africa or South Asia could accept the explicit arab imperialism in their religion.

It'd make me crazy >

144 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:42:57pm

re: #134 SteveC

while fighting over a dessert. According to the paper, one player had the other in a headlock and was hitting him.


which begs two questions


What was the dessert

Why weren't there more !?!?!

You would think Auto Zone could afford enough for all!!

145 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:43:17pm

re: #142 sattv4u2

I'm very happy that he's better off for losing.

:)

care to speculate were we would be today if he had won?

146 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:43:41pm

re: #145 brookly red

care to speculate were we would be today if he had won?

In that I value my account ,,,,ummm,,, NO!!

/

147 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:44:37pm

re: #145 brookly red

man, that way lies destruction!

148 shiplord kirel  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:46:44pm

re: #86 windsagio

hrmm, maybe I missed something, didn't think the 2 stories were actually linked.

re: #78 BryanS

of course :)

Really? McAleese was addressing the selfsame Muhammed cartoons that are the cause of the anger that led to the attack in Denmark. This particular "anger" cannot be isolated from its real-world expression, it is almost invariably expressed in violence and calls for forcible suppression. McAleese obviously endorses this response, since her own government has now taken over the job of forcible suppression from angry jihadist vigilantes. A raid by the Irish police differs from a terrorist attack only by degrees, both constitute actual force in response to provocative but non-violent expressions.

149 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:47:15pm

re: #143 windsagio

I never really got why muslims in North Africa or South Asia could accept the explicit arab imperialism in their religion.

It'd make me crazy >

The Berbers don't like it much. Ongoing tension there.

150 What, me worry?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:47:22pm

re: #137 sattv4u2

I thought when you typed GD above (#36) you meant God Damn, which in my youth I was taught was taking the Lords name in vain

Yes, I did and yes, it does! lol

151 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:48:40pm

re: #143 windsagio

I never really got why muslims in North Africa or South Asia could accept the explicit arab imperialism in their religion.

It'd make me crazy >

It goes with the concept of Emir and is somewhat like the Islamic version of the divine right of kings. That stuff's left over from the 1st and 2nd fitna, and I really think they are fighting the third fitna now.

152 gandalf.il  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:49:04pm

re: #63 BryanS

I only noted the catholic church since its the predominant religion in Ireland.
And you have to agree, that Muslim countries really do not need a plan to abolish freedom of speech...

BTW, In some Muslim countries a fine is not the worst you can expect for blasphemy...

153 shiplord kirel  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:49:41pm

Not to worry, we'll get the left on board with our objections when the Irish branch of Falwell ministries, or some equivalent, files a criminal complaint against some pop-culture figure.

154 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:50:07pm

re: #148 shiplord kirel

Really? McAleese was addressing the selfsame Muhammed cartoons that are the cause of the anger that led to the attack in Denmark. This particular "anger" cannot be isolated from its real-world expression, it is almost invariably expressed in violence and calls for forcible suppression. McAleese obviously endorses this response, since her own government has now taken over the job of forcible suppression from angry jihadist vigilantes. A raid by the Irish police differs from a terrorist attack only by degrees, both constitute actual force in response to provocative but non-violent expressions.

The cognitive dissonance is huge, since she was a proponent of rights for gays. Now however she is supporting the stifling of speech of another minority in Ireland, the atheists.

155 dmelroy  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:50:08pm

Good god.. I can say this as an Irishman myself....This one fits a famous Irish quote all to well in this case..

"All the world's a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed."
- Sean O'Casey

156 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:50:25pm

re: #152 gandalf.il

I only noted the catholic church since its the predominant religion in Ireland.
And you have to agree, that Muslim countries really do not need a plan to abolish freedom of speech...

BTW, In some Muslim countries a fine is not the worst you can expect for blasphemy...

no shit?

157 Surabaya Stew  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:51:35pm

re: #141 SanFranciscoZionist

Irshad Manji refers to it as 'foundationalism'--the belief that Arab culture and language and issues take precedence in Islam because they had the founder.

Actually used it to her advantage once--a student Muslim group was unitedly against her as a Muslim lesbian, right up to the point where one of the Arab kids opened his mouth about how South Asians and Malaysians et al weren't real Muslims. Loyalties shifted fast.

I like her very much! She really knows her religion well and isn't afraid to speak up. Being raised in North America sure has given her great insights as to how Islam can best thrive in our multi-cultural society. Would love to have her speak at my wedding.

158 freetoken  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:51:39pm

Perhaps off topic... perhaps not.

The movement underway to internationalize the Internet, in particular the use of non-latin scripts in domain names, email addresses, etc. is now in full swing.

I'm wondering if the anti-Babel effect of having English being the default language of the internet is about to being to slide away...

I wonder how the revanchists (who are the heart and soul of the Tea Party movements and much of the right wing hate) are going to react to their email boxes start to fill up with non-English messages (probably spam.)

There are more websites/blogs being created in the East than anywhere else now.

By the time China replaces the US as the largest economy (10 years away?), how will the American revanchists react when all of a sudden the G8/G10/G20 no longer bows to pressure from the US?

We have an interesting, and possibly disturbing, decade ahead of us in this country as the older generations, who grew up in a time of unparalleled American dominance over the world, see their world system fade away.

Will they try to impose laws, maybe even Blasphemy laws, to preserve their ideals?

159 Wozza Matter?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:52:09pm

re: #18 RealismRox

Clarification - are you saying that the idea of "free speech" forst appeared in America?

160 freetoken  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:52:27pm

pimf "begin to slide ..."

161 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:53:07pm

re: #153 shiplord kirel

Not to worry, we'll get the left on board with our objections when the Irish branch of Falwell ministries, or some equivalent, files a criminal complaint against some pop-culture figure.

In Ireland it would be the SSPX orthodox fundie types rather than evangelists however.

162 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:54:21pm

re: #154 Thanos

argh, this isn't just about atheists!

They're hardly the only people capable of blasphemy >>

163 What, me worry?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:54:50pm

re: #158 freetoken

I would imagine tho, that the more "foreign" language sites we see, the more translation sites will appear. Just a guess.

164 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:55:11pm

re: #162 windsagio

argh, this isn't just about atheists!

They're hardly the only people capable of blasphemy >>

I quite agree, but they will be among the first targets. Dawkins will be blocked first.

165 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:57:23pm

re: #164 Thanos

I quite agree, but they will be among the first targets. Dawkins will be blocked first.

at risk of going OT, thats what he gets for being an intentional asshole >

/Well not really, nobody should be subjected to that. I just really hate that guy :p

166 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:57:29pm

American Power: The Vice Tightens Around Charles Johnson!

Oooh, scary. A "vice" is tightening around me.

Good lord, what idiots. Every day they prove over and over that I was right to make a public break with them and their crazy obsessions.

167 freetoken  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:58:39pm

re: #163 marjoriemoon

I've yet to find an automatic translator that does well with Eastern languages.

I'm thinking that the English Only type of movement will be the next big thing for the revanchists/rightwing, once they have played out their angst over a black man in office.

168 reine.de.tout  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:59:11pm

re: #166 Charles

American Power: The Vice Tightens Around Charles Johnson!

Oooh, scary. A "vice" is tightening around me.

Good lord, what idiots. Every day they prove over and over that I was right to make a public break with them and their crazy obsessions.

There are those who might enjoy a tightening vice.

A vise, though - another matter altogether.

169 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:59:17pm

re: #166 Charles

American Power: The Vice Tightens Around Charles Johnson!

Oooh, scary. A "vice" is tightening around me.

Good lord, what idiots. Every day they prove over and over that I was right to make a public break with them and their crazy obsessions.

Which vice is it? Gambling? Wasting time on the internet? I hope it's not smoking, Charles, that's not good for you.

170 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:59:21pm

re: #166 Charles

American Power: The Vice Tightens Around Charles Johnson!

Oooh, scary. A "vice" is tightening around me.


No worries
I know a vice cop
Come to think of it,, he's a cop that has lots of vices!
same thing, isn't it ?!?!?!

171 BARACK THE VOTE  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 2:59:56pm

BTW, Ireland, while not a theocracy, has a very long history of allowing Catholicism to essentially make law there.

It wasn't until 1992 that abortion became legal in theory only when the woman's life was in danger. And they would bar you from travelling to another country to obtain one.

Even when the person seeking the abortion is a suicidal minor who is pregnant as a result of rape.
Until that case-- 1992 Attorney General vs X -- abortion was completely illegal under all circumstances.

That has only recently changed, but only when forced through court order:

In May 2007, a pregnant 17 year old girl, known only as Miss D, who was pregnant with a foetus suffering from anencephaly was prevented from travelling to Britain by the Health Service Executive. The High Court ruled on May 9 2007 that she could not be prevented from travelling. [1]

And there is currently an ongoing campaign:

Three women are challenging Ireland's abortion laws. They say that their human rights have been abused because of the country's position on abortion.

The women argue that their health and well-being were harmed because they had to travel to Britain to terminate pregnancies.

So it isn't entirely a surprise that they would have this ridiculous law about blasphemy, I'm sorry to say.

172 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:01:18pm

It's a toothless vise with a broken screw.

173 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:02:40pm

re: #167 freetoken

I've yet to find an automatic translator that does well with Eastern languages.

I'm thinking that the English Only type of movement will be the next big thing for the revanchists/rightwing, once they have played out their angst over a black man in office.

My father has a Russian friend who likes to write him long e-mails about politics and life and philosophy, and similar Russian pre-occupations. His English is minimal, as is my dad's Russian, so, Yevgeny writes in Russian and then translates his messages into English via translation software.

The resulting babble is called, around my parents' home, 'Yevgeny-speak', and many a cold winter evening is spent trying to figure out exactly what the hell Yevgeny means.

174 CapeCoddah  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:03:42pm

re: #166 Charles

American Power: The Vice Tightens Around Charles Johnson!

Oooh, scary. A "vice" is tightening around me.

Good lord, what idiots. Every day they prove over and over that I was right to make a public break with them and their crazy obsessions.

Careful Charles, Next they might "turn the screws" on you,, or "bring down the hammer". Better get a helmet!/

175 reine.de.tout  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:03:55pm

re: #172 Thanos

It's a toothless vise with a broken screw.

Now that says "vice" is an alternate for "vise".

In common usage though - I've only ever seen "vise" used to mean a clamping device.

176 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:04:59pm

re: #175 reine.de.tout

Now that says "vice" is an alternate for "vise".

In common usage though - I've only ever seen "vise" used to mean a clamping device.

I'll have an entendre bartender, and you better make it a double.

177 What, me worry?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:04:59pm

re: #167 freetoken

I've yet to find an automatic translator that does well with Eastern languages.

I'm thinking that the English Only type of movement will be the next big thing for the revanchists/rightwing, once they have played out their angst over a black man in office.

Heh, yea I can see that!

I didn't address your question tho about blasphemy. I can't really speak about G8, but I don't think you can monitor the internet that way. They may be able to shut down an Irish ISP, an Irish business, but how beyond that?

178 Stuart Leviton  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:05:03pm

What's a posting w/o Lenny Bruce. At the end of this clip Lenny Bruce, says a word which he finds offensive: Lenny Bruce on the Steve Allen show

179 abolitionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:05:34pm

re: #167 freetoken

I've yet to find an automatic translator that does well with Eastern languages.

I'm thinking that the English Only type of movement will be the next big thing for the revanchists/rightwing, once they have played out their angst over a black man in office.

The BabelFish plugin for Firefox includes translation options for Indonesian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, and Arabic. Don't know how well they work, of course.

180 Gus  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:05:40pm

re: #166 Charles

American Power: The Vice Tightens Around Charles Johnson!

Oooh, scary. A "vice" is tightening around me.

Good lord, what idiots. Every day they prove over and over that I was right to make a public break with them and their crazy obsessions.

Miami Vice?

And this guy's a professor instructor?

181 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:06:41pm

re: #176 Thanos
That is a good one. The english major part of me is ROFL.

182 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:07:37pm

re: #171 iceweasel

BTW, Ireland, while not a theocracy, has a very long history of allowing Catholicism to essentially make law there.

It wasn't until 1992 that abortion became legal in theory only when the woman's life was in danger. And they would bar you from travelling to another country to obtain one.

Even when the person seeking the abortion is a suicidal minor who is pregnant as a result of rape.
Until that case-- 1992 Attorney General vs X -- abortion was completely illegal under all circumstances.

That has only recently changed, but only when forced through court order:


So it isn't entirely a surprise that they would have this ridiculous law about blasphemy, I'm sorry to say.

I used to buy women's magazines in Ireland that had been altered to edit out ads for birth control, family planning clinics and sex toys.

Birth control information was plastered on the walls of the women's rooms on the UC Cork campus, however, along with "Any information about..." with various boys' names following. (This is how you learn more about young men you are interested in on an Irish college campus.)

My favorite ever was "Any information about Declan Boleyn?" To which one of the responses was "His great-great-great-great gran had her head chopped off by Henry VIII."

183 Randall Gross  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:07:41pm

re: #165 windsagio

at risk of going OT, thats what he gets for being an intentional asshole >

/Well not really, nobody should be subjected to that. I just really hate that guy :p

I used to dislike Dawkins as well as someone who I thought at the time was needlessly incendiary, but now that I've seen the face of evil in the religious right and other monied bigots trashing my party of choice I'm beginning to like him a lot more.

184 former_secret_agent  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:08:29pm

Been a while since I posted -- job change and very busy. Hope everyone is well!

185 TedStriker  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:08:46pm

re: #168 reine.de.tout

There are those who might enjoy a tightening vice.

A vise, though - another matter altogether.

Michael Hutchence (of INXS) and David Carradine found out only too late of the downsides of their "tightening vice"...

186 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:09:16pm

re: #169 SanFranciscoZionist

Which vice is it? Gambling? Wasting time on the internet? I hope it's not smoking, Charles, that's not good for you.

Deal the cards and roll the dice
Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll are my only vice
Tryin' to figure out just what's here after - Saving Grace theme, TNT

187 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:09:41pm

re: #184 former_secret_agent

Been a while since I posted -- job change and very busy. Hope everyone is well!

W/B,, did you bring cake?

188 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:09:48pm

re: #183 Thanos

I used to dislike Dawkins as well as someone who I thought at the time was needlessly incendiary, but now that I've seen the face of evil in the religious right and other monied bigots trashing my party of choice I'm beginning to like him a lot more.

I feel about Dawkins exactly the way I feel about all the people out there desperately trying to convert me Christianity with endless 'proofs'. He's entitled, but I don't have to sit through any of it.

189 BARACK THE VOTE  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:11:04pm

re: #182 SanFranciscoZionist

I used to buy women's magazines in Ireland that had been altered to edit out ads for birth control, family planning clinics and sex toys.

Birth control information was plastered on the walls of the women's rooms on the UC Cork campus, however, along with "Any information about..." with various boys' names following. (This is how you learn more about young men you are interested in on an Irish college campus.)

My favorite ever was "Any information about Declan Boleyn?" To which one of the responses was "His great-great-great-great gran had her head chopped off by Henry VIII."

That's hilarious! And I looove the name declan.
How was Cork? I've spent minimal time in Ireland and was part of a tour sort of thing unfortunately. Also was travelling with my teetotaling, conservative, very very buttoned up sister, which is a whole other story...

190 Ojoe  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:12:04pm

re: #188 SanFranciscoZionist

I have always thought that all good people were seamlessly connected at the deepest level anyway.

191 A Man for all Seasons  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:12:51pm

re: #189 iceweasel

That's hilarious! And I looove the name declan.
How was Cork? I've spent minimal time in Ireland and was part of a tour sort of thing unfortunately. Also was travelling with my teetotaling, conservative, very very buttoned up sister, which is a whole other story...

Sarah Palin is your Sister?
/Happy New Year Ice-Dub

192 freetoken  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:12:54pm

re: #177 marjoriemoon

It wasn't my intention to conflate "blasphemy" with internet blocking... but of course that is done in certain countries now. Don't know if Ireland will ever get to that point, as the EU has laws which govern that type of thing.

Rather, I was thinking that the English Only crowd here will start to object to seeing non-English internet traffic - email, sites, come to be popular in the US.

My comment about the G8/G20 was not so much about internet blocking, but the bigger picture of the waning of American influence.

193 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:13:14pm

There's just something about Detroit

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A spokesman says a Northwest Airlines flight from Detroit was briefly diverted to Tennessee after someone found a suspicious package that turned out to be a Christmas ornament.

194 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:13:26pm

re: #190 Ojoe

I have always thought that all good people were seamlessly connected at the deepest level anyway.

/as long as you keep paying your internet provider, yes...

195 Stuart Leviton  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:15:25pm
Take away the right to say fuck
and you take away the right to say
fuck the government

- Lenny Bruce

196 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:16:21pm

re: #189 iceweasel

Also was travelling with my teetotaling, conservative, very very buttoned up sister, which is a whole other story...

I don't drink either, but you told me she was Conservative, pretty, single, and FUN!

(tell her to take her foot off the brake a little, you only get one chance at life!)

197 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:16:23pm

re: #191 HoosierHoops

Can one tea total while full dressing a moose !?!?!

198 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:17:47pm

re: #197 sattv4u2

Can one tea total while full dressing a moose !?!?!

/your animal dressing fetishes are disturbing...

199 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:19:11pm

heh , and Mrs Sattv wonders why when I retire I want us to summer at our place on Pawleys Island South Carolina and winter in San Diego!

Image: uschill.gif

200 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:19:32pm

re: #198 brookly red

/your animal dressing fetishes are disturbing...

You should see how I stuff a fowl!

201 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:20:23pm

re: #198 brookly red

/your animal dressing fetishes are disturbing...

"I once shot an elephant in my pajamas!"

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard that one before... `How he got into my pajamas, I'll never know!""

"No, I was in my pajamas. The elephants was in a see through nightie with spaghetti straps!"

202 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:20:50pm

re: #200 sattv4u2

You should see how I stuff a fowl!

waiter, on second though I will have the eggplant...

203 freetoken  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:20:53pm

re: #199 sattv4u2

It is beautiful here today... clear blue sky, low 70's...

Indeed, I think I'll head out and walk to the gym... wearing shorts, no less.

204 BARACK THE VOTE  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:21:26pm

re: #191 HoosierHoops

Sarah Palin is your Sister?
/Happy New Year Ice-Dub

Hey Hoops! Happy New Year! How are you?

re: #196 SteveC

I don't drink either, but you told me she was Conservative, pretty, single, and FUN!

(tell her to take her foot off the brake a little, you only get one chance at life!)

I've tried. :(

She's still pretty cool. If she were into politics I would tell her to come here!

205 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:22:18pm

re: #201 SteveC

"I once shot an elephant in my pajamas!"

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard that one before... `How he got into my pajamas, I'll never know!""

"No, I was in my pajamas. The elephants was in a see through nightie with spaghetti straps!"

Rosie's lawyer is on the phone...

206 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:23:51pm

re: #205 brookly red

Rosie's lawyer is on the phone...

My lawyer's here in my living room. That thought done struck me blind.

207 What, me worry?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:25:56pm

re: #192 freetoken

It wasn't my intention to conflate "blasphemy" with internet blocking... but of course that is done in certain countries now. Don't know if Ireland will ever get to that point, as the EU has laws which govern that type of thing.

Rather, I was thinking that the English Only crowd here will start to object to seeing non-English internet traffic - email, sites, come to be popular in the US.

My comment about the G8/G20 was not so much about internet blocking, but the bigger picture of the waning of American influence.

I know very little about G8/G20 to make an opinion.

To the rest, I guess I misunderstood you!

I was appalled to find a number of friends or acquaintances agree with the English Only meme. One coworker I noticed recently, joined an English Only Facebook network thing. Some of these folks I know are Black and Hispanic, too, which further confuses me. I don't think they understand the racist overtones of these groups.

208 SixDegrees  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:27:19pm

Just a reminder to the Doctor Who fans here - the conclusion of this year's Christmas Special begins in two hours on BBC America. The Time Lords, thought destroyed along with their home planet, Gallifrey, in the Time Wars, return - with Timothy Dalton in charge of their ranks.

It's also the last appearance of the actor currently playing the Doctor, and the last episode for both the head writer and head producer of the new series. Looks like they've decided to go out with a huge bang.

Oh, for those who missed last week's episode - The Master has returned, and the human race has been destroyed. Which is where we pick up...

209 SanFranciscoZionist  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:28:06pm

re: #189 iceweasel

That's hilarious! And I looove the name declan.
How was Cork? I've spent minimal time in Ireland and was part of a tour sort of thing unfortunately. Also was travelling with my teetotaling, conservative, very very buttoned up sister, which is a whole other story...

Cork is a lovely town. Very easy access to both the south and west areas of the country, lots of fun pubs and clubs and that sort of thing. A nice place. I highly recommend Ireland in general.

210 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:28:44pm

It's gonna be HOW cold, TV weatherman?!?!?

(19 degrees F)

211 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:29:32pm

re: #210 SteveC

It's gonna be HOW cold, TV weatherman?!?!?

(19 degrees F)

Consider yourself lucky!!

Image: uschill.gif

212 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:29:49pm

New Animation: "Learn To Speak Tea Bag"

213 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:30:07pm

I don't think English will lose out as the Lingua Franca at this point; even if they change the internet domain thing, its pretty well established, and its far easier to learn and use than say Chinese.

It has to be a language using roman letters (too many other languages share that, and a small character set is a good thing), and of those English is still the most dominant for the forseeable future.

214 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:30:11pm

re: #210 SteveC

re: #211 sattv4u2

Consider yourself lucky!!

[Link: vortex.plymouth.edu...]

(((yes ,, there are a whole lot of MINUSES on that map!))

215 watching you tiny alien kittens are  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:30:43pm

OT: I picked this comic up out of the Tampa Tribune, it pretty much exemplifies why the tea partiers are running Rubio against Crist...

Image: CristLiberal.jpg

Crist's problem is that he is reasonable and works across the aisle to get something done instead of being idealogically pure while doing nothing. Of course the tea party people can't let that continue...idiots...sigh.

216 SteveC  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:32:29pm

Well, I gotta check some pipes... all ya'll have a good evening, a great 2010, and try not to blaspheme for at least five minutes! ;)

217 BARACK THE VOTE  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:33:22pm

re: #207 marjoriemoon

I know very little about G8/G20 to make an opinion.

To the rest, I guess I misunderstood you!

I was appalled to find a number of friends or acquaintances agree with the English Only meme. One coworker I noticed recently, joined an English Only Facebook network thing. Some of these folks I know are Black and Hispanic, too, which further confuses me. I don't think they understand the racist overtones of these groups.

I'm sure they don't. Like many a wingnut meme, a seemingly innocuous claim is used to advance a river of bullshit. People hear something about English being an official language, and they think it sounds perfectly innocuous. The more clever wingnuts dress it up with crap about declining school standards, the importance of a good education, etc. Person hears that and thinks, well yeah, we all want a great education for our kids. Why not spend lots of time teaching English? (which is not at all what the english-only meme is about, but it's spun that way to people)

My guess is that freetoken is right and we'll see this arise as the new rightwing/revanchist meme. However I have my money on homophobia breaking out sooner on the right (DADT, DOMA, Jennings, the sorts of attacks Charles is getting....) -- I say homophobia will take the lead, closely followed by an anti-immigration/English only campaign.

218 gregb  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:34:51pm

re: #8 Gang of One

Thought Police. Whether secular or religious, is real blasphemous abomination. The West is going backward.

Hate speech, laws that try to create disparate punishments for the same actions by having the thought police interpret the motivations, is the same thing.

219 windsagio  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:35:23pm

re: #215 ausador

I'm starting to think of the current right-wing excesses as being like alcoholism. They have to hit rock bottom before they can seek help and start to get better.

220 watching you tiny alien kittens are  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:35:45pm

re: #212 Killgore Trout

New Animation: "Learn To Speak Tea Bag"

Uhh...might be just a little over the top there, but still funny.

221 gandalf.il  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:38:07pm

re: #156 brookly red
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy_law_in_Saudi_Arabia
In 2009, Amnesty International reported that "at least 102 men and women, 39 of them foreign nationals, were executed in 2008. Many were executed for non-violent offences, including drug offences, 'sodomy', blasphemy and apostasy."
[...]
In 1994, an Ismaili, Hadi Al-Mutaif (also Al-Mutif), a teenager, made a remark that a court deemed blasphemous. The court sentenced Al-Mutaif to death for apostasy. In May 2009, Al-Mutaif was still in prison. He has spent long periods of time in solitary confinement, and has made numerous suicide attempts.

On 3 September 1992, Sadiq 'Abdul-Karim Malallah was publicly beheaded by sabre in al-Qatif in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province after being convicted of apostasy and blasphemy [...] He was reportedly held in solitary confinement for long periods during his first months in detention and tortured prior to his first appearance before a judge in July 1988.
[...]
In 1992, Saudi Arabia executed at least one juvenile for blasphemy.

222 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:40:20pm

re: #212 Killgore Trout

New Animation: "Learn To Speak Tea Bag"

Mark Fiore is great. Thanks for reminding me to check his YouTube channel -- new post now up with one of his videos.

223 brookly red  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:42:19pm

re: #221 gandalf.il

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy_law_in_Saud i_Arabia
In 2009, Amnesty International reported that "at least 102 men and women, 39 of them foreign nationals, were executed in 2008. Many were executed for non-violent offences, including drug offences, 'sodomy', blasphemy and apostasy."
[...]
In 1994, an Ismaili, Hadi Al-Mutaif (also Al-Mutif), a teenager, made a remark that a court deemed blasphemous. The court sentenced Al-Mutaif to death for apostasy. In May 2009, Al-Mutaif was still in prison. He has spent long periods of time in solitary confinement, and has made numerous suicide attempts.

On 3 September 1992, Sadiq 'Abdul-Karim Malallah was publicly beheaded by sabre in al-Qatif in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province after being convicted of apostasy and blasphemy [...] He was reportedly held in solitary confinement for long periods during his first months in detention and tortured prior to his first appearance before a judge in July 1988.
[...]
In 1992, Saudi Arabia executed at least one juvenile for blasphemy.

Saudi Arabia is not on my list of places I want to visit...

224 sattv4u2  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:42:20pm

re: #220 ausador

Uhh...might be just a little over the top there, but still funny.

The comments are interesting.

225 Wozza Matter?  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:42:47pm

re: #208 SixDegrees

No one who watches it will be dissapointed.

226 aagcobb  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 3:42:51pm

re: #87 EmmmieG

Is pointing out that the Catholic Church (in Ireland, and I mean the church structure, not the people of Ireland) was a major enabler of child abuse for decades, if not centuries, blasphemy?

That's a massive problem with this law. If you are a critic of the Irish Roman Catholic Church, and you get a letter from a major law firm demanding you cease and desist or face financial ruin, what will you do?

227 Achilles Tang  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 4:05:35pm

I checked in again with the intention of posting this link, but find it a thread.

This is why I hang out here.

228 Achilles Tang  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 4:11:03pm

re: #207 marjoriemoon

I know very little about G8/G20 to make an opinion.

To the rest, I guess I misunderstood you!

I was appalled to find a number of friends or acquaintances agree with the English Only meme. One coworker I noticed recently, joined an English Only Facebook network thing. Some of these folks I know are Black and Hispanic, too, which further confuses me. I don't think they understand the racist overtones of these groups.

Having read on your post on this, why were you appalled?

I am guessing that the intent was English only for those who don't like more than one language for a nation, not other languages for what they are.

What is racist about language preferences? I wouldn't hire someone in the USA who can't speak English. What is racist about that?

229 Eclectic Infidel  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 4:20:00pm

re: #38 Charles

You refused their kool aid. It hurt their feelings.

230 Jaerik  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 4:25:47pm

re: #112 Charles

The right wing has gotten very good at lying to itself.

It's more of a wholesale adoption of Glenn Beck's rhetorical techniques:

"Isn't it interesting that Obama spoke in Berlin. You know... Hitler also spoke in Berlin."

"So you're saying Obama is Hitler?"

"Oh no, we would never imply that..."

231 djughurknot  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 4:33:42pm

One good reason I'm glad I live in the States, despite the recent track record of stupid.
Something like this is unimaginable to me, and is one reason I hope the RR implodes soon.

232 lostlakehiker  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 4:38:40pm

re: #17 BryanS

Wholeheartedly agree. This is precisely what all extremists of every religion wants. The cartoon fiasco was considered blasphemy. When an easily offended groups gets to say what is or is not offensive to their god/religion, there is no longer free speech.

The worst aspect of this law is that anything you say, even "pass the ham", can be outrageously offensive to sufficiently touchy folk.

And what can a devout Christian say about Allah? Whoever Allah is, if he is as described in the Quran, then he is not God, because God is good. God is not arbitrary or capricious. God forbids theft. God would not dictate to anyone a book saying that He had not, after all, been born to Mary and then died on the cross.

All this is core Christian belief. It is incompatible with core Islamic beliefs, such as the right to include women as part of the booty when a battle is won, and to force them into what they call marriage. This, contrary to the Christian belief that what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.

These last two paragraphs are not in fact blasphemous. It could better be argued that disagreeing with them constitutes blasphemy, though I would not make that claim either. In Irish law, though, it would seem that they are "blasphemous" in the sense that contradicting a Muslim on any point of theology will offend him mightily.

233 Eclectic Infidel  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 4:51:40pm

re: #128 brookly red

well the stuff that led up to the cartoons should be taken into consideration...

But no one wants to mention that in our overly polite and politically correct Western society. We risk offending the more...radicalized (and the black gold barons) of the Middle Eastern/Not Israel societies.

It really, truly is a shame that more liberals aren't speaking up against the human injustices in the Middle East, perpetuated and promoted by Arab states. Sadly, many of them would rather bash Israel and defame the Jewish state than concern themselves with the Muslim practice of public executions for blasphemy, violent (and outright evil) oppression of women and young girls, and the funneling of $$$ into the hands of Hamas, et al.

234 Jimmah  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 5:02:36pm

Blasphemy laws in the 21st century. Utterly pathetic.

235 hawkins  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 5:06:57pm

re: #123 marjoriemoon

The idea is is to never write the Lord's name where it can be later thrown away.

Ms Moon is correct. Judaism, in particular cares a lot about this: Deuteronomy 12:3-12:4 prohibits transcribing the name of God: if "God" is recorded onto paper, there is the possibility that the name will be disrespected or destroyed in some way.

It brings to mind the song, I forget by who (John Prine?), where the protagonist is in a public restroom stall, and there's no toilet paper, but there IS a picture of Jesus. The question boils down to:

Save yer soul...
Or save yer pants.

236 webevintage  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 5:07:31pm

Freedom of Speech is a lovely thing.
I think I'll go donate a wee bit to the ACLU....

237 charles_martel  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 5:39:41pm

Wow, a severe blow to freedom of speech in the West. Since this law was obviously created to appease Islamists, I think the first target of this law should be Islam itself, since it teaches things about Jesus that are blasphemous to Christians. That should wake up the ignorant politicians who passed this medieval law, and piss off the Islamists who are trying to change our laws to benefit them.

238 erraticsphinx  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 5:45:21pm

re: #237 charles_martel

Or.......they could just repeal the law without entering into a frenzy.

239 Obdicut  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 5:54:54pm

re: #237 charles_martel

Why on earth do you look at Ireland, a Roman Catholic country with a long history of legislating according to Catholocism, and decide that it must be Islamacists behind this?

240 Achilles Tang  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 5:56:18pm

re: #236 webevintage

Freedom of Speech is a lovely thing.
I think I'll go donate a wee bit to the ACLU...

241 zelnaga  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 6:30:21pm
In February 2006, Irish President Mary McAleese visited Saudi Arabia and condemned the publication of the Danish Mohammed cartoons, saying, “Muslims have every right to feel angry.”


Sure, Muslims have a right to feel angry. And the cartoonists (should) have the right to poke fun at them. If Muslims want to take offense to it that's their problem - not Ireland's.

242 pharmmajor  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 6:36:48pm

You gotta marvel at the double standards of our society: endless condemnation of Christian and Jewish extremists, silence and capitulation to Muslim extremists.

243 Liberal Classic  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 7:08:32pm

The language and concepts contained herein are GUARANTEED NOT TO CAUSE ETERNAL TORMENT IN THE PLACE WHERE THE GUY WITH THE HORNS AND POINTED STICK CONDUCTS HIS BUSINESS.

244 djughurknot  Sat, Jan 2, 2010 11:06:28pm

re: #243 Liberal Classic

upding for zappa.

245 Randall Gross  Sun, Jan 3, 2010 5:19:52am

re: #242 pharmmajor

I'm going to call bullshit on that. Here's a simple empirical test:
Go out to any busy public place and survey people at random with these two questions:

1. Name three Al Qaeda Terror leaders
2. Name three Lord's Resistance Army Terror Leaders

On the first you will always get two to three names, on the second you will get naught but blank stares.


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