@RTod, I am not saying atheists should keep their traps shut in the least. I've never said anyone should keep their traps shut. I've simply said we should determine the facts and not insert so much of our own prejudices in to the case and rush to judgment - let alone plan preposterous things like arresting the pope.
@Jason Kuznicki, I can see that. I don't think that's the intention of the piece but I could be wrong. It's quite understandable to come forward as victims in these cases. I think O'Neill may have somewhat stronger views on some of these matters coming from across the pond, but I think his point was more about the way the state and the media in Ireland were treating the story, and more importantly how certain groups were using the victims to their advantage - but I certainly see how even writing about that, and using that sort of language, could be taken as somewhat of a smear.
@Rufus, I ended up writing a really pissy post on that Taibbi post over at True/Slant and was chided by the editors for it, actually. So you inadvertently got me in trouble, damnit. Which is something I used to be better at than I am now, so it's nice to have some practice...
@Econwatcher, Very well said, and I really couldn't agree more. I simply cannot for the bloody life of me understand where Sullivan is coming from here. At all.
@North, I'm not particularly sympathetic to the hierarchy either. My focus has largely been to defend the pope who I do see as a real reformer in all of this. I've been writing about that mostly at T/S though.
@Jason Kuznicki, My problem is the use of these events to advance a political and anti-catholic agenda. I'm all for digging up as much of the truth of these matters as possible and bringing the bad guys to justice. Maybe I've just been reading too much of Sullivan's latest hissy fit.
@zic, actually no. If I were to act that way I'd be no better than the rest of the reactionary lot who read every out of context piece of 'evidence' as though it were the final word.
On “No epistemic closure here!”
@Sam M, Very true, Sam. Global warming skeptics would probably never make it there to begin with.
"
@jetan, It's a pile-on in the making - but then again, Jim knew that walking in to the room.
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@Sam M, There's good debate and bad debate, and this is pretty much not debate at all. It's chastisement.
On “I know Mark Levin, and you sir are no Mark Levin”
@Keljeck, That may be a bit too creative, Klejeck.
On “No epistemic closure here!”
@Dave, It's just too beautifully ironic.
On “I know Mark Levin, and you sir are no Mark Levin”
@Louis B., It's pretty sad, eh? I'm E.D. Jane. What the hell is that?
On “No epistemic closure here!”
@Jaybird, It's true!
On “Some clarifications and further thoughts on new atheism and the Church”
@Roque Nuevo, Work on your reading skills Roque. In the mean time it's impossible to take you seriously.
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@RTod, I am not saying atheists should keep their traps shut in the least. I've never said anyone should keep their traps shut. I've simply said we should determine the facts and not insert so much of our own prejudices in to the case and rush to judgment - let alone plan preposterous things like arresting the pope.
"
@Rufus, Thanks!
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@Frugal Dougal, Very true Frugal. It ain't gonna happen.
On “New atheism and the cult of victimhood”
@Jason Kuznicki, I can see that. I don't think that's the intention of the piece but I could be wrong. It's quite understandable to come forward as victims in these cases. I think O'Neill may have somewhat stronger views on some of these matters coming from across the pond, but I think his point was more about the way the state and the media in Ireland were treating the story, and more importantly how certain groups were using the victims to their advantage - but I certainly see how even writing about that, and using that sort of language, could be taken as somewhat of a smear.
On “Arizona passes the nation’s strictest – not to mention silliest – immigration law”
@Bob Cheeks, Oh not bad. A little cantankerous lately, maybe, but not bad all told.
On “New atheism and the cult of victimhood”
@North, P.S. I completely agree with Julian on this.
http://trueslant.com/erikkain/2010/04/13/pedophilia-and-homosexuality-are-not-the-same-thing/
On “Pope Benedict and the Legion of Christ”
@Roque Nuevo, Roque, your opinions on organized religion are duly noted.
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@Rufus, I ended up writing a really pissy post on that Taibbi post over at True/Slant and was chided by the editors for it, actually. So you inadvertently got me in trouble, damnit. Which is something I used to be better at than I am now, so it's nice to have some practice...
"
@Econwatcher, Very well said, and I really couldn't agree more. I simply cannot for the bloody life of me understand where Sullivan is coming from here. At all.
"
@Lyle, Exactly right. And this one has been particularly bad, no doubt. And yet the church will endure and hopefully change for the better.
On “New atheism and the cult of victimhood”
@North, I'm not particularly sympathetic to the hierarchy either. My focus has largely been to defend the pope who I do see as a real reformer in all of this. I've been writing about that mostly at T/S though.
"
@Jason Kuznicki, My problem is the use of these events to advance a political and anti-catholic agenda. I'm all for digging up as much of the truth of these matters as possible and bringing the bad guys to justice. Maybe I've just been reading too much of Sullivan's latest hissy fit.
"
@greginak, Meh. Nanny statism is a bit sloppy. I'm in a disgruntled mood today, so bear with me.
On “Arizona passes the nation’s strictest – not to mention silliest – immigration law”
@Francis, I hope you're right, Francis.
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@North, So bizarre. Le sigh.
On “Pope Benedict and the Legion of Christ”
@zic, actually no. If I were to act that way I'd be no better than the rest of the reactionary lot who read every out of context piece of 'evidence' as though it were the final word.
http://trueslant.com/erikkain/2010/04/10/further-questions-on-the-attacks-on-pope-benedict-xvi/
http://trueslant.com/erikkain/2010/04/10/the-kiesle-case-doesnt-add-up/
http://trueslant.com/erikkain/2010/04/09/cardinal-ratzinger-and-fr-stephen-kiesle/
On “A brief defense of the Pope”
John - exactly right. And thanks for linking to Douthat's piece - it's very illuminating.
*Comment archive for non-registered commenters assembled by email address as provided.