There Is A Better Way

Yes, politics in the USA is extremely polarized, with the Republicans being hijacked by the NRA and the Evangelical Christians and all.  So, what to do?  Realizing, that, by its very nature, compromise is necessary to move forward, from a practical, non-ideological perspective, this article present a wise way to handle it.  

Billy Graham Started It All

We just ended several days of over-the-top adulation of Billy Graham.  Just as with Mother Teresa, the truth is hidden under the media hype.  For example, Billy Graham was the person who essentially initiated the present National Day of Prayer, which is clearly unconstitutional. (link)  This lead to the mainstreaming of conservative evangelical Christianity:

He made the new wave of evangelical politics possible, and essentially agreed with all the harm from such. (link) "What harm?" you say. Well for starters, profound psychological harms. (link)

In spite of the harms from evangelical Christianity, the man clearly wanted a theocracy under such. (link)

While he was more honest and decent than many other preachers, his "legacy" is evil covered by dogma and slickness. He was the BIGGEST religious placebo in history, and exhibit A of why religion poisons everything.

The Charatans Continue In The Media

I hope you can see why I fight against quacks like these guys who take advantage of the ignorance of the masses.  If you are watching these shows, be aware.

Pulling back the curtain on TV quackery

Why Progressive Politics Is Better Than Conservative Politics

This article defines a conservative as a person who is averse to change and holds to traditional values and attitudes, typically in relation to politics.  It defines a progressive as a person advocating or implementing social reform or new, liberal ideas. I think most people would accept these definitions and would agree that they are pretty much polar opposites.  However, since politics is not a "hard" science, it probably is not wise to accept all of the opinions from the extremes on either side.  That said, one side on the political spectrum historically has demonstrated superiority of its ideas.

Education Has To Put Critical Thinking #1

Yes, some memorization and repetition of facts and concepts are important. However, all too often, the value of authority, compliance and conformity is emphasized to the detriment of critical thinking ability.

If you disagree with me, please tell me how someone like Donald Trump could ever be elected POTUS if educational systems are doing their jobs.

Here are three articles addressing the problem and recommending solutions:  here, here and here.

Fundamentalistic Religions On Sex and Gender

One does not have to go far to come in contact with fundamentalist religions' refusal to accept modern science's evidence that sex and gender are NOT binary but on spectrums that are complex.

This is a clear statement from the AMA, the premier medical doctor organization in the USA, refuting the ignorant dogma of such groups

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Accept What Science Says On Any Topic

It is easy to assume a cause for something through intuition when the truth can be known through accepting science:

Focus on mental health criticized

Why I Preach Against Alternatives To Medicine.

Chiropractic is one of the most prominent alternatives to medicine, which inherently means it has NO basis in science.  So, please tell me why our tax money should be spent for such?

It is not only bogus, but illegal here (certainly not unusual).

I Have Reached My Limits

Historically, I have never declared myself a member of any political party and I have voted for Democrats and Republicans about equally (no party has all the answers). However, presently, I must state the following:

The Republicans have allowed their party to

1) be hijacked by the radical NRA

2) be hijacked by the deluded, ignorant and dogmatic Evangelical Christians.

3) elect a president who had revealed that he will not defend against an attack on our democratic voting process (not to mention his long list of character flaws).

Know the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution

Don't pay attention to the NRA propaganda, understand its history.

Understand the history of the 2nd Amendment

 Conservative Supreme Court Chief Justice called the 2nd Amendment a fraud.

Eric Corey Freed has a guide to handling anti-gun control arguments.

Oh, by the way, "- - - about 30 careful studies show more guns are linked to more crimes: murders, rapes, and others. Far less research shows that guns help."

You supporters of the NRA, what part of "A WELL REGULATED  - - - " do you not understand?

The Deception Can Be Eliminated And It Still Can Be Effective

Every science-based thinker knows about the Placebo Effect. Traditionally part of controlled medical experiments, it is used deceptively.  Also, it is clear that the "effectiveness" of prayer/religion and alternatives to medicine is purely a placebo, and, likewise, instilled through deception by dogma and indoctrination.  This article presents the results of some very interesting and promising experiments showing the possibilities and values of the use of the Placebo Effect sans the deception of religion and alternatives to medicine.

Politicization Of Science

It is very clear.  While some Democrats do have unscientific views, the overwhelming evidence shows that the Republicans are much worse on accepting scientific findings.

Given the above, how about working for more science-based thinking among Republicans?

Even Many Scientists Compartmentalize

Unfortunately, it is not only the public-at-large that thinks science and religion are compatible.  Many scientists also are religious.  You may ask, why do I have a problem with this?  Simple: science has falsified all interventionist religions.  Thus, what religious scientists are doing is compartmentalizing. Even some members of elite scientific organizations of the "hard" sciences are religious (link).

All of this sad state of affairs is why I promote science-based thinking and do not look at individuals' views on religion.  I urge that one not look at individual scientist's views on reality but what science itself is actually saying about it.

Thou Shalt Stop Blaming Poverty On The Poor

As you view this important video, keep in mind how the prejudice began: it was God who decided who would be rich or poor. Another example how religion poisons everything.

A Simple Exercise In Mindfulness

Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher and best-selling author. Before he was recognized for these accomplishments, he spend a great deal of time studying and practicing meditation.  This is a 9-minute podcast giving you the experience of such.  If you think it is helpful, great.  If not, so be it.

THE Challenge For Atheism

Religion has been a part of the great majority of humanity throughout its history.  Yes, us science-based thinkers know that the claims of all religions have been falsified by science.  However, essentially, the beat goes on.  Why? In my opinion, it is the social support it fosters.  THE challenge for us atheists is to provide a valid replacement for such.  Yes, there are many atheist and humanistic groups organizing and also doing some great social work.  However, frankly, I see THAT needle barely moving in the society at large. 

Understand, I have no answers other than what I have already said on this blog: those with more influence and money than me * MUST step up or we are whistling in the dark.

* How about an anti-Rupert Murdock/Roger Ailes to found an anti-Fox News? Or an anti-Pat Robertson to found an anti-700 Club?

A Google Search for "Religion's Value is the Social Interaction"

The Growing Economic Inequality in the USA

It is always best to understand a problem through the best evidence available.  Contrary to the Republican lies, this is a major problem and, somehow, it has to be resolved or the USA is doomed.

In stark graph form

Increased debt and inequality has lead to financial crises

Meaning

Many religious claim that, without a belief in a god, life has no meaning.

I was raised in a deeply religious Catholic environment. That included over 15 uncles and aunts on both my mother and father's side. Oh, I have about 50 first cousins as well.  Think about that. Imagine the social influence in support of Catholicism. That said, my mother's favorite brother, Paul, was an atheist, as was his wife.  I never had deep discussions with them regarding their lack of faith, but my aunt Alice (wife of Paul) told me that when we are gone, she believed that we only live on in the minds of those who have experienced us.

Now, think about how many of our family BEFORE our parents who have departed are still in our memories.  Ya, some of us do have recollections of grandparents.  However, what about THEIR parents and grandparents?  My point?  Simple: life is short and in a few generations EVERY person we have impacted and have impacted us in the world is gone.  However, living a life promoting science-based thinking and humanistic values WILL live on in some degree, whether we can see it now or not.  THAT is MY meaning in life, in addition to loving and helping my family and others.

Peace.

If You Think Science-Based Thinking Can't Be Taught, You Are Wrong

Recently, I have been, once again, exposed to the myth that science-based thinking can't be taught.  What my interlocutor is saying is true, IF, he really means that it is NOT being taught.  The following links show that it CAN be taught and WILL be taught IF society has the will to do so.

https://www.aacu.org/peerreview/2016/Fall/Stanford

https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/periodicals/Rosenshine.pdf

http://www.sciencemag.org/features/2015/09/effective-teaching-be-effective-educator-get-active

https://www.nap.edu/read/4962/chapter/5

https://uncw.edu/jet/articles/Vol13_2/Kraus.pdf

The "Wisdom" Of Focusing On Mathematics?

A very interesting counter to the prevailing “wisdom” of the importance of mathematics. Frankly, how about focusing on science based thinking instead?

Have you used trigonometry since you were 18?

Why Is YOUR Religion The True One?

In my discussions with the religious, which usually involves Christians, I never get a response that includes objective evidence. The responses may include Bible quotes, intuitions/feelings and/or philosophy.  None of these can be verified objectively as evidence that any religion is true, let alone Christianity.

Virtually ALL claims for an interventionist god have been falsified.  Remember, in science, those who are making the claim (the hypothesis) are obligated to present supporting evidence.  Of course, this isn't saying, "There is no god." It is only saying that the claim for such has not been supported.  Given that the claims for Christianity have been around for about 2,000 years and that science has been evaluating claims for the truth of Christianity for about 500 years, what are the chances that Christianity is true?

Two things to consider:

• Virtually every Christian I have met has at least a somewhat different collection of beliefs regarding such than any other Christian I have met.  Thus, in essence, each Christian seems to have his or her own unique "fingerprint" of faith.  Now, if there is a god, either the "real" god is very silent or a terrible communicator.
• As you read the Bible, including the New Testament, put yourself in the surroundings and events depicted.  Note the reality described about those times: humans interacting with supernatural beings and experiencing miracles.  Now, observe our present reality: where are the interactions with supernatural beings and miracles?

Science is a bitch.

Brain Myths Are Common Even In Professionals

"The good news is that teachers endorsed fewer brain myths than the general public, and those participants with neuroscience training endorsed fewer brain myths than teachers. And yet, all three groups still displayed high levels of brain myth endorsement, especially for what Macdonald and her colleagues identify as the classic brain myths, including: - - - "

Oh dear, even people with neuroscience training believe an awful lot of brain myths

Yes, I Do Realize That My Blog Will Not Change The Minds Of Most

What's on my mind? How difficult it is to change beliefs. My recent interlocutor on my blog did make the valid statement that the evidence is thin that preaching to the religious and other purveyors of pseudoscience has a significant effect. So, why do I do what I do on my blog and on Facebook? Frankly, I have had many periods of depression over such. That said, what should I do, give up? I am just committed to telling the truth. If that only means supporting us like-minded folks, I will accept that as a worthy goal.

Science-Based Thinking Is Not That Difficult

Some folks who are very intelligent and knowledgeable do not get this basic way of looking at reality.  Then again, some young children have no problem with it:

Neil deGrasse Tyson Applied Science to the Tooth Fairy

Yes, this is how adults should behave.

It's The Money, Stupid

Without adequate funding to correct the root problems of inequality of educational outcomes, nothing with change.

Education’s newest ‘innovation’ in poor schools is just moving chairs on the Titanic
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