It is one thing to hope for compassion in a world in which suffering exists, another to wish harm on people so that others may show compassion.… Read the rest
Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.
We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.
A note about links
Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.
Taslima Nasrin talks to Times of India 
Jun 19th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A survey says India is the fourth most dangerous place for women. Isn’t it time yet for both men and women to fight for gender equality? … Read the rest
Newsweek Pakistan talks to Tufts professor Vali Nasr
Jun 19th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Extremism is postponing all important political, economic and social debates on which Pakistan’s future depends.… Read the rest
Hitchens on David Mamet’s Right-Wing Conversion
Jun 18th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
This is an extraordinarily irritating book with a pointlessly aggressive style.… Read the rest
Jerusalem rabbis condemn dog to death by stoning
Jun 18th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
They thought it was the reincarnation of a lawyer who once insulted them.… Read the rest
New Humanist podcast
Jun 18th, 2011 | Filed by Ophelia BensonKenan Malik on Sam Harris on morality; Richard Wilson on African humanists campaigning against witchhunts in Nigeria and Malawi.… Read the rest
Shehrbano Taseer takes up her father’s cause
Jun 18th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
She has found that many Muslims, even moderate, liberal ones, are extremely sensitive about blasphemy.… Read the rest
Goldacre and others check health reporting
Jun 18th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
What they find is not reassuring.… Read the rest
Kuwaiti woman wants law permitting slave girls
Jun 17th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
“Religious scholars said that for the average, good religious man, the only way to avoid forbidden relations with women is to purchase slave girls.”… Read the rest
Tory MP tells archbish to stop shouting at govt
Jun 17th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Points out that MPs will be debating “the place of the Church of England in a reformed, mainly elected Second Chamber.”… Read the rest
Saudi Arabia: women test driving ban
Jun 17th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Women in Saudi Arabia are also banned from voting and from leaving home without a male guardian.… Read the rest
Tea Party summer camp for Tampa
Jun 17th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Will teach “principles” such as “I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.” … Read the rest
New Books in Philosophy podcast
Jun 16th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Peer-to-peer discussions with philosophers about ideas in their newly published books. Co-hosted by Carrie Figdor and Robert Talisse.… Read the rest
NCH is not a wedge
Jun 16th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
How can it be defensible to oppose something that seeks to promote quality in education, and that is publicly committed to accessibility?… Read the rest
Grayling explains NCH plans and intentions
Jun 16th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Why must independent initiatives be demonised or blocked because of our anxiety about what is happening in the public domain?… Read the rest
Grayling will not become BHA President
Jun 16th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The ridiculous controversy over the NCH got in the way, so he decided to step aside.… Read the rest
Vancouver: riots after Bruins win Stanley Cup
Jun 16th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Witnesses said some people took out their anger on nearby cars. Human intelligence in action.… Read the rest
What’s the panic about sharia, asks clown
Jun 16th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
They’re all about freedom.… Read the rest
Islamist bullying in Tower Hamlets
Jun 16th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Teachers say they feel “under pressure” from Islamists who have campaigned to enforce the compulsory wearing of hijab for Muslim girls.… Read the rest
