And it doesn’t matter who does it.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
PZ on Deep Rifts With the Skeptics 
Apr 13th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Oh noes, trying to bust Ratzinger will ‘hurt the skeptical movement’!… Read the rest
Massimo Pigliucci Disputes Sam Harris
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In what sense can science answer (as opposed to inform) ethical questions?… Read the rest
Girl Bleeds to Death After Forced Marriage
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In Yemen, where more than a quarter of girls are married before the age of 15. … Read the rest
Nicholas Kristof on Another Dead Child Bride
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
She was tied down and raped by her husband, according to her mother, police, and medical reports.… Read the rest
Rust Belt Philosophy on Hume and Harris
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
It would be nice if obeying metaphysical rules always led to social goods for the majority of people, but…… Read the rest
Bishop Blames Jews for Church’s Difficulties
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘They do not want the church, they are its natural enemies. Deep down, historically speaking, the Jews are God killers.’… Read the rest
Connecticut Bishops Fight Sex Abuse Bill
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The proposed change to the law would put ‘all Church institutions, including your parish, at risk.’… Read the rest
Hitchens on the Pope and the Law
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Ratzinger and diocese were concerned only with one question: Can this hurt Holy Mother Church? … Read the rest
Gita Sahgal Has Left Amnesty International
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Said her years of working for women’s rights had been a waste of time because of AI’s work with Begg and Cageprisoners.… Read the rest
Sahgal Case Proves AI’s Critics Are Right
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Critics say AI has diluted its defence of universal human rights by allying with a group that rejects that principle.… Read the rest
Nick Cohen on Gita Sahgal
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Amnesty has persuaded itself that Islamism is not objectionable as long as it does not threaten civilians.… Read the rest
Pope is Not a Head of State
Apr 12th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Mussolini declared the Vatican a state. No doubt, but Musso lost that particular fight.… Read the rest
Meera Nanda on God and Globalization Gospel
Apr 11th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
India is not the only country where markets are supposed to be exorcising the demons of religious fanaticism.… Read the rest
Vatican Can No Longer Ignore International Law
Apr 11th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Which now counts the widespread or systematic sexual abuse of children as a crime against humanity.… Read the rest
Even Ruse is Disgusted by the Vatican
Apr 11th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
There is no concern whatsoever for the victims. Simply fear of the story getting out and advice for how to prevent it happening.… Read the rest
Official Body Tries to Hide Scientific Ignorance
Apr 11th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
National Science Board Survey removed survey sections on evolution and cosmology.… Read the rest
Nicholas Lezard Reviews Baggini on Spin
Apr 11th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The book that started life here as ‘Bad Moves’ column.… Read the rest
Canadian Bishops Tried to Hide Abuse
Apr 10th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Canadian bishops sought to hide a pedophile priest’s crimes by urging Vatican not to promote him.… Read the rest
Ratzinger Slow to Defrock Abusive Priest
Apr 10th, 2010 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Priest pled nolo for tying up and molesting two boys; Ratzinger dawdled, citing the good of the Church.… Read the rest
