To pretend that Islam has nothing to do with the Fort Hood massacre is willfully to ignore the obvious. … 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Ian McKellen on Religion and Gay Rights
Nov 15th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘I increasingly see organized religion as actually my enemy. They treat me as their enemy.’… Read the rest
The Misery of Australia’s Child Migrants
Nov 15th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonChildren were deported from Britain without parents’ consent, handed over to abuse by the Christian Brothers.… Read the rest
Greek Church Upset About Crucifix Ban
Nov 15th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonArchbishop Ieronymos frets that the court is ignoring ‘the role of Christianity in forming Europe’s identity.’… Read the rest
Water on the Moon
Nov 14th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘Here at Goddard the auditorium erupted in cheers.’… Read the rest
The Holocaust and Common Humanity
Nov 14th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonCommon humanity impelled Muslims to sacrifice their lives for everyone’s freedom in WW II; Ahmadinejad undermines that.… Read the rest
Arkansas Boy Age 10 Takes a Stand on Principle
Nov 14th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonHe refuses to ‘pledge allegiance’ until there really is liberty and justice for all.… Read the rest
Passionate Defender Of Imaginary Constitution
Nov 14th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonHis admiration for the vague half-notions he calls the Constitution has only grown over time.… Read the rest
Ideology Does Not Equate to Insanity
Nov 14th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonIt can be, and often is, all too coherent.… Read the rest
The Onion: US Deports Lou Dobbs
Nov 14th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonCNN comments: ‘He was willing to take the job most American newscasters didn’t want.’… Read the rest
Answers in Genesis on Lying to the Nazis
Nov 14th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe first commandment is to love God; that means obey God; God said don’t lie; that’s the answer.… Read the rest
Some Practices Are Worse Than Others
Nov 13th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonAntonia Zerbisias talks to Jeremy Stangroom about God’s hatred of women and universal values.… Read the rest
Why the Stupak Amendment is Unconstitutional
Nov 13th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonIt violates the Establishment Clause, the Equal Protection Clause, and Substantive Due Process and Privacy Rights.… Read the rest
David Miliband Teams Up With Vatican
Nov 13th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonPublished an article in L’Osservatore Romano pledging to work with Vatican on Arms Trade Treaty.… Read the rest
Iran: Woman at Risk of Execution by Stoning
Nov 13th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonStarve to death or be stoned to death; it’s your choice.… Read the rest
21 November a Day Against Sharia, for Rights
Nov 13th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonOne Law for All campaign is organising a rally on Saturday 21 November 2009 in Hyde Park.… Read the rest
Does Jesus Save Aliens?
Nov 12th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThere are some difficult issues, such as whether Jesus is the one who saves everyone in the Universe.… Read the rest
Students are Training in ‘EmoTrance’
Nov 12th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonListen, it’s fully recognised and licensed by the Sidereus Foundation – what more do you want?… Read the rest
Dangerous to Compare People to Vermin or Disease
Nov 12th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe analogy is dangerous because vermin and disease are things we seek to eradicate for our own safety.… Read the rest
Simon Underdown on the Misuses of Darwin
Nov 12th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonDoes it make sense to blame scientists for misunderstandings and corruptions of their ideas?… Read the rest