Here’s an assortment of celebrations.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Indonesia Calls Danish Diplomatic Pullout ‘Hasty’ 
Feb 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Why would diplomats want to leave merely because of threats?… Read the rest
Nick Cohen on Striking Bus Drivers in Tehran
Feb 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The Muslims of Tehran are not a monolithic bloc happy to follow the orders of the ayatollahs.… Read the rest
Another Extract from Norm Geras on Rescuers
Feb 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
If you fail to help ‘an innocent fugitive, you have no place in the community of the just’.… Read the rest
Rescuers Part 3
Feb 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Friendship and moral commitments interact; but then friendship is a moral commitment.… Read the rest
Demonstrators Protest Secularism
Feb 11th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘We demand that people show respect for each other’s community, each other’s faith and each other’s religion.’… Read the rest
Ayaan Hirsi Ali Affirms Secularism
Feb 11th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Today the open society is challenged by Islamism.’… Read the rest
French Council of Muslim Faith Decides to Sue
Feb 11th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
On what grounds, one wonders.… Read the rest
Alastair Campbell on Words and Blurbs
Feb 11th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘He’d be better off with “Crap from start to finish – Alastair Campbell.”‘… Read the rest
Non Sequitur Meets Category Mistake
Feb 11th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘We support free speech’ – you always know what the next conjunction will be.… Read the rest
The Real Conflict is Over the Idea of Blasphemy
Feb 10th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Laws that punish blasphemers are impossible in secular society.… Read the rest
Review of Breaking the Spell
Feb 10th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Argues that religious belief is often sheltered from argument and scientific scrutiny.… Read the rest
Amir Taheri on Manufacturing Outrage
Feb 10th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
It took time, effort, and persistence.… Read the rest
Malaysia’s PM Speaks of Chasm
Feb 10th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Demonstrations in Nairobi, Bhopal, Dhaka, Gaza City.… Read the rest
Chirac: Freedom of Expression Must not be Abused
Feb 10th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Anything that can hurt the convictions of another, particularly religious convictions, must be avoided.’… Read the rest
Former Head of MAB Scolds ‘Secular Fanatics’
Feb 10th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Equates ‘insulting the prophets of God’ with denial of the Holocaust.… Read the rest
It’s Nearly Darwin Day
Feb 9th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Robert Stephens expects about 600 celebrations this year, three times more than last year.… Read the rest
Atheists Should Ride Kierkegaard’s Horse
Feb 9th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Dennett writes about religion as a purely social and empirical phenomenon.… Read the rest
Get Ready for Darwin Day
Feb 9th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Darwin Day founded on the premise that science, like music, is an international language.… Read the rest
UK Imams Demand Changes in the Law
Feb 9th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
To outlaw any possible publication of the cartoons of the prophet Muhammad in the UK.… Read the rest
