Chicago Tribune review of sexual abuse cases involving several Theravada Buddhist temples found minimal accountability and lax oversight of monks.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Judge offers Nelson a new trial 
Jul 26th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The judge’s unusual decision was announced at a sentencing hearing Tuesday in Cobb County State Court.… Read the rest
No jail time for Raquel Nelson
Jul 26th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
More than 135,000 people signed an online petition calling for leniency.… Read the rest
Prosecuting the victim, absolving the perps
Jul 25th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Nelson was convicted by six jurors who were not her peers: all were middle-class whites, and none had ever taken a bus in metro Atlanta.… Read the rest
Vatican is “disappointed” at “excessive reactions”
Jul 25th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Recalls nuncio to have a chat about its wounded feelings.… Read the rest
FaceGlat segregates women from men
Jul 25th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A new social networking site for ultra-Orthodox Jews takes customary segregation of the sexes online.… Read the rest
Breivik claims to be part of an organisation
Jul 25th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He said the attacks were “necessary” in light of the “treason” of the victims in promoting multiculturalism.… Read the rest
Do prosecutors hate women?
Jul 24th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A Georgia woman whose child darted into the street was convicted of vehicular homicide.… Read the rest
Attack aimed at values Norwegians treasure most
Jul 24th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Their openness, freedom of expression and feeling of safety have all been shaken to the core. … Read the rest
Breivik says he acted alone
Jul 24th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
At least 93 people were killed in Friday’s attacks – 96 have been injured and some are still missing.… Read the rest
Nick Cohen on the meanness of British culture
Jul 24th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The News of the World succeeded by using the techniques of the Peeping Tom and blackmailer to present a theatre of cruelty to 7 million readers.… Read the rest
Ani Sharmin on segregated prayers in public schools
Jul 24th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
If the religion is wrong for having different rules for boys and girls, the remedy is not to bring the religion and its segregation into the school.… Read the rest
Garry Wills on religion and money
Jul 24th, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He notes the corruption, but calls it a matter of “the sin of taking God’s name in vain.”… Read the rest
Ben Goldacre on the problem with badger culls
Jul 23rd, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The right thing to do next is a new trial, this time in the real world, with no magic.… Read the rest
“Hip” church not so hip about homosexuality
Jul 23rd, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
It wants to fix it.… Read the rest
US: Catholic official meddles in politics
Jul 23rd, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
“Every Catholic and every Catholic institution concerned about marriage and the family will need to be able to advocate for the Defense of Marriage Act.” … Read the rest
Internet gives atheists access to young minds
Jul 23rd, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Used to was, only clerics had that, but now their monopoly is gone. Curse you, Internet!… Read the rest
ALEC’s agenda
Jul 22nd, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Any force in civil society that contests the right of business to grab all social surplus and to treat people like roadkill should be crushed.… Read the rest
ALEC exposed
Jul 22nd, 2011 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
How corporations help legislators make new laws that benefit…corporations.… Read the rest
