WTF News

[ZenGum]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

Checked bags at the Austin airport all pass through a machine which is somehow supposed to detect the presence of any type of explosive powder or even residue.

Which should have detected the ammunition in the gun, shouldn't it?
(I know, different airport)

[Stormieweather]

Who knew?

The conclusion:
Sunday morning news shows do the most to help people learn about current events,
while some outlets, especially Fox News, lead people to be even less informed than
those who they don’t watch any news at all.

Some news...

[Lamplighter]

Comedy helps...

Exposure to Sunday morning news shows helps respondents on this question:
seeing these programs leads to an 11-point increase in the likelihood of getting the answer right.
Listening to NPR also helps, but the biggest aid to answering correctly is
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, which leads to a 6-point decrease
in identifying the protestors as Republicans,
and a 12-point increase in the likelihood of giving the correct answer.

[Spexxvet]

Ky. Church Bans Interracial Couples From Becoming Members


Read more: http://www.wlky.com/news/29901119/de...#ixzz1fOZSyHrk

[classicman]

I think we need to let these small churches stay in obscurity. They do do not deserve any attention and do NOT reflect the views of the majority.
Screaming RACIST CHURCH is great and sells, but it does more harm than good.
JMO.

[BigV]

Originally Posted by classicman

I think we need to let these small churches stay in obscurity. They do do not deserve any attention and do NOT reflect the views of the majority.
Screaming RACIST CHURCH is great and sells, but it does more harm than good.
JMO.

WRONG.

Your position is exactly the wrong position. I think the only way, the best way to make these hateful hypocrites shrivel up and die is to poison them with sunlight like this. You are right, until they'd gotten some publicity, this kind of retarded unAmerican stance would have likely been sustainable. But when *I* followed the link today, the same link now points to a story about the pastor of the church VOIDING the vote of the congregation.

I have to think the exposure of their racist bigotry produced some positive force, some shamefulness that helped motivate the pastor to act as he has.

The whole idea of denying a mixed race couple membership in the church is bullshit anyhow.

[Undertoad]

Originally Posted by BigV

WRONG.

Man, if you ever barked at me in real life like that, I'd fuck you up.

And by "fuck you up" I mean I would glare at you for a moment and then silently move to another table on the other side of the room.

[classicman]

We'll just have to disagree. Utopia does not and never will exist. Publicizing these people only leads more of the weak minded to them, increases their ability to generate money from a broader base and reinforces their message.

[classicman]

There is a nice comfortable seat for you right here UT.
I'll buy the first round too.

[Lamplighter]

How to shoot yourself in the foot without a gun...

Detroit Free Press
Hope Yen
Dec 4, 2011

Postal cuts to slow delivery of first-class mail

WASHINGTON — Facing bankruptcy, the U.S. Postal Service is pushing ahead
with unprecedented cuts to first-class mail next spring that will slow delivery and,
for the first time in 40 years, eliminate the chance for stamped letters to arrive the next day.

The changes would provide short-term relief, but ultimately could prove counterproductive,
pushing more of America's business onto the Internet.

They could slow everything from check payments to Netflix's DVDs-by-mail,
add costs to mail-order prescription drugs, and threaten the existence
of newspapers and time-sensitive magazines delivered by postal carrier
to far-flung suburban and rural communities.

If this goes thru, pay attention to DUE DATES on your credit card statements
.

[BigV]

What harm is caused by shining light on this situation? Really? Maybe it wigs you out? Or... embarrasses you? or... I don't know. What kind of harm comes from the openness?

I could see harm if the response were different, say, firebombing the church. But that didn't happen. Calling them out for their stance, I think that's a good thing.

I don't see how

Publicizing these people only leads more of the weak minded to them, increases their ability to generate money from a broader base and reinforces their message.

Maybe. For those who already believe that way. But for those who were more neutral, I think this kind of exposure helps them make a decision. At least it will be an informed one, rather than just based on a kind of silent association. How would it have been better if this never got any press?

[classicman]

Originally Posted by BigV

How would it have been better if this never got any press?

all 12 of them would die eventually.

[Lamplighter]

V, thanks for your recent thoughts.

[Pete Zicato]

Originally Posted by classicman

all 12 of them would die eventually.

But new bigots will rise in their place. I gotta go with V on this one. The best way to kill bigotry is to expose it.

I find this works even in small more personal situations. When I hear veiled bigotry, I repeat it back, but explicitly. "Are you saying you think that [veiled bigotry made explicit]?".

People will often backpedal when their opinions are brought out into the open.

[classicman]

I was being sarcastic - see the "right" smilie.

OTOH I think that exposing bigots has worked really well, for example WBC.