Runner, regarding your statement that

"Think of all the time scientist have wasted on hypothetical myths. Thankfully many have worked on the advancement of humanity rather than twisting observations in order to confirm dogmas."

I expect that far more politicians and religious leaders than scientists are adept at twisting observations to fit dogma.

My assumption is that you reject Darwin's hypotheses about organic evolution through natural selection.

My opinion is that the observations in evolution's favour far outweigh the arguments against it. It is a robust and useful set of ideas in modern biology, and entirely consistent with the technologised production industries that apply genetic engineering; also the laboratory methods using genetic engineering to test hypotheses related to organic evolution.

I am opposed to genetically engineered crops because in my opinion, the large companies that promote their GE products are interested in returns to their shareholders rather than long-term sustainability, and their PR folks are paid to twist the facts to fit their dogma.

Do you believe burqas should be outlawed? My partner and I have decided that, if Burqas are outlawed, then SUV's with deep-tinted windows should be taken off the road, and men with full beards who wear sunglasses in public should be arrested.

Sir Vivor

'Do you believe burqas should be outlawed?'

Actually no. It would actually be a lot better if we were alot smarter about our immigration policy. Secular organisations like The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal are really more of a concern than Islam itself. They seem bent on pushing their contradictory dogmas.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/cover-up-for-public-pool-event/story-e6freuzr-1225924293272

runner, from the article

"The ban on skimpy clothes will apply between 6.15 and 8.15pm on August 21 next year, a time when the pool is closed to the public and normally used by a Muslim women's swimming group."

Not all that horrible but I'd hate to see the approach applied to other situations. Is this driven by muslims or by non-muslim organisers trying to make them feel more comfortable?

I do have to wonder how anybody who would be bothered by bare shoulders or thighs copes with a shopping trip in summer or a saturday afternoon at the local park.

R0bert

"Burning a holy book is the clear manifestation of an uncivilised and barbaric action for which there can't be any justification or explanation."

To quote About.com:Archeology
"In March 2001, six months before the September 11th bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Taliban destroyed two ancient statues of the Buddha called Bamiyan in an attempt to cleanse the country of Afghanistan of what they perceived as Hindu heresy."

Both are symbolic barbarism, unforgivable and show lack of insight and intelligence but to my mind destroying those 1500 year old statues was a far greater crime than burning some books that can be reprinted.

Let's get to the nub of the matter:

"Burning a holy book is the clear manifestation of an uncivilised and barbaric action for which there can't be any justification or explanation."

Burning ANY book is "the clear manifestation of an uncivilised and barbaric action..."

But guess what? In a secular liberal democracy Terry Jones' church is allowed to destroy its own property no matter how uncivilised and barbaric that action might be. And you have a right to be upset and to call the person doing this uncivilised and barbaric. But, at least in the US, there is no law that can stop the church. Which of course does not stop the Federal government trying to intimidate church members by sending the FBI around.

This whole argument is STUPID.

I have to agree with runner.

In the article it says that even the vice-president of the Islamic Society of Victoria is not in agreement with the ban. Makes me wonder why the Dandenong City Council and the YMCA requested for the modest clothing.

It's common decency to dress modestly when going to a place of worship (church, mosque, temple etc.) and even a requirement when visiting some countries, or parts of countries (Vatican, Malaysia, Iran - whether you like it or not). But to a pool event in Australia?

If it is out-of-hours and a private event, I wouldn't have much of a problem with the ban as it wouldn't be any different to say a costume party etc. But I think the Dandenong City Council has not quite found the best way to "encourage people to socialise together." Then again, from personal experience, too much "organised fun" at events results in no fun at all.

http://currentglobalperceptions.blogspot.com/