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The majority of climate scientists all over the world believe that climate change is happening, that carbon emissions are a big part of it, and that it's a big deal. Republicans? Not so much. Here's George Will, the Republicans' version of an intellectual, in the "liberal" Washington Post: According...

Authorization for torture at Guantanamo and in Iraq and Afghanistan came from the highest levels of government: Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member John McCain (R-Ariz.) today released the executive summary and conclusions of the Committee’s report of i...

Author Rachel Ament emailed me a link to a very good short story she wrote called I Am a Criminal. She says it's "very loosely" based on stories told to her by neighbors in Boro Park. Excerpt: Tamar opened the door to her apartment, pulled me inside with a hug. “Baruch Hashem! Baruch Hashem!� sh...

Margo, Off The Derech, and I are starting a new invite-only blog for people who were once Orthodox and now are not and those currently making that transition. It's invite-only so we have a place to discuss things without worrying about how Orthodox people will respond. If you're interested in joinin...

Taking Atheism for a Ride Around Town If you sometimes find yourself praying for a seat on a crowded Metrobus, some atheists have a message for you: Don't bother. They would say that, wouldn't they? Prayer's not their thing. And starting Tuesday they'll be bringing their unique brand of holiday mess...

There's been a lot of talk about how African-Americans disproportionately voted against gay marriage in California while simultaneously voting for Barack Obama. It's true that they did vote against it disproportionately -- 70% to 30% -- but focusing on race misses the point. The driving factor, of c...

I've only read chapter 1 of 7 so far, but this story about the campaign looks pretty interesting....

I'm excited and giddy. I was proud to vote for Obama. I'm glad to be part of history. It's not just about the first black president, although that's a huge milestone. It's about the conquest of hope over fear. I realize that sounds trite, that to Republican ears, it's just propaganda. But it's true....

I'm becoming a fan of Republican Governor Charlie Crist. I mentioned him a while back for pardoning Richard Paey, a man who was jailed for taking pain medication that he had been prescribed. Now I find out he extended the voting hours in Florida even though it will almost certainly help the Democrat...