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Not Even Wrong

bestofwikipedia:

An apparently scientific argument is said to be not even wrong if it is based on assumptions that are known to be incorrect, or alternatively, theories which cannot possibly be falsified or used to predict anything. The phrase was coined by the early quantum physicist Wolfgang Pauli, who was known for his colorful objections to incorrect or sloppy thinking. (via Sarah M Bruce)

ReBlogged from bestofwikipedia

 

The Democratic process fails for minorities

As I read the reports about Maine, a U.S. state where people have voted to overturn a law legalising same-sex marriage, my blood begins to boil.

Firstly, why on earth do people feel the need to control other people’s lives like this? In what way do same-sex marriages harm “traditional marriage”?

Right now, if I wanted to, I could marry a woman - even one that I had just met today - for money, for social status, strictly for tax purposes, or worse - simply because I had gotten her pregnant. “Traditional” marriage is in no way sacred - 50% of all marriages in America end in divorce.

So why then do people think they should stop gay marriage? How will the fact that a gay couple got married possibly affect the validity or importance of a “traditional” marriage?

The answer is simple: it won’t. This is just about bigotry and ignorance.

My second problem with this is: since when do people vote on civil rights? Should be put slavery up for vote? How about women’s rights? Oh wait, women might have a chance to protect their rights as they make up 50% of the population (so long as they are allowed to vote).

But voting on the civil rights of a minority is wrong. Democracy is 2 wolves and 1 sheep voting on what to have for dinner.

I am glad to be in England, where at least we have civil partnerships available for all gay couples (but not to be called ‘marriage’). But there is still a long way to go in my country, in America, and in the rest of the world before we can truly say that gay people have equal rights.

“If it be admitted that a man possessing absolute power may misuse that power by wronging his adversaries, why should not a majority be liable to the same reproach? Men do not change their characters by uniting with one another; nor does their patience in the presence of obstacles increase with their strength. For my own part, I cannot believe it; the power to do everything, which I should refuse to one of my equals, I will never grant to any number of them.”

Alexis de Tocqueville, “Tyranny of the Majority,” Chapter XV, Book 1, Democracy in America

 
Art for art’s sake does wonderful things to you. It makes you laugh. It makes you cry. It makes you want to take naps and go places wearing funny pants. Doing something just for the hell of it is a wonderful antidote to all the chores and “must-dos” of daily life. Writing a novel in a month is both exhilarating and stupid, and we would all do well to invite a little more spontaneous stupidity into our lives.

From the NaNoWriMo FAQ. I cannot think of a more wonderful reason to write a novel!

I am both anxious and excited at the idea of finishing the book. Two days in and I am worrying if I will have the time, or if RSI will get me. But I am having a blast doing it and really that is all that matters.

about shaun…

Name: Shaun Robinson

Age: 24

Occupation: Web Designer / Developer

Location: Ipswich, United Kingdom

Living with: My partner Andrew, and two kids Elliot and Oliver.

contact me