and pray that there's intelligent life somewhere out in space
For me the protection of Planet Earth, the survival of all species and sustainability of our ecosystems is more than a mission. It is my religion and my dharma. R J Pachauri – in the Letter of Resignation.
And a very stimulating dharma it is.
The Rolf Harris of climate change?
Can’t wait for the TV show Dharmas in Pajamas.
From the address to the National Press Club by Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson, 18th February 2015. I’ve indicated by my much beloved ellipses where I have chosen to leave words out.
Recent tragic events in Paris and Copenhagen are a reminder that “free speech” is not a slogan; it is a principle to be defended even if expressions cross the line of social acceptability …
I know the objective of this law is not to take subjects off the table. That’s part of the problem. The intention of the law doesn’t match its wording.
I understand why some communities feel the maintenance of this law is essential to their sense of security in our society, but for many of us so is the freedom of speech to defend ourselves.
Race, culture and religion regularly overlap …
No group should be able to use law as a shield from criticism. That’s why 18C is neither fair, nor just, and should be repealed.
Australians continuously raise their concerns with me about the current wording of 18C. Most want reform.
It is utterly inconsistent with human rights that some legal privileges are afforded to some, and not others.
Many ask why their identity group doesn’t enjoy the same legal privilege.
It’s that question that demonstrates the absurdity of the law. Subjective tests such as “offend”, “insult” or “humiliate” are not justifiable restrictions on free speech: whatever the subject.
If the same standard were applied to all identity groups we’d be a straightjacket society unable to discuss controversial topics.
From listening to communities, the law doesn’t reflect the mischief advocates even want to address:
- Anti-Semitic slogans targeting school children on buses.
- Anti-Islamic abuse toward women wearing Niqabs.
- Threats of violence against Asian-Australians on public transport.
- Homophobic and transphobic bullying.
- Deliberately degrading Aboriginal Australians.
No one disputes the human consequences of invasive and abusive public harassment …
If the law is re-orientated toward addressing public harassment it would enjoy far more public confidence across the community than it does today …
But we must seek reform because free speech goes to the heart of everyone’s individual autonomy and dignity.
You can read the whole speech <HERE>. You may be surprised.
… and after the aftermath, the book …
Imagine you have survived an apocalypse. Civilization as you knew it is no more. What will life be like and how will you cope?
In 2006, Dylan Evans set out to answer these questions. He left his job in a high-tech robotics lab, moved to the Scottish Highlands and founded a community called The Utopia Experiment. There, together with an eclectic assortment of volunteers, he tried to live out a scenario of global collapse, free from modern technology and comforts.
Within a year, Evans found himself detained in a psychiatric hospital, shattered and depressed, trying to figure out what had gone wrong. In The Utopia Experiment he tells his own extraordinary story: his frenzied early enthusiasm for this unusual project, the many challenges of post-apocalyptic living, his descent into madness and his gradual recovery. In the process, he learns some hard lessons about himself and about life, and comes to see the modern world he abandoned in a new light.
Apparently you can buy it. It’s not on my reading list however.
More barbarity that has nothing to do with Islam …
The 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians, who had gone to Libya in search of work, were marched to a beach, forced to kneel and then beheaded on video, which was broadcast via a website that supports Islamic State.
Hong Kong Ferry Captain Sentenced to
8 Years in Deadly Collision
The question …
Is that worse than solitary confinement?
Te Mata School principal Michael Bain had been operating the starting gun at his school’s swimming sports event. Whilst having a sandwich the percussion caps in his pocket caught fire.
Quick to realise that an oft cited phenomenon had come true he jumped into the swimming pool.
The kids were much amused.
Mr Bain required minor medical attention and a new pair of daks.
Did the universe start with a big bang? There probably is a scientific consensus that it did.
Physicists Ahmed Farag Ali and Saurya Das suggest it did not (plus their theory conveniently gets rid of dark energy). If you can put up with small inhomogeneous and anisotropic perturbations you can read more <HERE>.
The City of Melbourne has many trees, all as it should be in the World’s most liveable city. People can get very attached to trees. This can make it very hard for the city when it wants to cut some down. Whether to better manage their trees, or more likely, to better manage its citizens the city has a fine webpage all about its urban forest.
When you dial down to the individual tree level you have the option to email any tree that takes your fancy. And so I chose a tree that I was familiar with and wrote …
Dear Ulmus
I used to work very near to you and see you as I came in and out of the Royal Melbourne and Royal Dental Hospitals.
It is sad to see that your life expectancy is now so short (6-10 years) but you have outlived the poor old Dental Hospital and you may well outlive me. You have certainly done better than many of the gums I used to see around there.
Perhaps the increase in carbon dioxide, so necessary for a tree’s survival, will give you a boost.
All the best
Bob
and, would you believe it, the tree replied …
Hi Bob,
Thanks very much for your email, it’s nice to hear that you remember me!
Feel free to stop for a hug next time your passing by!
Love Green Leaf Elm, Tree ID 1019519
A good effort for a tree despite the your instead of you’re, (I doubt that a Quercus would make that mistake).
Glad I’m not a rate payer.
bobmcgee 