Carnivalia and an open thread

Beyond that, this is an open thread. Say something profound.

I've just been summoned for jury duty.

I don't know about profound, but my thoughts today concern politics and the embarrassing lack of reason to be found in American politics. We need another Enlightenment, characterized by reality-based politics. The question is how best to get there and what we as individuals can do to help.

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise" Proverbs 6:6

Not profound, but still rather funny:

Yu-Gi-Oh: The Abridged Series

Korean state bank caters to clergy
They have come out with a special credit card for Protestant clergy. They are working on similar cards for Catholic and Buddhist clergy. No plans for the atheist clergy though.

Caledonian, I got summoned last spring and for two days I got to do absolutely nothing but sit and read some books while I waited to see if I would get picked. I got paid both by my company and by the county. Plus, even though I had taken the bus into town, I got a mileage reimbursement check.

Doing your civic duty ain't always a bad thing. I was disappointed to fiind that they no longer use the bible for swearing in, though. i had hoped to be able to make some kind of stink when i was down there.

Since the most important aspect of trial-by-jury was eliminated in the US, the institution is pointless. There's no advantage or purpose to it.

It's a civic duty to have my time wasted?

It is my profound belief that the carnival will be one day late, appearing on Thursday 5 July. Submissions are dropping in and it's looking good.

I found out a female PhD student in my lab actually had you as a professor for a couple of years. 'tis a small world!

Warning Sticker:

http://www.encyclopediaofstupid.com/stupid/images/8/8e/BibleWarningLabe…

How about a campaign for the rest of the world to vote in the US election? We're just as affected by the US govt and policies, so why not a say? Would probably work out better for you guys too, because if Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand are counted, then the crazed religious fanatics are completely outnumbered. Of course, the whole idea falls over if new, international religious fanatics are included.

Has anyone seen this piece of Wired stupidity? http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/06/do-stem-cells-g.html

Americanism: The Fourth Great Western Religion

Camp Quest gets a writeup in the Chicago Tribune

Since the most important aspect of trial-by-jury was eliminated in the US, the institution is pointless. There's no advantage or purpose to it.

What was that aspect?

The idea that there's an "American civil religion" is not new. What is new that the "Americanism" book is written by someone who proudly admits to adhere to it.

What was that aspect?

Jury nullification.

Ah, thanks.

Yet Another Book:
The Atheists's Bible
edited by Joan Konner

"What was that aspect?

Jury nullification."

Wow guys.. very interesting.. I didn't know a jury had that power, but it makes perfect sense that they should.

Since the most important aspect of trial-by-jury was eliminated in the US, the institution is pointless. There's no advantage or purpose to it.

What was that aspect?

The idea that there's an "American civil religion" is not new. What is new that the "Americanism" book is written by someone who proudly admits to adhere to it.

Ah, thanks.