Sharpe Criticism for Dawkins

Stuart Sharpe has an interesting reaction to the Papal visit. Worth taking a look. It's probably not what Richard Dawkins was hoping for.

It also has an xkcd cartoon, which always makes something worth looking at ;-)

For the lawyers, or for the people?

One of the kneejerk reactions of English liberals to America is horror at their Court system. The willingness of the stereotypical American to rush off to a courtroom and sue you for the slightest infringement is regarded as abhorrent. The system whereby no award of legal costs is made to the winner creates scare stories of big corporations putting the frighteners on little people.

There is another side, though. If people know that you can run to the court, then they must respect your rights. If you know that you cannot be threatened with an order for the exorbitant costs of their hotshot city lawyers, then you know that you are free to stand up and defend your rights.

So here's an example. Watch the video, and tell me, which do you think is a better system?

One that says "If the Government passes a law that is unfair and stops you doing your job, sue them and get it struck down"?

Or ours - "If the Government passes a law that is unfair and stops you doing your job, then just give up your job, start a new political party, campaign all the hours of your waking existence, and hope that one day you will reach a position of power and influence in which you can repeal the legislation, allowing you to do the job that you had to stop doing 15 years earlier".

(Hat Tip: Obo the make-up addict)

Still busy....

...but here's something to read in the meantime.

As ever, if you want something really stupid done, ask a government body.

Benign Neglect

As said on a sign held by one of Terry Pratchett's characters while in a coma, "I aten't Ded".

Yes, I'm back from holiday. However, I am in the middle of a major work project. Can't way what it is, yet, but I promise to blog it if it comes to fruition. Anyway, it means I'm up to my ears in work-related stuff.

Am very excited, though.