I have read a and reviewed Blind Faith and Little Brother this year – both offer a stark warning about overzealous government control facilitated by technology.  I also plan to reread Orwell’s classic and rather prescient 1984.  Indeed it seems most timely with the latest revelations about government plans to monitor us, and the subsequent censoring of those plans:

The federal government has censored approximately 90 per cent of a secret document outlining its controversial plans to snoop on Australians’ web surfing, obtained under freedom of information (FoI) laws, out of fear the document could cause “premature unnecessary debate”.

Ben Grubb, SMH

Read the whole article and shudder at the Newspeak employed by departmental flunkies.  Then perhaps reflect for a second that the current government wants to record  our online life, but doesn’t want to tell  to what extent, nor for what reason.

National security?  Just in case you might be doing the wrong thing at some time in the future? I wonder will federal politicians be subject to recording? Who knows? But apparently we can’t handle talking about it.

More likely, we are eminently capable of debating the tripe that the government offers us in terms of IT Policies – if the filter is anything to go by.

Are we talking about this though, outside of the tech proficient and the civil libertarians (and why is this often a pejorative term)?

No, enough of the populace is enamoured with a f*cking cooking show that a debate between two potential leaders of the country has been shifted so as to not conflict.

If you can’t be bothered to wake up for the ten seconds that it requires to give damn, enjoy the nanny state you are served.

End Rant

Related posts:

1. British setting up a surveillance state?
2. Happy Territory Day
3. Catholic World Youth Day creates blow out in State coffers

I am no longer an e-book virgin.

I have just finished reading Cory Doctorow’s Little Brother, which you can purchase through your local bookstore or if you have an e-reader or Kindle for PC you can download it here legally and for free in multiple formats. Cory does this with all of his novels – that’s right all for FREE.

If you have trouble understanding this concept check out his explanation here.

I have been sceptical about e-readers.  I thought I was destined to be the one of the last of a dying breed of people – those brought up on paper books. Indeed I struggle at reading long pdf’s and in the past if even if a book existed free or in text/ html  I much preferred to read it in paper format.

E-readers and e-reading software I think has changed that, especially for me.  I am now considering the Kindle (one of my greatest frustrations with reading Little Brother was that I had to lug the laptop around, not as I expected, eye strain from reading off the computer screen)or if possible a cheaper reader that can handle multiple formats.

But about Little Brother

You might have guessed by the title that the book is a riff off Orwell’s 1984 and you’d be right.  The story is one of resistance against the state but set in very near future ( it’s set after   9/11 , but the technology used is  I think very current)it’s what might happen to American freedoms if another attack were to occur on American soil.

As far as I can tell Little Brother is  Doctorow’s first young adult novel, the protagonist is Marcus, a 17 year old computer and tech geek. While playing an ARG(Alternate Reality Game) with school mates Marcus is caught in a DHS (Department of Homeland Security) dragnet, after a terrorist attack in his city.  Marcus is smart and has a good understanding of his constitutional rights, it’s his defence of these rights that really propels the story:

“What have you got to hide?”

“I’ve got the right to my privacy,” I said. “And I want to speak to an attorney.”

“This is your last chance, kid. Honest people don’t have anything to hide.”

“I want to speak to an attorney.” My parents would pay for it. All the FAQs on getting arrested were clear on this point. Just keep asking to see an attorney, no matter what they say or do. There’s no good that comes of talking to the cops without your lawyer present. These two said they weren’t cops, but if this wasn’t an arrest, what was it?

In hindsight, maybe I should have unlocked my phone for them.

Source: Little Brother, end of chapter 3

Marcus ends up being interred in a Guantanamo bay like facility an action that propels him into becoming a rebel with a cause.

What did I like?

The story plays to my left leaning liberal sensibilities.  It highlights everything that is worrying about western society’s quick turn to the right, to the climate of fear promoted by governments that see fear and security as election winning platforms.  The book may be set in an American context, but it has applications for a far wider audience.  Take cc camera surveillance in the UK or indeed the railroading of the Internet Filter in Australia ( or even more sinister, the Ozlog affair).

Doctorow’s writing was  fast paced, exciting and easy to read.  Like other Young Adult novels I have read, this one didn’t strike me as being any less of a rollicking good read for that fact.  There’s a bit of violence, a sex scene and description of torture so it’s not Alice in Wonderland, but it is pitched at 15 to 17 year olds.  I found some of the info dumps distracting from the flow of the book, but these were both interesting and necessary in there own right, especially considering what the book is intended to be, beyond just an action packed tale.

There’s more to this book than the story

While both 1984 and Little brother can be described as a fight for justice, and  liberty against the oppressive state, Little Brother is also something different.  1984 is a warning, a parable about what might occur (indeed some may say Orwell was almost prescient in some of his storytelling).  Little brother is simultaneously  a  story, a manual for resistance against an oppressive state and an attempt to get teens to look at the double edge nature of new technology.  Contained within it pages are references to real world resources and technologies for guarding your privacy or avoiding electronic surveillance.  Indeed the book has been most recently translated into Persian by Iranian activists in the hope that it might inspire a response in Iranian youth.  The book contains wealth of historical information on civil disobedience, enough hopefully to whet the young adolescent thirst for knowledge.

Skeptics and fans of reality will, I think enjoy Cory’s tone, here’s an example-my emphasis:

Which is why I prefer to inject a little randomness into my attacks on gait-recognition: I put a handful of gravel into each shoe. Cheap and effective, and no two steps are the same. Plus you get a great reflexology foot massage in the process (I kid. Reflexology is about as scientifically useful as gait-recognition).

Little Brother, Chapter 1

So do yourself a favour, buy the book and/or download it for free.

Just read it, I don’t think you’ll be sorry.

Edit: Please find the  link (right, save as) to copyright free (Australia)version of George Orwell’s 1984 in .prc format for Kindle

Related posts:

1. My Brother’s Keeper.
2. Book Review – God Hates You, Hate Him Back
3. Big Brother is quite literally watching… err reading you

In a stunning show of concern Jude Hennessy, director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine in the Wollongong Diocese has been quoted as saying:

“It is really difficult to see how proponents of ethics classes will in a similar way attract and motivate, adequately train and resource these classes in an ongoing fashion,”

[source]

This is in response, I believe to the knowledge that that a Departmental ruling prevents currently employed teachers from taking the classes reported by the Sydney Morning Herald:

Proposed ethics classes in NSW are at risk after the Department of Education ruled full-time teachers cannot conduct the lessons.

Full-time teachers, some of whom are teaching the current ethics trial at 10 public primary schools across the state, will not be able to do so if the classes are introduced permanently, The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Tuesday.

[source]

Touching, that a representatives of SRE providers can be so concerned, perhaps in the spirit of providing good education for heathens they could donate to the Saint James Ethics Centre.

Now, the SMH doesn’t cite any sources but what I find curious is the Dr Cam chief architect of the trial, reports in his interview with the Token Skeptic’s Kylie Sturgess,  that they have been overwhelmed with volunteers for the position.  Listen here (right click, save as) to his interview with Kylie.

Of course I am cynical that Ms Hennessy is actually concerned.  Indeed I wonder why she bothered to comment at all other than to contribute to a talking down of the pilot. But then she is of course lumbered with promoting a tired, and  contradictory world view -that in my recent experience has resulted in religious groups resorting to cheap magic tricks to get across the idea that R.E. is fun.

What’s next? Bring the clowns?

Related posts:

1. Ethics trial evaluation is to commence
2. NSW ethics class trials, but religious still want in
3. NSW Government allowing religious to influence secular ethics trial for non believers

Long time readers will remember me covering this horrible story in these posts -

When you enable rapists it might just hit you where it hurts…

Three heads roll in Toowoomba school rape case

Toowoomba catholic teacher “rape case” update

It’s not often that we get good news when the story centres around the Catholic Church and child rape so allow me to bear good tidings via the Australian

THE Catholic Church has made a sweeping admission of legal liability for the rape and abuse of girls at a Toowoomba primary school.

In one of the most comprehensive wins for victims of child abuse in Australia, Toowoomba bishop Bill Morris has formally admitted liability and opened the door to a massive compensation payout to 13 schoolgirls in a proposed mediated settlement to be overseen by former High Court judge Ian Callinan QC.

[source]

One of the parents of the abused children wants full disclosure of church actions in addition to any compensation they might be ordered to pay, so that the church’s actions (or lack thereof) will be on display.

Bishop Morris has suggested a mediation process overseen by a High Court Judge in order to protect the victims and their families from enduring further hardship. Is it too cynical for me to believe that this process might also have advantages for the church?

Related posts:

1. Three heads roll in Toowoomba school rape case
2. Toowoomba catholic teacher “rape case” update
3. When you enable rapists it might just hit you where it hurts…

According to ABC online:

Prosecutors have dropped assault charges against eight men who had been accused of staging an exorcism, in exchange for restraining orders.

Adelaide Magistrates Court heard each of the men denied the allegations, despite agreeing to restraining orders.

[source]

I commented on the original story here in July of last year.   As it stands the 8 men involved in the “alleged” exorcism have had the following charges against them dropped -

• False imprisonment
• Assault

in return for consenting to restraining orders.

I am curious as to  why the charges were dropped

• lack of evidence?
• 8 men’s word against a teenage victim?
• the effects of challenging respected elders within a small community?
• a young victim who just wants the whole incident to be over?

I will be trying to find out more information on the case, when and if it’s transcribed.  But I think its safe to say I won’t be wearing any atheist paraphernalia the next time I go wine tasting in the Barossa.

Related posts:

1. South Australian policeman stood down for exorcism
2. Australia’s 5 Worst Religious Child Sex Offenders
3. Exorcism (see Deliverance)…

July 5th is the birthday of Phineas Taylor Barnum or P.T. Barnum as he is more commonly known.

If you are a self identified Skeptic you should at least have heard of “Barnum statements” a common example of the way fraudsters, hoaxers, fortune tellers and magicians manipulate their mark with the Forer effect.

If you have a interest in history, you might also know that he was a debunker and is famous, amongst other things, for offering one of the first monetary prizes($500) to any medium who could prove they could communicate with the dead.

Barnum was much more than this though and the wiki page here, is a good place to start your history lesson on, who at the time of his death was perhaps the worlds most famous American.

His debunking is almost a sideline to this larger than life figure – businessman, a promoter, a hoaxer, a philanthropist, a politician, a circus king and a reformer.

If you have some time today delve into the life of this interesting character of yesteryear.  For further reading  check out:

The Life of Phineas T. Barnum by Joel Benton available in multiple formats.

Related posts:

1. Happy Birthday to Me
2. Happy Birthday Dad!!
3. Godless in America

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon has being attempting to beat some sense into Australian Tax Law around the issue of the tax exemptions that are applied to religious and other charitable organisations.  As it currently stands religions need not be actually involved in charity to get certain tax exemptions.  The pursuit and promotion of a religion is deemed to be a charitable or beneficial act in itself.

The recent revelations about the Church of Scientology and South Australia’s own Agape Ministries cult has brought this loophole to the fore and it now appears that a Senate Inquiry into the institution of a Public Benefits Test will happen.

Low and behold for the first time in Australia’s political history the representative of a atheist organisation will be asked to appear before the enquiry.

This media release from the offices of the Atheist Foundation of Australia:

For the first time in the history of Australian politics a representative of a national atheist organisation has been asked to appear before a Senate Inquiry.  This is a significant event for the Atheist Foundation of Australia and all freethinkers.

David Nicholls (President of the AFA) will participate in a teleconference on Monday 28th June 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM (EST).  He will be commenting on the AFA Submission (No. 25), “Parliament of Australia: Senate: Committees: Economics: Inquiry into Tax Laws Amendment (Public Benefit Test) Bill 2010.”  The Submission can be viewed here. http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/economics_ctte/public_benefit_test_10/submissions.htm

The conference will be broadcast live on the 28th June: http://webcast.aph.gov.au/livebroadcasting/Default.aspx

This is indeed significant.

Related posts:

1. Atheist Foundation of Australia to complain to the Tasmanian Anti Discrimination Commission
2. Atheist Foundation of Australia launches new forum
3. “The Rise of Atheism” Australian Atheist Conference 2010

It’s been reported that Cardinal Pell sought to influence Christian voters:

Catholic Archbishop George Pell told the virtual audience he was concerned about the Greens gaining the balance of power in the next Senate.

“Their program is explicitly anti-Christian,” he said.
[ABC online]

Did he highlight which parts were anti-Christian? No, just fired a broad missive that he hopes no Christian will question.  Perhaps its because he feels he has less leverage over greens MP’s?

Not to be outdone though Jim Wallace of the unrepresentative ACL was quoted as saying

Our common purpose here tonight is not to see the Church in a power position over the state but instead to bring Christ’s influence into government

[ABC online]

Well, one would think that the abundance of Christians in parliament would bring that influence.  But of course Jim’s talking about a very special conservative type of Christianity, one that concentrates on the important issues challenging Australia like:

• ensuring marriage laws aren’t extended to same sex couples
• that the Lord’s prayer isn’t dropped from Parliament

One also wonders if the leaders will be meeting with the heads of other religions or perhaps with humanists or non believers?

Related posts:

1. Thou shalt not get involved in politics…
2. Onward Christian soldiers
3. Pell fears Anti-discrimination is impacting on religious freedom

Descending to us from the 9th heavenly realm is El Cantare, or Master Ryuho Okawa, here to bring you Happiness through Happy Science.

Operating 3 outlets in Australia, Happiness Science, promises that:

[by]studying together in joy,harmony and deep-found respect. Happy Science
can resolve all world conflicts and bring love, peace, happiness and prosperity to the world.

[Pg 4 - Intro to happy science]

So what is Happy Science?

It’s a movement (business?) started by Master Ryuho Okawa, self proclaimed reincarnation of El Cantare, the supreme god.  Started in 1986 it claims to be one of the most influential movements of the 21st century – which is of course why you are only hearing about it now – obviously you are behind the ball and need to catch up .

It claims a Buddhist base, and an openness toward other religions

Is it science?

Not from where I am standing.  It is distinctly religious. I am not sure if El Cantare is having trouble with translation though, the original Japanese is Kofuku-no-Kagak  for any Japanese speakers.

He explains the science bit in the FAQ on his Australian website.

• Happy Science is a Buddhist based organization, Because of Buddhist teaching, Happy Science believes human beings having infinite potential. They are all children of God. They all have Gods nature, Buddha nature.
• Happy Science is more than Buddhism. Happy Science rather focuses on how to flourish people’s Buddha nature. Happy Science does not stress DON’T but DO as an angel of light-to-be. Regarding DON’T do, it is enough to follow the law.
• Happiness is what we pursuit, and science is education. Education means that we educate how to be happy scientifically, on the universal rule, mechanism. Happy Science educate mechanism to be happy.

So is it a deliberate and calculated misuse of the word science to garner supporters, targeting those seekers who are tired of the old religions?  I’ll leave it up to the reader but I observe:

• Appeal to the comforting, non-threatening Buddhism
• An appeal to “we are like Buddhism but better”
• Followed by an appeal to science

Who is Master Okawa?

Information on Okawa is fairly light, even from his own website.  He claims to be

• A graduate of Tokyo University
• Studied finance at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.
• Have published 500 books

Is this a dangerous cult?

Is it another Aum Supreme Truth cult? It’s hard to say.  It seems to on the surface be a very successful business, selling books and DVD’s, similar in some respects to Scientology in that regard.  Dangerous to your wallet definitely and perhaps we should leave it at caveat emptor. 

I have found some claims online, these seem to emanate from the same person on different forums

They endlessly sell books, tapes, seminars, prayers and all. This is how it’s done in japan or I should say japanese people. I MEAN ENDLESS. I remember how they sold picture of Okawa framed in gold for thousands of dollars.

Free meditation seminar in your city? Seems like they don’t have the guts to demand money from non japanese but they get very pushy with the japanese.

I’ve actually heard him say in one of the member only dvds “Love me more than you husband or wife or children or mom or dad” RELATIONSHIP CONTROL! In another one of those dvds, they actually made a suggestion in the line of fortune that you have comes from god, so it should be given back to god (okawa) and they were featuring this one family that donated a property that’s been in the family for generations and saying how this was better than leaving it to their children or grandchildren.

SCARY–they are so after your money. And once you get caught in this they’ll mind control your money out of you by saying things like, it’s a miracle to be here when he’s here, and a rare opportunity in your many reincarnations to be able to make donations and they’ll come up with all types of various offerings possible to the point that every call or email that you get from them is about another offering and I’m not talking about tens and twentys but hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

They’re trying to open up more branches here and I think they are taking advantage of the fact that people here can’t read what’s being said or written about them in google japan in japanese. There are lot of people and ex staff out there regretting the time and money spent on them and or trying to get their family out of it. And I think people here are vulnerable because of this recession and all.

France officially identified them as a cult which I think is a smart move and wish authority here would really check them out and do the same. They have all the signs of a cult. If I don’t like it so much, why don’t I just stay away? Well what if you have some simple and gullible relatives or family members that you love and needs to be protected? I am very FED UP.

One last thing, what’s in their books sound like they make a lot of sense because they’re based on legitimate religion and spiritual people that existed in the past.

[source]

It’s blatantly obvious to me what a colossal con this is.  As to what pressure the organisation can exercise over its followers I don’t know.  I would be interested in hearing people who have had a less than happy experience with Happy Science.

That being said this article from the Japanese Times last year shows a somewhat sinister view of this reincarnated Buddha and his political plans:

As a historic general election looms on Aug. 30, Japan’s long-suffering electorate faces a clear choice: vote for the conservative party that has virtually monopolized power since 1955, or opt for its more liberal but untested rival, which promises long-awaited reform. For those with a taste for the apocalyptic, however, there is always the Happiness Realization Party.

According to the Happiness Realization Party’s Web site, President Ryuho Okawa is a reincarnation of Buddha who achieved Great Enlightenment in 1981 "and awakened to the hidden part of his consciousness, El Cantare, whose mission is to bring happiness to all humanity." COURTESY OF THE HAPPINESS REALIZATION PARTY

Offering what it calls a "third choice," the Happies have an eye-catching manifesto: multiply Japan’s population by 2 1/2 to 300 million and make it the world’s No. 1 economic power, and rapidly rearm for conflict with North Korea and China.

[Japan Times, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009]

Doesn’t sound to happy to me.

If you are looking for real Happiness science you might start here

Many thanks to one of my readers for bringing this to my attention let me know if you want to be credited.

Related posts:

1. Embiggen Books : An Oasis of Science and Skepticism
2. The Cult of Mercola
3. The path to my Atheism