An Iowa fight over a Satanic display reminds us: Republicans believe "free speech" is only for them Salon, By AMANDA MARCOTTE, December 12, 2023https://www.salon.com/2023/12/12/an-iowa-fight-over-a-satanic-display-reminds-us-believe-free-speech-is-only-for-them/ The Non-Prophets, Episode 22.52.2 featuring Cynthia McDonald, The Cross Examiner, Infidel64 and Helen GreeneBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Satanic Displays, Free Speech Hypocrisy, and GOP's War on Christmas

And we are The Non-Prophets!... airing on the first and third Sunday of every month, starting at 3:00 PM Central (01:30-03:00 UTC) on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thenonprophetsaca. The Non-Prophets focuses on atheism and the separation of church and state.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

News

Texas superintendent resigns after trans student’s removal from ‘Oklahoma!’NBC News, By Jo Yurcaba, on May 2, 2024https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/texas-superintendent-resigns-trans-students-removal-oklahoma-rcna150479In a significant turn of events at the Sherman Independent School District in Texas, Superintendent Tyson Bennett resigned following a highly controversial incident involving the removal and subsequent reinstatement of a transgender student, Max High Tower, from a high school production of the musical "Oklahoma!". This decision came after the controversy garnered national attention and sparked widespread outrage.The school board convened in a closed session to address the situation, ultimately accepting Bennett's resignation and appointing Thomas O'Neal as the interim superintendent. The controversy began in March when Max High Tower, a transgender student, was initially barred from playing a role that did not align with his sex assigned at birth. This decision led to a significant backlash from the community and beyond, prompting the school to reverse its stance and reinstate the original cast and script.Max's father, Philip High Tower, publicly praised the school board's decision to advocate for all students, expressing hope that this incident would signal a move towards greater inclusivity and a stand against discrimination. The entire episode has highlighted the ongoing struggles and debates surrounding the rights and inclusion of transgender individuals in educational and extracurricular settings.This story, reported by Joe Yuhakaba for NBC News on May 2, 2024, underscores the broader national dialogue on transgender rights and the challenges faced by educational institutions in navigating these complex and often polarizing issues.Cindy expressed skepticism about the long-term impact of Bennett's resignation on the district's handling of transgender issues. She pointed out the broader, hostile political climate towards transgender people, suggesting that one resignation might not lead to substantial change.Kelley, speculated about the dynamics behind Bennett's resignation. He raised questions about whether Bennett was directly responsible for the initial decision or if he was merely a scapegoat. Kelley suggested that there might have been a backroom deal allowing Bennett to resign without being fired to avoid a more significant controversy. He emphasized the importance of understanding the decision-making process and the role of other school officials in the incident.The discussion highlighted how public pressure and media attention can influence institutional decisions. The panelists drew parallels to historical civil rights movements, where media exposure played a crucial role in driving societal change. They discussed the necessity of education and critical thinking in combating misinformation and fostering inclusivity.Ultimately, the incident at Sherman Independent School District serves as a microcosm of the larger debates over transgender rights in America. It demonstrates the power of public opinion and media scrutiny in holding institutions accountable and the ongoing need for education and advocacy to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.21.3 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Infidel64, Cindy Plaza and Kelley LaughlinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

TX Superintendent Resigns after Trans Student Removal

Unlicensed teachers now dominate new teacher hires in rural Texas schoolsSan Antonio News, By James P. Van Overschelde, on May 6, 2024https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/unlicensed-teachers-now-dominate-new-teacher-19441399.phpIn recent developments, Texas schools have increasingly turned to unlicensed teachers to address the growing shortage of educators. This trend is particularly evident in the 2022-2023 school year, where nearly half of the new teacher hires lack traditional teaching certificates. The reliance on unlicensed teachers has sparked a heated debate regarding the potential long-term consequences for students and the overall quality and integrity of the state's public education system.Supporters of this approach argue that it offers a practical solution to the pressing issue of teacher shortages, especially in underfunded and rural districts where attracting certified teachers can be a significant challenge. They claim that unlicensed teachers, often bringing diverse backgrounds and real-world experiences, can offer fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methods that benefit students. Additionally, expedited hiring processes help to fill vacancies more swiftly, ensuring that classrooms are not left without educators.However, critics raise serious concerns about the efficacy and preparedness of these unlicensed educators. They worry that a lack of formal training and certification might undermine the quality of education that students receive, potentially affecting their academic performance and future prospects. Critics also argue that this trend could devalue the teaching profession, sending a message that certification and professional standards are less important. The long-term impacts on the state's educational outcomes remain uncertain, but many fear a potential decline in educational standards and student achievement.This situation places additional pressure on the existing certified teachers, who may need to support their unlicensed colleagues, further stretching their already limited resources. Teachers in Texas are facing an increasingly complex and demanding environment, with concerns about maintaining educational quality amidst the growing reliance on unlicensed staff. The debate continues as stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and parents, seek to find a balance between addressing immediate staffing shortages and ensuring the long-term integrity and quality of the education system in Texas.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.21.2 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Infidel64, Cindy Plaza and Kelley LaughlinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Unlicensed Teachers Dominate New Teacher Hires in Rural TX

Justice Alito warns of declining support for freedom of speech on college campusesNBC News, By Lawrence Hurley, on May 11, 2024https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/justice-alito-warns-declining-support-freedom-speech-college-campuses-rcna151817In a recent commencement speech at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Justice Samuel Alito sparked a discussion about the current state of free speech in the United States, particularly focusing on college campuses. Alito, addressing a crowd at this Catholic college in Ohio, expressed his concern that free speech is in sharp decline, especially in academic settings. This speech comes amidst a backdrop of national debates on free speech, often highlighting the tension between open expression and social and political unrest.Justice Alito's remarks seemed to indirectly reference ongoing controversies, such as the unrest over Gaza, to underline his point. He suggested that the erosion of free speech is particularly evident on college campuses, which he believes should be bastions of open dialogue and debate. However, Alito did not provide specific examples or elaborate on the exact nature of the threats he perceives. This lack of detail has led to speculation and critique, with some questioning whether his speech was more about defending particular viewpoints rather than an unbiased defense of free speech.The setting of Alito's speech is noteworthy. Franciscan University, known for its strong Catholic identity, may not necessarily reflect the diversity of thought found on many secular campuses. Critics argue that Alito's choice of venue and his broad statements on free speech could imply a bias towards protecting speech that aligns with certain ideological or religious perspectives. This has raised questions about whether Alito is advocating for a truly open discourse or merely for the freedom to express views that align with his own.Additionally, Alito's track record on the Supreme Court has been scrutinized in light of his speech. His voting history often shows a complex relationship with free speech issues. For instance, in 2011, Alito was the sole dissenter in a case that upheld the Westboro Baptist Church's right to picket military funerals, a decision grounded in free speech protections. Alito argued that such actions constituted a vicious verbal assault rather than protected speech. This decision suggests that Alito's commitment to free speech may have boundaries, particularly when it comes to speech that he views as harmful or offensive.Moreover, Alito  often advocates for holding onto traditional values, even in the face of changing societal norms. This perspective is evident in many of his opinions, where he frequently supports decisions that uphold religious and conservative values.In discussing the broader implications of Alito's speech, it is essential to consider the current political and social climate in the United States. The nation's highest court has become a battleground for deeply divisive issues, and justices' public comments are increasingly seen as reflections of their ideological leanings. Alito's speech, therefore, can be interpreted as part of a larger narrative about the role of free speech in a polarized society.Ultimately, Justice Alito's commencement speech serves as a provocative entry point into the ongoing debate over free speech in America. While his concerns about the erosion of free speech align with a broader conservative discourse, the lack of concrete examples and the specific context of his speech invite critical examination of his motives and the implications of his rhetoric. This speech underscores...

Justice Alito Bemoans Loss of Freedom of Religion

Pastor John MacArthur says there is no such thing as mental illness, calls PTSD ‘grief’The Christian Post, By Leonardo Blair, on May 01, 2024https://www.christianpost.com/news/john-macarthur-says-there-is-no-such-thing-as-mental-illness.htmlIn this segment, the speakers delve into a controversial statement made by John MacArthur regarding mental illness, pharmaceuticals, and parenting. MacArthur claims mental illness is a "noble lie" and suggests that medicating children for mental health conditions can lead to drug addiction and criminal behavior. He also blames Big Pharma for fabricating diagnoses to sell medication. This discussion leads to reflections on the intersection of religion, mental health, and societal attitudes.Phoebe introduces the topic, noting MacArthur's assertion and the broader implications of his statements. Eli expresses incredulity at MacArthur's views, highlighting the harmful impact such rhetoric can have on those in need of mental health support. Scott provides context by comparing MacArthur's stance with that of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has spoken openly about his own mental health struggles.The conversation shifts to the prevalence of similar beliefs within certain religious communities, with Eli citing statistics and historical examples. Damien adds his perspective, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and the danger of religious dogma supplanting evidence-based approaches to mental health.The speakers discuss the harmful consequences of stigmatizing mental illness within religious communities, such as discouraging individuals from seeking help and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. They also critique MacArthur's assertion that proper parenting can prevent mental illness, pointing out the lack of evidence and the potential harm in neglecting legitimate medical treatment.Scott humorously highlights the irony of MacArthur's condemnation of medication while advocating for prayer as a solution. Eli shares personal anecdotes and cultural references to illustrate the broader societal impact of such attitudes.The conversation concludes with a call for critical thinking and compassion in addressing mental health issues, rejecting harmful rhetoric and promoting evidence-based approaches to support those in need.The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.20.4 featuring Phoebe Rose, Eli Slack, Scott Dickie and Damien HBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Pastor Claims PTSD and Mental Illness Are Not Real

Dozens of deaths reveal risks of sedating people restrained by policeAP News, By RYAN J. FOLEY, CARLA K. JOHNSON and SHELBY LUM, on April 26, 2024https://apnews.com/article/investigation-police-use-of-force-sedation-injections-demetrio-jackson-621909ba7491abc2af8ad2e33ba3415bThe Non-Prophets, Episode 23.20.3 featuring Phoebe Rose, Eli Slack, Scott Dickie and Damien HBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Satanic Displays, Free Speech Hypocrisy, and GOP's War on Christmas

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