59
POPSRepetition Makes False Beliefs Permanent Politicians and other unscrupulous types have long exploited what psychological studies are now confirming: due to the neurophysiology of the learning process, simple repetitive association between two concepts is enough to make false propositions "feel" true and well-supported. Worse, after enough exposure to such associations, subsequent denials can strengthen the perception of the falsehood instead of weakening it. (This is a major reason why the stigma of a false accusation can persist even after innocence is proven.) Indeed, repetition seems to be a key culprit. Things that are repeated often become more accessible in memory, and one of the brain's subconscious rules of thumb is that easily recalled things are true.
33
POPSWho Will Cry For Innocent Iraqis? Half of Iraq's population are children. Children! Who can condone dropping bombs on babies and tormenting children, no matter how "noble" they may think the cause? Who can know of Iraq's suffering and still proudly wave the flag, droning off hollow words of security, democracy and freedom? How can anyone, anyone keep supporting this terrible murderous war? How??
31
POPSBush's America: LESS Safe, LESS Free. In a new book, "Less Safe, Less Free: Why America Is Losing the War on Terror," law professors David Cole and Jules Lobel argue that the problem lies in the aggressive "preventive paradigm" the Bush administration adopted in the wake of 9/11.
25
POPSMary Seacole: Black British Heroine Mary Jane Grant was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1805. Her father was a Scottish soldier, and her mother a Jamaican. Mary learned her nursing skills from her mother, who kept a boarding house for invalid soldiers. Although technically 'free', being of mixed race, Mary and her family had few civil rights - they could not vote, hold public office or enter the professions. In 1836, Mary married Edwin Seacole but the marriage was short-lived as he died in 1844.
20
POPSUSA: Lies In, Truth Out in rush to more WAR
"States do not pursue weapons systems as ends in themselves; and states are hardwired to ensure their own survival. It is to that end that they acquire weapons systems, to protect, enhance or advance their own strategic position and even up the odds against more powerful rivals. As everything from the Cold War to the current deal with North Korea demonstrate, the only way to avoid nuclear conflict is to address the concerns and fears on both sides that might spark such a conflict. Weapons systems are dangerous, but not as dangerous as the conflicts that might result in them being used. And we should also get used to the idea that the globalization of technology on the current strategic landscape makes nuclear weapons likely to become the norm among states — after all, the existing eight nuclear weapons states have no intention of relinquishing theirs, so why would any states that anticipate being in conflict with any of them refrain from pursuing those weapons when the opportun
19
POPSChomsky - Options On The Table "There are many non-military measures to "contain" Iran, including a de-escalation of rhetoric and hysteria all around, and agreeing to negotiations in earnest for the first time — if indeed all options are on the table."
18
POPSClipMarks commits to deactivating hostile commenters Bravo! "You must treat others who are on the site with respect and civility if you want to remain on it." When a person who is unwilling to abide by the EULA, or who habitually crosses the line between vigorous debate of an issue and putting down the clipper who raised it, users go into hiding. Please, CM, enforce the boundary - dump abusers.
18
POPSExtremely Useful and Interesting Data Sets and Visualizations ( thanks, reflex) The site is set up to allow the entire internet to upload data, visualize it, and talk about their discoveries with other people There are hundreds of these at the source page. You can customize existing sets and create your own. I clipped the ones with the highest ratings, but you can also search for specific topics. Very cool.
18
POPSIt's WORSE Than Guantanamo And Abu Ghraib The clip does not do the article justice. It was impossible to relay the horrors in such a short space. This is a two page article, that everyone with an iota of humanity left in them MUST read. The U.S Administration and the U.S Military are engaged in widespread, worldwide, systematic torture, abuse, imprisonment and murder!. This is the new USA and what is stands for. I am so sickened, disgusted, angry and I can't even begin to express the outrage I feel. It's sick!! Are you proud of yourself Mr Bush? How do you friggin' sleep at night?!? Geeez... Bush and his fellow partners in crime, have to be removed from power and if there's an ounce of decency left in the citizens of the USA, these people must be stopped and held accountable for all the atrocities and crimes against humanity they have and continue to commit! :mad: