What counts as harm? Do we get to count the lives that might have been saved/improved through stem cell research? Harm cause by denial of access to family planning information and resources? Denial of civil rights to the gay community? What about the executions of death row inmates? All of these things have CC groups…

Adam Smith just winced in his grave.

This might sound like heresy since the guy's a Pulitzer Prize winner, but is this kind of poorly written? There were multiple times I had to stop and re-read a paragraph to follow it.

I'm not religious, but I consider Jesus to be a hugely important moral philosopher with a wonderful message. If more people lived by that message, no question the world would be a better place.

Totally fair point. I didn't mean "pick and choose" in that way. I certainly don't think you have to perfectly follow Jesus' teachings at all times to call yourself a Christian any more than you have to perfectly maximize utility at all times to call yourself a utilitarian. It's a lifestyle you aspire to lead. My…

I've got no issue with anyone believing in God without any proof, because we also lack definitive proof of not-God. It's perfectly reasonable to "buy" a theory that hasn't yet been falsified if it helps you to understand the world (and, you have to admit, God is a pretty parsimonious explanation).

It sounds like you're saying that we shouldn't protest Russia's mistreatment of LGBT people because those people (and other minorities) are also mistreated in the United States. That doesn't make any sense to me. In fact, I suspect that most of the folks in the U.S. who are the most vocal about Russia's treatment of…

For what it's worth (not that you'll listen), I grew up in an area with a pretty big Cherokee population. Maybe 5% of my high school. I heard the term "redskin" thrown out on at least a weekly basis. Always from a white or black kid (i.e., certainly NOT used as a term of affection among the Cherokee kids), always…

Not to be all "Simpsons did it," but Colbert totally stole that shit from 4chan. Or, you know, wherever 4chan originally stole it from.

Is "punk" the white person equivalent of "thug"?

I can't believe no one in this thread has thrown "gym rat" into the mix yet..

This. Except the exact opposite.

Really?

Just picking nits here, but the top-level holding company is actually Sunrise Sports & Entertainment. SSE owns the Panthers, AOC, the Saveology.com Iceplex (surprisingly profitable!) and maybe a few other assorted properties. While it's true they lose a bit of money on hockey, SSE overall is extremely profitable due…

I think I see your point. I guess I'd argue that a big part of the reason why "nigger" is so hurtful and powerful has to do with differences in wealth/socioeconomic status, dating back to the plantation era when white folks used the term to put what they saw as a lesser people in their place. It's why a black guy…

That's not what power is. Power and status are stable characteristics that are socially conferred. In other words, how powerful I am isn't about how powerful I momentarily feel in a given situation, it has to do with my place in society. If I'm a waiter at Olive Garden and I tell Robert Johnson there's a 60 minute…

I asked this of another commenter as well, but I just want to make sure I'm clear on your argument:

I just want to make sure I'm clear on your argument:

I agree with you. What about Cam Newton? Panthers started last year (his second season) 3-9, with Cam struggling. They kept him out there and he started to get his shit together, won the last 4 games, and the team clearly carried some of that momentum (or at least confidence) into this season. If RGIII is actually…

Thank you bringing this to my attention. This video took me from an emphatic yes to an equally emphatic no. Who says facts-oriented debate can't change minds and hearts?