Western Sydney Freethinkers

Book Review: The Conspiracy Files

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 10:02:00 +0000

Review By Geoff C

The Conspiracy Files: Evidence Behind the Worlds Notorious Theories Kenn Thomas (2007) Pier 9 Publications (pp 171)

Thomas’s book is a refreshing change from the normal conspiracy books that have been published in the last few years. This book takes on a new look by the provision of high quality colour and photographs, but also addresses the issue of conspiracy evidence from a balanced perspective. The additional articles within the Chapters that deal with the “heros” of conspiracy writing are interesting, but also provide an insight into some of the main players of the conspiracy theory game.

Thomas is a publisher of the Steamshovel Press, a conspiracy magazine (remember the Lone Gunman from the X Files?) Thomas states that he writes on “parapolitics” or the study of conspiracy theories. As a ardent sceptic, the reviewer tens to keep away from the conspiracy theory angle as authors tend to push a barrow of their theories using less than suitable evidence, examples of this include Chariots of the Gods author Eric Van Diaken. But Thomas, as previously stated, tends to look at all the evidence in regards to conspiracy and draws conclusions that where refreshing and surprising, including evidence from the conspiracy debunkers. It has been stated that Steamshovel Press is the most influential conspiratorial magazine ever produced (www.disinfo.com/archive/pages/dossier/id259/pg1/index.htm accessed 08/08/2007). A simple Google search will produce a large number of entries in relation to Thomas’s impact and contribution to the conspiracy masses.

The book is spit into three separate section being Mystery History, New world Order and Science fiction.

The first section looks at such theories as the Lost City of Atlantis, the existence of Jesus Christ and discusses the freemasons. The second section addresses the assassinations of JFK and his brother RFK, Princess Dianna and the DC Snipers. Finally, section 3 deals with the standard alien conspiracy theories of cattle mutilation, Nazi UFO’s and the Moon Landing.

A constant source of support and articles to this publication for the Australian Sceptics movement, Phil Platt, has written extensively on the Moon Landing hoax theories. It should be stated that as Thomas does not refer to Platt, the does allow for the provision of reasons why the moon landings hoax is just that, a hoax. From the point of view of the sceptic, this is a welcome change as this example tends to demonstrate the balance bought to the table by Thomas. In this regard, as a reader, I don’t immediately assume that Thomas is a sceptic himself, but doe make the effort to provide all the evidence, irrespective of how silly it is.

Of interest is the fact that Thomas previously written a book on a person by the name of Danny Casolaro. A basic level of research reveals that Casolaro was a writer of conspiracy theories who died in 1992. Casolaro is named in the book in the chapter referred to as Tentacles of Global Conspiracy. Casolaro contended that all conspiracies come together as a one large global conspiracy. Thomas no doubt has drawn a large amount of information from that book that he previously written and place submitted it into this book. Casolaro committed suicide in 1992 and left a suicide note (unconvincing according to Thomas) and contacted family and friends to say that should he die, his death should be considered suspicious. He was found with deep slashes to his wrists in a bath tub in a hotel room. Thomas eludes that the death was suspicious, but as the reviewer is a former Police Officer, the context of the death demonstrates that perhaps, just for a moment, Casolaro may have had mental health issues. But this is not reviewed by Thomas.

Within each of the articles in the book, is a review of the main conspiracy writer that has contributed the greater body of knowledge to that theory. One person that has been highlighted is Michael Moore. Moore is known for his films that openly develop premises of conspiracy theories, especially those relating to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In reading some of the chapters in the book , observed that several aspects of his writing was excellent, that is it produces a well balanced view and in fact even dilutes some of the conspiracy theories. But then, Thomas surprises the reader by putting forward absolute garbage! An example of this is the “Points to Ponder” section in relating to the death of Princess Diana. Thomas states that a number of aspects including the theft of the vehicle that had the accident and that one passenger was paid a large amount of money by MI6. All of the points that have been put forward by Thomas have been investigated by both French and British Police, including a current coronial enquiry and discarded. This unfortunately tarnishes what I consider to be a good book.

One chapter that was of interest to the reviewer (as a born-again atheist) was the article on evolution. Thomas postulates that evolution was not accepted by the Russians because of the Cold War and puts both Darwin and another naturalist, Jen-Baptiste Lamarack at odds. Lamarack’s theories on transformation and acquired characteristics. In reading the article, as interesting as it was, I failed to understand how this was a conspiracy, but perhaps more an acceptance of the wrong theory by a state that was opposed to capitalism.

At the end of the book is an extensive section on additional reading. The list makes a who’ who of conspiracy literature but a definite absence of such writers of Platt and Dawkins demonstrates that the balance is slightly towards the conspiracy believer.

Overall, the book provides new data on some of the main conspiracies that have been in existence for decades, but also some new theories that even the reviewer was not aware of. The standard theories relating to the Free Masons are given a excellent

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenn_Thomas accessed 08/08/2007

www.disinfo.com/archive/pages/dossier/id259/pg1/index.htm

Geoff C is a suicide bomber for atheism and sceptics that like to ride horses and look at the stars

This review was first published in the Australian Skeptic 2009

Senate Inquiry into Same-Sex Marriage

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:18:00 +0000

On Thursday the 3rd and Friday the 4th of May, there was a committee held to discuss Senator Hanson-Young’s bill put forward to legalise same sex marriage (SSM) in Australia. A number of people were invited to verbalise their submissions, including religious leaders, lawyers, GLBTIQ equal rights groups, doctors and psychologists. Whoobie caught up with the action, live-tweeting important quotes and summaries of Friday’s activity.

There were a number of submissions speaking out against SSM. First up for the day was Professor Margaret Somerville. She suggested that children need a mother and a father present because each provide important gender roles to a child that cannot be found in same-sex parenting. However, it was pointed out to her that both the US and Australian Psychological societies have concluded from research that children from same-sex parented families suffer no detriment. It raised a debate about which is more important to the child’s wellbeing: quality parenting or biological relatedness to both parents.

The National Marriage Coalition also argued against SSM. They argued that same-sex marriage being legalised would change everything, implying that this would be a terrible thing. Looking at how the legalisation of same-sex marriage has affected those countries that have enacted it, they noted in horror that children are being taught about homosexuality in schools in The Netherlands and teachers are receiving diversity training in Canada.

Bizarre claims were made, including the assertion that male homosexuality devalues femininity, that homosexual people only want the right to get married so that they can overthrow the definition of marriage, and that lesbian relationships are power struggles, which exist due to the lack of “male objectivity”. Another particularly strange claim was that humans have an “intrinsic and deep understanding that penis is made for vagina”. They continued on, saying that marriage immediately discriminates, using the example that a man is unable to marry his mother, and stating that there are all kinds of long-term loving relationships that governments have nothing to do with. Muehlenberg summarised this point, saying that if people refuse to meet the criteria of marriage, they cannot claim they are being discriminated against. As they presented their submission, Senator Hanson-Young pointed out that it appears as though their objection is not just to same-sex marriage, but to homosexuality itself. Their anti-homosexual sentiment was clear throughout their whole argument, continually and deliberately calling homosexuality a choice and stating that it is unnatural. As infuriating as this submission was to witness, their bizarre claims and blatant disregards of the facts (stating, for example, that no civilisation to date has legalised same-sex marriage) made it difficult for them to be taken seriously.

As is that wasn’t quite rage-inducing enough, the next submission heard was by Jim Wallace from the Australian Christian Lobby, and Dr David van Gend of the Australian Marriage Forum. The submission begun with the outlining the many perceived harms of same-sex marriage being legalised, ranking homosexual parenting as being the top concern. Others include the normalising of homosexual education, the suppression of religious free speech, and the slippery-slope argument that polygamous and incestuous relationships will inevitably follow on. They argue that homosexuality is not inborn or unchangeable, because same-sex attracted people are able to “potentialise their heterosexuality” and go on to get married and have children.

If Jim Wallace’s anti-homosexual stance was not clear enough by this point, he then went on to say that homosexuality and heterosexuality are different, not equal. As an extra slap in the face, he continued by agreeing to the statement that discrimination of homosexual people leads to poorer health outcomes, but clarifying by saying this is only true for unjust discrimination, implying that at least some of the discrimination against same-sex attracted people is just. In a direct contradiction to the submissions from the Australian Psychological Society, he argued that the negative health effects felt by homosexuals from discrimination on the issue of marriage is trivial, and that same-sex attracted people are much more likely to feel distress due to other factors, such as AIDS. He told the committee that he believed that inclusive changes to the marriage act would not have any affect on negative health aspects for homosexuals, or decrease the suicide rate among this group.

Amusingly, after the ACL’s push to get opposing signatures to the proposed bill, Jim Wallace spoke out against the senate inquiry, saying that it has been reduced to a cheap public poll, and questioning the validity of the submissions (only of the pro-same-sex marriage submissions, though).

Another anti-SSM submission was given by Professor Thomas Frame, author of a book “Children on Demand: The Ethics of Defying Nature”. He argued against same-sex parenting, using his personal adoption story to back up his points. Noting the pain and suffering he felt from not knowing his biological father, he discussed whether it is right for a government to legitimise a relationship where this arrangement would be common. However, this was disputed, as this issue is not strictly an issue related to homosexual parents (straight couples also seek out adoption, IVF and similar technologies which result in raising children who may not know their biological parents).

Predictably, the Salvation Army’s submission was against SSM. They spoke in conjunction with a non-religious but anti-SSM group, Doctors For the Family. Once again, the arguments seemed to reflect more an objection to homosexuality that extends beyond changes to the marriage act. The spokesman from Doctors of the Family framed homosexuality to sound like some kind of disease, likening it to ‘misplaced eroticism’, and stating that the normalisation of homosexuality will have negative health consequences for society.

On the bright side, there were some very convincing speakers arguing for SSM, such as the submissions from the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, Rainbow Tasmania. They made a number of excellent points: that homophobic attitudes are damaging to homosexual people; not everyone fits into the ‘male’ and ‘female’ binary outlined in the Marriage Act; the religious question is not relevant to the secular institution of marriage, and that marriage is dynamic and has changed vastly over human history. While many previous submissions have insisted that including homosexuals in marriage will damage the institution, these groups argued that marriage is harmed by remaining an exclusive club that discriminates on who can join.

Another pro-SSM submission was from the Lawyers and academics of Deakin University School of Law and University of Adelaide Law School. They argued that marriage is a secular institution, not a religious one. There was discussion about whether same-sex marriage was constitutionally valid, with a consensus that it was. They concluded that there is a strong chance that same-sex marriage would survive a constitutional challenge if it reached the high court.

Addressing the slippery slope argument that same-sex marriage would lead to polygamous marriages being recognised, they argued that this is unlikely, and the wording of the current Marriage Act that including the phrase “To the exclusion of all others” would prevent this. However, it was also noted that while there is a big push for same-sex marriage in Australia presently, the same is not felt for polygamous marriages to be recognised.

The final submissions for the day were from the Australian Psychological Society and Psychologists for Marriage Equality. Referencing a number of psychological studies, they cleared up many of the misconceptions of earlier submissions. They noted that there is no scientific basis that gays and lesbians cannot be fit to marry and be good parents, that in some cases, lesbian parents have better parenting skills than heterosexual parents, and that there were no direct negative outcomes for children growing up in same-sex headed families. They also pointed out the enormous and imbalanced amount of scrutiny that homosexual parents receive compared to heterosexual parents, simply because they are same-sex attracted. In response to claims that marriage and biology are intricately intertwined and that marriage is an institution for raising children, they sarcastically asked whether the government should stop people getting married after their child-bearing years, or prevent children being born out of wedlock.

Much of their submission focused on the health of homosexual individuals. Citing research, they highlighted the point that people who are homosexual experience high levels of psychiatric illness due to discrimination, minority stress due to stigma, and more suicide ideation when repeatedly exposed to anti-SSM views. On the other hand, homosexual people report feeling more accepted by families and society when SSM is legal, and people who are in a happy marriage are generally happier and healthier. They then argued they have convincing evidence that denying the right to get married directly contributes to these negative outcomes, and that legalising gay marriage would lead to better health outcomes for same-sex attracted people.

The committee hearing was a fascinating look into the debate that currently surrounds same-sex marriage. But my views remain unchanged. One speaker said "there's no reasonable reason to oppose equal rights", and I believe that's absolutely true.

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:25:00 +0000

April is well underway, and with it, bring the most foolingest day of the year: April Fool’s Day. A day of tricky pranks, whoopie cushions and mischief. Also, according to self-professed Christian Activist Peter Madden, a day for Atheists. Why April fools day? Well, it’s biblical:

1 The fool says in his heart,

“There is no God.”

They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;

there is no one who does good.

Prov.14:1

With that in mind, WSFT decided it was a great opportunity for some Godless foolery of our own. To celebrate, we held a Mad Hatter’s tea party at Tench Reserve in Penrith. Adorned with crazy hats, several of us gathered to be silly, drink tea, eat sinfully delicious foods, and continue to not believe in a god.

Meanwhile, Peter Madden was holding his one-man protest in Hyde Park and getting shouted at by gay rights activists. A win all-round!

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:25:00 +0000

Lewis gets a mohawk for the World's Greatest Shave

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:25:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:24:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:08:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:07:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:58:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:55:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:46:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:43:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:41:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:39:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:34:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:32:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:31:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:28:00 +0000

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:27:00 +0000

The shave begins

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:23:00 +0000

Site under maintenance

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:49:00 +0000

We are currently fiddling about with the site and trying to resurrect it.

You may notice changes over the next few days (or weeks depending on how busy we get).

Your feedback and suggestions are welcomed at westernsydneyfreethought@live.com

In the meantime come join us for a chat on Facebook.

Upcoming events are freedrinkers on Wednesday 1/2 and we have a Coptic Orthodox Priest coming to give a talk on Sun 19/2

See you at the Newtown Festival

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 20:37:00 +0000

The Western Sydney Freethinkers will be joining forces with a number of the leading Atheist, Secular and Rationalist groups from across Sydney in running a stall at the Newtown Festival TODAY in Camperdown Memorial Park from 9am-5pm.

Drop by and say hello, we'll be spending the day chatting about freethought with whoever is interested and generally enjoying ourselves.

If you have come to this blog after meeting us at the Newtown Festival, feel free to have a look around. Our group is really active on facebook (link), so if you want to meet some of us and chat about something drop into our group "Western Sydney Freethinkeks" and have a post on the wall.

We will be updating the site with photos throughout the day, so look forward to some of the sights of the festival

SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!

RSPCA Fundraiser

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 10:31:00 +0000

On 14/08/11 at 11am The Western Sydney Freethinkers sold Cupcakes to raise much needed funds for the RSPCA.

As part of the official "Cupcake Day for the RSPCA" we set up next to the walkway at Tench Reserve in Penrith, organisers Bea Bowditch and Bronwyn Pinchbeck cooked up tasty banana, vanilla, raspberry and chocolate cupcakes for all to enjoy. Luckily the weather was beautiful which meant lots of people to peddle... umm I mean sell to.

All up we raised $185.65 and not one cupcake was spared with extra special thanks to our chief peddlers Jasmine Marosvary and Matt Fenimore ensuring that no walkers, joggers, cyclists or the target consumers parents with their children went by without considering a scrumptious snack.


Final Cupcake devourer Peter "Ratbags" Bowditch with chief sellers Jasmine & Matt

A massive thank you to all who attended and to the fantastic passes by for donating to great cause, hope you enjoyed the cupcakes.

If you were unable to make the event but still wish to donate please visit www.fundraise.rspcacupcakeday.com.au/western_sydney_freethinkers

Well done to Bea and Bronwyn for a successful event and assisting in the care and protection of the animals of Australia.

Cheers,

Meeting with Mormons

westernsydneyfreethought@live.com (Alan Conradi) — Wed, 11 May 2011 06:38:00 +0000

Sunday May 15th @ 4pm

Penrith School of Arts
3 Castlereagh St
Penrith, NSW

Apologies for the late notice but we have something special *ahem* organised for this months meeting.

This month we will be visited by some missionaries and members of the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church. They will be giving a talk on the background, history and core beliefs of the church followed by a Q&A. This will be a great opportunity to learn about the Mormon church from its believers and not merely relying on popular culture (or podcasts).

This will be sure to spark up some great discussion and may expel or even enforce some of the myths surrounding the belief system.

Please remember to be respectful of the individuals and above all have fun in this open forum setting.

As always we will be heading out for dinner and a drink or two afterwards at either the RSL or Thai decided by majority vote (or executive decision in the case of unanimous *shrugs*).

Cheers,