It would probably take an army of psychiatrists and historians to pinpoint all the reasons why Western religion developed such antagonism toward human sexuality. More important is the question:

Is this attitude justified? Are there ethical, rational reasons to support the religious condemnations of normal human desires?

Perhaps the most detailed and insightful answer came from none other than humanist Bertrand Russell, who said a "morbid and unnatural" attitude toward sex is "the worst feature of the Christian religion."   more »

What the Clinton campaign hopes for going forward is a Pennsylvania primary that focuses on the economy instead of the Iraq war.

That highlights the crucial gender gap she exploited tonight in Ohio instead of the youth vote that has been so keen on Obama.

And capitalises on the wage differences that swung more Ohio voters (making less) her way and lost fewer of the moneyed numbers that have become more and more politically active in the last 11 contests.

In other words, an electorate that votes as everyone thought it might before Obamamania began sweeping the nation.   more »

The US administration has made numerous attempts to get rid of Chávez including a coup, assassination plans and massive funds for opposition forces.

At stake for the US corporations are the large oil reserves in Venezuela, and in Ecuador there is the threat of having to close its military base there.

Politically, both Ecuador and Venezuela provide a dangerous threat to US imperialism, as they are taking independent political paths, and not bowing to the dictate of the Empire.

Venezuela in particular provides support to many of the progressive developments taking place on the continent.   more »

It's been horrendous as violence escalates,

international law is ignored,

and the world community is mute

about mass-murder crimes,

overwhelming human suffering,

and can barely say more than

both sides must end violence

and resume peace negotiations

   more »

Keywords: palestine, palestinians, extermination, genocide, gaza, israel

Hillary Clinton wrote a new chapter in her personal saga of catastrophe and redemption in an Ohio ballroom tonight, claiming a victory in the name of all of those who have ever tasted defeat.

As brightly coloured strips of confetti swirled in the updraft, it was a humbler version of Clinton who emerged to greet her supporters at a former Masonic temple in Columbus.

Framed by hundreds of arms stretched overhead with cellphones and cameras, Clinton appeared on stage alone except for her daughter Chelsea - and she immediately tried to tie her victory to all those who had recovered from disappointment.

"For anyone in Ohio or America who's ever been counted out but refused to be knocked out, for everyone who has stumbled but stood right back up, for everyone who worked hard and never gives up, this one is for you," Clinton told the crowd and the floor shook underfoot as they stomped their approval.   more »