The Null Device
2004/12/12
Controversy has erupted after a Christian school in North Carolina introduced into its classes a booklet defending slavery in the South. The booklet, titled Southern Slavery, As It Was, attempts to provide a Biblical justification for the institution of slavery, asserting that the Confederate South was the last true Christian civilisation, and claims that the life of slaves was one of plenty and simple pleasures, with nearly every slave enjoying a higher standard of living than the poor whites:
"Because of its dominantly patriarchal character, it was a relationship based upon mutual affection and confidence." (page 24)
"There has never been a multi-racial society which has existed with such mutual intimacy and harmony in the history of the world." (page 24)
The school insists that the booklet merely provides a balanced view of the institution of slavery; critics argue that it goes beyond that, and provides a theological justification for the neo-Confederate movement. (via bOING bOING)
Under a new deal between Disney Corp. and China's Communist Youth League, millions of Chinese children will now be indoctrinated into the teachings of Mickey Mouse. Or, more precisely, will learn Disney stories instead of Chairman Mao's Little Red Book.
Excerpts from a recent spam:
From: "Protection against human viruses"
Subject: Antidote found in Crocodiles
We have an Alternative to DRUGS & ANTIBIOTICS. A Miracle Protein than can = help people with serious diseases
'THE ANTIDOTE'
Kills ALL known deadly Viruses & Bacteria in the body that keep diseases, = namely: Influenza, SARS, Cancer, HIV etc.
A disease must be made DORMANT to stop infection.
'The ANTIDOTE' is the answer.
WE ARE THE ONLY COMPANY IN THE WORLD WHO HAVE DEVELOPED AND ENHANCED THIS = PRODUCT FOR SALE.
Crocodiles, eh? I wonder whether the spam script has a list of several possible sources, and randomly chooses one for each copy. ("Antidote found in Anteaters"?)
The sad thing is, even if one person in a million is gullible (or merely desperate) enough to buy it, the spammers will have profited.