A thought for a Sunday - only moments late

"It may not be said that there is no god.
It may be said that there is no reason to think that there is one."

Christopher Eric Hitchens (1949 – 2011)

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This is how I want to remember Hitch

Christopher Hitchens has died and the world has lost one of the greatesat speakers in the debates for rationality and human rights. May the spirit of his words endure...

This, I think, is Hitch at his best Debating free speech laws at the University of Toronto in 2006. The motion is: 'Be It Resolved: Freedom of Speech Includes the Freedom to Hate.'



"Stay cool" Grow into these trousers... >>

Another reason to like Hitch

I was saddened to hear recently that Christopher Hitchens has been diagnosed with cancer. I wish him well.

Hitch is not a 'light in time of darkness' but a small glow of rationality which, I hope, may herald a sunrise. I like his wit, erudition, honesty and unshakable self confidence. Even in illness he is a wise sage:

Christopher Hitchens Interviewed by Anderson Cooper


But Hitch is just Hitch:

Christopher Hitchens - The State of Human Intelligence
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A thought for a Sunday

"Our belief is not a belief. Our principles are not a faith. We do not rely soley upon science and reason, because these are necessary rather than sufficient factors, but we distrust anything that contradicts science or outrages reason. We may differ on many things, but what we respect is free inquiry, openmindedness, and the pursuit of ideas for their own sake."

Christopher Hitchens (b. 1949) Grow into these trousers... >>

What if...?

Todd Friel: American radio and television host, Christian speaker, evangelist, and former stand-up comedian described by PZ Myers as "one of those glassy-eyed glad-handing used-car-salesmen of the soul types"

plays a game of 'what if' with

Christopher Hitchens: English/American author, journalist and freethinker who is humorously known as one of The Four Horsemen (along with Dawkins, Harris and Dennett).

Fun and games ensue.

todd friel interviews christopher hitchens on "wretched radio" (full interview) - part 1


todd friel interviews christopher hitchens on "wretched radio" (full interview) - part 2


Yet another reason for why I like Hitch.

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Hat tip to Common Sense Atheism for the memory jogger. Grow into these trousers... >>

Is the Catholic church a force for good in the world?

Make up your own mind watching this debate with Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Ann Widdecombe MP, Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry.

The Intelligence Squared Debate (Part 1/5)
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Hitch

No, thankfully not that kind...

Christopher Hitchens - on being himself. I quite like Hitch!

Christopher Hitchens on The Hour (Part 1 of 2)

Part 2 is below the belt...

Christopher Hitchens on The Hour (Part 2 of 2)


Hitch has stopped smoking!? If he can do it, then I can too.
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Many thaks to [Matt] at Atheist News. Grow into these trousers... >>

Christopher Hitchens gets WATERBOARDED

Christopher Hitchens is a very outspoken anti-religion, pro-Iraq-war, defender of free speech for whom I have a certain respect (see below).

From The Guardian

Late last year, the writer, polemicist and fierce proponent of the US-led invasion of Iraq Christopher Hitchens attempted, in a piece for the online magazine Slate, to draw a distinction between what he called techniques of "extreme interrogation" and "outright torture".

From this, his foes inferred that since it was Hitchens' belief that America did not stoop to the latter, the practice of waterboarding - known to be perpetrated by US forces against certain "high-value clients" in Iraq and elsewhere - must fall under the former heading.

Enraged by what they saw as an exercise in elegant but offensive sophistry, some of the writer's critics suggested that Hitchens give waterboarding (which may sound like some kind of fun aquatic pastime, but is probably best summarised as enforced partial drowning) a whirl, just to see what it was like. Did the experience feel like torture?

Then I go find the original piece (Note: no link from the Guardian)
From Slate (this quote is on page 2)

"At a time when Congress and the courts are conducting important hearings on the critical question of extreme interrogation, and at a time when accusations of outright torture are helping to besmirch and discredit the United States all around the world, a senior official of the CIA takes the unilateral decision to destroy the crucial evidence."

This was a different argument. However, when asked by Vanity Fair 'if he would be willing' to endure simulated torture, Hitch said yes.



It is torture.

Meanwhile, below the belt is why I really like Hitch.


Christopher Hitchens was invited to debate at the University of Toronto on the topic 'Be It Resolved: Freedom of Speech Includes the Freedom to Hate.'
November 2006."

Part 1


Part 2


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PS:
Hitch, if ever I meet you I will demand you drink Tetley Bitter all night; but I'll cover your bar bill :)

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