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Hello,
This week we bring you another three original reports. As usual, our CEOs bring you a rundown of what is happening in Washington from President Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday to the Republican's plan for the House and Senete, as well as Pope Francis' upcoming visit to DC. Next we have Madeline Schussel with the SPI Fellow's Corner discussing Mark Zuckerberg's addition of Steven Pinker's book to his 2015 book club, and Michael Shermer's trip to DC with SPI. Finally we have Greg Paul with the clash between science and religion through history.
We also bring you the stories of Raif Badawi, a Saudi Arabian activist who has been accused of apostasy and sentenced with public flogging and 10 years imprisonment, as well the confrontation between pro-life and pro-choice activists on the 42nd Anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.
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Edwina Rogers, CEO
Secular Policy Institute |
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State of the Union, the Pope, and Secular Leaders
On Tuesday, January 20th, Secular Policy Institute staff attended a traditional State of the Union viewing party with Senate Staff of the Glass Caucus in DC. In his sixth State of the Union, President Obama called for a $500 tax credit for married couples who each hold jobs and increased the child care credit to $3,000.
Read the rest of Edwina's Roundup |
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SPI Fellows' Corner:
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Clash of the Titans: Science and Religion
History is marked by an ongoing series of clashes between scientific advances and religious doctrines. From the introduction of Aristotle's Natural Philosophy through the scientific developments of Copernicus, Galilei, Newton, and Darwin, scientific discoveries have challenged prevailing religious orthodoxy, eliciting responses ranging from modification to denial, and sanctions ranging from banishment, to excommunication.
Continued: Science, Pseudoscience, and Society
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Saudi Arabian activist to receive 1,000 lashes for insulting Islam
Raif Badawi, an imprisoned Saudi Arabian activist and blogger, has received his first 50 out 1,00 public lashings. He is set to recieve 50 lashings a week for 20 consecutive weeks, as well as 10 years in prison.
Badawi's lawyer has also been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment
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Clash Between Protestors on 42th Roe v. Wade Anniversary
On January 22nd, thousands of pro-life activists descended upon Washington for their annual March for Life protest. Part way though the march however, they were met by pro-choice activists who blocked March for Life's path in front of the Supreme Court, leading to multiple arrests.
See Images from the Protest
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