Humanist Perspectives: issue 171, Winter 2009-2010
Issue 171, Winter 2009-2010

Editorial
- With God on our Side
- Yves Saint-Pierre responds to the allegation that most recent and current
wars were and are justified by arguments of reason and reflects on the
various threads that are woven into the narratives used to justify war.
Theism, it seems, has not vanished from the story.
Read editorial online | Download as PDF
Features
- The Lynching of Louie Sam
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In 1884, Louie Sam, a fourteen year-old member of the Stó:lõ Nation, in
British Columbia, was lynched by a group of vigilantes from the Washington territory.
A few years ago, Ms. Fraticelli produced and David McIlwraith directed a film
about the incident. This article explores the wide ranging ramifications of the
original incident and traces the fascinating process of making the film.
Download as PDF - A Right to Die
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Holland is a leader and a model when it comes to assisted suicide, right? Maybe not. In a cautionary piece that raises questions we should be considering as we move closer to similar legislation, Sandra Lucas looks at some of the problems that continue to challenge the process and practitioners in the Netherlands.
Download as PDF - A Poet's Voice
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The biographical note, author's statement and wonderful poems of this talented West Coast poet can be read on line.
Read poetry online | Download as PDF - Science as a Voice for Morality
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One of the criticisms often leveled at non theists is that they relinquish the basis for morality. Emerson makes a fascinating case in the presentation and defense of the moral dimensions of science.
Read article online | Download as PDF
- The Grass Was never Greener: A Benny Farm Memoir
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In this lively, amusing and highly entertaining piece, Dillon recalls the vibrant community within which he spent a good part of his childhood, the post-war subsidized housing project in West End Montreal known as Benny Farm. The memories are bitter-sweet since the project, after being long abandoned, has now been completely transformed.
Download as PDF
- Which Green World? The Politics of Technology in the Sustainable Redevelopment of Benny Farm
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This meticulously researched and clearly presented evaluation of the process of the transformation of Benny Farms serves as a cautionary study of green development. Good intentions and noble ideals have to be tempered by realism where implementation is concerned. Goldberg presents some challenging observations and proposals.
Download as PDF
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Last Page Humour
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In this issue, we introduce this new feature, a last page humour/satire piece, with an old chestnut that will bring a smile to your face.
Download as PDF - In addition, Humanist Perspectives, offers a lively "Letters-to-the-Editor" section as well as "Book Reviews", books available for review and snippets of international news of interest to humanists.