We're Good! I realized there was no deliberate slam intended. This APFN group is just particularly odius. They take great pains to appear to be champions of constitutional rights, but as you peel away the layers and see the stuff that is really intended for those within the group - they are only concerned with the rights of a select few self appointed elitists. I know we Libertarians get a little annoying because we are always promoting the same narrow set of issues, but we believe that everyone should enjoy the same unfettered right to pursue their interests - as long as it doesn't trample on the same right for others.
- I agree we're way off topic. The use of outrageous claims that devices have been created that flaunt the laws of physics is a great classroom device. I used to teach a course on pseudoscience. It was interesting to see the better students actually get themselves up to speed on many physics and chemistry topics in an attempt to debunk something. I think that many learned more science than if they took a traditional "Physics for Poets" styled course.
Bob at PC
________________________________
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu on behalf of Folkerts, Timothy J
Sent: Thu 4/24/2008 12:05 AM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Show a fraudulent claim to students -WARNING
Sorry, Bob
I didn't mean to offend libertarians - or any other group for that matter. There were a couple places on the page that specifically mentioned "libertarian" (but I saw no mention of the group claiming ties to Jews, Catholics, Liberals or Buddhists.). So it was natural to associate the group with a *fringe* libertarian group.
The general philosophy of Libertarianism I have no problem with. Small government and individual liberty are worthy goals.
Tim F
P.S. I will happily admit I am fairly ignorant of white supremacist groups.
P.P.S Hopefully we can get back to physics discussions :-)
-----Original Message-----
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu on behalf of LaMontagne, Bob
Sent: Wed 4/23/2008 8:37 PM
To: Forum for Physics Educators; Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Show a fraudulent claim to students -WARNING
People know so little about Libertarian philosophy that I tend to forgive ignorant statements such at that posted below. If you don't like something blame it on a group you don't know much about - like Catholics, Jews, Libertarians, etc.
For the politically uninitiated or naive, APFN is a white supremacist hate group. You can associate that with Liberals, Conservatives, Buddhists, ....... whomever you tend to dislike the most.