The Crowhill Journal

I listened to Michael Shermer interview Sarah Scoles about her work on UFOs, and why people believe we’ve been visited by aliens.

Shermer mentioned a time he was debating a UFO believer, who admitted that the vast majority of alleged sightings are explainable. Let’s say 95%. Shermer asked what it was about some people who feel the need to explain the 5%.

It’s an interesting question, because in some areas, it doesn’t need to be 5 percent. It could just be one individual case.

If somebody could produce Big Foot’s body, or the Lock Ness monster, that would settle the matter.

The question is typically cast as a matter of evidence, but it’s really a matter of belief. Shermer believes there are no aliens, so he feels justified ignoring the five percent, while the other guy believes in aliens, so the five percent is very important to him.

Which belief is justified?

I was in a weird mood and spent some time this weekend looking up goofy things on YouTube. Alien abductions. Area 54 stuff. “America’s secret book.” Flat-Earth videos.

You can find every kind of crackpot nonsense you like on YouTube — unless is offends Democrats or the approved liberal narrative. Then it can’t be spoken.

YouTube Takes Down Ohio Legislative Testimony, Cites Misinformation

These people have to go. We can’t allow such crass manipulation to continue.

I know some people will say the First Amendment only protects us against government censorship, and private companies can do what they like. That is a short-sighted and, in my opinion, indefensible response to the rampant bias we see on all the tech platforms.

They have become the dominant source of information, and we can’t allow that to be corrupted the way it has been. Free speech has to mean more than “the government can’t censor your speech.”

Maybe I’m confusing him with somebody else, but I’m having a slightly weird feeling agreeing with Glenn Greenwald.

The False and Exaggerated Claims Still Being Spread About the Capitol Riot

P&C drink and review Madura Brown Ale from Cigar City Brewing, then discuss indications that a company might not be a good fit.

• They have an equity, diversion and inclusion office, or require such classes.
• They want to review your social media.
• The boss can’t remember the last time he praised an employee.
• They speak badly of former employees.
• They expect you to work long hours.
• They’ve canceled people, or gone along with it.
• Plus lots more.

I never listened to Rush that much, mostly because I had a job, and he was on air in the middle of the day.

When I did get a chance to listen, I was always impressed by a few things.

• He was, of course, nothing like the caricature of him you hear from his detractors.
• He almost always had an interesting, insightful take on an issue. Something you didn’t hear from anybody else.
• He was extraordinarily smart, and pulled his insights from a very deep well of knowledge.
• He was simultaneously pompous / arrogant and very humble. It was an odd and likeable quirk.
• He was enormously talented. Not only did he create the talk radio industry single-handedly, he was able to keep a huge audience engaged while he talked for three hours — almost always with no guests. That is simply incredible.

Rush had an enormous impact on conservatism, and on America.

I haven’t listened yet, but I understand Ben Shapiro’s show yesterday was dedicated to all the ghoulish delight from the left over Rush’s parting. (Evil cretins.)

Rest in peace, Rush. It will be a long time before we see your equal.