Christopher Hitchens debates Dinesh D'Sousa on Michael Medved Show 5/11/09 Part 4

[huwrj]

Dinesh is just making shit up when he starts talking about science. What does relativity have to do with "intelligent design"? Nothing. He's ignorant of science and he's only read about certain scientists so he can argue against atheists.

[TheDanielBooth]

Dinesh D'Sousa is not in the same league as Hitchens. Hitchens is a pro when D'Sousa is second division bush league.

[vashna3799]

the greatest nation on god's green earth?, doesn't he mean the greediest and most polluting nation on this slowly less green earth

[Smackerlacker1]

The universe is massive, it may very well be infinite. Given so much time, and so many planets and other environments, I think it was inevitable that life would form.

[natmanprime]

excuse me? information yes intelligence NO. They are NOT the same thing, Dinesh.

You slimy slimeball.

[blahblahhuh1]

Good to hear Hitchens' views on the Iranian artist and the Talaban/Pakastan war.

[lukoshey79]

why do Americans claim to be the greatest nation in the world, fucking interviewer is a twit, you have no idea how arrogant you sound when saying that.. you should cringe when you hear it. i know i do, shall i begin a list starting with the likes of bush, your public education system, ever increasing lack of personal freedoms, your shit beer, 25% of the worlds inmates, it goes on and on, you did however convert hitchens from the brits so there must be something great. but not greatest" !!

[emphaticapathy]

I know! It makes me wretch when I hear it. It's probably some kind of overcompensation. You don't hear countries that are actually doing well (generally secular European countries) gloating about how great they are.

[ByronC900]

Imagine a world without the US.

You'd be speaking German, Russian, or Japanese right now.

Wouldnt that be fun?

[lukoshey79]

thats not the point at all, try again blow hard, you only helped win ww2 because you bled england dry for the first few years and then finally decided to join in, that doesnt make you the Greatest country, what a ridiculous title anyway, The Greatest country in the world''''

also i can speak some russian, a little german and even a little less japanese and it is fun, you should try it sometime.

[thinkingrationally]

My point is, is that there is nothing wrong with being proud of your country! Since when does Nationalism have to always have a negative conotation? You're one of those typical Liberals who only see the negative side of your country & the world around you. How do you sleep at night? I like other countries as well because the world has much to offer, but again don't bash us because you are unhappy! If the US is so awful, why is everyone trying to come here? I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

[sunyavadin]

Actually in a world without the US we'd have annihilated Germany in no time, since North America would still be nicely divided up between us and the French, giving us a LOT more strength right from the beginning.

[lightfunk]

Deutsch ist Spass, Nihongo ist sugoi. (Not your point I know, but still.)

[thinkingrationally]

I wouldn't want to live in a country that has people just bitching and complaining of how terrible things are 24/7. So what if he thinks that the US is the greatest country on earth?? That's called Nationalism and there is nothing wrong with that. Do you love your country? I expect people to be proud of their country (regardless of which one) and where they came from, but don't bash Americans because you are unhappy with your homeland.

[MussyPagnet]

There is something inherently fucked with patriotism and nationalism. There is, on the flipside, nothing wrong with constantly ignoring all criticism on the bases of "MY COUNTRY KICKS FUCKIN' ASS HYUCK HYUCK"..

[godlessKnowledge]

You sir, have made my day!

For years I have been looking for that sound effect. Now I am able to type it into replies to stupid Hillbillies. Again, thank you!

[Domzdream]

I also cringed!

[jeffbrown8]

Dinesh is a smart man, but if you analyze his acceptance of Catholic b.s. you'll see a person who is weighed down by traditions and lies.

[bkelsey4]

Could the interviewer been any more biased?"This greatest nation on God's green earth"?PLEASEEE!If there is anything more disgusting than religious fundamentalism it's nationalism.Get over yourself.Every nation has its good points and bad,and no people,no race,no nation is appointed by God.That kind of thinking,not atheism,is what led to monsters like Hitler,Pol Pot,and Stalin.

[rtnash420]

@bkelsey4

I disagree with Medved here but you really need to give this guy a chance before bashing him. First off he closes EVERY hour with that statement, its a part of his show and not directed at this in particular. 2nd its by FAR the best talk radio show out there. He does an amazing job allowing all points of views, has fun programs as well(disagreement day, conspiracy day, ect). For a conservative talk show host, there is non that can even compare to this guy, give it a chance an you see.

[lukoshey79]

@bkelsey4 indeed it is annoying, the only americans who really believe that, (gods green earth) are the ones who have never left america. i can think of ten places id rather live than america..

[lombard34]

I thought that was a good conversation; particularly because it was a conversation, and not two people trying to tear each others throat out. It was also good because D'Sousa, unlike a lot of Christian apologists, was not trying to dispute Darwin or human evolution from apes. I think theists could go a long way in earning at least some respect if they would stop pretending as though there really is a debate on that issue. Still, Hitchens was dominant, and was more interesting, as usual.

[niginit]

Dinesh speaking is like the noise I hear when I chew cereal, only 10x more annoying.

[ClumsyRoot]

The fact that animals don't seem to have a "moral" code actually supports Hitchens' argument, which is that certain beneficial behaviors seem to be "hard-wired" into us.

In any event, animals don't seem to be able to foresee the long-term implications of their actions; humans, on the other hand, CAN, and thus have a depth and range of moral discernment that animals are simply not capable of.

[fathead8489]

I know, I was so surprised when Dinesh fell into that trap. It was checkmate. If animals don't adopt a moral frame work and have not progressed to where we are then that just strengthens Hitchens' argument.

Of course I don't think morality is that simply it's just funny how Dinesh would think that was a good argument.

[Hirnlego999]

Yes. Animals do not need religion for it.

Religion probably is something very primitive within people.

[Domzdream]

It is I'd say the last intellectual primitive that remains deep inside humans. Give it time though. Just refering to the word 'faith'- when you have knowldge of a thing, faith diminishes. So the more we know and can explaing the previously inexplicable, like lightning, therefore we can assert that it's energy and electricity, not Zeus chucking bolts at us.

Refuting theism is sooo easy it baffles my mind of how or why educated adults still adhere to this primitive state of mind.

[ClumsyRoot]

Very enjoyable. Thanks for posting!

[sexdrugsRnR]

progress of morality = philosophy, not religion.

[sexdrugsRnR]

animals don't have morality?? have you seen the battle at kruger? what about dogs??

[DanC9189]

First minute and 1/2 hitchens owns to a almost graphic extent. Then D'Sousa gushes blood all over the floor trying to respond. I loved this part!