Richard Dawkins: "I will arrest Pope Benedict XVI"

[Conny]

At least it is a great way to keep this issue in the news. It should stay a number one news item until JR
resigns, dies or gets arrested and convicted.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

At least it is a great way to keep this issue in the news. It should stay a number one news item until JR
resigns, dies or gets arrested and convicted.

No doubt that's what the Dawk is after. Does seem rather silly to me, however.

[FBM]

Seems like V.C. would be a pretty easy country to 'assimilate'.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Seems like V.C. would be a pretty easy country to 'assimilate'.

"Davey Crocket" could assimilate it.

[Feck]

Well It's a good move .. they will not get to arrest anyone ... I doubt they will even get the visit cancelled but the publicity will be good .

[tattuchu]

Why is Dawkins publicizing his intent? Why is he saying he's going to do it? Why doesn't he just do it? Now the Pope simply won't come Unless they're counting on the Pope's arrogance in believing he's above the law

Dawkins is looking for a publicity stunt IMHO. And we still have to see the warrant created, just asking for one isn't the deed. (Unless the UK has quite different laws than the US.)

I suppose so. I didn't think this was really Dawkins' style. And I don't want a publicity stunt. I want this fucktard actually arrested

[Rum]

I think it is a stunt and I think it belittles Dawkins. I must say I have begun to question his judgement of late. Contempt is what the pope deserves, not a publicity stunt.

[Hermit]

...his tour is categorised as a state visit...

That'll be sufficient to ensure Ratzinger will not be inconvenienced by a presentation of a warrant for his arrest, and it would not surprise me if it turned out that Richard Dawkins bloody well knows it.

[tattuchu]

I think it is a stunt and I think it belittles Dawkins. I must say I have begun to question his judgement of late. Contempt is what the pope deserves, not a publicity stunt.

Yeah, I tend to agree. I would expect this maybe from Hitchens, but not Dawkins. A publicity stunt? That's childish. If you're going to arrest him, then arrest him. Fucking do it. Don't talk about it. Just do it.

[Faithfree]

Interesting reading through some of the comments after the article. The usual arguments between theists and atheists about evidence or lack thereof for god etc. But very few of the Christians are attempting to defend the Pope or Catholic church over the affair. Here’s a good one:

David Hall wrote:
As a Christian I find myself torn after reading the article for I have a tough time disagreeing with Mr. Dawkins. The continued handling of sex abuse cases "in house" by the Catholic church hierarchy has been as devastating to the victims as the actual hideous acts the individual priests performed. It has allowed many, many monsters the world over to continue to assault and destroy the lives of countless chidren. That this pope held a position of sway and perpetuated the problem is criminal. That having this on his resume didn't eliminate him from rising to the highest earthly position in the church is also criminal. That the church has taken in billions and billions of dollars from well intentioned parishoners and then had to spend billions to pay settlements to victims many of which were abused by previously identified pervert priests that were just moved around by the hierarchy is criminal. To this end it doesn't matter who the accuser is be he atheist or not. In fact, everyone should be screaming for justice at the top of their lungs be they atheist, Christian or any thing else.
April 11, 2010 12:29 PM BST

[RuleBritannia]

Why is everyone ripping of Dawkins? Hitchens is in on it too.

[FBM]

anni

Seems like V.C. would be a pretty easy country to 'assimilate'.

"Davey Crocket" could annihilate it.

[Trolldor]

Yes, talk about it.

Actually, the best thing you can do is talk about it.

Why? Because then if they don't do it, they're fucked as it the 'stunt' backfires. Secondly, the Pope will have to know that it's going to happen. Thirdly, it puts him in one of two positions:

First, admit that he broke the international human rights laws and cancel the trip
or
Secondly, turn up and get arrested.

More publicity, more pressure, more exposure. Everyone, everywhere should be forcing the issue all the way to the grand phallic-hat's bathroom.

Finally, Hitch never does things half-arsed. He wouldn't say he's going to arrest the pope for publicity, he would say it because he's going to try and do it.

[Animavore]

^^^This.

[tattuchu]

Hmm, that's a good point, BAA. I was worried, though, that Dawkins was gonna make himself look like a douchebag if he tries this and fails. But maybe putting it right out there in the open, clearly stating his intent, is the best course of action

Finally, Hitch never does things half-arsed. He wouldn't say he's going to arrest the pope for publicity, he would say it because he's going to try and do it.

Let's hope you're right.