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    Part One: How The Catholic Church Murdered Ireland's Babies

    enJune 29, 2021

    Podcast Summary

    • Building stronger communities and finding joyLook for social bonds and support from neighbors, try free social casino games, consider smoke-free nicotine alternatives, and prioritize dental health for improved well-being

      No matter how uncertain or disconnected the world may feel, there are ways to build stronger communities and find moments of joy. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, encourages us to look to those around us for meaningful social bonds and support during times of need. Meanwhile, Chumba Casino offers a fun and free way to brighten up our daily routine with social casino style games. For those seeking a change, ZYN nicotine pouches provide a smoke-free alternative with the convenience of no spit or lingering odor. Additionally, taking care of our dental health with Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair toothpaste and mouthwash can help repair acid weakened enamel. Despite the challenges and annoyances we face, there are always ways to find connection, joy, and improvement in our lives.

    • The Catholic Church and British colonization led to mass graves of Irish childrenCenturies of foreign rule by the English, marked by oppression and exploitation, resulted in thousands of Irish children being sent to institutions and suffering abuse, leading to mass graves.

      The Catholic Church and the British colonization played significant roles in the tragic history of Ireland, leading to the existence of mass graves containing thousands of children. The Irish people have endured centuries of foreign domination, starting with Viking raids in the 700s, followed by Norman invasion in 1166. The Normans brought about 700 years of direct rule by the English, marked by oppression and exploitation. During this time, many children were forcibly taken from their families and sent to institutions, where they suffered abuse and neglect, resulting in mass graves. The discussion also touched upon the parallels between the Irish and Palestinian experiences of colonization and the role of hardcore drinking as a coping mechanism for the trauma of colonization.

    • Centuries of English control and oppression of IrelandEnglish rule brought centuries of conflict, famine, and forced displacement, leading to the Irish Potato Famine and the Irish fight for independence

      The relationship between England and Ireland has been marked by centuries of oppression, conflict, and genocide. Starting from the 15th century, English monarchs like Henry VIII and Oliver Cromwell sought to assert control over Ireland, leading to the devastation of Irish populations through war, forced displacement, and famine. The Irish, who were predominantly Catholic, faced discrimination and land confiscation under English rule. The most infamous episode of this history is the Irish Potato Famine of the late 1800s, which saw the deaths of over a million people and the forced emigration of another million. These events fueled the desire for Irish independence, culminating in the Easter Rising of 1916. Despite the challenges, the Irish have endured and continue to fight for their sovereignty and identity.

    • The Catholic Church's dominant role in Irish social servicesThe Catholic Church's historical influence in Irish society led to its dominance in education and childcare services, enshrined in law through the 1937 constitution, but lacked state oversight, raising concerns for accountability and potential abuses of power.

      The Catholic Church's significant role in Irish society, which was amplified during the fight for Irish independence, led to its dominance in social services, particularly education and childcare, after the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1921. The Church's influence was enshrined in law through the 1937 constitution, which acknowledged the Church as the primary provider of social services. However, this arrangement came with potential issues, as the Church's authority was not subjected to state oversight, leading to concerns regarding accountability and potential abuses of power. This historical context sheds light on the complex relationship between religion, state, and social services in Ireland, which continues to evolve today.

    • Children handed over to Catholic church for reformation in IrelandDuring Ireland's early years, young offenders were sent to harsh reformatory schools run by the Catholic church, revealing its significant power and influence.

      During the Irish Republic's early years, children convicted of crimes were handed over to the Catholic church for reformation, despite the country's anti-British sentiment. This system, known as reformatory schools, was based on a British model and was much harsher than the modern prison system. Children as young as seven could be taken away and subjected to this system. This historical fact sheds light on the power and influence of the Catholic church in Ireland during that time. Additionally, it's worth noting that the age of criminal responsibility was raised to 12 in 1993, long after the Irish Republic was established. This discussion also touched upon the controversial history of Charles Dickens and his depiction of orphans in literature.

    • The Catholic Church's Role in Social Services Before Irish IndependenceBefore Irish independence, the Catholic Church managed social services, focusing on children outside of the Catholic ideal, using faith-based approaches to shape their lives.

      During the time before Ireland's independence, the Catholic Church in Ireland took on the responsibility for social services, including the management of reformatories and industrial schools, due to the financial instability of the Irish government. These institutions were intended to propagate the Catholic faith and were primarily focused on children born out of wedlock, unsupervised children, poor children, and those whose behavior deviated from the Catholic ideal. The church considered these children as being in a state of moral danger and responded to them based on their perceived future behavior rather than their current actions. The children were not physically confined, but the church's influence extended to shaping the children's lives in accordance with Catholic values.

    • Historical perspective of children being pathologizedSocietal norms and perceptions have evolved regarding children being labeled as problematic due to parents' perceived lack of control or moral values.

      The discussion touched on various topics including a critique of a music factory, the legality of certain products and services, and promotions for a mobile game and a car. However, an intriguing and thought-provoking observation emerged regarding the historical perspective of children being pathologized due to their parents' perceived lack of sexual control or moral values. This historical context sheds light on how societal norms and perceptions have evolved over time. Meanwhile, the conversation also showcased the fun and engaging aspects of Monopoly Go, a mobile game, and the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, highlighting their unique features and benefits. Overall, the conversation provided a mix of entertainment, education, and insight.

    • Repressive Catholic Church Practices Led to Establishment of Industrial Schools with Allegations of Harsh Conditions and AbuseThousands of Irish children, particularly those born out of wedlock, were subjected to harsh conditions and allegations of abuse in church-run industrial schools during the repressive practices of the Catholic Church.

      During the repressive practices of the Catholic Church in Ireland, the entitlement and authority to address social issues related to sexual immorality led to the establishment of industrial schools. Thousands of children, especially those born out of wedlock, were subjected to harsh conditions and allegations of abuse. Des Murray, who arrived at the Arteyn Industrial School at the age of 12.5, shared his harrowing experience of being singled out by sadistic brothers and being forced to perform labor-intensive tasks. The Arteyn School was run by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, who have a long history of allegations of sexual abuse. Des witnessed sexual abuse but did not experience it directly. The system of separating children from their mothers and confining them in church-run prisons was prevalent in Ireland, and the consequences were devastating.

    • Survivors of Industrial Schools in Ireland share tales of terror and abuseDuring the 1960s, children in Irish industrial schools faced severe physical and sexual abuse, while their mothers were sent to Magdalene Asylums for unwed pregnancies, leading to a lifelong trauma for both parties.

      The industrial schools in Ireland during the 1960s were a place of terror and abuse for many children, particularly the vulnerable ones. Valentin Walsh, one survivor, was sexually and physically assaulted by Christian brothers at Saint Joseph's Industrial School from the ages of 9 to 13. The abuse was so severe that the room was locked and windows were blocked to prevent anyone from seeing or intervening. The mothers of these children, often single parents, were also subjected to a different kind of abuse. They were taken away and sent to the Magdalene Asylums, essentially prisons for unwed mothers, as a way to hide their shame and rehabilitate them. The asylums had their roots in the 1700s and were a joint Catholic and Protestant effort to put "fallen women" to work. The goal was to hide the shame of unwed pregnancies and rehabilitate the women, but they were often kept for long periods of time and subjected to harsh conditions. The discussion sheds light on the dark reality of these institutions and the devastating impact they had on innocent children and their families.

    • Ireland's Magdalene Asylums: From Rehabilitation to Penal InstitutionsThe Magdalene Asylums in Ireland, initially intended for rehabilitating 'fallen women,' evolved into penal institutions where women faced prison-like conditions, forced labor, and harsh treatment, with the Catholic Church profiting from their labor.

      The Magdalene asylums in Ireland, which began as institutions for rehabilitating "fallen women," eventually transformed into penal institutions where women were subjected to prison-like conditions. Initially, most women went voluntarily, but over time, the scope expanded to include those with psychiatric issues, rape victims, and even pregnant teenagers. The laundries, which were run by Catholic orders and received support from the Irish government, became a source of income for the church as women were not paid for their labor. Conditions in the laundries were harsh, with women subjected to beatings, forced labor, and strict rules of silence. It's important to note that the discussion earlier in the conversation was in jest and not related to the serious historical context of the Magdalene asylums.

    • Institutions for 'fallen women' and their children in Ireland were not sanctuaries, but horrific placesThe Magdalene Laundries, disguised as sanctuaries, were in reality for-profit institutions where women and children faced harsh conditions and were stripped of their identities, with some spending their entire lives there, and others being subjected to forced labor and baby trafficking.

      The Magdalene Laundries, institutions for "fallen women" and their children in Ireland from the 1920s to the 1990s, were far from the sanctuaries named after women like Mary Magdalene, who were supposedly shown love and redemption by Jesus. Instead, these women and children were subjected to horrific conditions, with some spending their entire lives in these institutions. They were stripped of their identities, referred to by numbers or as "child" or "penitent," and forced to work long hours under harsh conditions. The laundries came into existence during a time of moral panic over rising rates of illegitimate births, and the Catholic Church decided to separate single mothers from their children and imprison them for life. While some children were eventually adopted out, others, especially those with disabilities or deemed unattractive, were left behind and profited from through adoption and labor. The laundries were, in essence, a for-profit baby trafficking operation. Despite the fact that Jesus was known to have befriended Mary Magdalene, these institutions bore little resemblance to the compassionate and accepting image of the biblical figure.

    • Exploring Connection and Engagement through Games, Volunteer Networks, and Road TripsExplore different ways to connect and engage with communities, from mobile games offering rewards and discoveries to volunteer networks fostering social bonds, and road trips for family adventures.

      There are various ways to connect and engage with communities, whether it be through mobile games like Monopoly Go, volunteer networks like Neighbor to Neighbor, or even adventurous road trips in a new car like the Hyundai Santa Fe. Each offers unique rewards and experiences. Monopoly Go, a mobile game, offers timed events with bonuses, allowing players to discover new rewards such as rare stickers, delightful emojis, and unique playing pieces. The game provides a sense of excitement and something new to discover every time you play. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer's network, empowers individuals to build meaningful social bonds within their communities. It encourages helping neighbors in need and standing together during natural disasters. Lastly, the all new Hyundai Santa Fe offers an adventurous road trip experience, with available all-wheel drive and ample cargo space, allowing families to pack and go on weekend adventures. Overall, these examples demonstrate the importance of connection and engagement, whether it be through games, volunteer networks, or road trips. They provide opportunities for discovery, adventure, and community building.

    • Unmarked Graves in Irish InstitutionsAt least 155 people were found in unmarked graves in Irish institutions, revealing a larger tragedy than initially acknowledged. The Catholic Church's role in the abuse is a significant part of its complex history, with numerous instances of mistreatment and violence towards women and children.

      The Magdalene Laundries and mothers' homes in Ireland, run by religious orders, were notorious for mistreatment and abuse of women. Survivors' accounts were often dismissed or ignored due to the institutions' religious affiliations. When the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity sold their land in the 1990s, the remains of at least 155 people were discovered in unmarked graves, revealing a much larger tragedy than initially acknowledged. The sisters claimed it was an administrative error, but journalists uncovered evidence of a cover-up, including the burning and reburial of corpses. The Catholic Church's role in these abuses is a significant part of its complex history, with numerous instances of mistreatment and violence towards women and children in various parts of the world. The survivors' stories highlight the profound impact of this abuse on their lives, with many escaping only after enduring profound suffering.

    • Ireland's Laundries: A Theocracy's Brutal, Carceral State for WomenThousands of women were forcibly kept in Irish laundries for decades, escaping was difficult, and the root cause was historical English trauma perpetuated by the church and government.

      During Ireland's period of independence in the 19th and 20th centuries, the country was effectively a theocracy with a brutal, carceral state, particularly for women. Thousands of women, including Mary, were kept in laundries against their will, despite being told they could leave at any time. Escaping was nearly impossible due to lack of resources and the fear of ending up in church-operated institutions if they had no other options. Mary's story, which took 30 years to escape, highlights the peculiar dimensions of incarceration in the laundries. The Irish Times reported that in the 1950s, Ireland incarcerated more people per head of population than Stalin's Russia during the cold war. The Catholic church, which had been oppressed by the English, provided services due to the government's lack of funds. This cycle of trauma, perpetuated by the English and continued by the church and government, led to a society where secularism and individual freedoms were suppressed. The scale of church incarceration extended beyond laundries to workhouses and asylums. It's crucial to remember that while blame should be placed on the Catholic church and Irish government, the root cause also lies with the historical trauma inflicted by the English.

    • Robert Evans Discusses His Album, Novel, and Podcasts, and Urges Support for Free Fridge of SalemRobert Evans promoted his album 'Father's Day,' novel 'After the Revolution,' and podcasts '4 20 Day Fiance' and 'Private Parts Unknown.' He urged listeners to support the Free Fridge of Salem, an organization providing cooling stations during a heatwave in Oregon. Evans shared his experiences with activism and community building.

      During this podcast episode, Robert Evans discussed various topics including promoting his album "Father's Day," his novel "After the Revolution," and his podcasts "4 20 Day Fiance" and "Private Parts Unknown." He also made a call to action for listeners to support the Free Fridge of Salem, an organization providing cooling stations during a heatwave in Oregon. Evans also shared some humor and pop culture references throughout the episode. Another significant point was his mention of his novel "After the Revolution," which is available for free online and as a podcast with sound effects. Evans also shared his experiences with activism and community building. Despite the various promotions and topics, the episode ended with a call to help those in need during the heatwave in Oregon.

    • Finding hope and protecting relationships in a ruthless worldDespite the harshness of life, there's always a reason to hope and work towards better futures for all, while taking time for personal enjoyment with treats like Keebler Sandy's cookies.

      No matter how ruthless the world may seem, there's always room for hope and fighting for a better future for all. This theme is exemplified in the new "Planet of the Apes" movie, where a young ape embarks on a journey to protect both apes and humans. Meanwhile, in the realm of comfort and relaxation, Keebler invites us to take a moment for ourselves with their Sandy's cookies. These delicious shortbread treats, baked with care by Ernie and the Keebler elves, offer a simple yet effective way to pause and enjoy life's little pleasures. So, whether you're fighting for a cause or just taking a break, remember to make the most of your "me moment" and indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth magic of Keebler Sandy's.

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    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

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    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

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