A Fairly Reasonable Letter...

...In an attempt to defend Common Sense, Evidence Based Logic, and Reason.



So I'm certain that most of you have heard of the latest addition to our Zodiac. We've apparently moved from 12 Zodiac symbols that govern our lives, to 13 Zodiac symbols that govern our lives.

I'm not going to tread around this lightly, I'm happy to push away a small portion of possible readers here when I state that Astrology is utter bollocks.

The movements of stars, planets, and other "heavenly" bodies are supposed to affect each individual human to the extent that other humans (that are clearly more blessed than us) can predict what will happen to us from one day to the next.

We all know this is bollocks...some people like to hang on to it for as long as possible, but they can never really stand up to the studies. Oh yes, the studies...they've been done. There is no evidence to back up any of the claims made by Astrologers, except maybe that there are enough people that are easily duped into believing this claptrap because they lack the common sense to truly question how the movement of bodies billions of lightyears away from us can effect our lives.

Well, anyway, Professor Brian Cox hosted a show on the BBC a few weeks back called Wonders of the Solar System. On this show, he had the guest star of Dara O'Briain.

The excellent Irish Comedian/Skeptic/Atheist and the wonderful Professor/Skeptic/Atheist made a few remarks about Astrology, and how much bollocks it truly is.

Uh-oh! People using common sense and reason on TV? Stating their view on national TV?

Yep, somebody has complained.



The Astrological Association of Great Britain have gotten themselves all worked up, and are demanding an apology from (at the very least) the BBC, where they state that they do not agree with what Brian and Dara have stated.

So I took the time to sign the petition, using the name given to me by the great celestial gods (clearly): "Youreallidiots Thisisutterbollocks"

And, oh look, they've even put up a template for a Letter to send to someone at the BBC. So I took the time to change a few things and make my very own version to send off.

Here it is for your own reading pleasure, I do hope you all do the same:

Dear Secretary,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my satisfaction at the BBC for airing the evidence based views of Professor Brian Cox and Dara O'Briains on astrology which was aired during the programme Stargazing Live on the 3rd January 2011.

Their comments were a fair representation of astrology and I would like to request that that the BBC continue to take a stand for Common Sense, Reason, and Evidence Based Logic and do not make a public apology. I hope that they can also make a statement that they do support the evidence based views of Professor Brian Cox or Dara O'Briains on the subject of astrology. I would also request that the BBC continue making this fair and balanced representation of astrology when aired in the future.

Heck, if it comes down to it, I would greatly anticipate a show devoted to a debate between top Astronomers/Skeptics/Scientists and Astrologers. It could, after all, pave the way towards a great series where Scientists/Skeptics/Professionals within the field debating Science Deniers/other deluded people.

I greatly anticipate your response,
Yours sincerely,

Andrew King (note: I signed the astrology petition under my secret name that was gifted to me by the High Celestial Priesthood that governs the Zodiac “Youreallidiots Thisisutterbollocks”)

I think if this petition does kick off and get a strong following, the Secretary of the Editorial Standards Committee will greatly appreciate seeing something new...