Truth-defying discourse means anyone can claim anything, based on nothing but prejudice, and per influence is based on per identity rather than on any grounds.

I won't use the term "post-truth" because that declares truth-defying discourse the eventual victor. I think we should continue resisting it.

Pakistani thugs attacked sit-in protesters.

The protesters demand harsh prosecution of blasphemy — a despicable policy because it tramples freedom of speech. However, they too have freedom of speech, including the freedom to peacefully advocate this policy.

Researchers have used genetic modification to create a variety of banana that is safe from an incurable and unstoppable fungus.

I have no objection to this kind of genetic modification, assuming the modified plant does no harm to people or wildlife — and the chance that it would do that harm is tiny.

However, I fear it will carry devastating patent pollution that would make it dangerous to grow other than for giant plantations.

Russia used an estimated 150,000 twitter accounts to send messages of ethnic hatred before the UK's referendum about leaving the EU.

Pence, the vice-bully, lies repeatedly about even small things. He may not be as brash a bullshitter as the bully, but he isn't more honest.