NoGodBlog.com

The Atheism Tapes
to Contribute to the MAAF

An article in the New York Times last Saturday brought to our attention the intolerance in the U.S. armed services of soldiers who do not subscribe to traditional belief systems. Specialist Jeremy Hall, a member of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF), was sent home last November after being threatened by other soldiers for his secular views, and has filed suit in federal court alleging that his right to be free to act according to his conscience had been violated. Read More
In an effort to support Jeremy Hall and his fellow atheists valiantly serving the United States, Alive Mind has partnered with the MAAF on the The Atheism Tapes (featuring Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Colin McGinn and others). Throughout the month of May we are offering 20% off the DVD in honor of Memorial Day, and will donate $3 from each purchase to the MAAF to support atheists in our military.
Purchase The Atheism Tapes for yourself and your friends this month and show your support for the issues you care about. Just visit the Alive Mind Store, add your item to cart and enter coupon code: ATMAAF20

I'm really happy to have been able to view and review the Atheism Tapes. This two-DVD set presents itself as the "leftovers" of the "Brief History of Disbelief", which included interviews from Dennett, Dawkins, Arthur Miller, etc. But in reality this is far more than the set of "deleted scenes".

What is presented in The Atheism Tapes are jewels of knowledge -- rare and valuable. To say I learned something is an understatement, as each speaker presented an interesting view of the world and how religion & Atheism play their respective roles. The fact that they are further helping the Cause with this promotion is a cherry on top.

I loved this DVD, and I'm sure to watch it over and over again.

When I tell people that last summer I volunteered at an American summer camp designed for the children of atheists, agnostics and other non-believers, I get very mixed reactions. Some even react as if I were trying to abolish religion, brainwashing children with my “liberal agenda”, or force communism on the innocent little ones. So, now that Camp Quest is due to arrive in the UK in 2009, I feel I should set the record straight.
Camp Quest is a non-profit organization that provides residential summer camps for children of those who choose not to believe in a god, and who want their children to learn the values of critical thinking, philosophy and science. It is the first summer camp of its kind in North America, started in 1996 by Edwin and Helen Kagin as an alternative to the pro-theist policy of the Boy Scouts of America.

http://www.theyorker.co.uk/news/features/1733

This article was written by our own Samantha Stein, who hopefully will be expanding Camp Quest to England next year. In the mean time, check out this article.

If you have camp-age kids, this is a great idea. The kids have a GREAT time and make long-term friends with Atheists (they won't be the only Atheists anymore). This is NOT "Atheist Camp". It's simply a camp where Atheism is viewed as a positive thing. There is no no "pushing Atheism". Kids will learn about famous Atheists, do science experiments, and talk about religion to some extent. I'd say it's 95% "just camp" (my theistic wife is comfortable with it).

I'll be sending my daughter to CQ Ohio this year, and for the first time I won't be a counselor, instead deciding to spend a romantic week alone with my wife. I'll miss the kids, though.

At any rate, there are several Camp Quests out there, so please check out www.camp-quest.org for a location near you.

Don't prosecute prostitutes

Re " 'D.C. Madam' found hanged," May 2

As a lawyer who defends women arrested for prostitution, I see how devastating it is for a woman to be convicted for crimes that should not be regarded as violations of the law. I am not surprised that a conviction with a six-year prison sentence, for activities that hurt no one, could drive someone like the "D.C. Madam" to take her own life. Deborah Jeane Palfrey has now become a martyr in the cause of expanding personal freedom.

Laws criminalizing prostitution among consenting adults are among the most hypocritical and oppressive in the criminal justice system. Just look at the high-ranking political figures who were among Palfrey's clients. How much time should they do behind bars? Does society want to drive these men to commit suicide too?

The best lesson to take away is that prostitution among consenting adults should no longer be a punishable crime. No more women or men should ever again hear the jail doors slam shut because of buying or selling adult sexual pleasures.

Edward Tabash

Our own Eddie Tabash had this published in the LA Times, and it got me thinking. I've often asserted that gay rights, death with dignity, and abortion rights all mainly stood under the umbrella of the Separation of Church and State. I wonder now, as I think about it, if prostitution (as described above) also falls into this category.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Vito Fossella of New York acknowledged on Thursday that he fathered a child from an extramarital affair, answering questions that arose from his arrest on drunken driving charges last week.

"My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry," said Fossella, a Republican, who has three children with his wife in Staten Island, N.Y.

Fossella's private life came under scrutiny after he was arrested last week in the Virginia suburbs of Washington. Police said his blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit, and he could face a mandatory five days in jail if convicted.

When Fossella was pulled over, police said he told officers that he was going to see his daughter in the area. That prompted questions about who the daughter was.

"I have had a relationship with Laura Fay, with whom I have a 3-year-old daughter," Fossella said in his statement. It was Fay who got him out of jail after the arrest.

The disclosure clouds Fossella's political future. He faced a surprisingly tough re-election challenge in 2006, and Democrats were hoping to unseat him this year.

Statement Regarding Ellen Johnson

A specially called, and properly noticed, meeting of the five Boards of Directors that together comprise American Atheists, was held on April 29, 2008.

All members of the five boards were personally present via telephone at that meeting, including the President Ellen Johnson.

By a majority vote of the Board of Directors of American Atheists, Inc, and by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors of two of the other four corporations, Ellen Johnson was involuntarily removed from the office of President of American Atheists, Inc. and from the office of President of the other four corporations.

The bylaws of each of the five corporations permit the removal of the President by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Out of deep respect for Ellen Johnson’s many services to American Atheists, in deference to her privacy, and with the desire that her Presidency be remembered favorably by history, American Atheists asks that this statement be accepted without calls for further explanation.

Be assured that the action taken was in the best interests of the organization and of its membership.

Frank R. Zindler, Acting President

American Atheists, Inc.; Charles E. Stevens American Atheist Library & Archives, Inc.; Society of Separationists, Inc.; United Secularists of America, Inc.; and American Atheists General Headquarters, Inc.

To Friends of Ellen Johnson and Members of American Atheists

Ellen Johnson is no longer President of American Atheists for personal reasons. It would be inappropriate for American Atheists to comment further on this matter as we await a public statement from Ms. Johnson.

Frank R. Zindler, Acting President

American Atheists, Inc.

Ellen is welcomed to post on this blog at any time.

We have a new leader and a new direction, and it's your turn to say what you like/ dislike about the organization. Let Frank and the Board know what you think! We want to know!

Ready? Go!

Here are some videos and blog post from recent events...

NDOP Protest in Texas
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LkG9NR4uoO8

Pope Protest Washington DC
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6021177945043581737&hl=en

Bill Moore Walk
http://alabamaatheist.org/fw2k8

(May 3) - Conservative Christian leaders who believe the word "evangelical" has lost its religious meaning plan to release a starkly self-critical document saying the movement has become too political and has diminished the Gospel through its approach to the culture wars.

The statement, called "An Evangelical Manifesto," condemns Christians on the right and left for "using faith" to express political views without regard to the truth of the Bible, according to a draft of the document obtained Friday by The Associated Press.

"That way faith loses its independence, Christians become `useful idiots' for one political party or another, and the Christian faith becomes an ideology," according to the draft.

Well... I don't think I can disagree with that. Christianity today is far from what it was even 20 years ago, and the backlash against recent changes has brought many converts to the movement.

Will this document do anything? Absolutely not. Words hold no weight compared to money and power.

The Christians will continue to give up their morality in a desperate attempt to retain/regain power, and we will continue to reap the benefits as we watch an ancient mythology crumble before our eyes.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS

To members and Supporters of AMERICAN ATHEISTS...

Dear friends,

I want to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the important changes now taking place at American Atheists.

Following over 13 years of outstanding service to American Atheists and the cause of State-Church Separation, Ellen Johnson is no longer President of the organization.. Her tenure in this position was marked by some of the most amazing and historic events in our movement's history. She stepped in following the tragic disappearance of our founder, Madalyn Murray O'Hair and her family, and oversaw the relocation of the American Atheist Center and Charles E. Stevens American Atheist Library and Archives (CESAALA) to New Jersey. She organized the Godless Americans March on Washington, and brought together our nation's diverse and sometimes fractious community of Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and other nonbelievers. She testified twice before the National Commission on Civil Rights, and made hundreds of media appearances on prime time and cable news TV programs. Ellen also mobilized Atheists and other secularists throughout the nation to speak out on the vital First Amendment issues of our time. And with all of this, she managed to coordinate the hectic daily activities here at the American Atheist Center.

In the spirit of obtaining all that she (and any other Atheist) can from one life the elegant, energetic and outspoken Ms. Johnson will now focus her passions on anew adventure. Just what that might be we do not yet know. We know, however, that it will be something splendid!

Ellen, who will remain on the Board of Directors, is succeeded by long-time member Frank Zindler.

There have been three presidents of American Atheists since its founding over four decades ago -- Madalyn Murray O'Hair; her successor and son, Jon Garth Murray; and since 1995, Ellen Johnson. They left, as the saying goes "big shoes to fill." We are confident that Frank is fully prepared for this new challenging role. He has a distinguished academic career as a former biology professor, linguist and bible-era historian. He has authored numerous books and articles dealing with a wide range of subjects, everything from the alleged historicity of Jesus to the on-going controversy over teaching creationism in our public schools. His tenure as an activist with American Atheists goes back over 30 years. Frank is a nationally-recognized speaker and debater, and has served as an eloquent spokesperson for our organization.

Frank Zindler will serve as President Pro Temp until a suitable replacement for this office is found. The day-to-day operations at the American Atheist Center will continue -- and so will our activism!

Other Officers and Directors will be staying on as well. Dave Silverman, who has done an outstanding job as our Communications Director, will continue to be the "public face" of American Atheists, working closely with Frank to make sure that our message gets out to the media and others who shape public opinion. Board member Edwin Kagin will remain in his important post as National Legal Director, The American Atheist magazine and all of the other benefits of membership will continue. And so will our efforts to represent you in the important fight for state-church separation, Reason and the civil rights of Atheists.

We're hitting the ground running, folks! The baton is passed -- and we'll continue our all-important work.

Thanking you in advance for your support!

The Board of Directors, AMERICAN ATHEISTS

It's difficult to get a protest going on a work day.
But, it's on!

There will be a peaceful protest of the National Day of Prayer at City Hall in Orlando , Florida. Location, 400 S. Orange Av. Orlando ,Florida.
When, May 1st Thursday, 12:00 (Noon) to 1:00 P.M.
It's only one hour but bring water and sunblock Try to arrive a little early. I'll be wearing a bright orange shirt to help you find me. If necessary, call my cell at 352-217-3470.
Afterwards we will go to lunch. Location will be decided later by vote.

Greg McDowell
American Atheists State Director for Florida

Many who value the separation of religion and government have sought an appropriate response to the federally-supported National Day of Prayer, an annual abuse of the constitution. Nontheistic Americans (including freethinkers, humanists, atheists, agnostics, and deists), along with many traditionally religious allies, view such government-sanctioned sectarianism as unduly exclusionary.

A consortium of leaders from within the community of reason endorsed the idea of a National Day of Reason. This observance is held in parallel with the National Day of Prayer, on the first Thursday in May (1 May 2008). The goal of this effort is to celebrate reason - a concept all Americans can support - and to raise public awareness about the persistent threat to religious liberty posed by government intrusion into the private sphere of worship.

videos of all three of Jeremy and Mikey Weinstein's TV appearances (CBS, ABC, and Fox News) from the last few days are now available on MRFF's website: www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org

I'm so glad they are giving some attention to this. Curious how no politicians are saying a single word about it. Even Bush is quiet!

SAN MARCOS, Texas (AP) — One of the hundreds of young polygamist-sect members taken into state custody gave birth Tuesday to a healthy boy while child welfare officials, state troopers and fellow sect members stood watch outside the maternity ward.

"The boy is healthy and the mother is doing well," Patrick Crimmins, spokesman for the state Child Protective Services, said of the noontime birth at Central Texas Medical Center.

The mother is "younger than 18," Crimmins said, and will remain with her new son in a nearby foster-care facility until a formal custody hearing will determine the pair's fate sometime before June 5. Crimmins declined to give any other details about the girl or where she and the baby would stay.
...
On Monday, CPS announced that almost 60 percent of the underage girls living on the Eldorado ranch either have children or are pregnant.

Of the 53 girls between the ages of 14 and 17 who are in state custody, 31 either have given birth or are expecting, Azar said.

Under Texas law, children under the age of 17 generally cannot consent to sex with an adult. A girl can get married with parental permission at 16, but none of these girls is believed to have a legal marriage under state law.

Church officials have denied that any children were abused at the ranch and say the state's actions are a form of religious persecution.

Folks, some issues are tougher than others. This one is easy. Religious freedom is fine, until a child is endangered. You can raise your kids to be uneducated and brainwashed, but you can't subject them to rape or withhold medicine from them until they die. This is when the line is crossed.

Yes, brainwashing kids is DEFINITELY hurtful, but it's a judgmental hurtful (anyone can use the same argument against anyone else). We have to allow people to raise their kids as they see fit -- within REASON!

Forcefully impregnating teenagers is physical abuse, and anyone involved with this has to be punished severely. There should be no leniency just because religion is involved. All these wretched adults need to go to prison, and all the other wretched people in the country need to see it happen (as a deterrent).

Anything less is religious discrimination.

Army Spc. Jeremy Hall sued the government, alleging he has been harassed in the military because he doesn't believe in God. He is known among fellow soldiers as "the atheist guy," and he has been called a devil worshipper and gay -- both of which are untrue, Hall said.

Though Hall doesn't believe in God, he said he drove colleagues to church while serving in Iraq and paused when they would pray before meals. "Personally, I don't want [religion] or need it. But I'm not going to get down on anybody else for it," he said.

Hall said his atheism became known after a firefight in Iraq in 2007. His commander asked whether he believed in God. "I said, 'No, but I believe in Plexiglas,'" Hall recalled. Later, a superior threatened to file charges when he tried to organize a meeting of atheists, he said. Officials wouldn't comment on the suit, but said discrimination wasn't tolerated.

This is an update on the Atheist activist (and member of MAAF) who was harassed in Iraq for holding an Atheist meeting.

OK the truth is I have a lot to say here, but it's late and I've already taken an Ambien. Bloggers please jump in and do this one for me. Mention the reason we're fighting, the definition of religious freedom, why it's good, and why intolerance seems to come from the same two groups of people. I'll be back tomorrow night.

Click here for an uppate

For Immediate Release
Web: nyc-atheists.org
Press Contact 212-879-2687

What Are You Doing on the “National Day of Prayer?”

We Have a Better Idea: Donate Blood!

-----------------------

NEW YORK, April 27, 2008—It comes around every May, the so-called “National Day of Prayer,” to the consternation of many nonbelievers, secularists, atheists, agnostics and others. What do we do on this day when we’re supposed to be on our knees exalting a deity we don’t believe in?

New York City Atheists (NYCA) says, don’t get on your knees, friends. Get on your feet, get down to the Blood Bank and donate a pint of blood to humanity. While the faithheads are praying for a miracle, you will be giving the “miracle” of life to someone who needs it.

What better way to show the contrast between their way and our way? While they are mumbling words to a nonexistent deity, perhaps beseeching “Him” to help a loved one, we will be on our feet, taking an action that will positively help someone’s loved one. They beg, we act!

“We know that prayer does not work, but medical science does,” says Kenneth Bronstein, president of NYCA.

It has become an Atheist custom in New York City, and around the nation, to donate blood on the so-called National Day of Prayer, which we have renamed The National Gift-of-Life Day.

For four years now, a group of Atheists have arrived together to donate their life-giving blood to a Blood Bank on the National Gift-of-Life Day and then celebrated together in a small anteroom with coffee, juice and light refreshment supplied by the Blood Bank.

“We have found that the Blood Bank was delighted to have us, cooperated with us in every way and allowed us to post our Atheist banner for the occasion,” notes Bronstein.

This year, we are going to the New York Blood Bank on the Lower Level of the
Citigroup Center on East 54th Street, from 4 to 7 P.M. No reservations are needed, come any time during that period and join your fellow Atheists in donating blood and celebrating the Atheists’ Gift-of-Life day! We will be there waiting for you.

EVENT SUMMARY

WHAT: Individual blood donations by Atheists to celebrate the National
Gift of Life Day and illustrate to the world that our actions
speak louder than prayers.

WHEN: Thursday, May 1th, 2008, from 4 to 7 P.M.

WHERE: New York Blood Bank
Citigroup Center
Lower Level
Entrance is on 54th St., 100 feet west of 3rd Ave.
Go straight to Down escalator
New York Blood Bank straight ahead

RSVP? Reservations not needed but Ken Bronstein
would appreciate knowing how many are coming.
Email him at firebell1@aol.com or phone 212-535-7425 or
Jane Everhart at 212-879-2687.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS ACTION ALERT
http://www.atheists.org
April 26, 2008

TENNESSEE BILL CALLS FOR STATE-WIDE
BIBLE INSTRUCTION CLASSES
Action needed now to stop more public funding of religious propaganda!

Bills in the Tennessee state Senate and House would create "non-sectarian" high school Bible instruction courses under the guise of teaching history and literature.

Senate Bill 4104 is slated for a vote this week. The measure is sponsored by State Sen. Roy Herron (D-Dresden), with a mirror bill in the House introduced by Rep. Mark Maddox (DE-Dresden). According to the Jackson Sun newspaper, "If it becomes law, the legislation would make the Bible course a state-approved elective, and school boards would no longer have to apply for a specific course through the Department of Education."

Fifteen counties in Tennessee already use public money to operate similar instruction units which employ a variety of disingenuous labels such as "Bible History" or "The Bible as Literature." Sen. Herron wants more school districts to adopt the classes, saying "There are school systems all over the state that are afraid to offer a course about the Bible because they're afraid of being sued."

Despite claims that these courses are about "history" or "literature," though, Bible instruction is often used to conceal a sectarian (Christian) religious agenda. One supporter of the bill told WTVF news, "If people went back to the Bible, we'd have morals back in America."

This legislation does not provide the kind of oversight necessary to prevent proselytizing. It also uses tax money to create an instructional unit focusing on a religious text with roots in Judeo-Christianity, while ignoring other religions, or purely secular philosophies and writings. Critics also charge that measures like this "smuggle" fundamentalist Christianity into the public schools.

TENNESSEE LEGISLATORS NEED TO HEAR
FROM US NOW!

* Letter, e-mails, faxes and phone calls are need now to stop this unconstitutional attempt to promote religion in our public schools. Visit the web site of the Tennessee Legislature at http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/ .

* Tell lawmakers that Americans should not be compelled to subsidize religious instruction with tax money. School budgets are being slashed because of the current economic climate. Money for important areas like science instruction is being reduced.

* Despite claims made by supporters of this legislation, there are no effective controls in place to guarantee that these courses are "objective" and do not open the door to sectarian religious proselytizing. The course focuses on Judeo-Christianity while ignoring the history and literature of other faith-traditions, and alternative secular philosophies as well.

* Make your letters and E-mails brief, polite and to the point.

(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists, Freethinkers and other nonbelievers; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)

FRANK ZINDLER, Editor of American Atheist Press will speak to the Free
Inquiry Group of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky this Sunday, April 27,
2008.

Frank will discuss The Myth of Nazareth, the controversial new book by Rene
Salm that explores the archaeological and historical data showing that
Nazareth was not inhabited at the time of the alleged figure Jesus Christ.
Frank muses: "Can the Wizard of Oz be real if there was never a land of Oz?"

Frank Zindler is a profession linguist and historian with expertise in
ancient languages. He is the author of numerous books and articles about
Atheism, religion and related topics. He is also a member of several
learned societies including the American Association for the Advancement of
Science; the New York Academy of Science; Society of Biblical Literature;
and the American Schools of Oriental Research. Frank is also a nationally
recognized lecturer and debater in the ongoing battle of creationist pseudo
science and evolution.

Copies of Renee Salm's "The Myth of Nazareth" published by American Atheist
Press will be available for purchase.

The lectures takes place April 27, 2008 (Sunday) beginning at 2:00 PM at the
Vernon Manor Hotel, 400 Oak St. in Cincinnati, Ohio. The event is free and
open to the public, and is parking at the Vernon Manor. For further
information including detailed driving directions, visit
http://www.gofigger.org .

WHO & WHAT: Frank Zindler speaking on The Myth of Nazareth

WHEN: This Sunday, April 27, 2008 beginning at 2:00 PM

WHERE: Vernon Manor Hotel, 400 Oak St. in Cincinnati, Ohio. The event is
free and open to the public, and is parking at the Vernon Manor.

MORE INFO: http://www.gofigger.org

(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for
Atheists, Freethinkers and other nonbelievers; works for the total
separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment
public policy.)

"Expelled the movie" is being sued by Yoko Ono, in what may be the best thing she ever did.

It seems our less-than-honest friends at Expelled not only lied to viewers about the intellectual viability of an invisible man in the sky, but they also used IMAGINE without permission. Lennon's song is anything but religious, and Yoko wants to make sure her husband's name is not used for such tripe.

Yoko Ono is suing the producers of a movie that challenges the concept of Darwinian evolution, saying they used the song "Imagine" without her permission and led the blogosphere to accuse her of "selling out."

...
Ono's lawsuit claims the producers did not ask for permission either because they knew they could not get it or because they did not want to pay for the rights. It objects to the way "Imagine" is listed in the film's credits, saying it suggested to members of the news media and others that the song's use had been approved.

"Internet 'bloggers' immediately began accusing Mrs. Lennon of 'selling out' by licensing the song to defendants," says the complaint, filed this week.

The lawsuit calls "Imagine" Lennon's signature song, saying it "has become closely associated with and is synonymous with John Lennon."

The complaint, which also names other firms involved with the movie, asks the court to stop the filmmakers from distributing, selling and promoting the movie, and it seeks financial damages. It was filed on behalf of Ono, Lennon's sons Sean and Julian, and EMI Blackwood Music Inc.

Instead, check out the Forgiving the Franklins Movie, which looks more interesting
http://www.forgivingthefranklinsthemovie.com/press/atheist.pdf

MICHIGAN ATHEISTS TO COUNTER "NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER"
WITH BLOOD DONATIONS

Positive Life-Saving Action, Not Passive Prayer, Is the Message

What will you do on May 1, 2008, the "National Day of Prayer?" If you are an Atheist and do not accept prayer as an answer to human suffering, join us.

On May 1st, groups of Atheists in scores of American cities will go to their local Blood Banks to donate blood and sign up for organ-donor programs.

We call our blood donation program B.L.O.O.D., an acronym for Benefiting Lives of Others Donations.

It's simple. Here's what you do:

1) Find your local blood bank by accessing http://www.americanblood.org/ (Bottom left corner, type in your zip code to find your local blood bank.)

2) Tell your local Red Cross Donation Center that you are donating on behalf of the Michigan Atheists Blood drive. Then..................

3) Report your donation to Michigan Atheists B.L.O.O.D chariman, Chris McLaughlin at ccmclaugh@comcast.net who will report your donation to national B.L.O.O.D

4) If you live near the Detroit Metro area, please join Michigan Atheists

WHEN: May 1, 2008

TIME: 4:00-6:45pm

WHERE: American Red Cross Donation Center, 1605 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Thanks for your support. For additional information contact, Chris McLaughlin, Michigan Atheists B.L.O.O.D Chairman Ccmclaugh@comcast.net

FORWARDED MESSAGE BY:

ARLENE-MARIE, Michigan Atheists Affiliate Director
(313) 938-5960 amarie@atheists.org http://www.michiganatheists.org/
P.O. Box 0025, Allen Park, MI 48101

Michigan Atheists is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social and educational organization defending Atheists civil rights and dedicated to the complete and absolute separation of state and church.

Action without discussion is dangerous. Discussion without action is futile.