americanatheists

I’ve been toying with the concept of life’s relativity. A brief conversation I had with Richard Dawkins has emboldened the meme. So here’s what I’m thinking.Life, consciousness, and humanity are relative terms. Sure, a rock is dead, but the smallest building-blocks of life (as it is usually used) are actually simply “less alive” than more complex life forms. Bugs are alive, but less alive than humans, and even humans can be less alive than other humans. The word LIFE, then, can be defined as a formula of the ability to multiply and the level of consciousness (also relative), as well as other variables. I think this is an interesting premise. The whole concept that “all life is sacred” has caused the abortion debate, the vegetarian movement (besides health reasons), and opposition to death-with-dignity, when in fact all life is far from equal. In fact, this is a flawed concept.Life relativity helps to solve these issues, or at least places them in perspective. We can see how life began (it was a process over time, not an instant), how it is evolved, and how it continues to evolve. We can ask questions as to the value of life of an orangutan vs a vegetative human. New ethical questions arise, and old ones go away — and I like that.How would we measure this? Could we actually quantify “life”?

Excitement Builds for Historic Church-State Separation SimulcastThe sets are built, the celebrities and champions have arrived, and everyone is excited about bringing you the best show possible! On March 26, in movie theaters in 37 cities nationwide, interested citizens will gather to learn about the threats to church-state separation and to demand that candidates for elected office answer questions about key issues dealing with individual freedom. Peter Coyote, celebrated Hollywood actor and filmmaker, will emcee the program, which will include such special guests as The Bacon Brothers (featuring actor Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael), actors Michael J. Fox; Jack Klugman; Wendie Malick; Dan Lauria; and Catherine Dent, comedian and Air America host Marc Maron; singer/songwriter Catie Curtis and satirist Roy Zimmerman. The event will also feature Americans who have fought for individual freedoms against great odds. And find out the 10 QUESTIONS you need to ask every candidate running for public office!DON?T MISS your chance to find out ?Everything you Always Wanted to Know About Church and State ? but were afraid to ask!?The March 26 simulcast is being produced by Progressive Media Agency, a Portland, OR, based firm led by Adam Klugman and Enrique Arias. WHAT: ?Everything You Always Wanted to Know about the Separation of Church and State ? but Were Afraid to Ask!,? historic, 37 city, nationwide movie theater simulcast event featuring celebrities and community leaders to focus need for Church-State separation in 2008 elections. WHO: Celebrity participants include: Hollywood actor and filmmaker Peter Coyote as emcee; The Bacon Brothers (band featuring actor Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael), Michael J. Fox (?Family Ties? and ?Spin City?), Jack Klugman (?The Odd Couple? and ?Quincy, M.E.?), James Whitmore (?The Shawshank Redemption?), Wendie Malick (?Just Shoot Me!?), Dan Lauria (?The Wonder Years?), Catherine Dent (?The Shield?), stand-up comedian and Air America host Marc Maron, singer/songwriter Catie Curtis and singer/satirist Roy Zimmerman. WHEN: Wednesday evening, March 26, 20086:00 PM Eastern Time5:00 PM Central Time7:00 PM Mountain Time6:00 PM Pacific Time WHERE: 37-Cities Nationwide (see www.firstfreedomfirst.org for full theater list) For more information about First Freedom First and the simulcast event: www.firstfreedomfirst.org

I was going to respond to this IN the thread, but perhaps dedicating a day to it will put this stupid subject to bed.Look at the post below with the Moslem cartoons. I posted anti-Moslem cartoons in response to Moslems making threats about cartoons. I called them “impotent barbarians” and, to prove my point, told them where I would be and when, just in case they wanted to murder me. I knew there would be nothing — that’s what I mean by impotent — and I was right.I posted a picture of the Pope (comparing him to Palpatine) to point out that I can insult Christians all day long and not get death threats. It was intended again to show the barbaric attitude of Moslems compared to Christians.That’s all.Some on this blog are giving me grief about not posting an anti-jewish picture too. There are two reasons I did not. One is I don’t have any such pictures readily available, and the other is it would have been redundant — my point had been made, or so I thought.As to any favoritism I have to Jews, Hindus, or Bhuddists, please let me set the record straight. If they are not a threat to American civil liberties, I have no problem with them unless their activities are extreme. They all have their wars, but they are not a problem HERE (Hint: AMERICAN Atheists). If you find a problem with any religious leader threatening our way of life, let me know. But I’m not going to go out of my way to insult the Jews (or anyone else) just because I ALSO insulted the Christians and the Moslems who deserve it. That’s ridiculous.YES, I call myself a Jewish Atheist, like Herb Silverman, Carl Silverman, Dennis Horvitz, Ken Bronstein, Guy Shapiro, and many many other prominent Atheist activists. I observe one Jewish holiday -Passover- where I go to my mother’s home and we eat ourselves stupid. How many of you go to Mom’s for Xmas? I openly critized Joe Lieberman’s “Vote for me I’m an Orthodox Jew now” pandering and voted for Nader because of him (including writing an opinion letter published in the USA Today, as some bloggers will remember). I shamed Israel when they moved settlers into disputed areas (effectively creating human shields out of children, which really pisses me off). I also gave this year’s Chinn Scholarship to a fantastic young Atheist who spends much of his time trying to stop US funds from going to Israel from a Church/State Separation perspective.So PLEASE — PUT UP OR SHUT UP. Here’s your chance. Got a reason to say I favor Jews (or Hindus or Buddhists)? Give it here, and I’ll address it. If you’re just bitching because of my background or what I call myself (not because of my actions), vent here and risk exposing your own bigotry to your peers.

Happy Eoster! or is it Oester? or Easter? This is the wonderful day in the year on which you can really nail Christians (hee) for just totally stealing a holiday. The Vernal Equinox has been a time of celebration for millenia, most recently celebrated by Pagans with items of fertility — you know, eggs and bunnies.Then the Christians usurped it, all the traditions, and even the NAME of the day. And then they expect US to take them seriously! Another good example of them kidding themselves.I need to go downstairs to moderate a god debate. The convention was GREAT this year — I’ll post more about it in a while. In the mean time, remember: Tomorrow all those chocolate bunnies go on 50% off sale! Please enjoy responsibly.

Hi everyone from Mineapolis! Well, guess what- I introduced Dawkins and no irrelevant barbarians tried to kill me for posting that last entry. Dawkins was very good, and spoke to the hungry-for-him crowd for two full hours. After his speech, I told him he was “ok” in a reassurative way, just as a litle joke — and he accepted the reassurance with good humor. Interestingly, we had no books for him to sign (the publisher screwed up) so he only signed books that people already had — and that took an HOUR! It seems everyone already has all his books!We then had some other great panels, and will probably be making a few announcements on this blog in the coming days or hours.In the mean time, a gang of Atheists hit the snowy streets last night at about 10pm, and I made it back to bed at 2;45. Now I’m awake, at 9am, wearing a tie, knowing I have stuff to do, not not knowing exactly what. Where are the irrelevant barbarians when you need them?

DUBAI (March 19) – Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden threatened the European Union with grave punishment on Wednesday over cartoons of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad.In an audio recording posted on the Internet coinciding with the birthday of Islam’s founder, bin Laden said the drawings, considered offensive by Muslims, were part of a “new crusade” in which Pope Benedict was involved.”Your publications of these drawings — part of a new crusade in which the Pope of the Vatican had a significant role — is a confirmation from you that the war continues,” said the Saudi-born militant leader, addressing “those who are wise at the European Union.”You are “testing Muslims … the answer will be what you shall see and not what you hear. May our mothers lose us to death if we did not rise in defense of the messenger of God…”

OK folks one more time. Osama is DEAD. No multi-billionairre on the planet can’t afford a cam-corder. Audio only? It could be any number of impressionists — but not Osama.And… testing Muslims? There need be no test. Islam is a terrorist, barbaric religion. The test is done — you failed. You are backwards, impotent, and useless. You are no longer to be feared. You need to reform (excellent efforts on that front) or descend further into irrelevance.Here’s your test, BITCH. I’ll be at the convention this weekend. I’ll be on the podium, introducing Richard Dawkins. I’ll bet you a $200 camcorder I’ll survive.Here’s the cartoon that cost the lives of innocent civilians Muhammed the terrorist teddy bear — terrorists wanted the death penalty.Here’s a nice offensive picture of the Pope, for whom I have absolutely no respect. But somehow, no lives have been threatened.

Senator Obama has distanced himself from his former preacher who said some hateful things about this country. As I read about his speech, I felt anger seethe from my pores.Nobody blames GW Bush for supporting Fallwell, or accused Guiliani of being antisemitic because Pat Robertson endorsed him (and Rudi accepted with glee). This is a ridiculous argument.Listen folks, Christian preachers spew hate ALL THE TIME, and nobody accuses the parishioners of agreeing with everything they say (because nobody believes their preachers anyway). I’m personally more of a Hillary guy, but I’m sure Hillary’s preacher has said things with which I would strongly disagree. Can’t stop hate mongers from mongering hate, and you can’t blame those within earshot.Let’s talk about the war, the economy, and the price of gas, please!

Today the US Supreme Court decided to decide if it will strike down Washington DC’s ban on owning a gun. Not much to do with Separation of church and state — but I own a gun, in fact I once was a damn good shot. It’s a .22 — I think it’s as small as they come; a far cry from the assault weapons you can get at a gun show.Should ALL guns be outlawed? To do so would literally repeal the 2nd Amendment. If we do that, should we worry about those who wish to repeal the 1st Amendment?

If Peter’s post hasn’t highlighted it enough, this country is in dire need of MORE Atheist activists — and activism starts at conventions!If you have the time, try your very best to attend the convention this weekend in Minneapolis. The pre-registration numbers are huge — thanks in part to the news that I, David Silverman, will be introducing Richard Dawkins. Yes, that’s right, Dawkins is coming and best of all, I will be introducing him! Don’t worry — I’m very good at not overshadowing the people I bring on stage.OK but seriously, this is going to be a great place to meet 500+ other Atheists, face to face, and get some great insight on how you can help this country. Please join us!http://www.atheists.org

Senators Brownback and Lieberman have introduced S. Res. 483 ‘A resolution recognizing the first weekend of May 2008 as “Ten Commandments Weekend”. I have created a legislative alert to get as many of us who oppose this type of pandering legislation as possible to write to their Senators about our objections.Thank you for all your support.Peter Nuhn