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
This new troll David Mabus is actually one Dennis Markuze from Montreal, QB and is a bat shit crazy Nostradamus believer who spams atheist sites everday claiming that Randi owes hima million dollars for proving that the supernatural is real. The only way to deal with someone of this magnitude of mental delusion is to ignore him totally.
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/05/the_recent_mabus_incursion.php
Dave…in all seriousness…
Would you please post Ellen’s top 5 achievements since she became president of AA?
If I were to read between the lines, I’d say the board voted her out because of the declining membership and dues coming into AA…
Spinfusor, I respect your opinion on Ellen since as a newbie I have no basis to have one. But one of the things I hope to bring to the table is a view to improving our competitiveness in this marketplace of ideas in which we are greatly outnumbered in quantity (if not quality or sanity). I came across this post today on another blog. I think it does a much better job at expressing this point than I can. I’ve met Jeff a few times and I think he makes a very important point about marketing the “product”.
Atheist Ethicist: E2.0: Jeff Hawkins: Entrepreneurial Atheism
To reiterate the point, a press release is for external consumption and should be forward looking. Featuring Ellen first is better suited to the internal messaging like newsletters.
-vinny
oops… Here’s the link…
http://atheistethicist.blogspot.com/2008/05/e20-jeff-hawkins-entrepreneurial.html
@vinny:
But this is not a press release. Right at the beginning it says, “To members and Supporters of AMERICAN ATHEISTS.”(original emphasis)
As a member, I would much rather read a personal notice from the board than a press release.
The blog post you linked to was interesting, but the author made a remark (after the post in a comment) that troubles me:
Sorry, I forgot to put a / in the closing blockquote tag.
There I go making an ass out of myself again.
(Sorry, I forgot to put a / in the closing blockquote tag.)
I promise that this is the last time.
Comment from: phreedm
And you wonder why the NAFTA super highway is being forced upon us…
Actually, I’ve always wondered how anyone can believe that the NAFTA highway propaganda operation could be considered as being reality-based by a functioning human being. I guess now I know all it takes it a bit of that good ole pagan supersition…
If you were ever able to read through any lines, phreakshow, you’d realize that your opinions are absolutely worthless around here, and your condescending religious insanity about atheists is only good for amusement purposes. Oh – and that most of the people here think you’re a pompous a$$ who runs away from arguments like a bedwetting coward when anyone asks you to, you know, provide some sort of proof for your wild a$$ innuendo and unfounded allegations.
If you could read between the lines after over two years of futilely peddling your sanctimonious occult nonsense here, that is…
Suck it, jeebus phreak!
Further to Spinfusor’s comment:
The phrase for a non-permanent replacement is “pro tem” – not “pro temp”. Please fix
cjn
Am I just being paranoid, or is it odd that the end of Ellen’s tenure as president of AA came when she was out in the middle of nowhere (sorry AL and MS) on the freedom walk – an endeavor that the AA board of directors decided not to fund?
I’m not to happy with the board’s decision about the walk. It may be something of a stunt, but it’s a pretty good one. I’ve been thinking about whether or not to renew my membership this year and the walk had me convinced to re-up. Until I found out the board was against it, that is.
And apparently the board didn’t bother to tell anybody but Ellen that she was on her own, because we were told on this blog that if we wanted to give money to help fund the walk we should just donate to AA. I did that and found out later that AA isn’t funding the walk after all. I’m pretty ticked off about that.
I know I don’t deserve a full explanation of Ellen’s departure from the AA presidency. I’m not important, I’m not active in the movement, all I do is pay my membership dues every year. But I do want an explanation, I think it is in AA’s best interest to provide one, and I’m probably done with AA if they don’t.
Are you all kidding? Obviously Ellen was fired and we will probably never know why, really. I wonder how long she’ll remain on the Board. It would be nice if the Board told us why she was so swiftly and unceremoniously dismissed but that is unlikely. A President Pro Tem is ok but Frank Zindler, while a wonderful man and dedicated atheist, is not the right person for this job. American Atheists needs a young, dynamic, new face.
I agree that Dave Silverman would be a terrific president but doubt he wants the job.
jeff_r:
My blockquote ability is inadequate. As is this explanation:
I’d think that if they didn’t force her out, they could have at least waited until she got back.
I can answer for all of the members of AA why Ellen is no longer President.
The truth is that she was fired by the Board of Directors while in the middle of the Freedom Walk. No warning was given, just that she was to either resign or she would be fired. There is no logical or good reason for this action. If anyone has any questions for Ellen you may email her at Elljhns8@aol.com. I dont think she is on the Board of Directors either.
As members of this organization, I would start asking a lot of questions of YOUR Board of Directors. Ellen decicated her life you all of you and brought this organization to where it is today, continually working on making it bigger and better for all.
This is the truth of the matter, please do not believe any other stories you may hear.
Folks,
Things here are in a state of flux — please be patient with the news updates. You’ll know when I know.
As of now, Ellen is still on the board and an active member at that.
Jeff-R I believe that was my mistake. Please contact me off-line with the details of your donation and I’ll fix it.
To the Board of Directors of American Atheists,
This e-mail is from one of your members who takes his atheism very seriously and who also has left christianity (intentional lower case “c”) and all other god-belief systems for many of the same reasons all of you most likely have.
That of a lack of ethics, a lack of truth, and a lack of personal accountability and responsibility for any wrong doing. It is with great sadness that I have to write this, as I am probably only one of a handful of members who are privy to the REAL TRUTH as to Ellen’s “departure” as your board so carefully and craftily worded it on your website.
I am making a personal plea to all of you to not do to Ellen Johnson what you are planning to do.
Since I do not have a “personal god” to appeal too, I call upon the memory of Socrates and Plato and yes, of Madelyn Murray O’Hair herself….. ALL WHO STOOD FOR UNQUESTIONABLE TRUTH AND ETHICAL STANDARDS.
Yes, I have learned the truth from a very reputable source that Ellen Johnson did not resign her position with American Atheists and that she was not asked to “remain on the board” and “agreed to remain”.
No, the TRUTH IS that Ellen Johnson was contacted via phone call from the Board on a “conference call” while she was completing a Freedom Walk FOR AMERICAN ATHEISTS and was unceremoniously FIRED from her position as President of the Organization.
I ASK THIS BOARD ON THE NAME AND ETHICS OF MADELYN MURRAY O’HAIR, SOCRATES, PLATO, AND……ROBERT INGERSOLL, THOMAS PAINE, CLARENCE DARROW, RICHARD DAWKINS AND THOMAS HUXLEY AS WELL:
WHY WOULD YOU EVER WANT TO HURT ELLEN IN THIS MANNER?
WHY ARE YOU DOING WHAT IS UNETHICAL AND UNCONSCIONABLE?
Ellen was walking tirelessly on that Freedom Walk all the way from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi on behalf of Atheist Bill Moore who was murdered before he could finish that walk.
Ellen was taking the stand that she has always done for all of Atheists. Again and again she has been the VISIBLE VOICE OF THE AMERICAN ATHEIST.
How can any of you in good conscience, call Ellen and FIRE HER over the telephone as she was being the VOICE OF YOU AND HELPING THE ATHEIST CAUSE??
Then you LIE TO THE MEMBERS OF AMERICAN ATHEISTS AND THE AMERICAN PUBLIC AS WELL?
Ellen DID NOT resign. How DARE you tell lies!
YOU TELL ME JUST WHO YOU ARE GOING TO FIND TO REPLACE ELLEN JOHNSON THAT WILL HAVE THE WORK ETHIC THAT WOMAN HAS, AND WHO HAS INCREASED THE VISIBILITY AND RESPECT, YES, RESPECT FOR ATHEISTS AND AGNOSTICS ACROSS THIS NATION?
WHO IS GOING TO ORGANIZE ANOTHER GODLESS AMERICAN’S MARCH ON WASHINGTON?
WHO IS AS COMMITTED AS ELLEN TO APPEARING ON HUNDREDS OF TELEVISION NEWS BROADCASTS EACH AND EVERY YEAR??
I suppose you will now withdraw my membership in your organization only because I am standing for the truth. So be it. I would not renew anyway, knowing that the woman who sacrificed 30 years of her professional and even personal life for this organization was mistreated in the way you are mistreating her.
Madelyn Murray O’Hair would have plenty to say to all of you.
With the withdrawal of my membership in American Atheists, my sponsorship of your television show will also come to an end as well.
Think very carefully about what you are doing, because THIS FORMER MEMBER WILL NOT BE SILENT.
Very sincerely,
Jack Richter
American Atheist
PS: FREEDOM FROM RELIGION FOUNDATION: *YOU WOULD ALL BE VERY WISE TO ADD ELLEN TO YOUR
ATHEIST ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL: STAFF IMMEDIATELY! I HAVE SEEN THIS ATHEIST
THE CENTER FOR INQUIRY: IN ACTION AND IN ACTIVIST MODE.
RICHARD DAWKINS FOUNDATION: SHE IS FEARLESS AND SHE IS SUPERB.
Dave
This is beginning to stink. Come clean now. You are risking my membership as well.
I want three things:
(1) To hear directly from Ellen if her departure was voluntary or not.
(2) If not then I want to know why she was booted.
(3) The board members names that booted her.
Board of Directors:
IF YOU PULL MY POST, THEN YOU WILL HAVE JUST CONFIRMED MY LOW REGARD FOR YOU.
I SUGGEST YOU LEAVE IT WHERE IT IS, BECAUSE PULLING IT AT THIS POINT WOULD BE LIKE PUTTING BIBLE READING BACK IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
IF YOU INTENTIONALLY TAKE THE TRUTH OFF OF A BLOG IT’S THE SAME AS INTENTIONALLY PUTTING LIES INTO
SOCIETY.
Let’s not get too carried away here. I think I posted the first comment that Ellen was fired (an absolute fact), just so you know where I’m coming from.
However, resigning your membership doesn’t really help. It is more important than ever that we REMAIN members and keep the organization strong. Perhaps we want to consider voting in a new board? Let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater!
Where can one get info on Ellen’s march? There is nothing that I see on American Atheists website (not surprisingly!)?
Maizie, email Ellen for info right now, she is finishing up today and tomorrow with the walk, depending on how they do, they will be delivering the letter by tomorrow I believe.
Elljhns8@aol.com
Jack,
I understand your post, and no I never had the intention of deleting it. There are always going to be dissenters in this movement, and we need them.
To be sure: I love Ellen, both as a mentor and a friend. She resurrected this organization after the disappearance fo the O’Hairs, organized the GAMPAC and the March on Washington, and improved relations with other groups.
But I also know there are two sides to every issue. The Board didn’t do this on a whim. Before you cancel a membership, I would consider whether that would help the cause.
Again, I don’t know the details, and cannot confirm the accuracy of these posts. I can say her account is still active on the blog and so she can post any time she wants. I can also say that’s I’ve left her a voice mail that she has yet to return. 4thetruth has posted her correct private email.
If I were to take a guess, I’d say she’s finishing the walk before addressing this issue.
The future looks bright folks! Please stay tuned.
maize,
Updates, daily, and photos are at:
http://alabamaatheist.org/fw2k8/#UPDATES
Thanks, Atheistud, for the link!
David Silverman:
At this point I’m not sure I even care why the members of the board did this. They staged a coup d’?tat when Ellen was over one thousand miles away, and subsequently lied to AA’s members.
The fact that they lied signifies that AA has descended into politics. The board members care more about power than atheist activism. As such, AA is now a worthless organization.
Will leaving help the cause? If AA gets replaced by a more honest organization, absolutely. How can you expect us to give money and support to an organization that lies? How can you expect us to give money and support to an organization that cares more about power struggles than atheism?
I don’t give a damn what the board says. It’s members can no longer be trusted. Our support is better placed elsewhere.
Spinfusor,
You keep using the word “fact.” Where is the evidence you’re basing this on?
All I see is two new members who I’ve never seen before posting unsubstantiated claims.
Until someone comes up with some real evidence, I don’t think we should be jumping to conclusions. It would be awfully nice if AA would post a rebuttal to these two new posters. If they keep silent for two long, then people (myself included) are apt to come to conclusions they won’t like.
@alatham:
David said, “The Board didn’t do this on a whim.”
So the board voted Ellen out. The board lied about that in the post above.
alatham:
I only used the word “fact” once. The only other person (aside from you) to use “fact” was maizie (also only once).
Spinfusor,
Sorry about the “fact” thing, I could have sworn I saw it more than once.
Anywho:
I see nothing in the original post saying that she hadn’t been voted out, just that she was leaving her post. It’s vague wording, that’s true, but I don’t see how that constitutes a lie.
Furthermore, Dave has said he doesn’t know any more than we do (effectively), so when he said that this wasn’t on a whim, can we be sure he’s not just saying that?
Dave, care to comment?
I agree that some clarification on this from the board should be forthcoming, else we may start smelling a rat. Was Ellen ousted for political reasons? If so, what were they? What direction does the board want to take that she was resisting? I would also like to hear Ellen’s side of it.