AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.Office of the National Affiliate Outreach Director & Alabama State Director http://www.atheists.org http://www.atheists.org/al/FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUG 11, 2008For more information, please contact:Blair Scott, National Affiliate Outreach Director and Alabama State Director, (256) 701-6265, bscott@atheists.orgATHEISTS HAIL DECISION BY WILSON COUNTY TN FAIR TO OFFER “CHURCH BULLETIN” DISCOUNT TO RELIGIOUS AND NON-RELIGIOUS CITIZENSHale Moss, the President of Wilson County Promotions advised reporters at the Lebanon Democrat that printouts from Web Pages of non-religious groups would be honored at all ticketing booths to receive the “church bulletin” discount at the Wilson County Fair’s “God and Country Day” on August 17th 2008. Blair Scott, the National Affiliate Outreach Director for American Atheists said, “I am exceptionally glad to hear about Mr. Moss’decision. I am pleased to hear that Wilson County had made the decision to honor all groups regardless of their religious or non-religious affiliation. I was excited to pass this information on to non-religious groups in Lebanon, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Huntsville, Birmingham, and even nationally.”Atheists around the region are ecstatic about the news that they will not be discriminated against and will receive equal discount and treatment as religious citizens.Mr. Scott, along with atheists from across the region, including Secular Life Nashville, North Alabama Freethought Association, and Florence United Non-Theists will continue their plan to gather at the Wilson County Fair on August 17th to support Foxhole Atheists. Area Atheists will be wearing t-shirts supporting Foxhole Atheists proudly serving in our nation’s military branches. AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for nonbelievers, works for the total separation of church and state, and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.American Atheists, Inc.PO BOX 158Cranford, NJ 07016Tel: (908) 276-7300Fax: (908) 276-7402
I’m sure this ecstasy will continue when ALL are allowed to post both religious and non-religious displays in the public square…
Comment from: exquisitetruth
So et…I’m taking it that the fight to not be taxed is more important then defending the “myth”…
Either this practice is unconstitutional or it’s not…how can your rationalize and justify being bought off for $2.00…?
Wow, you really are a troll, and not a very good one at that. Do have nothing better to do that skulk around on atheist blogs and misunderstand their arguments?
et…go ahead. Enlighten me..
If churches paid their fair share of taxes then you MIGHT have an argument for religious displays on public property. Nah, the Constitutional space between church and state would still prevent this.
It’s nice to see Phreeky finally referring to his religion as a myth.
Well et…
I gather you can’t deny the facts…
Correct me if I’m wrong, but hasn’t American Atheists’ official position always been to OPPOSE all special treatment of religious groups, not to join in with it? If the county fair is a public event, sponsored by the county, shouldn’t we be fighting to ELIMINATE God and Country Day AND the church bulletin discount as violations of the separation of church and state?
Hasn’t American Atheists always tried to avoid falling into the trap of demanding equal time or equal treatment? Doesn’t our accepting of their offer to let us bring printouts of our websites (in lieu of church bulletins) just serve as an acknowledgement from us that God and Country Day is NOT a violation of church and state, when in fact it IS?
Is this an example of the “new direction for American Atheists” that Frank and Dave have been talking about?
What’s next? Are we going to fight to have a plaque of Ten Atheist Principles placed on the wall in certain courthouses, right next to The Ten Commandments?
Arthur Brenner
brenner7@stny.rr.com
Arthur Brenner has a point.
The vast majority of people couldn’t care less about church/state issues, they just don’t want to be bothered with arguments about religion. These people don’t have a religious or antireligious website to get a “bulletin” from, so it seems to me many people may still be treated unfairly under this arrangement.
Comment from: NotSoFast
Sure NSF…AB was the first to point it out…
The fact that et can be bought off for two bucks certainly does show some high moral courage in defending their beliefs…
I wish the people that had this belief has better things to do then find ways to force themselves on every event. If you don’t agree with God and Country fair don’t go! The same way you don’t go to church. I think that it is very offensive that Christians don’t have the same rights as every other belief. If a Muslim had a fair day would you say anything? No you wouldn’t. I hate that the Wilson county fair caved to your demands. It is so sad that we feel we have to make everyone feel”comfortable.” I hope that I can find some events that you have discounts on for being athesist and make a stink about it just to make it uncomfortable for you!
erby3326
Hey moron. It’s a COUNTY FAIR. Churches are PRIVATE institutions. What part of that don’t you get? Lets get some smarter xians around here.
Please find us a government sponsored event that gives preferential treatment to atheists. Idiot!
erby
And you could at least learn how to spell atheist (your spelling: athesist) if you are going to post here.
Arthur is right. This is nothing to celebrate. Build the wall higher. Don’t sit on it!