americanatheists

Apple donates $100,000 to fight Prop. 8Apple Inc. is donating $100,000 to fight Proposition 8, which aims to end same-sex marriage in California by amending the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.”Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation,” the company said in a statement posted on its Web site Friday.Apple joins Google, which came out publicly against Prop. 8 last month. Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page reportedly have donated a combined $140,000 to fight the measure.In revealing its support, Google officials voiced similar points, saying the company sees the issue as one of equality and is opposed to the elimination of fundamental rights.”While we respect the strongly held beliefs that people have on both sides of this argument, we see this fundamentally as an issue of equality. We hope that California voters will vote no on Proposition 8 — we should not eliminate anyone’s fundamental rights, whatever their sexuality, to marry the person they love,” Brin said.It is not common practice for either company to take a stand on political measures. It remains to be seen what effect the move might have on Proposition 8 supporters, who might avoid doing business with companies that oppose the measure.

No comment, just interesting site:http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/

AMERICAN ATHEISTS MEDIA ALERThttp://www.atheists.org ED BUCKNER ON MINNESOTA ATHEISTS RADIO\SHOW NATIONWIDE THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2008 ED BUCKNER, the new President of American Atheists will be the guest this Sunday on the Minnesota Atheists Radio Show live from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Central Time. The program can be heard on 950 KTNF in the Minnesota/St. Paul region, and is streamed live on the Internet at http://www.am950ktnf.com/listen . You can call in with comments or questions at 952-946-6205 or via e-mail at radio@minnesotaAtheists.org . Podcasts of the show will be available at http://MinnesotaAtheists.org or through iTunes. Dr. Buckner has had a distinguished career in the Atheist/Humanist movement and until recently headed the Atlanta Freethought Society. He has also served as Director for the Council for Secular Humanism. WHO & WHAT: Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists on the Minnesota Atheists radio program, streaming live on the Internet WHEN: This Sunday, October 26, 2008 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Central Time. WHERE: 950 KTNF in the Minnesota/St. Paul region, and is streamed live on the Internet at http://www.am950ktnf.com/listen . You can call in with comments or questions at 952-946-6205 or via e-mail at radio@minnesotaAtheists.org . Podcasts of the show will be available at http://MinnesotaAtheists.org or through iTunes. MORE INFO: http://www.MinnesotaAtheists.org (AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights of nonbelievers; works for the total and absolute separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)

Last night, October 22, 2008, in Northern Kentucky, a rather remarkable thing happened.At Northern Kentucky University, within the shadow of the Creation Museum, in a mock trial, a jury of the entire audience overwhelmingly voted on the side of Evolution and against the teaching of Intelligent Design in the public schools.Some had opined that it was foolish to hold such an event?that the vote would be overwhelmed by the fundangelicals, that Evolution would lose, and that this would be harmful for the future of education in Kentucky.Well, that did not happen. The opposite happened.The issue for the pretend trial was the case of a ninth grade teacher in the Kentucky public schools who had been fired for teaching Intelligent Design in a Kentucky classroom. She sued, alleging she had a right to teach such mythology and to get her job back. Leading trial lawyers in the Northern Kentucky area represented the parties, a real retired judge presided, and the former dean of the law school moderated a discussion.A creation scientist testified for the teacher. Edwin Kagin, National Legal Director for American Atheists, and identified as such, testified as to his opinion that Intelligent Design is a religious, not a scientific, view and that the teaching of this religious view is prohibited by the Constitutions of the United States and of Kentucky.The result from the clickers of the audience:— 38% said the teacher should not be restored to her job.— 28% said the teacher should get her job back, and be permitted to discuss Intelligent Design, but only if she agrees to made it clear that most scientists reject Intelligent Design.— 31% said the teacher should get her job back without conditions.The clear result was that a large majority accepted the teaching of Evolution over Intelligent Design and did not see Intelligent Design as a scientific view. The audience accepted the position of the Atheist witness over that of the expert who held the religious view that life was created by magic.This victory should be noted by those who are afraid to challenge the forces of darkness in public dialogue.Edwin KaginNational Legal DirectorAmerican Atheists, Inc.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/10/dont-count-us-o.html

Don’t count us out?Nation of believers? must not marginalize ? or worse undercount ? secularists, an invisible minority.By Ronald AronsonAs the presidential campaign winds down, members of America’s largest and most silent minority may be excused for feeling a little left out. As Republicans and Democrats escalate their appeals to 2008’s most contested and prized constituency ? swing voters among evangelicals and Catholics ? they treat those who are not religious as if they are invisible.

This is not news, but it is very well-written and heartfelt.

Soo. what do you think she thinks of Atheists?Of course, she knows a lot about gay people. She can see gays from her back yard.And check out her strong family unit! Premarital sex, pregnant teens, and no college? Yeah baby, she’s our role model.

NEW YORK – Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin says she supports a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, a break with John McCain who has said he believes states should be left to define what marriage is.In an interview with Christian Broadcasting Network, the Alaska governor said she had voted in 1998 for a state amendment banning same sex marriage and hoped to see a federal ban on such unions.”I have voted along with the vast majority of Alaskans who had the opportunity to vote to amend our Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I wish on a federal level that’s where we would go. I don’t support gay marriage,” Palin said. She said she believed traditional marriage is the foundation for strong families.Story continues below ↓advertisementMcCain, an Arizona senator, is supporting a ballot initiative in his state this year that would ban gay marriage. But he has consistently and forcefully opposed a federal marriage amendment, saying it would usurp states’ authority on such matters.

Make your flight arrangements now… It’s going to be very interesting!AMERICAN ATHEISTS NATIONAL CONVENTIONAPRIL 9, 10, 11, 12, 2009ATLANTA, GEORGIAEmory Conference Center Hotel/Emory Inn 1615 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329Said to be the ?Best Kept Secret? in Georgia the Emory is a hidden oasis as its? Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture and serene wooded views combine diverse meeting space, beautiful gardens, walking trails, and much more to create a one of a kind experience.The Emory is just 20 minutes from Atlanta?s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The downtown business district and vibrant Buckhead are less than 12 minutes from the hotel. Complimentary on site parking is an added bonus.* The Emory offers a two-tiered guest room rate. Guest rooms in the hotel are $109 plus tax for single/double. Guest rooms in the inn (directly connected to the hotel) are $89 plus tax for single/double and include breakfast. You must make your reservations directly with the hotel/inn on or before March 10, 2009 to enjoy our special convention rate. Be sure to tell them you are with the American Atheist convention. Emory Hotel/Inn reservations: 1-800-933-6679. Visit the Emory Conference Center Hotel/Emory Inn at www.emoryconferencenter.com* Thursday, April 9th, 6:00 ? 9:00 PM – Great Hearth Room: Registration and informal reception with cash bar.*Friday, April 10th, 10:00 AM ? 6:00 PM Lullwater Ballroom7:00 ? 11:00 PM Silverbell Room, Open Banquet, Award Ceremony, Members Meeting* Saturday, April 11th10:00 AM ? 6:00 PM, Lullwater Ballroom7:00 ? 11:00 PM Silverbell Room, Open Banquet, Honor Lifetime/Gift and Legacy Members* Sunday, April 12thDining Rm; Hosted Breakfast. Arrive anytime between 8:00 and 11:00 AM and be greeted by your board members and state directors who will be eager to chat with you, enjoy a cup of coffee together or maybe a place at you breakfast table. Sunday afternoon group outing destination and time to be announced * * * Of course, our convention will feature a host of speakers, entertainment, books, products, various venders, endless conversations, greeting old friends and making new friends. Stay tuned for updates

I needed this reminder myself, as I will be away for the vote on Election Day, and I am sure not going to let this one slide by. It’s too important.Sooo, think about it, and make sure you’re going to be around to vote. If you’re not, you’ve got very little time to get your absentee ballot. Don’t forget!

AMERICAN ATHEISTS MEDIA ALERThttp://www.atheists.org KAGIN IN MOCK TRIAL WED. OCTOBER 22NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY ~ “CREATION SCIENCE” v. EVOLUTION”Fundies” to pack event? First 200 will serveas “electronic jurors” Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY. will be the site of a unique “mock trial” this Wednesday, October 22, 2008 pitting defenders of so-called “creation science” against proponents of evolution. The Resolved asks whether public school teachers should be permitted to teach creation science in public school classrooms. Among those participating will be Edwin Kagin, National Legal Director for American Atheists. Mr. Kagin is a nationally recognized figure in the battle over evolution versus creationism. The debate begins at 7:00 PM at NKU’s University Center in the Otto M. Budwig Theater. This event is free and open to the public. The first 200 persons in attendance will be invited to serve as “jurors” using small remote control clickers to register their opinions both before and after the trial. A the end of the proceeding, they will decide the case. More information can be found at http://www.nku.edu/display_news.php?ID=3197 and http://www.edwinkagin.com . For information on driving and parking, visit http://www.nku.edu/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Freethinkers, Atheists, Humanists and all other supporters of science and good teaching standards are urged to attend. WHO & WHAT: Edwin Kagin, National Legal Director for American Atheist at the Northern Kentucky University “mock trial” on teaching creationism. WHEN: This Wednesday, October 22, 2008 beginning at 7:00 PM. WHERE: NKU’s University Center in the Otto M. Budwig Theater MORE INFO: http://www.nku.edu/display_news.php?ID=3197 and http://www.edwinkagin.com . For information on driving and parking, visit http://www.nku.edu/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page. (AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for nonbelievers; labors for the absolute separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)

East Bay Atheists and San Francisco Atheists will lead a peaceful, nonviolent demonstration in support of a “NO on Prop 8″ stand in front of the huge Mormon temple at 4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, near the Warren Freeway (Highway 13) and Lincoln Avenue on Sunday, October 26, beginning at 9:00 AM. Some standard “NO on Prop 8″ signs will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own appropriate signs as well. For example, “Stop Funding Hate,” and “How About ‘Love One Another?’”This is not exclusively an Atheist event. Any group or individual who supports marriage rights for all couples is invited to participate. JOIN US! For more details contact Don Havis at havis@att.net, or by phone at (650) 375-1745.4770 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland