americanatheists

Frustrated by the failure to overturn Roe v. Wade, a growing number of antiabortion pastors, conservative academics and activists are setting aside efforts to outlaw abortion and instead are focusing on building social programs and developing other assistance for pregnant women to reduce the number of abortions.Some of the activists are actually working with abortion rights advocates to push for legislation in Congress that would provide pregnant women with health care, child care and money for education — services that could encourage them to continue their pregnancies.Their efforts, they said, reflect the political reality that legal challenges to abortion rights will not be successful, especially after Barack Obama’s victory this month in the presidential election and the defeat of several ballot measures that would have restricted access to abortions. Although the activists insist that they are not retreating from their belief that abortion is immoral and should be outlawed, they argue that a more practical alternative is to try to reduce abortions through other means

(Nov. 11) – You better watch out. There is a new combatant in the Christmas wars.Ads proclaiming, “Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness’ sake,” will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.In lifting lyrics from “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” the Washington-based group is wading into what has become a perennial debate over commercialism, religion in the public square and the meaning of Christmas.”We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you,” said Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group. “Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there are an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion.”To that end, the ads and posters will include a link to a Web site that will seek to connect and organize like-minded thinkers in the D.C. area, Edwords said.Edwords said the purpose isn’t to argue that God doesn’t exist or change minds about a deity, although “we are trying to plant a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people’s minds.”The group defines humanism as “a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.”Last month, the British Humanist Association caused a ruckus announcing a similar campaign on London buses with the message: “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”In Washington, the humanists’ campaign comes as conservative Christian groups gear up their efforts to keep Christ in Christmas. In the past five years, groups such as the American Family Association and the Catholic League have criticized or threatened boycotts of retailers who use generic “holiday” greetings.In mid-October, the American Family Association started selling buttons that say “It’s OK to say Merry Christmas.” The humanists’ entry into the marketplace of ideas did not impress AFA president Tim Wildmon.”It’s a stupid ad,” he said. “How do we define ‘good’ if we don’t believe in God? God in his word, the Bible, tells us what’s good and bad and right and wrong. If we are each ourselves defining what’s good, it’s going to be a crazy world.”Also on Tuesday, the Orlando, Fla.-based Liberty Counsel, a conservative Christian legal group, launched its sixth annual “Friend or Foe Christmas Campaign.” Liberty Counsel has intervened in disputes over nativity scenes and government bans on Christmas decorations, among other things.”It’s the ultimate grinch to say there is no God at a time when millions of people around the world celebrate the birth of Christ,” said Mathew Staver, the group’s chairman and dean of the Liberty University School of Law. “Certainly, they have the right to believe what they want but this is insulting.”Best-selling books by authors such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens have fueled interest in “the new atheism” ? a more in-your-face argument against God’s existence.Yet few Americans describe themselves as atheist or agnostic; a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life poll from earlier this year found 92 percent of Americans believe in God.There was no debate at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority over whether to take the ad. Spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said the agency accepts ads that aren’t obscene or pornographic.Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Supreme Court Justices Hear Arguments in Religious Monument CaseTony Mauro11-13-2008The Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to give its blessing to a Utah town that rejected a small religious sect’s request to install a monument on public park land, even though the town accepted a Ten Commandments display in the same park 32 years earlier. Most justices during oral argument Wednesday seemed to oppose the idea that by accepting one, Pleasant Grove City had to accept the other because of the First Amendment’s bar against content-based speech discrimination by the government.”You have a Statue of Liberty; do we have to have a statue of despotism?” Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. asked. “Or do we have to put any president who wants to be on Mount Rushmore?”In the same vein, Justice Antonin Scalia wondered aloud if a city that allows any kind of memorial on public land would have to also permit “a monument to chocolate chip cookies” if a resident proposed it.But during oral arguments in the case Pleasant Grove City, Utah v. Summum, several justices also expressed discontent with the Court’s own First Amendment doctrines that make the Utah case so difficult to resolve. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled that the Summum memorial had to be accepted, because the park was a public forum where such discrimination is not allowed under the Court’s First Amendment rulings.Under Court precedent it also appears that the only way a municipality could say yes to the Ten Commandments display and no to the Summum group’s “Seven Aphorisms” monument is to define the Ten Commandments memorial as a form of speech by the city government, rather than private religious speech. The Court has ruled that when the government speaks it can pick and choose its messages, adopting some and rejecting others.Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, arguing for Pleasant Grove City, told the justices that monuments in the city’s park “have been selected by the government, are owned by the government, controlled by the government, and are displayed on government property. When the government is speaking, it is free from the traditional free speech constraints of the First Amendment.”Even that rule was questioned. Deputy Solicitor General Daryl Joseffer, arguing in support of the Utah city, said that because of the government speech doctrine, “the Vietnam Veterans Memorial did not open us up to a Viet Cong memorial.” In the same way that a library or a museum curator can select some works and not others, so can the government pick which events or beliefs to commemorate.But Justices Samuel Alito Jr. and John Paul Stevens asked whether that level of government discretion also means that in the case of the Vietnam Veterans memorial, the government could choose to exclude the names of veterans who espoused views the government did not like, or who were homosexuals. With apparent reluctance, Joseffer said those names could be excluded under First Amendment principles, though he said there could be equal protection or due process issues.Sekulow’s insistence on the “government speech” position also prompted some justices to warn him that if in fact the government was speaking when it favored the Ten Commandments over the Summum display, it could be in violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment, which has been interpreted to bar government endorsement of one religion over another.”It seems to me you’re walking into a trap under the establishment clause,” Roberts told Sekulow. “If it’s government speech, it may not present a free-speech problem, but what is the government doing speaking, supporting the Ten Commandments?”Sekulow noted that no establishment clause claim had been raised in Summum’s initial challenge to the city’s action. But several briefs filed in the case asserted that such a claim was precluded by 10th Circuit precedent.”This case is an example of the tyranny of labels,” said Justice Anthony Kennedy, a potential swing vote in the case. He was objecting to another set of First Amendment principles involved in the case — whether public park land, usually viewed as the classic public forum where all speakers are allowed, can be categorized as a nonpublic forum when it comes to placement of permanent monuments in limited public spaces.Pamela Harris, of counsel at O’Melveny & Myers, insisted on behalf of the Summum sect that in a public forum “the government may not favor one message over another.”But when justices asked how cities, practically speaking, could be selective in which memorials it would allow, Harris said there was a simple option. She said governments could formally “adopt any existing monuments as government speech” and announce that, henceforth, “these parks are available only to government displays.”Justices wrestled with Harris’ proposal, with Justice Antonin Scalia stating, “Ms. Harris, we need a clear rule here.” Scalia suggested it would be impractical for cities to investigate and adopt all the memorials on public lands.”It may be a very nice world,” said Scalia, “but it happens not to be the world under which our Constitution has subjected this country.”

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/55722.html WASHINGTON ? It’s no surprise to Steve Lowe that being an atheist is considered taboo. But when the head of the Washington Area Secular Humanists saw Sen. Elizabeth Dole’s “godless” campaign ad, he did something he’d done only once before ? he sent money to a political candidate. Turns out, Sen.-elect Kay Hagan got 3,600 contributions within 48 hours of Dole airing of the controversial ad, which centered on Hagan’s attendance at a fund-raiser at the Boston home of someone active in the atheist community. The Democrat from Greensboro had immediately used the “godless” ad as an e-mail fund-raising tool, and it paid off. “I told Hagan’s campaign, ‘This is the reason you’re getting money from me ? I want you to know this is not hurting you, this has helped you,’” said Lowe said, who gave $50 to Hagan and called Dole, R-N.C., several times to complain.

BLAIR SCOTT ON ANSWERS IN ATHEISM INTERNET RADIO THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2008 7 PM CST Blair Scott, National Affiliate Outreach Director & Alabama State Director for American Atheists will be the guest on Answers in Atheism Internet radio show. On Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 7 p.m. CST Mr. Scott will be the guest on Answers in Atheism Internet radio show, located online at http://answersinatheisim.net. The Answers in Atheism Internet radio show discusses issues related to Atheists and Atheism and is hosted by Edwin Kagin. The show starts at 7 p.m. CST and Mr. Scott will be the guest beginning at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Scott will be discussing American Atheists and the American Atheists Affiliate Program. In addition, in honor of Veteran?s Day, Mr. Scott will be discussing Operation Foxhole Atheists. Mr. Scott is a Foxhole Atheist veteran of the United States Navy. WHO & WHAT: Blair Scott appearing on Answers in Atheism Internet radio show. WHEN: Thursday, November 13 2008. The show starts at 7 p.m. Blair will come on at 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Answers in Atheism Internet radio show. Listen online at: http://www.answersinatheism.net MORE ON THE NET: Answers in Atheism: http://www.answersinatheism.net American Atheists: http://atheists.org National Affiliate Outreach Director: http://alabamaatheist.org/naod Alabama State Director: http://atheists.org/al Operation Foxhole Atheists: http://thenafa.org/ofa Blair Scott: http://alabamaatheist.org American Atheists is a nationwide movement which defends the civil rights of nonbelievers, works for the separation of church and state, and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy. American Atheists, Inc. PO Box 158 Cranford, NJ 07016 Tel: (908) 276-7300

DOWNEY, KAGIN, TABASH, ZINDLER ON ROSTER FOR WINTER SOLSTICE BASH,CENTER OPEN HOUSE!(AND DID WE MENTION FUNNY MAN MICHAEL WEISS?) AMERICAN ATHEISTS will host it annual Winter Solstice Bash and Open House Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008 Events include: * Dedication of the EDDIE TABASH CONFERENCE AND MEDIA STUDIO on Friday, coincident with an Open House at the American Atheist Center, 225 Cristiani St. in Cranford, NJ. We honor First Amendment activist Eddie Tabash with this state-of-the-art multimedia facility for meetings, social events, video taping, web casting, live press conferences and other outreach events. The Open House runs from 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 PM. The event is open to the public. * Tours of the newly remodeled CHARLES E. STEVENS AMERICAN ATHEISTS LIBRARY & ARCHIVES. This collection includes approximately 25,000 volumes of rare and current books covering the history of Atheism, Freethought, religion and related topics, along with nearly one million periodicals, pamphlets, letters, documents and other items. It is the largest private holding of such materials in the country, and perhaps the world. * The WINTER SOLSTICE 2008 BASH will be held at the nearby Crowne Plaza Hotel, 20 Valley Road in Clark, NJ, beginning at 11:30 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2008. At 4:00 PM, you’re invited back to the American Atheist Center for a live taping of The Atheist Viewpoint show. Host David Silverman will MC the Winter Solstice bash which includes a lavish buffet-style lunch ($34/person), Register on-line at http://www.atheists.org/wintersolstice.html. Make reservations with the Crowne Plaza Hotel directly and take advantage of our special rate at 732-574-0100. Be sure to mention that you are with American Atheists to qualify for the rate! Deadline for guaranteed reservations is November 27, so book now! * Join us for a blockbuster lineup of speakers and distinguished guests this weekend, including: * ED BUCKNER, the new President of American Atheists.* EDWIN KAGIN, National Legal Director* HELEN KAGIN, Cofounder with Edwin of Camp Quest* FRED EDWORDS, American Humanist Association* MARGARET DOWNEY, Atheist activist, founder of the Anti-Discrimination Project* FRANK ZINDLER, author, historian, Editor of American Atheist Magazine and…MICHAEL WEISS, Comic and Comic Producer looks at the Season with his unique brand of comedy! * DAVE SILVERMAN, National Communications Director * On Sunday, December 14, 2008 get together with the New Jersey Humanist Network for their annual celebration. Visit http://www.njhn.org . WHO & WHAT: Eddie Tabash, Ed Buckner, Edwin & Helen Kagin, Fred Edwords, Margaret Downey, Frank Zindler, Michael Weiss & more at the annual Winter Solstice Bash and celebration weekend hosted by American Atheists WHEN: December 12-14, 2008 WHERE: The American Atheists Center, 225 Cristiani St. in Cranford, NJ, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Clark NJ. MORE INFO and to register on line: http://www.atheists.org/wintersolstice.html (AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for nonbelievers; labors for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)

This post is dedicated to the millions and millions of atheists who have served, or currently serve, our country in the armed forces. Thank you.www.maaf.info Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkershttp://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/ Military Religious Freedom Foundation

http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/smalko1.htmhttp://www.atheists.org/flash.line/smalko3.htmFrom: Edwin Kagin, National Legal Director for American AtheistsTo: The Board of Directors and the Membership of American Atheists.Date: October 30, 2008.It is my distinct professional and personal pleasure to announce that the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, at Oklahoma City, by American Atheists against the Hardesty, Oklahoma public school and certain named officials has been dismissed as settled. The order was filed yesterday, October 29, 2008. It is now part of history.I am not at liberty to make public the terms of the settlement agreement, but both the monetary considerations, and the assurances provided by the defendants, were satisfactory to American Atheists, were approved by the past and present Presidents of American Atheists, Frank Zindler and Ed Buckner, and were of such a character that I recommended that American Atheists accept the settlement.This case arose out of what we alleged was a denial of civil rights, and a conspiracy to violate civil rights, by state actors in Oklahoma against members of the Smalkowski family and other members of American Atheists. The Smalkowski family has made its own separate settlement with the defendants. Our lawsuit was based on the denial of civil rights to Atheists in the Oklahoma school, using the treatment of the Smalkowskis as evidence for this claim, and seeking redress for Atheists.This case was filed just over two years ago. The history of what happened is contained in the following writings, that have previously appeared nationally, regarding the events that formed the cause of action for the Federal lawsuit. The factual background is a matter of public record.A special ?thank you? goes to attorney Richard Rice of Oklahoma City who served as local counsel on this case. Rick is a Christian. He made that clear to me from the outset. And he believes in the rights secured by our Constitution. And he fought for them. Without his most competent and professional assistance, the result announced today could not have been achieved. On this issue, we are in the same line.We thank the Smalkowski family for their praise of our efforts on their behalf and we wish them well in their future undertakings.Edwin KaginNational Legal DirectorAmerican Atheists, Inc.PO Box 666Union, KY 41091E-mail:ekagin@atheists.org

I am going to be interviewed on a radio program tomorrow that’s sponsored by Minnesota Atheists. The show will be available sometime tomorrow by podcast but to hear it live, here’s the details. To access the show live at 0900 Sunday, go to am950ktnf.com and provide a Minnesota zip code (I’ve been told one to use is 55126). Kathleen Here’s more details: “Atheists Talk” Radio Program Notes for November 9, 2008″Atheists in the Military” – Atheists Talk #044 – Nov. 9, 2008This week we have a Veteran’s Day Special. Yes, there are atheists in foxholes, who serve bravely and honorably along side their religious colleagues. (”God and Country” is a false union.) What is it like to be an atheist in the military? There have been reports of persecution by evangelical Christians against atheists, Jews, Muslims, Catholics, and anyone else who does not have the “proper beliefs.” What is being done about this? Mikey Weinstein and Kathleen Johnson will give us a report from the front lines.Produced by Minnesota Atheists. Directed by August Berkshire. Hosted by Bjorn Watland.

URL: http://change.gov/Featured PostNovember 7, 2008Barack Obama Launches a New Website – Change.govBarack Obama seems to be keeping his promise of change, starting with a website. Today the site change.gov was launched. The site is an open platform, that hopes to engage the American people in the governmental process. From The Raw Story… The official website of US President-elect Barack Obama for his transition to the White House, www.change.gov, went online on Thursday inviting users to offer their ideas for the future of the country. Under the headline of “Open Government,” the website asks readers to “Share Your Vision” via email.”The story of the campaign and this historic moment has been your story,” the website states. “Share your story and your ideas, and be part of bringing positive lasting change to this country.” The website’s homepage notes that it’s “75 days until inauguration,” when Obama is to be sworn in as president on January 20, 2009. It also features a quote from Obama: “Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today