The Secular Coalition For America has released some suggested resolutions on which I cannot improve. Check them out, watch the video, and do as you see fit!
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In the video: The Media seem to be testing candidates religious credentials for office. I wonder if this means that the media is biased, or is merely kowtowing to religious factions which they believe are the main constituents of their audience.
The suggested resolutions are of value. 1.I do not go about shouting my beliefs or values, but when the situation is appropriate I do not flinch about them.
2.I would like to join a local group. However, this city I am in seems overly religious in nature. The nearest person that I know certainly is an atheist is over 20 miles away. Not saying there are not others, but they are invisible.
3.I have worn clothing expressing my belief in evolution. To wear anything more provocative here might lead to me becoming a walking torch, instead of billboard.
4.Help build the secular constituency in my own political party. Wow, again, am I alone here in this burg?
5. Keep up with issues that affect me.
Yes. I am doing this.
6.Become a super e activist. I try to do this.
7.Become a citizen lobbyist. Gee, I don’t know. I had trouble with presentations in front of class.
8.write letters to the editor and call radio shows. I can write, I’ll do that. Local radio is dead.
9.Give my time or money to groups that share my secular views. I gladly do that already.
I hope I am not too tepid in my committment.
I wonder why American Atheists is not a member of the Secular Coalition of America?
Tarma, Many things to consider on that. They ARE being considered.
DW, I ASSURE you, you are not along in your burb. Everyone else is closeted.
Thanks, Dave. I’m sure there are pros and cons, but I just was wondering. It seems like it would be useful for AA to cooperate more frequently with other, like organizations. More productive and efficient for AA and for the other organizations, and it might make our voice more powerful.
Bummer…
A “well informed electorate” is the greatest thing that can happen for America…
Wow, I guess I need some help here, what the hell did phreedumb’s post mean? Did he get drunk and pass out in the middle?
Whatever, meaningless.
Dave, we already talked about this, that it’s two different things, keeping religion out of politics and elections, and keeping it out of legislation. It’s okay to keep on doing what you do, if you’ve found your niche. I think no one should pressure to do more unless those who know you better than I do think you can play an important part in a bigger role. Make Jesus proud, earn your berth in heaven!! That was a joke, put down your pitchforks!!
NeoWolfe
I argue with the religious every chance I get, but I still don’t like putting myself in places where I’m outnumbered. I’ll mostly give a lecture to no more than 3 to 5
i broke up with a girl tonight because im atheist and she couldnt see me in her future. this sucks. i cant lie and pretend to be a jesus freak if im not.
The Secular Coalition for American should just organize a picket of that interfaith event. American Atheists too. I would love to help spread the word about that. Here in Austin I’m sure there will be at least a small demonstration at the state capitol building against Obama. I could introduce our inaugural beef to them.
During Bush’s big inaguration demonstration, some of our picketers managed to get on TV news. I believe AA received a copy of that too.
I think it’s also important to show the world that Atheist and separationist groups are more interested in accomplishing our separation goals, rather than siding with one president or another. Bill Clinton comes to mind, when he began to display more religiosity than most presidents ever had before. AA complained, and I’m glad, even though I still like Bill.
I think Christians in the Democratic Party vs. Christians in the Republican Party are kind of like Hertz vs. Avis. The second most powerful party has to try harder, to look like the better Christian political party.
I’m just glad OJ Simpson isn’t running through airports for either party now, so to speak.
By the way, if you think Obama isn’t picket-worthy, just wait. I thought I could never disagree with Bill Clinton that much, but it happened, though I didn’t actually get to a Clinton picket. I wasn’t aware at the time. It’s good to become aware.
Joe Zamecki
Austin, Texas
dw said: 2.I would like to join a local group. However, this city I am in seems overly religious in nature. The nearest person that I know certainly is an atheist is over 20 miles away. Not saying there are not others, but they are invisible.
dw, Where do you live? AA has helped create and worked with lots of Atheist groups inside the very center of the eye of the conservative Christian hurricane, if we can think of conservative Bible Belt cities like that. There are also a lot of news Atheist groups that just aren’t on the radar yet enough to be found right now.
We have found that no matter where an Atheist lives, there is at least one other Atheist near them. The first step is just so scary, and that’s very understandable.
I think a step that’s more scary would be to come out to one’s own family, so if you’re beyond that point, and if there really isn’t an Atheist group near you, I say make your own group. There is an Atheist Grapevine online to help you get Atheists out of the shadows there and into a coffee shop with you. Something like that. That’s how most Atheist groups got started.
Plus there may be an AA state director near you, or other AA activist. Some of our most active people are in small towns in the most conservative states. And loving it!
)
Joe Zamecki
Austin, Texas
hurricane7272,
Hang in there and be true to yourself. You are right – you’ll never be happy if you lie about it. Lots of agnostic, free thinking, and atheist ladies out there (or even more tolerant believers), so keep looking
thanks
hurricane7272
Sorry that you’re hurting. Here’s a little levity from Rodney Dangerfield:
“My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met.”
I meet other athiests around our Unitarian-Universalist congregations….
also at the Ethical Humanist Society in our area…
I’m so grateful to Michael Newdow and others for the great work they are doing- our true freedom fighters
Shame on Dr Lowery for participating religiously in the inauguration ceremony..
Twanya
Freeport NY
Joe Z.
I don’t want an enemy out of you for sure, but stop for a second to understand that this point in history is not about you. The upcoming president who arguably has the highest IQ of any previous, you want to distract him by marching against his religious views, deliberately attempt to erode his public support, as he tries to rescue the global economy. As he tries, and needs support from the entire country, and already the republicans criticize for acting, and not acting, and he’s not even president yet.
Just my opinion, for what it’s worth. Maybe you can wait while he deals with the entire global future of humanity before he puts it on his agenda to throw you a bone. Clue: It’s not about you. It’s also not about me.
But, Joe, it is about us. Pissed off makes a good banner. Clear thought makes a creative solution.
NeoWolfe
I signed the resolution.
Maybe our new leadership of American Atheists will consider cooperating with other groups more now than in the past. They wanted a separate identity, but all non-believers need to stick together when they have similar goals. We need to make the politicians aware that we area voting bloc also.