In this issue:
On December 20, 2001, Governor John Engler signed House Bill 5091 into law. This legislation encourages state and local government agencies to post the national motto, "In God We Trust", in public buildings throughout Michigan, including schools.
After dropping this bomb on the wall of separation between state and church, the fallout has begun to hit Michigan communities in the form of debates at city council meetings. According to the Oakland Press, the city of Auburn Hills passed a resolution to allow the posting of the motto there. Troy, a city that received press on donated posters intended for its schools, is deadlocked on the issue.
Arlene-Marie, Michigan State Director for American Atheists, said: "Regardless of what the Senate voted to do with it, it is not a historical motto. It is a religious motto. Our elected public officials--now more than ever since September 11--have been publicly stating that they have no respect for our First Amendment. I think that's a horrible thing to teach our children."
The federal court rulings on the national motto have cited "historical, symbolic, and ceremonial" roots for the motto, allowing it to stand up to a challenge in the mid-1990s. However, the national motto has no historical roots in Michigan, and all discussions regarding the posting of it have been about expressing "faith and trust in God" and restoring "religious values". No mention of a secular purpose for the posting of the motto has been made--a characteristic that the federal courts have historically considered in rulings on state-church separation cases.
TopMichigan Atheists will be holding a political planning session at the China Star Palace in Westland at noon.
Some of the items that will be placed on the table include:
Michigan legislation:
Meet us at noon at the China Star Palace, 270 S. Wayne Road, Westland, MI, between Palmer and Cherry Hill (close to Cherry Hill & across the street from K-Mart). Plan to order lunch from the menu. Please let Arlene-Marie know if you plan to attend this important event. You may contact Arlene at amarie@atheists.org, or call her at 313-388-9594.
Please park at the rear of the restaurant.
TopSince September 11, some people have decided that the public religiosity displayed by politicians has created a free-for-all to not only express religion wherever and whenever possible (including public venues), but also bash Atheists and ignore the First Amendment at will. Recently, this sentiment has manifested itself in the media in many ways; notably, media pundits such as William F. Buckley, Bill O'Reilly, and Sean Hannity have attacked Atheists openly.
In Michigan, especially with the recent signing of HB 5091, some people have been calling for everything from the posting of the national motto in schools to reintroduction of prayer and bible recitation for students. Even more disturbing are the open attacks from Michigan residents on their Atheist neighbors. Many opinions have been written in Michigan newspapers that express a "so what" attitude in regards to the possibility of anti-separation legislation offending Atheists. In the Oakland Press, one person went as far as attacking the late Madelaine Murray O'Hair, calling her a "hateful woman", and adding her "bet" that O'Hair's last words were "God help me".
In spite of the negativity and insensitivity directed toward Atheists, there is positive news: some media venues are seeking out statements from Atheists, and Atheist opinions do appear with frequency in newspapers. In addition, activism has proven effective, even if it has not been publicized in some cases. One example involved the slogan, "God Bless America", appearing on Michigan road signs. Two letters from one Atheist caused the silent, unpublicized removal of the slogan. It may not have received media attention, but this activist did not have to see the slogan on tax-funded equipment on his way to and from work.
Another example occurred in a boutique frequented by another Atheist. This boutique displayed a "God Bless America" sign in the front of the building. The shopper encountered the store manager, expressing her resolve to stop patronizing the establishment if the signage was not removed. Soon after, the sign disappeared.
Standing up for oneself as an Atheist may attract some undesirable attention, but the above examples demonstrate that it can be effective and beneficial. With the looming possibility of the motto that appears on our money (do you correct your currency?) intruding in Michigan schools, it is important that Atheist adults take preventive measures to keep Atheist children out of the challenge. Write your city council, your mayor, your school board, your newspapers, and anyone else you can think of to keep religious intrusion out of the schools and the public treasury.
Do you know when your city coucil meetings are held? Do you know the names of your community officials? Do you know if your community's tax code violates the First Amendment? It is in an Atheist's best interest to be involved in these issues. We must continue to repair, rebuid, and maintain the wall of separation between state and church. Let other citizens believe what they will. Insulting them or tormenting them has the effect of putting them on the defensive, with the possible result of any variety of retaliation. Let your fellow citizens do what they will with their private lives, but do not allow them to walk over you.
If you have a story where your individual activism has worked for you, we would love to hear and, with your permission, publish it.
TopIn addition to contributions of news stories and commentary, Michigan Atheist News welcomes your stories about coming out as Atheists. If you have not yet come out of the closet, you are welcome to tell us your situation. If you would like some help and support in this regard, please visit www.atheists.org, come to one of our events, or contact Arlene-Marie at amarie@atheists.org.
Topfrom American Atheists
*NOTE: Some Atheists in Michigan have expressed an interest in carpooling to the national convention. If you are interested, please contact Arlene-Marie at amarie@atheists.org.
Join us at the luxurious Hyatt Harborside Hotel in Boston Massachusetts for the 28th National Convention of American Atheists. This year's event includes the usual blockbuster roster of speakers, along with workshops, social events, a memorable luxury cruise of Boston Harbor, a trip to historic Salem, and much more!
The 2002 National Convention will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the historic BAIRD v. EISENSTADT (1972) case which reversed the conviction of pro-choice activist Bill Baird, who was tried, convicted and jailed for violating a repressive law criminalizing the mere act of providing birth control information to women. After five years of legal battling, 21 judges and six courts, Bill Baird finally prevailed. We honor him and this historic case which laid the groundwork for another historic decision in ROE v. WADE. Mr. Baird is one of our featured speakers at this year's Convention.
Other speakers (confirmed) include:
(Visit the Convention web site at http://www.atheists.org/convention as more outstanding speakers are confirmed!)
We also include a "Jump-start" event on Thursday, March 28, 2002 -- a trip to historic Salem. This fascinating tourist attraction includes the famous Salem Witch Museum, House of the Seven Gables, Maritime National Historic Site, along with a bevy of eateries and other destination activities.
WHAT: The 28th National Convention of American Atheists WHEN: March 29-31, 2001 (Jump-start Thursday, March 28) WHERE: Boston, Massachusetts MORE INFORMATION: http://www.atheists.org/conventionTop
The Michigan Atheists Newsletter is an electronic publication containing news about separation of state and church, the events of Michigan Atheists, and the civil rights of Michigan's godless citizens. All content of the newsletter is the intellectual property of Greg Reich and Michigan Atheists, unless otherwise credited.
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