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Michigan Atheists Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 5
Greg Reich, Editor
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March 22, 2003
*BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED WEBSITE AT:
http://www.michiganatheists.org


In this issue:
-Rob St. Mary talks about Caro, MI discrimination case
-Michigan's godless march on Lansing
-Military veterans encouraged to come to godless march
-Summer solstice picnic
-Monthly Sunday brunches
-French journalists to attend May 4th Sunday brunch and Godless March
-Camp Quest of Michigan
-National convention in Chicago

ROB ST. MARY TALKS ABOUT DOCUMENTARY ON IMPORTANT CARO MI COURT CASE

On Sunday, March 16, Rob St. Mary, an Atheist from Bad Axe, MI, spoke at the China Star Palace on a federal court case that is important to Atheists nationwide. Rob is working on a documentary film on the events leading up to and surrounding the case.
This case involves Anonka, a Michigan Atheist who owns a museum and store in Caro, MI, her request for the removal of a creche placed on public property, and the events following her request.
In December of 2001, Anonka and her daughter went before the local government to request that a large nativity scene that includes a small barn and several statues be removed from the courthouse lawn. The request came during a part of the public meeting where local citizens were allowed five minutes to speak on issues concerning them. After Anonka made her request, she was cut short of her five minutes, and several of the elected officials ridiculed and angrily abused her verbally. Several citizens that were present also joined in the verbal assault.
Anonka enlisted the legal assistance of Jean Marie Hansen, who spoke at the Michigan Atheists' State Convention in November of 2002. Hansen put together a case that involved violations of several laws, including the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution, portions of Michigan's constitution, one international treaty, and several others. In a judgement/opinion issued in January of 2003, the Sixth Circuit Federal Court dismissed all but the violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.
The case that is currently being built includes the Fourteenth Amendment violation, as well as RICO violations. The legal system prosecutes those conspiring together in an organized fashion to commit crime under the RICO laws. This conspiracy was the focus of Rob St. Mary's speech.
One item that Rob mentioned was the absence of Anonka's initial request for the creche removal in the minutes of the meeting where it was made. The court statement that was issued in January carried details of the defendants' explanation for this omission. It said that the council keeps "other notes" aside from the official minutes, and there is both a rough draft and a final draft for every session; the latter is brought forward for approval at the next council meeting. Apparently, this set of minutes was the rare circumstance where "other notes" were kept.
A second bit of evidence mentioned was a campaign where a Rev. Tim Tidwell of the New Creation Church urged his parishioners, as well as other ministers and their parishioners, to put large wooden crosses in their windows. The crosses are all over Caro, and several business owners who have been interviewed say that they have the symbols in their windows because they fear a boycott if they do not comply.
Rob revealed that the local newspaper appears to be involved, as well. When the creche case went public, several letters in support of Anonka, though issued in time to be published in the paper, were completely ignored. The only opinions published were the opinions that denounced Anonka's actions. Different reports reveal that anywhere from 20 to 30 letters in favor of the nativity scene removal were ignored by the newspaper's editor.
Last Fall, when the council in Caro was approving items regarding the 2002 creche display (dubiously "secularized" with toy soldiers and various other non-religious symbols of the holiday season, per a recent Supreme Court ruling), people on Anonka's side asked to put up a "No Hate" display on the courthouse lawn, which the defendants testified was a public forum, where no known requests for displays, demonstrations, or campaigns had been turned down, as far as they knew. The request for the No Hate display was not turned down, but it was referred to another part of the local government, then given the run-around until it was lost in the shuffle. All the while, the nativity scene, with tax-funded electricity lighting it on tax-supported property, remained on display.
A local government worker revealed that the nativity scene had been stored at the local high school, the water department, and basement of the Downtown Development Association building, all tax-supported venues. The defendants in the case have testified that no public money goes toward the maintenance or storage of the display, and that it is privately owned.
Finally, a parking lot that is part of the deed for Anonka's museum was confiscated without notice, hearings, or anything else that resembled due process, as required by the Fourteenth Amendment.
The effects of this important civil rights case have been devastating for Anonka and her family. She is a 65-year-old grandmother with a heart condition. She has received several death threats; one man has screamed the threats in her face, and nobody has done anything to him. Property was stolen from her, and a trail of religious tracts were left behind. Her nine-year-old grandson has been pulled from school because of constant harassment. And, in spite of the court case naming her an Atheist, and in spite of Anonka telling interviewers that she is an Atheist, the newspapers and other media always refer to her and her daughter as "the witch" or "the witches", rather than using their real names.
Local residents have been seen forcibly blocking Anonka's museum, and she has lost business since the case began.

THE CASE IN CARO: AN EDITORIAL
Greg Reich
I have read the court's opinion regarding this case, and it drives home to me the importance of Jean Marie Hansen's speech last November: the opinion relies completely on precedent, rather than on doing what is right. It appeared that the Sixth District Court could do nothing unless they could find a precedent to back it up. It is my sincere hope that Jean can obtain victory on the basis of the Fourteenth Amendment and RICO violations--reliance on precedent caused the court to drop other serious charges.
I have seen Anonka, Rob St. Mary, and Jean Marie Hansen speak about this case and events leading up to and surrounding it. The emotions that they cannot hide in their voices reveal their frustration and anger at the legal jungle they have to navigate because ignorant people in a small town believe that their right to be Christians is under attack. Their intolerance looks bad for Christians everywhere, but it is not at all surprising. Their Bible, in whatever version, is very clear on how to deal with witches, Atheists, pagans, and anyone else who does not fall under "God's chosen". It says that Atheists are filthy fools who do nothing good. It prescribes death sentences for Atheists, pagans, witches, and multitudes of others. The Bible is full of intolerance, but Christians would have us believe that it's all about a loving god, and that being a Christian means loving your fellow humans. We're seeing a wonderful example of Christian love in Caro: a family of people who are not Christians stood up and said that they do not want to be treated like second-class citizens, and they've been scorned, ridiculed, and generally violated.
It is obvious from reading the Bible and seeing a real-life example of people who take it literally that the message is clearly: "Love one another, but do not tolerate anyone else." The behavior of government officials in Caro is a classic example of why all of Michigan's godless citizens must stand up together and:

JOIN US AT THE MICHIGAN'S GODLESS MARCH ON LANSING

On May 10, 2003, all of Michigan's godless citizens will have the opportunity to come together and tell Michigan's state and local government officials that we are here, and we deserve the same treatment as every other citizen of Michigan. We will be meeting at the state capitol at noon at the Front East Porch and East Lawn. Speakers from Michigan's various godless groups will address those in attendance.
This godless demonstration is built on the success of the Godless Americans' March on Washington, where over 3,000 godless citizens of all varieties came together to demand equal treatment from the U.S. government, and to tell the government that we do not want our tax dollars to pay for religion.
In addition to the Caro case, we have many reasons to demonstrate. One of the reasons is painted on the floor of the rotunda of the Capitol Building in Lansing: "In God We Trust". Public Act 181 encouraged all state and local government officials to post the national religious slogan in public buildings and on public property. The Legislature used a mid-90s federal court decision to justify the posting of the slogan, where the court opined that "In God We Trust" is no more than a statement of ceremonial deism, expressing preference for no god in particular. However, the rhetoric leading up to, surrounding, and following the public act included talk of "our nation's religious heritage". The American Family Association, led by Gary Glenn, actively offered to donate "In God We Trust" posters to communities throughout the state, demonstrating clearly which god the slogan means. Anyone who knows the history of the slogan knows that it comes originally from a member of the National Reform Association, a group dedicated to making the United States an officially Christian nation.
The national motto, its appearance on our currency, "under God" in the Pledge, and the mention of a creator in the Declaration of Independence are all used by elected officials with a religious agenda to justify legislation that secures establishment of religion or diverts money to faith-based organizations. In 2001, the Legislature approved a license plate, 50% of the fees of which are diverted to the Salvation Army, in direct violation of Michigan's Constitution, which forbids money from Michigan's treasury to support religion or religious institutions.
After September 11, 2001, several pieces of legislation were introduced that did not pass, but could be introduced again, especially in this time of war. One bill promoted posting the Ten Commandments in the public schools. Another blasted evolution, demanding equal time for creationism. One required couples seeking divorce to get counseling, giving them the option of going to clergy, with the only other options being expensive professionals (clearly, this is not an option for Michigan's godless).
A law that Gary Glenn of the AFA invoked to stop a sex education program in Novi requires two members of local clergy to be on any board that makes decisions on a sex education curriculum (Novi did not include clergy on its board). This same law promotes only the teaching of abstinence as a positive lifestyle for unmarried couples. Birth control methods may not be displayed or distributed.
In all, there are 38 laws on Michigan's books that violate the separation of state and church, but Michigan's preamble to its constitution says: "We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, and earnestly desiring to secure these blessings undiminished to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution." This preamble is from the Constitution of 1963; the religious wording did not exist in the original Constitution of 1835. Clearly, the authors of the 1963 wording did not have Michigan's godless citizens in mind, and were mirroring the anti-Communist hysteria of the Cold War, where religiosity was equated to patriotism.
To show your support, your intention to attend, and/or your willingness to speak at this event, visit http://www.michiganatheists.org/gamol_1.htm. Please print and fill out the form, and send it to Arlene-Marie at the address on the form.
To those who have sent financial contributions to support this historic event, thank you. If you would like to contribute financially, please send your check or money order payable to Arlene-Marie to PO Box 0025, Allen Park, MI 48101.
For more information on this event, please e-mail amarie@atheists.org.

CALLING ALL VETERANS AND FAMILIES WITH ATHEISTS IN ACTIVE SERVICE

At the May 10th godless demonstration in Lansing, we invite all military veterans and families with Atheists in active military service to stand up and show our support for all Atheists that are currently involved in the war in Iraq.
Whatever your feeling about Bush's policy and the war in general, it has often been said--and, most recently and notably, by Tom Brokaw of NBC News--that there are no Atheists in foxholes. We know that this isn't true, of course; many soldiers actually lose any faith they may have had while involved in war. To drive the point home, at last November's Godless March on Washington, Kathleen Johnson of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers invited all veterans present to come to the stage. Long after the stage was too full to hold any more veterans, more people were filing up to stand in front of the stage. It was strong testimony to Atheist presence in military service to see the multitude of veterans present at the Godless March.
We would like to show our support for our godless troops, who have been forgotten by their overtly religious commander-in-chief, George Bush, and by members of the media that repeat the "no Atheists in foxholes" falsehood.

SUMMER SOLSTICE PICNIC

Pack your picnic basket with fried chicken, potato salad, veggies, deviled eggs, fruit, sandwiches, chips, cup cakes, or whatever. Bring your days eats and something to share. We will provide cups, plates, napkins, and forks. Note: grills are available, but you must bring all your grilling needs. Other things you might want to bring: jacket, baseball stuff, cards, lawn games, board games, lawn chair, and maybe an umbrella if it looks like rain. (we will have a pavilion) Don’t forget your kids, dogs, and friends. Plan to stay into the evening. We’ll have plenty of daylight. Join us rain or shine!!!! WHEN: Sunday, June 22, 2003 We will gather at Noon
WHERE: Tattan Park, Westland (Pavilion #2) S of Ford Rd. N of Cherry Hill, E of Newburgh Rd. W of Wayne Rd. Take Carlson/Central City Parkway to the site. Near the City Hall Need further info? Call Arlene 313-388-9594 E-mail: amarie@atheists.org <mailto:amarie@atheists.org>




MONTHLY SUNDAY BRUNCHES

Mark your calendars now and plan on joining us for a social/business meeting. Michigan Atheists will gather the first Sunday of the months: April 6, May 4, October 5, November 2, December 7 for the remainder of 2003
TIME: 10:00 AM till 1:00 PM
WHERE: House of Leon family dining 29041 W. Seven Mile, Livonia (810-478-3710 Located one block East of Middlebelt on South side of Seven Mile (Not to be confused with Leon’s across the street)
Here’s the plan: We will fill our plates at the fabulous breakfast buffet bar for $5.95, then take our breakfast downstairs were we will enjoy the privacy of their lovely banquet room, and the company of our Atheist friends. As always, reservations are appreciated. All Arlene (313)399-9495 or E-mail amarie@atheists.org <mailto:amarie@atheists.org>

FRENCH JOURNALISTS TO ATTEND GODLESS MARCH

Two French journalists, Sylvain and Richard Pak, are planning to attend our Sunday brunch on May 4th and our godless march on May 10th. They are planning on writing on various issues while they travel through the United States, one of which will be religion.
Sylvain's work has been published in French national titles such as Télérama, Biba,
Femme, L'Optimum, Medias, L'Entreprise, Management, etc.
Richard's work has been seen in The Independant Magazine, The Observer, Le Monde, Libération, Le Point, L'Express, Le Nouvel Observateur.
Please welcome our international guests with courtesy and respect.

CAMP QUEST OF MICHIGAN

Today, Edwin Kagin, originator and Director of Camp Quest, the nation's first secular camp for children, will meet with us in Lansing to speak to the new Camp Quest of Michigan staff and all other interested parties.
 
Thanks to the outstanding efforts of Camp Quest of Michigan Director, Leonard Zanger, Michigan's first campsite location and dates will be formally announced at that time.  In addition to what one normally associates with camp activities (swimming, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, art and music), Camp Quest includes activities and instruction on secular ethics, science, history, literature and critical thinking. 

If you are interested in enrolling your child/children, becoming a staff member, counselor, instructor, or just want to learn more about Camp Quest, please contact Leonard Zanger at Leonard.Zanger@comaupico.com.



A BLOCKBUSTER LINEUP OF SPEAKERS, WORKSHOPS, AWARDS
                    EVENTS AND MUCH MORE AT
          AMERICAN ATHEISTS NATIONAL CONVENTION!
       April 18-20, 2003  -- Chicago, Ill.

Have we got a convention for you!

American Atheists heads to Chicago for its 29th annual National
Convention.  Join us for a weekend of informative and exciting
speakers, workshops, awards banquets, tourism and much, much more!

* The luxurious, world-class Indian Lakes Resort is our venue for what
promises to be our biggest and best convention yet.  Special room
rates are in effect from April 14-25, which allow you, friends and
family to make a "mini-vacation" of it and see the great attractions
the Chicago area offers.  There's everything from T-Rex Sue at the
Field Museum to the Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science & Industry
and other destination venues.

* A blockbuster line-up of speakers!

-- Kimberly Blaker, Editor of "The Fundamentals of Extremism: The
Christian Right in America"

-- Dr.  Robert T.  Pennock, Philosopher and author of "Tower of Babel:
The Evidence Against the New Creationism."

-- Eddie Tabash, Constitutional Attorney, candidate for public office
and a key voice speaking out to encourage Atheists and other
nonbelievers to enter the electoral arena.

-- Jonathan Levy, Attorney suing the Vatican Bank for restitution of
World War II looted funds

-- Gottfried Nimietz, Attorney and former member of the Freiburg
(Germany) City Council speaking on "blasphemy" and human rights.

-- Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, Chair of the Godless
Americans Task Force

-- Normal Bob Smith, Irreverent and humorous host of JesusDressUp.com

-- Helen Radkey, Researcher and author speaking on post-mortem Mormon
Baptism abuse

-- Frank Zindler, Linguist and Historian unveiling his new book on the
alleged historicity of Jesus

-- Conrad Goeringer, Editor of AANEWS, speaking on "Muhammad Is From
Mars, Jesus Is From Venus -- Secularism, Pluralism and Taming
Organized Religion."

There's plenty more at the Convention, too!

* Annual meeting of the Military Atheists and Freethinkers

* Workshop and Leadership Training for State Directors

* Annual Awards Banquet

On Sunday, April 20, join us for another luxury cruise -- this time
aboard the spectacular Odyssey II as we tour the Chicago lakefront.
This first-class excursion features a sumptuous buffet brunch, live
entertainment, and incredible views.

Indian Lakes Resort is convenient to the Chicago transit lines which
allow easy access to the Downtown Loop and the incredible tourist
attractions this wonderful city has to offer!  Along with museums
there are exciting and informative tours, noted eateries and bistros,
and plenty of entertainment.  Get together with your fellow Atheists
for the weekend, or make a "mini vacation" by extending your stay.

* REGISTER ON LINE using our convenient secure-transaction server.
Just visit
<http://www.atheists.org/convention>http://www.atheists.org/convention.
And join us for "the
big one" April 18-20, 2003 in Chicago

WHAT: American Atheists 29th annual National Convention

WHERE: Chicago, Ill.

WHEN: April 18-20, 2003 with extended special rates on all rooms

MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER:
http://www.atheists.org/convention


ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER
If you have news to contribute, please send it to Greg Reich at miatheistnews@aol.com. The main intention of this newsletter is to inform Atheists and other godless citizens in Michigan of news and events pertaining to us, and call us to action when necessary. However, as time and space allows, opinions and other special sections may be added. Advertising is welcome, and will go to fund a hard-copy version of the newsletter. If you have friends who would be interested in subscribing to this electronic newsletter, please have them send their subscription request to miatheistnews@aol.com. If you have friends without computers who would be interested, feel free to print and distribute as many copies as you like.

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