In this issue:
On May 1, Michigan Atheists will be protesting Payless ShoeSource for their use of Star Jones as their spokesperson. We will have the following information on a handout, explaining why we're protesting:
DON’T SUPPORT BIGOTRYTop
(Star Jones, Walk a Mile in Our Shoes!)
> Star Jones, the consumer ambassador for Payless ShoeSource, has repeatedly encouraged prejudice against unbelievers on TV (The View):
- “But everyone was mad when I said on the television that I wouldn't vote for an Atheist” – The View, January 22, 2001
- “..you could baby-sit my kids—possibly—but that doesn't mean you would get my vote” – The View, January 22, 2001
> Would it be OK to say that a Jew, a Muslim, a Hindu, an African-American, a Chinese-American, or a woman, might possibly be good enough to baby-sit but not to vote for? It’s just as prejudiced and bigoted when said about unbelievers.
> Star Jones’ website has a wonderful quote: “The only dictionary in the world that defines me is me.” Why can’t Star Jones give that same courtesy to unbelievers—to allow them to define themselves and their job qualifications as individuals?
> A corporate spokesperson who arrogantly spreads prejudice about an entire population is reckless and tarnishes the image of Payless Shoe Source. Payless ShoeSource should remove Star Jones as its consumer ambassador. If Payless ShoeSource wants to sell shoes to ALL Americans, they must realize that Americans are more than just people who believe in a god. We come in all colors, shapes and sizes, with a diversity of creeds and ideologies.
> Regardless of your religious views, you probably don’t want to support bigotry either. Write a letter to Payless Shoe Source at the address below in support of diversity and respect for ALL Americans. Ask the company to reconsider its appointment of Star Jones in favor of someone doesn’t encourage prejudice and stereotyping of any American. In addition, let Star Jones know how you feel about her disparaging and intolerant comments.
> If you are a nonbeliever, the Anti-Discrimination Support Network (ADNS) is sponsoring a campaign called “Star Jones, Walk a Mile in My Shoes!” Write to Star Jones and tell her what it is like to be an Atheist in America. Include with your letter a pair of old shoes, so that Star Jones can “walk a mile” in an Atheist’s shoes before making any further bigoted remarks. Send Payless a copy of your letter.
Write to: STAR JONES
c/o The View
320 West 66th Street
New York, NY 10023
PROTESTING STAR JONES BIGOTRY
PAYLESS SHOESOURCE
P. O. Box 1189
Topeka, KS 66601
This demonstration is sponsored by:
Michigan Atheists
P.O. Box 0025
Allen Park, MI 48101
www.atheists.org/mi
The National Day of Prayer will be observed on May 2 this year. An event is planned in Lansing at the State Capitol, as well as other local events. Waterford's Chief of Police, John Dean, will be speaking to Christian students on the theme, "America United Under God".
This annual event is the result of an act of Congress signed by President Truman in 1952. President Reagan signed an act that amended the previous one to make it on the first Thursday in May every year. Defenders of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause maintain that public endorsement of such an event is unconstitutional.
Protest the public endorsement of this event by writing elected officials. A link useful for finding your elected officials at all levels may be found at http://www.michiganatheists.org/legislative_alerts.htm.
TopOn April 28, American Atheists will be having a very special guest speaker at the China Star restaurant in Westland. His name is William (Bill) Flory, lobbyist and the Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs for the ACLU of Michigan. Bill is on top of the First Amendment issues in Lansing, where he lives and works. Beyond that, Bill has a booming voice and a tremendous sense of humor. We thank him in advance for his willingness to make the long drive to address us.
Have your questions ready for Bill, and meet us at the China Star on Sunday, April 28, at 1:00pm (NOTE: This is an earlier time than usual). The buffet will be served at 2:00pm, and will include Tea, Coffee, Tomato Juice (cash bar available), Sweet & Sour Chicken, Almond Chicken, Pepper Steak, Stir Fried Vegetables, and Rice.
China Star's phone number is 734-326-1310. Please remember to park in the rear of the restaurant. Reservations are appreciated--please contact Arlene at 313-388-9594 or at amarie@atheists.org.
TopPack your picnic basket with fried chicken, potato salad, veggies, develed eggs, fruit, sandwiches, chips, cupcakes, or whatever. Bring your day's eats and something to share. We will provide cups, plates, napkins, and forks. NOTE: grills are not available. Other things you might want to bring include: jacket, baseball stuff, cards, lawn games, board games, lawn chair, and maybe an umbrella if it looks like rain (we have a pavilion reserved). 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 16 at Noon.
Where: Tattan Park, Westland (Pavilion #2)
South of Ford Rd, North of Cherry Hill, East of Newburgh Rd, West of Wayne Rd. Take Carlson/Central City Parkway to the site. It is near City Hall.
Need further info? Call Arlene at 313-388-9594, or e-mail her at amarie@atheists.org.
TopOn March 17, several representatives from American Atheists spoke against Public Act 184, which encourages state and local government agencies to prominently display "In God We Trust" in or on public property. An audience of 25 Atheists and 1 member from the Press listened intently while speakers revealed the history of the religious slogan, the harm that religion has done to societies past and present, the negative effect that posting "In God We Trust" will have in schools, and the incoherence of the slogan in the context of reality.
The fact that one member of the press showed up to this important event seems disheartening on the surface, but there are two factors that make his presence contribute to the success of this conference.
The first factor is that the member of the press in attendance was Steve Huber, who writes for The Oakland Press, which serves the county most directly and currently affected by Public Act 184. Troy, Rochester Hills, and Auburn Hills all fall under the circulation area of this newspaper.
The second factor is that The Oakland Press, which has a track record of being open to all sides of various issues, published Huber's article prominently across the top of page A5. It was difficult to miss the article, even for someone skimming quickly through it. Huber quoted two of the speakers, Arlene-Marie and Greg Reich, and obtained a reaction from Tom McMillin, Auburn Hills City Council Member (and former mayor). The article was favorable, for the most part.
Full texts of the speeches will be available very soon at http://www.michiganatheists.org. Check out the "What's New" section. The article from The Oakland Press may be found at: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=3574018&BRD=982&PAG=461&dept_id=4679927&rfi=8
The press conference was also captured on video, and copies may be made available soon. Look for upcoming details on our website.
Topfrom American Atheists
A bill to promote "student led" prayer in public schools cleared the Illinois State Assembly and moved to the Senate. American Atheists State Director Jim Senyszyn charges that the measure is unconstitutional and amounts to "legalized prayer bullying". Join Jim's campaign to keep public schools free of coercive religious proselytizing!
Visit the American Atheists website at http://www.atheists.org/flash.lin for news, analysis, and commentary.
Topfrom American Atheists
In a White House speech to supporters today, President Bush called upon the Senate to pass his "Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment Act of 2000." Mr. Bush told the nation that "the federal government should not discriminate against faith" when handing out tax dollars.
CARE has been introduced by Senators Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn) and Rick Santorum (R-PA). Supporters claim that the legislation would encourage voluntary private and philanthropic contributions to charitable groups, including houses of worship which operate faith-based social programs. They also say that the bill avoids constitutional and other problems found in earlier faith-based funding measures.
A Reuters news dispatch notes:
"Bush opens Cabinet meetings with a prayer and credits his Methodist faith with helping him quit drinking alcohol 15 years ago, has struggled to win congressional approval of his faith-based initiative, a plan that would let religious organizations help deliver federal social assistance ranging from aid to pregnant teens to help for the homeless."
THE PRESIDENT WANTS THE SENATE TO APPROVE A FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE BY MEMORIAL DAY--MAY 27
Lawmakers need to hear from you NOW!
Help us defeat the CARE-faith-based funding scheme! Visit http://www.atheists.org/action for more background on this legislation, and tips on contacting your US Senators!
TopThe 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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