In this issue:
On Wednesday, May 1, at 4:00pm, we will be meeting at Southfield Shopping Center on Southfield Rd between 12 Mile Rd and 13 Mile Rd to protest the use of Star Jones as the spokesperson for Payless Shoe Source.
Star Jones has repeatedly stated that she would not vote for an Atheist for President, regardless of any qualifications the Atheist may have. She apparently believes that Atheists do not have the moral character to make command decisions. She also said that an Atheist could baby-sit her kids ("maybe"), but would not get her vote.
We are protesting the use of Star Jones by Payless Shoe Source because using a spokesperson who is an obvious bigot seems to condone the behavior. We want to make Payless aware of the bigotry, and we want to make the public aware of it, as well. So far, Payless Shoe Source has yielded no comments on the issue, although they have received many letters from Atheists in various parts of the country.
The Anti-Discrimination Support Network (ADSN) has become involved in this protest, and have helped Atheists in California to organize their protest. Arlene-Marie, Michigan's State Director, adapted the following flyer from the flyer used in California:
DON’T SUPPORT BIGOTRY
(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
"Here's a toast to Ms. Star Jones,Top
of bigotry she makes no bones.
For while the very best she slanders,
to the common mob she glibly panders."
--Bradley Sampeer, Michigan Atheists Literature Coordinator
Bill Flory, ACLU lobbyist from Lansing, spoke with about 25 Michigan Atheists yesterday at China Star restaurant in Westland. Bill gave a short talk on the ACLU, the Michigan Legislature, and his role in the ACLU, which is basically to run the Lansing office (he IS the Lansing office, at the moment), sit in on Senate and House Committee meetings, give legislative analysis of bills, and testify on behalf of the ACLU on bills that may reduce or violate the civil liberties of Michigan's citizens.
Bill opened himself to questions from the group, and received several regarding the separation of state and church. He also received questions on how to maneuver in Lansing. The questions and answers will be available soon on our website. Check out http://www.michiganatheists.org/whats_new.htm and look for the update within the next week.
Mr. Flory also passed on his e-mail address for any future questions. If you have a questions for Bill Flory about the ACLU or about the Michigan Legislature/laws, please e-mail him at lansing@aclumich.org. For information about the ACLU in Michigan, visit http://www.aclumich.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.
TopWe have been informed that the link to the Oakland Press article on our March press conference no longer functions. The Oakland Press site is searchable. If you go to http://www.theoaklandpress.com, click on Advanced Search below the search box, then enter "Atheists" in the 'Title' section, choose "Last 60 days" in the "Article from" section, and click on the "Go" button, the article will come up.
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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