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Michigan Atheists Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 11
Greg Reich, Editor
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September 6, 2003

In this issue:
-Brunch Meetings on September 7 and October 5
-Fall Equinox Dinner September 21
-Michigan Atheists State Convention 2003


MICHIGAN ATHEISTS MONTHLY BRUNCH

Michigan Atheists will be meeting for Sunday brunch on September 7 at 11:00am at the Denny's Restaurant in Westland, located at 7725 N Wayne Ave, by Westland Mall. We have a private area where we meet to socialize and conduct organizational business. Please join us this Sunday, and also on October 5 at the same time and location. For more information, contact Greg Reich at 248-352-2092 or at miatheistnews@aol.com.

MICHIGAN ATHEISTS FALL EQUINOX DINNER

Sunday, September 21, 2003 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Michigan Atheists will meet for our annual Fall Equinox dinner at China Star Palace in Westland. The price is $13.00 and includes tea, coffee, tomato juice, sweet & sour chicken, almond chicken, pepper steak, and stir fried vegetables. A cash bar is available. The China Star Palace is located at 270 S Wayne Ave, between Palmer and Cherry Hill. Please park in the bank parking lot next door.

Featured at this year's dinner will be:
Clean Money! There once was a time when our currency bore no religious slogans. While we may be forced to scribble over "In God We Trust" on all of our modern greenbacks, you will have the opportunity to obtain clean $1 bills at this September's Fall Equinox dinner. Thanks to Dillard Henderson anyone who attends will get a crisp, clean $1 bill that is conspicuously without the words "In God We Trust". These pre-religious-tampering US dollar bills will be available in a plastic display envelope for the modest donation to Michigan Atheists of at least $7. This is a must-have for any thinking American. It is living proof that the US was not founded on Christian principles, rather the current state of religious tampering with our government is an aberration that must be stopped.

Speaking: Greg Reich, Newsletter Editor and Research Coordinator, Michigan Atheists. Coordinator, Caro Protest.
Greg will speak about two of Michigan Atheists' most recent successes - the Godless March on Lansing and the protest in Caro, Michigan. The Godless March on Lansing was the first godless march on a state capitol and attracted no fewer than 79 demonstrators, speakers, and foreign press. The protest in Caro was organized to show support for a fellow Atheist, Anonka, who has faced intimidation, physical threats, economic persecution, and more at the hands of Tuscola County officials due to their prejudice against and their dogged misunderstanding of her museum of religious persecution and her personal beliefs. Anonka has filed a federal RICO suit against Tuscola County officials. The case is currently underway in federal court, next court date to be announced.
As always, there will be plenty of time for socializing and the raffle will be held - be sure to buy your tickets when you arrive!
Reservations are appreciated. Call Jeff at (734)449-1510 or send e-mail at jsouza@chartermi.net

MICHIGAN ATHEISTS STATE CONVENTION 2003: NOVEMBER 22

WHEN: Saturday, November 22, 2003, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

WHERE: Holiday Inn Livonia -West
17123 North Laurel Park Drive
Livonia, Michigan
Phone: 734-464-1300
Directions: Conveniently located at the I-275 and Six Mile Road exit


The Holiday Inn Livonia West is a lovely, full service hotel including outstanding dinning, an inviting Garden Swimming Pool, and located in the prestigious Laurel Park Shopping Mall. It is a perfect weekend 'getaway.' Convention group room reservation can be made by calling the Holiday Inn Livonia West directly at 734-464-1300 and mentioning Michigan/American Atheists. The cutoff date for group rates, $89.00 plus tax, is November 7, 2003.


Mark your calendars now for this important and exciting event.


Of course we will have an outstanding lineup of speakers. Confirmed speakers to date:

Arlene-Marie: Michigan State Director, American Atheists

Norm Cohen: Director, NOCIRC of Michigan

Kimberly Blaker: Editor and coauthor of 'The Fundamentals of Extremism: the Christian Right in America.'

Robert (Bob) Brooks: World Traveler and popular Metro Detroit speaker

Kate McHugh: Founder and President of the Mid Michigan Objectivists.

Thomas (Tom) Shellberg: retired Professor and noted Evolutionist.

Greg Reich: Protest Organizer in Tuscola County

Anonka: the heroine of Tuscola County, Michigan

Closing the Michigan Atheists State Convention there will be an Award Ceremony recognizing and honoring Michigan's Outstanding Atheists.