IN THIS ISSUE:
Michigan Atheists will be gathering at the China Star Palace in Westland on December 15 for our annual Winter Solstice Celebration and fundraising auction. The event will be held from 3:00pm till 7:00pm, and it will feature our tuxedo-clad auctioneer extraordinaire, Bob Brooks. Bob always contributes tremendously to making this event and enjoyable experience for all involved.
If you have items that you would like to donate for the auction, whether made, used, or new, please bring them. Items that have been sold in the past include generic holy water (guaranteed as effective as brand-name holy water), Darwin fish, a "10 Reasons Why Beer is Better than Jesus" mug, beautiful wood carvings, American Atheist jewelry, and other assorted items.
Cost for the event is $13, which includes the buffet. Please park in the bank's parking lot next door--there is plenty of room for parking in that lot.
TopOn November 16, Michigan Atheists held the annual State Convention. This year, we featured local speakers who presented motivational--and sometimes revolutionary--ideas.
Our esteemed State Director, Arlene-Marie, kicked off the convention with a speech that contained the most revolutionary idea of the day: inspired by a letter and a survey obtained from the Interfaith Council, Michigan Atheists will be organizing a consortium of nonbelievers and believers to defend the wall of separation between church and state from the agenda of extreme religious conservatives in our state.
The letter that came with the survey from the Interfaith Council indicated strongly that mainstream churches do not want to allow extreme religious conservatives to speak for them in the public arena. They recognize the need to keep state and church separate; to keep religion a matter of personal choice, free from government entanglement. This idea meshes precisely with the focus of Michigan Atheists: to defend the wall of separation of church and state, as outlined by the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Arlene-Marie and the Michigan Atheists Board of Directors recognize that the organization could benefit from churches pulling their weight in the fight for state-church separation.
Another revolutionary idea that Arlene presented came out of her experience with the Godless Americans March on Washington, which occurred on November 2nd. She described an unprecedented camaraderie among godless groups; an emotional high devoid of the usual infighting over minor philosophical differences. There was unity over the cause of defending the First Amendment from religious attacks, and over restoring the secular national motto, "E Pluribus Unum". This unity is a tremendous step in the right direction; godless groups have demonstrated that they can peaceably assemble for a common cause.
Arlene continued on with her presentation with the announcement of the formation of a committee for media relations. She described our relationship with the media as "our weakest link", and went on to say that we need to educate the media about our presence and our fight.
Finally, Arlene praised and urged continuity of our strongest link, which is letter-writing. Writing officials at all levels of government has always been our strongest form of activism within Michigan Atheists. Arlene made the suggestion that we keep our letters brief, polite, and concentrated on one issue at a time.
Next up was Bob Brooks, who spoke ultimately about the relationship between science and religion. However, he began his speech with some observations on his experience at GAMOW. He noted that the cameras focused on the front and rear of the march, but the highest concentration of godless Americans was in the middle. There were Christian hecklers along the length of the march, and they traded barbs with the marchers. One heckler stole a box out of one of the tents at the march, put it out in the open near the bench where Bob Brooks and his wife, Lois, were sitting for the duration of the speeches. The police panicked, thinking that the box was a potential bomb, and began chasing marchers away from it. Finally, an organizer came out of the tent, identified the box, and eliminated the panic.
One of the most stirring moments of the march, according to Bob, was when the founder of Military Atheist and Freethinkers, Kathleen Johnson, called for all military personnel, active or retired, to the stage. About 100 people immediately moved toward the stage; there were so many that several had to be placed in front. This action gave lie to the old saying about Atheists in foxholes; many veterans and active military personnel were and are Atheists.
After divulging details about GAMOW, including the emotional high he experienced from the unity of so many godless Americans, Bob went into his main speech, which was entitled "One Atheist's Jihad Against Ignorance". The speech outlined the relationship between science and religion. Focusing first on the history of science in relation to religion, Bob noted that early scientists considered the "big" questions the realm of philosophy. He defined the "big" questions as: 1) What is the meaning of life? 2) What is the origin of the universe? 3) What happens at the moment of death and beyond?
The answer to the first question, Bob suggested, was that life was DNA's way of making more DNA. "Whether you're an amoeba, crabgrass, a muskrat, or a human, that's why you're here," Bob said. He went on to say that DNA united life in a way that religion never could, because one implication of the genome project was that we humans are all very closely related. Religion tends to create differences--and therefore division--among people, who are, in reality, brothers, sisters, and cousins.
The second question is best addressed by the Big Bang theory; it explains, at the very least, when the universe began moving toward its present form. The exploration of space and the origins of the universe can only lead to a better and more objective understanding of the question of how the universe arrived at its present state, and where it's going.
Finally, Bob described his own near-death experience, breaking down the commonly described "bright light" that people who have these experiences relate. Bob explained that instead of blacking out, he "whited out", and this experience could easily be mistaken for a bright, white light. With the euphoria he felt during the experience, Bob could easily imagine the less rational among us talking to dead relative and hallucinating all manner of things.
After the convention broke for lunch, Greg Reich, the editor of Michigan Atheists Newsletter, faced Gary Glenn, the President of the American Association, in a debate over religion in government. While Gary argued that religion--specifically, the Christian religion--is a part of the nation's heritage and has a place in the public arena, Greg defended the wall of separation of church and state, as outlined by the Establishment Clause.
Although Greg identified quoting the Founding Fathers in a debate on religion in government as the logical fallacy known as appeal to authority, Gary Glenn repeatedly quoted the Founding Fathers, taking his cue often from the revisionist history of David Barton. Greg noted that the appeal to authority Gary was using was a logical fallacy because the opinions of the Founding Fathers had no bearing on the law as it is currently written and interpreted. Gary retorted that the opinions of the Founding Fathers were relevant to the heritage and values of the nation, and that we should get back to these values. Greg pointed out that at the time of the nation's birth, slavery was accepted, women had no rights, and the only free people under the Constitution were male, white, over 21 years of age, and property owners.
The debate continued for approximately an hour and a half, with Gary Glenn closing. His final statement contained Pascal's Wager in his own words; he presented a "believing just in case" scenario. For those unfamiliar with Pascal's Wager, it is the commonly used Christian argument: if I believe and I'm wrong, I lose nothing, but if I believe and I'm right, you lose everything. This argument is an example of the logical fallacy known as begging the question, since it dismisses without explanation all possible beliefs. This argument aside, Gary was polite, and he didn't quote the Bible at all.
Jean Marie Hansen, the attorney representing Atheist citizens of Caro, Michigan in a discrimination case, spoke after the debate. Although Jean could not divulge details of the case, she did talk about the realities of legal proceedings. One reality, Jean explained, is the law of precedent. So often, the latest case precedent--good or bad--will go unchallenged in court. With a quote from Thomas Paine denouncing the law of precedent and supporting a Constitution as the solid foundation of government, Jean explained that a person arguing against bad precedent must build an argument based on the solid foundation of the Constitution. More importantly, the attorney must make a case that persuades the judge to "do what's right"; the judge must be persuaded to throw out bad precedent and interpret the Constitution in a way that serves all people equally.
Jean described other courtroom realities: attorneys deal with clerks, who act as advisors to the judges; the arguments often resemble the attorneys' opinions, rather than an objective presentation of the truth; much of the work done in the gathering of evidence is done by the plaintiffs. Jean did a wonderful job of putting the current state of the legal world into perspective for today's activist.
Our final speaker was August Brunsman, the executive director of the Secular Student Alliance. August described the activities of his organization, which serves to motivate and support students on college and high school campuses who want to form secular student organizations. The SSA also runs an activity known as Camp-Quest, where secular children can get together for an educational and enjoyable camping experience.
August outlined the SSA's plans for the future, which include employing a liaison for campus organizations, putting plans in place for maintaining organizations once they come into existence (campus organizations sometimes die with the graduating members), maintaining relationships with former members of campus organizations, and other exciting activities. For more information, please visit the SSA website at http://www.secularstudents.org.
For more information about the convention, please visit http://www.michiganatheists.org. The site will contain full transcripts of the speeches and debate in the near future, so keep checking for updates!
TopAs Arlene-Marie suggested, Michigan Atheists could almost walk to the next American Atheists national convention. It will be held in Chicago from April 18th through the 20th. We expect and encourage a high turnout of Atheists from Michigan, and, in that vein, we suggest making plans to attend the convention immediately. Arlene suggested that we go by train, bus, or some other form of transportation. Not only is it conducive to a sense of camaraderie, but it also allows us to avoid the difficulties of getting around (and paying for parking!) in the Windy City in one's own car.
Go to http://www.atheists.org/convention to enter your name and e-mail address, and, after a simple and quick confirmation process, you will be signed up to receive detailed information on the event. We suggest that you submit your intentions to Arlene-Marie at amarie@atheists.org if you are going to attend. The sooner we know, the more easily we will be able to make transportation arrangements.
TopOn Monday, November 18, the Detroit news ran an article entitled "Political clout eludes atheists", which appears at http://www.detnews.com/2002/politics/0211/18/c06-13190.htm. The article contains very few details about the convention, and contains a negative comment from Troy's mayor, Matt Pryor. Michigan's State Director for American Atheists, Arlene-Marie, encourages Atheists to direct their comments to Joel Kurth, who may be reached at jkurth@detnews.com or 313-561-8623. Also, send letters to letters@detnews.com. Mayor Matt Pryor may be reached at matt@mattpryor.org.
Arlene's response to the article appears below:
Joel Kurth, Detroit News reporter. While I do thank you for your interest in Michigan Atheists, I am surprised at the content of your article. You stated you wanted to do a story on the Michigan Atheists State Convention. We talked, off and on, for three days. In the end, you wrote a shallow article, while politely dismissing Atheism and Atheist activism. But, I must make an exception to your statement that we are interested in "turning atheism into a political force." That is untrue and blatant nonsense.Top
You and I talked extensively about the fact that American/Michigan Atheists are organized for the sole purpose of defending the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of religion. Thanks to the efforts of Atheist activists, American is among the most religiously diverse nations on earth. The First Amendment also states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." Yet, the Religious Right is busy lining up sympathetic members of Congress in an attempt to establish a monotheist government, tearing down the wall that separates state and church brick by brick. Even the majority of the believers thought this to be good news, but that is changing.
The Interfaith Alliance, people of faith uniting to make a difference in our nation, state their mission "is to stand in stark contrast to the agenda of the Religious Right". They say, "Whenever religion and politics intersect, the potential for abuse runs high."
As to your comments from Troy Mayor, Matt Pryor who was quick to issue a sarcastic remark, coupled with the ridiculous remark that Atheists wish to "rewrite history."
Mr. Pryor, Atheists are fighting to preserve history. Let me offer a few reading suggestions in answer to your comment that, you "can't find a single letter from our forefathers without the word 'God' in it." The original motto of the U.S. was the Latin phrase, E pluribus unum, (Out of many, one), not in God we trust. Look it up! In 1802 Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists, wherein he penned the words "I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, ....., thus building a wall of separation between Church and State." And the most famous 1797 Treaty of Tripoli "... the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion..." Further suggestion would include reading the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence.
Arlene-Marie, Michigan State Director
American Atheists
--from American Atheists
The US Postal Service has caved in to pressure from religious right groups, and agreed to display the religionized national motto "In God We Trust" in its offices throughout the nation. http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/igwt5.htm.
This follows President Bush's signing of a bill passed unanimously in the Senate -- and with only five dissenting votes in the House of Representatives -- reinforcing the use of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, and "In God We Trust" as the national motto. But these slogans were incorporated into our history only during the cold war. The original pledge did not include any salutation to a deity, and our national slogan was "E Pluribus Unum," "Out of Many, One."
The Postal Service plans to print posters (at taxpayer expense) depicting an enlarged stamp with the Statue of Liberty and the phrase "In God We Trust" near the top.
"This is an insult to every Atheist, Freethinker, Humanist and other people of no-religious-belief," says Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists.
"They are using government offices which provide an important public services to promote religion. Anyone who criticizes religion, who doubts religion, who disagrees with religion is being made to feel unwelcome in what should be a neutral, religion-free public environment. That's wrong."
We encourage all Atheists, Freethinkers, Humanists and other state-church separationists to protest this move by the postal service. We urge you to contact John E. Potter, the Postmaster General, with your letters and phone calls. Be polite and concise. Tell Mr. Potter that government should not be promoting religion, especially with our tax dollars, and that religious slogans of any kind are not appropriate in a public building. Ask him to think of the 30 million "customers" who, according to the American Religion Identification Survey (http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/atheist4.htm) profess no religion.
Kimberly Blaker, a resident of New Boston, MI, writes a column called "The Wall" that she markets to newspapers and magazines throughout the country. Information about her column can be found at http://www.thewall-onchurchandstate.com/. This website is well-worth the visit!
TopConcerned about the recently passed legislation regarding "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, Lee Helms contacted Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow. Her response supporting the motion appears below. We encourage writing to Debbie Stabenow at senator@stabenow.senate.gov. You may also contact her office by phone at 202-224-4822, or by snail mail at 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC, 20510.
Thank you . . .Top
. . . for contacting me regarding your support for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that declared the words "under God" unconstitutional as contained in the Pledge of Allegiance. I understand your concerns.
On June 26, 2002, the Senate approved Senate Resolution 292, the "Pledge of Allegiance Resolution." This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the Pledge of Allegiance is not an unconstitutional expression of patriotism and that general references to God can be found elsewhere in the government. I supported this resolution.
On June 27, 2002, Judge Alfred Goodwin, the judge who issued this opinion implemented a stay pending further appeals, which prevents the ruling from immediately going into effect. Since this case was heard by three of the judges comprising the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, it is expected that tile case will be reheard in front of a full panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Should this happen, the Senate has stated its intent to become involved in the appeals process. I will keep your concerns in mind during this process.
Thank you again for contacting my office. Please feel free to contact me in the future if ever I can be of assistance to your family.
Sincerely
Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator
GAMOW was the "political site of the day" for http://www.aboutpolitics.com.
Also, the page has write-ups, photos of the rally and other information -- thanks to Ed Gauci, webmaster.
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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If you have any news ideas, opinions, or articles to submit, please send them to michiganatheistsnewsletter@comcast.net. Please remember that all content must be relevant to separation of state and church issues or the civil rights of Atheists and other godless citizens in Michigan.
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