‘We Are Stronger’: Atheists To Hold Massive Rally On National Mall Next Month
‘We Are Stronger’: Atheists To Hold Massive Rally On National Mall Next Month
By Candice Leigh Helfand
February 17, 2012 1:39 PM
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CBSDC) – Thousands of atheists are expected to attend the Reason Rally next month in Washington, D.C., an event that organizers hope will unify a large part of the secular community.
On March 24, the National Mall will be populated by those who sympathize with atheist perspectives, generally defined by an absence in belief of deities or other religious icons.
The website for the event states that organizers aim to encourage participants to claim their identity as what they call “secular Americans,” to dispel stereotypes, and to rally for legislative equality.
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/02/17/we-are-stronger-atheists-to-hold-massive-rally-on-national-mall-next-month/
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blm
(114,629 posts)election years. Sheesh.
Look at who the Republicans are fielding this time, particularly Rick Santorum, who is a wannabe theocrat at heart. That fact alone is exactly why this rally is imho a good idea; it's also a good time to remind people that despite the Religious Right trying to convince them otherwise, this nation was not founded on the Bible and the Ten Commandments.
Auggie
(33,116 posts)We'd like to know your reasoning.
SammyWinstonJack
(44,316 posts)
SkyDaddy7
(6,045 posts)Atheist are suppose to stay out of sight because after all they are the most hated group in America!
It amazes me that everyone can stage a rally in DC & it is called FREEDOM, whether it is Occupy to the Tea Party...But DAMN if Atheist decide for the FIRST TIME EVER to hold a rally then folks simply can't stand it! SAD!!
EFerrari
(163,986 posts)There is never an "off" year to push back on the American Taliban.
blm
(114,629 posts)Apparently, it sits well with others. I speak for myself.
roguevalley
(40,656 posts)and not expecting it to blow up. IMO
secondwind
(16,903 posts)neither seems dumb to me.
roguevalley
(40,656 posts)then you can't cry about it. Right now that side of the aisle has no motivation to go to vote for anyone. If you give them one -THE LIBERALS AND THE ATHEISTS ARE COMING FOR OUR RELIGION- then they have one. Stupid is stupid and this feels stupid to me. Until november it is in everyone's interests not to give their paranoia a point.
JoeyT
(6,785 posts)what the religious right is doing. It's exactly the same as trying to make women second class citizens and wishing they could exterminate pretty much every letter of LGBT(And actually doing it by proxy in other countries), and trying to make children property.
Yes, you do speak for yourself, and for good reason. Because what you're speaking is utter nonsense.
Hissyspit
(45,790 posts)
Brettongarcia
(2,262 posts)tHAT'S THE MESSAGE DAMMMIT! Make your point in three seconds!
NAO
(3,425 posts)gays? women? blacks? Christians?
Why should atheists put off their big event? It's not a political rally. Is there something shameful about being an atheist?
I don't think it's right to ask any group to "be quiet" just because "it's an election year".
Rob H.
(5,840 posts)
Canuckistanian
(42,290 posts)It's time atheists stopped cowering in fear.
FrodosPet
(5,169 posts)As loyal as they are to the Democratic Party, religious African Americans have a higher level of resistance against LGBTIQ rights than most other progressive bloc.
Atheists should start working harder in our cities to educate people about the damage that machismo and organized religion is doing to the world. They should learn to see atheists and LGBTIQ as allies in one united struggle for civil rights for ALL oppressed people.
Response to Canuckistanian (Reply #29)
FrodosPet This message was self-deleted by its author.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)to "be quiet" in any year. And yes, as the reluctant liberal i am, i include right-wing groups even though i would truly like them to forever "be quiet".
ChadwickHenryWard
(862 posts)Simply existing in public is going to somehow hurt the Democrats' chances in November?
Brettongarcia
(2,262 posts)Atheists are still perceived as an dangerous anaomaly, that no one - even Democrats - can afford to acknowledge. Therefore? They are free.
bahrbearian
(13,466 posts)Atheist Rise Up
Brettongarcia
(2,262 posts)Last edited Sun Feb 19, 2012, 02:55 PM - Edit history (1)
wickerwoman
(5,662 posts)The right to decide for myself when my quality of life is too poor to continue.
The best possible, state-of-the-art treatments for Parkinsons, Alzheimers, leukemia, spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis.
A state that treats everyone as equals no matter who they choose to have sex with.
A world class public education system that doesn't lie to kids about the origins of the universe (and the fundamental basic theories of biology, physics and geology) based on a two thousand year old text.
Just for starters.
chervilant
(8,267 posts)Perhaps, if our species is smart enough to avoid our imminent evolutionary cul-de-sac, we will recognize that a world class education means honing our critical thinking skills and letting go our delimiting fears.
Nihil
(13,508 posts)... we're not perfect but we try hard and we hit most of the points in your post!
wickerwoman
(5,662 posts)
And if I'm honest, the death grip that the religious right has on American politics is a big part of why I'm not interested in coming back.
Anyone over here who said God told them to run for office would be laughed out of politics if not publically shunned. Ditto anyone who said atheists weren't real citizens or tried to plant the Ten Commandments in front of a courthouse. And yet none of those things even merits a blink in the US media.
Nihil
(13,508 posts)(And I don't blame you for wanting to stay there either!)
JI7
(93,546 posts)if there was some specific issue like maybe making sure crap like creationism isn't taught in science. and even many rleigious people would agree with that.
but as an atheist i just don't see any appeal in any organized thing just based on being an atheist in itself.
HowHeThinks
(92 posts)don't you think it's high time atheists are treated fairly? It's reported that atheists/agnostics make up about 20% of the population (and that doesn't include people who say they're religious or "spiritual" just to go along with the majority and not make waves) . Is there any other "minority" with numbers like that who AREN'T trying to get noticed politically? If atheists organize perhaps we can open up a new age of enlightenment where a belief in religious dogma isn't a requisite for holding public office. And if it happens to be a Presidential election year. so what? When IS a good time to be more militant in our quest for enlightenment?
I've had enough of being treated like a second class citizen simply because I have the intelligence to see through the thin vaneer of religious superstition. I think most atheists have studied the origins of religion far more than the religious themselves. I know more about the bible and the origin of christianity than my supposed "religious" family. Yet I'M the one looked down on by them. It's no mistake that the first lesson from the bible is "do not eat from the tree of knowledge". Religion doesn't stand up to close scrutiny.
chervilant
(8,267 posts)Despite my ability to 'see' how illogical are the various religious myths promulgated by our fearful and adolescent species (I used to think we humans were in our terrible twos, but have since come to believe we are in our "sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll" teens), I do believe there is a Creative Force in this Universe. My "spiritual" nature comes from my recognition of my integral role in this Creative Force, unbounded by my corporeal self (it would be some other Universe were I--or you or anyone else--not here). As an integral part of this Universe, I have a reverence for all aspects of it, including myself. When asked, I do acknowledge being a spiritual being, but I am quite clear that my understanding of "spiritual" is vastly different from my questioner's.
"From whence comes this inchoate part of me which forms thoughts, opinions, behaviors, preferences, etc.?" will always be a most provocative mystery...
primavera
(5,191 posts)I go round and round about this one. Although I guess I am an atheist, I don't really think of myself as such, because being an atheist has more to do with an absence of superstition, as opposed to an affirmative belief in something. Personally, I just think of myself as someone who isn't afflicted with religious mumbo jumoboism; it's not any particular set of beliefs I subscribe to. From that perspective, I sometimes wonder about the necessity of forging a specific collective, group identity. It feels a bit like standing up and proclaiming one's self as a proud member of the not mentally handicapped. What kind of identity is that? Conversely, separation of church and state is an affirmative belief I feel strongly about. I really don't care whether you believe in the Tooth Fairy, so long as you don't try to manufacture public policy predicated upon that belief. It seems like a more practical identity, that has a specific goal and purpose, that isn't quite so overtly an attack on sufferers of religion. Any thoughts?
chervilant
(8,267 posts)The Flying Spaghetti Monster is a timely response to the relentless proselytizing of the rabid right.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)didnt elaborate. Now is the time atheists should speak out.
blm
(114,629 posts)in my face, so, I don't do it to them. It's a do unto others thing.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)Those that dont like religion shoved in their faces have kept quiet too long.
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)There is an enormous difference.
bamacrat
(3,867 posts)They can't accept that some people don't have to to believe/worship something.
DavidDvorkin
(20,574 posts)They'll do it in any case.
BiggJawn
(23,051 posts)or the 2 years after the election...
So is this the new version of 2004's "SHHHHHH! Don't upset the flighty Swing Voters!"
You're right, we should just get back in the closet or quietly crawl back under the bus...
Obamacare
(277 posts)
onehandle
(51,122 posts)Seemingly.
Maybe for the tax break?
Brettongarcia
(2,262 posts)Surely not?
Rob H.
(5,840 posts)Legislative equality. Secular Americans can run for office and adequately represent theists, just as theists in office can represent their secular constituents proudly and openly. We deserve a seat at the table just like theists, and we hope this rally can put our values in the radar of American voters.
FTR, there are still state laws on the books that prohibit atheists from holding elective office. (Tennessee, where I live, is one of them.)
Brettongarcia
(2,262 posts)While even (today's) "secularists," have been living in a religious world long enought to ... reflect and represent it well enough.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)and you really are here to discuss issues.
JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)atheists are banned from running for office?
Julie
Fearless
(18,458 posts)Many of our own are even suggesting that they should go away... Sad. I was told to go away in 2004-8 because gay rights were "controversial", that I should shut up and sit down. What an utter crock of shit.
blm
(114,629 posts)looks silly mimicking them, ESPECIALLY in an election year. I speak for myself. That's what I think.
Brettongarcia
(2,262 posts)Kurmudgeon
(1,751 posts)Believe, don't believe, however you feel. Just give others the same freedom.
It is a constitutional right, after all. Freedom OF Religion, not from.
Yes, we have to put up with one another, if we don't then it just becomes a big hassle and no one is happy.
JoeyT
(6,785 posts)I mean, look at all the death threats Christian kids get from atheists when they admit they're Christian in public.
Wait, it's the other way around. Never mind.
"Yes, we have to put up with one another, if we don't then it just becomes a big hassle and no one is happy."
Somehow that always seems to translate into "Put up with my dogma without question, or get a brick through your window.".
Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)If there is not freedom from religion, there is no freedom of religion. If people are forced to accept the rules and dogma of any religion, there is no freedom of religion. It's as simple as that.
Atheists could care less what imaginary entities you believe in. We just don't want our tax dollars to subsidize that effort and be forced to comply with the rules and dogma that goes with the belief in those imaginary entities.
Rob H.
(5,840 posts)Please report to the DU Hospitality Counter to claim your new rubber chicken and secret decoder ring. Thank you.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)He was suggesting society needed a "cure for organized religion". Organized religion tends to dominate our society and I believe that "freedom of religion," means freedom from domination of religion.
I think he, as I, agree with, "Believe, don't believe, however you feel. Just give others the same freedom. It is a constitutional right, after all. "
primavera
(5,191 posts)Normally, I have a pretty laissez faire attitude towards religion, but, these days, religion doesn't seem to be willing to extend the same courtesy to others. Look at the adamance with which believers insist that freedom of religion grants them the right to deny certain basic forms of health care to women, whether they be adherents of their religion or no. When you've got religion going around obstructing women's access to abortion clinics, trying to tell them they can't use birth control, telling gay people they can't marry, telling teenagers that an aspirin between their knees is the only acceptable way to prevent pregnancy and STD transmission, well, I'm sorry, but it's starting to look to me like religion does need a cure.
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)What is this horseshit? You realize we are the single most mis-trusted, 'unamerican' untrustworthy minority in all of america, right?
When do we stand up for ourselves as human beings? Do I need a fucking permission slip?
This isn't organized anti-religion, this is simply showing our numbers, and stating 'we exist'. That's all.
humblebum
(5,881 posts)is bolstered by the statements and attitudes of several prominent atheists who have often made anti-religious statements or openly shown hostility and ridicule for religion. So yes, they will be perceived largely as anti-religious.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)I exist. I have rights. I have value as a human being.
It's time some people in this country start to recognize that, because being quiet and just doing my thing hasn't helped.
humblebum
(5,881 posts)But good luck with changing perceptions of organized atheism.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)one of them speak for all atheists, nor is there an 'organized' atheism. We have every right to PEACABLY ASSEMBLE as any other group of people in this nation.
I mean really, this is controversial, here on DU? What the fuck.
humblebum
(5,881 posts)of many. And yes, organized atheism DOES exist. In fact, there are many atheist organizations. No one is saying you don't have a right to assemble.
chervilant
(8,267 posts)Really?! Is this what you would have said to the progenitors of the Civil Rights Movement? To early Feminists?
Just as our species evolves, so too might our perceptions of atheism--or any other 'theism' that flies in the face of our species' beloved Christian myths.
humblebum
(5,881 posts)chervilant
(8,267 posts)In all my years of advocacy for survivors of relationship violence, I always knew when a survivor would struggle with taking measures to escape the violence: always an excuse why a potential solution would 'never work.'
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)
Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)Didn't stop to think about it that way, did you?
humblebum
(5,881 posts)a major new discovery! SARCASM
Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)Organized religion has to be anti-athiest by your logic. I'm not saying it is. I'm simply using your own reasoning to show how ridiculous that logic is.
If you want to take it one step farther, you can say Christianity is anti-everything else. Plenty of statements by prominent Christians could provode a basis for that as well. You can even take it one step farther than that and say certain specific Christian denominations are anti-everything else.
lib_wit_it
(2,222 posts)"oppressed" Christians don't see it. The myopia is staggering.
Take the "War on Christmas" paranoia--I mean, gosh, you'd never know Christmas even existed in this country from late October to mid January. It needs to be taught in the schools, because otherwise how will children know it's coming. (My cousin and her Christian friends made a huge fuss about this at the preschool where she teaches--non-degreed and uncertified, but that's OK with her "school."
And those who dare celebrate openly are persecuted and made to feel "different."
Yeah, right.
The fact that I have to even take a stand on believing or not believing in god is oppression perpetrated by a bully majority. Why don't we all have to declare if we believe in unicorns or leprechauns or not?
And, what the hell happened to spell check on DU? (Haven't been around much lately.)
humblebum
(5,881 posts)Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)See post #47 for further reading.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=54730
humblebum
(5,881 posts)atheism. Quite a difference there. And yes, many atheist organizations actively ridicule and condemn religious belief.
Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)Were it not for those actions that intrude on the lives of others, there would be no need or want of organized atheism.
humblebum
(5,881 posts)organized atheism is hardly devoid of any "adverse actions."
Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)Are organized atheists preventing gay people from getting married?
Are organized atheists forcing women who want abortions to get sonograms?
Are organized atheists preventing women from getting access to birth control?
Are organized atheists forcing biblical ideas thinly disguised as junk science to be taught in public schools?
Are organized atheists blocking access to abortion clinics and encouraging people to shoot abortion doctors?
Are organized atheists blocking stem cell research?
Are organized atheists pressuring parents into genital mutilation of their children?
Are organized atheists blocking gay couples from adopting children?
Are organized atheists blocking comprehensive sexual education in public schools?
Are organized atheists making children (and adults) feel extreme guilt about normal and healthy sexual relations and functions?
Are organized atheists compelling women to remain in abusive marriages which often leads to their death?
Are organized atheists preventing subjects like homosexual education in public schools so perhaps hundreds of thousands of gay kids might not get ritually abused and commit suicide?
Are organized atheists promoting racism and xenophobia?
Are organized atheists promoting censorship in schools and other public education sources?
Are organized atheists promoting theocracy?
Are organized atheists compelling homosexuals to undergo 'treatment' so they can be 'cured'?
No, organized atheists aren't doing any of those things. That's just a few of the things organized religion is currently working on and that's just in this country. If you want to talk about historical adverse actions of organized religion I could give you a much longer list.
So what are these "adverse actions" in which you speak? Are organized atheists making you feel sad for ridiculing and criticizing the behavior of organized religion? Get back to me when organized atheists are actually having a dramatic and tangible adverse impact on your life and the lives of others. Get back to me when organized atheists are directly and indirectly responsible for deaths and the destruction of thousands, if not millions. Fair enough?
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)And THAT is a MUCH bigger problem than any "organized atheist" group will ever cause.
Clean the shit out of your own house before telling others to clean theirs.
Response to cleanhippie (Reply #117)
Post removed
humblebum
(5,881 posts)causing MUCH bigger problems than you care to admit, MUCH bigger.
Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)How many lives are being destroyed and how many people are being killed by organized atheism?
humblebum
(5,881 posts)for future events. And, I don't think we want to get into a battle of numbers on how many people have been killed by atheists or at the hands of organized atheist groups. No religious actions or wars even come close.
Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)Please spare me the drivel about Stalin's or Pol Pot's or Hitler's or Mao Zedong's actions which you might attribute to "organized atheism" which has zip to do with "organized atheism". I've heard it before and I'll destroy those arguments just like they have been destroyed countless times before. Just because Stalin was an atheist who presided over a secular government doesn't mean anyone he killed was done in the name of atheism or to further that cause. It's simply guilt by association which demonstrates childlike reasoning. You might as well say Hitler killed people in the name of veganism. Nobody kills anyone else in the name of atheism. Doesn't happen. Not in the past, not today, and not bloody likely ever. So if you want to do battle on historical numbers please bring it on. I'd be quite surprised if you can point to even one person who has been killed in the name of atheism.
Your act of ignoring the question I asked is noted. When you want to discuss the reality of who organized religion is killing and what lives it's destroying right here in the US right now vs organized atheism, please get back to me.
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)Its the SAME bullshit he spews in Religion on regular basis that regularly gets shoveled into the dungheap where it belongs.
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)Glad we can agree on that.
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)Wow, humblebum, you are really out of touch with reality on this.
Kurmudgeon
(1,751 posts)Sorry, but the statements "we exist" isn't equivalent to "don't think organized anti-religion is the cure for organized religion" as blm stated. All I see is you cursing and making up excuses to things that weren't said, and using them for your own hostility.
Of course you "exist". No one said otherwise.
Now try to control yourself in future, we can all get along on this same planet, unless you're determined to find offense as you "crusade".
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)I will continue to be pissed off. (And pissed off at the plight of the other minorites represented herein)
http://atheism.about.com/od/atheistbigotryprejudice/a/AtheitsHated.htm
This group does not at all agree with my vision of American society...
Atheist: 39.6%
Muslims: 26.3%
Homosexuals: 22.6%
Hispanics: 20%
Conservative Christians: 13.5%
Recent Immigrants: 12.5%
Jews: 7.6%
I would disapprove if my child wanted to marry a member of this group....
Atheist: 47.6%
Muslim: 33.5%
African-American 27.2%
Asian-Americans: 18.5%
Hispanics: 18.5%
Jews: 11.8%
Conservative Christians: 6.9%
Whites: 2.3%
2ndAmForComputers
(3,527 posts)(For more than one meaning of the word "right."
I'm going.
humblebum
(5,881 posts)from the event.
HowHeThinks
(92 posts)Politicians shouldn't have to "distance" themselves from 20% of the population simply because they don't believe in myth and superstition. Would a politician shun any other "minority" group with those type of numbers? Atheists are sick of being taken for granted, or not taken at all. Politicians pander to many minorities with far fewer numbers, so why is the lack of belief in god such a toxic issue?
And just when IS a "good time" to broach the subject?
Joseph8th
(228 posts)In an era when everything is politicized, atheists have reasonably been slow to jump on that bandwagon. Naturally, theists are keen that we stay off, as the fundies see that as their turf.
OTOH, changing circumstances... if the political future is going to be decided in this **hech** fashion, it's reasonable to adapt or be completely marginalized and further demonized.
Speaking for myself, I'm sick of sitting silently while my fate is decided by people who believe the End is Near. We don't need elected officials with a vested interest in proving the Bible correct. I approve of this move in an election year. This is a moment of weakness for the right-wing who would have us all Tebowing in math class. If the RW wants to make this election about their millennial distopian agenda to impose their dogma on us, then the LW should make it about how insane it is to follow them to the certain destruction and rapture that they so long for.
If not now, then when?
humblebum
(5,881 posts)cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)Something about leopards not changing their spots comes to mind.
humblebum
(5,881 posts)meaningless blather when you are out trolling. Or if you would care to answer the question, as you have now become a party to the evasion.
stockholmer
(3,751 posts)If Obama (or any other politician) has to push away people who do not believe in a god or gods simply because THEY DO NOT BELIEVE, then what is the fucking point of supporting a power structure that wants your support, yet constantly marginalises your very existence due to your 'lack of a politcally correct faith'?!?!?
lib_wit_it
(2,222 posts)First of all, I don't see your right wing cohorts keeping their hostility in line. (Nor you, for that matter.) And if you don't like cursing, too fucking bad. DU has no rule against it. And here's some information about some of the myths you probably believe about cursing, two of which are the myths that people curse because they can't control themselves or have an impoverished lexicon: http://books.google.com/books?id=B1OA4djpj2AC&pg=PA253&lpg=PA253&dq=myth+about+cursing&source=bl&ots=i7ooP3OTmI&sig=JddFeuqKGyQpNh2_QAU0HTsrifM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UsE_T-HlPNSI0QHU2fTNBw&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=myth%20about%20cursing&f=false
Fearless
(18,458 posts)It's anti-compulsory religion for sure. It's anti-religious favoritism definitely. But not anti-religion. A vast majority of the atheists I know, myself included, don't care what people believe so long as it is for THEMSELVES and not thrown upon others by coercion, force, or any other means.
lib_wit_it
(2,222 posts)speaking for other atheists, of course, yet I know I'm not alone in this feeling. Stop the religious from bullying others, and we will have far less of a reason to be anti-religion.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)anti-religious but anti-religious bullying (forgive my attempt to paraphrase you). I feel most people that claim to be anti-religious feel as you do. I know that I have characterized my self as anti-religious, but I agree with how you feel.
Fearless
(18,458 posts)Leontius
(2,270 posts)the silence of atheists about anti-religious zealots in their ranks is taken as support of their message or at least enabling them.
SomeGuyInEagan
(1,515 posts)He was hardly a spokesman, just someone with some degree of noteriety and an opinion that will spur ratings.
skepticscott
(13,029 posts)unless you expect the atheists gathered there to be advocating that sacred, faith-based atheistic scriptures be imposed as the guide for all of our governments, our laws and our educational system. Unless you expect the atheists to be making coded appeals to "family" or "traditional" values which are simply a mask for anti-gay hatemongering. Unless you expect the atheists to be advocating ignoring or altering the law of the land in order to promote their worldview.
I could go on. And on. But you get the point (maybe).
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)
RainDog
(28,784 posts)not the equivalent of a religious meeting.
If this group is used to lobby and create political action against the intrusion of religion in American life - in women's lives, in education, in the prejudice against those who have decided they do not believe in religious doctrine -
then I see it as a good thing.
And, frankly, Obama needs to be pressured on this front, as well as others, because, otherwise, he will think this is a group that can be ignored or whose rights can be denied to make nice with religious bigots in this nation.
Some of those religious bigots also vote for democrats. So they need to know they aren't the only voices that count.
eyewall
(674 posts)Sort of like a Rational Rendezvous.
Brettongarcia
(2,262 posts)eyewall
(674 posts)There's just far too little of it in politics.
madrchsod
(58,162 posts)i`m not sure what legislation is holding them back....
dmallind
(10,437 posts)The (bastardized in the McCarthy era) motto
The (bastardized in the McCarthy era) pledge
The constitutions of 7 states forbidding us to hold elected office, and two forbidding us to work in government jobs.
Sunday trading laws
Creationism "equality" laws
Blue laws of any kind
Taxpayer-paid religious positions such as chaplains
Taxpayer-paid fundamentalist indoctrination in the armed forces academies, particularly Air Force
Churches as polling places
Taxpayer subsidies for religious groups and groups that practice exclusionary religious policies such as the Scouts
Lack of employment, housing and key life-event (such as adoption and custody and especially sentencing/parole) equality laws specifically banning discrimination against the non-religious, where the same is rife
When that's done we can start with the problem of socialized mores...
RUMMYisFROSTED
(30,749 posts)
Brettongarcia
(2,262 posts)
bhikkhu
(10,789 posts)...though I have to admit my lack of enthusiasm for the display probably has more to do with how vigorously the perspective is traditionally beaten down. Anyway, there must be better things to bring people together than lack of belief?
dmallind
(10,437 posts)lib_wit_it
(2,222 posts)randome
(34,845 posts)This places disbelief on the same level as belief. It's unnecessary, to say the least.
Scuba
(53,475 posts)cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)Because it ain't happening now.
bhikkhu
(10,789 posts)which is another source of my ambivalence, I suppose.
A gathering is intended to attract public interest, but this happens only through the media coverage of the gathering...
tavalon
(27,985 posts)Adenoid_Hynkel
(14,093 posts)good line-up of speakers
http://www.reasonrally.org/speakers-2/
stockholmer
(3,751 posts)snot
(11,770 posts)atheists are a sizable group, too.
pscot
(21,044 posts)I'll be there in spirit.
sofa king
(10,857 posts)... that I don't believe other atheists exist.
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)Sorry, had to say it.
sofa king
(10,857 posts)rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)response to your post.
sofa king
(10,857 posts)My reply had the same intent. It's a bad joke, working on the spurious conclusion that someone who doesn't believe in god doesn't believe in anything.
And now that I've explained it, it's even less amusing. So as a consolation prize, I will tell you my favorite joke (today):
A man new to hunting goes duck hunting. As he's approaching the water he sees a duck in the air, fires, and amazingly, hits it. It drops on the far side of a fence near a farm house.
As the man is climbing over the fence to retrieve the duck, the farmer comes out of his house, yelling.
"What in the hell do you think you're doing?" asks the farmer.
"That's the first duck I've ever shot," replies the hunter, "I'm coming to get it."
"Nope," says the farmer. "That duck landed on my land. It's my duck."
The argument continued in that vein until finally the farmer says, "All right. You want the duck? We'll settle this country style. We're gonna kick each other in the balls until one of us quits. I start. You ready?"
"All right," says the hunter, and with that the farmer takes a running start and kicks the hunter in the crotch so hard that he's lifted off the ground. After several minutes of writhing in pain, the hunter shakes it off, and stands up."
"Okay, you bastard, now it's my turn," says the hunter.
"Nah," says the farmer. "You keep the duck."
________________
I would also add that this joke is a virtual metaphor for President Obama's negotiation technique with the Republicans. Have a nice day!
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)Cantor in his Boner, and not metaphorically.
RainDog
(28,784 posts)and it was fun to read. 
Sabriel
(5,035 posts)And I hope one million show up. That would be a surprise to many folks.
fascisthunter
(29,381 posts)and religion itself. There are many perceptions of this issue that are not thought about much without this story or story of this upcoming event. This is good for the country... we need to have this discussion. Religion overwhelms this world, and there seems to be no representation for those who do not believe in a god. Unfortunately, the present religiosity and constant onslaught of religious bigotry towards many other groups has demanded some form of push-back.
I do not think the religious right knew what they were getting into when they starting their crusade against anyone who disagreed with them. They are a true minority... the moderate believers are not the problem in this country, but the religious authoritarians, the fanatics are.
randome
(34,845 posts)I refuse to accept anyone's identity, even that of a group of atheists. I belong to no group.
In fact, 'group', by implication, always implies that everyone 'outside' the group is inferior. I refuse to believe that. (Even when it's true. Ha!)
I don't think you're using logic correctly.
I don't think you're being clear, unless you missed the invisible sarcasm tag in my parenthetical part.
kdmorris
(5,649 posts)But no... I had to go move 1000 miles away for a job.
KansDem
(28,498 posts)
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1745/religious-knowledge-in-america-survey-atheists-agnostics-score-highest
Probably a result of all that reason and logic...
Gringostan
(127 posts)I support the recognition of atheist as a collective group; I'm agnostic. Further, I'm all for tax breaks for atheist and agnostics; I'm tired of paying taxes to support the worship and beliefs of others. You want to believe in a God or not; fine, do it on your own dime.
humblebum
(5,881 posts)Major Nikon
(36,925 posts)You can incorporate your local tiddly-wink club as a non-profit. That doesn't make it a 501(c).
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)American Atheists a 501 (c) (3) non profit (educational) organization. We are not a political or religious organization.
http://www.atheists.org/orphans/501c3_statement
You really should try and get things right the first time, even when they don't fit your agenda.
Scuba
(53,475 posts)
BootinUp
(51,250 posts)in this thread are also atheists. There is something distasteful to me about political groups of any kind saying another group should not organize for peaceful protest.
Onceuponalife
(2,614 posts)We have as much right to have our voices heard as any other group. I don't care if it's an election year. And I don't think Obama will distance himself. He's about the only president who ever so much as acknowledged that we exist and are useful members of society.
Bucky
(55,334 posts)
RussBLib
(10,607 posts)The wife and I will be there. We've booked a couple of rooms at the Phoenix Park Hotel, where the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) is holding a Friday evening event. They are also going to meet at the Phoenix hotel at 9:30am on Saturday and walk to the Mall.
We are FFRF members and hope to see a lot of you there.