General Discussion

longship

(40,416 posts)

212. Small steps, my dear friend.

Mon Jan 21, 2013, 07:09 PM

Jan 2013

You cannot eat the whole elephant in one swallow. It has to be consumed a spoonful at a time, hopefully with yummy sauce.

I agree. But the little skirmishes you cite are also part of the bigger battle. Some I agree with, others not so. As an atheist, I also have to be pragmatic. What works?

I really like what the LGBT community has done. They have to be the model, as they will no doubt be utimately successful, just as MLK Jr and his agenda.

Cultural changes take a generation or many generations. What we all need to realize is that we fight these battles not for us, but for our progeny. We can give them a better world. But it takes a lot of work, and it takes time to change such inbred culture.

I would be proud to be standing beside you, my friend.

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Highlight:

To those bemoaning the presence of the divine in the inauguration [View all] nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 OP

K & R. n/t FSogol Jan 2013 #1

You have to pick your battles Danmel Jan 2013 #2

I am willing to bet it was picked by Shumer nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #6

Speaking as an atheist, your post would have made much more sense djean111 Jan 2013 #3

I do not believe in god my dear nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #8

And I had not protested the inauguaration; djean111 Jan 2013 #32

Yes, but changes in ceremony nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #51

Actually ceremonies are EXACTLY the place many people choose to pick their battles! riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #66

^ ! ^ bvar22 Jan 2013 #96

Excellent points! RKP5637 Jan 2013 #150

+100!! im1013 Jan 2013 #153

+1000 Fumesucker Jan 2013 #181

To me, one counter point to all of the theology is found in Blanco's poem, because that is what patrice Jan 2013 #188

If not now when? I have every right to protest religion in goverment whenever.... Walk away Jan 2013 #228

That about sums it up for me amuse bouche Jan 2013 #243

Exactly. This isn't the time B.S amuse bouche Jan 2013 #247

yes often the symbolic weight is greater than the practical Phillip McCleod Jan 2013 #359

'atheists are their own worst enemy'? SCantiGOP Jan 2013 #57

Yes because atheists and other nonbelievers should just shut up on a discussion board doncha know? riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #70

Militant Religious People. NCTraveler Jan 2013 #86

I was countering the declaration in the OP that informed me that I am my own worst enemy. djean111 Jan 2013 #116

I am with you on the you are your own "worst enemy" part of the op. It was wrong. NCTraveler Jan 2013 #120

Growing up non-Christian in the US makes identification of your worst enemies pretty simple Major Nikon Jan 2013 #124

+1 MNBrewer Jan 2013 #281

What's with the hostility toward people having a belief in a higher being? Honeycombe8 Jan 2013 #339

I'll get back to you after I see if atheists have ever inflicted wars or crusades or inquisitions djean111 Jan 2013 #383

Obama has gone on a crusade? I missed that. When did that happen? Honeycombe8 Jan 2013 #406

First, who decided to narrow the scope down to Obama? djean111 Jan 2013 #408

Minorities who don't know how to be quiet are their own worst enemies Fumesucker Jan 2013 #4

How dare anyone say anything about the insertion of religion into what should be a secular ceremony? riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #14

Poutrageous behavior Fumesucker Jan 2013 #19

And ON A DISCUSSION board no less!1!! How DARE anyone make a critique about the ceremony?! riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #37

Jeeeeez, you guys! Tradition! And stuff! Brickbat Jan 2013 #197

It's Obama's ceremony. He believes in a higher being. R-e-s-p-e-c-t. Period. nt Honeycombe8 Jan 2013 #340

No, it is the people's celebration Demo_Chris Jan 2013 #379

presence of the divine? NoOneMan Jan 2013 #5

Yeah, but the order followed the same order nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #9

Thats ceremony NoOneMan Jan 2013 #10

This is tradition nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #12

Im not arguing with you about that NoOneMan Jan 2013 #16

I am sure for some that is exactly what you witnessed nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #21

Un-American you suggest? NoOneMan Jan 2013 #35

At this point in our history taking leave from all that nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #36

So "Americanism" is being a fearful hostage to your nuts? NoOneMan Jan 2013 #41

Well a civil war is not out of the realm of possibility nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #43

If not mentioning "God" would create a war and plunge a country into crisis, NoOneMan Jan 2013 #44

You realize Fort Sumpter was not the beginning of the civil war nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #48

I don't think you get what I am saying NoOneMan Jan 2013 #50

A few people wrote similar lines nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #53

And on the other end of the neo-liberal slippery slope, NoOneMan Jan 2013 #58

For starters, that word (neoliberal) does not mean what you think nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #115

As far as I was aware, NoOneMan Jan 2013 #147

Yes, they are center right nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #151

You do realize you are in the minority don't you? zeemike Jan 2013 #179

How do you know what I am? NoOneMan Jan 2013 #184

Well that is how democracy works zeemike Jan 2013 #240

Democracy is God's name is mentioned or people start killing people? NoOneMan Jan 2013 #250

I said that? zeemike Jan 2013 #260

That is what the majority of this subthread is about NoOneMan Jan 2013 #267

The thread you are replying on was started by someone kicking the minority Fumesucker Jan 2013 #206

Well you missed my point then. zeemike Jan 2013 #232

It was a few comments on a discussion board, that's what we do here, we discuss things Fumesucker Jan 2013 #237

Well I admit I am not as aware of all of the drama going on zeemike Jan 2013 #248

You've been here long enough to have a clue how this place works Fumesucker Jan 2013 #253

Oh yes I know....I have gotten into it before. zeemike Jan 2013 #264

Kind of the flip side of the real world isn't it? Fumesucker Jan 2013 #272

Is that what it is like out there? zeemike Jan 2013 #309

Here's how it feels for me Fumesucker Jan 2013 #313

While I'll grant you that most of America is religious... MessiahRp Jan 2013 #317

Well I would agree with that. zeemike Jan 2013 #333

In the wake of the first bombs falling on Afghanistan in November 2001, I was heartened coalition_unwilling Jan 2013 #215

She meant "reference to the divine", I'm sure. kestrel91316 Jan 2013 #13

Words have meanings... NoOneMan Jan 2013 #20

Post removed Post removed Jan 2013 #94

No, I don't know her and I'm not a mind-reader yet NoOneMan Jan 2013 #113

WOW. An almost perfect re-statement of post #70 ^, bvar22 Jan 2013 #111

I have had bowel movements that were religious experiences. nt. Warren Stupidity Jan 2013 #67

Every bowel movement can be the most religious experience NoOneMan Jan 2013 #73

Some need a reason to feel sour and bitter today. MineralMan Jan 2013 #7

Well said. Skidmore Jan 2013 #127

K&R !!! RKP5637 Jan 2013 #155

Possibly your best post ever. kestrel91316 Jan 2013 #11

kestral, enlightenment Jan 2013 #28

Disappointed to see I consider christofascists and rabid atheists as essentially the same? kestrel91316 Jan 2013 #76

so you are ok with prayer in school too, right? Warren Stupidity Jan 2013 #92

I didn't say it deprived me of anything. enlightenment Jan 2013 #121

I don't think the benediction took away anyone's rights, alp227 Jan 2013 #148

Well, at least you used the traditional adjective, rabid Fumesucker Jan 2013 #218

Oh, and please direct me to your prior posts where you complained about the benedictions in kestrel91316 Jan 2013 #77

I can't - enlightenment Jan 2013 #123

Tradition! JoeyT Jan 2013 #159

Oh I disagree amuse bouche Jan 2013 #249

Totally agree. nt Raine Jan 2013 #15

Post removed Post removed Jan 2013 #17

Comprehensively epic win. WilliamPitt Jan 2013 #18

Replace "atheist" with black. jeff47 Jan 2013 #45

yes but it was epic and a win! Warren Stupidity Jan 2013 #72

Thank you. nt Pale Blue Dot Jan 2013 #178

stupid, there are/were laws preventing gays, women, blacks etc from getting rights JI7 Jan 2013 #235

If you ignore facts, history and common sense it's all perfectly reasonable. Number23 Jan 2013 #242

Yes, there are still laws out there preventing atheists from holding office riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #255

so why not post about those laws and ask something be done about them JI7 Jan 2013 #258

Here's a link to a list of states that have those laws riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #265

that article said the ATheist will take office regardless of the bigoted state laws JI7 Jan 2013 #268

Post #235, you asked "are there laws which ban an atheist from holding office ?" riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #275

this started off because of comparisons to blacks, gays, women being denied rights JI7 Jan 2013 #279

This link right here is 50 times more powerful than all of the emotional froth Number23 Jan 2013 #289

I believe there's links to Wiki as well. I simply pulled up the first one that caught my eye that riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #291

Yes, there are laws which ban an atheist from holding office. jeff47 Jan 2013 #266

i don't understand the point of your 2nd paragraph JI7 Jan 2013 #271

Post #235, you asked "are there laws which ban an atheist from holding office ?" riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #277

are you saying the 2nd paragraph prevents atheists from holding office ? JI7 Jan 2013 #280

I will wait for Jeff to explain his post. I simply was addressing the goalpost moving nt riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #295

there was no moving of the goalpost since the original point still stands and the arguments are JI7 Jan 2013 #307

That's probably because you seem to think freedom of religion isn't a right. jeff47 Jan 2013 #298

so you don't think same sex marriage is a right ? what does it matter if/when it was included JI7 Jan 2013 #304

You aren't this dumb. jeff47 Jan 2013 #321

i'm not ignoring anything. and i don't support the 2nd amendment JI7 Jan 2013 #323

.....why are you bringing up the second amendment? jeff47 Jan 2013 #330

i'm not ignoring any right, you aren't forced to pray at the inauguration , you don't have to take JI7 Jan 2013 #341

Actually, you were jeff47 Jan 2013 #351

there is no place where i said we didn't have freedom of religion, i'm an atheist JI7 Jan 2013 #353

Very good post. HappyMe Jan 2013 #22

To those bemoaning gun violence... cthulu2016 Jan 2013 #23

Hi to you too!!!! nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #25

I know nothing of the sort. cthulu2016 Jan 2013 #39

Whatever dude nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #42

I love when people try to deny what they just wrote. cthulu2016 Jan 2013 #47

Once again, proceed. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #49

Brilliantly put. trotsky Jan 2013 #63

If I could "Rec" this I would. GoneOffShore Jan 2013 #107

+1 n/t zappaman Jan 2013 #241

Yep amuse bouche Jan 2013 #251

pretty much nailed it to the wall Kali Jan 2013 #372

Well said. GeorgeGist Jan 2013 #88

Yeah, the seats at the back of the bus still go to the same place! jeff47 Jan 2013 #24

I find it highly ironic that the main argument for religion in the inauguration forestpath Jan 2013 #26

It isn't Major Nikon Jan 2013 #128

No kidding amuse bouche Jan 2013 #256

There are people in our 'big tent' whining about this? The Straight Story Jan 2013 #27

So....forced prayer is designed to expand our "big tent"? jeff47 Jan 2013 #56

Someone forced you to pray? Who?? The Straight Story Jan 2013 #60

If this were a school assembly would you get why it was wrong? Warren Stupidity Jan 2013 #74

Phew! Good thing you dodged the hard part with a quibble on terminology!! jeff47 Jan 2013 #145

Accurate points, on the other hand... davidthegnome Jan 2013 #29

If history is condescension, so be it nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #30

As a strident atheist alcibiades_mystery Jan 2013 #31

I agree. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #34

And plenty of strident feminists jeff47 Jan 2013 #40

News Flash! LiberalElite Jan 2013 #64

So true - Thank you. GoneOffShore Jan 2013 #110

that`s best explanation i have read today madrchsod Jan 2013 #82

It's just so mid-century leftstreet Jan 2013 #33

I don't subscribe to, nor believe in any religion, and I agree with you. Lone_Star_Dem Jan 2013 #38

I am not religious at all ellie Jan 2013 #46

I didn't listen to them closely, but I thought they seemed pretty neutral, anyway, I thought similar, RKP5637 Jan 2013 #166

"When the Tao is absent, ritual arises." Lao-Tse Tierra_y_Libertad Jan 2013 #52

I quit listening to fairy tales long ago so will never believe in a sky daddy but libtodeath Jan 2013 #54

Yup nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #55

Who's picking a fight? Arugula Latte Jan 2013 #134

Perhaps I read a different DU nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #149

As an Atheist I didn't mind... Taverner Jan 2013 #59

Separation of Church and State isn't "bemoaning" just1voice Jan 2013 #61

The President is allowed to publicly recognize his faith. NCTraveler Jan 2013 #93

Only if you view an inauguration as a private event. Warren Stupidity Jan 2013 #95

No it is not. Obama can state his Christian beliefs freely. nt. NCTraveler Jan 2013 #104

I know why it exists. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #117

Are we allowed to have personal opinions on DU? LiberalElite Jan 2013 #62

This message was self-deleted by its author DearHeart Jan 2013 #371

You're supposed to run them by nadinbrzezinski first Arugula Latte Jan 2013 #402

Excellent post, agree 100%. MicaelS Jan 2013 #65

K&R Carolina Jan 2013 #68

it is obama`s vision of america based on his belief madrchsod Jan 2013 #69

There's more than one variety of delicate flower out there, the meare presence of different flowers patrice Jan 2013 #71

Times change, people evolve, and a shout-out to ignorance is no longer needed or appropriate Demo_Chris Jan 2013 #75

... and disrespect will earn you nothing but association with others who are disrespectful too. & patrice Jan 2013 #81

Should I also pretend Palin is not ignorant, or is that a truth it is okay to say? Demo_Chris Jan 2013 #142

Is Palin at the inauguration today? Weren't you referring to thousands of people who like to pray patrice Jan 2013 #180

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. Warren Stupidity Jan 2013 #78

Not sure why your bold part matters. NCTraveler Jan 2013 #97

it clearly lays out the rule: no prayers in government functions. Warren Stupidity Jan 2013 #103

What you are saying is not accurate. NCTraveler Jan 2013 #106

Are you claiming private/parochial schools are government functions? (nt) jeff47 Jan 2013 #203

Don't think your reply was meant for me. Nt NCTraveler Jan 2013 #327

No, it was. jeff47 Jan 2013 #329

The poster was wrong. NCTraveler Jan 2013 #331

Except your quote says it's only legal at private or parochial schools. jeff47 Jan 2013 #336

I am not sure why, but I am still not following you. NCTraveler Jan 2013 #380

I'm an Atheist.... Spitfire of ATJ Jan 2013 #79

I'll go with the tradition stuff but not your last sentence. GoneOffShore Jan 2013 #80

Tradition. Good word, that summed up my feelings in one word. I let the religious RKP5637 Jan 2013 #83

Divine was there??? whatchamacallit Jan 2013 #84

Now that would truly be a miracle! n/t zappaman Jan 2013 #90

Not the correct Devine. rhett o rick Jan 2013 #183

Lol! n/t whatchamacallit Jan 2013 #214

Bible...Schmible PossumSqueezins Jan 2013 #85

Got me! bvar22 Jan 2013 #101

^^^____^^^^ winah nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #118

I liked the inauguration. riverbendviewgal Jan 2013 #87

the presence of the divine in the inauguration AlbertCat Jan 2013 #89

In plain English, so you get it. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #125

Is that plain enough to you? AlbertCat Jan 2013 #222

Have fun stormin' that castle nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #224

Have fun stormin' that castle AlbertCat Jan 2013 #226

Hi...see you are annoyed nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #229

"You can trash the thread, easy peachy..." zappaman Jan 2013 #244

troll AlbertCat Jan 2013 #363

Now this is what I call a funny nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #365

Nancy Reagan's astrologer directed the country marions ghost Jan 2013 #407

A re-post of some anti-Atheist chain mail screed, MindPilot Jan 2013 #91

False equivalency: Blacks and gays have no choice in the matter, they are born that way Fumesucker Jan 2013 #98

^^^Nice! MindPilot Jan 2013 #105

Those facts don't change anything stupidicus Jan 2013 #99

You have watched an inauguration, it followed the normal pattern. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #126

which again, is meaningless stupidicus Jan 2013 #187

While DUers don't like to admit it, telling atheists to shut up is more common than you'd think riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #190

that sums it up nicely stupidicus Jan 2013 #274

Which is nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #191

I agree, rightwingnuts don't have a monopoly on the ability to exaggerate stupidicus Jan 2013 #294

Good bye nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #296

thanks for tacitly conceding the validity of my observations and accompanying remarks stupidicus Jan 2013 #300

Belated welcome to DU! riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #311

thanks stupidicus Jan 2013 #342

Welcome to the best "iggy" list on DU zappaman Jan 2013 #370

The solution was to turn the volume off...... DainBramaged Jan 2013 #100

I don't have a problem with including the divine. LWolf Jan 2013 #102

Well, the battle hymn is a patriotic song nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #129

Archbishop Demetrios delivered the Benediction after the Luncheon... nenagh Jan 2013 #139

Please Understand, the West Has Lost the Mystery of the Metaphor mckara Jan 2013 #108

Sounds a lot like certain "arguments" against gun control phantom power Jan 2013 #109

I love the second same false equivalency in the morning. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #131

The perpetuation of belief in myth is killing us broadcaster75201 Jan 2013 #112

This s not the place for the battle. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #122

The battle should be fought on every front Major Nikon Jan 2013 #133

Good luck in changing a tradition nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #137

I just see that as an anti-progressive argument Major Nikon Jan 2013 #338

He had the usual in any inaugural nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #343

I'm not telling you we should get rid of anything Major Nikon Jan 2013 #344

I think it has nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #345

And yet nothing in the mainstream Major Nikon Jan 2013 #350

The media rarely speaks of this. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #352

Actually I'd prefer a more European attitude Major Nikon Jan 2013 #357

Then wait a generation nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #360

Funny how mankind has grown just fine Union Scribe Jan 2013 #346

"in its entire history it has never, ever been free of the beliefs you so loathe"? greyl Jan 2013 #361

Feel free to name any place or point in human history Union Scribe Jan 2013 #373

I just roll my eyes amuse bouche Jan 2013 #114

I for one find comfort in rolling my eyes at my nation's leaders Fumesucker Jan 2013 #119

I love this president. I camapigned for him amuse bouche Jan 2013 #194

So we should not raise a voice in protest at the over-the-top religious crap because Amerika has People b4 profits Jan 2013 #130

It had no more or less prayer nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #135

"Oh and" yes, atheists are and can be their own worst enemies. Serious." Not a Fan Jan 2013 #132

Welcome to DU nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #143

Welcome Not a Fan Jan 2013 #207

Welcome lurker nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #209

As an Athiest, frankly, I could care less. nt Javaman Jan 2013 #136

Agreed, wrong place for that battle. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #138

Is there some point ot this collection of logical fallacies? n/t Egalitarian Thug Jan 2013 #140

Yes. The point is to marginalize non-believers. MindPilot Jan 2013 #158

Could have left this part out. NCTraveler Jan 2013 #141

I'm not religious and I totally agree with you. CanonRay Jan 2013 #144

Congratulations Nadine, you have the most popular divisive thread of this inaugural afternoon Fumesucker Jan 2013 #146

SCORE! After all, that was her goal. n/t Egalitarian Thug Jan 2013 #189

Oh good. Another "Shut it, stupid minorities!" post. JoeyT Jan 2013 #152

Speak as much as you want nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #154

Yes, except people make the exact same arguments you did against both of those. JoeyT Jan 2013 #160

Start where you will make the most difference nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #163

Yes, an atheist that makes the exact same arguments as Christians JoeyT Jan 2013 #174

Funny, prayer does not belong in public schools nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #175

Traditionally it was legal to murder one of my race. JoeyT Jan 2013 #195

And my point is that this battle is not picked nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #196

When, exactly, should this battle be picked? jeff47 Jan 2013 #198

In post 51, Nadin tells us that ceremonies are NOT the place to pick a battle. At least now atheists riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #185

There are hundreds of pending lawsuits over prayer at the municipal level. MindPilot Jan 2013 #173

Well said! Demo_Chris Jan 2013 #156

Atheists are minorities? Number23 Jan 2013 #201

Do you have another term for 20% of the population? (nt) jeff47 Jan 2013 #208

How about calling them "20% of the population"? Number23 Jan 2013 #211

Minority has no skin color requirement. jeff47 Jan 2013 #217

Skin color is only one component of being a minority Number23 Jan 2013 #219

You don't think it applies when all 5 of your quoted criteria apply? jeff47 Jan 2013 #234

Wow. Truly a case of someone seeing what they want to see Number23 Jan 2013 #238

Perhaps when you manage to figure out that your first sentence is completely contradictory jeff47 Jan 2013 #262

The three of you doing the "atheists are minorities" argument are something Number23 Jan 2013 #284

If that was true, you wouldn't have so much trouble answering the question jeff47 Jan 2013 #315

Your own definition betrays your reasoning Major Nikon Jan 2013 #362

"suggests" Number23 Jan 2013 #369

Which "suggests" your opinion is very poorly supported Major Nikon Jan 2013 #376

If you believe that one, yes ONE, study conducted in 2006 Number23 Jan 2013 #377

I'm already convinced Major Nikon Jan 2013 #378

I posted the link because of the five criteria that is used in academic circles to define Number23 Jan 2013 #387

All five applied Major Nikon Jan 2013 #388

One, possibly two of the criteria applied Number23 Jan 2013 #390

That's your opinion which you have not supported with anything other than subterfuge Major Nikon Jan 2013 #392

So atheism is now a culture, not a belief Number23 Jan 2013 #393

It seems the more you get backed into a corner, the snarkier you get Major Nikon Jan 2013 #395

So bored with this. The five criteria say it all Number23 Jan 2013 #396

So what exactly is your argument? Major Nikon Jan 2013 #398

You don't even know what strawmen or subterfuge are Number23 Jan 2013 #404

You still haven't made an argument Major Nikon Jan 2013 #405

Physical OR cultural traits. Secularism is a cultural trait. Definition applies. Warren Stupidity Jan 2013 #236

The Civil Rights Act doesn't define what is and is not a minority Number23 Jan 2013 #239

What percentage of the population are atheists? JoeyT Jan 2013 #216

Being a minority is not only about being a small member or group of a population Number23 Jan 2013 #221

Which of those don't atheists meet? JoeyT Jan 2013 #254

Wow. You've outdone yourself Number23 Jan 2013 #270

I've outdone myself? JoeyT Jan 2013 #290

I don't need to Google what a minority is. I AM a minority Number23 Jan 2013 #292

You are the one shouting, that normally indicated "hysteria" Fumesucker Jan 2013 #302

You again? You should rename yourself The Interjector Number23 Jan 2013 #306

Online typing caps is considered shouting, I'm sure you know that by now Fumesucker Jan 2013 #308

Atheist white man? JoeyT Jan 2013 #303

You started the argument. My first entry was to ask you were atheists minorities Number23 Jan 2013 #310

We likely disagree less than it would seem. JoeyT Jan 2013 #318

Too bad cooler heads couldn't have prevailed in the beginning because I'm pretty much done now Number23 Jan 2013 #320

Gods are mans worst invention bowens43 Jan 2013 #157

But the Inaugural is not the place to fight that fight nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #161

The battle has to be won on the ground before it can go to Washington Demo_Chris Jan 2013 #170

You risk the child who cried wolf syndrome. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #172

That's a lot of adverbs on adjectives, subject changes, and condescension you're gonna get. Festivito Jan 2013 #162

My apologies my good sir, for I wrote English nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #164

Enjoy that nice straw man BlueStreak Jan 2013 #165

Alas my good sir nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #167

this atheist agrees with you Duppers Jan 2013 #168

I'm a non-believer, and I don't mind. JohnnyRingo Jan 2013 #169

Yup, it's about some. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #171

This is officially a secular country. alarimer Jan 2013 #176

A few nations have fought civil wars over that point. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #177

To those lamely justifying turning the inauguration into a fucking church service longship Jan 2013 #182

Well, this had no more or less God than nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #186

Jesus! (So to speak) longship Jan 2013 #192

The Mexican model works too nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #193

I am really sorry, Nadine. longship Jan 2013 #199

You want to change it nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #202

Small steps, my dear friend. longship Jan 2013 #212

Why up thread I gave the example of Rosa Parks. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #223

^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^ +1000000000000000 Coyotl Jan 2013 #288

Just a note of fact: The Oath orginally did not contain "SO HELP ME GOD" that was an add on by diabeticman Jan 2013 #200

Oh that's all historical and stuff... riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #204

It's been there ever since, right? nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #205

Actually, no. It's still not there. jeff47 Jan 2013 #210

Uh, NO, its NOT in the Constitution! riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #213

Same sort of logic used to justify the right wing's stance on gay marriage, etc. RedCappedBandit Jan 2013 #220

I recommend you read how that battle has been fought nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #225

A comment on a discussion board is a "frontal attack"? Fumesucker Jan 2013 #233

Really. Atheists are treated to some of the shittiest push back, even on DU. This is a discussion bd riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #259

I agree. It's ridiculous over-reaction. Arugula Latte Jan 2013 #276

I wonder why that is. Union Scribe Jan 2013 #349

Nobody's been told they're idiots for their beliefs, except atheists who've expressed an OPINION riderinthestorm Jan 2013 #386

I have no problem with the presence of the Divine at the inauguration. Kalidurga Jan 2013 #227

^^^__^^^ next thread winah. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #230

I would say, " get over it!" demosincebirth Jan 2013 #231

Well, the imagined presence of the divine. nt Deep13 Jan 2013 #245

Just know this is not the place for that fight nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #246

Not fighting. Just telling the truth. nt Deep13 Jan 2013 #252

Says who...the divine? amuse bouche Jan 2013 #257

What divine? Sorry if the usage of language more in step nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #261

Like the NRA amuse bouche Jan 2013 #263

Oh you misunderstand. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #269

No I didn't misunderstand. amuse bouche Jan 2013 #282

I suggest you trash the thread nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #285

Lol amuse bouche Jan 2013 #312

Funny how it never, ever is the place for that fight. Arugula Latte Jan 2013 #273

That *WAS* a good place nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #283

just...... whatever dude. Phillip McCleod Jan 2013 #278

That delusion "presence of the divine" will give way to reason with maturity Coyotl Jan 2013 #286

Fight it where you can have an effect nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #287

I find it endearing Laochtine Jan 2013 #293

No matter what "battle" atheists pick, it's never the right battle. Evoman Jan 2013 #297

I have no issues on battles nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #299

Frontal attacks don't work? Strategic? Evoman Jan 2013 #305

Oh dear amuse bouche Jan 2013 #314

Yup, why the civil right movement nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #322

Honestly, I could care less about your inaugurals. Evoman Jan 2013 #324

So why post about it? nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #325

Geez, no need to get offended. My response is not infantile. Evoman Jan 2013 #337

Yup amuse bouche Jan 2013 #328

Lol Union Scribe Jan 2013 #347

Well, what would you do if you were atheist and felt excluded and marginalized? Evoman Jan 2013 #356

Everyone is excluded from something. Union Scribe Jan 2013 #358

A good response to prejudice is to just accept it? Evoman Jan 2013 #364

Yes, that's exactly what I said. Union Scribe Jan 2013 #374

Are you saying that that's what I'm doing? Evoman Jan 2013 #375

man, evoman, that was *right on* Phillip McCleod Jan 2013 #367

If a public school forced students to recite the Lords Prayer, knock yourself out. Nye Bevan Jan 2013 #368

Ah, yes... it's tradition, so we shouldn't even discuss it kdmorris Jan 2013 #301

It's hilarious amuse bouche Jan 2013 #316

And shut up kdmorris Jan 2013 #319

Well that goes without saying amuse bouche Jan 2013 #326

Yep. Arugula Latte Jan 2013 #401

I find some atheists just as annoying as religious fanatics cherish44 Jan 2013 #332

And yet here you are clicking on a thread about religion Fumesucker Jan 2013 #334

I tried to start a thread about my cat's tapeworm and it sunk like a stone cherish44 Jan 2013 #381

I think threads like this are ample enough proof of what you say. nt Union Scribe Jan 2013 #348

so do i , and i'm an atheist JI7 Jan 2013 #355

Yup nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #366

It's like you've never seen "Fiddler on the Roof" or something. Brickbat Jan 2013 #335

"the presence of the divine in the inauguration" presumes that religious activities are ladjf Jan 2013 #354

We have separation of state because we have freedom of religion. They go hand in hand. appleannie1 Jan 2013 #382

I'm not the least bit religious, but level of twisting of knickers SpartanDem Jan 2013 #384

Yup nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #385

"Mexico, fought a few bloody civil wars over it" Capt. Obvious Jan 2013 #389

Well, you could try reading nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #391

Burn Capt. Obvious Jan 2013 #399

Well, good bye. nadinbrzezinski Jan 2013 #400

God bye to you too Capt. Obvious Jan 2013 #403

Here we are again, the majority telling the minority to fuck off, you can't change it anyway. Egalitarian Thug Jan 2013 #394

Ah, but the "divine" probably wasn't present and maybe doesn't even exist. redgreenandblue Jan 2013 #397

Has anyone suggested bringing suit against the administration sylvi Jan 2013 #409