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Vol. 29 No. 10 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. December 2012 Heathens’ Greetings

FFRF returned its golden Winter Solstice sign, erected to protest religion in the Founding father. Venus, symbolizing the solar system, is the mother saying, “It’s Wisconsin Capitol, for the 17th year in a row. The message, by FFRF President a Girl!” The adored baby is black and female. An astronaut and the Statue of Emerita Anne Nicol Gaylor, reads: “At this Season of the Winter Solstice, May Liberty instead of angels appear. The sign reads: “Celebrate the Solstice; The Reason Prevail. There are no gods, no masters, no angels, no devils, no heaven Reason for the Season.” See more, Page 7 and back page. or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition FFRF staff, kneeling from left: Annie Laurie Gaylor, Katie Daniel, Dan that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” FFRF erected a whimsy “natural Barker, Melanie Knier, (back) Andrew Seidel, Katie Stenz, Stephanie Schmitt, nativity” for a second year in a row to counter more religion. Designed by Staff Patrick Elliott, Scott Colson, Bill Dunn, Rebecca Markert, Jackie Douglas and Attorney Andrew Seidel, the nativity features three wise men (Darwin, Einstein, Wendy Goldberg. (Photo by Andrew L. Seidel) Mark Twain) plus one wise woman, Emma Goldman. Thomas Jefferson is the Mountaintop statue on slippery slope Inside This Issue Judge rules Jesus shrine suit can proceed Student stops The Freedom From Religion Foun- est Service continued to sanction the prayer at dation’s closely watched lawsuit against shrine overlooking the Big Mountain University of the U.S. Forest Service and the Catho- ski run until the most recent lease ran Windsor lic Knights of Columbus council in out in late 2010. FFRF filed a complaint Kalispell, Mont., got a green light Nov. in early 2011 and was informed that Page 3 27 from U.S. District Judge Dana Chris- summer the Forest Service wouldn’t tensen. renew the permit. FFRF sued in February 2012, seek- After U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R- ing a declaration that the “continued Mont., made a fuss, essentially running presence of a six-foot-tall statue of Je- for Senate on a “save the Jesus statue” Max Nielson sus Christ in the Flathead National For- platform, the Forest Service quickly challenges est, on a 25-by-25-foot plot owned and reversed the denial. (Rehberg, by the graduation administered by the United States For- way, lost his Senate bid in November.) prayer est Service, violates the Establishment FFRF had received such nasty e-mails Clause of the First Amendment to the and phone calls in response to pub- Constitution of the United States.” licity that it chose not to name FFRF Pages 12–13 Skier Bill Cox, Montana plaintiff in The Knights placed the shrine in members in the initial legal complaint. FFRF’s lawsuit contesting a Jesus statue 1954 after receiving a special-use per- After several defendants sought to in the Flathead National Forest, calls the mit from the government. The For- Continued on page 7 statue “an absurdity.” Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012

Meet a Member Fully fit member in mind, body

Name: Donald B. Ardell. Person in history I admire and why: Where I live: Downtown St. Peters- Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-99) for burg, Fla. the life he led and the body of work he When and where I was born: July 18, left behind. His speeches still dazzle, 1938, Philadelphia, Pa., in a hospital inform, inspire and motivate. His pas- named Misericordia (a wobbly start for sions, themes and causes we, too, em- a future freethinker). brace and seek yet — secular democ- Family: Wife, Carol; daughter, racy, emancipation of the oppressed, Jeanne; son Jon; and grandchildren, justice for all, reason as the best guide, Charles Grant, 8, Cadence, 8, and Bud- joy the highest virtue, happiness the dy Miles, 6. greatest good, science the truest source Education: George Washington Uni- and natural wonders the only worship. versity (sociology), University of North Ingersoll’s genius guided secularists Carolina-Chapel Hill (urban plan- then and still to this day on how to be Don Ardell has won numerous ning), Stanford University (business) free, rational and appreciative of sci- national and world championships in and Union Institute & University, Cin- ence and nature. triathlon and duathlon competitions cinnati (doctorate in health and public A quotation I like: My favorite Don Ardell holds an “orange of life” and is still competing. His website is policy). comes from a speech Ingersoll deliv- from his favorite quote by Robert don-ardell.com/. Occupation: Promoter (as essayist, ered at the Lotos Club in New York Ingersoll. author and speaker) of exceptional City on March 22, 1890: “And yet, after physical and mental health based upon his glorious opus Wonderful Life. all, what would this world be without ing; time with my wife, children and reason, exuberance, athleticism and Where I’m headed: More or less death? It may be from the fact that we friends; classical music; novels; biog- liberty. in the same direction I’m going, for are all victims, from the fact that we are raphies; red wine; triathlons and road Military service: Three years in the pretty much the reasons that got me all bound by common fate; it may be races (for starters on things I like). U.S. Air Force. on this path, including but not limited that friendship and love are born of These are not: I try not to pay atten- How I got where I am today: Contin- to trial and error, reading, asking ques- that fact; but whatever the fact is, I am tion but if pressed would certainly have gencies as unlikely if less consequential tions and taking notes from the pro- perfectly satisfied that the highest pos- to mention anything associated with than those described by Stephen Jay files of the glorious infidels featured in sible philosophy is to enjoy today, not religion, environmental degradation, Gould of how we all got to be here in Freethought of the Day. regretting yesterday, and not fearing animal husbandry, hunting for sport, tomorrow. So, let us suck this orange of the fact that the 1% control too much life dry, so that when death does come, of society’s resources. we can politely say to him, ‘You are wel- My doubts about religion started: Welcome to new come to the peelings. What little there When I learned to think for myself, was we have enjoyed.’ ” even a little bit (approximately around The last sentence of the quotation age 12). appears in large letters on the back of Why I’m a freethinker: I can’t envi- “After-Lifer,” 18 the cycling jersey I wear that my wife sion any other options that seem sen- made for me. It has generated many an sible, attractive and conducive to the affable conversation during post-ride way I choose to think and live. Lifetime Members coffee breaks. Ways I promote freethought: In my These are a few of my favorite conversations, the essays and books I things: Writing essays on politics, sex, write, the speeches I give and the life The Freedom From Religion Foun- doing that I contacted FFRF to buy my religion and real wellness; vegan din- I lead. dation is delighted to announce one Life Membership. Keep up the great new “After-Life” Member, David Ricks, work!” Preying priests? and 18 new Lifetime Members. New States represented are California, Life Members are: Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massa- Anne Alexander, B. Babow & Mike chusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Kirkland (B. Babow paid for a gift Life- Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wiscon- time Membership for Mike), Blair Boze, sin. Michael Bucchino (gift from Adam R. Individual “Lifetime Memberships” Rose), Max Cantor (gift from Adam R. are $1,000 designated as a member- Rose), Deborah Castleman, Patrick Col- ship or renewal. Individual “After- lins (gift from Stuart and Laura Litwin), Life” Memberships (slightly tongue Louise Ellen Dotter, Brian Fetherston- in cheek) are $5,000, for those who haugh, Joel Farzin, Lance Hoshiko, know the value of compound interest Jay Jones, Rob Manegold, Scribner and want their gift to “live after them.” Messenger, Professor Steven Pinker, Both forms of membership guarantee Dr. Marjorie Schulman and Ashok B. never another renewal notice and go Varma. into a rainy day (safe) endowment. B. Babow kindly writes: “After buy- Dues and donations to FFRF are de- ing Mike Kirkland’s Lifetime Member- ductible for income-tax purposes and Harper Gould, Delaware, said his first reaction when he saw this “Pray ship, we received the FFRF newspaper. are gratefully accepted! Our warmest for priests” ribbon was “Really? I thought priests are the ones who are I was so impressed with it, how upbeat appreciation to our newest Lifetime supposed to pray for their sinful parishioners. Then I wondered if they it was and all the great work FFRF is Members and new After-Life Member. meant we should pray for those poor priests who just can’t seem to resist the temptation to abuse children.”

A Note to Members Send Us Your Freethought Today published by Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. Your address label shows the expira- Address Change P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 tion date of your membership in FFRF, which includes your subscription to Promptly! (608)256-5800 • FAX (608)204-0422 Freethought Today and “Private Line.” [email protected] • ffrf.org Don’t miss a single issue! If you If it says any month in 2012, please re- Editor: Bill Dunn move, notify us directly and new! Your prompt re­newal ($40-single Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor mem­ber­ship; $50-household; $100 sus- promptly. The Post Office does taining; $25-student) saves us time and not forward third-class mail. Contributing Editors: Dan Barker, Katie Stenz post­age, and is tax-deductible. Free­­­ FFRF cannot be responsible for re- Production Editor: Scott Colson thought Today is published 10 times a placing back issues if we have not Contributors: Jeff Albright, Jessica Ahlquist, Philip Appleman, year, with combined issues in Jan/Feb been notified prior to your move. Suzanne Lamb, Max Nielson, Shawna Scott, Fred Strong and June/July. Send to FFRF, Box 750, Back issues, while they last, may December 2012 Madison WI 53701. be ordered for $2 each. The only freethought newspaper in the United States December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3 Thanks to FFRF’s seventh 2012 student activist awardee: ‘Secularism prevails’ at University of Windsor

Shawna received a $1,000 cash scholar- no atheist will be approaching the po- ship from FFRF. With a moment of dium to present a statement about his or her lack of belief in god(s). With a reflection, nothing moment of reflection, nothing is being By Shawna Scott imposed on anyone and neutrality is is being imposed maintained. on anyone and Some argued that the prayer should A t my 2010 convocation (or not have been removed because it is “graduation”) for my B.A. at the Uni- neutrality is part of a tradition. But with our ever- versity of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, changing student population, it is im- all attendees were asked to stand in maintained. perative that the university continue its prayer. This was unexpected to me be- dedication to celebrating diversity. cause this is a public university. Also, Other critics have argued that the the concept of a God had otherwise “minorities” have no right to speak been absent from our learning experi- factors that helped me in my own per- out. Similarly, one woman wrote to a ences. sonal achievement? newspaper that I “could have simply This was the prayer: I consulted with members of the stayed away from the convocation cer- “Eternal God, the source of all good- Windsor/Essex County Atheist Society. emonies and collected [my] diploma ness, discipline, and knowledge: We pray With their encouragement, I wrote an at the office.” you to bless this assembly, gather to recog- email to university administrative staff Those individuals seemingly support nize achievement and celebrate life. Bless to address my concerns and asked that Shawna is in a doctoral program in segregation, and that is alarming. The this and all universities in their quest for the prayer be replaced with a moment child clinical psychology. concept of “majority rules” can lead to excellence. Be with teachers and students ev- of reflection. I did not receive a reply. an abuse of power, violating the basic erywhere, that an unending search for truth I tried again a year later but again re- and inalienable rights of nondominant and justice may be awakened in them. In- ceived no response. groups. How much power should the spire all researchers, philosophers and writ- I attended a Secular Student Al- I was informed by OHREA that our majority have over the minority in the ers to provide resources for searching minds. liance conference in July 2012 with request was being discussed at the public realm? Enable all who discern truth to make the several club members. During a pre- presidential level. Within a few days, it Clearly, my journey had its ups and wholeness of human kind their life’s goal. sentation, I found myself seated next was announced that the convocation downs, but it was entirely worthwhile. I Amen.” to Annie Laurie Gaylor. Afterward, I prayer would be permanently replaced learned a lot about myself, how to work Being asked to stand in prayer to ac- asked her for her recommendations by a moment of reflection: with others and how to create change. knowledge a God I did not believe in about the prayer at convocation issue. “This day marks a new beginning, par- I learned that if you want to make made me feel excluded and disrespect- She showed a great deal of passion for ticularly for those about to celebrate their change, you definitely need these two ed. The ideals mentioned in the prayer supporting our cause. graduation. It is only fitting that we come ingredients: a plan and perseverance. did not fit with me or with many other I jotted down some key phrases that together to recognize your achievements and In creating the plan, it is important students, so why were we all asked to she advised me to include in another commemorate your successes as you contin- to consult and network with others. I pay lip service? Why was I not given the letter to the University. I felt empow- ue to your lifelong quest for knowledge and found it helpful to discuss my plan with freedom to acknowledge the unique ered to be persistent in advocating for excellence. I ask that you take a moment to club members, faculty members, other change. Our club member- reflect on those who guided you along your club leaders and Annie Laurie. ship increased significantly path of learning, to appreciate our families, In being persistent, it is important around that time, and I our teachers, our peers, the world in which to modify your approach as needed. In knew that I would have sup- we live, and all that inspires us.” order for society to advance, we must port from club members as Secularism prevailed, and I could harness our complaints, work together, well. I decided that I was not have been more relieved. I re- and advocate for change. not going to give up and ceived my M.A. at the October 2012 would try a slightly different convocation, which was the first time Shawna Scott is a doctoral student in approach. in the school’s history that prayer was the child clinical psychology program at the In September 2012, I absent. What did I think about during University of Windsor. She has an M.A. wrote a third email to the the moment of reflection? in clinical psychology and is president and university. We asked that a I thought about the wonderful founder of the 220-member Windsor/Essex group prayer would no lon- professors, teaching assistants and County Atheist Society, which is is affiliated ger be dictated to us. We staff who helped me along the way. I with Secular Student Alliance and Centre urged the university to of- thought about my family, classmates for Inquiry. fer a moment of reflection and friends. During the moment of which would allow convo- reflection, each convocation attendee cation attendees to make was granted the space to be true to his their own decision as to or her own conscience. whether they want to pray, reflect, think about people Public reaction who helped them along the way, and/or remember The prayer removal was well-re- Include FFRF their experiences at the ceived by students and faculty. Many In Your Estate university. described the change as “long over- A faculty member rec- due.” But a local newspaper received Planning ommended I also send it some letters criticizing the change. to the Office of Human Some people were upset that the athe- Arrange a bequest in your will or Shawna Scott kept pursuing her goal of replacing Rights, Equity and Acces- ists “win” again. trust, or make the Freedom From prayer with reflection. (Alexandria Photography) sibility. Within one month, What they failed to recognize is that Religion Found­ation the benefi- ciary of an insurance policy, bank account, or IRA. It’s easy to do. For related information (or to request a bequest What Is a Freedom From Religion Foundation brochure), please phone Annie Laurie Gaylor at Freethinker? P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org (608) 256-8900. FFRF free-think-er n. What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? P.O. Box 750 A person who Madison WI 53701 forms opinions Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and about religion agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state and church separate and to educate the public about the views of nontheists. on the basis of reason, Freedom Depends The Foundation’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Please include your independently of name and physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. on Freethinkers tradition, authority, or Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action established belief. alerts” and “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012 Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

Night Thoughts

Black on black, from Maine to California: the starshine is too precious now to keep. I’m staking all my luck on one more morning while everyone I love is sound asleep. Overheard Suppose tomorrow were the last clear dawning, painting the sky with glimmers of desire, God’s wishes are cited in efforts to fied from receiving a commission as deny abortions to raped women and a second lieutenant because of clinical the last pale cloud, the last bright eagle soaring, civil marriages to same-sex couples. In depression and anxiety before the final blossoming of fire— our country God doesn’t merely have Huffington Post, 12-3-12 a place at the table. He or She is the the last green pine, and one more blue wave breaking, host of the prayer-heavy dinner party. I think he’s guilty, but it’s a matter of the long farewell in one last robin’s song, And there’s too little acknowledgment what he’s guilty of. that God isn’t just a potent engine of Alternate juror excused before delib- teaching us the keenest kind of aching, altruism, mercy and solace, but also, in erations in the trial of Orthodox Rabbi to love that well which we must leave ere long. instances, a divisive, repressive instru- Nechemya Weberman, Brooklyn, N.Y., ment; that godliness isn’t any prereq- charged with sustained sexual conduct They’d feel it come in Washington and China: uisite for patriotism; and that some- against a child younger than 13 over the poison rain, the murder in the snow, one like [resigning West Point Cadet a period of three years, starting when Blake] Page deserves as much respect the girl was 12 endless winter, birdless and benighted, as any true believer. New York Daily News, 12-7-12 and sickness in the fields, where nothing grows. Frank Bruni, column headlined “The God Glut,” in which he also notes that The exciting part is that all the various From Paumanok it’s black to the Pacific: Bob Kerrey, former Nebraska gover- civic, quasi governmental and religious a nightbird says too late, you’re in too deep. nor and senator, told Bruni he’s agnos- groups are coming together to make tic this happen. Red telephones are jangling their dark traffic, New York Times, 12-10-12 Jeff Corcoran, on a live nativity scene while everyone I love is sound asleep. Dec. 8 in a Goshen, Ohio, public park, All the pope’s tweets are the pope’s an event that FFRF attorneys are inves- words. Nobody is going to be putting tigating words into his mouth. cincinnati.com, 12-6-12 Greg Burke, senior Vatican media ad- © 1996 Philip Appleman viser, announcing Pope Benedict’s han- Wouldn’t it be useful for a presidential Reprinted from New and Selected Poems, 1956—1996. dle on Twitter will be @pontifex (com- candidate to publish his or her own list bining “pope” and “bridge builder”) of answers to moral questions rather Reuters, 12-3-12 than hide behind the vague generality Philip Appleman is Distinguished­ Pro­fessor Emeri­tus at In­dia­na that religion equals morality? Uni­ver­si­ty. His published volumes of poetry in­clude Perfidious I’m very pleased that it’s one of the 10 Op-ed by Steve Huthman, Brigham Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the Bible (2012), words that got picked out. I’m delight- City, Utah, who holds a degree in phys- Darwin’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Dharma, Pudding ed. I hope it may bring more people ics and works as a software consultant & Pie (2009). His nonfiction work includes­ the widely used Nor- to understand something about evolu- at Hill Air Force Base ton Critical Edition, Darwin, and the Nor­ton Critical Edition of tion. Salt Lake Tribune, 12-8-12 Malthus’ Essay on Pop­ulation. His poetry and fiction have won Evolutionary biologist Richard Daw- many awards, including a fellowship in poetry from the National­ kins, on “meme,” a word he coined in If it wasn’t for your building up the San- En­dow­ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry Society of America, the 1976, being one of Merriam-Webster’s ta-industrial complex over the years, Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist Association and the Friend of 10 most looked-up words online in Christmas would be just another lame Darwin Award from the National Center for Science Education. His work has appeared­ 2012 holiday like Easter. Christians would in Har­per’s Magazine, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York Times, The Associated Press, 12-5-12 then be mucking about talking about Paris Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review.. Jesus and making the rest of us mis- He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both “Afterlife” Members of Imagine how much easier things would erable. Thanks to your organization, the Freedom From Religion Foundation. They recorded an excerpt of “Noah,” New and be if Christians who respected separa- Christians are relegated to obsessing Selected Poems, which is available for sale from FFRF for $23 ppd, The Norton Critical tion of church and state took a stand like the rest of us on what Kardashian- Edition, Darwin, is $22 ppd., Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie, $27 ppd., Darwin’s against the illegal actions of some inspired product/brand to waste our Ark, $23 ppd., and Perfidious Proverbs, $20 ppd. (ffrf.org/shop/). school administrators instead of letting money on. atheists go at it alone. Blogger LiP, Mass., letter to Santa Hemant Mehta, column headlined laughinginpurgatory.com, 11-17-12 “Why we need to help young atheists” Washington Post, 12-5-12 Jiizas baal. The bible’s shortest verse [“Jesus I do not wish to be in any way associ- wept,” John 11:35], in the Bible Soci- Your Weekly Antidote to the religious right ated with an institution which willful- ety’s first-ever Jamaican patois transla- ly disregards the Constitution of the tion TUNE IN TO United States of America by enforcing Associated Press, 12-18-12 policies which run counter to the same. FREETHOUGHT RADIO Examples of these policies include I am not saying that President Obama mandatory prayer, the maintenance is the Antichrist, I am not saying that produced by the of the 3rd Regiment Shield, awarding at all. One reason I know he’s not the Freedom From Religion extra passes to Plebes who take part in Antichrist is the Antichrist is going to Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and religious retreats and chapel choirs, have much higher poll numbers when Annie Laurie Gaylor as well as informal policies such as the he comes. President Obama is not the open disrespect of nonreligious new Antichrist. But what I am saying is this: Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. cadets and incentivizing participation The course he is choosing to lead our in religious activities through the chain nation is paving the way for the future iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio of command. reign of the Antichrist. West Point Cadet Blake Page’s letter Robert Jeffress, senior pastor, First Slightly irreverent views, of resignation from the U.S. Military Baptist Church in Dallas, in a Nov. 4 news, music & interviews Academy 174 days before graduating sermon and after he was medically disquali- The Christian Post, 11-8-12 December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5

2012 Brian Bolton Graduate Student/Mature Student Essay Award winners $9,100 in prizes awarded to graduate students

The Freedom From Religion Foun- Harvard Graduate School of Design. bia University. the generosity of FFRF Lifetime Mem- dation has awarded graduate students Second place ($2,000): Wilson Antwon Kennedy, Kennesaw State ber Brian Bolton, a retired psycholo- (or any students 25 or older) $9,100 in Melón, Purdue University. University. gist, humanist minister and university this year’s essay competition. Students Third place ($1,000): Lynn Wil- Ashley Miller, University of South professor emeritus at the University of were asked to describe “Why God and helm, North Carolina State University. Carolina. Arkansas. government are a dangerous mix, es- Fourth place (tie, $500 each): Bry- Justin Vacula, Marywood University. FFRF would also like to extend a pecially in an election year” in 850- to an Johnson, Colorado State University; Kristina Beverlin, University of Kan- warm thank you to FFRF members 1,000 words. Vicky Weber, Colorado State Univer- sas. Dean and Dorea Schramm for provid- There were six major winners with a sity. Maria Rodriguez, University of Con- ing the honorable mention awardees tie for fourth place, plus seven honor- Fifth place ($300): Jemille Bailey, necticut School of Law. and the fifth-place winner with a $50 able mentions. The top six essays can Columbia University. Wanda Thompson, Western Gover- bonus. be found on pages 9, 10, 14, and 15. Honorable mentions ($200 each): nor’s University. First place ($3,000): Elizabeth Pipal, Anastassia Smorodinskaya, Colum- The awards are made possible by Pennsylvania commission settles discrimination case Freethought Today gets ‘church discount’

FFRF helped one of its Pennsylvania Attorney Re- civil rights statutes. group oriented around the subject of members obtain a favorable ruling for becca Markert “The Civil Rights Act states in rele- religious faith[,] including publica- nonbelievers from the state Human wrote the first vant part, ‘All persons shall be entitled tions from the Freedom From Religion Relations Commission. of three letters to the full and equal enjoyment of the Foundations[,] as long as they main- After John Wolff of Lancaster was of complaint to goods, services, facilities, privileges, ad- tain the Sunday discount program.” unable to get the owners of Prudhom- owners Sharon vantages, and accommodations of any Wolff was notified Nov. 21 by letter me’s Lost Cajun Kitchen in Columbia and Dave and place of public accommodation . . . of the disposition of his complaint. to stop discriminating against atheists Sharon Prud- without discrimination on the ground Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor and agnostics, he enlisted FFRF’s help. homme. Mark- of race, color, religion, or national noted that FFRF publishes a monthly The restaurant was offering an ille- ert pointed out John Wolff origin,’ ” wrote Markert, adding, “As newspaper, Freethought Today, and gal 10% discount for customers who that the dis- a place of ‘public accommodation,’ it several irreligious “nontracts” that ap- brought in a church bulletin. count “violates the federal Civil Rights is illegal for Lost Cajun Kitchen to dis- parently now qualify as church bulle- On April 11, 2011, FFRF Senior Staff Act in addition to provisions of state criminate, or show favoritism, on the tins. “We have titles such as ‘Why Wom- basis of religion.” en Need Freedom From Religion,’ ‘Is After getting no response, Wolff America a Christian Nation?’ ‘What’s filed a complaint with the state Human Wrong With the Ten Command- Kansas mayor to remove Relations Commission. On Sept. 24, ments?’ and ‘What Does the Bible Say the commission approved the follow- About Abortion?’ ” ing terms of settlement: Congratulations to John for his per- “Respondent will continue to give sistence and activism! cross from city logo a discount for any bulletin from any

FFRF has successfully petitioned the State/Church Bulletin city of Buhler, Kan., to remove a cross from its official seal. After receiving a complaint from an offended Buhler citizen, Staff Attorney ‘Choose Life’ plates the prompt and efficient administra- Patrick Elliott wrote Sept. 14 to Mayor struck down in N.C. tion of justice.” Daniel Friesen, pointing out it’s unlaw- She makes $142,000 annually as a ful for a city to use a Latin cross as part CNN reported that U.S. District judge. of its official symbol. Elliott cited seven Judge James Fox ruled Dec. 7 that federal court decisions that held cross- North Carolina’s “Choose Life” license es on municipal seals and logos to be plates are unconstitutional. Texas student refuses unconstitutional. “The state’s offering a Choose Life school’s ‘beastly’ ID Friesen told reporters that “the city license plate in the absence of a pro- consulted several law firms, which said choice alternative constitutes view- Northside Independent School the city would most likely lose if it took point discrimination in violation of the District in San Antonio, Texas, which this to court.” First Amendment,” Fox wrote. started requiring students to wear ra- “The endorsement of religion in the Republican state Rep. Mitch Gil- dio frequency identification tracking Buhler seal is particularly egregious be- lespie, who sponsored the bill for the chips this year, is being sued in federal cause the cross is prominently featured The city seal is displayed on a large plates, wants to appeal the decision. court by sophomore Andrea Hernan- and used to symbolize the ‘Tradition- sign in Albert Becker Park and on Lawmakers voted down amend- dez, who refuses to wear the ID tag on al Values’ portion of the town motto. official city forms. ments that would have created pro- biblical grounds. Courts addressing less prominent de- choice alternatives such as “Trust Wom- The Rutherford Institute, an evan- pictions have found that the inclusion en. Respect Choice.” gelical legal group in Charlottesville, of a Latin cross among other symbols last year, said during a segment of “The Va., is representing Hernandez. Insti- on government seals and logos violates Five” that the city had a “free speech” tute President John Whitehead told the Establishment Clause,” wrote El- right to endorse religion: “Back off, Judge charged for the Washington Post that, according liott. Freedom From Religion. Can’t stand religion in courthouse to the Hernandez family’s beliefs, “any The mayor correctly noted that if that group, by the way. . . . It’s groups kind of identifying badge from the the city were to fight the case it would like Freedom From Religion that are The Florida Judicial Qualifications government is the mark of the beast, be wasting taxpayer money. the problem.” Commission has filed notice of formal which means that you pay allegiance to The story erupted in Kansas and na- The mayor announced the seal will charges against Leon County Judge Ju- a false God.” tionally in late November. be redesigned without the cross. dith Hawkins for allegedly running a District officials have repeatedly of- The Fox News Channel, in its cov- Please contact the mayor to thank religious materials business out of the fered to let Hernandez come to school erage of what it called “culture war him for his responsible decision and to courthouse, WCTV reported Dec. 6. wearing an ID card without the chip news,” relentlessly pummeled FFRF on affirm why cities can’t endorse religion: Hawkins is accused of using her and battery. Her lawyers have filed a various nationally broadcast programs Mayor Daniel P. Friesen county email account, judicial assistant motion claiming that a badge with no and on Facebook. Eric Bolling, who 602 N Main and her office spaces and equipment tracking capabilities still runs counter replaced Glenn Beck and kicked FFRF Buhler, KS 67522 to create, edit and promote Gaza Road to her Christian principles. Co-President Dan Barker off the air Email: [email protected] Ministry products “to the detriment of Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012 Real ‘reason for the season’ is astronomical holiday

Dan Barker’s column, headlined ‘We year with lights, food, gifts, fun, mu- We are all damned sinners who need to atheists love this time of year like everyone This season of sic, and family gatherings, as it signals be “saved” by bowing down to the baby else,’ first appeared Dec. 5 in the Washing- the return of the sun for another year. in the manger who grew up to become ton Post’s “On Faith” section. the year has been While everything in the upper north- a king and dictator who threatens us ern hemisphere is dark and colorless, with eternal torment if we do not sub- Photo: Brent Nicastro celebrated for the evergreen signifies hope for a re- mit like slaves to his authority. A popu- millennia before turning spring. None of this is super- lar Christmas carol claims that Jesus natural. It has nothing to do with the came “to save us all from Satan’s power the Christian birth of a god. while we were gone astray.” Believers In America, Christians are welcome might see a cute baby in a manger, but Church usurped it. to celebrate whatever they want. We most nonbelievers see an in-your-face are happy to share the season with put-down of humanity. them. They just can’t use the govern- We are not sinners or slaves. We live ment to privilege their party over ev- in a proudly rebellious country that eryone else’s. fought a divisive Revolutionary War to ber] Damon Vix, who organized the I understand how Haynes might feel get rid of kings and lords, establishing nonreligious displays in Santa Monica, that nonreligious displays during De- a nation that disestablishes religion. Calif., including a Winter Solstice ban- cember “ridicule” the precious beliefs Nobody should have to stay home ner from the Freedom From Religion of Christians, but what is wrong with for the holidays. We atheists love this Foundation, have become “counter- ridicule? What is wrong with protest, time of year like everyone else, and we productive and needlessly divisive.” in this great country that cherishes the actually know what we are celebrating: Counterproductive of what? Isn’t di- freedom of speech and the freedom of the rebirth of the sun, not the birth of versity — with freedom and justice for religion? Protestantism, for example, is the son. Christians can do whatever all — what America is all about? And if based on protest — it’s right there in they like in their churches and private there is divisiveness, who is to blame? the word itself. The Puritans (who es- property, but in the American public Does December belong only to Chris- chewed Christmas) based their entire square, there is room at the inn for all tians? flight to the new world on their ridi- of us. By Dan Barker Haynes is certainly aware that this cule of the Roman Catholic faith. And season of the year has been celebrat- Catholics have had their inquisitions Dan Barker, a former minister, is co- ed for millennia before the Christian and holy wars. Religion, at its core, is president of the Freedom From Religion Charles C. Haynes, in his “Christ- Church usurped it for its own agenda. fiercely divisive, criticizing and ridicul- Foundation and author of Godless: How mas wars” column [Nov. 27 Washing- No respectable scholar thinks Jesus was ing all other faiths and nonfaiths. an Evangelical Preacher Became One of ton Post], acknowledges that atheists born in December, if he was born at all. To us nonbelievers, the nativity America’s Leading Atheists and several have achieved a victory in the battle Many other pagan sun gods and scene is a ridicule of human nature. other freethought books. to keep religious symbols from domi- resurrected “saviors” had been pur- nating certain public property during portedly born on Dec. 25, long before December. He astutely outlines the a sect of messianic Jews came up with reasoning of the courts and munici- their own version of the story. The Ro- palities that are opting for fairness and mans celebrated the Saturnalia during inclusivity for all Americans. December, leading up to the New Year, Countering crèche But then, like a sore loser, he calls Dies Natalis Sol Invicti, the “Birthday of on nonbelievers to “stay home for the the Unconquerable Sun,” on Dec. 25, holidays. Let Christian groups set up which was the date in the Julian calen- Nativity scenes in public spaces unan- dar of the Winter Solstice, the actual in Milwaukee swered in December, and save the athe- new year. ist messages for another time of year.” The real “reason for the season” is Haynes complains that the “in-your- the natural astronomical holiday. We face tactics” of people like [FFRF mem- all like to honor the shortest day of the State/Church Bulletin

Louisiana vouchers science lessons. The chairman of the Senate Education and Career Develop- ruled unconstitutional ment Committee calls it “truth in edu- Louisiana State District Judge Tim cation.” Kelley ruled Nov. 30 in Baton Rouge Kruse said, “If a student thinks that the expanded voucher program in something isn’t true, then they can Act 2 of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s education- question the teacher and the teacher al reform package put into effect this would have to come up with some kind school year is unconstitutional. of research to support that what they Kelley ruled that the program im- are teaching is true or not true.” properly diverts tax dollars from the Gerry Wheeler, National Science state’s public school funding formula Teachers Association executive direc- to private schools, reported Ponchar- tion, called it a “a creative new evolu- train Newspapers. tion that the creationists are going to” About 4,900 students have enrolled and one of the “very insidious ways of in 117 private schools with taxpayer trying to get nonscience into the sci- dollars. More than 10,000 students ap- ence classroom.” plied.

Oklahoma high court Ed Susterich, who is a recently retired FFRF officer, returned the Foundation’s New backdoor effort to reverses voucher ban Winter Solstice sign to the Milwaukee County Courthouse in early December teach creationism for the second year in a row. A nativity scene began appearing in the courthouse In a 7-2 decision, the Oklahoma lobby in 2009 with the help of then-County Executive Scott Walker, now Indiana State Sen. Dennis Kruse, R- Supreme Court on Nov. 20 reversed a Wisconsin governor. FFRF’s letters of complaint went unanswered. With Ed’s Auburn, who earlier failed to get a bill lower court decision that struck down help, FFRF placed its sign by the Christian devotional scene. FFRF’s sign says in passed letting schools “teach the con- the state’s school voucher program for part: troversy” about evolution, has a new special needs students because it used “At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail,” and points out idea: Requiring teachers to provide public money to benefit sectarian insti- there are no gods, devils, angels, heaven or hell but only “our natural world.” evidence if students challenge their Continued on page 17 The other side of the sign says, “State/Church: Keep Them Separate.” December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7

FFRF letter stops FFRF’s ‘Hawaiian eyes’ FFRF Legal Victories religious newsletters silence concert A principal will no longer be able to The Moanalua High School Music Rock the cradle; Wagner took this action as a result of a proselytize to the staff at Deaf Smith El- Department (Honolulu, Hawaii) has save the Constitution July letter from FFRF Senior Staff At- ementary School in Rosenberg, Texas, canceled a concert in response to an torney Rebecca Markert. in weekly newsletters. complaint by FFRF and Hawaii activist FFRF convinced the town of Centu- A concerned parent had told FFRF FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Mitch Kahle. ry, Fla., to halt a proposal to put a nativ- that his 5-year-old daughter’s teacher Schmitt sent a letter Nov. 12 to Lamar For four years, the school had part- ity scene on public property. had been instructing her students to Consolidated Independent School Dis- nered with New Hope Church to put FFRF took issue in July with the Cen- pray. His daughter told him she’d been trict Superintendent Thomas Randle on a holiday concert. Students and tury’s planned erection and mainte- praying every day before lunch for the alerting the district to the principal’s families had to purchase tickets from nance of a nativity scene at Town Hall. past two years. The parent also told First Amendment violation. Schmitt the church. Several complainants re- Council President Ann Brooks initially FFRF that the school had posted Chris- wrote that the newsletters, called Fri- ported that they had to attend a church told reporters “we all want a manger tian and church event fliers. day Focus, “regularly include bible service before they were allowed to buy scene,” and said that the council had Markert wrote that the school verses, biblical references and sermon- the tickets. been budgeting funds to purchase should educate the teacher “about like discussions that reference Jesus In a Dec. 3 letter to state Depart- such a display. why public school authorities may not and present biblical stories as fact.” ment of Education Superintendent In a July 20 letter to Brooks, FFRF abuse positions of trust to proselytize The staff member complained to FFRF Kathryn Matayoshi, Staff Attorney An- Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel pointed 4-year-olds or any students.” that the newsletter had turned into a drew Seidel pointed out that “all pay- out that “not all Century residents Wagner and the principal each re- “Sunday sermon.” ments are made to New Hope Church, want a manger scene.” sponded in Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 letters Randle responded Nov. 15 to say not the school,” adding that past con- Century has fewer than 2,000 resi- to affirm that organized prayer and re- the district investigated the issue and certs included prayers and proselytiz- dents ligious fliers in the schools had ended. found the newsletters contravened dis- ing by New Hope’s pastor. “There are ample private and trict policy. The principal was instruct- Matayoshi contacted Seidel on Dec. church grounds where religious dis- ed to stop putting religious references 3 to tell him the concert had been can- plays may be freely placed. Once the Proselytizing teacher in staff communications. The district celed. council enters into the religion busi- instructed to stop will review his newsletters before they ness, conferring endorsement and are sent to staff, Randle said. preference for one religion over oth- A teacher at Carver Middle School ers, it strikes a blow at religious liberty, in Monroe, Ga., “turned her pub- forcing taxpayers of all faiths and of no lic school classroom into a Sunday religion to support a particular expres- school,” preaching to students and sion of worship,” added Seidel. talking about the importance of Chris- Mountaintop statue Although no town official has re- tianity. sponded to FFRF, a Dec. 6 news story A local family was appalled by this on NorthEscambia.com confirmed a blatant violation of the First Amend- on slippery slope victory: “The Town of Century has de- ment and contacted FFRF. clared their nativity scene as surplus Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote property and will sell it to the highest Superintendent Gary Hobbs on Oct. Continued from front page of Congress bidder, months after an attorney for 24, asking him to investigate and take have the suit dismissed, FFRF submit- filed an amic- a Wisconsin group that represents ag- the appropriate disciplinary action. ted a declaration by FFRF member and us brief seek- nostics and atheists sent letters to the Not only did the teacher reportedly local resident William Cox, who assert- ing to dismiss town claiming that a nativity display on talk about “knowing god,” she did not ed he “had and will continue to have FFRF’s lawsuit public property is illegal.” offer a discussion of any other religion direct and unwelcome contact with the in August, with the help of Pat Robert- The nativity scene was later put on or religious preferences aside from statue.” son’s “American Center for Law and private church property “just yards Christianity. In his Nov. 27 ruling, Christensen Justice.” from” Town Hall, the paper reported. Seidel pointed out that the teacher said: “Cox’s declaration meets [stand- Members of Congress who opposed The high bid for the display was $5 said that “each of her students ‘needs ing requirements]. He is a member FFRF’s suit were Rehberg, Dan Bur- from Faith Bible Baptist Church. Abun- to be saved.’ ” He also called her daily of FFRF, he lives 15 miles from White- ton (Ind.), Michael Conaway (Texas), dant Life Assembly of God bid $2, and sermons an assault on “vulnerable chil- fish Mountain Resort, he is a frequent Chip Cravaak (Minn.), J. Randy Forbes Tabernacle Baptist Church bid $1. dren.” skier at the resort who has skied past (Va.), Virginia Foxx (N.C.), Vicky On Dec. 12, the paper quoted an Hobbs replied Dec. 4, writing that the statue many times previously and Hartzler (Mo.), Bill Johnson (Ohio), unidentified town official saying the the principal directed the teacher intends to again this winter, and he is a Walter Jones (N.C.), John Kline sale of the nativity scene was not a re- to “eliminate personal discussion of non-believer who considers the statue (Minn.), James Lankford (Okla.), sponse to FFRF’s complaint, “but was religion, her church and her beliefs religious in nature and offensive.” Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.), Jeff due solely to the aging condition of the with students.” The judge added, “Cox would have Miller (Fla.), Sue Myrick (N.C.), Alan manger scene.” [You’d have to believe standing to sue in his own right if he Nunnelee (Miss.), Dennis Ross (Fla.), in the Tooth Fairy to swallow that.] were a named plaintiff.” Steve Scalise (La.) and Lynn Westmo- L.A. sheriff addresses Cox, who has skied past the shrine reland (Ga.). FFRF concerns at Whitefish Mountain Resort, known FFRF’s complaint and litigation FFRF limits church as Big Mountain, his entire life, was in- over the “Big Mountain Jesus” has sign to Sundays Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel con- terviewed Dec. 3 about the controversy prompted international coverage, as tacted Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee by Melissa Block, host of “All Things well as religious hysteria. The Nov. 28 Endeavour Elementary School in Baca on Nov. 5 about religion being Considered” on National Public Radio. news story in the Daily Mail in London New Haven, Mich., took down a lawn pushed in Vital Intervention and Di- “I’ve regarded the statue as an ab- was headlined:“Hearts of ice! Atheists sign promoting a church that rents the rectional Alternatives, a four-month surdity,” Cox said. “I resented it the campaign to remove six-foot tall Jesus school’s cafeteria every Sunday. program to help at-risk youth. first time I saw it, and it’s just kind of statue erected a WAR MEMORIAL at After receiving a complaint from a A local complainant said program a bizarre thing to discover Jesus stand- ski resort.” local resident, Senior Staff Attorney participants were taken to an event ing there in the snow. So I thought to FFRF has pointed out a Christian Rebecca Markert wrote New Haven Oct. 12 at a martial arts studio and myself, I think I’ll join this organiza- shrine would not be an appropriate School District Superintendent Keith forced to listen to a preacher and tion [FFRF]. I’m no longer a person of war memorial on federal property, but Wunderlich on Oct. 11 about the im- asked to “accept Jesus.” faith, and subsequently, they contacted calls the claim a sham anyway. Return- propriety of keeping a permanent sign Baca responded with a Nov. 26 let- me and asked whether I would care to ing Catholic soldiers from Kalispell got promoting a church on school prop- ter which said that in the past, par- be a witness.” the idea after seeing shrines to Jesus in erty. ticipants exercised and learned about He added, “You know, we live today the Alps. Wunderlich responded Oct. 12, ac- martial arts and responsibility at the in a religiously diverse and multicultur- FFRF is asking the court to enjoin knowledging that keeping the sign up studio. The VIDA program is updat- al society, and it’s offensive to many peo- the defendant from continuing to ap- all week was a problem. He said the ing its manual to include a section that ple, some of whom I know intimately. prove the shrine for federal property church complied with the district’s re- reinforces the prohibition of prayer My wife is Jewish, and it’s worrisome to and ordering the Forest Service to quest to only keep the sign up on Sun- or proselytizing with the VIDA partici- them that religion, particularly Chris- direct the Knights of Columbus to re- days. pants, Baca wrote. tianity, plays such a prominent role in move it. He said he appreciated FFRF bring- our political life. Often, it appears to The case, FFRF, Annie Laurie Gay- ing the issue to his attention. VIDA me to be a somewhat hypocritical role. lor, Anne Nicol Gaylor and Dan Barker FFRF ends Kentucky personnel and volunteers received spe- In any event, the Constitution provides v. United States of America, was filed on prayers, church fliers cific instruction on the issue at a meet- that in essence the federal government FFRF’s behalf by attorney Richard L. ing on Nov. 16. shall not establish religion, and this is a Bolton and local counsel Martin S. Elkhorn City Elementary School in “It is not appropriate for VIDA per- clearly religious shrine.” King. Christensen, who was confirmed Elkhorn City, Ky., will no longer allow sonnel to place the VIDA participants The Knights of Columbus are in- as an Obama appointee in December organized prayer or display religious into a situation where any form of reli- tervening as defendants and are being 2011, had practiced law in the Kalispell ads or fliers in the building. gion is endorsed,” Baca wrote. represented by the Becket Fund for area since 1977. Read the decision at: The school principal and Pike Religious Liberty, which filed a motion ffrf.org/images/uploads/legal/Mon- County Schools Superintendent Roger to dismiss the suit. Eighteen members tanaOrder.PDF Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012

FFRF Legal Victories

FFRF stops Oklahoma ly, it has unconstitutionally entangled itself with a religious message, in this graduation prayer case a Christian message,” wrote Staff Seniors at Tahlequah High School Attorney Patrick Elliott on Oct. 26 to in Tahlequah, Okla., will be able to Superintendent James Thornton. walk across the stage and receive their Thornton answered Nov. 7 and high school diploma without being said all school personnel had been subjected to a prayer first. informed of the district’s policy. In a A senior at Tahlequah informed memo to staff, Thornton advised: “If FFRF about the violation that occurred the purpose of the activity is not secu- at graduation every year. lar, if the effect of the activity is to ad- The prayer received support from vance or inhibit religion, or if the activ- much of the school’s staff, many of ity involves an excessive entanglement, whom bowed their heads and prayed then the activity is unconstitutional during the 2011 graduation ceremony. and will not be permitted.” The prayer, which included references A Christmas parade Dec. 1 in New Kensington, Pa., where FFRF is suing the to “Our Lord,” was part of multiple public school district for a Ten Commandments monument at Valley High practice graduation ceremonies. Religious emails to be School, featured (what else?) but Commandments on Wheels. Children FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel reviewed from Harvest Baptist Church in nearby Harrison pulled the hard-foam wrote a Nov. 9 letter to Superintendent Commandments made to look like stone in wagons. “I heard so many cheers Lisa Presley outlining the violation. “By Wichita Public Schools in Wichita, as we walked through,” said Dan McAndrews, dressed as Moses. “People were delivering such graduation prayers, the Kan., is revising school policy after saying, ‘Yeah, Ten Commandments!’ and that’s not something you hear every Tahlequah Public Schools abridges its Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt’s day.” duty to remain neutral.” Nov. 8 letter to Superintendent John Presley responded Nov. 20: “Tah- Allison. Two staff members at Wichita lequah Public Schools will take the ap- West High School had bible quotations propriate steps to ensure that religious in their official district email signature. Towns mount crusades rituals are not apart of future gradua- Schmitt reminded Allison that was tion ceremonies or any other school- offensive and unconstitutional. sponsored events.” General Counsel Thomas Powell re- to ‘Save Our Stone’ sponded Dec. 7, writing that the email situation will be addressed along with School’s football prayer separation of church/state in revisions Two school districts and towns in submitted as evidence comments from of school policy. Pennsylvania are aggressively fighting Facebook posts, website comments, is no more FFRF’s federal challenges of Ten Com- email and letters to the editor, which FFRF enforced the Constitution at mandments markers at public schools. included: East Poinsett County High School in Police Latin crosses out Marie Schaub, a New Kensington- • “Maybe we should get that lady‘s Lepanto, Ark., by successfully ending in Texas Arnold parents who joined FFRF as a phone number who is (a) participant pregame football prayer led by a pastor plaintiff in one of the lawsuits, reports in the lawsuit and have everybody call over the public address system. The Cedar Park, Texas, Police De- that a “Thou Shall Not Move” move- her and give he(r) our opinion.” Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote partment will remove Latin cross depic- ment is growing louder. “This time of • “I‘m sure if we look up the (ex- to Superintendent Michael Pierce on tions after getting FFRF’s letter. FFRF year makes us feel marginalized and pletive) she probably has a facebook Nov. 19: “Public high school events also took issue with the city’s “Police like second-class citizens,” she said. account or a facebook page for her must be secular to protect the freedom Chaplain,” especially since he drove a Children were lined up to pull Com- ridiculous group and we can slam the of conscience of all students.” vehicle with an official department seal mandments mounted on wagons as (expletive) out of the (expletive).” Pierce replied Nov. 27 that the and the words “Chaplain, City of Cedar part of a “float” at New Kensington’s • “Have the families involved in the prayer has stopped. Park.” Christmas parade. A “Save Our Stone” lawsuit been identified? I cannot be- Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote rally in New Kensington organized by lieve anyone living in the community to Mayor Matt Powell and the council a man who says the United States is would participate in such a worthless Gideons not welcome in in July asking for removal of the cross “Christian” led to mass distribution of cause. Someone needs to send that on all city items. He also pointed out “Save our Stone” lawn signs. group back to Wisconsin with several Virginia school the impropriety of even having a chap- FFRF sued the Connellsville Area black eyes.” Park View Middle School in Boyd- lain program. “[T]hey are unnecessary, School District on Sept. 12 over an • “These people need drug onto the ton, Va., will no longer allow Gideons because unlike prisons or the military, Eagles bible monument at a middle street and shot.” Internation to have access to students. the government is not burdening any- school. Two days later, FFRF sued New “I have been particularly alarmed A local complainant reported men one’s religious practice.” Kensington-Arhold School District by the reaction to the filing of this law- were distributing bibles and a teacher In a Dec. 6 phone call with the city over a 6-foot-tall bible marker in front suit by community members,” Marie even told students “don’t forget to get attorney, Seidel learned that police of Valley High School. Schaub, the only local plaintiff whose your bibles” as they boarded the school badges, cars and shirts will no longer The Supreme Court ruled in 1980 identity has been revealed, told the bus. feature a Latin cross by the end of Jan- that the Ten Commandments can’t Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I am aware “When a school distributes religious uary. be posted inside schools: “The pre- of numerous hateful messages that literature to its students, even passive- eminent purpose for posting the Ten have been posted online, either as com- Commandments on schoolroom walls ments to newspaper articles about the is plainly religious in nature. The Ten lawsuit or on social media websites.” Commandments are undeniably a sa- “The continued anonymity of my cred text in the Jewish and Christian child and I is important to me because I Egregious Texas faiths, and no legislative recitation of fear that if our involvement were made a supposed secular purpose can blind public, both my child and I would ex- us to that fact. The Commandments perience social ostracism, harassment violation protested do not confine themselves to arguably or threats from community members,” secular matters. said the other parent suing the district, FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca The New Kensington district has who is identified as Doe 3. Markert wrote a letter of complaint asked the court to strike from the law- “It amazes me to see people willing Dec. 5 to city officials in San suit the plaintiffs’ mention of school to come together in order to support Angelo, Texas, urging removal of an board President Bob Pallone’s pro- something that’s clearly in violation illegal lighted Latin cross atop the monument comments on a Facebook of the law,” Schaub recently told the Police Department. According to page, “Keep the Ten Commandments Tribune-Review. “I would encourage FFRF’s local complainant, the cross at Valley High School.” The page, our school board and community to adorns the building only during which has been “liked” by about 1,200 adhere to the Constitution, which will the holiday season. “The building people, including several school board save our district from a very expensive is clearly marked ‘San Angelo members, was created last spring by court case.” Police Department,’ which allows New Kensington Controller John Zava- “Relocating this religious monu- all passersby to identify it as a city dak. ment will not prevent anyone from building,” Markert wrote. “Its hosting In early December, FFRF’s motion practicing their faith, but it will send of a powerful sectarian symbol cannot to allow pseudonyms for several plain- a message that the school district in- be seen as a traditional decoration of tiffs in its New Kensington challenge cludes people of all religions — in the holiday season, but instead can was granted. A similar motion will be addition to those who choose none,” only be a message of government filed in the Connellsville case. FFRF Schaub added. support for Christianity.” December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

First place: Brian Bolton graduate/mature student essay Religion stifles democracy’s growth

FFRF awarded Elizabeth a $3,000 schol- 60 years later in Brown v. Board of Edu- Old Testament. In its most basic forms, arship. cation. We are where we it is programmed into us as a coopera- No matter how important change is, tive species. The religious and nonre- or how embedded it is in our govern- are today despite ligious simply trace the roots of their ment, it can be scary. That is why reli- the dead weight of morality differently. giously flavored politics are so danger- I like to think of our government ous, especially in an election year. An religion. as a tree. The founders planted a election offers the chance to revert to very small seed hundreds of years ago times previous. for the benefit of future generations. There are those who are convinced They had no way of knowing where that the best way to solve the nation’s attention to candidates’ religious ties. its branches would emerge and what problems is to go back to the good old Religion becomes a moral litmus test, shape they would take, so they gave the days. In an election year, their flawed a cheat sheet for comparing values. It seed ample room to grow. logic is turned up to deafening lev- distracts us from substantive issues. Its This tree has been watered by gen- els. One of Mitt Romney’s main super institutions — church, synagogue and erations of Americans and has been PACs is called “Restore our Future,” mosque — take on dangerous powers shaped by the winds of change, by implying that the future is safe if we re- in an election, because they can tell flood and drought. We have grown and vert to the way things were. their congregants how God would want become strong. This type of thinking is not conser- them to vote. Suddenly, our democracy Religion in government is an axe vative. It is regressive, and religion is is beholden to the stubborn dogmas of aimed at the base of this tree. Religion the backbone of the voices for regres- the distant past. believes that reducing it to its roots is sion. People rally to bring America Many will argue that religion is a the only way to save it. To me it sounds back to glory using biblical teachings, moral anchor for the government, tell- like a good way to kill it. By Elizabeth Pipal to reboot the nation in terms of the ing us what is right and good and mak- founders’ religious beliefs. ing sure that in our progress, we never Elizabeth Pipal, 23, was born in Oklaho- Suddenly, we are talking about con- lose sight of our core values. This is pa- ma City and moved to California when she Politicians like to deify our nation’s traception again. Didn’t we settle this tently false. I agree that religion offers was 4. She’s a proud atheist who loves dogs, founders. Asserting that the found- in the 1960s? Isn’t stirring up this de- valuable moral teachings, but these drawing, cooking and collecting maps. She ers would have wanted this, or would bate a little — regressive? The most teachings are not monopolized by the graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s in lin- not have recognized America today fundamentalist believers want to move faithful. guistics from Columbia University and is because of that, is one of the quickest our laws backward, not forward. These ideas are just as strongly held pursuing a master’s in architecture at Har- ways to add authority to any claim. Because religion is purportedly tied by nonreligious people. Morality was vard’s Graduate School of Design. Mitt Romney did this, for example, to morality, some Americans pay close not invented with the writing of the as concerns gay marriage. He said that “at the time the Constitution was writ- ten, marriage was between a man and a Second place: Graduate/mature student essay contest woman,” implying that this is why mar- riage should continue to be defined this way. The nation’s founders lived like this, so we should too, the argu- The First Amendment and democracy ment goes. In fact, we know that our founders were imperfect. Some held slaves, were FFRF awarded Wilson a $2,000 scholar- years ago: “Congress shall make no bigots and didn’t want women to vote. ship. law respecting an establishment of re- Democratic But what makes them greater than ligion, or prohibiting the free exercise their flaws is that they recognized that thereof; or abridging the freedom of government they were not all-knowing, that they speech, or of the press; or the right of must protect could not predict the future and what the people peaceably to assemble, and changes it would bring. to petition the Government for a re- each individual’s Instead of leaving us with a Consti- dress of grievances.” tution that dictated their beliefs on ev- We can either accept its modern rel- freedom of ery subject, they left us with a succinct evance and explicit dogma as articles document and simple instructions. of faith, or we can question how its con- thought. They left room for change and rein- cepts should apply to the present and terpretation. It was this humility that be adjusted for current values while al- about requiring students pledging al- makes them seem omniscient. lowing for future change. In this way, legiance to the United States “under The ability to change is what makes the Constitution necessarily draws us God.” our republic great. It’s precisely the into choices between faith and reason. When this case reached the Supreme reason why religion and the state are Originalists imply that the righ- Court, Rehnquist argued that referenc- institutions fundamentally at odds with teousness of their legal interpreta- es to a monotheistic God in the pledge, each other. We are where we are today tions emanates from their ability to on federal currency, on government despite the dead weight of religion. divine immutable and incontrovert- buildings and elsewhere do not violate As a country, we have recognized ible religious values in our Constitu- the Establishment Clause. He claimed the equality of (almost) all people, we tion. These individuals disregard the that it is permissible for government have ended slavery, given women the Establishment Clause and seek to in- institutions to declare the existence of By Wilson Melón right to vote. We are in the process of terpret law in a manner that promotes God, especially if they do not favor a asserting the total equality of gay men faith-based principles and practices. specific denomination. and women. The Judeo-Christian holy Such unsound circular jurisprudence In that same case, Clarence Thomas books, on the other hand, are saying paradoxically seeks to find justification even suggested that the Establishment the same things they have always said: R eligion and American politics for desired religious outcomes while Clause was merely a protection against Women are property, slaves are useful, are thoroughly intertwined. There asserting original intent. federal interference in the religious af- sex is evil and sodomy is even worse. even exists within the electorate a per- In the Supreme Court, several fairs of states and that it neither guar- The holy books cannot change; that is vasive belief that the accomplishments modern-era appointees have sup- antees rights for individuals nor should their nature. and the very existence of the United ported blending religion and politics. it be incorporated at the state level. Religious doctrine is meant to be States are more attributable to provi- Evidence of this abounds. William These few examples demonstrate eternal. It set out to legislate the lives dence than to humanistic achieve- Rehnquist, in Wallace v. Jaffree, a school a larger trend within part of the judi- of people centuries from the time ment. prayer case, argued against a Jefferso- ciary to undermine the Establishment it was written. It leaves no room for This idea, along with a faith in the nian wall between church and state. Clause. As lifelong appointees, Su- growth and enlightenment, no room infallibility of a divine being, often Similarly, in his speech to the Catho- preme Court justices exert a tremen- for change. Our nation, on the other leads to public policy informed more lic Knights of Columbus, Antonin Sca- dous influence over the trajectory of hand, has a Supreme Court that once by religious interpretations than rea- lia criticized the 9th Circuit U.S. Court American society. upheld the constitutionality of racial soned debate. of Appeals for allegedly attempting to For this reason, jurists should inter- segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson, and The First Amendment to the U.S. excise God from public life in Elk Grove pret the Establishment Clause broadly, then completely reversed that decision Constitution was ratified over 220 Unified School District v. Newdow, a case Continued on next page Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012

Continued from previous page tion to family planning. hand. Both secular and religious values can thereby circumscribing faith to the In Mississippi, legislators theologi- Despite what is enunciated in Article be components of deliberations re- private sphere where it can be prac- cally opposed to abortion have foisted VI of the Constitution, even presiden- garding policy, but their merits must ticed freely. In this way, the freedom restrictions upon the last remaining in- tial elections are thoroughly subjected be justifiable on the basis of logic, not of thought of all Americans would be state clinic in an effort to circumvent to religious influence. During the 2008 blind trust. protected from the religious predispo- protections acknowledged since Roe v. presidential primary, the accusations Thoughtful, nuanced, nondogmatic sitions of merely nine judges. Wade. that then-Senator Obama was a Muslim debate is most suited for selecting of- Separating religion from govern- With regard to the Affordable Care underscored the de facto requirement ficeholders and for creating sound ment is appropriate for all three Act, the Catholic Church’s public criti- by part of the electorate that American public policy that balances preserva- branches of government. In the recent cism of the employer requirement for presidents share their Christian faith. tion of personal choice with protection past, there’s been a resurgence of re- contraceptive coverage riders led the of secular values that citizens arrive at ligious zeal across the political land- Obama administration to make ex- Conclusions through careful consideration. scape. emptions for religious denominations. For freedom of thought to flourish In the recent Republican presiden- Concessions to mollify religious critics Democratic government must in the U.S., belief and nonbelief must tial primary, religiously charged social disenfranchised employees who do not protect each individual’s freedom of be protected by the government. Poli- issues were brought to the fore. Each subscribe to the same theology as their thought. Government must not pro- tics must be shielded from the influ- candidate who led in the polls took employers. mote theism, be it denominational or ence of religion. To achieve this, we great pains to proclaim his or her re- Support of teaching intelligent de- not. Theocracies are inherently anti- must elect individuals dedicated to dis- ligious fervor and scripturally-based sign in public schools and opposition democratic because they demand faith entangling religion from politics. opposition to aspects of gay marriage, to the teaching about evolution, ob- in divine infallibility and endeavor to abortion and contraception. struction of stem cell research, taxpay- impose unquestionable religious be- Wilson Melón, 27, was born in Concord, Similarly, congressional and state er-funded subsidies and vouchers for liefs and policies. Mass. He’s a Ph.D. student in Spanish lit- legislators have, of late, made ostenta- parochial schools and their students, In contrast, our federalized repub- erature at Purdue University. He earned a tious attempts to publicly defund the and tax and employment nondiscrimi- lic is best served by its citizens voting B.A. in Spanish and French at Middlebury health care provider Planned Parent- nation exemptions for religious groups for elected representatives on the ba- College, Vermont, and an M.A. in Hispanic hood on the basis of religious opposi- are a few examples of religion’s heavy sis of reasoned and informed debate. literature at Boston College.

Third place: Graduate/mature student essay contest Thinking critically for my daughter’s sake

FFRF awarded Lynn a $1,000 scholar- schools or will it discriminate against ship. One way to certain religions? Last year I realized that I had to find curtail religious my own way to combat the growing re- By Lynn Wilhelm indoctrination is to ligious influence in the public sphere. One way to curtail religious indoctrina- focus on reality. tion is to focus on reality. An important facet of reality is that The night of May 8, 2012, my our universe seems to work quite well young daughter and I awaited the without the interference of supernatu- election results of North Carolina’s support school subjects with emphasis ral beings. How could I speak out in fa- proposed constitutional amendment. on the Judeo-Christian principles upon vor of reality? Participating in politics, Most of the early results were promis- which America was founded and which far from my purview, was not a likely ing. form the basis of America’s legal, politi- option. Sadly, our hopes turned to dismay as cal and economic systems.” After carefully evaluating my skills county after county declared “that mar- Don’t they know that America’s le- and talents, I came to realize that a riage between one man and one wom- gal and political systems are rooted career in science education would pro- an is the only domestic legal union largely in ancient, non-Christian Ro- vide a way for me to teach others about that shall be valid or recognized in this did I spend some of my already thinly man and Greek systems? Have they for- reality. I know it is possible to combat state.” stretched income purchasing “Vote gotten that our founders were not all pseudoscientific claims of all types We had both worked the week be- No” materials? Judeo-Christians? through education. After learning how fore at phone banks urging voters to get One reason is my daughter. Being a These conservatives oppose teach- science unearths wholly natural expla- out and vote against the amendment. mother has made me even more aware ing “critical thinking skills” which nations for phenomena, many people While making calls, it had been clear of the threats religion poses to our free- “have the purpose of challenging the begin to question the supernatural ex- that those supporting the amendment doms. What future can my daughter, student’s fixed beliefs and undermin- planations they’ve been taught. were doing so for religious reasons. being raised without religion, expect to ing parental authority.” If our opinions are grounded in Many said things like, “God meant for find in an overwhelmingly religious po- The Republican platform in North reality, religion will lose some of its marriage to be between a man and a litical atmosphere? What rights will she Carolina says, “We oppose efforts to re- luster and the desire to have it perme- woman.” have to live, love and learn as she grows move the recognition of Almighty God ate every aspect of public life may be Amendment One was the result of as a U.S. citizen? What will her educa- from our schools, courts, currency and reduced. One day, religious belief as a the Republican-dominated General tion be like if religious zealots manage Pledge of Allegiance. We oppose ef- desirable societal guide may be regard- Assembly and its surge of conserva- to defund public schools and ensure forts to remove prayer from our public ed as a ludicrous idea. tive legislation. As the proposal for the that pseudoscience makes its way into meetings and governmental institu- One day, maybe I won’t have to wor- marriage amendment was debated, classrooms? tions.” ry how religion will affect my daugh- many legislators asked why social issues During this election season, we have In Louisiana, a push to allow reli- ter’s future. were dominating the Assembly while been subjected to Rick Perry’s com- gious education to be publicly funded our state had a 10.5% unemployment ments about teaching creationism, Mi- backfired on at least one legislator. Lynn Wilhelm, lives in Cary, N.C. She rate and many other concerns. chelle Bachmann’s belief that her God Rep. Valarie Hodges said, “I liked is a single mother to Aiden, 8. She worked It was heavily supported by con- called her to run for president, and the idea of giving parents the option 10-plus years as a landscape designer and servative religious figures and groups Rick Santorum’s idea that teaching of sending their children to a public taught horticulture in a public school after throughout the country. Bibles and evolution has been used to promote school or a Christian school.” getting a B.S. in agricultural education preachers featured prominently in atheism. Louisiana’s voucher program at- and extension in 1999 from North Caro- many TV ads. Voter approval of the We hear revisionists claim that tracted applications from a Muslim lina State University. “My teaching expe- amendment brings a new era of dis- America was founded as a Christian na- school and 123 other religiously based rience was riddled with difficulties partly crimination against citizens based on tion and needs to be returned to that schools. Regarding the Muslim school, due to the very religious atmosphere I found religious principles. ordained state. Public school systems Hodges said, “Unfortunately [the at the rural North Carolina school. I only Although my daughter and I consti- in Louisiana, Kansas, Florida and other funding] will not be limited to the taught for one year and thought I would tute a nontraditional family, I am not states are experiencing challenges to Founders’ religion. … I do not support never teach again.” With a recently renewed likely to be directly affected. So why their curriculum led by those who wish using public funds for teaching Islam interest in education, she is pursuing a mas- did I take time to work phone banks to see theologically based ideas taught. anywhere here in Louisiana.” ter’s in teaching science at NCSU and will and get pledges from voters? Why The Texas GOP platform states, “We So, will Louisiana fund all religious graduate in May 2013. December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11

Freethinker of the Year Teen relates hate she endured for contesting school prayer Photo: Andrew Seidel Jessica Ahlquist, plaintiff in a successful federal lawsuit challenging a prayer banner During the pledge, at her high school in Cranston, R.I., gave this speech [edited for print] October 12, all of the students 2012, at FFRF’s 35th national convention turned and in Portland, Ore. Jessica stood tall in the face of adversity and became the first recipi- screamed ‘under ent of FFRF’s Atheists in Foxholes Support Fund, a $10,000 award. She also received God’ at me. two Thomas Jefferson Student Activist Awards (a $2,000 award in 2012 and a $1,000 award in 2011). in the audience. (And they don’t tell this in school, but Hitler was a Catho- lic.) The mother decided to write to By Jessica Ahlquist the America Civil Liberties Union, which sent a letter to the school that the prayer needed to be removed be- First, let me give my biggest thanks cause it violated the Constitution. to the Freedom From Religion Foun- That summer the school committee dation and to everybody here, with [of the city of Cranston, i.e., the school special thanks to the Eisenbergs, who board] put together a subcommittee really help support students like Max to discuss its options. Of course there and me. I can give you my thanks all really weren’t options. In this country, day, but I will never be able to fully ex- we vote on many things, but we don’t press how wonderful and supportive vote on people’s rights — we do, but FFRF has been. we shouldn’t. The story I am going to tell you was The subcommittee scheduled pub- certainly no walk in the park for me, lic meetings. I was so happy and re- but it was made possible by the people lieved. I thought, “How awesome, now who came to fight at my side, and that I don’t have to do anything.” But I was timidated and scared, but I was also to be good and not get pregnant. She was Annie Laurie and Dan and all of really invested and I wanted to reach really angry. The people that followed pursed her lips and looked over at my you. You are some of the coolest, brav- out to that mother and show her that me to speak were lying through their friend and me. est people I’ve ever met. she wasn’t the only person who felt the teeth. At the last meeting in March, the Everything has changed for me in way she did about the prayer. I had said that the prayer didn’t fol- full school committee voted 4-3 to the last few years. I’d like to reflect on I didn’t know the atheist community low the concept of separation of church keep the prayer up. Over 250 people what’s happened. I was born and raised existed. I didn’t know what the ACLU and state, that in this case, prayer was attended and all but six were wearing in Rhode Island. I started attending was. So I did the only thing I could the church and school was the state. I signs that said “Keep original banner.” Cranston High School West when I think of. I created a Facebook group thought that was pretty simple, but a I was devastated. was 14. Cranston and Rhode Island are specifically about removing the prayer. priest smirked at me and said “Honey, Just because some people tried to overwhelmingly Catholic. I would come home every day to see if Russia had state schools; we certainly vote on my rights does not mean I was I always knew I wasn’t welcome to anyone had joined, and no one did for don’t want that.” going to settle for that. I was faced share my real beliefs and continued months. But I was excited and really It made me so angry that I decided with this issue and decided to see it to call myself a Catholic until the day I wanted someone to join my group. to speak again that night. I noticed through. With help from the ACLU, I came out as an atheist. Near the end of In November 2010, the school com- how good it felt to say, “I don’t believe filed a lawsuit, Ahlquist v. City of Crans- my freshman year in spring 2010, I saw mittee had a second public meeting. in God” and to just let them squirm ton in April 2011. the prayer banner [actually a painted I was naïve. I believed that when I got and to not care. The morning after we filed, I came mural] for the first time in the school to the meeting, these educated admin- into homeroom, like I do every day. auditorium. I knew almost immediate- istrators and lawyers and politicians No more pretense The morning announcements came ly it was wrong to have it in a public were going to say, “Oh, we forgot it was on and everyone rose to say the Pledge school. there. We’ll take it down because of I’d been pretending all my life. That of Allegiance. During the appropriate I thought of going to the principal’s course that’s illegal.” night a video camera was stuck in my moment, all of the students turned office to remind him it was there. I did Only about 15 people were there. face and I was on the local news, just for and screamed “under God” at me. I a lot of research on the Constitution I’ve absolutely hated public speaking being an atheist. It’s really that easy. I’d was actually surprised by that but I and American history, and by the time all my life, but I was so upset and con- honestly thought the meeting was just should have expected it. The teacher I finally decided that I wanted tore- fused by what people were claiming a formality, that no one would actually did nothing. I knew that reporting port this to the school administration, about our country’s history and Con- say the prayer should stay up because it was useless because most of the ad- school had already gotten out for the stitution that I decided that I had to they’re educated adults and stuff. ministration hated me anyway. From year. speak. I was literally shaking, and my But I learned what easily was the that morning on, I refused to say the But that summer, a private group voice was so soft it’s amazing that peo- biggest lesson I learned in all of this: pledge, refused to take part in some- rented out the auditorium for a recital. ple were even able to hear me. There’s a difference between an adult thing used as a weapon. The mother of one of the girls in the As soon as the words were out of my and a grownup. It’s utterly sick that on the first day recital noticed the prayer. As a secular mouth, someone let out an audible I went online and found my Face- of kindergarten, 5-year-olds memorize Jew, it was unsettling for her. Her moth- gasp and another person whispered, book group had exploded in a few how to pledge their allegiance. They er-in-law, a Holocaust survivor, was also “That little witch.” I was shocked, in- hours. Over 150 people had joined don’t know what allegiance means.

Photo: Andrew Seidel and were wishing me support. The And, as I’m sure you know, “under group eventually reached over 6,000 God” wasn’t even added until the members. That’s a big part of how I got 1950s. through this. The average high schooler doesn’t Under siege exactly watch the news and keep up-to- date with what’s going on in their com- The administration and members munity, so few people in school knew of my community were inexcusably un- what was happening and no one really concerned about my daily treatment brought it up. But silly me, hearing and often made things even worse. about our rights, I kept researching During diversity week, the school has and speaking at meetings to convince little presentations about discrimina- them to remove it. That’s when every- tion — bullying, racial topics, etc. The thing started getting crazy. diversity week team invited the mayor, The next meeting in February 2011 Allan Fung, to speak about minorities was much larger, maybe a hundred and how as a Chinese American, he people. I don’t think most of them had succeeded in the world of politics. knew why they were there because a lot After he finished giving his nice of them were talking about abortion little speech, someone asked, “How do and America’s borders and random you feel about the prayer?” We were in In solidarity at the Reason Rally, this fan wears an “Evil Little Thing” T-shirt, stuff, the economy. An older woman the auditorium, and he pointed to it after a Rhode Island State Rep.’s ad hominem on-air attack on Jessica. said how prayers in school remind kids Continued on next page Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012 Photo: Andrew Seidel Continued from previous page The community as and said, “I want to see that prayer stay exactly where it is. I have a law degree. a whole was doing This doesn’t discriminate against any- one and I’m Catholic.” everything it could The students jumped up, cheering and clapping. Then an autistic student to make me feel raised his hand and tried to explain why the prayer was illegal. The mayor hated and out of just kind of dismissed him, and none of the 10 or so teachers in the room place. offered to let me leave or do anything to calm anyone down. I had to sit there was a freak and should die. People said and let them all stare at me for the rest I should be gang-raped and my family of the presentation. should lose their home and live out of One day in English class, my friend’s boxes in the street. boyfriend texted her to tell her that Some of the kids warned me they they were debating “the prayer.” Kids were going to throw things at me if I in his class were threatening to beat came to class. Other people claimed to me and my friend up. We’ve been best know license plate numbers of the cars friends since seventh grade. I think my family members drove. My home her parents blame me for her being address was posted online. I have an an atheist. This obviously scared us, so 11-year-old brother and a 7-year-old we went to guidance and got dismissed brother whom I worried about every early from school. single day. There were afternoons when I I have a little sister who’s 15 whom I would come home crying. Acquain- worried about the whole time I was in tances wanted nothing to do with me. I class because these people seemed to didn’t even see my friends very much, have no limits. because even though they still liked One day I was walking up my drive- me, they didn’t want people to hate way and a group of kids drove by them for associating with me. screaming out the window that they Even just walking down the hall to hoped I burn in hell. They had fol- use my locker was a struggle because lowed me home. The threats became people would yell things and stop me so terrible, in fact, that the city decided in the hallway. But things would get to provide me with police officers who Jessica Ahlquist poses with Max Nielson in front of Multnomah Falls. much, much worse. followed me around from class to class I received a phone call in January every single day for weeks. from Steven Brown, the executive di- I don’t need to explain to you how come of all of this. Police searched the building for rector of the Rhode Island ACLU. He that made learning and having a nor- Eventually, the subcommittee held bombs before the meeting. I’m not simply said, “Hey Jess, we won.” mal high school experience impossi- the final meeting to discuss whether to kidding; it was that ridiculous. There I was so thrilled I said, “Shut up” to ble. The community as a whole was do- appeal our victory. In the weeks lead- were hundreds of people, and it was this esteemed lawyer. More than excit- ing everything it could to make me feel ing up to that meeting, my wonderful just as hilarious as it was scary. There ed though, I was relieved to have won hated and out of place. They wanted uncle Steve (who everyone thinks is my were signs everywhere, screaming peo- the lawsuit, but more relieved that it me to leave and literally said “Get the father) and who founded the Human- ple, lunatics, all you can imagine. was finally over. This nightmare expe- hell out of here.” ists of Rhode Island, sent out email and After hours and hours of people rience was done, and everyone could There was this organization that Facebook alerts and did everything he speaking — it was more people on our forget about what happened and go tried to send me flowers, the Freedom could to explain that we really need side than the other side this time — on as normal. But that’s not what hap- From Religion Foundation or some- people to come to this meeting to show they decided not to appeal. The vote pened. thing like that [laughter]. They con- support for the court’s ruling. was 5-2. We won, and it’s over now! tacted four different flower shops and The school was already in debt and The hate continued for a little while ‘Sincerest hate’ they all refused to send me flowers. had spent over $100,000 on this lawsuit, after that. Overall, I came out of this But you know, Annie Laurie and Dan paying my lawyers because they had far more positive than negative. The The very night I won, the craziness don’t give up, and they were mad and won. And, of course, who got blamed support I received was infinitely stron- started. People took to social media eventually found a flower shop in Con- for the cost of the lawsuit? I did. ger than the hate. to express their sincerest hate toward necticut [Glimpse of Gaia] that agreed My uncle was successful though. Again, thank you for all of that. This me. Twitter and Facebook absolutely to send me, the “evil little Satan girl,” People even came from out of state, is a great group of people, and I’m exploded with death threats and rape flowers. driving for hours just to be at that one so glad for this community because threats and other terrible things. The atheist community was so glad meeting. They stood out in the rain they’ve given me a lot more than I My favorite, and I mean that ironi- that someone had not been a bigoted just so we could all get into the meet- would have expected. cally of course, was “OMG she is almost jerk that they sent me so many flow- ing. as bad as blacks.” ers that I was not able to see my floor. Kids whom I had known since kin- I’m amazed that I didn’t suffocate in dergarten were threatening my life my sleep. The owners are really nice Student Activist Award winner and insulting my character, saying I people, and they recorded something

Photo: Andrew Seidel like “We’re thankful for the business and praise, but this is our job. We don’t need to be praised for not discriminat- Senior did his best trying ing against people.” I know them personally now. They are really good people and I believe to stop graduation prayer they’re atheists, too.

‘Evil little thing’ At FFRF’s national convention in Octo- work. ber in Portland, Ore., Len Eisenberg, who Max Nielson is a pretty amazing person. Of course you all know about “evil with his wife Karen endows FFRF’s Thomas He’s not only a black belt in karate and an little thing.” [Democratic state Rep. Pe- Jefferson Youth Activist Award, introduced Eagle Scout, he’s earned the equivalent of ter Palumbo called her that on a radio Max Nielson, student plaintiff in FFRF’s an international high school diploma. He’s show.] I can’t seem to get away from ongoing South Carolina lawsuit over a won not one but two board of director seats that. I was actually introduced as an school district policy that sanctions gradu- for secular coalition groups in the Carolinas “evil little thing” at the Reason Rally in ation prayer. Max received a $1,000 Cath- area, and he’s also the founder and presi- front of 25,000 people. They presented erine Fahringer Memorial Student Activist dent of the Secular Student Alliance group me with a check for $60,000. That was Award from FFRF. at his college, the College of Charleston. a scholarship fund that Hemant Meh- He also told me he’s an amateur con- ta, the Friendly Atheist, started so that Hello, everyone. It’s really great to be tortionist. He’s going to turn himself into I can go to college. among such admirable and wonderful peo- a human pretzel up on the stage here — or It was really meaningful to have the ple. Don’t you feel that energy when we’re maybe not. He’ll tell you all about his saga people who had donated in front of all in the room together? We’d like to thank with trying to get the school graduation me. JT Eberhard had made “evil little Annie Laurie and Dan and all the people prayer stopped, and how this has been a re- thing” T-shirts to sell, with the profit at FFRF because, even though we provide ally transformative event in his life. So will going to my scholarship fund. I thank a little financial help, they’re the ones who you please welcome, Max Nielson. — Len all of you who did that for me. That’s have to talk with Sean Hannity and take a Eisenberg one of the greatest things that has shower afterward. They’re doing all the hard Continued on netx page December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13 Photo: Andy Ngo Photo: Andrew Seidel al baccalaureate diploma, I was pretty much the paragon of post-high school apathy. I did not care about anything, and it was fantastic! But 10 days before graduation [at which Christian prayer would be recited because a majority of seniors voted to have prayer], my good friend Kelly Freeman linked me to an interview with Harrison Hopkins on a podcast called “A Matter of Doubt.” He challenged almost the exact same policy at his high school in Law- rence County, S.C. It was 10 days be- fore graduation, but I knew I had to do something, because I could do some- thing, and that made all the difference. Kelly walked me through it. She basically pointed me at the By Max Nielson most important button on any activist Len Eisenberg shaking Max’s hand. website ever: Contact Us. So I did, and FFRF got back to me very fast, either busy. came out of nowhere — the commu- that same day or the next day. Through In one night, I talked to 150 people nity, the national atheist community, Hi Mom. That’s Mom [in audi- that, I scheduled meetings through the online — friends, strangers, people FFRF, Friendly Atheist, Secular Stu- ence]. She’s great. So, like they said, principal, and FFRF sent legal letters to who were my friends on Facebook, it dent Alliance, Center for Inquiry. I’m Max Nielson. I grew up in South the school district to back me up. didn’t matter. I heard some strange I had no idea any of this existed, Carolina for the most part. things, but every single person I talked and they were all within an instant sur- I was born in Atlanta, moved away Mom: ‘Yeah, go ahead’ to supported my actions. They all trust- rounding me in support and compas- when I was 4. Canadian father, rural ed me enough as a person, and under- sion and reason, and it felt amazing South Carolinian mother, and so if I Right about this time, my mom stood the issue well enough to see that because on no level of this issue was I, say, you know, the “sooth,” or “oot and comes home from school. She’s a what the school was doing, even if they the kid, doing the terrible thing. I was aboot,” feel free to laugh, just laugh, teacher at that school. Yeah, she’s been agreed with it, wasn’t constitutionally the person standing up, and everyone it’s very comic. teaching English at Irmo High School sound. saw that, and it was great. Growing up in South Carolina, for seven years. So, she gets into the Most recently, we’ve had the North you might not think it, but I had a re- computer room, and I’m just covered Amazing support Carolina Student Secular Summit, ally secular upbringing. I attended the in sweat, out of my mind, deliriously which is a terribly long name, and it Unitarian Universalist congregation excited that I can fight injustice as I met with Steven Friedman, who was great. It was supported by the Tri- of Columbia. Many times, the pastor I saw it. She can tell I’m visibly dis- had pushed the issue of starting a Gay- angle Freethought group, which I be- when I was going was regularly Mister turbed, and I lock eyes with her, and Straight Alliance at Irmo High School lieve is an FFRF group, right? Yes. Reverend Patrick, or something like I’m, “Mom — can I stir shit up?” that caused Mr. Walker to walk out. I We also have the Carolina Secular that. He was a pagan. It wasn’t this idea And she’s like, “Yeah, go ahead,” sat down with him at a coffee shop, and Association now, and the Secular Co- that “Oh, there’s one true religion.” which was amazing. She had my back, we wrote a nice little letter to [Superin- alition for South Carolina, and Har- That was never really introduced to me she was with me. She had always felt tendent] Stephen Hefner. rison Hopkins has a student group at in any solid way. uncomfortable with the public prayers When I walked into Mr. Hefner’s of- Presbyterian College in South Caro- As I was going through school, I they had at graduation. fice, I gave him the letter. Mr. Kozlos- lina. Harrison has already raised more encountered a lot of people who were I met twice with my principal, Mr. ki was also there. It was a productive, than $2,000 at Presbyterian College, a very fundamentally religious — like Weinkle. The first time, he just wanted friendly meeting. Mr. Hefner said he’d school with fewer than like 5,000 kids, the kind of a goofball kid in seventh to make sure I wasn’t crazy. He made get back to me later that day. And so, I for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. grade who rejected the science lesson this really bizarre reference, looking received this famously quotable email: That’s amazing! because he knew Earth was 6,000 years down and holding his belt, “I’m from “While I am a staunch supporter of In this lawsuit, to maintain legal old. And I was like “Weird! What are a town in North Carolina. I totally see separation of church and state, I do standing [because he’d graduated], I you doing?!” where you’re coming from with this, not believe that freedom of religion had to get two co-plaintiffs, two good That kind of got me interested, so it’s a pretty a metropolitan area, but I should be interpreted as freedom from friends of mine. Dakota McMillan, one I started studying counter-apologetics can’t help you because this is the bible religion within public schools.” of them, just this past week, I believe, through middle school, and that was belt.” That was shocking. That’s one hell of a proposition. started the Secular Student Alliance at fun. I really enjoyed getting to rational- It seemed like he understood the is- The next day was graduation, and I Irmo High School, the 400th SSA affili- ize things that were not rational. sue. He understood why it was wrong walked across, and they prayed, and I ate. Another big part of my youth was but still wasn’t willing to help because didn’t remove my cap, and I did lock The final point I’d like to make: Boy Scouts of America. I stayed in the of where we were [in the bible belt]. eyes with the superintendent. I feel like, maybe, that bible belt Mr. closet long enough to get the Eagle To me, that just wasn’t acceptable. So A lot of news interviews followed, Weinkle was referencing is starting to Scout. That was good, but kind of iron- I contacted the superintendent and and from what I’ve heard, the com- get unbuckled. And I think we in the ic. My entire troop knew I was an athe- FFRF got me an amazing lawyer, Aaron ments got nasty. The only one particu- freethought movement throw around ist, but they went ahead and made me Kozloski. It was great to have Aaron on larly scary kind of event or comment the term a lot when we’re talking about chaplain’s aide. So, yeah, I can sympa- the case; he’s a brilliant guy. It’s been was online, someone who posted my the South. From what I’ve seen, using thize with Dan, I’ve led a few prayers, really fun working with him. home address and cell phone number. that term did nothing but support the too. The second time I met with my prin- That was sandwiched between two Religious Right’s claim in my case. High school was great. No it wasn’t. cipal, he handed me the district policy. mildly aggressive people blurting out I think this is the rise of the “secular But in ninth grade I was in Irmo, South What it basically said was they could have anger at me. So, as Len said, I do have South.” Thank you all. Thank you all Carolina, and the Pastafarians at USC prayer if it was nonsectarian and non- black belt in karate, and I was walking so much! just brought in a pretty amazing speak- proselytizing. Nonproselytizing pub- around the house with my bow staff Matthew “Max” Nielson is principal er, Richard Dawkins. I got to see him lic prayer, folks; you heard it here first. like “I’m not going die today.” plaintiff in FFRF’s federal lawsuit against in ninth grade, and I was young and Leading up to meeting with my su- I was pretty convinced I was going School District 5 of Lexington and Richland didn’t know anything. I kind of formu- perintendent, I knew that if I walked to live. Nothing happened, of course, Counties, S.C. Jacob Zupon and Dakota lated this idea, like “Oh hey, I should in as one voice, I would probably be so I was fine. What was so weird and McMillan are co-plaintiffs who will gradu- probably be a scientist, so that I can dismissed as one voice, because that’s crazy to me about my case was that the ate respectively from Irmo High School in help humanity.” Another thing that what tends to happen. So I got pretty moment it was a story, so much support 2013 and 2014, keeping the lawsuit ripe. A happened early in high school is some- district policy titled “School Ceremonies and one wanted to form a Gay-Straight Al- Photo: Andrew Seidel Observations” sets guidelines for benedic- liance, and the principal resigned over tions and invocations at graduations and it. He walked out. He retired early be- athletic events: Use of prayer “will be deter- cause he didn’t want to be the princi- mined by a majority vote of the graduating pal at a school with a Gay-Straight Alli- senior class with the advice and counsel of ance. That was also weird. the principal.” Later in high school, I got into the The prayer, written by the district but international baccalaureate program. delivered by a student “volunteer,” was ad- It’s a smaller program at most high dressed to “Father” and asked for the “Lord’s schools, and especially mine, so I was guidance, protection and mercy,” asked stu- around 30 of my really close friends, dents to be “touched” by “the Lord,” to be and in the classroom, day to day, reli- led “on the path you intend for their lives to gion just stopped being a topic. I was lead” and thanked a deity for “the teachers, that mildly articulate atheist kid who parents and administrators that were here would shoot down your argument, and through our 12 years of school.” that was fun, but it never came up After I qualified for the internation- Max and his mother, Jeanette Miles. Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012 Fourth place (tie): Graduate/mature student essay contest Make state-church separation absolute

FFRF awarded Bryan a $500 scholar- are trampled by the majority, especially all, not just for the majority. We need ship. Supernatural when beliefs in an exclusive deity are a country free from the tribalism and used to justify that power. petty divisions that politicized religion solutions do not Fifty-two years after Kennedy’s his- breeds. toric speech in Houston, separation If we are to ever separate ourselves solve real-world of church and state brought “vomit” from our country’s economic, social problems. to the mouth of presidential candi- and ideological woes, we need a coun- date Rick Santorum: “I don’t believe try where separation of church and in an America where the separation of state is absolute. church and state is absolute. The idea tive. that the church can have no influence Bryan Johnson, 26, a native of Raleigh, The funds and time used to pro- or no involvement in the operation of N.C., is a first-year graduate student at mote these events could have been the state is absolutely antithetical to the Colorado State University in Fort Collins used to research realistic methods of objectives and vision of our country.” and is pursuing an MFA in creative writ- combating drought and deficits, but Santorum couldn’t be further from ing. He has an English degree from Purdue instead it was used to create a conserva- the truth. This is a country founded on University and worked as a copywriter while tive soapbox that did nothing to solve freedom of religion, not domination writing fiction. the problems faced by Texans. by religion. We need equal rights for Religion is an entirely subjective way to create policy, since doctrine and beliefs differ between religions. Even Fourth place (tie): Graduate/ Christian denominations disagree on the exact nature of the god they wor- mature student essay contest ship. By Bryan Johnson In American history, this has mani- fested itself in countless ways. For ex- ample, slave owners and abolitionists both used the bible to defend their I’m a family In a speech to the Greater Houston position in the 19th century. In mod- Ministerial Association in 1960, presi- ern times, the LGBTQ movement’s dential candidate John F. Kennedy said fiercest critics often use God as their “I believe in an America where the sep- primary reason for fighting against values voter aration of church and state is absolute marriage equality, yet there are plenty . . . where no Catholic prelate would of progressive Christians who support tell the president how to act, and no marriage equality and use the bible to Protestant minister would tell his pa- justify their claims. rishioners for whom to vote; where no America cannot church or church school is granted any Which God? public funds or political preference.” ignore these Kennedy emphasized that there You cannot debate the idea of God blatant attempts were “far more critical issues” that in a courtroom or statehouse. You can- faced the nation than his Catholicism, not objectively weigh the advantages to enforce and the same thing holds true today. and disadvantages of a policy that has In an age where unemployment and been dictated by a higher power. When their religious poverty are rampant, overseas wars kill we use unverifiable, subjective reason- our citizens and raise our deficit, and ing to make decisions, we create unjus- viewpoints on the world’s richest country also has its tifiable, ineffective policy. largest prison population, religion has With God involved in policy-mak- everyone. become a driving force in American ing, the question becomes “which politics. God?” In the U.S., Christians make up God’s name is used to justify policies the vast majority of the population, but Some politicians, however, foist in arenas as diverse as health care, civil our country is also a melting pot of their religious ideology onto their leg- rights for women and minorities, and Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, atheists, FFRF awarded Vicky a $500 scholarship. islation and decision making, telling even education. Yet invoking the bible agnostics and everyone in between. the rest of us what we should want and does nothing to address the issues be- Indeed, America was founded in how we should live our lives. By Vicky Weber hind our country’s problems; it only part on the freedom to worship or not In Wisconsin, Sen. Glenn Groth- serves to muddy the waters with arbi- worship any way you please, and it’s man proposed Senate Bill 507, which trary loyalties, xenophobia, and unwill- this diversity that makes America what named “nonmarital parenthood as a ingness to compromise. The separa- it is. Part of freedom from religion is contributing factor to child abuse,” a tion of church and state is essential for protecting freedom of religion. I’m an atheist, and this election slam at single mothers. creating effective, rational policies and When the majority religion makes year, I’m a family values voter. Families In Michigan, Rep. Lisa Brown was ensuring freedom and equality for all. its way into government, it does so not are one of the most important institu- censored for using the word “vagina” Government is most effective when by reconciling itself to all other faiths tions in any society. The way we are during a debate on an abortion bill, it uses empirically proven, logic-based and nonfaiths, but by the power of de- raised as children influences our views when she stated, “I’m flattered that methods for solving real-world prob- mographics. This leads to unequal rep- on important issues such as morality, you’re all so interested in my vagina, lems. These methods can be debated resentation, which creates a govern- politics, sex, money and religion. but ‘no’ means ‘no.’ ” using facts learned through scientific ment that cannot or will not hear the As an atheist, I vote to value the Fellow Rep. Mike Callton said in re- research, from carefully recorded ob- needs of all its citizens. families in which we actually live: sin- sponse: “What she said was offensive. It servations and from successful tactics Religion-based rule is tribalism at its gle parent households, LGBT partner- was so offensive, I don’t even want to used in other countries. But supernat- purest and enforces divisions that are ships, multigenerational homes and say it in front of women. I would not ural justifications for policy require no based on arbitrary cultural labels. Re- any other configuration that exists. My say that in mixed company.” such vetting process; once God comes cently, Louisiana passed a law allowing family values extend beyond families On the national stage, presiden- to the table, the issue becomes a mat- public funds to be used on vouchers to that are healthy and functioning to tial candidate Mitt Romney pledged ter of faith, not fact. Supernatural solu- send children to a school of the par- those that are struggling through pov- to ensure that his version of marriage tions do not solve real-world problems. ent’s choosing. But lawmakers didn’t erty, domestic violence, mental illness is practiced throughout the land. His In August 2011, Texas Gov. Rick realize those funds could also be used and other issues. platform includes support for the Perry convened a daylong event in for non-Christian schools: “Republican My family values extend to those Defense of Marriage Act and for an Houston called The Response, a call state Rep. Kenneth Havard objected men and women who are not yet ready amendment to the Constitution defin- for Americans to “to pray and fast like to the [Islamic School of Greater New to start a family and want to protect ing marriage as between one man and Jesus did” to combat Texas’ crippling Orleans’] request for 38 government- themselves or terminate an unplanned one woman. drought and economic problems. It paid student vouchers, saying he op- pregnancy. I’m a family values voter be- These are people who could be mak- did nothing, of course, to ease eco- posed any bill that ‘will fund Islamic cause I support the rights of individu- ing decisions about how all Americans, nomic and drought woes. His April day teaching.’ ” als to live in a safe, healthy family envi- secular and nonsecular, live the most of prayer for rain was similarly ineffec- Inevitably, the rights of minorities ronment and make their own choices. intimate parts of their lives. People like December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15 state Rep. Don Pridemore of Wiscon- America cannot ignore these bla- the word “vagina.” She explained her an atheist voting for the values of all sin, who told abused women that “If tant attempts to enforce their religious position on the bill, stating, “Judaism families. Are you? they can refind [sic] those reasons and viewpoints on everyone. The so-called believes that therapeutic abortions, get back to why they got married in the “family values” espoused by the Reli- namely abortions performed in order Vicky Weber, 22, graduated with honors first place it might help.” gious Right are not the values of the to preserve the life of the mother are from Ripon College in Ripon, Wis., with Instead of suggesting a way for wom- families that actually exist. God and not only permissible but mandatory. . a degree in communication and a double en to get out of their abusive relation- government are a dangerous mix in . . I have not asked you to adopt and minor in politics and government and non- ships and providing support for them our schools, public meetings, legisla- adhere to my religious beliefs. Why are profit business management. She’s pursu- and their children, Pridemore encour- tion, health care and tax code. you asking me to adopt yours?” ing an M.A. in communication studies at ages them to go back based on his defi- It’s time to fight back, and there’s She shouldn’t even have to ask. Her Colorado State University in Fort Collins. nition of what it means to be a family. no place better than at the ballot box. Judaism, Grothman’s Christianity and At Ripon, she co-founded a Secular Student It is one thing to espouse a view It’s time for the secular community to my atheism are all equally valid. The Alliance and plans to be active in the SSA against abortion or gay marriage. It step up and reclaim “family values” for only way all people can maintain their chapter at Colorado State. Another laudable is another thing to tell someone else all families. freedom of choice is to separate god life goal she has set is to eventually enjoy a how they should live their lives, and Perhaps we should pay more atten- and government and elect those who beer at all 30 Major League Baseball parks. it’s completely unacceptable when it tion to what Brown, who is Jewish, said will maintain this separation. comes from our elected officials. before her censorship-inducing use of Therefore, this election year, I am Fifth place: Graduate/mature student essay contest Religion seduces a secular nation

FFRF awarded Jemille Bailey a $350 ed, religion is the last, and incidentally, scholarship. Such rhetoric the most illegitimate justification for the restriction of rights or release of re- implies a divide sponsibilities. It is on the emotionally By Jemille Bailey tempting but judicially irrelevant leg of between religious religion that Romney stands to assert and nonreligious his opinion on what makes a family. Every year in the U.S., a National Modern America has an un- citizens. Prayer Breakfast is held and televised, healthy love affair with religion. In attended by Democrats and Repub- recent years, U.S. government leaders licans alike. While some may view it have invoked God when addressing reaffirmed his opposition to marriage as mere tradition, its implicit nature their constituents in speeches and writ- equality: makes clear that we are under an ever- ings. For those who don’t believe in a “It strikes me as odd that the free growing threat of moving toward the- deity, or don’t agree with government’s exercise of religious faith is some- ocracy. interpretation of or interference with times treated as a problem, something When reason and objective analysis religious matters, there exists an un- America is stuck with instead of blessed are pushed aside or ignored and re- comfortable relationship. with.” He went on, “Perhaps religious placed with tribal and theocratic alle- While Americans generally have conscience upsets the designs of those es and other public servants. We elect- giances and dogma, the resulting sepa- great respect for the fundamental ide- who feel that the highest wisdom and ed them presumably because of their ratism can provoke the same unseemly als of the founders, it is obvious that authority comes from our govern- perceived wisdom. Logically, as those acts of marginalization or restrictions the secular ideological underpinnings ment.” leaders have been given responsibil- of civil liberties that have led toward so eloquently codified in the U.S. Con- Using language such as “blessed” is ity through the ballot box or appoint- slavery, genocide and other atrocities stitution are frequently contested, cir- a clear signal to Christian believers in ment, they are the highest authorities throughout modern history. cumvented or disregarded for political the audience that they and Romney in the nation. Those acts may, in turn, be irratio- gain. are on the same team. If he were run- But Romney then shamelessly pro- nally justified as divinely inspired or Two issues in particular are of con- ning for president of Liberty Universi- nounced that “there is no greater force even virtuous at the expense of the cern nationwide: The right of women ty, he would be well within his bounds for good in the nation than Christian physical and intellectual sovereignty of to exercise physical sovereignty vis à vis to use such language. This speech also conscience in action.” What disap- dissenting citizens. their reproductive systems and capa- doubled as a campaign event. pointing news for the nation’s many bilities are once again being hotly de- Such rhetoric implies a divide be- atheists, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews and Jemille Bailey, 32, is a Los Angeles na- bated. In January, presidential hopeful tween religious and nonreligious Muslims. tive pursuing an undergraduate liberal arts Rick Santorum gallingly proclaimed in citizens. Further, it’s concerning that Often, after all other ineffective so- degree with a concentration in financial eco- a CNN interview that victims of rape Romney doesn’t trust legislators, judg- cial and moral arguments are exhaust- nomics at Columbia University. should “accept what God has given to [them].” Despite that issue having already been addressed and settled by the U.S. Member tries to rid Iowa city park of nativity Supreme Court for almost 40 years, Santorum dangerously and irresponsi- bly asserts his religious beliefs as justi- FFRF member Aiyanna Looney did letter included this: “The use of gov- possible action on establishing a policy fication for setting or changing public stellar work in Oskaloosa, Iowa, try- ernment property to promote Chris- for decorations and event use in the policy. ing to rid City Square Park, which is a tianity as superior to other faiths, re- city square,” Shrock backtracked. He also single-handedly reinterprets public park, of a nativity scene. After ligions and secularism is abhorrent. The Oskaloosa Herald reported that the Constitution, arguing that “life be- she photographed it Dec. 5, she con- The city of Oskaloosa needs to take the City council voted to return the na- gins at conception.” Santorum is free tacted FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie responsibility for this discriminatory tivity to the park: “They voted to add to to argue his position, but his stance is Schmitt, who responded promptly: display and remove the nativity or cre- the decorations within the city square based not on reason, science or social “If you could forward me those photos, ate an exhibit that is representative of so that it’s not just a nativity scene, but responsibility but on his religion. that would be very helpful. Are there everyone who lives in Oskaloosa and is accompanied by a Christmas tree as Secondly, thinly veiled government other nonsectarian displays up? Con- Mahaska County.” well as other secular holiday decora- promotion of religion has also seeped text is extremely important in these On Dec. 7, Aiyanna emailed FFRF tions.” into the lives of ordinary Americans cases — also if there is a sign or some- that the nativity was removed the day After the meeting, Aiyanna emailed: through their maltreatment of sexual thing that indicates this was put up by before and that Shrock told her that “I get the impression that no other minorities. The civil rights of lesbians, anyone other than the city.” he didn’t want an open forum and had faiths, or nonfaiths (atheists and ag- gays and bisexuals, as well as people Aiyanna noted in response that the nativity removed. nostics), will be represented when the who are gender nonconforming or there were no other religious displays UPDATE: Right before Freethought nativity is replaced in the park, and the transgender, are too frequently set present. “There is a faux lighted pine Today went to press, Aiyanna shared city is going to use a ‘three reindeer aside, unrecognized or challenged. tree with a star topper by the nativity, a voice mail left on her phone from rule’ regarding the city square: The Religion has frequently been a rea- but no sign that states it’s a holiday tree council member Aaron Ver Steeg, who 1985 Supreme Court ruling known as son why the aforementioned Ameri- or Christmas tree, or who placed the said, “I seen your letter. … I just feel the ‘reindeer rule’ requires any reli- cans are marginalized and disenfran- tree in the park. There is no sign that that people like you — if you don’t gious display on public property to be chised. Speaking to the graduating states the nativity was placed by anyone want to look at something, look the balanced by secular displays in order to class of 2012 at Liberty University, a other than the city.” other way — and you still have the free- avoid any hint that the state is endors- Christian university in Lynchburg, Va., She contacted Oskaloosa City Man- dom to move out of Oskaloosa.” ing religion.” Mitt Romney, then the presumed Re- ager Michael Shrock Jr. about the reli- UPDATE 2: At a special Dec. 12 publican nominee for U.S. president, gious display on public property. Her council meeting for “discussion and Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012

Helping our school board with its ‘Gideon problem’

By Suzanne Lamb When I asked to see the written In the fall of 2011, I read in my policy, the small-town Kentucky newspaper how the Freedom From Religion Founda- superintendent tion had convinced the Muhlenberg County Board of Education to end told me that there Gideon bible distribution in local schools. I immediately checked out the wasn’t one. FFRF website and decided then and there to become a member. Six months later, curious about how our board of education was handling high school. Despite the negative back- a different issue, I went online to re- lash on my blog, the event was quite view the minutes from the most re- pleasant. About two dozen people — a cent board meeting. To my surprise, mixture of students, parents, and staff the board had unanimously approved — stopped by our table to pick up liter- “plans for collaboration and efforts to ature or ask questions. Several people support the Gideon’s [sic] organiza- said they were glad to see us there. tion.” At the board meeting two weeks lat- Would a school board recently in er, Petit repeated our request that the trouble for allowing the Gideons into board end its policy of allowing outside classrooms actually be pledging its sup- groups to distribute literature in the port to Gideons International? schools. He firmly stated our demand I spent nearly a month consider- “Tabling” at Muhlenberg County [Ky.] High School were (left) SSA member that school board prayer be discon- ing the matter. Though I found the Walter Petit, FFRF member Suzanne Lamb and SSA member Jeff Toy. (Photo tinued. Highlights from the meeting board’s actions outrageous, I knew by FFRF member Josh Casey.) included a highly sectarian opening that pushing the issue could have huge prayer that took swipes at our activ- consequences. We live in a highly reli- ism, and an anti-evolution rant from gious community where grievances are the schools. I made it clear that if the at Western Kentucky University, about a board member who is also a Baptist not easily forgotten. board opened these doors, it would an hour from Muhlenberg County. He minister. And while it was widely known that have to allow in other groups offering and a few others were eager to remedy FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott our family did not attend church, most Muslim, pagan and even atheist litera- the situation. has sent the board a letter outlining didn’t know I was an atheist. I also ture. Our primary goal was to convince the problems with both the literature knew that some would argue that I had I cited two school districts in North the board not to allow any outside distribution policy and school board no business criticizing public school Carolina that abruptly ended their groups to distribute literature at offi- prayer. We are awaiting the board’s policy, as we home-school our chil- “open” policies as soon as pagans cial school functions; however, if the response. In the meantime, I am en- dren. asked to distribute their books. After board insisted on allowing religious joying networking with the many free- Ultimately, I decided I could not let mailing the letter, I published it on my groups, then we wanted to have a secu- thinkers I’ve met over the past few the matter go. I called a board member blog, hoping that going public might lar presence. months, including several who live in and asked him to explain the decision encourage the board to do the right We sent separate requests to every Muhlenberg County. to collaborate with the Gideons. He thing. Unfortunately, the superinten- public school principal in the county In fact, our efforts have brought insisted that the board’s vote actually dent responded to say that the board asking to distribute literature at up- enough atheists and agnostics out of meant that now any nonprofit group was content with the policy as it stood coming after-school events. As an FFRF hiding that we hope to start a Muhlen- would be permitted to distribute litera- and had no plans to put it in writing. member, I said that I would be distrib- berg County Freethinkers Group early ture at after-school events. Dissatisfied with this response, I uting a variety of materials, including next year. Of course, his explanation of the decided to attend a couple of school Dan Barker’s books Godless and Just Pre- district’s new “open forum policy” was board meetings to see if the issue would tend: a Freethought Book for Children. Suzanne Lamb is a secular home-school- at odds with the official meeting min- come up. Little did I realize that I was We didn’t know what to expect, ing parent, a former Catholic and the au- utes, so I emailed the district superin- about to stumble on another problem. but our requests were quickly accept- thor of “What to Tell the Neighbors,” a blog tendent. He gave a similar version of It turns out that the board was also ac- ed, and the various school principals about “unschooling” (an approach empha- events. When I asked to see the written customed to starting its meetings with started the process of scheduling us sizing children’s natural desire to learn that policy, the superintendent told me that a student-led prayer. for specific after-school events. When helps them become independent thinkers) there wasn’t one. I blogged about our upcoming appear- and living as an atheist in the bible belt. After a great deal of research into Winning secular access ances at local schools, comments be- Her fiction and creative nonfiction have ap- the legality of “limited open forums,” I gan pouring in from local citizens who peared in the Los Angeles Review, Nano Fic- wrote the board and superintendent a Shortly after attending a second were outraged that atheists would be tion, Wigleaf and other journals. She lives detailed letter outlining the problems board meeting, I made contact with allowed to hand out materials. The sto- with her husband, Steve, and their three I saw with the policy, which appeared Walter Petit, a Muhlenberg County ry eventually made the evening news. children in Central City, Kentucky. to have been adopted for the sole pur- High School graduate who is now pres- The first event we chose to attend pose of letting the Gideons back into ident of the Secular Student Alliance was Parent Night at the county’s only Lakeside Freethinkers counter Baptist ‘science’ course

By Dr. Ken Crosby area churches advertise their services, agnostics, humanists, and other who ly meetings and now meets twice a not to mention bible study and prayer reject belief in the supernatural with month for socializing and discussion. meetings, and missionaries go door whom to socialize, and inspired by The steady growth of the group dem- to door to try to spread “the good his attendance at the FFRF-sponsored onstrates that it is meeting a real need, The Lake Chapala area, south of news.” The Baptist church has given Reason Rally in March, he placed ads and members, perhaps encouraged by Guadalajara, on Mexico’s biggest nat- a “course” on “How Science Points to in the weekly English language news- knowing that they are not alone, are ural lake, hosts the largest concentra- the Existence of God.” In such an en- paper inviting freethinkers interested becoming more outspoken on issues tion of Americans living outside the vironment, freethinkers were largely in forming a group for fellowship and concerning the imposition of religion U.S. The area’s ex-pats are estimated invisible and found it difficult to find discussion to contact him. in their community, such as the at- to number between 6,000 to 10,000 others who share their views. The ads produced an unexpectedly tempted takeover by evangelicals from — the latter during the winter months Dr. Ken Crosby, a retired psycholo- large response, resulting in an initial the U.S. of a facility for abandoned and when people from north of Mexico es- gist and After-Life Member of FFRF, mailing list of 30 persons. No one had abused children. cape the cold. They are mostly retired had founded a Freethinkers chapter imagined that there were so many The Baptists should not expect to and include, in addition to Americans, within the Family Motor Coach Asso- freethinkers at Lakeside. Many at the offer their “course” again without it a large number of Canadians and peo- ciation, the association of motorhome group’s first meeting were surprised to being countered by accurate informa- ple from many other countries. owners. But after living at Lakeside for find that people they knew were also tion. Freethinking ex-pats in the area nine years, he knew only four fellow ex- freethinkers. commonly called Lakeside live in a pats who were freethinkers. Frustrated The Lakeside Freethinkers, now very religious community. Some 17 by his inability to find fellow atheists, numbering 60, began with month- December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17

Ask a Skeptic Inhaling spirituality’s heady fumes

George Saunders, New York, sends a with them. USA Today clipping in which Ed Stetzer, JOAN REISMAN: I think people LifeWay Research president, says “a major- hasten to say “but I’m spiritual” in re- ity of the population is spiritual but not re- action to the (entirely mistaken) no- ligious.” George asks, “Does anyone really tion that atheists are dull, pragmatic understand what it means to be ‘spiritual people who only believe what can be but not religious?’ ” proved, and who have no sense of awe or wonder or imagination. By claim- These people don’t eschew religion, the second one — except that I don’t KATIE DANIEL: Spiritual means ing spirituality, they are asserting that and even agree they are part of a reli- like the word “spiritual.” I don’t think you believe in ghosts, but don’t orga- while they don’t follow any organized gion — of course they are, if they go to the word “spirit” has ever been coher- nize rituals around them or proselytize. religion or believe in any gods, they are church, pay tithes, support missionar- ently defined. Every attempt to define Religious means that you believe in still multifaceted individuals who are ies, promote a Holy Book, and so on the word ends up telling us what it is ghosts, organize rituals around them, able to sense and experience “higher” — but feel that “spiritual” is more than not, not what it actually is. It is the in- and think everyone else should too! feelings and concepts and possibilities an attitude or emotion. tangible essence or a nonphysical pres- PHYLLIS ROSE: I don’t — “spiritu- beyond mundane reality. To them, the “spirit” is the Holy ence. A noncorporeal personality. An al” seems to have the same connotation NORA CUSACK: I’m neither, be- Spirit, an actual person, the “spirit of immaterial mind. None of this tells us as the unknown quality of “religious.” cause neither is fact-based. They’re God” with whom they have a personal anything. PATRICK ELLIOTT: This is how weasel words for people who don’t relationship. Some of them think they In positive terms, what exactly is a I perceive it: “Organized superstition want to acknowledge that when they’re are possessed by this spirit. When they spirit? If something exists, then it can isn’t my thing, but I don’t mind doing dead, they’re dead. say “Jesus came into my heart,” they are be measured — it must be measured, it on my own.” Which is equivalent to: ANDREW SEIDEL: To be religious not talking metaphorically. Pentecos- or be measurable. How much does “You won’t find me running with the is to believe in widely held, factually tals and charismatic types believe they spirit weigh? How much space does it bulls in Pamplona, that is crazy! But, unsupported dogma. To be spiritual have been “filled with the Spirit,” and take up? When does it start to exist and I’m not opposed to trying my hand at is to believe in factually unsupported feel very sorry for the (mainly) main- when does it die or disappear? How running with the bulls on my own.” dogma that is all your own. To alter the stream denominations that have “a does it differ from the “ether,” which WENDY GOLDBERG: To me, it Robert Pirsig quote which gave Rich- form of godliness but deny the power we now know does not exist though we means to be in tune with nature and ard Dawkins’ God Delusion its name: thereof.” (2 Timothy 3:5) continue to use the word “ethereal”? especially with all the winter birds that “When one person suffers from a de- When they say they are “spiritual but Until the word “spirit” is defined, “flock” to my feeders. “… and the little lusion, it is called spirituality. When not religious, what they mean is that and it never has been, then to say you brown birds, which stirred occasionally many people suffer from a delusion, it what matters to these people is “spiri- are “spiritual but not religious” is to say in the hedge, looked like single rus- is called religion.” tual but not religious.” nothing at all. Except maybe that you set leaves that had forgotten to drop.” DAN BARKER: I think when peo- If I were forced to fit into one of don’t like religion very much, and that (from Jane Eyre) ple say they are “spiritual but not reli- those groups, I would have to choose is something I can agree with. ANNIE LAURIE GAYLOR: I’ve gious,” they mean one of three things, never read a definition of “spiritual- depending on how “spiritual” or “reli- ity” that was comprehensible. It stems gious” are defined. from the word “spirit” and pertains to Some of those people believe in a an imaginary “spirit world.” The word god, or gods, or a transcendent world State/Church Bulletin “spirit” can have secular connotations populated by invisible personalities today, such as “team spirit” or “keep that have some kind of influence (they up your spirits.” But “spiritual atheist” think) over their lives, but they are not Continued from page 6 the land do not permit a judge to or- seems like an oxymoron. I feel it’s a members of any organized or recog- tutions. der you to go to church.” mistake for atheists and other nonbe- nized religion. They are going it on The Supreme Court ruled that the lievers to adopt language that clearly their own, defining “God” or “spirit” school district plaintiffs lack standing has a religious genesis. (That’s a joke!) in their own way, and don’t think they because they are not taxpayers, and Turkey fines channel for Doesn’t this just contribute to confu- lack anything that is claimed to be pos- that the funding is not from local tax ‘Simpsons’ blasphemy sion, as in Einstein’s metaphorical and sessed by members of religion. dollars but from the Legislature’s gen- unfortunate “God does not play dice For these people, “religion” is noth- eral grant to the districts through the The Telegraph reported Dec. 3 that with the universe” kind of language? ing in itself — it is just an artificial hu- state Department of Education. Turkey’s Supreme Board of Radio and I am guessing that most nonbeliev- man-made way of organizing those who Television fined CNBC-E for “making ers who are using the term “I’m not hold similar beliefs into a common fun of God, encouraging the young religious, but I’m spiritual,” probably group. Religion adds nothing to spiri- Judge mandates church people to exercise violence by showing mean that they are moved or awed tuality, they think. To my mind, these for convicted teen the murders [in a ‘Simpsons’ Hallow- and have emotional responses to mu- people are indeed religious, though een episode] as God’s orders.” sic, artistry, nature or being part of the not part of any organized religion. When District Judge Mike Norman, The episode, “Treehouse of Horrors community and the universe. So why Others think “religion” is indeed a Muskogee, Okla., sentenced Tyler Al- XXII,” has a segment titled “Dial D for not say that? Why muddy the waters claim to a transcendent reality, but they red, 17, on a vehicular manslaughter Diddly” in which Ned Flanders goes on by using a religious term to describe reject that claim and think “spiritual” conviction in November, he included a killing rampage after hearing what he a natural (not a supernatural) feeling, is simply a personal way to experience Sunday church attendance for 10 years thinks is the voice of God. Later in the emotion or sense? People should say feelings of the sublime, to meditate, to as a requirement of a deferred sen- episode, the devil demands God bring what they mean. It seems like a good enjoy aesthetics and positive emotions, tence. The District Attorney’s Office him a cup of coffee. “Yes sir,” God re- policy for atheists and agnostics to take to appreciate the finer qualities of art is supposed to monitor Alred’s church sponds, revealing it’s actually the devil care that their pronouncements are and music, to contemplate “higher val- attendance, the Tulsa World reported. who runs the world. not misunderstood by believers. ues,” to breathe deeply and take the Randall Coyne, University of Okla- Turkey is officially secular, but most BILL DUNN: It means, if you’re focus away from the mundane. homa College of Law professor, said of its 75 million people are Muslim. being truly honest with yourself, that These might be atheists or agnostics the church condition would likely you’re more of a sociopath than a psy- who define “spirit” in a nonsupernatu- not stand if challenged, but someone chopath. ral manner, interpreting their “numi- would have to complain. Norman ex- Diocese’s ‘Obamacare’ ELAINE HAMPTON: “Spirit” has so nous” feelings in purely physical, neu- pressed doubt anyone would challenge lawsuit dismissed many different meanings, from super- rological terms. They agree that others it. natural beings to very natural beings interpret the word “spirit” differently, Enter the ACLU of Oklahoma, U.S. District Judge Terrence McVer- — as in a high-spirited horse, or a great but feel that their own material defini- which on Dec. 4 filed a complaint with ry on Nov. 27 dismissed the Pittsburgh single-malt Scotch! Or genuine Napo- tion lacks none of the value or beauty the state Council on Judicial Com- Catholic Diocese’s lawsuit against the leon brandy. I like to inhale the fumes. of those who are religious. To my mind, plaints, asserting that the sentence Obama administration for requiring When I first learned the Latin these people are neither religious nor violates the Code of Judicial Conduct. it to offer birth control services to em- meaning of the original word, I had spiritual, even though they do try to Brady Henderson, ACLU legal direc- ployees as part of the federal health to laugh. “The spirit left him” = he redefine “spirit” in a nontranscendent tor, said giving a defendant a choice care mandate. stopped breathing. Or “holy spirit” = manner. between church and prison can’t be McVerry said in his 28-page opinion heavenly halitosis. There is a third group, comprised enforced without illegal government that the diocese has not been harmed It’s like using “heart” to mean any- mostly of evangelical Christians, who intrusion. by the law because most of its provisions thing connected with emotions. “And define “religion” as “man reaching up “I firmly believe in going to church, don’t take effect until 2014. “[D]e- then my heart stood still” is a lovely to God,” but define true Christianity but the bible also tells you to obey the fendants have actively begun the pro- song, but if the singer’s heart had re- as “God reaching down to man.” (The laws of the land,” said Muskogee Coun- cess of amending the regulations to ad- ally stopped, they would have needed sexist language is theirs, not mine.) ty District Attorney Larry Moore. “You dress the specific religious objections CPR immediately, or they’d be dead. I used to think like this; indeed, I can obey the laws of the land and still which plaintiffs raise in this litigation.” Slippery, slippery words. I love to play preached sermons about it. be a Christian. In this case, the laws of Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012

Black Collar Crime Blotter Compiled by Bill Dunn Victims were abused Arrested / Charged after they were plied James Burton, 50, Ft. Wayne, IN: 4 counts of child molestation. Burton, pastor at Greater Faith Baptist Church, is accused of inappropri- with alcohol, which ately touching a girl who was his foster child. Court documents said the girl told a school em- Fr. Curran told them ployee that it started when she was 6 or 7 years old. Source: WANE, 12-6-12 was the ‘blood of Barry W. Kallenberg, 60, Sunny Isles Beach, FL, and Alpine, NJ: Organized scheme Christ.’ to defraud and 73 counts each of grand theft, false insurance claims and false supporting children preparing for their bar and bat mitz- insurance documents. Kallenberg told a judge vahs, according to news accounts. he’s a rabbi without a congregation. “I do mostly Katz met the 14-year-old alleged victim weddings, funerals and unveilings.” at her temple in 2011 when she was a stu- According to an affidavit, he flew into and dent in his 8th grade religion class. The girl out of Miami International Airport on numerous told a detective they kissed and touched each occasions where he made declarations his lug- Baptist Church, also must submit to random really wanted to get Bill away from children,” polygraph tests, random urine and sensor test- John Doe No. 109, now in his 40s, said in an other. Katz also spoke to several 14-year-olds gage didn’t arrive, but he was caught on video “about sexual subjects, such as safely engag- picking up luggage. Allegedly fraudulent claims ing and random searches of himself, his home, interview. car, job, phone and computer. Source: Norwich The settlement bars Paiz, still a Claretian ing in Bondage/Domination/Sado-Masochistic sex,” amounted to $30,324. Source: NBC 6, 12-5-12 charging papers said. Source: Seattle Times, Larry Singleton, 71, Lafayette County, MS: Bulletin, 12-6-12 Order priest, from working around children or Thomas Wiggins Jr., 54, Wilmington, NC: 6 young adults or representing himself as a priest. modernpoly.com, 11-23-12 Sexual battery of a child. Singleton, pastor of Italian priest Alberto Barin, 51, is being in- Bay Springs Baptist Church, is accused of long- to 9 years in prison and 30 years’ sex offender It also requires the diocese to publicly acknowl- registration after pleading guilty to 6 counts of edge Doe’s allegations are credible. Source: vestigated on suspicion of abuse of office and term sexual abuse of a boy that started when he sexual violence. Barin, Catholic chaplain at San was 11. The alleged victim is now 18. felony sex offense as a substitute parent. Wig- Star-Telegram, 11-20-12 gins, pastor at Church of God in Christ, was ac- Vittore prison in Milan, is suspected of coerc- Singleton also volunteers at Gateway Chris- ing 6 male inmates to perform sex acts on him tian School in Horn Lake. Tate County Sheriff cused of victimizing a 14-year-old boy who was a member of his church in 1998 and whose par- Legal Developments over the past 4 years in exchange for money Brad Lance said he expects more charges to Christopher T. Wenthe, 46, St. Paul, MN, ents were divorced. and staples such as toiletries, toothpaste and be filed. Source: Senatobia Democrat, 12-5-12 will get a new trial due to a ruling by the Min- Prosecutors said Wiggins became a father cigarettes. Bobby Gass, 60, Texas City, TX: Suspi- nesota Court of Appeals. Wenthe, a Catholic figure to the boy before starting to molest him In a statement, the Archdiocese of Milan cion of assault and cocaine possession. Gass, priest, was convicted last year of 3rd-degree for 2 years. Source: WWAY, 12-3-12 said it was “bewildered and pained” by Barin’s pastor of Baypoint Community Church, was al- criminal conduct “during the course of a meet- arrest and pledged to cooperate with the probe. legedly seen arguing with a female friend and ing” where religious advice was sought or re- Source: Wall Street Journal, 11-22-12 pushing her out of the car. Police later found Civil Lawsuits Filed ceived in private. cocaine in his pocket. Stan Archie, co-founder and senior pastor Wenthe didn’t dispute the sexual relation- Gass told police he found the drug in the of Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in ship, only that it occurred while he was providing Removed / Resigned church parking lot and kept it for a meeting with Kansas City, is being sued by former assistant spiritual aid or comfort. He was newly ordained Stuart MacDonald, a priest formerly serving church leaders to discuss how it may have got- “Jane Doe LK,” who alleges that they became when the woman, then 21, performed oral sex St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Niagara ten on the property. He said he will step down involved sexually in 2000 after she went to him on him in the rectory in 2003. The relationship Falls, ON, has been removed as chaplain at from the pulpit and church leadership. Source: for counseling for being sexually abused as lasted 18 months. Wyoming Catholic College in Lander. KHOU, 12-4-12 a child. She alleges that when she ended the The appeals court ruled the conviction “was A statement said MacDonald’s dismissal Donald Knizley, 70, Mobile, AL: Loiter- relationship in 2007, he started harassing and based on evidence that was excessively en- came after “an internal investigation by the col- ing for the purpose of deviant sexual activity. defaming her. tangled in matters of religion” and violated the lege which revealed Reverend MacDonald’s im- Knizley, pastor at Zion House of Prayer for All The suit also names the church as a defen- Establishment Clause. proper conduct and language with the college’s Nations, and 7 others were arrested in a sting dant, alleging it knew or should have known Wenthe’s 57-month sentence was stayed students and a pattern of behavior unaccept- by police at the Japanese Gardens and Fish about his “dangerous and exploitative propensi- after he served 8 months. Source: Star Tribune, able as a Catholic college chaplain.” Hatchery. ties” and failed to protect her. 11-26-12 Lander Police Chief Jim Carey confirmed “Shocking. It’s just, to have a biblical back- Archie was elected Nov. 27 as president of his department is investigating allegations. The ground like he has, it’s just shocking,” said Da- the Missouri State Board of Education and is college’s statement said officials were notified vid Fleming, the pastor’s neighbor. Source: Fox board of the Kansas City Leadership Founda- Allegations that MacDonald’s employment visa should be Tim Hopkins, 44, Denton, UK, has been 10, 12-3-12 tion. He’s married and has 3 children. Source: revoked. Source: Niagara Falls Review, 12-4-12 interviewed by detectives investigating allega- Anthony Tshabalala, 62, Johannesburg: Kansas City Star, 12-7-12 Rolando Garcia resigned as pastor of St. tions he molested a girl 3 times in 2004-07, Rape and sexual assault. Tshabalala, pastor at Plaintiff Cecelia Brown, 19, is suing Chris- Agatha Catholic Church in Miami, FL. Garcia starting when she has 11. Hopkins, a Catholic an unidentfied church, is accused of raping a topher L. Johnson, Chicago, pastor at Pente- and the Archdiocese of Miami are defendants priest, was suspended from his duties at St. 13-year-old girl and molesting 2 other teens. He costal Tabernacle Bible Church, for allegedly in numerous lawsuits alleging sexual abuse or John Fisher and St. Mary’s parishes during the allegedly gave them small amounts of money molesting her as a minor. Several churches and coverup of sexual abuse of boys dating back to investigations, said Terence Brain, bishop of to buy their silence. Source: The Star, 12-5-12 church officials are co-defendants. the 1980s. Salford. Source: Manchester Evening News, Mark Derksen Sr., 63, Fountain Hills, AZ: Brown alleges church officials knew John- The latest accusation is from a military vet- 12-8-12 Distribution of drugs. Derksen, pastor of now- son fathered a child by another minor victim eran who alleges Garcia molested him as a Donald Lockhart, 60, Fresno, CA, will face defunct Faith Mountain Christian Church in previously and that his wife divorced him for it teen runaway in 1994 until he deployed to Iraq trial in the alleged rape of a woman and firing a Fountain Hills is accused of selling meth, heroin but they failed to fire him. Source: Courthouse in 2003. “The sex abuse included oral sex, it in- gun at a man near a high school, a judge ruled. and prescription drugs from his apartment. News Service, 12-4-12 cluded sodomy and it went on for years,” the Lockhart, pastor of the Central Community Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said The Archdiocese of Hartford, CT, is suing plaintiff’s lawyer, Jeff Herman, said at a press Development Center, is accused of forcing a deputies carried out undercover buys. He told one of its insurers, claiming Interstate Fire & briefing. Source: HuffPost Miami, 12-5-12 woman to have sex when she inquired about reporters Derksen claimed he would “bring peo- Casualty Co. Inc., Chicago, failed or refused Luke Odor, 63, Stow, MA, has been sus- renting a house from him in 2011, a month after ple closer to God” by helping them get off drugs, to make payments of more than $1 million to pended as Catholic chaplain at the Veterans Ad- the alleged gun incident. but he actually was helping them become ad- cover 4 lawsuits settled by the archdiocese in ministration hospital in Bedford during a church The alleged rape victim testified Lockhart dicts. cases involving sex abuse by clergy from 1979- investigation into what the Archdiocese of the asked her to return alone later after she had first Arpaio alleged Derksen was giving drugs 85. Military calls allegations of “boundary violations come with her daughter and cousin. Source: away to some people to get them hooked and Two of the suits involve allegations against with minors.” Fresno Bee, 12-7-12 build clientele. Source: KTAR, 11-28-12 Ivan Ferguson, a Hartford-area priest who The archdiocese said in a statement that al- Isaac Hunter, 35, Winter Park, CO, re- died in 2002. The others involved settlements in legations against Odor date to the early 1990s signed as pastor of Summit Church after a do- cases against former priests Stephen Crowley when he served in the Archdiocese of St. Paul Pleaded / Convicted mestic violence petition was filed by his wife. and Robert Ladamus. Ferguson and Crowley and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Fargo, ND, Luis J. Cuevas, 67, Long Beach, CA: “I currently fear for my life and the lives of our were among those involved in a $22 million fed- and do not involve physical sexual abuse. Odor Pleaded no contest to 3 counts of sexual battery three children. Isaac is unstable and has dem- erally mediated settlement in 2005 involving 43 is a Nigerian immigrant. Source: AP, 11-26-12 involving 2 women and a teen girl. Cuevas, for- onstrated erratic behavior, alcohol abuse and accusers. Lieu Vu, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini mer pastor at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, fits of rage,” Rhonda Hunter wrote in her suc- The diocese is self-insured but has policies School and Parish, San Jose, CA, resigned af- originally faced 9 sexual assault charges. cessful petition for a temporary restraining order that kick in if settlements exceed $200,000. ter his defense of a convicted child molester at The prosecutor said at least 16 more sexual against her husband. Source: Hartford Courant, 11-27-12 a parish festival angered parents. abuse allegations couldn’t be charged due to Isaac Hunter is the middle child of prominent The Diocese of San Jose also released a the statute of limitations. Source: Press-Tele- evangelist Joel Hunter, senior pastor of North- 2010 letter written by a former human resources gram, 12-5-12 Civil Lawsuits Settled land, A Church Distributed in Longwood. Isaac employee that said convicted pedophile Mark Gregory Goner, 41, Milwaukee: Pleaded A victim of a pedophile priest has received a Hunter resigned on Nov. 28, a day after his 13th Gurries could participate at parish and school guilty to filing a false tax return. Counts of theft 5-figure sum to settle a sex abuse suit against wedding anniversary, admitting an affair with a events. of federal funds and wire fraud were dropped. Daniel Curran, 62, Newcastle, UK, who’s ac- church staff member. A 19-year-old former student recognized Goner, pastor of Spirit Governed Baptist cused of molesting at least a dozen boys over On Nov. 25, he’d left home with 2 guns and Gurries in October at a parish festival, setting Church, also was president and chief adminis- 17 years. The plaintiff alleges he was molested later called asking to see his 3 children “one last off a heated 5-hour exchange between parents trator of K-12 Excel Academy, a voucher school as a child more than 20 years ago. time.” and Vu, who reportedly defended Gurries. which operated between 2004-10. Curran is serving a 4-year prison term for as- “I am afraid that his ‘one last time’ will re- Gurries, 51, was convicted of “lewd and las- The federal Department of Education grant- saults that took place when he was serving in sult in the death of our children — going out in civious conduct” on a minor under 14 years old ed about $100,000 to the school each year, ac- Belfast, NI. Victims were abused after they were a blaze of glory,” Rhonda Hunter wrote in her and sentenced in May 2010 to a year in county cording to the indictment. plied with alcohol, which Curran told them was petition. jail. He’s still on probation. Goner agreed to pay $68,128 in restitution the “blood of Christ.” Joel Hunter is also a spiritual adviser to State law bans sex offenders from school to the IRS. The charges are related to use of Testimony showed he molested a boy at President Barack Obama. Source: Orlando grounds unless they have a letter of permission church money to buy Goner’s investment prop- least 10 times during visits to say bedtime Sentinel, 12-3-12 from a chief administrator. Gurries requested erty. Source: Journal Sentinel, 12-5-12 prayers. Source: Belfast Telegraph, 12-7-12 Lydia Katz, 25, Seattle, is thought to have that waiver from the diocese and received it. The Fort Worth, TX, Catholic Diocese set- fled to Guatemala after his relationship with a Vickie Devincenzi, a parent, wants answers. Sentenced tled a suit filed by a former high school student 14-year-old student was discovered by the girl’s “That’s what I don’t understand. Who said it was Luckner Sylvain, 49, Norwich, CT: 30 who alleged he was molested by Fr. William mother, according to charging documents. Katz, OK?” months in prison and 10 years’ probation after Paiz in 1982-87 when Paiz was pastor at All self-described as a black polyamorous Jew Bishop Patrick McGrath apologized for “a pleading guilty to risk of injury to a minor. He Saints Catholic Church and St. George Catho- studying to be a rabbi, faces 3 counts of 3rd- failure at the diocese level” that allowed Gurries was charged with molesting a family member in lic Church and taught religion at Nolan Catholic degree child molestation. to volunteer. He said Vu will not be reassigned 2006-07, starting when she was 12. Upon re- High School. He taught at two Seattle-area temples, in the diocese. Source: Mercury News, 11-20-12 lease, Sylvain, former pastor of the First Haitian The settlement amount wasn’t disclosed. “I worked at a Jewish children’s camp and tutored Email: [email protected] December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

In the News

Where atheism gets 1950s. you a death sentence A new study by the International ‘No faith’ gains in Humanist and Ethical Union in Swit- United Kingdom zerland shows that atheists and other religious skeptics suffer persecution or The Independent reported Dec. 10 discrimination around the world and that the number of persons with no in at least seven countries can be ex- religious faith in the U.K. rose from ecuted if their beliefs become known. 14.8% in 2001 to 25.1% in 2011. The IHEU issued the report on the During that period, the number United Nation’s annual Human Rights of Christians fell from 37.3 million to Day on Dec. 10. 33.2 million. The proportion of Mus- The report, “Freedom of Thought lims rose from 3% to 4.8%. Hinduism 2012,” said “there are laws that deny claims 1.5%, Sikhism 0.8% and Juda- atheists’ right to exist, curtail their ism 0.5%. About 180,000 claimed to be freedom of belief and expression, re- followers of the Jedi religion featured voke their right to citizenship, restrict in “Star Wars,” down from 400,000 in their right to marry.” 2001. According to the survey of about 60 countries, nations where atheism or defection from the official religion can Mothers ‘maimed, bring capital punishment are Afghani- forgotten’ in Ireland stan, Iran, Maldives, Mauritania, Paki- stan, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. “The imperative to bear as many The report also notes policies in children as possible crippled hundreds some European countries and the U.S. of Irishwomen,” Marie O’Connor that favor the religious while excluding writes in a column titled “The maimed nonbelievers. and forgotten mothers” in The Irish In the U.S., a social and political Times. Catholic hospitals encouraged climate prevails “in which atheists and doctors to treat difficult childbirths the nonreligious are made to feel like with a symphysiotomy, a procedure lesser Americans, or non-Americans,” that severs the pelvic joint, instead of This photo of Cesar Valdez is included in Eric Paul Erickson’s book, Atheist the report said. doing a caesarean section. Bliss, available at ffrf.org/shop. In at least seven U.S. states, consti- According to O’Connor, the church tutional provisions bar atheists from preferred the symphysiotomy because public office. One state, Arkansas, has it could widen the pelvis, “enabling an Priest on abuse list Bible played role a law that bars atheists from testifying unlimited number of vaginal deliver- in court, the report said. ies. now that he’s dead in boy’s death “But when it went wrong, which Fr. Donald Musinski has been added Police said 7-year-old Roderick Ar- was often, the women suffered chron- to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s list rington was beaten to death by his par- Judge to archdiocese: ic pain and incontinence, and many of clergy restricted because of substan- ents because he didn’t read the bible Give up abuse files could barely walk. . . . Doctors in ev- tiated allegations of sexual abuse of and do his homework, the Las Vegas ery other Western country shunned children, 15 years after the victim first Sun reported Dec. 3. The boy’s stepfa- Los Angeles Superior Court Judge the operation, but in Ireland it was accused him, the Journal Sentinel re- ther, Markiece Palmer, 34, and mother, Emilie Elias on Dec. 10 ordered the performed on some 1,500 women be- ported Dec. 1. Dina Palmer, 27, were charged with Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles tween 1944 and 2005. About 200 vic- The archdiocese did not announce murder, child abuse and neglect. to turn over secret files it’s had for tims survive today, most of them dis- Musinski’s addition to the list, possibly Roderick died after being taken decades on 69 priests accused of sex abled. Yet they can’t seek redress in the because he is deceased, said spokes- to the hospital on Nov. 30. A doc- abuse. Elias gave the archdiocese un- courts, because it only recently became woman Julie Wolf. He died at age 69 tor reported he had fixed pupils, til Dec. 27 to give her the files. She set public that these operations were un- in 2006. He was ordained in 1962 and bruises all over his body and but- a date for early January to hear argu- necessary, long after the statute of limi- served parishes in Milwaukee, Belgium tocks showing “fresh open wounds. ments from priests who want to keep tations expired.” and Johnsburg before retiring in 1999. Markiece Palmer told police he their files private. The victim, Karen Konter, now 54, spanked his stepson because he lied The Los Angeles Times reported reported Musinski to the archdiocese about reading a chapter in the bible that the order came five years after the Bible favorite book, in 1997. She said Musinski began mo- and didn’t do his homework. He ad- 2007 settlement of $660 million with child favorite porn lesting her when she was 8, progress- mitted he hit the boy on multiple occa- more than 550 alleged victims of 245 ing to rape by the time she graduated sions with his belt, a spatula, a wooden priests. A Manchester, N.H., lawyer with ties from eighth grade. She said the priest paddle and his hands. Ray Boucher, lead plaintiff’s at- to a conservative Christian law firm took advantage of her, “an isolated and On one Facebook photo, Markiece torney, estimates the archdiocese has took a teen girl to Canada, had her en- ostracized little girl, hobbled by polio Palmer wrote, “My babies they make files on 80 more priests that it is not gage in sexual activity and convinced and numerous surgeries,” as the Jour- me happy. GOD bless the children!!!” turning over to the judge. He also said her to let it be filmed, according to nal Sentinel put it, at St. Adalbert’s on On another photo of the boy, documents on priests who belonged to federal indictments reported Nov. 17 Milwaukee’s south side. Dina Palmer wrote, “I wanna do bet- Catholic religious orders are also miss- by the Concord Monitor. ter 4 my son, my family, myself, 4 you ing. Lisa Biron, 43, is charged with trans- U.K. Scouts mull LORD!!!!!!!!” portation with intent to engage in atheist membership criminal sexual activity, seven counts of Film documents possession of child pornography and The Telegraph reported Dec. 3 that abuse by Wis. priest five counts of sexual exploitation of the British Scouting movement is work- They Said What?! children. ing on plans to draft an alternative “Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the Biron is associated with the Alliance godless oath and let atheists become House of God” opened in U.S. theaters Defending Freedom, which, its website full members and group leaders for You know what do you do with a bul- in November and will air on HBO in says, is committed to keeping “the door the first time. For more than 40 years, ly? If a bully keeps getting his way and February. The film centers on four open for the spread of the Gospel” by versions of the promise have existed intimidating kids on the playground men who attended St. John’s School advocating for “religious liberty, the allowing Muslims to pledge allegiance and nobody stands up for themselves, for the Deaf in St. Francis, Wis., as boys sanctity of life, and marriage and fam- to Allah and Hindus to substitute the then the bully is encouraged and em- and were sexually molested. ily.” In Concord, she worked with ADF words “my Dharma.” boldened and continues to bully more “A lot of individual stories had been to defend a Pentecostal church in its The traditional pledge mentions and more people. But when a little kid done about clerical sex abuse, but I tax fight against the city. “duty to God and to the Queen, to help is being bullied and he turns around hadn’t seen one that really connected She recently served on the board other people and to keep the Scout and punches the bully in the mouth — the individual stories with the larger of directors at Mount Zion Christian Law.” metaphorically speaking, of course — coverup by the Vatican, so that was Schools in Manchester. On her Face- Scouting founder Robert Baden- then the bully is oftentimes proven to important,” director Alex Gibney told book page, which was been removed, Powell in his book of advice for boys, be a paper tiger. Reuters. she listed the bible as her favorite book. “Rovering for Success,” compared Matt Barber, attorney and conservative In a letter to the Vatican in 1998, Police began investigating after re- atheism to gambling, excessive drink- Christian radio host, attacking FFRF the year he died, Fr. Lawrence Mur- ceiving a tip from a man who said he’d ing, smoking and syphilis as a danger for contesting an illegal nativity scene phy admitted molesting some 200 deaf seen child porn on Biron’s computer. to be avoided. in the public median in Michigan boys over two decades beginning in the rightwingwatch.org, 12-10-12 Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012 Letterbox Why are Christians so membership contribution, you all have my thanks and admiration. I fear your easily threatened? perseverance will be sorely needed in The day before Thanksgiving, the near future. stressed out that we had to feed over Yvonne M. Nantais 20 people the next day, I walked into North Carolina a store to buy a vacuum cleaner belt. Waiting in line, I heard the shop own- Sending our support Charles Fletcher Thompson, Massachusetts, says his next rubber stamp er say to the customer in front of me, (available from various sources) will say FAITH IS FOR FOOLS. “I’ve put “God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving.” from Pennsylvania thousands of these ‘fixed’ bills in various denominations (ha!) into circulation. When my transaction was over, he said I contacted Dan Barker and FFRF If the Supreme Court refuses to even consider the matter, we rational folks the same thing to me, an atheist. previously to thank you for helping have to take it upon ourselves to fix this egregious violation of our rights.” As an atheist, did I automatically as- us make the 2012 Pennsylvania State sume that he was waging a war against Atheist/Humanist conference a suc- that focus on crimes by clergy. This family built a very large boat, me? Of course not. In fact, I was grate- cess, but I’m also pleased to write to which had three decks and a platform ful, over the course of a busy, stressful let you know that our board of direc- What would Freud area about half the size of a football day, that someone I didn’t even know tors has decided to send a donation field. After the boat was loaded with took the time to wish me well. I smiled to FFRF as additional thanks for your think about hate mail? animals, it proceeded to rain heav- back and wished him a Happy Thanks- help. As a recovering Catholic, I say keep ily for just under a thousand hours. giving. Please accept the enclosed $1,000 up the good work in holding the Cath- During this period, the rain rate was So why do Christians get so up- donation and our gratitude for all that olic bishops accountable for their elec- equivalent to over 3 million inches per set when someone doesn’t respond you did to support the conference. We tioneering sins. year over the whole Earth’s surface. At with “Merry Christmas?” Is their faith couldn’t have done it without your sup- I love the crank mail, so keep pub- the flood’s height, the amount of water so insecure, so lacking in substance, port, and we hope that the foundation lishing those “love offerings.” I es- (about a billion cubic miles) was four that they take every seasonal greeting, can use this donation to further pro- pecially love the letters from those to five times that which presently exists in whatever form, as a threat to their tect the civil rights of nonbelievers on Klan-inclined folk from Alabama, Ten- on Earth. faith? As a war on their faith? the national level. nessee, Texas, etc., complete with all The family watched as their relatives O they of little faith. Brian Fields the misspellings and poor grammar. and acquaintances drowned, as well as Matt Birkenhauer President It’s amazing what a fixation these Chris- trillions of animals. The dead would Kentucky Pennsylvania Nonbelievers Inc. tians have with shoving things “up your include all the birds not onboard and ass.” I wonder what Freud would think. most fish. The salt from the rising Keep Constitution Contributor impressed As a nurse who works in psych, I ocean waters would kill all freshwater know what I think of such scatalogi- fish, and at the height of the flood, the safe from zealots with legal team cal writers. I see fear, hate, anger and seawater was diluted with fresh water The economy is picking up, I’m I continue to be impressed with much imbalance, because they see from the rain such that the amount of back to work and it’s time I contribute FFRF’s effectiveness, especially, but not their xenophobic and ethnocentric salinity was reduced by roughly 75%. to the effort to keep the Constitution limited to, the work of the legal depart- way of life fading away, with the ever- This would kill off most marine ani- safe from religious zealots. The prob- ment. changing demographics. mals. All this would have caused the lems America faces will never be re- Enclosed is a donation in the Darren Foster atmosphere to become very aromatic solved using superstition as a guide. amount of $1,000. My experience is Wisconsin with decaying bodies. Enclosed you will find my check for that restricting donations to particular • • • This family must have been very $1,000 to become a Lifetime Member. purposes is an administrative nuisance I really do enjoy the crank mail, busy feeding all the millions of ani- Thank you for the wonderful work and is to be discouraged. Therefore, great for a slow negative head shake, mals. They would be required to toss you do, other than to say that this donation then a smile, then a full horse laugh. tons of urine and scat overboard every Brian Fetherstonhaugh is not intended to go into an endow- How wonderfully distressed would day for about a year. California ment, feel free to use it in whatever way the writers be if they knew how enter- This family was not totally hard- you feel is most productive. taining some of us find their bluster? hearted. They housed hundreds of Atheist appreciates Of course I would love to see this These crank messages do, indeed, sup- poisonous snakes, rats and fleas, which help support the work of your legal port the notion that less education is spread bubonic plague, and mosqui- Foundation’s work team, but if what you really needed associated with more religion. toes that spread malaria and kill over Over the course of this election sea- was, for example, funds to buy com- It appears that the writers live in a million people a year. Over the mil- son, I felt the urge to donate to FFRF fortable chairs and lamps for a reading great fear and feel compelled to make lennia, malaria has killed more than a on such a regular basis that I may as room, that would be fine with me. sure everyone else does, too. I don’t, billion people. well just upgrade to a Lifetime Mem- Professor Paul Newman but I do feel sorry for those many who One result of this flood was that all bership! Though I’m an atheist and Indiana do not quite trust their savior, fear that vegetation above present-day sea level rabidly anti-religion, I must confess to they have offended him and believe and not on the boat would have been the following: Commandments’ Moses they may be on their way to hell. destroyed. There are at least three rea- I love Christmas trees and singing Our cranks did not invent hell. sons for this: Christmas carols, I say “bless you” when was wholly Jewish Rather, fear of hell is a prominent part Sea saltwater would destroy land someone sneezes, I use several expres- The Christian brouhaha over the of the Abrahamic culture in which they vegetation, vegetation would be un- sions and swear words with “god” in- Ten Commandments is amazing. It is, were born. To be acceptable to the derwater for up to a year, and perhaps cluded, I have an angel collection and after all, a Jewish document. culture, to fit in, they have to believe, most importantly, the water pressure numerous other religion-related habits Three cheers for the work you do. or appear to believe, what their tribe acting on the vegetation would be up that, like old superstitions, are hard to Marillyn Owens believes. Questioning the precepts of to 13,000 pounds per square inch. No overcome. Michigan their culture is a threat to the culture life above present-day sea level can These proclivities remained secret and their acceptable place in it. Hence, withstand this pressure. As a result, for the years of my regular member- Black collar crimes they, in turn, threaten and curse any- when the animals were released, they ship and will hopefully be forgiven of one who questions their beliefs. would not have anything to eat except me as a Lifetime Member. leave impression In contrast, I like Apple’s advertis- each other. I do not always have the courage One thing puzzles me, how do you ing slogan in 1997: “Think different.” To state an obvious fact, ice floats to speak out as an individual, so I rely gather all those “black collar” crimes? It’s different thinking that created the in water. This flood would have de- on your organization. Along with my By computer? iPhone, iPad and Androids, created stroyed all glaciers and the ice on the Keep up your good work. It’s teach- not by a god but by hundreds of thou- North and South Poles. From ice core ing a lot of people what religion really sands of people around the world who samples (using tree ring type dating), is! The problem is that your members “think different.” polar ice is known to have existed for What Is a already know what religion really is. Thinking differently, as we do, with- at least 400,000 years. How do we get others to read what is out fear, gives us good reason for a jolly After the flood, how did the hun- Freethinker? on the wall? laugh. Thanks, cranks! dreds of kangaroos get to and end up I just had the local sign company Ray Moody only in Australia and flightless kiwi free-think-er n. paint the tailgate of my truck with the Honolulu birds end up only in New Zealand, etc.? A person who following message: The world’s #1 Interestingly, before the flood, there forms opinions problem is — Too many people. Biblical tale stinks, were no wars, but afterward, almost about religion Bernie Schatz continuous battles. After the flood, the Minnesota as boat would have hero of this story got drunk and fell on the basis of reason, Editor’s note: Helpful readers send in My objective is to ridicule one of the down on the ground naked. independently of black collar clippings from newspapers, but significant stories in the bible: Ronald L. Pelley tradition, authority, or we also find scads of them online just by Once upon a time there was a California established belief. searching for words such as “pastor, rabbi, 600-year-old man who had three sons. Editor’s note: Objective met, quite con- imam and priest.” There are also websites All four were married. vincingly. December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21

Evolution? Does your organization believe in “The THEORY of Evolution” ? If we have Sharing the Crank Mail evolved, explain why so many people are so stupid as to vote for Barack Hussein Obama. If we have evolved, why do so many people mur- My, aren’t we cranky this month, the very months of winter near an area where the Great der their unborn? I can’t think of any animal that month Jesus their savior was born? Hit and mis- Lakes exist that can perpetuate adverse weath- does that, can you. – Britt Whit sives are printed as received. er conditions. Any kind of marking lights on that water tower is a good thing. It’s a small town. no one: who the FUCK DO YOU THINK You piece of shit Marxist Communist! Go They have what they can afford. Shame on you. YOU ARE? There is a God. And I think all of you live in Russia. Get the fuck out of here! Can’t Why don’t you go to Colorado and attack the will be going to HELL. — “I love God” wait to see you burn in hell!!!!! — Joann Stump cross on the side of the Rockies that is lit up at night? Get a life! — Mary Adler, Waldorf, Ill. Scum: I look forward to pissing on your FFRF Information Request: You people grave, as well as all your children. Your nothing are sick, lonely, pieces of excrement. OK, it’s Sickening Joke: You sick cunts are a fuck- but a bunch of little spoiled dbags . . . get a fuck- your right to be stupid enough to not believe in ing pestilence. My hope is that God is real, and en life!! — Mike Kelley— Travis Peebles, Texas God, but to FORCE YOUR SICK EVIL WAYS you find out in the most awful way possible. on others through legislation, pressure, and Secondly, I hope each one of your deaths is Texas: Don’t mess with Texas. We don’t attempted intimidation is EVIL and WRONG. slow, painful and cancer riddled. Fuck the lot of need your Bullshit here. Almighty God DOES exist, although not in you. — Marcus Armstrong YOUR lifeless, soulless eyes. I would NOT want Freedom From Religion! HEY, MERRY to be you come the day of judgement. — “Suck- UP YOURS: Your full of shit up yours ass CHRISTMAS....YOU COMMUNIST ASS my Schwang” holes. — Tony Roberts HOLES! ­— Stan Knowles

ridiculous: I find you people to be out of assholes: why dont you idiots mind your Haralson County High School: The people line and unpatriotic. This nation was found as own business.stay in wisconsin and leave ev- of west Georgia have a way of life and for you One Nation “Under God” and if you don’t like eryone else alone.u are liberal assholes. — people up there in that dismal state of ugly girls, it move to another Country. Having served this “Bendover Jerks” snowdrifts, and millionaire athlete worship to The crank mail from Greg Thomas Country along with a lot of fellow Veterans we try to tear it down is disgusting, sad, repugnant and insulting to every peace loving comm unity (below) has it backwards. Janice will put God on our side anyday, and if you don’t Statue in Montana: You people are abso- Fry, Ohio, spotted this last spring in like God used in the military or anywhere else lutely out of your mind. You are all sick and men- on the planet. I’m sure you’d love to pick on keep it to yourselves or move. You are a minor- tally handicapped in my opinion. You can all go some Muslims but you four-eyed, dope smok- Columbus. ity but can believe what you like, but abortion is to hell. — David Dempsey, Homer, Mich. ing geeks are too chicken sh!t. — Jesup Gentry, against God’s will and it folks like you that have Atlanta, Ga. made it a political issue. Your organization is no Then get out of the USA: If you don’t like National Holiday: I’d like to suggest April different than the KKK. — Tom Lemmer living in the USA, then get out. We have free- Your Star: You should be sued for your in- 1st as your group’s national holiday. — Greg doms too. All ragheads, and people that don’t terference of an organization to excercise its Thomas Freedom From Religion: You people make believe in Christ should be shot. This makes me right of freedom of religion. If you don’t like it me fucking sick. You all don’t need any orga- so mad, it has been fine up until a bunch of you here in the US, then leave dummy!!! ­— Leroy assholes: Are you the Anti-Religion Nazi’s nization your just a bunch of attention-whores self rightous dick wads want us all to be fair, well Smith that fucked over that town over it’s cross ? What crying like an infant who needs attention. I hope life isn’t always fair, so buck up, shut up, and a bunch of fucking assholes. fuck off and die! — you all realize how pathetic you all are and just kiss my ASS! — James Williams OF OF OF OF OF: IT’S FREEDOM OF David DeSau crawl back in your fucking caves. Yes that is my RELIGION NOT Freedom FROM Religion you real address and anyone who comes to meet You are all assholes: You fucking people freaks! Read the Constitution! By asking gov- Kansas Town Forced to Remove Cross: me there in a trespassing fashion will also meet ought to mind your own business and let people ernment to HIDE religious events you are ask- Nothing but a group of progressive thugs. YOU my vast gun and ammo collection in a unfriendly express their own beliefs - if you don’t agree ing them to VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTION! PEOPLE SUCK — Chris Marshall way. — Steven Main with it keep your fucking mouths closed and YOU ARE IDIOTS! PS: GOD WILL GET YOU don’t worry about it.....you are not the majority. EVENTUALLY. Freedom: This is America so you are free morons: r u clowns 4 freaking real when im What a bunch of low life losers. — Stan Rohde from religion. Your childish borish behavior to- up in heaven ill b looking down at u freakin mo- stay the hell out of my religion: bELIEVE wards people of faith is really quite telling to rons burning in hell id like 2 c u on judgement Hallelujah: You fags need to get a life, or WHAT YOU WANT, BUT STAY THE HELL OUT your character. This e-mail is sent with neither begging god and his son jesus 4 forgiveness but just do the world a favor and kill yourselves. Is a OF MY RELIGION AND WHAT I BELIEVE. GO malace or respect as I have none of either for then its 2 late burn in hell 4ever r tell god u r statute on a ski slope really that offensive to you? BACK IN YOUR SEWER AND STAY THERE — you. Oh who am I kidding “GO FUCK YOUR- sorry and ask 4 forgiveness Seriously you all must be the most over sensitive Mickey Mathis, Brownwood SELVES” — Michael White, Green Bay, Wis. pussies in the world. Merry Christmas Bitches You’re watertower terrorists! I’ve conclud- — John Nelson, Houston, Texas Freedom from religion: You’re a bunch of Your Org: Your fucking existence is offen- ed that your organization is deliberately target- idiots. You will lift up your eyes in hell! Enjoy! — sive to me, does my opinion matter? Or does ing the water supply of an entire community by You are human trash: Just because one Glen Kinard only your opinion matter? Also it is freedom from threatening its water tower and what they do of your stupid assholes doesn’t like a stat- the establishment of a state religion not freedom with it. That makes you terrorists. You are just ue then it must be removed for everyone? stay within in you own state: mind your from religion you psycho fucks. — Miles Bouck, evil, not to mention that you have no regard for IDIOTS you sub-humans are! — Rick Lane own house. your work is ignorant, intrusive, and Carpenter, Va. the safety of low flying aircraft in the darkest serves no divine purpose. — Tawni Flick Getting school to act on rental charge for church

By Jeff Albright tract; (2) ask for verification that rent signs and disclaimers. I did not find has been paid up to date; (3) ask for a any signs at the school other than on copy of the school district’s rental rate the day of the service. There was, how- schedule to confirm that rent is reason- ever, no disclaimer on the billboard in hortly after I got back home able. neighboring Lewiston, Idaho. S Jeff Albright with the school district from the FFRF convention in October I emailed the superintendent with One last thing: The contracts state letter saying the district was going to in Portland, Ore., I started hearing ad- the public records request on Nov. 11. that all charges associated with use of bill a church for use of a public school vertisments on the radio where I live He replied on Nov. 13 that he would facilities will be paid in full within 10 auditorium. in Clarkston, Wash. The ads were for a have the information to me by Nov. business days of receipt of invoice from church called Canyons Church and its 20. On Nov. 19, I received a phone call the district. Yet the June 24 billing in- This whole process was quite excit- services at the Clarkston High School from Wendy, the executive director voice date was 8/31/12, it was mailed ing, I must admit. What shall I do next? auditorium. for financial services, who said I could on 9/11/12, due date was 9/30/12, [Editor’s note: You’re doing fine, Jeff, but This is our public high school of pick up the information at the school and finally the invoice was paid on keep your powder dry. We try to gear FFRF’s which I am a 1980 graduate. I thought district office. 10/15/12 (15 days late and apparently FAQ to citizen activism as much as possible, this was curious — having church at I paid $1.05 for the copies (eight without penalty). depending on the situation.] the public high school. When, eventu- pages) and went home to study them. ally, I saw a huge billboard advertising A cover letter was attached and in part Canyons Church at Clarkston High said, “The third request asks for the School (with no disclaimer by the current payment status of the Canyons school), I decided I should look into Church account. Canyons Church is Women Without Superstion this situation. paid up through June 24, 2012. The No Gods — No Masters I went to “Legal” at ffrf.org/ and district is at fault for not billing be- Edited by Annie Laurie Gaylor clicked on “State/Church FAQ” on the yond this date (up until Friday, Nov. The Collected Writings of Women Freethinkers of the dropdown. I scrolled down and found 16, 2012) due to a glitch in our system Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries “Churches Meeting at Public Schools.” that we corrected on Friday. Invoices The first anthology of women freethinkers, featuring more FFRF said I could do a public records totaling $4,648 were sent to Canyons than 50 activists and writers critical of religion. Includes request and would have to pay for cop- Church on Nov. 16.” biographical sketches, selected writings, 51 photographs, ies of the information I am requesting. Hopefully, the church is up to date and full index. Members — $24 by mail The FAQ said to (1) ask the school and will stay that way. Non-members — $30 by mail district for a copy of the rental con- FFRF’s FAQ also advised to monitor Or shop online at: ffrf.org/shop Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012

Happy ‘high’ holidays So says Chaz Stevens, who successfully lobbied the city of Deerfield Beach, Fla., to allow his Festivus pole made of 23 Pabst Blue Ribbon cans next a nativity scene at the main fire station. Asked “why 23?” Chaz says, “It’s a nice prime number (I’m a former rocket scientist math nerd), and during the research/build phase, we lost (belch) one!” His website is myactsofsedition.com/. FFRF on the road

Irving Berlin: ‘There were never such devoted sisters’ FFRF Officer Phyllis Rose, a retired librarian and university administrator, has been a “faithful faithless” volunteer for more than a decade. Phyllis (right) poses with sister Connie Sutton, visiting from New York City, in Freethought Hall, FFRF’s offices in Madison, Wis. Connie, an anthropologist, is also a firm freethinker. (Photo by Katie Daniel)

FFRF Co-President Dan Barker (front, center) spoke Oct. 26 in Ohio at Kent State University at an event sponsored by the Kent State Freethinkers. The group’s motto is “We don’t want to believe; we want to know.”

FFRF Attorney Andrew Seidel gave a presentation entitled ‘Debunking American Creation Myths’ to the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago. He’s pictured with the FFRF Metropolitan Chicago Chapter, from left to right: Brian “Does God Exist?” was the topic of a debate Oct. 26 at the University of Akron, McCaskill, Board Member, Steve Foulkes, Webmaster, Andrew Seidel, Evan Ohio, between FFRF Co-President Dan Barker and Howard Ducharme, a Kane, Vice President, Elizabeth Cavell, FFRF part-time attorney, Tom Cara, doctor of philosophy. The event was sponsored by the Secular Student Alliance, President. a campus freethought club. From left are Dylan Morris, Dan Barker, Bob LaBounty, Craig Bauman, Bryan Poole and Rob Frase.

‘A Civil Discourse’ Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt (at right, center table) ably represented FFRF in Greenfield, Wis., at a forum Nov. 19 on “Religious FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor spoke Oct. 23 at Ripon College, and Cultural Diversity and Tolerance.” It was part of “A Civil Discourse” series Ripon, Wis., about “Religion, Women and Politics” at an event sponsored by sponsored by the Greenfield Listening Debates Alliance. Topics included the Secular Student Alliance. Co-President Dan Barker performed freethought nativity scenes, prayers in school, FFRF’s IRS lawsuit and the health care songs. From left are Dan Barker, Annie Laurie Gaylor, Brian Fritsch, Adam mandate. Several FFRF members came to learn and show their support, Schmitt Myers, Elly Davis, Samantha Sotiropoulos and SSA adviser Steve Martin. Martin noted. Other participants were moderator Bill Stevens and panelists Zulfukar and SSA are trying to get the private school’s motto changed from “Fides Ali Shaw, Muslim Society of Milwaukee; Karl Fabrize, Our Savior’s Lutheran Christi Scientia” (Faith in Christ is knowledge). Church pastor; and Robert Shellady, Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee. December 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23 Photo: Andrew L. Seidel Meet an Intern Legally bland, Calli is not

Name: Callahan (Calli) Hyde I am treasurer. We’ve worked with for. Miller. FFRF pretty frequently. For exam- Something funny that’s hap- When and where I was born: ple, FFRF generously helped fund pened at work: I find it endlessly Dec. 30, 1992, in Waukesha, Wis. our inaugural free conference, amusing how someone is almost I’ve lived my whole life, up until Freethought Fest, in 2012, where always offering me food. And by moving to Madison, in Wauwatosa. Annie Laurie Gaylor gave a speech “endlessly amusing,” I mean “the Family: My mom (Kari), my entitled “God Fixation Won’t Fix best thing ever.” dad (Patrick), my little brother This Nation.” Dan Barker is speak- My legal interests are: I like the (Charlie, 16), my little sister (Mi- ing at Freethought Fest 2013 in more sociological aspects of law, chaela, 14), and, of course, most March, and we’ve hosted him as meaning the law in action versus importantly, my golden retriever part of our Freethought Speakers the law on the books. I’m really Murphy (10). Series in the past. interested in the field of criminol- Education: I’m currently en- What I do here: I do whatever ogy. I plan to go to law school after rolled at the University of Wiscon- the staff attorneys need. Mostly, I graduate from UW. sin-Madison and majoring in soci- I help write letters and follow-up My legal heroes are: Elle Woods. ology with a certificate in criminal letters to various people and or- (Just kidding! OK, I’m not kid- justice. I plan to double major, but ganizations nationwide who are ding.) But I think I’ll have to go I’m not sure in what yet. I gradu- committing state-church viola- with my dad on this one, since he’s ated from Wauwatosa West High tions, as well as do research on a lawyer and thus really was the School in 2011. some of the tips sent in from FFRF driving force behind my interest My religious upbringing was: members on potential violations. I in law and politics. [Elle Woods is Lutheran, but my formal religious also help drink the coffee, out of a character played by Reese With- association never went beyond the kindness of my heart. erspoon in “Legally Blonde.”] baptism as a baby, besides the oc- What I like best about it: The These three words sum me up: casional forced Easter/Christmas coffee (just kidding)! I’m really Easily distracted, sleepy. services. enjoying all of the formal writing Things I like: Dogs, Lord of the How I came to work as an FFRF experience, as well as learning Rings, folk music, boots. legal intern: I heard about the op- more and more about constitu- Things I smite: Bugs, the meat portunity through the UW-Madi- tional law. It has definitely been, industry, sinus infections. son student organization Atheists, and continues to be, a very valu- Fun fact: I worship macaroni Humanists and Agnostics, of which able experience that I’m thankful and cheese. Calli Miller DARKTOLIGHT: A secular coming together

and life became, in my mind, a meta- phor for a paradigm shift in human at- titudes from myth-based thinking to an enlightened world of scientific reason. In 2008, working with a soprano duo and a roster of musicians and performers who would work for little or nothing, I booked the 140-seat the- ater of the Portland Music Community Center for Dec. 21. I’d written a work called “Songs for Winter Solstice,” con- sisting of three contrasting songs. But when Portland was hit by an unusual cold front that essentially crippled a city ill-equipped to deal with radical weather conditions for close to two By Fred Strong weeks, DARKTOLIGHT 2008 became a casualty. In 2009, working with Center For The cast of BANG! ranges in age from Maeve O’Connor, 11, to Joyce Lackie Inquiry—Portland and the Humanists and Kay Byerly of the Spring Chickens, an Americana roots duo in their 70s. n Portland, Ore., the city that Huff- of Greater Portland, we held a joint I (Andy Ngo photo) ington Post considers America’s least potluck and interested several per- religious, we seculars have a plethora of formers. DTL had its “sort of” debut. meetups, discussion groups, potlucks, The above groups approached me to my original vision but also with a and on Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. talent programs and lectures through- in 2010 and agreed to fund a small higher price tag. Go to darktolight.org/ for more informa- out the year. In recent years, we’ve seen DARKTOLIGHT. I booked the 140- I began putting together the newest tion. the emergence of more large-scale un- seat theater again, got the sopranos incarnation of DTL called BANG! We As a proud member of FFRF, I am dertakings such as the annual Portland back on board and assembled a very booked a 200-seat, professional the- very honored that you have allowed Humanist Film Fest. accomplished group of actors, singers, ater space and are doing three shows me this chance to be spotlighted in Another event, in its third year, songwriters and musicians. Kol Sha- with a cast of 14 and four instrumen- Freethought Today. Please say “hi” if that’s gaining national attention is lom, a secular Jewish group, helped talists. BANG! takes the audience on a you attend BANG! By supporting each DARKTOLIGHT. with an ad in the program. We were all trip through time and space from the other, we support the greater cause. DARKTOLIGHT is the manifesta- nervous ­— no secular event like this big bang to present-day Earth, with a tion of an idea that came to me many had ever been attempted here. humanist message about our choices Fred Strong lives in Portland with his years ago concerning a desire to have Then the crowd started coming. and responsibilities. The music ranges partner, Sandra Brown, and her five cats. a secular event to celebrate in Decem- Couples, families, children, teens, from doo-woop to hip-hop and folk to He holds a B.A. in composition from Old ber, the month when the world around small groups and, before long, we jazz. Dominion University, Norfolk, Va. As he us goes mad with hyper-religiosity. As realized we had a hit. DTL 2010 was DARKTOLIGHT is a special time of works toward making his avocations (writ- a composer and arts lover, I knew that standing room only! And, with the secular togetherness, a cultural tether ing, composition, songwriting) his vocation, music and art would definitely be a donations received and the sale of re- to fill us with a sense of pride, purpose he owns and operates a small but popular part. freshments, the new event was fiscally and community. We encourage all lo- sustainable irrigation company. I decided to center the event on the almost a break-even affair. cales to celebrate the solstice in their In 2011, his humanist choral piece “The Winter Solstice, a natural, celestial oc- I took 2011 off for personal reasons own way. We need to start establishing Well” was performed in the U.S. Capitol by currence that carries with it very deep while receiving a fair number of inqui- our own culture, arts and traditions, the Women’s Vocal Ensemble of Clark Col- symbolic implications having to do ries about whether there’d be a solstice and it can certainly be done in ways lege, Vancouver, Wash. with the very essence of the cycle of show in December. Early in 2012, CFI- that reflect individual locales. life itself. The emergence from dark- Portland agreed with my vision of a We’ll perform BANG! at Portland ness and death into the seasons of light much larger, bolder event, one truer Metro Arts on Friday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin December 2012

Men in Black: Bill of Rights ‘nativity’ honored in Niles Members of the FFRF Metropolitan Chicago Chapter gathered by their new Winter Solstice sign in Niles, Ill. From left are Rocco Gilio, Brian McCaskill, Bob Elmore, Steve Foulkes, Evan Kane, Mark Roffle and Frederick Rhine. McCaskill, Foulkes and Kane are board members. The colorful image depicts the founders reverently standing or kneeling before a manger containing the Bill of Rights. The chapter, directed by Tom Cara, posted the secular display to counter religious displays in the Village of Niles Plaza, which regularly include a life-size nativity scene in December. Warm thanks to Jake Fortin and Rimon Bar for the sign idea and artwork. Jake hosts “The Good Atheist” (thegoodatheist.net/), a Canadian podcast about all things atheist.

Away with the manger, in with the solstice!

Statement by the Freedom From Religion returning Sun, of enduring life. is getting very cluttered. But if a devo- Andrew Seidel. Thanks also to Katie Dan- Foundation on placement of its Winter Sol- In celebrating the Winter Solstice, tional nativity display is allowed, then iel, Melanie Knier and Scott Carney for stice nativity at the Wisconsin Capitol: we celebrate reality. there must be “room at the inn” for all their invaluable help in creating the natural We are unveiling a tableau that cel- points of view, including irreverency nativity on very short notice. Part of this For a fact, the Christians stole ebrates the human family, reason and and freethought. statement was adapted from a 1985 Winter Christmas. We don’t mind sharing the the Winter Solstice. FFRF gratefully acknowledges the excep- Solstice speech by Anne Nicol Gaylor, FFRF season with them, but we don’t like • Our wise-people depict the athe- tional carpentry work and enthusiasm of president emerita. their pretense that it is the birthday of ists and scientific giants, Darwin and Jesus. It is the Birthday of the Uncon- Einstein, who have enlarged human quered Sun — Dies Natalis Invicti Solis. understanding of the natural world Christmas is a relic of Sun worship. far more than the bible or any “holy For all of our major festivals, there books.” They were both nonbelievers Special New Year’s were corresponding pagan festivals as was progressive reformer Emma tied to natural events. We’ve been Goldman, representing wise women Gift Membership Offer! celebrating the Winter Solstice, this everywhere. The irreverent literary Help FFRF Grow! natural holiday, long before Christians genius Mark Twain is added for good crashed the party. For millennia, our measure. Enlighten those on your gift list! ancestors in the Northern Hemisphere • Although Venus, like Mary, was a Gift Memberships 2 for $50! have greeted this seasonal event with mythical fertility figure, this image, af- festivals of light, gift exchanges and ter which a planet was named, repre- Memberships regularly start at $40. This offer applies only to current FFRF mem- seasonal gatherings. sents our solar system. bers giving new U.S. gift memberships—not renewals for yourself or others. No excep- The Winter Solstice is the reason • Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Fa- tions please. Offer expires Jan. 15, 2013. Recipients will receive a Winter Solstice for the season. The Winter Solstice, on ther, was a passionate advocate of sepa- card notifying them of your gift. Gift is deductible for income-tax purposes to donor. Dec. 21 this year, heralds the symbolic ration of religion and government and q I would like to give 2 gift memberships at only $50: rebirth of the Sun, the lengthening of would have disavowed Christian devo- days and the natural New Year. tional scenes on state property. We nonbelievers are quite willing • Our “angels” are also natural. The Recipient #1 Recipient #2 to celebrate the fun parts of anybody’s Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom, holidays. We just want to be spared and the astronaut represents the hu- ______the schmaltz, the superstition, and the man achievements of science unfet- Name Name state/church entanglements. tered by religious dogma. The customs of this time of year • Our baby was chosen partly for ______endure because they are pleasant cus- simple egalitarianism, and partly be- Address Address toms. It’s fun to hear from distant fam- cause it’s high time we adore female ily and friends, to gather, to feast, to children as much as male children, ______sing. Gifts, as freethinker Robert Inger- and to acknowledge that humankind City/State/Zip City/State/Zip soll once remarked, are evidences of was birthed in Africa. friendship, of remembrance, of love. FFRF would vastly prefer that gov- Offer expires Jan. 15, 2013 The evergreens displayed now as in ernment buildings and seats of gov- Order from: centuries past flourish when all else ernment be free from religion, and seems dead, and are symbols, as is the irreligion. It is divisive. The rotunda ______Name of Donor (must be current FFRF member) ______Street Address Reminder: Jan/Feb is ______City/State/Zip ______a combined issue. Daytime phone / Email address (in case of questions)