Vol. 29 No. 8 Published by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. October 2012 ‘God should be in school with our children’ FFRF sues school districts over Ten Commandments The Freedom From Religion Foun- spoke to the “crowd” of 50, accord- Dawkins draws nearly 900 to convention dation has filed two lawsuits that con- ing to the Valley News Dispatch. “We God Delusion author Richard Dawkins accepts an Emperor Has test Ten Commandments monuments don’t want it removed. This is part of No Clothes Award on Oct. 12 at FFRF’s 35th annual national at Pennsylvania schools. One suit was our community. . . . They’ll lock up the convention in Portland, Ore. For more coverage, see pages 11-14, filed Sept. 27 in U.S. District Court in churches and we’ll be just like a com- page 22 and the back page. (Photo by Andy Ngo) Pittsburgh against the Connellsville munist country.” Area School District for a marker at a At a similar event in Connellsville, edict, and Doe 2, a student at Valley In 2002, FFRF successfully removed junior high school. a woman told WTAE-4 that the monu- High School, along with Doe 3, parent one of the first such monuments FFRF, on behalf of two local “Doe” ments contain “God’s principles” and and guardian of Doe 2. placed on public property in the city plaintiffs, seeks a declaration that the should stay. “I believe that God should The Valley News Dispatch reported of Milwaukee. Actor Yul Brenner, who display is unconstitutional and should be in school with our children.” that Schaub came to a pro-Command- played Rameses II in the movie, had at- be removed. FFRF is also named as a The legal complaints state that the ments rally. “I just wanted to hear what tended the dedication. plaintiff in both suits. continued presence of the Ten Com- they are saying. I find it amazing that FFRF seeks permanent injunctions A similar federal suit was filed Sept. mandments on school property un- people gather in support of breaking directing the districts to remove the 14 against the New Kensington-Arnold constitutionally advances and endorses the law.” monuments from district property, rea- School District for maintaining a Ten religion. The complaints also note that Doe 5 is an atheist member of FFRF sonable costs and attorneys’ fees and Commandments monument at Valley [each] display “lacks any secular pur- who views the Connellsville monu- nominal damages to plaintiffs. Staff At- High School in New Kensington. FFRF pose,” citing Stone v. Graham, a 1980 Su- ment as usurpation of parental rights torney Patrick Elliott helped draft both first sent a letter of complaint in March preme Court decision which ruled the and who does “not subscribe to the complaints. about the illegal monument. Commandments may not be posted religious statements that are inscribed The Fraternal Order of Eagles do- in public school classrooms, because on the monument.” Her child, Doe 4, nated the slabs to both schools in the “The pre-eminent purpose” for doing attends the junior high and comes in mid 1950s. FFRF has nearly 700 Penn- so “is plainly religious in nature.” regular contact with the prominent sylvania members. Pittsburgh-based Plaintiffs in the suit against the New monument, which is in view of students attorney Marcus Schneider represents Kensington-Arnold School District are boarding or exiting school buses and the plaintiffs in both suits. FFRF member Marie Schaub, who has participating in outdoor gym classes. Inside This Issue Some nonmembers of FFRF were up a child, Doe 1, in the school district The complaint notes, “FFRF and in arms with dire predictions. At a who regularly encounters the bible Doe 5 contend that a public school dis- Members “Save Our Stone” rally at Valley High, trict has no right to instruct its captive give secular New Kensington resident Mike Hresko audience of impressionable students ‘invocations’ on which god to have, how many gods to have, or whether to have any gods Pages 9, 23 at all.” The tombstone-like New Kensing- ton monument, about 6 feet tall, is directly in front of the main school entrance, near two footbridges that FFRF legal victories make news, students, staff and visitors use to enter end violations the building. School Board President Robert Pal- Pages 6–7 lone wrote in March on a Facebook page called “KEEP THE TEN COM- MANDMENTS AT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL,” that the district would not “remove this monument without a fight !!!!!” Convention ’12 The Eagles’ Commandments cam- coverage paign started when a devout judge and Eagles member, E.J. Ruegemer — who Pages wanted to promote religion and Min- 11–14,22,24 nesota granite — teamed up with film director Cecil B. DeMille, who was ad- The monument at a high school in vertising his 1956 epic “The Ten Com- The monument in Connellsville, Pa. New Kensington, Pa. mandments.” Page 2 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012

Meet a Member Meet a militant atheist Photo: Andrew Seidel

Katie Stenz (left) and Annie Laurie Gaylor wear ”FFRF Staff” caps that Kelly Wagner marched in a Fourth Kelly Wagner knitted. They won the of July parade with the Montgomery staff “lottery.” Village Community Band. good works by other humans do. When I was 15. My family was Catholic, It’s like free speech: The answer and I was depressed, and the oppres- to speech you don’t like is more free siveness of a god who would deliberate- speech; the answer to religion is more Steve and Kelly Wagner rented an RV and drove around the U.S. to celebrate ly inflict depression on someone, and a freethought. their 25th wedding anniversary in May 2010, two months before Steve died. religion that considers women second- Ways I promote freethought: I fill Name: R. Kelly Wagner (the R stands ter than Texas ever did (though Steve class, started to weigh on me. in “militant atheist” as my religion on for Rebecca Ann, or possibly for Robot was born there and I lived there for Why I’m a freethinker: Getting rid of forms that ask. I openly discuss my if one happens to be an Asimov fan). 24 years), and it’s a lot easier to be an organized religion was a start on lifting atheist views with anyone who asks. Where I live: Columbia, Md. atheist here than it ever was in Texas. my depression; getting rid of the idea I wear my “Friendly Neighborhood Where and when I was born: In Chi- As for all the stuff prior to that, I’d say of gods who can do good things for hu- Atheist” T-shirt, and I’m working on a cago, 50-“mumble” years ago, raised on the short answer is whim and random man lives but arbitrarily, capriciously, piece of music for concert band that Long Island around Levittown. turns of fate! and cruelly choose not to, really gave will be called “Freethinkers’ March.” Family: Oh heavens, too many sib- Where I’m headed: Various attempts me a boost. Life is so much easier to When it’s done and I get one of my lings to mention, most of whom are to improve my heart failure via surgery explain, and so much less cruel, once community bands to play it, you’ll get Catholic. The one person I would like haven’t worked out, so mostly I’m spin- we know that evil is the acts of humans a recording of it and rights to it — next to mention would be my late husband, ning my wheels rather than headed only, and that prayers don’t fix it, only spring, with any luck! Steve Harsch, who was also an FFRF anywhere. member until his death in 2010. No Person in history I admire and why: kids, lots of pets. Has Isaac Asimov been dead long FFRF welcomes Education: B.S. in accounting, enough [1992] to count as history? Northeastern University, 1978; MBA And do I even need to explain why? with concentration in federal income A quotation I like: “Do not let the taxation, St. Edwards University, 1988. future disturb you. You will meet it, if 16 ‘Lifers,’ two I’ve also taken coursework toward ad- you must, with the same weapons of vanced degrees in dispute resolution, reason that today arm you against the actuarial science and educational tech- present.” (Marcus Aurelius) nology. My CPA license is currently on These are a few of my favorite ‘After-Lifers’ inactive status. things: Luxury knitting yarns, small I’m a lifelong reader. I’m always pets (especially guinea pigs), playing The Freedom From Religion Foun- paign, and several choose to put these learning something new. I take knit- the saxophone in community bands, dation is pleased to announce and funds toward a Lifetime Member- ting and quilting classes, too. sleeping in till noon on Sundays, au- welcome its newest Lifetime and After- ship. Robertt Brassea is a new “Lifer” Occupation: Before I retired, I tumn leaves, public libraries, the hope Life Members. Lifetime Members are through a CFC contribution. worked as a CPA doing taxes in the for universal health care and the Ud- Charles Bender, Rick Bentley, Lorraine Individual Lifetime Memberships 1980s, then spent 15 years as a finan- var-Hazy Center (part of the Smithson- Holmgreen Bills, Rebecca Bowerman are $1,000 designated as a member- cial analyst for the Texas Department ian’s Air & Space Museum, a great ex- (gift from Lifetime Member Donn Mil- ship or renewal of membership. An of Insurance, doing solvency moni- ample of science and reason). ton), Robertt Brassea, John L. Coppe- After-Life Membership is $5,000 and toring of property-casualty compa- These are not: The guy at the su- jans, Thomas Dixon, Scott Eppelman, may be attractive to members “who do nies, which was a lot more fun than it permarket who tried to tell me about Susan Fallon, Gerald Foreman, Thom- not believe in the supernatural, but do sounds to most people. I taught intro- Jesus last week; slow progress on new as Hays, Naomi Janowitz, David Siver- believe in the power of compound in- ductory computer science courses at treatments for chronic illnesses; long ling, Martin Stone, Norman B. Wood, terest.” Both membership types ensure St. Edward’s University in Austin for waiting lists at the library for books I Brian Zeiler. nary another renewal notice, go into six years. want to read right now; people who FFRF welcomes After-Life Members a safe endowment and are deductible How I got where I am today: Let’s brag about being bad at math; people Montgomery Cleworth and Alan L. for income-tax purposes for the gen- not start too early, but let’s go with get- who “don’t believe in” vaccinations Hann. erous donor, as are all dues and dona- ting diagnosed with congestive heart (and people who don’t believe in pay- States represented are Arizona, tions to FFRF. failure in December 2002 and my hus- ing for public schools and libraries and California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Our warm thanks to Alan, Mont- band and I deciding to move some- recreation centers, but then it sounds Indiana, Nevada, Texas, Virginia and gomery, Brian, Norman, Martin, David, place closer to my family, with better as though I dislike all libertarians, and Washington. Naomi, Thomas, Gerald, Susan, Scott, medical care and more culture in 2005. I’ve met a few that I do like). Many members choose to donate Thomas, John, Robertt, Rebecca, Lor- Maryland suited our politics much bet- My doubts about religion started: through the Combined Federal Cam- raine, Rick and Charles.

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 Your prompt re­newal ($40-single mem­ Editor: Bill Dunn move, notify us directly and ber­ship; $50-household; $100 sustain- Executive Editor: Annie Laurie Gaylor ing; $25-student) saves us time and promptly. The Post Office does post­age, and is tax-deductible. Free­­­ not forward third-class mail. Contributing Editors: Dan Barker, Katie Stenz thought Today is published 10 times a FFRF cannot be responsible for re- Production Editor: Scott Colson year, with combined issues in Jan/Feb placing back issues if we have not Contributors: Philip Appleman, Tim Earl, Andy Ngo, Andrew Seidel and June/July. Send to FFRF, Box 750, been notified prior to your move. October 2012 Madison WI 53701. Back issues, while they last, may The only freethought newspaper in the United States be ordered for $2 each. October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 3

FFRF seeks plaintiffs to challenge ruling Texas judge overrules school on bible banners

Football cheerleaders at Kountze High hold a banner for nonbelievers and non- Christians to run through along with their Christian teammates. Texas District Judge Steve Thomas “constitute an unconstitutional gov- of Hardin County implemented a ernment endorsement of religion. A A Kountze High Lion parades around the field at a Texas public school stadium. temporary injunction Oct. 18 in Mat­ reasonable Kountze student would cer- thews v. Kountze Independent School Dis­ tainly perceive the banners ‘as stamped trict that allows Kountze High School with [their] school’s approval.’ ” The Perry went on to demonstrate that court to hold “that the Establishment cheerleaders to make and hold Chris- prevailing precedent is Santa Fe Inde­ he apparently has never read the god- Clause should not be interpreted so as tian banners for football players to run pendent School District v. Doe, a 2000 Su- less U.S. Constitution: “We’re also a to require Defendants [the school] to through before games and for players preme Court case. culture built upon the concept that bar the religious banners. . .” to carry them around the stadium. According to cheerleaders, the bi- the original law is God’s law, outlined While FFRF’s complaint started the Thomas didn’t rule on the actual ble banner idea came from an instruc- in the Ten Commandments.” case, it’s not a party to the suit. But if merits of the case but set a June 24 tional camp they attended. “Coaches FFRF’s local counsel Randall Kal- contacted by those with standing to hearing date for a permanent injunc- preach devotionals before games. We linen of Houston filed an amicus brief sue, FFRF is prepared to challenge the tion, thus allowing the banners to wanted to show our support for our Oct. 3 on behalf of the school district. continuing violation in federal court, be displayed through the end of the boys,” Meagan Tantillo said. (FFRF’s four staff attorneys worked where the case belongs. school year. Banner supporters were immediate- doggedly to research and write the “We encourage any student or par- The injunction temporarily over- ly up in arms at the school’s decision. brief in less than a week.) ent with children in the public schools turned the decision Superintendent FFRF’s phone lines were swamped for In its brief, FFRF takes issue with the coming into contact with this religious Kevin Weldon made barring the ban- several days with angry callers as the plaintiffs’ claim that the banners are an practice at public school functions to ners after receiving a Sept. 17 letter story went national, with coverage by exercise of free speech: “The speech in contact FFRF,” said Co-President An- from FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie major broadcast and print media, in- question is government speech or, at a nie Laurie Gaylor. Plaintiffs with stand- Schmitt on behalf of a local complain- cluding “Good Morning America,” minimum, school-sponsored speech.” ing might also include school employ- ant. the Wall Street Journal and The New “If the majority of the cheerlead- ees coming into regular contact with The team ran through banners at York Times. FFRF Co-President Dan ers were atheists, would a court sup- the banners at school sporting events. home games with bible verses such as Barker faced off with a Liberty Institute port their ‘right’ to hold up a banner FFRF has taken complaints about “I can do all things through Christ who spokesperson on Fox News. insulting Christianity or all believers? the practice spreading to other schools strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13); Gov. Rick Perry and Attorney Gen- The District has every right to simply and has recently sent letters of com- “I press on toward the goal to win the eral Greg Abbott intervened on behalf prohibit all run-through and on-field plaint to to Newton, Texas; Bossier Par- prize for which God has called me in of the Liberty Institute, an evangelical banners.” ish, La.; Stone County Schools, Miss.; Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14); and law firm, which sued to get the tempo- FFRF contends that the banners are and Thackerville Schools, Okla. FFRF “If God is for us, who can be against rary restraining order. Both state offi- government speech because they are was notified that the Stone County Mis- us?” (Romans 8:31). cials made inflammatory public state- displayed in a context implying school sissippi School District ordered cheer- Responding to FFRF’s complaint, ments, as both have done in the past endorsement and because the school leaders to stop making religious ban- Weldon told a TV station, “I commend on state/church issues. Abbott called has effective control over the messages. ners. [the cheerleaders] for what they stand FFRF “menacing and misleading.” “Cheerleading for the school is unde- “Since the state’s top law enforcer, for. But I called legal counsel and even The grandstanding attorney general niably a school-sponsored activity, and Attorney General Greg Abbott, and its though it’s led by students, it should then proclaimed at a press conference the banners displayed by the cheer- highest executive officer, Gov. Rick Per- not be allowed to go on.” with Perry, “We will not allow atheist leaders take place during a school- ry, have openly expressed contempt for Schmitt had cited a long list of court groups from outside of the state of Tex- sponsored event.” atheists and the Establishment Clause, cases that have held such displays as to come into the state, to use men- The New York Times quoted Charles this leads to a climate of intolerance. acing and misleading intimidation tac- Haynes, director at the Religious Free- It takes courage to face down the full tics, to try to bully schools to bow down dom Education Project at the Newse- apparatus of state government, but we at the altar of secular beliefs.” um. “If the cheerleaders aren’t repre- need those brave few to contact FFRF,” Perry, who repeatedly referred dur- senting the school, then who are they added Barker. ing the press conference to Abbott as [representing]? It would be like saying “Don’t let collusion, politicking and Include FFRF “General,” also castigated FFRF and, by that the football team doesn’t repre- religious fervor in Texas destroy re- In Your Estate extension, its 700-plus Texas members. sent the school, they are just individual spect for keeping public schools free of “The underlying problem here is that students just coming on the field and religious divisiveness,” Barker added. Planning there’s this very vocal, as you shared, are free to do what they want to do.” The New York Times (“Faith, Foot- and very litigious minority of Ameri- The school district could decide to ball and the First Amendment,” Oct. cans that are willing to legally attack appeal Thomas’ ruling, but in what 21) and Washington Post (“Bench the Arrange a bequest in your will or anybody who dares to utter a phrase, a seems like a curious bit of collusion, Bible,” Oct. 24) editorialized in FFRF’s trust, or make the Freedom From name that they don’t agree with.” the district had formally asked the favor. 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 Freedom From Religion Foundation What Is a brochure), please phone P.O. Box 750 • Madison WI 53701 • (608) 256-8900 • ffrf.org Annie Laurie Gaylor at Freethinker? (608) 256-8900. free-think-er n. FFRF What is the Freedom From Religion Foundation? P.O. Box 750 A person who Madison WI 53701 Founded in 1978 as a national organization of freethinkers (atheists and forms opinions agnostics), the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., works to keep state about religion 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 name and physical mailing address with all e-mail correspondence. independently of on Freethinkers Foundation members wishing to receive online news releases, “action tradition, authority, or alerts” and “Freethought of the Day” should contact [email protected]. established belief. Page 4 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012 Heads Up A Poetry Column by Philip Appleman

October Spring

When crisp catalpa leaves come tumbling down the frosty morning air like tarpaulins for tulips, it’s spring again in little college towns, October snipping at our brave beginnings, the new year pruned away to nine lean months of three-day weeks and fifty- Overheard minute hours. This new year lights no dogwood, no magnolia to find us Look what happened in Murfrees- As Every Student Every School’s name limping through our shrunken moments or boro, Tenn., a city with more than six implies, their idea is to proselytize ev- dozen churches. Muslims wanted one ery student in every public school in calling courage from our stubborn past, mosque, but the locals would have America through an aggressive “Adopt- the long pilgrimage of algae, none of it. Scratch an “oppressed” a-School” campaign. And the way to do sponges, reptiles, flowers, Christian and watch a hypocrite bleed. it is to have the kids do what grownups Justin Blair, letter to the editor, on the are not allowed to do: establish full- men. No robins linger contention that nonbelievers should fledged missionary operations inside in the haze of this late spring just not listen to pregame football the schools. A clever map allows view- to whistle, in our fifty-minute hours, prayers over the loudspeaker ers to click on their state and type in Knoxville News Sentinel, 10-3-12 their area code, revealing every school the miracles to come: birds in the district and determine whether of brighter plumage, richer songs, I just think they’re misrepresenting it has been “adopted” by churches or flowers in subtler shades, men and women certain minorities. Judaism, atheism, other religious organizations. Kids the lack of a religion, agnosticism or from those entities are instructed to walking together in peace. Islam — their God or their lack of God conduct daily prayer groups during But the big catalpa leaves wasn’t on this banner. And I think if it the school day, distribute religious lit- float crippled down the slanting sun, were, then that would be equally offen- erature and are given numerous other sive to the many Christians that are in ideas for practicing or promoting their brown nourishment to our long this community. religion at school. hope, and we are clinging to Dillon Nicholson, Vidor [Texas] High Author Katherine Stewart, who spoke our thinning years because brown leaves School senior, on cheerleaders’ Chris- at FFRF’s convention in Portland, tian football banners at neighboring Ore., “How evangelicals are making are clumsy promises: because it’s Kountze High School children their missionaries in public spring again. KFDM Beaumont, 9-23-12 schools” © 1996 Philip Appleman The Guardian, 9-25-12 Reprinted from New and Selected Poems, 1956—1996. As we learn more about the universe, there’s less and less need to look out- Critical thinking says it’s time we start Philip Appleman is Distinguished­ Professor­ Emeri­tus at In­dia­ side it for help. cracking down on child molesters, na Uni­ver­si­ty. His published volumes of poetry include­ Perfidi- Theoretical cosmologist Sean Carroll, whether you are the Boy Scouts, the ous Proverbs and Other Poems: A Satirical Look at the Bible California Institute of Technology, Catholic Church or affiliated with any (2012), Darwin’s Ark (new 2009 edition) and Karma, Dharma, comment in an article headlined “Will other organization. Until we get tough Pudding & Pie (2009). His nonfiction work includes­ the widely science someday rule out the possibil- and prosecute to the full extent of the used Norton Critical Edition, Darwin, and the Nor­ton Critical ity of God?”’ law, more and more horrifying stories Edition of Malthus’ Essay on Pop­ulation. His poetry and fiction “Life’s Little Mysteries,” 9-18-12 are going to come to light, and more have won many awards, including a fellowship in poetry from innocent young children will continue the Na­tional En­dow­ment for the Arts, the Castagnola Award from the Poetry Society If we raise a generation of students to needlessly suffer. of America, the Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist Association and who don’t believe in the process of sci- Steve Siebold, author of Sex, Politics the Friend of Darwin Award from the National Center for Science Education. His work ence, who think everything that we’ve and Religion: How Delusional Think- has ap­peared in Har­per’s Magazine, The Nation, The New Republic, The New York come to know about nature and the ing is Destroying America Times, The Paris Review, Partisan Review, Poetry, and The Yale Review.. universe can be dismissed by a few Huffington Post, 9-26-12 He and his playwright wife, Marjorie Appleman, are both “Afterlife” Members of sentences translated into English from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. They recorded an excerpt of “Noah,” New and some ancient text, you’re not going to We’re atheists not because we want Selected Poems, which is available for sale from FFRF for $23 ppd, The Norton Critical continue to innovate. to gather and engage in collective Edition, Darwin, is $22 ppd., Karma, Dharma, Pudding & Pie, $27 ppd., Darwin’s Bill Nye, “the Science Guy,” decrying back-slapping, not because we want to Ark, $23 ppd., and Perfidious Proverbs, $20 ppd. (ffrf.org/shop/). creationism chortle at the foolishness of benighted Associated Press, 9-24-12 believers, but because we care about creating a world that’s more just, more As long as there are those who would peaceful, more enlightened, and we take innocent life in the name of God, see organized religion as standing in the world will never know a true and the way of this goal. lasting peace. Adam Lee op-ed, “Atheism’s growing Your Weekly Antidote to the religious right Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on pains” the attacks on the U.S. consulate in salon.com, 10-6-12 TUNE IN TO Libya C-SPAN, 9-12-12 To permit this name change would be FREETHOUGHT RADIO placing unwitting members of the pub- You roll your eyes and say why is this lic, including public servants, in the produced by the going on at a government-subsidized position of having to proclaim petition- Freedom From Religion event? It shouldn’t be happening. I ers’ religious beliefs, which may or may Foundation Hosted by Dan Barker and also see it at all the high school games not be in agreement with that person’s Annie Laurie Gaylor where they have prayers before games own equally strongly held but different and after games. It’s really out of place. beliefs. For instance, a calendar call Broadcasts and streams Saturdays at 11 a.m. Central, Progressive Talk The Mic 92.1 FM, Madison, Wis., and over several other stations. It’s hurting all those people that don’t in the courthouse would require the have that belief and ostracizing them. clerk to shout out “JesusIsLord Chris- iTunes or podcasts archived at: ffrf.org/news/radio Retired ecologist and FFRF mem- tIsKing” or “Rejoice ChristIsKing.” ber Bob Craig, Oak Ridge, Tenn., on Discussion of a New York court’s deni- Slightly irreverent views, prayers over the loudspeaker before al of a petition to change a family’s sur- news, music & interviews University of Tennessee football games name from Nwadiuko to ChristIsKing Knoxville News, 9-18-12 volokh.com, 10-13-12 October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 5 Help fund FFRF’s work through CFC

The Freedom From Religion Foun- each local campaign charity list in the dation has once again qualified for in- early fall. clusion in the Combined Federal Cam- The solicitation period for 2012 paign (CFC). campaign donations is Sept. 1 through The CFC is the only officially sanc- Dec. 15. Deadlines vary by region. The tioned program for soliciting federal CFC code that donors will use to des- government employees on behalf of ignate their contribution to FFRF is charitable organizations. The CFC 32519. conducts annual campaigns in the CFC donors contributed more than workplace and allows federal employ- $63,000 to FFRF in 2010 and more Orlando-area group ees to make donations through payroll than $88,000 in 2011. David Williamson, director of the Central Florida Freethought Community, a deductions or other forms of payment Another way to give is via matching newly formed FFRF chapter, is pictured with Jocelyn Dervis. CFFC’s mission to an approved list of charities. It’s part grant donations, which have become “is to provide opportunities for secular activism and engage members in of the U.S. Office of Personnel Man- a significant boost to FFRF in recent state-church separation efforts on the front lines and behind the scenes.” For agement. years. Many companies offer to match more information, go to cflfreethought.org/ or write Central Florida Freethought FFRF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was (fully or a percentage of) their em- Community, Box 621123, Oviedo, FL 32762, or phone (941)840-1808. first included on the CFC list of eligi- ployees’ donations to charitable non- ble charities in 2008. “Federal workers profits. These matches multiply the im- had contacted the Foundation in the pact of the initial donation to further They Said What? past, noting the many religious chari- FFRF’s goals. ties on the listing, and wishing there Gaylor added, “It is recommended Marriage should be reinforced, not The God I serve wants me to resound, were a nontheist alternative,” said Co- that all CFC donors check the box to redefined. Forcing the church to buy wants me to make a joyful noise, and President Annie Laurie Gaylor. include their name and mailing ad- insurance that goes against her teach- that’s what I intend to do. “We’re delighted to announce dress (in addition to your email) with ings is a violation of religious freedom. Pat Gibson-Hye-Moore, Florence now again in 2012 that our activities the donation. Donors will receive an “When the government tampers with County [S.C.] School District 1 Board throughout the United States, includ- acknowledgment from FFRF when we a freedom so fundamental, one shud- secretary, saying neither the Supreme ing the many scholarships we grant stu- receive pledge notification (through- ders to think what lies ahead.” (Car- Court nor the ACLU can stop her from dents, helped FFRF meet the rigorous out the year). If you do not receive that dinal Dolan.) Your vote will affect the praying at board meetings eligibility criteria,” Gaylor said. acknowledgment, please contact FFRF future and be recorded in eternity. Will WMBF, 9-21-12 To FFRF’s knowledge, it’s the only to be sure we have been given your you vote the values that will stand the freethought group on the list, which name and information about your test of fire? He who stumbles into the Internet los- includes hundreds of religious groups. pledge.” “Test of Fire: Election 2012, Official es his eyes, heart and feelings toward All dues and donations are deductible Charity Navigator gives FFRF its Catholic Version,” video threatening all that is holy. Users have no place in for income-tax purposes. highest rating of four stars, which renegade Catholic voters with eternal the next world. “Freedom From Religion Founda- means “exceeds industry standards hellfire, viewed more than 2 million Rabbi Shmuel Wosner, an ultra-Ortho- tion, Inc.” will appear in the listing of and outperforms most charities in its times (“Official Protestant” version dox rabbi joining others in calling for “National/International Independent cause.” viewed about 40,000 times) iPhone users to burn them and use Organizations” that’s published in youtube.com, 9-16-12 only “kosher” cellphones Haaretz, 9-26-12 FFRF investigates election abuse complaints

’Tis the season for FFRF to com- Romney endorsement I’m going to vote for, but I don’t think move churches as polling places for bat potentially illegal electioneering that makes it an endorsement. I’m go- future elections.” by churches and pastors. On Oct. 17, On Oct. 19, Markert wrote to the ing to vote for Mitt Romney, but I’m Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert IRS about a sign outside of Church in not telling you to.” sent a letter to the Internal Revenue the Valley, Leakey, Texas. The church’s The Bloomberg News editorial Service regarding the senior pastor of marquee read, “Vote for the Mormon, board summed it up pretty well Oct. 3: Summit Church in Wichita, Kan. not the Muslim! The capitalist, not the “The plan is for pastors to make ex- Senior Pastor Terry Fox ran an ad in communist!” plicit candidate endorsements in their the Wichita Eagle stating that he would Markert stated the church violated churches, tape the endorsements and speak “about how the Obama admin- IRS regulations by expressly advocat- send the incriminating evidence to the istration and its socialistic agenda is ing its support from presidential candi- Internal Revenue Service. . . . This is [sic] making the way for the Antichrist date Mitt Romney. not a battle for free speech, in the pul- to take over the world.” Fox and Pastor pit or out. It’s a test of whether Ameri- Joe also host the church’s weekly radio Bullies in the pulpit cans are willing to allow a taxpayer show, on which they routinely breach subsidy to be used for partisan political the wall of state/church separation. FFRF’s legal staff continues to sift activity.” Fox stated on one show that “There’s through complaints generated from no question in my mind that the sitting the so-called Pulpit Freedom Sunday Voting in churches president we have today is far more on Oct. 7 that was organized by the Al- evil and far more committed to a one- liance Defending Freedom, a Religious FFRF continues to receive com- world government. . .” Right law firm formerly called the Al- plaints from members distressed about These pastors also previously vio- liance Defense Fund. The pastors are voting in churches. FFRF sent three lated IRS rules when they endorsed thumbing their noses at the IRS, which letters in October to elections officials Rick Santorum during the Republican has stopped enforcing the 1954 John- asking them to refrain from selecting presidential primary. The church’s son Amendment that requires political churches as polling places in their pre- publication, The Summit Informer, in- neutrality on candidates in order to cincts. The voice cludes illegal political campaign inter- maintain tax-exempt status. Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Mark- vention, including an issue in August It was first held in 2008 with 33 pas- ert sent a letter to the Wake County of anti-choice which railed against Obama’s cam- tors taking part in 2008. A record 1,477 Board of Elections in Raleigh, N.C., FFRF is investigating the details paign strategies: “The secular left has participated this year, organizers said. regarding a large picture of Jesus right behind this potentially illegal situation mastered use of the Internet to further The San Diego Union-Tribune re- above a voting booth in Christ Baptist at St. Joseph Catholic Church in its extremist goals. In fact, President ported that Skyline Church Pastor Jim Church. Richmond, Ill., which was brought to Obama’s web-based ‘Organizing for Garlow ended his Sunday sermon in Letters also were sent to the village its attention by members of FFRF’s America’ propaganda machine may La Mesa with this: “Some came to hear clerk in Germantown, Wis., and the newest chapter, the Metropolitan have given him the 2008 election. Let’s to hear an endorsement. My endorse- Orange County supervisor of elections Chicago Chapter. Tom Cara is chapter beat them at their own game.” ment will be Jesus. I’ll tell you whom in Orlando, Fla., asking them to “re- president. Page 6 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012 Legal victories FFRF saves Tucson taxpayers $1.1 million

The Freedom From Religion Foun- Staff Attorney dation received word in September Patrick Elliott wrote that the Tucson City Council has per- to Borchard after manently suspended its decision to being alerted to the grant $1.1 million to the Catholic nonexempt use of Diocese of Tucson, Ariz., to repair the the home, which church’s Marist building. has been listed as a FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel parsonage for cler- had written an Aug. 7 letter to Mayor gy since 1996. Mi- Jonathan Rothschild, warning that it chael O’Donnell, a was unwise policy for the city to offer Wichita City Coun- Patrick Elliott $1.1 million to repair a religious build- cil member and ing it does not own. Kansas Senate candidate, lives in the “If you truly believe the best policy is home. He’s the son of a Grace Baptist to repair the Marist building, then the Church pastor of the same name. diocese should sign the building and Pastor Michael O’Donnell said the property over to you free and clear. church will refile a tax exemption re- Alternatively, given the neglect the dio- quest, “essentially appealing the ap- cese has shown for a piece of Tucson praiser’s ruling,” the Wichita Eagle re- history, consider seizing the property ported Oct. 17. Under state law, there through eminent domain. Title should is a presumption that property is tax- not remain with the diocese if the tax- able. The church will have the burden payers are paying $1.1 million.” to show that the house is exempt. Ward 6 Councilman Steve Kozach- The younger O’Donnell, who has ik, who was one of two council mem- now changed his original story to the bers to vote against the original fund- newspaper on whether he was paying ing scheme, noted at the time, “The rent to the church, accused FFRF of Catholic Church has neglected it for having “a political agenda.” a decade. If they were serious about Not so, responded Elliott to the this building, they could cancel one of Wichita Eagle, “We’re an apolitical their pro-life ad blitzes and pay for it in group, a nonprofit that does not get a heartbeat.” involved in elections or campaigns, but Seidel echoed this point in his let- we are concerned about state-church ter. “The diocese is perfectly willing issues, including churches abusing tax to spend money to restore its other privileges, which was the case here.” property. Last year, the church spent The house is taxable for 2012, but $75,000 to restore a crucifix.” He because levies aren’t set, an exact fig- pointed out the diocese just spent $1.1 ure isn’t known, Borchard told the million raised in the “Treasures of the newspaper. The church likely faces a Oneida, N.Y. Heart” campaign to restore St. Augus- total bill for current and back taxes in This sign at Maxwell Field in Oneida was brought to FFRF’s attention by a tine Cathedral next door to the Marist excess of $3,000. resident. In a July 23 letter, Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote, “The city building. of Oneida should not be using the power and prestige of the department to According to a Sept. 11 memo by impose any religious beliefs onto the many community members of varying City Manager Richard Miranda, “The FFRF stops city’s faiths or no faith who come to the park for secular purposes.” The director of diocese of Tucson has informed city church collaboration the Department of Parks and Recreation responded that “The sign has been staff that they wish to retain ownership taken down as of Aug. 29, 2012.” of the Marist College so that it can be The city of West Linn, Ore., rescind- used by them and the local parish.” ed an unconstitutional grant to Willa- would be for church activities. FFRF pulls plug on Miranda explained that because of mette Christian Church after a Sept. 28 “The primary effect is to help a hospital religion the diocese’s position, the grant “can Freedom From Religion Foundation church expand by funding new con- not be accommodated” and the city letter of complaint. struction,” Seidel wrote. “In other A public hospital in Hollister, Calif., will “take no further action regarding It came to FFRF’s attention that the words, the council gave WCC $1,300 to will no longer allow Christian prayers a potential agreement for the use of West Linn City Council had approved a expand their church space.” and verses to be displayed on its walls. [grant] funds for the stabilization of $1,300 grant to the church, ostensibly FFRF suspected the center would Hazel Hawkins Hospital formerly the Marist College.” The city has al- to start a teen center called The Sum- be another way to target children who displayed Christian prayers, including ready begun allocating the grant funds mit. City staff purportedly spent con- would otherwise not attend WCC. a plaque entitled “Nurse’s Prayer” on for other projects, including road and siderable time on the proposal, with “The city had no safeguards against the wall in the medical surgical unit. water tower repairs. the regular fees waived. religious use or proselytization at the In a June 26 letter, FFRF Staff Attor- “This is a major victory for taxpayers Councilor Mike Jones, who later be- time the grant and waiver were ap- ney Stephanie Schmitt warned, “Gov- and for the constitutional principle of came a member of the church, was ap- proved, nor does the city have any way ernment-run hospitals have a consti- separation between state and church,” parently the driving force behind the to ensure that YMCA involvement con- tutional obligation to remain neutral said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie grant, fee waiver and overall proposal. tinues. WCC is leasing the space, set- toward religion.” Gaylor. “It pays to complain, or rather “Finding suitable after-school ac- ting the hours and has the final say in On Sept. 17, FFRF received assur- in this case, our complaint stops an un- tivities for middle school students and all decisions. Should they choose not ance from hospital management that constitutional payment.” providing them a safe place to gather to partner with the YMCA, the city has they “have taken all appropriate ac- Seidel’s letter reviewed details on is laudable,” wrote FFRF Staff Attorney no recourse.” tions to address the areas identified the diocese’s healthy finances despite Andrew Seidel. “Teen programming The complaint letter noted other and respect constitutional rights of all bankruptcy after payouts for more may be a genuine concern for the com- problems with the proposal, including employees.” than 100 credible allegations of sexual munity, and while WCC is willing to ad- waiver of fees, parking impacts, city of- misconduct with minors involving 26 dress that concern to a certain extent, ficials in their official capacity sitting priests. the record provides ample evidence on a church advisory board and Coun- Lord’s Prayer out, that the city’s actions crossed appropri- cilor Jones’ ties to the church. silence is in ate constitutional boundaries.” While the city has not formally re- FFRF, not Jesus, It’s clear that the center, which sponded, FFRF has learned the pro- Another Pennsylvania school board saves taxpayers would have been managed by the posal is dead, at least for now. has decided to drop prayer at board YMCA on weekdays, had religious According to an Oct. 2 story in the meetings after getting a letter from An FFRF letter of complaint Aug. purposes, Seidel noted. “WCC has Oregonian, Assistant City Manager FFRF. 21 about a wrongful religious tax ex- scheduled ‘church-related activities’ Kirsten Wyatt told the newspaper the The Octorara Area School Board in emption in Wichita, Kan., resulted in for twice as much time as teen center city decided to immediately rescind Atglen voted to substitute a moment the property being put back on the tax activities.” the grant to avoid controversy and a of silence for Christian prayer to open rolls and back taxes assessed. Sedgwick The schedule called for the center legal battle. meetings. County Appraiser Mike Borchard said to be open 10 hours a week to the gen- “Our options are either fight this or FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Re- in October that Grace Baptist Church eral public and 20 hours a week for say, ‘Hey, $1,300 isn’t that much mon- becca Markert had written Aug. 17 to owes $2,194 in back taxes for 2010 and church activities. ey,’ “ Wyatt said. “We’re chalking this board President Lisa Bowman on be- 2011 on a home occupied by a local FFRF noted numerous public state- up as a learning experience.” half of a local complainant about the politician. ments that the main use of the center illegal recitation of the Lord’s Prayer October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 7 as an invocation. She reminded the by those who wish to “keep prayer basis of religion.” FFRF action stops board of numerous court rulings that in the practices and before games.” In a Sept. 11 response, management said scheduled prayer at school board FFRF’s response called the coach’s confirmed the business will “discontin- football prayers meetings is unconstitutional. appearance inappropriate, saying, “It ue including churches in our discount Monroe High School in Alexandria, While the school hasn’t formally no- seems to send a message that he is un- promotions and programs moving for- Ind., will no longer permit coaches tified FFRF of the change, according repentant and hostile to First Amend- ward and will only offer them to other to participate in or facilitate pregame to a LancasterOnline story, the deci- ment limitations on his proselytizing.” local businesses and companies that prayer. In a May 23 letter to the Alex- sion was made Sept. 17. The story said The letter asked the schools to inves- are not religious in nature.” andria Community School Corp., Staff Vice President Brian Norris told the tigate the context of his remarks and Attorney Andrew Seidel informed the board it must honor the law and that to “ensure that Mariakis understands district that coaches were violating the members could meet privately to pray he cannot use his position as coach to Michigan board drops law. before meetings. ‘share the Gospel’ with his team and opening prayer The superintendent responded The advice to pray privately didn’t other public students.” Sept. 12: “The administration has un- sit well with everyone, the news story FFRF urged the district to adopt The Pellston [Mich.] Public Schools dertaken measures to correct behavior said: “Three school board members, a written policy over religion in the board meetings no longer open with by providing reference to our school however, stepped down from the offi- schools “clearly prohibiting prosely- prayer after FFRF letters of complaint. policy and the case law . . . as well as cial table to protest the change. Board tizing and prayer by school officials The prayers were often delivered by a your original correspondence to the member John McCartney Jr. walked to or at school-arranged and sanctioned board member. building principals and athletic direc- the end of the table and knelt in prayer events.” FFRF first sent a letter in July 2011. tor.” as the school board began its new tradi- FFRF also noted that it appears pub- An attorney for the board responded Pregame prayers will no longer be tion of a moment of silence.” lic school buses and drivers are taking that he didn’t believe the prayers were broadcast over the loudspeaker at West Bowman was out of town but told players, coaches and staff from the illegal. Jones High School football games in the board in a letter: “The board school to churches for meals. FFRF In a November 2011 follow-up, Staff Ellisville, Miss. should not put the district at [finan- further requested a response to an un- Attorney Stephanie Schmitt clarified Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt cial] risk. It could affect taxpayer and answered allegation from its original the law. She urged discontinuation of wrote an Aug. 26 letter to the school student programming.” complaint that the football program the practice immediately to “eliminate district. After several follow-up letters, The Greencastle-Antrim, Eastern has used the bible as a motivational the need for costly and protracted liti- FFRF has learned that prayers have Lancaster County, Grove City and Big tool. gation of an issue that is settled by the been replaced by a moment of silence. Spring school boards also voted recent- courts.” ly to stop praying before meetings after The attorney responded Sept. 10 getting FFRF letters. Faculty now barred that “the Board of Education no lon- Epic fail for teacher’s from Christian club ger opens its meetings with a prayer. ‘Critical Thinking’ Instead, the Board observes a moment Georgia district drops A teacher in Abbeville County Con- of silence which is not intended to pro- A Suwannee High School teacher team chaplain solidated School District, Abbeville, mote religion.” in Live Oak, Fla., is no longer permit- S.C., will no longer be allowed to ac- ted to display religious images in his FFRF has followed up on Walker tively participate in the Fellowship of “Critical Thinking” classroom. FFRF County Schools’ (Ridgeland, Ga.) Christian Athletes student club. Teacher uses FFRF’s was alerted that the teacher had a Ten response to its request to investigate The Wright Middle School sci- letter against student Commandments statue on his desk unusual constitutional violations by ence teacher was and a poster with a quotation exhort- Ridgeland High School football coach the group’s faculty A Cheektowaga [N.Y.] Central High ing people to pray. Mark Mariakis. Although praising the sponsor but actively School teacher who posted bible verses “It is unconstitutional for the school superintendent’s “commitment to up- participated in its and a drawing of three crosses in her to promote a religious message to stu- holding the Constitution,” the letter 2010 prayer meet- classroom has been admonished. dents through calls to prayer and reli- raised some lingering concerns. ing and praised its She also invited a guest speaker to gious iconography put on display by a FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Sei- Christian agenda. her advanced placement anatomy class school official,” Staff Attorney Andrew del’s Aug. 21 letter of complaint had She stated in an ar- who used bible verses to encourage Seidel wrote Aug. 28. detailed allegations FFRF had re- ticle on the South students to “head down the right path, Three days later, the superinten- ceived over a number of egregious Carolina FCA web- according to FFRF’s student complain- dent responded that “religious stat- public sports-church entanglements at site that the 200-stu- Rebecca Markert ant. utes, posters, or messages” had all been Ridgeland High School. Most notably, dent prayer group Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca removed from the classroom. they included the coach taking pub- was “very sweet and moving” and that Markert objected in a June 7 letter to lic school football teams to pre-game at each FCA meeting they’ve had a stu- Superintendent Dennis Kane. The stu- church meals where pre-meal prayers dent come to Christ. dent reported that the teacher shared Religious commercial are conducted. A June 18 letter from Staff Attor- FFRF’s letter with the class on the last forced off air FFRF also asked for an investigation ney Rebecca Markert warned, “The day of school and verbally attacked the into the allegation that Mariakis regu- Supreme Court has stated that public student anonymously, alleging that the The New Mexico Department of larly prays with his teams, had pres- school employees, including teachers, person who had complained to FFRF Health has stopped airing an anti- sured public school students to attend must refrain from actively participat- lacked integrity and character and was smoking TV ad containing religious a “Christian football camp” and that ing in religious activities while acting on the same level as a student who had messages. The ad featured a woman in the team had adopted a “team chap- within their governmental role.” cheated on the class’s final exam. a church pew praying, lamenting her lain.” An attorney responded Sept. 14 that Markert sent another letter June ability to quit smoking and making the Superintendent Damon Raines the district would “ensure that school 14 to the school district outlining the Catholic sign of the cross. responded Aug. 30 that “the district faculty understand their role with re- teacher’s egregious reprisal. In a se- In a May 3 letter, Co-President An- will not have a team chaplain nor will gard to the sponsorship of religious ries of replies on June 20, June 22 and nie Laurie Gaylor noted “this imagery school officials or employees, includ- [clubs] so that no further concerns will Sept. 11, Kane informed FFRF that he tends to send the message that the New ing coaches, organize, lead or par- occur.” took the complaint very seriously, had Mexico Department of Health endors- ticipate in any prayers. Staff will also done an extensive investigation and es the Christian religion.” refrain from participating in the FCA confirmed that the student’s allega- On Sept. 5, the agency answered [Fellowship of Christian Athletes].” FFRF halts discount at tions were true. that “The ad is no longer being placed The district indicated pregame Miss. restaurant Kane told FFRF that all religious dis- and there is no plan to renew the li- meals will no longer include “religious plays were removed from the classroom cense for that spot of others in the references.” A restaurant in and said the teacher was reprimanded ‘Dear Me’ series at this time.” As Seidel stated in his Sept. 11 re- Wiggins, Miss., will and directed not to discuss religion in ply, “taking public school teams to no longer offer a her classroom. church still involves constitutional con- preferential dis- Water board can’t pray cerns.” Quoting legal precedent that count to church- for rain in Oklahoma prohibits public schools from hold- going patrons. Arkansas teacher told ing graduations in churches, Seidel Western Sizzlin’ to stop religious talk The Oklahoma Water Resources argued that regardless of the purpose Steakhouse pro- Board stopped opening its meetings in choosing to have a pregame meal in moted a “half-off An elementary teacher in the Little with Christian prayers after getting an a church, “the sheer religiosity of the buffet” to custom- Rock [Ark.] School District who “re- Aug. 1 letter from Staff Attorney An- space create[s] a likelihood that high ers who presented Stephanie Schmitt ferred to Jesus and God in several con- drew Seidel. school students . . . would perceive a a “church member versations” has been warned to stop. A An attorney for the board respond- link between church and state.” FFRF appreciation card.” The discount was June 21 letter from Staff Attorney Pat- ed Sept. 10 that “the OWRB has dis- suggested that the district could avoid valid only for members of three local rick Elliott cautioned the district “to continued the invocational prayer at legal liability and save money on trans- Baptist churches. make certain that ‘subsidized teachers the beginning of its regular monthly portation by hosting a “potluck” at the In a June 11 letter, FFRF Staff At- do not inculcate religion.’ ” meetings.” school and allowing “any organiza- torney Stephanie Schmitt warned the The district responded Sept. 13, as- tion, restaurant, or business to donate manager that the restaurant was in vio- suring FFRF that the administration meals.” lation of the Civil Rights Act and that told the teacher that her conduct “was FFRF was alarmed over Mariakis’ at- “it is illegal for Western Sizzlin’ to dis- inappropriate and that she must follow tendance on Sept. 9 at a “Rally to Pray” criminate, or show favoritism, on the the LRSD 5th Grade Curriculum.” Page 8 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012

Legislative immunity trumps judicial ‘alarm’ Judge chastises pandering Pennsylvania House but dismisses FFRF suit

U.S. District Judge Christopher Con- FFRF Co-President Dan Barker. Con- more alarming.” of the Year of the Bible Resolution in ner on Oct. 1 dismissed the Freedom ner also ruled that House officials had The resolution passed 193-0, al- this case,” said Barker. From Religion Foundation’s lawsuit absolute legislative immunity. Con- though several members soon ex- The lawsuit was filed by attorneys against officials of the Pennsylvania ner, who was appointed to the federal pressed regret that they voted for it. It Lawrence M. Otter, Doylestown, Pa., House of Representatives for declaring bench in 2002 by President George W. was included in a stack of “noncontro- and Richard L. Bolton, Madison, Wis., 2012 as “the Year of the Bible,” while Bush, has notably also ruled against versial” resolutions that are usually ap- on behalf of FFRF and 41 named Penn- at the same time chastening state offi- the Affordable Care Act signed into proved pro forma. sylvania members. cials for “premeditated pandering” for law by President Barack Obama. The “blatant use of legislative re- In a related story, the House on Oct. religious and political purposes and While granting the defendants im- sources” contravened “the spirit — if 17 approved another “noncontrover- expressing alarm that it passed unani- munity for a “legislative act,” Conner not the letter — of the Establishment sial” resolution that was introduced mously. noted that the immunity “should not Clause,” Conner wrote scathingly. Oct. 15 declaring October in Pennsyl- FFRF sued in March after the House be viewed as judicial endorsement of He concluded, “At a time when the vania as “Prayer Month for the purpose passed the resolution Jan. 24 that ex- this resolution. It most certainly is not.” Commonwealth of Pennsylvania faces of setting aside time to pray. . .” horted citizens and government offi- Conner wrote, “At worst, it is pre- massive public policy challenges, these FFRF sent out an Action Alert but cials to “study and apply the teachings meditated pandering designed to pro- resources would be far better utilized the resolution passed 189-2. of the Holy Scriptures.” It challenged vide a reelection sound bite for use in meaningful legislative efforts for “It’s absurd to declare that a month the resolution for violating the Estab- by members of the General Assembly. the benefit of all of the citizens of the of prayer should be observed by all citi- lishment Clause of the First Amend- But regardless of the motivation. . . its Commonwealth, regardless of their re- zens, including many who never pray or ment to the U.S. Constitution and express language is proselytizing and ligious beliefs.” certainly don’t say Christian prayers,” Article I, section 3 of the Pennsylvania exclusionary. . . . The court is com- “The Establishment Clause, prohib- said FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Constitution. pelled to shine a clear, bright light on its all government speech endorsing Gaylor. “Even more absurd is that they In his Oct. 1 decision, Conner ruled this resolution because it pushes the religion — without or without coer- didn’t pass the resolution until the that FFRF and its local plaintiffs had Establishment Clause envelope behind cion. The government is precluded month was more than half over. I guess standing to sue, “which is a major vic- the safety glass of legislative immunity. from taking a position on the merits of we should at least be thankful for that.” tory in itself these days,” commented That is passed unanimously is even religion, contrary to the clear import Sharing the Crank Mail

A sampling of letters and emails, grammar liberals, fags, perverts, atheists, anarchists, and spelling uncorrected, from people you secular stooges, victims of cranium void, those might say are on the fence about FFRF’s work: that are stuck on stupid, and the rest of the hu- man swill soiling our country and ship them to TEXAS Cheerleaders anywhere but here. — Zen Ram Haven’t you puppets of Satan learned your lesson yet? What do you not understand about All Pulblic Prayer DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS!! — Sally Chamb- When we pray, plug your ears, walk away, less do a little dance or stand on your head. Build your own schools, restaurants and malls. Keep Bible banners your taxes to fund your non religious commu- Stay out of Texas, Nevada, Utah, Arizona nity. We do pray. We will pray. If it bothers you, and New Mexico. Heck, stay out of all 48 states. run! You need to go away and establish places WI and CA dont count. — Johnathan King where religious freedom is not allowed (build a Champaign, Ill. compound). Your organization and all of those “This is true,” writes Jay Hurt from Illinois. “I have seen the evangelists’ TV jesus who feel religious freedom is wrong are guilty keep your God hating out of Texas and of committing treason. What a shame there is shows.” AWAY FROM MY CHILDREN! You are horrible no prison that has a Zero tolerance for religion. people and i can only hope god will wipe the — Susan Voce, Madison earth clean from freaks like you!!!! — Stephanie Ahlquist not buffaloed Former Tiller clinic Roberts Stay the &^%$ out of PA THIS COUNTRY WAS NOT FOUNDED by family institute reopening in Kansas Godless bastards ON MINORITY (WHINERS) RULE. I HAVE You heathens should rot in hell. You are all NO PROBLEM WITH YOU BEING AGNOS- Rhode Island freethought activ- The Wichita, Kan., clinic formerly a disgrace to this country and no doubt lack TIC. SCREW YOU ASSHOLES. — Greg Sen- ist Jessica Ahlquist, 17, spoke Sept. 18 operated by the murdered Dr. George sabaugh, South Park patriotism and faith in the USA. Go someplace at York High School in Elmhurst and Tiller has been bought by an abortion- else and practice your depraved desires. — Ian Scott, Lake Forest Austin Texas Cheerleaders at two other Illinois high schools de- rights group and will reopen as a fam- Take that law suit hang out your ass like an spite pressure from the Illinois Family ily and women’s health center that will Hey freaks anchor and chain aboard ship! — Arthur Wind- Institute to get schools to cancel her offer abortions and other services. ell, Caldwell Texans believe in God. Take your athiest speeches during Constitution Week Julie Burkhart, executive director of beliefs and stick them where the sun does not shine. — Steve I love JESUS events. Trust Women Foundation Inc., said the your a retard and your wasting your life. FFRF sent an Action Alert to mem- nonprofit bought the clinic in August. religion SUCKS TO BE YOU — Sam Stevens bers Sept. 17 urging their support of An attorney for Tiller’s widow, Jeanne, i hope you keven waldon and all your fol- Ahlquist’s efforts to bolster the First confirmed the sale Sept. 26 to The As- About Texas lowers die a horrible death, you will pay for your Amendment. sociated Press. actions. you are some of the lowest life forms on I hope when you sue that town in Tex- the earth. i spit on your grave. as for displaying religious freedom, you will The Elmhurst Patch reported stu- The state has been without abor- lose. I hope that they squat over your atheist dents were eager to ask her questions. tion services except for the Kansas City Religion chest and take a fat dump on it. — Regards, “Why did it bother you so much? area since religious zealot Scott Roed- Scott T. You people must live under a rock. You are Couldn’t you just look away?” one stu- er fatally shot Tiller in church, where the lowest form of life on this earth.Do you slith- er out each day thinking how you can force your Freedom of Religion dent asked. he was ushering, in 2009. Tiller was will on people? I’m sure you are slimey scum If you are right about religion, you are go- “Because it’s illegal,” Ahlquist said. wearing body armor because of death that really hate yourself and want others to join ing to buuuuuurn for your lies, desception and “Because it’s my right and I feel strong- threats but was shot in the head. you under your rock, Slimey scum bags,I hope trickery. I hope you fall on your butt and there is ly about my rights and I feel other peo- Property tax records online list- your spouse gives you AIDS. — Mike Pahl, Mt a very very large and sharp stake underneath Home you. ­­— Steve Smith ple should too.” ed the property’s appraised value at Charles Ovando, social sciences divi- $734,100. Burkhart said she was un- Your foundation your sin sion chairman, said the discussion was sure when the clinic would open. FUCK YOU, BASTARDS AND God is watching you Judas’ and you will more about Ahlquist being threatened, “Thousands of women right now have surely be punished for denying his existence. SONS OF SATAN! GO TO HELL which was a good message for students to travel three hours-plus for medical FROM WHERE YOU BELONG. Ignorant fools. — Phil Selfridge BURN, BASTARDS, BURN! — Thomas to hear. services. It’s a burden on women. It’s a Greene, Clarksville, Tenn. I am OFFENDED! “When you talk about exercising burden on women’s families.” All I have left to do now is to pray for you your constitutional rights, that some- Taking out the trash LOUDLY in every government funded place I times comes at a cost. It’s not just a joy FREEDOM FROM ASSHOLES AND BLITH- am in. God BLess You. — Steven R. Phillips, ERING IDIOTS. Our goal is to round up all the Waukesha, WI ride to speak up.” October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 9

Gives freethought ‘invocation’ Michigan atheist makes a difference

cations went too far. By Tim Earl It was interesting to watch the vid- eo of the council’s discussion about my letter. The city attorney said that In the fall of 2011, after hearing he felt the council was not violating one too many invocations praising Je- any law. One council member asked if sus at our City Council meeting in Por- there were invocation guidelines given tage, Mich., I decided to do something to people, for example, to avoid overly about it. sectarian language. The attorney ad- I was still thinking about it when vised the council against doing that, Dan Barker spoke at a Center for In- fearing it would become de facto poli- quiry event in Grand Rapids. After- cy and open the city up to a lawsuit for ward, as Dan was signing my copy of violating it later. Godless, I mentioned it to him. He en- Here is the text of my invocation: couraged me to address the issue with the council. I represent no congregation or When I said that I had tried with- denomination.“ But I appreciate the out success to find a “secular leader” invitation to give this invocation on to give a secular invocation, Dan sug- behalf of the nonbelievers in our city, Lt. Cmdr. Tim Earl, chief engineer on gested that I offer to do it myself. So, which includes those who do not sub- the USS Fletcher in 2003, deployed in my letter to the council, I did make scribe to any particular religious sect during Operation Iraqi Freedom. that offer. They did not address it at and those who deny the existence of a the next meeting, but it was on the god altogether. studies that have shown a link between agenda for the one after that, but un- It can be easy to forget or pretend how people vote and where they vote. fortunately I was out of town on busi- that we don’t exist because we are a After the meeting, a council mem- ness and couldn’t attend. Freethought ambassador Tim Earl. small minority, but we are a rapidly bers thanked me for coming and said I watched the video later and was thanking me for serving the commu- growing minority, so we do appreciate she was going to share the video with told by the city clerk that I would be nity by participating in the process). the chance to get our seat at the table. her atheist friend. She asked about al- scheduled to give a secular invoca- When I attended the next meeting We include doctors, lawyers, teach- ternative voting locations. The mayor tion at a later date. (In November, I and thanked them for considering the ers and people of all walks of life who and others joined in and we had a nice received a copy of the 2012 invocation matter, one council member came up live moral lives and contribute to the discussion. They gently suggested that, schedule which included my name to thank me for bringing it up, saying welfare of our community. As a veter- having brought it up, I should be will- for a July meeting, with a form letter she thought on occasion that the invo- an, I can even assure you that there are ing to help find a solution. I’m still indeed atheists in foxholes. With that working on that. said, thank you again for the opportu- Two interesting things happened at nity. the next meeting two weeks later. Be- In the News And so, while I would prefer that fore the meeting, the mayor took the the practice of invocations be discon- Catholic priest scheduled to give the Pew: 1 in 5 the bible.” tinued, I recognize that that is unlikely invocation aside and appeared to ask Edetanlen told authorities that to happen here in the near future, so I him to avoid sectarian language (which ‘nonreligious’ Proverbs 13 taught him “Spare the rod, thank you again for this opportunity to he avoided). I’m not sure if the mayor The U.S. for the first time ever does spoil the child.” represent a minority viewpoint. did that because he saw me there or not have an adult Protestant majority, And so, without appealing to a high- not, but I found it encouraging. according to a new study by the Pew Italian churches losing er power which I do not believe exists, Then, as I was leaving, a man asked Forum on Religion & Public Life. The tax exemption I ask each one of you to put forth your to speak with me. (He was a police de- percentage of Protestants has fallen to best effort to listen intently, resolve tective, I learned during the conversa- 48%. The Catholic Church in Italy will be differences, find common ground and tion. City policy is to have at least one Contributing to the decline, The As- forced to pay taxes starting in 2013 af- advance the progress and prosperity of officer at every meeting.) He said he sociated Press reported Oct. 9, is the ter the European Union pressured the our community. found my invocation at the previous fact that about 20% of adult Americans government to pass a law stripping the Because with or without prayer, meeting offensive. He felt that I had say they have no religious affiliation. church of its property tax exemption, that’s what needs to be done, and insulted religion in general and Chris- That’s up 5% from five years ago. La Repubblica daily newspaper report- prayers don’t pay the bills, or maintain tianity in particular. According to Pew, the category in- ed Oct. 12. the roads, or do any of the work that We had an interesting discussion, cludes people who say they pray or Historically, all church property, this council and our city manager do which brought out all the same tired consider themselves spiritual but not even if used commercially, (for a bed so effectively on our behalf. As human old arguments like “the minority forc- religious. “Still, Pew found overall that and breakfast with a chapel in it, for ex- beings, all we can do is use the talents ing the majority to accept their posi- most of the unaffiliated aren’t actively ample) has been tax-exempt. and wisdom which nature, our educa- tion.” I shot them all down. After about seeking another religious home, indi- The move will net estimated annual tion and experience have given us to 10 minutes, he said we would never cating that their ties with organized revenues of 500 million to 2 billion eu- overcome the challenges we face. agree but said he felt better talking religion are permanently broken, AP ros. And when the task before you is dif- about it. reported. ficult, I ask that you not to look upward FFRF member Tim Earl was born and In 2007, 60% of people who said Einstein ‘God’ letter for guidance from some higher power raised in Detroit by a non-practicing Protes­ they seldom or never attended reli- which is most likely an outgrowth of tant father and a “pre-Vatican II” Catholic gious services still identified themselves sells for $3 million our own fear of mortality, but instead mother and attended Catholic schools K-12, as part of a particular religious tradi- A handwritten letter in which Al- look inward to your own sense of mo- including an all-male Christian Brothers tion. In 2012, that statistic fell to 50%, bert Einstein questioned the existence rality and reason, and also look out- high school. He served in the Navy from according to the Pew report. of God sold for $3,000,000,100 to an ward to the members of this commu- 1996 to 2004, including service as chief Pew predicts more growth in anonymous bidder on eBay. The mini- nity who come forward to lend their engineer of the destroyer USS Fletcher in the “nones,” saying that one-third of adults mum acceptable bid was $3 million for support and assistance. opening months of the 2003 Iraq War. under age 30 have no religious affilia- the online auction held Oct. 8-18. Only Only through a spirit of cooperation “Part of what finally pushed me over the tion, compared to 9% of those 65 and two bids were received. and unity can we continue to make the edge to nonbelief was being exposed to Islam older. Einstein wrote the so-called “God city of Portage such a wonderful place firsthand while in the Middle East. Seeing letter” in German on Princeton Univer- to live, work, and raise our families. how passionate these people were about their Man kills rather than sity stationery, a year before he died in In closing, it’s important to remem- beliefs, I started thinking about the mutual 1955. It said, in part, “The word God is ber that you don’t need a god to hope, exclusivity of the world’s major religions. I spoil his child for me nothing more than the expres- to care, to love or to live. And we don’t finally finished this journey of self-discovery Benjamin Edetanlen, sentenced to sion and product of human weakness- need one to help conduct city business. when I read The God Delusion. I realized 18 years in prison Oct. 11 in DeKalb es, the Bible a collection of honorable, Thank you. that I was indeed an atheist and that there County, Ga., for killing his 5-month-old but still primitive legends which are During the” meeting, the council ap- was nothing wrong with that. When I told son and beating his two other children nevertheless pretty childish. No inter- proved four churches as polling places my wife, a secular Jew who had never really in 2004, blamed the bible. pretation, no matter how subtle, can (out of 21 precincts). I told the council discussed religion with me, she said, “It’s Assistant District Attorney Dalia Ra- (for me) change this.” I opposed “forcing citizens to enter a about time. Welcome to the club.” We now cine told the court that “The defendant The letter and envelope last sold in house of worship to exercise their most raise our two daughters, ages 4 and 7, with stated that he disciplined the children 2008 for $404,000. cherished democratic right.” I noted no religious tradition. according to the Book of Proverbs in Page 10 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012 Finding secular alternatives to AA

vides links to other secular groups, minded for his time, but he engaged Dr. Steinberger, an FFRF Life Member, which do not always reciprocate. SR’s in secret maintenance drinking during is a licensed psychologist. He holds the Cer­ tag line is “Discover the Power of the day and a family-destroying binge tificate of Proficiency in the Treatment of Choice.” That includes the choice to every night. He ruined my mother’s Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance quit using and the choice of one’s re- life and his own, which revealed to me Use Disorders from the American Psychologi­ covery path. a societal need. cal Association and is a past member of the I believe he might have been helped SMART Recovery board of directors. He’s Other secular recovery if there had been a secular alternative the editor/author of The SMART Recovery available back then. It is my hope that Handbook (2nd Ed., 2004) and is a vol­ These recovery programs are also with this information more people in unteer adviser to SMART. He specializes in secular and free: our FFRF and related communities will science-based, secular approaches to addic­ Women For Sobriety aims for absti- support and volunteer to help offer tion treatment. By Henry Steinberger, Ph.D. nence and offers volunteers the oppor- these secular options. tunity and training to become meet- ing “moderators.” Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick started WFS out of dissatisfaction with AA’s focus on lessening hubris — more In the News When people have a problem of a problem with men, whereas wom- with addictions, where can they turn? en (and minorities) often need to be Most people can name only Alcoholics empowered rather than further hum- Scouts forced to open Taliban targeting Anonymous and other 12-step groups. bled. Most treatments centers and courts re- Her “New Life” program is based on ‘perversion files’ Pakistani girls fer people to them, but many people positive thinking and metaphysics, so About 14,500 pages of Boy Scouts A British hospital in Birmingham have a problem with this. it may not meet everyone’s definition of America detailing sex-abuse allega- is treating Malala Yousufzai, a 15-year- Though some people manage to of secular, but it’s not a theistic spiri- tions from the mid-1960s to the mid- old Pakistani girl shot in the head on take the helpful fellowship and ignore tualism. The website (womenforsobriety. 1980s were made public Oct. 18 by an a school bus Oct. 9 by the Taliban in the higher-power/god talk, many of us org) doesn’t link to other groups or list Oregon court, including internal re- Mingora in retaliation for champion- who reject theism and supernatural- its meetings (perhaps for security), so ports of alleged child molestations by ing education for girls. She was alert af- ism will forgo help rather than seek a you have to contact the central office more than 1,200 U.S. scoutmasters and ter surgery and is expected to live but so-called “spiritual awakening” and ac- to find a group. other adult volunteers. The records, the extent of her recovery is uncertain. cept a “higher power,” who, if prayed Secular Organizations for Sobriety formally called the Ineligible Volun- Another girl was slightly injured in the to in the right way, removes one’s “de- (aka Save Our Selves) is affiliated and teer Files but commonly known as “the attack. fects of character.” supported by the Center for Inquiry perversion files,” were submitted as evi- A Taliban spokesman, Ehsanullah Worse, when a person rejects the of Los Angeles, thus affirming its hu- dence in a 2010 lawsuit. Ehsan, said the girl’s activism needed 12 steps for all of these legitimate rea- manist credentials. A dominant figure, Kelly Clark, a Portland attorney who to be stopped: “This was a new chapter sons, they are accused of being in de- James Christopher, started SOS. Meet- won the landmark 2010 suit, told The of obscenity, and we have to finish this nial about their problem and receive ing leaders are all recovering people. Associated Press that the documents chapter.” threats that they will end up in jail, in- The program might be described as show that even though the Scouts have Malala received Pakistan’s first Na- sane or dead if they don’t accept the the 12 steps minus the god stuff. The been collecting the files nearly since tional Peace Award in 2009 for publi- 12-step solution, as if there is no other website (cfiwest.org/sos) provides a list the Boy Scouts’ founding in 1910, the cizing violence by hardline Islamists path to recovery. of meetings but no links to other pro- organization failed to use them to pro- against education, The Guardian re- U.S. courts have consistently ruled grams. tect boys from pedophiles. ported. that 12-step programs are religious for LifeRing started when Martin Nico- The decades-long cover-up is being Another girl, 17-year-old Hina Khan, purposes of the First Amendment and laus, head of SOS publishing, broke compared to the failure of churches, has received Taliban death threats and forbid their mandated or coerced im- with that organization to start a group the Catholic Church in particular, to has had a red cross painted on her fam- position. Further, research has demon- “not affiliated” with any other (like report sex abuse allegations to police. ily’s home twice because of her views strated that although participation in CFI). He claims that each person cre- In fact, many Scouting troops were on female education. these groups is usually helpful, regular ates their own program, but his books sponsored by and met in churches. Pas- attendance and real participation were provide theory and structure. Volun- tors were leaders in some instances. more likely when the individual’s de- teer “conveners” are all recovering Scandal topples gree of religiosity was congruent with people. The website (lifering.org) lists Religious Right groups’ that of the group (Atkins and Hawdon, meetings but does not link to other D’Souza at Christian 2007). groups. coffers overflow But accurate information about sec- Moderation Management, unlike school ular options rarely comes from the un- all the other groups, is not abstinence- The top 10 Religious Right groups Dinesh D’Souza’s conservative derinformed and biased sources often based. The secular, science-based pro- have total revenues of $1.177 billion, Christian “family values” reputation unwillingly providing it. After all, reli- gram is not for alcohol-dependents according to a new study from Ameri- took a big hit in past weeks amid ru- gious movements have a commitment (alcoholics). MM provides safer re- cans United for Separation of Church mors the married 51-year-old was hav- to winning new converts, not providing sponsible drinking limits and guide- and State. [FFRF’s annual budget is ing an affair with a woman in her late alternatives. lines. It’s a 9-step program to help less than $2 million.] 20s. The shoe dropped Oct. 18, when But secular alternatives do exist. people cut down or quit, and either The revenues, in parentheses, come he resigned as president of King’s Col- SMART Recovery (SR) has built its outcome is considered a success. from official IRS filings and other reli- lege, a small Christian university in science-based, self-empowering, absti- Volunteers include people who able sources. Manhattan, reported The New York nence program on empirically tested have never had an alcohol problem. 1. Jerry Falwell Ministries/ Lib- Times. methods. Besides the mutual support The website (moderation.org) lists live erty University/Liberty Counsel The school announced the resigna- found in its almost 800 face-to-face and online meetings and links to other ($522,784,095) tion two days after a Christian maga- meetings worldwide and daily online programs. 2. Pat Robertson Empire zine reported he had checked into a meetings, SR offers recovery tools prov- For the “never addicted” reader who ($434,971,231) South Carolina motel with a woman he en effective in research. Its Four Point wants to help, SMART Recovery volun- 3. Focus on the Family ($104,463,950) introduced as his fiancée. The maga- Program aims at (1) motivation to ab- teers include both never-addicted and 4. Alliance Defending Freedom zine reported he filed for divorce the stain, coping with cravings, managing recovering people, all of whom receive ($35,145,644) same day its reporter contacted him. problems such as negative emotions, training in facilitating meetings. 5. U.S. Conference of Catholic D’Souza and his wife Dixie, 44, live and finding a life with balance. Like Rational Recovery is often mistak- Bishops (Lobbying expenditures: in southern California and have one AA, lifetime abstinence is the goal, and enly offered as a secular alternative to $26,662,111) daughter. meetings and help are free. Unlike AA, AA, but RR stopped offering free self- 6. American Family Association He’s also the director and co-pro- lifetime abstinence need not require help meetings in the mid-1990s. It’s a ($17,955,438) ducer of the conservative documentary lifetime attendance at meetings. for-profit company that sells seminars, 7. Family Research Council currently in theaters, “2016: Obama’s SMART stands for Self-Manage- DVDs and some fine secular self-help ($14,840,036) America.” ment And Recovery Training and is books, but it’s not a self-help group. 8. Concerned Women for America His fiancée, Denise Odie Joseph II, not claiming to be smarter than other Why am I interested in providing (Tim and Beverly LaHaye: $10,352,628) 29, is also married and has written ex- groups. It’s recognized by many profes- secular options? 9. Faith & Freedom Coalition tensively about the importance of so- sional health organizations and gov- My step-grandfather, Jacob Benja- ($5,494,640) called family values. ernmental agencies, which are listed min, who wrote “Did Jesus Ever Live 10. Council for National Policy (found- and linked at smartrecovery.org/linkpage. or Is Christianity Founded Upon A ed by Tim LaHaye: $1,976,747) htm. Myth?” under the pseudonym Histori- SR’s website (smartrecovery.org) pro- cus, was a devout atheist and science- October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 11 Photo: Andy Ngo Awards & Speeches Photo: Andy Ngo

Honoree Richard Dawkins accepting the Emperor Has No Clothes Award from FFRF Officer Jim Coors. The statuette honors public figures for “telling it like it is” about religion.

Victorious student litigant Jessica Ahlquist with her Freethinker of the Year Award.

Richard Dawkins with the Emperor statuette. Photo: Andy Ngo Photo: Andy Ngo

The Clergy Project panel, all former ministers turned nonbelievers, include (left, kneeling) FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, a founder of the new support group which helps ministers who have lost religion find new avocations, and its first graduate, Jerry DeWitt, La., a former Pentecostal minister. Standing, from left are FFRF member Ray Ideus, a former former Lutheran pastor, Wash.; annalise fonza, Atlanta, a former Methodist minister; former Methodist minister, Teresa McBain, N.J.; and Robert Parham, Wash., a former Southern Baptist minister.

Student activist awardee Matthew Versatile FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew “Max” Nielson talked about Seidel debunked the “Christian becoming a plaintiff in FFRF’s federal nation” myth and also served as lawsuit against graduation prayer at official convention photographer. Irmo Public High School, S.C.

Peter Boghossian, instructor of philosophy at Portland State University, who has a new book coming out soon, A Manual for Creating Atheists, pinch-hit as a replacement for mystery writer Sara Paretsky, who was taken ill before the conference. Photo: Andy Ngo

Actress Julia Sweeney entertained with excerpts from her “Church-a-Week” project, and afterward autographed many copies of the DVD of her play Investigative journalist Katherine Stewart autographed copies of her book, The “Letting Go of God.” Good News Club: The Christian Right’s Stealth Assault on America’s Children. Page 12 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012

Nancy Curran, Oregon, and others share a hearty laugh.

The 35th annual FFRF convention Oct. 12-14 in Portland, Ore., was at capacity with more than 880 attendees from 43 states, two Canadian provinces and six countries! That’s student awardee Max Nielson on stage. The Irreverent Audience

35th Annual FFRF Convention Photography by Andrew Seidel

Student honoree Max Nielson, his mother, Jeanette Miles, both of South New friends from far-flung spots: Thomas Lawson, British Columbia; Joe Carolina, and Stephen Hirtle, Pennsylvania professor and FFRF Board Member. Harris, Michigan (wearing FFRF’s newest shirt, a baseball jersey saying “Ask an Atheist”), and Anthony Magnabosco, Texas. And the winners are. . .

‘Clean Money’ drawing

“Clean money” winners (front, left): Alice Elliott, Montana, who won the $100 grand prize $100; Reed Byers, Oregon, $1 1950B (contributed by Monty Cleworth); Marilyn Czape, Indiana, $10 1950B (contributed by C.W. Mitchell); Joan Westhoff, Washington, $1 1935A (contributed in honor of Dillard Henderson by Norma and Joe Cunningham); Mike The winners of the “clean money” drawing were selected by the Solomon, Missouri, $1 1935E; Karen Firestone, Oregon, $1 1935D. convention’s youth: Kyla and Alyx Powell, Washington, Molly Back, left: Michael Garstin, Texas, $20 series 1934; Melanie Lawrence, California, $2 Taylor, Washington, and Sophie Perea, Montana. Standing between 1928F; Larry Hothem, Maryland, $1 1935G (contributed by Life Member Bruce Lowerre); Molly and Sophie is Alan Goldberg, Wisconsin, an attorney who Cal Hutson, Missouri, $1 1935B (contributed by Paul O’Brien), and a partially obscured very graciously manned the table selling chances. winner we are sorry we could not identify. October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 13 FFRF Staff & Officers Photo: Andy Ngo

FFRF Executive Council members met Oct. 12 in Portland, Ore. Seated (left) are Vice President Patricia Cleveland, Ala.; Vice Presidents Joe and Norma Cunningham, Ill., (Norma turned 95 in October); FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor, Wis.; (standing) FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, Wis.; Secretary Wendy Goldberg, Wis.; Vice President Jim Coors, Wis.; Treasurer Jim Zerwick, Wis.; and Chair David Groethe, Minn.

Richard L. Bolton, of Boardman Law Firm, has handled more than 20 lawsuits for FFRF.

Registering more than 880 participants were (left) former staffer Lynn Lau, who flew from British Columbia to volunteer; Wendy Goldberg, Wisconsin, an “unpaid staffer” and FFRF officer; FFRF Publicist Katie Stenz; and Office Manager Jackie Douglas. (Warm thanks to Lynn and Wendy, who also spent many hours in convention preparation.) Freethinking celebrity Julia Sweeney between FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker. Photo: Andy Ngo

FFRF’s fourth staff attorney, Andrew Seidel, surrounded by his family, who all volunteered at the convention. FFRF thanks Andrew’s mother Robin Greene and stepfather Wally Greene, of Texas, and Liz Cavell, Wisconsin, who is Jackie Douglas and FFRF Bookkeeper and Executive Assistant Katie Daniel married to Andrew, and is also an attorney. glammed it up for the Oct. 13 dinner. Page 14 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012 Volunteers & Helpers

Karen and Len Eisenberg, Oregon, who generously endow an annual $1,000 student activist award, helped present awards to student activists Max Nielson and Jessica Ahlquist.

“Helping hands” couple Wendy Goldberg, a retired attorney and FFRF Officer, and Alan Goldberg, an attorney, staffed the busy table selling chances for “clean,” pre-“In God We Trust” money.

Local Portland member Cheryl Kolbe not only helped staff sales tables, but also provided a gracious “welcome” speech to convention-goers.

Convention 2012 — Portland Scott Taylor, Washington, a professional videographer, kindly volunteered his services to the convention, working long hours. Photography by Andrew Seidel

Caitlin Woodyard, Oregon, and Liz Cavell, Wisconsin, “woman’ed” book tables.

Volunteers Robin and Wally Greene, Texas October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 15

State/Church Bulletin Buddhist stupa ordered because use of a Protestant version of the prayer “constitutes government en- out of park dorsement of the Christian faith.” A 10-foot-tall Buddhist stupa was re- County attorney J. Scott Shannon moved in September from New Mex- explained the perceived legal differ- ico’s Petroglyph National Monument ence to the Sussex Countian: “Because after an opinion from the Department The Lord’s Prayer is from the New Tes- of Interior’s solicitor general that it en- tament, the judge in this case found dorsed religion. that it was specifically Christian and The agency bought the stupa, a therefore not permitted under the mound-like structure housing relics, Constitution. Psalm 23, on the other when it acquired park land in 1990. It hand, is a recognized prayer in Juda- will be donated to the Buddhist com- ism and Christianity and also is ac- munity in Albuquerque. knowledged in Islam, so it meets the Supreme Court’s test.” School avoids prayer 2 of 3 Pussy Riot ban by singing think it’s inappropriate to have on a It announced the policy less than an sentences upheld uniform or any sort of school-autho- hour after John and Linda Buchanan, Republican state Rep. Justin Harris rized clothing, as I think it could be whose 11-year-old daughter attends told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette One member of the Russian punk viewed as an endorsement,” reported Summit Middle School, sued in U.S. on Sept. 29 that in order to get around band Pussy Riot had her sentence over- Shorewood Now. District Court. The family is repre- a ban on religion in state-funded pre- turned by a Moscow appeals court Oct. “We are not happy about it,” Broth- sented by the American Civil Liberties schools, he will have children sing 10, but the court upheld two of her er Bob Smith, Messmer president, told Union of Indiana. prayers at the school he operates bandmates’ sentences for “hooligan- WTMJ Radio. He called the decision The minister, from a nondenomi- through Growing God’s Kingdom in ism motivated by religious hatred.” “hurtful for the team.” national church called The Chapel, West Fork, Ark. Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, was was allowed to hand out materials and A new rule, which went into effect freed after serving six months. She and move from table to table, talking with Oct. 26, allows religious music under Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, and Ma- Pastor banned from children, the claim stated. certain circumstances. Records show ria Alyokhina, 24, were sentenced to Ind. school lunchroom Linda Buchanan, 44, said her Growing God’s Kingdom has received two years in August for a “punk prayer” daughter brought home religious $2.6 million from the state since 2005. on the altar of the city’s main cathe- The Associated Press reported Oct. anti-abortion literature. “We’re not a dral. The prayer asked the Blessed Vir- 20 that the Southwest Allen County bunch of heathens,” she said. “We’re gin to rid Russia of Vladimir Putin. School District, Fort Wayne, Ind., has not anti-religion; we’re anti-religion in No coach-led prayer, Defense lawyer Mark Feigin told banned a youth pastor from address- public school.” says Portales, N.M. Reuters the only difference was Sam- ing students in the lunchroom. utsevich spent 15 seconds at the altar Coach-led prayers will not be al- compared to 45 seconds for his clients. lowed in Portales, N.M., city league “We did not want to offend believ- They Said What? sports, the Portales News-Tribune re- ers,” Alyokhina told the court. “We ported Sept. 13. came to the cathedral to speak out We believe the best way to ensure re- this separation of church and state is League Director Mike Doerr told against the merger between spiritual ligious freedom is to protect all reli- just false on its face. We have a bibli- coaches he’s watched them leading figures and the political elite of our gious references and symbols; includ- cal responsibility to be involved in the prayers. “We have multiple ethnici- country.” ing those on public buildings, lands, public arena proclaiming God’s truth. ties, nationalities and religious back- or documents. This includes prayer Texas Gov. Rick Perry, participating in grounds involved in our city leagues. in public schools, thanking God in a a conference call with evangelicals pre- As much freedom as everyone has to Wisconsin board votes graduation speech, and religious sym- paring for Rev. Rick Scarborough’s “40 express religious views, we must have against cross logo bols being placed on public property Days to Save America” the courtesy to respect the views of oth- during their appropriate holiday sea- Dallas Morning News, 9-19-12 ers.” The combined Catholic and pub- son. . . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED Players still have the freedom to lic school Messwood football team that the Republican Party of Wisconsin I grew up in a religious environment, pray or observe a moment of silence at in Shorewood, Wis., replaced a reli- . . . believes that school boards should and I’m proud of it. I was going to be practices and games, Doerr said. gious logo on players’ helmets after have discretion as to the teaching of a priest; I’m proud of it. And I thank the Shorewood School Board on Oct. intelligent design within their districts. God I believe in God, or I would prob- 9 unanimously agreed after a district Wisconsin GOP platform ably be enormously angry right now. Delaware vote for parent complained to the district that wisgop.org, 5-13-12 Supreme Court Justice Clarence Psalm 23 is 3-2 a Christian cross on the logo violated Thomas, public interview at the Na- separation of state and church. Somehow or another there’s this, ya tional Archives on the 225th anniver- The Sussex County Council, The new logo has “2012 PLAYOFFS” know, steel wall, this iron curtain or sary of the U.S. Constitution Georgetown, Del., voted 3-2 on Sept. in red set on a blue football and replac- whatever you want to call it, between New York Times, 9-17-12 11 to substitute Psalm 23 for the Lord’s es the old one. The Catholic Messmer the church and people of faith, and Prayer to open meetings. High School and the public Shore- Four county residents had sued to wood High School have co-oped in stop the Lord’s Prayer. U.S. District football for 12 seasons. Judge Leonard Stark ruled in May that “It’s clearly a Christian cross,” board FFRF florist complaint gets green light the plaintiffs would likely win the case member Michael Mishlove said. “I In early October, the Rhode Island a Connecticut florist in order to get Commission for Human Rights noti- the flowers delivered. FFRF filed the fied FFRF’s local attorney Katherine complaint against two of the Crans- Godin that “a Preliminary Investigat- ton florists. ing Commissioner carefully reviewed FFRF alleges “illegal discrimina- and considered the information gath- tion based on religion” for failure to ered during the course of the inves- fill the order. Markert cited the state tigation by members of the Commis- law that says it’s unlawful for a place sion staff. The Commissioner has of accommodation to deny services determined that there is ‘probable “on account of religion.” cause’ to believe that the respondents The commission’s preliminary have violated the Rhode Island Ho- finding further states, “Since the tels and Public Places Act. . .” finding of probable cause, the par- FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebec- ties [FFRF, Twins Florist and Flowers ca Markert filed a complaint in Janu- by Santilli] have begun conciliation ary after four florists refused its or- endeavors. Should the parties not der of flowers to congratulate Jessica come to an agreement or settlement, Ahlquist, the Cranston, R.I., teen who the Commission will order a hearing had just won a major ruling in her fa- to determine whether the statute was vor by a federal judge, who agreed a violated. Either party also has a right prayer banner in her high school’s au- to request a transfer of the case to Su- ditorium was unconstitutional. FFRF perior Court.” had to contract for the services from Page 16 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012 Michael Hakeem College Essay Contest: Honorable Mentions

The following are abridged versions of live in that we uphold institutions that the election. The entire sermon was and Latino immigrants. Though I have the students’ essays. FFRF awarded each preach this? devoted to Prop. 8, a proposition that, not yet declared a major, I intend to earn a honorable mention a $250 scholarship. After I was confirmed, I stopped at- if passed (which it did), would severely Bachelor’s degree in political science in or­ tending Mass and started doing some limit the definition of marriage to a der to enter a law school and become an im­ Tearing off research. I slowly but surely struggled union between a man and a woman, migration lawyer. My greatest interests are religion’s mask through books like The God Delusion nullifying legal gay marriages in cities advocating immigrant rights, swimming, and Letter to a Christian Nation. For ev- that had previously legalized them. and playing the piano. Both of my parents ery atheistic book I read, I read a Chris- I looked on in disgust as the priest are Mexican immigrants, and I am a first- tian book. I shared what I found with played victim to a hate law that would generation college student. My parents are my already doubtful parents. After my do nothing more than allow two con- devout Catholics, and, as far as I know, I childhood priest was arrested for child senting, loving adults to marry. This am the first atheist in my family.” pornography and a prominent church service lacked the love and compassion member was asked to leave a volunteer that I previously believed Catholicism group when other churchgoers saw an to be founded on. I knew that I could Parting a sea of crosses Obama sign in his yard, my parents, not come back to an institution that too, had had enough. promoted so much hatred. I have quietly accepted countless Later, after I had already come out cross necklaces from aunts and uncles to my parents (to this day, the most dif- and have dealt with friends who tried ficult thing I’ve ever done), I attended to save my soul. I used to stay quiet as my aunt’s birthday party. My uncle an- people berated me for “following Sa- nounced, “We can’t vote for Obama tan.” I decided last year that I will not because of his attacks on the Catholic be quiet anymore. Atheists and agnos- Church. There is already so much suf- tics have been quiet for too long. fering in this country because God is I have chosen to come “out of the abandoning us because ignorant legis- closet” because it is the only thing that lators are passing laws that allow men makes sense to me. The mask of reli- to marry men and women to marry gion is just that, a mask, there to pro- women.” vide comfort that never existed. This Four years of silence were too much By Lukas Deem was a tough realization to handle, es- for me. Although my father’s face By Leah Aeby pecially when you’re young. continued to drop more and more as But we don’t have an imaginary I stood up and defended my beliefs, friend. If there is someone out there, mine only rose higher as I defended Crosses on doors, crosses on cars, I was raised by Roman Catholic par- content with watching suffering and not only atheists, but homosexuals who crosses on chests and crosses on skin. I ents in central Wisconsin, where you pain, they are no friend to us at all. should not have to abide by the “mor- see them everywhere in the Bible Belt. can still feel the Polish ancestry. Hear- Why are the ones who know that we als” of a religion to which they do not I went to a Presbyterian church with ing “W imię Ojca i Syna, Ducha Świętego, only have this life content with spend- belong. As insignificant as the gesture my family, but we stopped attending Amen” (In the name of the ing it in the closet? may seem, that night I changed my when I was very young. Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Amen) Facebook religious affiliation to athe- Religion wasn’t a concern for me meant my grandparents were either Leah Aeby, 19, Plover, Wis., is a sopho­ ist. until middle school and high school, very happy or very distressed. more at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens The world faces endless suffering, when evangelical churches start send- Even though I heard that phrase Point, majoring in communication and po­ but religion has done very little to al- ing out their youth on their great mis- throughout my childhood, I noticed litical science. leviate the problem. In fact, religion sion. “What church do you go to?” that my grandparents never went to seems to be the biggest reason for the “Have you been saved?” “Do you love Mass every Sunday like we did. I asked world’s conflicts. Though the United Jesus?” As these questions came at me, my parents why, but it wasn’t until I was What good has States may be an exception, poverty I didn’t think much of them at first. 15 that they finally told me the real rea- religion wrought? only increases as a nation becomes Then, through a concerted effort of son: My grandparents stopped going to more religious. All I have to do is look a few friends, I was given a bible and church after their priest was accused of at my parents’ home country, Mexico, taken to an evangelical church. It was sexually molesting several young boys, in order to see a phenomenon that just also quite sensationalist: speakers with most of whom were my uncle’s age. baffles me. Having attended church in strong voices and emotional, contem- Like all other good Catholic kids my Mexico before, I know just how highly porary worship music. I read a few age whose parents didn’t send them Mexican Catholics value their religion. books and became a Christian. to the actual Catholic schools in town It, therefore, comes as a huge surprise For two years, I stopped cussing and (one of which was named after Cardi- that this same country suffers from the masturbating and got involved in lead- nal Pacelli, whose silence as Pope Pius disappearance and rape of thousands ership at church. In my senior year, I XII during the Holocaust is still con- of women in Juarez, violent drug wars made a conscious decision to relax my troversial), I had to attend CCD class in Michoacán, and countless mass ex- Christian morals and practices due to every Wednesday night until eighth ecutions across the border. Meanwhile, the realization that I had not expe- grade. citizens kneel in church and do little to rienced any improvement in my life, In my freshman year, during confir- bring about change. along with my rational doubting. mation classes, two distinct moments I reject religion because the United I became apathetic toward religion, have stuck with me. My mom and I States is not a Christian nation — it is a and agnostic was the label I began to had talked about transubstantiation, nation of countless religions and spiri- identify with. This was the start of my the process by which the communion tualties, as well as atheism. I reject re- path to where I am now, atheist. By Omar De Los Santos host turns into the body and blood of ligion because Americans regard athe- I do not believe in a cosmic or earth- Christ. Catholics are taught to believe ists as the most hated minority, and ly divine being or beings or any kind of that this is the real deal. their chances of entering public office supernatural power. My family doesn’t I asked my priest about it later, and should not be hindered by their rejec- like this, so we just don’t talk about it. he told our class, “When you question I vividly remember the last time I tion of god. I reject religion because I am lucky that my parents do not treat what God does, you put limits on what ever attended Mass shortly before the history books should not dismiss cen- me differently because of my choice. he can do.” That was no answer. Yes, 2008 presidential election. Califor- turies of religious murders and inquisi- It was very rewarding to help start that was exactly what I was doing. I was nians were deciding on much more tions. Finally, I reject religion because and maintain the Secular Student Al- questioning what God could do, and I than just a new president. They would it has bitterly divided my family, and liance at the University of Central Ar- wanted a real answer. No one was giv- also be voting on a same-sex marriage they will always see me as the one who kansas. Just knowing that we were in a ing me one. ballot proposition. made it to Yale — but, as an atheist, room where we were not being judged Kids shouldn’t feel what I felt. Young Coming from a community made falls short of success. for our lack of religion was special. Our adults should not feel ashamed or sad up predominantly of first generation “visibility campaigns” included tabling that they are using reason and logic to and Latino immigrants, most of whom Omar De Los Santos, 19, South Gate, in the Student Union and holding discover truths for themselves. My par- are Catholic, it came as no surprise to Calif., writes, “I am eighteen years old. This “Hug an Atheist” signs. Another cam- ents never made me feel this way, but see lawns sprinkled with “Protect Mar- fall I will be a sophomore at Yale University paign involved choosing days to wear the church did. All churches do. It’s riage — Yes on 8” signs on my walk to in New Haven, Conn. I currently live in stickers that say “Atheist, ask away.” in the job description! “Believe this or school. But my greatest bewilderment South Gate, Calif., a city right outside Los During our campaigns, it was very you burn!” What kind of society do we came one Sunday only weeks before Angeles made up predominantly of Latinos interesting to see reactions of class- October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 17 mates, friends and faculty as they real- that’s exactly the point. Atheists come Happy 87th, Norm Barker! ized I had, in fact, been an atheist the in all shapes and sizes, but because of whole time. I didn’t see instant hate or the social stigma, people are afraid to fear as one might think. I was still the admit it, which leads to misconcep- same Lukas they had known, but I saw tions being passed on. something deeper. I saw the cogs of Apart from the personal freedom acceptance and changing perceptions and peace of mind, I came out of the starting to turn in their minds. closet because the lives of others are Atheists need to “come out” because destroyed when religion controls us. people need to be aware that they are Whether it’s someone losing their job sitting next to them in class, working because their employer found out with them and drinking with them at about their disbelief or a teen getting the bar. Atheists need to speak up so kicked out of their home, the mali- that other atheists know they are part cious effects of religion are easy to see. of a supportive community. If more of us continue to make this a Often I read or hear people say that personal fight, then future generations atheists are “too loud.” The next time will not have to be afraid to seek out you hear that, point out the number of the truth. crosses you encounter in a day. There’s In short, coming out of the closet is no comparison. how even the little people like me can Norman Barker, shown with his son and FFRF Co-President Dan Barker, turned We are only struggling to be accept- change the world. 87 on Aug. 13 in Washington state. Dan dedicated his first book,Losing Faith ed and build a community among a sea in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist, to “Norman S. Barker, my only father.” Dan’s of crosses. Michaelyn Everhart grew up in Burling­ parents gradually followed him out of religion to freethought. Patsy Barker ton, Kan., and is a junior physics major at died in 2004. Lukas Deem, 21, Conway, Ark., is a the University of Kansas, where she is presi­ senior majoring in sociology and minoring dent of the Society of Open-Minded Atheists in fine arts at the University of Central Ar­ and Agnostics. kansas. Leaving blind ‘Out’ to change faith behind me the world

By Michaelyn Everhart

Norm is still playing his trombone every day, although he’s traded brass for was raised in a rural Midwest town lightweight plastic. He’s played professionally in a variety of bands, including I with Hoagy Carmichael. He’s at left in this scene with Judy Garland in the 1948 heavily inundated with religion and was one of very few children whose film “Easter Parade,” accompanying her singing Irving Berlin’s “I Wish I Was in family did not attend church. At age Michigan.” Search on YouTube for “wish i was in michigan” and “garland.” 9, I learned not to share that I did By Kate Heetland not subscribe to any specific religion, because when I first admitted to my friends that I did not know if there was a god, they were aghast. The scariest, and yet most liber- From then on I did my best to keep ating, change I have gone through in my thoughts to myself. When I had to my life was transitioning from devout bow my head in prayer with friends Christian to atheist. It started with a before dinner or even before a play combination of red-flag Lutheran ser- performance, I would stay quiet. I was mons, a feeling of abandonment by my afraid to express doubt and to really be god and a copy of The God Delusion. myself. I have, fortunately, not experienced Just two years ago, I said for the first a lot of opposition in coming out as an time that I was an atheist. That moment atheist. Maybe it is because I braced About 40 freethinking FFRF members and friends met Sept. 16 in Skokie, Ill., was so freeing for me. For the first time myself for the worst, expecting to be at an informal reception for FFRF’s new Chicago-area. FFRF Co-President Dan in my life I was me, not a projection of thrown out of the house and ridiculed Barker is kneeling, with Tom Cara, interim chapter president, to his left. Dan what the world wanted me to be. Be- by friends. Instead, my father tosses also spoke to the Ethical Humanist Society in Skokie that morning. ing honest about who I am allows me God into the conversation more than to live comfortably in my own skin, and regularly, and my mother gives me un- it empowers others around me to live founded warnings like, “Just make sure scared into submission and kept my the movement needs you. similarly. you don’t get caught in a cult mindset, mouth shut for a couple more years. I am prouder to identify myself as I put a proud face on atheism. I honey.” Atheists and other skeptics must an atheist than I ever was to call my- make others see that their friend, their I have also been relatively comfort- work to make religion’s intolerant be- self Lutheran or Christian. Now when family member, their classmate is an able at school and in public, being liefs unacceptable. It is one thing to someone inquires about my beliefs (or atheist. By coming out of the closet, able to turn aside from rude comments preach fairy tales — the idea of heaven lack thereof), I speak of the power of we show people that they already love and Internet fights. My ease in being does not hurt anyone — but it is anoth- our movement, of our service and of atheists. You cannot demonize what an open atheist is probably more due er to promote hate and self-righteous- our logic. I speak about the great com- you love. to the community I have surrounding ness. The pain that religion causes is munity of skeptics that I have found on I have experienced a bit of confron- me. I am happy to go to a school with a exactly why it is so important to be “out my campus and how I immediately felt tation with those who see the world very active skeptics’ group, which pro- of the closet.” respected by them. from a different perspective. Some- vides me with welcoming friends and Our humanist values and morality Since I have come out, my belief in times people even get angry at me for works to remove the stigma surround- free of punishment or reward will go myself has grown and I face problems simply wearing a shirt that says, “Athe- ing the word “atheist.” further than missionary projects. Unbi- more realistically. I encourage others ist.” I have found though, that honesty I held off on coming out to my ased, we can act on the problems we to do the same and enjoy the benefits and patience often works out for the father for a long time. When I first see: hate crimes, intolerance of opin- that come from a life that is void of better. touched on the subject, he likened my ion, lack of contraception education. God’s judgment. My absolute favorite reaction: “Wait. Dawkins literature to porn and threat- I am lucky to have had such ease in Kate Heetland, 19, Cedar Falls, Iowa, is You’re an atheist?!” It’s as if they were ened to take away a number of privileg- my coming out, and I know that many a sophomore at the University of Northern expecting me to have horns and a tail. es. He told me that I was disrespecting others are not as fortunate. But regard- Iowa, where she studies vocal performance Perhaps they think that I am too happy him, his god and his parental author- less of each person’s situation, it is not and serves as director of outreach for UNI or too friendly to be an atheist, and ity. I am embarrassed to say that I was worth faking faith. More importantly, Freethinkers and Inquirers. Page 18 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012

Black Collar Crime Blotter Compiled by Bill Dunn ‘You are a predator.’ Arrested / Charged — Judge Steven Prosecutors in Faribault, MN, charged Lynn Bromberg to Oscar Perez Seibel, 70, a former teacher at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, an Episcopal boarding school, with 17 before sentencing him to counts of criminal sexual conduct related to al- leged abuse of 6 male students in 1999-2003. 30 years Seibel is incarcerated in Los Angeles on unre- lated child pornography charges. tioners of the Amish faith with whom they had The complaint says Seibel held private ses- ongoing religious disputes. Source: U.S. De- sions with students in which he asked them partment of Justice, 9-20-12 to masturbate. At times, it’s alleged, he also Timothy L. Dampier, 39, Seattle: Pleaded touched them inappropriately. He resigned in guilty to 22 counts, including 1st- and 2nd-de- 2003 after school officials confronted him about gree rape of a child; 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-degree 14,000 porn images on his work computer. child molestation; sexual exploitation of a minor; Police said they were never told about Sei- and possession of child pornography. Dampier, bel or about the school’s director of residential a church musician with ties to several Seattle- life, Leonard Jones, 34, fatally shooting himself area churches, is accused of molesting 10 boys in 2008 after being confronted about a 3-year in 1997-2011. He also worked at the group sexual relationship he’d allegedly had with a for- home Samuel House and Union Gospel Mis- eign student, starting when she was 15. Source: sion. counts of money laundering. Whitsey, known Church in Ft. Worth, is accused of having sexu- AP, 10-10-12 The probe started when an alleged victim to his congregation at Abundant Life Christian al encounters with a woman, starting when she Joseph A. Olvera, 54, Fullerton, CA: 2 told police in 2011 that Dampier started molest- Center as Apostle Mike, is accused of conspir- was 14 until 2000 when she was 18. counts of touching an intimate part of another ing him when he was 10. Another man alleged ing to conduct $375,000 in criminal transactions The woman told police she didn’t complain person. Olvera, pastor at Lifeline Ministries, is Dampier raped him, masturbated in front of him tied to alleged narcotics sales in 2008. He and until recently because “only now as an adult accused of reaching under the shirt and fondling and showed him child pornography when he his wife, known as First Lady Michele, started could she find the strength to face him,” the re- the breasts of an 18-year-old woman who was was 12. Source: Seattle Times, 9-13-12 in bed at the church’s live-in facility for at-risk the church in 2000. Source: Daily News Journal, port stated. She described alleged encounters youth. He allegedly slapped her buttocks 3 days 9-26-12 in detail, and her friend confirmed she’d told Sentenced later in a church hallway. James Bertrand, 50, Cypress, TX: Posses- her in 2000, authorities said. Source: Star-Tele- Menachem Youlus, 51, Baltimore: 51 The woman contacted police, who said sion of cocaine (1 to 4 grams) and 1st-offense gram, 9-17-12 months in prison, 3 years’ probation and they’re concerned there may be other victims. DWI. Bertrand, pastor at Power Church Inter- Kenneth N. Allen, 36, East Prairie, MO: 4 $990,366 restitution after pleading guilty to Source: L.A. Times, CBS News, 10-10-12 national in Lake Charles, LA, and a professed counts of 1st-degree statutory sodomy and pos- 2 counts of fraud. Rabbi Youlus, the self- Todd R. Newman, 49, Sumter, SC: Breach recovering drug addict, received considerable session of child pornography. His wife, Beth L. proclaimed “Jewish Indiana Jones, admitted of trust with fraudulent intent. Newman is media attention for his “Just For Jesus” student Allen, 36, is is charged with endangering the defrauding contributors to his Save a Torah charged with stealing $155,869 from Plaza rallies at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Source: welfare of a child. Kenneth Allen is Grace Apos- Foundation by selling Torah scrolls with bogus Church of Christ, where he was finance director KPLC, 9-25-12 tolic Church pastor. Holocaust provenance. Source: Washington for 7 years. Bradley Moss, 38, Hickory, NC: Indecent The probable cause statement said Beth Post, 10-12-12 A police report said the investigation started liberties with a minor. Moss, the married pastor Allen offers day care and knew her husband Gary L. Elg, 60, Inver Grove Heights, MN: in 2008, with new information uncovered recent- of Victory Empowerment Church, is accused of would enter the bathroom when boys were 1 year probation, $626 in costs, 2 days of com- ly during an audit. Newman denies guilt. molesting a 13-year-old member of his church. bathing and would sleep with them in the Allen munity service and course completion at Break- Court documents show that Brotherhood Court documents alleged he texted the girl, home. Source: KFVS, 9-11-12 ing Free, aka “john school,” after pleading guilty Mutual Insurance Co. paid the church $10,000 “Babe everything in me wants to be with you. I Joseph J. Ostrowski, 28, Wilkes-Barre, to engaging in prostitution. Elg, pastor at First in 2008, the policy limit for employee dishon- want you to be MINE. . . . I’d want you to have PA: Felony cyberstalking. At the time of the al- Presbyterian Church responded to a decoy esty. A plaintiff in a civil suit alleged Newman my baby — no adoption — you receiving my legations, Ostrowski was head football coach at newspaper ad by police. At the hotel, he handed took funds from the church in 2007 without per- seed and carrying it and birthing him.” Holy Redeemer High School. An earlier grand $100 to an undercover officer “for a full,” court mission. The suit was later dismissed. Source: The girl told police Moss touched her jury indicted him for threatening extortion and documents said. WIS-TV, 10-4-12 breasts, legs and derrière and kissed her lips. producing and attempting to produce child por- He resigned from the church shortly after his Nathan Hasty, 34, Huntington, IN: Re- Source: WCNC, 9-24-12 nography. arrest. Source: Pioneer Press, 10-12-12 ceipt and possession of material depicting the David Grosse, 78, Colorado Springs, CO: Ostrowski’s Facebook and Skype scheme James Harris, 65, Belle Glade, FL: 30 years sexual exploitation of a minor. Hasty, a middle Suspicion of sex assault on a child by a person ran from March 2010 through last Christmas in prison on convictions for lewd or lascivious school campus life director for Youth for Christ in a position of trust. Grosse, who retired as an Eve, the indictment said. Source: Citizens’ battery, unlawful sexual activity with a minor, for 9 years, is accused of soliciting nude photos Air Force chaplain in 1993, was arrested after a Voice, 8-31-12 lewd or lascivious conduct, 2 counts of promot- from minors, including children in his own youth North Carolina state agency referred the case to ing sexual performance by a child and showing Colorado police. Pleaded / Convicted obscene material to a minor. Harris is former group. Travis J. Branstetter, 31, Logan, OH: Assaults are alleged during the past 18 pastor at Second Baptist Church and a fixture An FBI affidavit alleged Hasty used false Pleaded guilty to 3 counts of attempted gross years, said the arrest warrant. Grosse worked on the sidelines at high school football games. Facebook identities. It’s alleged he pretended sexual imposition. Branstetter, an ordained after leaving the USAF for the Church of the The jury watched two videos, one showing to be a 16-year-old girl and a 19-year-old man youth pastor at Church of the Nazarene, was in- Nazarene in various positions. a boy masturbating under Harris’ direction as to flirt with males and females and ask for nude dicted for 3rd-degree sexual battery but pleaded Grosse’s assaults on the alleged main vic- a porn movie played, and another showing the photos and webcam sessions, including mas- to lesser charges involving a 13-year-old girl in tim happened “nearly every time she saw him,” boy having sex with his girlfriend, 14, who didn’t turbation. Source: WANE, 10-2-12 his congregation. or “any time the opportunity presented itself to realize at first that Harris was recording them. Wilbert D. Brassfield, 48, Palmyra, VA: 5 Prosecutor Laina Fetherolf said she was him,” an affidavit said. The girl alleged the as- Source: Sun Sentinel, 10-9-12 counts of embezzlement. Brassfield is accused prepared to try the case but negotiated an saults started when she was 4 and included fon- A defrocked Irish priest, 76, was convicted of embezzling more than $10,000 from Courts of agreement to spare the girl and her family fur- dling and Grosse asking her to hold his penis in Dublin of 5 counts of indecent assault and Praise Christian Fellowship, where he was pas- ther emotional stress. Source: Columbus Dis- while he urinated. sentenced to 18 months in prison. The priest, tor until 2010. He was fired as a school resource patch, 10-3-12 The affidavit described Grosse’s alleged who can’t be named for legal reasons, pleaded officer for the Charlottesville Police Department George A. Smith, 74, Corner Brook, NEWF: encounters with 3 other young girls in 2003 or guilty to molesting 5 schoolboys in 1979-81 after he was charged. Source: AP, 10-1-12 Pleaded guilty to 40 sexual assault counts in- 2005 and 1994-95. Source: Colorado Springs when they were between 11 and 13. He was Gustaro R. Talabera, 39, West St. Paul, volving boys in alleged incidents that go as far Gazette, 9-21-12 laicized in the 1980s. Source: Irish Times, 10- MN: 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct and back as 1968. Smith, a Catholic priest, also William Jackson, 57, New Cumberland, 9-12 2 counts of deprivation of parental/custodial faces 30 other charges. Source: Western Star, PA: 3 counts of indecent assault of someone Patrick Hughes, 56, Galion, OH: 6 years rights. Pastor Talabera, who is married, alleg- 10-2-12 less than 13 years old, 9 counts of corruption in prison and 5 years’ probation on convictions edly tried to run away to Mexico with a 16-year- Jack A. Schaap, 54, Dyer, IN: Pleaded of minors, 7 counts of unlawful contact with a for attempted rape and and attempted unlawful old parishioner with whom he has been accused guilty to transporting a person under the age of minor/sexual offenses, 3 counts of indecent sexual conduct with a minor. Hughes, pastor at of having an affair. Police wouldn’t disclose the 18 across state lines with the intent of having assault without the consent of others and inde- Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, was name of the church for fear of identifying the girl. sexual activity. Schaap, pastor of First Baptist cent assault of someone less than 16 years old. charged with trying to set up a sexual encounter The girl eventually texted her parents to tell Church and superintendent of Hammond Bap- Charges involve 7 alleged victims, all male. with 2 boys. them “she wanted to start a new life with Gusta- tist Schools, admitted having sex 3 times with a Jackson, who has 9 children, has been fired Sheriff Zach Scott said Hughes was ar- ro,” court documents said. Talabera was arrest- girl he was counseling, once when she was 16 from Bible Baptist School in Shiremanstown rested when he was supposed to be teaching ed in Joliet, IL. Source: Star Tribune, 9-28-12 and twice when she was 17. and from his position as minister of music. Al- bible study class. “He posted online and thought Arthur B. Schirmer, 64, Lebanon, PA: Mur- Schaap told the judge he had someone leged victims were either students at the school he was coming down here to meet a parent der. Schirmer was pastor at Bethany United else, not named during the proceedings, drive or private piano students. who was going to offer up his 9-year-old and Methodist Church in 1999 when his wife, Jewel the victim to locations in Illinois and Michigan for According to court documents, “Victim 2,” 14-year-old boys, and so he actually thought he Schirmer, 50, died of traumatic brain injury, al- the encounters. Source: nwitimes.com, 9-26-12 17, told police Jackson touched him in the groin was talking online with a parent.” Source: News legedly from a fall. Samuel Mullet Sr., 66; Johnny S. Mullet, several times and allegedly asked, “Why don’t Journal, 10-3-12 Investigators reopened the case after the 39; Daniel S. Mullet, 38; Levi F. Miller, 54; Eli you just pull it out and masturbate?” Source: Richard Nachajski, 66, York, PA: 2 to 7 July 2008 death of his second wife, Betty Jean. M. Miller, 32; Emanuel Shrock, age unknown; Patriot-News, 9-20-12 years in prison for theft, which totaled $425,000, He’s accused of staging a car accident to cov- Lester Miller, 37; Anna Miller, age unknown; Chris Denman, 20, Tulsa, OK: 1st-degree from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, er up her death. His murder trial for her death Linda Shrock, age unknown; Emma J. Miller, rape, forcible sodomy, lewd molestation and where he was pastor in 1998-2009. He begged starts in January. age unknown; Kathryn Miller, age unknown; use of a computer to facilitate a sex crime. Den- Judge Scott Keller not to put him behind bars. In October 2008, church member Joseph and Lovina Miller, 32, all of Bergholz, OH; Ray- man, an employee at the 17,000-member Vic- “If incarcerated, how could I volunteer to help Musante, 50, committed suicide in the church. mond Miller, 27; Freeman Burkholder, 31; tory Christian Center, allegedly raped a 13-year- an elderly friend shovel a driveway?” Nachajski Police believe Schirmer was having an af- Elizabeth A. Miller, age unknown; and Kathryn old girl in a stairwell before church. He’s also said. “I stand before you in fear of my safety.” fair with Musante’s wife, a church employee. Miller, age unknown, all from Irondale, OH; and charged with molesting a 15-year-old girl. “You betrayed their trust,” Keller answered. Source: Pocono Record, 9-28-12 Lester Mullet, 27, of Hammondsville, OH, were Former Victory Christian employee Israel “You do not resonate with the strength of true Henry E. Lackey, 59, Auburn, GA: Enticing found guilty of conspiring to violate the Matthew Shalom Castillo, 23, is charged with making a remorse.” Source: Reading Eagle, 9-28-12 a child for indecent purposes, child molestation Shepard-James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Preven- lewd or indecent proposal to a child and using a Luckner Sylvain, 49, Norwich, CT: 2½ and aggravated sodomy. Lackey, pastor at Free tion Act. computer to facilitate a sex crime. Several other years in prison and 10 years’ probation for risk Will Pentecostal Church in Buford, became the The jury also convicted various groups of employees face child abuse charges for not of injury to a minor after pleading guilty to mo- subject of an investigation after the alleged vic- defendants with 4 counts involving kidnapping. reporting the alleged incidents to police: Paul lesting a 12-year-old girl multiple times while tim came forward. Samuel Mullet Sr., Lester Mullet and Eli Miller Willemstein, 32, Anna George, 24, Harold F. she lived with his family in 2006. “The child was 10 years old at the time and were also convicted of concealing or attempting Sullivan, 73, Charica D. Daugherty, 27, and Sylvain co-founded the Bethany Foundation, resided in the same neighborhood as Mr. Lack- to conceal evidence. John S. Daugherty, 28. Source: Tulsa World, which claimed to be raising money to help Hai- ey,” said police Lt. Michael Fugett. Source: Ac- Convictions stemmed from assaults in 4 9-18-12 tian children affected by a 2010 earthquake, and cess North Georgia, 9-26-12 Ohio counties last fall in which defendants forc- Darrell W. Blair, 43, Crowley, TX: Sexual was affiliated with First Haitian Baptist Church in Michael Whitsey, 49, Murfreesboro, TN: 10 ibly removed beard and head hair from practi- assault. Blair, pastor of New Breed Christian Norwich. Source: theday.com, 9-26-12 October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 19

Matt Pitt, 28, Birmingham, AL: 2 years’ un- about the alleged abuse. “They said I was go- Marco Antonio Ordenes Fernandez, 47, supervised probation after pleading guilty to at- ing to burn in hell for saying those lies about — ‘They said I was resigned as bishop of Iquique, Chile, after alle- tempting to impersonate a peace officer. Pitt, a the priest.” gations of sex abuse of a minor. Vatican spokes- Christian evangelist and founder of “The Base- The Richard twins have been convicted of going to burn in hell man Federico Lombardi said the link between ment” youth revival movement, was arrested af- multiple sex abuse counts. Source: Halifax Her- resignation and investigation “can be consid- ter allegedly flashing a badge and telling police ald News, 9-24-12 ered obvious.” he was a deputy sheriff. Andrew Druding and Michael McDonnell, for saying those lies Ordenes is accused of molesting an altar He was stopped by police for flashing blue alleging sexual assault, are suing the Catholic boy. His accuser, Rodrigo Pino, 30, alleged the lights at motorists on I-65, forcing them to pull Archdiocese of Philadelphia, church offi- about the priest.’ abuse began when he was 15. Source: BBC, over before speeding past them. About 2 weeks cials and 3 priests. Comment by his parents 10-9-12 after his arrest, he told his followers, “We’re not “What you did didn’t define me,” said Drud- Gary Miller, Evergreen Park, IL, resigned perfect, we’re only forgiven.” Source: abc3340. ing, at a press conference. “I may be damaged to a Canadian abuse as pastor at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in com, 9-26-12 goods, but I’m not going to allow you to beat victim Evergreen Park, IL. The Archdiocese of Chi- James Cain, Orrum, NC: Pleaded guilty to me.” cago removed him from public ministry amid al- involuntary manslaughter in the 2002 death of Druding, 51, accused Fr. Francis Feret, legations he engaged in sexual misconduct with his wife, Norma Cain, 60, and was sentenced then choir director at St. Timothy Parish in May- Legal Developments a minor while assigned to St. Leonard Parish in to 3 years’ supervised probation and 16 to 20 fair. “You took advantage of a 9-year-old boy A Michigan judge ruled a lawsuit against the Berwyn more than 30 years ago. Source: NBC months in prison suspended. Orrum, a Baptist who loved to sing and who was afraid to tell Boy Scouts of America and other entities Chicago, 9-26-12 pastor, was first indicted for 1st-degree murder. because you were a priest, God’s messenger by plaintiffs seeking damages for molestation The Archdiocese of Boston placed James E. Norma Cain died from a lethal dose of the on Earth and the most holy person in my life,” charges will go forward. Gaudreau, 69, pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic prescription narcotic Temazepam, which was Druding said as his wife wept in the front row The suit was filed in 2011 by Mid-Michigan Church in Lynn, MA, on administrative leave af- prescribed to James Cain. Prosecutor Tripp of seats. Guardianship Services on behalf of 2 broth- ter receiving an allegation of sexual abuse of a Watson said her husband provided Temazepam Feret, 75, was found “unsuitable for ministry” ers who say they were molested by Assistant child in 2006, according to a statement. Source: and insulin. “He encouraged her to continue to in May. Scoutmaster Roger Young, who had worked Daily Item, 9-24-12 take the medicine, and that was the cause of McDonnell, 44, alleged he was abused as a with the Chief Okemos Council since 1979 and Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, Catholic Diocese her death.” Source: Fayetteville Observe, 9-26- St. Titus Parish altar boy by Revs. John Sch- was charged with criminal sexual assault and of Joliet, IL, removed Fr. F. Lee Ryan from 12 meer (now removed from public ministry) and possession of child pornography. He killed him- public ministry after earlier reinstating him. Edward Warnakulasuriya, 54, Newington, the now-defrocked Francis Trauger. self in 2009. Ryan was first removed by Conlon’s predeces- CT: 1 year in jail suspended and 3 years’ proba- Several more suits were announced by oth- Jim Jamo, an attorney representing Peo- sor in 2010 due to an alleged relationship with a tion on 3 counts of 4th-degree sexual assault. er alleged victims. Source: Inquirer, 9-19-12 ple’s Church, where the troop meetings were teen in the 1970s. Warnakulasuriya, a native of Sri Lanka and for- Jody and Derek Gallagher have sued Dale held, said the church “continues to pray for all A Florida man, 52, alleged that he and Ryan mer pastor at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in L. McFarland, Radiant Church Assembly of who are victims of any type of abuse and their had a relationship that lasted for more than a Simsbury, was charged with sexual touching of God and the Arizona District Council of the families.” year, starting when the accuser was 14. Source: an 18-year-old male who had gone to the rec- Assemblies of God, alleging McFarland, while Attorneys allege the Scouts were notified Chicago Tribune, 9-18-12 tory for confession. pastor of a Surprise church, “breached his duty 3 times of Young’s suspicious behavior and a Theodore Podson, 64, was removed from Court documents allege that on more than as a pastor and counselor when [he] began ma- pending criminal sexual conduct investigation in active ministry as a Catholic priest by the Rome- one occasion, the priest had the youth untuck nipulating a vulnerable Jody for his personal, 2007 but no one took action to restrict him from based Piarist Fathers on allegations he mo- his shirt and unzip his pants for a “blessing.” perverted sexual pleasures.” working with children. Source: Lansing State lested a 13-year-old Devon, PA, student in the After the blessing, the arrest warrant stated, The Gallaghers claim McFarland persuaded Journal, 9-27-12 1990s. Podson was among 7 priests on a 1994 Warnakulasuriya touched the alleged vic- Jody to exchange nude pictures with him and Archdiocese of Philadelphia list of dozens who tim near or on his genitals. Source: Simsbury explicitly described his desire to [expletive] her Allegations admitted or were suspected of sexually abusing Patch, 9-21-12 on his Harley. Source: Courthouse News Ser- Yoshiyahu Y. Pinto, 38, and his wife, Dvora minors. Source: Inquirer, 9-17-12 Oscar D. Perez, 69, Laguna Hills, CA: 330 vice, 9-19-12 Rivka Pinto, Ashdod, ISR, are under house ar- Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput in years in prison for sexual assaults on 5 youths James Fairbanks, 57, and Alain Beret, 59, rest after being questioned on allegations they May said Fr. Michael Chapman, 56, was ready he allegedly was grooming as “ministers” at Sutton, MA, are suing the Catholic Diocese of tried to bribe an Israeli police investigator with to return to active ministry but reconsidered af- Iglesia Antigua, a breakaway Catholic sect. Per- Worcester for discriminating on the basis of $100,000 to get information on a case in which ter the archdiocese received a new accusation ez was a church bishop. sexual orientation in the course of a real estate they’re suspected of money laundering. that Chapman had molested a minor at Ascen- “You are a predator,” Judge Steven Brom- negotiation, alleging the church backed out of a Rabbi Pinto, founder of the Shuva Israel Ye- sion of Our Lord Parish in Kensington about 30 berg told Perez. Source: Lake Forest Patch, property sale after it found out the men were a shiva, has an influential following in Israel and years ago. 9-15-12 married gay couple. the U.S., including ties to several U.S. lawmak- Chapman was among 2 dozen priests Gregory M. Oats, 32, Roseville, MN: 6 “I have lived quietly in the mainstream for ers. In August, the FBI arrested his former top placed on leave in March 2011. Chaput perma- months in jail and 10 years’ probation after nearly 60 years, and I expected to continue aide, who had worked as a fundraiser for New nently removed 7 of them after finding allega- pleading guilty to financial exploitation of a that,” Beret said. “But I will not continue that York Rep. Michael Grimm. Al-Monitor reported tions credible. vulnerable adult. Oats, pastor at Word of Faith at the expense of my dignity.” Source: Boston then that the 7 top donors to Rep. Eric Cantor’s The first allegation against Chapman in- Ministries, admitted stealing $25,000 from a Globe, 9-18-12 2008 campaign were from Pinto’s followers. volved “boundary violations,” which include 78-year-old parishioner with Parkinson’s, diabe- A Florida man, 57, alleges in a lawsuit Dvora Pinto attempted suicide by taking an inappropriate comments, touching or conduct tes and paranoid schizophrenia. Oats was the against the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City- overdose of pills during police questioning at that could be considered grooming of victims, man’s care agent and held his power of attor- St. Joseph, MO, that he was molested by Fr. their home. She is expected to recover. Source: church officials said. Source: Inquirer, 9-18-12 ney. Source: Pioneer Press, 9-14-12 Jerry J. Wegenek when he was about 11. We- Al-Monitor, 10-12-12; Jerusalem Post, 10-14-12 Laddie Pierce, 66, pastor of West Pen- genek died in 2011 at age 73. Removed / Resigned sacola Baptist Church in Florida resigned for Civil Lawsuits Filed The diocese said Wegenek was removed unspecified reasons after a “family meeting” at A Colorado man, 49, is suing the Catholic Leo Casas was suspended as a priest by from the ministry in 1994 after allegation he was the church. Randall Markham, 72, shot Pierce in Diocese of Bismarck, ND, alleging Fr. Mau- the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philip- involved in sexual misconduct with a teen boy the thigh in the church parking lot Sept. 5, said rice McNeely molested him at an Army base in pines for filing a certificate of candidacy fora in the 1970s. Source: Kansas City Star, 9-13-12 a sheriff’s report. Hawaii in 1974 to 1975. The plaintiff was an al- gubernatorial race. “The Church continues to Markham told detectives he shot Pierce be- tar boy at a Fort Shafter chapel where McNeely maintain that the governance of political life is Civil Lawsuits Settled cause he believed he was having an affair with ministered to military families. McNeely, in his A federal jury awarded $280,000 in damag- the role of the laity,” said Masbate Bishop Jose his wife, who works at the church day care cen- 80s, now lives in Michigan. es, including $100,000 in punitive damages, to Bantolo. ter. Source: News Journal, 9-18-12 The priest forced the plaintiff to perform oral an employee of the Bernalillo County Water Util- “Priests have no place in politics,” said sex on him in the sacristy, the complaint alleges. ity Authority in Albuquerque, NM, who claimed Luzon Archbishop Oscar Cruz. Source: Gulf Legal Developments A separate suit filed by the same plaintiff in Ho- he was denied promotions because he resisted News, 10-12-12 Charges of involuntary deviate sexual inter- nolulu last year names McNeely and the dio- the religious proselytizing of his supervisor, Loren O’Dea, 83, Waterford, MI, a retired course, sexual assault and statutory sexual as- cese as defendants. Source: Dickinson Press, John Stomp. priest who assisted with services, was placed sault were reinstated by a Philadelphia judge 10-4-12 A jury rejected James Chávez’s claim he on leave from Our Lady of Sorrows by the against Andrew McCormick, a Catholic priest A California man, 25, is suing Fr. Don Flick- was discriminated against on the basis of race Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit after allegations accused of forcing oral sex on a 10-year-old al- inger, the Catholic archbishop of San Francis- but agreed he was denied promotion because of sexual misconduct involving 2 minors were tar boy in 1997. co, the bishops of San Jose and Fresno, the of his [lack of] religious beliefs. “deemed substantive.” The charges were dismissed by another Fresno Education Corp., St. Frances Cabrini Stomp repeatedly tried to get him to attend O’Dea retired as pastor at Our Lady of Sor- judge at an August preliminary hearing at which Church and St. Frances Cabrini School, for his church and gave him a bible, according to rows in 1997. Source: Observer & Eccentric, the alleged victim, 24, testified that McCormick, allegedly molesting him when he was 10 and the suit, but Chávez, an engineer, resisted. 10-11-12 56, put his penis on the victim’s lips and teeth covering it up. The plaintiff alleges defendants Source: Albuquerque Journal, 9-18-12 John Lipinski, 43, St. Paul, ALB, was re- in the rectory of St. John Cantius Church in tolerated Flickinger’s serial abuse of boys and lieved of pastoral duties by the Ukrainian Ortho- Bridesburg. at least 1 girl in California parishes and schools. Finances dox Church of Canada after a company he co- McCormick was put on leave in March 2011 The Ontario Securities Commission ordered The complaint said Flickinger was trans- owned with his wife and another man was fined by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Source: In- Scarborough pastor Marlon G. Hibbert, found- ferred 20 times as a priest. He now lives at a $215,000 for bringing in welders and machinists quirer, 10-3-12 er of Dominion World Outreach Ministries, to retirement facility. from Europe and exploiting them for profit. pay $5.6 million to investors and the commis- Flickinger’s conduct was so frequent that The firm, Kihew Energy Services Ltd., Other sion after bilking parishioners in a scam. Tom Brennan, 74, Toronto, NSW, the first students warned each other to watch out for him pleaded guilty to breaching the Immigration and “In 32 years, I have never encountered a Australian Catholic priest to be charged with and called him “Fr. Fuckinger,” the complaint Refugee Protection Act. In exchange, charges more vile, more heinous fraud than that perpe- concealing sexual abuse by another priest, died said. The plaintiff alleged the priest convinced were dropped against the Lipinskis and Calvin trated by Hibbert on his unsuspecting parishio- of cancer 6 months after he was forced to retire his parents he needed private counseling and Steinhauer. The court was told that Kihew made ners,” OSC adjudicator James Carnwath wrote. and while his case was pending. examined his genitals “to make sure everything about $1 million from the scheme. Source: Cal- Source: Toronto Star, 9-27-12 Brennan was also convicted of making a works.” Source: Courthouse News Service, 10- gary Herald, 10-10-12 false statement to police in 2009 in which he de- 1-12 nied receiving reports about the teacher/priest, “Jane Doe 51,” now 31, is suing the Cath- who can’t be named for legal reasons, who was olic Diocese of Stockton, CA, for covering accused of molesting children in the 1970s at up alleged abuse by defrocked priest Oliver St. Pius X School. O’Grady in 1991-92 when he was pastor at St. Along with 2 counts of concealing the other Andrew’s Parish in San Andreas. priest’s abuse, Brennan was charged with sexu- O’Grady, convicted of molesting 2 boys from ally assaulting a boy, 8, in the 1980s. He was Turlock, served 7 years of a 14-year sentence also charged with assaulting 2 boys by caning before being deported to his native Ireland, them for reporting the other priest, who alleg- where he’s in prison for child pornography. edly molested 31 boys after Brennan was told Source: Modesto Bee, 9-24-12 of the situation in 1978. Three Canadian men, ages 49, 62 and 63 One of the alleged victims, John Pirona, (including 2 brothers), are suing the Catholic committed suicide in July after leaving a let- Diocese of Antigonish, NS, alleging they were ter saying he was in “too much pain.” Source: molested by priests in the 1960s and 1970s. Morning Herald, 10-2-12 The accused priests are twin brothers Clair and Paul A. LaCharite, 65, Somerville, MA, was Claude Richard. found dead in a parking garage, victim of an ap- One plaintiff alleges he was hitchhiking parent drug overdose. LaCharite, former pastor home from skating when one of the priests of St. James Episcopal Church, faced charg- picked him up, showed him pornographic pho- es of assault with intent to rape a child and 3 tos and “made a move across my leg.” counts of indecent assault and battery on a child “I told him to stop the car or I’d cut him with under the age of 14. my skates,” the suit alleges. The abuse allegedly occurred for about a The man’s brother said he told his parents decade. Source: Boston Herald, 9-27-12 Page 20 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012 Letterbox

Readers send kudos “Cranksters to FFRF’ers: ‘Get pack- ing,’ ” [Sept12] was an ugly compila- for convention tion of bible-thumpers mired in their Thank you so much for giving us own hypocritical temerity, from which the opportunity to visit fabulous Port- they have no desire to extricate them- land, Ore. We loved it there and would selves. like to make a return visit. Thanks also The perniciousness of the muddle- for the well-organized, interesting and headed nincompoops and their ob- fun convention. We look forward to noxious drivel is but reflective of the attending the convention next year in “bigot’s handbook” they are so enam- Madison. ored with. In the hotel I encountered a stack William R. Lamppa of bibles stacked on freshly laundered Minnesota bedding and towels. I asked at check- • • • out why the bibles were placed in For at least 83 of my 91 years I have rooms and said I found that offensive. been an atheist. For the past 25 years I asked why bibles weren’t just placed or so I have been a member of “that in common areas where people could church for atheists,” Unitarian Univer- people pick them up, if they wished. salist. Many members do not share our His answer was if they’re left out, “faith” in unfaith, but we get along. they get stolen! He also said if there I am writing about the September are no bibles in the room, people call crank mail collection. Did you have to ask why not. to print so many? It was repetitive and How often does that really happen? disgusting. It made my wife laugh, and Sue Schuetz she just had to read them to me. Un- Wisconsin fortunately, I could not share in her • • • merriment. I found it sad that there Just a note to say what a pleasure it are so many illiterate people who just was to attend the conference in Port- don’t get it. land. I’d not been to an FFRF conven- Morton Nadler tion before, despite living nearly next Virginia door in Milwaukee. Thanks to every- one who worked to put the conference AA has supporters together! Gregory James and detractors Wisconsin RE: “Religious Rehab: Fishing for As a Life Member and the attorney in the original Ten Commandments case • • • the Weak” [Sept12]. Bailey Rahn and (Stone v. Graham, 1980), I want to thank FFRF for its aggressive efforts to stop My deepest gratitude for all you did Chance Campbell fall into the same the continuing displays of the Ten Commandments in public schools. in Portland. My wife and I met and generality as those who believe there William Cameron Stone talked with so many kindred spirits are no atheists in foxholes. The fact Kentucky and by chance had lunch and a won- that the Alcoholics Anonymous pro- “Efforts to get religion in the public schools are not new!” notes attorney derful talk with annalise fonza, while gram underscores belief in a “higher William Cameron Stone. The illustration above is from Frank Leslie’s surrounded by 20 or more Catholic power” doesn’t mean that there aren’t Illustrated Weekly in 1876, which shows secular Uncle Sam confronting priests at their meeting. (We did get plenty of hardcore atheists like myself representatives of various worldwide religions and belief systems. the odd stare now and then.) in successful recovery from alcoholism It could not have been more per- through AA. Like atheists at weddings, fect. we can enjoy ourselves while ignoring I would however like to clear up to not drink, find my inner strength Russell Case the liturgical baggage. the article’s shortcomings. Despite my and go out in the world and live a use- Washington I’m in my 40th sober and happy years of experience, I have no idea ful life. • • • year attending AA meetings. As AA’s what is meant by “religious rehab pro- If AA is as devious as Will and the ar- Thanks for the glorious opportunity official description states, AA is a “fel- grams.” They couldn’t mean AA, be- ticle’s writers make it out to be, I think to learn so much and be with so many lowship of men and women who share cause AA is simply a voluntary self-help the CIA should attend meetings and great folks at the Portland convention. their experience, strength and hope group which doesn’t charge for its ser- learn about covert operations. I am proud to be a Lifetime Member. with each other that they may solve vices. John Finnegan Jerry Foreman their common problem and helps oth- If the writers meant “fire and brime- Ohio Nevada ers to recover from alcoholism.” Nary a stone, find god now or burn in hell” word about “spirituality.” programs, I would agree with them. In Missouri billboard Crank mail upsets That being said, AA is at fault for my area we have the Cleveland Clinic, continuing to emphasize this obsolete considered one of the best hospitals in much appreciated some, entrances others concept dating from its founding in the world. This hospital has an alco- I’ve been reading the crank mail let- the old Oxford groups. By so doing, hol/drug program which tells patients ters and I must say, they are hilarious. we in AA limit our ability to reach out to attend AA meetings for help to stay These letters are obviously written to suffering alcoholics, many of whom sober. Is the clinic a religious rehab? by people of extremely limited intel- use our perceived religiosity to perpet- Secular? Both? The psychiatrists, nurs- ligence. These letters are written by uate the denial of their condition, to es, internal medicine physicians, social Thank you so much for putting up the hypocritical, brainwashed, bible- their peril. workers would like to know! the new billboard in Smithville, Mo. thumping lunatics who claim to be so A.K. I am an atheist and have atheist My husband and I have both been frus- holy and good. Not with the vulgar lan- Hawaii friends at meetings I attend. In the trated about the awful Catholic bill- guage that they use. • • • case study, Will saw “weathered desper- board and were thrilled when we saw I’d like one holy roller to prove to The September article “Religious ate faces.” Wrong again. I have a weath- the new one from FFRF go up. me that there is a god, and I’ll prove Rehab: Fishing for the Weak” was in- ered face after 40 years in recovery, but It’s been difficult to live in an area to them that there isn’t and never was. teresting to me on several levels. I am anyone who attends an AA meeting where there are so many religious fa- The bible is even more farfetched than a retired professional in chemical de- will see meetings made up primarily of natics, so it’s good to know that there fiction. Their god is the meanest and pendency treatment, an atheist and young people, from teenagers on up. are other like-minded people close by. most unpleasant person in all of fic- and a longtime member of a 12-step But the average age is quite young and Thank you again. tion. recovery group. far from the stereotype of the down- Martha Schroer My life is so wonderful without god The intent of the article is important and-outer clutching a wine bottle. And Missouri and religion. — the knowledge of recovery resourc- AA meetings are much more known Eugene T. Bernascone es for alcohol and drug treatment and for the laughter, friendship and hope Second Amendment New Jersey the pros and cons of any treatment. that permeate them than any despera- • • • And like FFRF’s never-ending battle to tion. trumps the First The essays by college students are keep religion out of government, the My higher power is the power of the Your response to Danny Miller’s most edifying, but the crank mail de- history of religious-based treatment people and principles of AA, not god. September letter (regarding the Sec- bases an otherwise excellent publica- for alcohol and drugs is a sad story of The “cleverly ambiguous” Step 2 [sub- ond Amendment) was an inappropri- tion. failure, primarily because they view it mitting to a higher power] got me out ate dismissal of a serious criticism. The John Tindale, Life Member as a sin rather than a medical and psy- of dependency, not into it. In a way, it cartoon Mr. Miller objected to had no South Carolina chological issue. But that doesn’t stop is cleverly ambiguous. I am powerless bearing on freedom from religion, and • • • them. over alcohol. Knowing that, I was able its inclusion in Freethought Today was October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 21 a gratuitous slap in the face to your if they didn’t, then he would torture Two topics all Is there any reasonable person who readers who value the right to keep them with fire for the rest of eternity. for the price of one would buy into and promote this theo- and bear arms. Is that what you want me to believe? ry? Does god pick the winner of the All- I am a lifelong atheist and I re- RELIGIOUS NUT: (silence). There’s one compelling argument Star Game, the World Series, Olympic gard the right to self-defense as fun- ME: And the only reason you know in favor of gay marriage which trumps events, political contests? damental as the right to free speech. this is because 65 to 300 years after Je- all others: One child in so many thou- Is all life reduced to god’s lottery? Mr. Miller was correct that the Second sus died, a bunch of unknown people sand is born with both sexes. I’m a mar- What happens when we find that mon- Amendment protects all other rights, wrote it all in a book and quoted the riage officiant. What do I do in a case ey bought the outcome of the game, and your slighting of it in favor of the exact words Jesus said. That is amazing like this? the election, the Academy Awards? First was shortsighted. Are you equally since no one took notes at the time Je- Sometimes these children (her- Does that mean that god favored the dismissive of the Fourth Amendment? sus supposedly lived or had a tape re- maphrodites) are assigned a sex at money side and not the side of right? The Fifth? corder. I find your story unbelievable. birth. It’s “easier” to assign female than Does anyone believe this? Unfortu- Reading Freethought Today re- RELIGIOUS NUT: You should not male, so you have a person who feels nately, it seems, more often than not, minds me that I’m not alone in my re- talk about my Lord and Savior Jesus male in a female body, or vice versa. people do believe. jection of superstition, but now I feel that way! Are they barred from marriage? Mar- What kind of just god would always like an outsider again. I was consider- ME: I don’t give a damn about your riage is a civil union. It’s only religious have to have a loser? They want me to ing buying an FFRF Life Membership religious sentimentalities. You have if it’s performed by a cleric. Any two believe this is the way the world is run? to complement my NRA Life Member- a book, the bible, which says that if I people can enter into a civil contract. There are very valid reasons I am an ship, but now I’m undecided. don’t believe in Jesus, I am going to On another topic, I don’t believe Je- atheist. These are just a few. Atheists come in all shapes and burn in hell forever. You think I am sus ever existed, but if he did, there’s Jeanne Owers sizes. We will disagree with each other so worthless that I deserve to be tor- no doubt he was a Jew. At what point Texas on many subjects. FFRF should work at tured forever. You don’t care about my did he relinquish his Jewish identity? representing all of us. feelings, so why should I give a damn Apostasy (renouncing one’s religion) Member offers e-book Jim Williams about your religious sentimentalities? is punishable by death in some coun- Washington These student essayists don’t have tries today and certainly was 2,000 years as letter template to take any guff from the deluded re- ago. He and his followers couldn’t have New Lifers in for ligious freaks. Just show them how ri- been preaching Christianity because it diculous their beliefs are. didn’t exist. the long haul Jim Worrell There have been rumors lately that Enclosed is my long overdue pay- Oklahoma Jesus was married. If he was, he would ment for Lifetime Membership. I can’t surely marry a nice Jewish girl. And think of a better way to help myself Howler: Canine every Sabbath, like Jews everywhere, than by supporting the great work that Jesus must have celebrated it with the you do. averse to holy water age-old rituals and prayers. FFRF gets results, and you do it with I drove a friend and her big old cat If the Last Supper actually took dignity and style. Keep fighting the to a very small gathering (four women) place, it was surely a seder. In short, the good fight. at the local monastery on St. Francis’ whole family would be turning over in Scott Eppelman Day. One lady joked that her little dog their graves if they knew that someone Texas had howled when sprayed with “holy” changed their religion on them. Pre- • • • water. posterous! Enclosed find my check for $1,000 “You know why,” I said, “animals are Kate Talbot, Life Member for Life Membership. I like and strong- atheist. He didn’t want to be blessed.” California ly support what you people are doing. They all LOL’d and nobody took of- It seems that we are slowly achieving fense! Celibacy as policy Dear Editor: a common man’s (not so growth in the percentage of people Sheila Somner, Life Member common) opinion, is an e-book that in- who have shrugged off the straitjacket Arizona an utter failure cludes my letters to the editor that of religious dogma. I have arguments at times with reli- FFRF has published as well as other John L. Coppejans Taking freethought gious people, rarely with any positive letters with a progressive bent on reli- California results. Mostly we just argue and give gion, atheism, humanism and related across the border up. Although I’m not trying to reform topics. Tell religious nuts I’m a retired psychologist and Af- the unreformable, there’s a question I The book is now available at smash­ ter-Life Member who has founded a like to ask the religious arguee, espe- words.com/books/view/236040. It can what you think freethinkers chapter within the Family cially Catholics: be downloaded for a small fee or by As I read the stories of the essay Motor Coach Association. The Lake Why not, at least, allow priests to browsing the first few pages for free. award winners, I was disturbed by the Chapala area south of Guadalajara, on marry and not to be bound by vows of As explained in the Introduction, I en- trouble that young people have when Mexico’s biggest natural lake, hosts the chastity? (The various justifications for courage readers to copy, modify or em- asked about their beliefs. I can un- largest concentration of Americans liv- chastity have an interesting history, but bellish any letter with my name under derstand that they are young and not ing outside the U.S. Expatriates here, aren’t necessary to recount here.) Al- and republish under their own name. accustomed to being aggressive when mostly retired, are estimated at be- lowing clergy to marry should allow for I’m hoping for a grassroots move- asked, “What church do you go to?” tween 6,000 to 10,000 (the latter in the at least some reduction in child moles- ment to spread the “gospel” of this let- As a person born into atheism, I winter when snowbirds arrive). tation, as the clergy would be allowed ter collection, of which I’m sure there want to tell you how I handle people This area, known as Lakeside, is full to get some sexual relief. is enough to offend just about any- who question my beliefs: of churches, bible study and prayer At the least, forcing the hierarchy to body, but hopefully also something to RELIGIOUS NUT: What church do meetings. Missionaries go door-to- deny this simple, once-practiced poli- inspire and provoke some thinking. As you belong to? door to spread “the good news.” A cy, would get all the cards on the table. you’ll see, I have included comments ME: And what church do you be- Baptist church has given a “course” on Jerry Weinberg from others, from one extreme to the long to? “How Science Points to the Existence Vermont other, good and, if not “bad,” at least RELIGIOUS NUT: I belong to the of God.” I knew only four freethinkers amusing! You be the judge, and don’t (usually Baptist in Oklahoma) church. after living there nine years. God picking winners shy away from letting me know if you ME: Let me get this straight. You Inspired by attending the Reason have any comments. believe that some man up in the sky Rally, which FFRF helped sponsor in must need losers Jorg Aadahl somewhere has been there for all eter- March in Washington, I placed ads in Everywhere we look, every day, a California nity and that one day, before there the weekly English-language newspa- business, a city government, a town were days, he decided to create the per inviting freethinkers interested in council, football coaches, basketball Universe. And after it was created in six forming a discussion and fellowship coaches, you name it, God is asked to literal days, he created a man (Adam) group. About 30 people responded. “favor” the supplicant: “We can’t win from whom he took a rib and created Now the Lakeside Freethinkers num- a basketball/football/baseball game a woman (Eve), who ate an apple and ber about 60 and meet twice a month. without god on our side. We ask for angered this man so much that he de- Our steady growth demonstrates we’re special favors — we ask to win.” cided to flood the Earth and murder meeting a real need. Members, per- From that request, we are asked to all but eight people and most of the haps encouraged by knowing that we believe that winning or losing a game animals. are not alone, are becoming more out- or the success of a business or town This man in the sky decided that spoken on religion’s impositions in the council are all dependent on the the humans he created couldn’t please community such as the attempted take- whims of an unknown, unseen “some- him enough to get eternal life, so he over by U.S. evangelicals of a facility for thing” out there. The talents of the decided that he would have a ghost abandoned and abused children. quarterback are neglible, the mayor of impregnate a woman who would bear The Baptists should not expect to the town could very well be illiterate. his (God’s) son. This son, called Jesus, offer their “course” again without it The skills of leadership are totally un- went running around Israel, ignoring being countered by accurate informa- necssary to the success of any endeavor Onward. . . China, Russia, North and South Amer- tion. because we (the town, the coach, the “I have to think that if this represents ica and the rest of the world, telling Ken Crosby priest, the minister) have begged god Christian values, I’m glad to be an everyone that if they believed he was Texas to intercede and provide us with a atheist,” writes Bill Breen from God, then they could live forever, and “Win!” Montana. Page 22 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012

Filmmakers and FFRF members Scott Mullin, Oregon, and Sean Namanny, Partners Todd Peissig, a Life Member from Wisconsin, and Eric Lawrence, California, videoed parts of the conference and interviewed speakers as part of Illinois. an upcoming documentary. Convention Mementos

Wet but clearly enjoying the optional preconvention tour of the Columbia Gorge/Multnomah Falls was this group of FFRF’ers.

The filmmakers (above) surprised FFRF staffers with these beautiful flower posies. Pictured admiring them are Jackie Douglas, Katie Daniel, Annie Laurie Gaylor, Katie Stenz and Lynn Lau.

Molly and Beth Taylor, Washington. Molly is in the eighth grade.

At Multnomah Falls: Jeanette Miles, S. Carolina; her son, Max Nielson, 2012 Student Activist Award recipient; and “Audio guy” Buzz Kemper, Wisconsin, recorded speeches. Jessica Ahlquist, 2012 Freethinker of the Year. October 2012 Madison, Wisconsin Freethought Today Page 23

Meet a Member Church retreat in 1966 backfired

Name: Dan Nerren. was out there and soon discovered a Where I live: Sand Springs, Okla., a secular invocation written by Andrew Tulsa suburb. Lovley of the South Maine Association Where and when I was born: Tupe- of Secular Humanists, which he had lo, Miss., 1948. used to speak to his local governmen- Education: B.S. in education, South- tal body. I adapted Lovley’s words to west Missouri State University, 1971. the Tulsa situation.” Occupation: Retired railroad work- The speaker is also expected to lead er. the Pledge of Allegiance. A TV report- Military service: U.S. Army, 1971-73, er noted Dan omitted “under God.” Wurzberg, Germany. “Had he been listening carefully, he How I got where I am today: Life would have discovered another change is much about unlearning incorrect I made to the pledge,” said Dan. “I ideas. Unfortunately, many people closed the pledge not with ‘with liberty never see this. Few there be who have a and justice for all’ but with ‘with liberty sense of their own acculturation. and justice its goal.’ Liberty and justice Person in history I admire: Carl Sa- have not become a reality for many citi- gan. zens. My son, watching from his home A quotation I like: “For me, it is far on the cable access channel, caught my better to grasp the Universe as it really change.” is than to persist in delusion, however In what could be called a sad com- satisfying and reassuring.” (Carl Sa- mentary, extra security was in place for gan) the meeting because it was announced These are a few of my favorite beforehand that a godless person was things: Playing piano, reading, volk- giving the invocation. However, Dan swalking [noncompetitive, 5K or 10K said, “There were no problems, no pro- outdoor walk]. testers. Everything went smoothly.” My doubts about religion started: I spent the summer of 1966 working at The invocation: a church retreat in New Mexico. I was exposed to many sermons. It was there Let us open our hearts to the wel- that I began to question the whole fare of all people in our community scheme. Dan Nerren prepares to tickle the ivories. by respecting the inherent dignity and Ways I promote freethought: I’ve worth of each person, and realize that been a Foundation member since our differences of race, religion and 1989. I’m active in a local Unitarian Tulsa. Greenwood was destroyed in the I was instrumental in founding the party affiliation are merely superficial. Universalist congregation, Church of infamous 1921 race massacre in north American Humanist Association chap- Our common humanity unites us all, the Restoration, so named to indicate Tulsa, where vigilantes took to the skies ter in Tulsa in 1988. I later organized and may we recognize that through the congregation’s desire to bring res- in aircraft to strafe the helpless black an atheist meetup group and stay ac- our interdependence we share a com- toration to the Greenwood District of citizens below. tive in other freethought groups. My mon fate. next project will be leading a Unitar- In order to achieve the greatest ian Progressive Book Club discussion good as citizens of Tulsa, it is important group, starting with Howard Zinn’s A for us to maintain an open mind, and People’s History of the United States. honor and respect the human rights Meet a multitalented Editor’s note: Dan also performed an in­ of each other. We should consider the valuable service for FFRF several years ago benefit provided by differing perspec- by indexing and binding 10 years’ worth of tives, and be willing to question as- Freethought Today issues. This is a tremen­ sumptions that serve only to obstruct volunteer dous resource for research and for the legal our path to progress. staff. Rather than bowing our heads simply being a dues-paying member. and closing our eyes in deference, we What I do as a volunteer: Help should open our eyes widely to face the around the office with anything that Dan Nerren’s secular reality that confronts us, without losing needs doing. invocation sight of our ideals of what we could What I like best about it: The fasci- achieve. nating people who work there. On Thursday, Aug. 30, Dan Nerren Through the prudent use of reason My day job was: Associate director treated the Tulsa City Council to a first and compassion, we can ensure the of the University of Wisconsin Press — the first atheist “invocation” at a Tul- success of this great city. (now happily retired). sa council meeting. Lastly, we must remember that in Education: Four years of music stud- For months the council had refused the face of adversity we need not look ies at the Ecole Normale de Musique to stop praying to open its meetings, above for answers, but instead recog- de Paris, playing French horn in the then eventually agreed to let previously nize the proven potential within our- Haifa Symphony Orchestra, B.A. in excluded groups address the council. A selves and in each other to overcome linguistics from Queens College (City local Americans United member asked any challenges we face. University of New York), M.A. in liberal Dan if he would give a secular address. Thank you. studies from Duke University. “I went to the Internet to see what These three words sum me up: In- quisitive, broad-minded, multilingual (fluent in English, French and He- brew, somewhat less fluent in Macedo- One Woman’s Fight Steve Salemson visited Aarhus, nian and conversant in German, Span- by Vashti McCollum Denmark, the nation’s second-largest ish and Italian). Historic legal battle to a city, in June. My freethought heroes are: Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, Joe Hill. Supreme Court Name: Steve Salemson. Things I like: Balkan folk dancing, victory removing religious Where I live: In a condo on Madi- biking, downhill skiing, Paul Robeson instruction son’s southwest side. recordings, the Green Bay Packers, from the public schools. Where and when I was born: Louis- Schubert lieder and Mahler sympho- ville, Ky., in 1943. nies, doing The New York Times cross- 240 pages, with photographs. Family: One younger sister, two sons word puzzle every day, and almost any $15.00 postpaid and daughters-in-law, three delightful ethnic cuisine. $20.00 nonmember grandchildren. Things I smite: Xenophobes, cock- ffrf.org/shop Why I volunteer for FFRF: I want to roaches, the New York Yankees. support the organization in addition to Page 24 Freethought Today Madison, Wisconsin October 2012

FFRF Co-President Dan Barker debuts his newest song, “Poor Little Me,” lyrics The collaboration gets a big “thumbs up” from the audience. by Dan and music by Broadway legend Charles Strouse, who received FFRF’s Emperor Has No Clothes Award in 2011 for outing himself as a nonbeliever.

FFRF Convention ’12 Highlights

Photography by Andrew Seidel unless otherwise noted.

More photography on pages 11-14, 22.

Jerry DeWitt had the crowd in his pocket (see the “love offering” he’s waving in his hand) during The Clergy Project panel, when he delivered his freethought talk in the mode of a Pentecostal preacher. (Jerry requested the crowd affirm his statements by saying “Darwin” instead of “amen.”) Jerry is the first graduate of The Clergy Project, which works to help ministers who have lost their faith leave Lorraine Ideus, former minister-turned-atheist Ray Ideus, freethought celebrity the pulpit. Julia Sweeney and Dan Barker. Photo: Andy Ngo

Douglas Marshall, Michigan, principal plaintiff in FFRF’s lawsuit against the Richard Dawkins autographed hundreds of copies of his international mayor of Warren, Mich., gave a first-hand account of the case, in which the blockbuster The God Delusion after receiving his Emperor Has No Clothes mayor approved a nativity display while censoring FFRF’s solstice sign. Douglas Award. and FFRF are appealing the case to the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals with pro bono help.