American Atheists Missouri

Dr. Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists, has announced that he will be retiring from that position in September, 2010, or within a few months thereafter (depending on how soon the board can agree on a replacement), following two years in office.

Buckner said that he will remain with the organization as an active member, volunteer, and strong supporter. He gave several reasons for choosing to not continue as president: “I need more time to write and reflect, as well as simply to relax more, and the organization needs fresh leadership. I am proud of what we — a few staff members and many dedicated volunteers — have accomplished in the time since I became president, and I am optimistic about the future of secularism in general and American Atheists in particular.”

Ed Buckner saw the organization through a turbulent time. Under his presidency, American Atheists re-organized its corporate structure, continued to reach out to and work with other Atheist, Freethought, and Humanist groups, including joining the Secular Coalition for America, and revitalized its fundraising efforts to insure that it would survive and thrive as an activist movement for years to come.

“Whenever the change of leadership occurs,” said Dr. Buckner, “I pledge my full cooperation in making the transition as smooth and as beneficial to American Atheists as possible.”

He added, “I am grateful to the board and the members for an interesting job and for the great honor of leading the premier secular and Atheist organization in the world. I will, I promise, work hard for the benefit of American Atheists in whatever time remains before I retire as president and will support the organization thereafter.”

Neal Cary, Chairman of the Board of Directors of American Atheists praised Buckner’s accomplishments. “We are grateful to Ed for his considerable efforts and very hard work over the past two years in building a stronger organization and ushering in much needed changes. We look forward to working with him closely in the future as well.”

Mr. Cary said that the process to find a new president will begin immediately. Details will be posted on the American Atheists web site (www.atheists.org) and in American Atheist magazine.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists, Freethinkers and other nonbelievers; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.

American Atheists, Inc. PO BOX 158, Cranford, NJ 07016

Tel.: (908) 276-7300 Fax: (908) 276-7402

“At best, a throwback to primitivism — at worst, unconstitutional political posturing and manipulation…”

An Atheist public policy group denounced Sunday’s “Day of Prayer” by Southern governors as a political stunt which is exploiting an environmental tragedy in order to win votes and promote religion and as, incidentally, a clear violation of Christian biblical principles.

“At best, this is a bronze age response to disaster,” declared Dr. Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists. “This is just another example of how some political leaders use religion to win votes, garner public sympathy, and lead people to believe that superstition trumps the need for good planning and responsible public policy. These governors are plainly hypocrites as defined, allegedly in words from Jesus, in Matthew 6:5-6.”

The Governors of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, along with the lieutenant Governor of Florida, all issued proclamations declaring Sunday, June 27, 2010, a Day of Prayer and urged citizens to engage in religious ritual in hopes of finding a solution to the growing oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

“This is about as deep as you can get when it comes to promoting irrationality and faith-based superstition,” added Dr. Buckner. “We have another example of public officials telling citizens when and how to pray, whether to pray, and what to pray for.”

Dave Silverman, Vice President and Communications Director for American Atheists, said that prayer is never a suitable substitute for sound public policy, environmental safeguards, and sensible planning for catastrophic emergencies.

“I doubt that Jesus or some angel is suddenly going to descend from the sky with millions of feet of boom, or more barges to suck up the leaking oil,” said Mr. Silverman. “If prayer really worked, why is it that so far, anyway, God seems to be ignoring the suffering all along the gulf?”

Dr. Buckner added, “Perhaps the politicians need to get up off their knees and spend more time mobilizing the resources to deal with this catastrophe. That should not include offering false hope or ridiculous suggestions for the people being affected by this event.”

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists, Freethinkers and other nonbelievers; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.

American Atheists, Inc. PO BOX 158, Cranford, NJ 07016

Tel.: (908) 276-7300 Fax: (908) 276-7402

Ten Commandments Judge Roy Moore Seeks Role

An Atheist state-church separation group is expressing concern over efforts by members of the Kentucky state legislature to interfere and/or influence a legal case challenging a religious plaque in the offices of the state Homeland Security office.

In December, 2008, the organization and several plaintiffs challenged the placement of the plaque at the agency’s headquarters that affirmed “Dependence on Almighty God as vital to the security of the Commonwealth..” Attorney Edwin Kagin, National Legal Director for American Atheists, argued that this was a clear establishment of religion that violated both the Kentucky State and Federal constitutions. A state circuit court concurred; and the Kentucky State Attorney General’s Office appealed.

Now, legislators in both the state House and Senate have taken the unusual step of filing separate amicus briefs; and disgraced former Judge Roy S. Moore of Alabama, notorious for posting religious slogans in government building including a massive monument of the Ten Commandments, has petitioned Kentucky to be admitted to the case as an attorney.

“All of this is very unusual and it smacks of improper and perhaps illegal legislative interference in the business of our courts,” said Mr. Kagin. “This may be a violation of the separation of powers doctrine.”

Dave Silverman, Communications Director and Vice President for American Atheists, noted that since his fiasco over the Ten Commandments monument which he ordered installed in the Alabama Judiciary Building, Roy Moore’s political fortunes have been in decline. “He came in fourth the recent gubernatorial primary, and received only 19% of the vote,” Mr. Silverman said. “That tells me that even in Alabama, voters are tired of religious sloganeering in campaigns. They are clearly repudiating Moore’s brand of extremist and divisive politics.”

Edwin Kagin said he is hopeful that the state Court of Appeals will agree with the lower court ruling.

“Government shouldn’t be using public funds, and the war against religious terrorism, as a way of promoting religion.”

AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that defends civil rights for Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.

American Atheists, Inc. PO BOX 158, Cranford, NJ 07016

Tel.: (908) 276-7300 Fax: (908) 276-7402

AMERICAN ATHEISTS ACTION ALERT

The Comedy Central channel is planning a new series, “J.C.” which according to reports will take a lighthearted look at the Christian messiah. (See: `”Outrage over Comedy Central’s planned show depicting modern-day Jesus in NYC Critics rip Christ cartoon ” at http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view/20100604outrage_over_comedy_centrals_planned_show_depicting_modern-day_jesus_in_nyc_critics_rip_christ_cartoon/

It pits a video-game obsessed father figure, “God,” (described as “powerful but apathetic”) against his mostly-ignored son.  The venue is modern-day New York City.

Religious groups are furious about a program that ostensibly ridicules or mocks Christianity.

Two months ago, episodes of South Park which airs on the Comedy channel were “bleeped” for making references to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.  Some Christians protested.  Now, Christian right organizations and self-appointed media “watchdogs” have launched a campaign to intimidate VIACOM, which operates the Comedy Central program,  and are demanding that the new project be canceled.

ATHEISTS, FREETHINKERS AND ANYONE ELSE CONCERNED

ABOUT FREEDOM OF SPEECH NEED TO SPEAK OUT

AGAINST THIS FAITH-BASED INTIMIDATION!

It is hypocritical to protest Islamist censorship of our media, but allow Christians, Jews or other sectarian groups to violate our freedom of expression and freedom of choice in the entertainment marketplace!

Religious groups have joined together in a media group known as CARB — “Citizens Against Religious Bigotry” (http://www.mrcaction.org/555/petition.asp?Ref_ID=3457&CID=555&RID=24550778

They have launched an online petition directed at Viacom.  Bill Donahue, head of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, has openly boasted that this is just “one step” in a wider campaign to eliminate any statement or programming that mocks, ridicules or “insults” organized religion, especially Christianity.  Prevented from enlisting government to support their cause by the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment, these groups are resorting to threats of boycott, intimidation and other tactics to constrain free expression.

We haven’t seen a script or pilot for “J.C.”– and neither has  CARB.  You should have the right to decide for yourself what programs are appropriate for you and your family.

We urge Atheists, Freethinkers, Humanists, Secularists and others to speak out on this issue.  One step you can take is to contact VIACOM through their web site and tell the company that you support their right to air controversial material like “South Park” and “J.C.” You can visit their “contact us” form at http://www.viacom.com/contact/Pages/default.aspx or send snail-mail to:

Viacom Inc.

1515 Broadway

New York, New York 10036

(212) 258-6000

Keep your remarks concise and to-the-point.”  Encourage the company to continue production of “J.C.” and other programming that reflects a diverse audience.  Ask for a response, and be sure to include your full name and address.

OTHER TALKING POINTS

* Comedy,. like other narratives, serves many purposes including provoking people to think and discuss controversial issues.  Americans especially should not sacrifice that in favor of “religious correctness.”

* If Christians, Muslims or other faith-groups do not like a particular program, well, no one is compelling them to watch.

* Controversial expression can often lead to more dialogue.  There is a role for our many forms of expression and communication in being “edgy,” provocative and, yes, even “insulting.”  We often mock politicians and government leaders — that is an important part of our democracy!  Why should religion, or any other category, enjoy some special immunity?

* After you have contacted VIACOM, visit blogs and newsgroups to educate others about this important issue.  We recommend Dave Silverman’s thought-provoking NoGodBlog (www.nogodblog.com).  Share copies of this Action Alert with others.

Thank you for supporting freedom of expression!

(AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement founded by Madalyn Murray O’Hair that defends civil rights for Atheists; works for the total separation of church and state; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy.)