Friday, January 29, 2010

Separation is a must in a democracy:

Separation is a must in a democracy:

Have you considered why church and state don't mix?  let's do that now.

The kind of good government we're all use to enjoying here in the US is called a democracy.  That means the people make the laws through representation - we, the people, are the first and the final word in all decisions of law making.  Churches don't work that way. 

In religion, the final word on everything is left to church elders, scripture, religious laws, Popes and gods (and of the gods... they're only heard from when they're spoken for and interpreted by the priests - ordinary men and women).  It works this way: religions are essentially organized as top-down governments.  Its true.  They're best compared to dictatorships where all the rules are imposed, top down, upon the bottom tier of members, the faithful followers. Those who sit at the top of the heap dictate to the bottom.

Moreover, religion and democracy don't mix for another reason.  Unlike our constitutional government, a representative government which is designed to allow churches to function within its open society, religions are unprepared to reciprocate and do likewise.  Religions are entirely intolerant of the democratic process - they just aren't made for.  Think it over... Are the members of a church given the right to choose what their gods are allowed to demand?  As an example, could they elect to add or subtract specific items from the ten commandments?  Of course not; and it is this kind of basic difference of structure, a difference over who makes the rules, that cause religions to be entirely unsuitable as a partner in democracy.

Give this topic some additional though on your own time, if you will.  And then, please step forward to join the secular society that stands firmly together keeping religion out of government.   
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Pre-Paid Politics:

Pre-Paid Politics:

Since the federal government has now paved he way for corporate America to spend limitless amounts of money to influence our future election results, we'd better start taking a closer look at what corporate America stands for.  Is it profit alone?  It could be.

The following links lead to a three part documentary program that sheds some light on the character of corporations.  Its worth the watch.  Check it out.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Opportunity knocks... Let's seize it!

Opportunity knocks... Let's seize it!

First Lady, Michelle Obama, released a message from the White House for all Americans to offer input into the president's search for an appropriate honoree to receive our nation's second highest award for citizenship, the Citizens Medal.  Her question was simple: "Who inspired you?"

For over 40 years, the President of the United States has awarded the Citizens Medal -- the second highest civilian honor in our nation -- to Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens."
Now for the 2010 Citizen's Medal, the White House is opening up the process to include an exciting source of nominations: you.  President Obama is inviting the American public to nominate candidates he should consider for the Presidential Citizens Medal -- truly making this an honor of, by, and for the American people.
Who has inspired you?  Whose selfless dedication to service has touched your life or the lives of others?
Watch the President explain the program in this web video and then nominate an unsung hero from your community...
Who inspired you?



As an atheist and a devoted citizen of my country, and a modern-day patriot, in fact, my thoughts immediately turned to the nation's founding fathers.  But as great as they were, they won't do.  Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Adams and the like, Einstein, Kinsey, Sagan and their kind, and Madeline Murray O'Hare, a truly unsung heroine, are all long gone.  Yet these were people who stood for the America I stand for, a secular America, and consequently my recommendation to President Obama of an appropriate candidate for the nation's Citizens Medal will have to live up to the standard these great people set.

Again, thinking as an atheist and as patriot of our country, I see an opportunity for the atheist community to join together and act as one in making a recommendation.  Consider it... Which living American has been least selfish in their efforts to build a better America, a secular minded America, and a better world for everyone?

I have my own short list.  It begins and ends with Paul kurtz - the man given credit for being the father of Secular Humanism.  What could be more American that that?

Can you agree?  If not, then who? 



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