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[escepticos] Fwd: AANEWS for Wednesday, November 26, 2003
--- owner-aanews en atheists.org escribió: > Asunto:
AANEWS for Wednesday, November 26, 2003
> Fecha: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 19:25:53 -0500
> De: owner-aanews en atheists.org
> Para: escepticosdemadrid en yahoo.es
>
> A M E R I C A N A T H E I S T S
> A A N E W S
> #1134 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11/26/03
> http://www.atheists.org
> http://www.americanatheist.org
> http://www.atheistviewpoint.tv
> ftp.atheists.org/pub/atheists
>
>
----------------------------------------------------------
> A Service of AMERICAN ATHEISTS
> "Leading The Way For Atheist Civil Rights
> And The Separation Of Church And State"
>
-----------------------------------------------------------
>
> "ATHEIST is really a thoroughly honest, unambiguous
> term, it admits of
> no paltering and of no evasion, and the need of the
> world, now as
> ever, is for clear-cut issues and unambiguous
> speech."
> -- Chapman Cohen
>
-------------------------------------------------------------
>
> In This Issue...
> * Disputes resume over Christmas, religion
> * Protest faith-based initiative, Bush this Monday
> in NJ!
> * Johnson on "Scarborough Country" Friday evening
> * Winter Solstice Meet 'N Greet 12/21
> * Resources
> * About this list...
>
> 'TIS THE SEASON FOR DISPUTES OVER CHRISTMAS,
> STATE-CHURCH SEPARATION
>
> Thanksgiving may be looming on the calendar, but the
> promotion of the
> seasonal Christmas holiday has already begun. Along
> with the lights,
> trees, retail sale signs and other accoutrements
> associated with this
> time of year are the ephemeral disputes over what
> role, if any,
> religion should play in the celebration. The
> traditional stand-bys
> like nativity scenes and Menorahs will inevitably
> generate their share
> of controversy, but school boards and civil
> libertarians are also
> arguing about religious displays in the classroom,
> and even the
> content of student choral programs.
>
> All of this takes place against a wider cultural
> backdrop, the debate
> over whether religion should enjoy any
> government-sanctioned role in
> the public square. This comes in the wake of a
> controversial federal
> decision striking down the display of a Ten
> Commandments monument in
> Alabama's Judicial Building, and a pending Supreme
> Court review of the
> use of the words "under God" in the Pledge of
> Allegiance. Groups such
> as the Alliance Defense Fund have launched new
> programs like the
> Christmas Project Initiative to encourage religious
> expression in the
> public square during the Christmas holiday. The
> 10-year old Alliance
> says that its mission deals with "the legal battle
> for religious
> liberty and traditional family values."
>
> * In Colorado, the Elbert County Charter School says
> that it will
> continue its program of planned holiday choral songs
> despite protests
> from the ACLU and the Anti-Defamation League.
> Attorneys for Alex and
> Sydney Rubin, parents of two girls who until
> recently attended the
> school have charged that the current musical program
> causes Jewish
> students to "no longer feel safe or welcome there."
>
> The school has had a problem with religious
> proselytizing. Last year,
> for instance, a teacher showed a creationism video
> that warned
> students "the only way to be saved from the next
> flood is to accept
> Jesus Christ as your savior." Principal Les Gray
> told the Denver Post
> that showing the film was "our error."
>
> Attorney Barry Arrington of the Alliance Defense
> Fund said that the
> protests were mean to "censor Christmas," and
> charged that the ACLU
> and ADL were promoting an "anti-religion agenda."
>
> Bruce DeBoski, regional director for the League told
> reporters, "We're
> not trying to censor anyone. We support religious
> liberty, but we
> don't want tax money used to promote any one
> religion."
>
> * In East Whiteland, Pennsylvania, requests from
> parents to have a
> Christian nativity creche erected in the local
> school has generated
> controversy and division.
>
> Teresa John, the parent of a fourth-grader at the
> Great Valley School
> District, told reporters that "there doesn't appear
> to be tolerance
> for Christianity at Christmas time.
>
> "The Christmas holiday has been eliminated over the
> years by changing
> the Christmas tree to a Giving Tree, changing the
> Christmas concert to
> a holiday concert, changing the Christmas break to a
> winter break, and
> encouraging class moms to come up with a craft for
> the holiday party
> that isn't angels."
>
> John was among the parents asking school officials
> "to give Christmas
> its fair, historical representation and rightful
> place with the other
> holidays that are celebrated at this time of year."
>
> Another parent who supports presentation of a
> nativity creche told
> school board members that her survey of other
> residents in the area
> with youngsters in Charlestown Elementary found that
> 90% claimed to be
> Christians.
>
> * So where should parents and school officials draw
> the line when it
> comes to acknowledging "Christmas" as a secular
> holiday?
>
> Constitutional attorney Malia Brink warns, "Any
> religious display in a
> public school, particularly an elementary school,
> warrants suspicion
> and raises concerns of religious endorsement."
>
> She added that a number of factors must be weighed
> in evaluating the
> legality of any presentation or seasonal activity,
> including the
> intent behind the display. In addition, no one
> religion may be
> favored over others, or above nonreligious "belief"
> systems.
>
> Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, said
> that complaints
> over religious displays in schools usually rise
> around the Christmas
> holidays.
>
> "Our response to this problem is pretty
> straightforward," Johnson
> said. "Religious displays of any kind simply don't
> belong in public
> schools. There may be some truth to the claim that
> even having an
> evergreen tree in a hallway raises legal concerns --
> but when you put
> an angel figure on top of it or add a sectarian
> nativity creche,
> you're clearly running afoul of the First
> Amendment."
>
> Johnson added that groups like the Alliance Defense
> Fund or Pat
> Robertson's American Center for Law and Justice are
> trying to "spin"
> the Christmas holiday into an excuse for
> proselytizing.
>
> "If they want nativity scenes, religious songs and
> prayer, they should
> hold these events in churches or private residences,
> not in
> taxpayer-supported public schools."
>
> http://www.atheists.org/church/nativity.html
> ("A Nativity Potpourri," by Frank Zindler. How the
> story of Jesus got
> started...)
>
> http://www.atheists.org/church/jesuslife.html
> ("How Jesus Got A Life," by Frank Zindler)
>
>
http://www.americanatheist.org/win99-00/T2/remnants.html
> ("Remnants of Christmas Past," by Conrad Goeringer.
> From Puritan sobriety
> to
> Callithumpian misrule, how the Christmas holiday was
> invented.)
>
>
http://www.americanatheist.org/supplement/wintersol-sun-moon.html
> (Winter Solstice: Sun, Moon and Worship," by Conrad
> Goeringer. He's
> really the "Sun God," not the Son-of-God!)
>
> http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/ganul1.htm
> ("Richard Ganulin fights to end government Christmas
> holiday," 12/24/98)
>
> http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/ganul2.htm
> ("Ganulin files latest response in Christmas
> lawsuit," 3/23/99)
>
> http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/ganul4.htm
> ("Judge rejects Ganulin suit, rules federal
> Christmas holiday is secular,"
> 12/9/99)
>
>
> **
>
> SEND A MESSAGE TO
> GEORGE BUSH
> THIS MONDAY, DEC. 1 -- EAST
> HANOVER, NJ
>
> THEIR RELIGION -- OUR
> MONEY -- NO WAY!
>
> President George Bush is coming to East Hanover
> (Whippany), NJ this
> Monday, December 1 for a $2,000/person fundraiser.
> Many groups will
> be speaking out -- and American Atheists will be
> hosting a
> demonstration contingent to voice our opposition to
> the federal
> faith-based initiative.
>
> Even though Bush supporters can shove out $2,000 for
> a lunch, and the
> churches have special privileges and tax exemptions,
> the White House
> wants US to pay for religion-based social programs.
> AMERICAN ATHEISTS
> says: "No Way!"
>
> Join us this Monday, December 1, 2003 outside the
> Hanover Marriott
> hotel beginning at 3:30 as we protest George Bush's
> federal
> faith-based "religion tax"! Look for American
> Atheists signs and
> banners..
>
> * DRESS APPROPRIATELY, for the cooler weather
>
> * The Marriott is conveniently located off Route
> I-287 on Route 10.
>
> * No parking is permitted at the Marriott Hotel or
> on Ridgedale
> Avenue. However, parking is allowed at the PNC Bank
> located at 2
> Ridgedale Avenue. Once parked, you can walk on a
> pathway toward Route
> 10. Parking is also permitted along Wing Road.
> Please allow
> sufficient time to reach the demonstration site and
> find suitable
> parking. And watch this web site for updates.
>
> * ENDORSE THE DEMONSTRATION! Even if you can't
> participate in our
> protest, show your support on this important issue!
> Visit
>
http://www.atheists.org/action/alert-26-nov-2003.html
>
> WHAT: American Atheists protest against the
> faith-based initiative at
> Bush fundraising appearance.
>
> WHEN: This Monday, December 1, 2003 from 3:30 PM to
> 6:00 PM
>
> WHERE: Across from the Hanover Marriott, 1401 Route
> 10 East, Whippany,
> NJ 07981
>
> MORE INFO:
>
http://www.atheists.org/action/alert-26-nov-2003.html
> or
> contact ej en atheists.org
>
> AMERICAN ATHEISTS is a nationwide movement that
> defends civil rights
> for nonbelievers; works for the total separation of
> church and state;
> and addresses issues of First Amendment public
> policy.
>
>
> **
>
> JOHNSON ON MSNBC "SCARBOROUGH COUNTRY" FRIDAY,
> NOV. 28
>
> Ellen Johnson, President of American Atheists, will
> be on a guest
> panel on the popular MSNBC news program "Scarborough
> Country" this
> coming Friday, November 28, 2003. The show is
> hosted by former U.S.
> Congressional Rep. Joe Scarborough; the topic will
> be the battle over
> "acknowledging God" and religious displays during
> the "Christmas"
> season in the public square, especially in our
> taxpayer-supported
> public schools.
>
> "Scarborough Country" usually airs at 10 PM ET, but
> can be moved due
> to programming changes. The show also repeats
> throughout the night.
> Check your local listings, or visit
> http://www.msnbc.com
>
> WHAT & WHO: Ellen Johnson, President of American
> Atheists on MSNBC
> "Scarborough Country."
>
> WHEN: This Friday, November 28, 2003 scheduled to
> air at 10:00 PM ET
> -- check local listings.
>
> MORE INFO: http://www.msnbc.com
>
>
> **
>
> Join the Staff, Officers and Directors
> From American Atheists at a gala
>
> WINTER
> SOLSTICE MEET 'N GREET
>
> Sunday, December 21, 2003
> The Crowne Plaza Hotel
> Clark, New Jersey
> 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
>
> AMERICAN ATHEISTS invites members and supporters to
> a gala WINTER
> SOLSTICE MEET 'n GREET on Sunday, December 21, 2003.
> This special
> event includes a Buffet Luncheon, and an opportunity
> to personally
> meet officers, staff, and many State Directors of
> American Atheists.
>
> Join us as we welcome special guest MARGIE WAIT, the
> new Librarian and
> Archivist of the Charles E. Stevens American
> Atheists Library and
> Archives (CESAALA).
>
> Other guests include:
>
> -- ELLEN JOHNSON, President, American Atheists
>
> -- DENNIS HORVITZ, Co-Host, The Atheist Viewpoint
> Television program
>
> -- DAVE SILVERMAN, Communications Director, American
> Atheists
>
> -- JOE ZAMECKI, Office Manager, The American Atheist
> Center
>
> -- CHAD HETMAN, New Jersey State Director, American
> Atheists
>
> -- DAVID CONDO, Maryland State Director
>
> Register now for this seasonal bash! The cost is
> $25 per person, and
> only $14 for youngsters 12 and under. Sign up on
> line using our
> secure transaction server at
> http://www.atheists.org/wintersolstice.html
>
> The menu includes Tossed Green Salad, Pasta Salad,
> Red Bliss Potato
> Salad, Stuffed Shells, Penne Pasta with Blushing
> Vodka Sauce, Chicken
> Marsala, Chef's Selection of Garden Vegetables,
> Warms Rolls with
> Butter, Chef's Selection of Desserts, and Regular
> and Decaffeinated
> Coffee, Tea.
>
> Appropriate Dress is Requested.
>
> The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 36 Valley Road
> in Clark, New
> Jersey (Phone 732-574-0100). The hotel is located
> off the Garden
> State Parkway at Exit 135. Take exit 135, then the
> 4th exit off the
> circle marked Rahway/Linden. The hotel is located
> on the left.
>
> WHAT: Winter Solstice Meet 'n Greet
>
> WHEN: Sunday, December 21, 2003 1-5 PM
>
> WHERE: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, 36 Valley Road in
> Clark, New Jersey
> (Phone 732-574-0100).
>
> MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER:
> http://www.atheists.org/wintersolstice.html
>
>
> **
>
> RESOURCES FROM AMERICAN ATHEISTS
>
> * For membership information about American
> Atheists, send mail to
> info en atheists.org. Kindly include your name and
> postal mailing
> address.
>
> * For a free catalogue of American Atheist books,
> videos and other
> products, send mail to catalogue en atheists.org.
> Kindly include your
> postal mailing address.
>
> * The American Atheist Magazine is now on the web!
> Check out select
> articles from current or back issues, as well as
> special web-only
> features. Visit http://www.americanatheist.org/
>
> * If you are a current member of American Atheists,
> sign up for our
> e-mail discussion group, aachat. We have over 150
> participants who
> discuss topics such as Atheism, religion, First
> Amendment issues and
> much more. Contact the Moderator, Margie Wait,
> through
> mdwait en atheists.org
>
>
> **
>
> ABOUT THIS
> LIST...
>
> AANEWS is a free service from American Atheists, a
> nationwide movement
> founded by Madalyn Murray O'Hair which defends the
> civil rights of
> nonbelievers, and addresses issues of First
> Amendment public policy.
>
> You may forward, post or quote from this dispatch,
> provided that
> appropriate credit is given to both AANEWS and
> American Atheists.
> Please do not post complete editions of this
> newsletter
> indiscriminately to news groups, boards or other
> outlets. Edited by
> Conrad F. Goeringer, cg en atheists.org. Internet
> Representative is
> Larry Mundinger, lmundinger en atheists.org. President
> of American
> Atheists is Ellen Johnson, ej en atheists.org.
>
>
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