|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Freethought Association of West Michigan Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts November 4, 1998
Important! Please help to encourage any and all potentially interested people to attend our next special event. This will be a presentation by Roger Greeley on "The Freethought Legacy of Robert Ingersoll", the 19th century "Great Infidel," powerful orator and influential promoter of independent thinking. Greeley is the minister emeritus of the Unitarian Peoples' Church in Kalamazoo, has authored two books (and given over 100 presentations) on the life of Robert Green Ingersoll. This is not be missed by any advocate of freethought. It will take place at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 41 Sheldon Boulevard S.E., Grand Rapids, on Wednesday, November 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $5, payable at the door. There is free parking available on the street or in the Spectrum parking lot. A good turn-out will ensure future special events and better public awareness of humanist thought.
Tim mentioned a special Friday the 13th event where participants do various things contradictory to superstitious beliefs; walk under ladders, and so on. Contact him or the general FAOWM address for more information.
The topic of this meeting was "Election Results and Politics" and was moderated by Dirk Nebbeling, long time humanist and "New Deal Liberal Democrat living in West MI." Dirk felt that there was some cause for elation in the results of this recent election. Much was made of the fact that the pundits and prognosticators were woefully inaccurate in their predictions on many aspects of the various election outcomes.
Dirk, unabashedly opined on the diverse differences between the two major parties and why he allies himself with the Democrats. These included issues such as health care, public education/charter schools, Social Security, privatization, prison growth and other areas of contention between the two parties. He also mentioned his feelings on lack of representation for many years for the causes and beliefs he cherishes. Many of us, regardless of our political leanings, related at least to not feeling represented well as members of the freethought community and how individuals from both parties ally themselves with religion to garner more votes.
The powerful influence of the Christian Coalition on the Republican party in general and Religious Right wing in particular was raised. Also how, in staunchly conservative areas, GOP candidates will try to out-conservative each other.
Some of the big surprises were recalled including the election of the colorful Ventura as governor elect of Minnesota. Besides his background in his role as "The Body" in pro wrestling there was the further surprise of him successfully winning as a third party candidate. The implications for the viability of future charismatic individuals from third parties was discussed. Also, related to this, the idea of a "none of the above" option on ballots was brought up as a way to make one's vote count while showing dissatisfaction with either choice.
The BBC recently ran a story on how this year's election demonstrated the rejection of candidates in every state who were strongly backed by the Religious Right. Of special note is Alabama governor Fob James' failed bid for re-election (he was the supporter of prayer in schools and the Decalogue remaining in Judge Roy Moore's courtroom.) This brought to mind how those running a more centrist campaign seemed more favored and how potential swing voters are more likely to go with someone not on any extreme. Speaking of extreme individuals; the friend of Dr. James Dobson, Pat Robertson and their ilk, Gary Bauer, has been talking about mobilizing 100,000 Christian activists to "bring the country on the path of redemption."
The Religious Liberties Protection Act was mentioned. This deals with government employing a compelling interest/least restrictive means test before placing any "burden" on religious groups and practices or rituals. Problems with this scheme include favoring the religious over non-religious and how religious practices in various cults or sects can include all manner of ethically heinous (and unconstitutional) activities. Related to this and the main topic was the ownership of vast amounts of tax-free land by churches and the tax-exempt status in general giving unfair advantages to them especially when they promote specific agendas via money and other influences in defiance of the church/state separation. A specific proposal mentioned was "B" which the Catholic Church put forth great effort in demolishing.
Not all in attendance were of the same political bent and not all to the same degree, so different challenges and ideas in contrast to the initial propensity emerged. Besides the Republican platform, the Libertarian view of "less government is better government" was discussed.
Also tossed about were thoughts on entitlements, debt reduction, spending, taxation priorities, the fate of Social Security once the "baby boomers" reach retirement age, amount of responsibility to others, etc. Related to health care, it was said that the greatest % of expense is incurred in the last 6 months of life. Canadian and European models were compared and contrasted to ours. The thought was raised that programs are implemented relatively easily but are difficult to "kill" when they either no longer serve their purpose or become very inefficient. Perpetuation rather than repair or elimination is often the rule.
Remember that our next meeting will be the special Ingersoll presentation by Greeley. Bring a spouse or guest to the UICA on the 18th at 7 p.m. ______________________
Two books of note on Postmodernism and A House Built of Sand; Exposing Postmodernist Myths About Science, edited by Norretta Koertge and Fashionable Nonsense; Postmodern Philosophers' Abuse of Science by Alan Sokal and Jean Bricmont. Charles LaRue Recorder
|
|
Home
| Meetings | Calendar
| Past Meetings | About
Us | Membership | Volunteer
| E-mail Lists |
Message
Board |
