Freethought Association of West Michigan Meeting minutes of 12-13-00 #81
During announcements it was mentioned that Calvin College is offering two noon series programs that may be of interest. On 1-17-01, Unified Theory of Physics will be presented and on 1-19-01, Embryonic Tissue will be discussed. Jeff said he has received at least a call a day based on the Press article. Most of the response has been favorable. Some elderly people would be able to attend if rides were made available. The winter solstice party is scheduled for 12-27-00. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins can be accommodated.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding our mission. One argument was made that we should try to expand our membership, involve our children, and promote a public image. Reference was made to the impact, presence and influence of our opposite numbers - the religious right - but they have unlimited funds and political clout which we do not have. The merits of encouraging the G.R. Press to provide a philosophical section or a way-of-life section, as they now have with a religious section, were suggested. As for publishing our own newsletter, it would likely not be financially possible, and in a sense we would be preaching to the choir. There is evidence that our web site is reaching a significant number of people. Our outreach could be enhanced with radio messages and articles in other publications, The Paper, being one. Whether it is desirable to expand our membership was questioned. Could it have a dilution effect? One member said his reason for having a license plate that reads - atheist - is merely to encourage others to think differently; that it might spur some to realize that there may be other paths to truth than the traditional way. A new attendee said that when he had to deal with his children during their growing up stage, there was no group like ours to rely upon. Belief in God was the only route available. If we are interested in promoting ourselves, we could consider charitable activities and media events to show a different face than what many people perceive about those who are non-religious. Jeff indicated that a number of people have expressed interest in social activities. He would like to promote a monthly opportunity, albeit informal, where reservations would not be required, but would be there for the choosing.
The weather made it impossible for the speaker, (as well as a substitute) to come from Kalamazoo tonight. Dr. Ellin has been rescheduled for April 25, 01. The calendar for the next several months are:
Dec. 27 - Winter Solstice Party, Yen Ching Restaurant, downtown. RSVP to 616-892-9300 or jeff@freethoughtassociation.org. $12.50 plus tax, tip. cash bar.
Jan. 10 - History & Advantages of Freethought, William Merriman.
Jan. 24 - Surely We're Different. Is there anything that separates humans from the remainder of the animal kingdom? Are you sure? Dr. Gregory Forbes.
Feb. 14 - Ethics and Effects of Plant Biotechnology - Dr. Fred Deneke.
Feb. 28 - ADHD: Disease or Deception? - Dr. Robert Collins.
Program
Since our speakers were unable to appear, we dealt with the issue: Was the election fair? There should be the recognition that errors with ballots and voting processes probably occurred in many counties around the country. The equal protection clause got a lot of emphasis during this election process and the concept may be strengthened as a result of the difficulties. Part of the problem is that funds to improve the voting process have not been made available. Was there an unfairness in that third parties have little voice in the election? Should not Nader have been allowed at least to debate? There was some disagreement over the similarities of the two candidates. Some feel there was not that much difference, therefore assuring a close election. Others feel there was significance difference, and that these may be become more evident as time goes on as party loyalties and legislation have to be dealt with. An example is that the recent mandate by OSHA on ergonomics could be reversed by Pres. Bush. His position on global warming is not the same as many others. Some feel that it is money that has the greatest impact on the selection of the nominees. Disagreement was evident in the feeling about the electoral college. Parallels to the Hayes-Tilden election were stated, where Tilden won the popular vote, lost the Florida vote by fraud, and lost the election to Hayes. Initially the college was established to provide protection for the smaller states, but it may not be a valid argument now. If the college is kept, it may be logical to make some adjustments partly as a result of our enhanced communication capabilities. It was stated that other democracies do not have the electoral system. Discussion ended with the states-right vs. federalism issue, again with not much consensus. (Due to the undesirable weather our meeting tonight started with about 10, but as time went on, 30 eventually showed up.)
