That's not how we handle things.....But it was damn funny.

Last week someone ran down a monument of the Ten Commandments that was sitting (illegally) on public property in Oklahoma.

It was a bad way to get what you want, I admit. But I can't help but kinda laugh about it. The guy urinated on the monument, hit it with his car, then he went on a small rant about Obama. Here's the kicker: he blamed the devil.

The devil!

Boom! Not an atheist.

Totally not one of ours.  YES!!

I want to be clear: I don't condone the destruction of public or private property. The ACLU was taking proper legal routes to have the monument removed. I support the actions of the ACLU and their correct and civilized way of taking a religious monument off public lands.

The man who has been accused of the destruction of the monument sounds like he may need psychological help. I hope he gets that help as well as a fair and speedy trial- if needed.

But I'll be a damned liar if I say I wasn't a little tickled to read the headlines saying that the Ten Commandments were urinated on then smashed with a car.

They shouldn't have been there in the first place.

My Strong, Independent, Church-Going Mother

I will never understand why so many women are still a part of any religion. Especially any one that follows Judeo-Christianity. I read this article form AlterNet.org:

http://www.alternet.org/gender/20-vile-quotes-against-women-religious-leaders-st-augustine-pat-robertson?page=0%2C0

It has some of the most vile things that have been written or said about women from some of the most famous names in the Christian religions. Here's a good quote:

• "Woman is a temple built over a sewer."  —Tertullian

OR... 

• "The word and works of God is quite clear, that women were made either to be wives or prostitutes." — Martin Luther, Reformer (1483-1546)

Thanks, Martin! How about this one: 

• "The Holiness of God is not evidenced in women when they are brash, brassy, boisterous, brazen, head-strong, strong-willed, loud-mouthed, overly-talkative, having to have the last word, challenging, controlling, manipulative, critical, conceited, arrogant, aggressive, assertive, strident, interruptive, undisciplined, insubordinate, disruptive, dominating, domineering, or clamoring for power. Rather, women accept God’s holy order and character by being humbly and unobtrusively respectful and receptive in functional subordination to God, church leadership, and husbands." — James Fowler, Women in the Church, 1999.

Go fuck yourself, James. 

My mother was a great student. She skipped her junior year of high school and graduated early. She took a few college courses before she married my father and started a family. After my father left, my mother moved her three girls into her parent's home so she could return to school to earn her bachelors degree. After she graduated she had the courage to move us to a new state for work. She had a job lined up but she had no family, no support system, and no knowledge of the state of Florida. She found us a home, good schools, and made sure we were involved with the community to gain friends. She worked two jobs during the holiday season so we could have a nice Christmas. She worked late, sacrificed a personal life, and still made sure we all did our homework every night. My mother is my greatest role model. 

Unfortunately, my mother is also a Christian. She took us to a Church of Christ. It was the religion she had grown up in. It was the only religion I'd known for most of my life. (Catholics and Jews were just Hollywood stuff) Every week we were reminded that the woman's role was to serve her husband and run the home. My sisters and I were looked down upon because we didn't have a father. My mother was treated like a broken woman because she didn't have a man in her life to take care of her. 

I was appalled that my mother seemed to believe what others thought about her. She would cry. She would say that she just wanted us to be able to find a nice, god-fearing man and start a good church-loving family. Was that all she wanted for me? How could she give me all these examples for how a woman can be as strong as steel but, as weak as scripture? 

To this day I have internal battles with what I was taught was destined for me and what I truly want for myself. I struggle with the deep-rooted belief that I should be married. I should be taking care of a household. I should be having children. I should be submissive. 

But I'll never be those things.  And I'm angry that I still have this nagging feeling, that by not being who the church wants me to be, somehow makes me less of a person. Less of a woman. My strong, independent, church-going mother brainwashed me into believing that I can't be as strong as her. 

It's Happening....

The SCOTUS judgement that allowed Hobby Lobby to have a religious viewpoint is coming back to bite us in the ass. (As if it already didn't)

I read this article published by FindLaw about Ark Encounter, a Noah-based theme park:

http://legalpronews.findlaw.com/article/03be7622fb0212970a5de3d211431810#.VDafPGddWXo

It's set to open in 2016 in Kentucky. The state of Kentucky was to offer tax incentives to the park for bringing tourism to the state. Fine. Lots of states do this. A big attraction brings money to the state; the state allows for tax breaks to the attraction as a 'reward'.

Here's the problem: the owners of the park want to make potential employees sign a faith agreement stating that they truly believe in the 'great flood'.

It's absurd that anyone actually believes in a world-wide flood. There is no geological or anthropological proof that something of that magnitude even occurred. But, people will believe an ancient and non-peer reviewed book over years of scientific study and testing. What are you gonna do?

So, the state of Kentucky has determined that if the owners of the park don't remove this silly restriction then they will receive no tax incentives. Ark Encounters, LLC immediately cried persecution.

"Zovath, who is also co-founder of Answers in Genesis, said that if tax incentives for the project are withdrawn because it does not give written assurances the state now seeks, it would violate the organization's First Amendment and state constitutional rights." 

So now, the park has 'First Amendment and state constitutional rights'? Are you fucking kidding me?!? The park is doing the hiring and they want to discriminate? The state hiring laws are very clear. You cannot discriminate against someone for not holding the same beliefs as you. If you want to reap the benefits, then you must play by the rules.

Not being allowed to discriminate is not discrimination. Christians really need to learn this.

You know, I grew up in Tampa, FL. A LOT of my friends worked for Disney World. Not a single one of them believed in a real rodent who wears shorts and gloves. I'm pretty sure they didn't ruin it for the little kids who did believe in him.

At least Mickey is suitable for children. A story where a 'loving' god destroyed every living being? Men, women, children, every animal.... It's disgusting. Adding a rainbow to genocide doesn't make it pretty.

Hacking of the Humanists

Today the American Humanists Association's Facebook page was hacked. It's actually still happening. Right now. As I type. (I'm bored at work) It's been going on for an hour or so now.

The hackers got in, removed all the admin's privileges and began a tirade of trashy articles that belonged more on the covers of the Weekly World News magazine.  Pictures of women in yoga pants, women's secret sexual positions, collections of suggestive pictures, Kim Kardashian's rear end....(A lot of anti-women stuff if you ask me--must be one of those 'Good Christian Boys')

The first article I saw that looked questionable was "10 Selfies Taken Right Before Death". Really?!?!

There is a commenter in each hacked post directing everyone as to how to 'report' the group to Facebook and have the entire page taken down.

This is exactly what the hackers want people to do. They want this page taken down. I have no idea who has done this but I would not be surprised if it was a Christian supporter.

AHA has a 'Don't Say The Pledge' campaign right now. They are spreading the very tightly kept secret that kids do not have to recite the pledge of allegiance in school. In the 40's it was decided in a court decision that children in public schools do not have to recite the pledge.

Since then, almost no school teacher has shared that knowledge with the children. Seriously, I was in public schools for 12 years...no clue about this. I was given a worksheet as homework to help me memorize it word for word. We took time out of kindergarten to learn how to stand and place your right hand over your heart. I was given a flag to take home and practice the pledge. T.V.s in my classrooms would have a video of that one super American song that I can't remember (something about ..'they come to America'...), followed by the American flag with the words of the pledge rolling across the screen karaoke-style. (My head is exploding)

In the 50's 'Under God' was added to the pledge-- making it unconstitutional as a breach of the First Amendment to the Constitution stating that 'Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion...'. AHA is spearheading a major campaign to remove it and/or at least let kids know they don't have to say it.

Kids are starting to stand up to their teachers and refuse and they are being punished and treated like anti-American criminals. And now we have the loving Christians hacking Facebook pages and trying to shut-up the voices of secular people. (Allegedly)

Seriously? The Humanists? The people who specifically campaign for ALL humans? The ones who advocate the good-will and respect of all people? These are the ones you want to attack and call un-American?

I'm to the point where I'm truly ashamed that I have to admit that I was brought up and once identified as Christian.

Moral Low Ground

I was recently un-friended on Facebook by a family member. And I know exactly why.

It was because of Satanists. Seriously.

So, recently, in Florida, a court ruling allowed religious materials to be handed out in public schools. Naturally, the Satanists group decided to hand out Satanic materials- a coloring book.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/19/satanic-coloring-book_n_5846640.html

Their intent in this was to show Christians that if they make a law that allows religion into the classroom they must allow other religions into said classroom. Including the 'icky' ones. It's either allow them all, or allow none.

Christian have lost their minds about the idea of Satanist materials being allowed to be given to children. I found this to be hilarious. My cousin on the other hand...not so much.

She posted about how parents in Florida (our home state) should be careful in watching what their children bring home. A few of her friends commented about how awful, disgusting, and serious this was. Some commented about how this country is circling the drain and we all need to pray to Jesus. I commented that I thought this was hilarious.

I got banned faster than I knew what happened.

I guess I had it coming. I had previously called out this cousin for claiming she was a victim of 'Christian persecution'. In Georgia. Southern Georgia. HAHAHAHAHAHA!

 It wasn't pretty.

I guess this was my final offence. I am an atheist after all. I am inherently evil. I also have no moral code whatsoever. I have a hard heart and I do no good things in life. Like, at all.

Speaking of which, maybe I'll now mention how her husband, who is a good Christian man, tried to have sex with me on a few occasions. How he would beg me to let him into my bed. Or, we can talk about how her relationship with this man started while he was still married.

All of this information I have kept to myself to keep the peace in my family. I'm sure I would have been blamed for tempting him anyway. My family doesn't read this blog anyway- it doesn't matter.

Look, we all have a past. I remember going out and smoking, drinking, and generally partying with this cousin. I remember late-night guy hookups and racing around town too fast. I remember tattoos, cursing, and skipping church. But I guess we were teenagers.

We've both grown up. She is married with children. I work full-time and run several community groups. But, I don't appreciate her 'Holier-Than-Thou' attitude. I don't appreciate being judged as unworthy because I don't happen to agree with her opinion of religion.

Maybe I just need to color...

Here's my problem with CoCORE

It's a great idea, United CORE. An umbrella organization that was put into place to support smaller secular groups. They were to give the smaller leaders a voice within the nation-wide secular movement. They are in place to help announce events, fundraising, and leadership training. All well and good. I agree with this movement.

Here's the problem with COCORE (Colorado's branch of CORE): It has been taken over by a man who is running amok with power. This one-man-show refuses to cooperate with others, has deemed himself to be the head of CoCORE (with no vote), and he has decided that his rule is paramount. He believes that because he has bought notoriety that he deserves accolades for his 'effort'.

He basically took over this year's Colorado Secular Conference on his own. He anointed himself the king of the conference. (Then bitched about how much work it took him to do it alone.) He put a lot of his own time and effort-and let's not forget a LOT of his OWN money- into making the conference a big deal.

And it was! It was a three-day event with high-end speakers from across the country. About 20 vendor tables, a fully stocked VIP room, and kids room. It was quite a spectacular event. The problem was that this was not a 'local' conference. There was a total of one local speaker. MANY local secular leaders were annoyed that we weren't even asked to represent our state/group/community.  It also made NO MONEY. I believe he lost a lot, actually.

We all know why. He wanted to be the star attraction.  He prefers to be the one in the spotlight and will step on you to do so. He does not work well with others nor take anyone else's opinions or suggestions.  If he is- god forbid- forced to work with other people he whines constantly when he doesn't get his way, pouts when he loses, and just does as he wishes on his own without approval.

He recently decided that CoCORE (mostly he) owns the Colorado Secular Conference. He put it to a vote among the COCORE community if the conference should merge with the American Humanist Annual Conference that will take place in Denver next year. He made up a rule that if a group does not vote than that is an automatic 'yes' vote. It's absurd. Some groups left because of this. One group raised questions, tried to speak with this man one-on-one, and spoke with other groups about our concerns.

This prompted this man to send an attacking e-mail, directed to the one group leader who dared to ask a question, to the ENTIRE COCORE LEADERSHIP LIST. At least 30 people received this e-mail. It was one of the most childish things I have ever seen from a grown man. He then proceeds to act as if he is being attacked.

He has done this before. It caused board members to leave a group and lead him to step down from his own group. But, here he is, at it again.  Again, acting as if he has done nothing wrong.

There are some really great people in our secular community in Colorado who refuse to work with him. They have opted to sit out of a conference if this man has any involvement in it. It's sad. I also do not wish to ever have to work with him. I really should have learned my lesson from the 2013 conference. Last year we had a committee made up of 6 or 7 different community leaders to make decision, follow a budget, etc. He constantly whined and argued when he didn't get his way. It was literally like working with an ill-behaved child.

CoCORE was sold to me as an e-mail list. I wanted no part of it. I am a pretty well known person within the Denver Metro secular community. It's not difficult to get a hold of me. I'm in very good contact with other members and leaders throughout the city. If there is something going on in another part of the state I will usually hear about it. I just didn't want to receive 20 e-mails a day about random things. Which is exactly what happened when I was forced to join.

I was bullied into joining CoCORE by this man. I was told that if I wanted Denver Atheists to be a part of the Colorado Secular Conference then I must join. Otherwise we would not be represented at all. We weren't anyway. No one was- except this man and his interests. He called the shots and he ran the show. Poorly. (In my opinion)

I was bullied into joining the CoCORE organization. I won't be bullied by this man anymore.

I wish I was in high school again...

Florida high schools are 'under attack' because Christians aren't being allowed to force people to pray.

Boo-hoo.

Here's an incredibly biased article written about it:

http://www.inquisitr.com/1442033/florida-high-school-football-team-covers-the-field-in-protest-of-school-prayer-laws/

Christians stormed the football field in a blatant disregard of safety and security of the student athletes in order to stop the game and advocate their hypocritical show of prayer. (Matthew 6:6)

I'm getting really tired of trying to be understanding of Christians. It's as if they intentionally are trying to twist laws and verbiage to make them seem like the victim.  Oh wait. That's exactly what they are doing. I was taught to do it when I was stuck in religion. I was constantly being told that we (Christians) were under attack by the evils of the ACLU, FFRF and other 'secular's. (And, of course, the Muslims)

I grew up in Florida. I went to Brandon High School just outside of Tampa. Did I see athletic teams pray before/after/during  games/practices/random events? Of course I did. I was on an athletic team- I had to participate. It was constant. It was time consuming. It was fucking annoying. But, if I had refused to participate, I would have been labeled. No one in high school wants to be labeled. For ANY reason. Let alone being a godless heathen. I remember a friend of mine in middle school who told us she was a pagan. My mother flipped her shit. She would drive by the friend's house and point out all the evil signs of the home. (It was Halloween- they had decorations at the time) She would tell us that we should stay away from the entire family.

Personally, I think the friend was going through a 'cool-new-plants-and-rocks' phase. She had been raised Catholic and, I assumed, wanted to try new rituals. That's all Catholicism is, right? Rituals, saints (gods), and candles? No big difference to me.

Anyway, the crazy Christians in Florida- and I'm sure around the country- are failing to see the point. They are insisting that anyone who doesn't want to pray can just not pray. They aren't thinking about the Jewish kid or the atheist kid who don't want to be ostracized. They are probably in the mindset that those 'different' kids should learn about Christianity anyway.

It NEVER occurs to the Christians that if THEY want to pray then they should just do so and not make a huge thing of it and force everyone else to act as they act. The problem is that Christians are told to make everyone else Christians. They are a contagious disease. It's why we need more protections and advocates in schools.

If I had had the courage that I have now- and the knowledge- I would have stood up for my rights in high school. Damn, that would have been fun....

Thank you, science!

I work for a case manager and life care planner. Every now and then my boss needs research for any random medical issue.

Last week she asked me to research the latest advancements in spinal cord injury medications and technology. Every day I researched this I cried a little at what we are able to do.

Stem cells, umbilical cord blood, oxygen treatments, decompression surgeries.........bionic suits! This is the most incredible time for scientific advancements.

Except religious people are constantly trying to halt this process."Stem cells come from unborn babies! Using them for research is wrong and immoral!!"

I will NEVER understand why this country has blocked stem cell research for so long. We can literally regrew parts of us that are broken. This is incredible. But, religious nuts think stem cells are 'potential people'.

Just to be clear: I will willingly have an abortion to that the cells can be used to help a real person walk again.

Aliens Are Sinful

So the creationist idiot, Ken Ham, recently wrote that aliens are not worth looking for because they can't be saved.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/22/ken-ham-aliens-go-to-hell_n_5608368.html

Apparently, Adam and Eve's original sin affected the entire universe. This means that aliens also carry the weight of sin. But, according to Ham, aliens are not decedents of Adam so they can't be saved. 

Are we seriously doing this?

So aliens, who have had nothing to do with our planet at all...ever, are somehow affected by something one of our original people did thousands of years ago....but there is nothing they can do about it...because they aren't part of us....?

My head just exploded.

This is why Christians are so mocked by our society. Since Christianity is THE religion in America it happens to be the one that is shoved in our faces everyday. It's the one from where we hear the most idiotic things.

Seriously, Christians. You make Ken Ham famous, he says profoundly asinine things, and we atheists laugh and laugh. Thanks for the chuckle.

Trust me, if it were a Muslim 'religious celebrity' making these claims, I'd be all over them. (You're not being persecuted, Christians)

This just sounds, to me, like religious people are getting very nervous about NASA exploring space. When we do find intelligent life maybe they won't have a SkyDaddy. Or, what if they have proof of their SkyDaddy? And their SkyDaddy is more powerful than your SkyDaddy. Then where would the religious nuts like Ham be?

It used to be that we would make fun of people for believing in aliens. But, as NASA gets further and further with their research, it's becoming more and more egotistical to think that we are the only ones out here in this vast universe. To think that your religion should be pushed upon, not only our entire  species, but on the universe....doesn't sound like the humble people you try to claim you are. 

Jesus, take the wheel...What do you mean you can't drive?!?

A woman in Indiana claimed recently that she was overcome with a feeling that God would take over her driving.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2014/07/19/driver-says-god-told-her-ill-take-it-from-here-so-she-let-go-of-wheel-and-ran-over-motorcyclist/

Unfortunately for her, and other people on the road, God can't drive. Seeing as the last thing a Judeo-Chrisitan deity 'drove' was a donkey, it may have been a bit of a mistake in allowing said deity drive a two-ton metal hunk of death.

Of course, the woman ended up driving over a motorcyclist; nearly killing him. Did she think Jesus would drive her to the zoo?

Here's the kicker: the guy on the motorcycle? Credits God for saving his life.

Ta-da!

By the way,  he happened to be in the vicinity of a group of retired nurses who were able to get him stable and call an ambulance. What a miracle! ((heavy eye rolling))

So, which one is crazy? The woman who believed that God was talking to her to tell her to let go of the wheel and close her eyes or the guy who was run over, nearly killed, but 'saved by God'?

Believing in a force that knows all and sees all should teach you that God knew you were going to be run over by a car and that you were going to live. You don't need to thank him for saving you.What's going to happen was already 'written down'. He didn't 'save' you. If anything I'd be pissed.

Why would a loving God, who knew that this would cause you pain, allow this to happen?
For a test? That's sick.
To somehow make you a better person? That's cruel.
Because he can't change it otherwise? Why call him a god?

And claiming an invisible force was going to drive your car? That smells like some heavy bullshit someone is trying to use to get out of taking responsibility for their actions.

Admit it, chick. You were texting.

Side note: How can we possibly blame this on a country music song and get it banned? It worked for heavy metal music when kids became 'violent after listening to the music'? Maybe this woman felt that God could drive after hearing an artist claim he could.....? Can we PLEASE ban country music? Please??

God in Schools

My very religious aunt/cousin (don't get me started on this disaster) just posted an oldie but goodie picture:

 

 Sorry Aunt/Cousin 'Pat', I wont be 'sharing' this on my Facebook page.  Let me rant a bit and tell you why:

 Children's personal beliefs are allowed in schools. They can pray when they feel they need to (so long as it doesn't interrupt class), they can wear crosses, hell they can even say 'bless you' when someone sneezes.

Your god is NOT ALLOWED to be pushed onto students by the school.

Why do Christians not understand the First Amendment? 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.' A PUBLIC school CANNOT make mention of, or show favor to, one particular religion. Your child can bring their personal imaginary friend with them wherever they go.

Don't blame bad things happening in school on the government's lack of religion. Bad things happen to Christian all day, every day, everywhere, of all ages. It's either a 'test' from god or he's not allowed- pick an excuse. But stick with the damn excuse you pick.

Your god seems to be the master at hide and seek. If your god is so powerful why does he not just place himself in our schools? Don't give me that horseshit about free will. The entire population must rely on our own 'feelings', trust, and faith to believe in something. If I use that argument literally anywhere else it would fail miserably. Your god, instead of providing a smidgen of evidence to his existence, chooses to sit back and allow murderous bickering among his creations. And all for the sick pleasure of 'free will' glorification. Disgusting.

Lastly,  your god doesn't belong in school curriculum. Seriously, unless there is a social studies class that teaches comparative religion, any god or deity does not belong in schools. Period. End of story.
I'm always confused as to why Christians don't understand this. Your god is not THE god. And how DARE you try to force your god onto other people. In my experience it is the Christians who end up being the ones who lack the most empathy in this world.

I'll tell you why that is: Christians are so brainwashed during childhood (and sometimes at a person's weakest times) into thinking that their (Christian) way of life is the best and ONLY way to live. Everyone else has their world views wrong. Hindus, Muslims, Jews, hell, even Catholics, are so wrong about God that they must be taught by the holiest of holy Christians. Who are the holy Christians? Why, any one of them. (Sidebar: After re-reading this paragraph this statement can be true about literally any religion. Brainwashing is prevalent in most major religions. It has to be- it's the only thing that works. Don't want anyone to think I just pick on the poor poor Christians. Carry on)

When I was religious I was taught that I was the worst scum on Earth. I was a worm compared to the greatness that is the Almighty. There was nothing I could do that was worthy of Him. I ONLY had a chance at everlasting life because of Jesus. I was a horrible, miserable, sinner. But, compared to all the heathens in the world I was a damn angel saint come to rescue the masses with my infinite Bible knowledge (consisting of the few passages I was taught in Sunday School). Every one else was in desperate need of my help.

Proselytizing is a HUGE part of Christian teachings.  We were taught that this was a necessary thing because EVERYONE needed to know Christ. Heathens were unhappy and miserable- they just didn't know it. Luckily I was there to tell them. Or, at least, I was taught to tell them. I never did.

My oldest sister explained to me why she didn't agree with proselytizing: would you want someone to try to turn you away from what you believe was right? How would I feel if a Mormon started to tell me how wrong my life was and that I needed to follow their way? My sister's philosophy was that she won't try to convert you if you don't try to convert her. It keeps the peace that way.

I was a pretty chill atheist for a few years. I didn't argue back with religious people. I let things slide. I thought 'Hey, it's just the way they feel about their religion. No big deal.' Well, it is a big deal. And now whenever I say something back to them I'm 'persecuting' them.

Calling you out on your privileged status is not persecution. It's me not taking any more of your bullshit.

16/20

I'm really disgusted with the comments I'm hearing from my friends and family since the SCOTUS verdict earlier this week. My entire family is religious. All of them- okay with the exception of my 'pastafarian' cousin, but, he's also a libertarian so he doesn't really count. So SCOTUS sided with Hobby Lobby stating that the 'closely-held' corporation has its own religious ideas about the mandated provided healthcare. It's absurd.

http://www.politico.com/story/2014/06/supreme-court-hobby-lobby-decision-contraception-mandate-108429.html

What irks me more is that many of the comments in support of this ruling are from the women in my social group.  Religious friends and family, whom I love and respect, are praising this court decision and commenting on my annoyed posts against the decision. Some of the things they are saying are the classic arguments I've been hearing for the past few days. I'd like to address them here:

1) The Hobby Lobby health plan is still going to be covering 16 out of the 20 FDA approved contraceptives.

Are you fracking kidding me? All I'm hearing from you is that there are 20 options to choose from and your employer is telling you that 4 of those options they don't agree with so you can't have them. And you are basically replying to this nonsense 'WOW look at what they are still letting me choose from!'  Let's do a little role playing:

Suzy works at Hobby Lobby. Suzy is a customer service manager making $11 per hour. If Suzy works full time, annually she would earn $22,880- before taxes of course. Suzy is not married, but has a boyfriend, is sexually active, and decided that she doesn't want kids.  Suzy also has endometriosis. He physician has prescribed an IUD that her employer does not approve of. Not only do they not approve of this medication they don't approve of any medical visits where the physician would council Suzy about said medication. Not only can you not have the medication but the office visit where you would talk about the medication with the physician won't be covered. Un-fracking-believable. We'll come back to Suzy.


2) No one is saying that a woman can't have access to these other 4 medications. They have to pay for it or get them from somewhere else. 

 Let's be sure that we all keep in mind that we do pay for our health insurance. I get deducted a certain amount from each paycheck that pays for my health insurance through my employer. My employer also pays some for the insurance but I'm not getting anything for free. I've chosen my physicians carefully. I like my gynecologist.  I really don't want to have to go to a Planned Parenthood clinic or some discounted free-clinic for my regular health care. I'm not putting those places down.  Places like that are for the people who have NO healthcare whatsoever. I'd be really annoyed at having to go there because the health insurance I already pay for is being blocked by my employer's religion and nothing more. Let's keep on with the role playing:

Suzy must now either pay for her IUD of out pocket OR she can go to an unknown clinic where they have this medication at a discounted rate.  IUD's can range from $500-$2,000 once you include the cost of the medication and the cost of having the device inserted by a physician. Sure, Suzy will be saving money in the long run by not having to pay for monthly birth control pills and feminine hygiene products (as most IUDs stop menstrual cycles). But, as any person living on a shoestring budget- and someone who lives on $22k a year is on a tight budget- coming up with upfront costs is difficult.

So Suzy decides she can't afford the IUD and goes without that form of birth control. She and her boyfriend use other forms of contraception, like condoms. Suzy becomes pregnant. Her employer won't pay for an abortion. Suzy develops an ectopic pregnancy. Now her employer has to pay for her surgery to save her life. Or not, because they can use this situation to say that it would kill the potential child in her womb. Suzy is S.O.L.

3) The government will just pay for it anyway. 

Sure. It's not like ANYONE is UPSET over the rising COSTS of government assistance that people receive...

Title X is a good example here. Title X is a family-planning program for low-income women. Nearly ALL House Republicans have already voted to cut funding to this program. In his 2012 campaign, Mitt Romney swore that he would kill the program altogether. (Dodged that bullet)

Title X funding has gone down more than two-thirds since 1980, after adjusting for inflation. It has less funding than what is already needed to help the amount of low-income and uninsured women in this country. Adding all of these privately insured people would overload it even more and make it even more vulnerable to political attacks.

Funding to Planned Parenthood is also under attack largely due to conservative politicians looking to punish the organization for access to separately provided abortions.  'You do something that we don't like so we're going to punish EVERYTHING you do.'

More with Suzy: What if Suzy had a normal pregnancy? Now her employer will lose out on her birthing costs,  her maternity leave, any time off she will need to care for her child, etc. Suzy would probably add her child to her health insurance increasing the long-term cost of care for both her and her child. On $22,880 a year- before taxes- Suzy will now need to be on WIC and/or food stamps. These are government funded nutrition plans for children and low income families. Congrats! You've now just made your own taxes pay for not only Suzy, who was making it on her own with no government supplemental support, but for Suzy and her child. Good job.

4) Those pills caused abortions anyway. Women don't NEED abortion pills if they would just keep their legs together.

False. There are two kinds of emergency contraception on the market: an over-the-counter one generally known as Plan B and a prescription-only one known as Ella. There is no scientific evidence that emergency contraceptives available in the United States and approved by the FDA affect an existing pregnancy. These medications prevent ovulation, so there is no egg to fertilize. Mirena, a form of IUD, includes hormones that prevent ovulation. Other IUDs prevent implantation. That’s not the medical definition of abortion, which is ending a pregnancy. This is preventing one to 'take', which happens within a woman's body frequently and naturally.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified family planning as one of the greatest public health achievements of the twentieth century, finding that smaller families and longer birth intervals contribute to the better health of infants, children, and women, as well as improving the social and economic roles of women.”

“Contraception also helps to protect the health of those women for whom pregnancy can be hazardous, or even life-threatening.”
 
Hormonal birth control: “helps address several menstrual disorders, helps prevent menstrual migraines, treats pelvic pain from endometriosis, and treats bleeding from uterine fibroids.”  

 http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/hobby-lobby-case-myths-debunked

 5)  If they don't like it they can just get a job somewhere else!

Deal. Let's just send Suzy and everyone else who opposes this to Jobland where they will be able to choose a job with an employer who maybe doesn't have a religious issue with birth control. Our job market is PACKED with employers just waiting to hire as many people as possible. In fact, I don't like the color on the walls of my office. I'm going down to Jobland this afternoon for a new career.

What a joke.

6) This is about businesses being run the way the owner intends it to be run! Government can't just step in and take over my business!

You're right. The government can't just take over your business. They can enforce regulations. Child labor laws, Americans with Disabilities Act, discrimination laws, etc. I only took one course of business law in college. I'm no business law expert. But, and correct me if I'm wrong, I think I remember my professor, who was a practicing lawyer at the time, explaining to the class that once a company gets to a certain size they need to abide by slightly different rules. Regulations can also vary depending on the state. 

Here, with Hobby Lobby, we have a business that employs 13,000 people across the country. They are a national retail chain. This company is owned by a five-member family who, apparently, are religious enough to oppose certain types of birth control that 'cause abortions' but, just corporate minded enough to invest in these forms of birth control. So they will make money off the medications, they just don't want to have to pay a portion of the cost of it for their employees.

"Hobby Lobby's founders have made it clear that any abortion and certain contraceptives are unacceptable in their eyes, yet the company's 401(k) plan has millions of dollars invested in funds that own the companies that make birth control methods including Plan B, the so-called "morning after" drug."

http://money.cnn.com/2014/07/01/investing/hobby-lobby-401k-contraception/

Awesome.  So this company has won the legal right to have a religious view. And the company's religious view trumps women's rights.

7) 'Why should I be upset about this? Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean that I can't tell right from wrong!'

This one scares me the most. I good friend of mine from college actually said this one. It's on Facebook. We all can read it. What scares me about it is that she doesn't see what's wrong about this ruling. If fact, she doesn't think anything is wrong about it at all.  She sees this solely as a business rights ruling. This is where women screw themselves over. We miss the little things. This one company has an issue with certain types of birth control. So we let it slide. After all, it's their business. The next company in line has a problem with ALL FORMS of birth control. After all, it's their business and now we have a supreme court ruling that says they have a right to enforce their beliefs. The next company has an issue with blood transfusions. Then the next company has a problem with ANY medical treatment. They believe that prayer is the only form of help you need. Where does this stop?

One of this woman's friends had the audacity to compare that slippery slope argument with the slippery slope argument against gay marriage. 'If you let gay couples marry what's stopping people from marrying children and animals?' If you can't see the difference between consensual adults, pedophiles, bestiality, religious views, women's rights, and general scientific healthcare then get the hell away from me.

I think I may have lost a friend over a craft store.

8) This is about how Obamacare is crushing businesses!

Here's a point: If Hobby Lobby had brought this case to the courts under that idea that paying for medications is a costly burden on them though the Affordable Care Act we would be having a completely different discussion. But they didn't do that. They brought this case saying that these medications go against their religious rights.

A craft store's religious views trumps women's health care. And solely women's care. Vasectomies and male enhancement pills (Viagra) are still covered. This is a clear sign that our health system and country are taking monumental steps backward.  My health could take a back seat to someone's ancient, backward, unscientific, and outdated traditions.This court case has already led to other businesses filing suites to deny coverage due to their own personal beliefs. And they are going beyond just 4 out of 20 contraceptives.

I will NEVER again require a cheaply made, imported from China, piece of crap THING from Hobby Lobby.

SSA Conference

This past weekend I was honored to be able to speak at the Secular Student Alliance leadership conference in Phoenix, AZ. I was excited for the opportunity to give back to the foundation that helped me and my group out so much in college. My secular group in college may have trickled out some but when I ran it it was a fun and well-known group on campus-- at least I like to think of it that way.

The SSA is a great resource for college and high school aged kids who are wanting to start and run a successful group. They send materials, are there with an answer to a legal question, will send someone to your area to help with tabling, presentations, and demonstrations. They even set up a nation-wide speakers bureau and will give assistance to groups wanting to bring a bigger name to their campus.

Having a group in southern Louisiana was a bit of a challenge for me but with the SSA's help and support I feel that we were pretty successful. As long as there are group members willing to keep the group going once the leaders move on the group will survive.

I was asked to give a presentation on social media. At first I was excited because social media is a big part of my everyday life. But, honestly, what could I teach college age students about social media that they don't already know?? They could pull me into the audience and teach me things about Twitter and Snapchat that I'd never heard of, I'm sure. But, I wasn't there to teach them how to use the tools- just how to utilize them to their maximum potential. (God that sounded 'teachy')

You know how you plan for weeks what you are going to talk about? You write out an outline, take notes, practice for hours?  I did all that. I got to the podium and totally forgot about half of what I wanted to say. It happens. Was it my best speaking gig? Nope. Did I get my point across? I think so.

As my boyfriend said, "if they didn't run screaming then everything was fine."

I was able to put faces and personalities to people with whom I had spoken online for years. I was about to answer questions of students about running a group and what to do afterward. I was able to network on my own. All around, it was a good experience and I'd be happy to do it again.

Maybe not in Phoenix where it was 106 degrees at 8pm and I burned my feet on the ground while wearing shoes but, yeah, I'd do it again.

Say Something...ANYTHING

The song 'Say Something" by A Great Big World has struck a chord with me. Perhaps if I were ending a relationship or going through something terrible it would make me cry. The video for it sure made me shed a tear. (The elderly couple-- I mean come on!) But, what this song made me think of is how I initially felt when I was coming to terms with my atheism. 

I feel as if this song closely represents how I was thinking when I was just about to let go. I WANTED God to say something. I wanted there to be an eternal reward for me and my loved ones. I wanted there to be justice for all the wrong doings that laws of man could not provide. It broke my heart to know that the thing that was supposed to be protecting me my entire life was not really there.

I'm not sure if people who have been secular their entire life can understand this. Initially, I felt alone. I felt guilty. I felt scared, confused, and bamboozled. I'd been lied to my whole life.  I felt as if by turning away from religion I was turning my back on my entire life. I felt scared because...what was I going to do now? What does one do when they find out their entire thought process was based on someone else's opinion?

That's why this song touched me. Not because I was loosing a boy but because I was losing a relationship with my life.

I've worked hard to overcome the initial feelings I had. I'm still overcoming many of them. It has been a long and ongoing process for me. I feel that, with my new friends and community, I'm making great strides on becoming the person I should have been all along.

Less of an American

I'm really tired of being made to feel like less of an American due to my lack of belief.

No, there wasn't some new media-grabbing news that made me feel this way that is compelling me to write this post. It's the overwhelming stream of consciousness I get from my southern friends and family via social media.

Moving 2,000 miles away from everyone made it easier for me to live everyday life as an open atheist. Social media tends to bring me home in a philosophical way.  I am constantly bombarded with images of Jesus on a cross, scripture, and political agendas about how school shootings happen b/c God isn't allowed in schools anymore. Ugh!

Growing up, atheists were the scary people who were just outside of civilized society. These were the ones with no morals, bad attitudes, and a general disrespect for authority and American in general.

After all, God is the highest authority and America was blessed by God so...it's a Christian nation for sure. To be against God is to be unAmerican.

 I love my country. I've traveled outside of it and have learned that America may not be the best at a great many things but, when I came home, I was never more happy to be back. I had many friends in college who were so eager to leave the US for England. They couldn't wait to graduate and leave.  This country has it's problems but I want to be one of the few that stays because I want to help fix it.

 I vote in EVERY election. I pay my taxes. I buy American when possible. I volunteer time and money to social causes. I eat apple pie. I obey the speed limit- mostly. Hell, I've even watched football on occasion.

This is NOT A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY. You can read it anywhere. Our founding fathers said as much. I'm sick and tired of being called unAmerican because I happen to not believe in your particular fairy tale.

Rant over.

Women in Secularism Conference

I few weeks ago I was privileged enough to be able to attend the 3rd annual Women in Secularism Conference in DC. The list of speakers was awesome (as they were last year).

The conference seemed to have a bit more of a theme this year than they last one I attended. They focused a bit more on online feminism. Many of the speakers spoke of their own experiences with negativity while being a blogger/vlogger/writer. I knew trolls were out there but I never thought that women online were attacked in such hurtful ways so frequently. 

Women being called bitches, being threatened with rape and violence, and, of course, the general all-American name calling based on physical features. It's amazing that when someone is upset with  another person we attack each other with verbal assaults based on weight/face shape/clothes/etc. I can only imagine that when someone stoops that low they must not be very intelligent. Thus, not worth the effort.

'Not worth the effort' is the philosophy many of the speakers carried with them through their travels via the interwebs. Luckily, I have not personally encountered any vicious comments. I hope that I can react with the same grace and poise these women seemed to have. Or just weep silently in the shower.

Besides the troll conversations there was plenty to learn from these women. Many seemed to have wisdom and fearlessness beyond any Canadian lumberjack. Their confidence on stage and in person was like a breath of fresh air to me.  It gave me hope about my role as a leader in my Denver community.

Even tough I didn't feel as if I meshed well with the 'cool feminist atheists', I did feel an overall sense of comradery with the conference as a whole. The main purpose of the conference is to give women a chance to learn about all the wonderful things women are capable of- not just in the world but within the secular world. "Boy's club" is the term mostly given to atheism. Women are there but we are few and far between. Leader women are even harder to find. But at a conference such as this, it was oozing confidence, leadership, and focus. 

One of the speakers, Amy Davis Roth, mentioned that she wanted to start a women's secular group in her community in Los Angeles.  I can only wish her good things. The endeavor of having a women only secular group here in Denver proved difficult. It was appalling to find out how many people opposed such a thing. While the women's conference is open to anyone who wishes to go I feel that, within smaller communities, women may feel more comfortable with only other women. I know. I know. 'It hinders women from becoming leaders and omits men who want to help with the issues we face." Our own women's group here in Denver is women only due to a vote among the women. We partner with Denver Atheists (men and women) on some occasions to do just that. I'm all for equality within the secular community but we're not quite there yet. Many women are coming out of an oppressive religion and our voices tend to be drowned out. I feel that a women's group is a stepping stone in the path toward stronger secular women.

Growing up in a southern church I was more used to seeing women silently standing behind their husbands or tucked away in the church kitchen. They were never center stage in the pulpit. Even in women's church groups it was seen as more of a secret meeting were we were all quietly listening to the one women in charge- usually appointed by a man. In these meetings we were taught how to be good wives and nurturers. We were taught to remain pure and how to listen to our husbands. We learned how to be good women of Christ- ones who never caused a fuss and were the keepers of the household.

I hated those meetings.

With the CFI adding the Women's Conference to their mix I believe it has given women a place to be able to be more outspoken, to be able to find other powerful women, and to learn that it is A-OK to have a strong, full voice in the secular world, their own secular community, and the world. I'm glad I went and I can't wait for next year!

No True Scotsman

In college I took a philosophy class lead by a woman who made herself known within the secular community during the Dover trials. I loved learning from her and hope that I carry many of her lessons throughout my life.

One thing she wanted our class to be able to recognize and call out were the logical fallacies that surround us on a daily basis. I got pretty good at seeing them in everyday life on campus. I once had an argument with a open-air preacher about his use of circular fallacy. He didn't seem to care that his logic was flawed.

But here is where I feel that my professor missed a good opportunity: No True Scotsman. It's true that this particular fallacy can really fall under the ad hoc rule. But I feel it has it's own merits. Especially within the secular community.

Here's an example: Let's say that a man killed his wife. The police go to his friends and they say that the man was a good Christian and can't understand how this has happened. The report hits the news that a Christian man has killed his wife. My mother, sister or aunt may look over at me and say 'He wasn't really a true Christian then.'

When someone professes to be something, like a Christian, and other Christians think he has done something outside of the realm of Christianity then the person 'wasn't really a Christian'.  Happens all the time.

When a group of radical Muslims flew planes into a building or when individuals perform a suicide bombing, sure, they were extremist. This doesn't mean they weren't Muslim. The same goes for when Christians in this country kill people because of their skin color or sexual preference. They are still Christians.

The truth is that human nature sometimes rears it's not-so-civilized head and people do things that are deemed uncivilized or anti-social.  When someone who has been a devout Christian their entire life and they snap and commit a horrible act...it just proves to me all the more that there is no god.

Human nature is what it is. Some people have the ability to live normally in their society and follow the social rules. Others don't. Stating that because someone hasn't followed the rules they are no longer one of you is not helping.  Accepting that humans are, in fact, animals who have been able to MOSTLY control our animalistic needs and wants is helpful in being able to help one another and understand the need for medical and psychological help.

Praying to a god does not immediately resolve you of your basic needs.

Persecution Part II

Recently I was able to go to a spa for a day of pampering. It was lovely. I had a massage, a facial, and a pedicure. It was one of those spas where you could just lounge around a whirlpool or sweat in a sauna. Very relaxing.

I had been to this spa before and had a great conversation with the woman who gave me a pedi the first time. She happened to also be an atheist. When I returned over the weekend she was there and remembered me. I was happy to see her but she was, unfortunately, not going to be giving me my pedi this time. But, she insisted that the woman who would be providing the service was a wonderful woman. And she was. Until she started asking awkward questions....

I had previously told her that my boyfriend and I had met at an atheist convention. She then launched into a Q&A session with me about what atheists actually 'believe'. That's fine with me. Religious people tend to not really get atheism and the more questions they ask the more opportunity I have of changing their minds about atheists.

She asked if I believed in reincarnation. She asked if I believed in anything. Then she launched into a speech about how all of our unbalanced pH levels are the things that make us sick. (Did you know that drinking a glass of lemon water a day can keep cancer away??)  This woman turned out to be kinda 'woo'. (Is that how we are going to be writing that?) She said things like "It's all about energy" and "when something tragic happens, it makes you rethink life."

Then she started talking about how her niece had just died unexpectedly. And this is the part where the persecution comes in. Had I been a Christian and she an atheist I could have told her that this was all a part of God's plan and that I would be praying for her. No one would have batted an eye. She may have thanked me for her kind words. After all, I was just trying to say something to comfort her.

As the atheist in this situation, what could I have said other than 'I'm sorry' and sympathized and made 'sad noises' at all the things this young woman was now going to miss? I just had to listen to her go on about how her niece should have been the miracle child. Her niece's children will one day see their mom again. Her family needed many blessings now.

And I just sat there. Doing nothing. Getting more and more annoyed but awkward. Of course I feel awful that her young niece died. I'm not a heartless monster. I empathize with people when something bad happens. Can I tell them that I'm sorry this happened but I don't believe in that after-life nonsense? Of course not. I'd be a horrible person.

When something tragic happens to an atheist and religious people try to comfort them with that God bullshit and we fire back... we are now the hurtful, bitter and angry ones. We're not bitter. We're grieving. Telling ourselves that we will one day see our loved ones again is not 'moving on'. It's dwelling. It's tricking our mind into not accepting the pain but masking it.

Telling someone that 'god has a plan' when something bad happens is not helpful to an atheist. But Christians are allowed, by society, to say these things. An atheist is not allowed to tell someone that 'bad things happen because bad things happen'. We understand that the world is neither fair nor just. Things. Just. Happen. But, we're not allowed to express that.

All we can do is smile, nod a bit, and hope that the person with sharp tools around our feet dosn't 'accidentally' slip....

Social Court

Many of us have seen the work of  'social court' play out many times. In today's astronomical access to information at a moment's notice via social media it's difficult to say ANYTHING that won't offend someone. Our world has become so PC that we are all afraid to voice our unpopular opinions.

Here is what I consider a good guideline for becoming offended:
-- If I have a problem with someone's opinion that's my problem and I need to deal with it internally.
-- When a person's opinion becomes law/standard/physically harmful and directly affects my life then you have a problem and it needs to be addressed.

When the founder of Chick-fil-A made some statements about his opinions on marriage- I was pissed. I haven't eaten at one of the locations since. Do I think What's-his-face cares? Of course not. He has his personal opinions and I have mine. He chooses to think a certain group of people in our country don't deserve equal rights and I choose to think he is an ass.

When that Duck Dynasty character made some awful remarks about gay and black people I was outraged. I have NEVER seen one of their shows and I have NEVER had an interest to. I can't name the person who was in the interview nor can I pick him out of a line-up. It really just annoys me that someone in such a powerful spotlight would use that arena to say something so ignorant.

Recently, with this CEO person from Mozilla, we have seen the social court work it's charms. The CEO donated money to Prop 8.  HE believes marriage should be between a man and woman. He is like everyone else with an opinion. We all have them. He is allowed to his personal opinion. I don't care for his opinion. Big Fucking Deal. If he had been speaking on behalf of the company, sure, let's justifiably burn him at the stake. But he has donated his own money to a cause that he believes in. And, because of this, he has been charged and tried in the court of social law-- and he lost. The CEO of Mozilla stepped down because of all the media attention he has brought to the company over his opinions.

If I were to be run out of my work, town, community because of my beliefs or opinions I would cry foul and sue SOMEONE. (Because I'm a good American and we sue just because we can)

Why are we forcing people to change their personal opinions? And, if they don't, why do we persecute them? Is this really productive?

Here's an idea: how about we just be good to one another, try to persuade people instead of forcing and hopefully we can teach the next generation to be kinder to one another.

"I disagree strongly with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."- Voltaire

Working Atheist

At my job I don't usually but, sometimes, I will work directly with our clients. I work for a private vocational rehabilitation company. I do their vocational testing. It's not the main part of my job but I'm the main tester for the company. I enjoy it. It gives me a chance to talk directly with our clients. Plus it makes my day go faster. (And I slack off a bit)

Everyone in our small company knows that I am an atheist. It's not a secret. I have a Darwin Fish emblem on my car. I talk openly about all the secular groups I'm involved with. If I'm asked what I'm going to be doing for the weekend and I just happen to be going to an atheist social I tell them.  I don't shove it in anyone's face. I just don't hide it. I'm lucky that most of my coworkers are secular as well. This would not be the case down south, I'm sure.

Sometimes I happen to have a religious client. And that's okay. People have their means with which to get through life and injuries. The problem comes when the religious client wants to have a religious discussion with me. I'm usually pretty good at avoiding the subject. Sometimes they don't let me talk myself out of it.

I once had a client corner me. He had noticed my car emblem and asked me about it. I tried to dance around that one like Michael Flatley- it didn't work. He started to tell me that when I'm older I'll become more spiritual. He told me how I was such a smart girl and that one day I'll be able to see that evolution was wrong. I'll see the light.

My client today was very religious. He told me about some of his workers who were atheists. He called them criminals and gangsters. "They only care about themselves!" He then proceeded to  tell me that America should once again adopt 'Blue Laws'. No businesses should be open on Sunday. "That is church and family day. We didn't have crime back then. Everyone was with their family."

I'm usually able to handle myself in situations like this in any other setting. Catch me at a secular event, sure. Question me in a park- no problem.  Quiz me at work......what the hell, dude?? I can't fire back at a client about religion. That would be a disaster. I'm not going to suck up to them either. I mostly just smile and nod.

I hear a lot of religious people say that they are persecuted in their work place. They are in so much fear that they only wear their smaller cross around their neck, they only read their bibles during their lunch break, they may only invite you to church once or twice a month and they only put a short proverb on their e-mail signatures. They are so repressed.

Do it with me, everyone,...SMILE AND NOD...

Death of a Tyrant

Fred Phelps is the head of the Westboro Baptist Church. The WBC is a 'church' based out of Kansas that has become known for picketing military funerals, LGBT activities and basically anything and anyone they deem 'evil'.  The WBC has been banned in a few countries. They have been sued and taken to court over free speech rights. Because of the WBC many states now have laws restricting picketing at funerals. The WBC is largely made up of the Phelps extended family, Fred being the patriarch. They are the most hated family in the US.

And now Fred Phelps is in a hospice dying.

A few years ago I would have been overjoyed at this news. This man is the most hateful, angry and terrifying person I've ever known within my lifetime. The stories his excommunicated children and grandchildren have told of this evil man's ways of 'teaching' them is horrifying.

There have been many documentaries made featuring the Phelps family as well as the WBC. They are an average looking family who is also very intelligent. Many of them go to college and become lawyers. They are not stupid people. They just happen to all have grown up  under the same iron thumb of Fred Phelps. They have all been forced into believing the evil things this mad man has trained them to accept since birth.

I almost can't blame them. I feel sorry for the children. I feel sorry for the young adults. I feel sorry for the grown children of Fred. His daughter, Shirley, is the one I feel most sorry for. She is too far gone. She went to school and earned her law degree. She is not an unintelligent woman. She's a very strong and motivated woman. She was just raised to believe a horrible lie. Just like many religious people are. This family just happens to be more forceful with their horrible opinions.

Fred Phelps dying is not something I wish to celebrate. The suffering and death of another person is not something to be joyous over. I do not feel happiness in his dying. As much as he and his family are hated by others, he was loved and cared for by his remaining children, grandchildren and church members.

Just because this family was mean and hurtful to so many others doesn't mean that we are now allowed to relish in their pain. Many people are happy to see this man die. I'm not saddened by it. But, I have no wish to picket his funeral- if they even have one for him. ( I really thought he had died a few years back and they had just buried him in the backyard.)

The best thing to do is let this man die and not make it news. That's exactly what this family wants. More news and time in the spotlight. Let Fred Phelps die and perhaps the 'church' will go with him.