1. Judge orders La. school district to stop Bible giveaways

Comment #166850 by Anthro on April 23, 2008 at 1:03 pm

In New York State public schools the only exposure to religious information (1960s and 70s) was via history classes - world history, basic and bland. As a senior I took the "Bible as LITERATURE" English elective. We used it as the basis for examining the influence it had on European literature over the centuries. No thumping or sermonizing - as Dan Dennett would say - just the facts.
I remember the Catholic kids leaving school during the day and walking to a nearby building to receive catholic education classes, and then returning to public school.

At the same time my father, a science teacher, was on the state board of science curriculum, updating the curriculum content as new knowledge of scientific discoveries became established/mainstream/substantiated - like geologic plate tectonics (he still thinks it is one of the greatest "discoveries" of the second half of the 20th century).

There was never a hue or cry for Bibles, religious tracts, or praying to be part of the public education experience. Everyone, who wanted to, received that in the home and at church.

As a member of the ACLU let me know where to send money to the defense fund.

Anthro
"I can smell science!"

2. Get out of here, atheists!

Comment #158492 by Anthro on April 10, 2008 at 3:51 pm

Here what I sent her:

Subject: Your appalling behavior and ignorance

Representative Davis-
I am outraged at your behavior and lack of open-minded, logical and clear thinking we expect from the people we elect to represent the citizens â€" regardless of state. You clearly show your bigotry, hate, and unchristian values with your words and reaction. The visceral hate you expressed in a public forum demonstrates the true character within you.
You are truly ignorant of the history of America and the land of Lincoln.
A full public apology to Mr. Sherman is due.
I trust the weight of your constituents and state Democratic party work to support and elect a different candidate to represent your district.

3. Beauty ad banned after Christian outcry

Comment #142996 by Anthro on March 13, 2008 at 10:21 am

I can't believe (a word I rarely use) that as secular a country as the UK, and one that allows "full frontal nudity" on the TV, that 23 people could shut down an ad campaign. Now here in the good old US of Freakin' Jesus Land that ad would probably not be pulled. Heck Madonna's last concert tour stirred up more controversy in Europe than in the US. Go figure.
BTW as I write this I am hearing XTC on the radio playing "Dear God". Oh the irony!

"I can smell science!"

4. Two More Fleas

Comment #142981 by Anthro on March 13, 2008 at 9:45 am

If Berlinski has any....uhhh, how do I put this....balls, then let him go head to head with Hitchens in a good open public debate. I doubt he, or any of the other fleas ever will.
Anthro
"I can smell science!"