Yesterday I went by a music store. I wasn't really looking for something, just checking if there were good CDs at a good price. And then I saw this:
I don't know if this was made on purpose by an employee with a witty sense of humor or just is the result of a decreasing demand in both genres, which makes possible to toss all the CDs with those themes in just one sector. Whatever it was, it certainly was appropriate.
A couple of weeks ago (damn, it’s taken me so damn long to write this) the Southern California Secular Humanist Conference took place in San Diego. Well, this is kind of a long name for an atheist conference, but the idea, I guess, is to reunite all forms of lack of belief, and since today “atheist” is still sort of an alienating term, we have “secular humanist”. But that’s just a minor detail. I’m glad I went and had an awesome time.
My principal motivation to go was to meet Dan Barker. As most of you know (or should know), Barker was an evangelical preacher who even used to go to Mexico to convert Catholics into Protestants. However, one day he started to question his beliefs and after some time, he came out as an atheist. Today, he works for the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Jason Frye Kolarik The conference started at 9 a.m. with a little introduction by Jason, who was the main organizer and one of the most powerful promoters of the atheist movement in the San Diego area. Jason works as president of the Humanist Association of San Diego and also as a “humanist minister” which means he acts as a minister in events that otherwise would need a priest or a pastor.
Just after Jason, came Berkshire, who is president of the Minnesota Atheists, and has worked as vice-president for Atheist Alliance International. Berkshire explained pretty well how it is not only that it is possible to be good without God, but also, necessary to put aside the “Bible morality”, which we have been doing for quite a long time in order to achieve progress. In other words, morality doesn’t come from God, but from our own conscience on how we value other human beings.
Stuart Bechman Bechman is the American Atheists director, and has also served in different atheist organizations. Bechman presented many of these organizations, and how they were hostile against each other at the beginning. However, according to Bechman, George W. Bush’s first term changed that, and then those secular organizations started working with each other in order to reach a common goal. I liked this concept, especially to be considered for secular associations that are just starting to try to make some kind of impact in their communities. Certainly more would be achieved if more groups worked together.
Judith Hand Hand is an ethologist and peace activist who talked about humanity’s goal for global peace, but from an evolution point of view. According to hand, since there have been movements to erradicate slavery and child labor, eventually we can make a movement against war, which is some kind of “evolutive defect”. Also, Hand is a prolific writer with many published books.
Roy Speckhardt Speckhardt was one of my favorite speakers. He is the American Humanist Association executive director, and during the conference, he talked about the different ways we consider ourselves. According to Speckhardt, atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, humanists, secularists, brights, etc, are just ways to describe ourselves with an emphasis in that which we emphasize the most. However, we are still part of those don’t believe in a god. He added that those who consider themselves with no religion are a growing group that should and will retake the United States to its secular roots by the year 2020.
And this goes along pretty much with how I see the atheist/secular/humanist/whatever movement. No matter what my purpose is, (which nature Dan Barker would later explain) is to contribute to build a better world for everyone, a world in which religion doesn’t mess with anyone’s life. To be involved in petty fights over what label we are using is just useless. Considering what Bechman said, atheists need to be organized and work together, more and better than what we are doing, in order to achieve our goals.
Debbie Skomer Skomer wasn’t exactly a speaker, but the receiver of an award, the Local Organizer Award, for all she did representing the secular humanist community in San Diego, especially regarding talking to the press.
Dan Barker As I said before, meeting Dan Barker was my main motivation for coming to this event. I had considered even going to Mexico for the Coloquio de Ateismo, but didn’t have my passport ready. So, as soon as I got to the conference I looked for him. There he was, talking to other like he was another one of us, not a renowned atheist activist. He was very nice and got to talk to him, even doing an interview in Spanish, for all the atheists who can relate to his story of leaving his faith after being a committed believer, me among them. I also bought a couple of his books, The Good Atheist (which is about our purpose in life) and Godless, which is about the journey from religion to reason. There is also an older book "Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist" which didn't seem to be available with Barker at that moment.
En su presentación, Barker hizo gala de sus dotes como músico, y nos cantó ya no una canción que hablara del amor de Dios y otras patrañas, sino de algo más animado y menos irracional.
After the songs, he talked about our purpose, which is the topic on his last book. Barker said that people have to find their own purpose in life, which usually involves fixing something they see unfit for the world. This purpose should be determined by the person and definitely not be thought as given by God, or more exactly, by anyone claiming to know what God wants from us.
As I said before, I can pretty much feel identified with Barker. I once was a devote believer and had no doubt that there was something God wanted from me. Happy I was, but delusional nonetheless. I’m happy I’m not in such state anymore and the only intolerance I can harbor goes toward intolerance itself.
David Diskin David Diskin is the organizer of Camp Quest West, which is a summer camp that, unlike many other around the US has no religious affiliation. The idea is not teach atheism to the kids, but to teach them how to reach answers with the correct tools. Certainly something very different from religious oriented camps, like this one:
Jason Torpy Torpy in an officer who serves as the President of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF). Torpy spoke about the stereotype that “there are no atheists in foxholes” but according to his data, those who express no religious affiliation are almost 1 in 4. Torpy also spoke about the ideal of engaging in dialogue before taking court actions, in which dialogue is not possible anymore. Legal actions should be taken only when there is no more room for dialogue.
James Croft Croft is a student at Harvard who talked about the atheist movement’s lack of symbols and traditions, which religion has lots of, and by lacking those, the atheist movement loses the kind of people who likes them. Croft pointed at a Cross and demonstrated how many emotions and ideas come associated with it, but that doesn’t happen very often with the atheist movement.
Bobbie Kirkhart Kirkhart serves as vice-president for the Secular Coalitoin of American, as well as serving as co-presiden for Atheists United. Kirkhart presented many prominent female activist within the secular movemente, proving false the idea that atheism is a field only for men. Kirkhart especially mentioned Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Dr. Eugenie Scott.
Ted Cox Cox was another of my favorite speakers. He talked about his experience undercover in religious groups that pretend to cure homosexuality through different therapies, which go from the utterly ridiculous, to the cruel and perverse. One of these therapies consisted of a man being touched, in a non-sexual way by other men, to provide the “manly love” in a good way that they supposedly lacked during their first years.
Bruce Gleason Gleason organizes “Backyard Skeptics in Orange County. It’s interesting to see a community of skeptics well formed and that provides a socializing place for non-believers in a certain area. Religion provides that sense of belonging to a community (in the same way a stamp-collecting club does) and it’s certainly a good idea for non-believers to have that too.
Roger Nygard Nygard is a film director and producer who presented his last film trailer, “The Nature of existence”, in which he travels around the world asking different people about the reason of our existence. Preachers, priests, Buddhists, Richard Dawkins and even wrestlers give him their opinion.
Now, at some break, an awesome piece of music came from the speakers. I went and asked the sound guy what was it, and he told me to ask the group who was performing, Ana Kefr, which is a metal band with an atheist theme. I went to them, bought their CD and told them they were awesome.
Sean Faircloth Faircloth is the very eloquent director of the Secular Coaliton of America, an also, ex congressman for Maine. Faircloth gave a pretty funny speech about how religious thinking hijacks legislation and morality, especially portraying sexuality as a big taboo and usually making things worse than they are. He also talked about how religion usually is in the way of human rights.
A really nice guy.
14. Brian Keith Dalton, a.k.a. Mr. Deity I don’t think there are many atheists who don’t know who Mr. Deity is. In case you don’t, well, Mr. Deity is an absent-minded deity (maybe God) that doesn’t seem to get what is wrong with his commandments and the way his people behave, even seeing nothing wrong with they stoning a woman for not being a virgin, or wiping entire towns..
Dalton made a comparison between holy books and cooking books, both of which take their followers to accept only one way to cool food and leading to disputes and violence.
With Mr. Deity and wife
15.Michael Newdow Newdow is an awesome guy. He graduated as a doctor, and then went to study law. After becoming a lawyer, he started suing against the references to God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Newdow arrived wit his family to receive the Phil Paulson Award for all he has done for a more secular. Instead of giving an award speech, Newdow sang a song, accompanied by Dan Barker. This could be called, The Separation of Church and State Song
Newdow was sitting in front of my table, along with his wife and two daughters. If I ever have children I would like to be as cool dad as Newdow is.
16. Jamy Ian Swiss As a grand finale, we had Jamy Ian Swiss, a magician and skeptic activist who through his tricks showed us how easy is to fool people. Swiss said that mediums, palm readers and other alike use the same methods, which are certainly not supernatural, to take advantage of their victims, usually when they are the most vulnerable.
I couldn’t record his presentation, since we had been explicitly told that nothing could be taped. If I weren’t a skeptic and Swiss would be making the case of having supernatural powers, I might have believed him. He got to know a word picked by a random person from a random book, with minimum details. Truly impressing stuff.
And that was it. After that I helped picking up some cables and joined other for the after party at the bar in the hotel. Faircloth was there, as well as James Croft and Jason Kolarik. I’m really glad I went to this conference and just sad it took me so long to write all this.
It’s natural and even necessary to have some consistency between what one says and what one does. However, this is kind of hard to do when there are feelings or tastes involved, (Ex: The ex girlfriend you know you shouldn’t see but when she calls, you’re there)
Well, these are three songs which themes will be loved by the believer, but for some reason, I like them
1. Jesus Take the wheel – Carrie Underwood
I know, that in case the woman had not came out alive of such accident, there would not have been a heartwarming story about Jesus taking the wheel. I know this extends to all of those who swear that they prayed and came out alive from some hard situation, without considering that many of those who didn’t came out alive also prayed but no one answered. But I like this song. I know it’s the most illogical, biased thing, but I like it.
2. One of Us – Joan Osborne
I wasn’t sure if to include this song, but I have seen it many religious contexts in which believer try to “humanize” God and appeals to the idea of exploring when it asks the question “what if”, with some uncomfortable questions like “If seeing meant that you would have to believe, In things like heaven and in jesus and the saints and all the prophets”
3. Hallelujah - Rufus Wainwright
Most people remember this for Shrek; to me it reminds of the scene from Watchmen in which the Silk Spectre forgets about Dr. Manhatan and has fun moment with Night Owl. Interesting scene and interesting actress. Regarding the song, it has many references to David and Samson and would sound great in a church, sung by a gospel chorus. Yet I liked it, maybe because the first time I heard it, it was with good scenes attached (Watchmen and Shrek). Maybe it was also on The L Word, but don’t remember well
Anyway, these are songs that maybe I shouldn’t like, but I do. In my defense I can say that these are not just mere declarations of faith but a combination of music and lyrics, and it’s the music I like. And maybe also the feelings it portrays. To like these songs might be similar to admire what the Apollo 13 gave us, which started as a war program and ended up being a project that united and inspired humanity to keep exploring the universe. In the same way, I think it’s only natural to admire the art in “The Last Supper” or the architecture in medieval churches. So, I will fully enjoy these songs.
Bonus: I also like all the songs from Evangelion, no matter the religious connotation.
Woe to you, oh earth and seaFor the Devil sends the beast with wrathBecause he knows the time is shortLet him who hath understandingReckon the number of the beastFor it is a human numberIts number is six hundred and sixty six
Yesterday, the blog’s Facebook page reached 666 fans. I asked the members what to do to celebrate such event and many said that nothing should be done, that number is nothing especial. They are right.
However, even though that number is just another one, it does mean something. Something that thanks, to the religious way of thinking, we all recognize. And this is not the only thing that can be perceived as evil or satanic. There are many more things that can be seen as “of the devil”, thanks to superstition and religion. If there is something that represents good (God) then there must be something that represents evil, and we have to look for that.
This is what happens with the 666. It appears in the Bible, which is supposed to be the “Word of God”, identified as the “Number of the Beast”. And that’s it. Everything that has to do with that number automatically becomes “of the Devil”. That’s the limited rationale of those who have the Bible as only guide for their lives, that everything has to have a purpose and that a number is not just a number.
This has been going on for centuries, but had a revival when “The Omen” came out in 1976.
Besides the number 666, the name “Damian” and the Rottweiler have been associated with the devil. That’s the power superstition has on the weak religious mind.
Few years later, in 1982, Iron Maiden released “The Number of the Beast.” The group had already drawn attention because of their music, their lyrics and their LPs. Given the nature of the group, it wasn’t surprising that they made a song about the “Number of the Beast”. Which was kind of surprising is that many saw them as satanic, just for a song.
Those around 40 might remember how dangerous and “taboo” was to listen to Iron Maiden. At least in my country there were many stories about outraged mothers who destroyed posters, cassettes and any paraphernalia related to Iron Maiden belonging to the teenage son.
That is how ignorance and religion play together. The song is about a nightmare one of the members had. Yet, it was only needed that it featured something described as “evil” in the Bible to be taken as evil and with a strong campaign against it.
I wasn’t born yet when “The Number of the Beast” came out, and I would be interested in it many years later. But I had to see first hand something very similar.
During the 90s there was a Dragon Ball fever in Latin America. Kids from my generation grew up along with Goku, seeing his quests, battles, friends and enemies. Goku was a good guy who fought against eveil and to be better and stronger. A real hero.
But its success also attracted the attention of several churches who, forgetting about their “Thou shalt not lie” commandment. A flyer circulated, accusing Dragon Ball of meaning “The coming of the beast”, saying that “Kakaroto” means “evil possession”, Saiyajin of meaning “Possessed by the Devil”, Kayo Ken of being some kind of evil energy. Pure bullshit, as you can see, but it was enough for many parents and teachers to declare war on the anime series. They did so without knowing exactly what was behind that on just taking as true a pamphlet claiming to be against the devil.
That is how religion works, it feeds on ignorance and fills it with false information that usually leads to suffering and hatred. The religious mind makes the persona a mindless zombie that will follow anything that has the “God” seal on it. The saddest thing is that it doesn’t limit to awesome bands and cartoons, but actually harms people.
Today, September 30 most non-believers and intelligent people in general celebrates the International Blasphemy Day. Congratulations to everyone
The reason why it is celebrated today is to commemorate the publication of the Mohammed cartoons and the violent reaction it inspired in the prophet’s followers. Great example of a “religion of peace.”
My perception about blasphemy is not saying something offensive to religion just to piss believers of. I think that is kind of dickish and unnecessary, and doesn’t contribute to the dialogue and will not convert anyone. Of course, whoever wants to do it has the freedom to do so, I won’t stop them. My interest for blasphemy when any material that offers legitimate criticism can be considered blasphemy and thus, prohibited. Like this:
This is the best-known Mohammed cartoon. Is it offensive? Maybe. But there is something behind it, Cartoons, especially political newspaper cartoons have a background an focus on an issue that needs to be criticized. In this case, the violence associated to Islam, represented by the prophet Mohammed.
And what is it that Muslims around the world do? Riot and destroy property, thus confirming the criticism in the cartoon.
Another way to see the problem is when science determines something that goes against what religion has been telling us for years, then being considered blasphemy by the believers who see their cherished myths debunked. A great example is Stephen Hawking.
His words were certainly controversial, and many would love to see them censored for being “offensive” to their beliefs. In other words, blasphemous.
So, here we have two kinds of blasphemes that must be protected in order to ensure a society where freedom of expression primes: Legitimate criticism and the freedom to publish scientific findings that go against religious dogmas.
So, with this in mind, I bring you three blasphemous videos, but with a message that is worth considering.
1. God Will Fuck You Up
The title is a little bit shocking, which made me lose interest at first. But then after listening to it, one realizes that the song criticizes the idea of a loving God that will, well, “fuck you up” if you don’t believe in Him. As you can see, it’s not just insulting for no reason,
2. What Would Jesus Do
I think this is one of my favorite videos on the internet. It criticizes the American conservatives’ idea that Jesus is somehow related to the United States, so much that He would drive a Ford, drink Jack Daniels and use a Smith & Wesson gun.
3. Islam is not for Me
It lays down pretty much most of the despicable customs made in the name of Mohammed and that few have the balls to say out loud.
Finally and to remind us that non-believers are not free to this phenomenon, there are also those who claim to be atheists, but treat a prominent figure (let’s say, Dawkins or Hitchens) as a god, without accepting the idea that they can be criticized. I don’t think Dawkins would like a flock of sheep following him. And if he does, what a deception.
If there is someone who I admire as (or even more than) Dawkins, it’s Carl Sagan. By the way, Sagan never identified himself as atheist, but agnostic. To deny such fact is like raging at the sight of something true, but disgusting to this non-believer’s eyes. It’s almost the same reaction of those who want to ban blasphemy.
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League For Religious and Civil Rights, called the decision "mind-boggling" and "indefensible and obscene," speculating that anti-Catholic bigotry was at play.
"Malkin has made his decision to stiff Catholics," Donohue said. "His decision to double down at this juncture - in the face of massive support for our request - is something he will regret for the rest of his life."
Donohue thinks that because he and his supporters want to use the – again – privately owned building to commemorate Mother Teresa birthday, it has to happen. Otherwise, that is “discrimination against catholics”. And once that conclusion is reached, they can get very angry and, guess what, will demonstrate against the building.
The Catholic League plans to demonstrate outside the Empire State Building on August 26, which would have been the 100th birthday of Mother Teresa, who cared for the poor and homeless of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India. She died in 1997.
Maybe the owners don't want to do anything for the Mother Teresa because they saw Christopher Hitchens's documentary. Maybe they don't want to because then any other religious organization would be asking for it. Whatever is the cause, the important thing is they don't want to. Period. It's not a public place, it's not a joint building, is it too hard to understand that? Apparently for hardcore catholics like Donohue, it is.
Lady Gaga is playing Madonna copy cat, squirming around half-naked with half-naked guys, abusing Catholic symbols—they're always Catholic symbols—while bleating out "Alejandro" enough times to induce vomit. Dressed occasionally as a nun in a glossy-red habit, the Madonna wannabe flashes the cross, swallows a rosary and manages to get raped by her S&M boyfriends. Hence, she has now become the new poster girl for American decadence and Catholic bashing, sans the looks and talent of her role model.
In case you want to watch the video, here it is
To me it's not a very remarkable song, the video is kind of boring and, yeah, it might be repetitive. But to make such a fuzz about it just shows how much of a cry baby and a victim-complex this guy has.
As PZ Myers put is in his Pharyngula, "I watched the whole thing, with its muscular young men gyrating in jackboots and tight shorts and nothing else, the weird headgear, the sadomasochistic imagery, the black leather uniforms, the flaming homoeroticism, and I was thinking, yeah, all that does remind me of Catholicism. I didn't think it was Catholic bashing, though. I thought it was a recruiting video." In other words, the catholic church has more to be worried about from within itself than from a building owner a music video.
A couple of days ago, one of my favorite bands, Epica, released a new song, Unleashed. The song is awesome, strong, intense, as most of this band’s songs. And above all of that intensity, Simone Simons’ mezzo-soprano voice.
What does that has to do here? The first song I heard from Epica was the kind of song that talks directly to you, in both, music and lyrics. Moreover, I heard this song in which my ideas against religion’s abuses and nonsense were getting stronger. I wrote about it in my other blog commenting about the lyrics, and because of the release of the new song, I’ll post it here too.
Follow your common sense You cannot hide yourself behind a fairytale forever and ever Only by revealing the whole truth can we disclose The soul of this bulwark forever and ever Forever and ever
During the last months, in which I’ve been looking up to news about what goes on around the world, it’s just outrageous to witness how much abuse is committed in the name of religion. These atrocities are committed by people who justify their action with a fairy tale that has no intention to change despite all the proof that anyone can present to it.
Indoctrinated minds so very often Contain sick thoughts And commit most of the evil they preach against
While pastors throw their hate and intolerance-filled words from their pulpits, it’s the believers who, like mere sheep, follow the commandments of those who say represent god on Earth. The preach for love and understanding among men, but usually they are the first ones to spread intolerance and division among others.
Don't try to convince me with messages from God You accuse us of sins committed by yourselves It's easy to condemn without looking in the mirror Behind the scenes opens reality
We non-believers are usually accused of having an empty life, of not having values, of not noticing what they call “facts” to justify their actions by believers. They pretend that we acknowledge their so-called “love messages” from God. But at the same time, those who accuse us think they are infallible by believing they know god’s message, message in which it is not allowed to think further than what is already known.
Eternal silence cries out for justice Forgiveness is not for sale Nor is the will to forget
How many have been excluded or insulted because of these myths? How many have suffered because of being different? How many of those who committed these abuses keep preaching in the name of god as if nothing had happened, trying to forget all the evil they had done?
Virginity has been stolen at very young ages And the extinguisher loses it's immunity Morbid abuse of power in the garden of eden Where the apple gets a youthful face
The young are especially vulnerable to the religious brainwash. From an early age kids are taught how especial they are and all the rewards they will get if the submit and obey everything they pastors tell them, even if it involves separation and discrimination. Religions are usually obsessed with sexuality, which is demonized and charged with guilt, even though is as natural as it can be.
You can't go on hiding yourself Behind old fashioned fairytales And keep washing your hands in innocence
Many believers just refuse to think and open their eyes to science and the real knowledge it brings. On the contrary, they choose to keep believing the same old stories and, which is worse, keep committing abuses in the name of god, just to wash their hands claiming that is the way they will get to heaven, while making a hell on Earth.
Both the lyrics and music are incredible. In a time like this, in which religion commits one atrocity after another, using its power and influence it’s hard not to be outraged. Yet, it’s comforting to find artistic expressions, like this song, that provides strength and hope to those of us who stand up for a better future without religious hypocrisy.
Just after Jason, came Berkshire, who is president of the Minnesota Atheists, and has worked as vice-president for Atheist Alliance International. Berkshire explained pretty well how it is not only that it is possible to be good without God, but also, necessary to put aside the “Bible morality”, which we have been doing for quite a long time in order to achieve progress. In other words, morality doesn’t come from God, but from our own conscience on how we value other human beings.
Bechman is the American Atheists director, and has also served in different atheist organizations. Bechman presented many of these organizations, and how they were hostile against each other at the beginning. However, according to Bechman, George W. Bush’s first term changed that, and then those secular organizations started working with each other in order to reach a common goal. I liked this concept, especially to be considered for secular associations that are just starting to try to make some kind of impact in their communities. Certainly more would be achieved if more groups worked together.
Judith Hand
Speckhardt was one of my favorite speakers. He is the American Humanist Association executive director, and during the conference, he talked about the different ways we consider ourselves. According to Speckhardt, atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, humanists, secularists, brights, etc, are just ways to describe ourselves with an emphasis in that which we emphasize the most. However, we are still part of those don’t believe in a god. He added that those who consider themselves with no religion are a growing group that should and will retake the United States to its secular roots by the year 2020.
Torpy in an officer who serves as the President of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF). Torpy spoke about the stereotype that “there are no atheists in foxholes” but according to his data, those who express no religious affiliation are almost 1 in 4. Torpy also spoke about the ideal of engaging in dialogue before taking court actions, in which dialogue is not possible anymore. Legal actions should be taken only when there is no more room for dialogue.
Croft is a student at Harvard who talked about the atheist movement’s lack of symbols and traditions, which religion has lots of, and by lacking those, the atheist movement loses the kind of people who likes them. Croft pointed at a Cross and demonstrated how many emotions and ideas come associated with it, but that doesn’t happen very often with the atheist movement.
Kirkhart serves as vice-president for the Secular Coalitoin of American, as well as serving as co-presiden for Atheists United. Kirkhart presented many prominent female activist within the secular movemente, proving false the idea that atheism is a field only for men. Kirkhart especially mentioned Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Dr. Eugenie Scott.
Cox was another of my favorite speakers. He talked about his experience undercover in religious groups that pretend to cure homosexuality through different therapies, which go from the utterly ridiculous, to the cruel and perverse. One of these therapies consisted of a man being touched, in a non-sexual way by other men, to provide the “manly love” in a good way that they supposedly lacked during their first years.
Gleason organizes “Backyard Skeptics in Orange County. It’s interesting to see a community of skeptics well formed and that provides a socializing place for non-believers in a certain area. Religion provides that sense of belonging to a community (in the same way a stamp-collecting club does) and it’s certainly a good idea for non-believers to have that too.
Nygard is a film director and producer who presented his last film trailer, “The Nature of existence”, in which he travels around the world asking different people about the reason of our existence. Preachers, priests, Buddhists, Richard Dawkins and even wrestlers give him their opinion.
Faircloth is the very eloquent director of the Secular Coaliton of America, an also, ex congressman for Maine. Faircloth gave a pretty funny speech about how religious thinking hijacks legislation and morality, especially portraying sexuality as a big taboo and usually making things worse than they are. He also talked about how religion usually is in the way of human rights.
14. Brian Keith Dalton, a.k.a. Mr. Deity
With Mr. Deity and wife
Newdow is an awesome guy. He graduated as a doctor, and then went to study law. After becoming a lawyer, he started suing against the references to God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Newdow arrived wit his family to receive the Phil Paulson Award for all he has done for a more secular. Instead of giving an award speech, Newdow sang a song, accompanied by Dan Barker. This could be called, The Separation of Church and State Song
As a grand finale, we had Jamy Ian Swiss, a magician and skeptic activist who through his tricks showed us how easy is to fool people. Swiss said that mediums, palm readers and other alike use the same methods, which are certainly not supernatural, to take advantage of their victims, usually when they are the most vulnerable.
During the 90s there was a Dragon Ball fever in Latin America. Kids from my generation grew up along with Goku, seeing his quests, battles, friends and enemies. Goku was a good guy who fought against eveil and to be better and stronger. A real hero.
Yes. That one is Bill Donohue
