Alabama State Director, American Atheists

American Atheists Media Alert – ALABAMA

21AUG08: Blair Scott on Dominick Brascia Show AM 960 Birmingham, AL

Atheists attend God and Country Day at Wilson Co. Fair
Posted August 17 2008
WKRN 2 Nashville

Church members and atheists alike attended God and Country Day at the Wilson County Fair Sunday.

Fair Discount Day Causes Controversy
Posted: Aug 17, 2008 06:11 PM
WTVF NEWS Channel 5 Nashville

LEBANON, Tenn.- A discount day at the Wilson County Fair has some people believing they are being discriminated against. Sunday was "God and Country Day" at the Wilson County Fair in celebration of American troops.

American Atheists
From the Office of Blair Scott
National Affiliate Outreach Director &
Alabama State Director, American Atheists, Inc.
PO Box 41, Ryland, AL 35767-2000
Office: (256) 701-6265
bscott@atheists.org www.atheists.org/al

Wilson County Fair, TN “God and Country Day” OPREP

Wilson County Fair bends, will give atheists discount
Church bulletin offer favored Christians

By BOB SMIETANA • Staff Writer • August 15, 2008, The Tennessean

Atheists and other non-Christians can get a discount at Sunday's God & Country Day at the Wilson County Fair, thanks to the efforts of local atheists.

Local Fair Extends Promotion To Atheists
Group Protests $2 Church Promotion

Reported By Dennis Ferrier

POSTED: 4:24 pm CDT August 14, 2008

LEBANON, Tenn. -- A discount offer at the Wilson County Fair has caught the eye of atheists all over the country.

God And Country Day Discount Offered To Nonbelievers
News Channel 5, Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Wilson County fair will open as scheduled Friday night but not without some controversy!

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
Office of the National Affiliate Outreach Director &
Alabama State Director
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.atheists.org/al/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUG 11, 2008

For more information, please contact:
Blair Scott, National Affiliate Outreach Director and Alabama State Director, (256) 701-6265, bscott@atheists.org

ATHEISTS HAIL DECISION BY WILSON COUNTY TN FAIR TO OFFER "CHURCH BULLETIN" DISCOUNT TO RELIGIOUS AND NON-RELIGIOUS CITIZENS

Los Angeles Chronicle picks up story about Wilson County Fair.
You can view the article online HERE.

Wilson County, TN fair "God and Country Day" policy discriminates against Atheists

Newswire Services
August 07, 2008

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
Office of the National Affiliate Outreach Director & Alabama State Director
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.atheists.org/al

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUG 06, 2008

For more information, please contact:
Blair Scott, National Affiliate Outreach Director and Alabama State Director, (256) 701-6265, bscott@atheists.org

WILSON COUNTY TN FAIR'S "GOD AND COUNTRY DAY" AND CHURCH PROGRAM DISCOUNT DISCRIMINATORY AND LIKELY CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATION

From the Office of Blair Scott
National Affiliate Outreach Director &
Alabama State Director, American Atheists
PO Box 41, Ryland, AL 35767-2000
(256) 701-6265 – bscott@atheists.org

SUPPORT FOXHOLE ATHEISTS at Wilson County Fair, Lebanon, TN

Freethinkers Group a minority in Bible Belt

By Jennifer Crossley,
Staff Writer, Florence Times Daily
Printed July 26 2008

Blair Scott never heard the word "atheist" until he was in high school. His parents raised him Presbyterian, but they stopped gong to church after a disagreement with the minister.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
FRANK ZINDLER, President (614) 299-1036
EDWIN KAGIN, National Legal Director (859) 384-7000

ATHEISTS TO HOST FIRST "COMING OUT" PARTY EVENT, DE-BAPTISM BASH

AMERICAN ATHEISTS
http://www.atheists.org

ATHEIST COMING OUT PARTY
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2008 TO FEATURE KAGIN, MEHTA, PARAMORE & MORE!
"It's OK to not believe..."

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
Joe Zamecki, Texas State Director (512) 927-6863
Dave Silverman, Communications Director (732) 648-9333

July 9, 2008

TEXAS SUPREME COURT RULING PAVES THE WAY FOR RELIGIOUS ABUSE NATIONWIDE

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
Dave Silverman, Communications Director (732) 648-9333
Frank Zindler, Acting President (614) 299-1036

ATHEIST CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP BLASTS OBAMA SUPPORT FOR BUSH FAITH-BASED SCHEME

To Members and Supporters of AMERICAN ATHEISTS...

Dear friends,

I want to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the important changes now taking place at American Atheists.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS ACTION ALERT
http://www.atheists.org
April 26, 2008

TENNESSEE BILL CALLS FOR STATE-WIDE BIBLE INSTRUCTION CLASSES
Action needed now to stop more public funding of religious propaganda!

Reposted from: richarddawkins.net scienceblogs.com

The governor of Illinois has been playing some games with state money, shuffling a million dollars to benefit a Baptist church, and an atheist dared to testify to the legislature against this. The response from one legislator was unsurprising: she shrieked at the atheist to get out.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
Rick Wingrove, Capitol Hill Representative (703) 433-2464
Ken Bronstein, NYC Atheists (212) 535-7425

ATHEISTS CALL FOR DEMONSTRATIONS AS POPE BENEDICT VISITS WASHINGTON, NEW YORK

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
Ellen Johnson, President (908) 276-7300
Dave Silverman, Communications Director (732) 648-9333

ATHEISTS HAIL FINDINGS OF PEW SURVEY OF AMERICAN RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE

RICHARD DAWKINS LEADS SPEAKER LINE-UP AT AMERICAN ATHEISTS CONFERENCE
March 21-23, 2008 ~~ Minneapolis, MN.

December 29, 2007

Mayor Dan Williams
PO Box 1089
Athens, AL 35612

Dear Mayor Dan Williams,

Get Ready For The Freethought Event of 2008!

The 34th National Conference of
AMERICAN ATHEISTS
March 21-23, 2008 * Minneapolis, MN.
Register now on-line for this exciting event!

http://www.atheists.org/conference

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.americanatheist.org

For more information, please contact:
Ellen Johnson, President (908) 276-7300
Dave Silverman, Communications Director (732) 648-9333

YOU'RE NO JOHN KENNEDY, MR. ROMNEY -- PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL FAILS TO COURT AMERICA'S ATHEISTS & OTHER NONBELIEVERS, MAKE FULL PLEDGE TO DEFEND ROBUST SEPARATION

An Atheist civil rights group declared that Gov. Mitt Romney's statement made earlier today regarding his positions on religion and the separation of church and state failed to reach out to millions of Atheists, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and other citizens who profess no religion, and that he was "no John Kennedy."

UPDATE: Video now available online at FOX 6.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS
http://atheists.org
http://atheists.org/al/

MEDIA ALERT

BLAIR SCOTT ON FOX 6 NEWS BIRMINGHAM, TUESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2007 6:00 PM CST, GOLDEN COMPASS FRACAS

Blair Scott, Alabama State Director for American Atheists, will be a guest on FOX 6 News in Birmingham, Alabama on Tuesday December 4, 2007 at 6:00 PM CST. Check local listings. The segment may be archived for viewing on the FOX 6 Web Page.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS
http://www.atheists.org

ELLEN JOHNSON ON THE PETER HECK RADIO SHOW ~ WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28, 2007 4:15 ET WIOU/KOKOMO, IN. ~ ATHEISM, UTAH CROSS CASE, GOLDEN COMPASS & MORE...

ELLEN JOHNSON, President of American Atheists will be the guest on the Peter Heck Radio Show on WIOU coming out of Kokomo, Indiana tomorrow -- Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007 beginning at 4:15 ET. Check local listings. You'll be able to hear the program on WIOU 1350AM if you live in the broadcast area. The complete show will then be archived and available on Peter Heck's web site.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS
http://www.atheists.org

ELLEN JOHNSON ON CBS EARLY SHOW WEDNESDAY NOV. 28 "THE GOLDEN COMPASS"

ELLEN JOHNSON, President of American Atheists, will be the guest tomorrow (Wednesday, November 28, 2007) on the CBS network's "The Early Show." Her interview segment will air sometime between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM ET -- please check local listings.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS
http://www.atheists.org

ELLEN JOHNSON ON FOX NEWS THANKSGIVING (TOMORROW, THURSDAY NOV. 22 TO DISCUSS AA APPEAL, UTAH CROSS CASE

ELLEN JOHNSON, President of American Atheists will be on the Fox News Channel on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007) to discuss the appeal on the Utah Christian cross case.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS
http://www.atheists.org

ELLEN JOHNSON TAKES ON BILL DONAHUE, CATHOLIC LEAGUE ~ GOLDEN COMPASS CNN, FRIDAY NOV. 23

ELLEN JOHNSON, President of American Atheists, will be a guest on CNN Headline News this Friday, November 23, 2007, in an exchange with Bill Donahue of the Catholic League. The topic is the soon-to-be-released movie, THE GOLDEN COMPASS based on the book of the same title by Atheist writer Philip Pullman.

Faith and freedom

Tuscaloosa News
By Sarah Bruyn Jones
Staff Writer
July 02. 2006 3:30AM

NORTHPORT | Inside a single-story brick home, a few friends gathered Tuesday to watch a DVD and learn more about their faith.

September 11, 2006

Hon. Robert E Cramer, Jr
House of Representatives

Dear Hon. Robert E Cramer, Jr,

I am writing regarding the Public Expression of Religion Act (PERA). I am sure you are aware that the House Judiciary Committee approved PERA by voice vote on September 7th and now the bill is coming to you and your fellow Representatives.

From the Office of Blair Scott
Alabama State Director, American Atheists, Inc.
PO Box 1352, Madison, AL 35758-9998
bscott@atheists.org www.atheists.org/al/

January 13, 2005

Billy Cannon
Commission Chairman
424 Blount Avenue
Guntersville, AL 35967

Dear Billy Cannon,

I am writing regarding the letter by Sheriff Mac Holcomb that appears on the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office web page.

GODLESS SOLDIERS

Many soldiers say they face harassment from Christian comrades

By KAY CAMPBELL
kay.campbell@htimes.com
05 October, 2007

In the midst of their fight to bring freedom to Iraq and Afghanistan, some American soldiers are finding their own freedoms threatened by the troops on their own side.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS
http://www.atheists.org

ELLEN JOHNSON TONIGHT (THURS. 11/15) ON CNN - GLENN BECK TO DISCUSS UTAH MEMORIAL CROSS CASE

ELLEN JOHNSON, President of American Atheists will be the guest on the CNN Headline News channel's Glenn Beck show tonight (Thursday, Nov. 15, 2006). Ms. Johnson will be discussing the American Atheists legal suit against the placement of enormous Christian crosses on government property, ostensibly to honor the memories and sacrifices of fallen members of the Utah Highway Patrol.

The unbelievers

Recent best-sellers suggest more researching godlessness
By Trevor Stokes
Staff Writer, Florence Times Daily
August 5, 2007

For Micah, understanding atheism came from his desire to learn about religions throughout the world.

About two years ago, Micah started searching through religions with the premise "What actually do I believe in a religion?"

Montgomery Advertiser
21 July 2007

Take real steps to fight drought

Why is Gov. Riley wasting taxpayer's money on a press release and proclamation to appeal to deity for rain instead of addressing real issues that can help Alabama during the drought.

AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
Office of the Alabama State Director
http://www.atheists.org
http://www.atheists.org/al/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 01 2007
For more information, please contact
Blair Scott, State Director, (256) 503-1123, bscott@atheists.org

GOVERNOR RILEY’S CALL FOR CITIZENS TO PRAY FOR RAIN A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY, DECLARE ALABAMA’S ATHEISTS

Alabama Governor Bob Riley’s official proclamation and press release beseeching the citizens of Alabama to pray for rain on June 28 was a waste of tax-payer’s time and money and probably violated the Alabama State Constitution.

Religion Briefs
Huntsville Times
12 April, 2007

Local Leader Recognized as Atheist of the Year

When a radical Christian pastor led his Kansas-based parishioners to Huntsville last November to carry signs labeling the tragedy of the Lee High School bus wreck a sign of the wrath of God for a sinful nation, Blair Scott knew he had to respond.

From the Office of Blair Scott
Alabama State Director, American Atheists, Inc.
PO Box 41, Ryland, AL 35767-2000
(256) 513-5877
bscott@atheists.org
www.atheists.org/al/

September 28, 2007

Mark Craig, License Director
100 North Side Square
Room 108
Huntsville AL 35801-4820

Dear Mark Craig:

I am writing to express great disappointment in my recent visit to the Meridianville satellite office to renew my tags when my wife and I were treated with prejudice and bigotry.

From the Office of Blair Scott
Alabama State Director, American Atheists, Inc.
PO Box 41, Ryland, AL 35767-2000
(256) 513-5877
bscott@atheists.org
www.atheists.org/al/

9/28/07

MADISON COUNTY (ALABAMA) EMPLOYEES DISRESPECTFUL TO ATHEIST SEEKING PERSONALIZED TAG

Today I went to the Madison County Satellite Office located in Meridianville, Alabama in the Flint River Crossing Shopping Center along US-231.

November 10, 2004

Chaplain Iasiello, Chief of Chaplains
Chaplain Resource Branch
9591 Maryland Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23511-2993

Dear Chaplain Iasiello,

I am writing to express my deep concerns over comments made by Navy Chaplain McAlexander on CNN’s American Morning during an interview on November 9th with Soledad O’Brien. Chaplain McAlexander stated that there were no Atheists in foxholes on the program in response to a question asked by Mrs. O’Brien.

April 2, 2004

Representative Mike Ball
Room 526-D
11 S Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130

Dear Representative Mike Ball,

I am writing to express my concerns as your constituent about SB153, which passed the Senate on March 30th. This bill is now heading to the House. I believe the House version of the bill is HB95.

From the Office of Blair Scott
Alabama State Director, American Atheists, Inc.
PO Box 1352, Madison, AL 35758-9998
bscott@atheists.org www.atheists.org/al/

March 7, 2004

Senator Tommy Roberts, District 3:

I wish to express my concerns about a proposed constitutional amendment that has passed the Education committee and is now heading to the Senate floor for a vote. The bill (SB153 Ten Commandments) concerns me for several reasons:

From the Office of Blair Scott
Alabama State Director, American Atheists, Inc.
PO Box 1352, Madison, AL 35758-9998
bscott@atheists.org www.atheists.org/al/

March 7, 2004

Representative Mike Ball, District 3:

I am writing about HB391 (Academic Freedom Act), which has passed through the Education committee and is now heading to the House floor for vote. I have several concerns about this bill that I would like to address.

The following letter was sent to the sponsors of the House and Senate bills as well as the Chair of the respective Education Committees in the House and Senate. Each letter was modified slightly to reflect the individuals title and role in the bill and bill's future.

From the Office of Blair Scott
Alabama State Director, American Atheists, Inc.
PO Box 1352, Madison, AL 35758-9998
bscott@atheists.org www.atheists.org/al/

February 24, 2004

Senator Wendell Mitchell:

I am writing about SB336 (Academic Freedom Act), which you have sponsored in the Alabama State Senate. I have several concerns about this bill that I would like to address:

This letter to Senator Vivian Figures is a sample letter. Letters were sent to 23 Representatives regarding HB95 and 13 Senators regarding SB153. Each letter was varied slightly to reflect sponsorship or a seat on the respecting committee involved in review of the legislation.

From the Office of Blair Scott
Alabama State Director, American Atheists, Inc.
PO Box 1352, Madison, AL 35758-9998
bscott@atheists.org - www.atheists.org/al/

February 17, 2004

Senator Vivian Figures
Chair, Education Committee

I wish to express my concerns about bill SB153 (Ten Commandments), which is now in the Education Committee. The bill concerns me for several reasons:

The Anniston Star, July 6th

Prayers for rain?

Why is Gov. Bob Riley wasting tax-payers’ money on a press release and proclamation to appeal to deity for rain instead of addressing real issues that can help Alabama during the drought? Perhaps better water management, temporary water-use sanctions or new irrigation and field development policies would be better than groveling to gods.

Tuscaloosa News, 03 July 2007

God can’t help us solve our problems
Blair Scott
Alabama state director, American Atheists
Huntsville

Dear Editor: Why is Gov. Riley wasting taxpayers’ money on a press release and proclamation to appeal to deity for rain instead of addressing real issues that can help Alabama during the drought? Perhaps better water management, temporary sanctions against washing cars and watering laws, or even new irrigation and field development policies would be better than groveling to gods.

Dodging fallout

It is with great disappointment that I heard the news today about the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling regarding the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moore would continue to embarrass state

THE DECATUR DAILY:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2006

Alabamians again find themselves with a choice regarding our homegrown infamy, Roy Moore.

Pensacola News Journal, 12 August 2004

Fortunately, He's Wrong

Mr. Suhr in his letter on August 3rd stated, “…we are a democracy, which basically means majority rules.”

Fortunately for American citizens, Mr. Suhr is wrong; we’re not a democracy. The United States is a Republic. This means that the majority can only rule as long as the rights of the minority are not trampled upon.

Under pressure about 'under God'?

The Supreme Court ducked a major issue when it reversed the "under God" decision on a technicality instead of the case's merits ("Challenge to pledge is rejected," Page One, June 15). This leaves lower courts without guidance regarding this crucial First Amendment issue, and you can rest assured that a similar suit is likely.

Supreme Court only ducked flag issue

It is with great disappointment that I heard the news about the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling regarding the phrase under God in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mobile Register, 24 February 2004

Commandments being 'secularized'

What is it with Alabama's elected officials and the Ten Commandments? Are our politicians so naive that they think placing the Ten Commandments in government buildings will solve our state's problems?

Secularizing God's law

What is it with Alabama's elected officials and the Ten Commandments?

Anniston Star, 13 February 2004

A secular Ten Commandments

What is it with Alabama’s elected officials and the Ten Commandments? Are our politicians so naïve that they think placing the Ten Commandments in government buildings will solve our state’s problems?

Valley Times-News, 15 January 2004

Lanett City Council Religiosity

I am writing to express my concerns over comments made at the December 12th Lanett City Council meeting as reported by journalist Patrick Sands in the December 16th issue of the Valley Times-News. I have sent this letter to every member of the Lanett City Council.

Gadsden Times, 24 September 2003

False Madison Quotes

Mr. Neeley (Distressed? 23 Sep.), in theocratic wishful thinking, quoted James Madison, “We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.”

Birmingham Post-Herald, 12 September 2003

Clearing up

Let's clear up some of the misconceptions being argued by Roy Moore and his supporters.

Mobile Register, 23 August 2003

Chief Justice violating Alabama constitution

An argument has been made by Chief Justice Roy Moore's supporters that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution does not apply to the state or specifically to judges in courthouses because the First Amendment addresses "Congress."

Birmingham News, 22 June 2003

Confession Good for Abuser's Soul?

A June 16 editorial stated, "The bill would protect clergy from disclosing information that was specifically obtained in a confidential communication under existing law. That's as it should be."

Florence Times Daily, 08 July 2003

Safer In Court

The idea of voting on the Ten Commandments has been tossed around in a few letters lately. A recent letter-writer said that the courts upheld slavery; therefore, the courts can't always be trusted to decide an issue.

Biloxi Sun Herald, 25 May 2003

Call Us An Overweight, Couch-Potato Nation

A recent letter-writer ("Americans bristle at demands from those who despise us," May 19) was upset because some Muslims complained about America being labeled a "Judeo-Christian" nation.

Birmingham Post-Herald, 31 January 2003

Different

Many recent letters have made reference to the Decalogue in the U.S. Supreme Court to justify the theocratic actions of Chief Justice Roy Moore. The argument being: Moses and the Decalogue are in the U.S. Supreme Court; therefore, Moore can put them in Alabama's Supreme Court.

Mobile Register, 19 January 2003

Court Argument Is Deceptive

Many recent letters have made reference to the Decalogue in the U.S. Supreme Court to justify the theocratic actions of Chief Justice Roy Moore. The argument is that Moses and the Decalogue are in the U.S. Supreme Court; therefore, Moore can put them in Alabama's Supreme Court.

I should note that some of the information and quotes are incorrect. I told him my car had been bashed in (not my window) and that two Bibles were left on the front porch, not "covered in Bibles." Altogether, though, the story is very fair and presented without bias.

Anniston Star

Godless in Alabama: What it means to be an atheist in a region dominated by faith in God
Brett Buckner
Star Staff Writer
Published: April 29, 2007

Blair Scott is going to burn in hell ... at least according to some Christians he's crossed paths with. Scott has lost count of the number of times he's been condemned to eternal damnation simply for what he believes - or rather what he does not believe.

Atheists say they've been threatened over their views

DYLAN T. LOVAN
Associated Press
December 30, 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The note on Blair Scott's windshield wasn't a nice one.

The anonymous writer had to have seen Scott's atheist-themed bumper sticker, an uncommon sight in the small south Alabama town where he lived at the time.

Life of logic, reason resonates for atheist

Friday, March 10, 2006
Huntsville Times

He finds support from like-minded friends, study

Name: Blair Scott, 34 <