How can you help improve atheist's civil rights and ensure the separation of government and religion? Each of us can contribute in our own way and all of our actions in total can make a difference. In the past, we have seen the letter of a single individual stop separation violations and the vocal complaint of one employee stop religious harassment at work. Activism and action work!
I know that with the help of atheists in Alabama we can continue to maintain our First Amendment rights: the right to freedom of and from religion, the right to no established religion, and the continued advancement of atheist's civil rights in Alabama and nationwide.
Please feel free to contact me with anything that is on your mind or for any problems, questions, or concerns that you might have. I have an "open door" policy. If you run across issues in your area that need addressing, then please do not hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to address issues that come up and help to resolve them. We know that not every issue will be resolved, but it is important that we know what issues we are facing.
You can contact me via any of the following methods:
| bscott @ atheists.org | |
| Phone | (256) 503-1123 |
| Postal | Blair Scott
Alabama State Director, American Atheists, Inc. PO BOX 41 Ryland, AL 35767-2000 |
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
AMERICAN ATHEISTS 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!
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?"
long time," said Blair Scott, organizer of AlabamaAtheist that promotes atheism awareness.
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.
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.
Huntsville Times, 17 June 2004
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.
Atlanta Journal Constitution, 16 June 2004
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.
Mobile Register, 15 June 2004
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?
Huntsville Times, 22 February 2004
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
Place of worship: None, I am an atheist.
Job: Telecommunications specialist
Supreme Court, atheist take on 'under God' debate
By MICHAEL HEDGES
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Supreme Court justices peppered a California atheist with tough questions Wednesday as he pressed the idea that it violates the Constitution for public school students to recite the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.
WHNT, Channel 19 Huntsville, did a profile of the Scott house. It aired at 10 PM on 08FEB05.
You can read their online version, which is different from the actual transcript.
Atheist Father Refuses to Force Beliefs on his Children
[Amy George (Pre-Segment)] Parents pass down many things to their children, including their beliefs. For instance, if your parents are Baptist, you'll be raised Baptist, too. But what if your parents are Atheists? Are you likely to grow up an Atheist also? In the case of one Madison County family, the answer isn't so simple.
Conservative AL justices worry atheists
by Merrick Wiedrich
Senior Staff Reporter
November 10, 2004
An official from an atheist group is concerned about the separation of church and state in Alabama after last week's state judicial elections, while the head of the state Christian Coalition thinks the new courts will shy away from judicial activism.
Supreme Court to decide fate of phrase 'under God' in Pledge of Allegiance
By Merrick Weidrick
Staff Reporter, Crimson White
April 07, 2004
The Supreme Court met March 24 to hear arguments against the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance after Michael Newdow, an atheist who says he does not want his 9-year-old daughter to hear the Pledge recited in her classroom, filed suit.
U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Pledge of Allegiance case
By Hannah Bergman
Star Washington Correspondent
03-25-2004
WASHINGTON
With Christians singing hymns and atheists chanting on its front steps, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on whether the words, “under God” make the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional.
Supreme Court 'coup' feared by Moore allies
08/26/03, By SALLIE OWEN and JOE DANBORN, Staff Writers - Mobile Register
MONTGOMERY, AL -- State officials limited Chief Justice Roy Moore's access to his state Supreme Court office, an ally announced at a Monday afternoon news conference. A federal judge in Mobile, meanwhile, set a Wednesday hearing in a lawsuit seeking to block removal of the justice's Ten Commandments monument.
Monument fans keep the faith
By Jannell McGrew, Montgomery Advertiser , August 26th 2003
MONTGOMERY, AL -- On high alert in the event that state authorities tried to move the Ten Commandments monument, supporters kept watch Monday and continued their rallies into the night.
The anticipation that "something was bound to happen" grew throughout the day Monday outside the state Judicial Building, where a two-ton granite tribute to the laws of Moses has caused a wave of debate in a separation of church and state showdown.
From The Mobile Register on 17 November, 2002
Page 1D; Insight Section
Leader of atheist group supports Boy Scout ban
by BLAIR SCOTT
Special to the Register
Blair Scott is president of The Mobile Atheists.
I’m going to walk away from the crowd and stand on my own. (As an atheist I stand on my own a lot, anyway, but now I’m going to stand against my fellow atheists.)
Protesters kept from Bush.
Several groups try to make voices heard.
By LUKE CONNELL, BIRMINGHAM POST-HERALD
BIRMINGHAM, AL -- Atheists, NAACP representatives and independent political activists got as close to President Bush as they could Monday, hoping to get their messages across.
But they were still a good distance away from Bush, who spoke at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex as they stood with their signs and banners on the northwest side of Linn Park, blocks away from the complex.
Faith-based initiative draws protesters from all over the state.
By Bill Sutley, Star Staff Writer, 07-16-2002, Anniston Star
BIRMINGHAM, AL -- President Bush’s so-called faith-based initiative got only a brief mention Monday at the end of his economic speech, but it was at the forefront of protesters’ minds.
About 20 sign-toting atheists were among nearly 30 protesters at Linn Park about 100 yards from the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center, where Bush helped U.S. Rep. Bob Riley, R-Ashland, raise an estimated $4 million through his gubernatorial campaign luncheon.
