Center for Inquiry-Long Island INQUIRER
Volume 6, Issue 11, November, 2003
Email GDantone@CFIMetroNY.org or LISecHum@aol.com
www.CFIMetroNY.orgTABLE OF CONTENTS
1) The Post-Modernization of Politics
2) Letters to the Editor
3) From the IHS: Silenced Again in Afghanistan
4) Alternative Medicine - A Religion
5) Rush Limbaugh's Football Agenda
6) QUICKIES!
7) Making the Rounds with Norm
8) The Movie Hollywood is Afraid to Make!LISH MEETING INFO
Dr. Chic Schissel on "The Religion of Alternative Medicine"
Coming 7:15PM, Thursday, November 21 at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, 999 Old Country Road, Plainview; Dr. Chic Schissel will speak on the topic of “The Religion of Alternative Medicine.” It's FREE!
Dr. Schissel is a frequent lecturer about dental topics and health fraud; he has spoken before dental groups, lay-person groups, and at Columbia, Penn, NYU, and Stony Brook Dental Schools. He is an Officer, New York Chapter of the National Council Against Health Fraud.
Dr. Schissel is the author of "Dentistry and Its Victims", St. Martin's Press, NY 1970 (under pseudonym "Paul Revere.") a landmark book on dental consumerism. The book was a Literary Guild selection. He is also the author, with John E. Dodes, "The Whole Tooth", St. Martin's Press, NY 1997; paperback version "Healthy Teeth" 1999. Don't miss what is sure to be an entertaining forum by one of Alternative Medicine's most eloquent critics.BOB GOLDBERG TO RECEIVE KAIROS AWARDS
Kairos Awards @ Hofstra!
Join Bob Goldberg, CFI-LI cable access producer and all around good-guy as he receives the Kairos Award @ Hofstra University, Rt. 24, Uniondale, on Saturday, November 15, 6PM. $50/ seat, dinner served! Held by the LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives. Call Megan Handley to RSVP, 516 741 4360. [TOC]
THE POST-MODERNIZATION OF
POLITICS Gerry Dantone
(Info from AP) Confronted with allegations that he groped women, now totaling
15, Arnold Schwarzenegger apologized and pleaded with voters just days before
California's recall election for the chance to show that he has changed.
"I have behaved badly sometimes. Yes, it is true that I was on rowdy
movie sets and I have done things that were not right, which I thought then was
playful but now I recognize that I offended people," he said. From
this point on, Schwarzenegger said, he would prove he is a "champion for
the women." As he made that pledge, the crowd interrupted him with
cheers.
The admission came hours after the Los Angeles Times reported the accusations of
six women who accused Schwarzenegger of sexually harassing and groping them over
the past three decades. Three of the women told the Times that
Schwarzenegger groped their breasts. One said he tried to take her bathing
suit off in a hotel elevator, and another said he put his hand up her skirt and
grabbed her buttocks. Still another said he pulled her on his lap and
asked if she ever had a particular sex act performed on her. The LA Times,
quoting two of the women by name and the rest anonymously, said the incidents
occurred as far back as 1975 and as recently as 2000. "All is not
forgiven. He's got a pattern of this for 30 years, it just doesn't just go
away," Karen Pomer, a spokeswoman for the women's group CodePink, said
after the apology. Megan Seely, president of the California chapter of the
National Organization for Women, said: "It's clear Schwarzenegger is not
safe for women." But Julie Vandermost, president of the California
Women's Leadership Association, a Republican group that endorsed Schwarzenegger,
said she was pleased the actor was truthful, and added that his admission does
not mean he is an unworthy candidate for governor. "I don't expect
Schwarzenegger to be groping people in Sacramento," she said.
Schwarzenegger dismissed the Times story as "trash politics" and said
much of it was not true. "But at the same time, I have to tell you
that I always say, that wherever there is smoke, there is fire. That is
true," he said. "Those people that I have offended, I want to
say to them I am deeply sorry about that and I apologize because that's not what
I'm trying to do."
The Times said that none of the actor's political opponents put reporters in
touch with the women and that none had come forward on their own.
Since Mr. Schwarzenegger is running as a Republican, does anyone think it is
hypocritical that some Republican commentators are making apologies for Arnold's
admitted perpetration of sexual battery, when in the past they may have
supported the impeachment of a president over a lie about embarrassing
consensual sex?
Since many non-Republicans supported President Clinton in the past is it right
for them to castigate Mr. Schwarzenegger now? Are the allegations
equivalent in any way? It must be noted that the former President's
“crimes” were of a consensual nature, and led to a situation where he either
tell the truth under oath and be mortally embarrassed or lie and attempt to
avoid this embarrassment. The inquisition itself was nothing more than
attempt to entrap the President, an attempt that was made successful by the
foolish former chief executive.
Mr. Schwarzenegger on the other hand is accused of “groping.” Since no
sex is alleged, this “crime” is a crime of humiliation directed at women
(and to their mates it would seem) who have to accept the humiliation or face
the consequences of possible unemployment in their chosen line of business;
making movies. To many in California, it would seem, humiliating people is
a lesser crime than having illicit sex. This is a bit predictable: Having
sex is often a taboo in many religious and cultural circles while at the same
time humiliation is a virtue in those same circles!
TV analyst Jeff Greenfield appropriately pointed out that we may be witnessing
the post-modernization of politics - nothing is "real" - it's all
“politics.” The truth of an allegation is irrelevant since, in
politics, nothing is to be believed. The moral quality of an act is “all
relative,” and being sorry makes it all go away.
In fact, the tactic Mr. Schwarzenegger adopted was to call the charges “trash
politics” rather than deal with them in any substantive manner. This
ignores the fact that there were quite a few published stories over the years
about Mr. Schwarzenegger's antics around women that hint at the scale of his now
widely revealed offenses. Indeed, these recent charges were made only the
week before the election, but one must keep in mind that the whole recall
election process was about two months in total and the investigation into the
candidate's background had only just begun with the recall election - would it
have been better to publish these findings after the election? Wouldn't
that have been even more unfair to the voters?
Now this does not mean that Gov. Davis should not have been recalled; or that
Mr. Schwarzenegger was a threat to freedom if elected. It may be that Gov.
Davis' poor performance in office has made the seriousness of the allegations
against the new governor seem less important. But most likely, there is
more going on. Is it really possible that the electorate could not find a
more qualified leader than an actor who has never held any public office and has
a penchant for groping women without their consent? Is there no one
better?
So here is the position America finds itself in: Voters no longer know or,
perhaps, even care whether political claims are true or not. After years
of “push-polls,” political ads that are constructed to obscure or reverse
the truth and hypocrisy piled upon hypocrisy, voters are numb or indifferent to
information. They instead rely on biases, traditions, stereotypes and,
most likely and sadly, a proud willful ignorance.
American ignorance and inability to reason has manifested itself in many ways
that directly affect important policy - the belief of 70% of Americans that
Saddam Hussein was behind the 9-11 attacks is but one other example. What
kind of future lies ahead for an America, and a world for that matter, that
cannot, or will not, reason or distinguish fact from fantasy?
[TOC]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
9/26/03 I would like to thank you for printing and commenting on the story about
Charles Miller. He was the man that was refused his last rites by the Rev.
Cajetan Uchendu. Charles Miller was my father. My mother and I have
continued to write letters to Bishop Murphy and speak to anyone who saw us in
the news and has questions. Sadly, we feel that Cajetan Uchendu is still
here in NY somewhere. No one will be honest with us and say if this is
true or not. Again, thank you for printing our story and your oh so true
comment, we truly appreciate it. Cheryl Bartges via Internet.
Response: We appreciate your comments and will continue to inquire freely into
matters others avoid. G.D.
10/9/03 It was a sad day in my life when I learned that LISH had decided to
change it's name. Not all doubters of Divine Revelation are Secular
Humanists. I believe you become a doubter first and a secular humanist
second. Many doubting organizations publish articles but they are not all
dominated by secular humanists. Up to now, ours have been.
I had a fifth grade school teacher who liked to give us advice between classes.
One day she said it is not too early to be thinking about the line of work you
want to follow. She then reeled off a long list of descriptions of
occupations and professions. I have forgotten them all but one. She
said, "Philosophers ask questions, oh you don't have to answer them, you
just have to ask them." I am asking why? Perhaps we shall see.
Wes via Internet.
Response: Long Island Secular Humanists still exists as a non profit
corporation. However, to ensure continuity, better funding, and a broader
base by including skeptics who may not be humanists, we decided to experiment
and try out being a Center for Inquiry branch. It has not meant much in
the way of changes in actual practice. I hope CFI-LI can supply what LISH
used to supply and more for our supporters, though your concerns are reasonable
and ones that we have considered ourselves before making the change. We'll
see how it works out. G.D.
Re: Question of the Month: What do you think of the “Brights” Campaign?
Is it foolish? Offensive? Futile? A great idea?
Somewhere in the middle?
10/3/03 I think the term is offensive and not at all a good idea. It will
exacerbate the resentment of those who consider naturalists, humanists, Ethical
Culturists, etc. overly intellectualized elitists. Judith D. Wallach, Long
Island, via Internet.
Response: This may be true and it may also be true that “humanist” is a
better option except for one thing - not all persons who have a naturalist
philosophy are humanists. The challenge is to find the right word to not
only encompass everyone, but also promotes this philosophy positively.
Do we need such a word? Following is the first definition for atheism one
would find if searching the words atheism and definition on www.google.com:From Webster's 1913 Dictionary:
“The disbelief or denial of the existence of a God or supreme intelligent
Being.
Atheism is a ferocious system, that leaves nothing above us to excite awe, nor
around us to awaken tenderness. R. Hall.”
I don't think we can do worse than the image we currently have. G.D.
10/4/03 I think it's about time we accept the idea that we're atheists and stop
looking for euphemisms. I don't believe in god. I am an atheist.
That's it. Dipsey Dumpster via Internet.
10/4/03 I prefer the word "Atheist." I think it is gaining
acceptance and will become a positive descriptor, but I'm not against any
"Bright" ideas. Pete via Internet.
Response: At this point although I personally prefer “secular humanist” or
“humanist” or even “atheist” as a term, I see no problem with the
attempt at marketing “brights.” It may see odd, arrogant or stupid
now, but I believe the risk is minimal consider our current low status anyway.
“Gay” worked out well for homosexuals; this is clearly an attempt at
mimicking that success. G.D.
10/4/03 Foolish? In one sense, probably no more than American Atheists or
American Humanist Assn or Council for Secular Humanism or etc. - i.e., any of
scores of organizations of folks of a freethought inclination. BUT if the
idea was to create an umbrella that all these folks could stand under, it is a
TERRIBLE choice of labels. Because….
Offensive? Yes. Whoever perpetrated this could not have found a more
arrogant term. It is guaranteed to alienate a huge percentage of freethinkers,
and virtually everyone else.
Futile? My guess is yes. But hey, I'm not all that bright. Maybe
it'll catch on.
A great idea? The idea of seeking that big freethought umbrella is noble.
This moniker - ghastly.
My informal, highly unscientific sampling of reactions among a few fellow
members of Capital District Humanist Society suggests widespread agreement with
the above: Interesting idea - maybe not “great”, but “good” is ok.
Implementation: disappointing; abysmal tending toward disastrous. Dick
McMahan via Internet
Response: It would be most informative to learn about the history of the
“gay” movement. How was that received at first? G.D.
[TOC]
FROM THE
IHS: SILENCED AGAIN IN AFGHANISTAN
Preeta D. Bansal and Felice D. Gaer
American efforts to build a democratic, tolerant Afghanistan are facing a
serious challenge: the draft of the Afghan constitution, which may be made
public as early as this week, does not yet provide for crucial human rights
protections, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The
United States and the international community should insist that the draft
presented by the constitutional commission explicitly protect these core human
rights for all Afghans.
Despite reports to the contrary, the current draft versions of the constitution
enshrine particular schools of Islamic law, or Shariah that criminalize dissent
and criticism of Islam through blasphemy laws.
If this draft is ratified in December by the loya jirga, or grand council, the
freedoms of Afghan citizens would continue to be in the hands of judges educated
in Islamic law, rather than in civil law. Official charges of blasphemy,
apostasy or other religious crimes could still be used to suppress debate, just
as they were under the Taliban.
Making changes in the draft is all the more important because, as Afghanistan's
Human Rights Commission and the United Nations' Assistance Mission in
Afghanistan have reported, Afghan reformers seeking to express their views on
their new constitution have been hindered by threats, harassment and even
imprisonment. In one case, an editor and a reporter have been charged with
blasphemy for publishing an article questioning the role of Islam in the state.
On our recent trip to Kabul as members of the bipartisan United States
Commission on International Religious Freedom, we met many Muslims who recognize
the compatibility of Islam with human rights. Yet, these Muslims are being
intimidated into silence by vocal and well-armed extremists.
Freedom-loving Afghans won't be able to rely on conscientious judges to protect
religious freedom without an explicit reference to it in the constitution.
Afghanistan's chief justice, Fazl Hadi Shinwari, for example, has shown little
regard for those who disagree with his hard-line interpretation of Islam.
He told us that he accepted the international standards protected by the
Universal Declaration on Human Rights with three exceptions: freedom of
expression, freedom of religion and equality of the sexes. "This is
the only law," the chief justice told us, pointing to the Koran on his
desk.
Even in a self-proclaimed Islamic republic, however, all citizens, Muslims as
well as non-Muslims, must be free to debate the role of religion and to question
prevailing orthodoxies without fear of being subjected to trials, prison or
death. At a minimum, Afghan leaders should amend the draft constitution to
specifically ensure the human rights guarantees that Afghanistan has already
accepted and ratified in six international treaties. Afterward, the United
States must ensure the safety of reformers who want to speak out at the loya
jirga to ensure that the constitution of Afghanistan makes possible a free and
just society based on the rule of law.
While respecting that Afghans should determine their own future, United States
officials must not let a "hands off" policy lead to political
conditions that will embolden repression and enable a few to hijack the future
from the many Afghans who hope to embrace freedom.
After all, it is not just Afghanistan's future that is at stake. Iraqis
are watching to see what minimum standards of individual rights will be
acceptable to the United States. Unfortunately, the message that the Afghan
draft constitution is giving Iraq is the wrong one. We should instead send
our own message to President Hamid Karzai, to Afghan officials and to the Afghan
people: Americans will only support a state with a constitution that clearly and
unequivocally enshrines human rights and religious freedom.
Preeta D. Bansal and Felice D. Gaer. Bansal is the former solicitor general of
New York State and Gaer is the director of the Jacob Blaustein Institute for
Human Rights. Both are members of the United States Commission on International
Religious Freedom.
[TOC]
ALTERNATIVE
MEDICINE - A RELIGION Dr. Chic Schissel
“Define your terms" is the old cry of the debater. Confucius said
"When words lose their meaning, men lose their liberty." This
comes to mind when we consider words used today related to "Alternative
Medicine", words that are losing their meaning.
“Holistic" is a favorite word of the Alternative crowd. Medically
speaking, "Holistic" means evaluating the whole person, considering
any and every available therapy that might help the patient. Every doctor
should be holistic. But the healers who call themselves holistic have
turned the word upside down. If you go to a holistic acupuncturist you'll
get stuck with needles; a holistic chiropractor will scrunch your spine; a
holistic nutritionist will ply you with whatever herbs or nostrums he can make a
profit with - no matter what your complaint is. Instead of exploring every
avenue of useful therapy these "alternative" healers limit themselves
to the narrowest range of treatment. This is the exact opposite of what
holistic means.
Another word distorted by the alternative crowd is "traditional".
Standard medicine is put down as "traditional", hide-bound, and
stuffy, as opposed to alternative medicine which, they say, is
"non-traditional". But "traditional" means following
traditions, long-established beliefs and methods handed down over time.
Scientific medicine is exactly the opposite: treatments are changed, improved,
or discarded in response to new information. On the other hand, the
methods of alternative medicine do not change, not even when faced with
compelling evidence that they do not work. Recent studies which
convincingly refuted the claims of therapeutic touch and homeopathy have had no
effect on the practice of these scams. So it is alternative medicine which is
traditional and scientific medicine which is non-traditional. The words
are being stood on their heads.
Now how about the word "Alternative", which means another way of
achieving an effective result. If you want to get to Manhattan from here
you can take a train, or a bus, or an automobile; these are reasonable
transportation alternatives. But a pogo-stick is not a reasonable
alternative, not if you want to get there. In real Medicine Advil is an
alternative to aspirin; erythromycin is an alternative to penicillin. But
a coffee enema is not an alternative to chemotherapy: a quack remedy is no
alternative to legitimate treatment. An unproven remedy is not a real
alternative to standard treatment.
The chief defining feature of what is called alternative medicine is absence of
scientific evidence. This is by definition. If there were real
evidence that any of these alternative methods worked it would become
mainstream, no longer alternative. So to connect the words
"alternative" and "medicine" is a contradiction in terms.
There is no alternative to proper treatment. Either it is medicine or it
isn't. Either there is evidence that it works or there is no proof that it
works. In this sense there really is no such thing as alternative
medicine. It's not an alternative, and it's not medicine.
Since it's based on faith, not evidence, it's a religion.
[TOC]
RUSH LIMBAUGH'S FOOTBALL AGENDA
Gerry Dantone
On a recent “NFL Sunday Countdown,” radio personality Rush Limbaugh uttered
the following statement leading to his exit from the show:
“The media has been very desirous that a Black quarterback do well.
There is a little hope invested in (Philadelphia Eagle quarterback Donovan)
McNabb and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he
didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."
What is wrong with this statement? Is it racist? Is it unfair?
Is it true?
Donovan McNabb is indeed the quarterback for the Eagles but he has been named to
the Pro Bowl on multiple occasions, has led his otherwise offensively mediocre
team to the championship game, and has generally been considered one of the
game's better quarterbacks. These are not the media's doings - one can
look at the standings over the years for evidence of his talent.
There are other successful African-American quarterbacks as well: Brooks,
Culpepper, Blake, McNair, Carter and quite a few others. The “media,”
however, has not canonized them all however. McNair, for example, is
underrated or overlooked often despite his abilities, and others, such as
Cordell Stewart, are taken to task quite a bit for their failures. As
sportswriter Mike Lupica has said, he missed receiving the memo on promoting
Donovan McNabb.
In addition, African-American quarterbacks are no longer a novelty, except
perhaps, to those uneasy with successful African-Americans. There have
been a number of top quarterbacks over recent years, including Doug Williams,
who won a Super Bowl, Randall Cunningham, who was quite good in his day, and
Warren Moon, an all-time great.
The idea that McNabb is a media darling because he is a minority is without
basis; his performance and winning personality and style are more than enough
explanation.
Furthermore, what would explain the media's championing of Chad Pennington and
Peyton Manning and any number of non-minority quarterbacks? What is the
“media” trying to do in those cases?
The truth is that the “media,” if anything, has been conservative when
covering sports over the years. Twenty years ago it was rare for an
African-American to be a quarterback, and in fact, it is still rare for them to
be offensive centers, of all things. The media generally did not and still
does not make the stink over this obvious prejudice that it should since the
media itself bought into many of the stereotypes that limited opportunities for
African-Americans in football. If anything, the media is behind the curve.
The media in practice can be documented as being slow to embrace increasing
opportunities for African-American athletes in football.
This leads to Limbaugh's motivation. Even though the media for years did
not “invest” in an African-American quarterback or successfully promote
increasing opportunities for such athletes, Limbaugh sees a monolithic media now
promoting Donovan McNabb despite his “obvious” mediocrity.
What Mr. Limbaugh is really saying is that the “liberal” media deliberately
distorts reality and has an unspoken policy of affirmative action, and has
focused attention on McNabb to prove that African-American athletes deserve the
opportunities now given them, even though they really haven't earned it.
What other motivation can Limbaugh assign to the “media?” Why
otherwise would the “media” invest in McNabb? It can only be,
according to Limbaugh's unsaid but implied opinion, that the media is prejudiced
against white men, or against equality of opportunity in a world where it is
white men that get short shrift!
Is this possible in a world where African-Americans are still not represented
fairly in the center position in football? Where they are not fairly
represented in executive positions in football, as well as in other sports?
Equality of opportunity had never been an issue with many (not all)
conservatives until minorities and women started receiving consideration for
positions formerly held exclusively by white men, coincidentally, like Rush
Limbaugh. Now any means taken to level the formerly uneven playing field
is branded “reverse discrimination” by those who had no previous problem
with direct discrimination.
Unfortunately, Mr. Limbaugh's methods and beliefs are those embraced by a large
segment of the American public and their leading politicians. In a country
ruled by religious white men, they have created a myth of discrimination against
religious white men. You can only do this with the help of the media, of
which poor old Mr. Limbaugh is somehow one of its biggest stars
[TOC]
QUICKIES! Gerry Dantone
Item: (NY Daily News) Vice President Dick Cheney was sighted in public on
September 14, 2003 on NBC's Meet the Press TV show where he stated the
following: The current battle in Iraq is preventing another terrorist strike on
the US and that was the place where “we” want to take on the terrorists;
that a suspect in the WTC bombings in 1993 was linked to Al Qaeda was given
“support” by Iraq; that we “just don't know about Saddam Hussein's
“connection” to 9-11; and that when Iraqis are asked what model of
government they would prefer among five choices, 37% chose the US model while
28% chose the Saudi Arabian model according to a Zogby poll. Cheney said
on the show that Iraq was “the geographic base of the terrorists who have had
us under assault for many years, but most specifically on 9/11,” while two
days later, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld said in a statement “I've not seen any
indication that would lead me to believe that I could say” Saddam was linked
to the hijackings. President Bush also issued a Hussein-9/11 disclaimer
that week. Recent polls have shown 70% of Americans believe without
supporting evidence that Saddam Hussein was involved in 9/11.
In a later speech on Oct. 10, 2003, V.P. Cheney said, regarding efforts to
stymie Iraqi WMD programs via targeted air strikes and sanctions during the
1990s, “all of these measures failed,” when in reality, they had completely
succeeded as far as is known.
Comment: If these are Cheney's best arguments justifying current Bush
Administration policy, they're in a whole bunch of trouble! It turns out
the “suspect” he referred to was questioned and released by the FBI, and
then fled to Iraq, where he was immediately jailed. In 2002, Iraqi Foreign
Minister Aziz, now under US arrest, offered, on the “60 Minutes” news show,
to turn over the suspect to the US but was refused. The suspect himself
also appeared on the show and claimed, “I am very sorry for what happened.”
None of this was revealed during Cheney's appearance on “Meet the Press”,
giving the public watching the show an entirely different impression.
The idea that Iraq is the preferred location for the war on terror and somehow
is making America safer is ludicrous. Since Iraq was not a haven
previously for Al Qaeda, and now is, it is more likely that the war in Iraq has
simply expanded opportunities for Islamists that previously did not exist.
Cheney also misstated the findings of the Zogby poll of Iraqis: only 21.5%
favored the US model of government while 16% favored the Saudi model according
to the Washington Post review of the Zogby raw poll data. Cheney claimed
this poll was “very positive news …with respect to the attitudes to what
Americans have done.”
And does anyone suppose that Cheney and the rest of the Bush Administration feel
guilt for contributing to the American public's confusion over Saddam and 9/11?
Nahhh! It was only a “parsing” of the truth about war and peace, not
about something important, like sex.
Item: (Rationalists International) Naseem Bibi, 45, was jailed in Lahore's
Kotlakhpat Jail in Punjab province since May 2002. Accused of blasphemy,
she was awaiting her trial. She died on 25 August, tortured and beaten to
death by fellow jail inmates. The jail authorities tried to hush up the
case, saying she died of "heart failure". Her lawyer
Pervez Aslam informs that his client had complained since one week that she was
threatened and attacked. The jail authorities had been alerted, but failed
to protect her. He demanded an inquiry.
Naseem Bibi was living together with her two teenage sons. Her neighbor
used to make advances at her, which she rejected. In May 2002, he decided
to revenge. He called police and alleged that Naseem had burned a copy of
the Quran. She denied the allegation. Though there were no other
witnesses for the deed, the neighbor's false claim was enough to file a
blasphemy case against her.
Response: The real tragedy, of course, was that she was even arrested and placed
in jail in the first place. Even if she did what was claimed, should she
be arrested? And still, there are those in THIS country who seek a
religious foundation for the laws of our country.
Item: An Islamic court in Nigeria overturned the conviction of accused adulterer
Amina Lawal. Some hailed the acquittal as a victory for Islamic justice
while others say Ms. Lawal should have been executed by stoning. She was
acquitted on technicalities including insufficient witnesses, improper number of
judges and lack of legal support for the defendant.
Comment: This ruling will allow some to continue to live in denial of the
injustice of the sharia system. The law and the unsupportable concept of
“sleeping embryos” were not declared invalid. The overturning was
nothing more than an attempt to deflect world criticism at Nigeria, and avoiding
facing the facts. The court, in effect, ruled that if there were a
sufficient number of witnesses, proper legal representation and a period too
long for a “sleeping embryo,” she could have been executed. Would that
have been just?
Item: The Justice Department opened an investigation into the leaking of the
identity of a CIA agent to columnist Robert Novak, who claimed two senior
administration officials gave him the info. The revelation was seen as
retaliation against the CIA agent's husband, Joe Wilson who wrote an article
exposing the Bush Administration's duplicity in the Iraq/Niger/uranium matter.
Wilson claims that reporters have told him that Bush's senior political advisor,
Karl Rove, said that Wilson's wife was “fair game,” and encouraged further
disclosures of her identity. Exposing the identity of a CIA agent is a
felony.
Comment: Is Karl Rove the guilty party? If so, we know a religious person
that may be a suitable replacement. Read on…
Item: (NY Daily News) Former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating says he was the victim
of a smear campaign - by the Roman Catholic Church. He claimed that while
working on a watchdog panel, a high ranking church official sent a letter to the
bishops alleging that Keating was keeping a mistress. “Every word was a
lie,” Keating wrote in the October issue of Crisis Magazine, a conservative
Catholic monthly. The letter was written by the vicar general in the
Oklahoma City diocese, the #2 man there. Although Chicago's Francis
Cardinal George has apologized, the former governor said he was stunned that no
bishop investigated the matter. Keating quit the watchdog panel after
complaining that priests were covering up for perverts and said the church was
acting like “La Cosa Nostra.”
Comment: There might be a job opening in the Bush administration for the vicar
general come election time. Imaginative smear campaigns are always
appreciated in certain circles.
Item: (World Press Review) One of the prevailing beliefs in the ultra-Orthodox
community in Israel is that each event has a reason and that each person has
individual divine protection. A person who is charitable, studies the
Torah, and lives according to Orthodox laws will be protected and rewarded by
the heavens. This belief has been shattered in light of the toddlers who
had not sinned and yet were killed in the cruelest way in the bombing of a bus
in Jerusalem on August 19, 2003, that killed 20, most ultra-Orthodox, and many
children.
An enormous tragedy with so many victims doesn't point to the sins of each
individual, but to a significant common sin of the people of Israel believes
this community. The reason for the present event, therefore, is
“immodest behavior.” One member of the ultra-Orthodox community
explained that “During this time (of the year), there are many immodest
behaviors, such as going to the beach, where the laws of separation (of the
genders) aren't upheld. It shows that God is signaling to the people of
Israel that even during this time, one must study the Torah.” A call was
made by this community, just before the attack, to the women of Israel to dress
more modestly so as not to bring harm to the nation.
Comment: So terrorism is not the result of intolerance, oppression or
anti-Semitism! It's actually immodest modes of attire! Terrorists
can now be excused! Imagine the guilt that this declaration seeks to
spread: Israeli Britney Spears wannabees lead to dead babies! It's clear
that the Jerry Falwell School of Logic has many graduates.
Item: (Gay murder victim) Matthew Shepard's death was not without controversy,
and that controversy continues. Anti-gay preacher Fred Phelps, whose
supporters picketed Shepard's funeral with their inflammatory "God Hates
Fags" signs, recently announced plans to construct an "absolutely
beautiful" monument to the young man in Shepard's hometown of Casper, Wyo.,
the Denver Post reported.
Standing 6 feet tall and 3 1/2 feet wide, the monument would display a plaque
reading: "Matthew Shepard entered Hell October 12, 1998, at age 21 in
defiance of God's solemn warning: 'Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with
womankind; it is abomination.' Leviticus 18:22," the report said.
Phelps plans to erect his monument in a one-acre, public city park, and a court
ruling last year may make it impossible for city officials to stop him. In
2002, the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals stipulated that since the park has
displayed a monument of the Ten Commandments since 1965, monuments promoting
other messages must also be allowed.
The Casper City Council will discuss both monuments at a meeting scheduled for
Tuesday evening.
For the complete story visit: http://www.planetout.com/pno/news/roundups/package.html?sernum=330
and for more on the same topic: http://www.planetout.com/pno/news/article.html?2003/05/21/1
.
Comment: See what happens when you mess with the 1st Amendment! (Sent by
Dave Miller)
Item: (Newsday) A trace on vulgar phone calls to a Catholic High School
principal led detectives to the Queens home of a pistol-packing priest, who
collected porn and Nazi memorabilia and had $87,000 he skimmed from a Long
Island church in Bethpage, according to police sources.
Comment: Hey, nobody's perfect. But as long as his faith remains
steadfast, heaven awaits.
Item: (Newsday guest columnist D.S. Thompson, asst. Prof. of Theology, Fordham
Univ.) “John Paul's long reign has been dedicated to reconstituting Catholic
identity in an era when, to his mind, it has become more diffuse and hence, more
contaminated with outside influences - everything from Western liberalism and
rationalism to feminism and uncritical acceptance of the beliefs and practices
of others religions and a whole host of other problems of modernity.”
Comment: Actually, words like “modernity” and “rationalism” and
“uncritical acceptance” are code words that the orthodox use to express
their dissatisfaction with the fact that the Catholic Church no longer gets to
bless kings, approve of civil laws or receive special favors to the degree that
they did in the past. Why don't they get the privileges that they used to
enjoy? Liberty, democracy, tolerance, etc.; in other words, modernity.
Bin Laden would agree except that it would be Islam substituted for Catholicism
in his case.
Item: (Gannett News Service) -- Letters from hometown soldiers describing their
successes rebuilding Iraq have been appearing in newspapers across the country
as U.S. public opinion on the mission sours.
And all the letters are the same.
A Gannett News Service search found identical letters from different soldiers
with the 2nd Battalion of the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, also known as
"The Rock," in 11 newspapers, including the Tulare Advance-Register.
The letters were upbeat and said, “The quality of life and security for the
citizens has been largely restored, and we are a large part of why that has
happened.”
"The majority of the city has welcomed our presence with open arms,"
the letter reads.
Six soldiers reached by GNS directly or through their families said they agreed
with the letter's thrust. But none of the soldiers said he wrote it, and
one said he didn't even sign it. Among those who signed the letter was Spc.
Myron Tuttle of Tulare.
Responding to a reporter's query, Tuttle, a member of the 503rd, said he didn't
know where the letter originated.
Sgt. Christopher Shelton, who signed a letter that ran in the Snohomish, Wash.,
paper, said Friday that his platoon sergeant had distributed the letter and
asked soldiers for the names of their hometown newspapers. Soldiers were
asked to sign the letter if they agreed with it, said Shelton, whose shoulder
was wounded during an ambush earlier this year.
Comment: To paraphrase Rush Limbaugh in a manner he'd never think to do: “I
think what we've had here is a little damage control in the Bush Administration.
The Administration has been very desirous that Iraq go well. There is a
little hope invested in Iraq, and Bush got a lot of credit for the performance
of his armed forces that he didn't deserve. The armed forces carried this
Administration.”
What better way to prove that morale in our armed forces is high and that the
Iraq occupation is going well than testimonials by soldiers on the ground in
Iraq? Of course, that these are largely fictitious or coerced testimonials
may not matter to the American Public who enjoy a good story whether it is true
or not! Welcome to 1984.
[TOC]
MAKING THE ROUNDS WITH NORM
Norm Roscoe
August 29 to September 1, Highlands, North Carolina, a conference of Unitarians
and Universalists: As the openly proclaimed atheist I found myself surrounded
with mostly agnostics with various views of Pantheistic, neo Pagan, liberal
Christian, and assorted folks who claimed Humanism of various sorts. These
folks pretty much did not accept any supernatural (transnatural) being in any
personal sense. The major focus was a desire for aesthetic symbolic
ritual. The desired language was what some of us refer to reverence.
As I worked with these folks I used such terms as honored, appreciated,
grateful; words which were secular forums of reverential language. Many
tried to relate to me that they had the same idea; just the wish for the more
"spiritual" terms.
I developed the theme of coming together, appreciating the created community,
and departing with renewed vigor to go back to the hinterlands of conservatism
to develope coalitions with others. Because of the internet, etc.,
we can be connected with those with the more liberal perspectives.
Language continues to be a struggle; we find similar referents with different
symbols. I do appreciate the aesthetics of coming together. We
engaged in music, poetry, story telling, drama and of course the usual talk.
(Some folks used sermon, homily etc).
I myself helped to lead two services with readings reflecting my Humanist values
along with song and drama. This was well received and folks continue to
insist that they also even as Neo pagans, Liberal Christians, and other assorted
views held these same views a la common moral decencies.
I have previously raised the idea of aesthetics in our activities; do we
comfortably consider these artistic expressions to be a part of our Humanist
environment. I wonder what folks think about this area. I would love to
hear form folks about this issue.
My weekend was one of being treated with great respect and friendship; some of
these UU's are quite friendly. I do hope that our humanist groups can show
great friendliness also. I feel that often we do.
Friday, Sept. 12, SUNY @ Stony Brook. "Interdependence Day": It was
fascinating to find out that only about a dozen groups were invited to this
event; apparently we were recommended by former professor Dr Futyuma. Such
groups as Amnesty International, NYPIRG, ACLU along with a number of student
groups were also present.
The large gathering focused on the dichotomy between the "haves" and
the "have nots". The key note speaker was Joan Ross Frankson of
the Women's Environment and Development Organization; or WEDO.
The challenges faced are political, economic, environmental and cultural.
The hope is that folks will be more "involved, informed, even
educated" and better learn about the situation confronting us.
Workshops were scheduled later one to take more specific acts to get somewhere.
I attended a workshop on "Citizenship Skills." Other folks went
to workshops on the Iraq situation, others on Economic Golbalization and some on
Student international interaction.
Our workshop centered on citizen responses to our difficulties. We
presented two possible avenues: Voting and where we spend our money. Some
folks felt frustrated about the effectiveness of voting; others felt we go with
what we have. Others called for various levels of demonstrations from passive to
almost to violent. Some forms of civil disobedience were described and
various forms of positions about this area were discussed.
We may still have frustrated folks but we felt that maybe we should deal with
the lesser of two evils rather than going for the ideal which may hurt the
chances of the "lesser of two evils choice". It seems that
"Knowledge is at least more powerful" than ignorant resignation.
People were not too familiar with CFI-LI/LISH but some were interested in our
publications; some asked about the Humanist and some about the CFI-LI/LISH
newsletter: They did not know much about us but did ask questions. It was
interesting that European students showed interest in Humanism and the
importance of philosophy. We handed out information. We hope some
will follow-up.
Sunday Sept 14, Danbury Conn: On this day I attended another memorial service
for a very important Humanist. Robert Wolsch was a humanist Counselor at
Western Conn. State University. He also was a member of the Central Conn.
Humanist group which is a chapter of both AHA and the Council. He
performed many services for Humanists such as weddings, memorials, and many
others. He was a professor in communications at Western Conn. I was
asked to addressed his history as the founder of Unitarian Universalist for
Jewish Awareness: This was a sub movement within the UU movement very comparable
to Sherwin Wine's movement. Robert started this program in 1979. I
personally have conducted a number of services among UU such as Passover Seders,
and Hanukah events. Robert organized this around secular aspects of Judaism.
It was an impressive event with about 400 people attending.
CFI-LI forum, Friday Sept. 19 at 7:15 PM Plainview Public Library: At first I
was uncertain as to what the focus of the talk was. I felt like it was a
friendly conversation about free thought people and Mr. Taylor's personal
experiences thereof. It was easy to find this speaker to be very likeable
and provided an appealing presence.
After some conversation with a few other folks we found that Keith was bringing
to us exchanges from cyberspace and how this new form of community becomes quite
personal; this form of community helps us reinforce our various humanist values.
Some issues involved the "atheists in foxholes" and the challenges of
non believers in general.
It was also apparent that folks within the "community of reason" can
show various levels of compassion and feelings. Mr. Taylor displayed
emotional moments in his presentation. Mixed with this was a nice sampling
of humor both during the presentation and during the question and answer period.
He was also open to a nice range of ideas.
This speaker provided a very positive experience and is a fine model for the
Humanist community.
September 27, 10:00 AM, Saturday @ the Community Center in Centereach, the newly
created Suffolk Jewish Cultural School: This Rosh Hashanah event was a secular
as it could get and still be reflective of a Jewish celebration. A large
intergenerational group of about 75 people attended this event. As one who
is not of Jewish heritage, I nevertheless felt quite at home as the major
humanistic values were expounded. Numerous readings from folks of all ages
were delivered. There was some music as well.
I am struck that even secular folks found the desire, and perhaps even the need
to find connections during these times of the year. Shariee Calderone
along with others such as Joan Kurtz did such a fine job in bringing so many
together for these occasions.
Saturday, September 27 I attended the Long Island Havurah's Rosh Hashanah in
Lido Beach at the Fire House at 2:00PM: Here we found about thirty folks, mostly
older with a few younger adults in attendance.
This was also a well organized event with some of the readings and songs
performed by a "Cantor" who did a nice job. This service did
seem more to reflect the Jewish connection with some Hebrew but I also felt
quite comfortable here as well. This ritual featured a talk by Len Cherlin
helping us understand the more historically accurate account of the Jewish
people. Len has much to teach us in the area. We appreciate his
wisdom and knowledge.
Sunday, Sept. 28, Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island 11:00 AM: This
platform featured Dr Joseph Chuman, a long time leader who is in Bergen NJ.
The talk was titled "Reclaiming the Enlightenment." Dr Chuman
laid out the circumstances around the background of the Enlightenment and the
changes leading to the current state of affairs. (He did not use the term
"Post modernism...) He referred the current situation as just
"Relativism." During the middle third of the platform address
one could almost hear a great support for this "relativism." He
made strong arguments against the Modernist perspective showing the acceptance
of such evils as slavery, racism, gender chauvinism, as well as scientific mis-adventures
such as military buildups and pollution. If one didn't pay attention one
could leave believing that modernism is the greatest of evils.
However, Dr. Chuman then turned the tide to take advantage and defend modernist
and Enlightenment approaches. We first realize the errors of past deeds.
It is because of Modernist ways that we can make corrections. We can even
see how the relativists had to use modernist tools to make their assessments
themselves. We wonder if the "post modernists” could put together
solutions or just continue to find problems to decry.
We can learn from past cultural biases, and with the use of reason can put
together plans to rectify these errors.
Joseph Chuman is a most dynamic speaker who held the attention for what may have
been a longer platform delivery than usual; but nobody left this platform early.
Friday Oct 3, 7:30 PM, Ethical Humanist Society, Garden City: Five
organizations including CFI-LISH sponsored this event on Clean Money Clean
Elections. This was an exciting meeting discussing the campaign finance
reforms in Maine and Arizona with initiatives in a few other states.
This meeting was the effort to initiate this program in New York State.
This reform would allow candidates to make very modest funding efforts to get in
the program to receive public support. It would still allow some
candidates to go the private route but the public funded folks would get
competitive financing. This is a great effort to equalizing the campaign
funding for less affluent candidates. This also empowers voters to choose
the clean money campaign with a minimum of confusion. I hope this
initiative could be followed up and get support not only on the New York State
level but maybe on the national scene. Thanks to Gerry Dantone and Carol Pincus
for spearheading this effort and of course for speaker Jon Bartholomew from
Citizen Action of New York.
[TOC]
THE MOVIE HOLLYWOOD IS AFRAID TO MAKE!
From Producer Diane Lieblich
Our proposed movie, “Heart of the Beholder,” is based on a true story of how
a young couple was ruined by a group of religious fundamentalists because they
were the only video store owners who dared to carry Martin Scorsese's
controversial film, “The Last Temptation of Christ.” When the couple
refused to buckle, the religious zealots blackmailed the District Attorney into
destroying their business and family.
Last June 1 through August 31, we produced a grassroots attempt to reach out to
fellow humanists and freethinkers. We tried to raise a minimum production
budget of $500,000 by pre-selling DVDs and video of the film as well as by
accepting donations. The goal was not met and all of the funds have been
returned as of September 8, 2003.
We aren't giving up yet. We are now asking our fellow freethinkers to
consider loaning us the money to meet our minimum production budget. There
has never been a better time for a film to come out that addresses the hypocrisy
of religious fanatics and the strength of freethinkers who believe in family,
friends and themselves instead of myths and fables. Non-binding pledges
can be sent to pledge@beholder.com, minimum of $100, maximum of $2,000,000.
For all the details, go to the website www.beholder.com.
(Note: INQUIRER editor Gerry Dantone's music is being considered for this
movie.) [TOC]
Cable Access Producer Bob Goldberg to Receive Award!
The Long Island Alliance For Peaceful Alternatives is a local organization that
works to make this a less violent, more civilized world. The Alliance
educates people about alternatives to war and tries to influence those in
government about non-violent, humane ways to run this world and solve its
problems.
Each year the Alliance gives Kairos Awards to people and organizations in
recognition of their efforts and achievements that promote a more peaceful,
civilized world. This year the Kairos Awards Dinner will be held at
Hofstra University on November 15th, starting at 6:00 PM. The Awardees
are: Professor Carolyn Eisenberg, a brilliant historical analyst and passionate
advocate for peace; Long Island Pax Christi, a Catholic peace organization and
LISH and Center for Inquiry supporter Bob Goldberg, a Public Access Cable
advocate and producer of progressive programming. Legendary folk singer
Pete Seeger will be the special musical guest.
You are encouraged to attend and support this important organization. The
cost is $50, which includes dinner. There is also a commemorative Kairos
Dinner Journal in which people can place ads or congratulations to the honorees.
To reserve places or for more information, please contact Megan O'Handley at
(516) 741-4360 or lipeace@broadviewnet.net.
CFI-LI/EHSLI MUSICAL BLOOD DRIVE!
Monday, November 24, 3 to 9:45 PM, at the Ethical Humanist Soc. of LI building,
38 Old Country Rd., Garden City. A blood drive with music, featuring Sonny
Meadows, Buddha Box, Gerry Dantone and Forever Falling. Call Richard Rapp
for appointment to donate @ 718-321-1525 or just walk in and enjoy the music!
Music starts @ about 6PM! Come and enjoy the music! (Open mike
musicians wanted; call 516 742 1662; 2 song, 8 minute limit.)
Socrates @ Manhasset UUC
RON GROSS AS SOCRATES!
Ron Gross will appear as Socrates at the Manhasset UUC, Friday, November 7,
7:30PM. 516 627 6560.
FORUM ON ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
CFI-Metro NY, host, Paul Kurtz!
“The Assault on Scientific Medicine and Mental Health,” Thursday, Nov. 13, 1
to 5PM, featuring Wallace Sampson; NY Academy of Medicine, 1216 5th Ave., room
20, NYC, FREE! Call 212 265 2877. or go to www.cfimetrony.org.
Become a Friend of CFI-LI
Join CFI in challenging unreason and promoting the scientific outlook.
Become a Friend of the Center today. Levels are available to suit every
family and budget:
$20 Student/low-income
$45 Individual
$65 Household
$100 Contributing
$250 Supporting
$500 Sustaining
$1,500 Lifetime
Friends of CFI-LI gain use of the CFI-LI Freethought library (contact librarian
Bill Mohrman, 516 795 3318; for a catalogue and requests, or if you want to
register a book for others to borrow); voting rights for the CFI-LI advisory
board; mailed newsletters; invitations and discounts to local non-public
functions, dinners, and perhaps movies and plays as well!
All Friends of the Center receive:
A colorful CFI vinyl decal
A handsome enamel CFI lapel pin (at contributing level or higher)
10% off CSICOP and Council for Secular Humanism events
15% off Prometheus book titles
Send a check with your name, address and phone number, to CFI-Long Island, Box
119, Greenlawn, NY 11740, or call 516 742 1662 with your Visa, Mastercard or
Amex card ready.
All articles in this newsletter may be reprinted by organizations affiliated
with CFI, CSICOP, Council for Secular Humanism, American Atheists or the
American Humanist Association, with a reciprocating reprinting agreement with
CFI-LI, so long as the article is used in full and with complete crediting.
Edited versions can be used with written permission.
[TOC]
Book Discussion Club!
If you are interested call Bill Wade @ 631 765 2941 or write to him @ Box 631,
Southold, NY, 11971.
Date: 14 November 2003, 8PM, Place: Massapequa, NY, skeptic1@optonline.net,
Book: Morma Khouri, “Honor Lost: Love and Death in Modern-Day Jordan.”
All future meetings will move to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, 999 Old
Country Rd., Plainview,
@ 7:30PM!
Date: 5 December 2003, Book: Eric Alterman, "What Liberal Media? The
Truth About Bias and the News."
Date: 2 January 2004, Book: Kurt Vonnegut, "Player Piano".
Date: 6 February 2004, Place: To be determined, Book: Richard Ellis, "The
Empty Ocean: plundering the world's marine life."
Date: 5 March 2004, Book: Jon Entine, "Taboo: why black athletes dominate
sports and why we're afraid to talk about it."
Date: 2 April 2004 Book: Michael Moore, "Stupid white men: -- and other
sorry excuses for the state of the nation!"
Date: 7 May 2004, Book: Patricia Daniels Cornwell, "Portrait of a killer:
Jack the Ripper case closed".
Date: 4 June 2004, Book: Jared Diamond, "Guns, germs, and steel : the fates
of human societies".
[TOC]
TIME TO GROW SOS!
The Council for Secular Humanism is requesting donations specifically for SOS
programs administration.
Send your donations to:
CSH, PO Box 664, Amherst, NY 114226, and note that the gift is for SOS - NY.
The home page of SOS is http://www.secularsobriety.org. This web site has
much information for downloading on running SOS groups.
SOS (Secular Organizations for Sobriety/Save Our Selves), a support organization
for people recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, have added a new local group.
Meetings will be held Thursday nights, at 7:30 P.M. at, 280 Suburban Avenue, #F,
Deer Park, Suffolk County, NY. Open to all persons who need sobriety in
their life. For info about this planning meeting or directions, contact
Drew @ 631 242 2498.
The Center for Inquiry is a transnational nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization
that encourages evidence-based inquiry into science, pseudoscience, medicine and
health, religion, ethics, secularism and society.
[TOC]
WBAI 99.5 FM Radio
EQUAL TIME FOR FREETHOUGHT!
Listen to the show for and by humanist, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, etc.
on Sundays @ 6:30 PM, WBAI FM, 99.5 on the dial.
Be Sure to Watch
"Humanist Perspective" hosted by Joe Beck, on Cablevision Public
Access, can be seen Wednesdays @ 7PM on Channel 20 on the Woodbury, and
Brookhaven systems and at 7PM, Thursdays on the Hauppauge system.
CFI-LI ON CABLE!
“What is Secular Humanism?”
This is a CFI-LI one-hour self-produced show and will be shown on the Woodbury
Cablevision system, @ 6:30PM Mondays and on the Hauppauge & Brookhaven
Cablevision systems, Tuesdays @ 7:00 PM, on Channel 20.
New show from American Atheists!
Atheist Viewpoint
Featuring Ellen Johnson and Ron Barrier, it will be seen Thursdays @ 7PM on the
Woodbury system and Mondays on the Hauppauge and Brookhaven systems @ 7PM, on
Channel 20.
GIVE BLOOD & HEAR MUSIC!
Give blood at the CFI-LI & EHSLI Blood Drive on Monday, November 24, @ the
EHSLI building, 38 Old Country Road, Garden City. To make an appointment,
call Richard Rapp @ 718 321 1525.
[TOC]
SECULAR HUMANISM is the philosophy of life guided by reason and science, freed
from religious and secular dogmas, motivated by an appreciation of life and the
lives of others, seeking to reach goals of human happiness, freedom and
understanding on this earth, in this life
Editor: Gerald Dantone
Design: John Wilmarth
A Thumbs Up Publication
Copyright LISH 2003
[TOC]