Anton Becker has shared a Huffington Post article with you:
Ayatollah Khamenei's Jet Checked, Iran Supreme Leader May Flee To Russia If Necessary
- sent by Anton Becker
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
A Secular Christmas
A Secular Christmas
Atheism is the absence of belief in a god or supernatural force. Atheists cannot prove there is no god and are open to scientifically verifiable evidence of gods existence forcing them to rethink their position. To date, no such evidence has been provided therefore an absence of belief is the only rational position. Despite this humanity clings to theism. My suspicion is that our natural emotional responses to the dark events of life are what makes theism so firmly emeshed in our society. Christmas, as we all know, brings our emotions to the surface as we interact with our families and friends while expressing our most intimate beliefs.
I am no expert on loss or grieving. I am quite fortunate in this regard, and I thank "my lucky stars", even as i say it. One thing i do know is that we all have our moments of anxiety, confusion, anger, and maybe even despair and depression. We all find our individual ways to cope with these natural emotions when they arise in our lives and thankfully we get thru them as best we can. Of course we all fall back on and standby our families and loved ones to help us build our defenses against these dark tides. Many in our society, maybe most, also use their religious faith to bolster themselves against these trumatic events. It is this sturdy mesh of familiar tradition and theistic beliefs that atheists find themselves dwarfed by in both the private and public spheres.
Yes, atheists have families, and traditions, and history as well but these are fragile, relatively few and new. The pilings are not yet deep enough to forestall the darkest seas. When the difficult events of life occur for many atheists the only place to find comfort is right back in the theistic mesh. This is what i fear, that my rational, logical, skeptical viewpoint will be consumed by the desire for love and comfort. We all fear death, no matter our theistic fervor, but my atheist self also fears the death of my intellectual dignity due to some emotional crisis.
I have always loved christmas. Even as a non-believer I relish the season for the love and togetherness it brings. At the same time I recoil at the medieval superstitions practiced by the ones i love. When I find myself at the rare catholic mass I feel as the anthropologist does while observing the tribal customs of noble savages. The totality of christmas is lost for me. I treasure what remains but it is not what it once was for me.
So..... what is to be done. It is work, work driving those pilings deeper into the bedrock . It is establishing and supporting an atheist community in both the private and public spheres. It is fully supporting the seperation of church and state and it is fighting for the rights of anyone who is discriminated against because of their beliefs or non-beliefs..It is strengthening our educational system for the best defense against fundamentalist beliefs is a strong education. But, most of all, it is crucial to "come out", declare your non-belief and live a freethinker. It is to make Christmas as valuable a holiday to the atheist as it is to the theist.
Merry Secular Christmas and a Happy New Year
Atheism is the absence of belief in a god or supernatural force. Atheists cannot prove there is no god and are open to scientifically verifiable evidence of gods existence forcing them to rethink their position. To date, no such evidence has been provided therefore an absence of belief is the only rational position. Despite this humanity clings to theism. My suspicion is that our natural emotional responses to the dark events of life are what makes theism so firmly emeshed in our society. Christmas, as we all know, brings our emotions to the surface as we interact with our families and friends while expressing our most intimate beliefs.
I am no expert on loss or grieving. I am quite fortunate in this regard, and I thank "my lucky stars", even as i say it. One thing i do know is that we all have our moments of anxiety, confusion, anger, and maybe even despair and depression. We all find our individual ways to cope with these natural emotions when they arise in our lives and thankfully we get thru them as best we can. Of course we all fall back on and standby our families and loved ones to help us build our defenses against these dark tides. Many in our society, maybe most, also use their religious faith to bolster themselves against these trumatic events. It is this sturdy mesh of familiar tradition and theistic beliefs that atheists find themselves dwarfed by in both the private and public spheres.
Yes, atheists have families, and traditions, and history as well but these are fragile, relatively few and new. The pilings are not yet deep enough to forestall the darkest seas. When the difficult events of life occur for many atheists the only place to find comfort is right back in the theistic mesh. This is what i fear, that my rational, logical, skeptical viewpoint will be consumed by the desire for love and comfort. We all fear death, no matter our theistic fervor, but my atheist self also fears the death of my intellectual dignity due to some emotional crisis.
I have always loved christmas. Even as a non-believer I relish the season for the love and togetherness it brings. At the same time I recoil at the medieval superstitions practiced by the ones i love. When I find myself at the rare catholic mass I feel as the anthropologist does while observing the tribal customs of noble savages. The totality of christmas is lost for me. I treasure what remains but it is not what it once was for me.
So..... what is to be done. It is work, work driving those pilings deeper into the bedrock . It is establishing and supporting an atheist community in both the private and public spheres. It is fully supporting the seperation of church and state and it is fighting for the rights of anyone who is discriminated against because of their beliefs or non-beliefs..It is strengthening our educational system for the best defense against fundamentalist beliefs is a strong education. But, most of all, it is crucial to "come out", declare your non-belief and live a freethinker. It is to make Christmas as valuable a holiday to the atheist as it is to the theist.
Merry Secular Christmas and a Happy New Year
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
What are our public schools for?
Why do we have public schools? To educate for sure, but that can be done in private and religious schools as well. Public schools serve a free society in many ways; they provide a standard for education, they provide access to all, they bring the community together, and when possible and at their best they bring diversity of ideas and culture. Also, students each day say the pledge of allegiance, learn about our form of government, and are taught to be good citizens. Students are taught to have respect for their teachers, their country and their legislators and president.
Our President is more than a politician, he is our country's leader for better or worse. It is this lesson of respect for our presidency that was tragically undermined by those who protested the presidents school speech. Furthermore, school administrators who did not show the presidents message to all children present were abdicating their role as educators and leaders. Every citizen who sends his child to public school enters into a contract with the values the public school system stands for. If a parent chooses to exercise his constitutional right to protest, boycott, or speak out they are free to do so and also free to keep their child at home. Despite the difficult position they were put in school administrators were required to show the presidents speech for they had no evidence of political manipulation to point to. Someone needed to stand up and tell the protestors - go ahead with your protest but we will not let bias and paranoia influence our public school system.
Please do not take my position as one who is against protests, criticism of government, free speech, or other forms of non-violent action. Our constitution gives us these rights and we are obligated to exercise them when we see fit. Our public schools are not immune from these actions but care must be taken as to the lessons learned by our children. Raw politics must not be a part of our public schools.
In their misguided attempt to prevent a president from doing so, those on the far right have in fact done exactly that.In the best light this was a case of not the president inserting politics into our schools, but the far right lunatics depositing their bile and poison. In the worst light, this is a case of racism both open and closeted. This cancer threatens our free liberal democracy. What are we teaching our children? It is time for us all to stand up.
Our President is more than a politician, he is our country's leader for better or worse. It is this lesson of respect for our presidency that was tragically undermined by those who protested the presidents school speech. Furthermore, school administrators who did not show the presidents message to all children present were abdicating their role as educators and leaders. Every citizen who sends his child to public school enters into a contract with the values the public school system stands for. If a parent chooses to exercise his constitutional right to protest, boycott, or speak out they are free to do so and also free to keep their child at home. Despite the difficult position they were put in school administrators were required to show the presidents speech for they had no evidence of political manipulation to point to. Someone needed to stand up and tell the protestors - go ahead with your protest but we will not let bias and paranoia influence our public school system.
Please do not take my position as one who is against protests, criticism of government, free speech, or other forms of non-violent action. Our constitution gives us these rights and we are obligated to exercise them when we see fit. Our public schools are not immune from these actions but care must be taken as to the lessons learned by our children. Raw politics must not be a part of our public schools.
In their misguided attempt to prevent a president from doing so, those on the far right have in fact done exactly that.In the best light this was a case of not the president inserting politics into our schools, but the far right lunatics depositing their bile and poison. In the worst light, this is a case of racism both open and closeted. This cancer threatens our free liberal democracy. What are we teaching our children? It is time for us all to stand up.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Peace Train
The following is a response to a friend of mine where we were discussing recent trends in american politicsFriendyes, people generally become more conservative as they age. Recently though, the percentage of 20’s and 30’s voting democratic has been higher than ever and those voting republican have become older and older so recent trends are not representative of simply people getting older. I would add that people who become more conservative as they age may not be doing so because of wisdom, but because the aging process typically brings out fear, caution and pessimism (typical conservative psychology) as we approach the end of our lives. Sadly, we are all affected by these life changes. As to your wonderful exceptional daughters I dispute your characterization that they are conservative republicans, but are most likely moderates and hold a wide range of views.Socialism has generally succeeded wherever it has been implemented. It is communism and Marxism which has failed. Please make note of the European community which despite their problems has a standard of living similar to the united states and in fact some countries which are ‘more’ socialistic such as Scandinavian states have the highest standard of living in the world. In fact, and especially since the 1930’s and FDR, the united states itself has been a socialistic country. Government spending as a percentage of GDP has been about 22% while the most socialistic countries of Europe are about 40%. It is true that European countries are actually attempting to reduce this figure below 40% while the US is headed to about 30-35% as our population ages and medicare and social security become even more predominant. Bottom line here is that anyone who thinks that the US and other traditionally ‘socialistic’ countries are different animals is fooling themselves.Finally, you are right. It is ridiculous of me to call all Republicans ignorant and prejudiced. Hell, I know some liberals and democrats who are equally ignorant and prejudiced. My pain point here is that the train is leaving the station. Our country has moved through history on the cutting edge of social and economic change, and change generally for the better. We were founded as we cut our ties to an illegitimate monarchy, we established a constitution declaring the rule of law to be greater than any man or god, we went thru hell establishing that all men were free, we sacrificed hundreds of thousands of lives to keep us free, and now we are on the cusp of allowing all free men to be treated with dignity and respect as we insure everyone has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As a people this means everyone has access to a full and complete education, that everyone has full access to healthcare, and that everyone has the right to be free of discrimination because of their race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. In return everyone has the responsibility to take part in our political process. Like our formerly Christian, now muslim, Cat Stevens, I call it our Peace Train. For those who choose not to board this train I feel sorry. History is passing you by. Don’t let ignorance and prejudice prevent you from taking that step up. Come on, Get on board, come on the Peace Train.!!!Anton
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Peace Train
The following is a response to a friend of mine where we were discussing recent trends in american politics
Friend
yes, people generally become more conservative as they age. Recently though, the percentage of 20’s and 30’s voting democratic has been higher than ever and those voting republican have become older and older so recent trends are not representative of simply people getting older. I would add that people who become more conservative as they age may not be doing so because of wisdom, but because the aging process typically brings out fear, caution and pessimism (typical conservative psychology) as we approach the end of our lives. Sadly, we are all affected by these life changes. As to your wonderful exceptional daughters I dispute your characterization that they are conservative republicans, but are most likely moderates and hold a wide range of views.
Socialism has generally succeeded wherever it has been implemented. It is communism and Marxism which has failed. Please make note of the European community which despite their problems has a standard of living similar to the united states and in fact some countries which are ‘more’ socialistic such as Scandinavian states have the highest standard of living in the world. In fact, and especially since the 1930’s and FDR, the united states itself has been a socialistic country. Government spending as a percentage of GDP has been about 22% while the most socialistic countries of Europe are about 40%. It is true that European countries are actually attempting to reduce this figure below 40% while the US is headed to about 30-35% as our population ages and medicare and social security become even more predominant. Bottom line here is that anyone who thinks that the US and other traditionally ‘socialistic’ countries are different animals is fooling themselves.
Finally, you are right. It is ridiculous of me to call all Republicans ignorant and prejudiced. Hell, I know some liberals and democrats who are equally ignorant and prejudiced. My pain point here is that the train is leaving the station. Our country has moved through history on the cutting edge of social and economic change, and change generally for the better. We were founded as we cut our ties to an illegitimate monarchy, we established a constitution declaring the rule of law to be greater than any man or god, we went thru hell establishing that all men were free, we sacrificed hundreds of thousands of lives to keep us free, and now we are on the cusp of allowing all free men to be treated with dignity and respect as we insure everyone has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As a people this means everyone has access to a full and complete education, that everyone has full access to healthcare, and that everyone has the right to be free of discrimination because of their race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. In return everyone has the responsibility to take part in our political process. Like our formerly Christian, now muslim, Cat Stevens, I call it our Peace Train. For those who choose not to board this train I feel sorry. History is passing you by. Don’t let ignorance and prejudice prevent you from taking that step up. Come on, Get on board, come on the Peace Train.!!!
Anton
Friend
yes, people generally become more conservative as they age. Recently though, the percentage of 20’s and 30’s voting democratic has been higher than ever and those voting republican have become older and older so recent trends are not representative of simply people getting older. I would add that people who become more conservative as they age may not be doing so because of wisdom, but because the aging process typically brings out fear, caution and pessimism (typical conservative psychology) as we approach the end of our lives. Sadly, we are all affected by these life changes. As to your wonderful exceptional daughters I dispute your characterization that they are conservative republicans, but are most likely moderates and hold a wide range of views.
Socialism has generally succeeded wherever it has been implemented. It is communism and Marxism which has failed. Please make note of the European community which despite their problems has a standard of living similar to the united states and in fact some countries which are ‘more’ socialistic such as Scandinavian states have the highest standard of living in the world. In fact, and especially since the 1930’s and FDR, the united states itself has been a socialistic country. Government spending as a percentage of GDP has been about 22% while the most socialistic countries of Europe are about 40%. It is true that European countries are actually attempting to reduce this figure below 40% while the US is headed to about 30-35% as our population ages and medicare and social security become even more predominant. Bottom line here is that anyone who thinks that the US and other traditionally ‘socialistic’ countries are different animals is fooling themselves.
Finally, you are right. It is ridiculous of me to call all Republicans ignorant and prejudiced. Hell, I know some liberals and democrats who are equally ignorant and prejudiced. My pain point here is that the train is leaving the station. Our country has moved through history on the cutting edge of social and economic change, and change generally for the better. We were founded as we cut our ties to an illegitimate monarchy, we established a constitution declaring the rule of law to be greater than any man or god, we went thru hell establishing that all men were free, we sacrificed hundreds of thousands of lives to keep us free, and now we are on the cusp of allowing all free men to be treated with dignity and respect as we insure everyone has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As a people this means everyone has access to a full and complete education, that everyone has full access to healthcare, and that everyone has the right to be free of discrimination because of their race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. In return everyone has the responsibility to take part in our political process. Like our formerly Christian, now muslim, Cat Stevens, I call it our Peace Train. For those who choose not to board this train I feel sorry. History is passing you by. Don’t let ignorance and prejudice prevent you from taking that step up. Come on, Get on board, come on the Peace Train.!!!
Anton
Sunday, January 25, 2009
non believer recognition
It was a surprise and a relief to hear President Obama mention non-believers in his inagural address this past week. We have come along way since George HW Bush (41) said he thought that atheists werent qualified to be american citizens.
And, its almost refreshing listening to the fundamentalists this week cry out in horror that Obama mentioned non-believers. Just what is the world coming to.
Ill tell you, the world is coming to reason and rationality.
The world is coming to the Atheist Majority
Anton
And, its almost refreshing listening to the fundamentalists this week cry out in horror that Obama mentioned non-believers. Just what is the world coming to.
Ill tell you, the world is coming to reason and rationality.
The world is coming to the Atheist Majority
Anton
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Atheists - the least loved group
Check out this news article sent to me by Eileen Becker
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1786422&page=1.
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1786422&page=1.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Israel, Gaza, and the Jewish State
Since 1948 Israel has maintained a Jewish State through military occupation and ethnic cleansing. Since 1948 the palestinians and their muslim breathren have used murder and war to avenge their humiliation. Because the Jewish democracy/theocracy, free for jews or not, has had the support of the west it maintains the upper hand. While Israel practices the ethics of the west it cannot shed its own humiliation, that is its own illegitimate birth at the expense of the palestinians. Without reviewing all the reasons and need for israel's birth, their burden can only be shed by accepting all the peoples of palestine as equals and creating a truly democratic government. Sadly, those of religious fervor in Israel have made it their holy duty to insure a Jewish State reigns, and a third temple built. The islamic jihad of Muhammed, to their shame, have only made it easier for Israel's zealots to succeed.
The only option for Israel is one country, jews and muslims, palestinians and israelis, free, democratic, and messy. The alternative reminds me of the Maccabees at Masada. Who will play the role of the Maccabees and when I do not know. I do hope we can avoid it.
The only option for Israel is one country, jews and muslims, palestinians and israelis, free, democratic, and messy. The alternative reminds me of the Maccabees at Masada. Who will play the role of the Maccabees and when I do not know. I do hope we can avoid it.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
