… Norm Allen discusses black history in the context of science and secularism. He talks about the Senegalese physicist Cheikh Anta Diop, and his humanistic views which were coupled with his science advocacy. He talks about Charles Drew, and his influence on setting up the first blood banks, as well as urban legends that have developed around him. He talks about the pseudoscience of supposed alternative medicine cures for AIDS, and their prominence in the black community. He talks about other black scientists and freethought figures, and defends the argument for the need for a “Black History Month.” He describes the need for skepticism in the black community, focusing on how the black media covers psychics and belief in prophecy, citing examples of Tony Brown and Montel Williams. He also details some of the current black leaders in the skeptical movement, recounting the first African skeptical conference that he attended last year in Senegal.

The Times article concerning atheist signs on buses ["Local atheists lift voices in bus campaign," Local News, March 29] contains this remark by Pastor Richard Dahlstrom. “atheists disregard both the good things that religious people have done and the atrocities committed by the nonreligious.”

Our Founding Fathers were well aware of the evils of intolerant religionists, evils such as restricting Galileo’s celestial truths, the execution of Micheal Servetus for differing with a priest on anatomy, the burning of Joan of Arc at the stake for heresy and witchcraft, execution of unauthorized translators of the Bible and countless wars over religious differences.

Consequently, the very first amendment to our constitution stated, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Throughout history, the harm done by the righteous far outweighs that of the nonreligious; that imbalance continues in wars by and between religious factions today.

We agnostics and atheists are willing to stand up for our rights — but few of us are barbaric enough to kill or maim, as are the faithful.

– Spencer M. Higley, Edmonds

Well said, Mr. Higley!

We applaud President Obama in trying to move our government and our people away from use of religion as a divisive political tool.  A good deed is a good deed, whether the motivation is secular or faith-based.  Religious organizations might reasonably make use of government funds to help them carry out good deeds in a secular manner, if they keep finances transparent and if they help people and communities without proselytizing and without discriminating against those who do not share their beliefs.  We urge the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships to specifically include non-believers and humanist organizations on their Council and ensure that equal opportunity is provided to non-faith groups to work with this office.  We feel that extending a welcome to secular humanists will help yield further positive change toward supporting practical compassionate work in our neighborhoods, communities, and country.

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:–’I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.’

— U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 1

January 15, 2008

In 2005, I had the honor of leading the effort to lobby Congress on behalf of nontheistic Americans.  While my love for policy and the work of the Secular Coalition for America has grown, so has the organization.  In fact, what was expected to remain a lobbying organization with a staff consisting solely of one lobbyist (me), has also grown.  This growth is exciting and it is growth that I have pushed for.  The Secular Coalition for America now has a staff of six individuals, is involved in many larger coalition efforts, takes the lead on issues of special interest, and is recognized by members of Congress and consulted by the media and legislative personnel regularly.

In short, the Secular Coalition for America has grown to be a powerful and complex organization in fewer than four years.  With that growth come new needs.  The Secular Coalition for America now needs an executive director, an individual whose expertise is running a major national organization.  While I am extremely proud of having birthed this baby, it is time for both me and the Secular Coalition for America to continue to grow.  For the organization, this means finding an exceptional leader whose passion is continuing to grow the nontheist movement.  For me personally, that growth includes reconnecting to my skill sets in the legal and policy realms, and stepping down as director of this wonderful national organization.

As I embark on a search for my next exciting venture, my wish is that the many wonderful individuals who have supported the Secular Coalition for America will not only continue that support, but increase it as the movement grows. I am forever grateful to this organization for the tremendous experiences it has allowed me to enjoy.  I continue to support the Secular Coalition for America and the nontheist movement in the broader sense.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the Secular Coalition for America.  And I look forward to the future – for me outside the organization, and for the continued success of the organization I helped develop.

Best wishes,
Lori Lipman Brown
Director, Secular Coalition for America

Write to Rep. Dunn to tell him that the capitol is not the house of God, and that Atheists are not “evildoers.”