Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Tony · 06-19-2003, 07:29 PM

SENATE APPROVES MODIFIED FAITH-BASED FUNDING BILL; BUSH SAYS HE STILL WANTS MORE FOR CHURCHES
Web Posted: April 10, 2003
http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/faith51.htm

I know it�s kind of old news, but it reminded me the question that was asked by one Russian comedian at the end of the Soviet era. The comedian imagines a dialog between him and any communist leader who is paid by the Soviet state:"
- Comedian: OK, so you are the communist leader, but what do you do?
- Communist leader: Um, I believe in communism.
- Comedian: I understand that. Tell me what you get paid for.
- Communist leader: Um, I believe in communism.
- We established that. OK, let me give you a couple of examples: a welder � welds, a driver � drives. What do YOU do?
- Communist leader: Um, I believe in communism.
- Comedian: So, you are get paid for your believes?"

People get paid for their believes. And it doesn�t matter - communism or religion.
Similarity and ridiculousness of these situations are so obvious - it could make me laugh again, if it wasn�t that sad.
:boohoo:

But the thought that I don't believe in religion and that more and more people don't believe in religion makes me much happier person.

Arken · 06-19-2003, 08:13 PM

I cain't wait for the KKK, the Nation of Islam and the World Church of the Creator, all faith-based organizations and all openly racist, to apply for this funding. I'll stand with 'em all in court when they sue for the rights to get it to even though they'd hate me since I'm an atheist with Jewish ethnicity. It would serve Bush and Co. right if they got it and it would be a wonderful punchline.

Jewel · 06-20-2003, 04:51 AM

I suppose for all this faith-based crap to stop it would have to be challenged in the courts? All the more reason to vote the shrub out of office in 2004.

SLD · 06-20-2003, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Arken
I cain't wait for the KKK, the Nation of Islam and the World Church of the Creator, all faith-based organizations and all openly racist, to apply for this funding. I'll stand with 'em all in court when they sue for the rights to get it to even though they'd hate me since I'm an atheist with Jewish ethnicity. It would serve Bush and Co. right if they got it and it would be a wonderful punchline.

Actually what I am going to enjoy is when the Church of Satan applies for funding. Or even our own Church of the Atheist.

Maybe we can even get serious funding for the IPU Church (Invisible Pink Unicorn)? That'll show them what the fuck they are doing. (I hate to be cynical, but sometimes I think they wouldn't object too much to the KKK and World Church of the Creator getting funds.)

SLD

Toto · 06-20-2003, 11:05 PM

The latest American Atheists newsletter speculated that the Church of Scientology would be applying for funding. That should firm up the opposition.

MSNBC Cruise: Show Scientology the money

Quote:

June 19 � The Church of Scientology�s Top Gun has been lobbying the White House. Tom Cruise has been meeting with officials from the Department of Education and lawmakers at the White House, reports the Washington Post, and a source says he believes that Cruise is hoping to get government funding for the church.

�TOM IS A big believer in the teaching tools of Scientology and has spoken in the past about how it cured his dyslexia,� says alternative religion expert Rick Ross. �It looks to me like he is seeking federal funds for Scientology schools under President Bush�s Faith-Based Initiative.�

. . .

A Church of Scientology spokeswoman declined to comment

Ronin · 06-21-2003, 11:17 PM

Quote:

says alternative religion expert Rick Ross.

<emphasis mine>

Alternative to what?

Religion is religion.

From the Scientology site ~

The dream of making the world a better place has been embraced by every religious movement in history. Indeed, throughout the ages religion has served as the primary civilizing influence on the planet.

Sounds like the standard religious steaming pile of nutty feces to me.

Toto · 06-22-2003, 01:10 AM

I suspect that "alternative religion" is a politically correct term for "cult".

06-19-2003, 07:29 PM	#1
Tony Regular Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 197	Senate Approves Modified Faith-based Funding Bill; Bush Says He Still Wants More For SENATE APPROVES MODIFIED FAITH-BASED FUNDING BILL; BUSH SAYS HE STILL WANTS MORE FOR CHURCHES Web Posted: April 10, 2003 http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/faith51.htm I know it�s kind of old news, but it reminded me the question that was asked by one Russian comedian at the end of the Soviet era. The comedian imagines a dialog between him and any communist leader who is paid by the Soviet state:" - Comedian: OK, so you are the communist leader, but what do you do? - Communist leader: Um, I believe in communism. - Comedian: I understand that. Tell me what you get paid for. - Communist leader: Um, I believe in communism. - We established that. OK, let me give you a couple of examples: a welder � welds, a driver � drives. What do YOU do? - Communist leader: Um, I believe in communism. - Comedian: So, you are get paid for your believes?" People get paid for their believes. And it doesn�t matter - communism or religion. Similarity and ridiculousness of these situations are so obvious - it could make me laugh again, if it wasn�t that sad. :boohoo: But the thought that I don't believe in religion and that more and more people don't believe in religion makes me much happier person.

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06-19-2003, 08:13 PM	#2
Arken Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North Hollywood, CA Posts: 6,303	I cain't wait for the KKK, the Nation of Islam and the World Church of the Creator, all faith-based organizations and all openly racist, to apply for this funding. I'll stand with 'em all in court when they sue for the rights to get it to even though they'd hate me since I'm an atheist with Jewish ethnicity. It would serve Bush and Co. right if they got it and it would be a wonderful punchline.

06-20-2003, 04:51 AM	#3
Jewel Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Northern Virginia, USA Posts: 1,112	I suppose for all this faith-based crap to stop it would have to be challenged in the courts? All the more reason to vote the shrub out of office in 2004.

06-22-2003, 01:10 AM	#7
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	I suspect that "alternative religion" is a politically correct term for "cult".

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