Update: DART has agreed to restore the atheist bus ads. Claiming:
DART concluded they were operating under an outdated advertising policy. DART will also be updating advertising policies to clearly communicate its position to uphold both civil liberties and the protection of citizens from that which is obscene or profane, Miller said.
“The Des Moines region, and the state of Iowa is developing a positive reputation as a place that accepts diversity, new ideas and is civil in its discourse of even the most controversial of topics — for example same sex marriages. … It is altogether appropriate for our policies to keep pace with this progress,” Miller said in the e-mail.
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I’m sure most have us have heard of the Iowa Freethinkers atheist bus ads. Its too bad they were just so damn offensive. The reaction that has been prompted would initially lead one to believe they crucified Jesus and laughed. Its not like we did a “Christian” ad. One of those would probably be full of how atheists are going to be damned by the God of Abraham. Instead here is the advertisement as it appeared on the buses:
I am just absolutely awestruck at how this could be so deeply offensive. It doesn’t even say there is no God. I mean that’s implied but it doesn’t even go out there and say that. It just says if you don’t there are people like you out there. Apparently the simple existence of atheism is just way to offensive. The ads were pulled quite quickly:
Iowaindependent.com- “After a wave of complaints, Des Moines Area Regional Transit buses will no longer display advertisements that acknowledge the existence of atheists in Iowa.
The ads, which said, “Don’t believe in God? You are not alone,” first went up on buses Saturday and were removed by Tuesday.”
Here’s a quote from the Governor Chet Culver:
“I was disturbed, personally, by the advertisement and I can understand why other Iowans were also disturbed by the message that it sent,” Culver said.
I am curious as to what EXACT thing about it disturbed him. Maybe its the fact that atheism isn’t going away and is gaining momentum. Even though statistically we are the most hated group, its still bigotry. Christians always preach about being discriminated against and their faith involves a bunch of respect. Well personally I think we give religion too much of a get out of free card, but this ad here is not directly offensive to them. And getting the ad pulled like this, it IS discrimination. Its being a hypocrite. You can’t say one bad thing about Christianity, yet almost everything they say is putting down atheism. Things like atheism is evil, no morals , going to Hell…. I mean this is just bass ackwards considering Iowa just passed legislation to allow gay marriage and then they go and do a bullshit thing like this. Its almost as ridiculous at the Irish blasphemy law. I want to know what you think, please leave questions and comments.
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