from Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

I was quite proud when I read Obama’s Thanksgiving Proclamation. As usual Obama showed his secular side, only mentioning God once. It is important to note that the one time God was mentioned, it was inside a quote from George Washington. This is quite different from some of our past presidents, then again Obama is a unique guy. He addressed the nation as one of nonbelievers as well. I am pretty sure this is one of a few, if not the only, Thanksgiving addresses where God was not worked into it. He really captures what I like about Thanksgiving:

I encourage all the people of the United States to come together, whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place where family, friends and neighbors may gather, with gratitude for all we have received in the past year, to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own and to share our bounty with others

Although I’m sure some Conservatives out there will take it as Obama spreading his “spread the wealth”propoganda. This was truly a well crafted address to the nation. Why shouldn’t we focus on things that bring us together, rather than the things that drive us apart?

I saw this over at Pharyngula today. The FUCK Uganda? Here is what is being proposed:

According to Clause 2 of the Bill, a person who is convicted of gay sex is liable to life imprisonment. But if that person is also HIV positive the penalty — under the heading “aggravated homosexuality” — is death.

The Bill has not been endorsed by the Ugandan government but it has allowed it to proceed, and some top officials are said to have praised it.

Yes you read that correctly. As if life imprisonment for being who you are is not totally batshit crazy enough, you put them to DEATH if they have HIV? There is already suggestions that AIDS is on the decline. The bill also spits in the face of free speech as well. More insanity follows:

The Bill proposes a three-year prison sentence for anyone who is aware of evidence of homosexuality and fails to report it to the police within 24 hours. And it would impose a sentence of up to seven years for anyone who defends the rights of gays and lesbians.

Basically this blog post would constitute a seven year jail sentance for me. Just for defending my fellow humans. I’m sure some of you are writing this off because Uganda is still a developing country and all that shit. Let us look at the origins of the bill. A group of AMERICANS known as “The Family“. Hell I’m sure I could walk to the corner of Main Street and Wall Street and sell this idea to plenty of my eager countryfolk. Spread the word about this, it is absolutely fucking nuts.

Well the last one isn’t a job but you get the point.

Many people see the people out soliciting donations for the SalvationArmy as a good thing. Yes charity is good, but you may be curious as to what you are supporting. I find it best to let them tell you. Here is there Position Statement on some key things:

Abortion:

The Salvation Army deplores society’s ready acceptance of abortion, which reflects insufficient concern for vulnerable persons, including the unborn. (Psalms 82:3-4)

They make it seem like abortion is an easy choice. I highly doubt it is a decision made lightly and easily. That does not change my belief that people should have the right to have one. If you are opposed to abortions, you do not have to have one. It’s that simple.

Euthanasia:

Assisted suicide is defined as directly helping or encouraging someone to end his/her own life. Therefore, The Salvation Army believes that euthanasia and assisted suicide undermine human dignity and are morally wrong regardless of age or disability.

God would rather you suffer here than pass on into His Kingdom I guess.

Homosexuality:

Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage.

Likewise, there is no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for reason of his or her sexual orientation. The Salvation Army opposes any such abuse.

At least they don’t condone abuse, but they still are not totally accepting…

Suicide:

Taking one’s own life is a denial of life’s value, a denial of hope and of the power of God to sustain and bring people through difficult and trying times (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Suicide is never an acceptable option; we deplore those messages in secular culture that glamorize and promote self-destruction.

Ah it’s the secularist’s fault. Sounds about right…

The Salvation Army is a private organization, so they can do whatever the hell they want. That is 100% a OK with me. I just think people should know what their money is supporting. It has that image of taking people in and helping them, but I could not in good conscience give them any money knowing their stance on some of these things. Why not seek out some secular charities in your area?

Tomorrow I am going on vacation. The chances of new blog content are not exactly high. I want to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving and all that as well. Realistically I see new posts on Sunday night or Monday afternoon EST. I might slip in a post or two between then. I hope you all miss me, I sure am going to miss you but don’t worry I shall return soon. Till then, stay classy.

Yesterday I was using StumbleUpon and I found an incredible site. The site is: TheArrogantAtheist.com. Basically they sell atheist attire. Look at some of the shirts:

“A lie is a lie even if everyone believes it. The truth is the truth even if nobody believes it.”

What would Nessie Do?

The text has the Betrand Russel quote that starts off “I believe that when I die…”

The Jesus Fish meets its match, the barbecue.

Pretty cool stuff if you ask me. And they also have bandannas, pins, and hats. One thing I really liked was they sell feet to put on your Jesus Fish. Could be a fun present to give to a theist friend. They also sell the barbecue image printed on an apron. If you are looking for some sweet atheist gear I would highly suggest taking a look. You will probably be able to find atleast something you like.