Because It's Winter, Rule 5

On Atheism and Its Built-In Irrelevance

Noted atheist Richard Dawkins now says he's not sure there isn't a God.  Well, he's not getting any younger...

But what is the point of family, friends, community, love, etc. , if they are nothing but the product of random chemical interactions and freaks of statistics, no more or less significant than any other?  Your own personal chemical fluctuation in the slow march to entropy will inevitably fade and all of the above will have meant nothing.

The Greeks who stared at the shadows on the cave walls and faced down the arrows of Xerxes at Thermopylae? Irrelevant.

The Romans who took the riotous rude democracy of the Greek city states and codified it into, however briefly, a Republic?  Idiots.

The Christians who faced lions and emperors to profess their belief in a higher law binding all men?  Fools.

The anonymous Irish monks who archived the wisdom of a fallen world in their isolated monasteries as Rome and Europe collapsed?  Wasting their time.

The men with the rusty metal shirts and shining swords who breasted the tide of Islam again and again, in Spain, in France, at Rhodes and Lepanto and Vienna? Deluded.

The printers and brewers and lawyers and farmers who stood up in Philadelphia and told the greatest power in the world that all men had rights that derived from a nobler and higher source than the indulgence of the powerful, and forged that defiance, however briefly, into a Republic?  Madmen.

The 300,00 men who died to renew that claim, and the 300,000 more who died to assert that it applied to all men, regardless of race or color?  Lunatics.

All the millions who have stood and died since then to deny that men are things, property, at the disposal of the king or the state or the party or the revolution or "the people?"  All the men, women and children who have lived and died building homes, factories, farms, universities, stocking museums, a world? Gullible buffoons, one and all.  Deluded moths imagining they could manage the flame — unless there is a flame, and there is some way we can aspire to embrace it and become, in our own small ways, transcendant.

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On Satan and Mitt Romney

ht: Paco and Bob Belvedere

Exorcist Author WIlliam Peter Blatty: "When every culture in every part of the world from the beginning of history has entertained a belief  in the likelihood that there is a Very, Very Bad Guy out there who “destroys the work of the Creator,” my tendency is to believe that where there is quite that much smoke there is probably fire — if you get my drift. To doubt the possibility of such a being out of hand is to regard Christ and/or the evangelists as either maniacs, liars, or very, very, very mistaken. As for Santorum’s outspokenness on the subject, I far prefer a man who has a position and lets us know what it is as opposed to Addison and Steele’s Sir Roger de Coverley whose answer to any difficult question put to him was always, “There is much to be said on both sides.  Yes, there is, but who is to say that Santorum’s side is the one that is incorrect?

Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name...

Obama sings at lavish White House Feast...

George Washington, Champion of Atheists... not so much...

You will often hear atheists attribute to George Washington the quote, "the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."

Two problems with that.  The first is the George Washington never said that.  The quote comes from the first Treaty of Tripoli, negotiated during Washington's administration and signed for the nation by John Adams.*  The second is that, like most such quotes it is both truncated and taken out of context.  The full quote:
"As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility [sic], of Mussulmen [Muslims]; and, as the said States never have entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries." 

All it says, and rightly, is that, just as the Constitution stipulates, the United States has no formally adopted State religion. It also says the Muslims should stop attacking our ships but they apparently didn't read that part.

What did Washington think of Christianity?

The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion... reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle...   George Washington, Farewell Address

It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe without the agency of a Supreme Being. It is impossible to govern the universe without the aid of a Supreme Being.  George Washington, A Life of Washington (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1835), Vol. II, p. 209.

What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ. George Washington, speech to the Delaware Indian Chiefs May 12, 1779

To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.  George Washington, May 2, 1778, at Valley Forge

Almighty and eternal Lord God, the great Creator of heaven and earth, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; look down from heaven in pity and compassion upon me Thy servant, who humbly prorate myself before Thee. George Washington's prayer at Valley Forge

The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man, will endeavor so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country. General George Washington, July 9, 1776

The General most earnestly requires and expects...of all officers and soldiers, not engaged on actual duty, a punctual attendance on divine service, to implore the blessings of heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.  General Orders. Fitzpatrick 3:309. (1775.)

The commander-in-chief orders the cessation of hostilities between the United States of America and the king of Great Britain to be publicly proclaimed tomorrow at twelve o'clock,...after which the chaplains with the several brigades will render thanks to almighty God for all his mercies, particularly for his overruling the wrath of man to his own glory, and causing the rage of war to cease among the nations....

The proclamation...must afford the most rational and sincere satisfaction to every benevolent mind, as it puts a period to a long and doubtful contest, stops the effusion of human blood, opens the prospect to a more splendid scene, and, like another morning star, promises the approach of a brighter day than has hitherto illuminated the Western Hemisphere; on such a happy day, a day which is the harbinger of peace, a day which completes the eighth year of the war, it would be ingratitude not to rejoice!  General Orders. Fitzpatrick 26:334. (1783.)

The honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a chaplain to each regiment,...the colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure chaplains accordingly, persons of good characters and exemplary lives, [and] to see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect and attend carefully upon religious exercises. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary, but especially so in times of public distress and danger.  General Orders. Fitzpatrick 5:244. (1776.)

The commander-in-chief directs that divine service be performed every Sunday at eleven o'clock in those brigades [in] which there are chaplains; those which have none [are] to attend the places of worship nearest to them. It is expected that officers of all ranks will by their attendance set an example to their men. While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian. The signal instances of providential goodness which we have experienced, and which have now almost crowned our labors with complete success, demand from us in a peculiar manner the warmest returns of gratitude and piety to the Supreme Author of all good.  General Orders. Fitzpatrick 11:342. (1778.)

Divine service is to be performed tomorrow in the several brigades or divisions. The commander-in-chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend with that seriousness of deportment and gratitude of heart which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence demand of us.  General Orders. Fitzpatrick 23:247. (1781.)

During his inauguration, Washington took the oath as prescribed by the Constitution but added several religious components to that official ceremony. Before taking his oath of office, he summoned a Bible on which to take the oath, added the words "So help me God!" to the end of the oath, then George Washington leaned over and kissed the Bible.

Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who presides in the council of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States.." "...Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency" From President George Washington's Inaugural Address, April 30th, 1789, addressed to both Houses of Congress.

Is it necessary that any one should [ask], "Did General Washington avow himself to be a believer in Christianity?" As well may we question his patriotism, his heroic devotion to his country. His mottos were, "Deeds, not Words"; and, "For God and my Country."  Nelly Custis-Lewis (Washington’s adopted daughter)

Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.  George Washington, ca. 1789, Maxims of Washington, ed. John F. Schroeder (Mt. Vernon: Mt. Vernon Ladies Association, 1942), p. 106.

O Most Glorious God, in Jesus Christ, my merciful and loving Father; I acknowledge and confess my guilt in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. I have called on Thee for pardon and forgiveness of my sins, but so coldly and carelessly that my prayers are become my sin, and they stand in need of pardon.  George Washington

I have sinned against heaven and before Thee in thought, word, and deed. I have contemned Thy majesty and holy laws. I have likewise sinned by omitting what I ought to have done and committing what I ought not. I have rebelled against the light, despising Thy mercies and judgment, and broken my vows and promise. I have neglected the better things. My iniquities are multiplied and my sins are very great. I confess them, O Lord, with shame and sorrow, detestation and loathing and desire to be vile in my own eyes as I have rendered myself vile in Thine. I humbly beseech Thee to be merciful to me in the free pardon of my sins for the sake of Thy dear Son and only Savior Jesus Christ who came to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Thou gavest Thy Son to die for me.  George Washington; from a 24 page authentic handwritten manuscript book dated April 21-23, 1752 William J. Johnson George Washington, the Christian (New York: The Abingdon Press, New York & Cincinnati, 1919), pp. 24-35.

No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency...We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven cannot be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which heaven itself has ordained.   George Washington in his Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789

Although guided by our excellent Constitution in the discharge of official duties, and actuated, through the whole course of my public life, solely by a wish to promote the best interests of our country; yet, without the beneficial interposition of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, we could not have reached the distinguished situation which we have attained with such unprecedented rapidity. To HIM, therefore, should we bow with gratitude and reverence, and endeavor to merit a continuance of HIS special favors. 1797 letter from George Washington to John Adams

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports... And let us indulge with caution the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion... Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail to the exclusion of religious principle. From President George Washington's Farewell Address

It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible.  George Washington  

*as for what John Adams thought: " "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

ABC Reaches Out -- "Good Christian Bitches"

ABC has picked up the  pilot program "Good Christian Bitches" , (GCB) in which a divorced woman in Texas is stalked and menaced by bigoted religious fundamentalists.

I don't see what all you damn teabaggers are whining about.  This show is the keystone of an exciting, fascinating  evening line-up ABC is counting on to renew its connection to the American heartland and its advertising dollars.


According to Daily Variety, the rest of the night's lineup is scheduled to include:


THOSE FABULOUS FAGS — A dramedy set in the heady days of the HRC's campaign to help pass Obamacare, while it comically cancels medical benefits for same-sex partners of its employees because they're too expensive.  It's the "Mad Men" for men mad about men!


THAT WONDERFUL WELFARE QUEEN — She's a smart and sassy street Mama stickin' it to the man while several men stick it to her so she and her kids can scam the system for every benefit they can get! Featuring the return to series TV of Scoey Mitchll as the compassionately acerbic "poverty pimp" activist Danny Bakewell!


OH, FATHER, DEAR FATHER — In a real coup, ABC has stolen Denis Leary away from FX to play a wisecracking pedophile priest who constantly finds new — and hilarious — ways around the clueless parents of his congregation to get at their kids!  It's a miracle of transubstantiation those altar boys never expected to witness!


As you can see, ABC is sparing no expense to establish itself as the go-to network for mainstream America!  So lighten up people, and let them tell you what to think...