By Daniel Mallett
Apr 272011
Catholic bigotry forces parents to move
Morinville School Issue, News
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Apr 272011
By Daniel Mallett
Should be a very interesting meeting next Tuesday as the latest developments in the Morinville school debacle continue to play out: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/Morinville+selling+house+giving+fight+secular+education/4662182/story.html It should be noted that Donna Hunter and the other parents she represents are not even asking for the dissolution of the Catholic school system in Alberta. They are only asking for a secular education for THEIR children. In my humble opinion, I think the Catholic school board should receive no public funds. But these parents (officially) have nothing against the children of Catholic parents being indoctrinated into the Catholic religion using taxpayer’s dollars. They just don’t choose that for their own kids. It is sad, that for some of them, the only option left seems to be to get out of town — which is exactly what the Catholic bigots want. 
Apr 272011
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Tuesday, May 3 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
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Room 7, 6th Floor, Stanley A Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Downtown Edmonton, AB
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| More Info |
The topic for this month’s roundtable discussion is “Secularism and Education in Alberta”. This discussion will have a focus on the recent call by parents in Morinville for a secular option in regards to the schools in Morinville. Donna Hunter and other parents from Morinville interested in a secular education for their children will be special guests at this month’s meeting.
Round table discussion at 7:00 pm Drinks at Elephant and Castle after 9:00 pm All are welcome to both events. Also, We are looking to record this months meeting. So, if anyone has a video camera and would be able to bring it, we would all really appreciate it. Just let one of the board members know if you are able to do this. |
Easter for Atheists
Christianity, Religions
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Apr 252011
So this weekend the collective “we” celebrate Easter. It is important to note that the roots of Easter go back to ancient anglo-saxon pagan practises. 
Rabbits are a symbol of fertility. It is no coincidence that as the vernal equinox brings fertility to the earth (at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere) we celebrate a holiday of new life and fertility. Easter has pagan roots, although the exact details are uncertain. It may have been the case that the entire month of April was devoted to the anglo-saxon goddess Eostre: 
Eggs are a symbol of rebirth. The use of eggs may also stem from the fact that many Catholics abstained from eggs during Easter. Also, the Zoroastrians celebrated their new year at the Spring equinox by painting eggs. The point is that don’t buy any nonsense about Easter being a “Christian” holiday. Enjoy the time with friends and family. Eat some chocolate bunny’s ear off and watch the snow melt. And hey, if you’re looking to spend time with someone, call up an Atheist — they’re probably not busy!
Apr 202011
By Daniel Mallett
The week leading up to Easter Sunday is traditionally celebrated as “Holy Week” in the Christian calendar. To honour holy week, Jerry Coyne over at whyevolutionistrue.com has been featuring a “Sin of the Day”. So far we have:
What immediately struck me is how none of these “sins” is necessarily anything that actually harms self or others. Yes, taken to excess they could cause harm — what can’t? But when committed by responsible consenting adults there is absolutely nothing immoral about masturbation, fornication, blasphemy, divorce or homosexuality. So why does religion such as Catholicism forbid these things? For one it is the general obsession of religionists concerning sex. It is only one of these so far (blasphemy) that does not involve human sexuality in some way. And since sexuality is such a fundamental part of being a human being, perhaps controlling sex is a way of controlling people. What fascinates me is that I do not believe that some Catholic bishop just sat down some day and randomly pulled these sins out of his pontificating hat. These memes evolve from complex tapestries of cultural and religious history. 
Let us know in the comments what your favourite sin is!
Apr 142011
By Daniel Mallett
What’s this I hear? An Alberta PC MLA that actually has something logical to say on education. Is hell frozen over? Oh wait, we don’t believe in hell… MLA Ken Allred agrees that:
“Maybe it is time to look at establishing a single secular public school system in Alberta and allowing those who wish to go down a different path to establish private schools,” he wrote.
Ok, well, he’s half-way there. A single secular public school system in Alberta that is fair, well-funded, non-discriminatory, and secular. Sounds simple. Sounds brilliant. I wish he hadn’t added that last part about private schools, but hey, we can’t have it all…
Apr 132011
By Daniel Mallett
So a taxpayer funded public institution in Alberta gets away with discriminatory employment because they’re Catholic. Hooray for religion! You rock! http://www.edmontonsun.com/comment/columnists/mindelle_jacobs/2011/04/11/17954591.html What is really creepy is the following statement that implies there is nothing wrong with being transgender so long as nobody knows:
“It’s not acceptable to demonstrably let that be known to the community as part of your engagement within our organization,” he said. Kind of like ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ I guess.
Does this not reminisce of the pedophilia scandal? It’s not a problem so long as nobody knows. I can’t put it much better than the commenter on this article:
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools superintendent David Keohane knows all about turning a blind eye hey? That’s what catholics do. They also feel quite absolved after they confess their sins to a ‘priest’. The catholic system should be turfed. Shelby Mack, April 12th 2011, 9:40am
It is the 21st century people! This is our tax money at work?!?
Apr 132011
Happy International Ask an Atheist Day!”
Have a question for an atheist? Put it in a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
Apr 132011
To: Christopher Hithchens, Happy Birthday, and many more…
Congrats to our new SEA board!
News
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Apr 062011
By Daniel Mallett
Last night’s AGM, though long, was successful. We discussed several important issues including the strategic direction we want to take. We elected a new board. Congratulations to our new president Richard and our new VP Michael. Thanks to Frank and Marion for returning for another term as Secretary and Treasurer. We also have 4 directors including yours truly (Daniel), Clayton, Scott, and Elaine. The new board looks forward to exciting new year for the SEA!