Comment by Reggie on May 30, 2009 at 5:28am

People love t-shirts almost as much as they love basic, human freedoms. I suppose it is one way to "herd cats".

Comment by Frank on May 30, 2009 at 5:34am

very funny observation...and thinking about it, I will do about anything for a free t-shirt if it looks cool.

Comment by Reggie on May 30, 2009 at 8:55am

Also, since atheism is not a belief system per se, this idea would be better geared towards a group that is positing a set of beliefs like Humanists. Although I think it would be great if atheists did unite to combat these civil iniquities, I think it just extends beyond the definition of atheism into other realms. But I, too, love a cool t-shirt.

Comment by David Ross Mann on May 30, 2009 at 12:43pm

Good concept. And I think you understand the limitations in your proposal: that no atheist can claim to represent any official atheist view. In the one example you gave, the Beijing Olympics, I would have been opposed to your position. But certainly atheists that support a boycott would do all atheists a favour if they presented themselves as atheists at a rally or meeting for their cause.

As a full-time employed IT professional and life-long activist in the New Democratic Party of Canada, I need the help of fellow atheists in neutralizing religion-centric elements in my party.

BTW: I consider myself to be a student of Marxism but I respect and have learned from Objectivism even if they don't respect my political orientation.

Neal's points are valid but don't let his scepticism deter you from this noble goal.

Comment by Frank on May 30, 2009 at 1:19pm

You are right, one group can't claim to represent the views of all Atheists. Yet a group of like minded Atheists can rally together and make their presence known. I also think these groups should not stop at just protests, they should be out together working on service projects. The ultimate goal is to build a strong bond with your community where you are respected and seen as a positive aspect of the community. From there people who question their faith are more like to open up to you.

Comment by Miles Donovan on May 30, 2009 at 11:23pm

The Beijing Olympics, I was not in support of the protest. In order to improve the situation in China, we must incorporate them further and further into the global community, weasel our way into the nation. If China is made increasingly open to the outside world, it will change.

Comment by Misty: Baytheist Living! on May 31, 2009 at 7:43am

Can we have a check box for the causes we support and leave blank the ones we don't? It would really drive home the fact that we aren't sheep but we do have a lot in common.

Comment by Reggie on June 1, 2009 at 12:32am

I'll be check marking the "t-shirt" box.

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