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In God We Trust?...

Lest anyone think I've been exaggerating when I talk about my home town of Bakersfield, California being "backward" and "behind the times," download and read the articles in these scans. They were taken from the Bakersfield Californian this week, and illustrate the kind of 1950s mentality many Bakersfieldians have regarding the separation of church and State as afforded by our Constitution. To them, "God and Country" are inseparable, "regardless of what a bunch of wig wearin' queers from the 1700s had to say about it."

The latest controversy is over an attempt by these super geniuses to force religion onto high school students by posting "In God We Trust" posters in every high school classroom, emblazened with the obligatory American flag background, lest you forget that the two are synonymous.

So the next time someone tells you it's impossible to time travel, just tell them about Bakersfield.

Julia Sweeney Honored by FFRF...

Please click the attached photos to see Julia Sweeney in this month's Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) newsletter Freethought Today.

Julia was the recipient of this year's "Emperor Has No Clothes" award which recognizes public figures who openly discuss their lack of faith/religion.

I was present at the annual meeting in San Francisco this year when Julia received the award, and she said something about the little statue actually being naked. Perhaps she'll post a picture of it on her blog sometime to verify that statement.

Julia performed "Letting Go of God" in its entirety at the convention, and was the icing on the cake for the entire weekend.

I have to say that the organizers couldn't have chosen a worse venue for the thing, though. The Holiday Inn Golden Gateway is in a rather run-down part of town, has no restaurants within walking distance (save one burger joint), and closed its own restaurant during our break and dinnertime. We were, therefore, forced to pay for parking not once, but TWICE during our one-day visit, costing us nearly $60 on top of the $75-per-person event registration. I'm no skinflint, but damn!

Anyway, we still had a good time, and got to speak with Julia afterward and get her autograph on freshly-minted CDs of "Letting Go of God" and "In the Family Way." (see below) And look at that adorable little Mulan! She also signed a few copies of the CD, and pointed out the picture of her underneath the CD in which she's sticking out her tongue! Priceless!