Deep Thoughts

I don't do Catholics

2008-07-06T22:50:00.000-07:00

That does not mean Catholics stopped molesting alter boys.

Technorati Tags: Catholics, Clergy Sexual Abuse, Pedophilia, pedophilia, Child Rape

Pastor arrested for raping two girls

2008-07-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

The news out of Portland is not good today. Pastor Maximo Akie-Be ran a private home based church when he allegedly raped two girls aged eight and twelve years old.His church was called The Peach House Church. He subsequently moved on to High Praises Fellowship where he served as Pastor.

Maximo Ake-Be, 31, faces charges of rape, sodomy and sex abuse in connection with a series of sexual assaults dating back to 1998, said Portland Police Sergeant Brian Schmautz.Source: Pastor arrested for child rape of two Portland girls

The police think there may be other victims. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call (503) 823-0182, or (360) 577-3412.

Technorati Tags: Oregon, Child Rape, Portland, Pedophiles, Rape, Clergy Sexual Abuse, Maximo Ake-Be, pedophilia

I'm watching you Bobby Jindal

2008-07-06T22:04:00.002-07:00

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is on my watch list. HIs asinine approval of a bill supporting Intelligent design is what caught my attention. I like to be fair though. I will report the good with the bad. Jindal signed hate crime legislation. I'll count this as a step in the right direction.

House Bill 726, which makes intimidation in the form of a publicly displayed noose a crime punishable by a year in prison.

The bill stems from the Jena 6 uproar in which the hanging of a noose sparked a fight between white and black high school students. One of the black teens was held in jail, leading to a march and international attention.

Note to white supremacists: You can still hang your noose in the privacy of your own home. "Publicly" means hanging the noose where other people can see it; around your own necks would be a start.

I wonder if displaying a nose is a free speech issue? Any lawyers out there?

Technorati Tags: Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, Jena 6, Free Speech, Hate Crime

How should churches handle sex offenders?

2008-07-06T10:40:00.001-07:00

A moderate christian blogger asks the question, How should churches handle sex offenders?

The simple answer is obvious: the church should let in even convicted murders and sex offenders, as God is the god of all people. But we are told to be "innocent as doves, but wily as snakes" in scripture, and thus need to find ways of allowing them in without exposing the church to danger. How do we do that? I am not sure. I am interested to hear the opinions of other Mod-Bloggers on this, especially those who have served as pastors.

I don't get it. Why is this an issue? If a church is true to its mission, then the sins of those who choose to sit in the pews should not matter. Murders, prostitutes, sex offenders even, it's all good. The real question is how do you protect children from sexual abuse at church. Adequate safeguards include background checks for all all people working in the church in any capacity. They also include making sure no adult is ever alone with a child. Even the pastor should be held to this standard. there are many more things that can be done. I'll have to make another post on this subject.

Sexual abuse at church does not come from the men and woman sitting in the pews. It comes from the leadership. Pastors, deacons, music directors, and Sunday School teachers, my blog is a rouges gallery of abusers. All are in leadership roles. To be successful, you must remove the opportunity.

The best way to solve a problem is to start by framing the problem correctly. Mod blogger Nomad frames the problem as one of how to protect the church. I choose to frame the problem as one of how to protect the children. The difference is obvious.

Technorati Tags: Child Molesters, Pedophiles, Clergy Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Sex Abuse

The book that is not the bible

2008-07-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

The Carpetbagger Report goes after fundie pandering Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. A man who may have ended his own career by signing legislation allowing public school teachers to use special "supplemental materials" in class. It is a story that blows my mind. It also paints America as the home to religious fundamentalists. The world is laughing at us again. I'm sick of fundies and politicians pushing religion over science. So is the Carpetbagger Report.

The Special Book. The Special Book, which is not the Bible, is full of interesting old stories about the way people used to live a long time ago and this great friend they had in the sky who would help them. Although it’s most definitely not the Bible, you can learn a lot by reading the Special Book because it teaches a lot about science. The Special Book teaches us so much about every topic. But don’t think it’s the Bible! Because it most certainly is not. No, it’s not the Bible. No siree!

Read more...

I really cannot see how this is good for Louisiana. They will lose in court. It will cost millions. Jindal will be the laughing stock of the political set for years to come.

Technorati Tags: Bobby Jindal, Fundies, Science, Intelligent Design

God has an AK-47

2008-07-06T08:15:00.001-07:00

Hat Tip to digg user ipek

Technorati Tags: God, Humor, Digg, Action Figures

Story from my day: Bad Music

2008-07-05T23:01:00.001-07:00

I was watching the sun set this evening in the parking lot of the Long Beach Town Center. I was in the parking log because my wife and son needed to buy clothes for our big family reunion tomorrow. I detest shopping so I opted to stay in the truck to read the new David Sedaris book, When you are engulfed in flames. I am halfway through it and well past the point where I can simply put it down. So I read at the mall. I read in the car. I read on my couch while scratching Thor's flee bitten ass. I will read every free moment until I'm done.

I stopped reading because of the light. It was beautiful. I was watching the golden glow move across the parking lot, illuminating palm trees and SUVs in a warm buttery unified field of light as it moved. I wished my camera where handy., but I had left it at home. I wanted to take a picture. The light, the light was amazing. Southern California in July at sunset. Oh man.

My revery was stopped abruptly by the sound of thunder. It drowned out Art Pepper, who was playing soulfully on my ipod. Thunder continued to shake my windows and rattle my teeth. The thunder persisted and soon morphed into a beat. A Spanish beat. A Spanish beat I did not recognize.

A black SUV had rolled into the parking lot about 100 feet away. Its four doors opened while the hatch back auto flipped up. Four young adults jumped from the SUV and started to dance. The song, hell even the style of music, was unrecognizable. It was some kind of rockabilly meets mariachi fusion that defied definition. Except to say that it was loud, very loud.

I tried to get my grove on. Three of the four dancers were girls. They were motivated too. I figured if they liked the music, then so could I. But it was not to be. The music hurt my ears. I draw a line someplace before "base thumps so loud it replaces heartbeat". Plus, the music sucked. It had ruined my moment with a perfect California sunset and was giving me a headache. When the music stopped, I cheered.

The SUV and its energetic dancers drove away. I picked up Sedaris and started reading about his mid-life crisis and fixation with death. His life sucks more than mine. For some reason that made me happy.

My wife and son returned. I asked if they had heard the music in the store. Perplexed looks followed my question. Was it only me? How was that possible?

Technorati Tags: Books, Music

I ate at McDonalds's today

2008-07-05T17:27:00.002-07:00

In fact, I went out of my way to buy a Chicken Biscuit breakfast combo this morning. Don't get me wrong. I hate McDonald's food. The only thing they sell that I like is a Diet Coke. That's how much I dislike easting the food. I'd rather have a beverage over food.

The last time I ate an McDonald's restaurant was a few weeks ago while traveling in the San Francisco area. Before that it had been months. I just don't like the food. All that has changed now that the fundies have attacked.

A group that opposes same-sex marriage has called for a boycott of McDonald's, saying the fast-food giant has refused "to stay neutral in the cultural war over homosexuality."

The American Family Association (AFA) launched the boycott yesterday because McDonald's joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce several months ago and placed an executive on the group's board of directors, in addition to donating to the chamber.

Read more...

McDonald's is fighting back.

"Hatred has no place in our culture," McDonald's USA spokesman Bill Whitman said. "That includes McDonald's, and we stand by and support our people to live and work in a society free of discrimination and harassment."

It is hatred. These people seep hatred for gays from their very pours. The website for the AFA pulls no punches. If members supporting the boycott had their ways, even going back into the closet would not be an option. I smell a desire to eradicate the homosexual agenda (whatever that is) along with gays. Here are a few choice comments.

"I do not believe that supporting diversity includes deviate sexual behavior, what deviation will you support next? pedophilia? incest? Where does it stop??"

- the last time I checked, being gay was no longer a crime.

"You cannot continue to disobey Gods laws (once you know the truth) and expect blessings for yourself or as a corporation. You are doomed to eventual failure. My family and many others will not support your decision to support what you call diversity, and what God calls perversion."

- How is this neutral?

Too bad, McDonald's... This is very disappointing! You've made a terrible mistake since there are many more heterosexuals than homosexuals who patronize your restaurants. McDonald's will no longer be on our family's "favorites" list until a corporate decision is made to withdraw support for the homosexual agenda and instead, support family - marriage between one man and one woman....

- What? does this idiot think all heterosexuals will heed the call to boycott? It's more like the nutball < 1% of Christians who are fundies. And then It will only be those whose kids can live without Chicken McNuggets.

"From statistics I have read only about 2-3% of Americans are gay. That leaves 97-98% who aren't. That's a lot of dollars for McDonald's. We who are in the majority are not wanting the family structure changed. We should not flow with what society wants, but choose to serve God and his statutes. Study history and see what happened to the societies who turned their backs on God. Please, don't align with such a movement. May God have mercy on you. I choose not to support your institution again until you stop contributing to the corruption of the family."

- Um... You don't speak for America.

"Large corporations are quasi public institutions involving stockholders, customers, employees, etc. who have little say in corporate policy. A few influential individuals hijacking the corporation to support special interests is stealing from the public."

- Where did you go to business school? Oral Roberts University?

"If the Homosexual agenda succeeds, there will be fewer children and fewer people to buy McDonald's products."

- WTF?

I can go on and on. These people are hate filled nuts. So - I swear to eat at MicDonalds at least once a week until the boycott ends. I'll choke down a chicken McNasty if necessary. McDonald's, you could throw us all a bone by selling the McRib during the boycott? At least it's tasty in a trailer park kind of way.

Technorati Tags: food, Boycotts, McDonalds, ANA, Fundies, Gay Rights

Revisiting Benley

2008-07-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

Few restaurants have made it to my top ten list. There is this little Cuban place in Paris for example. Havanita, it's amazing. I would fly back to Paris just for another go at the menu. The same goes for Le Pre Catelan, where I had one of the best meals of my life. Or, Nanxiang Mantou Dian in Shanghai, where I discovered the true nature of a chinese dumpling. Benley has joined the club.

My wife and I visit for lunch ever other week or so on Saturdays. We did so again today. I am slowly working my way through the menu. My goal is to try everything. So far, I've tried all of the Pho offerings, the same goes for the vermicelli. I've nibbled at their outstanding filet with potatoes, Well ok, nibbled might not be the right way to describe it. I greedily ate half my wife's dinner while she looked the other way. Today I tried the chicken curry. Heather recommended adding mint and hot sauce to "dress it up". It killed me. I wanted to ask for a second helping. I've never asked for seconds before. My friend Kenny has shameless done so many times. Not me, nope. I'm just going back for an early dinner.

Benley is already an outstanding place to enjoy a world class meal. I am not exaggerating. I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world. I would count this little strip-mall offering as among the best. They are making a few changes that could take it to the next level. Besides offering a half off wine night on Monday nights, they plan to reduce the cost of the lunch menu by 50%. My quiet little hole in the wall might soon be too popular for a casual lunch. I hope not.

They also plan to add new items to the menu, including their legendary creme brulee. I will be first in line when it's ready.

Zagat's rated Benley the best Vietnamese restaurant in Long Beach and the second best restaurant overall. My wife and I plan to start brining guests soon. I'm sure my friends will enjoy this wonderful place. Yours will too.

(I first wrote about Benley - A Vietnamese Kitchen back in March).

Technorati Tags: Benley, food, Reviews

The words we use are important

2008-07-05T13:32:00.001-07:00

I was eating a late dinner of sushi with a few coworkers last week out in Newbury Park. Somewhere between noshing a spicy tuna roll and ogling the young cacuasin/asian hostess, I dropped an f-bomb. It was innocent male to male banter. We were discussing a friend's plan to lose weight though liposuction. A few jokes passed between us. We laughed at the stupidity of the idea. Of course, i had to add, "Plus, it looks like somebody beat the fuck out of you.", when talking about the aftermath of the procedure.

I could have said "beat the stuffing" or some other innocuous word. But why do that when a well timed f-bomb can make the same point?

As I uttered the phase, I heard a sharp intake of breath near my left ear. I turned and found a small boy aged eight or nine sanding at my elbow. We was leaving the table next to mine after having finished a meal of chicken fingers. His brown hair and blue eyes were offset by the perfect circle of his lips. it was like he was about to say "oh". His eyes told me he had run into the bogie man. I quickly reached out for his shoulder and then looked into his eyes and apologized. He cringed. I looked towards his father and apologized again. The moment passed when his father said "It's ok son. the man apologized". They moved away quickly. The boy turning an arc that kept him facing me for as long as possible. There was no way he was going to let the bogie man get the jump on him.

As the boy walked away I heard him say "Nice people don't say that word, right daddy?" My head hit the table. My face burned red. I could not speak. What kind of man was I? Cussing indiscriminately in front of a child was beneath me. I felt unclean. But the moment passed.

A few minutes later a smoking hot young woman walked by our table in a black miniskirt and with a light blue halter top. My friends and I followed her every move out through the tables to the front of the restaurant... and right into the arms of a boy who was pointing back at me. I saw him mouth the words "bad man". His father gave us all the evil eye. My head hit the table, My face burned red. I could not speak. I know what kind of man I am, and it's not a stereotypical cad. I can do better.

Technorati Tags: puppy, Cussing

Deacon exposes himself

2008-07-04T21:35:00.001-07:00

This poor guys is so confused. He has a wife, children, and apparently likes gay sex too. You cannot have all. There most be some boundaries in your life. Especially if you claim to be a Christian and help lead your church. Jerome Pitchford, the world hates hypocrites. When you claim to be a Christian but spend your free time cruising for sex in public parks, people will tend to never trust you again.

The latest suspect is 48-year-old Jerome Pitchford, long-time deacon of Milwaukee's Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ. The warm weather seems to expose the issue at the park, and in this case, the apparent secret of a married man with children, a church leader. Police said Pitchford apparently does not practice what he teaches in Sunday School. Police say after church at the Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ on Sunday afternoon, he was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious behavior at Milwaukee's Estabrook Park.

I love this line:

He’s not only a gentleman, but a deacon, a youth counselor and mentor, says one parishioner who wanted to he heard but not seen. "I'm so speechless, i can't believe that," the parishioner said. "I can't believe it, but I hope that he will get … a little therapy and get himself straightened out,” Sykes said.

Is there such a think as therapy that will help a gay man turn straight? Is there some miracle cure that will help him deal with his urges? I don't think so.

Hat tip: Pam's house blend.

Technorati Tags: clergy sexual abuse, Jerome Pitchford, Sexual Assault, solicitation, wisconsin, Milwaukee

Lutheran Pastor caught with childporn

2008-07-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

Pastor Dennis Hayes faces some serious charges involving crimes against a child. I wonder how his flock will react. Baptist usually rally behind their pastors, Lutherans usually cast their pastors aside. I'll have to watch the nsews on this one. So far there has only been this small story.

WATERTOWN - The Rev. Dennis A. Hayes, a pastor at St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Watertown, was arrested Thursday by the Watertown Police Department and state Division of Criminal Investigation on charges of possessing child pornography, Watertown police detective Tim Toomey said.

Watertown police were notified June 27 by the Rock County (Minn.) Sheriff's Department after they arrested Hayes for three counts of sexual contact with a minor, Toomey said. Hayes was released on bond and allowed to return home then, while the DCI and Watertown police investigate.

Hayes was taken to the Codington County Detention Center and released on bond. His first court appearance is July 15.

I find it interesting that when it comes to crimes against children, patterns of behavior are suggested by the perpetrators denomination. I am going to start gathering statistics on past posts. I'll have more on this later.

Technorati Tags: pedophiles, pedophilia, Michigan, clergy sexual abuse, Dennis Hayes, Child Porn, Lutherans

More charges for Baptist pastor Wood

2008-07-04T09:09:00.001-07:00

This guy is a piece of work. Pastor Royden Wood has already been convicted of physical abuse against minor boys and sexual abuse against female congregants. These new charges involve sexual abuse charges against six more females. Wood was pastor at the now defunct London's Ambassador Baptist Church.

Justice of the Peace Michael McMahon agreed to Wood's release under conditions he not contact or communicate with the six women or their families.
He's also prohibited from possessing weapons and acting "in any position of authority in any religious organization or affiliation, anywhere," McMahon said.

So Pastor Wood is banned from being a pastor. Cool... I am not sure we could do that here in the states.

H/T Drunk in Ontario

Technorati tags: Royden Wood, Baptists Pedophiles, Sexual misconduct

Wiccan "Pastor" accused of rape

2008-07-01T21:50:00.001-07:00

I don't know what to call the guy. Is he a Wiccan priest, a Wiccan pastor, or just an accused rapist. Joseph Scott Craig has some explaining to do. His wife, Joy Johnson, stands accused of aiding and abetting. Mrs. Johnson is a minor Democratic party worker. She's a third vice-chairwoman of the Durham County Democratic Party. In an election year, this is big news. Those crazy Wiccan democrats!

Joy Johnson, 30, a third vice-chairwoman of the Durham County Democratic Party and vice chairwoman of the Young Democrats, was charged Friday with two counts of aiding and abetting.

Her husband, Joseph Scott Craig, 25, was charged with second-degree rape, second-degree kidnapping and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon for an incident in January and another in May.

Source: newsobserver.com | Durham Democratic Party official accused in rituals

The local assistant district attorney, Mark McCullough, confused the Johnson's Wiccan activity with Satanism. He asked for their bond to be increased because of the "...allegations are that Satanic worship is part of this case." I can just see the angry Wiccan hordes descending on Durham county in protest.

The allegation sound like something people pay good money for at a whore house. Well, maybe not the withholding food part anyway. I would be pissed it I paid $500 to be debased in a Wiccan domination ritual (is there such a thing?) and did not get a good steak out of the deal.

Allegations that a local Democratic official and her husband were involved in Satanic rituals that included shackling people to beds, caging them and depriving them of food and water have horrified county party leaders.

I checked their website. The services offered do not include rape, bondage, or caging, You can buy oils and candles, herbal tea ,and spiritual attunement (at $55 per hour). My spider sense tells me rape charges will be dropped when people figure out that the victims where paying customers looking for a spiritual tune up.

Wonkette has a cute post on this story.

Technorati tags: Wiccans, Jay Johnson, Joseph Craig, rape

Youth pastor and Voyeur

2008-06-28T10:47:00.001-07:00

Baptist youth pastor Matthew C. Porter faces a serious problem. His house sitter allowed police to search his hour. The found evidence that made him look less that godly.

Investigators say Porter, 31, secretly taped girls between the ages of 12 and 16 changing and showering at his rental house in Ellenton and in his apartment in Bradenton.

Porter has pleaded not guilty to nine counts of voyeurism, a misdemeanor.

Source: Judge upholds search at ex-pastor's

Cases like this give me the creeps. Here is a youth pastor working which children every day of his life. On one hand serving, but with the other hand taping young girls when they are most vulnerable. It seems positively evil.

Porter claims innocence. He's pleaded not guilty. Judge George K. Brown Jr. ruled against him. I am not sure I agree. How is it possible for a second party to grant access to a house? For the good of the case, I hope his ruling stands up on appeal. A better course of action would have been to get a search warrant after the crime was reported. They had the time.

Matthew C. Porter was the youth pastor at Bethel Baptist church in Ellenton, Florida. He has resigned.

Technorati tags: Baptist Pedophiles, Baptist, voyeurism, Matthew Porter, Florida

Sex Offenders Sue for Right to Volunteer in Churches

2008-06-28T00:31:00.001-07:00

I would write this headline another way. Sex Offenders Sue for Second Chance to Molest.

The Atlanta-based Southern Center for Human Rights filed a lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of the 15,400 sex offenders on Georgia’s state registry. Georgia already has one of the nation's toughest sex offender statutes, and the center is hoping to stop the added measure, set to go into effect July 1.

The new provision would make it illegal for sex offenders to sing in adult choirs, prepare for events or cook meals in church kitchens. Violating the law could spell a prison term of 10 to 30 years, which sponsors said is a vital addition to help keep children safe.

Source: Sex Offenders Sue in Georgia for Right to Volunteer in Church

How outrageous! Why would we want to keep sinners out of church? Oh wait, that is not what is happening. This law prevents sex offenders from working in a church. That seems like a good idea.

But some religious leaders say the law would undermine the positive effects of religion.
"Thieves, robbers, murderers — we give them all a second chance," said Mark Hanson, senior pastor at New Beginnings Tabernacle, a small evangelical ministry in Buchanan, Ga.
"It seems like under the sex offender law you’re banned permanently from society," he said. "Without forgiveness and mercy, how do we expect anyone to start over?"

Mark Hanson - I can tell you why it's a bad idea to let child molesters hang around kids at church. Just read my Hypocrisy Watch posts. You will find ample reason to use more caution. Besides, your sinners can still attend church. The law prohibits activities that may place them in contact with children but does not preclude church services.

Here's an ideal. You can have a special sex offenders service. With fifteen thousand registered offenders and god knows how many Baptist pastors in Georgia, your service will be standing room only. Just keep the kids away.

Technorati tags: Sex offenders, Religion, clergy sexual abuse, child molestation, Georga

SoCal pastor convicted of sexual molesting 2 girls

2008-06-27T23:45:00.001-07:00

We have pedophile pastors in LA too.

LOS ANGELES A former pastor was convicted Thursday of multiple counts of sexually molesting two adolescent girls who attended his church in the San Fernando Valley. A Superior Court jury deliberated for about 90 minutes before finding Joseph Gary Torres guilty on 11 counts, including continuous sexual abuse, oral copulation and sodomy by force, Deputy District Attorney Carolyn McNary said.

Source: SoCal pastor convicted of sexual molesting 2 girls - San Jose Mercury News

Joseph Gary Torres was a Baptist pastor. Need I say more?

Technorati tags: Baptist, Joseph Torres, clergy sexual abuse, Los Angeles

Backyard Skeptics

2008-06-27T22:36:00.002-07:00

I met Bruce Gleason of Backyard Skeptics at an Atheist Meetup a few days ago. He gave me his business card and a CD of videos called Atheistic Answers to Religious Questions V.2. I'm good at reading people. I watch and listen. Especially when I meet new people. I listened to Bruce. He did not listen to me.

When we introduced ourselves I game him my card. It has my real name on it and a link to my blog. I don't try to hide who I am in person, only in the online community. I explained that I write a blog and that it features Atheism... blank looks. I talk a little about building an online community via the Atheist Blogroll... more blank looks. I decide to shut up.

Bruce is recruiting for his backyard skeptic's meeting. He tells stories from recent debates. He talks about confronting street preachers by walking around with a sign that says "Talk to an Atheist". I goof on him a little more. It dawns on me that his life revolves around arguing with theists. How sad.

He clutches The Encyclopedia of Biblical Errancy (online) like a fundie clutches his bible. It is heavily annotated. He thrusts it vigorously in my direction. "You must get this book. It will help you win arguments with Christians". My mind becomes like water. I think of my happy place. I start counting the number of times he says "Bible" (23 in 5 minutes).

It appears I've met a Atheist fundamentalist. I start looking for a way to excuse myself. My bullshit detector is starting to go off. I realize I'm about to start eviscerating Bruce. He offers too many opportunities. I'm saved by the lecturer, Dr. Gorapaku Vijayam from the Atheist Centre in India. As his lecture starts, I realize it is going to be a long night.

I can see why some Atheists would engage in battles with theists. I am not interested in what theist believe. I'm only interested in what they try to make me believe. Sitting around with 20 other people debating some passage of the bible seems like a grand waste of time unless there is ample beer or a good cigar involved.

I came to the meetup to get involved in Atheist activism. I'll pass on Backyard Skeptics. I'll pass on the Shaman Knight. I'll pass on people with an agenda. I'd rather goof on odd people and write my blog.

Technorati tags: Backyard Skeptics, Bruce Gleason, Atheism

Teen arrested for 'blasphemous T-shirt'

2008-06-27T21:16:00.001-07:00

This story is from Australia.

A GOLD Coast teenager who wore a T-shirt by English extreme metal band Cradle of Filth that reads 'Jesus is a c**t' has been charged with offensive behaviour.

Above the offensive slogan a nun is depicted masturbating.

A 16-year-old was arrested on Monday for wearing the shirt and was charged with offensive behaviour under the Summary Offences Act 2005 for public nuisance.

Source: Teen arrested for 'blasphemous T-shirt' | NEWS.com.au

I did not realize Australians did not have the protection of a Bill of Rights like here in the states. Little Johnny could have worn his shirt here without fear of arrest. Of course, he would also run the risk of a good ass stomping.

Little Johnny was just supporting a band he likes and not trying to make a statement. He's not Satanic or anything (although he may be a Wiccan).

Molendinar residents Hayley and Arron, who are big Cradle of Filth fans, bought the shirts from Carrara Markets six months ago but said they had never, and would never, wear them in public.
"I'm not a fan of the T-shirt. I'm only wearing it because it's a band T-shirt and it's rare," said Arron. "I don't actually believe the stuff. I'm not satanic or anything like that. I hate that stuff. I just wear it around the house."

Right. Call me a skeptic. I've got a teenaged son. No T-shirt leaves the house without his full understanding of the message on his shirt. It's like secret code or something.

Technorati tags: Australia, civil rights, free speech

My life has these moments

2008-06-26T23:06:00.001-07:00

So I went to the initial Buena Park Meetup for Atheists United. We met in a mobile home park's community center. It reminded me of visiting my grandparents back in the day.

I arrived early. The place was locked. As I waited, I kept running through the reasons why I don't like to meet people who claim to be Libertarians (they are all nuts as far as I can tell), and Atheists (I've had some bad experiences with odd people).

I few minutes after the meeting was supposed to start, I tried the doors again. They were still locked. But though the window I saw an odd site. The man pictured above. He was dressed in a bed sheet decorated to look like a holy gown of some sort with a macrame hat. Dennis Owens, Shaman Knight and Spiritual Humanist stunned me stupid. I literally exclaimed "Oh fuck" as he opened the door.

Dennis Owens is actually a nice guy. A little odd. The homemade shaman outfit was a bit over the top. His explanation for why he calls himself a shaman was a tad bizarre. He's died before, so now his is called a shaman. Right...

His words and stories were cloaked in mystical and spiritual references. A little probing on my part brought forth some interesting information. Dennis is part of something called Her Realmian Way. It's like a wicca cult, only it has no members. Dennis made it up back in 1975.

The big secret here is that his group is a dominatrix based non-religious cult. His wife is the head hominatrix. She will perform a Elysian Surrender Ritual for you. So what are you waiting for? If you would like a 70-year-old dominatrix to beat the crap out of you in the name of spiritual humanism, then drop me a note. I can hook you up with a discount.

I'll post on the meeting later.

Technorati tags: Atheism, oddness, Dennis Owens, Nutballs

Pastor Jeffery Stallworth is a sex offender

2008-06-26T14:03:00.001-07:00

And nothing he can do will ever change that. You can go to his church to soak up his wisdom. Be warned, his biography neglects to mention his conviction for sexual assault in Maryland. I wonder why?

You can read a hilarious account of his attempts to expunge his criminal record at Hicktown Press.

Stallworth has a lofty opinion of himself. He likens himself to the Kings of old.

There is no good democracy without the presence of a theocracy. This makes the position of bishop and pastor political in its origin: Kings were political positions in the Old Testament; Christ was a political office in the New Testament; bishops and pastors therefore are political agents in the present testament. In God’s times, tithes were the sacred taxes. In keeping with this rich tradition, Bishop Stallworth offered himself as a candidate for tax assessor in 2007.

Can a convicted sex offender run for office? For that matter can sex offenders run a church?

My question for the faithful - Who in their right mind would site in a pew on Sunday morning and listen to this man speak?

Technorati tags: Jeff Stallworth, Hypocrisy, sexual assault

Nutball Alert: Mr. In God We Trust

2008-06-26T10:06:00.001-07:00

Yep - some Christian asshat changed his name to In God We Trust.

A Lake County judge granted permission to the Zion man Friday to officially change his name to "In God We Trust." That's "In God" as a first name and "We Trust" as a last name.

The 57-year-old artist and bus driver was ecstatic about the name change as he exited court Friday.

Source: Zion man now officially named In God We Trust

Judge David Hall should be ashamed of himself. Are there no standards. What if the guy wanted to call himself Mr. I AM SATAN?

I always want to know why motivates this type of nutballs. His answer was as simple as it was stupid.

We Trust said the new name more closely represents his devotion to God than "Steve Kreuscher" did.

His real reason may simply be driven by economics.

"There are billions of artists out there. If you don't do something to stand out in the crowd the world won't recognize you," We Trust said

Steve Kreuscher, Mr. In God We Trust, I have a better name for you. Nutball!

Technorati tags: Nutballs, In God We Trust, Steve Kreuscher, David Hall

James Dobson Doesn't Speak For Me

2008-06-25T22:41:00.001-07:00

James Dobson influence is in decline. An new website called James Dobson Doesn't Speak For Me offers Christians chance to step away from Dobson's political screed.

James Dobson doesn't speak for me.
He doesn't speak for me when he uses religion as a wedge to divide;
He doesn't speak for me when he speaks as the final arbiter on the meaning of the Bible;
James Dobson doesn't speak for me when he uses the beliefs of others as a line of attack;
He doesn't speak for me when he denigrates his neighbor's views when they don't line up with his;
Read more....

I sense an era coming to and end. Comments like this give me hope.

"My faith is not confined to one or two wedge issues. Let's talk about how to love the world, help the poor, and embrace a consistent ethic of life. Let's elevate our nation through service and true leadership. Let's have a president who respects our intelligence enough to trust us with nuances rather than soundbites. Most of all, let's bring out the best in each other." - Robyn L.

I have another proposal. Let us step away from religion in politics. How about moving America back to its secular roots?

Technorati tags: James Dobson, Secularism, Politics