Another Goddamned Podcast #15: May 22, 2008

THIS WEEK - Presidents, Lies, Voters ... and the Boy Scouts

What's the responsibility of the President in accurately educating the public on matters of government policy? Or on anything, for that matter? SI states the case for a teacher-prez, but Ex takes a somewhat controversial position. The rest of the Herd, including special guest Chappy, weigh in. (00:00)

How vigilant is the voting public about our elected officials telling us the truth? What can the electorate do? Chappy is optimistic about the possibilities, but SI punctures her balloon. We also look at our compliant press. (14:13)

One of us thinks voters should have to take a test before casting their ballots. Is there an elitist in the house? Find out who he or she is. (If you're a regular listener, try to guess beforehand.) Do Americans lack intellectual curiosity and necessary basic knowledge? Most of the Herd argues that you can’t force the electorate to make informed decisions. (30:24)

OG is annoyed at The Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. Does she have Scout-envy, or is there something insidious at work in the proposed legislation? We briefly discuss the history of B.S.A.'s B.S. Evo ably sums up the Herd's position, and, for once, Ex and SI refrain from embellishing. But someone tries to earn the sound-effects merit badge. (51:52)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [13:32]: excerpt from "Highway 45"
Bridge Music [29:00]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge Music [51:17]: excerpt from "Middle Earth"
Closing Music [1:05:43]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

Original audio source

This Week's Goddamned Links
Joe Klein's Article about McCain
Huffington Post on Klein and McCain
The Constitution of the United States
Boy Scouts Commemorative Coin Act
Numismatists Jump for (Discriminatory) Joy
Secular Coalition's Action Alert
Wikipedia on Boy Scouts of America and Membership
The Scouts' Discrimination Against Gays
JREF Forum on Scouts and Atheism
How to Tie a Sheepshank

Another Goddamned Podcast #14: May 15, 2008

THIS WEEK - Rationalism and Atheism, Cynics and Skeptics ... and a Jesus Cap

SI, thinking about conspiracy theories, brings up the topic of atheism being more about rational thinking than being "against" any particular god. He wonders why we're unable to get that message across to theists. The Herd challenges SI's notion. Can some people be atheists, dislike religion, and yet not necessarily use reason in other parts of their lives? Evo asks, how did atheism start for each of us - as a dismissal of god or as a rational process. (00:00)

We discuss the search for evidentiary enlightenment, regardless whether it's focused on science, politics, or philosophy, and the tendency towards an atheistic world view. What parts do cynicism and skepticism play in the process? (And is there a difference between cynics and skeptics?) (17:46)

Is your atheism part of "who you are"? Do you take any religious statement as an "in your face" attack that demands a response? Ex tells about a Christian who stole some artwork. Why do we think it was a Christian? You'll have to listen and find out! (33:07)

Poll results and a bow to Robert G. Ingersoll. (55:55)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [16:48]: excerpt from "Latin Down the Hatches"
Bridge Music [32:47]: excerpt from "Arkansas Traveler"
Bridge Music [54:52]: excerpt from "Swing to the Left"
Closing Music [1:02:26]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

Original audio source

This Week's Goddamned Links
Definition of a Skeptic
Definition of a Cynic
Dressing for Jesus
Dressing to piss off Philly
Robert Ingersoll
Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism
Atheism: A Reader

Another Goddamned Podcast #13: May 1, 2008

THIS WEEK - National Day of Prayer, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, Madeline Neumann, and Our AGP Medal of Honor

OG finds an atheist editorial in the Faith section of the Kansas City Star. It calls for an interesting response to The National Day of Prayer. Ex has problems with it, then has problems with Evo’s response, then has problems…(0:00)

The Herd talks a little bit about the Ben Stein movie Expelled. Is it worth getting upset about? Maybe not, since Ex hasn’t been pissed off all week over it. Anyway, the Herd has a little fun at the expense of pathetic movies. Ex and OG discuss the whole foofaraw (whatever that means). SI weighs in as if he’s an attorney or something. (18:30)

During a break, Philly gets us all going on the Madeline Neumann case, in which a 11-year-old girl died for no reason, other than that her parents opted entirely for prayer in lieu of science. The Herd is thrilled about the indictment of the parents for 2nd degree homicide. Will the charges stick? (40:25)

Ex cheers us up as the Herd honors another atheist with our Medal of Honor. Find out who the winner is. (56:10)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [17:45]: excerpt from "Heathen Boogie"
Bridge Music [38:45]: excerpt from "Disco is Not Dead"
Bridge Music [55:05]: excerpt from "Jesus Loves Me feat. Satan"
Closing Music [1:02:23]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

Original audio source

This Week's Goddamned Links
Kansas City Star Faith Walk column
National Day of Prayer
Expelled Exposed
Six Things to Know About Expelled
NY Times Expelled Review
Parents Charged in Madeline Neumann's Death
Criminal Complaint Against Leilani Neumann
Parents Indicted in Faith-Healing Death
Wisconsin Criminal Code for Physical Abuse of a Child
Soldier Sues Army
Military Religious Freedom