Humanism – Page 8 – Doug's Views

August 28, 2014April 18, 2020

Michael Brown Was A Human Being

photo of Police in Ferguson, Missouri watching protest

Why would police in Ferguson, Missouri need a sniper on an armored truck for an unarmed non-violent protest?

Michael Brown was shot by a police officer on August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, Missouri. His shooting led to several weeks of protests, which sometimes got violent. His shooting illustrates not just racism but much worse. The treatment of Michael Brown and African-Americans like him shows a general attempt to dehumanize a group of people. If we stay silent about it, how long before we are next?

August 21, 2014April 18, 2020

How Does Dr. Brantly Know God Wanted Him Cured?

image of Dr. Kent Brantly discusses a case in Africa

Dr. Kent Brantly (left) discusses a case in Africa

Dr. Kent Brantly, one of two American aid workers stricken with Ebola, walked out of an Atlanta hospital Thursday. He did thank the medical staff for treating him but gave all the credit to God for his survival. How does Brantly know God wanted him cured?

July 31, 2014April 18, 2020

Even Popular People Make Mistakes

Former Ohio State University Marching Band Director Jon Waters

Two recent news stories illustrated what happens when people who have gained some popularity either nationally or in their community make a poor choice. Supporters of that person bring in a lot of emotion and defensiveness with the intent of protecting their ‘hero’. It might not seem fair, but we must not base our judgement just on personal experiences with the person but on the facts and evidence that are revealed. A higher standard of behavior is required if the popular person deals with students.

On July 24th, The Ohio State University fired their Marching band director Jon Waters for not doing enough to change a culture that was “sexualized”. Basically he was fired for dragging his feet when sexual assaults and harassment were reported to him and didn’t do enough to end suspect practices like Midnight Ramp and vulgar activities during band trips.

July 20, 2014April 18, 2020

Warren: What Does It Mean To Be A Progressive?

Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts

If Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts runs for President in 2016, I would love to vote for her. She doesn’t make excuses about what we should believe in and I wish all Democrats would have her backbone. Speaking at this weekend’s Netroots Nation conference in Detroit, Warren laid out some values that Progressives need to have today. I agree with all of them.

June 10, 2014April 18, 2020

Atheists Who Cherry-Pick The Holy Bible Aren’t Helping

image of a the Holy Bible with a warning sticker

A link to a post titled ‘Bible Verses That Atheists Love’ showed up in my Facebook feed Monday and just the title made me throw up in my mouth a little. We atheists complain when theists cherry-pick the Bible because they tend to focus on the ‘good’ parts and downplay the ‘bad’ parts. Why in pink unicorns would atheists play into that game by contributing to this silly article. There is nothing in the Bible that I ‘love’ or even like and atheists who play this game aren’t helping the cause.

Several prominent atheists and atheist bloggers contributed to the article: