No, no, no, come on now! Not April 1st but April 2nd thought the 4th in Newark/New York City [note: this was in 2010 AD, it is being posted now due to having moved it from Atheism is Dead].
The American Atheists National Convention is being advertised thusly, “There’s nothing quite like it! So, reserve your room for the Freethought event of 2010!”
Oh, I thought that the “Global Atheist Convention” was the Freethought event of 2010 AD (where the most erudite amongst us go to cower from debate—see here). Maybe they will bid for most Freethoughiest even of 2010 as they bided for atheism symbol of all time.
On second thought; are they American “Atheists” or American “Freethinkers”?
One may claim that the lines are blurred enough to not be lines at all but American Atheists once stated,
Atheists are NOT “secular humanists”, “freethinkers”, “rationalists” or “ethical culturalists”…Often, people who are Atheists find it useful to masquerade behind such labels.1
As per the modus operandi this particular sect of atheism which defined “atheism” as anti-theism, the American Atheists National Convention will be themed “BLASPHEMY?—On The Dangers of Privileging Religious Beliefs.”
Speakers will include Dan Barker (contender for the prize of most lawsuits filed), Cecil Bothwell a “Atheist city councilman” (’cause that is what matters), Edwin F. Kagin who is described as “blasphemy king” (well, you gotta have goals), Massimo Pigliucci (who recently helped us demonstrate atheistic/scientific metaphysics), Jeff [get your aluminum foil hats ready] Sharlet who is an “exposer of the Christian Right’s ongoing attempt to run our government,” Andy Thomson whose interests include long walks on the beach and “evolutionary psychology, suicide terrorism” (so he will surely explain why atheists invented the suicide vest see discussion here).
Also, “National Secular Society” this “Secular Coalition for America” that, here a “Free Inquiry” there a “Council for Secular Humanism” and on it goes.