Arguing Your Points
Before You Got To Respond
Vsevo Khoroshogo
From: "Dread"
To: <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: Thank You
Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 8:49 AM
Cliff,
I noticed your link on a news bit from the LockerGnome site. I went to the site and was encouraged to see that it was an Atheist site. I started perusing your site and came upon an e-mail you had entitled "Four Questions From A High School Teacher." I read with interest that increased more and more as I read your brand of intelligence. I came to the e-mail from PraisingAngel and found myself arguing your points before you got to respond. You, sir, have become my new internet hero! Between the "Four Questions" and "Newborns aren't," you have said everything that I've been trying to say on my website www.erinet.com/dread although I've not been able to frame the words as eloquently. With your permission, I would like to put your link on my site.
"When I caught two car thieves several years ago, I testified before the Grand Jury. It felt very awkward for me to tell the DA that I wanted to affirm, and then she made a big announcement about it to the Grand Jury. As I was affirming, I looked up and recognized a fellow I knew, a man who had watched me struggle for dignity as an atheist when I had been court ordered to attend Twelve Step meetings (and was jailed for refusing -- even though I had no drug- or alcohol-related charges, much less convictions). He winked at me and I realized at once who he was and I remembered us talking about whether I should keep quiet about my beliefs in the very religious Anonymous programs -- and I felt okay. I saw that he recognized that I am true to my beliefs even when under pressure from a court." |
I think it was this particular paragraph that did it for me. You dedication to your beliefs are about as honest as one can be and I only hope that if I'm every in the same situation, I will be as strong as yourself in my own beliefs. I won't waste anymore of your time. I just wanted to let you know that you have at least 1 fan out here in the chaos called the Internet. I have many Atheist friends. As soon as I send this letter, I'll be drafting another one to them. You will definitely be getting more hits.
--
Vsevo Khoroshogo,
Dread Atheist #1299
http://www.erinet.com/dread/
"People who think they know it all REALLY annoy those of us who do!"
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