Another Goddamned Podcast #44: January 22, 2009

THIS WEEK - REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS*
*some conditions apply



Original audio source
SI and OG introduce tonight's topic, one of the Bush Administration's final gifts to the American public: a new set of U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services regulations addressing issues of freedom of conscience for health care professionals. These regulations, which apply to all American health care facilities that receive federal funds, greatly expand the rights of employees to decline participation in the provision of medical goods and services for reasons of personal conscience. Chappy questions whether some of these provisions will endanger people who may not receive essential, critical care. SI discusses the Church Amendments that pre-existed the current regulations and ponders whether the new rules are necessary, redundant or dangerously expansive. (00:00)

The discussion continues, as OG, SI and Chappy parse the possible meanings of the term "conscience laws." OG and SI also discuss why this issue is about the reproductive rights of all people, not just women. SI grows increasingly irritated throughout the discussion and questions the validity of tying funding for institutions to the ways in which individuals within institutions exercise their legal rights. He calms down later, as he notes why President Bush may not have had the last word on the matter after all. (19:10)

Find out the latest poll results, then listen as OG reveals why she was pissed off all day. Hint: follow the link to Godtube - if you dare. (38:15)

Musical Selections:
Opening Music [00:06]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [17:49]: excerpt from "Interlude 2" by Encephalophone
Bridge Music [37:02]: excerpt from "Interlude 3" by Encephalophone
Closing Music [48:12]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie except as noted)

This Week's Goddamned Links
DHHS Proposed Rule
7 States Sue Government Over U.S. Abortion Rule
Anti-Abortion Nurse Removed IUD Without Permission
Monstrous Women on GodTube

Another Goddamned Podcast #43: January 15, 2009

THIS WEEK -"...so help me god!"



Original audio source
(00:00) In keeping with the Inaugural festivities today, the Herd discusses the recent Complaint for an injunction to prevent the government from requiring president Obama to end his oath of office with words acknowledging the Christian god. Did the Plaintiffs have standing to complain? Is the Inauguration a government function?

(19:22) The Herd continues to discuss the ruling of the Court in the Newdow case, and the ramifications for the inaugural proceedings. SI analogizes the ceremony with that of a wedding. Does that analogy apply? You decide.

(34:45) SI reminds the Herd about, and they marvel at, the recently published report of the House Committee investigating the abuses of the Bush Administration. It's a long report. Philly then vents against Atheism's inability to develop a pleasing persona.

Musical Selections:
Opening Music [00:06]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [18:09]: excerpt from "Child of the 80s"
Bridge Music [33:37]: excerpt from "Crouching Christian Hidden Atheist"
Closing Music [54:30]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie except as noted)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Newdow Injunction Ruling report
Newdow Won't Appeal
Who Pays for the Inauguration?
Inaugural Schedule
House Judiciary Report On The Imperial Presidency
Washington Post Ad
Dawkins Interview

Another Goddamned Podcast #39: November 13, 2008

THIS WEEK - The Herd Shoots the Shit


Original audio source

This week's sitting members of the Herd find themselves on the same side as a cult, in a recent case involving the Summum. (00:30)

Philly feels some cults have a point, at least when they're on the same side as Pastafarians. Chappy explains where all those granite Ten Commandments came from that seem to be prevalent in public parks around the nation. SI gets pissed off about a recent initiative passed by the voters of Arkansas. (20:04)

The conversation drifts to a discussion about a recent teen declared to be the next Buddha. (24:37)

Philly wants to know the test for Buddhahood. SI believes he qualifies for Buddhahood (sorry, no pictures), but thinks something smells. The logical progression of the conversation then naturally turns to guns. Apparently, the recent election has brought out the gun nuts. The herd chews on some nuts, then turns on Sarah Palin, then goes back to the guns. (33:42)

The Herd finishes up with a basic rag session on theists, especially the one's who show up in the blogosphere. (46:04)

Outtakes. (52:08)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [24.00]: excerpt from "Middle Earth Shortened"
Bridge and Closing Music [51:35: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Pleasant Grove City v. Summum
Wiki article on the Summum case
Wiki article on Ten Commandments monuments
Daily KOS post on Arkansas Initiative
Teen Buddha
Michigan Gun Owners Response to Obama
Gun Nut's Lawn Sign Article

Another Goddamned Podcast #37: October 30, 2008

THIS WEEK - The Christian Identity


Original audio source

Why do Christians usually identify themselves as Christians first and any other identity second? Do atheists do the same thing? Are atheists less likely to talk about their non-belief due to social pressures? The Herd weighs in on whether they define themselves as atheists first and rate other aspects as secondary. (00:00)

Five chaplains in Virginia resign their positions after a policy requiring non-sectarian prayers is enacted by Governor Tim Kaine. Christians immediately cry, "Persecution!" But is this really so? Chappy explains the issue in more detail and as SI dives into legalese. Are Christians entitled to the privilege of having their religion supported because they're in the majority? (16:30)

We continue the discussion about the chaplains and how this new policy may keep them from subtle proselytizing. Philly reaches the heart of the matter by asking why we have state-supported chaplains in the first place. We have the poll results from last week and news about "God's team." And SI smells something unpleasant. (33:18)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [15:16]: excerpt from "Crouching Christian, Hidden Atheist"
Bridge Music [31:57]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge and Closing Music [46:20]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

This Week's Goddamned Links
Stand Down for Jesus
SAVE THE CHAPLAINS!!!!
Chaplains Lose Position Over Prayer in Jesus' Name
Phillies Beat the _____ Rays

Another Goddamned Podcast #17: June 5, 2008

THIS WEEK - Theists & Science, Churches & Charities ... and a Lost "Sole"

Evo has a question: Do theists, particularly those on Boards of Education, knowingly use their influence to undermine the teaching of ALL science, not just evolutionary biology? Do they consciously or unconsciously work against the development of a scientific worldview because they realize that it has a tendency to lead to religious decay? Philly thinks Evo may be lost in Conspiracy Land. Others in the Herd support the idea, minus any conspiracy. (0:00)

OG tells us about anti-intellectualism in religious schools. Ex relates a different educational experience. Philly thinks there's so much to teach, so little time. What’s your take? (14:51)

Big surprise! Our federal tax money is being given to churches for charitable work. The Herd, predictably, is pretty united against this, and we spell out why. What really pisses all of us off -- not just Ex -- is that the White House encourages churches to “game the system”. (31:31)

But the Herd, being what it is, can't agree for long. Is it possible that churches actually do use federal funding for charitable work? Some of us say no; others of us think that's an unsupported position. (48:50)

Join a prayer circle and save a woman’s deteriorating family from an ATHEIST ATTACK!!!!!!!!!!!! (1:03:47)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [14:04]: excerpt from "Heathen Boogie"
Bridge Music [30:15]: excerpt from "Disco is Not Dead"
Bridge Music [48:39]: excerpt from "Arkansas Traveler"
Bridge Music [1:02:52]: excerpt from "Latin Down the Hatches"
Closing Music [1:11:30]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

Original audio source

This Week's Goddamned Links
Brian Greene's piece in The New York Times
Fox News on grants to Trinity United
White House: Advice on Gaming the System
Theocracy Watch: on Faith-Based Initiative
California, the Moonies, and Faith-Based Funding
Some History on Faith-Based Funding
A Long List: Faith-Based Funding Recipients, 2003
Help Me PLEASE!!!!!!!!
Lying-est President

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 #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

Another Goddamned Podcast #11: April 17, 2008

THIS WEEK – Abortions, Faith-Based Initiatives, and Debating the Debate

As surprising as listeners may find this, Ex is pissed off! He tears into the recent Compassion Forum (renaming it the Compulsion Forum). Although he has several beefs (or is it "beeves"?) he and Philly zero in on the candidates' responses to questions on abortion. (0:00)

Obama says that abortion is a "moral decision" and a "wrenching choice." Are there any actual moral issues involved in abortions early in the pregnancy, or is the word "moral" just Obama's way of pandering to the religious? (15:57)

Faith-based initiatives and Establishment. We all pretty much agree with James Madison, even though he was not an atheist blogger. (32:18)

Attacks on Obama: why has he shown an utter inability to handle them better? Does he appear as un-Presidential to you as he does to Ex? What should he be saying in his own defense? Evo wonders whether Obama modifies his debating style because of perceived racial prejudices that he faces. But OG counters that it's really Hillary who has a tougher bias to overcome. The boys gang up on OG, badgering her to accept there is no anti-feminist sentiment in the electorate. Then, Philly tells the herd why he would accept an invitation to a religious forum if he were a candidate. (51:07)

Normally, this spot in the podcast would be devoted to out-takes. In this podcast, however, it's just more in-put. During a long break, the Herd can't seem to abort its discussion. (1:10:54)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [14:34]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge Music [31:01]: excerpt from "Disco is Not Dead"
Bridge Music [49:51]: excerpt from "Child of the 80s"
Bridge Music [1:04:01]: excerpt from "Arkansas Traveler"
Closing Music [1:10:16]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

Original audio source

This Week's Goddamned Links
The Compulsion Forum: Transcript
Philly on Abortion
The Pennsylvania Democratic Debate: Transcript
Evo on the Democratic Debate
Ex on the Democratic Debate

Another Goddamned Podcast #5: February 27, 2008

THIS WEEK – Fuck, Charles Barkley, and Immunity for Missouri Pharmacies. Plus – What Person Could History Have Done Without?

FUCK! Shocked? Offended? You’re probably not an atheist. The Herd’s hypothesis: If you’re a freethinker, “fuck,” “shit,” “cunt,” and all those other four-letter goodies are less likely to affect you than to rile up all those other assholes out there. (0:00)

Fake Christians. That’s how Sir Charles Barkley referred to hypocrites who claim the love of Jesus but can’t seem to extend it to homosexuals and women seeking an abortion. Is Barkley “governor material”? Despite a ban on political talk this week, a debate on the qualifications for political office breaks out. The Herd wonders if Ex is on acid, as he serenades them. And Babs gets a message ... from God. (25:55)

Uh-oh. Here comes Missouri House Bill 1625, exempting pharmacies from legal responsibility if they choose not to fulfill legitimate prescriptions for RU486 and Plan B. Can it be proven that this bill is based on religious belief? We think so but, unfortunately, we’re not on the Supreme Court. (46:00)

The Herd name their least favorite historical characters. We want to hear from you on this. Do you agree with our picks, or do you have a better one? (1:08:00)

Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [14:55]: excerpt from "Disco is Not Dead"
Bridge Music [29:30]: excerpt from "Heathen Boogie"
Bridge Music [46:55]: excerpt from "The Atheist's Hymn"
Bridge Music [1:06:55]: excerpt from "Swing to the Left"
Closing Music [57:20]: excerpt from "As Jazzy As I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

Original audio source

This Week's Goddamned Links
Taboo Words: The Columbia Guide to Standard American English
Ex's tribute to “Fuck”
Evo’s Response to Ex
Steven Pinker’s book: The Stuff of Thought
Wolf Blitzer interviews Charles Barkley
Rev. Peterson asks for Barkley to aplogize
Missouri House Bill 1625
NARAL’s Response to Missouri HB 1625

Historical Figures
George W. Bush
Emperor Constantine I
Jerry Falwell
Saul of Tarsus
The Inventor of Religion

Another Goddamned Podcast #3: February 13, 2008

THIS WEEK – An Anti-Atheist Billboard, Clinton Sneakily Plays the Race Card, the FISA Senate Vote, and Casting Another Goddamned Podcast: The Movie

It's ALIVE! The Chambersburg billboard, that is. Has the issue now evolved into one of “hate speech”? How can free-thinkers respond? Does the new sign subliminally accuse atheists of racial hatred? (0:00)

Ex (pissed off yet again) points out how Senator Clinton’s desperate campaign is also making racial insinuations. All of us are disgusted! And why the hell is she missing key Senate votes that most progressives believe are critical to protecting our Constitutional rights? Is it OK for someone who is supposed to be one of the "leaders" of the party to be off on the campaign trail at times like this? And why aren't more Democrats pissed off about granting immunity to telecom companies for cooperating in illegal warrantless wiretapping? (15:00)

Not that we have grandiose ideas or anything. But for Another Goddamned Podcast: The Movie, the members of the Herd become casting directors. We're looking for actors to play us and our fellow bloggers in the Atheosphere. YOU can be a casting director, too. Just leave your suggestions as a comment. (32:25)

Opening Music [00:00] excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [14:00]: excerpt from "Jesus Loves Me feat. Satan"
Closing Music [44:25]: excerpt from "As Jazzy As I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)

Original audio source

This Week's Goddamned Links
Hemant on the first two billboards
Hemant on the anti-atheist billboard
Public Opinion's billboard story
In God We Trust (Click if you must, but don't say we didn't warn you)
Church Attendance, according to the Barna Group
Religious Service Attendance by Gender and Race (thanks, Venjanz)
Clinton supporter Ed Rendell injects race into the campaign
The New York Times on the FISA vote
Whistling in the Bathroom (The Freesound Project)

Our Cast
Babs
OG
SI
Evo
Ex
Philly