Pollsters tell us that 20 percent of Americans today are secularists—that is, they are atheist, agnostic or unaffiliated with a religion. According to author and atheist Susan Jacoby, the reason why secularists don’t wield an influence commensurate with their numbers is their own reluctance to speak out, “particularly at moments of high drama and emotion,” such as the massacre of the schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut.
Ms. Jacoby expanded on this theme in an opinion piece published last month in the New York Times. “It is vital,” she said, “to show that there are indeed atheists in foxholes, and wherever else human beings suffer and die.” In particular, she suggested that today’s atheists should emulate Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-1899), the great 19th Century skeptic and freethinker, who frequently delivered secular eulogies at funerals.
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Good news: December 29 no one was injured as the Central Market in Port-au-Prince burned down. Bad news: the market burned down. January 6, another fire – this one probably from arson – downed the Marché Public de Tabarre, J-B Aristide’s old neighborhood. Is this not misfortune enough?
Attention Surgery Shoppers
If you’re willing to go further afield, there are seeming bargains available elsewhere including these:
- Portland, Oregon: $4,366
- Tampa, Florida: $3,039
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