Posted by Amanda on January 09, 1997 at 08:27:58:
In Reply to: Madalyn Murray O'Hair Petition (?) posted by David Naughton on January 08, 1997 at 19:40:12:
: Someone was handing out the following letter at work.
: Does anyone know anything about this? Is this letter
: outdated? I thought that Madalyn Murray O'Hair was
: still missing.
: IMPORTANT NOTICE
: Madelyn Murray O'Hare [sic], the celebrated Atheist,
: whose efforts successfully eliminated the use of the
: Bible reading and prayer from All public schools
: fifteen years ago [What was the date?] has been granted
: a federal hearing in Washington, D.C. on the subject of
: the petition, R.R. 2493, which would in effect pave the
: way to make reading of any gospel (religious material)
: on the air-ways of american radio or television
: [illegal]. She has taken a petition with 27,000
: signatures to support her efforts.
: If HER attempt is succesful [sic], all Sunday worship
: services being broadcast either by Radio or Television,
: will STOP. Many of America's, as well as the rest of
: the World's elderly and shut-ins, as well as those whom
: are restricted by hospitilization and recouparation
: [sic] from illnesses, who depend on the media of
: television and radio to fullfill [sic] their worship
: needs every week [?].
: Madelyn is also campaigning to remove all Christmas and
: Jewish Programs, songs, and carols from public schools.
: This time you can HELP! We need 1,000,000 signed
: letters to defeat Mrs. O'Hare's efforts and show that
: there [are] many God worshipping Americans alive and
: well, and concerned about our country. Madelyn is also
: trying to remove the statement "IN GOD WE TRUST" from
: all the currency in this country.
Wow - that's interesting. It looks a bit valid from the motive point of view. It could also be a group formed under her name - I imagine there's one of those out there somewhere.
I can't see how she could make any headway on the radio ban - it's freedom of speech and us atheists don't have to listen to it if we don't want to. I can't see censorship being of any help. I do agree with trying to get "in god we trust" off the currency though and things like swearing on the bible in court rooms.
The last I had read was that Madelyn was in Texas. I don't think she was ever missing - I think she just got out of the spotlight. There was also a rumour going around that she ran away with $600,000 - I have no idea if this is true or not but I doubt it. Kepp me posted if you hear anything.