Metroplex Atheists
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American Atheists National Convention 2000

Four members of Metroplex Atheists (Linda Sharlow, John & Shelly Hattan, and Dick Hogan) trekked to San Francisco over Easter weekend for the American Atheists national convention. If you missed it, many of the presentations are available in RealVideo format here.

Here are some photos from the event.

San Francisco was full of beautiful scenery. Unfortunately, the docket was so full that there was little chance to enjoy it. We did, however, manage to get away once or twice to tour the city.

American Atheists president Ellen Johnson opened the convention with her keynote speech. She detailed the direction in which American Atheists is to go in the future, including more involvement with Washington, and more programs aimed at young people.

Douglas Adams, author of the popular Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series, frustrated the webmasters to no end by wandering about the podium during his presentation. There was an internet simulcast, but since there was only one fixed camera, Adams spent a lot of time out of the frame. He kept the audience laughing with several fun anecdotes.

The surprise hit of the convention was a visit by Deacon Fred of Landover Baptist Church. He opened the meeting with a prayer, condemned us all to hell, then had the audience in stitches with some of the site's great material. He ended up his presentation with a reading of some of his favorite hate-mail and a tale of how he was kicked out of Jerry Falwell's Liberty University only three weeks before graduating.

Dave Kong, California state director, gave everyone a spirited update on the Mount Davidson Cross case and was later presented with an award for activist of the year.

Keay Davidson, author of the book, Carl Sagan : A Life, gave a presentation about the renowed astronomer. In addition to discussing Sagan's life and work, Davidson spent some time talking about Sagan's personal religion and his views on religion and its place in society.

Dave Silverman, New Jersey state director, went over the new program for youth. He proposed an endowment that would establish a yearly scholarship for students who are activists in church-state separation causes. I'm happy to report that he got double the amount he asked for in only an hour!

American Atheists held the convention in the Westin near the SF airport. Everybody was more than happy with the accomodations.

Hope to see everybody at next year's convention in Orlando!