I still don't get what these people are talking about with regard 'ideology'

I lack a faith in a god or gods, simple as that. So do 1 in 5 other Australians.

The AFA is just one group out of many that speak for their members, over the many concerns where religions get rights and privilege above and beyond other Australians simply because they believe in a magic man.

.. but the arguments saying that people should not speak up are pretty lame. I mean, don't speak up about stuff because it is not the most pressing issue you can think of? oh come on, talk about a lame argument.

It's like saying women should not speak up about pay equality because some women in the middle east are forced to wear the veil.

I'm a non believer, and I am glad there are groups such as the AFA that voice concerns we have in regard the imposition of religious faith on equality. Pointing at worse problems doesn't magically make other problems not worthy of struggle.

Anway, I'm looking forward to the convention as it's useless trying to discuss with religionists their privilege, they are never going to accept that it affects others.

>> If you don't know what those greater ills are, then you validate my argument.. <<

OK. Consider my ignorance validation then.

Now. Humour me, what is worse than indoctrinating children, negating the validity of science, preventing informed debate, inciting hate against whatever group some religion has declared not acceptable, taking tax payers money without accountability, and is currently having profound influence and entwined with politics?

Woot

Looks to me like Squeers is taking the:

"if you don't already know, I'm not gonna tell you" lame stance.

Abysmal.

On a bright note, I will be able to attend the convention - missed out last time.

I'll wear a red carnation :)

Squeers,

You call that answering my questions. Ummmm. Maybe try not talking in riddles. Be better if you used the English language to explain rather than obfuscate. Of course, you cant do that because you haven’t got a rational case to put forward. Dawkins et al represent a view that is at odds with supernaturalism as that disadvantages proper government and peoples lives. In Australia, it is to an unacceptable level; on many parts of the planet, it is downright dangerous. Stop trying to make a big deal about people engaged in attempting to make change for the better.

For those who would like to actually hear what Dawkins et al are on about come along to the 2012 Global Atheist Convention. http://www.atheistconvention.org.au/ Not only will it be extremely interesting, you will have wonderful time with a huge and friendly Freethinking crowd. The alternative is to listen to the self-aggrandising Sqeers of the world prattling on in quasi-intellectual fashion as though they have it all worked out.

Here are some of the speakers that are going to bring humanity to its knees. :o)
http://www.atheistconvention.org.au/speakers/

See you next April in Melbourne

David

PS Ammonite, I’ll look out for the red carnation. Come up and say hello

Clearly you don't read poetry, Ammonite (not that I'm poetic, just cryptic, as all good poetry is); abysmal!
Well, cryptic to the likes of the rationalists anyway.
Not generally, but since Atheist Foundation seems appallingly poorly read in his putative area of expertise, one can't help but indulge a bit of persiflage. Hint: this is a pithy medium and one must pack signification in tightly--sometimes too tightly it seems.
But of course all's black and white to the liberal rationalist and grey's not to be tolerated.

David, secularism is a broad church, as a self-professed atheist, should you not be embracing moi?
I "have" answered your questions, yes, but no doubt 'tis a bit like Douglas Adams's computer answering "42", you don't have the ear for it.. Besides, you're (self)important and can't be seen to be paying lip-service to heretics, now can you?
BTW, can we have a more recent picture of Dawkins than the one in the link you provided? Since he's a specialist in fossils, why don't we get a more accurate (less charismatic) rendition of the old dinosaur? (Dennett's ageless with his Santa clause beard, as is Hitchens with his scowl).
I imagine at the conference their respective publications will be available in their thousands for purchase as the queue wends and winds interminably? The modern collection plate. Maybe even a book signing eh?
Just as well you don't get my nonsense? It'd be a shame to ruffle such charming naivety.

Sqeers, I got it in its overly effluent style but really, I don’ want it because it is mostly nonsense. A bit like holy books, you have to sift through piles of rubbish to get to anything meaningful. (If one is lucky) I’ve given up that worthless pastime yonks ago. I have no objection if others have a variant view about that.

Woot & Paul1405 and forgive me if I missed anyone else.

I also look forward to your presence at the 2012 Global Atheist Convention – ‘ A Celebration of Reason’.

Don’t forget, world-class catering is included in the price of a ticket.

I offer the same advice as I did to Ammonite, come up and say hello.

David