He said, "We've been getting a lot of comments from people saying we should have spent that money on charity." That made me smile. It's ironic that he spent big money boasting how atheism is philanthropic, when in truth, it's about as philanthropic as it is scientific. Yep, the world is bursting with atheist hospitals, atheist soup kitchens and atheist homeless shelters.
The news release also said, "The ad campaign is financed by 'an anonymous donor' to Backyard Skeptics, which boasts 440 members and sponsors assorted activities, including science-related field trips to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, monthly lectures and occasional movie nights (the latest screening is 'The Ledge,' about a love triangle involving an atheist and two Christians)."
Recently, Bruce asked me to speak at one of his backyard monthly meetings. We were both excited about it, until his fellow atheists chickened out, no doubt because they didn't want to have their feathers ruffled. But if they change their minds, I wouldn't want an honorarium, I would give them free books, would pay for their food, and I would count it an honor to gently challenge their belief system.
But I won't be holding my breath, because almost all atheists are big talkers hiding behind a computer, but chickens in the real world. Bruce excluded.
