Today's HAT Meeting

The December meeting of the Humanist Association of Tulsa was called to order at 2:00 pm on December 15, 2012. There were seven people (six members and one guest) in attendance. Since our president, Marilyn Clarke, had another obligation today, I chaired the meeting.

Winner of the door prize (a flashlight) was Patricia Highby. Patricia was a guest today, having moved to Tulsa recently from Colorado.

The meeting began with readings, poetic or otherwise. I read a poem with the title of “Amo, Amas” written by John O’Keefe.

The treasurer’s report came next. Treasurer Larry Roth reported we had some $1,200+ in the treasury. As secretary, I reported we currently have a dues-paying membership of 15. I mentioned, that with the exception of September, all the slots for Humanist Sunday in 2012 were filled. Anyone wishing to speak in September 2013 should contact me.

I spoke about the relationship of HAT and COTR (Church of the Restoration). I mentioned that not one member of COTR had become a dues-paying member of HAT in 2012. The hoped for use of the facility as a “hang-out” for HAT never caught on. We currently pay COTR a monthly fee of $25 to use the building. Starting in January 2013, we will most likely revert to paying the $25 per use fee. No official action could be approved today since we lacked a quorum by one vote. The voting on the matter was deferred to the January meeting.

Larry Roth said that Dr. Stan Rice of Southeast Oklahoma State University in Durant would be traveling to Tulsa to perform in costume as Charles Darwin. The will take place on February 16 next year. This will be our Darwin Day program. There was some discussion about whether the meeting room at the Genealogy Center will be large enough to seat all who come to see Dr. Rice.

Bill Dusenberry would like to have a get-together on December 21 (Solstice Day) at some restaurant to celebrate the day, if there is enough interest in doing this. I will be polling my contact list to see who is interested.

If you were at today’s meeting, you may add your own reflections in the comment area.

Marilyn Clarke to lead Tulsa Humanists in 2013

The November HAT meeting was called to order by Larry Roth shortly after 2 pm on November 17, 2012 at the Genealogy Center, 2901 S Harvard Ave. Seven members were in attendance: Marilyn Clarke, Larry Hochhaus, Richard Maule, Dan Nerren, Larry Roth, Glenn Visher, and one other member who wishes to remain anonymous.

Larry had prepared an agenda. After calling the meeting to order, Larry moved on to item 2: reading, quotes, and quips. I read “Silver Jack,” an anonymous poem written more than a hundred years ago.

Larry told us about plans to bring Stanley Rice to Tulsa in February for Darwin Day. Dr. Rice teaches at Southeast Oklahoma State University in Durant. He has several videos on YouTube. We anticipate having a large group when Dr. Rice gives his presentation as Charles Darwin.

I mentioned that the next Food and Fellowship would be held at Cardigan’s, 6000 S. Lewis, on Saturday, November 24, at 11:30 am. The next meeting of the Progressive Book Group and the Oklahoma Observer Discussion Group will be held in January 2013. Members will be notified by e-mail once the dates are set for these meetings.

We talked about filling the officer positions for 2013. We settled upon this arrangement:

Marilyn Clarke, President

Dan Nerren, Vice-President

Dan Nerren, Secretary

Larry Roth, Treasurer

Marilyn Clarke, Program Director

Next, Richard Maule gave a presentation on a Tulsa Library program called Great Decisions. (GD is a national program which the library is using.) HAT may want to take part in this program or even Church of the Restoration, said Richard. Already Glenn Visher is attending a GD group at All Souls Church. Richard passed around copies of a publication which is used by those taking part. The book can be purchased for around 15 to 20 dollars. An optional video can be had for $35. The book contains the materials for the eight sessions in the GD series.

The next HAT meeting will be held on December 15. Marilyn has another obligation on that date; therefore, as vice-president, I will preside at that meeting.

This has been just the highlights of the meeting. Anyone wishing to add more may do so by leaving a comment.

Beyond Outrage: What has gone wrong with our economy and our democracy, and how to fix it by Robert B. Reich


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Beyond Outrage is a book which deals with the growing gap between rich and poor. Reich explains the frustration which has led to the Occupy movement. Quoting Reich, "Yet when real people without money assemble to express their dissatisfaction with all this, they're told the First Amendment doesn't apply. Instead, they're clubbed, pepper sprayed, thrown out of public parks, and evicted from public spaces. Across America, public officials have said Occupiers have to go."

This is a timely book as we are approaching a Presidential election. Reich does his best to rally the oppressed. "So many people have been hit by job losses, sagging incomes, and declining home values that Americans will eventually become mobilized. The question is not whether, but when."

I am giving this book a five-star rating. It is a must read.

HAT Meeting, 4.15.12

Six members were present for the HAT meeting at Church of the Restoration on the 15th.  We decided to change to start time of our meetings to 1:00 pm.  We went through to order of service for our Humanist Sunday service and made a few changes.  We decided to donate the TV/VCR to the Free Store in Crosbie Heights.  I took the piece of equipment to the Free Store the following Tuesday.  Regarding the recent shootings in Tulsa, Bill said he would write up some response for the secular elements of Tulsa and submit it to the newspaper.

The next meeting will be on May 20.

A quote from Andy Norman

I don’t believe in God, but I think it’s a tactical mistake to, by definition, exclude theists from our ranks. What do we want to say to the billions of people who subscribe to humanist principles (like 1-6 above), but still cling to belief in God? ‘Sorry, but you must ditch your imaginary friend before you can join us?’ What do we accomplish by such exclusion? The first thing we do, whether we intend to or not, is erect a barrier to constructive dialogue. But humanism is, above all, a commitment to such dialogue. Real dialogue works a kind of magic, but only when participants set aside tribal loyalties and reason together openly, honestly and, dare I say it, in good faith. We want reason-giving dialogue to work its magic on them, of course, but the price is openness to the possibility that the exchange might change us as well. That’s the way dialogue works; it’s a two-way street. Framing humanism in a way that excludes theists in advance comes across as fearful of what they might teach us. Here’s an idea: let’s embrace our commitment to fearless inquiry and truly ‘walk the talk.’ In this context, that means avoiding a self-conception that creates artificial barriers to collaborative inquiry.

--Andy Norman

HAT meeting now at CoR

HAT meetings will now be held at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood Ave. Last Saturday we held the Humanist Discussion Group at the church. We will be holding another Humanism and the Arts gathering at the church in June. I would like to see a monthly dinner held at the church before long. (For the time being, the monthly chapter meetings will be held at the Genealogy Center.)

HAT to use facilities at Church of the Restoration

At today's meeting of the Humanist Association of Tulsa, the membership voted to make use of the facilities at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood. Our primary meeting, the third Saturday 2 pm general membership meeting, will continue to be held at the Genealogy Center on Harvard for the time being.

The fee for use of the facilities is $25 per month. Included will be use of the fully equiped kitchen, the main meeting room and piano, and use of the video equipment. I envision us holding a monthly dinner as a fundraiser, in addition to our monthly Humanism and the Arts programs.

We have great potential to reach others of a liberal mindset in the community thanks to our location on a central avenue: Greenwood Avenue. I would like to see a changable letter sign established next to the roadway. I would like to see the title of the weekly sermon posted so that passersby will know what is going on inside the building.

Another great potential lies across the street from the church: Carver Middle School. I would like to get three volunteers to donate an hour a week of their time to tutoring students.

To date, HAT has been an all-white organization. By making use of Restoration, we have the potential to attract black members. Thus far, we have only talked the talk. Let us see if now we can walk the walk.

I believe this arrangement is a win-win situation for both HAT and Church of the Restoration.

Supporting Darwin Day

Listen to Roy Speckhardt in the video (link below) explain how you can get involved in making February 12 become Darwin Day.

http://vimeo.com/19803382

February calendar

February 2011 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers
(Events are subject to cancellation due to snow and ice.)

Sat., Feb. 5, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Gregorian chant practice, Holy Family Cathedral (basement), 122 W. 8th.
Laudamus Schola is seeking men and women to join the group.

Sat., Feb. 5, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.

Sun., Feb. 6, 11:00 am
Service at Restoration is cancelled.

Fri., Feb. 11, 7:00 pm
Poetry Group, Border’s Bookstore, 2nd floor. Discussion of poetry by Coleridge.

Fri.., Feb. 11, 8:00 pm
Drinking with Atheists, Elote Café, 514 S. Boston.

Sat., Feb. 12, 11:30 am
Metropolitan Opera Simulcast of Nixon in China, Cinemark Theater, 71st St. and Mingo.

Sun., Feb. 13, 1:30 pm
Humanist Discussion Group, Herb’s house, 3414 E. 85th Pl.

Sun., Feb. 13, 4:00 pm
Baby Shower, for Cathy and William Poire, 8017 S. Peach, BA

Wed., Feb. 16, 7:00 pm
Atheists Mid-Month Social, Umberto’s, 3228 E. 21st St.

Sat., Feb. 19, 2:00 pm
HAT Chapter Meeting, Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard

Sun., Feb. 20, 1:00 pm
Bible/Bable Study, Robbin’s Nest Bookstore, 305 S. Muskogee, Tahlequah

Sat., Feb. 26, 11:30 am
Food and Fellowship, Asian restaurant at 51st and Vandalia, formerly Steak and Ale.

Sun., Feb. 27, 1:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.

Sun., Feb. 27, 3:00 pm
Dream Group at Marilyn Clarke’s, 4917 S. Maplewood

Sun., Feb. 27, 3:15 pm
Atheists Post-Meeting Social at Rib Crib, 5025 S. Sheridan


Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)

HAT meeting, 12.18.10

The December HAT meeting was a special event. Visiting today was Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation of Madison, Wisconsin. We had a larger than usual attendance: about 30 people. Members of the Tulsa Atheist Meetup had been invited to attend.

Annie Laurie spoke about recent litigation that FFRF has been involved in. She spoke close to an hour and a half. None of the usual business was conducted today due to our special guest addressing our group.

Elections will be held in January. Due to Skepticon 3 in Springfield, MO, the November meeting was cancelled.

Video report about Skepticon 3

http://www.ky3.com/videobeta/882644f2-77b3-4680-8737-a624ba29116a/News/Skepticon

November 2010 Calendar

November 2010 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers

Sat., Nov. 6, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.

Sun., Nov. 7, 11:00 am
Humanist Sunday at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood Ave.
Speaker: John Lowerison on Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Discussion and meal follow.

Fri., Nov. 12, 7:00 pm
Poetry Group meets at Border’s Bookstore, 2nd floor.

Sat., Nov. 13, 2:00 pm
Secular Singers at Storey house, 4630 S. Victor Ave.

Sun., Nov. 14, 1:30 pm
Humanist Discussion Group, Herb’s house, 3414 E. 85 Pl.

Tues., Nov. 16, 7:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Mid-Month Social, Delta Cafe, 11101 E. 41st

Wed., Nov. 17, 11:20 am
ALGAE at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan.

Sat., Nov. 20, 2:00 pm
HAT Chapter Meeting at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.

Sat., Nov. 27, 11:30 am
Food & Fellowship at My Thai Restaurant, 3023 S. Harvard.

Sun., Nov. 28, 1:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.

Sun., Nov. 28, 3:00 pm
Dream Group at Marilyn Clarke's, 4917 S. Maplewood



Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)

HAT meeting, 10.16.10

The Saturday meeting of the Humanist Association of Tulsa for October began at 2 pm in the meeting room of the Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard. There were 11 people present at the meeting.

Herb began the meeting by calling attention to “God in America,” a series currently running on PBS. Bill noted that everyone should view the series, especially if you have any lingering doubts that the Republican is not a wholly owned subsidiary of conservative religion.

The program is in six segments and can be viewed by clicking here: http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/view/

Herb also mentioned that Facebook has some interesting information about the AHA. Someone mentioned that there are 38,000 Christian sects in the world. If you are a Christian, what is the chance that you are a part of the correct Christian sect?

The most religious people are often the least informed about their religion. Atheists rank high in their knowledge about religion.

Herb spoke some about the topic of the recent Humanist Discussion Group, which meets at his house. “”Humanism and the Law” was the subject of the most recent discussion. Herb noted that the Free Exercise and Establishment clauses of the First Amendment are often pitted against one another.

The Washington Ethical Society was talked about a bit. Bill noted that the Ethical Culture Groups grew out of the Jewish element within the AHA and are found mostly along the eastern seaboard.

Ron McDaniel gave a report on the amount of taxes that go uncollected in Tulsa County due to religious exemptions. He did a case study of Asbury United Methodist Church, studying the property surrounding the church and found that the exemption for this one church amounted to several thousands of dollars annually. If the citizens of Tulsa County were aware of how much more they have to pay to make up for those who feeeload due to their religious exemption, they would be up in arms.

I am to check on t-shirts from a place offering the shirts for $2.95 each. Bill called me a couple of days later to say that the first shirt is $2.95 but subsequent shirts are sold at a higher price.

Bill spoke about “Secular Celebrants” and said he would like to see us issue our own credentials.

Bill will be going to Paris for a month soon and wanted to remind us that we will be having a FFRF Tulsa meeting at Randy’s next Sunday afternoon.

On December 17, Annie Laurie Gaylor will be in Tulsa for a visit.

In the spring of 2011, Rob Boston of Americans United will be in Tulsa.

Bill also noted that the United Way contributed nothing to Planned Parenthood and urged us not to give to United Way. Bill also noted that a new book Inside C Street is being published shortly. Another book mentioned was Inside Job.

Black Elk Speaks was recommended by Herb as a worthwhile read.

I have just touched upon the highlights of this meeting. There are several things that I eliminated due to length. Please feel free to add anything you found to be interesting by clicking on “Comment” below.

HAT meeting, 9.18.10

There were 13 people at today's HAT meeting. Includedin that number were two visitors: John Demoss and Phil Ferguson. Phil drops in every now and then when he is in the Bentonville, AR area. Otherwise, he is usually found in the Champagne-Urbana, IL area.

Randy expressed his exasperation at churches avoiding the paying of taxes. Herb said that is the way things are and most likely always will be -- a disheatening prospect. Then the idea of "if you can't beat them, join them" was raised. Bill said that if everyone is a "minister" or cleric of some group, then everyone is equal when it comes to tax breaks given to the religioius among us. Bill is a "bishop" in the Universal Life Church. The ULC might be worth checking into to see how it could level the playing field, so to speak.

Larry Roth mentioned that he had posted a reply on the meetup site to an essay distributed by Herb. I have yet to read Larry's reply. I hope I can do so soon.

I stated that we have 30 members and that the treasury stood at around $1400. I could not say exectly how much was in the treasury since I did not have the figure with me. Now that I am home and have looked it up, I can say that we have $1402.40.

The subject of anti-semitism was raised and discussed briefly. Someone mentioned the book God on Trial.

Bill circulated copies of his "God Survey," asking those present to take some and ask others to complete the survey and return the forms to Bill.

Ron McDaniel passed out some papers on education which compared the United States with others countries.

Randy mentioned a book he was reading titled Shop Class as Soulcraft by Michael B. Crawford. Crawford writes of the challenges and pleasures of working with one's hands. "The culture needs to be changed so that people can get satisfaction from making something with their hands," said Randy.

Bill brought a sacks of books with him which he offered for sale. The book is When Men Become Gods by Stephen Singular. It is the story of Mormon polygamist Warren Jeffs. Members bought three copies.

September calendar

September 2010 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers

Sat., Sept. 4, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.

Fri., Sept. 10, 7:00 pm
Poetry Group meets at Border’s Bookstore, 2nd floor

Sat. Sept. 11, all day
Road trip to Diamond, MO to visit GWC National Monument

Sun., Sept. 12, 11:00 am
Humanist Sunday at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood Ave.
Speaker: Marilyn Clarke. Meal follows.

Sun., Sept. 12, 1:30 pm
Humanist Discussion Group, Herb’s house, 3414 E. 85 Pl.
Discussion will be based on articles from the current issue of The Humanist magazine.

Wed., Sept. 15, 11:20 am
ALGAE at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan

Sept. ??, TBA
Tulsa Atheists Mid-Month Social, TBA

Sat., Sept. 18., 2:00 pm
HAT Chapter Meeting at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.

Sat., Sept. 25, 11:30 am
Food & Fellowship at Rib Crib, 5025 S. Sheridan

Sun., Sept. 26, 1:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.



Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)

HAT meeting minutes for August

The August HAT meeting was held at the Genealogy Center on Harvard this afternoon. Eleven people were present: Randy, Marilyn, Bill, Bob, John, Richard, Ron, Dan, Larry, and Herb. We had one guest today: Mary.

Randy called the meeting to order around 2 pm.

First, he congratulated the group on staging a presence at the Free Tulsa Music Festival. The event gave us visibility. I enjoyed the hours I put in there and am hoping we have another opportunity to share our philosophy with the community soon. Temperatures were around 100 degrees at this event. Nevertheless, we had a half dozen volunteers most of the time. May the next tabling event be in cooler weather.

Randy encouraged everybody present to support the effort to join with Church of the Restoration (1314 N. Greenwood) in mutually assisting one another. The two groups share basically the same values. Marilyn Clarke, HAT VP, will be speaking on September 12. On October 3, Herb Van Fleet will address the congregation. Thereafter, each first Sunday will be Humanist Sunday, with HAT providing the speaker for the service. Anyone with the inclination to “get on your soapbox” needs to contact me to be scheduled to deliver the message for some future Sunday.

I distributed an updated membership list. Anyone with changes to the list should notify me. I reported we had $1519.06 in the treasury. I noted that Skepticon 3 will be held in Springfield, Missouri, with a few of the speakers being James Randi, Dan Barker, D.J. Grothe, and Victor Stenger.

I mentioned that Secular Singers and the ALGAE luncheons will resume in September. Continuation of these efforts are dependent upon good attendance.

The Atheist Meetup will be held at the Agora on Sunday, August 22 at 1 pm. This month’s Food and Fellowship gathering will be at Chopsticks 6193 E. 61st St. on Saturday, Aug. 28.

Ron gave a report on energy issues for the Public Affairs Committee. He distributed some handouts which he referred to in his talk.

Bill mentioned a church-state violation about to occur in north Tulsa. He said Randy had agreed to serve as a plaintiff in possible litigation.

The scheduled trip by Rob Boston to our area has been postponed until next Spring.

Bill mentioned that an award is scheduled to be given to Rep. Ritze. Accepting the award on his behalf will be Annie Laurie Gaylor of FFRF.

Bill said he now has a Jeri Askins for governor sign in his front yard. He spoke about the history of the 60s when southerners switched political allegiance from the Democrats to the Republicans following Johnson’s support of Civil Rights. He cited that as evidence of the Republicans (in general) being racists.

Bill said he would like to see us perform marriages and doing other duties now performed only by clergy.

The above report contains just a few things I recall from the meeting. I’m sure there is more. If you would like to add to the report, please click on “Comment” below and add your recollections.

Today's HAT meeting, 7.17.10

The meeting was called to order at 2 pm today by HAT President Randy Bradley. There were eight members present and two visitors.

He immediately gave the floor to Bill Dusenberry to finish remarks left over from last month’s meeting. Bill mentioned that he had attended the AHA Conference last month held in San Jose, CA.

Bill spoke about plans to erect a billboard with assistance of FFRF National. Anyone with suggestions for wording should send them to Randy at his email address: randy.bradley@gmail.com. Anyone with a suggestion for a location, should send it to me at hatulsa@aol.com. We have a few Lamar billboard sites from which to choose. Contact me if you would like to see a list. Bill also said that HAT would give a Gore Award to the politician who did the most to promote (intentionally or otherwise) freethought.

Bill also spoke about two letter writing campaigns: (1) to Jimmy Carter, and (2) to state legislators regarding hospitals. Please, once you have written your letter, let me know and I will update the entry on the HAT blog (http://www.tulsaha.blogspot.com/). This will allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of this effort. Another blog entry will soon go up on the issue regarding hospitals.

Herb announced the resumption of the Humanist Study Group. The next HSG will be held on the second Sunday in August at Herb’s house, 3414 W. 85th Pl. starting at 1:30 pm. Thereafter, the HSG will meet on the second Sunday of each month.

Bill remarked that The Humanist magazine would make a good source of information for the discussions.

Next I reported that we had a membership of 30 members, having just lost Brian Hill. The treasury stands at $1575.06. I brought up our alliance with Church of the Restoration. I mentioned that HAT would be leading the service on August 1, with Steve Nunn delivering the message. A few other slots are still open, and I hope we will have volunteers from HAT to fill those slots. Watch for an e-mail from me regarding this Humanist-led service.

It seems that our business meetings are so filled with business that our time of poetry reading has suffered. I mentioned that there is a group of poetry lovers who meet on the second Friday of the month at Border’s Bookstore on 21st Street, starting at 7 pm. If you would like to engage in the public reading of poetry, this is an opportunity for you.

Next, Ron McDaniel passed out some printed information about State Representative Sally Kern. He wondered about her sincerity. Several people spoke up and said she actually believed what she said. Ron’s talk was interspersed with humor. He finished his talk by saying Jesus was not married and was known to hang out with a bunch of guys.

Next Randy spoke about the book The Christian Delusion: Why Faith Fails written for former minister John Loftis. Randy said that Loftis explains that some Christians are non-receptive to arguments against Christianity which are based upon exposure to logical contradictions. Sounds like a must read.

We welcome Mr. and Mrs. Dana Swift, our guests at today’s meeting.

These are just the highlights as I saw them from today’s meeting. Feel free to add anything or correct anything by clicking on comments.

July 2010 Calendar of Activities

Sat., July 3, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.

Tues., July 13, 7:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Mid-Month Social, Campus Grill, 3148 E. 11th St.

Sat., July 17, 2:00 pm
HAT Chapter Meeting at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.

Sat., July 24, 11:30 am
Food & Fellowship at Lanna Thai, 7227 S. Memorial.

Sun., July 25, 1:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.

Fri. & Sat., July 30 and 31
Free Tulsa Music Festival, tabling at. Volunteers needed. Call Kenny Nipp if you can work.


Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)

Letter Writing Campaign

I will be posting on this page the names of those who have participated in the Letter Writing Campaign regarding the Boy Scouts of America. Presently, we are seeking to persuade former President Jimmy Carter to disaffiliate from BSA. Once you have written your letter to President Carter, please let me know and I will add your name to the list.

Writer ............................................................Month Letter Mailed
Bill Dusenberry................................................ June 2010
Dan Nerren..................................................... July 2010
Richard Maule................................................. July 2010

Photo from HAT meeting

Photo taken at HAT meeting, 6.20.10. In photo are (going counter-clockwise from closest person) John, Bob, Richard Larry, Bill, Ron, Jan, Randy, Gail, Marilyn, Herb (legs only), and Barbara. My apology to John and Larry, sitting to the left just outside the camera's field of vision. For more on this meeting see below.