US

Atheists Sue After Public Buses Reject ‘Godless’ Ads

An atheist group in Arkansas has sued the local transit authority after the group’s ads were prohibited from going on local buses.

The United Coalition of Reason claims its free speech rights were violated when the Central Arkansas Transit Authority (CATA) and its advertising agent, On the Move Advertising, decided not to run the group’s “Godless” bus ads. But while the group says they are being targeted, CATA claims that’s not true and says the group is simply trying to pull a publicity stunt.

That ads themselves are not shocking as far as atheist statements go. They show a bright blue sky with a simple question and answer:

Atheists Sue After Public Buses Reject Godless Ads

The ads were supposed to launch the Central Arkansas Coalition of Reason, a collection of about 10 area atheist and agnostic groups.

“In the brief, UnitedCoR alleges that CATA and On the Move violated UnitedCoR’s free speech rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” the group explains on its website. “UnitedCoR asserts that the First Amendment prohibits CATA, as a governmental entity, from using its disfavor of the nontheistic message of UnitedCoR’s ads as a reason for refusing to run them on its buses.”

But CATA claims the rejection has nothing to do with the merits of the group’s message, and that the fault for the rejection lies with the group.

The sticking point for the ads is that CATA is requesting, as part of ad negotiations, that the group pay more than $30,000 in insurance because of the likelihood that the ads, and buses, will be vandalized. The coalition rejects that notion and has refused to pay the fee.

KLRT-TV reports:

Comments (318)

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  • wingedwolf
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:37am

    Why would anyone with a brain run those ads? Even if not for the vandalism which would be certain to occur, they do not believe in fairness of exposure. I someone else tried to run an ad for God, they would sue to get it taken down, so why do they feel that someone running an ad against God should be put up? The left just can’t stop shooting itself in the foot!!!

    Report Post » wingedwolf  
  • illuminoddy
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:36am

    UnitedCor and every other atheist organization need to be classified as religious groups

    each has their own interpretation of Deity, and what does and doesnt exist, and a meaning of life, and a way to live your life according to your knowledge, and a belief in teh manner all things in the universe work and their place amongst them and thus, ther actions will be according to that doctrine..

    which s a religion, and religion is nothing more than that

    atheism is a religion, and should be federally recognized as such

    let them have their billboards after they are recognized as a religion

    and let anyone who wants to belong to the religion where they are “groovy without God” join their group

    which is actually more of a sinking ship, as all left doctrines are, hence, their need to expose others to it..

    and until then, i say vandalize the buses to pieces

    Report Post » illuminoddy  
    • fmingram
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:43pm

      @illuminoddy
      If you believe that organizations that promote Atheism should be considered religious organizations, does that mean that they should get tax exempt staus like your church? if so, I’m on board. As to your comment about vandalizing the buses to pieces, you’re confirming my argument, that organized religion in all it’s forms is BAD, as demonstrated by your comment. No offense intended;-)

      Report Post »  
  • Mateytwo Barreett
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:35am

    YOO_HOOO! Somebody call CACT’s mom and have her wake him up- please! I gotta go to work soon!

    Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
  • luvtheright
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:31am

    God Bless America!

    Report Post »  
  • NEAF
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:27am

    United CoR, please define the word “good” in this question.

    Report Post » NEAF  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:27am

    All together now….”The fool has said in his heart, there is no God.”

    Report Post »  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:26am

    Madeline Murray O’Hares body parts are spinning in their barnyard grave.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • jim
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:23am

    Fair is fair… they won’t allow “God” in any way… then “Godless” should be disallowed as well. “Godless” is every bit as much a religious stance.

    Report Post » jim  
    • penismightier
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:55am

      How so Jim? I think you’re giving the non religious too much credit. They’re not religious. They don’t believe in God, they don’t believe God exists. To not believe is not being religious in any way. I never can understand why people try to say it is.

      Report Post »  
    • Axe-Victim
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:44am

      @Pen They sure spend a lot of time, money and effort arguing against something they don’t believe exists. I don’t believe in the Easter Bunny, Superman, pyramid power, or little gray beings from outer space, but I don’t spend any time trying to convince others that their beliefs are harming me or them. So why do they?

      Report Post »  
  • Axe-Victim
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:13am

    Anyone think it’s strange that the “G” is capitalized on an add by atheists?

    Report Post »  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:22am

      No. They want to be clear they are not talking about lesser gods. They like those.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:23am

      yes. wondered about that myself. LOL

      Report Post »  
    • ConservativeVegan
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:03am

      I noticed that too. I feel capitilizing God validates him.

      Report Post »  
    • fmingram
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:25pm

      @axe-victim
      There is nothing strange about the “G” being capitalized as “God” is a noun……remember English Class;-) I’m sorry, but i couldn’t resist that one;-)

      Report Post »  
    • JustPeachy
      Posted on June 3, 2011 at 10:04pm

      @ fmingram:

      “God” with a capital “G” is a proper noun, not merely a noun.

      “god” with a little “G” is a noun.

      Proper nouns are names. “God” is a name for Who many believe is a living Creator.

      So the fact that this atheist group used “God” rather than “god” means they are at least acknowledging the God in Whom many believe.

      Which is interesting.

      Typo perhaps? ;-)

      If so, perhaps they should proofread better than they did. ;-)

      Report Post » JustPeachy  
  • GERATMO
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:09am

    In God we trust.

    Report Post » GERATMO  
  • TRILO
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:09am

    Hey wait! Is it not people like these that are always crying -“Seperation of Church and State” and they want to use the word God in the ad? I guess it is ok to use God in the public square and on public property when it is against God.

    Report Post » TRILO  
    • upstateny
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:06am

      It’s only OK if you lean to the left. They truly don’t believe their rule book applies to them. I found when I started looking at them as if they were all pre-teens it all started to fit together. We are dealing with an emotionally and intellectually stunted group of children.

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:30am

      @upstate
      Yes sir you are correct.
      I call it the Liberal “moral of the moment” , a moral value the liberal holds others up too, that they themselves in no way posses. I think they are constitutionally incapable of having an honest internal moral code, which is why they constantly seek mans validation to how “good” or “right” they are. Having no internal sense of self peace, they MUST seek approval from external sources constantly or their self loathing would consume them.
      My thinking also explains their need for big Government entitlements and handouts, it makes them feel “good” that they are “helping”. What liberals can not understand is where they mandate then comply, a conservative has already helped others in such a way that those whom were helped have no idea who helped them. The liberal seeks mans approval, external. The Christian conservative seeks GODs good favor, internal.

      Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:55pm

      It’s ok because CATA has run pro-religious advertisements in the past, without being charged an additional $30,000 for “possible” vandalism.

      And we all know, now that this news has circulated nation wide, even if they win their suit and they get their ad on the bus, someone will purposely (possibly even the ad company themselves) vandalize the ad so they can say “told you so!”

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • TexasStu
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:09am

    Sure your good without God for now but come Judgment Day you will be singing a different tune.

    Report Post » TexasStu  
    • penismightier
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:27am

      Judgement Day is a belief, not a reality, so I don’t think non-believers are too worried about it. If you believe, you do carry the burden of worry though. What if you think you’re a good Christian, but you have some flaw you fail to atone for? That’s what worries me and my fellow Christian friends. What if the Mormons are right or some other group and you get screened out of Heaven because you were brought up in the wrong religion? That worries us too. Not a lot, but it is discussed at our Bible study group from time to time.

      Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:59am

      ***** What if you think you’re a good Christian, but you have some flaw you fail to atone for? ***** God asks you to accept Christ as your saviour, repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness. But I don’t believe God requires an itemized list in minute detail.

      ***** What if the Mormons are right or some other group and you get screened out of Heaven because you were brought up in the wrong religion? ***** I believe the differences in Religious Beliefs are man-made but a personal relationship with God thru Faith is God-made. Faith trumps religion every time.

      Report Post »  
    • penismightier
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:13am

      That’s what you say Midwestmom, but many others say many other things and all of them are Christians too. The Catholics, the Baptists, the Mormons, on and on goes the list. It’s very confusing.

      Report Post »  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 11:32am

      Our own righteousness is as filthy rags in the sight of GOD. Being good does not redeem your soul.ACTS 2:38 is the only and original plan of salvation..Churchianity does not follow this plan anymore.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • saranda
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:47pm

      What confuses me about this is what of those who through no fault of their own have been born and lived in parts of the world and at times in world history when they had no access to nor knowledge of God, Jesus, the Bible, etc. Are they all damned to hell as a result of not being part of the “lucky sperm club”?

      Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:53pm

      Being good doesn’t get you into heaven, so you can be as bad as you hearts desire as long as you believe in God and repent?

      Two words: Cop Out.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • SREGN
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:08am

    I took that ad to be a call to evangelize to the lost.

    Report Post »  
    • Ivey123
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:18am

      Amen to that !!!!

      Report Post »  
    • ConservativeVegan
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:59am

      Thats exactly how I read it. “millions are lost, and need to be found” seems more like a call to God then a call away from God…

      Report Post »  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:06am

    and I can see in spray paint the phrase… “4NOW” right under “millions are”.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • ofallon
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:06am

    I love the smell of Capitalism so early in the morning.

    Report Post »  
    • fmingram
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:11pm

      @ofallon
      I agree, I Love the smell of Capitolism at any time of the day. As a person who studies Geosciences, I believe we should mine earth first and the rest of the planets later. BOOYA.;-)

      Report Post »  
  • robbmeistr
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:04am

    Just good without God…maybe for now. Be the best with Him forever! Billions have.

    Report Post » robbmeistr  
  • let us prey
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:03am

    Sue, sue and sue some more. This country is run by lawyers and it needs to stop.

    Report Post » let us prey  
  • ED4237
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:00am

    hey

    Report Post »  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:58am

    Atheism is not the threat. Radical Islam is the threat. You all need to read “The Terrorist Next Door” by Erick Stakelbeck. Radical Mosques are being built right here under our noses. If Sharia law is established here, Atheists will have a lot more to worry about than bus signs.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • upstateny
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:02am

      Nick, They are intertwined. You can’t only go after the most obvious. It’s just like pulling Dandelions, If you don’t get the entire root out it WILL come back.

      Report Post »  
    • Kitsune
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:18am

      They still believe “The Jihadis will kill our enemies for us, and then we can talk them down!”.

      It doesn’t work that way.

      Report Post »  
    • fmingram
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:50am

      @nickderinger, interesting comment, you’re right, radical Islam is a threat. Religious fundamentalism in all it’s forms are bad and Christians are every bit as guilty of having radical views; not just in the past, but in the present day. Most pastors of churches are nothing more than common thieves. They are con artists with the gift of gab who take advantage of the goodness of decent hard working people. Thes cons artists prey on the fears and the emotions of the masses, in this country and all over the world, and have done so for thousands of years. civilizations have been destroyed and millions have been slaughterted, all in the name of religion. Any person with the slightest bit of curiosity, would have to ask themselves, why would anyone believe in such nonsense knowing what it has caused in the past and the present?

      Report Post »  
  • ED4237
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:56am

    Hey the atheist get their billboards why shouldn’t some one that beleives in god? They just have got to try and get rid of any mention of god in America. The judges in these cases have got to put a stop to this, they havce allowed to much to happen under the gise of seperation of church and state. The believers in god have free speech rights also most seem to forget that.

    Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:49pm

      When did they forget that? I drive by a religious based billboard almost every 3 miles where I’m from. That’s not including the high way!

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • Silversmith
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:55am

    Not only Godless, but CHEAP!!

    Silversmith

    Report Post » Silversmith  
  • daisymay
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:55am

    These Atheists are nothing but religious zealots…

    Report Post »  
    • Bigliardi
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:33am

      Good comment…..Wonder where Liberalatheistcriticalthinker is….? I was sure she would be here running her mouth about this incredibly important subject…..

      Report Post »  
    • fmingram
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:12am

      It’s nice to see so-called good Christian people practicing tolerance. Ah yes, another example of why Thomas Paine called Christianity the worst of all religions. Some of you fine folks on this website sound almost like American dissadents. There was nothing wrong with that ad.

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:40am

      FGram,
      Are you exhibiting the liberal “ moral value of the moment” ?
      What’s the difference between truth and revisionist history? Look at the liberty bell, designed by Franklin, Maddison, Adams, and others the Athiests love to decry were “theists”, what’s the quote on the bell from? Hint, it’s in the book of Exodous.
      The original US Seal, Moses and Israel crossing the Red Sea.
      Bibles were financed and published by Congress for distribution until the mid 1890′s.
      No, your assertions are incorrect , America was founded upon the Christian principle of a mans PERSONAL relationship with his Creator, not upon a vapid void of helper smelter liberal atheist dreams, selfish desires, and a hodge lodge of random often vague quotes pasted together to support a preposterous thesis.
      Acceptance means , I love you and you can be as screwed up as you choose to be.
      Tolerance means, if you bring your screw ups to my door, we are going to have a little talk about what’s acceptable on my lawn.

      Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 11:24am

      @fmingram
      It’s nice to see so-called good Christian people practicing tolerance. Ah yes, another example of why Thomas Paine called Christianity the worst of all religions. Some of you fine folks on this website sound almost like American dissadents. There was nothing wrong with that ad.
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      That’s a great Strawman argument, Fmingram. Very few posters openly revealed themselves to be Christians, but you assume a lot. As an aside, who said they HAD to practice religious tolerance? Do you have specific evidence that any of them are hypocrites?

      Then you butcher a perfectly good Payne quote and take it completely out of context. Here’s what he actually said, can you tell the difference?: “Of all the tyrannies that affect mankind, tyranny in religion is the worst; every other species of tyranny is limited to the world we live in; but this attempts to stride beyond the grave, and seeks to pursue us into eternity.”

      Some of you folks on this website sound desperate to prove the wrong points.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • fmingram
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 11:36am

      @betterdays
      I see you’re a good orater of words. To what so-called revisionist history are you referring? Do you reject the notion that religious fundamentalism in all it’s forms including Christianity is bad? Do you reject the fact that Christians in the past have been guilty of atrocities? If you’re rejecting the fact that Christians have been guilty of atrocities in the past, then I clearly have been giving you to much credit for having a brain and I would suggest that you pick up a real history book and get to reading…a real History book; not something David Barton has written, since a great deal of his analysis has been refuted time and time again to the point that it is almost laughable if it wasn’t so sad. My argument is simple….organized religion in all it’s forms is BAD, BAD, BAD. That is not a liberal view. That is not a conservative view. That is my view. I am a man of Science, not of faith. Just because I reject the notion of faith does not make me any less moral, or have less values than you. I form my opinions based on History and real scientific theories, not the ramblings of some con artist in a pulpit relieving their congregation of their hard earned money. If honest hard working people want to give their money to some con artist, that si their problem and none of my business, but I’ll choose to keep my money in ym pocket and donate my money to real organizations that provide information and real research.

      Report Post »  
  • Obama Snake Oil Co
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:55am

    I agree, you put a I hate black people on a sign on your car….good luck with that….

    Report Post » Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:04am

      Agreed. They need to put their money where their mouth is. They should have bought the additional insurance. Look up Soros and Co. He would probably fund it.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • fmingram
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:30am

      @betterdays, you’re misinterpreting the ruling. There is a differance between Secular Humanism and Atheism, or at least that is the argument. I would agree that placing the ad on a transit authority bus is a bad idea as demonstrated by many of the comments on this site. Any form of organized religion is BAD, BAD, BAD. To suggest that religion, as many people have stated on this site, is the cornerstone, or bedrock of all things moral and just is simply inaccurate. One need only to study History to figure that much out, or better just read the comments on this site. LMAO.

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:49am

      @Fgram
      I’ll try not to be to redundant, but all attempts at revisionist history aside, what our founders were, was men ( save a very few ) of profound and abiding Personal relationships with GOD, or the creator as how they broadened the concept so as to keep an organizational religion, a church from becoming a State church that would ( and will ) dictate the semantics of GOD and run roughshod over the Personal relationship with GOD. We see that transpirieng today within American church’s, liberation through to be specific.
      A faith, is nothing more than a belief in something seen or unseen, atheism a belief in the seen us by definition a faith system, thereof it is a religion, and in the SCOTUS ruling is included under the heading secular humanism, which is a non belief in GOd but a belief in man, atheism.

      Report Post »  
  • LastAmerican
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:54am

    Ok LACT let’s here it.

    Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:11am

      “The United Coalition of Reason” = whiny crybabies

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • penismightier
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:20am

      “here it?”

      Come now, you can spell better than that.

      Report Post »  
    • Mateytwo Barreett
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:33am

      just wonderin’. Anybody seen LACT (cybertwit to his “friends)?

      Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:07am

      My best thought about LACT’s lack of participation, is that his liberal ate his critical, while pondering if his atheist could actually think. That caused a negative field in free space, his wandering quark never returned, and POOF, over to the outer darkness he went.

      Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 11:18am

      For Believers, there are no questions………for non-believers, there are no answers!! Guess this is just a “no answer”………..sorry, couldn’t resist that one! :-)

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • fmingram
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:01pm

      @seasonof reason

      There can be no “God Hypothesis”, since by definition a “Hypothesis” has to be testable question. Religion is faith based and is therefore not testable. That is the reason why the scientific community rejects the idea of intelligent design, which we all know is code for teaching “creationism in the Science classroom. I liked your post, but I thought it needed to be clarified what the definition of a hypothesis is.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:54am

    I was done reading at “Atheists Sue”. America is a country based on Judeo/Christian principles. Get over it.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:00am

      I thought they were against those who try to force their beliefs on others? The shoe seems to be on the other foot now.

      Report Post »  
    • wildjoker5
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:03am

      Just because you claim to NOT be a religion (in the organized sense but this is an organized group) doesn‘t mean you spewing crap about other religions can’t fall under the same rules of “seperation of church and state” that you so dearly hold up. Just like liberals don’t mind people burning the flag, but heaven forbid Palin has a flag on her bus.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:07am

      Don‘t expect logic from that bunch Cap’n.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • enduro
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:08am

      The lawyers that represent these godless people in the frivilas lawsuites are just as guilty in gods eyes. Good luck at the pearly gate when all you worship is money. I think jesus had an opinion about that.

      Report Post » enduro  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:11am

      Wow, not even preschoolers whine as much as these atheist folks.

      Tell you what, guys. Why don‘t you go to the kids’ table and draw us a picture explaining your feelings and why they got hurt. Just do us all a favor this time and don’t eat the crayons, OK? It’s getting expensive to replace them.

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • Ivey123
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:15am

      I agree. The world isn’t MUCH worst than it is because there are still millions that know there is a Living God, love and serve the Creator of all things. There are millions that do the LOVING work of God. I think the transit authority has the LIBERTY of accepting or denying what they put on their buses.

      Report Post »  
    • stifroc
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:23am

      Bus company is a private business.
      They have a right to accept or decline business from anyone they choose.
      End of story.

      Report Post » stifroc  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:23am

      Does the Authority charge everyone whose ad might be considered controversial an extra fee to cover possible vandalism?

      I doubt it – the rejection was obviously content-related.

      Precdiction: the transit authority loses big in court.

      Report Post »  
    • mom4times
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:29am

      Amen!

      Report Post » mom4times  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:35am

      Since when is it illegal to reject paid advertisements?? So, based upon the The United Coalition of Reason’s twisted view of Freedom of Speech, ads saying “Kill Americans” — “Murder Jews” — “Pedophilia is Ok” or, even better — “Atheists Go to Hell”, must be accepted also….

      Report Post »  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:47am

      @midwestmom
      “Since when is it illegal to reject paid advertisements?? So, based upon the The United Coalition of Reason’s twisted view of Freedom of Speech, ads saying “Kill Americans” — “Murder Jews” — “Pedophilia is Ok” or, even better — “Atheists Go to Hell”, must be accepted also….”

      RIDICULOUS

      look at the banner again and stop the hysterics.

      The transit authority is a government entity bound by the Constitution.

      A PRIVATE bus company can reject any ad for any reason.
      See the difference?

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:51am

      Bushwhack lawsuits should be thrown out every time.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • bassist237
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:57am

      It’s funny.. They try so hard to not believe in something, that they end up believing in something, and that is, the belief in nothing.

      Report Post » bassist237  
    • penismightier
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:57am

      But it is not a Christian nation. We are supposed to be a melting pot where people from all backgrounds and beliefs share the same love for freedom and opportunity our nation provides. There’s room for everyone iof they want to work and contribute and promote freedom and opportunity.

      Report Post »  
    • fmingram
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:00am

      No america is not a country based on judeo christian principles. You get over it.

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:02am

      According to SCOTUS, Torcaso vs. Watkins 1961 , Secular Humanism IS a religion. In other words atheism IS a religion. The GODless minions have tried four times to have that decision struck down, and failed.
      Since when is a public or private company without the good common sense to choose what it would accept as advertising? Should this Bus company be forced to display advertisements for the Black Panthers “ ******* babies roundups”, or for the KKK “ three sheets to the wind” anniversary special? I think NOT, nor would I even presume to place a Christian message like “ no ones good but GOD” or ” Jesus saves, Lucifer destroys” on a bus.
      The bus company wouldn’t place the add, because the atheists wouldn’t buy the insurance to cover potential grafiti against there adds. Let’s all write our local bus companies and say the these adds are potential targets for crazed Christians wielding spray cans promising to marr and feather these adds with righteous zeal, lol.

      Report Post »  
    • jkendal
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:08am

      If there truly is no God then why is so much time, money and effort being spent on trying to remove Him from our culture? If He doesn’t exist, then why is there even a need to advertise it? Why can‘t atheists just be happy in their belief that He isn’t real? Why do they relentlessly attack something that doesn’t exist? And why is there so much hatred directed toward those who believe in God?

      Why all the fuss and bother?????

      Report Post »  
    • Buck Bagaw
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:11am

      See if I’ve got this straight. If they believe in nothing. then they have nothing to sell, so why would you want to spend money advertizing THAT?? I believe their money would be better spent on research such as the reason atheist women still say ‘Oh God’ during sex.

      Report Post »  
    • Gold Coin & Economic News
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:15am

      What’s wrong with people? Do these godless, mindless fools think the world owes them something? I buy all kinds of ads all day online and may of them get rejected for whatever reason, really, there are a million of them, and I’m not going to sue anyone.

      There are guidelines to follow in any advertising medium, some ads get approved, some don’t, that’s what ANY advertiser has to deal with. Just because you atheist guys are going to rot in a fiery hell doesn’t mean you need to get your panties in a wad and go suing everyone. Get a life!

      Report Post » Gold Coin & Economic News  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:17am

      @Jkendal
      You asked,
      Why all the fuss and bother?????
      ————————————————————————————————
       Because the miserable demand company.

      Report Post »  
    • D0ntTread0nMe
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:32am

      It‘s never good when people can’t disseminate their view point… I strongly disagree with them… but as long as they aren’t being profane, they should be able to pay to advertise.
      http://www.mythoughtsfromthemiddle.blogspot.com

      Report Post » D0ntTread0nMe  
    • BSdetector
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:35am

      So let me get this straight: These people didn’t want to pay the fee to post the ad, and somehow that’s the bus companies fault?
      Give me a break…

      Report Post » BSdetector  
    • desertkid
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:36am

      I look at this ad and it says to me that there are millions of atheists that acknowledge there is a God.

      Report Post »  
    • GiveUsJustice
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:37am

      @CaptainKook

      look at the banner again and stop the hysterics.

      The transit authority is a government entity bound by the Constitution.

      A PRIVATE bus company can reject any ad for any reason.
      See the difference?
      ———————-

      Now it is your turn. You are defending something and being a hypocrite at the same time.

      Since when did Government entities start taking in religions and advertising?

      Will your anointed one approve of a government standard to start advertising “Jesus Saves” around the United States???? No, none of your lib friends will. That’s why people like you have gotten it removed from everything possible that relates to a government funded entity. Why are you defending this?? Lol

      Atheism is the same as Christianity or any other religion. And in this specific message they are relating it to God. OH NO, GOD!!!! Get away!!!!

      So look at the banner one more time, and stop YOUR hysterics instead of pointing your finger to someone else because they don’t agree with your point of view.

      Report Post » GiveUsJustice  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:40am

      Can someone confirm for me that insurance companies really can extort extra out of public bus policies based on the kind of advertising they put on the bus?
      I distrust insurance companies enough to actually ask that. But if they are honest enough NOT to charge extra based on advertising, then I think all self-respecting Christians like me should be intellectually honest enough to allow these atheists the same privileges we enjoy on these public advertising spaces. We should also trust that our message is more powerful and produces better results than theirs. And if there really IS a danger of people turning away from Christ because of the success of atheist advertising, then let’s pool our resources and put on our own even more effective advertising campaign.
      The way to beat them is NOT by force, but on the battlefield of ideas. Let them have the freedom to fail on their own (lack of) merits, people!

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:46am

      Sue all you want any companies has the right to reject advertiser at any time they feel like it. To make it clearer for the idiots atheist who are trying to sue the bus company doesn’t have to sell advertising space to the KKK or a pro-nazi group either. They don’t have to sell space to the killa cracka baby New Black Panthers either. If they feel the message is bad for their business or would cause them to lose other business advertising they don’t have to sell anything. IT’S A FREE COUNTRY

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:50am

      @Gonzo:

      I have to agree that the atheists are an annoyance, and yet though, they do have the right to express their own viewpoints in this nation (for now all of us do); the part is though, if they have legitimate grounds for the suit, then let it proceed and be determined by the courts of law; if not, then get the case dismissed at the start.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:52am

      @ CaptainKook

      I’m not having hysterics about anything.

      If the Government Entity Buses (and yes I do know the difference between public & private companies) are required to accept these ads because of Freedom of Speech then ads saying “Are You Good Without God? Sorry, You’re Not” would fall under the same category & must be accepted also. If that message was trumpeted across the buses, the United Coalition of Reason would be filing a lawsuit requiring the ads be removed.

      Point is – you can’t have one without allowing the other.

      Report Post »  
    • SeasonOfReason
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 11:15am

      Atheist groups put signs like this up because they want other people who do not buy in to this whole god thing to know they aren’t alone and that they have other like-minded people who support them. And for clarification, atheists do not believe in nothing they just reject the god hypothesis.

      Report Post » GodHatesFigs  
    • Kraus79
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:16pm

      BSDETECTOR – It wasn’t the fee that they were declining to pay. That was an additional fee of $30,000 fee to cover insurance on the buses if they become vandalized because of their ad.

      But, I don’t see anything wrong with the ad. It’s not offensive at all. However, the transit company can throw out the ad if they want. That’s their right.

      I wonder if they receive government subsidies. If they do, then they might have a free speech issue on their hands which can be upheld by the courts.

      If not, then the atheist group just needs to find another place to put their ad. No biggie.

      Report Post » Kraus79  
    • saranda
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:20pm

      @betterdays – sorry but secualr humanism and atheism are not the same. Atheism is simply not believing in a god, God or deity. Secular humanism is commitment to being scientific, logical, democratic and rational of ideas or beliefs. It is a doctrine or belief system that says man is his own savior and does not need any supernatural god.
      Atheists can be secular humanists but secular humanists are not necessarily atheists.

      Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:24pm

      For the guy that says they haven’t seen anyone whine as much as these “Atheist groups” obviously haven’t been around the Blaze enough. Day after day, almost every single one of you whine about one thing or another.

      Now, as an Agnostic, I don’t care for these advertisements. There is only one way their law suit will hold up in court, in my opinion. Has CATA ever carried religious themed advertisements on their buses before? Were they ever vandalized? If the answer is Yes then No, this gives enough ammunition for UCOR’s law suit. Unless they have historical evidence for vandalization of certain advertisements, it is unfair to automatically suggest that their ad would be vandalized.

      It’s not about forcing their beliefs on you. You Christians do far worse and you know it. It’s about getting the message out there and to bring in membership to their organization. How is an organization suppose to grow their membership numbers if they aren’t able to advertise?

      Now, the other aspect of this is the free market question. Are these city buses? Are they privately owned buses? It makes a world of difference.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:32pm

      Hey season why gloss it if reason is truely the ultimate goal. the question is are you good without God and your ideologs response was millions are well for every million that are good without God there 10 million that aren’t.
      More over atheist and agnostics are quite aware that they are not alone they’ll be even more aware in the here after. That you look at the actual message and not what you get from it. See Christians don’t put out messages targeted to attack you … They put out Gods Message maybe it’s time Christains took your approach some like ” You heard his message and rejected it hope you atheist have fire proof undies in the after life.
      Or maybe something simple “GOT ATHEISM …..HELL AWAITS

      Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:34pm

      @BSDETECTOR I apologize if you are truly dyslexic, but I must point out your failure to properly read the article. The bus advertising department wanted them to pay an EXTRA $30,000 on top of the standard advertising fee because they assume their godless ad would draw vandalism. I’ve seen some decently crude advertisements on buses, some that had been vandalized. Perhaps not for their message but should that advertiser be punished and given an additional fee due to the possibility of vandalism?

      @STIFROC Where in the article does it mention that the bus line is run by a private business? In most cities, public transportation is just that…. PUBLIC. In fact, if you watch the video, the reporter specified that the bus line is PUBLICLY FUNDED. And they already mention that faith based groups have already advertised on this exact same buses and if they haven’t been charged the additional $30,000 for insurance when the buses there had never been vandalized before.

      @MIDWESTMOM They aren’t suing because their ad was rejected. Their ad was accepted. The law suit is based on the fact that CATA has run several faith based advertisement in the past. They, however, want to charge UCOR an additional $30,000 with the assumption that they’d get vandalized. The concept is that they are trying to extort the group to have to pay significantly more to advertise their organization compared to religious based groups. CATA is a publicly funded system.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • Timothy1922
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:38pm

      @CaptainKook
      Atheism is also a religion, and the government isnt allowed to support the any religion remember? I guess the people who keep spouting the speration of church and state didn’t see this coming.

      Report Post » Timothy1922  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 12:44pm

      @BUCK BAGAW The lack of basic comprehension on the blaze is astonishing sometimes. They aren’t advertising to tell you to stop believing in God but to advertise their organization which they wish to increase their membership base. Is that so hard to comprehend?

      @GIVEUSJUSTICE Since they’ve already had religious based advertisement on their buses in the past, as explained by several of the local residence and reporters in the video included in this article.

      @SMITHCLAR3NC3 While the first part of your sentence was correct, the problem with the remainder of your comment is that A) CATA is a publicly funded transportation system, not a private business and B) their ad was not rejected but they were extorting additional fees that they DID NOT charge to religious based advertisement for reasons that have never been displayed. Local residence admit they’ve never seen vandalism done to ads on buses, why do they have to pay an extra $30,000 to advertise just because their Atheists?

      @SEASONOFREASON Very good point. I have many beliefs. Hell, I entertain the notion of “Ancient Alien” theories. I mostly reject the concept of the Judeo Christian God.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • spilling_seeds
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 1:08pm

      not necessarily. Many of our country’s founders and creators were freemasons and they believe in god which many are christians.but many others weren’t necessarily christians but they did believe in God or a Grand Architect. where their morals are par with christianity. The wanted us to have spirituality and trust in something larger than ourselves. Now don’t compare me with a souless athiest liberal of which i am not. just remember you dont have to be a christian or any of the three main religeons to be spiritual or believe in god. With that said i say God Bless. and i hpe you dont think that you have to be a judeo/christian to be an american and i support you religeon to the fullest and i will fight to keep christianity a LEGAL part of our great country.

      Report Post »  
    • Trance
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 1:14pm

      Come on. If the roles were reversed, and this were a Christian group being required to pay for a $30,000 insurance policy, most people on this forum would be complaining about it. I don’t think the athiest groups have a case unless the busline was allowing other religous messages without the same cost requirement.

      Report Post » Trance  
    • Andrei Mincov
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 1:20pm

      yet another reason NOT to HAVE public buses.

      And then stand up for the right to private discrimination: http://mincov.com/articles/index.php/fullarticle/Abolish_Human_Rights_Codes/

      Report Post »  
    • Buck Bagaw
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 1:29pm

      @Americansoldier, Lack of comprehension lives with you, not me. My post was satirical, and those with comprehensive skills would have immediately picked up on it. Sorry you didn’t.
      All the best,
      Buck

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 2:16pm

      Well American Soldier if you look at the buses as Public transportation than there’s the whole seperation of church and state inwhich government can neither promote or prohibit religious ideology.
      And since atheism is the religion of anti-religion and the message is or can be precieved as an attack on other religions it is Unconstitutional to place it’s ads on public transportation.

      Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:01pm

      @American Soldier (Separated)

      Did you not read this part?

      “In the brief, UnitedCoR alleges that CATA and On the Move violated UnitedCoR’s free speech rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” the group explains on its website. “UnitedCoR asserts that the First Amendment prohibits CATA, as a governmental entity, from using its disfavor of the nontheistic message of UnitedCoR’s ads as a reason for refusing to run them on its buses.”

      My point all along has been if they insist their advertising & message were declined based on content & violation of their First Amendment rights, then advertising promoting anything must also be accepted. If it was an advertisement AGAINST aetheism and promoting Religion – they would likely file a lawsuit claiming violation of Church & State.

      Like I said, if its ok for them, it must also be ok for any others.

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:22pm

      Wrong, America is based on the constitution and please take the time to read how adamant the key founding fathers were about separating religion from government, laws and public policy. This is nothing more than a First Amendment access issue. Like the ad, don’t like the ad….but as my father would say, I may not agree with what you say but I will fight for your right to say it. That is what being a US citizen used to mean. Now it seems to be I want my news, I want my representative, I want the laws to be consistent with my ideology. Appears to me like de-evolution.

      Report Post »  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:33pm

      @ GiveUsJustice

      I see ads by the local Archdiocese on city-owned buses fairly often – ‘Been to church lately?” – this banner is no more offensive.

      To try to lessen your hypocrisy – defend the Atheists’ free speech rights.

      Report Post »  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on June 2, 2011 at 4:45pm

      I guess they aren’t doing to good without God.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
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