Fort Lauderdale Progressives Fight Conservative Attacks on Democracy
Center for Inquiry-Florida forming a new center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to counter the right wing attack on progressive government, civil rights, education, and home life.
Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) April 24, 2005 -- The election and re-election of George W. Bush and a conservative Republican Congress, along with a strong bid for dominance of government by fundamentalist Christians, has spurred growth of the Center for Inquiry. Regional headquarters of CFI, based in Tampa, is forming a new center in Fort Lauderdale, benefiting Broward/Palm Beach County residents. The celebration will be May 7th at 1 PM at Steak and Ale, 6300 N Andrews Ave.
Why is this important to readers? This event will be informative and entertaining, providing like-minded people with details necessary for starting grassroots organizing in their community. This startup meeting will also feature presentations about the culture wars raging in America today. We will discuss what men and women of reason can do to help stem the tide of irrationalism, religious-political extremism, and belief in the supernatural which threatens to turn back many of the advances made by progressives and freethinkers over the years. As is said, "let's keep the government out of our families, our bedrooms and our homes."
CFI, along with its associated organizations, Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), and Council for Secular Humanism, is forming a network of CFI communities across North America and abroad. Visit http://cfiflorida.org for detailed information.
Aims of these groups include: establishing communities of like-minded individuals interested in socializing with fellow skeptics, humanists, science advocates and critical inquirers; providing a forum for the free exchange of ideas; educating friends and neighbors about ideals and aims of the Center for Inquiry and its organizations; promoting effective reality-based education; supporting Constitutional liberties and civil rights for all Americans.
Checks for the lunch at $20 per person, including meal, beverage, tax and tip, made payable to Center For Inquiry should be mailed to 5201 West Kennedy Blvd., Suite 124, Tampa, FL 33609. Seating is limited, so early mailing is encouraged.
RSVP is required, or for more information, please call Jeanette Madea at 954-345-1181, or send an e-mail to mad4doc@aol.com.
Why have rational inquirers across the country been actively joining forces at the local level? Some members have said:
"I feel as though Im surrounded by religious intolerance. It would be wonderful to associate with a group that values reason and critical thinking as opposed to supernaturalism and the paranormal."
"The steady increase in illiteracy and ignorance in all areas of education is putting America at risk at a time when Asian and European nations are improving their schools far beyond ours. The growing failure of Americans to mature and think rationally generates acceptance of pseudo-science, quack "medicine", and superstition. Wishful thinking won't solve problems." American Council on Schools and Colleges
I have become increasingly alarmed by the religious extremism after the unconscionable acts of September 11, 2001. I am glad you help provide communities where reason and secular values are promoted."
Id very much like to meet others who share my high regard for humanist values, reason and science, and who believe it is possible to lead a moral, upstanding life without a paranormal or supernatural foundation."
Friends and the press are invited to the opening celebration in Fort Lauderdale. Seating is limited, so early mailing is encouraged. Reservations are required.
When: May 7th at 1 p.m.
Where: Steak and Ale, 6300 N Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale
Admission: by pre-paid reservation, $20/person; mail checks made out to Center for Inquiry, 5201 West Kennedy Blvd., Suite 124, Tampa, FL 33609
For more information: please call Jeanette Madea, Senior Professor of Chemistry, Broward Community College, at 954-345-1181, or send an e-mail to mad4doc@aol.com
Cordially,
DJ Grothe, Director of Campus and Community Programs
Toni Van Pelt, Executive Director, CFI-Florida
Jeanette Madea, CFI-Florida Steering Committee Member and CFI-Ft. Lauderdale Community Leader.
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